The Wishing Tree

Witches of Moonhaven #2

by Melissa Bellis

In the forgotten magical city of Moonhaven, an ancient Wishing Tree is said to grant one heartfelt wish to any witch who places a special ornament on its branches on Christmas Eve. Liliana, an ambitious and driven witch, sets out to find the rarest and most powerful ornament rumored to hold the key to unlocking the tree's true magic.

She visits the Timeless Christmas shop, a small enchanting shop that only appears during the holiday season, only to bump into Thorian, her academic opponent. Can she set aside their past and make an unexpected alliance to overcome the challenges they face to learn the true meaning of wishes?

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2023

Reviews

[Varsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Wishing Tree by Melissa Bellis is a witchy, christmas-themed fantasy.

The story follows Liliana, who strives to be academically best and make a name for herself. She decides to achieve this by making a wish at the magical wishing tree that grants wishes to people who offer it worthy gifts. She does some research to dicover the existence a powerful magical artefact that would get her this wish from the wishing tree. It's further revealed her academic rival is also looking for the same artefact. The rest of the story follows Liliana's quest to find the artefact before Christmas Eve.

The story is interesting, but the pace feels a bit off. It feels like the characters pop in and out all over the place, and sometimes, the christmas elements feel overused and in-the-face.

Overall, it's a good story, just not my cup of tea.

Reviewed voluntarily after reading a free ARC.

[April Flach · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading the first book, I wasn't sure if I was going to continue the series. I only read the second book because I received a free ARC from StoryOrigin. And I will admit this book was slightly better than the first book. The story was a little more interesting. However, there still seemed to be quite a bit of information missing. After finishing the book, I'm still left with a lot of questions. Also, there's not a lot of imagery. For example, there's mention of symbols, but there's no description of what those symbols look like or represent. It kind of made it hard for me to try to imagine the scene. Also, characters just came out of nowhere, with no introduction or background. The dialogue felt stiff as well. Do young people really talk like that? I don't know. But I do know that I will not be continuing this series. There's not enough depth for my enjoyment.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more of these stories I read, the more I love them.



This is the third Witches of Moonhaven story I have read now, and I find myself enjoying them more and more. I really love the names of the characters—Liliana, Elara, Noelle, and Thorian to name a few. I really enjoy watching the characters grow into the people they are meant to be as they face more and more difficult challenges. The language in these stories is just beautiful to read. I can get lost just in the flow of the words.

[Kathy Itson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written for young people. It was about Liliana and Thorian who do not like each other at Moonhaven Academy and have completed for top student at the academy. The two of them have to start working together to find the Aurora Star. They have to learn patience, courage, trust and unwavering faith in each other. This is a great book to teach young people how to get along with each other. I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great witchy mystery series for young adults. Think magic trees and witchy fantasies . Lilana is academic but thinks the wishing tree in the forgotten magical city of Moonhaven can help her achieve with a little help and an unexpected alliance.Great writing, immersive and fun
I read an advance copy and my review is voluntary

[aem · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice story. Coming of age and wisdom. Good middle grade book. Positive thought based structure. Sort of a current based fairytale with a moral. Recommended for all ages too.

[Sem Eriks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonhaven is a magical place. This story follows Liliana during the Christmas period. She wants to be the best in her college, but learns there is more to live than that. A nice holiday Christmas read with a bit of romance.

[Rob Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cosy Christmas read full of magic and fantasy and snow. Perfect for the time of the year, under a blanket with a hot chocolate drink.

[Alexia Brunson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another quick, cozy, and fun fantasy read in the Witches of Moonhaven series. Perfect for the holiday season.

[Lila Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liliana is an ambitious witch who wants to further her academic ambitions by finding the rarest ornament for the Wishing Tree. Love and magic in a cozy Christmas tale. I liked it.

[Ellen Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a Christmas themed witch short story, The Wishing Tree is your book! It's a snow-filled tale with a happy ending. Ideal holiday short read.

[Lena Bambust · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas themed YA magical short story to read in one go. I loved the snowy setting and the characters.

[Candace Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cozy Christmas story. Snowy Moonhaven is the ideal setting for a winter adventure with a touch of romance.