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Wishes #2.5
Sand Jewels
Gabrielle Décarie was over arrogant men – but that didn’t mean she couldn’t have a little fun with one.
When she took a chance on Alex Blake, it was supposed to be a one-night deal.
He was too cocky, too flirty and too complicated.
Sand Jewels is the story of why she fell madly in love with him anyway.
When she took a chance on Alex Blake, it was supposed to be a one-night deal.
He was too cocky, too flirty and too complicated.
Sand Jewels is the story of why she fell madly in love with him anyway.
81 pages, ebook
First published October 12, 2013
26 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
About the author
G.J. Walker-Smith
17 books832 followersWife, mother, writer, wanderer.
Author of the YA novels, The Wishes Series.
Saving Wishes - iBooks Breakout Book Of The Year (AUS/NZ)
https://www.facebook.com/gjwalkersmith
Author of the YA novels, The Wishes Series.
Saving Wishes - iBooks Breakout Book Of The Year (AUS/NZ)
https://www.facebook.com/gjwalkersmith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 13, 2013
As found on: book-boyfriends
So, I don't even know where to start that review. Not because the novella (hell, other people call that two books) wasn't good, but because it was one of the most amazing things I've ever read. I have to say that for me it's hard by now to find words that I hadn't used yet to describe all the amazing things Gemma fabricates. I love her characters, love her places and most of all, I love her writing-style.
People that know me and my reviews know that I'm an Alex-girl front and center. I was smitten by him right from the beginning and it's so great to see the other side of it.
I am not a fan of Gabi's though. Never was, probably never will be. Yeah, I'm obsessed with books and in this one Gabi makes me jealous. She has Alex. I don't. Easy math, I have to hate her. This book though changed my view on her. I still don't like her that much - but I love how well she is for Alex.
And that's all I wanna say about her (I am sorry, I don't like her. *goes into her corner and pouts*)
The novella (I still call it book) kept me occupied right from the beginning and it was just right. I know Gemma said she wrote it as a thank you for us, her readers, but to be honest, I feel like thanking her!
Sand Jewels is a must-read for everyone who knows that true beauty can only lie in the right words.
So... Thank you, Gemma, for Alex, for Piper's Cove and for making us want to be saving wishes.
So, I don't even know where to start that review. Not because the novella (hell, other people call that two books) wasn't good, but because it was one of the most amazing things I've ever read. I have to say that for me it's hard by now to find words that I hadn't used yet to describe all the amazing things Gemma fabricates. I love her characters, love her places and most of all, I love her writing-style.
People that know me and my reviews know that I'm an Alex-girl front and center. I was smitten by him right from the beginning and it's so great to see the other side of it.
I am not a fan of Gabi's though. Never was, probably never will be. Yeah, I'm obsessed with books and in this one Gabi makes me jealous. She has Alex. I don't. Easy math, I have to hate her. This book though changed my view on her. I still don't like her that much - but I love how well she is for Alex.
And that's all I wanna say about her (I am sorry, I don't like her. *goes into her corner and pouts*)
The novella (I still call it book) kept me occupied right from the beginning and it was just right. I know Gemma said she wrote it as a thank you for us, her readers, but to be honest, I feel like thanking her!
Sand Jewels is a must-read for everyone who knows that true beauty can only lie in the right words.
So... Thank you, Gemma, for Alex, for Piper's Cove and for making us want to be saving wishes.
November 1, 2013
Young Charli Blake, at sixteen years of age, was the usual rebellious teenager, and hated school. She particularly hated her French class, run by teacher Gabrielle Décarie. On parent/teacher night, Gabrielle was determined to tell Charli’s brother, Alex Blake, what she thought of Charli and try to enlist his help to get Charli to co-operate in class, hand in her assignments and generally learn her French. But Alex was extremely laid back; if Charli could read and spell, plus add up, he wasn’t going to be stressed about her learning French. Gabrielle was so frustrated, when Alex said he would have Charli hand in her outstanding assignments on Monday, she agreed to a date with him. Only a deal for one night though!
And so began the relationship between Gabs and Alex; the one night deal stretched on for longer and longer – fascinated by him, enamoured by him, she couldn’t seem to get enough of him. When the magical tale of the Sand Jewels was woven over Gabs by Alex, the story of fairies entranced her. Was theirs a relationship which would last? The complications seemed to be there daily, never seeming to lessen at all – was it worth Gabrielle joining Alex in La La Land?
What an absolutely delightful short story – this one fits nicely between book 2 and book 3 in the Wishes Series. You certainly couldn’t read it as a stand-alone, and having read the first two makes the characters seem like friends. Another fabulous journey into the lives of fairies by Aussie author G.J. Walker-Smith, one which I highly recommend.
And so began the relationship between Gabs and Alex; the one night deal stretched on for longer and longer – fascinated by him, enamoured by him, she couldn’t seem to get enough of him. When the magical tale of the Sand Jewels was woven over Gabs by Alex, the story of fairies entranced her. Was theirs a relationship which would last? The complications seemed to be there daily, never seeming to lessen at all – was it worth Gabrielle joining Alex in La La Land?
What an absolutely delightful short story – this one fits nicely between book 2 and book 3 in the Wishes Series. You certainly couldn’t read it as a stand-alone, and having read the first two makes the characters seem like friends. Another fabulous journey into the lives of fairies by Aussie author G.J. Walker-Smith, one which I highly recommend.
August 11, 2016
Big thanks to G.J. for an ARC copy.
I loved Gabrielle's character in the Wishes Series. So it was a special treat that G.J. gave Gabi to get her own novella. I was excited to see just how the romance between Alex and Gabi started, and oh was it beautiful. I felt that connection between the two of them, and it's here to stay.
"He lightly pressed his warm lips to mine. "You told me that art is beauty. You're my beauty and I love you." ~ Alex to Gabi
Alex Blake, I love you! That guy brings hot and charming to a whole new level. His love for Gabi, and his daughter Charli melt my heart like butter. It was wonderful to see where Charli gets her magic from. Reading this makes me very excited for Alex's book to come out. I am definitely cannot wait.
Review also posted at: http://jesstimetoread.blogspot.com
I loved Gabrielle's character in the Wishes Series. So it was a special treat that G.J. gave Gabi to get her own novella. I was excited to see just how the romance between Alex and Gabi started, and oh was it beautiful. I felt that connection between the two of them, and it's here to stay.
"He lightly pressed his warm lips to mine. "You told me that art is beauty. You're my beauty and I love you." ~ Alex to Gabi
Alex Blake, I love you! That guy brings hot and charming to a whole new level. His love for Gabi, and his daughter Charli melt my heart like butter. It was wonderful to see where Charli gets her magic from. Reading this makes me very excited for Alex's book to come out. I am definitely cannot wait.
Review also posted at: http://jesstimetoread.blogspot.com
October 29, 2013
This was a short and sweet story and exactly what I needed to kill a few hours in the morning.
This story is about Gabrielle and Alex. I have always loved Alex. Especially with the way he nurtured Charli. Gabrielle on the other hand has always struck me as snooty. Never really cared for her. This story however shows a different side of her, especially with her relationship with Alex. I really enjoyed reading this. It is a short story (63 pages on my mini) so I started and finished this this in one sitting.
I had actually forgotten some of the little details that were in this story and had to go back to the first book for more clarification. So I do suggest reading the first book at least to get a better idea of what is happening with Gabrielle and Alex's relationship. You could I guess read this as a stand alone but I wouldn't recommend it.
This story is about Gabrielle and Alex. I have always loved Alex. Especially with the way he nurtured Charli. Gabrielle on the other hand has always struck me as snooty. Never really cared for her. This story however shows a different side of her, especially with her relationship with Alex. I really enjoyed reading this. It is a short story (63 pages on my mini) so I started and finished this this in one sitting.
I had actually forgotten some of the little details that were in this story and had to go back to the first book for more clarification. So I do suggest reading the first book at least to get a better idea of what is happening with Gabrielle and Alex's relationship. You could I guess read this as a stand alone but I wouldn't recommend it.
October 5, 2015
Holy shhhhh-! Bloody hell, amazing AGAIN! Oh my word, Alex Blake *faints momentarily*. I now 100% blame G. J. Walker-Smith for my unrealistic expectations of what I now find myself wanting in a man. This a very, very- in my opinion, way-too-short- good prequel to Saving Wishes and explores the beginnings of Alex and Gabrielle's relationship. But why-oh-why could it not have been longer?? I want more Alex, please!
October 18, 2013
I received the eARC from the awesome author herself. Thanks sooooo much!
So, I know many of you will be a bit disappointed, just like I was, that Alex's story was wrapped up in a novella. *Sigh* Only 52 pages of awesomeness. I was going to cry when I saw this. I WANTED MORE, dang it!!! I can't have enough of Alex. Ever.
I can't have enough of his fabulous smile, or his ruffled surfer-dude look. Of his sweet character, of his love for Charli... It's simply not enough.
I'm glad this was written from Gabrielle's POV, because I didn't know much about her, her way of thinking... now I do. And I got to like her even more. It was nice seeing her feelings for Alex and Charli develop on a different scale.
But.
The way it ended. It made me want to start on Saving Wishes all over again!!!! I'm a sucker for this series. *sigh*
So, I know many of you will be a bit disappointed, just like I was, that Alex's story was wrapped up in a novella. *Sigh* Only 52 pages of awesomeness. I was going to cry when I saw this. I WANTED MORE, dang it!!! I can't have enough of Alex. Ever.
I can't have enough of his fabulous smile, or his ruffled surfer-dude look. Of his sweet character, of his love for Charli... It's simply not enough.
I'm glad this was written from Gabrielle's POV, because I didn't know much about her, her way of thinking... now I do. And I got to like her even more. It was nice seeing her feelings for Alex and Charli develop on a different scale.
But.
The way it ended. It made me want to start on Saving Wishes all over again!!!! I'm a sucker for this series. *sigh*
October 21, 2013
The only reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is I have a love/hate relationship with novellas. Mainly because I love everything about them over all, but hate the fact they aren't actual novels.
On the cover it says this book is 2.5 but it's really .5 since it happens before Saving Wishes. If I could go back it time I'd want to have read it in between the first book and the second book.
Since it's in Gabrielle's pov it really shows Charli as a little brat who gets in trouble and sucks at French a lot rather than a poor little girl who believes in fairies and sucks at French.
So all in all it was a great addition to the series and a major success. (Plus it was really sweet seeing Alex all flirty). But still, gotta love/hate those novellas.
On the cover it says this book is 2.5 but it's really .5 since it happens before Saving Wishes. If I could go back it time I'd want to have read it in between the first book and the second book.
Since it's in Gabrielle's pov it really shows Charli as a little brat who gets in trouble and sucks at French a lot rather than a poor little girl who believes in fairies and sucks at French.
So all in all it was a great addition to the series and a major success. (Plus it was really sweet seeing Alex all flirty). But still, gotta love/hate those novellas.
October 19, 2013
Funny, witty and completely brilliant but only read if you have read the others, It definitely will help in picturing the characters. Glad it was written as it was great to read gabs and Alex perspective when they were all secretive.
December 9, 2013
I have always loved Alex, this book just made me love him even more. It was so nice seeing Gabrielle's side of things. As usual GJ did a wonderful job with this novella. I just love her writing and can't help but love her characters.
October 20, 2013
Aah .. ♡ this was such a good little story!! I can't wait for the whole book of Alex!! (:
October 28, 2013
Such as sweet novell and simply a GREAT addition to the series! I LOVED to see their story unfold and it was such a beautiful thing to witness! THANK YOU!!!!!!
May 4, 2014
A cute read and a part of Alex I never saw : I can only say that I love !
January 2, 2017
Se i tre libri già letti hanno dato il lieto fine a una delle coppie più particolari e magiche dei romance, la ribelle serfista australiana Charly e l'aspirante avvocato di New York Adam, questa novella ci farà conoscere la storia fra Alex, fratello di Charly, e Gabrielle, cugina di Adam, nonchè insegnante di francese di Charly.
Chi ha avuto modo di leggere i tre libri precedenti conosce già l'esito di questa storia perchè in realtà questa novella non è altro che una sorta di prequel che si conclude con l'arrivo di Adam a Piper Cove. Ci spiega come Alex e la sua Gabs abbiano cominciato a frequentarsi e come sia sbocciato un bellissimo sentimento fra due persone così opposte.
Nonostante questa novella racconti vicende avvenute antecedentemente al primo libro se ne consiglia però la lettura solo dopo aver letto il secondo volume della serie, soprattutto perchè rivela un segreto che sarà l'asse portante del secondo libro.
Per quanto la storia in se non aggiunga molto a quello che già sappiamo, per chi ha letto gli altri volumi della serie sarà inevitabile innamorarsi anche di queste poche pagine narrate dal punto di vista di Gabs. Questo racconto ci farà soprattutto apprezzare di più Alex, un personaggio che già era uscito vincitore da tre libri precedenti, in cui la sua figura è sempre stata discreta ma indispensabile.
Un ragazzo un po' selvaggio, leale, ironico, affidabile e che ha cresciuto la sua Charly con dosi abbondanti di magia, storie di fate e tanto serf! Un ragazzo che nonostante le sue responsabilità non ha rinunciato alla voglia di innamorarsi e rifarsi una vita, ma senza perdere di vista chi nella sua vita occuperà sempre il primo posto in assoluto.
Sentirgli ammettere che chiunque verrà sempre dopo Charly è stato emozionante e da' la dimensione di quanto amore abbia in se questo uomo che è dovuto crescere troppo in fretta. Continua su CrazyForRomance
Chi ha avuto modo di leggere i tre libri precedenti conosce già l'esito di questa storia perchè in realtà questa novella non è altro che una sorta di prequel che si conclude con l'arrivo di Adam a Piper Cove. Ci spiega come Alex e la sua Gabs abbiano cominciato a frequentarsi e come sia sbocciato un bellissimo sentimento fra due persone così opposte.
Nonostante questa novella racconti vicende avvenute antecedentemente al primo libro se ne consiglia però la lettura solo dopo aver letto il secondo volume della serie, soprattutto perchè rivela un segreto che sarà l'asse portante del secondo libro.
Per quanto la storia in se non aggiunga molto a quello che già sappiamo, per chi ha letto gli altri volumi della serie sarà inevitabile innamorarsi anche di queste poche pagine narrate dal punto di vista di Gabs. Questo racconto ci farà soprattutto apprezzare di più Alex, un personaggio che già era uscito vincitore da tre libri precedenti, in cui la sua figura è sempre stata discreta ma indispensabile.
Un ragazzo un po' selvaggio, leale, ironico, affidabile e che ha cresciuto la sua Charly con dosi abbondanti di magia, storie di fate e tanto serf! Un ragazzo che nonostante le sue responsabilità non ha rinunciato alla voglia di innamorarsi e rifarsi una vita, ma senza perdere di vista chi nella sua vita occuperà sempre il primo posto in assoluto.
Sentirgli ammettere che chiunque verrà sempre dopo Charly è stato emozionante e da' la dimensione di quanto amore abbia in se questo uomo che è dovuto crescere troppo in fretta. Continua su CrazyForRomance
August 4, 2019
Se avete amato la trilogia di Adam e Charlie, e avete conosciuto Alex e Gabrielle, allora non potete perdere questa breve storia su di loro. Qui, assistiamo al loro amore che nasce. E’ un breve racconto, ma vale la pena di essere letto, e spero che la Newton porti anche un altro racconto su di loro che si svolge dopo il terzo volume della serie dei desideri. Ho adorato Gabrielle, ma Alex mi ha rubato il cuore... basta vedere come ha cresciuto Charlie, per desiderare ancora più di lui!
June 30, 2014
Sand Jewels is a short and sweet novella that fits nicely within the Wishes Series. It's the love story of Gabrielle Decarie and Alex Blake and how their one 'date' deal didn't exactly work out that way...
I'm not going to lie, at first I was apprehensive about this story. I'd read the first two books in the series so quickly and fallen so in love with Charli and Adam that I was desperate to learn more about them as a couple, and as characters. So you can imagine my surprise when I learnt that the next book to be released was not a continuation of their larger story arch, but rather a short novella about Alex Blake and Gabrielle Decarie. While it's true Alex stole my heart in Saving Wishes (Book 1), I never really connected with (and thus never really cared much for) Gabrielle's character and so I was slightly hesitant to read this narrative.
As it turns out I shouldn't have been for GJ Walker-Smith is such a brilliant wordsmith and her stories have this habit of reading as though they were a movie playing out before you eyes, so much so that before long I understood Gabrielle's character in a whole new way and was begging for more. By the end of the book I was not only on the Gabrielle and Alex train, but my entire mind had been changed about her character, even more so since this book is told from her perspective. I don't think she'll ever be my favourite character in the series, but I have learnt to love her like Alex does. What's more I really enjoyed seeing how their relationship really began and how differently Gabbi/Gabrielle sees the world from say the perspective of the Blake family.
Although this book is labelled as book 2.5 in the series, it's actually set earlier on and thus the events of the book co-inside with book 1, Saving Wishes. I wouldn't recommend starting with this novella as your introduction to the series, nor would I recommend it as a stand-alone read for it is very much centred within the events of the other books and potentially not strong enough to stand as a narrative on its own. That said Sand Jewels is a very sweet, romantic and highly entertaining read that you can knock over in one sitting and makes a fantastic addition to the already amazing Wishes Series.
This review was recently updated and the 'new' review posted on my blog here: http://wp.me/p3yY1u-s5
I'm not going to lie, at first I was apprehensive about this story. I'd read the first two books in the series so quickly and fallen so in love with Charli and Adam that I was desperate to learn more about them as a couple, and as characters. So you can imagine my surprise when I learnt that the next book to be released was not a continuation of their larger story arch, but rather a short novella about Alex Blake and Gabrielle Decarie. While it's true Alex stole my heart in Saving Wishes (Book 1), I never really connected with (and thus never really cared much for) Gabrielle's character and so I was slightly hesitant to read this narrative.
As it turns out I shouldn't have been for GJ Walker-Smith is such a brilliant wordsmith and her stories have this habit of reading as though they were a movie playing out before you eyes, so much so that before long I understood Gabrielle's character in a whole new way and was begging for more. By the end of the book I was not only on the Gabrielle and Alex train, but my entire mind had been changed about her character, even more so since this book is told from her perspective. I don't think she'll ever be my favourite character in the series, but I have learnt to love her like Alex does. What's more I really enjoyed seeing how their relationship really began and how differently Gabbi/Gabrielle sees the world from say the perspective of the Blake family.
Although this book is labelled as book 2.5 in the series, it's actually set earlier on and thus the events of the book co-inside with book 1, Saving Wishes. I wouldn't recommend starting with this novella as your introduction to the series, nor would I recommend it as a stand-alone read for it is very much centred within the events of the other books and potentially not strong enough to stand as a narrative on its own. That said Sand Jewels is a very sweet, romantic and highly entertaining read that you can knock over in one sitting and makes a fantastic addition to the already amazing Wishes Series.
This review was recently updated and the 'new' review posted on my blog here: http://wp.me/p3yY1u-s5
April 21, 2015
This could be along list of all the things I love about this novella. I love that this book starts before Adam and Charli meet. I really had no idea up until now they'd been together so long before Charli finally found out. Truly seeing Charli through Gabi 's eyes is enlightening. Gabi sees her as a brat (title of chapter 1!). But seeing Alex as a main character in this book is delightful. I like his flirtatious comments and the way he dares to say things to Gabi no-one else would..... and gets away with it! I know it's not the first time we've heard this one but I love the bit about fairies using tulips as beds for their babies and so the list goes on. .....!
May 31, 2014
I felt like the novella didn't really add anything to the wishes series backstory that we, the reader, didn't already know. I liked that Alex shared La La land with Gabrielle but I wanted to hear more about Charli's fall from grace that makes her who she is in Book 1. Cute story, but not necessary.
November 1, 2014
I wasn't that interested in Alex and Gabrielle's love story so I was glad this was a shorter read. But by the end I loved it. I love that the characters in this series are well thought out and all have their own personalities that come through clearly in the written word. Love it.
October 19, 2013
G, another amazing take from you
loved learning more about alex and Gabi
G you are an amazing writer, you tell a story like no other
loved learning more about alex and Gabi
G you are an amazing writer, you tell a story like no other
April 23, 2014
It was really good! I'm glad she wrote it because I was always curious about how the Parisienne and Alex got together! He's much more charming than I ever thought :)
October 24, 2013
Nice to be able to see things from Gabrielle's perspective. I am in love with the series
June 27, 2014
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A little about the author
Used to be part of the stressful world of property management, until they realized they'd rather write books and raise her babies. Lives in Western Australia, has an egotistical French bulldog, a love for really good coffee and a million stories in her head that she hopes to get into print.
Authors website:https://www.facebook.com/gjwalkersmith
Plot summery reviewed
Walker-Smith, GJ (2013-11-07). Saving Wishes (The Wishes Series #1) . Kindle Edition.
"For Charli Blake, being seventeen is a tough gig.
She's been branded a troublemaker, her reputation is in tatters and she's stuck in Pipers Cove, a speck of a town on the coast of Tasmania.
Thankfully, it's temporary. Her lifelong dream of traveling the world is just months away from becoming reality. All she has to do is ride out the last few months of high school, which is easier said than done thanks to a trio of mean girls known as The Beautifuls.
When Adam Décarie arrives in town, all the way from New York, life takes an unexpected turn. His arrival sets off a chain of events that alters her life forever, convincing her of one thing. Fate brought him to her.
Saving Wishes is the story of a girl who doesn't quite fit the life she's living, and the boy who helps her realize why"
I really liked this book, it actually was free on my kindle but the cover caught my eye and i found it to be a great book. It's a more than a coming of age story, it explores what is a slightly out of the box girl as she tries to escape small town life and a city boy who's visiting his aunt who literately runs into her life and turns it upside down.
The other characters i felt really make the book, i loved the mystery between Alex and Gabi and the betrayal by Nicole, and the unlikely friendship between Charli and Mitchell. Its a great opening for a brilliant and heart wrenching story. We know how its going to end or we think we do but its the path they take to get their that is important.
I'm a sucker for a good cover and really to be honest its what catches your eye and draws you in so this book did that well. I liked it allot, it started slow but played out well and there where some unexpected little twists that keep you interested. I liked Charli her attitude and desire to travel along with her imagination and creativity are just brilliant traits for this character that progress through out the next books. Its good to look at who she is now to who she becomes at the end of book three.
Walker-Smith, G.J (2013-04-02). Second Hearts (The Wishes Series #2). Kindle Edition.
"Charli Blake's high tolerance for risk doesn't always work in her favor.
After a year of living out her dream of traveling the world, the sunny West African village of Kaimte would be her last stop.
She's bound for New York, in search of the boy she'd let go of long ago.
For Charli, nothing has changed. She's traveled thousands of miles but hasn't moved an inch. Adam Décarie still means everything to her.
But reality soon hits hard.
For Adam, everything has changed.
Memories of the best love she's ever known is all she has left, until Charli makes a shocking discovery. None of it had ever been real in the first place"
The second of the story between Charli and Adam. She's traveling and trying to get over him and he's studding and trying to go back to life before his Tasmanian adventure. Charli is convinced to go after her happy ending, she gets to new york and is ready to go for it when she gets an unexpected surprise which changes her course of action. she ends up working in a cafe and making new friends while trying to make the most of her time in New york. Then fate steps in an deals her a whopper of a chance to set thing right, when her new best friend ends up being Adam's brother. Its a great follow on, Charli is out of her element but gives it a go with the support of her friends and new family. The ending is again expected but still a bitter-sweet read. The true definition of 'if you love someone, but can't live with them, let them go. Is it really weakness to give up your dreams to be with the one you love?
This book opened up perfectly, it did what we hoped. Charli doesn't run straight off to be with Adam, she has a life first. She see's a bit of the world and finds a bit of 'bliss'. We know she's going to go to him soon, which she does and even through it doesn't end how she likes she still try's to enjoy being in New York. I liked the worker side of Charli, the new friends she makes and how she fights between being Charli and Charlotte. Adams circle and family are interesting. The more characters in the book the better all the little extras add detail and make it real, we know so many people that shape us, so in books, having lots of people makes the story more real and easy to relate to. It's just enough of each to make us get an opinion of who they are and what they contribute. A bitter sweet tale that like Alex we knew how it would end but were interested to to how it played out.
Sea shells
"The only way to move forward was to go back to the very beginning….
After three miserable weeks without Charli, Adam makes the decision to follow her, desperately hoping to find a way of following through on his promise of a happy ending.
He finds her back in Pipers Cove, healing her broken heart by spending time with the one person who never lets her down.
Both know nothing has changed. They're desperately in love, hopelessly stuck in limbo, and unable to find common ground.
When fate offers them a chance at a different kind of ending, it’s a one-shot deal. Running with it means changing their plans – something neither of them has ever been willing to do before, even for each other.
Just as one begins to find their way, the other completely loses direction – and neither of them realize that time is running out."
Its a great end to some lovely books. All mystery, suspense, a little jealousy and drama all thrown around. I liked all the Nicole twists and Jasmine's happy ending. its a great book it added onto the others well it wasn't just about them trying to work again it was about them learning to be together yet be themselves and be a family. liked the book the writing is great could see it in my head as i read clearly. It would be a good Rom-com a bit like the notebook but set in a more modern NYC/ Australian small coastal town.
Most books I've read i'd love to see as movies. It just to adds to them because its always nice to imagine how it is, but to actually see it buts some much more detail into it.
I would say overall its a lovely set of books and hope to read more by G,P Walker-Smith soon.
AND
Sand Jewels is book 2.5 of The Wishes Series.
"Gabrielle Décarie was over arrogant men – but that didn’t mean she couldn’t have a little fun with one.
When she took a chance on Alex Blake, it was supposed to be a one-night deal.
He was too cocky, too flirty and too complicated.
Sand Jewels is the story of why she fell madly in love with him anyway."
I read this novella after Sea Shells. It was a lovely but 'short' addition about Gabbi and Alex. I liked it, it was nice to see the other side of things we heard that Gabrielle tried to protect Charli but now we see just how invested she was its a brilliant addition to the story arc. Also it was nice to read it was short but i liked that it didn't assume you'd read the other books too much it still described the characters which let you see them differently and it explored a new relationship that was just as good and full of uncertainty as Charli and Adam's but less of the focus in the otherbooks. Gabrielle was already 'settled' down in the cove so less likely to flee but was still a Décarie which becomes clear when she rants and raves and her accomplishments are listed.
its sweet and fun great way to explore more of the cove.
My star rating is: four
Posted 20th December 2013 by suzanne gardenier
A little about the author
Used to be part of the stressful world of property management, until they realized they'd rather write books and raise her babies. Lives in Western Australia, has an egotistical French bulldog, a love for really good coffee and a million stories in her head that she hopes to get into print.
Authors website:https://www.facebook.com/gjwalkersmith
Plot summery reviewed
Walker-Smith, GJ (2013-11-07). Saving Wishes (The Wishes Series #1) . Kindle Edition.
"For Charli Blake, being seventeen is a tough gig.
She's been branded a troublemaker, her reputation is in tatters and she's stuck in Pipers Cove, a speck of a town on the coast of Tasmania.
Thankfully, it's temporary. Her lifelong dream of traveling the world is just months away from becoming reality. All she has to do is ride out the last few months of high school, which is easier said than done thanks to a trio of mean girls known as The Beautifuls.
When Adam Décarie arrives in town, all the way from New York, life takes an unexpected turn. His arrival sets off a chain of events that alters her life forever, convincing her of one thing. Fate brought him to her.
Saving Wishes is the story of a girl who doesn't quite fit the life she's living, and the boy who helps her realize why"
I really liked this book, it actually was free on my kindle but the cover caught my eye and i found it to be a great book. It's a more than a coming of age story, it explores what is a slightly out of the box girl as she tries to escape small town life and a city boy who's visiting his aunt who literately runs into her life and turns it upside down.
The other characters i felt really make the book, i loved the mystery between Alex and Gabi and the betrayal by Nicole, and the unlikely friendship between Charli and Mitchell. Its a great opening for a brilliant and heart wrenching story. We know how its going to end or we think we do but its the path they take to get their that is important.
I'm a sucker for a good cover and really to be honest its what catches your eye and draws you in so this book did that well. I liked it allot, it started slow but played out well and there where some unexpected little twists that keep you interested. I liked Charli her attitude and desire to travel along with her imagination and creativity are just brilliant traits for this character that progress through out the next books. Its good to look at who she is now to who she becomes at the end of book three.
Walker-Smith, G.J (2013-04-02). Second Hearts (The Wishes Series #2). Kindle Edition.
"Charli Blake's high tolerance for risk doesn't always work in her favor.
After a year of living out her dream of traveling the world, the sunny West African village of Kaimte would be her last stop.
She's bound for New York, in search of the boy she'd let go of long ago.
For Charli, nothing has changed. She's traveled thousands of miles but hasn't moved an inch. Adam Décarie still means everything to her.
But reality soon hits hard.
For Adam, everything has changed.
Memories of the best love she's ever known is all she has left, until Charli makes a shocking discovery. None of it had ever been real in the first place"
The second of the story between Charli and Adam. She's traveling and trying to get over him and he's studding and trying to go back to life before his Tasmanian adventure. Charli is convinced to go after her happy ending, she gets to new york and is ready to go for it when she gets an unexpected surprise which changes her course of action. she ends up working in a cafe and making new friends while trying to make the most of her time in New york. Then fate steps in an deals her a whopper of a chance to set thing right, when her new best friend ends up being Adam's brother. Its a great follow on, Charli is out of her element but gives it a go with the support of her friends and new family. The ending is again expected but still a bitter-sweet read. The true definition of 'if you love someone, but can't live with them, let them go. Is it really weakness to give up your dreams to be with the one you love?
This book opened up perfectly, it did what we hoped. Charli doesn't run straight off to be with Adam, she has a life first. She see's a bit of the world and finds a bit of 'bliss'. We know she's going to go to him soon, which she does and even through it doesn't end how she likes she still try's to enjoy being in New York. I liked the worker side of Charli, the new friends she makes and how she fights between being Charli and Charlotte. Adams circle and family are interesting. The more characters in the book the better all the little extras add detail and make it real, we know so many people that shape us, so in books, having lots of people makes the story more real and easy to relate to. It's just enough of each to make us get an opinion of who they are and what they contribute. A bitter sweet tale that like Alex we knew how it would end but were interested to to how it played out.
Sea shells
"The only way to move forward was to go back to the very beginning….
After three miserable weeks without Charli, Adam makes the decision to follow her, desperately hoping to find a way of following through on his promise of a happy ending.
He finds her back in Pipers Cove, healing her broken heart by spending time with the one person who never lets her down.
Both know nothing has changed. They're desperately in love, hopelessly stuck in limbo, and unable to find common ground.
When fate offers them a chance at a different kind of ending, it’s a one-shot deal. Running with it means changing their plans – something neither of them has ever been willing to do before, even for each other.
Just as one begins to find their way, the other completely loses direction – and neither of them realize that time is running out."
Its a great end to some lovely books. All mystery, suspense, a little jealousy and drama all thrown around. I liked all the Nicole twists and Jasmine's happy ending. its a great book it added onto the others well it wasn't just about them trying to work again it was about them learning to be together yet be themselves and be a family. liked the book the writing is great could see it in my head as i read clearly. It would be a good Rom-com a bit like the notebook but set in a more modern NYC/ Australian small coastal town.
Most books I've read i'd love to see as movies. It just to adds to them because its always nice to imagine how it is, but to actually see it buts some much more detail into it.
I would say overall its a lovely set of books and hope to read more by G,P Walker-Smith soon.
AND
Sand Jewels is book 2.5 of The Wishes Series.
"Gabrielle Décarie was over arrogant men – but that didn’t mean she couldn’t have a little fun with one.
When she took a chance on Alex Blake, it was supposed to be a one-night deal.
He was too cocky, too flirty and too complicated.
Sand Jewels is the story of why she fell madly in love with him anyway."
I read this novella after Sea Shells. It was a lovely but 'short' addition about Gabbi and Alex. I liked it, it was nice to see the other side of things we heard that Gabrielle tried to protect Charli but now we see just how invested she was its a brilliant addition to the story arc. Also it was nice to read it was short but i liked that it didn't assume you'd read the other books too much it still described the characters which let you see them differently and it explored a new relationship that was just as good and full of uncertainty as Charli and Adam's but less of the focus in the otherbooks. Gabrielle was already 'settled' down in the cove so less likely to flee but was still a Décarie which becomes clear when she rants and raves and her accomplishments are listed.
its sweet and fun great way to explore more of the cove.
My star rating is: four
Posted 20th December 2013 by suzanne gardenier
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2017
Short and sweet
This novella in the Wishes series provides some insight into Alex and Gaby's relationship and I wanted more. I've said it before and I'll say it again Alex is my favourite male character in this series.
It is set prior to Charli and Adam meeting and explains why Gaby was so accommodating of mischievous student Charli.
This novella in the Wishes series provides some insight into Alex and Gaby's relationship and I wanted more. I've said it before and I'll say it again Alex is my favourite male character in this series.
It is set prior to Charli and Adam meeting and explains why Gaby was so accommodating of mischievous student Charli.
August 29, 2019
Quick Insight...
This quick novella gives you inside info from the point of view of Gabrielle and her secret relationship. After reading this book, I understand Gabi herself in a new way, but also why she does the things she does. I loved peering into someone else’s life with this series!
This quick novella gives you inside info from the point of view of Gabrielle and her secret relationship. After reading this book, I understand Gabi herself in a new way, but also why she does the things she does. I loved peering into someone else’s life with this series!
December 18, 2021
And the rest, they say, is history
I already loved Alex, I love him even more now. It says alot about A book when you are as invested in the side characters as the main ones. So much love for a tiny community and all its love stories.
I already loved Alex, I love him even more now. It says alot about A book when you are as invested in the side characters as the main ones. So much love for a tiny community and all its love stories.
July 1, 2019
Good to fill in the gaps
This mini book is a good fill in for the life of Alex that is missing while Charli gets all the pen time.
Worth a read
This mini book is a good fill in for the life of Alex that is missing while Charli gets all the pen time.
Worth a read
February 27, 2023
cute little side story. Good to know how their relationship grew. not wow! but still good to know their pov of the main story.
love this two persons.
love this two persons.
January 13, 2017
Salve lettrici,
Ho appena terminato la lettura del volume #3 della serie dei desideri edita dalla Newton Compton. Con il titolo "Prima di innamorarmi", l'autrice G. J. Walker Smith ci regala un prologo interessante della serie, che va sì letto dopo i primi due capitoli, ma che in ordine temporale viene per primo. Infatti il libro racconta la nascita della storia d'amore tra Alex e Gabrielle, e lo racconta molto velocemente, concentrandosi sono sui fatti più interessanti. È sicuramente un arricchimento interessante per la serie, sopratutto conoscendo già il finale della coppia più strana dei libri, composta da una professoressa e da un barista. Da lei che é arte, e da lui che é follia. Un'unione stravagante che io però ho trovato superba. Non ho mai negato infatti la mia opinione sulla folle Charlie e sulle sue storie meravigliose, che vengono tutte dall'amore intenso che suo padre prova per lei, quindi non potrei che amare anche Alex, protagonista di questa breve novella.
"Mi hai detto che arte è bellezza. Sei la mia bellezza. E io ti amo."
È sicuramente una lettura piacevole, è super breve, che però arricchisce la serie, quindi io ve la consiglio assolutamente. Buona Lettura. Cecilia
Ho appena terminato la lettura del volume #3 della serie dei desideri edita dalla Newton Compton. Con il titolo "Prima di innamorarmi", l'autrice G. J. Walker Smith ci regala un prologo interessante della serie, che va sì letto dopo i primi due capitoli, ma che in ordine temporale viene per primo. Infatti il libro racconta la nascita della storia d'amore tra Alex e Gabrielle, e lo racconta molto velocemente, concentrandosi sono sui fatti più interessanti. È sicuramente un arricchimento interessante per la serie, sopratutto conoscendo già il finale della coppia più strana dei libri, composta da una professoressa e da un barista. Da lei che é arte, e da lui che é follia. Un'unione stravagante che io però ho trovato superba. Non ho mai negato infatti la mia opinione sulla folle Charlie e sulle sue storie meravigliose, che vengono tutte dall'amore intenso che suo padre prova per lei, quindi non potrei che amare anche Alex, protagonista di questa breve novella.
"Mi hai detto che arte è bellezza. Sei la mia bellezza. E io ti amo."
È sicuramente una lettura piacevole, è super breve, che però arricchisce la serie, quindi io ve la consiglio assolutamente. Buona Lettura. Cecilia
January 17, 2017
Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
Fermi là! Qui la Newton mi ha voluto dare la prima gioia del 2017 portandomi in Italia (FINALMENTE!!!) una delle novelle della "Serie dei Desideri" di G.J. Walker Smith.
Mi sento di fare una premessa però...Se non avete letto i romanzi di questa serie (trovate in fondo al post le mie recensioni sui precedenti capitoli) non leggete quello che sto per scrivere perchè è bello SPOILEROSO!
Per chi, come me, ha letto questa serie sa che oltre alla storia di Adam e Charli, viene sviluppata in parallelo la storia tra Alex (Papà di lei) e Gabrielle (Cugina di lui). Ora se vi siete chiesti di continuo "Come è iniziata la storia tra Gabrielle e Alex?" questa novella è la risposta a tutte le nostre domande.
Si parte mooooolto prima (all'incirca sei mesi) rispetto al primo romanzo della serie, quando Charli non aveva ancora gli occhi di tutta Piper Cove puntati addosso e Adam neanche si sapeva chi era.
Alex e Gabrielle si conoscono da parecchio in quanto lei è una frequentatrice abituale del bar di lui da quando si è trasferita. Si ritrovano a fare una scommessa per colpa di alcuni compiti non consegnati da Charli. Lui vince ovviamente la scommessa e BAM scocca la scintilla e di conseguenza tutto quello che abbiamo avuto modo di conoscere nei vari libri.
«Non so spiegarti perché, posso solo dirti che l'amore ci spinge a fare cose insensate». Sorrise, per la prima volta dopo tante settimane «Mi Ami?». Non avevo previsto di fargli una simile dichiarazione, ma ormai era troppo tardi per rimangiarmi quelle parole. «Diciamo che non riesco a trovare un solo motivo per non farlo».
La cosa strana di questa novella è che il finale mi ha lasciato a bocca aperta (del tipo che ho dovuto chiedere conferma se effettivamente finiva così oppure se alla mia copia mancavano delle pagine xD).
Se avete amato tutti i romanzi, questo breve racconto è una manna dal cielo, in quanto riesce a farci completare alcuni dei buchi che abbiamo lasciato nel nostro puzzle della serie.
Una lettura suuuuper velocissima (io l'ho divorato in un paio d'ore)! Grazie allo stile di scrittura della Walker Smith si divora in un lampo, e nemmeno ci si accorge di averlo finito...e ci trova nello spiazzante stato del "perchèèèè perchèèèè finisci...continua continua per favore" (piange lacrime disperate).
Fermi là! Qui la Newton mi ha voluto dare la prima gioia del 2017 portandomi in Italia (FINALMENTE!!!) una delle novelle della "Serie dei Desideri" di G.J. Walker Smith.
Mi sento di fare una premessa però...Se non avete letto i romanzi di questa serie (trovate in fondo al post le mie recensioni sui precedenti capitoli) non leggete quello che sto per scrivere perchè è bello SPOILEROSO!
Per chi, come me, ha letto questa serie sa che oltre alla storia di Adam e Charli, viene sviluppata in parallelo la storia tra Alex (Papà di lei) e Gabrielle (Cugina di lui). Ora se vi siete chiesti di continuo "Come è iniziata la storia tra Gabrielle e Alex?" questa novella è la risposta a tutte le nostre domande.
Si parte mooooolto prima (all'incirca sei mesi) rispetto al primo romanzo della serie, quando Charli non aveva ancora gli occhi di tutta Piper Cove puntati addosso e Adam neanche si sapeva chi era.
Alex e Gabrielle si conoscono da parecchio in quanto lei è una frequentatrice abituale del bar di lui da quando si è trasferita. Si ritrovano a fare una scommessa per colpa di alcuni compiti non consegnati da Charli. Lui vince ovviamente la scommessa e BAM scocca la scintilla e di conseguenza tutto quello che abbiamo avuto modo di conoscere nei vari libri.
«Non so spiegarti perché, posso solo dirti che l'amore ci spinge a fare cose insensate». Sorrise, per la prima volta dopo tante settimane «Mi Ami?». Non avevo previsto di fargli una simile dichiarazione, ma ormai era troppo tardi per rimangiarmi quelle parole. «Diciamo che non riesco a trovare un solo motivo per non farlo».
La cosa strana di questa novella è che il finale mi ha lasciato a bocca aperta (del tipo che ho dovuto chiedere conferma se effettivamente finiva così oppure se alla mia copia mancavano delle pagine xD).
Se avete amato tutti i romanzi, questo breve racconto è una manna dal cielo, in quanto riesce a farci completare alcuni dei buchi che abbiamo lasciato nel nostro puzzle della serie.
Una lettura suuuuper velocissima (io l'ho divorato in un paio d'ore)! Grazie allo stile di scrittura della Walker Smith si divora in un lampo, e nemmeno ci si accorge di averlo finito...e ci trova nello spiazzante stato del "perchèèèè perchèèèè finisci...continua continua per favore" (piange lacrime disperate).
November 17, 2013
Note that I read this as a standalone novella. Yes, I understand that I wasn't supposed to do that, but I did it anyway. From what I read, I wouldn't have been that interested in reading the series anyway.
The reasons why I read it were:
1. It was free on iBooks.
2. I had nothing better to do.
3. Did I mention it was free?
I read it in less than two hours. I've given it two stars, because it does have cute moments. The writing is simple, which can work sometimes, but to be honest it made the story even more bland. Considering that I'm not much of a fan of romance books (that probably factors into my opinion more than anything), it's not horrible. I've read worse. It's just one of those things you read once (if at all), say meh, and move on. It wasn't a bad pass-the-time book.
The worst part of the book is the beginning. The "he's so sexy but I hate him" thing had me rolling my eyes. The ending should have had more closure. The best part I haven't decided yet and I don't know if I'll ever care that much to know.
And am I the only one who saw the plot twist coming? I thought it was obvious. Anyway, not horrible but there is a large list of books I would suggest before this one.
The reasons why I read it were:
1. It was free on iBooks.
2. I had nothing better to do.
3. Did I mention it was free?
I read it in less than two hours. I've given it two stars, because it does have cute moments. The writing is simple, which can work sometimes, but to be honest it made the story even more bland. Considering that I'm not much of a fan of romance books (that probably factors into my opinion more than anything), it's not horrible. I've read worse. It's just one of those things you read once (if at all), say meh, and move on. It wasn't a bad pass-the-time book.
The worst part of the book is the beginning. The "he's so sexy but I hate him" thing had me rolling my eyes. The ending should have had more closure. The best part I haven't decided yet and I don't know if I'll ever care that much to know.
And am I the only one who saw the plot twist coming? I thought it was obvious. Anyway, not horrible but there is a large list of books I would suggest before this one.
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