Fans of RaeAnne Thayne and Debbie Mason will feel right at home in this emotional holiday love New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala delivers her first holiday romance in the Blessings, Georgia series. Wade Montgomery's back in Blessings, Georgia just in time for the holidays to help rebuild after a disaster nearly destroyed his family's business. But once he lays eyes on his old friend Birdie Knox, he can't stop thinking about calling Blessings home again...this time forever. Praise for the Blessings, Georgia "Sharon Sala is a consummate storyteller. If you can stop reading then you're a better woman than me."― DEBBIE MACOMBER , #1 New York Times bestselling author "Sharon Sala's Blessings, Georgia series is filled with unforgettable charm and delight!"― ROBYN CARR , #1 New York Times bestselling author "[Sala's] Blessings, Georgia series is full of heartfelt emotions and laughter."― Fresh Fiction "Sala makes Blessings, Georgia, a vastly entertaining place to visit."― Bookpage
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born. First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include: Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award) The Janet Dailey Award. Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine. Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award. Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence. Heart of Excellence Award., Booksellers Best Award. Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA. Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
I wanted to like this. I wanted to like it so bad. Sharon Sala has been a long time favorite of mine, but the longer the Blessings series goes on, the more I feel that they are not her best effort.
The "romance" between Birdie and Wade wasn't a romance at all. It was insta love and it happened in one or two paragraphs. I felt cheated out of getting to know them, their problems and wishes, watching their relationship develop and so I was cheated out of the opportunity to fall in love with them and root for them. I know they have been mentioned in previous books, but without going back and re-reading, I don't really remember them at all. I feel this book was more just an opportunity to go back to Blessings and give all the characters a chance for a cameo appearance than a good, cohesive story with a plot, climax, and ending.
I LOVE this series. It was my introduction to Sharon Sala. And, what an introduction! I was fortunate to discover it when the majority of the books were already published so I spent a blissful few weeks reading them back-to-back. Blessings is in some ways an ordinary small town. Everyone knows everyone else's business and gossip flies faster than lightening. There are petty, mean people and there are souls with kind, generous spirits. It is the characters themselves, the trials and tribulations, unique story lines and the general sense of community that drive the books and make them so memorable. They are "feel good" books and these days are gems! This latest addition is no exception. It was a terrific "Christmas spirit" book, perfect for the season. There is a part in this one that involves a mouse that is a laugh out loud moment. Once again, when I finished it, I was sad to leave Blessings. I had to extend my visit and re-read my favorite of the series, "I'll Stand By You." Beep!
I always love my time in Blessings, GA and this read is no exception. This book picks up where the last one left off and with the sister of Hunt. They have been dealt some blows and she and her siblings are finally moving on with their lives and now it is Bridgette aka Birdie's turn. She is given a second chance at love with Wade and it just takes a little convincing on his part and stating his intentions for her to get fully on board moving forward together. Their relationship moves at a pretty good clip, but since they know each other it isn't as if they have to start from scratch. There are some really great scenes including one with a mouse that pretty much steals the spotlight away from all of the other characters. I didn't know I could laugh so hard.
While Blessings is a wonderful town, it isn't without its share of heartaches and hardships. Josh is caught stealing money which nearly destroys his life until one man steps in to help him realize that the path he is traveling down is not the one for him. Josh is given his own second chance in life and I admired his determination to not waste this chance.
There is also a heartwarming story of a young man trying to right a wrong for his dad who was accused of stealing some jewelry from one of the residents many years ago. Duff is a sensitive young man and he worked hard to give his dad another chance in life as well. However, Duff took too much of it to heart and blamed himself for things that he couldn't have known happened at the time because he was six and his parents shielded him from what was really going on. Despite all of that, Duff sets off on a mission to clear his dad of these crimes.
All of this happens right around Christman time and it reminds us to not take things for granted and to reach out and help others and Peanut and Ruby do at the end of this tale.
This is my first read by this author. It is a sweet southern small town romance taking place in Blessings,Georgia. What's fun about the books is it feels as though with each book you read you are revisiting old friends and making new as she updates us the characters in past books while bringing in new friends to get acquainted with. Worth a read.
Pub Date: 28 Sep 2021 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This has been my go-to series for when I’m in between books. It’s light and fluffy and doesn’t make me think too hard. However, this one had a deeper, redemptive message. Should we forgive? Is it a choice or a feeling? How can we show everyday love to each other? And for that I appreciated it more than any other Blessings book that came before it.
After reading this series (minus the first book), I have to conclude that Sharon Sala’s brand of small town romance isn’t really for me. There’s simply too much drama for me to really enjoy. However, thanks to Ms. Sala for nice visit to Blessings. Some of the people there are so sweet.
This holiday season the small town of Blessings, Georgia sees a bit of Christmas magic bringing a childhood crush together, helping a man get a reset on his life after a big mistake nearly cost him everything, and bringing a Christmas miracle through a young man’s courage to face up to his past. Each heartwarming and tender story in this series comes as excellent comfy reads that I anticipate with quiet pleasure.
The Christmas Wish is the twelfth in the series and while it introduces a new romance couple and new people in the other main story threads, there is too much backdrop of characters and references to past and ongoing situations for a new reader to get the full experience. Best read in order.
So, Wade Montgomery is tired of pussy-footing around with Birdie Knox. He’s asked her out and tried to make it clear he’s interested while she pokers up and freezes him out. He takes the mechanical bull by the horns and tells her plain that his interest has an expiration date and she needs to tell him straight and he’ll stop pestering where he’s unwanted. Birdie has been friends with Wade since grade school and has loved him for almost the same amount of time. His challenge is a wake-up call that she might blow the best thing in her life if she doesn’t quit putting him off with her little fears. Meanwhile, a young teen, Duffy discovers the reason his dad was sent to prison and realizes that something he did was the reason. He goes to set it all straight and agonizes that his dad might never be able to forgive him for ten years in prison. And, then there is Josh who let his gambling get out of control, stole to pay back the dangerous moneylender and gets caught, and this is the last straw with him wife. Without a bit of Christmas magic, he will most certainly decide that everyone would do better without him.
These three stories are all running tandem through the book against the backdrop of this lovely little town and its Christmas holiday festivities such as the parade, the Christmas tree lot and snow cone stand, and the Gingerbread house contest. There is always a romance in these stories, but in truth, the book is the story of the whole town of people taking care of each other and growing as individuals. I love the laid-back feel and the sweet charming tales that turn out after some adversity particularly in this Christmas-set story.
All in all, it was perfect when one wants a cheery low-angst holiday book and I did. I can recommend this series to small town romance fans who like a broad cast of regulars and a setting that is almost a character itself.
I always always my time in Blessings, GA and meeting up with familiar characters. This is the 12t book in the series and although each can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them in order as they are all wonderful stories and you could spoil a previous book if you plan on reading them all. This book picks up where the last one left off, with Hunt's sister Birdie (Bridgette) being the main character. Birdie and Wade had been an item years ago and now he is back in Blessings. Will they be able to rekindle their relationship? One thing I like about this series is that there is not just one story, we also have the story of Josh, who is in trouble from gambling and steals from his employer, almost destroying his family. We also meet 16 year old Duff, who has just found out some information about his father's incarceration ten years ago. Can he rectify the situation?
This was such a great story of love, forgiveness, second chances and Christmas Magic. I liked Wade and Birdie. Although their relationship moved pretty quickly once they let each other know they still cared, it was still sweet to see them together. I laughed so hard at the scene with the mouse, but I'm not saying anything more about it. Blessings is such a wonderful town, with caring citizens and people willing to help out. Josh has his own angel willing to give him a second chance, and it was great to see how that works out. Duff's story was heartbreaking as well as heartwarming. His strength of character was amazing. Lots of feelings in this one. The story set at Christmas reminds us to love, spend time with family, help others and maybe a little Christmas Magic will occur in our lives. I did a read/listen with Amy Rubinate narrating. She is the voice of this series and I do enjoy her performances. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
I almost gave up on this book after a few pages. The plot synopsis was introduced and fulfilled in the first chapter! But I'm glad I continued as the book was made up of several feel good stories to celebrate the holiday season. The characters are kind, caring, respectful and loving, and if the occasional ones are not, they get their comeuppance or repent of their bad behaviour.
This series is like sitting by the fire in your slippers, eating your favourite comfort food. Such a welcoming community. This story mainly revolves around Wade and Brigette, but of course other familiar characters have side stories and appearances. I never fail to laugh out loud or shed a tear, I think the mouse stole the show. I'm never disappointed with this wonderful author and I've read her masterpieces for years now. Wonderful tale and well rounded characters, I loved every moment.
This was my first visit to Blessings, Georgia, and I enjoyed the town and its people, especially how they pulled together to support one another in times of need.
Given that this is not the first story sent in Blessings, I did feel lost at times when a quick description was intended to remind the reader of something that obviously took place in an earlier book. So, it did not work well as a standalone, in my opinion.
The town is filled with many kind and caring people, which was wonderful. But these secondary characters were front-and-center many times in the story so that they overshadowed Wade and Birdie. Really, there were three stories being woven together and Wade and Birdie's was just one of them. And that primarily seemed to be based on sex. There weren't any real "warm fuzzies" generated for me by their story.
As a result, there were a lot of characters to keep straight and storylines to distinguish. Ultimately, the book felt rushed and choppy to me. And while it could be characterized as "sweet romance" (sort of...) it most definitely was not clean. The first graphic sex scene is only a few pages into the book and truly was completely unnecessary to the story.
So, while I enjoyed the premise of Blessings, it wasn't for me.
My only complaint? That the synopsis did not match the book at all. It’s for the previous story “Someone to love” and this pissed me off, a lot.
The Romance between Birdie and Wade started and developed VERY quickly in the first 10 pages and when the rest of the stories are introduced, none were in any relation to the synopsis. Overall I enjoyed this cosy Christmas book set in Blessjng as it’s a very happy town. But I am unlikely to read from the beginning of the series as I don’t think I’m really into it. I will however read the next in the series as it features Peanut and Ruby and they are such a cute couple.
Lastly I am very curious who stole the money from Hunter in the previous book. Please drop me a comment if you know cos I’m lazy to read the book especially after reading a few unfavourable reviews. Thank you!
I've chosen an auspicious first visit to Blessings, Georgia, during Christmas time! I thought Brigette (Birdie ~ Yikes ~ apologies to this cute Southern name) and Wade's second chance would be the only story of Christmas miracle in this book. I should've been paying more attention to the name of this town! So~ yeah~ I was super surprised by many more miracles happening in this little charming Southern town!
Loved all of the miracles in Blessings so much. This book would make an amazing gift to yourself ~ to all lovers of books filled with heart warming ~ tear flowing ~ answering-to-so-many-prayers~ miracles. I'm planning to reread this book in December💝🎄Hoping/Wishing you will join me.
I appreciate this talented author and the entire Blessings series has been a joy for me. The townspeople and their life stories, they way they’re entwined with each other, always makes me feel as if I just had a visit with my friends. This book was released just when I needed that visit the most. It soothed my heart and now I can go to sleep wearing a smile
You can read this without reading the other Blessings, GA books, but there are a lot of ties to past ones you won’t understand. As is true of the Blessings books, you’re hooked from the beginning. It’s an easy, feel good read.
I love the Blessing’s Georgia series. Sala takes a small southern town and shares the ebb and flow of how life can be a blessing. I always find this town shares a bit of magic and love with each word.
A feel good, happily ever after book set at Christmas time in Blessings, Georgia. It is mainly the story of Wade Montgomery and Bridgette"Birdie"Knox but since it is Christmas there are other story lines featuring other people. The book was a quick easy read.
This was my first encounter with the Blessings series, so I felt a little out of the loop with some of the characters. But I enjoyed Wade and Birdie's story, along with the story of Duffy's family and the missing jewelry. I will definitely go back to book one and read some of the earlier books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from Sourcebooks Early Reads.
Setting: Southern GA @ Christmas time. I like Duffy’s story (the Martin family) the best. Birdie and the mouse = lol funny. Ruby B (& hubby) buying big present for the Downs .. touching. Many characters mentioned .. it helps to have read the earlier books in this series. The mysterious Elliott Graham featured in this story as well.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
It was lovely to be back in Blessings, Georgia. Birdie and Wade, co-workers at the local feed store, are the couple at the centre of our story. I liked the simplicity of their sweet and drama-free romance. I really enjoyed spending time with them.
The Christmas Wish gives us many little tales of life in Blessings at Christmas. We have a story of buried treasure, righting a wrong that led an innocent man to go to jail, another man getting a second chance after making a few really bad decisions, dangerous neighbours, a fabulous Christmas Parade, fun gingerbread house competition for the local kids and more.
I think my favorite thing about A Christmas Wish, aside from a very funny incident involving a mouse, was the generosity of the people of blessings. We see generosity with money with a large donation to those in need but we see generosity of spirit in so many small ways throughout the story and it was so uplifting to read. This is a real feel good story that put me in the Christmas mood. I thoroughly enjoyed A Christmas Wish.
Wade Montgomery hasn’t set foot in the small town of Blessings, Georgia in years. But it’s easy to see that the Christmas spirit in the little town is still as merry and bright as he remembers. Returning to Blessings has reminded Wade of everything he’s been missing, especially after running into his old flame, Bridgette Knox. With Wade back in town, Bridgette starts to believe in the magic of Christmas once again. And if she has it her way, she will never have to say goodbye to him again.
Reading this book was like watching a Hallmark Christmas movie! A little cheesy at times, but heartwarming all the same. This book is #12 in the Blessings, Georgia series so I felt like I was missing out on a few details as far as the characters’ storylines went. I wouldn’t recommend reading it as a standalone. Bridgette and Wade’s relationship was very cute but sometimes I felt like the romance was a little forced. The dialogue tended to be awkward and there were a couple scenes that I felt could have been left out. But overall, I loved how the author included a little bit of everything in the story! A little romance, drama, and holiday spirit. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the E-ARC.
I have enjoyed Sharon Sala in the past so I thought I would enjoy this book, but not so much.
Whoever wrote the back cover should be fined or something. It was very misleading as the "romance" between Birdie and Wade wasn't a romance at all as it happened in one or two pages.
A better description for this book would be Something like "Welcome to Christmas in Blessing, Georgia where we check in with friends old and new and maybe grant a Christmas Wish or two" since this book felt like an opportunity to go back to Blessings and give all the characters a chance for a cameo appearance.
Painful & Boring. Yes, I should have DNF’d this book. For some reason I kept listening, thinking it has to get better.
Clearly, I am in the minority with this one. I am also, fairly certain, I lost well earned brain cells while reading. Please, I pray, that no one I know thinks this is how southerners think and talk.
Read the audio version. Noted the narrators “southern accent” went in and out. Though her voice is not, overall unpleasant, when reading the racier parts of the story, it was truly cringy and awkward.
Another feel good story in Blessings. The characters are all back and Christmas is around the corner. There are a few different storylines, the main story is how Wade and Birdie finally realize they love each other. The citizens of Blessings once again show that small town spirit and a 10 year old mystery is solved. A bit on the corny side, but doesn’t everyone wish for such a place? I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.
Wade Montgomery's returned to Blessings, Georgia, to manage his uncle Dub's feed business. He is pleased to find out his old friend Birdie Knox is still living there and unattached.
What a wonderfully light, feel-good read. I loved the multiple viewpoints and subplots of characters in the town and I adored many of the characters. This story had me smiling, laughing and teary-eyed at times. Such a well written book I would recommend to any contemporary readers. There’s also a sweet romance inside too!
The Christmas Wish is the twelfth book in the Blessings, Georgia series.
I would like to thank Sourcebooks Early Reads program for a free copy of this book to voluntarily read and review.
The Christmas Wish by Sharon Sala is the 12th book in her sweet fun Blessings, Georgia series; though this is her first holiday romance taking place in Blessings. As I have said in previous reviews of this series, I always enjoy coming back to Blessings, Georgia and the fabulous townsfolk we get to spend time with. Once again, Sharon Sala gives us another wonderful feel-good romance, with a holiday feel.
We meet our hero, Wade Montgomery, who has returned to Blessings to help manage his Uncle’s feed store. Wade has always had a crush on Bridgette Knox (Birdie – our heroine) since he was a kid, and now being in Blessings for 6 months, he decides to approach her why she ignores him. Birdie, is the bookkeeper, for the feed store, and well-liked by everyone. When Wade tells her his feelings, he is surprised that she feels the same way as him, and a sweet wonderful romance begins.
This is the first time in this series that Sala has made this about the Christmas season, which shows second chances and miracles in our wonderful Blessings. Though Wade and Birdie were fantastic lead characters, which was beautiful to watch them fall deeper in love, there are a number of other characters who play a part in this book.
A young man, returns to Blessings, 10 years later, when he discovers his father was accused of stealing expensive jewelry, and sent to prison. Duff, the young man, who did not know why his father was sent to prison, realizes that he was the one responsible. He was 6 years old, and loved to play as a pirate, with treasure; unbeknownst to everyone, he buried the treasure playing a game, and totally forgot. Though he is only 16 years old, he leaves his mother and brother to go to Blessings. This was a fun and heartwarming story, as he tells the lawyer and police about the treasure, and together they will right a terrible wrong. Very well done.
One family falls apart, when the husband steals from his workplace to pay off gambling debts, and his family leaves him. We get to see Elliot (older man who always helps) come to the rescue, paying off the debts, giving him a new job and eventually bringing his family back.
What follows is wonderful heartwarming & emotional story, with a great couple, wonderful characters that we keep meeting in all our visits to Blessings. I love returning to Blessings, which is a wonderful community who takes care of their own. We should all be blessed with living in Blessings. I will add that I thought the constant going back and forth between the characters was a bit much, and a little confusing. But overall, still a wonderful story. I loved Wade and Birdie, who were so great together and very sweet and sexy.
Sharon Sala writes another delightful story in this wonderful small town, and great couples that we care about with each and every book. Blessings, Georgia always gives the vibe of a perfect place you would love to live in. If you enjoy a pure romance, wonderful characters, great couples, and a small-town atmosphere, then you should be reading this series. The Christmas Wish was a wonderful read, written so very well by Sharon Sala.