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Wishes Are Free
It’s 1959, and ten-year-old Rose O'Reilly has sworn an oath with her best friend from birth to stay best friends, no matter what. Then, boom, Linney moves 2,000 miles away.
Lonely and feeling abandoned, Rose knows she’ll never find another friend like Linney. She turns to Grandpa, who has just lost his best friend. They hold chat cafes in the kitchen, and with Grandpa’s help, Rose discovers friends are everywhere if you have a big heart and know where to look.
Lonely and feeling abandoned, Rose knows she’ll never find another friend like Linney. She turns to Grandpa, who has just lost his best friend. They hold chat cafes in the kitchen, and with Grandpa’s help, Rose discovers friends are everywhere if you have a big heart and know where to look.
Paperback
Published September 15, 2022
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Diana Mercedes Howell
2 books4 followersI still have the copy of MADELINE awarded to me in the second grade. Reading Period was always my favorite part of the school day, and spelling bees, which I usually won unless Frankie Doetsch was present that day. Then we were the last two standing, and if I didn't choke, I won!
My first novel, Wishes Are Free, is strong on feel-good warmth and humor, healthy family relationships, and moments readers tell me gave them joyful goosebumps, that you get when you experience something beautiful.
I always wanted to connect with people in a feel-good way. Mission accomplished.
I was a quiet child. It’s good to be a quiet child. We’re thinkers and imaginers.
Imagination is a wonderful thing. Even Einstein, you know, the relativity guy, said imagination is more important than knowledge. That gives all of us, talkers or not, the green light to let our imaginations run wild.
My mother used to tease me, “Your imagination is running wild.” I couldn’t help it. My imagination still runs away with me. Only now, I write the stories down and share them with children (And adults) who are readers.
My mother instilled a love of reading in all of her children. I am the youngest of three. We were all readers and still are. We grew up in Santa Clara Valley, California. It was called The Valley of Heart’s Delight because of all the fruit trees; apricot and pear and peach and cherry. In spring, white and pink blossoms carpeted the valley, and their pleasant scent was like a natural perfume.
Life wasn’t in such a hurry then. A summer day was a lifetime, and the sun set slowly, sad that it had to leave the sky.
I loved the outdoors more than the indoors. I could explore the neighborhood, walk up to the creek and watch the polliwogs swim, and the dragonflies fly, and listen to the water that sounded like music as it flowed by.
I didn’t start writing seriously until I was fifty-three. Even so, I believed in myself because when I sat at the computer, I felt happy. I knew this was what I was meant to do. The more I practiced writing, the better I got.
But I still have trouble with my commas.
I wrote poetry and personal essays that were published locally and in online journals. When I started writing fiction, I discovered I enjoyed writing children's short stories. I read them aloud to my next-door neighbor, April, who is developmentally disabled, and also my BFF. She loved them, and I thought, I have something here.
I strung those stories together, added more, and Wishes Are Free came together.
I hope you enjoy reading Wishes Are Free. Readers of all ages do! It takes place in 1959 in California.
My first novel, Wishes Are Free, is strong on feel-good warmth and humor, healthy family relationships, and moments readers tell me gave them joyful goosebumps, that you get when you experience something beautiful.
I always wanted to connect with people in a feel-good way. Mission accomplished.
I was a quiet child. It’s good to be a quiet child. We’re thinkers and imaginers.
Imagination is a wonderful thing. Even Einstein, you know, the relativity guy, said imagination is more important than knowledge. That gives all of us, talkers or not, the green light to let our imaginations run wild.
My mother used to tease me, “Your imagination is running wild.” I couldn’t help it. My imagination still runs away with me. Only now, I write the stories down and share them with children (And adults) who are readers.
My mother instilled a love of reading in all of her children. I am the youngest of three. We were all readers and still are. We grew up in Santa Clara Valley, California. It was called The Valley of Heart’s Delight because of all the fruit trees; apricot and pear and peach and cherry. In spring, white and pink blossoms carpeted the valley, and their pleasant scent was like a natural perfume.
Life wasn’t in such a hurry then. A summer day was a lifetime, and the sun set slowly, sad that it had to leave the sky.
I loved the outdoors more than the indoors. I could explore the neighborhood, walk up to the creek and watch the polliwogs swim, and the dragonflies fly, and listen to the water that sounded like music as it flowed by.
I didn’t start writing seriously until I was fifty-three. Even so, I believed in myself because when I sat at the computer, I felt happy. I knew this was what I was meant to do. The more I practiced writing, the better I got.
But I still have trouble with my commas.
I wrote poetry and personal essays that were published locally and in online journals. When I started writing fiction, I discovered I enjoyed writing children's short stories. I read them aloud to my next-door neighbor, April, who is developmentally disabled, and also my BFF. She loved them, and I thought, I have something here.
I strung those stories together, added more, and Wishes Are Free came together.
I hope you enjoy reading Wishes Are Free. Readers of all ages do! It takes place in 1959 in California.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 31, 2023
‘Wishes Are Free’ is a children’s fictional book about Rose’s best friend who moves to Chicago miles away from her. Rose feels abandoned, and one day, when her grandma tells her that she can wish on to Venus, Rose asks for a new best friend. As wishes come true, Rose finds Anthony with cerebral palsy, and the story unravels to an unexpected turn, introducing many twists and turns that keep you intrigued till the end.
I enjoyed the premise being about friendship and love.
It is a coming-of-age story and very uplifting for the young mind reading this.
I recommend this book to parents seeking suitable material for their younger children.
I enjoyed the premise being about friendship and love.
It is a coming-of-age story and very uplifting for the young mind reading this.
I recommend this book to parents seeking suitable material for their younger children.
January 16, 2024
Diana Mercedes Howell's novel Wishes Are Free: Rose O'Reilly and Grandpa is a delightful blend of magical elements and realistic storytelling. Howell's narrative style is engaging, painting a vivid picture where the fantastical becomes tangible. Her attention to detail brings characters to life, particularly in the portrayal of the relationship between Rose and her grandfather, which serves as the emotional core of the story.
The book's narrative is fluid and connects well with readers, gracefully weaving through a series of whimsical events. Howell strikes a fine balance between sentimentality and humor, adding layers to the story that make it both relatable and captivating. This book exemplifies Howell's adeptness in creating an enchanting story, leaving readers with a sense of anticipation for future works from this gifted author. Howell's writing is straightforward yet rich, making the book accessible to a broad audience. The focus on the bond between a young girl and her grandfather is a refreshing element in contemporary fiction. This relationship is central to the narrative, guiding the plot through its various twists and keeping the reader engaged. The themes of friendship, love, and coming of age are woven throughout the story, making it particularly appealing to young readers.
Wishes Are Free: Rose O'Reilly and Grandpa is an excellent choice for parents looking for suitable reading material for children. The book's structure, with its short chapters, is ideal for bedtime stories or as an engaging read for young independent readers. The optimistic tone, endearing characters, and light-hearted humor make it a great pick for family reading sessions. Furthermore, this heartwarming tale is an excellent choice for gifting, suitable for occasions like baby showers. It's a wonderful read that is sure to bring joy and warmth to its readers.
The book's narrative is fluid and connects well with readers, gracefully weaving through a series of whimsical events. Howell strikes a fine balance between sentimentality and humor, adding layers to the story that make it both relatable and captivating. This book exemplifies Howell's adeptness in creating an enchanting story, leaving readers with a sense of anticipation for future works from this gifted author. Howell's writing is straightforward yet rich, making the book accessible to a broad audience. The focus on the bond between a young girl and her grandfather is a refreshing element in contemporary fiction. This relationship is central to the narrative, guiding the plot through its various twists and keeping the reader engaged. The themes of friendship, love, and coming of age are woven throughout the story, making it particularly appealing to young readers.
Wishes Are Free: Rose O'Reilly and Grandpa is an excellent choice for parents looking for suitable reading material for children. The book's structure, with its short chapters, is ideal for bedtime stories or as an engaging read for young independent readers. The optimistic tone, endearing characters, and light-hearted humor make it a great pick for family reading sessions. Furthermore, this heartwarming tale is an excellent choice for gifting, suitable for occasions like baby showers. It's a wonderful read that is sure to bring joy and warmth to its readers.
July 25, 2023
Set in the late 1950s, Wishes Are Free is a sweet, all-ages story about Rose, a child who grows close to her grandfather after her best friend moves away. The chapters are short, usually containing some life lesson. Howell writes in a simple-but-not-simplistic style that keeps the narrative suitable for younger and older readers. The dynamic between a little girl and her grandfather isn’t something that’s often explored in fiction, and the story uses Rose and Grandpa’s relationship to nice effect.
December 9, 2023
Wishes are Free is a children's story about two 10-year-old girls who plan to be best friends forever. Unfortunately, Rose's friend moves away and she suddenly finds herself alone. Feeling abandoned, Rose wishes for a new friend and finds one who had been there all along, her grandpa. A lovely story evolves between the girl and her grandfather.
This is a terrific look at a real-life situation. Rose's resilience and her grandfather's kindness is refreshing. This story is perfect for kids of all ages.
This is a terrific look at a real-life situation. Rose's resilience and her grandfather's kindness is refreshing. This story is perfect for kids of all ages.
October 12, 2023
Wishes are Free by Diana Mercedes Howell is a wonderful, heart-warming book about Rose, a vivacious, conscientious 10-year-old girl whose best friend-for-life moves away soon after the story begins. Dejected and downhearted, Rose turns to her grandfather, who also lost a close friend, for support during her lonely period. On Grandpa’s advice, she makes three wishes on a star, or rather the planet Venus, which she hopes will all come true. Howell’s writing is simple but beautifully moving, alternating between pathos and joy that will produce cathartic reactions in readers, young and old, and a strong sense of nostalgia for those who lived through simpler times in the 1960s. This ‘Wonder Years’ meets ‘Anne of Green Gables’ is a not-to-be-missed story for lovers of excellently written, sweet coming-of-age stories of pre-teen angst and wonder.
October 20, 2024
Wishes Are Free by Diana Mercedes Howell is a heartwarming tale about friendship, loss, and resilience seen through the eyes of spunky ten-year-old Rose O'Reilly. From the very first pages, the bond between Rose and her grandpa shines, and the simple yet profound idea that "wishes are free" hooks you in.The story introduces Rose’s journey to cope with her best friend moving away, showcasing how friendships can come from the most unexpected places, like a boy with cerebral palsy or a lost dog.
The plot beautifully weaves together Rose’s grief and determination to find new connections while also highlighting her chats with Grandpa, which add emotional depth. Howell’s writing style is both tender and lively, capturing the innocence of a child’s perspective with charm. The book is filled with meaningful moments, teaching young readers about acceptance, empathy, and healing through simple acts of kindness.
Overall, Wishes Are Free leaves a lasting impression with its gentle reminder that friendships come in many forms, and even in loss, new bonds can flourish. It’s a lovely, uplifting story that resonates with both kids and adults alike.
The plot beautifully weaves together Rose’s grief and determination to find new connections while also highlighting her chats with Grandpa, which add emotional depth. Howell’s writing style is both tender and lively, capturing the innocence of a child’s perspective with charm. The book is filled with meaningful moments, teaching young readers about acceptance, empathy, and healing through simple acts of kindness.
Overall, Wishes Are Free leaves a lasting impression with its gentle reminder that friendships come in many forms, and even in loss, new bonds can flourish. It’s a lovely, uplifting story that resonates with both kids and adults alike.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews