After a tragic accident, Megan Stevenson is determined to give Nora, her five-year-old niece, a loving and stable home. With her fantasy cake business thriving and her niece’s nightmares finally over, her life is more stable than it has ever been--until a stranger knocks on her door.
FBI Special Agent William Parker knows what it’s like to lose the people you love. He’s convinced himself that his job is all he needs to be happy. But while he's protecting Megan and Nora from a brutal terrorist group, his emotionless and solitary life is torn to shreds. With Christmas fast approaching, can Megan and Nora convince him that it’s safe to love again…even if loving them is harder than letting them go?
A CHRISTMAS WISH is the third book in the Sapphire Bay series and can easily be read as a standalone. Each of Leeanna's series are linked so you can find out what happens to your favorite characters in other books.
Leeanna Morgan is a USA Today bestselling author. She lives in New Zealand surrounded by green hills on one side and the ocean on the other. She enjoys going for long walks, especially if she can convince her husband and two children to go with her!
Leeanna writes contemporary romances set in Montana. Her books contain all of the things that are important to her; good friends, family, a strong sense of community, and a happy ending.
I can understand the focus on romance rather than raunchiness, and the danger and excitement of an FBI agent and terrorist threats to add some drama and artificial intimacy but this was so much wasted effort.
The main characters just never really talk to one another. There's more conversation and connection with the kid than each other. I can't see how they fell for one another at all. It literally could have been any other generic man and woman and by virtue of sharing a space they fell in love.
Oh and baked a crazy amount of cakes.
The timeline was weird. The lack of any conversation or affection at all was weird. No hugs hello or bye to anyone and such a tame response to a runaway 6 year old child. Plus the hero flying in unexpectedly for the kids first day of school and that's just "Yeah ok".
All of it just struck me as so strangely under reacted.
They both made hugely impactful life decisions without any discussion or much forethought. He proposes marriage without even going on a single date with her or having exchanged any affection or words of love and agreement to commit before hand.
It's the ultimate unrealistic love story. I want escapism but this was too much fantasy for me.
I like the people of Sapphire Bay. But Megan just rubbed me the wrong way. She has no spark. No energy. No happiness. The world centers around her. Another thing : Does Megan not have a hobby or ?? How many cakes can she make? My guess is 50? The following statement is so unbelievable. "After living under the same roof together, Megan knew that look. If they weren’t careful, Nora would be bouncing off the walls with a sugar rush—" . Hello Megan. Cookies, cakes and frosting is mostly sugar. I gained weight and got sick to my stomach from all the cake, got chocolate and sugar. The editing and story were great. I enjoyed reading this book kind of....
The book has an interesting start. The hero, William, is an FBI agent tasked to protect Megan and her adopted niece, Nora, from a terrorist threat related to Megan's brother who she has never met. The terrorists want to kidnap/hurt the brother and they're willing to go after his family. It's pretty far-fetched, but we'll go with it. Next we see the trio staying in a safe house in Sapphire Bay, which doesn't seem all that safe considering it's the same town in which Megan's brother lives in. Not to mention they seem to leave the house at every opportunity. Anyway, the threat conveniently goes away around the halfway point and is never spoke of again.
As for the characters, William is probably the most fleshed out. Megan is a Mary Sue baker who becomes downright irritating the second half of the book. I also cannot stand when authors write children like they are adults.
Needless to say I wasn't a fan of this story. It wasn't all bad, but it definitely leaves you scratching your head. Also, the ending is VERY rushed and makes little sense.
I can fully appreciate a romance that's "clean" and lacking any foul language, etc. But for the love of a good romance, there has to be a believable arc and, oh, gee, authentic interaction and dialogue between the two main characters. I just came to The End and am shaking my head as to exactly where and when this "romance" took place that would lead to a marriage proposal.
They share one brief kiss, no dates, and they're both all bent out of shape about who's going to live where and which one is more committed. Without any kind of discussion or conversation, no less, regarding expectations or, let's see, verbally expressed feelings? And then he considers her his girlfriend, and I'm like, what-the-heck? Exactly when did that happen?
Little Nora gets the award for outstanding character, except when she speaks like an adult and not a five- or six-year-old child.
I also wish an editor had stricken every "It will be okay." (and similar version thereof) that existed, especially where it only added to the stilted dialogue, which was 95% of the time.
So many other problems with this book that other 2-star reviewers have so succinctly pointed out, that I'll stop here. Sorry to say I will not be reading any other books by this author.
A light and easy read. Nothing to phone home about, but it kept me entertained well enough. I liked all of our cast, Nora especially, and her relationship with those around her. I’d say my biggest criticism of this book would be the main relationship. Their feelings for one another felt a tad out of nowhere, they happened but I didn’t understand why. Oh well, I still liked this well enough.
William has a closer relationship with Nora (the 6 year old) than he does with Megan, the supposed heroine. The whole plot line with the terrorist threat just goes away half way through the story, maybe that plays out more in the prior book(?). Megan makes SO MANY CAKES AND COOKIES. She spends more time baking than actually talking to the hero.
The story of A Christmas Wish by Leeanna Morgan began very well with an interesting plot and engaging characters. By the midway point it was still interesting, but the pace and plot had slowed. The present danger had fizzled and the angst between the lead characters became tedious. Sadly, the “in love” chemistry between William and Megan never really developed to a believable level. In fact, the strongest and most interesting character was six year old Nora.
I enjoyed parts of this book as well as the writing. Thankfully the ending was a happy one. I just wish it had lived up to its potential.
I'm so conflicted with regards to my review for A Christmas Wish. I loved the writing and much of the story, but there was a certain element missing. It's a sweet romance (said she, tongue in cheek) and there are plot points that tug at your heart and cause some serious empathy for the characters. On the other hand, it could be so much more. The "will they, won't they" goes on for far too long and all the spice drains out about a third of the way through.
This book started out in an interesting way, with the revelation of the extremely unlikely but intriguing terrorists-are-threatening-a-sister-I-didn't-know-I-had plot. The characters are introduced, they are likable and believable.
And suddenly William thinks that "he was becoming too emotionally involved in their lives". What? Where? He was doing his job. He didn't think she was attractive, sexy, kind, smart, witty, intelligent... he just noted she was a good mom (and I hope she isn't the only good mom he met). She also notes that he is handsome and likes her daughter (again, can he possibly be the only one?). I actually flipped back wondering if I had skipped a chapter by mistake...
When they are alone for her protection (though I seem to recall that the FBI has teams in shifts for protection, not one solitary FBI agent around the clock) it becomes more absurd. Instead of a romance, it feels like "he's here, handsome, and is OK with my daughter... let's fall in love!"
And so many dark, shadowy warnings...He was getting in too deep. William was becoming an important part of their lives, but this was only temporary. On and on and on, while the actual chemistry between them felt forced and unlikely. And not to mention the instant "connection" with a brother she didn't know she had.
So, didn't finish. This is my first book by this author, and I probably won't be reading any more.
Standalone. 3rd person all knowing point of view. Not steamy so far, got to 43% of the book.
Leanna Morgan never disappoints me when it comes to a clean and sweet contemporary romance! William and Meghan are try to fight against their feelings for one another while they have Meghan’s young daughter Nora in the mix of it all. But of course things happen that really make William consider what’s really important! There’s some suspense mixed in all of this! I highly recommend her books! ❤️❤️❤️
Loved this book very much. The writing was great and the characters were very believable. I enjoy reading Christmas books at Christmas time and this one was a great read and makes me want to read the rest of the series. <3
This book has a lot of potential. The blurb captured me and drew me in. Romance with a FBI agent and a terrorist. I expected a gripping story line. Passion on the edge. So, what did I get?
Placed in a safe house to protect her from a terrorist attack, Megan falls in love with her FBI agent. Fine, that’s great. The beginning was exciting. I awaited the attempt to grab her. It came. Weak and over in a few sentences.
The start was great. The build up good enough to hook you. Megan is placed in a safe goose because her brother is threatened and so is she. Nail biting stuff.
But, and it’s a big but. After one attempt to get Megan, which could have had more detail and excitement, it dwindles. The terrorise threat appears to vanish as the plot weakens. As I carried on reading I waited for the next attempt on her life and....nothing.
What should have been a unputable down book turned into a clean mediocre romance. The clean bit didn’t bother me but I needed more grit.
I rarely leave a poor review. I wanted to like this book so badly, but realized it wasn’t going to work for me when I was perpetually distracted from the story by choppy writing.
This is a quick read and a cute story. The plot was interesting, and the characters had potential. It started out really promising, but I found the writing to be lacking in energy and descriptive language. I’d say the first 30% of the book develops nicely, then kind of lurches along from plot point to plot point. Nora was a great character, but Megan and William were pretty bland characters, and a bland couple.
Interesting moments were not developed or elaborated on (Caleb is in danger! 5 minutes later: we found him and arrested the bad guys on whom the entire book’s plot hinges. We’re safe now.) There’s not much intrigue, and the drama fizzles after a few chapters. If you’re looking for a nice, easy Christmas read, give it a shot and I hope you enjoy it more than I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Megan Stevenson is caring for her little 5-year-old niece Nora after the death of her sister, and the two have just started to build a life again and settle down. Their quiet life is shattered again when FBI Agent William Parker has to inform them that they are threatened by a terrorist group, and that he's to bring them to a safe house. Whilst waiting for the threat to pass, William is getting closer to both Megan and Nora, but what will happen afterwards? Predictable, yes, but very sweet and well told, with lots of humour, compassion and very likeable protagonists
Meghan has taken her niece in after her sister and parents were killed in an accident. She didn't know it, but a terrorist group had threatened to hurt her. Special Agent William is assigned to keep her safe. They all fly to Montana to a safe house. Also, Megan learns she has a brother, and he is the reason for the threat. At first, you would think the story would have s out of thrilling moments with a terrorist group. But no, it is more about cooking, baking new beginnings, and lastly, love.
This was a wonderful story. I enjoyed it so much. It’s all about Megan and her niece, Nora. They lived In Milwaukee. Megan was approached by the FBI agent, William. This is a mystery,exciting story, with a excited 6 year old Nora. It involves terrorists threatening to kill Megan, because she is the sister of Caleb. He is designing a program that the terrorists want. Much to tell in this story. You will not want to put it down. Enjoy.
This book had potential but there were odd little things that bugged me. I had no idea this book revolved around a terrorist situation and where there could have been so much that could have carried it if things had been fully developed, unfortunately the build-up was a huge let-down. I was on the edge of my seat for so long expecting something surrounding that to happened but it completely fizzled. Instead, the dramatic terrorist threat was replaced with the barely developed relationship between William and Megan, and eventually the constant back and forth of 'go - don't go' between them became tiresome. Then the severely abrupt ending was just one more among many issues.
Of course, sweet little six year old Nora stole the show with her adorable little personality but even she could not be expected to carry the whole book alone.
Semi high intensity marked the beginning of this story as William, a special FBI agent enters Megan’s and Nora’s life. Megan’s brother, Caleb, was working on a special computer program that is of high interest to a group of terrorists and have threatened Megan and Nora with harm if he doesn’t hand over the program to them. Except, Megan doesn’t have a brother, or so she thought. Lots of surprises are in store throughout this story, many of them are kinda low key especially after the beginning drama. But.....then everything kinda goes flat. Fizzled. Boring. It’s mostly about Megan baking cookies, cakes, etc. for her business. Caleb was vacillating between do I want to move near her or do I not? I know I love her but.... Sorry, but I just didn’t feel the feels with this one.
A sweet story but it could have been so much more. Firstly, the terrorism plot that fizzled out to nothing promised some tension which didn’t eventuate. Secondly, the main characters were lovely but there was nothing about them that grabbed me as reader. To be honest, I’m not sure why their romance progressed as there did it seem to be much sizzle between them either. However, Nora, the five year old girl, was delightful, as was her relationship with William. Lastly, there was a lot of emphasis on Megan’s cakes and biscuits but, apart from providing a reason for Megan to stay in Sapphire Bay, they had no bearing on the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really liked this author in past but for some reason this one just didn't click for me. It may have been trying to read during lockdown though so I am giving it the benefit of the doubt. I did get to the end but it took longer than it should have for such a light book. I just didn't really want to find out what happened for these individuals and I still don't quite know why. It was a formulaic story but I am good with that. It slowed in the middle and I just didn't get the spark or fun/energy or appeal of the characters to each other and the minor characters couldn't carry me through. All in all it didn't inspire me to read more christmas short stories to be honest.
This author is one of my favorites. Like all of her books, this story is filled with terrific people in a wonderful town small town filled with love. When Megan and her niece, Nora, land in Sapphire Bay under the protection of William, an FBI special agent, they are surprised to find such great accommodations in such a beautiful and friendly place. Agent William Parker couldn't be a nicer protector. Nora is smitten, and if the truth be told, so is Megan. The three of them are as close as a family. But circumstances change, and life goes on. When life gets in the way, the cost most often is happiness. Beautiful story.
At first I thought this was going to be a romantic comedy, obviously I had already forgoten the book's brief before starting to read. Then I though it would be a suspense romance... but in the end it was a perfect mix of both.. not a lot of suspense but enough to understand the situation the characters were in.. and a lot of chemistry between the characters. I really liked William and his interactions with Nora.. the romance with megan was a little to quick but I liked how the chemistry felt and how the conflict, though it seems like they are just going rond the same silly dilemma, is something you can actually find in real life. So all in all I really loved and enjoyed this story. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying in Christmas time.
Megan Stevenson has guardianship for her niece, Nora, after her parents are killed in a car accident. FBI Agent, William Parker, visits Megan and tells her she has a brother who is in danger and he needs to take her into protective custody. William has withdrawn from life after his daughter dies. Being with Megan and Nora awakens something in him. Nora becomes very attached. After the danger to Megan is over, she decides to stay in Sapphire Bay where she was in hiding. William decides to take a job in Chicago. I enjoyed this book very much.
Megan is raising her niece after her parents and sister were killed in a car accident. She's building her cake making/decorating business and is relatively happy with her life. A few weeks before Christmas, an FBI agent shows up to tell her that she was adopted and the brother she never knew existed is being targeted by terrorists who want the computer program he's working on - and she and her niece are on the terrorists' radar as a result. The FBI agent, William, insists they leave their home and move to a safe house in Sapphire Bay where he can protect them.
This is a sweet romance that centers around the couple rather than any danger that might surround them. The main "threat" that was the basis of the story was over by around the half way point of the book.
I didn't always feel the chemistry between the two, and it was a bit tough to feel they were falling in love without much physical (non-sexual) touches. I did not care for how they dealt with the ways to work out their relationship after the threat was gone.
It's a good book to read when you need to relax the brain. But, this did not make me want to read more from this author.
Taking That Risk Again This story seemed to carry a theme along the lines of “Once bitten, twice shy”, as both lead (adult) characters had a failed relationship in their past, which seemed to limit the risk they were willing to take to fall in love again. It had me guessing a little as to how it would end, but it’s still a classic sweet Leanna Morgan story, and I am a fan of all her books!