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Wander Canyon #3
His Christmas Wish
All he wants for Christmas is a family…
To make his little nephew happy,
this bachelor will need help…
After his nephew, Cole, is orphaned, Jake Sanders vows to give the little boy the best Christmas possible…except Jake doesn’t know the first thing about kids! So when Cole’s preschool teacher, Emma Mullins, offers to pitch in, Jake’s grateful for her guidance. But while Jake and Emma share an immediate connection, their blossoming love must first survive the secret she’s hiding…
From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Wander Canyon
Book 1: Their Wander Canyon Wish
Book 2: Winning Back Her Heart
Book 3: His Christmas Wish
To make his little nephew happy,
this bachelor will need help…
After his nephew, Cole, is orphaned, Jake Sanders vows to give the little boy the best Christmas possible…except Jake doesn’t know the first thing about kids! So when Cole’s preschool teacher, Emma Mullins, offers to pitch in, Jake’s grateful for her guidance. But while Jake and Emma share an immediate connection, their blossoming love must first survive the secret she’s hiding…
From Harlequin Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Wander Canyon
Book 1: Their Wander Canyon Wish
Book 2: Winning Back Her Heart
Book 3: His Christmas Wish
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 27, 2020
30 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Allie Pleiter
115 books619 followersAn avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 27, 2020
Y’all. This story undid me in every way. And the reason can be summed up in three words: Emma, Jake, and Cole. Oh my heart. These three characters tugged on it in nearly every way imaginable, sending me into giggles, swoons, tears – and a few times where my stomach bottomed out in the way it does when you read shockingly sad news about dear people. I was fully engaged in His Christmas Wish from beginning to end and everything in between.
First, Cole is just all kinds of adorable. He is the perfect blend of precocious, loving, and cute without being overdone. And the kind of grief he’s living through – the loss of his parents – is something no little preschooler should have to endure. But through his “fun” uncle Jake and his warm teacher Emma, he IS living through it. I really appreciated how the author addressed this theme throughout the book. His grief isn’t passed over – it’s brought out into the open in ways that felt natural for a boy his age – and with Jake & Emma as a support network (along with nearly the entire community of Wander Canyon) readers know he’s on his way to healing.
Jake and Emma each have their own separate grief to deal with – Jake is grieving the loss of his sister (Cole’s mom) and Emma is still grieving the loss of her own family in various ways. Their shared bond & love of Cole gives them an instant connection, and watching it develop into sparks and deeper feelings is a lot of fun to read about. The magic of Christmas, the hope of the season, the beauty of can’t-resist-any-longer kisses – all of it combines to deliver an inspiring and heartwarming romance that will linger with you long after you’ve finished the book.
Bottom Line: In His Christmas Wish, Pleiter has crafted an exquisitely tender story of love, family, Christmas, grace, grief, restoration, and of course romance. Vivid, layered characters will grip your heart and involve all the emotions, from laughter to tears. The charming setting (one particular Scroogette not included lol) adds to the warm tone of the book, and the reminder of the true meaning – and healing power – of the season is icing on the cake.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower
First, Cole is just all kinds of adorable. He is the perfect blend of precocious, loving, and cute without being overdone. And the kind of grief he’s living through – the loss of his parents – is something no little preschooler should have to endure. But through his “fun” uncle Jake and his warm teacher Emma, he IS living through it. I really appreciated how the author addressed this theme throughout the book. His grief isn’t passed over – it’s brought out into the open in ways that felt natural for a boy his age – and with Jake & Emma as a support network (along with nearly the entire community of Wander Canyon) readers know he’s on his way to healing.
Jake and Emma each have their own separate grief to deal with – Jake is grieving the loss of his sister (Cole’s mom) and Emma is still grieving the loss of her own family in various ways. Their shared bond & love of Cole gives them an instant connection, and watching it develop into sparks and deeper feelings is a lot of fun to read about. The magic of Christmas, the hope of the season, the beauty of can’t-resist-any-longer kisses – all of it combines to deliver an inspiring and heartwarming romance that will linger with you long after you’ve finished the book.
Bottom Line: In His Christmas Wish, Pleiter has crafted an exquisitely tender story of love, family, Christmas, grace, grief, restoration, and of course romance. Vivid, layered characters will grip your heart and involve all the emotions, from laughter to tears. The charming setting (one particular Scroogette not included lol) adds to the warm tone of the book, and the reminder of the true meaning – and healing power – of the season is icing on the cake.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower
October 7, 2020
What a sweet story! His Christmas Wish is the perfect read to put you in the Christmas spirit. I can always count on Allie Pleiter to deliver a heartwarming read that leaves a smile on my face. This is my favorite one of hers yet.
The characters were great. The connection between Jake and Emma was so strong. And Cole was such an adorable little guy. He'd been through so much, but showed such resiliency. Emma and Jake were so tender with him and really went all out to make Christmas something special for him.
I loved being back in Wander Canyon. It's such a charming town. I wish it was real because I'd love to visit and meet all the wonderful characters and see the iconic carousel in person. If this is your first visit to Wander Canyon, no worries. It's a standalone. Though, I know you'll be wanting to check out the previous books to visit it again.
If you're a fan of Hallmark movies, you'll love His Christmas Wish. I highly recommend it and can't wait to see what Pleiter writes next.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
The characters were great. The connection between Jake and Emma was so strong. And Cole was such an adorable little guy. He'd been through so much, but showed such resiliency. Emma and Jake were so tender with him and really went all out to make Christmas something special for him.
I loved being back in Wander Canyon. It's such a charming town. I wish it was real because I'd love to visit and meet all the wonderful characters and see the iconic carousel in person. If this is your first visit to Wander Canyon, no worries. It's a standalone. Though, I know you'll be wanting to check out the previous books to visit it again.
If you're a fan of Hallmark movies, you'll love His Christmas Wish. I highly recommend it and can't wait to see what Pleiter writes next.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
December 8, 2021
When Jake agreed to be his nephew's godfather he didn't expect to actually become his guardian, but when his sister and her husband were killed, and Cole's grandmother couldn't come and care for him as expected, Jake took on the task. He had no idea how to look after a child, especially one who had just lost his parents. Tackling his care along with keeping his business going was more than he could handle. Cole's teacher, Emma, saw how frazzled Jake was so she gave him some tips on how to deal with some situations. When the head of the school suggested Emma help with the boy in the afternoons (leaving no way for her to refuse) Jake was immensely relieved.
I was expecting this story to be more about the child than it was. Instead, it was almost entirely about how hard it was for Jake to deal with the death of his sister and take care of the boy. Which would have been funny since he didn't have a clue if the reason wasn't so sad.
I was expecting this story to be more about the child than it was. Instead, it was almost entirely about how hard it was for Jake to deal with the death of his sister and take care of the boy. Which would have been funny since he didn't have a clue if the reason wasn't so sad.
November 16, 2020
His Christmas Wish by Allie Pleiter
Wander Canyon Series Book Three
Emma Mullins loved living in the small town of Wander Canyon. She was a preschool teacher at the church and was hoping to become the new director, as the current one was retiring. Not everything about the town was perfect. There was gossip and Norma Binton. A bitter woman who wanted her niece in the director position and was all around unhappy.
Jake Sanders was a happy bachelor. He owned half of a company with his friend Bo. And then, everything changed when his sister and brother-in-law were in an accident...murdered. Not only did he lose his sister, but he also gained guardianship of his nephew, Cole. Something he struggled with. Being a parent and working through grief.
Emma and Jake were pushed into an arrangement of her helping out with Cole. She had plenty of secrets from her past that she kept to herself, but it helped her connect with Jake and Cole. Life is so much better when you can share your troubles with others. Emma learns that a bit too late. Wonderful story. **Tissue alert
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Wander Canyon Series Book Three
Emma Mullins loved living in the small town of Wander Canyon. She was a preschool teacher at the church and was hoping to become the new director, as the current one was retiring. Not everything about the town was perfect. There was gossip and Norma Binton. A bitter woman who wanted her niece in the director position and was all around unhappy.
Jake Sanders was a happy bachelor. He owned half of a company with his friend Bo. And then, everything changed when his sister and brother-in-law were in an accident...murdered. Not only did he lose his sister, but he also gained guardianship of his nephew, Cole. Something he struggled with. Being a parent and working through grief.
Emma and Jake were pushed into an arrangement of her helping out with Cole. She had plenty of secrets from her past that she kept to herself, but it helped her connect with Jake and Cole. Life is so much better when you can share your troubles with others. Emma learns that a bit too late. Wonderful story. **Tissue alert
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
October 26, 2020
When tragedy strikes, Jake Sanders steps in to care for his nephew. But with an already full plate, can he give Cole the security and home he needs. And when does Jake get his time to grieve? Emma Mullins understands Jake’s and Cole’s grief in a way few others can.
In His Christmas Wish, Allie Pleiter once again invites readers to Wander Canyon with its community that is both loving and overwhelming (in both the best and the worst ways).
Little Cole steals this story, but the romance between Emma and Jake is perfect. While some may consider some of the themes in this story of grief, guilt and healing a little heavier than most Love Inspired books, it does make for a richer story. As Emma and Jake learn, the deeper the pain, the greater the joy found in embracing God’s grace.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
In His Christmas Wish, Allie Pleiter once again invites readers to Wander Canyon with its community that is both loving and overwhelming (in both the best and the worst ways).
Little Cole steals this story, but the romance between Emma and Jake is perfect. While some may consider some of the themes in this story of grief, guilt and healing a little heavier than most Love Inspired books, it does make for a richer story. As Emma and Jake learn, the deeper the pain, the greater the joy found in embracing God’s grace.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 26, 2020
Oh. Wow!! This book grabs the heart and wrings every tear it can from it. Pleiter delves into the many ways grief can manifest in a person's life, and shows that love can heal even the worst pain.
Emma Mullins lost her mother to a drunk driver when she was 10. At the same time, she also lost her father and her older brother to their grief. She has managed to piece together a life she loves, teaching preschool in Wander. If she empathizes too much with young Cole, who can blame her? She knows the pain he feels from losing both of his parents to a random shooter on an overpass.
Jake Sanders never expected to become his nephew's guardian when he accepted the role of his godfather, but when his sister and her husband are killed, and Cole's grandmother can't come as planned, Jake is the only option. Doing his best to keep his business going while caring for Cole, he is getting more and more desperate when help comes from an unlikely source. Cole's teacher, Emma, gets "volun-told" to care for the boy in the afternoons, by the pastor and the preschool director. As they work together to help Cole through his grief, can they also help each other, as well?
I was a little surprised at how often Pleiter's words spoke into my own grief (my father died in January). I loved the idea of making a Happy List and a Sad List to prove to myself that there have been happy things going on in the midst of the sad. I always know that when I pick up an Allie Pleiter book it will be a good one, but this one was not just good. It was amazing!
Pick this one up! It has ALL the emotions, and a beautiful HEA.
Emma Mullins lost her mother to a drunk driver when she was 10. At the same time, she also lost her father and her older brother to their grief. She has managed to piece together a life she loves, teaching preschool in Wander. If she empathizes too much with young Cole, who can blame her? She knows the pain he feels from losing both of his parents to a random shooter on an overpass.
Jake Sanders never expected to become his nephew's guardian when he accepted the role of his godfather, but when his sister and her husband are killed, and Cole's grandmother can't come as planned, Jake is the only option. Doing his best to keep his business going while caring for Cole, he is getting more and more desperate when help comes from an unlikely source. Cole's teacher, Emma, gets "volun-told" to care for the boy in the afternoons, by the pastor and the preschool director. As they work together to help Cole through his grief, can they also help each other, as well?
I was a little surprised at how often Pleiter's words spoke into my own grief (my father died in January). I loved the idea of making a Happy List and a Sad List to prove to myself that there have been happy things going on in the midst of the sad. I always know that when I pick up an Allie Pleiter book it will be a good one, but this one was not just good. It was amazing!
Pick this one up! It has ALL the emotions, and a beautiful HEA.
October 25, 2020
I've loved every book I've ever read by Allie Pleiter, and His Christmas Wish might just be my favorite yet. This heartwarming story speaks of grief and healing, and the importance of love, friendship and His unfailing grace; all set to the backdrop of the Christmas season.
I personally love stories where children play a big part, and I adored Cole's role in bringing Jake and Emma together. When Cole's parents are killed in a tragic accident, circumstances result in his bachelor uncle taking temporary custody. When he realizes he's bitten off a bit more than he can chew, the church preschool recommends that one of the teachers, Emma, gives him a hand at home with Cole for awhile. Soon Jake and Emma realize that feelings are starting to develop between the two of them, but with both of them recovering from tragedies, can they truly ever work through everything to find the plan that God has ready and waiting for them.
If you're looking for the perfect clean, faith based read to curl up with this Christmas season, then look no further than this one. Everything about this book kept me engaged in the story, and I could barely bring myself to put it down. Definitely a new holiday favorite, and one I will for sure be picking up to reread in the very near future.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Allie Pleiter for allowing me to advance read and review this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I personally love stories where children play a big part, and I adored Cole's role in bringing Jake and Emma together. When Cole's parents are killed in a tragic accident, circumstances result in his bachelor uncle taking temporary custody. When he realizes he's bitten off a bit more than he can chew, the church preschool recommends that one of the teachers, Emma, gives him a hand at home with Cole for awhile. Soon Jake and Emma realize that feelings are starting to develop between the two of them, but with both of them recovering from tragedies, can they truly ever work through everything to find the plan that God has ready and waiting for them.
If you're looking for the perfect clean, faith based read to curl up with this Christmas season, then look no further than this one. Everything about this book kept me engaged in the story, and I could barely bring myself to put it down. Definitely a new holiday favorite, and one I will for sure be picking up to reread in the very near future.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Allie Pleiter for allowing me to advance read and review this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 26, 2020
You’ll need a box of tissues!
I couldn’t wait to read the third book in the series and I loved every page of it. This story made me smile and cry and laugh out loud. A gripping and a very emotional novel that will remind you that “Wander’s always watching.”
You’ll learn about:
- turtles
“Any idea how to tell the boy turtles from the girl turtles? I’d prefer to avoid hosting a turtle romance.”
- uncles
“The fun kind of uncle. A cereal-for-dinner, stay-up-late, drink-milk-out-of-the-carton kind of uncle.”
- Wander Canyon
“Some days Wander Canyon’s ability to stick its collective nose into other people’s business made him want to snarl.”
- tragedy, grief, forgiveness, healing, and so much more…
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
I couldn’t wait to read the third book in the series and I loved every page of it. This story made me smile and cry and laugh out loud. A gripping and a very emotional novel that will remind you that “Wander’s always watching.”
You’ll learn about:
- turtles
“Any idea how to tell the boy turtles from the girl turtles? I’d prefer to avoid hosting a turtle romance.”
- uncles
“The fun kind of uncle. A cereal-for-dinner, stay-up-late, drink-milk-out-of-the-carton kind of uncle.”
- Wander Canyon
“Some days Wander Canyon’s ability to stick its collective nose into other people’s business made him want to snarl.”
- tragedy, grief, forgiveness, healing, and so much more…
I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.
November 5, 2020
This was an emotional Christian Christmas romance that discussed loss, forgiveness, healing, and love. I felt for young Cole who recently lost his parents to senseless violence and has to find a new way forward with his bachelor uncle Jake. His preschool teacher Emma was warm, welcoming, kind, creative, dealing with her own loss of her family, and worried about what the townspeople will say about her association with Jake. She takes care of Cole after school so Jake can continue working and helps both of them to heal, forgive, and love. I got teary eyed at several points in this book. There are intense moments that made me hold my breath and feel some of the pain the characters are experiencing. I loved the live nativity, which made me smile and laugh at the antics of the animals and the sweet children who tell it like it is.
October 31, 2020
I will be honest I am not sure how authors write gut wrenching stories with out tears. This to me was on of those stories. Cole was young but some of the stuff he dealt with were way beyond his years but he also had such a sweet personality he was easy to fall in love with. With Jake and Emma each having their own secrets but both tryin to find their way through trials. Emma and her story just broke my heart.There is a twist I can honestly say at first I did not see coming and it definitely throws you for a loop. Over all this book is a good clean read, tough topics but over all is so worth the read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 24, 2020
This is a beautiful story, and so perfect for a Christmas story! It's amazing to see how a gifted writer can bring the perfect emotions and thoughts and tie them perfectly into the reason for Christmas.
I grew up in small towns so I understand the small town issues that come up in Wander Canyon. Allie addresses them skillfully and creatively. I've come to love Allie's writing skills and will be looking for more of her wonderful stories!
I am grateful for Allie Pleiter's generosity in gifting me with the Wander Canyon series. They have been a balm to my soul this Christmas season!
I hope you get the chance to read books from this amazingly talented author!
Very highly recommend both these Wander Canyon books and this Author!
I grew up in small towns so I understand the small town issues that come up in Wander Canyon. Allie addresses them skillfully and creatively. I've come to love Allie's writing skills and will be looking for more of her wonderful stories!
I am grateful for Allie Pleiter's generosity in gifting me with the Wander Canyon series. They have been a balm to my soul this Christmas season!
I hope you get the chance to read books from this amazingly talented author!
Very highly recommend both these Wander Canyon books and this Author!
November 3, 2020
His Christmas Wish by Allie Pleiter is book 3 of Wander Canyon series. This story deals with creating family, dealing with grief and healing along with the Christmas holiday season. Jake is got custody of his nephew,Cole, and they both are dealing with grief and need healing. Emma is a teacher and gets involved. Emma's issues are helpful to aiding Cole Allie Pleiter manages to rite a touching story without you crying and with great details. Allie Pleiter continues to write stories that re inspirational, caring and an adventure to get to a ending that is not what you always expect but is happy.
January 1, 2021
Another visit to Wander Canyon! This is a heartwarming story of grief and all the feelings that go with it. Cole is a pre-schooler that has lost both parents just before Thanksgiving. His Uncle Jake is the “good time” uncle that is grieving the loss of his sister, and becomes Cole’s caregiver. Emma is the pre-school teacher that has had her share of grief and is helping Uncle Jake take care of Cole , and helping them through their grief. Allie Pleiter delivers in spades with this story. Good storyline, good characters, and a lot of heart!
October 14, 2020
Allie Pleiter is a great author and I just love her books. I liked this book (her new release) except for the way the death of Cole's parents and then the way Emma's brother ties into it, it is just too tragic. It's too bad because Cole is just adorable with his love of turtles, Jake seems like a great guy but for me it is almost too much to get past.
November 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this romance with a little suspense in it. I bought this at our local Goodwill store and I gave it a 5* rating. It has a lot of situations to get through and keep you turning those pages. This deals with a lot of grief on different levels and showed how they got through them a bit. I was very touched with this.
January 1, 2025
His Christmas Wish (Wander Canyon Book 3)
This story is a good example of showing how to cope with grief, death of family, adjusting to being a victim of a crime, forgiveness, and believing in God's mercy. This story had so many levels...from sympathy, compassion, love, romance, to happily ever after. The story made me laugh and cry.
This story is a good example of showing how to cope with grief, death of family, adjusting to being a victim of a crime, forgiveness, and believing in God's mercy. This story had so many levels...from sympathy, compassion, love, romance, to happily ever after. The story made me laugh and cry.
November 2, 2020
His Christmas Wish is a beautifully written inspirational romance. This story had me in tears it was so heartwarming. I can always depend on Allie Pleiter to deliver an exceptionally good read. Many thanks to the author for my advance book. This is my unbiased review.
February 13, 2022
A sweet, clean romance, this is everything most readers expect from Love Inspired. This isn't my favorite type of novel--I prefer more attention spent on some of the other character development--but it's classic LI romance.
Rated PG.
Rated PG.
November 26, 2023
A touching but tragedy tale to read. My heart went out to young Cole and his struggling uncle. Emma had a lot to deal with from her past with her brother suffering mental health issues. Can Emma, Jake and Cole find common grounds to move forward?
Read
November 1, 2020Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wander Canyon (Book #3)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wander Canyon (Book #3)
Read
November 1, 2020Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wander Canyon (Book #3)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wander Canyon (Book #3)
August 15, 2024
Read the first time a lot ago
December 26, 2024
A quick little Christmas read. Predictable but heart warming!
December 8, 2025
A wonderful story you experience all the emotions. A must read
January 19, 2024
very excellent read
March 27, 2025
Oh my gosh I was so surprised by this book, it was super neat.
the beginning was so unassuming and boring, bit then the twist was so wild!!!!! I read this in just 2 days!
The plot twist was VERY unexpected and made my rating go up to a 5 star~!!!!!
Crazy when Sam (Emma's brother) took his own life, because he felt sad about killing Natalie and Kurt (Cole's parents). The postcards Sam sent to Emma now and then... and Jake seeing a weird guy in the traffic cam at the intersection of the accident (where Cole's parents were killed)... the post cards were from Sam and Sam was the one in the camera view... thinking over the terrible thing he'd done.
Very good book.
I love love loved the ending!!! Jake adopting Cole and then proposing to Emma in that unique way; then on their honeymoon sending postcards back to Cole just like Cole's mom said she would do, but never could.
It was smart of Emma, helping Cole with his grief about his family by doing that picture thingy method... having two sides on a big paper, one side filled with "sad" things and the other with "happy" things.
the beginning was so unassuming and boring, bit then the twist was so wild!!!!! I read this in just 2 days!
The plot twist was VERY unexpected and made my rating go up to a 5 star~!!!!!
Crazy when Sam (Emma's brother) took his own life, because he felt sad about killing Natalie and Kurt (Cole's parents). The postcards Sam sent to Emma now and then... and Jake seeing a weird guy in the traffic cam at the intersection of the accident (where Cole's parents were killed)... the post cards were from Sam and Sam was the one in the camera view... thinking over the terrible thing he'd done.
Very good book.
I love love loved the ending!!! Jake adopting Cole and then proposing to Emma in that unique way; then on their honeymoon sending postcards back to Cole just like Cole's mom said she would do, but never could.
It was smart of Emma, helping Cole with his grief about his family by doing that picture thingy method... having two sides on a big paper, one side filled with "sad" things and the other with "happy" things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews