Dear Diary, I know three 1. I didn’t kill anyone. 2. Mack Montgomery is a troublemaker. 3. I am running out of time. You’ve got to believe me, Diary. I didn’t have anything to do with those murders, I promise you. For crying out loud, I’m the only person in this tiny Texas town who doesn’t own a gun! But I can’t help feeling like someone is out to get me. The only question is who…and why. While we’re at it, let’s get one other thing straight. None of this would have happened if it weren’t for the shadow called Mack Montgomery. That man may be hot-as-sin and the talk of the high school reunion, but let me tell you one thing. He is up to something, Diary. He is so full of questions, yet somehow, I can’t seem to find one single answer. One second he’s breaking into my house and accusing me of murder, and the next, he’s turned those soft baby blues on me, making my stomach do all sorts of somersaults. I’m running low on time, Diary. If I can’t find the murderer, and if Mack Montgomery doesn’t go back to where he belongs… I’m afraid that my one little wish may never come true. Xoxo, Scarlett ** ** One Little Wish is a full-length, southern cozy mystery with a strong female protagonist and a hot-as-sin hero. This book can be read as a standalone, though it is part of a larger mystery series. It is rated PG-13 for some mild language. No graphic gore or sex, but there is some kissing...you've been warned. For more information and updates on new releases, please visit www.ginalamanna.com.
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.
If you haven't picked up a Gina LaManna book yet, this one is perfect to start on. She is going to become your go to author when you need a great book to settle down with.
This is the first book, in what I feel is going to be an awesome series. I loved all the characters, especially our heroine Scarlett. She is from a small town, with big opinions. She has been living there all her life. And she has one little wish, that she hopes will come true at some point. Of course there is a sassy BFF with Noelle and a gorgeous ex boyfriend Mack, that comes back to town for Reunion Day. And what a reunion these two would have! There is plenty happening in this book to keep you guessing and hoping and laughing. One of my favourite things was the idea of a book shop with more. And when I say more, I mean a licensed bar and part library and in the very back room, all the more discrete editions and fanfare. I wish I had thought of this marvellous idea, or even had the money to open a franchise with a clever book buddy.
I am so looking forward to the next book in this series. Don't be worried, as this one can be read as a stand alone with no cliff hangers, but once you read it, you'll want to read more just like me.
I really wanted to like this book. I've enjoyed the Hex Files series and had hoped to love this one too...but I just can't.
The Dear Diary chapters just seem to be out of place. Chronologically they don't make sense. Sometimes these chapters are preemptive, sometimes right in the middle of the action (how does a diary entry fit in), while it is reflective later.
The plot was disjointed, with few revelations to tie the mystery together. The ending and the culprit feel unlikely and don't provide enough background information to make it feel plausible.
While the quirky GURLZ and the great friendship between Noelle and Scarlett offer redeeming qualities, it's not enough to satisfy. I'm left feeling like this was a tale written by a junior high student in a rush to meet a word quota (Diary chapters).
I listened to this book on audio form. I enjoyed meeting these characters. The narrators voice brought these characters to life in this small town. The plot was interesting and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I'm interested in what book 2 will have to say.
One Little Wish (The Little Things Mystery #1) by Gina LaManna
5 out of 5 stars One little wish is the first book of the little thing mystery book 1 written by Ms. LaManna is a great book. The plot is awesome with twist and turns and second chances and through a few deaths to make this a well-rounded story. The characters are well written with strong personalities and the way their quirky ways play off each other.
This is Scarlett and Mack’s story. Mack disappeared from Scarlett’s life years ago and now he is back in town for Reunion Day and what a reunion these two would have! She is a small-town girl with big opinions. She has one little wish that hopes will come true at some point in her life.
Will Scarlett’s wish come true? Will Scarlett and Mack have a happily ever after? Will they find out the truth about the murders?
A very heart felt story that had me in tears by the end. This is a sorta spin off of the Lacey Luzzi series. It goes into Mack's (from 'Seasoned') history.
There is the romance, the mystery, those zany characters we all love to read about, and even those we hate. Of course I loved it all! =)
A 'nobody' living in a small town keeps finding dead people, and try's to prove she wasn't involved. With the help of 'the one who got away,' Scarlett turns a deaf ear to all the rumors, and seeks out the truth, even if she is clueless as to the who/what/why's of it all.
Although this doesn't have quite as much of the humor that the Lacey Luzzi series does, there is a lot more emotion. It is a quick, clean read, good for all ages.
Wishing can be treacherous! Scarlett is the perfect name for an imperfect gal! Her Diary is a personality as well and offers us a window into her inner musings, hopes, fears, and her version of events (!). Diary is the only one who knows Scarlett’s secret little wish. Mack, her high school sweetheart, is back in town for a ten-year reunion, which ripples throughout this small Texas town. Murder and mayhem ensue, with Scarlett in the middle of it. She also has a precious relationship with a little boy named Gray. He brings out both her creative and protective sides. This is an easy read, with just enough humor here and there. A splendid ending!
I like the characters and the tension in this book. However the format with the diary entries seem a little superfluous given that the narrative is written in 1st person. I would buy into the diary entries more if the narrative was in 3rd because then they serve more of a purpose (insight to protagonist's thoughts)...when written in 1st person we are already privy to those thoughts so the diary entries don't add much and seem a little redundant in what is revealed. Still, I enjoy LaManna's style and creativity which is why I still enjoy the book!
The characters were well developed, and the mystery contained plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. I didn't find it believable that she could be suspected or disliked so fiercely and want to stay in Luck, despite her positive friendships. I realize there was supposed to be a mix of feelings with her hometown relationships, but it didn't come off quite right.
I have read Lizzy series and thought I would try this one. I love the story line wishing there was more of her past but there's enough information to keep you guessing. I had all the elements I find myself liking in a book mystery romance laughter and tears. It kept me guessing who the villain was and I was quite surprised at who it was. I hope that there is more then two books to this series but we shall see. Off to reading book two
I enjoyed this story from start to finish. The characters were all well defined and interesting. The plot had twists and turns to keep you guessing. I enjoyed the story between the girls as they discovered their friendship was as strong today as it was back when they were kids. Look forward to the next adventure.
I've had this in my library for awhile, but I guess with everything going on in my life, it kept getting overlooked. How did that happen!! Anything with the LaManna name on it is a great read! And this one stands right up to all the rest of Gina LaManna's books. Get it. Read it. Love it. I did and I'm sure you will too!
It was a little hard to get into it but when I did it kept my attention until the end and guaranteed that I would be reading book 2. This is a very good rating, as far as I am concerned.
So much to love about this one! I felt I could really connect with the main character. The dialect made it fun to read. Suspenseful yet heart warming! Can't wait to read the next one!
The Dear Diary sections in the book really killed the flow of the book for me. I've read other books by Gina LaManna and really enjoyed them, but I had to force myself to finish this book.
Gina is one of my lucky stars authors! I found her books last year and I have been ravenously picking up her books trying to get caught up on her awesomeness haha I was a little hesitant about starting a new series ( I know silly right?! But before this book I had only read books in the Lacey Luzzi series and was like umm no Lacey? No Meg? But I wanna hear more from my friends!) But I was worried needlessly because I adore this new series! In begins simply enough but if you have read any Gina's other books you know its going to be anything but simple haha.
Scarlett is having a run of bad luck of sorts and her involvement with Mack isn't making life any easier for her haha at least so we think at first ;) This story has a lot of mystery elements and I really enjoyed that part of it! It reminds me of the Rose Gardiner Series By: Denise Grover Swank in a way so immediately I was enraptured in the story and I did want to put my book down haha (happens sometimes but usually I can talk myself into just short breaks to let the dogs out. . . Start laundry. . . Etc) but with this story I let the dogs out and still stood there reading on my phone out at the picnic table while they finished playing, called my fiance because couldn't take time to make dinner (he's such a sweetheart when this happens! Best sort of man for a book worm let me tell you!)
Scarlett is a girl who is just floating by in a small dusty Texas town -- same town she grew up in, reunion day is coming when all the locals who moved off come home to roost including her best friend Noelle (that scene in church made me giggle snort because its something I might do haha) and none other than the boy she has been trying for over 10 years to forget -- Mack Montgomery -- Hollywood's finest stunt driver and Scarlett's former flame. Ohh life in a small town people begin spreading their own version of events and most think Scarlett is to blame. Its up to Mack and Noelle and Scarlett to get down to the truth and have some epic shenanigans along the way!
Gina perfectly encapsulates life in small southern town. It feels like this story is completely plausible in the town I call home these days. Right down to the gossip in the local cafe haha. I think one of my favorite scenes in the book takes place there when Book Club is in session and Noelle decides to join in and they almost rope Mack in to read-a- long time ;) the farther we get into the story the more the mystery deepens and Scarlett (FINALLY!) gets some answers from Mack and we find out exactly what the heck is going on in this small town. This reunion day is gonna keep the rumor mill happily buzzing with material for years to come.
The last couple chapters in this book gave me the warm fuzzies and made me smile so much my face hurt haha. I love everything about this story! I'm not gonna spoil the end for you guys but it was adorable. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2 in this series.
I received this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am new to Gina LaManna books but overall, this was a good book. I wouldn’t say this is so much a romance as it was a mystery/suspense novel with bits of romance in it. A little more would have been nice, personally.
I did find I had some issues with the book though. For me, the biggest issue was the “Dear Diary” moments. I felt they were unnecessary and broke the flow of the book. It made it choppy for me. I was already hearing Scarlett’s side of the story, but throwing that in was a bit much.
I also had some questions that were left unanswered. Like, what was this huge grey cloud that hung over Scarlett’s head that made everyone in Luck hate her? Aside from the obvious rumor mill, what did Scarlett or her family do to garner the disdain of an entire town?
Scarlett had a lot of potential to be a strong character but when I think of strength, Noelle jumps out at me more. Scarlett was cowed by the rumor’s and instead of rising above them, she just struggled constantly. Sometimes Scarlett was strong though. I enjoyed her relationship with Gray though. She was a good nanny, I’ll give her that. But Gray’s mother was seriously inside out and backwards. How does the rumor’s of the town affect how Scarlett cares for your child? Like really?! Mack was awesome at being elusive and avoiding any questions pertaining to his past and present.
Either way, this book had great potential. It was the end, however, that got me. Hot damn! I need friends like that! Haha.
I just hope that next book, Scarlett’s wish comes true.
In 'Seasoned' - a Lacey Luzzi book by Gina LaManna we were introduced to Mack, a handsome and mysterious stunt driver. In this book it is revealed Mack has once broken someone's heart (and his own in the process?) so I was happy that Gina revealed Mack's story would be told.
And here it is! One Little Wish..
Scarlett has lived in Luck, Texas all her life. Luck is a small community and once in every 10 year there is a Reunion everyone looks forward to. All the people that have left the town will come back to party; her best friend Noelle one of them. And, as Scarlett finds out very quickly, so is Mack. Mack, who has left her 10 years ago... But the return of the love of her life is not all Scarlett has to contend with. There is a murder in town and Scarlett finds the body. And with this discovery all kind of bad things happen to Scarlett. Is Mack involved?
The book revolves mostly around Scarlett and her view on things (through diary entries). At first I did not understand why she stayed in Luck with all those biased people, but it is explained later on. There is a very nice fuzzy feeling to the story and the writing style is as pleasant as always. It is quite different from the Lacey Luzzi stories as far as setting and personalities go, but it is the Gina LaManna style I recognize.
Not everything is revealed and explained, but there will be more Scarlett/Mack books and the author has a very clever way to weave background information into the ongoing story, so I look forward to the next!
Oof. This book sounds like it is written by someone who has never visited a small town, or Texas, or the South, or Earth. It is awkwardly developed and doesn't make a lot of sense.
I read it because it was on a list: What to read after you finish the Sookie Stackhouse series. While on paper this has some similarities to those books (Southern heroine, small town, mystery), it is nowhere close to that level of storytelling. I loved the Sookie books because they were cute, funny, a little sexy, and MOST IMPORTANTLY they had exciting mystery plot development and real characters. This book had none of that.
If Scarlett is from a small town where everybody knows everybody and all your personal business is common knowledge, then how can we possible meet so many people she's never met and who don't know who she is? She is notorious in town for something...that is never explained...and yet, half the town doesn't know her? The town will always have her back! (Except for those times when it thinks she's a bad influence and a terrible person and automatically assumes she killed everybody)
The "accent" is not from Texas or anywhere in the South I've ever lived. I don't mind a little artistic license on Southern Accents, but this reads like a caricature of what Southerners are portrayed like in a bad sitcom.
Dear Diary sections are painful and unnecessary.
The best thing about this book is that it was well edited. The grammar, spelling, and punctuation were solid even though the story was terrible.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review free from persuasion by the author or anyone related to the book.
One Little Wish was my first encounter with Gina LaManna's writing and I have to say I fell in love with her style immediately.
In One Little Wish, Scarlett is, for the most part, just your average everyday citizen in Luck, Texas. She holds a perfectly normal job, as a nanny, and goes to church on Sunday just like everyone else in town. In a town named luck, Scarlett sure seems to have a lot of it, sadly it all seems to be bad luck. One Sunday afternoon, with Reunion Day (the celebration the town holds every ten years for the graduates of the town) right around the comer Scarlett happens upon a body. As in most small towns rumors start to spread and even though Scarlett only happened upon the body by accident people start to think she had something to do with the murder. While Scarlett tries to clear her name with the assistance of her best friend Noelle and avoid hot-as-sin Mack Montgomery, things in town keep seemingly going against her.
I loved this book and the way that Gina used diary entries from Scarlett to allow the reader a deeper look into Scarlett's thoughts and feelings. One Little Wish reminded me of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum Series and why I fell in love with Romantic Suspense novels! I can hardly wait for the next addition to this series and to read more about Scarlett, Noelle and Mack.
I am a huge Gina LaManna fan, and when we met Mack in "Seasoned" I knew he was too good to be a one time character! I am so glad Ms Lamanna decided to do a spin-off series that gave me a chance to know and understand him. Mack and Scarlett are wonderful characters that I hope we see often.
In "One Little Wish" Scarlett uses her diary to reveal feelings and thoughts that in turn make her real. I admire the way she handles bad situations, no feeling sorry for herself or moping around. It is wonderful that her best friend, although miles away, understands her and makes time and distance disappear when they are together. We all long for a friend like this! Scarlett's deep devotion and love is amazing. The way she enriches Gray's life is so tender and loving. As one other reader said so well, I was swept up into Luck and Scarlett's life.
Meanwhile, this isn't just a story about love-it's a darn good mystery that will keep you guessing as to what is really going on clear up to the last page! You won't want to miss reading yet another shining jewel in Gina Lamanna's crown!
Great Book! This is a great book; this is the first book in the Little Things Mystery series written by Gina LaManna. Scarlett is using her diary to reveal her feelings and thoughts. Scarlett has lived in Luck, Texas all her life and everyone is coming to town for their ten year reunion. Mack Montgomery, is the love of Scarlett’s life who left her 10 years ago who she hasn’t gotten over. When Scarlett finds a dead body, everything starts to go downhill. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. This book has it all, romance, mystery and humor. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
First off I would like to make a confession - I judge books by their cover. I know! I should be flayed or something! Especially since I did so with One Little Wish. I saw the cover in passing and thought "nah, not for me". I'm not into historical romance books which I thought this was until, out of respect for Gina's writing, I decided to give it ago... I was WRONG. Soak it up, I don't admit that often. This is a great book. It is far from love-y dove-y nonsense that makes me want to hurl and is instead another great LaManna novel I am happy to add to my collection. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and find out how much more trouble Scarlett can find herself in, hopefully it involves Mack, if you know what I mean. ;-)
Ok I loved it I really did but by the time I got to the end I was so disappointed that Mack didn't give Scarlett her true wish it was heartbreaking all over again, and even though I know it's not the end of the story I was so hoping Mack would man up. What I really loved about this book was the mystery I so didn't see the bad guy at all and I loved how surprising that was I also love how Scarlett can be so strong and sassy plus completely vulnerable all at the same time. I laughed, I cried I got really angry one little wish was so good I felt so many emotions I just couldn't put it down. Gotta love a book that makes you feel so much when your reading that's how you know its a good book :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.