HER Christmas Wish

by Eliza Rose

Shaniece is determined to focus on work this holiday season, still healing from a painful heartbreak that has left her wary of love. But when her cousin insists she attend the annual holiday party with a plus one, Sha can't help but feel the pressure to move on from her past. As she reluctantly agrees to find a date, she begins to wonder if the magic of the season could bring her a second chance at happiness.

Jarrod enters a cozy, local toy store, searching for the perfect gifts for his niece and nephews. But as he leaves, he’s unexpectedly captivated by a woman in the aisle—Shaniece, who seems to be caught between her own thoughts and the festive chaos around her. Their brief encounter sparks a curiosity that he can’t shake, and he wonders if he could be the one to help heal her heart.

As their paths cross again in the weeks leading up to Christmas, Sha and Jarrod take things slow, enjoying thoughtful dates and shared moments under twinkling lights. But as the season of joy brings its own set of challenges, Sha finds herself questioning whether she’s ready to take the leap into love again. Will Jarrod be the one to fill the empty space in her heart, or will the lingering memories of her past love keep her from embracing the holiday magic?

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2024

Reviews

[SiBBY · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute love story

I wish I could give it 3.5 stars. It was cute and not
Drawn out. However the over use of the phrase “ Jarrod said, Andrea said, someone said” throughout the book…worked my nerves.

[Leah T. Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just binged "Her Christmas Wish" by Eliza Rose and ngl, it hit different! 😍

If you're into holiday romances but tired of the same old small-town baker meets mysterious stranger plot (looking at you, Hallmark 👀), this NYC toy store setting is such a vibe! Our girl Sha is out here running a whole toy store with her cousin Andrea (their friendship is literally everything), when fate said "hold my eggnog" and dropped a fine as hell therapist named Jarrod into her life.

The holiday scenes had me wanting to quit my job and open a toy store fr fr. Like, the author makes Christmas in NYC sound magical af and not just the tourist nightmare we know it can be 💀

Also can we talk about the family dynamics? Because WHEW! The banter between Sha and Andrea is giving cousin goals - I was cackling! These women feel like they could be your besties, the ones who'd help you hide a body AND bring snacks.

And Jarrod? *fans self* This man understood the assignment. I'm usually the first to roll my eyes at the "perfect guy" trope but... respectfully... where do I find one? 👀

Age rec: Definitely adult romance - nothing super spicy but there are mature themes. I'd say 18+ just to be safe!

Giving this one 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐💫

What you're getting:
- Holiday feels for days
- Family drama that's actually realistic
- A romance that'll have you checking your DMs
- Humor that doesn't feel forced
- Major NYC Christmas vibes

What you might side-eye:
- These two fall FAST (but like, it's Christmas, go with it)
- Some storylines leave you wanting more tea ☕️

TW: Mentions of illness, past relationship drama

Bottom line: If you're looking for a holiday read that feels modern and real while still giving you those warm fuzzies, this book is IT. Perfect for reading while ignoring your family during holiday gatherings 💅🏽

Best enjoyed with:
- A grande peppermint mocha
- Christmas cookies you swore you wouldn't eat
- Your comfiest blanket
- Your phone on DND because you won't want to stop reading

Seriously, add this to your TBR! It's giving everything it needed to give! 🎄✨

(Also lowkey manifesting my own Jarrod for Christmas, thanks Santa 🎅🏽)

#BookTok #BookReview #RomanceBooks #ChristmasRomance #ReadersOfInstagram #BookRecs​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[TheBookJunkie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was soo soo wordy. Sha said, Jarrod said, it was hard to really focus. Overall it was a good story line, lots of banter but I also felt it was drawn out.

[V Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute Story - Hard Read

This book was all over the place. There were grammatical errors, names mixed up, just a lot of stuff not flowing. For those reasons, it wasn't my cup of tea. I had a hard time finishing this book.

[Ashlee Tharman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sha has had her heart broken in the past, but she knew she'd be ready for love again once the right man came into the picture. When Jarrod makes his grand appearance in her life, Sha wonders if this is the Mr. Right her heart has been wishing for.

This was such a cute story!! It had the perfect holiday read elements that reminded me so much of a Hallmark movie. I loved the sisterhood presented between Sha and Andrea, and the empathetic energy in nearly all the men characters (we are not including the ex here). The only thing I wasnt a huuuuge fan of was how fast the relationship progressed but at the same time when you know you know. Also, the shout out to indie authors as a whole made my heart happy!! Loved this story and cant wait to read more from Eliza Rose!

[Fran “Chas” ter · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute Christmas book

Jarrod was a breath of fresh air for sha the relationship was fast and full of thoughtful moments a quick read to get you in the holiday mood.

[MiMi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Cute- Slow brewed Romance

Jarrod - A Good hearted guy.
Sha- A Good hearted woman.
This is what a Nice simmered Dating process should look like. Not rushed. This book had all the Christmas season feels. It made me want to read it in front of a fireplace with my favorite warm throw. Perfect pallete cleanser. I also enjoyed Sha and Andreas relationship. Everyone needs that one person that supports us . "HER Christmas Wish- was a breath of fresh cool Christmas Air.

[Jasmine Johnson-Ordillano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Her Christmas Wish by Eliza Rose and it was a really fun holiday read 🎄✨

If you enjoy holiday romance but want something more modern than the usual small-town Hallmark setup, the NYC toy store setting is a nice change. Sha and her cousin Andrea running the shop together was one of my favorite parts — their banter felt real, funny, and very “ride-or-die cousin energy.”

The Christmas atmosphere was cozy and festive without feeling cheesy, and the family dynamics added depth. Jarrod? Definitely charming and emotionally mature — not mad at it 😌

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ / 5
Adult romance (18+) — light spice, mature themes

You’ll get:
✨ Holiday vibes
✨ Humor that feels natural
✨ A quick, cozy romance
✨ NYC at Christmas energy

Just know: The romance moves fast, and a few storylines could’ve used more depth.

Overall, a solid holiday read that’s perfect for a cozy night in with a blanket and a peppermint mocha ☕️📖

[Jamila Eve-Cann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly love it when a man knows he’s found the one and does right by her. Sha and Jarrod’s love story is so cute 🥰