What do you think?
Rate this book
Stonehill #4
Jessica's Wish
One wish can change everything.
This year when Jessica Martinson-Canton blows out eleven candles on her homemade vegan cake, she makes the same wish she’s made for as many birthdays as she can remember: she wants a mother.
Jessica’s father Phil has worked his entire life to create a more stable childhood for his daughter than he had with his unwed teenaged mother. When his wife left him and their newborn daughter in their most vulnerable hour, Phil pledged to give his baby everything. His parents have reunited and are working hard to create a supportive extended family, but rainbow pancakes and princess murals can’t heal the dark void left in Phil’s heart which he won’t even admit is there.
Mallory O’Connell leaves her dream job in a big city to return home to help her fiercely independent mother recover from tragedy. After forming a unique bond with Jessica—and a friendship with Jessica’s hot father—Mallory finds that in coming back to Stonehill she might just have found a way to make all of her dreams come true. But as their families push Phil and Mallory together, old insecurities and Phil’s worst fears threaten to break up the happy trio and catch Jessica in the emotional crossfire.
This year when Jessica Martinson-Canton blows out eleven candles on her homemade vegan cake, she makes the same wish she’s made for as many birthdays as she can remember: she wants a mother.
Jessica’s father Phil has worked his entire life to create a more stable childhood for his daughter than he had with his unwed teenaged mother. When his wife left him and their newborn daughter in their most vulnerable hour, Phil pledged to give his baby everything. His parents have reunited and are working hard to create a supportive extended family, but rainbow pancakes and princess murals can’t heal the dark void left in Phil’s heart which he won’t even admit is there.
Mallory O’Connell leaves her dream job in a big city to return home to help her fiercely independent mother recover from tragedy. After forming a unique bond with Jessica—and a friendship with Jessica’s hot father—Mallory finds that in coming back to Stonehill she might just have found a way to make all of her dreams come true. But as their families push Phil and Mallory together, old insecurities and Phil’s worst fears threaten to break up the happy trio and catch Jessica in the emotional crossfire.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2016
206 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Marci Bolden
35 books1,294 followersAs a teen, Marci Bolden skipped over young adult books and jumped right into reading women's fiction and romance novels.
Marci lives in the Midwest with her husband and numerous rescue pets. If she had an ounce of willpower, Marci would embrace healthy living but until cupcakes and wine are no longer available at the local grocery store, she’ll put that ambition on hold and appease her guilt by reading self-help books and promising to join a gym “soon.”
Marci also writes as Marci Wilson.
Marci lives in the Midwest with her husband and numerous rescue pets. If she had an ounce of willpower, Marci would embrace healthy living but until cupcakes and wine are no longer available at the local grocery store, she’ll put that ambition on hold and appease her guilt by reading self-help books and promising to join a gym “soon.”
Marci also writes as Marci Wilson.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 5, 2016
Preteen Jessica, who has down syndrome, wants nothing more than to have a mom because unfortunately hers bailed out when she was a baby. Phil, her father, continues his best to make Jessica's life as fulfilling as possible even with the void Jessica feels with not having a mother. His life seems to be going well, until he connects with Mallory. Jessica is becoming attached and his fear of heartbreak for his daughter comes back to him.
Such a beautiful and clean romance novel that filled my heart with joy. I absolutely loved how the author portrayed the insecurities both adults had due to their own heartaches. And because of that, within these pages, the author has showed how love can truly heal pain.
I have not read the previous books in the series (yet), so I had a little trouble in keeping up with all the characters' names towards the beginning. However, after reading this book, I've come to care about these characters and now I would like to know more these people's lives. I plan on reading the first three in the series.
A definite 5-star rated book! Highly recommended for those who enjoy clean romance and seeing two people grow and realize what they lacked in their lives was love.
Such a beautiful and clean romance novel that filled my heart with joy. I absolutely loved how the author portrayed the insecurities both adults had due to their own heartaches. And because of that, within these pages, the author has showed how love can truly heal pain.
I have not read the previous books in the series (yet), so I had a little trouble in keeping up with all the characters' names towards the beginning. However, after reading this book, I've come to care about these characters and now I would like to know more these people's lives. I plan on reading the first three in the series.
A definite 5-star rated book! Highly recommended for those who enjoy clean romance and seeing two people grow and realize what they lacked in their lives was love.
April 3, 2019
I really wanted to love this book but some things didn't add up for me. Like Phil being called a hippy in the beginning of the book but I don't think he is, his mom yes, him no. There was a lot of complaining about how rigid he was, how conservative, not a hippy. Another thing that bothered me was Phil himself and how he handled everything. I felt he was very unfair to mallory, and I am glad Mallory held him accountable, however it seemed too easy to get back together. There were some big issues there I felt that Phil didn't heal from or possible learn from. I really liked Mallory's character and how she stood up for herself and told Phil what he needed to hear, however the relationship progressed too rapid, thus the reason for the avalanche.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2019
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute story about Jessica, a little girl with Down Syndrome, and her desire for a mom. The story mostly follows Phil, Jessica’s father, and Mallory, the daughter of a woman recovering from a horrific shooting.
I liked Jessica a lot. She was adorable and surprisingly astute for a kid. I also found Mallory likeable and enjoyed seeing her bond with Jess. Their relationship was pure and sweet. I struggled with Phil, though. I understood his concerns about his daughter but he tended to use those concerns as excuses for his own insecurities and as a way to justify pushing Mallory away when all she did was exactly what he asked of her. I know he was meant to be a pretty hot-and-cold character, but he was frustrating at times and I couldn’t relate to much of his reasoning.
The story wasn’t particularly exciting, but it was a nice, easy read, which was ideal for me since I’m trying to drag myself out of a reading slump. The writing style was good too; straight to the point and simple to follow.
Overall, an easy, enjoyable story with some sweet characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute story about Jessica, a little girl with Down Syndrome, and her desire for a mom. The story mostly follows Phil, Jessica’s father, and Mallory, the daughter of a woman recovering from a horrific shooting.
I liked Jessica a lot. She was adorable and surprisingly astute for a kid. I also found Mallory likeable and enjoyed seeing her bond with Jess. Their relationship was pure and sweet. I struggled with Phil, though. I understood his concerns about his daughter but he tended to use those concerns as excuses for his own insecurities and as a way to justify pushing Mallory away when all she did was exactly what he asked of her. I know he was meant to be a pretty hot-and-cold character, but he was frustrating at times and I couldn’t relate to much of his reasoning.
The story wasn’t particularly exciting, but it was a nice, easy read, which was ideal for me since I’m trying to drag myself out of a reading slump. The writing style was good too; straight to the point and simple to follow.
Overall, an easy, enjoyable story with some sweet characters.
March 9, 2021
Great book
I think this book has been my favorite so far!! I was so excited to read Jessica's story. This was such a fun book, I smiled the whole way through the book.
I think this book has been my favorite so far!! I was so excited to read Jessica's story. This was such a fun book, I smiled the whole way through the book.
April 15, 2019
The fourth installment of the Stonehill series starts the title of the book, a wish made by Phil's daughter, Jessica, for a mother. Jessica has grown up since the first book in the series; she is now eleven. She has never known her biological mother, who left them when she was a baby because the woman couldn't handle having a Down syndrome child.
If you read the first book in the Stonehill series, you are familiar with Phil and Jessica as well as with Phil's mother, Kara. Part of the enjoyment of this book came from seeing Kara and Harry's new life together as a married couple up close. They are deeply in love and are trying to care for an infant of a mother who has nearly abandoned her to them.
Mallory has come back to the area. While in San Diego, she couldn't stop thinking of her mother, Annie, and all that Marcus was doing to support her. So she quit her job and moved back so she could help her mother and the man whom she sees as a father figure. Mallory becomes reacquainted with Jessica and Phil, and soon Kara thinks that Mallory could be the perfect woman for Phil and a mothering influence for Jessica as she approaches her teen years.
What will Annie and Marcus think about Mallory's return to town? What about Mallory’s career? Will romantic sparks fly between Mallory and Phil? Will Jessica get her wish?
I enjoyed having a more in-depth story that focused on Phil. He was an interesting character in his mother's story (book one of the series), but you knew he had to have one, too, since he has such a complex backstory as well as a challenging present as a single father raising a special needs child. He and Mallory share similarities in their pasts; neither had a father in their life growing up. The characters are very supportive of each other, and Phil helps Mallory understand the difficulties she is having adjusting to the changes in her mother's life. I liked, too, that seeing Phil through Mallory's eyes gives us a completely different perspective than the first book where we only see Phil through his own thoughts and actions. Phil is a man who has struggled and continues to struggle with his relationship with his mother as he sees himself as being so different from her. At times when reading about him—both in this book and in the first one—I have felt frustrated with his lack of understanding and compassion for his mother, who did her best to raise him under challenging circumstances. But through Mallory's eyes, we can see that he has inherited compassion and kindness from his mother, whether he would own it or not!
As this book deals very closely with characters and events from books one and three of the series, I would not consider it to be a standalone book. But all the books in the series are incredible, so I would recommend them all anyway, whether needed for this story or not. Once again, Marcy Bolden has delivered a story that packs an emotional punch. These characters suffer and struggle in ways that are easy to understand and empathize with. I love the way this tight-knit group supports each other. I hope there is much more in store for the people in Stonehill.
I received a free copy of this book, but this did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
If you read the first book in the Stonehill series, you are familiar with Phil and Jessica as well as with Phil's mother, Kara. Part of the enjoyment of this book came from seeing Kara and Harry's new life together as a married couple up close. They are deeply in love and are trying to care for an infant of a mother who has nearly abandoned her to them.
Mallory has come back to the area. While in San Diego, she couldn't stop thinking of her mother, Annie, and all that Marcus was doing to support her. So she quit her job and moved back so she could help her mother and the man whom she sees as a father figure. Mallory becomes reacquainted with Jessica and Phil, and soon Kara thinks that Mallory could be the perfect woman for Phil and a mothering influence for Jessica as she approaches her teen years.
What will Annie and Marcus think about Mallory's return to town? What about Mallory’s career? Will romantic sparks fly between Mallory and Phil? Will Jessica get her wish?
I enjoyed having a more in-depth story that focused on Phil. He was an interesting character in his mother's story (book one of the series), but you knew he had to have one, too, since he has such a complex backstory as well as a challenging present as a single father raising a special needs child. He and Mallory share similarities in their pasts; neither had a father in their life growing up. The characters are very supportive of each other, and Phil helps Mallory understand the difficulties she is having adjusting to the changes in her mother's life. I liked, too, that seeing Phil through Mallory's eyes gives us a completely different perspective than the first book where we only see Phil through his own thoughts and actions. Phil is a man who has struggled and continues to struggle with his relationship with his mother as he sees himself as being so different from her. At times when reading about him—both in this book and in the first one—I have felt frustrated with his lack of understanding and compassion for his mother, who did her best to raise him under challenging circumstances. But through Mallory's eyes, we can see that he has inherited compassion and kindness from his mother, whether he would own it or not!
As this book deals very closely with characters and events from books one and three of the series, I would not consider it to be a standalone book. But all the books in the series are incredible, so I would recommend them all anyway, whether needed for this story or not. Once again, Marcy Bolden has delivered a story that packs an emotional punch. These characters suffer and struggle in ways that are easy to understand and empathize with. I love the way this tight-knit group supports each other. I hope there is much more in store for the people in Stonehill.
I received a free copy of this book, but this did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
February 28, 2021
Loved it! Was on my toes with the twist and turns, as I didn’t want to close my book, but you had to, as it was too late in the morning. Highly recommend this series! Onto the next book in the series.
August 27, 2019
Jessica Martinson-Canton is celebrating her eleventh birthday, and has only one wish. Jessica was born with Down Syndrome, and her mother left when she was an infant. Although, her grandmother, Kara, has been in her life, it's not the same as all the other girls who have moms.
Phil Martinson-Canton, who is Jessica's father, has no plans for the immediate future to be involved with anyone. He doesn't want to bring just anyone into their lives, he wants to make sure the woman will love Jessica; as much as him. Phil grew up without a father, and when his wife left, it opened a wound wider. When his mother, points out that Jessica is a preteen and needs someone other than him to connect with.
Mallory O'Connell, a graphic designer, moves back to Stonehill from California. Her mother, Annie was injured, and Mallory decided to come home to help with her mother's real estate business and take care of her mother. Mallory, also grew up without a father, who left before she was born.
When Phil and Mallory start to hang out as friends, there is something there between them. Kara and Annie are overjoyed at the prospect of their children becoming more than friends. Things don't go as planned, when Phil has a change of heart and deeply hurts not just Mallory, but Jessica too.
I enjoyed this story, the characters are likeable, and I found myself rooting for the two to overcome their differences.
I received an ARC from Netgalley via Pink Sand Press and I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Phil Martinson-Canton, who is Jessica's father, has no plans for the immediate future to be involved with anyone. He doesn't want to bring just anyone into their lives, he wants to make sure the woman will love Jessica; as much as him. Phil grew up without a father, and when his wife left, it opened a wound wider. When his mother, points out that Jessica is a preteen and needs someone other than him to connect with.
Mallory O'Connell, a graphic designer, moves back to Stonehill from California. Her mother, Annie was injured, and Mallory decided to come home to help with her mother's real estate business and take care of her mother. Mallory, also grew up without a father, who left before she was born.
When Phil and Mallory start to hang out as friends, there is something there between them. Kara and Annie are overjoyed at the prospect of their children becoming more than friends. Things don't go as planned, when Phil has a change of heart and deeply hurts not just Mallory, but Jessica too.
I enjoyed this story, the characters are likeable, and I found myself rooting for the two to overcome their differences.
I received an ARC from Netgalley via Pink Sand Press and I voluntarily reviewed this book.
January 24, 2016
This is truly a sweet read. A small girl with Down Syndrome, a father with a fear of abandonment, and a caring daughter. Little Jessica wants a mother so badly that she wishes for one every year. But, will her father finally get over his fears and make Jessica's dream come true? This book is heartwarming. I absolutely adored Jessica and the instant bond between her and Mallory. So sweet and wonderful, it will make in believe in wishes coming true. I love this series and can't wait for more
June 19, 2019
He would do anything for his daughter and he will give his young daughter the life he never had. His wife left them behind and he will not let anyone spoil it. She has to go home to help her mother when she meets the daughter and they get on well. Will they fall in love? Will he let her into his heart? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2019
This was a fantastic heartwarming story about a little girl longing for a mother. Mallory goes back home to help and be closer to her mom and step dad. While there she reconnects with Jessica and her father Phil. Jessica's Wish is filled with family, friendship, longing, passion, romance, laughter, and love. This is a captivating must read that readers will fall in love with and won't want to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2019
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Jessica's Wish is a great story about realizing that while love can be difficult at times, it is also the thing that can mean the most in life.
Jessica is the eleven year old daughter of Phil Martinson-Canton. She has Down syndrome and has lived her entire life without her mother, as she chose to walk away from Phil and her daughter when she was a tiny baby. Until now, Jessica hasn't seemed to be phased by not having a mother in her life, but she's gotten to an age where she does understand and she really wants a mother of her own. And, she's not afraid to make that known! Phil has always wanted to do what is best for his daughter, but while finding her a mother figure might be what is best, he's not sure he's willing to open them both up to going through the kind of hurt they could should another woman choose to come into their life and then leave.
Mallory O'Connell has been living in California for the past several years, but she's now returned to her hometown to help take care of her mother following a debilitating accident. When Mallory meets Jessica, the two hit it off immediately. They have drawing and painting in common and Mallory introduces Jess to the world of comics. Mallory also thinks Phil is pretty great, err hot, as well.
As Mallory and Phil grow closer, insecurities and fears from the past begin to rear their ugly head. Will these two be able to move past the hurt they both carry from earlier on in their lives to make a go of it or are they destined to let something that could be amazing pass them by?
Another great book by Marci Bolden and one that I think many will enjoy!
Jessica's Wish is a great story about realizing that while love can be difficult at times, it is also the thing that can mean the most in life.
Jessica is the eleven year old daughter of Phil Martinson-Canton. She has Down syndrome and has lived her entire life without her mother, as she chose to walk away from Phil and her daughter when she was a tiny baby. Until now, Jessica hasn't seemed to be phased by not having a mother in her life, but she's gotten to an age where she does understand and she really wants a mother of her own. And, she's not afraid to make that known! Phil has always wanted to do what is best for his daughter, but while finding her a mother figure might be what is best, he's not sure he's willing to open them both up to going through the kind of hurt they could should another woman choose to come into their life and then leave.
Mallory O'Connell has been living in California for the past several years, but she's now returned to her hometown to help take care of her mother following a debilitating accident. When Mallory meets Jessica, the two hit it off immediately. They have drawing and painting in common and Mallory introduces Jess to the world of comics. Mallory also thinks Phil is pretty great, err hot, as well.
As Mallory and Phil grow closer, insecurities and fears from the past begin to rear their ugly head. Will these two be able to move past the hurt they both carry from earlier on in their lives to make a go of it or are they destined to let something that could be amazing pass them by?
Another great book by Marci Bolden and one that I think many will enjoy!
April 9, 2019
Jessica's Wish by Marci Bolden is book four in the Stonehill Series. In some ways it might have been book two since book one is Jessica’s grandparents’ story. However, other events in the small town community had to happen first. With that said, I want to give a background on how I came to know this series so well.
A couple of years ago, I requested book 5 of the series from NetGalley. It was the first one that I read in the series. I fell in love with the Stonehill community and two families in particular. Then I read the first book, loved it so I bought the rest of the series from my favorite ebook site.
You might wonder what makes this series such a gem of a find.
For me, I loved the “this is real life” of the stories, the resilience of the characters, the honesty about the hardships and the believability of it all. I loved the style of the writing, the relationship building within the stories between the characters, both romantically and friendship relationships too.
I especially love in Jessica’s Wish that she is often the focus of the story, playing a major part. I also loved how Phil’s wisdom gave Mallory the comfort that she needed while her zest for life gave Phil the fun that his life needed. Most of all, I love how the story doubled in size from when I bought it to now. Literally the book I bought had seven chapters, this new marvelous. Revised. expanded version has sixteen chapters. Even better the epilogue did not change, making this a circular story that goes full circle, ending as it began with Jessica’s wish.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A couple of years ago, I requested book 5 of the series from NetGalley. It was the first one that I read in the series. I fell in love with the Stonehill community and two families in particular. Then I read the first book, loved it so I bought the rest of the series from my favorite ebook site.
You might wonder what makes this series such a gem of a find.
For me, I loved the “this is real life” of the stories, the resilience of the characters, the honesty about the hardships and the believability of it all. I loved the style of the writing, the relationship building within the stories between the characters, both romantically and friendship relationships too.
I especially love in Jessica’s Wish that she is often the focus of the story, playing a major part. I also loved how Phil’s wisdom gave Mallory the comfort that she needed while her zest for life gave Phil the fun that his life needed. Most of all, I love how the story doubled in size from when I bought it to now. Literally the book I bought had seven chapters, this new marvelous. Revised. expanded version has sixteen chapters. Even better the epilogue did not change, making this a circular story that goes full circle, ending as it began with Jessica’s wish.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 15, 2019
4 1/2 Stars! Another emotional story from Ms. Bolden!
Phil has been a single father for over 10 years and has devoted all his time to his daughter’s well being. But his daughter, Jessica, is missing a mother’s love and that is the one thing he can’t give her. Mallory comes home to Stonehill to help her mom and stepdad look after their business after her mom was shot and can’t work while recovering from the ordeal. Mallory has always had a soft spot for Jessica and thinks that Phil is kinda cute in his nerdy way. When Phil and Mallory become friends, Jessica believes that she finally found the mom she’s been missing.
This story just tugged at my heartstrings! Jessica is just a sweetie ... how could you not fall in love with her? Once again Phil kinda pissed me off ... he just can’t get over his childhood and blames his mom for all his problems. I wanted to shake him and say “you’re an adult, get over it and take responsibility for your life”. But I still liked him because he always put Jessica’s best interests first. I just love how this author writes stories about real people ... flaws and all!
I received an early copy courtesy of Pink Sand Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
Phil has been a single father for over 10 years and has devoted all his time to his daughter’s well being. But his daughter, Jessica, is missing a mother’s love and that is the one thing he can’t give her. Mallory comes home to Stonehill to help her mom and stepdad look after their business after her mom was shot and can’t work while recovering from the ordeal. Mallory has always had a soft spot for Jessica and thinks that Phil is kinda cute in his nerdy way. When Phil and Mallory become friends, Jessica believes that she finally found the mom she’s been missing.
This story just tugged at my heartstrings! Jessica is just a sweetie ... how could you not fall in love with her? Once again Phil kinda pissed me off ... he just can’t get over his childhood and blames his mom for all his problems. I wanted to shake him and say “you’re an adult, get over it and take responsibility for your life”. But I still liked him because he always put Jessica’s best interests first. I just love how this author writes stories about real people ... flaws and all!
I received an early copy courtesy of Pink Sand Press through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
April 3, 2019
This story is so heartwarming all young Jessica wants is a mother and she wishes this each year for her birthday. Her mother left her and her father because she had Down syndrome.
Phil her father was raised by a single mother, he didn't meet his father until later in life. He feels that he doesn't need another wife, he is happily single.
But his daughter may need a female figure now that she is getting older.
Mallory the heroine moved to California but came back to help her parents. She is always nice to Jessica. The hero Phil has so many issues. His back and forth with Mallory is crazy and confusing. They bicker constantly and I don't even know if they should be together. To say he has a daughter Phil acts like a rotten teenager .
I don't know what to rate this story because of Phil's indecisiveness but he did sort of got it together after a talk with his mom. I think I rate this one three stars. I voluntarily received an arc copy through Booksprout for my honest review
Phil her father was raised by a single mother, he didn't meet his father until later in life. He feels that he doesn't need another wife, he is happily single.
But his daughter may need a female figure now that she is getting older.
Mallory the heroine moved to California but came back to help her parents. She is always nice to Jessica. The hero Phil has so many issues. His back and forth with Mallory is crazy and confusing. They bicker constantly and I don't even know if they should be together. To say he has a daughter Phil acts like a rotten teenager .
I don't know what to rate this story because of Phil's indecisiveness but he did sort of got it together after a talk with his mom. I think I rate this one three stars. I voluntarily received an arc copy through Booksprout for my honest review
April 9, 2019
What a sweet story. It starts a little slowly but that is how real relationships start. The strength of this author is her ability to tell a story in a way that it sounds like a real person's life. Neither Phil nor Mallory are looking for a relationship. However, when Mallory moves back home to be closer to her mom, she runs into Phil and his daughter Jessica who has befriended her mother after her stroke. As Phil's entire life revolves around his daughter with Down Syndrome, he realizes he has no friends of his own. Mallory brings some much needed joy to their lives. The only problem is Phil is so serious and shortsighted that he hurts Mallory and Jessica very badly. This is where the story lost me a little. Phil takes his rejection of all relationships too far too late and isn't willing to see reason. It makes him seem quite unappealing as a character. All in all, it is an extremely sweet romance and worth the read.
August 22, 2019
As much as I love Jessica, her father is not lovable. Phil had is own issues to work out, that is not a excuse for his behavior. He says he is a mature adult but never acts the part. He always seems like a big baby trying to blame his mom for his issues.
The book started Mallory's story well and they gave her both vocational and family drama, but these storylines were left unresolved. All she did was play house with Phil and Jessica and that is not how real life works.
The subplots, with Kara and Harry and Annie and Marcus, were uninspired and didn't not play a big role in the main storyline. Also everyone was too involved in the matchmaking of this pair, even though one part of the couple was not yet ready for a real relationship yet.
This book had much wasted potential in not thought out plots. I wanted to love it, but couldn't.
I received a copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and all opinions are my own.
Luanna
The book started Mallory's story well and they gave her both vocational and family drama, but these storylines were left unresolved. All she did was play house with Phil and Jessica and that is not how real life works.
The subplots, with Kara and Harry and Annie and Marcus, were uninspired and didn't not play a big role in the main storyline. Also everyone was too involved in the matchmaking of this pair, even though one part of the couple was not yet ready for a real relationship yet.
This book had much wasted potential in not thought out plots. I wanted to love it, but couldn't.
I received a copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and all opinions are my own.
Luanna
April 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and haven't read all of the other books in the series yet. The characters overlap, but it is not necessary to read them in order to enjoy them. I adored Jessica and just wanted to reach through my kindle and hug her. She's such a great girl! I also enjoyed Phil (mostly) and Mallory. They are perfect (well as perfect as anybody can be) for each other and fit together so well. I was extremely frustrated will Phil for awhile but could also understand where he was coming from as well. I could feel Mallory's confusion as she was trying to sort through her own feelings for Phil as well as they way he went from hot to cold. Marci's writing is wonderful. She makes it seem effortless to write such a sweet romance story with so many emotions and feelings that just bleed off of the pages.
April 10, 2019
As soon as I started reading, I became totally immersed in all that was happening in this touching and emotional Stonehill series drama. I fell in love with sweet and sensitive Jessica, an eleven-year-old with Down syndrome who desperately wants a mother, and enjoyed her dynamic with the other characters especially the unique bond she formed with Mallory O'Connell who shares her love of art and introduces her to the world of comics. It was so realistic, there were times I wanted to shake some sense into Jessica's dad, Phil.
This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-crafted, tender and emotional contemporary romance. I received an advance reader copy of Jessica's Wish from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. I also purchased a copy of this book.
This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys well-crafted, tender and emotional contemporary romance. I received an advance reader copy of Jessica's Wish from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. I also purchased a copy of this book.
March 19, 2019
I really wanted to like this book. Jessica is an absolutely adorable character, a young girl that so desperately wants a mother. As cute as Jessica is, however, her characterization isn't enough to overcome the problems with this book.
Phil and Jessica were both extremely problematic for me. Phil is divorced with a ten-year-old with disabilities, but he is written more like someone in their early 20s, and that might even be a stretch. Mallory also was a hard character to connect with. I felt like both of them were childish, flat, and hard to connect with.
This is a story that has promise, but I felt like the execution was simply lacking. The writing was very simplistic and I did not enjoy it, though this was a quick read.
*ARC provided via Netgalley
Phil and Jessica were both extremely problematic for me. Phil is divorced with a ten-year-old with disabilities, but he is written more like someone in their early 20s, and that might even be a stretch. Mallory also was a hard character to connect with. I felt like both of them were childish, flat, and hard to connect with.
This is a story that has promise, but I felt like the execution was simply lacking. The writing was very simplistic and I did not enjoy it, though this was a quick read.
*ARC provided via Netgalley
March 24, 2019
Jessica is Phil's eleven year old daughter with down syndrome who has always wanted a mother since her mother left when she was a baby because she couldn't handle her daughter's disabilities. Mallory lives in the city but comes home to help her mother and there she meets Phil and Jessica. She becomes friends with Jessica and Phil and grows closer to Phil but he doesn't want Jessica or himself to get hurt if she decides to leave so he pushes Mallory away. Can he trust Mallory not to break his and Jessica's heart?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2019
Oh, Jessica and her wishes. What a heartwarming and loving story. We get Phil's story with Mallory. Phil hasn't gotten past a lot of his childhood and issues with his upbringing and that hinders his blossoming relationship with Mallory. I loved getting to read their story and Jessica's fun and insightful way of making her feelings known. I loved that there was an epilogue with another one of Jessica's wishes. I hope we get to see another glimpse of their future sometime. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2019
Phil is a single father of a down's syndrome daughter, Jessica, her mother walked out on them when she was a baby and Phil has struggled to give Jessica the best life he can on his own. Every birthday Jessica's wish is to have a mother but will Phil ever be able to overcome his issues from the past and move on. Mallory had come back to Stonehill to look after her mother and she befriends Jessica..... but will Phil be able to see how perfect she could be for them.
A good story and great to be back in Stonehill I loved the character of Jessica and so was willing her to get the happy ending she so desperately wanted.... and Mallory was perfect for the role!
A good story and great to be back in Stonehill I loved the character of Jessica and so was willing her to get the happy ending she so desperately wanted.... and Mallory was perfect for the role!
April 7, 2019
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an independent review.
This is the fourth book in the series that I have read so I had high expectations which unfortunately weren’t fulfilled.
I am not sure why this book was labelled as romance. It was more a family saga and the relationships between the characters. But I didn’t warm to Phil’s character at all. He was wish washy, constantly changing his mind and I found this so annoying.
Disappointed and had hoped for more. 3 stars
This is the fourth book in the series that I have read so I had high expectations which unfortunately weren’t fulfilled.
I am not sure why this book was labelled as romance. It was more a family saga and the relationships between the characters. But I didn’t warm to Phil’s character at all. He was wish washy, constantly changing his mind and I found this so annoying.
Disappointed and had hoped for more. 3 stars
April 13, 2019
I Love This Series
Really don’t know if I can add anymore than I’ve already said on previous reviews.
The narrative of each book is unique and the characters well defined. These books really prove that a story can be so good it doesn’t need copious amounts of wild sex to make the reader want to keep turning each page.
It’s refreshing as you’re reading about adults and how they respond and react to everyday life.
I’ve preordered the next book
Really don’t know if I can add anymore than I’ve already said on previous reviews.
The narrative of each book is unique and the characters well defined. These books really prove that a story can be so good it doesn’t need copious amounts of wild sex to make the reader want to keep turning each page.
It’s refreshing as you’re reading about adults and how they respond and react to everyday life.
I’ve preordered the next book
April 21, 2019
I need to start of by saying I loved Harry and Kara’s story. Loved it so much I read it in one day. So I was excited Phil got his own story.
However, I could not get into this one. He was just too insecure for me. What did Mal see in him? Jessica was still adorable. That helped me some.
I must admit because of this, I skipped many chapters and finished the book quickly just to see how it ended. This story was not for me.
However, I could not get into this one. He was just too insecure for me. What did Mal see in him? Jessica was still adorable. That helped me some.
I must admit because of this, I skipped many chapters and finished the book quickly just to see how it ended. This story was not for me.
April 22, 2019
This is the 4th book I've read written by Marci Bolden; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2022
Anytime you have a child in the book, you know that they will steal the spotlight. I liked how art was used in this story.
This is a story of people who had to change their perspective on how they view things. It is so through that we see things through our pain and that may distort the truth so that we can deal.
I received this book from the publisher and the reviews expressed are entirely my own.
This is a story of people who had to change their perspective on how they view things. It is so through that we see things through our pain and that may distort the truth so that we can deal.
I received this book from the publisher and the reviews expressed are entirely my own.
March 29, 2019
This book was so good. It hit so many emotions. Jessica was such a sweetheart and her dad was so protective of her. Mallory loved Jessica and was starting to love Phil. I was not happy with Phil for a pretty good section of the book, but I understood what he was going through. Kara and Harry are such good people and I liked Annie and Marcus too. All and all, I really enjoyed the book.
May 2, 2019
Phil wants to protect his daughter Jessica from anyone else abandoning her. Mallory returns to town after realizing she misses her mother Annie and wants to be near for her. Phil and Mallory know each other from friends. Phil's attitude and treatment of Mallory are worse than whiplash. He uses his issues as excuses and projects them onto his daughter. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
March 28, 2019
OMG, what another great read, exciting and a page turner!!! The characters were great and the author really knows how to involve the reader. The pages jump out at the reader.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews