The Wish Book Christmas

What a timely book for our times! The story is about two young women whose lives are intertwined by events that occurred during WWII. These women are best friends who are raising their sons to be more focused on giving than receiving during the Christmas season. Audrey Barrett wants to continue her schooling to become a nurse while Eve is working full-time to help support her son. Audrey and Eve live together to share life together and help make ends meet during a tough economic time. However, as I read the book, I realized there is more to the story.These two women have suffered heartache as well. Through it all, they have remained best friends, encouraged each other and supported each other through thick and thin. Their boys keep looking at the Sears Christmas Wish Book, as usual for kids, wanting every toy they see. Together the moms come up with unique ways to teach the value and blessing of being givers to others in the community.The hardest part for Audrey and Eve is being willing to open their own heart to romance. I didn’t realize when I started the book that the two characters are from the novel, If I Were You, which I haven’t read. I still enjoyed the book as it brings to the forefront that people can make a difference right where they live. I loved how the two moms worked together to teach their sons to look up from the wish book to see folks who they could bless in creative ways.Lynn Austin did a superb job of showing how friends can support and encourage one another, as well as how faith can embolden people to step out of their comfort zone. Throughout the book, there are references to what each character experienced before their current living situation and season, which is revealed in If I Were You. Whether you read that book or not, I highly recommend reading The Wish Book Christmas and sharing with family and friends.

Being tired of all of the trash and controversial content which seems to be obligatory in all modern novels, I had searched for a "clean" book as a Christmas gift for my wife. She loved it...reporting it to be entertaining with a good storyline and an overall fun read. No doubt she will purchase other books by this author.

I was drawn to this book because of a memory of babysitting for a family in the '60s. One of the sons was the model for a full spread in the Wish Book showing off his train or raceway set. I don't remember exactly anymore. And like most of us that grew up on the Wish Book, I remember my own dreams of having many of the things on those pages.This is a sweet story of two moms teaching their kindergarteners the true meaning of Christmas. In the process, the adults learn some pretty amazing lessons themselves. Grief, betrayal, guilt, forgiveness. Throw in a dash or two of romance. Focus on the greatest Gift of all--Jesus. I agree with what another reviewer said about this making a nice Christmas movie.

This was a fun book to read and ponder. Enjoyed the different personalities and their interactions with one another. Would recommend it for everyone, from young to old.

Just finished reading the latest from Lynn Austin and once again I am so amazed at the beautiful way she brings us into a story. If you struggle at getting into the Christmas spirit, this book is for you. The cover itself invites you into a setting of Christmas nostalgia. Regardless of what decade you return to when you think of Christmases past, there are poignant moments to remember.The Wish Book Christmas gives us a fresh perspective on giving and receiving. The story of the two young boys and how they pour over the Christmas catalog is so real. Makes me think of my childhood. Add to that the struggles of the time and the possibility of seeing the needs of those around us, opens the door to the true spirit of the season.This is a sequel to If I Were You, another book written earlier by Lynn Austin. If you want to read the backstory to the lives of these young boys, then start there. You will pick right up in their story from the first book, but if you want to just focus on the holiday spirit then jump right into the The Wish Book Christmas. Either way, you can't go wrong. My heart is so much better prepared for the season of Christmas after having read this book. There is an art to giving and receiving, and this is a great reminder of all that encompasses.

What a beautiful, heartwarming story of forgiveness, God’s love, and friendship! This is the first book I have read by Lynn Austin, and look forward to reading many more! I highly recommend this wonderful book!

This was a sweet Christmas story. It brought back memories of pouring over a Christmas wish book. The Wish Book Christmas is a story of two young boys learning the value of giving and the true meaning of Christmas. The Wish Book Christmas is the sequel to Lynn Austin’s book If I were you. I didn’t realize that and so it felt like I was thrown in the middle of the story. I think it is really important to read both books in the correct order. Those with young kids will enjoy The Wish Book Christmas. It is a light, easy read perfect for the Christmas season.

The sequel to Lynn Austin's If I Were You finishes Eve's and Audrey's story and paints a picture of good things to come. Two grabby little boys blinded by all the bounty in the Sears Christmas catalog are transformed by learning the joy of giving. A sweet story and nice wrap up of the series.

Perfect follow-up to Lynn's book "If I were you ". Can't go wrong with Lynn Austin!

How lovely and refreshing to read how the people in the book learn how God gave us Jesus as a precious gift. I really enjoyed this lovely book.

I adore Lynn Austin. I have most of her books. This title ought to be rated as a children's read because essentially that's what it is in my view. It's actually sort of a sequel to "If I Were You" which is a FANTASTIC read! I loved every minute within those pages. She's a fabulous author indeed.