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Christmas Wishes

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Molly absolutely loves Christmas. Candy canes, egg nog, mistletoe, the works. She can’t get enough of it. And so it’s only natural that she works at the local Christmas store, Christmas Wishes. But when the Scrooge-like Nicholas comes to town, looking to sell his father’s business out from under him, it looks like Molly’s dream job is disappearing. Worse yet, she’s starting to fall for Nicholas, despite everything telling her not to. With one last chance to save the store, Molly appeals to the power of Christmas itself, attempting to convert Nicholas to seeing the beauty of the holiday. Can Christmas magic really make Christmas Wishes come true? Fans of Hallmark Christmas movies will be swept away by Christmas Wishes, a small-town standalone holiday romance with mistletoe and magic. Grab a glass of eggnog, sit by a warm fire, and enjoy!

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2019

143 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

Krista Lakes

89 books885 followers
Krista Lakes is a writer of romances that leave you feeling good and always have a happily ever after. She has two boys and a husband that keep her busy, not to mention two cats and a dog.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,576 reviews29 followers
December 9, 2019
ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars

Christmas Wishes: A Small Town Christmas Love Story by Krista Lakes takes us back to a small town Christmas store where all things are Christmas and where wishes do come true but you must “believe”...

Molly, a second grade teacher loves all things Christmas, working at the Christmas store as the “Head Elf” during the holidays, helping people find the perfect gifts. When owners decide to take a vacation they leave the store in her capable hands and that maybe their son, Nicholas may come to town and check on the store.

What she doesn’t expect is the owner’s son Nicholas, to be anti-Christmas and make a decision to sell...can Molly convince him not to sell, show him the Christmas spirit and explore the attraction between them or will Nicholas destroy her belief in Christmas Wishes....
Profile Image for Anita Byars.
1,435 reviews13 followers
December 9, 2019
Magical Christmas Romance! A heartwarming, small-town, charming and magical Christmas romance, that will leave you in the holiday spirit. A very Hallmark movie type story, where it is wonderful world to escape to, filled with joy, family, friends, love and magic.

Molly Carmichael knew that this was going to be the best Christmas ever. She couldn’t wait to be in charge as Head Elf at Christmas Wishes, the best Christmas store in the entire United States.

This would be the first time the Kerstmans were taking a vacation during the holiday season. But before they left Mrs.Kerstman wanted Molly to tell Santa what she most desired for Christmas, so that maybe, her wish would magically come true. Molly wanted a boyfriend. But that wasn’t good enough for Mrs. Kerstman, so she filled Santa in on the details about the type of man that Molly would want. Would her Christmas wish come true?

“M-A-G-I-C Magic always, always wins. A Christmas wish is a powerful, powerful thing.”

Nicholas Kerstman didn’t have time to waste on Christmas, a matter of fact he tried to avoid it all together. Some people called him The Grinch. But after talking with some clients, it gives him a brilliant idea. Nicholas decides he will try to get a franchise deal for his family Christmas store, that his father gave him the deed to five years ago. So he decides that he needs to check on the store before inviting anyone to come and see it. But what he finds when he gets there is more than he ever could have wished for.

Little do these two know that sometimes, “if you believe enough” Christmas wishes were magical and with the right person your bad idea might turn into a wonderful forever. And it just might be the best Holiday season yet!

This was a heartwarming, charming story furnished with an outstanding cast of characters, that will fill your heart with joy, magic and love! And where all your wishes come true! Loved it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
343 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2019
Sweet Christmas Story .... Head Elf sprinkles Christmas magic!

Super sweet story.... a perfect one to read by the fire with christmas music playing in the background while nibbling on a plate of cookies!

Molly is a Head Elf at Christmas Wishes, the store she has worked at for 10+years in addition to being a teacher. She's a holiday legend in the town and the extent of her noel-influence isn't to be underestimated. She's left in charge of the store when the owners go south for a vacation.

The merriment level increases when Nicholas, the son of Christmas Wishes' owners, decides to check up on things, traveling from NYC. He's a no-nonesense, serious-minded business exec who, despite his parents, isn't all that fond of Christmas.

When Molly and Nicholas meet, the snowballs start flying. She challenges his doubts of Christmas magic all while he puts in motion a sale of the business. She's making him second guess his big city approach to things while she stirs up a bit of mistletoe magic and merriment.

If you've read other books by the author, you'll recognize the terrific storyline and realistic characters .... in fact, you'll wish you were a part of the story!

Download this book and escape the holiday madness!

I received an ARC. This is my honest review
Profile Image for Patti.
1,469 reviews10 followers
December 7, 2019
You will love this sweet and beautiful Christmas love story!! Krista writes a beautiful story that shows that opposites can attract and have amazing connection!! Molly and Nicholas have to open their hearts to show maybe they are not that different after all though!! With both of their pasts getting in the way of their future...these two have to trust in each other and the magic of Christmas and a special Christmas wish just might make their future brighter!! This story has an amazing town, friends and an amazing family that try to support this couple!! Lots of emotion, love and laughs!! This amazing Christmas story will make you smile!! Run out today and get your copy!!
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews446 followers
December 7, 2019
Christmas Wishes by Krista Lakes is a sweet feel good holiday romance read that will have you enjoying the small town charm and the family /friends feels . The chemistry between Molly and Nicholas is amazing and touching. I loved the emotions and connection that this story brings forth. I really like the supporting characters that enhance the story. A great story that will have you rooting for the main characters with a beautiful ending.


My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Profile Image for Rina's Reads.
1,663 reviews43 followers
December 20, 2019
What a delightful Christmas story 😊
If you don't believe in Christmas magic this book will make you reconsider.
Plenty of giggles, surprises and happiness await you in this lovely book.
1,382 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book!
Christmas Wishes, is a feel-good
& touching story. Delightful characters,
small town charm & the comfort of friends & family make it the perfect holiday read.
Molly ❤ Nicholas, steal your heart
from the very first pages to the last.
Everything you want in a true romance.
A MUST READ!!
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,370 reviews46 followers
December 15, 2019
Sweet if predictable Christmas themed read.
Likeable characters.
Profile Image for Kara Quade.
623 reviews4 followers
December 17, 2019
Another sweet romance by Krista Lakes. Molly is a second grade teacher who works as the Head Elf at the Christmas Wishes store during her Christmas break. Molly loves everything to do with Christmas. The owners of Christmas Wishes have decided to go to Florida on vacation with Molly's parents and leave Molly in charge of the store. Molly also watches a boy, Liam, when his parents need help looking after him. Liam helps Molly at Christmas Wishes. Nicholas works in New York City and hates everything to do with Christmas. Nicholas is a workaholic who doesn't know how to have fun. Nicholas comes to town with the idea of getting a franchise deal for his family's Christmas store. Can Molly convince Nicholas that he shouldn't sell Christmas Wishes? Will Nicholas go back on his word to give Molly a chance to convince him not to sell to a franchise? Will Nicholas and Molly reveal their feelings to each other? Can two people from different worlds find their happily ever after? Are Nicholas and Molly willing to sacrifice to make their relationship work? Will Christmas magic bring Christmas miracles? I absolutely loved Christmas Wishes by Krista Lakes! Christmas Wishes is an amazing book with great characters. Christmas Wishes has family, friends, scorching chemistry, Christmas magic, laughs, and lots of love. I would definitely recommend getting Christmas Wishes by Krista Lakes. I received and ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
438 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2019
Couldn't put it down

Molly is a second grade teacher who has worked at the local Christmas Wishes store for 12 years on her Christmas break. She is very close to the owners and absolutely loves anything Christmas. The owners have decided to go to Florida for vacation and leave Molly in charge of the store. Molly also watches a little boy names Liam who is very helpful in working at the store. She's been told that their son named Nicholas might come check on the store while they were gone. In all these years she'd never met Nicholas and really didn't believe he exhisted.

Nicholas decided to check on things at the store. He really dislikes Christmas and isn't thrilled with this adventure. He works in NYC helping businesses and making money. He works nonstop and never has fun. He doesn't know what he's missing.

When Nicholas meets Molly he is all stiff and set on the profit margin but Molly sets him straight. He begins to have fun and become very attracted to Molly. He holds the deed to the business and plans to sell it. Can Molly convince him otherwise and how many Christmas miracles will be involved.

This is such a sweet romance with a great storyline. The characters are wonderful ! Krista is one of my favorite authors and you will never go wrong buying one of her books.
Profile Image for Terri Eaches.
571 reviews8 followers
December 14, 2019
Can Molly Open Nicholas' Heart to Christmas Magic❤🔥❤🔥❤

A very heart warming story from Krista Lakes to warm your soul and put magic in your heart. What happens when a Christmas lover crosses paths with a workaholic that avoids the very holiday that makes your heart sing. Molly has worked at Christmas Wishes for the town's Mr.and Mrs Clause for twelve years and takers her job as Head Elf seriously. Who would have thought their son Nicholas lacks the holiday spirit the town takes pride in?? Out is now Molly's missing to put the magic back into Nicholas especially when he tells her the plan of selling the store. Nicholas has his reasons why the holiday brings him so much pain that he avoids it. With the help of her student, Liam, Molly vows to save Christmas Wishes but she didn't expect to fall so hard for Nichols. Will greed out power love for this workaholic??? Sometimes magic takes time to work it's miracles. Enjoy this page turning story with great characters true to life and it's hard road to happiness!!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and purchased a copy for my favorites collection. Looking forward to more from Krista Lakes.
413 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2020
I have read every story that Krista Lakes has ever written and I can say, without hesitation, this is my favorite of her books. This story could be made into a Hallmark movie and I would watch it repeatedly - I just loved it from start to finish. The story is focused on Molly and Nicholas' developing friendship, rather than a sexual relationship and, while stories with sex in them are great, it was so refreshing that the focus was on the relationship rather than sex. It makes the happily ever after that much more believable to me. Nicholas was likable from the start, despite his “Grinchy” ways, but the back story as to why he wasn't a Christmas guy was absolutely heartbreaking. If you don't like Nicholas at first, give him time. He'll win you over.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a sweet, heart-warming Christmas romance story.
437 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2020
Molly works at Christmas wishes and has been the head elf for years. She love her small town and everything about it, but this year when the owners go on vacation she gets to show their son Nicholas everything she loves about the town and tries to get him to see the joy in Christmas and the town.
Nicholas is coming to town to assess the store and sell it. Thinking his parents were getting old and this would be the best thing for them all. He didn’t want to run it and he assumed it would not be able to handle all the stresses of being store owners much long.
Would Nicholas, the grinch, and Molly, all things Christmas get along? Would they be able to work together? Who would come out with what they want?
3,726 reviews42 followers
December 7, 2019
Amazing Book

Nicholas hates Christmas and all that is glittering even though his parents own a Christmas Shop. Molly is a school teacher but in the holidays she is head elf at the Christmas Shop because she loves Christmas. What happens when Nicholas decides to go home and meets Molly things don't go as planned. This was such a brilliant book that I couldn't put down. Krista is an incredible author and talented writer and I have read every single book that she has written and they are all amazing. I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Donna Smith.
1,277 reviews12 followers
December 7, 2019
What happens when Scrooge meets the Head Elf? Magic happens. I adored this story of a man who has lost his love of the Christmas season and the woman who helps him remember. I adored how Molly adores Christmas and everything that comes with it. Her love for the quaint store she works for, her students in her class and choir and her town make this story so much more. She is a person in her community who does the little things that matter so much. Nicholas is happy in Manhattan being one of the many. He wasn’t always that way. His small town life got lost somewhere and he just has to find it again. The question is if he wants it again. Molly is a big part of that.
Profile Image for Pam .
1,442 reviews13 followers
December 8, 2019
This was a wonderfully heartwarming Christmas tale. The characters were fully developed & relatable. The plot was interesting & kept me invested in the ending. There is laughter, tears, pity, sympathy, magic & love - everything a good Christmas story needs. Nicholas needs to realize that he needs more than work. Molly is determined to make him see how important his parents’ Christmas store is & how wrong it is for him to sell it out from under them. They both need to acknowledge their feelings & love for each other. Christmas magic intervenes in Nicholas’s plans & makes him see the truth. This was a wonderful story that everyone will love.
Profile Image for Rochelle Spaccamonti.
Author 1 book20 followers
December 8, 2019
Christmas Wishes indeed

I don’t think I have ever read a Christmas novel. I really enjoyed the joy and spirit of this book!! I loved how Molly was able to completely change Nicholas’ view on Christmas. This book really brought out the true spirit of what Christmas means. With the holiday being so commercialized I really enjoyed the family and friend dynamics of this story! I also loved that there was a kid very active throughout the story that didn’t belong to the hero or heroine! It made the book so much better!! The magic of Christmas is very prominent in the story and I really loved that about it!! I loved Molly and Nicholas so much!!
Profile Image for Tami Talbert.
455 reviews17 followers
December 16, 2019
Krista Lakes has been one of my favorite authors for years, and with this newest release, she definitely continues to be. Christmas Wishes is a sweet small town, holiday romance that will leave you smiling upon turning of the final page. Nicholas and Molly are a perfect fit, and their interactions and undeniable connection are absolutely perfect. Despite his dislike of Christmas, Nicholas openly follows Molly as she shows him how joyous and fun the holidays can be, especially when spending time with friends and the ones you love. Christmas Wishes will definitely leave you feeling a deep joy for Christmas as well as for the love that grows between these very memorable characters.
9,376 reviews140 followers
December 8, 2019
This is a sweet small town holiday romance with strong characters and an entertaining story line. The author does a fantastic job pulling you into the story with Molly and Nicholas being total opposites and bringing back the magic of Christmas for him. Her scenes are so vivid in detail and the emotions come through the pages, creating a realistic story that captured and held me fast from beginning to end . I loved reading their story and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
77 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2019
A wonderful Christmas story! Molly is a second grade teacher and she works at the local Christmas Wishes store during her break from teaching. The owners decide to go to Florida and leaves Molly in charge. Nicholas the owners' son is a business man who works in New York City. He comes home while his parents are on vacation to check on the store. There he meets Molly. Nicholas doesn't like Christmas very much. Can Molly show him that Christmas can be fun? Nicholas wants to sell his parents business. Can Molly save it? You must read to find out! Completely worth it!
Profile Image for Cindy T.
519 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2019
There's just something about Christmas and this book is all about it. Molly is a teacher that works at Christmas wishes when she's off. There's just something she loves about Christmas and it's everything. Nicholas doesn't like anything with Christmas. Yet his parents are Mr. and Mrs. Claus every year? How is that even possible with a name like that. Nicholas plans on putting the store up for sale. While Molly plans to show him what Christmas is all about. Can they both have what they want?
499 reviews
January 8, 2020
Nice, sweet Christmas book to get you in the spirit.
For me this wasn’t one of Krista Lakes best books. Parts of it were too fluffy for me and I’m a massive Christmas fan! I liked the Christmas magic and little Liam made me smile but the constant use of Ms Molly and Mr Kerstman or Nicholas Kerstman was irritating, the whole name isn’t constantly needed surely. I enjoyed the story but it wasn’t the best book for me and I’m sure others will adore it but for me it isn’t a keeper.
61 reviews
December 13, 2019
This is a feel good sweet Christmas story that will make your heart melt.

Molly is a small town elementary teacher loves Christmas and Nicholas is a big city financial guy who almost hates Christmas.

When they both meet Molly absolutely makes Nicholas fall in love with Christmas and herself.

It’s a sweet story that is a great read especially this time of the year. Happy reading.
Profile Image for Sherri Williamson.
163 reviews8 followers
December 14, 2019
Christmas Love Story

There is nothing more satisfying than a Christmas love story, especially when you are reading it close to Christmas. What I liked about this one is that it involved a hometown girl-next-door and the rich guy from the big city. And, of course, there was a bit of a problem, but in the end it all works out.
Profile Image for Rosemary Rowlette-.
31 reviews2 followers
December 28, 2019
A sweet Christmas story!

Christmas Wishes is a wonderful story of love and joy that pulls at your heartstrings and puts a smile on your face. This is the perfect book to read at Christmas time. I really enjoyed Nicholas and Molly's love story and you will too. I highly recommend Krista Lakes, she writes wonderful love stories. Looking forward to her next book.
Profile Image for Carole.
36 reviews
January 6, 2020
A Great Page Turner

What a great festive read and a pleasant read at that. The characters were well written about and came to life in an instant. A lovely story about two people eh fall in love at Christmas time .nice surprise with there extra present . Would recommend this book to anyone who wanted a easy festive read
301 reviews4 followers
January 8, 2020
Nicholas is an owner of his parents Christmas store and Molly is head elf. When Nicholas thinks he parents are getting closer to wanting to retire he decides to look into selling the store. Molly is determined to change his mind and make him fall in love with Christmas again. While making him fall in love with Christmas they fall in love with each other.
Profile Image for Zulma.
173 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2019
Another Christmas blessing from our friend

Krista has done it again. Great story plot and ending.
Will Molly save the Christmas store or will it be sold? Take a walk with Molly as we figure out how to save the store and not get another broken heart
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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