Make a Wish

by A.C. James

~A humorous and heartwarming Christmas novella about following your heart, living your dreams, and a second chance at finding love.~

Clara Parker was a small town girl from Overlook, Nebraska who followed her dreams to the Big Apple.

On her way home for the holidays she encounters a strange man and finds herself in possession of a unique book. Unexpected news from her sister, hilarious family gossip, and running into the boy who stole her heart force Clara to acknowledge the truth.

Successful restaurateur Luciano Ventura can't forget the passionate first love of a high school sweetheart.

As the summer of their senior year came to a close, unforeseen events with the health of his father tore the young couple apart. A meddlesome sister helps these two former lovers discover undeniable truths about the choices that they've made. He never thought tiramisu would lead to such a searing reunion.

But can he convince Clara that she can live her dreams and be with him too?

Genres: Christmas

72 pages, ebook

First published December 2, 2014

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author A.C. James writes paranormal romance and erotica, including Eternal Ever After (rebranded as Eternal Lover), featured in the bestselling Spice Box anthology. Her Ever Dark Immortals Series, which begins with Eternal Lover, has been described as “brimming with sensuality” and “romantic and sizzling hot.” The Isle of the Horse Shifters series starts with Ride: Awakening and is “lighthearted,” which is a “joy ride from beginning to end.”

She resides in the Philadelphia suburbs with her adoring husband Ron (aka Mr. A.C. James), who loves her imaginative yarns and punny sense of humor. She’s also a domestic violence advocate and discusses intimate partner violence and addiction to raise awareness on social media and through her writing. Many of her books include themes like alcoholism or addiction. If you love books that feature underdogs and redemption, her stories will capture your heart.

She spends most of her time drinking large vats of coffee while wrangling kids by day and writing by night. Recovering video game beta tester and tech geek who grew up going to cons and watching SmackDown. There’s probably some cosplay pictures around somewhere of her dressed up as Bloodberry from Saber Marionette J. Just don’t tell anyone.

Reviews

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come in 2 days

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara Parker was a small town girl from Overlook, Nebraska who followed her dreams to the Big Apple. She has now come back to spend Christmas with her parents and sister. When she was getting off the plane when she first got to town she meet a strange man who said he was an Elf. She meets successful restaurateur Luciano Ventura her highschool sweetheart. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Wrote fun stpry

This story though a novella is so sweet and extremely well wrote. The background is perfect and the characters supurb. It a wonderful light read and perfect for getting away and finding a few moments peace. Lovely book.

[Norma Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a cute, fast read. I hope it becomes something else, maybe a series, or a more full length book. I am interested to see what could happen between Luca, Clara, and Mark.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in July: Do you believe in Santa? How about elves? Clara didn't either--at least until.... Coming home for Christmas was an obligation, not a pleasure. Her professional life sucked--and the man in it as well as in her personal life felt the same. Family, perfect sister, mom who wanted (and was not hesitant to press for) grandkids, as well as the only man she'd ever loved awaited her. Maybe she wouldn't see Luca and make her heart hurt even more, but she couldn't avoid the family.

She met a man at the airport who told her...well you need to read about that. He seemed to recognize her sad attitude and wanted more for her. Even suggested wishes did come true. HE loved the season.

You'll have some laughs, meet some fun people, see a different side of the people than Clara sees as well as some steam and an ending that will leave you smiling.

I was provided an ARC for an honest review.

[Trish R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a great book.

Oddly enough, Amazon says it has 148 pages but Goodreads says it has 72 pages. But my trusty iPad solved the confusion and agrees with Amazon, 148.

Anyway, it really was a wonderful love story. I loved the beginning of the story where Clara (god-awful name) was so snarky with her attitude about Christmas and the way she told the Elf off. Too funny.

There’s also some fantastic sexual tension going on between Luca (wonderful name) and Clara. AND then some really awesome sex, starting on the kitchen table. It was sweet that they had loved each other since they were 16 but went their separate ways, just to come full circle. I like Lacy (cute name) and would be interested in her story.

Just a great little book. I truly enjoyed it.

There were a couple of swear words, that's all. BUT the was explicit sex.

I got this through KU.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a complimentary copy by author A.C. James in exchange for an honest review.

'Make A Wish' is a charming Christmas novella from A.C. James, with the smallest paranormal involvement, I loved this novella from the very begining, but soon found myself finshed. Clara is heading home to her family for Christmas, although she doesn't really want to go home, reminding me of Scrooge... she meets a strange man at the airport, who tries to convince her that he is an elf & wanting Clara to make a wish.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really sweet holiday romance. Returning home pushes Clara to see some truths she has avoided. Her high school ex, Luca, is one of them. Neither of them have gotten over their feelings for one another. They can have a second chance if they acknowledge the strength of their feelings. Clara and Luca have great chemistry and I really enjoyed the story. It is a pretty quick read and will leave you smiling.

I received a copy in return for a honest review.

[Pam Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Care was headed home for the Christmas holidays and she wasn't looking forward to it. In fact not much in her life seems to be going the way she planned so shy would this trip be any different until she meet a man claiming to be an elf.
I got to say it's no my normal read but I would read more books like it again.
Book given for an honest review and I honestly loved it. .

[ChristinaB.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute Christmas themed novella. It was a quick and fast-paced read with easy to like characters. I liked how strong worded Clara was at the start, she definitely gave me a few laughs. I thought Luca was so sweet and I liked they still had that connection between them from years ago.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A funny and heartwarming story about Clara and Luca, who rediscover love and their dreams with a little help from someone unexpected and her sister. I loved the characters and the quaint town, but felt it needed to be longer. Provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sweet heartwarming and cute story of high school loves finding each other again later in life. A perfect little Christmas tale. I really liked it. It would make a great Hallmark movie. Loved it.

****Gifted ARC copy****
L.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet and fun heartwarming story. With some steamy heat thrown in. I really enjoyed reading it and recommend it. I will read this again as I do all the really good ones. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tammy]

Clara and Luciano were high school sweethearts. It didn't work out. When she comes back home they get another chance. This is a very sweet and fun story. They are good characters. I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan Janus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very magikal book of art. It brings two people who belonged together back to one another just in time for Christmas, all because of a special Elf. If you like romance and a fast read, with a little bit of tears, from joy of course, then this book is just right for you.

[Christine Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this story for honest review. I have liked everything I have read so far that A.C. James has written. She knows how to tell a story and keep you enthralled. This story is a great quickie romance and is quite entertaining. I was not able to put it down once I started it.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books brings love and a bit of magic to Christmas. There is family drama, first love drama and career angst. Goals and dreams are re-evaluated with love winning, always winning. Such a fun read! Made me believe in Christmas miracles again.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Toi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Read

Can you reconnect with someone you once loved Clare and Luca are going to see if it'll work out for them.