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A Simple Wish
In a cold and rough city, a friendly, familiar face can make all the difference.
If there's one thing Dave can count on, it's seeing Birdie at the bus stop each morning on his way to work. Sure, Birdie's gruff and grumpy. But he tells good stories, and he makes the morning wait less lonely.
When Birdie stops showing up, Dave feels compelled to try and find out why.
But does Birdie want to be found?
A short tale of friendship, second chances, and the power of a single act of kindness.
If there's one thing Dave can count on, it's seeing Birdie at the bus stop each morning on his way to work. Sure, Birdie's gruff and grumpy. But he tells good stories, and he makes the morning wait less lonely.
When Birdie stops showing up, Dave feels compelled to try and find out why.
But does Birdie want to be found?
A short tale of friendship, second chances, and the power of a single act of kindness.
- GenresChristmas
66 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2022
6 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 24, 2022
I adored this story from the start and it comes to life. I was surrounded by the city, the characters, plus on top of that Christmas and I loved it all. In this book, I experienced laughter, friendship, worry, love, fear, and comfort. I can only wish that I make an impact on others' lives and they do the same for me as Dave did for Birdie. What an outstanding friend and friendship that fills this book. Sometimes small things have great impacts and this small book made a great impact on me. If you are looking for a heartfelt Christmas book I’d suggest this book in a heartbeat.
July 18, 2023
I've loved most of this author's short reads. She has such a way of packing so much emotion and significance into a few, relatable words, beautifully fleshed out through everyday characters.
Admittedly though, I had a hard time with a key part of this story. I understand the call for "tough love" at times—but to shout at and literally hit a complete stranger in anger at them for only narrowly escaping danger? What if the person you hit is weak or dazed from hunger or poor health, or they're already in pain with an injury you know nothing about? What if it turns out that the person you're angry and yelling at for not heeding your prior warning is Deaf or hard of hearing, or they speak a different language and don't understand English that well? What if they have a mental illness or a severe intellectual disability, they're struggling to realize what just happened to them, and someone yelling at them for it is making it worse? Even if none of those possibilities turn out to be the case, purposely hitting someone is not okay, and lashing out at a stranger in trouble, asking them if they're "an idiot," is disrespectful. That aspect of the story might have been smoothed over for me if the person who did the hitting and yelling wound up apologizing for the outburst, but displaying compassion in a backhanded fashion oftentimes defeats the purpose.
Granted, that part of the story that stung for me is only a brief part.
I liked the rest of the read, especially the ending. I'm always keeping my eyes open for more short stories from this author.
Admittedly though, I had a hard time with a key part of this story. I understand the call for "tough love" at times—but to shout at and literally hit a complete stranger in anger at them for only narrowly escaping danger? What if the person you hit is weak or dazed from hunger or poor health, or they're already in pain with an injury you know nothing about? What if it turns out that the person you're angry and yelling at for not heeding your prior warning is Deaf or hard of hearing, or they speak a different language and don't understand English that well? What if they have a mental illness or a severe intellectual disability, they're struggling to realize what just happened to them, and someone yelling at them for it is making it worse? Even if none of those possibilities turn out to be the case, purposely hitting someone is not okay, and lashing out at a stranger in trouble, asking them if they're "an idiot," is disrespectful. That aspect of the story might have been smoothed over for me if the person who did the hitting and yelling wound up apologizing for the outburst, but displaying compassion in a backhanded fashion oftentimes defeats the purpose.
Granted, that part of the story that stung for me is only a brief part.
I liked the rest of the read, especially the ending. I'm always keeping my eyes open for more short stories from this author.
October 4, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by Jessica Marie Holt, and it won’t be my last. A Simple Wish is a heart-warming short story about the difference each of us can make by noticing the person next to us. Jessica’s wonderful descriptions transport us to New York and the bus stop where Dave and Birdie meet each morning on their daily commute. But when Birdie fails to show up for a few days, Dave gets worried and sets about trying to find his bus-stop friend.
Get ready to experience all the emotions in this beautiful Christmas tale.
Get ready to experience all the emotions in this beautiful Christmas tale.
December 23, 2023
A story that's perfect for the season
This short story has heart, hope, and reassurance that a simple act of kindness goes a long way.
I love how Dave goes the extra mile for someone who is,
essentially, a stranger. The story has grit, compassion, and sums up the true meaning of Christmas. I loved it.
This short story has heart, hope, and reassurance that a simple act of kindness goes a long way.
I love how Dave goes the extra mile for someone who is,
essentially, a stranger. The story has grit, compassion, and sums up the true meaning of Christmas. I loved it.
March 1, 2022
Heartwarming
I have to say, I don’t usually like short stories but this has changed my mind about them. It’s such a sweet story teaching a valuable lesson on how powerful human kindness really is!
I have to say, I don’t usually like short stories but this has changed my mind about them. It’s such a sweet story teaching a valuable lesson on how powerful human kindness really is!
November 25, 2023
A little mystery, a little friendship, a load of Christmas spirit
This little story brought together so many elements that make for a layered, inspiring, and thought-provoking read. The writing is excellent with especially realistic dialogue and emotions. I loved it!
This little story brought together so many elements that make for a layered, inspiring, and thought-provoking read. The writing is excellent with especially realistic dialogue and emotions. I loved it!
December 20, 2025
So sweet! I loved the message of needing each other, and the reminder of how many layers are under the surface of the people we brush up against every day. I was rooting for Dave in his efforts to track down his missing bus-stop friend, and I loved Lydia and the glimpses of their history.
January 14, 2024
Very enjoyable!
Really enjoyed this short story. It made my heart so happy. There was a sense of mystery to it and just so uplifting.
Really enjoyed this short story. It made my heart so happy. There was a sense of mystery to it and just so uplifting.
March 27, 2022
Friendships are often formed in the oddest ways. We can become attached to folks we interact with only in casual ways. People we see in our neighborhoods, in our churches, and on the bus as we ride to work. We can become remarkably attached to some of these. This is the story of one such friendship. It is a heartwarming tale of how that friendship became more than its participants knew it could be.
December 24, 2025
Dave and Birdie are acquaintances. The guys know each other's first names and talk five days a week while waiting on a bench at their bus stop in the city. They enjoy their conversation until the bus comes, then climb aboard. Although they board together, they choose separate seats, a few rows apart. They depart from different bus stops for work. Boarding the bus ends the conversation until they meet again tomorrow.
Good conversation always makes time pass faster, especially on cold winter days before Christmas. But one morning, Dave is alone. Birdie is a no-show. The days pass, and Dave's still alone at the bus stop. Dave misses Birdie, but should he do anything? Can Dave do anything to check on Birdie?
The novella is a heartwarming story of two acquaintances. A bond of daily conversations became stronger than either could have imagined. Uplifting. Inspirational. I loved it and hope you'll add it to your holiday reading list.
"A Simple Wish" was published before "A Simple Plan." Both novellas can be enjoyed independently and in any order, but I recommend starting with "A Simple Wish."
Good conversation always makes time pass faster, especially on cold winter days before Christmas. But one morning, Dave is alone. Birdie is a no-show. The days pass, and Dave's still alone at the bus stop. Dave misses Birdie, but should he do anything? Can Dave do anything to check on Birdie?
The novella is a heartwarming story of two acquaintances. A bond of daily conversations became stronger than either could have imagined. Uplifting. Inspirational. I loved it and hope you'll add it to your holiday reading list.
"A Simple Wish" was published before "A Simple Plan." Both novellas can be enjoyed independently and in any order, but I recommend starting with "A Simple Wish."
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews