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Simple Wishes
GOING HOME IS THE LONGEST JOURNEY OF ALL...
Adele Matin couldn't wait to put her lonely childhood and hometown behind her. Amid the bright lights and hustle and bustle of New York, she built a life for herself--until one terrible mistake brought it crashing down. Now Adele is running again, this time to a cottage she inherited from her mother in rural Pennsylvania. And she's about to realize that a small town has more to offer than she ever dreamed.
An artist and woodworker, Jay Westvelt knows a thing or two about living in the country. Adele is intrigued by her mysterious and sexy green-eyed neighbor, a man who took care of her house and soon cares deeply for her. But even as Adele's heart begins to soften toward him, secrets from her mother's past threaten to send her fleeing back to the city. Can Jay convince her to stay with him?
Only if she can learn an important that happiness begins with Simple Wishes.
Adele Matin couldn't wait to put her lonely childhood and hometown behind her. Amid the bright lights and hustle and bustle of New York, she built a life for herself--until one terrible mistake brought it crashing down. Now Adele is running again, this time to a cottage she inherited from her mother in rural Pennsylvania. And she's about to realize that a small town has more to offer than she ever dreamed.
An artist and woodworker, Jay Westvelt knows a thing or two about living in the country. Adele is intrigued by her mysterious and sexy green-eyed neighbor, a man who took care of her house and soon cares deeply for her. But even as Adele's heart begins to soften toward him, secrets from her mother's past threaten to send her fleeing back to the city. Can Jay convince her to stay with him?
Only if she can learn an important that happiness begins with Simple Wishes.
374 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
8 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Dale
6 books27 followersA lifelong bookworm, Lisa Dale is a firm believer that there are few things in life better than curling up with a novel and a cup of tea. Lisa Dale grew up in rural Northwestern New Jersey before attending McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. She worked briefly in publishing before going back to school to get an MFA in fiction at Fairleigh Dickinson University. A nominee for Best New American Voices and the Pushcart Prize, her writing appears in many literary magazines, such as The Writer, Fourth Genre, Flyway, Fugue, Sou’wester, The Southeast Review, The MacGuffin, Many Mountains Moving, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 16, 2008
I am impressed with Simple Wishes, by Lisa Dale. Admittedly, I haven’t heard her name before doing this review, but I won’t hesitate to recommend her. Simple Wishes and Seeds of Affection are her two titles, though I am unsure which came first. Lisa Dale grew up in rural Northwestern New Jersey before attending McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. She worked briefly in publishing before going back to school to get an MFA in fiction at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Lisa resides in New Jersey with her boyfriend.
Adele Matin moved to New York years before to escape a lonely childhood and small hometown life. She built a life for herself and appreciated the anonymity the city gave her, until one horrible mistake brought all that contentment crumbling down at her feet. Fleeing to the rural cottage she inherited from her mother in Pennsylvania, Adele determines that the situation is only temporary, and as soon as she is back on stable ground she’ll go back and resume her life again. However, her extremely attractive green-eyed artist neighbor, Jay Westvelt, is proving that living in the country has its perks. As Adele begins to soften and dare to hope for a normal life, secrets from her mother’s past resurface, making her want to flee once again and get swallowed up by the big city. Can she get over the past to truly move on? And can Jay convince her to stay with him and take the risk to love someone?
It’s pretty rare, even for the most gifted of writers, to genuinely and effortlessly invoke powerful emotions in the reader. Lisa Dale throws you into the characters heads and hearts, making you feel their pain, their joy, and their triumph. There wasn’t a dead spot in the whole book where I lost interest and, this is saying a lot because I’m a quick reader, I had this done in no time as I couldn’t put it down. The setting was superb and I adored the secondary characters greatly. I especially liked the little bit of Korean culture she snuck in there, too, through Beatrice’s character. Lisa Dale was very good at dropping bombshells throughout the storyline, as well. I think in this genre, you always root for a happy ending, even when you know it’s coming. But this book makes you stand up and shout, growl with frustration, and almost needs an applause at the end.
Simple Wishes, by Lisa Dale, is a well-written, emotionally packed, blissful read and unlike others of its kind.
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
Adele Matin moved to New York years before to escape a lonely childhood and small hometown life. She built a life for herself and appreciated the anonymity the city gave her, until one horrible mistake brought all that contentment crumbling down at her feet. Fleeing to the rural cottage she inherited from her mother in Pennsylvania, Adele determines that the situation is only temporary, and as soon as she is back on stable ground she’ll go back and resume her life again. However, her extremely attractive green-eyed artist neighbor, Jay Westvelt, is proving that living in the country has its perks. As Adele begins to soften and dare to hope for a normal life, secrets from her mother’s past resurface, making her want to flee once again and get swallowed up by the big city. Can she get over the past to truly move on? And can Jay convince her to stay with him and take the risk to love someone?
It’s pretty rare, even for the most gifted of writers, to genuinely and effortlessly invoke powerful emotions in the reader. Lisa Dale throws you into the characters heads and hearts, making you feel their pain, their joy, and their triumph. There wasn’t a dead spot in the whole book where I lost interest and, this is saying a lot because I’m a quick reader, I had this done in no time as I couldn’t put it down. The setting was superb and I adored the secondary characters greatly. I especially liked the little bit of Korean culture she snuck in there, too, through Beatrice’s character. Lisa Dale was very good at dropping bombshells throughout the storyline, as well. I think in this genre, you always root for a happy ending, even when you know it’s coming. But this book makes you stand up and shout, growl with frustration, and almost needs an applause at the end.
Simple Wishes, by Lisa Dale, is a well-written, emotionally packed, blissful read and unlike others of its kind.
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
December 21, 2015
Simple Wishes is about a woman being forced to face her past, and that of her deceased mother, who she thought never loved her. Even though this has a pretty sweet romance with a hunky guy who loves working with wood and fixing up houses, Simple Wishes is more along the lines of Women's Fiction, and has a big Debbie Macomber vibe. It also has a big small town feel, and some colorful secondary characters readers will enjoy. I couldn't help but thinking this would be a great TV movie one would find on Lifetime or the Hallmark Channel. This becomes a tearjerker as the past that's better left forgotten for the heroine, Adele is revealed. But this emotional path makes the ending all the more sweeter.
Adele is a high school dropout who left her rural hometown of Pennsylvania, and her overbearing mother as soon as she was legal. She ended up in NYC and on her feet working in an art gallery. She settled in the big city pretty well, but eventually everything was taken away from her- her job, her apartment and the man she had a relationship with who used her. With no other option, she returns home after she finds out her mother died and willed her old house to Adele.
This isn't the homecoming Adele was expecting. She never thought she would return home, or even see her mother again. She feels lost and ashamed because she is back to square one. But what she doesn't count on is the kindness of strangers. She makes friend with an older couple, Al and Beatrice, who's granddaughter Kayleigh stays with them on the weekends to keep an eye out on her because she's rebelling, and her mother only cares about herself, or so Kayleigh says. Then there is "Hermit Jay", who really isn't a hermit. Jay is an artist who also lived in NYC, but gave it up, and now lives a simple lifestyle, even though he still works on his art that almost made him a star. Adele thinks she'll only be home for a short time until she can lick her wounds, and hopefully find a new job back in NYC. But first she wants to find out who her mother really was, and why she was estranged from her sister Christine, Adele's aunt.
Adele because close with Beatrice, who gave up her life in Korean for a life with Al. She also has secrets, like Adele's mother she feels are better left unknown. But Adele wants to know what happened to her father she never met, and why her mother suffocated Adele's dreams. Jay is also an issue because she's attracted to him, and wouldn't mind a fling, but he wants more. Kayleigh looks up to Adele for advice, and an adorable mutt comes around wanting a home with Adele. Can Adele make peace with her mother, and embrace a new life back where she started and once wanted to escape, especially now with Jay, who wants to make her happy and give her the world?
Simple Wishes has a lot going on in these pages, but it's a very character driven story. Adele has a vibrant personality, although she is scarred by her relationship with her mother, and her actions that forced her to run to NYC. Jay is dreamy, and Adele's reward for facing things head on, even though she makes him suffer for her love. His understanding and patience is a thing of beauty. He's an A+ hero.
As Adele unravels her mother's past, you'll be riveted. Lisa Dale did a great job with this mystery element. Also the second story about Beatrice and her motherly advice to Adele was a nice touch, and added an extra special dimension to the story.
Simple Wishes is a great story about redemption, forgiveness and how the power of love can set one free from the demons that chase them.
Adele is a high school dropout who left her rural hometown of Pennsylvania, and her overbearing mother as soon as she was legal. She ended up in NYC and on her feet working in an art gallery. She settled in the big city pretty well, but eventually everything was taken away from her- her job, her apartment and the man she had a relationship with who used her. With no other option, she returns home after she finds out her mother died and willed her old house to Adele.
This isn't the homecoming Adele was expecting. She never thought she would return home, or even see her mother again. She feels lost and ashamed because she is back to square one. But what she doesn't count on is the kindness of strangers. She makes friend with an older couple, Al and Beatrice, who's granddaughter Kayleigh stays with them on the weekends to keep an eye out on her because she's rebelling, and her mother only cares about herself, or so Kayleigh says. Then there is "Hermit Jay", who really isn't a hermit. Jay is an artist who also lived in NYC, but gave it up, and now lives a simple lifestyle, even though he still works on his art that almost made him a star. Adele thinks she'll only be home for a short time until she can lick her wounds, and hopefully find a new job back in NYC. But first she wants to find out who her mother really was, and why she was estranged from her sister Christine, Adele's aunt.
Adele because close with Beatrice, who gave up her life in Korean for a life with Al. She also has secrets, like Adele's mother she feels are better left unknown. But Adele wants to know what happened to her father she never met, and why her mother suffocated Adele's dreams. Jay is also an issue because she's attracted to him, and wouldn't mind a fling, but he wants more. Kayleigh looks up to Adele for advice, and an adorable mutt comes around wanting a home with Adele. Can Adele make peace with her mother, and embrace a new life back where she started and once wanted to escape, especially now with Jay, who wants to make her happy and give her the world?
Simple Wishes has a lot going on in these pages, but it's a very character driven story. Adele has a vibrant personality, although she is scarred by her relationship with her mother, and her actions that forced her to run to NYC. Jay is dreamy, and Adele's reward for facing things head on, even though she makes him suffer for her love. His understanding and patience is a thing of beauty. He's an A+ hero.
As Adele unravels her mother's past, you'll be riveted. Lisa Dale did a great job with this mystery element. Also the second story about Beatrice and her motherly advice to Adele was a nice touch, and added an extra special dimension to the story.
Simple Wishes is a great story about redemption, forgiveness and how the power of love can set one free from the demons that chase them.
January 11, 2009
I enjoyed every page and didn't want the book to end.
July 19, 2023
I could not put down this book because I wanted to live at Grumble Knot (how awesome a name for a house is that?!) and sit beside a roaring fire with Jay. I was so sad when the story ended because now instead of curling up in the fire glow, I'm facing the heat and humidity of July.
This is Adele's story of grief, loss, independence, and her fraught relationship with her mother. At the beginning, we are introduced to her trudging back to her childhood home her mother left her. Adele had left home at seventeen after a falling out with her mother, Marge, and she starts off pretty resentful of having to be back home after years of living in the Big Apple.
But as she tries to figure out what to do with herself next, she discovers that Notch Lane isn't the lonely, unhappy place she thought it was. First she makes friends with Al and Beatrice and their granddaughter Kayleigh and then there's Hermit Jay. As she explores her relationships with those around her, the armor she had built around herself after leaving her mom starts to erode and we see her enjoying her time with Beatrice, trying to be a mentor to Kayleigh, and eventually beginning a romance with Jay.
I will admit I almost put this book down half way through because I thought there was going to be this awful miscommunication trope between Adele and Jay, but I just had to see it out and find out how this was going to work out and what Marge's secret was. By the end of the book, I was clamoring for more of Grumble Knot and all the neighbors of Notch Lane. This was my first book by Lisa Dale, but I'll be looking for more of her stories in the future.
This is Adele's story of grief, loss, independence, and her fraught relationship with her mother. At the beginning, we are introduced to her trudging back to her childhood home her mother left her. Adele had left home at seventeen after a falling out with her mother, Marge, and she starts off pretty resentful of having to be back home after years of living in the Big Apple.
But as she tries to figure out what to do with herself next, she discovers that Notch Lane isn't the lonely, unhappy place she thought it was. First she makes friends with Al and Beatrice and their granddaughter Kayleigh and then there's Hermit Jay. As she explores her relationships with those around her, the armor she had built around herself after leaving her mom starts to erode and we see her enjoying her time with Beatrice, trying to be a mentor to Kayleigh, and eventually beginning a romance with Jay.
I will admit I almost put this book down half way through because I thought there was going to be this awful miscommunication trope between Adele and Jay, but I just had to see it out and find out how this was going to work out and what Marge's secret was. By the end of the book, I was clamoring for more of Grumble Knot and all the neighbors of Notch Lane. This was my first book by Lisa Dale, but I'll be looking for more of her stories in the future.
May 20, 2021
Annoying main character. I kept wishing for her to just grow up, and she finally did.
September 11, 2025
Started off slow but picked up. I enjoyed this read.
May 11, 2012
I've been in the mood for contemporary romances lately and decided to search for one from a new-to-me author. I do this every so often and call them my random picks. If I get lucky, I find a new author whose work I'll follow. I was unaware Simple Wishes is Lisa Dale's first contemporary romance when the above description caught my attention. As it turns out this book is about much more than the romance -- although the romance is there, I didn't find it to be the focal point of the story.
When Adele meets Jay Westvelt, he is not what she expects he is more. Jay is a very private person and a brilliant artist. A man who has made very clear choices and knows what he wants from life -- the opposite of Adele. In many ways, Jay understands Adele better than she understands herself. Dale develops their personal relationship and eventual romantic involvement slowly. These two people get to know each other and their initial dislike grows into friendship, attraction and eventually into passion and love. Their coming together is not an easy or comfortable one. Adele's many issues, including her intimacy problems and inadequacies, make the conflict a difficult one to resolve.
Adele's closest neighbors in Notch Lane, Pat, Beatrice and their teenage granddaughter, Kayleigh, are very important to the story. Beatrice, a Korean born lady, becomes more than a friend to Adele. It is through Beatrice, who was a friend to Marge, that Adele works through her resentment and anger towards her dead mother. It is with Beatrice that Adele learns the intimacy and boundaries of friendship.
Adele is a thirty-one year old woman with adult feelings, but emotionally she seems to regress at times, almost as if she were stuck in an adolescent time warp. The relationship that she develops with Kayleigh and Kayleigh's own youthful struggles help Adele work through some of those issues. You will find this is the type of contemporary where secondary characters are as much a part of the plot as the main characters. In Simple Wishes they have as much to offer, as do Adele and Jay.
It's important to point out that although I was initially attracted to Simple Wishes by the romance, I was actually pulled in to the story first by the writing, and then by the characters. Dale writes more than a few beautiful passages in this book and although I did find some inconsistencies in the point of view--sometimes in the third person, sometimes in the first--it's always presented from Adele's perspective. The story itself is character driven and centers more on Adele and her personal struggles than on the romance, although the romance itself becomes part of those struggles and the resolution is sweet and worth the wait.
Development is extremely well done for both the main and secondary characters. Adele is explored to the fullest and there are few if any questions left unanswered about her by the time we reach the end. Beatrice and Kayleigh's characters are so well developed and are so key to this story that at times they become central--particularly Beatrice. Adele and Beatrice's relationship almost overshadows Jay and Adele's; it was that deep and meaningful. Adele's struggles were frustrating at times, but her growth, although slow, was palpable and well done. On many levels, a story about love and forgiveness.
When Adele meets Jay Westvelt, he is not what she expects he is more. Jay is a very private person and a brilliant artist. A man who has made very clear choices and knows what he wants from life -- the opposite of Adele. In many ways, Jay understands Adele better than she understands herself. Dale develops their personal relationship and eventual romantic involvement slowly. These two people get to know each other and their initial dislike grows into friendship, attraction and eventually into passion and love. Their coming together is not an easy or comfortable one. Adele's many issues, including her intimacy problems and inadequacies, make the conflict a difficult one to resolve.
Adele's closest neighbors in Notch Lane, Pat, Beatrice and their teenage granddaughter, Kayleigh, are very important to the story. Beatrice, a Korean born lady, becomes more than a friend to Adele. It is through Beatrice, who was a friend to Marge, that Adele works through her resentment and anger towards her dead mother. It is with Beatrice that Adele learns the intimacy and boundaries of friendship.
Adele is a thirty-one year old woman with adult feelings, but emotionally she seems to regress at times, almost as if she were stuck in an adolescent time warp. The relationship that she develops with Kayleigh and Kayleigh's own youthful struggles help Adele work through some of those issues. You will find this is the type of contemporary where secondary characters are as much a part of the plot as the main characters. In Simple Wishes they have as much to offer, as do Adele and Jay.
It's important to point out that although I was initially attracted to Simple Wishes by the romance, I was actually pulled in to the story first by the writing, and then by the characters. Dale writes more than a few beautiful passages in this book and although I did find some inconsistencies in the point of view--sometimes in the third person, sometimes in the first--it's always presented from Adele's perspective. The story itself is character driven and centers more on Adele and her personal struggles than on the romance, although the romance itself becomes part of those struggles and the resolution is sweet and worth the wait.
Development is extremely well done for both the main and secondary characters. Adele is explored to the fullest and there are few if any questions left unanswered about her by the time we reach the end. Beatrice and Kayleigh's characters are so well developed and are so key to this story that at times they become central--particularly Beatrice. Adele and Beatrice's relationship almost overshadows Jay and Adele's; it was that deep and meaningful. Adele's struggles were frustrating at times, but her growth, although slow, was palpable and well done. On many levels, a story about love and forgiveness.
February 13, 2009
Adele Matin is a woman with a problem. She made a careless mistake that cost her job in New York City at an art gallery. Without a job, her apartment soon followed. She returned home to Grumble Knot on Notch Lane (don't you just love these names!), a house which her mother Marge had left to her in her will. She hadn't been back to rural Pennsylvania since she was seventeen - when she had left with these thoughts - to make it in New York City and be rid of her past and her demanding and unloving mother for good. So her return to Grumble Knot seemed to her the worst possible thing that could happen, but she had no where else to go.
Jay Westvelt had been taking care of the cabin in the years since her mother had died. He was a recluse and an artist who lived in a cabin called Tarpaper - next to Grumble Knot. He and Adele soon become close, even though they both seem to have issues from the past that are threatening their future.
Beatrice is Adele's Korean neighbor who was also Marge's friend. She knows the secret that Marge did not want her daughter to find out. She also has a secret of her own. She does her best to keep Adele from digging into the past.
As Adele and Jay grow closer, Adele also begins closing in on the secrets that she is sure everyone is keeping from her. When she finally uncovers the truth, will it send her back to New York City where a new job in a new art gallery awaits? Or will she finally learn to trust and believe in love?
I enjoyed this book very much. It had conflict, romance, mystery, heartache. The characters were great and I felt like they were people I could actually meet! They were dealing with issues that are relevant today - conflicts between mothers and daughters, teenage sex, family skeletons. As for the romance factor, I enjoyed reading a book that wasn't "love at first sight - sparks flying" and then "happily ever after". Jay and Adele had to learn to trust each other and had fights and misunderstandings along the way. This was a good read for right before Valentine's Day!
Jay Westvelt had been taking care of the cabin in the years since her mother had died. He was a recluse and an artist who lived in a cabin called Tarpaper - next to Grumble Knot. He and Adele soon become close, even though they both seem to have issues from the past that are threatening their future.
Beatrice is Adele's Korean neighbor who was also Marge's friend. She knows the secret that Marge did not want her daughter to find out. She also has a secret of her own. She does her best to keep Adele from digging into the past.
As Adele and Jay grow closer, Adele also begins closing in on the secrets that she is sure everyone is keeping from her. When she finally uncovers the truth, will it send her back to New York City where a new job in a new art gallery awaits? Or will she finally learn to trust and believe in love?
I enjoyed this book very much. It had conflict, romance, mystery, heartache. The characters were great and I felt like they were people I could actually meet! They were dealing with issues that are relevant today - conflicts between mothers and daughters, teenage sex, family skeletons. As for the romance factor, I enjoyed reading a book that wasn't "love at first sight - sparks flying" and then "happily ever after". Jay and Adele had to learn to trust each other and had fights and misunderstandings along the way. This was a good read for right before Valentine's Day!
December 13, 2008
Adele Martin has not been back to her hometown for many years. That changes one day when Adele learns that she has inherited a cottage from her mother located in small, rural Pennsylvania. When Adele arrives, the first thing she notices is the peace and quiet from the big city of New York. As Adele tries adjusting to her new life; she meets her new neighbor. Jay Westvelt is a bit of a mountain man but he is not your ordinary scruffy man. He is a very talented artist as well as good looking. Now after meeting Jay, Adele is re-thinking her decision to move back to New York so soon. The mountains do have some great things to offer.
For someone who has lived in New York, Adele seemed like she either lived a sheltered life or was too busy to stop and enjoy the things and smells around her. It was fun getting to experience things like shopping, watching the sunset, etc through Adele’s eyes. Jay is the type of guy you want to snuggle with during a cold winter’s night. I enjoyed the nice, quiet atmosphere of the woods as the location for this story. Simple Wishes makes me wish I was somewhere, where it seemed like time stood still and all I had there was is me and my husband, sitting by a fire keeping each other warm. Lisa Dale did a good job with this book.
For someone who has lived in New York, Adele seemed like she either lived a sheltered life or was too busy to stop and enjoy the things and smells around her. It was fun getting to experience things like shopping, watching the sunset, etc through Adele’s eyes. Jay is the type of guy you want to snuggle with during a cold winter’s night. I enjoyed the nice, quiet atmosphere of the woods as the location for this story. Simple Wishes makes me wish I was somewhere, where it seemed like time stood still and all I had there was is me and my husband, sitting by a fire keeping each other warm. Lisa Dale did a good job with this book.
January 15, 2009
Simple Wishes
Written By: Lisa Dale
Published By: Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, 2009, First Edition, 384 pages, softcover
ISBN 978-0446406895
Simple Wishes was a really delightful surprise. This book has restored my faith in contemporary romance novels! The author is clearly a very gifted storyteller. The characters are well written and very down-to-earth. This is a fantastic story that left me with a warm feeling of contentment.
It has a very thought-provoking story, written very...
**Please follow the link to read the whole review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
Written By: Lisa Dale
Published By: Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, 2009, First Edition, 384 pages, softcover
ISBN 978-0446406895
Simple Wishes was a really delightful surprise. This book has restored my faith in contemporary romance novels! The author is clearly a very gifted storyteller. The characters are well written and very down-to-earth. This is a fantastic story that left me with a warm feeling of contentment.
It has a very thought-provoking story, written very...
**Please follow the link to read the whole review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
June 11, 2012
Lisa Dale's debut novel is absolutely darling and soul-enriching. I relate to the heroine so much that it’s creepy, especially since I’ve had a relationship with a guy named Jay and have also struggled between the city and country life. All of the characters in here are so real that you’ll feel like a part of them are living with you, even after you've finished (at least that's how I felt).
If you're looking for a coming-of-age novel for a thirty-something woman, then this is definitely for you!
If you're looking for a coming-of-age novel for a thirty-something woman, then this is definitely for you!
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November 14, 2012I didn't take to the main character at all. I finished the book to see if she would ever grow up and gain some emotional balance. I am happy to say that she did. I wouldn't say this is my favorite book, but it did resolve in a satisfying way.
The only picking I will do is in regard to the "city girl" thing. The main character grew up and the rural town she has returned to, but she doesn't know anyone in town. She remembers how to split wood but doesn't know what to do when confronted by a bear. It's all very inconsistent. Apparently 15 years wipes away your entire past.
The only picking I will do is in regard to the "city girl" thing. The main character grew up and the rural town she has returned to, but she doesn't know anyone in town. She remembers how to split wood but doesn't know what to do when confronted by a bear. It's all very inconsistent. Apparently 15 years wipes away your entire past.
March 10, 2014
This book is about how Adele lost her job in New York and gets evicted from her apartment. She has nowhere to go except for the cottage her mother left her. She goes back there just temporary but that soon changes when she meets Jay. Jay is the only thing she can think of. Meanwhile she finally has a real friend, Beatrice, she keeps a secret about her mother and Adele's life falls apart. This book was amazing. It made me realize you can't change a person but you can change how you think of that person.
May 2, 2016
Simple wishes is both about the romance (awesome hero) and about Adele’s journey, so there’s a good amount of women’s fiction in it. As I finished this story, I realized that I’ve found a new author. Why? Because the backstory is strong and believable. Especially for Adele, but also for a couple of the secondary characters. I love it when the angst is deep and makes sense.
January 26, 2010
Romance is not my favorite genre. I managed to read the entire book even though I didn't "love" it. The plot is interesting enough but it just didn't flow as far as the writing goes. Didn't hate it, didn't love it.
March 3, 2010
The battaling of your own personal demons is one of the book styles I don't always pick up, but I'm happy I got this one. The way she works through and finally finds happiness is wonderful. I found varying degrees of myself in some of the things she was protraying and how it played out.
April 30, 2010
This book got my attention from the first page till the last. I'ved every monute of it! And the end I thought I had it figured out and it was a total surprise to me. I cannot wait to read Lisa's next book!
September 24, 2011
This was a wonderful book because it was more serious and had much more depth than a typical romance. It had a strong secondary plot which was just as interesting as the romance. The book dealt with emotional growth, how our past shapes our present, and the legacy we receive from our parents.
August 3, 2012
Two weeks ago, I read Lisa Dale's A Promise of Safekeeping and absolutely adored it. As such, I assumed I would enjoy other books of hers. However, I was disappointed by Simple Wishes. It was not as sophisticated, witty, psychological, or clever as A Promise of Safekeeping.
June 15, 2009
Chick-lit with some serious emotional stuff packed in. A good beach or poolside read.
Click here for my full review.
Click here for my full review.
February 14, 2009
a really good book with some thought-provoking issues.
May 5, 2009
I would like to give this 3.5. I liked this book and I liked the characters but I didn't LOVE it.
June 28, 2009
Ditto to Tricia's review...
July 3, 2009
Lisa Dale is a very talented up and coming author. I truly enjoyed every page of this book and by the end, felt like I knew the characters personally. I can't wait for her next novel.
September 26, 2010
what a good book! I would recommend it.
April 7, 2011
This book was alright. I spent the entire time wanting to slap the main character, but I guess any reaction is a good reaction, right?
April 20, 2011
Excellent book. Love Lisa'a writing style and how her characters come to life. Story about a young woman who is finding out who she really is and who her mother really was.
January 26, 2012
Adele was the MOST annoying character I have ever read about. The only reason I gave it 3 stars is because I liked all the other characters.
October 2, 2013
Not great. Repetitive about negative aspects.
February 8, 2014
I'm on page 50 and I'm confused...the author really hasn't explained a whole lot...didn't finish it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews