I Wish...

The Wishing Tree #2

by Amanda Prowse

Wishes in branches tied with string. Someone’s hopes. Another’s dreams.

When heartache disrupts her world, Verity’s life in London's affluent Chelsea is blown apart.

Hiding from the press and the pain of rejection, she and her teenage daughter Sophie pack their bags and head to Linden Falls, a small town in Vermont. It is here in this quaint New England neighbourhood that her journey of self-discovery takes an unexpected twist.

Verity begins to feel at home in the close-knit community, and pretty soon realises that what she thought was an ending is about to lead to a whole new beginning. The question she asks the Wishing Tree is whether she will ever find the courage to listen to her heart and not her head...

Join Amanda Prowse the bestselling World Book Night author as she brings the latest book in the Wishing Tree series alive, featuring Verity who might find a new opportunity in Linden Falls…

Genres: Contemporary, Novella, Chick Lit

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 2, 2022

About the author

Welcome to my Goodrerads page. If you love relatable, emotionally driven, character lead fiction that shines a light on family life and the trials and tribulations that affect us all, then you’re in the right place!

My name is Amanda Prowse, now nearly sixty, I started writing in my mid-forties. I divide my time between London where I live by the river and our farm in the West Country.

I’m passionate about the representation of women. My characters range in age from six to ninety-six and come from all walks of life.

The women in my stories face adversity head on, they grab opportunity by the handful and run towards the horizon, often doing so with a large dollop of humour.

My stories sometimes punch you in the gut with their realism but also leave you with a glimmer of hope – and the feeling that you are not alone. Tales that will make you ugly cry and laugh out loud – sometimes on the same page!

I’ve sold millions of books, translated into dozens of languages all around the world. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ my novels have won awards, including the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and I’ve had two books selected as World Book Night titles; 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' (co-written with my son Josiah Hartley) in 2022.

I’m a huge supporter of libraries and am a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency. My ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...

I’m a passionate advocate of ageing naturally and gratefully, and see every wrinkle, every line, every blemish on my face as a badge of honour – remembering always what a gift ageing is. This part of my wider belief that when women support women, magical things can happen.

When the time comes – this is what I’d like written on my headstone:

‘Wrote great stories, made a cracking roast potato…’ – what more could I ask for?
Praise for Amanda Prowse:

‘Amanda Prowse is “The Queen of Family Drama”’ – Daily Mail

'You'll fall in love with this...' – Cosmopolitan

'Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch' – Heat

‘Heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure’ – The Lady

'Deeply moving and emotional’ – Red

‘Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill’ – Daily Mail

‘Captivating, heartbreaking and superbly written’ – Closer

‘Amanda Prowse is the new Amanda Prowse’ – Mr Prowse

‘Uplifting and positive but you will still need a box of tissues’ – Hello!

List of Amanda Prowse works in order (oldest at top, newest at the bottom)

NOVELS

Poppy Day
What Have I Done
Clover’s Child
A Little Love
Will You Remember Me?
Christmas for One
A Mother’s Story
Perfect Daughter
The Second Chance Café (was 'The Christmas Café')
Three and a Half Heartbeats
Another Love
My Husband’s Wife
I Won’t be Home for Christmas
The Food of Love
The Idea of You
The Art of Hiding
Anna
Theo
Kitty (was ‘How to Fall in Love Again; Kitty’s Story’)
The Coordinates of Loss
The Girl in the Corner
The Things I Know
The Light in the Hallway
The Day She Came Back.
An Ordinary Life
Waiting to Begin
To Love and Be Loved
Picking Up the Pieces
All Good Things
Swimming to Lundy
This One Life
Ever After
Life as Planned
The Way Home (publishing August 2026)
Holding On Tight (publishing January 2027)

MEMOIRS

The Boy Between
Women Like Us

NOVELLAS

The Game
Something Quite Beautiful
A Christmas Wish
The Ten Pound Ticket
Imogen's Baby
Miss Potterton's Birthday Tea
Mr Portobello's Morning Paper
I Wish…
A Whole Heap of Wishes
A Wish for Forgiveness
Fifteen Minutes

COMPILATION OF FIRST SEVEN NOVELLAS
Something Quite Beautiful

Notes on Books.

All books are standalone stories, but some do share characters who pop up for cameo appeara

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I can rely in Amanda Prowse to give me a great angsty romance and womens fiction
I recommend getting the free prequel which of the Wishing Tree which contains the 1st chapter as the first ' preview story". This novella doesn't have thst chapter.
The fmc is left by her husbsnd for another woman ( scumbag was cold and just wiped his hands of their 20 year relationship. Her and her teen daughter leave London and go to a small town in Vermont . They quickly settle in with the towns people and the fmc meets Jack who is sweet and everything her ex wasnt. She needs to go back to England so isnt sure how far to take this connection with Jack.

Short but engaging.

[Kay Bratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first book in this new series!

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to Google 'Linden Falls, Vermont'. Amanda Prowse made this town so real, and so wonderful, that I thought it actually existed! What an amazing book, and a clever concept - a series of books written about the same village, all featuring a very special Wishing Tree.

When Verity is left by her husband for a younger woman, she takes her daughter, sticks a pin in a map, and ends up in Linden Falls in Vermont, USA for 3 months. In this town, Verify learns to heal her broken heart, and Sophie learns having a best friend can be even better than having a boyfriend.

This is a novella, and I totally devoured it in a day. It has all the emotion and fabulous characters you expect from an Amanda Prowse book, and is set in a gorgeous and friendly village that I would just love to visit. The Wishing Tree sounds fabulous, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series to find out more. We all need a Wishing Tree in our lives from time to time.

Well done Amanda Prowse, and the whole Wishing Tree team - I believe you have a hit on your hands!

[Joanna Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Amanda Prowse books so was extra excited to hear she was going to be releasing a book alongside some other fantastic authors in this series and it certainly didn't dissapoint. Linden falls sounds like a truly magical place and the perfect backdrop to the story of graceful Verity and her equally lovely daughter. I didn't want this to end but am looking forward to reading the next books in the wish series

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely intrigued by the opening set of short stories to introduce this series, The Wishing Tree, and dived straight into the first of the full-length stories, I Wish... by Amanda Prowse.
Linden Falls has a magical quality, and a rather special tree, too.
Verity and her daughter Sophie are unaware of this power, when Verity, on a spur of a moment decision, sticks a pin into a globe and finds herself travelling to this small Americal town, with her girl.
She needs a break, and to find herself, after being cruelly thrown aside by her famous chef husband, Sonny, for a younger model.
They plan a three-month circuit breaker trip to an unknown place and find themselves meeting new people, and forging new friendships, along with feeling a sort of magic that the Wishing Tree and Linden Falls bestows upon its inhabitants and visitors.
I felt for Verity.
One devotes themselves to the one they love, and the last thing you expect is to be thrown over for another. Through this story, you see her become more confident, and self-aware, and the relationship between mother and daughter is a beautiful thing to behold.
Sophie is a caring seventeen-year-old, who, instead of showing herself being torn between her two parents, chooses to help her mother, as well as keep her relationship with her father intact too.
And I loved how Verity was given that second chance she so wanted, even though it came in a guise different to what she expected.
Quite honestly, I wanted it to carry on, and on, so secretly I am glad that we will be revisiting Verity and her story in further books, later on!

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was wonderful to be in Linden Falls, Vermont with the Wishing Tree, the small town feel with wonderful people and small businesses. When Verity's life in London with her chef husband takes a left turn she needs to get away. She and her teen daughter end up across the pond and we get to see Verity reshape her life.

I Wish... is a heartwarming story with a few twists and turns. There is the outdoors life and small town living that Verity could get used to. There's also her new neighbor, Jack, whom she seems to be attracted to. But since she has an end date to return home, could anything be really holding her in Vermont? When she gets an unexpected and unwelcome visitor is she ready for her life back in London or could Vermont hold more that's dear to her?

There was love and romance, a few wishes, quiet moments, a chance for a new start and words of wisdom from a smart daughter. I liked Verity's relationship with her daughter and how wise Sophie often was beyond her years. There's nice closure even with the twists and a chance for a few happily ever afters. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

Ms. Prowse is a new to me author. I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of The Wishing Tree Series. Verity and her daughter Sophie stick a pin into a map to find a destination for a 3 month getaway. Traveling far from London and the press along with the fallout from the rejection when her husband trades her in for a younger model after yrs of marriage and partnership in a hot,successful restaurant. Verity and Sophie learn to love this small Vermont town with its quaint "wishing tree" not really believing they go along and hang a wish on its branches. Beautiful story, but can the tree deliver on the wishes? Read it and find out.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me want to go to Linden Falls! It’s a quaint sounding town with that huge wishing tree. It was a quick story and just perfect in every way. I couldn’t put it down! I’m hoping the next book is just as good

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wishes in branches tied with string. Someone’s hopes. Another’s dreams.

Verity is heartbroken, her life, in London, as she knows it has crumbled around her and she just wants to hide away from everything and everyone to lick her wounds, so she decides to pack her bags and disappear for a while with her teenage daughter, Sophie. They head to the small town of Linden Falls in Vermont, where they immediately feel at home, everyone is so friendly and welcoming and there is a sense of belonging in this small American town which is comforting after the hustle and bustle of London, and just what she needs while she decides where her future lies, but what does she really want and does the Wishing Tree hold the answers?

I Wish is a tale of love, loss, courage and self belief and, as always, Amanda weaves the characters into her books and brings them to life. I felt sorry for Verity and the hand that life had dealt her, I adored her strong, mature teenage daughter, Sophie, what an incredible young lady and a daughter that anyone would be proud of! I loved the concept of the story, especially the magic of the Wishing Tree and the hopes and dreams that it held. This, a novella, is the second book in this new series by various authors and if this one is anything to go by, then the rest are going to be amazing, I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this beautiful book, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Wish…is the second book in The Wishing Tree series by Amanda Prowse. When her world is disrupted by shock and heartache, Verity Joseph’s life in the affluent Chelsea area of London is blown apart. To hide from the press and to lick her wounds, she and her teenage daughter, Sophie, packed their bags and headed to Linden Falls. The small town in Vermont is just what Verity needs for peace, quiet and time to consider her next move. Little does she know that her journey of self-discovery will come with a surprising twist. As Verity and Sophie find a new rhythm in Linden Falls, she begins to feel at home and realizes that her ending is actually a new beginning in disguise. Will she find the courage to follow her heart and allow her wish to come true?
The Wishing Tree series is an interesting series as each book is written by a different author. With thirteen books in total, readers will visit the magical town of Linden Falls and be inspired by the hopes and dreams of the heartbroken and see the magic of the unexplained and unimaginable. I Wish… was a quick and enjoyable read as the reader follows heartbroken Verity to Linden Falls. Once there, she is determined to enjoy her time and reconnect with Sophie. What she doesn’t expect is the openness and friendliness of the residents. She finds herself opening up to her newfound friends in ways she didn’t want to but once she does, it is liberating. She even opens herself up to life and love again. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend I Wish…

I Wish… is available in paperback and eBook.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Verity’s husband, Sonny, a famous Chef, leaves her for food critic, Freya, she decides that a trip with her 17-year old daughter, Sophie is just what they both need. They spin the globe and point and where her finger lands will be the destination. Sophie is hoping for New York, however, Linden Falls, Vermont is where the pointer lands. Verity finds a cabin they can rent for the three months they plan to be away from their home in London.

After picking up a rental car at the airport and heading towards Linden Falls, a town they’ve only seen a few internet pictures of and, where they don’t know anyone, plus they are in a strange country, where Verity feels she’s driving on the wrong side of the road, she begins to worry this might be the most foolish decision she’s ever made.

The cabin is more than they expected, in fact, it is charming, despite Sophie’s shock there is no internet. How is she going to Facetime her friends back home? The new fiends and adventures that await Verity and Sophie will turn out to be life-changing.

The absolutely delightful characters in this book were brought to life through this heartwarming story that I read straight through because I couldn’t put it down.

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in The Wishing Tree Series is I Wish by Amanda Prowse. I’m a huge fan of Ms. Prowse. I haven’t read any of her books that I don’t count among my favorites. She has an awesome writing style. She writes about true love, family and loyalty. If, you haven’t read anything by her, I suggest that you do. I highly recommend anything by her. I have not read all of her book yet but, I intend to at some point. So, start anywhere. I wish is a good jumping off point. Not only is this a engrossing book, it fits in nicely with this series and it is also a good example of her writings.

Her characters are people you would like as friends. The Wishing Tree Series takes place in Linden Falls, a small town in Vermont. The folks that live in the town are warm and welcoming. Most of them appreciate living in their town and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Of course, if you follow me, you know I love small town living. There isn’t anything better!

This story is about a woman and her daughter from England that decide to get away for the summer. They close their eyes, spin the globe and plant their finger. It lands on Linden Falls in Vermont. They pack their bags and go to the United States for three months. What a great premise! Haven’t we all thought of doing something like that? I have. Not sure I could do that though. I’m too much of a planner. You have to read the book to know how it all turns out. 

If you love small towns and all the quirky characters you meet, you will love this series. I can’t wait to read the next book and all the rest of them. So many of my favorite authors are a part of the adventure. I couldn’t wait for the chance to review these books. Don’t forget The Wishing Tree Prequel is a free download. That gives you a taste of each book and a feel for the whole series. Get your free copy today and start reading this wonderful series. This might just be my most favorite series to date!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really so excited with this opportunity to read the Wishing Tree Series. Loving the intro book, I settled in with I WISH, by Amanda Prowse--the opening book, after the great intro to the series.

In this story, I met Verity and her daughter Sophie, from London. I loved how they happened upon Linden Falls, Vermont, via a "spin of the globe!" The residents they connected with began as soon as they arrived into this charming little community. Leo, Jack, Roland...Neva Cabot-the "Keeper of Wishes" from The Wishing Tree Inn, was of course on hand, along with Margot and Paige from Town Square Books (exactly my kind of bookstore)!

Beautifully unfolding, I appreciated how a daughter "coming of age" could recognize her mom's hopes and dreams, and support her in that. I found Verity's love for her daughter, to be equally reflective. Everything "knit together" in synchronistic perfection!

This was my first experience reading Amanda Prowse's work. She stated she "wants to write the kind of stories she loves to read," and mentioned Maeve Binchy-an old favorite of mine. I am eager all the books in this series, but already can't wait for September's release of 'A Whole Heap of Wishes,' by Prowse!!

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough about this new series, written by some amazing authors! This 2nd book by Amanda Prowse kept me wanting more. Verity is looking for a fresh start after her husband left her for a younger woman. After blindly choosing a spot on a map, which turns out to be a small town of Linden Falls, Vermont, Verity and her 17 year old daughter, Sophia, head off on their new adventure. They immediately love the feel of the quaint town compared to the hustle and bustle of the life they left behind. Can Verity let down her defenses to learn to trust and love again? Can Sophia enjoy a town and make new friends when there's very little internet service compared to always being hooked to her phone and FaceTime like when she was back home?
They each stop by the Wishing Tree wondering if it really does make wishes come true, or is it just wishful thinking?
This book will grab you from the get go. I could not put it down, and read it in one sitting! I love the small town feel of Linden Falls where everyone knows everyone and looks out for one another. I can't wait to see what happens in Book 3 of this great series!

[Mrs Linda J Kitson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another triumph for Amanda Prowse, written as part of a collaboration with other authors, I Wish… is the second book in the series and a slight departure from Amanda’s usual style, I think anyway. I enjoyed and was deeply engrossed in this novella from the first page and really hope we catch up with the characters in later books in the series.

I love Verity, she is the epitome of grace. What does one do when her husband of 20 years runs off with a newer model … up and skedaddle off to a point in the globe she has never heard of! Taking her teenage daughter with her for a 3-month sabbatical to this pretty town in Vermont with its quirky legendary Wishing Tree. What happens to them …you will just have to read it to find out…no spoilers here. I can honestly say you will be enthralled as I was and really not want it to end. Thank you Amanda, I’m looking forward to the next release.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A number of well known authors have gotten together and have each written a book about the town of Linden Falls, the exceptional inhabitants and the very special wishing tree that is in the center of the town.
Author Amanda Prowse has written “I Wish”
About Chelsea restaurant owner Verity who has a very public and scandalous breakup with her famous spouse who is also the chef in their co-owned restaurant. Needing to get away, she and her daughter Sophie on a whim decide to go on a three month trip to America. They couldn’t have landed in a better place than the town of Linden Falls, Vermont and it’s magical tree. Verity finds more than courage and friendship here as she and her daughter find just what they needed.
Looking forward to reading the next book in this enjoyable series. I received an ARC and this review is my honest opinion.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verity and her husband Sonny own a restaurant in London and Sonny is becoming a well known chef. When Verity finds out that he is cheating on her with a food critic, she and her teenage daughter, Sophie, decide to disappear from London and spend three months in the US and end up in Linden Falls. Verity's goal is to spend time with her daughter and recover from her husband's infidelity. But as she starts to meet the people in Linden Falls, she begins to enjoy herself. Her neighbor, Jack, becomes a good friend and there is a romantic spark between them but they both know that she'll be leaving. Will she go back to London or stay in Vermont where she has made some great friends? Will she follow her heart or her head??

[Karen Derr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!

A beautiful second book in this series. I Wish is just about that, the wishes of a mother and daughter who traveled to America and landed in this little town in Vermont. This story, by the incomparable Ms. Amanda Prowse, encompasses all the feels, the disaster of a divorce, starting over in a new country, finding your way and helping your daughter cope, meeting a wonderful new person to love and share in your life and then coming full circle and making peace with all that has gone before. Ms. Prowse Did a wonderful job with this book and I could not put this book down! So excited to read the next in the series!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that several authors have gotten together to write a series of novellas about a fictional small town in Vermont called Linden Falls. The first book (The Wishing Tree Series. Book 1) gave us the overview of each book's story. They each focus on different residents and visitors whose homes and businesses surround a commons area that includes a large linden tree laden with written wishes that have been tied to its branches. Since this is such a small town, the characters overlap between books with main characters in one book becoming minor ones in others. This book by Amanda Prowse tells the story of Verity and her teenage daughter Sophie who have escaped London to spend three months away from scandal and broken promises. This is a fast read, only a couple of hours, but long enough to become invested and to care about the characters. I laughed out loud a few times. I didn't cry, but may have been misty-eyed a time or two. I found this to be a delightful way to spend an afternoon, and look forward to reading the others. This one publishes March 2, 2022, and a new story in the series will publish every week thereafter.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verity’s husband has left her for a younger woman. She and her mature, caring 17-year old daughter spin the globe and take off for Vermont from London. In Linden Falls, Verity finds friends and a second chance at love if she is willing to take it. I do admit that I find that the terminology of London English does not flow as well for me, but this is nothing against the storyline or the author. A great way to read this series is to grab the prequel and read the author's short chapter in the prequel and then read the author's book.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story! Verity and her daughter, Sophie, pack their bags and go to Linden Falls, Vermont to escape from the pain of rejection when her husband walks out on them for a younger woman. They arrive in a cute neighborhood and before long they are making friends. The town has a magical Wishing Tree and they both put their wishes on it. Will they come true? This story has all the feelings. I can’t wait to read more of this series!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Debbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verity’s life in London is falling apart so she take a 3 month trip with her daughter Sophie to the small town of Linden Falls, Vermont. They’d never been there before but seeing the town and it’s welcoming people, she begins to feel like this could be a new beginning. She even hangs a wish on the Wishing Tree. There just may be something to the magic of the old tree. This novella makes you believe that things can change for the better even when it doesn’t seem possible. Love comes in many forms. I’m looking forward to reading more of these charming stories.

[Cindy Provance Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

careful what you wish for

This was an amazing book. I laugh so hard at points in the book I had to stop to catch my breath. Verity is a love, her and her daughter’s trip to Vermont was life changing. Finding herself, her own voice standing strong, finding love after and unfaithful husband declares he needs is own path, come crawling to her when he realizes his mistake. Too late bud. Well the story has an happy ending. Read it for yourself. If you had a Wish what would you wish for?

[patt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Prowse always has great characters and stories that touch your heart. Book 2 in the Wishing Tree series called I Wish is no different. Verity and her teenage daughter Sophie leave London for a 3 month trip to get away when Verity’s husband, chef and co owner in their restaurant, leaves her for a younger woman. Their trip takes them to Linden Falls, VT. They all learn a lot about love and relationships and make some new friends along the way.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful book!

What an awesome beginning to a new series by several authors. Linden Falls sounds like the perfect place we all need to get away. The characters are wonderful. I really liked Jacks character; I could hear Sam Elliotts voice in him! Swoon! I am so looking forward to the next in the series as it is about Neva who already has won a soft spot in my heart. A perfect feel good series for all that ails us!

[Elizabeth Lefler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful

I've been reading this series out of order, but it doesn't seem to matter. I'm growing quite fond of all the characters, and find it quite enjoyable to find them in other books in the series. This one was a joy to read. For me, it had an unexpected ending which I thoroughly enjoyed. Ms Prowse is a very talented writer, drawing readers into her stories immediately and keeping us turning the pages. I will be reading more of her work.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really heartwarming mother and daughter story that will leave you feeling hopeful. Verity and Sophie come to Vermont to recharge, and find out that they have a lot to teach each other. Sophie is a kick. Great characters, a wonderful town, and the start of a series I am looking forward to reading!

Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

[Nicola Southall-Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story of a mother and daughter having a trip away.
They go to linden falls a quaint town in America where everyone knows everyone but it has a real sense of community and they are made to feel welcome straight away.
The characters are wonderful the story is wonderful.
Loved it
I can’t wait to read the rest in the series

[Serena Soape · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd book in this Series of novellas instantly grabbed me and I was invested in learning more about these characters.
The Wishing Tree which is the center of attention for this Series is quite magical and makes this a truly heartwarming novella.

I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.

[Cindy Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. Verity and her daughter, Sophie need to get away. After a point on the globe they ended up in Linden Falls. For the next three months they go on a journey of self discovery and courage. They will experience heartache, happiness and the beauty of a small place that is what dreams are made of. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.