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The Carolina Girls #4
The Wish List
This Christmas the Carlyle sisters will rediscover the gift of family
For some families, a Christmas reunion is like a feel-good movie. For Beth Carlyle, it might be more of a disaster epic. Her ex-husband’s new girlfriend is already pregnant. Her self-absorbed, bestselling author mother recently suffered a stroke and has summoned Beth’s sisters, Freya and Trinity—neither of whom even seem to like Beth very much—back to Magnolia. Beth’s so lonely and stressed that she spills her guts to a stranger, wondering why the handsome newcomer affects her so deeply. Reality TV star Freya deliberately forged a career that would upset her mother, who’s always been as brilliant as the sun…and just as distant. Now a handsome literary agent is making Freya dream of a different life. As for Trinity, she just wants to start over after leaving an abusive relationship and make a future for her and her baby.
It’ll be a Christmas like no other in Magnolia. But the Carlyle sisters might find they have more in common than their shared past—and that the holidays are made for second chances.
Includes a bonus holiday novella set in Magnolia!
For some families, a Christmas reunion is like a feel-good movie. For Beth Carlyle, it might be more of a disaster epic. Her ex-husband’s new girlfriend is already pregnant. Her self-absorbed, bestselling author mother recently suffered a stroke and has summoned Beth’s sisters, Freya and Trinity—neither of whom even seem to like Beth very much—back to Magnolia. Beth’s so lonely and stressed that she spills her guts to a stranger, wondering why the handsome newcomer affects her so deeply. Reality TV star Freya deliberately forged a career that would upset her mother, who’s always been as brilliant as the sun…and just as distant. Now a handsome literary agent is making Freya dream of a different life. As for Trinity, she just wants to start over after leaving an abusive relationship and make a future for her and her baby.
It’ll be a Christmas like no other in Magnolia. But the Carlyle sisters might find they have more in common than their shared past—and that the holidays are made for second chances.
Includes a bonus holiday novella set in Magnolia!
384 pages, ebook
First published October 25, 2022
117 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Major
281 books830 followersUSA Today and Top 5 Amazon Bestselling author Michelle Major writes swoon-worthy stories full of heart, heat, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. When she’s not dreaming up romance, you’ll find her hiking the trails (or avoiding housework) in her home state of Colorado.
Connect with her at www.michellemajor.com or come say hi on Instagram and Facebook.
Connect with her at www.michellemajor.com or come say hi on Instagram and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
December 23, 2022
The Wish List by Michelle Major
The Carolina Girls series #4. Contemporary chick lit with a holiday premise and a bit of romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Beth, Trinity, and Freya return to Magnolia to help their mother recover from a stroke. They need to reconnect as adults with different lives and memories and let go of old issues. The new tell-all book may cause more harm.
Each of the sisters has resentment and their own lives to deal with. Putting them together stirs up a lot of angst and self doubt as they care for their mother. It’s an emotional journey for all of them as they discover the bonds of sisterhood.
3.5
The Carolina Girls series #4. Contemporary chick lit with a holiday premise and a bit of romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Beth, Trinity, and Freya return to Magnolia to help their mother recover from a stroke. They need to reconnect as adults with different lives and memories and let go of old issues. The new tell-all book may cause more harm.
Each of the sisters has resentment and their own lives to deal with. Putting them together stirs up a lot of angst and self doubt as they care for their mother. It’s an emotional journey for all of them as they discover the bonds of sisterhood.
3.5
November 7, 2022
Terrific story of love, family, and second chances. When Beth and her sisters, Freya and Trinity, were young, their father walked out on them, leaving May a single mother. When Beth was thirteen, her mother wrote a bestselling female-empowerment book. While the self-centered May went off to do book tours, Beth was left alone to care for her younger sisters. Worried about being caught and separated, Beth tended to be bossy and controlling to hide that May wasn't around. Unsurprisingly, her sisters resented Beth's attitude and left Magnolia as soon as possible.
May recently had a stroke and has summoned Trinity and Freya back home. Beth, who stayed in Magnolia and became a nurse, has picked up the pieces for her mother. Recently divorced, Beth's ex-husband wasted no time letting her know that his girlfriend was pregnant, a hurtful revelation considering the effort Beth put into trying to get pregnant while they were married. Beth spends so much time caring for others that she has no life of her own. She wants to leave Magnolia and finally follow her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. The stress and worry about her mother and her sisters' impending arrival come pouring out during a confrontation with a stranger at the hospital. She and Declan are drawn to each other, but Beth is focused on her plans to leave.
Freya is a tv reality star who, as a teen, was the family's wild child. She did everything she could think of to gain her mother's attention. Even now, her D-list Hollywood lifestyle appears to be a cry for attention. She initially comes across as sarcastic and cynical. This is especially evident when she meets Greer, her mother's agent. She doesn't trust him, but the sparks between them are undeniable. Freya is tired of the backstabbing and me-first attitudes and hopes to change her life. She is secretly writing a book that she hopes will take her in a different direction.
Trinity was the peacemaker, trying to keep Freya and Beth from going too far. She returns to Magnolia pregnant, escaping from an abusive boyfriend. All she wants is a chance to make a good life for herself and her baby. She worries about being a good mother because of May's example, but Freya and Beth promise their support. Trinity meets their next-door neighbor, Ash, the police chief. Ash is clearly smitten, but Trinity isn't ready for anything more than friendship.
I loved following each sister's story as they faced their pasts and worked on writing new futures. I liked watching them forge new bonds as adults, accepting each other for who they are now. There are a few rough patches when past hurts flare up, but overall their love and support win out. Freya and Trinity's support gives Beth the courage to stop putting everyone else's needs ahead of hers. Freya's return to Magnolia gives her a new perspective on her hometown, and new friends help her see the emptiness of her life in California. I loved seeing Trinity's growing confidence as the book progressed, and the mama bear in her shone during the fracas at the baby's christening. When all was said and done, the sisters' relationships with each other were everything they could hope for.
I enjoyed seeing each sister find love. Declan is a great guy with a big heart. I loved how his attention helped Beth see herself differently. His feelings for her are obvious to everyone except Beth. She feels the same attraction but is focused on her plans and believes that he will leave Magnolia after the holidays. I ached for Declan when his grand gesture went awry. I wanted to shake both of them for not talking to each other. I liked how they finally figured out how to make both dreams come true.
Freya and Greer were an interesting duo. Freya's cynicism and sarcasm made for very antagonistic and flat-out rude interactions with Greer for a good share of the book. Sometimes I couldn't understand why Greer didn't just walk away. Most of the time, he seemed amused by her attitude, though he would push back when she cast aspersions on his honor. I felt like part of her attitude was fear of his reaction to her book, which was why she fought so hard against showing it to him. As her mother's agent, Greer is also privy to the updated portions of May's book, and his liking for May makes it difficult for Freya to trust him. There is quite a scene at the end when secrets come out. I liked that Greer didn't give up on Freya and helped her overcome her fear.
Ash and Trinity were sweet together. Ash is a single dad who lives with his mother-in-law so that they can help each other. His daughter Michaela is terrific and has a heart as big as her dad's. Ash recognizes Trinity's skittishness around men and is understanding and gentle with her. I loved how he didn't let her pregnancy stop his interest in her. I had to laugh at how their first date ended and that it didn't stop him from asking for a second one. While he doesn't hesitate to tell her how he feels about her, he is also sensitive enough not to push her for more than she is ready for. His support at the church gave her the confidence to stand up for herself and realize that she was stronger than she knew.
I have mixed feelings about May. Despite her very public admission of her mistakes, she doesn't get a pass regarding her actions when the girls were younger. There was no excuse for the way she left them on her own. I could feel the girls' confusion after May's stroke when so many townspeople commented on how nice she was and how proud of her daughters. They were equally confused and suspicious of her loving attitude toward them while at the rehab center. None of the girls are enthusiastic about the upcoming release of the updated version of May's book. I understood their anger and hurt when they finally got to read what she had added. Putting something in a book before talking to them seemed to show that she hadn't changed all that much. This was compounded by her expectations of their support, especially Beth's, during her upcoming book tour. She finally redeemed herself, so I was happy to see that.
I also enjoyed catching up on characters' lives from previous Magnolia books. I'd like to see Declan's "sister," Shauna, get her story. My heart hurt over Declan's story about his brother, and I'd like to see some resolution to that, too.
#netgalley
May recently had a stroke and has summoned Trinity and Freya back home. Beth, who stayed in Magnolia and became a nurse, has picked up the pieces for her mother. Recently divorced, Beth's ex-husband wasted no time letting her know that his girlfriend was pregnant, a hurtful revelation considering the effort Beth put into trying to get pregnant while they were married. Beth spends so much time caring for others that she has no life of her own. She wants to leave Magnolia and finally follow her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. The stress and worry about her mother and her sisters' impending arrival come pouring out during a confrontation with a stranger at the hospital. She and Declan are drawn to each other, but Beth is focused on her plans to leave.
Freya is a tv reality star who, as a teen, was the family's wild child. She did everything she could think of to gain her mother's attention. Even now, her D-list Hollywood lifestyle appears to be a cry for attention. She initially comes across as sarcastic and cynical. This is especially evident when she meets Greer, her mother's agent. She doesn't trust him, but the sparks between them are undeniable. Freya is tired of the backstabbing and me-first attitudes and hopes to change her life. She is secretly writing a book that she hopes will take her in a different direction.
Trinity was the peacemaker, trying to keep Freya and Beth from going too far. She returns to Magnolia pregnant, escaping from an abusive boyfriend. All she wants is a chance to make a good life for herself and her baby. She worries about being a good mother because of May's example, but Freya and Beth promise their support. Trinity meets their next-door neighbor, Ash, the police chief. Ash is clearly smitten, but Trinity isn't ready for anything more than friendship.
I loved following each sister's story as they faced their pasts and worked on writing new futures. I liked watching them forge new bonds as adults, accepting each other for who they are now. There are a few rough patches when past hurts flare up, but overall their love and support win out. Freya and Trinity's support gives Beth the courage to stop putting everyone else's needs ahead of hers. Freya's return to Magnolia gives her a new perspective on her hometown, and new friends help her see the emptiness of her life in California. I loved seeing Trinity's growing confidence as the book progressed, and the mama bear in her shone during the fracas at the baby's christening. When all was said and done, the sisters' relationships with each other were everything they could hope for.
I enjoyed seeing each sister find love. Declan is a great guy with a big heart. I loved how his attention helped Beth see herself differently. His feelings for her are obvious to everyone except Beth. She feels the same attraction but is focused on her plans and believes that he will leave Magnolia after the holidays. I ached for Declan when his grand gesture went awry. I wanted to shake both of them for not talking to each other. I liked how they finally figured out how to make both dreams come true.
Freya and Greer were an interesting duo. Freya's cynicism and sarcasm made for very antagonistic and flat-out rude interactions with Greer for a good share of the book. Sometimes I couldn't understand why Greer didn't just walk away. Most of the time, he seemed amused by her attitude, though he would push back when she cast aspersions on his honor. I felt like part of her attitude was fear of his reaction to her book, which was why she fought so hard against showing it to him. As her mother's agent, Greer is also privy to the updated portions of May's book, and his liking for May makes it difficult for Freya to trust him. There is quite a scene at the end when secrets come out. I liked that Greer didn't give up on Freya and helped her overcome her fear.
Ash and Trinity were sweet together. Ash is a single dad who lives with his mother-in-law so that they can help each other. His daughter Michaela is terrific and has a heart as big as her dad's. Ash recognizes Trinity's skittishness around men and is understanding and gentle with her. I loved how he didn't let her pregnancy stop his interest in her. I had to laugh at how their first date ended and that it didn't stop him from asking for a second one. While he doesn't hesitate to tell her how he feels about her, he is also sensitive enough not to push her for more than she is ready for. His support at the church gave her the confidence to stand up for herself and realize that she was stronger than she knew.
I have mixed feelings about May. Despite her very public admission of her mistakes, she doesn't get a pass regarding her actions when the girls were younger. There was no excuse for the way she left them on her own. I could feel the girls' confusion after May's stroke when so many townspeople commented on how nice she was and how proud of her daughters. They were equally confused and suspicious of her loving attitude toward them while at the rehab center. None of the girls are enthusiastic about the upcoming release of the updated version of May's book. I understood their anger and hurt when they finally got to read what she had added. Putting something in a book before talking to them seemed to show that she hadn't changed all that much. This was compounded by her expectations of their support, especially Beth's, during her upcoming book tour. She finally redeemed herself, so I was happy to see that.
I also enjoyed catching up on characters' lives from previous Magnolia books. I'd like to see Declan's "sister," Shauna, get her story. My heart hurt over Declan's story about his brother, and I'd like to see some resolution to that, too.
#netgalley
October 27, 2022
Three sisters come back to their hometown for the holidays to help their mother who has had a stroke. Growing up, their mother, a successful feminist author, spent most of her time on the road and left her three daughters to take care of themselves. Beth, the oldest, worked very hard to help raise her sisters and as they've gotten older they still resent her for her bossiness. She's just found out that her ex husband has a pregnant girlfriend and it hurts because she'd tried so hard to get pregnant during their marriage. She's a nurse and even as an adult is a take charge kind of person. The middle daughter, Freya, is a reality star who spent her life trying to upset her feminist mother. She is beginning to wonder what to do with the rest of her life and is secretly writing a book. Trinity comes home pregnant and hiding from an abusive boyfriend. Will the three sisters be able to repair their relationship with each other and with their mother in the weeks leading up to Christmas? They all meet perfect men during this time at home. Will they all finally get their happily ever afters?
I love books about sisters and was really hoping that these three would be able to find common ground and become a family again I wasn't so sure if they should work so hard to repair their relationship with their mother -- she had practically ignored them as they were growing up. Will her near brush with death cause her to make changes that will strengthen the bond with her daughters?
This was a heartwarming romance about second chances -- second chances at becoming a family again and second chances to find true love. I enjoyed the main characters and there were a lot of secondary characters from previous books by this author. Hopefully, she'll take her readers back to Magnolia in the future.
I love books about sisters and was really hoping that these three would be able to find common ground and become a family again I wasn't so sure if they should work so hard to repair their relationship with their mother -- she had practically ignored them as they were growing up. Will her near brush with death cause her to make changes that will strengthen the bond with her daughters?
This was a heartwarming romance about second chances -- second chances at becoming a family again and second chances to find true love. I enjoyed the main characters and there were a lot of secondary characters from previous books by this author. Hopefully, she'll take her readers back to Magnolia in the future.
October 23, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
The Wish List is a holiday novel by Michelle Major. Following three sisters who are brought back together in their small town after their mother has a stroke. Each healing their relationship with each other and their mother, and finding new loves for themselves.
Beth , the oldest sister, is recently divorced, strong-willed and always taking care of everyone over her self. Freya, the middle sister, is a D-list celebrity and aspiring writer who acted out in order to gain her mother's attention. Trinity , the youngest , has run from an abusive ex and baby daddy. Growing up, their mother wrote a popular book and left her children behind for the spotlight. They had to raise themselves so they come home to find the town praising their mother as kind, they are confused reconciling that person with the one they know. Their mother has recognized her failings, and having a stroke has made her realize the importance of making things right with them.
I really enjoyed Beth and Trinity's story arcs and point of views. Unfortunately I didn't care much for Freya and found myself skimming her chapters. All the romances the sister's find themselves a part of are small town sweet and charming. A few kisses and completely off page intimacy made them slightly underwhelming. I enjoyed the sisters rebuilding their relationship with each other and reconnecting as adults. I am kind of salty over the ending/epilogue thought. We are given solo Beth's POV and conclusion to her romance, a semi satisfying one for Freya, but Trinity's who was my favorite is completely unfinished.
The Wish List is a holiday novel by Michelle Major. Following three sisters who are brought back together in their small town after their mother has a stroke. Each healing their relationship with each other and their mother, and finding new loves for themselves.
Beth , the oldest sister, is recently divorced, strong-willed and always taking care of everyone over her self. Freya, the middle sister, is a D-list celebrity and aspiring writer who acted out in order to gain her mother's attention. Trinity , the youngest , has run from an abusive ex and baby daddy. Growing up, their mother wrote a popular book and left her children behind for the spotlight. They had to raise themselves so they come home to find the town praising their mother as kind, they are confused reconciling that person with the one they know. Their mother has recognized her failings, and having a stroke has made her realize the importance of making things right with them.
I really enjoyed Beth and Trinity's story arcs and point of views. Unfortunately I didn't care much for Freya and found myself skimming her chapters. All the romances the sister's find themselves a part of are small town sweet and charming. A few kisses and completely off page intimacy made them slightly underwhelming. I enjoyed the sisters rebuilding their relationship with each other and reconnecting as adults. I am kind of salty over the ending/epilogue thought. We are given solo Beth's POV and conclusion to her romance, a semi satisfying one for Freya, but Trinity's who was my favorite is completely unfinished.
December 22, 2022
~~ I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~
Michelle Major sure has a knack for writing festive holiday romance novels. The Wish List is another of the author's hits that needs to be added to your "Wish" or "To Read" List!
This is the story of three sisters who have struggled for years due to their mother's negligence. Now they're adults and have their own lives but find themselves back together again during the holidays after their mom suffers a stroke. During this time they each discover new things about themselves and, of course, meet some handsome men., The only criticism I have is that it was hard to keep track of the number of characters (3 sisters and 3 men) I found!
Oh, and it includes a nice short holiday romance story at the end!
Michelle Major sure has a knack for writing festive holiday romance novels. The Wish List is another of the author's hits that needs to be added to your "Wish" or "To Read" List!
This is the story of three sisters who have struggled for years due to their mother's negligence. Now they're adults and have their own lives but find themselves back together again during the holidays after their mom suffers a stroke. During this time they each discover new things about themselves and, of course, meet some handsome men., The only criticism I have is that it was hard to keep track of the number of characters (3 sisters and 3 men) I found!
Oh, and it includes a nice short holiday romance story at the end!
October 21, 2022
THE WISH LIST is a sweet women's fiction read. The story follows three estranged sisters who have gathered at their hometown around the holidays following their narcissistic mother's stroke. Beth has stayed near home, but she has struggled with infertility for years, and now her ex-husband's girlfriend is pregnant. After a particularly bad day, she vents to the guy in the stairwell, who seems really easy to talk to.
Beth had taken care of her sisters starting when they were really young, but they seemed to resent her for it. Now, with them back in town, Beth wants to redraw the lines of their relationships. Freya has been a reality TV star, who secretly dreams of publishing her novel. Her mother's literary agent, Greer, seems really kind and knowledgeable, but she is not sure she can trust him with her book or her heart. Trinity is pregnant and left behind an abusive relationship. When she meets a police officer that she seems to connect with, she is too afraid to trust herself or him with her heart when her child is so close to being in the picture.
As the holiday season unfolds, they will confront their pasts and find new paths forward. The story deals with some heavy themes around abuse and neglect (past), as well as family drama and stroke, but it manages to stay hopeful throughout. It is a story of redemption and forgiveness at the heart of it all, and the 3 sisters each have their own stories that capture the heart and spirit of the season. While I would have loved to stay more in-depth with one of the sisters, each of their stories brought something special to the table.
The romances were sweet, with the focus on sisterhood and healing for each of them. The heaviness of the topics is mitigated to an extent by the hope that is threaded throughout, and it is an emotional but lovely holiday read. Overall, I would recommend THE WISH LIST to anyone who appreciates some gravitas in their holiday reading, loves reading about sisters, and appreciates the forgiving nature of the season.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Beth had taken care of her sisters starting when they were really young, but they seemed to resent her for it. Now, with them back in town, Beth wants to redraw the lines of their relationships. Freya has been a reality TV star, who secretly dreams of publishing her novel. Her mother's literary agent, Greer, seems really kind and knowledgeable, but she is not sure she can trust him with her book or her heart. Trinity is pregnant and left behind an abusive relationship. When she meets a police officer that she seems to connect with, she is too afraid to trust herself or him with her heart when her child is so close to being in the picture.
As the holiday season unfolds, they will confront their pasts and find new paths forward. The story deals with some heavy themes around abuse and neglect (past), as well as family drama and stroke, but it manages to stay hopeful throughout. It is a story of redemption and forgiveness at the heart of it all, and the 3 sisters each have their own stories that capture the heart and spirit of the season. While I would have loved to stay more in-depth with one of the sisters, each of their stories brought something special to the table.
The romances were sweet, with the focus on sisterhood and healing for each of them. The heaviness of the topics is mitigated to an extent by the hope that is threaded throughout, and it is an emotional but lovely holiday read. Overall, I would recommend THE WISH LIST to anyone who appreciates some gravitas in their holiday reading, loves reading about sisters, and appreciates the forgiving nature of the season.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 30, 2022
I do enjoy getting to know Michelle Major’s Magnolia characters. Beth, Freya and Trinity feel like people I have known and they deal with their history in very real ways.
November 11, 2022
This author writes some of my favorite characters! I love her small town, everyone is friends, no matter where they come from, feel good stories! I have read all of her Carolina Girls books, and while you can start with this one and be fine, you should read the others because they are amazing! I love this series!
This one brings us the Carlyle sisters and their mother who wasn't much of a mother to them...she needs them and they aren't sure what to do with that or with each other. The holiday season magic works for them and the reader and the author gives us a feel good, jump into the season read that the reader never wants to end!
This is another favorite to add to my list and I can't wait to read more by this author! I love her stories, her characters, and her locations. It is like a comfort spot for this reader! Don't hesitate to add this one and all of her others to your TBR list - you won't want to miss out!
This one brings us the Carlyle sisters and their mother who wasn't much of a mother to them...she needs them and they aren't sure what to do with that or with each other. The holiday season magic works for them and the reader and the author gives us a feel good, jump into the season read that the reader never wants to end!
This is another favorite to add to my list and I can't wait to read more by this author! I love her stories, her characters, and her locations. It is like a comfort spot for this reader! Don't hesitate to add this one and all of her others to your TBR list - you won't want to miss out!
December 18, 2023
3 ⭐️
Okay… cute and loved BUT the ending???? I was like wait it’s over? I feel like the ending literally ended mid sentence which was so strange. Cute Christmas book though!
Okay… cute and loved BUT the ending???? I was like wait it’s over? I feel like the ending literally ended mid sentence which was so strange. Cute Christmas book though!
February 13, 2025
Loved this book.
October 8, 2022
Such a heartfelt and amazing story about sister bonds, healing, and hope. I fell in love with everyone in this book and somehow managed to adore Magnolia even more! A must read for the Christmas season!
I also REALLY am hoping to get Shauna’s story next (hint hint). Oh- and bonus epilogues for Trinity and Asher because I just want to revel in their future 🥰
I also REALLY am hoping to get Shauna’s story next (hint hint). Oh- and bonus epilogues for Trinity and Asher because I just want to revel in their future 🥰
October 27, 2022
The Wish List by Michelle Major is the fourth book in The Carolina Girls series. We return to Magnolia and reconnect with old characters and are introduced to the Carlyle sister's. All back home following their mother's stroke. Can they each rebuild a relationship with each other, and their mom or are the hurts from the past buried so deep that can't happen. Each sister is shocked by the change in their mom following her stroke, will those changes be permanent or are they only temporary. I found this to be a heart warming read, and would certainly recommend it to others.
I received an ARC from the author and the publisher for free, with the understanding I leave my fair and honest review. The opinion expressed here are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and the publisher for free, with the understanding I leave my fair and honest review. The opinion expressed here are my own.
March 10, 2024
There are two things I really love. A holiday story and a busy story. You get both with The Wish List. This is the story of three sisters. That's the busy part. The story of these three sisters is a pretty sad one. I will say that I have some things that bugged me about the story but the way the author handled each sister and gave them equal time is really good. Trinty's story is the only one not finished. But she gets her own story in a novella.
First, I'll start with Beth. She said in the family's hometown with their mother while her two younger sisters took off and had their own lives. She spent most of her childhood taking care of said sisters only to be treated pretty badly by them. They took it out on her that their mother didn't really care about them. Her life isn't a great one she married and divorced, and her ex is having a baby. When her mother has a stroke and summons her sister's home, she hoping this is her chance to start a new life somewhere else.
I loved how strong she had to be, but I felt it was kind of weird that we spent most of her romance story with her telling Declan that she was leaving town. I understand her feelings, but it took away from the romance for me. I felt at times she was a broken record. And maybe she is broken Living the way she did has to have some blowback.
I couldn't stand Freya for most of her story. She blames everyone for her unfortunate life but herself. She spent so much of her time hating her sister Beth for nothing and shows how much she hasn't grown up. It took me a bit of time to warm up to her, but I finally was about to. I liked her with Greer even if she didn't at first trust him.
You get part of Trinty's story just not the whole thing. I like how worried she was about having a baby on her own. She worried that she might be like her mother and without help she was really worried. Her sisters promise to help, and she has Ash from next door to talk with.
I was glad that as a family they talked and worked things out. I can't say I will every like May their mother and she should have gone to prison for child neglect. Those girls deserved so much more from a mother,
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October 24, 2022
The Wish List by Michelle Major is the 4th book in her wonderful The Carolina Girls series. This story takes place close to Christmas, and centers on the three Carlyle sisters ((Beth, Freya, Trinity), who are brought together in Magnolia when their mother has a stroke.
Beth is the oldest sister, who has always watched over her younger sisters, when their famous mother (author) is constantly away on tours, leaving the girls to struggle. Beth still lives in Magnolia, but her other sisters travel home to help. Beth is divorced, and a nurse at the hospital, with her ex also working there as a doctor; they do remain on friendly terms. Privately Beth wants to step away from her burdens and leave Magnolia, once her mother is better. But when she meets Declan, will Beth allow herself to find love again, or will she leave Magnolia.
Freya is a reality tv star, who does come across early on as a bit sarcastic, especially when she meets her mother’s agent. She doesn’t trust the agent (Greer), even though they both feel their attraction to each other. Will Freya, who seems to be getting closer to her sisters, open her cold untrusting heart.
Trinity, the youngest sister, is also pregnant, much to the surprise of her other sisters. What they don’t know is she has run away from an abusive boyfriend. Trinity is worried she won’t be able to handle having a child, but her sisters promise to be there for her. Trinity meets the next-door neighbor, who just happened to be the police chief. A friendship builds, but in time things will change to a possible romance.
I did enjoy seeing the three sisters begin to bond, bringing the family together. It was nice to see each of the sisters find love. I did like Beth with Declan, Freya finally with Greer, and Trinity with Ash. I love seeing many of the characters from previous books, such as Mariella, Anji, Carrie, Avery, just to name a few. It was exciting when Trinity had her baby, and when the family stood together against the abusive boyfriend.
What follows is a wonderful heartwarming romantic story with all three Carlyle sisters playing major parts, as well as all finding love. I enjoyed this return to Magnolia and the comfort of a family reunion; despite the many struggles along the way. Michelle Major also created a wonderful group of secondary characters, as well as giving us a glimpse at the ladies we loved from the previous series. The Wish List was written so very well by Michelle Major, with three great sisters, hot men, and so many wonderful secondary characters. The Wish List was a very entertaining read.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Beth is the oldest sister, who has always watched over her younger sisters, when their famous mother (author) is constantly away on tours, leaving the girls to struggle. Beth still lives in Magnolia, but her other sisters travel home to help. Beth is divorced, and a nurse at the hospital, with her ex also working there as a doctor; they do remain on friendly terms. Privately Beth wants to step away from her burdens and leave Magnolia, once her mother is better. But when she meets Declan, will Beth allow herself to find love again, or will she leave Magnolia.
Freya is a reality tv star, who does come across early on as a bit sarcastic, especially when she meets her mother’s agent. She doesn’t trust the agent (Greer), even though they both feel their attraction to each other. Will Freya, who seems to be getting closer to her sisters, open her cold untrusting heart.
Trinity, the youngest sister, is also pregnant, much to the surprise of her other sisters. What they don’t know is she has run away from an abusive boyfriend. Trinity is worried she won’t be able to handle having a child, but her sisters promise to be there for her. Trinity meets the next-door neighbor, who just happened to be the police chief. A friendship builds, but in time things will change to a possible romance.
I did enjoy seeing the three sisters begin to bond, bringing the family together. It was nice to see each of the sisters find love. I did like Beth with Declan, Freya finally with Greer, and Trinity with Ash. I love seeing many of the characters from previous books, such as Mariella, Anji, Carrie, Avery, just to name a few. It was exciting when Trinity had her baby, and when the family stood together against the abusive boyfriend.
What follows is a wonderful heartwarming romantic story with all three Carlyle sisters playing major parts, as well as all finding love. I enjoyed this return to Magnolia and the comfort of a family reunion; despite the many struggles along the way. Michelle Major also created a wonderful group of secondary characters, as well as giving us a glimpse at the ladies we loved from the previous series. The Wish List was written so very well by Michelle Major, with three great sisters, hot men, and so many wonderful secondary characters. The Wish List was a very entertaining read.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
November 19, 2022
The Wish List is the 4th book in The Carolina Girls series by Michelle Major, but it can be read as a standalone story. The audiobook also contains the novella/short story, A Lot Like Christmas. When Beth and her sisters, Freya and Trinity, were young, their father walked out on them and their mother. When Beth was thirteen, her mother wrote a bestselling book, and went off on book tours leaving Beth to care for her sisters. Beth was bossy and controlling, which her sisters resented and they left Magnolia as soon as possible. Even now, they resent Beth. Now their mother has had a stroke and called all her daughters home for Christmas. All the sisters have secrets or issues from a pregnant girlfriend of an ex-husband, a secret book being written and being pregnant from an abusive boyfriend. Will the three sisters be able to repair their relationship with each other and with their mother in the weeks leading up to Christmas? When they all meet new and perfect men during this time at home, will they get their happily ever afters?
I really enjoy books about sisters and reconciliation. Set the story at or around Christmas, and I am in. I felt for the Carlyle sisters, having had to deal with a selfish mother who basically abandoned them for long periods of time and was never really a mother to them. They come home to a town who praises her and tells the girls how proud she is of them. I didn't really care if they reconciled with her, but I wanted them to heal and get along with one another. I am not going to regurgitate the story, but I will say that I enjoyed each of their story arcs and the men that came into their lives. I wanted them to find their HEAs. There are serious themes of infidelity, infertility, narcissism, self-deprecation, abuse and abandonment that make it seem like this book couldn't possibly be uplifting, but it is. There is second chance romance, new beginnings, forgiveness and finding love, which all made it heartwarming in the end. Throw in a little magic of the season, and this was a winner for me. The audiobook was narrated by Carly Robins. I have listened to several books she has narrated, and I enjoy her performances. Her voices were very distinguishable and it was easy to identify who was speaking. The pacing, inflection and expression were right on. If you enjoy small town stories, stories about family and a bit of Christmas Magic, then I recommend this one to you.
I really enjoy books about sisters and reconciliation. Set the story at or around Christmas, and I am in. I felt for the Carlyle sisters, having had to deal with a selfish mother who basically abandoned them for long periods of time and was never really a mother to them. They come home to a town who praises her and tells the girls how proud she is of them. I didn't really care if they reconciled with her, but I wanted them to heal and get along with one another. I am not going to regurgitate the story, but I will say that I enjoyed each of their story arcs and the men that came into their lives. I wanted them to find their HEAs. There are serious themes of infidelity, infertility, narcissism, self-deprecation, abuse and abandonment that make it seem like this book couldn't possibly be uplifting, but it is. There is second chance romance, new beginnings, forgiveness and finding love, which all made it heartwarming in the end. Throw in a little magic of the season, and this was a winner for me. The audiobook was narrated by Carly Robins. I have listened to several books she has narrated, and I enjoy her performances. Her voices were very distinguishable and it was easy to identify who was speaking. The pacing, inflection and expression were right on. If you enjoy small town stories, stories about family and a bit of Christmas Magic, then I recommend this one to you.
December 15, 2022
The Wish List
The Carolina Girls #4
Michelle Major
Michelle Major is a wonderful storyteller and her latest holiday novel, The Wish List, taking her readers back to her iconic Magnolia NC is proof positive, a timely tale about sisters and mothers and daughters. She gives readers three sisters with a shared troubled past who now as adults each have problems trusting, sharing and who after a few shouting matches and misunderstandings will find strength in each other and themselves and each will find an honorable man to break down their walls. She also turns the tables and makes the male stars the stable ones where the women are the ones who have the most growing up to do. Whether by choice or accident like in real life families it’s the oldest and youngest who will resonate the most with readers but each of the sisters have a lot of maturing to do and readers will learn to love them all by the end including the mom. Fans of heartwarming holiday stories will be putting this on their holiday must read list from now on.
Three estranged sisters are brought back together kicking and screaming when their mom has a stroke, a mom who in the past put herself first and let them fend for themselves. So why are they all dropping everything to help her now?
Oldest Carlyle sister Beth has spent her life taking care of others, her sisters when they were young and their author mother left them home alone while she went on tour. Then as an adult putting her husband’s needs before her own. And just when she finally takes steps to do something for herself by entering the nurse practitioner program her mom has a stroke and she’s expected to help care for her.
Middle sister Freya took after their mother’s playbook by moving to LA and put herself before anyone by becoming a reality show star even though in her heart of hearts it’s fear of being herself that keeps her wearing all the masks she dons in California. When she’s called home to help care for her mom she’s not sure she wants to or is ready to take off those masks.
Youngest sister Trinity has been on the run from her abuser ex for months when she gets the call to come home, she’s tired of running and now is only a short time away from becoming a mother herself. She hasn’t had a good role model and isn’t sure if she’s up to the task ahead of her but she has no choice but to hope for the best.
The Carolina Girls #4
Michelle Major
Michelle Major is a wonderful storyteller and her latest holiday novel, The Wish List, taking her readers back to her iconic Magnolia NC is proof positive, a timely tale about sisters and mothers and daughters. She gives readers three sisters with a shared troubled past who now as adults each have problems trusting, sharing and who after a few shouting matches and misunderstandings will find strength in each other and themselves and each will find an honorable man to break down their walls. She also turns the tables and makes the male stars the stable ones where the women are the ones who have the most growing up to do. Whether by choice or accident like in real life families it’s the oldest and youngest who will resonate the most with readers but each of the sisters have a lot of maturing to do and readers will learn to love them all by the end including the mom. Fans of heartwarming holiday stories will be putting this on their holiday must read list from now on.
Three estranged sisters are brought back together kicking and screaming when their mom has a stroke, a mom who in the past put herself first and let them fend for themselves. So why are they all dropping everything to help her now?
Oldest Carlyle sister Beth has spent her life taking care of others, her sisters when they were young and their author mother left them home alone while she went on tour. Then as an adult putting her husband’s needs before her own. And just when she finally takes steps to do something for herself by entering the nurse practitioner program her mom has a stroke and she’s expected to help care for her.
Middle sister Freya took after their mother’s playbook by moving to LA and put herself before anyone by becoming a reality show star even though in her heart of hearts it’s fear of being herself that keeps her wearing all the masks she dons in California. When she’s called home to help care for her mom she’s not sure she wants to or is ready to take off those masks.
Youngest sister Trinity has been on the run from her abuser ex for months when she gets the call to come home, she’s tired of running and now is only a short time away from becoming a mother herself. She hasn’t had a good role model and isn’t sure if she’s up to the task ahead of her but she has no choice but to hope for the best.
December 1, 2022
(3.75 rounded to 4.0).
The three Carlyle sisters—Beth, Freya and Trinity—have all come home just before the Holidays because their mother, May, has had a small stroke. Beth is a nurse, recently divorced from a popular doctor, is planning to move away to enter a nurse practitioner program. Her ex-husband is engaged and his young fiancée is pregnant. Freya is a popular reality TV show star and has written a novel that she is keeping a secret. Trinity is fleeing an abusive relationship and is looking forward to the birth of her child early in the new year. Since Beth was 13 and her mother published a best selling self help book,the sisters have basically been on their own. Each of the sisters has a shaky relationship with a man who could be someone special. May has admitted her neglect of her daughters in favor of promoting her book but she is now the favorite adopted grandmother to several neighborhood children. As May goes through her rehabilitation, mother and daughters try to find common ground to rebuild trust between them. All while Freya and Trinity adjust to life in a small town and cope with the holiday. A dramatic ending brings out the best and worst of some of the characters. This was a touching holiday work and I enjoyed the sister-daughter-mother dynamic.
The audiobook I listened to was well done. It also included a bonus novella titled “A Lot Like Christmas” which featured a young woman with multiple jobs and a family who depends on her. One of her jobs is being a dog nanny to an adorable pooch that one of the new managers at a corporation opening new operations in town has inherited from his deceased grandmother. Mark likes his tech and numbers more than he does people. Carly takes on duties as dog nanny and life coach to help Mark learn how to deal with people. Soon Carly and Mark are finding a lot to interest them in each other. Recommend to readers of Christmas romance, contemporary family literature.
The three Carlyle sisters—Beth, Freya and Trinity—have all come home just before the Holidays because their mother, May, has had a small stroke. Beth is a nurse, recently divorced from a popular doctor, is planning to move away to enter a nurse practitioner program. Her ex-husband is engaged and his young fiancée is pregnant. Freya is a popular reality TV show star and has written a novel that she is keeping a secret. Trinity is fleeing an abusive relationship and is looking forward to the birth of her child early in the new year. Since Beth was 13 and her mother published a best selling self help book,the sisters have basically been on their own. Each of the sisters has a shaky relationship with a man who could be someone special. May has admitted her neglect of her daughters in favor of promoting her book but she is now the favorite adopted grandmother to several neighborhood children. As May goes through her rehabilitation, mother and daughters try to find common ground to rebuild trust between them. All while Freya and Trinity adjust to life in a small town and cope with the holiday. A dramatic ending brings out the best and worst of some of the characters. This was a touching holiday work and I enjoyed the sister-daughter-mother dynamic.
The audiobook I listened to was well done. It also included a bonus novella titled “A Lot Like Christmas” which featured a young woman with multiple jobs and a family who depends on her. One of her jobs is being a dog nanny to an adorable pooch that one of the new managers at a corporation opening new operations in town has inherited from his deceased grandmother. Mark likes his tech and numbers more than he does people. Carly takes on duties as dog nanny and life coach to help Mark learn how to deal with people. Soon Carly and Mark are finding a lot to interest them in each other. Recommend to readers of Christmas romance, contemporary family literature.
January 1, 2023
Thanks to Chick Lit Central for a gifted copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
This was a predictable Christmas-time chick-lit novel set in a small town. I kept hoping it would get better as I continued to read, but it was as if the author followed a template to write a one-dimensional romance. Three young adult sisters who had to raise themselves due to an absent dad and a narcissistic mom return home when their self-absorbed mother has a stroke. All three sisters meet hunky, attractive guys in this small town who will do anything for them, even when each woman deflects this attention, due to low self-esteem stemming from their neglectful childhood.
The novel is told from the sisters’ points of view, so the reader learns that each one wants a chance to be happy, wants to pursue her dreams (and identifies what those dreams are), and wants a mom who loves her. They try to reinvent themselves throughout the novel, but often revert to their childhood behaviors when triggered by their mother or a sister’s comments.
The chapters were too long and changed points of view between several characters from paragraph to paragraph. At least each of the sisters had a distinct personality and unique name so it was easy to tell them apart. What made this a frustrating read was how the stubborn, independent sisters misjudged each other for years, when it was apparent to this reader that their shared childhood trauma had colored their adult relationships. I wanted them to sit down together as adults, admit this to each other, apologize, and begin the healing process. But that would have been a different novel.
The author had a good message to share about how important family is, and that “time was both precious and priceless and they shouldn’t waste it when no one had a guarantee what might happen next.” But somehow, I felt like I was being lectured to instead of reaching an aha moment in the novel. Disappointed and sad that this was my last read of 2022.
This was a predictable Christmas-time chick-lit novel set in a small town. I kept hoping it would get better as I continued to read, but it was as if the author followed a template to write a one-dimensional romance. Three young adult sisters who had to raise themselves due to an absent dad and a narcissistic mom return home when their self-absorbed mother has a stroke. All three sisters meet hunky, attractive guys in this small town who will do anything for them, even when each woman deflects this attention, due to low self-esteem stemming from their neglectful childhood.
The novel is told from the sisters’ points of view, so the reader learns that each one wants a chance to be happy, wants to pursue her dreams (and identifies what those dreams are), and wants a mom who loves her. They try to reinvent themselves throughout the novel, but often revert to their childhood behaviors when triggered by their mother or a sister’s comments.
The chapters were too long and changed points of view between several characters from paragraph to paragraph. At least each of the sisters had a distinct personality and unique name so it was easy to tell them apart. What made this a frustrating read was how the stubborn, independent sisters misjudged each other for years, when it was apparent to this reader that their shared childhood trauma had colored their adult relationships. I wanted them to sit down together as adults, admit this to each other, apologize, and begin the healing process. But that would have been a different novel.
The author had a good message to share about how important family is, and that “time was both precious and priceless and they shouldn’t waste it when no one had a guarantee what might happen next.” But somehow, I felt like I was being lectured to instead of reaching an aha moment in the novel. Disappointed and sad that this was my last read of 2022.
October 28, 2022
3.75 rounded up to 4
I really enjoyed most of this story, Three sisters come back together to see their estranged mother after she suffers a stroke. I really liked the sisters and the men they were paired with. Although Freyja and Greer didn't make a whole sense, she was super mean to him a lot and he just kind of took it in stride. I liked them separately but not together.
Beth is the oldest and at the age of 13 began taking care of her younger siblings when their mother became a best-selling author and left them alone for long stretches. Freyja and Trinity resented Beth because of how bossy she was, but when they came back together they realized she did the best she could as a child raising children. Their relationship became really solid and it was heartwarming.
I did not love their mother. After the stroke when she's recovering she seems to have become a whole different person. Really loving and affectionate, which the sisters are enjoying but don't really know how to deal with this new mom. Especially after the girls are exploring the town all the residents are asking about May saying what a nice person she is and telling them things about her they never knew. Like her love of cats and baking, and how proud she is of her children. Each one of them is like she was never proud of us. what are you talking about?
Honestly, I didn't like May at all and didn't like how everything was resolved with her. Your children shouldn't have to read how you feel about them in a book. At one point she was like I couldn't have been a bad mom because you all turned out so well... and the girls are like we turned out well because we raised ourselves you had nothing to do with it. and May just kept saying read the book and you'll understand. Like no, thank you.
Besides May I really loved everything else so I will check out what this author comes out with next.
I really enjoyed most of this story, Three sisters come back together to see their estranged mother after she suffers a stroke. I really liked the sisters and the men they were paired with. Although Freyja and Greer didn't make a whole sense, she was super mean to him a lot and he just kind of took it in stride. I liked them separately but not together.
Beth is the oldest and at the age of 13 began taking care of her younger siblings when their mother became a best-selling author and left them alone for long stretches. Freyja and Trinity resented Beth because of how bossy she was, but when they came back together they realized she did the best she could as a child raising children. Their relationship became really solid and it was heartwarming.
I did not love their mother. After the stroke when she's recovering she seems to have become a whole different person. Really loving and affectionate, which the sisters are enjoying but don't really know how to deal with this new mom. Especially after the girls are exploring the town all the residents are asking about May saying what a nice person she is and telling them things about her they never knew. Like her love of cats and baking, and how proud she is of her children. Each one of them is like she was never proud of us. what are you talking about?
Honestly, I didn't like May at all and didn't like how everything was resolved with her. Your children shouldn't have to read how you feel about them in a book. At one point she was like I couldn't have been a bad mom because you all turned out so well... and the girls are like we turned out well because we raised ourselves you had nothing to do with it. and May just kept saying read the book and you'll understand. Like no, thank you.
Besides May I really loved everything else so I will check out what this author comes out with next.
October 30, 2022
I’ve read quite a few books by Michelle Major and this book is by far my favorite. I liked meeting the sisters, Beth, Freya, and Trinity, and getting to know more about each of them and how they differ from each other. Their mother, May, has had a stroke and while Beth is a nurse and lives locally both Freya and Trinity live out of state and have vastly different lives have been called home to help out. Once the sisters are all together a lot of past hurts and resentments come out and they learn about what is really going on with each of them including the good, bad and the ugly. While they’re working together for their mother and to mend their relationships, they each encounter a man who may change their life with a potential relationship. This is a very touching story and I think all of us at some point in our lives have had to take care of a family member so I can definitely relate to the stresses all of the sisters were facing. Things had actually gotten to a good point for all the sisters and their mom was improving however something was said and a secret came out and we’re back to people feeling hurt and not included. The ending finally brought the sisters and their mother back together for a happy day for Trinity but of course her past came barreling in to possibly ruin things but Declan, Greer and Ash come to the rescue. I couldn’t be happier with the way everything seemed to come together for all the sisters and especially their mother, May. Beth was able to fulfill a dream for herself, Freya surprised even herself with the amazing news with her secret she’d been keeping, and Trinity is in a good place and looking forward to the future. I also enjoyed seeing a few of our friends from previous stories as well. Wonderful Story!
November 7, 2022
The fact that I read the paperback version of this and still finished it in a day speaks volumes!
The Wish List is the story of three sisters (and their mother, though honestly, she's pretty peripheral for most of it), their relationships, and all the ways that they are both going back (specifically to their hometown, for two of them and to trying to be a family again for the group) and starting over (for pretty much all of them).
Beth, Freya, and Trinity, the sisters, are all given POV chapters here, which really worked for the story. I liked seeing everything through each of their eyes in turn, noting the differences in how they each perceived their childhoods and what was happening now as well as during their time apart. It's a little convenient that they each found a guy that was perfect for them in Magnolia, but since I really liked all of their romances I'm not going to complain much. ;)
My biggest issue with the story is that after all the characters went through on the page for 300+ pages, some pretty major conflicts were resolved off page and just kind of tossed in via mentions at the very end (shades of "super easy, barely and inconvenience," anyone?) which was ultimately a bit less than satisfying. And honestly, I don't think their mother did anywhere near enough to make up for their childhoods, either. It's great that she's changed now, but...yeah. The sisters' newfound relationships, though--with each other as well as romantic ones--wrapped up nicely and gave me all the warm feels.
But their mother...
I haven't read any of the other books in the series yet(!), but this worked just fine as a standalone.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The Wish List is the story of three sisters (and their mother, though honestly, she's pretty peripheral for most of it), their relationships, and all the ways that they are both going back (specifically to their hometown, for two of them and to trying to be a family again for the group) and starting over (for pretty much all of them).
Beth, Freya, and Trinity, the sisters, are all given POV chapters here, which really worked for the story. I liked seeing everything through each of their eyes in turn, noting the differences in how they each perceived their childhoods and what was happening now as well as during their time apart. It's a little convenient that they each found a guy that was perfect for them in Magnolia, but since I really liked all of their romances I'm not going to complain much. ;)
My biggest issue with the story is that after all the characters went through on the page for 300+ pages, some pretty major conflicts were resolved off page and just kind of tossed in via mentions at the very end (shades of "super easy, barely and inconvenience," anyone?) which was ultimately a bit less than satisfying. And honestly, I don't think their mother did anywhere near enough to make up for their childhoods, either. It's great that she's changed now, but...yeah. The sisters' newfound relationships, though--with each other as well as romantic ones--wrapped up nicely and gave me all the warm feels.
But their mother...
I haven't read any of the other books in the series yet(!), but this worked just fine as a standalone.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 21, 2022
A compelling family drama laced with a bit of clean-cut romance. An absentee mother is back in the lives of her three daughters and it may not be what is best for them. She once again seems to be sucking the air out of their lives, but if they don't take a hard look at their relationship to her and each other with a critical eye they may never be able to move forward with fulfilling lives of their own. It is a wonderful look at perspective as each individual has a different perspective of past occurrences and expectations of how present interactions will take place. This book was especially compelling to me as dysfunctional family dynamics are something that I am well aware of and I think many other readers are as well to a certain extent. This book is an emotional roller coaster with equal parts humor and sadness. It's a poignant look at overcoming the what if's and what was to get to the happily ever after that we all crave. I have to say that I wasn't expecting such an inspired and impactful story from this book, but am absolutely thrilled that I decided to read this book! Extra bonus, there is a short story at the end that is a fast-paced romance set in the same town with overlapping characters and locations. This leads me to believe that this book is the beginning of a wonderful series which makes my heart very happy as I am a series addict!
November 21, 2022
A compelling family drama laced with a bit of clean-cut romance. An absentee mother is back in the lives of her three daughters and it may not be what is best for them. She once again seems to be sucking the air out of their lives, but if they don't take a hard look at their relationship to her and each other with a critical eye they may never be able to move forward with fulfilling lives of their own. It is a wonderful look at perspective as each individual has a different perspective of past occurrences and expectations of how present interactions will take place. This book was especially compelling to me as dysfunctional family dynamics are something that I am well aware of and I think many other readers are as well to a certain extent. This book is an emotional roller coaster with equal parts humor and sadness. It's a poignant look at overcoming the what if's and what was to get to the happily ever after that we all crave. I have to say that I wasn't expecting such an inspired and impactful story from this book, but am absolutely thrilled that I decided to read this book! Extra bonus, there is a short story at the end that is a fast-paced romance set in the same town with overlapping characters and locations. This leads me to believe that this book is the beginning of a wonderful series which makes my heart very happy as I am a series addict!
January 14, 2023
This is book 4 in the Carolina Girls series. It can be read as a stand alone because I have not read the previous books.. I'll have to look for them.
For some families, a Christmas reunion is like a feel-good movie. For Beth Carlyle, it might be more of a disaster epic. Her ex-husband’s new girlfriend is already pregnant. Her self-absorbed, bestselling author mother recently suffered a stroke and has summoned Beth’s sisters, Freya and Trinity—neither of whom even seem to like Beth very much—back to Magnolia. Beth’s so lonely and stressed that she spills her guts to a stranger, wondering why the handsome newcomer affects her so deeply. Reality TV star Freya deliberately forged a career that would upset her mother, who’s always been as brilliant as the sun…and just as distant. Now a handsome literary agent is making Freya dream of a different life. As for Trinity, she just wants to start over after leaving an abusive relationship and make a future for her and her baby.
The girls are so different and can tell the same story with such completely different points of view. Wonderfully written.
For some families, a Christmas reunion is like a feel-good movie. For Beth Carlyle, it might be more of a disaster epic. Her ex-husband’s new girlfriend is already pregnant. Her self-absorbed, bestselling author mother recently suffered a stroke and has summoned Beth’s sisters, Freya and Trinity—neither of whom even seem to like Beth very much—back to Magnolia. Beth’s so lonely and stressed that she spills her guts to a stranger, wondering why the handsome newcomer affects her so deeply. Reality TV star Freya deliberately forged a career that would upset her mother, who’s always been as brilliant as the sun…and just as distant. Now a handsome literary agent is making Freya dream of a different life. As for Trinity, she just wants to start over after leaving an abusive relationship and make a future for her and her baby.
The girls are so different and can tell the same story with such completely different points of view. Wonderfully written.
October 23, 2022
What a tribute to life, family and second chances. The Carlyle sisters return home when their narcissistic, author and mother suffers a debilitating strike. Growing up she deserted then for weeks on end to go on but ok yours. The oldest, Beth, kept the girls close to home and out of the public's eye on this small southern town. She stayed while her sisters left to pursue a little fe.
Now, Freya, the middle child and a reality star has written a novel but is afraid to share it. The youngest returns pregnant , having to scaped an abusive relationship. They all have secrets and hidden issues from their mothers abandonment when they were children.
Their mother is a changed person, living and demonstrative, which they are enjoying. When a miraculous healing occurs the sisters fear their mother returning to her previous persona.
Along the way they each find love but are hesitant to trust their partners. All in all an uplifting story of the true meaning of love and family.
The novella , also set in Magnolia, was a bonus read.
Now, Freya, the middle child and a reality star has written a novel but is afraid to share it. The youngest returns pregnant , having to scaped an abusive relationship. They all have secrets and hidden issues from their mothers abandonment when they were children.
Their mother is a changed person, living and demonstrative, which they are enjoying. When a miraculous healing occurs the sisters fear their mother returning to her previous persona.
Along the way they each find love but are hesitant to trust their partners. All in all an uplifting story of the true meaning of love and family.
The novella , also set in Magnolia, was a bonus read.
July 23, 2023
#20 was the last Carolina Girls Novel: The Wish List by Michelle Major. It was as good as the first one…which was actually #5 in the series. (You don’t have to read them in order).
This one has three sisters who were pretty much raised by the oldest when their mom decides women should put themselves first—no matter the situation or the age of their children. (The oldest was middle-school age, the youngest was like six)!
The oldest, Beth, learned to be organized, in-charge, and to take care of everyone around her, but herself. The middle sister, Freya, decided to be the opposite of Beth and be as rebellious as possible. Finally, the baby, Trinity, tried to be the sunshine that made everyone happy.
Freya and Trinity bolted as soon as they were old enough. Beth stayed in the small town, became a nurse, and had coffee/lunch with her eccentric mother every-so-often.
The mother’s stroke brings them all back together in Magnolia. They each have to work through the ‘mommy issues’ to become stronger women. Since it’s Christmas, miracles seem to happen! 🙂
Rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
This one has three sisters who were pretty much raised by the oldest when their mom decides women should put themselves first—no matter the situation or the age of their children. (The oldest was middle-school age, the youngest was like six)!
The oldest, Beth, learned to be organized, in-charge, and to take care of everyone around her, but herself. The middle sister, Freya, decided to be the opposite of Beth and be as rebellious as possible. Finally, the baby, Trinity, tried to be the sunshine that made everyone happy.
Freya and Trinity bolted as soon as they were old enough. Beth stayed in the small town, became a nurse, and had coffee/lunch with her eccentric mother every-so-often.
The mother’s stroke brings them all back together in Magnolia. They each have to work through the ‘mommy issues’ to become stronger women. Since it’s Christmas, miracles seem to happen! 🙂
Rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
October 27, 2022
4 1/2 STARS!
Michelle Major weaves this gem of a town around reader hearts book after book! Magnolia seems to be the town that can heal family strife and bring love and warmth to the forefront again and again, and I for one can't seem to get enough of it. The characters are always well-developed and heart set on standing their ground in their belief of the wrongs they have endured, but life's reality coupled with a healthy dose of forgiveness and a softening heart lead family members to reconnect and find happiness again.
The Carlyle sisters find themselves gathering in their hometown to rally around their ailing mother even though each has conflicted emotions over their flawed relationship with their mom as well as each other. Emotions are high, secrets are revealed and love conquers all.
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a reconnection of family after years of estrangement as each sibling connects with a new love interest.
Michelle Major weaves this gem of a town around reader hearts book after book! Magnolia seems to be the town that can heal family strife and bring love and warmth to the forefront again and again, and I for one can't seem to get enough of it. The characters are always well-developed and heart set on standing their ground in their belief of the wrongs they have endured, but life's reality coupled with a healthy dose of forgiveness and a softening heart lead family members to reconnect and find happiness again.
The Carlyle sisters find themselves gathering in their hometown to rally around their ailing mother even though each has conflicted emotions over their flawed relationship with their mom as well as each other. Emotions are high, secrets are revealed and love conquers all.
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a reconnection of family after years of estrangement as each sibling connects with a new love interest.
November 24, 2022
So I will admit I struggled a bit at first to get the hang of who was who. Eventually when I got over that it made my reading experience a more enjoyable one. It was interesting seeing how different each sister was they were at different points of their lives and things are kinda at a pause since the mother had a stoke now all the sisters are sticking around to help care for her in their own way. There was a lot of reflection going on with not only the sisters but the mother as well she wasn't a great parent and was trying to make amends in her weakened state and the girls just wasn't sure if this nicer mother would last. Then there was the whole carving a new path in each of their lives like looking past caring for the mother and taking up nursing school finally, and writing a book, and having a brand new start with a child on the way. There was so much to unpack with this book and I really enjoyed following along.
October 26, 2022
Enjoyed!
When their Mom, May, suffers a stroke, Freya and Trinity return home to Magnolia Falls to help their sister Beth with caring for May. It is difficult at times, because in the past Beth had to take on more of a mother role to Freya and Trinity than a sister role, because May was often absent during their youth, off doing book tours. I can relate to this dynamic, so Beth's struggles resonated with me.
The stroke changed May, and it also resulted in big changes for each of the sisters. They all have their own demons to deal with, some are real live breathing people and others are self-imposed judgements. With the help of 3 very good men, the women find themselves and find a new, mature relationship with each other and May.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
When their Mom, May, suffers a stroke, Freya and Trinity return home to Magnolia Falls to help their sister Beth with caring for May. It is difficult at times, because in the past Beth had to take on more of a mother role to Freya and Trinity than a sister role, because May was often absent during their youth, off doing book tours. I can relate to this dynamic, so Beth's struggles resonated with me.
The stroke changed May, and it also resulted in big changes for each of the sisters. They all have their own demons to deal with, some are real live breathing people and others are self-imposed judgements. With the help of 3 very good men, the women find themselves and find a new, mature relationship with each other and May.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
December 16, 2022
Magnolia, NC is such a restful place. I’ve really enjoyed Major’s expansion of the different story lines. I love it when authors create towns because I often that I could be a resident.
Beth, Freya, and Trinity were on their own as kids due to their mother’s selfishness. Now the sisters are reconnecting and getting to know each other as adults because of their mother’s stroke. I liked the developing story of each sister’s life and their guys interests were mount watering.
But the one who captured my interest the most was Declan the Dreamboat. So many scenes between he and Beth took my breath away, especially the one where he sees her and his smile lights up his entire face.
I hope we get to see more glimpses of the sisters in future Magniloa books.
Thanks to NetGalley and HTP for the early read.
Beth, Freya, and Trinity were on their own as kids due to their mother’s selfishness. Now the sisters are reconnecting and getting to know each other as adults because of their mother’s stroke. I liked the developing story of each sister’s life and their guys interests were mount watering.
But the one who captured my interest the most was Declan the Dreamboat. So many scenes between he and Beth took my breath away, especially the one where he sees her and his smile lights up his entire face.
I hope we get to see more glimpses of the sisters in future Magniloa books.
Thanks to NetGalley and HTP for the early read.
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