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Make My Wish Come True
Family-orientated and Christmas-dinner cook extraordinaire Juliet is trying to keep it together in the wake of her marriage breakdown two Christmases ago, but the cracks are beginning to show.
Bright and vivacious Gemma was always the favourite daughter…So she has no qualms about leaving Christmas in her sister Juliet’s capable hands; and escaping the pressures of her glamorous job, and the festive madness by jetting off to somewhere warm.
When Gemma shirks responsibility once too many and announces she’s off to the Caribbean (again!); Juliet finally snaps. Gemma offers her sister the perfect solution - to swap Christmases: she’ll stay home and cook the turkey (how hard can it be?) and Juliet can fly off into the sun and have a restorative break.
In the midst of all the chaos, there’s Will, Juliet’s dishy neighbour who’s far too nice to float Gemma’s boat and may secretly harbour feelings for her sister; and Marco, the suave Italian in the villa next door, who has his own ideas about the best way to help Juliet unwind.
Will the sisters abandon caution and make this a Christmas
swap to remember?
Bright and vivacious Gemma was always the favourite daughter…So she has no qualms about leaving Christmas in her sister Juliet’s capable hands; and escaping the pressures of her glamorous job, and the festive madness by jetting off to somewhere warm.
When Gemma shirks responsibility once too many and announces she’s off to the Caribbean (again!); Juliet finally snaps. Gemma offers her sister the perfect solution - to swap Christmases: she’ll stay home and cook the turkey (how hard can it be?) and Juliet can fly off into the sun and have a restorative break.
In the midst of all the chaos, there’s Will, Juliet’s dishy neighbour who’s far too nice to float Gemma’s boat and may secretly harbour feelings for her sister; and Marco, the suave Italian in the villa next door, who has his own ideas about the best way to help Juliet unwind.
Will the sisters abandon caution and make this a Christmas
swap to remember?
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2013
31 people are currently reading
1074 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 17, 2017
Things are not always what they seem, as these two sisters find out!
Juliet and Gemma are four years apart, and their relationship is a bit strained. Juliet, the older one, is now 40 years old and her world has been turned upside down with her recent divorce and now managing life as a single mom to her brood of four and working part-time. Gemma is an Assistant Director, whose world revolves around work and hobnobbing with movie stars. Juliet has always strived for a perfect Christmas, and she has detailed checklists to ensure that she doesn’t miss a thing but it exhausts her. This year, she asks Gemma for her help. In all honesty, Juliet seems a bit resentful of Gemma’s carefree life with no ties or commitments. With both of their parents gone, Juliet is the one holding the family together, visiting their Great Aunt Sylvia twice weekly who is becoming more forgetful and senile as the days go by. Juliet takes care of everyone’s needs but her own, and her time is just stretched way too thin.
Juliet has a handsome neighbor, Will, who is just a friend but it could probably be something more if one of them would just make a move!
Gemma is a bit of a spoiled brat, in my opinion! She thinks very highly of herself and feels that her time is more valuable than Juliet’s because of her demanding job. Juliet thinks that Gemma is selfish, and I don’t disagree.
Of course, Juliet doesn’t get the help from Gemma that she needs. When Gemma finally graces Juliet’s family with her presence (and presents, to ease her guilty conscience), Gemma admits that she has booked a holiday in St. Lucia at an all-inclusive resort. The sisters have a row and Juliet has a meltdown, and Gemma offers to do a switcheroo: She will host Christmas at Juliet’s home and take care of all the preparations, and Juliet can go off on a solo holiday at a tropical resort and take a much-needed break from reality. Juliet balks, but her teenage daughter convinces her to go when she tells her that the kids know that their mom is not happy and that she’s stressed out and that sometimes she takes it out on them by yelling. Juliet is horrified, yet she knows it’s true. She’s just so tired, and it’s tough raising a family on your own. She sees the good that this respite could do for her, so she agrees.
When Juliet meets an Italian man who is staying in the villa next to hers, sparks fly but it doesn’t end well. Meanwhile, there’s an attraction developing between Gemma and Will which causes a bit of guilt for both of them because of the potential relationship that Will could have with Juliet. What a mess!! This holiday tale wasn’t what I was expecting! I was hoping that Juliet would be whisked off her feet and meet the man of her dreams, but that’s not how things ended for her so that was a bit of a disappointment. The story was more about family and the relationship between the sisters and, while there were romantic partners for both of them, I felt the romances were secondary. Juliet and Gemma finally communicate about their feelings towards each other, and all that resentment that had festered for so many years begins to dissolve. I think it did the sisters good to take a walk in each other’s shoes, so to speak.
So, all in all, it does end up being a feel-good holiday story about two sisters who make amends with each other.
This review was posted on my book blog:
https://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.ca/...
Juliet and Gemma are four years apart, and their relationship is a bit strained. Juliet, the older one, is now 40 years old and her world has been turned upside down with her recent divorce and now managing life as a single mom to her brood of four and working part-time. Gemma is an Assistant Director, whose world revolves around work and hobnobbing with movie stars. Juliet has always strived for a perfect Christmas, and she has detailed checklists to ensure that she doesn’t miss a thing but it exhausts her. This year, she asks Gemma for her help. In all honesty, Juliet seems a bit resentful of Gemma’s carefree life with no ties or commitments. With both of their parents gone, Juliet is the one holding the family together, visiting their Great Aunt Sylvia twice weekly who is becoming more forgetful and senile as the days go by. Juliet takes care of everyone’s needs but her own, and her time is just stretched way too thin.
Juliet has a handsome neighbor, Will, who is just a friend but it could probably be something more if one of them would just make a move!
Gemma is a bit of a spoiled brat, in my opinion! She thinks very highly of herself and feels that her time is more valuable than Juliet’s because of her demanding job. Juliet thinks that Gemma is selfish, and I don’t disagree.
Of course, Juliet doesn’t get the help from Gemma that she needs. When Gemma finally graces Juliet’s family with her presence (and presents, to ease her guilty conscience), Gemma admits that she has booked a holiday in St. Lucia at an all-inclusive resort. The sisters have a row and Juliet has a meltdown, and Gemma offers to do a switcheroo: She will host Christmas at Juliet’s home and take care of all the preparations, and Juliet can go off on a solo holiday at a tropical resort and take a much-needed break from reality. Juliet balks, but her teenage daughter convinces her to go when she tells her that the kids know that their mom is not happy and that she’s stressed out and that sometimes she takes it out on them by yelling. Juliet is horrified, yet she knows it’s true. She’s just so tired, and it’s tough raising a family on your own. She sees the good that this respite could do for her, so she agrees.
When Juliet meets an Italian man who is staying in the villa next to hers, sparks fly but it doesn’t end well. Meanwhile, there’s an attraction developing between Gemma and Will which causes a bit of guilt for both of them because of the potential relationship that Will could have with Juliet. What a mess!! This holiday tale wasn’t what I was expecting! I was hoping that Juliet would be whisked off her feet and meet the man of her dreams, but that’s not how things ended for her so that was a bit of a disappointment. The story was more about family and the relationship between the sisters and, while there were romantic partners for both of them, I felt the romances were secondary. Juliet and Gemma finally communicate about their feelings towards each other, and all that resentment that had festered for so many years begins to dissolve. I think it did the sisters good to take a walk in each other’s shoes, so to speak.
So, all in all, it does end up being a feel-good holiday story about two sisters who make amends with each other.
This review was posted on my book blog:
https://darlenesbooknook.blogspot.ca/...
January 13, 2021
Ein netter gemütlicher und halber Weihnachtsroman, wie der Klappentext aber auch zeigt. Denn die beiden Schwestern Juliet & Gemma tauschen für die Weihnachtszeit und auch das Fest selbst die Rollen, so dass die quirlige und immer "mehr geliebte" Gemma ihren Karibikurlaub an die ältere Schwester Juliet abgibt, welche ein Paradebeispiel für die perfekt durchorganisierte Hausfrau ist. Sie managed 4 Kinder alleine und kann ohne ihre To Do Listen das mit Aktivitäten vollgestopfte Weihnachtsfest nicht überstehen.
So muss Juliet also im Luxusresort einer Karibikinseln lernen auch mal die Seele baumeln zu lassen (heißen Italo-Nachbar inklusive versteht sich) und Gemma stolpert durch die Weihnachtsvorbereitungen. Während des "Rollentausches" wächst das Verständnis beider Schwestern füreinander, welche vorher viele Streitigkeiten hatten. Bedingt auch durch Probleme in der Kindheit.
Mir hat die Geschichte an sich gefallen, aber ich hätte mir mehr Witz und weniger Augenroll-Momente gewünscht :/ Ich kam weder Juliet noch Gemma so richtig nahe und vieles wurde nur erzählt, aber nicht als Handlung gezeigt. "Show, don't tell!" Einige Szenen, besonders der "Liebespart" im Roman war mir etwas zu drüber und es hatte allgemein Längen. Sweet waren dagegen Juliets Kinder und diese Szenen wirkten irgendwie authentisch und hatten dann auch mehr Witz.
Und auch wenn es ein paar vielleicht interessante Wendungen gab, waren diese nicht komplett überraschend, weil man sie schon einige Seiten vorher erahnen konnte, so dass der große Aha-Effekt ausblieb.
Das Weihnachtsfeeling kam ganz gut rüber, aber von der Autorin würde ich jetzt nicht zwingend sofort noch ein Buch lesen.
So muss Juliet also im Luxusresort einer Karibikinseln lernen auch mal die Seele baumeln zu lassen (heißen Italo-Nachbar inklusive versteht sich) und Gemma stolpert durch die Weihnachtsvorbereitungen. Während des "Rollentausches" wächst das Verständnis beider Schwestern füreinander, welche vorher viele Streitigkeiten hatten. Bedingt auch durch Probleme in der Kindheit.
Mir hat die Geschichte an sich gefallen, aber ich hätte mir mehr Witz und weniger Augenroll-Momente gewünscht :/ Ich kam weder Juliet noch Gemma so richtig nahe und vieles wurde nur erzählt, aber nicht als Handlung gezeigt. "Show, don't tell!" Einige Szenen, besonders der "Liebespart" im Roman war mir etwas zu drüber und es hatte allgemein Längen. Sweet waren dagegen Juliets Kinder und diese Szenen wirkten irgendwie authentisch und hatten dann auch mehr Witz.
Und auch wenn es ein paar vielleicht interessante Wendungen gab, waren diese nicht komplett überraschend, weil man sie schon einige Seiten vorher erahnen konnte, so dass der große Aha-Effekt ausblieb.
Das Weihnachtsfeeling kam ganz gut rüber, aber von der Autorin würde ich jetzt nicht zwingend sofort noch ein Buch lesen.
November 3, 2013
So I should probably fess up first and admit that Fiona Harper is a friend and she has even written a dedication to me in this book (which I am sooo proud of)... But this is an absolutely honest review. I swear. All right, enough about me...
I Fricking LOVED this book. I loved both Juliet - neurotic suburban divorcee with four unruly kids and an almost OCD determination to have the Perfect Christmas - and her little sister Gemma - flighty, reckless and a little thoughtless assistant director who has always found Juliet as uptight as Juliet finds her irresponsible. Their relationship has been deteriorating for years and reaches a crisis when Gemma once again books a holiday abroad for Christmas instead of spending the season at Juliet's elaborate family Christmas bash in Tunbridge Wells, even though she promised to help this year... But this year is different in one way. The wheels are starting to finally come off Juliet's perfect trolly. Her determination to do everything in exactly the 'right way' is pulling her further and further away from the good person she strives so hard to be. As a result Gemma has the do-or-die brainstorm of suggesting that her and Juliet 'swap' Christmases. So she ends up 'winging it' through Christmas with Juliet's kids in Tunbridge Wells and being forced to call on the disapproving guy-next-door Will for help. While Juliet heads for a luxury beach holiday on St Lucia, and a villa next door to a particularly delicious Italian guy called Marco.
Now you're probably all thinking you know what's going to happen next... But this is no easy pat transformation for either sister and watching them struggle to come to terms with all the misconceptions and mistakes they've made about each other and themselves over the years is done with such humour and insight, not just into women but also sibling relationships, well it's irresistible. You'll come to love and identify with both Gemma and Juliet - despite all their flaws. And they, like all of us, have plenty.
Without giving away any spoilers, we do eventually discover why Juliet finds it so hard to relax, especially at Christmas, and why Gemma has never had the emotional maturity to actually nurture her relationship with her sister instead of running away from conflicts. Will and Marco help with that, and not in the ways you would expect.
What a great book. And great for putting you in the mood for Christmas, not just to celebrate all the wonderful things the festive season brings, but also to prepare you to face all those mini frustrations and family squabbles that are liable to come with it too!
This is a fabulously festive, witty, heartfelt seasonal treat from a fabulous writer and she's a mate of mine! (or did I mention that already!)
I Fricking LOVED this book. I loved both Juliet - neurotic suburban divorcee with four unruly kids and an almost OCD determination to have the Perfect Christmas - and her little sister Gemma - flighty, reckless and a little thoughtless assistant director who has always found Juliet as uptight as Juliet finds her irresponsible. Their relationship has been deteriorating for years and reaches a crisis when Gemma once again books a holiday abroad for Christmas instead of spending the season at Juliet's elaborate family Christmas bash in Tunbridge Wells, even though she promised to help this year... But this year is different in one way. The wheels are starting to finally come off Juliet's perfect trolly. Her determination to do everything in exactly the 'right way' is pulling her further and further away from the good person she strives so hard to be. As a result Gemma has the do-or-die brainstorm of suggesting that her and Juliet 'swap' Christmases. So she ends up 'winging it' through Christmas with Juliet's kids in Tunbridge Wells and being forced to call on the disapproving guy-next-door Will for help. While Juliet heads for a luxury beach holiday on St Lucia, and a villa next door to a particularly delicious Italian guy called Marco.
Now you're probably all thinking you know what's going to happen next... But this is no easy pat transformation for either sister and watching them struggle to come to terms with all the misconceptions and mistakes they've made about each other and themselves over the years is done with such humour and insight, not just into women but also sibling relationships, well it's irresistible. You'll come to love and identify with both Gemma and Juliet - despite all their flaws. And they, like all of us, have plenty.
Without giving away any spoilers, we do eventually discover why Juliet finds it so hard to relax, especially at Christmas, and why Gemma has never had the emotional maturity to actually nurture her relationship with her sister instead of running away from conflicts. Will and Marco help with that, and not in the ways you would expect.
What a great book. And great for putting you in the mood for Christmas, not just to celebrate all the wonderful things the festive season brings, but also to prepare you to face all those mini frustrations and family squabbles that are liable to come with it too!
This is a fabulously festive, witty, heartfelt seasonal treat from a fabulous writer and she's a mate of mine! (or did I mention that already!)
December 7, 2013
I love books that set a traditional winter scene, something to get me in that festive mood, featuring snowy weather, warming up by the fire. So naturally, as soon as I heard about Make My Wish Come True, a new book based around two sisters and their rather different Christmases, I had to pick it up. I loved the sound of the stay at home, traditional English country Christmas, though I can't say I was keen on the thought of a Caribbean Christmas. However, I picked the book up and was excited to start reading.
This story focuses on two sisters - Juliet and Gemma. Juliet and Gemma are quite different characters, mainly reflected in the very different lives at they lead. Juliet is a single mother, highly organised but always running flat out doing everything she can for her children and community. Gemma is an actress, not often staying in one place and not one who takes on many responsibilities. Juliet is planning a big traditional Christmas, cooking a big meal for all invited. When Gemma tells her sister that she will be flying out to the Caribbean for the big day, a quick and somewhat crazy decision is made - for Juliet to take the break she needs by going alone to the Caribbean, whilst Juliet takes over the big festivity that was planned at home.
My Christmas book wishes were more than fulfilled with the experience of Gemma's quite dysfunctional English Christmas. With this Christmas I got everything I asked for for, from the little mentions of the decorations to the children's excitement and squabbles. Harper did fantastically well creating a real sense of festive spirit. Her half of the story really showed the spirit of the community around her as they all pulled together to make the day a good one.
Although I personally find the thought of a Caribbean Christmas awful, thankfully it was certainly not bad to read about. Harper was able to switch me from the a chilly cottage in England to the sweltering beaches in just a turn of the page. I thought it may be a bit difficult getting into two different main settings but it was surprisingly easy and it was actually really enjoyable to see the difference between the two and makes the festivity a little less 'full on' for those who just like general chick-lit. Of course, it also allowed for character reflection and for more, different character relationships.
I came to really like both Juliet and Gemma as the book progressed. From the beginning, I found Juliet nice enough and she had a real sense of realism - she is the character that I think that most will prefer at the beginning of reading. I didn't particularly like Gemma at the beginning of the book (though I didn't particularly dislike her, either) mainly because I didn't really get much of a sense of who she was. I most certainly warmed to Gemma throughout the book, as did other characters, by seeing her in a different light. The author did a really good job of helping us to understand how and why the sisters didn't fully understand or appreciate each other.
As with most chick-lit books, there were of course love interests for our two protagonists. I was completely caught up in the atmosphere with Gemma and Will, they worked surprisingly well together, though I admit I would haven't have been best pleased if I was Juliet. Juliet's relationship with the charismatic Marco was so fantastically written - though I was cautious, I was sucked in and I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach towards the end - but that's what good writing does! For me, it was the family relationship that really made this book what it was - seeing the family and friends come together definitely shone through the pages.
Make My Wish Come True is definitely on my recommended reads list, for anyone who is a fan of well written chick-lit. Whether you'd like a traditional country christmas or one in the sun, this book shows you what Christmas really is about, without losing any of the fun!
This story focuses on two sisters - Juliet and Gemma. Juliet and Gemma are quite different characters, mainly reflected in the very different lives at they lead. Juliet is a single mother, highly organised but always running flat out doing everything she can for her children and community. Gemma is an actress, not often staying in one place and not one who takes on many responsibilities. Juliet is planning a big traditional Christmas, cooking a big meal for all invited. When Gemma tells her sister that she will be flying out to the Caribbean for the big day, a quick and somewhat crazy decision is made - for Juliet to take the break she needs by going alone to the Caribbean, whilst Juliet takes over the big festivity that was planned at home.
My Christmas book wishes were more than fulfilled with the experience of Gemma's quite dysfunctional English Christmas. With this Christmas I got everything I asked for for, from the little mentions of the decorations to the children's excitement and squabbles. Harper did fantastically well creating a real sense of festive spirit. Her half of the story really showed the spirit of the community around her as they all pulled together to make the day a good one.
Although I personally find the thought of a Caribbean Christmas awful, thankfully it was certainly not bad to read about. Harper was able to switch me from the a chilly cottage in England to the sweltering beaches in just a turn of the page. I thought it may be a bit difficult getting into two different main settings but it was surprisingly easy and it was actually really enjoyable to see the difference between the two and makes the festivity a little less 'full on' for those who just like general chick-lit. Of course, it also allowed for character reflection and for more, different character relationships.
I came to really like both Juliet and Gemma as the book progressed. From the beginning, I found Juliet nice enough and she had a real sense of realism - she is the character that I think that most will prefer at the beginning of reading. I didn't particularly like Gemma at the beginning of the book (though I didn't particularly dislike her, either) mainly because I didn't really get much of a sense of who she was. I most certainly warmed to Gemma throughout the book, as did other characters, by seeing her in a different light. The author did a really good job of helping us to understand how and why the sisters didn't fully understand or appreciate each other.
As with most chick-lit books, there were of course love interests for our two protagonists. I was completely caught up in the atmosphere with Gemma and Will, they worked surprisingly well together, though I admit I would haven't have been best pleased if I was Juliet. Juliet's relationship with the charismatic Marco was so fantastically written - though I was cautious, I was sucked in and I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach towards the end - but that's what good writing does! For me, it was the family relationship that really made this book what it was - seeing the family and friends come together definitely shone through the pages.
Make My Wish Come True is definitely on my recommended reads list, for anyone who is a fan of well written chick-lit. Whether you'd like a traditional country christmas or one in the sun, this book shows you what Christmas really is about, without losing any of the fun!
October 18, 2013
This book is to be squirrelled away and taken out to read over Christmas with no distractions. The story of two sisters, Gemma and Juliet, it is heart-breaking but heart-warming enough to light a fire under the cockles of your heart by the end. Swapping places over Christmas takes them both out of their comfort zones and gives each one a unique perspective on the other for the first time in their lives.
Add in some of the most adorable children on the planet, the glitz of the film industry, a hunky next door do-gooder neighbour, an exotic locale, an even hunkier Latin lover and it all boils up the most scrumptiously satisfying holiday read ever.
It's a gem of a story so curl up with a hot choc, or mulled wine and savour it :)
Add in some of the most adorable children on the planet, the glitz of the film industry, a hunky next door do-gooder neighbour, an exotic locale, an even hunkier Latin lover and it all boils up the most scrumptiously satisfying holiday read ever.
It's a gem of a story so curl up with a hot choc, or mulled wine and savour it :)
December 30, 2013
A nice book to read when you don't need anything too challenging to read. Meet 2 sisters and their very different lives. Although it is based on Christmastime, it could be read round the pool in the summer and still be enjoyable.
October 8, 2017
Die Schwestern Gemma und Juliet haben völlig unterschiedliche Leben. Juliet ist eine Stepford-Hausfrau, hat vier Kinder, alleinerziehend und arbeitet auf das perfekte Weihnachtsfest hin. Gemma arbeitet beim Film, ist Single und hat für Weihnachten nicht viel übrig. Als Gemma bemerkt, wie gestresst ihre Schwester ist, bietet sie ihr kurzerhand einen Tausch an: Sie hütet die Kinder und Juliet fliegt in den von ihr geplanten Luxusurlaub in der Karibik.
Wer Weihnachten mit Karibikflair mag und trotzdem nicht auf Schnee verzichten möchte, findet hier die ideale Geschichte.
Wer Weihnachten mit Karibikflair mag und trotzdem nicht auf Schnee verzichten möchte, findet hier die ideale Geschichte.
November 1, 2013
I hadn’t read any novels by Fiona harper before so I was really looking forward to seeing what Fiona had in store for me with Make My Wish Come True.
Juliet is a single mother to her children and wants a Christmas that is a joyful family celebration. Her sister Gemma however, is free and single and has dreams of a Christmas is the beautiful Caribbean sun. But soon there are new plans involving a Christmas swap – Gemma will spend a snowy Christmas with her nieces and nephews and Juliet will be going on a tropical holiday, living Gemma’s adventures and life.
I really enjoyed this. I loved the idea of the Christmas swap, and I looked forward to reading about how each sister would cope when living the life of the other sister at Christmas. And it was fascinating to read as they both threw themselves into their new roles, Gemma having to look after the children and Juliet spending time in the sunshine.
The characters were really well-written, the children were personal favourites of mine, and I loved that they played a valuable part in Gemma’s Christmas. I really enjoyed Gemma and Juliet’s personal journeys and reading about their development as they gained a deeper understanding of what life was like for each other. At times it really touched my heart and I don’t want to spoil it so I won’t say anymore but it is a beautifully written story.
Make My Wish Come True is a novel of family, romance and Christmas spirit all rolled into one, making this a wonderful story to curl up with and enjoy!
Juliet is a single mother to her children and wants a Christmas that is a joyful family celebration. Her sister Gemma however, is free and single and has dreams of a Christmas is the beautiful Caribbean sun. But soon there are new plans involving a Christmas swap – Gemma will spend a snowy Christmas with her nieces and nephews and Juliet will be going on a tropical holiday, living Gemma’s adventures and life.
I really enjoyed this. I loved the idea of the Christmas swap, and I looked forward to reading about how each sister would cope when living the life of the other sister at Christmas. And it was fascinating to read as they both threw themselves into their new roles, Gemma having to look after the children and Juliet spending time in the sunshine.
The characters were really well-written, the children were personal favourites of mine, and I loved that they played a valuable part in Gemma’s Christmas. I really enjoyed Gemma and Juliet’s personal journeys and reading about their development as they gained a deeper understanding of what life was like for each other. At times it really touched my heart and I don’t want to spoil it so I won’t say anymore but it is a beautifully written story.
Make My Wish Come True is a novel of family, romance and Christmas spirit all rolled into one, making this a wonderful story to curl up with and enjoy!
November 19, 2013
I had not read any books by Fiona Harper & I was delighted to receive this from a goodreads giveaway. The story follows two sisters who live very different lives and decide to swap Christmases. Told with warmth and humour, I read and enjoyed this book in no time at all and it certainly got me right into the Christmas spirit.
January 14, 2014
Really loved reading this book over Christmas and New Year. The warring sisters were great and the two seperate stories had me cringing and laughing at the same time. Loved the unexpected twist in the tale for Juliet and definitely loved the end!
January 5, 2014
A poignant, thought-provoking and highly compelling tale which I couldn’t bear to put down, Fiona Harper’s mainstream debut novel, Make My Wish Come True, is simply outstanding!
Juliet and Gemma might be sisters, but they are as different as chalk and cheese. Juliet has always been the sensible, responsible and uptight sibling, whereas Gemma is the laid-back free spirit who lives out of a suitcase. With the festive season fast approaching, Juliet’s organisational skills are out in force, as she has been planning Christmas day with military precision for months. With gifts to buy, Christmas lunch to prepare and her kids’ packed social schedule to juggle, every single minute of the big day is accounted for. Gemma, on the other hand, is trying to muster up the courage to tell her big sister that she will be spending the holiday season sunning herself in an exclusive resort in St. Lucia…
When she hears of her younger sister’s plan to spend Christmas on a sandy beach in the Caribbean, Juliet is absolutely livid. All her carefully and meticulously laid plans have been thrown into disarray by her selfish sister yet again. Nobody seems to appreciate the sacrifices and compromises which she makes to ensure that everyone has the perfect Christmas, so when a sisterly squabble compels Gemma to tell her sister to go to St. Lucia in her place, a stressed- out Juliet decides to take her up on her offer. With Gemma promising to look after her kids, Juliet packs her bags and leaves Tunbridge Wells behind for the warm Caribbean sun. For the first time in ages, Juliet can look forward to a relaxing Christmas where the only thing she’s got to worry about is topping up her suntan lotion. Things soon begin to look up for the single mum when she meets good-looking Italian travel writer Marco. After her husband had left her, Juliet’s self-confidence had taken quite a battering. Will sensible Juliet shake off the shackles of responsibility and indulge in a no-strings affair with a gorgeous Italian hunk under the sizzling Caribbean sun?
Assistant director Gemma spends her entire working life looking after highly strung actors and dealing with the many temper tantrums thrown by diva directors, so organizing Christmas for her four nieces and nephews should be a walk in the park. However, the more time Gemma spends walking in her sister’s shoes, the more she realizes how little she appreciates all that Juliet does for their family. Determined not to let her sister down, Gemma sets out to give her nephews and nieces a Christmas they will never forget. Luckily for her, Juliet’s gorgeous neighbor Will is always available to give her a helping hand…
Juliet and Gemma have spent their entire life at loggerheads, but will this Christmas be the time where they will re-evaluate their relationship and let bygones be bygones? Or will they continue to let past resentments and old wounds come between them?
Make My Wish Come True is an enjoyable, moving and witty tale about families, the ties that bind, unexpected blessings and the magic of Christmas that will tug at your heartstrings, make you smile and make you ponder your relationship with the people who matter to you most! Fiona Harper has penned a believable and realistic novel about the everyday struggle for perfection, the constant pressures of suburban life and the fear of failing that will strike a chord with women everywhere.
Juliet and Gemma were richly drawn and exquisitely rendered characters that were easy to relate to. In Make My Wish Come True, Fiona Harper takes these two very different characters on a journey of healing and self-discovery that is emotional, heartrending, funny and credible.
Fiona Harper has outdone herself with Make My Wish Come True, a first-class read that’s got winner written all over it!
This review was originally published on Single Titles.
Juliet and Gemma might be sisters, but they are as different as chalk and cheese. Juliet has always been the sensible, responsible and uptight sibling, whereas Gemma is the laid-back free spirit who lives out of a suitcase. With the festive season fast approaching, Juliet’s organisational skills are out in force, as she has been planning Christmas day with military precision for months. With gifts to buy, Christmas lunch to prepare and her kids’ packed social schedule to juggle, every single minute of the big day is accounted for. Gemma, on the other hand, is trying to muster up the courage to tell her big sister that she will be spending the holiday season sunning herself in an exclusive resort in St. Lucia…
When she hears of her younger sister’s plan to spend Christmas on a sandy beach in the Caribbean, Juliet is absolutely livid. All her carefully and meticulously laid plans have been thrown into disarray by her selfish sister yet again. Nobody seems to appreciate the sacrifices and compromises which she makes to ensure that everyone has the perfect Christmas, so when a sisterly squabble compels Gemma to tell her sister to go to St. Lucia in her place, a stressed- out Juliet decides to take her up on her offer. With Gemma promising to look after her kids, Juliet packs her bags and leaves Tunbridge Wells behind for the warm Caribbean sun. For the first time in ages, Juliet can look forward to a relaxing Christmas where the only thing she’s got to worry about is topping up her suntan lotion. Things soon begin to look up for the single mum when she meets good-looking Italian travel writer Marco. After her husband had left her, Juliet’s self-confidence had taken quite a battering. Will sensible Juliet shake off the shackles of responsibility and indulge in a no-strings affair with a gorgeous Italian hunk under the sizzling Caribbean sun?
Assistant director Gemma spends her entire working life looking after highly strung actors and dealing with the many temper tantrums thrown by diva directors, so organizing Christmas for her four nieces and nephews should be a walk in the park. However, the more time Gemma spends walking in her sister’s shoes, the more she realizes how little she appreciates all that Juliet does for their family. Determined not to let her sister down, Gemma sets out to give her nephews and nieces a Christmas they will never forget. Luckily for her, Juliet’s gorgeous neighbor Will is always available to give her a helping hand…
Juliet and Gemma have spent their entire life at loggerheads, but will this Christmas be the time where they will re-evaluate their relationship and let bygones be bygones? Or will they continue to let past resentments and old wounds come between them?
Make My Wish Come True is an enjoyable, moving and witty tale about families, the ties that bind, unexpected blessings and the magic of Christmas that will tug at your heartstrings, make you smile and make you ponder your relationship with the people who matter to you most! Fiona Harper has penned a believable and realistic novel about the everyday struggle for perfection, the constant pressures of suburban life and the fear of failing that will strike a chord with women everywhere.
Juliet and Gemma were richly drawn and exquisitely rendered characters that were easy to relate to. In Make My Wish Come True, Fiona Harper takes these two very different characters on a journey of healing and self-discovery that is emotional, heartrending, funny and credible.
Fiona Harper has outdone herself with Make My Wish Come True, a first-class read that’s got winner written all over it!
This review was originally published on Single Titles.
December 6, 2013
Review originally published on my blog:
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
I was very pleasantly surprised by Fiona Harper's Make My Wish Come True. I admit that initially when I was offered a review copy I felt a bit sceptical as I wrongly assumed that a novel published by Mills & Boon would always be a smut or erotica read. And while there is nothing wrong with that, it isn't what I generally enjoy reading myself. So I was ready to decline the kind offer, until I read the book's blurb and saw its enticing festive cover (I adore Christmas, so festive books are pretty much my favourite thing in the world), which made it sound much more like a chick lit novel and right up my alley - and I am very glad I gave this book a go!
Fairly recently I read Jane Green's excellent novel Life Swap and the premise to Make My Wish Come True rang very similar, even if in this case it's two sisters swapping lives and not two strangers. It's always so easy to believe that the grass is greener on the other side when you're swamped down by the problems in your own hectic life but when experiencing the other person's day to day routine, as both Gemma and Juliet get the chance to do, it not only shows that perhaps the other side isn't quite as perfect as you think it is, but it also gives the sisters some much-needed perspective on their own actions. The sisters have a very forced relationship and by not being able to get past old issues and misconceptions this doesn't ever get a chance to change, until they step into each other's shoes and for the first time can see what it's like to be on the other of the accusations.
Both Gemma and Juliet were well-rounded characters who became very real people with each page that I turned. As the story progressed I became more and more invested in their lives and the burdens they've been carrying with them for so long. Juliet's children were a joy to read about; the sullen teenager Violet who perhaps felt more responsibility than she should have on her young shoulders, the incredibly wise Polly who usually sounded like a 40-year-old instead of the 10-year-old she is, and the young twins boys who brought some much-needed joy and mischief into the house. And let's not forget Will, the gentleman neighbour who is quite a dish to look at too, I wouldn't mind having a neighbour like that myself!
Despite being a fairly light and flirty read for the most part, the sisterly relationship was quite intense at times and as the story unfolded and secrets unraveled some of the revelations made it a heart-breaking and though-provoking novel too. Thankfully the Christmas setting also added a lot of warmth to the story and author Fiona Harper truly managed to paint that hectic but oh so wonderful atmosphere that goes hand in hand with crazy Christmas cooking schedules and eclectic gatherings of friends and family members who under any other circumstance would have been unable to spend more than a few minutes in the same room.
Harper describes the complicated family dynamics central to the story with a lot of heart, and with her witty writing style she also adds a charm which turns a novel which could so easily have been too intense or dull, into something engaging and heartfelt. And after reading Make My Wish Come True I'm not only very keen to check out one of her other books, but she's also single-handedly changed my perspective on Mills & Boons novels, which are definitely worth checking out - even if, like me, you're not a big reader of their more traditional romantic titles.
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
I was very pleasantly surprised by Fiona Harper's Make My Wish Come True. I admit that initially when I was offered a review copy I felt a bit sceptical as I wrongly assumed that a novel published by Mills & Boon would always be a smut or erotica read. And while there is nothing wrong with that, it isn't what I generally enjoy reading myself. So I was ready to decline the kind offer, until I read the book's blurb and saw its enticing festive cover (I adore Christmas, so festive books are pretty much my favourite thing in the world), which made it sound much more like a chick lit novel and right up my alley - and I am very glad I gave this book a go!
Fairly recently I read Jane Green's excellent novel Life Swap and the premise to Make My Wish Come True rang very similar, even if in this case it's two sisters swapping lives and not two strangers. It's always so easy to believe that the grass is greener on the other side when you're swamped down by the problems in your own hectic life but when experiencing the other person's day to day routine, as both Gemma and Juliet get the chance to do, it not only shows that perhaps the other side isn't quite as perfect as you think it is, but it also gives the sisters some much-needed perspective on their own actions. The sisters have a very forced relationship and by not being able to get past old issues and misconceptions this doesn't ever get a chance to change, until they step into each other's shoes and for the first time can see what it's like to be on the other of the accusations.
Both Gemma and Juliet were well-rounded characters who became very real people with each page that I turned. As the story progressed I became more and more invested in their lives and the burdens they've been carrying with them for so long. Juliet's children were a joy to read about; the sullen teenager Violet who perhaps felt more responsibility than she should have on her young shoulders, the incredibly wise Polly who usually sounded like a 40-year-old instead of the 10-year-old she is, and the young twins boys who brought some much-needed joy and mischief into the house. And let's not forget Will, the gentleman neighbour who is quite a dish to look at too, I wouldn't mind having a neighbour like that myself!
Despite being a fairly light and flirty read for the most part, the sisterly relationship was quite intense at times and as the story unfolded and secrets unraveled some of the revelations made it a heart-breaking and though-provoking novel too. Thankfully the Christmas setting also added a lot of warmth to the story and author Fiona Harper truly managed to paint that hectic but oh so wonderful atmosphere that goes hand in hand with crazy Christmas cooking schedules and eclectic gatherings of friends and family members who under any other circumstance would have been unable to spend more than a few minutes in the same room.
Harper describes the complicated family dynamics central to the story with a lot of heart, and with her witty writing style she also adds a charm which turns a novel which could so easily have been too intense or dull, into something engaging and heartfelt. And after reading Make My Wish Come True I'm not only very keen to check out one of her other books, but she's also single-handedly changed my perspective on Mills & Boons novels, which are definitely worth checking out - even if, like me, you're not a big reader of their more traditional romantic titles.
January 5, 2015
A classic, feel-good holiday read that reminded me a little of the film The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. Except that this time, the holiday swap is between two sisters who have a lot of unresolved issues linked to their childhood. Oh, and there are four incredibly vivacious children to be dealt with too. And a missing turkey.
I really liked the idea behind this story, and I loved seeing how these two completely different sisters managed to use the holiday swap as a way to step into each other's shoes. As the story delves deep into the thought processes of both Juliet and Gemma, it was really interesting to see what they thought of one another, and how their past influenced the way each of them interpreted the other's actions and decisions, but also how their different interpretation and memories of their childhood became incredibly relevant in their present relationship. I loved the characters, especially Juliet and Gemma. I found them so realistic, with all their flaws and fears. They weren't afraid to question themselves, but they were also funny and witty, and left me giggling more than once. Oh, and the St Lucia setting was just gorgeous! Many times I wished I, too, like Juliet could be tanning and bathing in those blue waters.
Overall, this was a pretty good read. It was very entertaining and uplifting, a classic feel-good holiday novel. It didn't turn my world around, and some things certainly left me wanting, but it definitely gave me a few pleasant reading hours.
Originally posted on Book For Thought.
I really liked the idea behind this story, and I loved seeing how these two completely different sisters managed to use the holiday swap as a way to step into each other's shoes. As the story delves deep into the thought processes of both Juliet and Gemma, it was really interesting to see what they thought of one another, and how their past influenced the way each of them interpreted the other's actions and decisions, but also how their different interpretation and memories of their childhood became incredibly relevant in their present relationship. I loved the characters, especially Juliet and Gemma. I found them so realistic, with all their flaws and fears. They weren't afraid to question themselves, but they were also funny and witty, and left me giggling more than once. Oh, and the St Lucia setting was just gorgeous! Many times I wished I, too, like Juliet could be tanning and bathing in those blue waters.
Overall, this was a pretty good read. It was very entertaining and uplifting, a classic feel-good holiday novel. It didn't turn my world around, and some things certainly left me wanting, but it definitely gave me a few pleasant reading hours.
Originally posted on Book For Thought.
January 9, 2014
This was a lovely book to read on Boxing Day, although it would work equally well any time you wanted to curl up with something rather heart-warming. Juliet and Gemma work really well as siblings with very different experiences of the same family Christmases when they were growing up. Juliet, anxious to protect her younger sister from a disastrous Christmas as a teenager, continues her obsession with perfection into adulthood. Gemma, always aware that something wasn't right about those supposedly perfect Christmases Juliet was putting on for her, just wants to get as far away from it all as possible. Then there's an almighty row when Gemma announces that once again she won't be helping – or even visiting – Juliet's family at Christmas, a row which is ultimately resolved by the pair swapping places. Juliet has left Gemma a notebook with all the details of what needs done when, so how hard can it be? Assuming, of course that the right boxes – and only the right boxes – have been ticked on each day's page.
This was a fun story from start to finish, although I did feel that Juliet's happy ending could have done with more foreshadowing, and . One to reread for definite, though.
This was a fun story from start to finish, although I did feel that Juliet's happy ending could have done with more foreshadowing, and . One to reread for definite, though.
September 17, 2014
I really enjoyed this story about two sisters, Gemma and Juliet, who “swap” Christmases. Juliet goes on an all inclusive two week villa holiday in St Lucia whilst Gemma looks after Juliet’s four children and gives them, and other members of their family, the “perfect Christmas” that Juliet always strives to produce.
The sisters are total opposites, Gemma is a career girl working in the film industry whilst Juliet is a stay at home single mum and during the book they each learn about some home truths about themselves and each other. Both characters are extremely likeable but I suspect most readers, depending on their circumstances, will identify more with one sister than the other. As a mum myself. I really rooted for Juliet.
The story moves at a good pace and there is always something going on. I loved the descriptions of St Lucia, the author makes it sound like paradise on earth and now I would dearly love to go there. There are a few twists and turns in the storyline and it is not as predictable as you might think as the author has a couple of surprises in store for the reader.
To sum up, this is a really enjoyable read, at times moving and thought provoking and then making me giggle on the next page and one which has put me right in the mood for Christmas.
The sisters are total opposites, Gemma is a career girl working in the film industry whilst Juliet is a stay at home single mum and during the book they each learn about some home truths about themselves and each other. Both characters are extremely likeable but I suspect most readers, depending on their circumstances, will identify more with one sister than the other. As a mum myself. I really rooted for Juliet.
The story moves at a good pace and there is always something going on. I loved the descriptions of St Lucia, the author makes it sound like paradise on earth and now I would dearly love to go there. There are a few twists and turns in the storyline and it is not as predictable as you might think as the author has a couple of surprises in store for the reader.
To sum up, this is a really enjoyable read, at times moving and thought provoking and then making me giggle on the next page and one which has put me right in the mood for Christmas.
August 15, 2014
I won this book as part of the GoodReads Free Giveaway.
This is the tale of two sisters, Gemma and Juliet, who couldn’t be anymore different. With the perfect mix of humour and tenderness; this has all the makings of a perfect Summer/Christmas Holiday read. I found this book a pleasant surprise, I couldn’t put this book down and was dying to find out what would happen to both the sisters and their potential love interests. This is a book about family and the way we perceive them. I would rate this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
This is the tale of two sisters, Gemma and Juliet, who couldn’t be anymore different. With the perfect mix of humour and tenderness; this has all the makings of a perfect Summer/Christmas Holiday read. I found this book a pleasant surprise, I couldn’t put this book down and was dying to find out what would happen to both the sisters and their potential love interests. This is a book about family and the way we perceive them. I would rate this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
October 2, 2014
Fiona Harper is such a brilliant author, she writes with such enthusiasm that I can never get enough of her books. This book is about two sisters who decided to swap holidays for Christmas, I know it isn't Christmas just yet but decided to read it anyway and I am glad I did. The story is an enjoyable one that focuses on families, Fiona has a way of writing where you think about the people who are close to you and what matters the most.The cover of this book drew me towards it as it is really pretty.A heart warming story that you will love even if it isn't Christmas.
October 24, 2013
A wonderful holiday read! With shades of "The Holiday" in the Christmas swap, I loved watching Juliet and Gemma out of their comfort zones and gaining new insights into themselves and each other. The characters were wonderfully well-rounded and relatable, and the children had their own distinct personalities and quirks. Add in a good dollop of romance and holiday cheer... and you've got a recipe for a book I couldn't put down.
February 13, 2014
I read this book on the run up to Christmas, the story of two sisters Gemma and Juliet. In the mix of their busy lives they stop appreciating the pressures each other are under. It was a lovely read during the Christmas holidays and added to the joy of being home with the family and appreciating what and who you have.
January 31, 2014
Really enjoyed this book fastest I ve ever read a book !
December 4, 2019
C'est une très jolie histoire , parfaite en effet pour se mettre dans l'ambiance de l'hiver qui commence ^^ c'est léger, agréable à lire et très bien écrit je trouve, une belle découverte.
October 29, 2019
Great festive read but also interesting dynamic between two sisters, this story delves into how different perspectives on childhood can shape us and damage us, well written, likeable characters, predictable plot but enjoyed it
December 18, 2022
Une jolie romance de Noël, avec deux soeurs complètement différentes, des secrets de famille, des enfants adorables... Bref j'ai adoré !
December 31, 2017
I adored this Christmas read about two sisters with very different lives. It reminded me a bit of The Holiday which is one of my top movies of all time.
December 29, 2017
This was a nice little seasonal read, although throughout the whole book there are words missing from sentences which made it a pretty irritating reading experience for me, hence it only gets 3* from the Kelly jury, I'm afraid.
The story isn't as obvious as I'd expected, there were some surprises I was pleased to read. I liked both the sisters although they're both very differing personalities. Even the kids were nice characters and I don't "do" kids as a rule !!
I found it odd every chapter was preceded by an ampersand !! It was strange that Will was cutting grass a couple of weeks before Christmas, too !!
The dropped words from sentences kicked in at 9% with "She knew he had a fondness sweet things" then "...felt as if she was in trance", ".....through which she could spy spacious en-suite bathroom,"etc.
A couple of times she used for instead of from as well-that was odd. "....wrest the prize for his brother's sticky fingers" and "...until she'd got a message for her friend Abby". Surely any reasonable proofreader ought to have spotted these mistakes if I can !!
She lost commas here and there where they were sorely needed, too and cannon isn't spelled as canon. Resemble was used when it should've been resembling, the was used and not that and this sentence was clearly wrong-"She wanted to drink in the sight of him in". The was used where their should be and the following annoyed me a lot-she wrote "Boy, had been wrong" and I noted the lack of she in the sentence only to read the following "....but she her eyes must have given her away" !!! And there it was, plonked into the next sentence. Sigh......
The presentation issues in this would put me off reaching to download another by her in a hurry.
The story isn't as obvious as I'd expected, there were some surprises I was pleased to read. I liked both the sisters although they're both very differing personalities. Even the kids were nice characters and I don't "do" kids as a rule !!
I found it odd every chapter was preceded by an ampersand !! It was strange that Will was cutting grass a couple of weeks before Christmas, too !!
The dropped words from sentences kicked in at 9% with "She knew he had a fondness sweet things" then "...felt as if she was in trance", ".....through which she could spy spacious en-suite bathroom,"etc.
A couple of times she used for instead of from as well-that was odd. "....wrest the prize for his brother's sticky fingers" and "...until she'd got a message for her friend Abby". Surely any reasonable proofreader ought to have spotted these mistakes if I can !!
She lost commas here and there where they were sorely needed, too and cannon isn't spelled as canon. Resemble was used when it should've been resembling, the was used and not that and this sentence was clearly wrong-"She wanted to drink in the sight of him in". The was used where their should be and the following annoyed me a lot-she wrote "Boy, had been wrong" and I noted the lack of she in the sentence only to read the following "....but she her eyes must have given her away" !!! And there it was, plonked into the next sentence. Sigh......
The presentation issues in this would put me off reaching to download another by her in a hurry.
December 13, 2019
À l'approche des fêtes de Noël, Juliet frôle la crise de nerfs à vouloir assurer sur tous les tableaux - mère parfaite, organisatrice irréprochable du réveillon de famille - mais est à deux doigts de jeter l'éponge en constatant que rien ne se passe comme prévu. D'abord, ses quatre enfants sont intenables. Elle ressasse encore son divorce comme une pilule amère coincée en travers de la gorge. Et sa sœur Gemma vient lui annoncer qu'elle part quinze jours en vacances dans les Caraïbes.
Trop, c'est trop. Juliet en a assez de se décarcasser pour les autres et accepte sur un coup de tête d'échanger sa place contre celle de sa frangine ! Du coup, Juliet s'envole pour la villa tout confort et oublie rapidement ses petits soucis en faisant la rencontre d'un italien sexy et en buvant des cocktails en bikini. Pendant ce temps, Gemma se gèle les fesses à Tunbridge Wells et va découvrir les joies d'une vie de mère au foyer débordée... heureusement soutenue par un charmant voisin.
Je m'attendais à une comédie légère et romantique, une lecture sans prétention, distrayante comme il faut, avec un synopsis rappelant vaguement le film The Holiday (de Nancy Meyers). Et déjà je rêvais d'un instant de guimauve bien collante et sucrée... Que nenni. On découvre une histoire beaucoup moins rigolote et qui se contente de raconter le gouffre existant entre les deux sœurs dont les parcours sont diamétralement opposés.
L'une bosse dans le cinéma, célibataire et indépendante, adepte du glamour, et l'autre est une divorcée aigrie, frustrée et minée par ses échecs. Cela dure sur 400 pages et c'est beaucoup, beaucoup trop long. Cela manque de rythme, de peps, d'étincelle. C'est trop ancré dans les clichés, les codes, les modes, les recettes banales et sans goût. La seule surprise viendra lors de la distribution des cartes amoureuses, avec des révélations et des rebondissements qui feront presque sursauter la lectrice engourdie. Rhooo... quelle drôle d'idée !
Enfin bon, le but de la manœuvre étant de remettre en mémoire l'importance de la famille dans une société sans cesse bousculée et essoufflée, j'ai comme eu un peu de mal à gober tout ça... mais pourquoi pas ? *** 3.5 stars ***
Trop, c'est trop. Juliet en a assez de se décarcasser pour les autres et accepte sur un coup de tête d'échanger sa place contre celle de sa frangine ! Du coup, Juliet s'envole pour la villa tout confort et oublie rapidement ses petits soucis en faisant la rencontre d'un italien sexy et en buvant des cocktails en bikini. Pendant ce temps, Gemma se gèle les fesses à Tunbridge Wells et va découvrir les joies d'une vie de mère au foyer débordée... heureusement soutenue par un charmant voisin.
Je m'attendais à une comédie légère et romantique, une lecture sans prétention, distrayante comme il faut, avec un synopsis rappelant vaguement le film The Holiday (de Nancy Meyers). Et déjà je rêvais d'un instant de guimauve bien collante et sucrée... Que nenni. On découvre une histoire beaucoup moins rigolote et qui se contente de raconter le gouffre existant entre les deux sœurs dont les parcours sont diamétralement opposés.
L'une bosse dans le cinéma, célibataire et indépendante, adepte du glamour, et l'autre est une divorcée aigrie, frustrée et minée par ses échecs. Cela dure sur 400 pages et c'est beaucoup, beaucoup trop long. Cela manque de rythme, de peps, d'étincelle. C'est trop ancré dans les clichés, les codes, les modes, les recettes banales et sans goût. La seule surprise viendra lors de la distribution des cartes amoureuses, avec des révélations et des rebondissements qui feront presque sursauter la lectrice engourdie. Rhooo... quelle drôle d'idée !
Enfin bon, le but de la manœuvre étant de remettre en mémoire l'importance de la famille dans une société sans cesse bousculée et essoufflée, j'ai comme eu un peu de mal à gober tout ça... mais pourquoi pas ? *** 3.5 stars ***
October 30, 2013
This is the perfect read for a little contemplation about family and the way we perceive them and perhaps how we fail to understand how we are perceived by others. The thought behind the story fits well with the Xmas centred plot.
Two sisters who couldn't be more different even if they tried. Juliet is a mother to four with an ex husband and. She lives and plans each day with detailed minutiae of a mathematician solving a quantum physics problem.
Her sister Gemma is the younger and more carefree of the two. Not bound by husband or child, she roams the world and leaves the details of family life to her elder sibling.
Not surprisingly neither one understands the needs, dreams and character of the other very well.
As is often the case with older siblings, Juliet has kept certain events from her sister to keep her safe and free to live her life without the burden of the past.
In difficult family situations the eldest often takes on the role as the pseudo-parent when the actual parents are unable to care for their children or they are unaware of how their behaviour is affecting their children. Juliet sees herself as that stand-in parent but at the same time wants to be acknowledged for the child she actually is.
When you take over part of the adult role in the family dynamics people tend to expect more from you. Somewhere in the midst of that the child in the situation loses out on a part of their childhood.
So it is no wonder that Juliet has trouble breaking a habit of a lifetime. She still tries to mother her sister and to make it right for everyone around her. That sounds good in theory but in practice everyone has their breaking point.
That breaking point is at the heart of this story and how the family copes with it.
I liked the fact that Harper didn't end the book with sugar, spice and all things nice. She managed to leave the reader with a sense of contentment and at the same time kept it realistic.
A very good read.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher Harlequin UK and Mills & Boon.
Two sisters who couldn't be more different even if they tried. Juliet is a mother to four with an ex husband and. She lives and plans each day with detailed minutiae of a mathematician solving a quantum physics problem.
Her sister Gemma is the younger and more carefree of the two. Not bound by husband or child, she roams the world and leaves the details of family life to her elder sibling.
Not surprisingly neither one understands the needs, dreams and character of the other very well.
As is often the case with older siblings, Juliet has kept certain events from her sister to keep her safe and free to live her life without the burden of the past.
In difficult family situations the eldest often takes on the role as the pseudo-parent when the actual parents are unable to care for their children or they are unaware of how their behaviour is affecting their children. Juliet sees herself as that stand-in parent but at the same time wants to be acknowledged for the child she actually is.
When you take over part of the adult role in the family dynamics people tend to expect more from you. Somewhere in the midst of that the child in the situation loses out on a part of their childhood.
So it is no wonder that Juliet has trouble breaking a habit of a lifetime. She still tries to mother her sister and to make it right for everyone around her. That sounds good in theory but in practice everyone has their breaking point.
That breaking point is at the heart of this story and how the family copes with it.
I liked the fact that Harper didn't end the book with sugar, spice and all things nice. She managed to leave the reader with a sense of contentment and at the same time kept it realistic.
A very good read.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher Harlequin UK and Mills & Boon.
December 22, 2014
I had only glanced at the premise when I request this book and if I had studied it more closely I probably wouldn't have requested it. Going in I didn't have high hopes for the actual premise. How could it possible be set up and not just seem silly? But it worked. It made sense why Gemma came up with the idea and it made sense while Juliet took her up on it. I loved both Juliet and Gemma. They were both flawed and had real issues with each other and it was interesting to watch them both figure themselves and each other out. There wasn't a lightbulb moment where they each realized that the other sister's life was more difficult than they had given them credit for and everything was fixed. It slowly evolved and they began to understand why the other acted the way they did. I really identified with both sisters and I really wanted them to work through their issues.
The romance in this is a subplot at best and really I could have done without it. One had red flags popping up from the beginning and the other had an ick factor though it does get resolved. While I really liked Juliet the parts from her perspective did tend to drag a bit. Partly because at the beginning of her vacation she wasn't doing much other than figuring out how to do nothing.
This was an interesting read about sisters with lots of baggage learning to get past it and rebuild a relationship with each other. It also is about two women getting a better grip on who they are as people. If you're reading this book for those reasons I think you'll really enjoy it. If you're reading it as a Christmas romance I think you'd be disappointed.
Full review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
The romance in this is a subplot at best and really I could have done without it. One had red flags popping up from the beginning and the other had an ick factor though it does get resolved. While I really liked Juliet the parts from her perspective did tend to drag a bit. Partly because at the beginning of her vacation she wasn't doing much other than figuring out how to do nothing.
This was an interesting read about sisters with lots of baggage learning to get past it and rebuild a relationship with each other. It also is about two women getting a better grip on who they are as people. If you're reading this book for those reasons I think you'll really enjoy it. If you're reading it as a Christmas romance I think you'd be disappointed.
Full review: http://iwishilivedinalibrary.blogspot...
November 19, 2013
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Being a fan of Fiona Harper's books I managed to put my kindle down for the first time in almost 3 years and read a paperback.
The two sisters, Juliet and Gemma are both very different. Juliet being a super-organised, everything must be perfect, list-making single mum and Gemma is single and carefree without realising how her actions affect her older sister.
After a feud over Gemma booking a holiday over Christmas when she should be home helping Juliet the two sisters agree to swap places. Juliet takes off on her holiday for one to St Lucia, meeting up with a handsome Italian in the next villa. Gemma is left at home coping with looking after the four children and entertaining Juliet's guests for Christmas. Will, the guy next door, helps Juliet by keeping an eye on things, much to Gemma's annoyance at first. The sisters soon develop a better understanding of each other over the course of their swapped lives.
I really enjoyed this story, which does leave you with a lovely warm and fuzzy Christmassy feeling. Definitely a book for curling up on a cold winter's night with.
The two sisters, Juliet and Gemma are both very different. Juliet being a super-organised, everything must be perfect, list-making single mum and Gemma is single and carefree without realising how her actions affect her older sister.
After a feud over Gemma booking a holiday over Christmas when she should be home helping Juliet the two sisters agree to swap places. Juliet takes off on her holiday for one to St Lucia, meeting up with a handsome Italian in the next villa. Gemma is left at home coping with looking after the four children and entertaining Juliet's guests for Christmas. Will, the guy next door, helps Juliet by keeping an eye on things, much to Gemma's annoyance at first. The sisters soon develop a better understanding of each other over the course of their swapped lives.
I really enjoyed this story, which does leave you with a lovely warm and fuzzy Christmassy feeling. Definitely a book for curling up on a cold winter's night with.
January 26, 2014
3.5 Stars
Juliet, with her four kids and not-so-recent divorce, has always been crazy about making Christmas perfect. Gemma, on the other had, with no familial responsibilities, decides to run way to a Caribbean trip to escape her sister's "craziness." Juliet snaps, and Gemma offers to 'Christmas swap'. Gemma will take care of the kids, while Juliet will relax away to a summer Christmas.
Seems familiar, like the movie The Holiday? Not exactly. I thought it would more or less have the same plot, but it didn't. If you're looking for the usual love stories, you'll be a little disappointed. Sure, there was a bit of a romantic relationship, but it wasn't what the book was about. It was about two sisters finding their way back together, after losing it with too many years of misunderstanding.
As usual, kids make the story more entertaining, and sometimes I wonder if that's true in real life. Hahaha!
Note/Realization: Happy endings doesn't always happen the way we think they will. What's important is that's it's happy. :)
Juliet, with her four kids and not-so-recent divorce, has always been crazy about making Christmas perfect. Gemma, on the other had, with no familial responsibilities, decides to run way to a Caribbean trip to escape her sister's "craziness." Juliet snaps, and Gemma offers to 'Christmas swap'. Gemma will take care of the kids, while Juliet will relax away to a summer Christmas.
Seems familiar, like the movie The Holiday? Not exactly. I thought it would more or less have the same plot, but it didn't. If you're looking for the usual love stories, you'll be a little disappointed. Sure, there was a bit of a romantic relationship, but it wasn't what the book was about. It was about two sisters finding their way back together, after losing it with too many years of misunderstanding.
As usual, kids make the story more entertaining, and sometimes I wonder if that's true in real life. Hahaha!
Note/Realization: Happy endings doesn't always happen the way we think they will. What's important is that's it's happy. :)
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