A Winter Wish

by Megan Ryder

A magical mirror. A timeless legend. A love that refuses to stay hidden.

Every Midwinter Eve, librarian Callie Ricci looks into the enchanted mirror at the historic Jacobs House, hoping to glimpse the face of her fated soulmate. For twelve years she’s seen only a faceless shadow—until a mysterious French stranger appears in town, claiming to be part of the Jacobs family line. Handsome, charming, and full of old-world secrets, Etienne Belmont seems to step right out of her dreams.

But Detective Alex Morin—Callie’s lifelong best friend and the man who’s silently loved her since grade school—doesn’t trust the stranger or the sudden string of break-ins that follow his arrival. When the magical mirror becomes the target of a dangerous theft, Callie must decide whether to believe in fate… or the man who’s always believed in her.

Magic, mystery, and heart-melting romance intertwine in this cozy, small-town holiday tale about friendship, destiny, and the love that was there all along.

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2023

About the author

Ever since Megan Ryder discovered Jude Deveraux and Judith McNaught while sneaking around the “forbidden” romance section of the library one day after school, she has been voraciously devouring romance novels of all types. Now a romance author in her own right, Megan pens sexy contemporary novels all about family and hot lovin’ with the boy next door. She’s also a master procrastinator–with knitting and yarn shopping as her primary form of procraftination!

Reviews

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sweet and spicy and just unbelievably cute. Callie and Alex are everything I love about friends who become lovers. There’s all the shared history and trust, but there’s also all the anxiety and angst over the possibility of losing something so valuable as the friendship. This pair also has piles of family drama, as well as kind of iffy track records with the opposite sex. Add an old legend and a new stranger to the mix, and you’ve got a story that kept me glued to the pages. I would have loved a tiny bit more information about the mysterious find in the end, but all things considered, it was the perfect resolution for this pair.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and sexy friends to lovers romance between Callie and Alexander. The author takes you into their lives with magic, dreams and festive cheer. She adds in a bit of heat and delivers a well written and entertaining read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful blend of mysticism, the magic of the holiday season and love found. A magic mirror is said to show one’s true love when gasped upon during midwinter. Callie has seen her true love, his features in shadow, in the mirror several times, but he becoming more distant each time she views the mirror, a sign that her hopes for true are fading. In fact, there is a man who has loved her for years whom she has overlooked in search for an ideal. Alex is tired of being in the Callie’s friend zone, so he has made plans to take a job out of town in hopes of lessening the pain of unrequited love.

Whether it is Fate, magic or some Christmas miracle, Alex is given one last chance to have the woman he loves finally see him as something other than a friend. A threat to the safety of the mirror leads Callie to ask Alex for help in securing it from being stolen. Her eyes and heart are finally open to the man who has always supported and encouraged her, a man who has been more than a friend. But is it too late? His new job is waiting for him and he may not believe she has had a change of heart.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Winter Wish: Wishing for Love by Megan Ryder is a wonderful friends to lovers holiday story that takes Callie and Alex on a carousel ride; as she keeps Alex in the friend zone while he has stronger feelings for her, until she almost loses him. Take a peek at their lives through a magical mirror, dreams, holiday cheer, friends, and a stranger with a mystery. Callie and Alex might appear destined for separate lives until a kiss awakens Callie into realizing what, and who, she could lose if she doesn’t get her act together; and stop worrying about some legend that may or may not allow her to see the image of her soul mate. With the chemistry these two share and Alex’s protective nature, there just might be a future for these two. After all, the best things just might be close to home; if you just look.

I enjoyed reading this holiday story and had trouble putting it book down, reading it in one day. Ms. Ryder drew me in and did not let go until I read the last page. I highly recommend The Winter Wish: Wishing for Love to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year at her friend's Midwinter party, she looks into a mirror that legend says will show her true love. Every year, she has been disappointed because she has not been able to see him clearly. This year, her friends are questioning her as to if she should perhaps be looking closer to home.
He has been her best friend since they were little, and he hates that every year she looks into the mirror and every year he sees her disappointment. Now this year he is seeing things differently and he decides to see if he can get her to do the same. So, they share a kiss-what's the worst that could happen.
The mirror legend is an interesting concept and made this book an intriguing one to read. A long with their love story there is an added mystery element having to do with the mirror and where it came from.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magic mirror that can foretell your loved one. The magic is to look into it on the winter solstice to find your true love, but the image is not always clear.
Alex and Callie are long term friends and the shadows may lead them becoming lovers, if the answer can be found there. Perhaps Callie's answer is actually directly in front of her, especially when Alex takes a step towards making his intentions clear.
Her 12 years obsession with finding her soulmate in the mirror is a little niaive and ridiculous for a grown woman despite the fairytale that feeds her belief. She is also difficult and selfish, unlikeable at times because of her attitude and behaviour. Alex's frustration and anger in reply is understandable because of her hot and cold, childish and arrogant, teasing and distant outbursts and tantrums.
A friends to lovers, possibly happily ever after Christmas themed romance, with a little bit of everything thrown into the mix.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is a wonderful story. Learning to trust in yourself after several bad choices can be a hard thing to do. BUT can a mirror really be magical to show you who your soulmate really is? Well Callie has been looking into the mirror to see who her one true love is. After her parents' terrible marriage, Callie has been looking in the magical mirror for years during midwinter. She sees a man but the face is blurry. Can Callie trust the mirror? Well her best friend, Alex hopes that Callie will trust him instead. He has loved her since grade school. Being sidelined as a friend though, it's not looking good for him.

There were some really great moments here. The story was well written as I would expect from this talented author. There were some sexy scenes but there weren't pages upon pages of it.

I would highly recommend this to anyone over the age of consent.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie and Alexander are the focus in this sweet romance . Mirror Mirror on the wall…. A magic mirror shows research librarian Calli Ricci her true love but the face was obscured and each glimpse she’s found since has faded more and more , she has the help of her friend Alexander Morin a local police officer and protector to put the mirror into hiding when a thief tries to steal the precious artefact . Alex has been in love with Callie since forever but he realises he hasn’t got a shot at love and resolves to move elsewhere.. But on a Christmas wish , dreams are found , could this be it when as well as a thief , their eternal love is found . Beautiful Christmas tale of love. Well written and immersive story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill Eshenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to legend, a woman looks in an antique mirror during the Midwinter festival and will see the image of her soul mate. Callie doesn’t trust her judgment when it comes to men and she’s desperate to see the person she will spend her life with. Alas, that image continues to elude her.

This a lovely Christmas story of friends to lovers with the old adage that maybe the best things are close to home if you just look. It’s Christmas and everyone loves a Happily Ever After.

As always Ms Ryder creates characters that are realistic and might be people in your own home town. Its both sweet and steamy and the perfect read for a cold winter night.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie is a librarian and has been obsessed with a magic mirror since she found out about its legend. She is looking for her intended mate, but the mirror doesn’t show.
Alex is a police officer who has always been in love with Callie. She is his best friend, and he is afraid to lose her if he says anything to her about his love for her.
When the mirror was in danger of being stolen, they joined forces to protect it.
Sometimes we can’t see what we have in front of us. We are so focused on our beliefs that we become blind.
I liked how Margaret gave Carrie a hint about her true mate. And I loved Alex’s patience.
A nice story with some mystery and some humour.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie Ricci has been obsessed with the mirror that shows your true love every midwinter, although it doesn't show exactly what they look like and unfortunately Callie thinks it is someone she is yet to meet whilst everyone else knows of some one who is in love with her.
This year things are going to be very different with Alex showing his tree feelings about Callie as well as the mirror being in danger of being damaged or taken as well as Callie needing to decide whether she will let the mirror continue to influence her take a chance at love with her best friend before it's too late.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie Ricci is a research librarian and romantic. She has believed the legend of the magic mirror that shows your true love since she did a paper on the legend at 18 years old. For the last 12 years, she sees a figure in the mirror but she doesn’t know who it is because the face is always in shadow and obscured.

Alexander Morin is a local police officer that has always been in love with Callie. The have been best friends forever but he wants more.

This was an exciting story with just the right combination of mystery and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a festive romance novella, and it was a satisfying read. At first, I felt it had suggestions of a fairy tale, but things became a little more heated. The characters had an obvious chemistry that I found sexy, so I enjoyed seeing them explore that chemistry, and there were some satisfyingly spicy moments. At the same time, it still had the festive feeling and the charm that I hoped for.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie and Alex had been friends since the second grade and he seemed to always be her hero, but she never looked at him romantically due to her belief that she should see her forever soulmate in the magic mirror.

There's a good little mystery running through the story that really keeps the reader intrigued. Will Alex finally change her mind and move out of the friend zone? He gives it one heck of a try in this sweet and sizzling story. You'll just have to read it to find out!

I love the cover!

[Lindy Dierks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a unique friends to lovers story and so much fun. It was my favorite read this holiday season. Callie gets a glimpse into the magic mirror. It shows her one true love but only a glimpse. Alex, a police officer, is tired of being in Callie's friend zone and plans to take a job outside of their town. Callie has overlooked him. When someone tries to steal the mirror, Callie needs Alex. I enjoyed the connection between Callie and Alex. This one was well written and had great conflict to keep me reading well into the night. I highly recommend this book!

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie has spent the last 12 years looking for her soulmate. Each year during the midwinter solstice she looks into the mirror at the Jacob house and every year the man she sees isn’t identifiable. Alex knows Callie is the one for him, he's been in love with her for years but she's never seen him as anything but a friend. Alex and Callie's story is a steamy friends to lovers holiday romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex has been in love with his best friend Callie for years but she’s obsessed with waiting for the guy she can’t fully see in the magical mirror. They go from friends to bed very quickly but then she pulls away worried that Alex isn’t her soul mate. Alex gets angry and makes some snap decisions. They really should have talked more before talking their relationship to the next level but it does add to the drama along with the thefts and new smooth talker who might be a rival.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, enjoyable friends to lovers romance that pulls you in, keeps you engaged and wanting more. The story line is well written, the characters are well developed and realistic and you find it hard to stop reading once you start. Grab your copy today and curl up with your favorite winter drink and get lost in the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book

Yea, there’s a heist, a bad guy doing bad things, but the story is at its best when it focuses on Callie, who looks in the magic mirror every midwinter to see her mystery man. She never sees him clearly. Her buddy Alex has a thing for her, but he wasn’t ready either, instead dating a ton of other girls. They are friends and nothing more until the mirror is stolen.
Good character development.
Recommend.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting concept using the mirror in this story. The road to romance is never easy and in this story it is no exception. Plenty of twists and turns and suspense to keep you hanging on until the end. It's always entertaining to read about a budding Romance when the characters know they're in love but they fight it all the way. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new take loosely based off Snow White and the mirror. Enjoyed the read as is was full of wonder, but also felt the main FMC was a bit wish washy as she couldn’t trust her own judgment of what was standing usually right next to her. Overall the intriguing twist added greatly to the storyline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie and Alexander are friends. She is waiting for her prince charming to come for her. Alexander has been in love with Callie for some time. He feels like his time has past. When a magic Mirror is almost stolen, they decide to store it. Will they find love with each other?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if everything you have ever wanted was right there in front of you?
Alex and Callie have been friends for a long time. He loves her but is slowly giving up; she's obsessed with finding her soul mate in a mirror.

All in all it's a cute and steamy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Callie!!! Alex is an absolute catch and is crazy about his best friend Callie but she doesn't see it. She is looking to find her soulmate through a magical mirror but all she catches is a man walking away! Wake up love!! There is a suspense part of the book as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lcr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Winter Wish: Wishing For Love is a stand-alone read as well as being part of a series.

This is a lovely, magical book with great characters and an original take on this magical concept. It was well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It will appeal to romance fans and lovers of fairytales and happy ever afters. Highly recommended.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

While HEAs are why I read romance, I’m not a fairytale type of gal. But I enjoyed the magical aspect of A Winter Wish. Callie was a bit too obsessed at times with the whole “soul mate in the mirror”, and my heart broke for Alex, who I adored. Love was blind, or at least temporarily impaired, for these two!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, I enjoyed the style of writing and the magic mirror storyline. Callie and Alex were really good for each other, their chemistry was super intense and this book was just fun to read all the way around.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Callie and Alex are meant for each other and finally the time is right for them to be together. A bit of magic confirms to both of them that they were soul mates.

[Beth Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful romance. Callie and Alex are perfect for each other, even if it takes them a while to realize it. With touches of humor, a heap of real emotion, and sizzling sex scenes, this book is a must read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie is a sweetheart of a woman who has bad luck when it comes to love. Alex is a smart and protective man who knows what he wants but is afraid. Their story has drama, intrigue, danger and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.