Wishful Thinking

by Lynette Sofras

A high-speed blow-out in the fast lane of a busy motorway! Miraculously, Jess and her young son escape almost-certain death.

Then, like another miracle, Jess encounters Christian Goodchild, famous pop star turned Hollywood A-lister and a man most women only ever meet in their dreams. Both are touched by the enchantment of the moment, leaving them longing for more.

But Christian is enmeshed in a relationship so damaging that Jess doubts their love can survive in the glamorous but complex world of celebrity. Could it all turn out to be just wishful thinking?

Genres: Romance, Music, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2012

About the author

A former teacher, Lynette gave up her career in education a few years ago in order to focus on her writing and thus fulfill her childhood dream. She writes contemporary women's fiction, often involving romance with suspense or a supernatural twist. She claims 'Killing Jenna Crane', a romantic thriller and 'Unworkers' a modern ghost story/women's fiction are her personal favorites to date. Her recent release 'The Nightclub' is a romance packed with suspense, while her latest, 'Cocktails and Lies' is her first foray into the cozy mystery genre. You can find more details of her novels on her website: http://www.lynettesofras.com or Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Lynette-Sofras/...

Lynette currently lives in an early Victorian cottage in a picturesque Surrey village. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys catching up with friends, the theatre and cinema and occasionally trying to tame her out-of-control garden and the family's eccentric cat.

Reviews

[Deborah Court · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, heartwarming love story

I had the pleasure of reading an early review copy of Ms Sofras's novel and instantly loved it. This is a sweet, tender love story between two human beings who fall in love almost at first sight; however, their relationship seems to be destined to fail. For who could imagine a famous singer turned movie star falling in love with a single mother who doesn't know anything about the world of the rich and the famous? But despite many obstacles (worst of those, a jealous pop star girl friend who could be voted for the most hateful character in a book ever), Christian and Jess are determined to fight for their love ...

Having read several of Ms Sofras's romances, I think that this is one of her best. I really liked the down-to-earth character of Jess, who falls for Christian hard but nevertheless would put back her own happiness if it would threaten the well-being of her young son. Maybe one of the reasons Christian is so compelled by her is that she doesn't treat him as a star at all. In fact, she doesn't recognize him and when she learns who he is, she doesn't even care about his celebrity state. She loves him for the wonderful, caring man he is. This is what gives this story (as any of the author's works) a touch of reality and real depth while staying hopelessly romantic. It reminded me a bit of the movie "Notting Hill". Absolute recommended read!

[Dinjolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I hated Amber so much, it actually made me cranky toward other people.
My fiancé is hidden somewhere in the house as I write this review.

:)

This makes the book a good one, but also a book with a bit of flat ending. Even thou I *loved* the revelations in the end, I wish there was an epilogue or more explanations on the last pages.

I also wish this author decides to write Adams story! He was such a cute character. And very well developed, considering he was only a secondary figure in the plot.

[Jenny Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jess and her young son, Ben are nearly killed in a high-speed blow-out on the motorway, their escape feels like a miracle. And it seems like another small miracle when, unable to face the rest of her long drive, the roadside rescue man finds a small hotel to take them in, even though it is closed for a few days. And there she find yet another miracle. She meets Chris, the man of her dreams.
It all seems too good to be true! Perhaps she is dreaming or has indeed died and gone to heaven.
But it is really happening and, as is the way of real life, the path of true love does not run smooth. Jess's baggage, in the shape of her young son, is nothing compared to the baggage Chris is carrying. He is bound, not so much by love as by guilt, to the woman who used to play in his band. And she will not let him go easily.

This is Ms Sofras' second novel and it is superb. Her beautiful, articulate prose is a pleasure to read. Her characters live and breathe and her plot is interesting and different. I fell into the story at the first page and did not surface until I'd finished. It left me wanting more and I shall certainly read it again.
Another winner!

[Tara Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book just for the author’s style and voice, which I enjoy immensely. The heroine, Jess and her son were both likable and believable. But I’m sorry to say I didn’t like Christian, even if he was sexy. When he comes to see Jess on New Year’s Eve and they finally kiss (“That was unfinished business. It had to be done”) they are both obviously smitten. Yet later that night Amber kisses a surprised Christian on camera, and announces their engagement. While that kiss wasn’t his fault and Christian has no intention of marrying Amber, there is no excuse for him not to give Jess a heads up about what happened when he texts her later. Instead, he just wishes her a happy New Year, and never mentions it, so Jess is—of course—shocked when she sees the story splashed across the tabloids a week later in the supermarket. I also hated Amber, and the way both Christian and Adam constantly catered to her moods and demands, trying to talk sensibly to a woman who was little more than an insane, vengeful child (even though she had terrible things happen to her, that’s no excuse). And what in the world was Christian thinking of when he thought it would be a good idea to have his new love Jess write his autobiography, knowing that she would have to meet one-on-one with Amber? He had to know that Amber was not going to handle it appropriately and that she’d lash out at Jess in jealously. He seemed to be using Jess to break himself away from Amber, because he wasn’t strong enough to do it himself. I confess to wanting Jess to end up with Adam, who at least was straightforward and honest with her. But the ending where Christian finally stood up to Amber was very satisfying.
Wishful Thinking was wonderfully heartfelt, and I enjoyed it very much, especially scenes like the ones with the “greedy helping of salad” and the “ginormous badgers.”  Sofras somehow manages to have super sexy scenes without any sex description, both a marvel and an inspiration to me (last page of the shower scene right before Chapter 19 is a GREAT example…sigh) 

Overall opinion: Well worth your time 

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishful Thinking by Lynette Sofras

Jess and her young son escape a horrible accident and she meets Christian Goodchild, famous pop star. They are both attracted to each other. But Christian is in a complicated relationship. Jess doubts their love can survive in the complex world of a celebrity.

I really liked Jess, single Mother and devoted to her son. She takes a big chance when she gets involved with Christian. Is she strong enough to handle his celebrity lifestyle?

Christian is likable as well. He has a lot of "emotional baggage" add the fact he is a superstar. We he be able to face his demons and have a healthy, happy relationship with Jess?

A well written story with an original plot, likable character, equal amounts of drama, and romance. The story moves at an even pace, there were moments that are shocking, and heartfelt.

I enjoyed Wishful Thinking, a light romance that is NOT predictable. I was pulled in from the first page and could not stop reading until the last (page). I also like the cover art, it captures the story perfectly.

[Anne Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently enjoyed "The Apple Tree" by this author so was keen to read this book. I wasn't disappointed. In fact I enjoyed it even more than her previous story. The hero, Chris, was so believable in his role of famous pop/movie star who was searching for something meaningful away from the glamour of his profession. Finding the unassuming Jess and her son ticked all the boxes for him. Jess's uncertainty about Chris' true feelings was also very realistic even without the meddling of his former girlfriend. Alarmed by whatever power Amber had over Chris that sent him rushing to her side whenever she seemed to beckon, Jess eventually accepts there is no chance at any long term relationship and ends it. Chris' revelation of Amber's hold caught me by surprise. Wondering during the whole story what it might be, I had not considered the explanation given as a possibility. Great cliff hanger. But Chris finally convinces Jess of his commitment to her and her son.

[Elaine Blick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an up to date Cinderella story, where famous pop start falls in love with single mother. It reveals the truth behind the false glitz and glamour of the celebrity world showing the real people behind the public facade. It is a story that will appeal to most women because of its sincerity and the sensitive way that the author describes her characters' feelings. She is able to enter into the hearts and minds of vastly diverse personalities, from Christian, the successful pop star to Jess the single working mother. Even Amber, the celebrity star, who lies and uses every dirty trick to get her way, is shown as a needy human being. This I feel is the strength of the book, the characters are real people just like us, with hopes and desires that are common to us all. They want above all to love and be loved. If this is 'wishful thinking' then in this book at any rate the wishes come true.

[Eleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this a lot. Jess and Ben are lovely, warmed immediately to them in the opening scene of the book - how frightening! Wasn't so keen on Christian, but could see he was probably worth a swoon, and although some may dismiss that knowing it's right immediately feeling as slush and soppy - I have experienced it (not with a celebrity obviously!)so I knew what Jess was feeling. Adam is another lovely character, and I really enjoyed the scenes at Kate & Greg's place - wish there had been more - (although why the organic carrots looked withered & anaemic I don't get - ours always look and taste amazing!) Hated Amber - had no sympathy for her at all. Grrr - she makes me cross.
Not a deep book that I completely fell in love with the characters or that will stick with me exactly, but a lovely page turner all the same that I enjoyed and would recommend as a cosy read :-)

[Vikki ~ *squee* lite ~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

My obsession with rock star stories have lead me to many god books - but unfortunately this is not one of them. The storyline had a lot of potential - Amber and her plotting made for a unique plot that I didn't really see coming. That said, I never connected with any of the characters. I didn't even really hate Amber, and she should have been easy to hate. There was really little development of Jess and Chris's relationship and there didn't even seem to be enough passion to make the insta-love believable. There were gaps in the story. Like when Chris decides that Jess can write his story - but it is never discussed, and when it comes up in front of Jess, she isn't surprised, or even ask about it. Overall, a bland story.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book just as much as the others I have read by her. Lynette never fails to draw me in and surround me in her beautiful words. I am captured early on, almost becoming one with Jess and feeling her love, her happiness, her sorrow and her pain.
This is a whirlwind of a story with so much happening for Jess so quickly that it was easy to empathise with her when she became lost and confused. Each character is effortlessly portrayed in their entirety. You get to know the ins and outs of every character without feeling like you're just being told the facts; it is all woven in together.
As per usual Lynette has pulled me in to listen to her tale, making the task seem simple. I love the characters, I love the plot, I love the turn of phrase, I love it all!

[Rachel Lynn Sterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. There were times I had to force my self to put it down. It had so many things that I like in a good story: a strong independant heroin, a dreamy down-to-earth hero, and romantic tension galore! It was a freebie for me, but I would have been perfectly happy had I paid for it.

[Nerissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Style of writing is completely Unemotional. Characters are empty and annoying (I think because of the writing style) emotions aren't felt but told. Actions/behaviours are disjointed. Halfway in and I'm skimming massively and feeling very frustrated /annoyed and to be honest bored.

Furthermore the plot is lame. The H is a complete idiot/sap/pushover and annoying as fuck. The h is zzzzzz. The evil OW is completely unrealistic.

[TSN ☮ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 45%

Rather plain and uninteresting.

[A. Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely romance between Jess, a single mom with a cute six year old son and Christian, a successful singing star turned even more successful actor. They meet briefly in unusual circumstances and feel the magic, but then disappear from each other’s lives. A real Cinderella story. I liked the characters, especially the kids and Adam, one of the other band members and felt all the hopelessness of the romance between Jess and Christian. Good story, well told with plenty of humor and a nice, happy ending.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amber is one hell of a frustrating character... and as I read through to the end of this book.... there was only one thing bothering me.... "Poor Adam". He was such a good character too, I wish he would have his own story too, and preferably not with Amber. LOL!

[Cheryl Whitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle romance between two people who meet and connect straight away.

The things from Christians past rise up to confuse the issue.

I enjoyed the story and recommend if you enjoy a more gentle romance.

[Deoro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like these types of books and this was an entertaining, if quick, read. I thought the story suffered from a weak plot in which the characters lives seemed to revolve around the main character's dream come true story.

[Duchess Melissa of Allanbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
Cute fast read

[Tracie Redmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a good story. I loved the fact the main character was a single mom looking for someone to love her and accept her son. Loved how Chris was the right man.

[Linda P]

4.5*(16) (314pgs)