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Wishing Tree #.5
Say You'll Stay
Welcome to Wishing Tree, where the magic of Christmas in July will bring you home in this heartwarming story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.
Some heartbreaks hit harder than others. For Shaye Harper, the last one was so bad she swore off men for good. Wishing Tree, Washington, was supposed to be a pit stop on the road to a fresh start, but Shaye is swiftly drawn in by the quirky small town’s celebrations—and a handsome stranger she can’t resist.
After deployments around the world, army vet Lawson Easley knows there’s no place better than his hometown. And he’s determined to stay right here, forever. Too bad the first woman who feels like “the one” is just passing through. The more time he spends with Shaye, the more he knows that she’s the piece his heart’s been missing.
Swept up by the joyful summer festivities and Lawson’s obvious affection, Shaye starts to feel she belongs. Here, with him. She never meant to end up in Wishing Tree. Then again, she never meant to fall in love…
Don't miss The Happiness Plan, a new novel coming from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery where three women experience hope, heartache, and the power of friendship as they search for true happiness!
Some heartbreaks hit harder than others. For Shaye Harper, the last one was so bad she swore off men for good. Wishing Tree, Washington, was supposed to be a pit stop on the road to a fresh start, but Shaye is swiftly drawn in by the quirky small town’s celebrations—and a handsome stranger she can’t resist.
After deployments around the world, army vet Lawson Easley knows there’s no place better than his hometown. And he’s determined to stay right here, forever. Too bad the first woman who feels like “the one” is just passing through. The more time he spends with Shaye, the more he knows that she’s the piece his heart’s been missing.
Swept up by the joyful summer festivities and Lawson’s obvious affection, Shaye starts to feel she belongs. Here, with him. She never meant to end up in Wishing Tree. Then again, she never meant to fall in love…
Don't miss The Happiness Plan, a new novel coming from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery where three women experience hope, heartache, and the power of friendship as they search for true happiness!
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2021
580 people are currently reading
1875 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
November 22, 2021
Shaye Harper is on her way to Seattle to start a new life after the death of her parents. Her hometown in Iowa holds too many painful memories and there’s nothing to keep her there. Before she reaches her destination, she stops at the town of Wishing Tree, which is in the throes of its annual Christmas in July celebration. As she’s checking out the festivities, she strikes up a conversation with Lawson Easterly, one of the town residents and a veteran who recently returned. Both feel the attraction and he convinces her to stay around for a few days, which turns into a stay through the celebration.
The charm of this story isn’t so much the romance between Shaye and Lawson but that of the town. It creates the foundation for the coming stories with brief introductions of some of the major characters and features of the city. I think it was well done and made me eager to jump right into the next book. I listened to the story and the narrator added a little whimsy to the performance. She was lighthearted in her delivery, setting just the right tone. It’s a perfect introduction to Wishing Tree. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
The charm of this story isn’t so much the romance between Shaye and Lawson but that of the town. It creates the foundation for the coming stories with brief introductions of some of the major characters and features of the city. I think it was well done and made me eager to jump right into the next book. I listened to the story and the narrator added a little whimsy to the performance. She was lighthearted in her delivery, setting just the right tone. It’s a perfect introduction to Wishing Tree. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
September 10, 2021
While on her way to Seattle to start a new life there, Shaye Harper passes through the small town of Wishing Tree which is caught up in its Christmas in July festivities, so she decides to stick around for a few weeks. Shaye meets handsome Lawson Easley on her first day there, and he seems very interested in her. As Shaye gets to know Lawson and the residents of Wishing Tree better, she begins to wonder if this charming little town is where she’s meant to stay. This was such a thoroughly enjoyable novella. It featured extremely endearing characters, Christmas in July fun, and the lovely small-town setting of Wishing Tree. I also thought the title, Say You’ll Stay, was so perfect for this sweet and charming story.
November 25, 2021
SAY YOU’LL STAY is the first book in the Wishing Tree series and I can’t believe I waited so long to read this funny and romantic story. SAY YOU’LL STAY will surely pull at your heart strings and make it very hard for you to put down. If you are like me, you won’t be able to stop until you know what happens to all of these beautiful people in Wishing Tree.
Shaye is oh so lovable that you can’t help but cheer her on as she tries to figure out her place in Wishing Tree, Washington. She was just supposed to be driving through this small quirky town that loves their celebrations. She winds up staying for one month and falls in love with the people and the town. Lawson has many issues, but he agrees to go along with Shaye’s rule. She is just passing through on her way to Seattle. Lawson has his own quirks and at first Shaye wonders what happened to him but wouldn’t ask him. SAY YOU’LL STAY deals with so many different emotions that one minute I was giggling and the next tearing up. Trust me, when you learn the truth of his and his ex girlfriends relationship, it will break your heart. He was in the service and was deployed all over the world. He just wanted to stay back in his home town. His ex wanted the bright lights and a big city!
Make yourself a yummy hot drink, get your favorite blanket and get on the couch. SAY YOU’LL STAY is an awesome way to spend the afternoon or evening. I’m so excited to continue with the Wishing Bridge series and learn more about my new found friends. Once you start SAY YOU’LL STAY you won’t be able to put it down and will find yourself cheering for Shaye and Lawson as they try to navigate their way through a very different and unique situation. Susan Mallery will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go! They need to make this cute but quick novella into a Hallmark movie!
Shaye is oh so lovable that you can’t help but cheer her on as she tries to figure out her place in Wishing Tree, Washington. She was just supposed to be driving through this small quirky town that loves their celebrations. She winds up staying for one month and falls in love with the people and the town. Lawson has many issues, but he agrees to go along with Shaye’s rule. She is just passing through on her way to Seattle. Lawson has his own quirks and at first Shaye wonders what happened to him but wouldn’t ask him. SAY YOU’LL STAY deals with so many different emotions that one minute I was giggling and the next tearing up. Trust me, when you learn the truth of his and his ex girlfriends relationship, it will break your heart. He was in the service and was deployed all over the world. He just wanted to stay back in his home town. His ex wanted the bright lights and a big city!
Make yourself a yummy hot drink, get your favorite blanket and get on the couch. SAY YOU’LL STAY is an awesome way to spend the afternoon or evening. I’m so excited to continue with the Wishing Bridge series and learn more about my new found friends. Once you start SAY YOU’LL STAY you won’t be able to put it down and will find yourself cheering for Shaye and Lawson as they try to navigate their way through a very different and unique situation. Susan Mallery will pull you in from the very first page and never let you go! They need to make this cute but quick novella into a Hallmark movie!
August 25, 2023
I love Wishing tree and want to live there.
November 25, 2021
OH MY GOSH is all I can say for Say You'll Stay by Susan Mallery!!!! I instantly fell in love with this novella. I have never read Susan Mallery before, but now she is on my author radar. Say You'll Stay was such a quick read, it only took me less than 5 hours to read. If you are looking for a quick, sweet, romantic heart tugging story I highly recommend reading this novella. Say You'll Stay is number 0.5 in the Wishing Tree series by Susan Mallery. I couldn't put this story down, it was just too good!!
Say You'll Stay is Christmas in July, in Wishing Tree Washington. Shaye Harper is on her way to Seattle when she makes a pit stop in Wishing Tree, Shaye is so confused when she sees people running and walking with reindeer antler headbands on. When Shaye makes a comment out loud and Lawson starts talking to her, Shaye is mesmerized by the handsome man standing in front of her. Shaye is on her way to Seattle to start a new life after the death of her parents. Shaye's hometown in Iowa holds too many painful memories to keep her there. Shaye decides to spend a few weeks in Wishing Tree. I just kept cheering Shaye on, and often found myself wanting to visit Wishing Tree Washington.
Lawson Easley in an army mechanic and a resident of Wishing Tree. Lawson is determined to stay in his hometown forever. When Lawson first meets Shaye he can't resist how gorgeous she is. Lawson and Shaye instantly form a bond, and Lawson believes that Shaye is the missing piece that his heart has been missing. As Shaye and Lawson start to spend more time together and Shaye starts becoming friends with Paisley and Dena, Shaye starts to feel like she belongs in Wishing Tree. Shaye never meant to end up in Wishing Tree but when she meets Lawson she doesn't know what to think.
Say You'll Stay is Christmas in July, in Wishing Tree Washington. Shaye Harper is on her way to Seattle when she makes a pit stop in Wishing Tree, Shaye is so confused when she sees people running and walking with reindeer antler headbands on. When Shaye makes a comment out loud and Lawson starts talking to her, Shaye is mesmerized by the handsome man standing in front of her. Shaye is on her way to Seattle to start a new life after the death of her parents. Shaye's hometown in Iowa holds too many painful memories to keep her there. Shaye decides to spend a few weeks in Wishing Tree. I just kept cheering Shaye on, and often found myself wanting to visit Wishing Tree Washington.
Lawson Easley in an army mechanic and a resident of Wishing Tree. Lawson is determined to stay in his hometown forever. When Lawson first meets Shaye he can't resist how gorgeous she is. Lawson and Shaye instantly form a bond, and Lawson believes that Shaye is the missing piece that his heart has been missing. As Shaye and Lawson start to spend more time together and Shaye starts becoming friends with Paisley and Dena, Shaye starts to feel like she belongs in Wishing Tree. Shaye never meant to end up in Wishing Tree but when she meets Lawson she doesn't know what to think.
December 27, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up. Say You'll Stay is the prequel to the Wishing Tree and it is a short, sweet novella. Shaye Harper is looking for a fresh start, but she isn't sure where she is going yet. She stops in Wishing Tree, Washington as a pit stop and earn some money. She takes a job selling hand pies from a cart and is immediately accepted by the town. She loves the quirkiness of the town's Christmas in July celebrations and even though she has sworn off men, she is attracted to army vet Lawson Easley. He quickly realizes that Shaye feels right and sets out to convince her to stay in Wishing Tree, where she is beginning to feel accepted and part of the community.
This story is the perfect introduction to the Wishing Tree series. We meet some of the residents that will play a role in future stories. I loved the setting, the community and the love and acceptance from the sometimes quirky residents. Of course the romance between Shaye and Lawson is also well written and enjoyable. You don't need to read this book to enjoy the rest of the series, but it is a sweet introduction that I enjoyed.
This story is the perfect introduction to the Wishing Tree series. We meet some of the residents that will play a role in future stories. I loved the setting, the community and the love and acceptance from the sometimes quirky residents. Of course the romance between Shaye and Lawson is also well written and enjoyable. You don't need to read this book to enjoy the rest of the series, but it is a sweet introduction that I enjoyed.
July 11, 2021
The story itself was just ok. I am looking forward to more in this cute little town of Wishing Tree, but this story did not have the same feel as Susan's other books. I love the small town setting, the sense of community and how close everyone is. I don't know if it was the characters I just was not connecting to, or if Susan changed her writing style.
It is a cute little introduction to what I am sure is a new series coming from Mallery, I will buy the next book in the series, just hope to find what I am used to from Mallery in her writing. This book just was not it for me.
It is a cute little introduction to what I am sure is a new series coming from Mallery, I will buy the next book in the series, just hope to find what I am used to from Mallery in her writing. This book just was not it for me.
January 2, 2023
Welkom in Wishing Tree ~ Susan Mallery
Harlequin, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Had ik al verteld dat ik echt verliefd ben op Wishing Tree? Want als ik dat niet al was na het lezen van deel 1 "Bruiloft in het wit", dan is het na het lezen van deze prequel (oftewel: deel 0,5) mijn liefde alleen maar erger geworden. Ik wil er wonen, deel uitmaken van de tradities, en mij thuisvoelen tussen de bewoners. En dat allemaal doordat Susan Mallery het zo idyllisch heeft beschreven dat ik niet anders kan dan er van houden. Best knap. En dat is nu precies wat een goed boek met je moet doen ♡
Een heerlijke novelle om 2023 mee te beginnen!
*Bonusverhaal achterin "Als een frisse zomerbries"
Harlequin, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Had ik al verteld dat ik echt verliefd ben op Wishing Tree? Want als ik dat niet al was na het lezen van deel 1 "Bruiloft in het wit", dan is het na het lezen van deze prequel (oftewel: deel 0,5) mijn liefde alleen maar erger geworden. Ik wil er wonen, deel uitmaken van de tradities, en mij thuisvoelen tussen de bewoners. En dat allemaal doordat Susan Mallery het zo idyllisch heeft beschreven dat ik niet anders kan dan er van houden. Best knap. En dat is nu precies wat een goed boek met je moet doen ♡
Een heerlijke novelle om 2023 mee te beginnen!
*Bonusverhaal achterin "Als een frisse zomerbries"
August 8, 2021
It’s not long enough is my only complaint about this book. Although I was sure I knew this was a happily ever after story, I enjoyed reading it. All the characters were easy to like and very realistic. The storyline was believable and uncomplicated. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good romance.
August 30, 2021
Not sure why, but I didn’t really care too much about the main characters in this book. Sweet story, was just a bit bored.
July 14, 2021
4.5 stars. Great start to a new series!
July 2, 2021
Good introduction to what I hope is a new series by Susan Mallery
Shaye is stopping in Wishing Tree to try a pie from Judy's Hand Pies. Then she sees all this weirdness that makes no sense. Fortunately, Lawson is there to explain what is happening! They have a nice afternoon together, but Shaye is planning to keep going to Seattle. Somehow, there is something in Wishing Tree that makes her want to stay, so she decides to stay for the month of July. Now all Lawson has to do is convince her to stay forever.
The pace is relaxed and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has no steam or action. The characters are engaging, although I did want to shake Shaye a little. She couldn't decide what she wanted. I am happy to see that the next story by Susan Mallery will also be set in Wishing Tree with at least one character met in this story. I can't wait. Enjoy this little appetizer of a story whole you are waiting!
Shaye is stopping in Wishing Tree to try a pie from Judy's Hand Pies. Then she sees all this weirdness that makes no sense. Fortunately, Lawson is there to explain what is happening! They have a nice afternoon together, but Shaye is planning to keep going to Seattle. Somehow, there is something in Wishing Tree that makes her want to stay, so she decides to stay for the month of July. Now all Lawson has to do is convince her to stay forever.
The pace is relaxed and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has no steam or action. The characters are engaging, although I did want to shake Shaye a little. She couldn't decide what she wanted. I am happy to see that the next story by Susan Mallery will also be set in Wishing Tree with at least one character met in this story. I can't wait. Enjoy this little appetizer of a story whole you are waiting!
July 6, 2021
First let me say that I wanna move to Wishing Tree. The towns that Ms. Mallery creates always sounds so welcoming and quirky and funny and charming…although I might have to avoid the July 5k run, the one most folks run with reindeer headband antlers.
Fast read for me but what a great introduction to this wonderful town and lots of lovable and quirky characters. I’ll just bet that when Shaye drove into town she never expected all the “feels” she would get just by visiting. And Lawson…OMG. He is amazing. What a wonderfully sensitive character. What a sense of humor. What dedication and loyalty to his family and friends. And let’s not forget his patience with Shaye.
I won’t retell the story but Shaye has some major thinking to do about her future and her life. Does she move ahead with her plans, and leave town? Or does she stay and build a life in Wishing Tree? Can she trust that folks there are as good, thru and thru, as they seem? Lots of decisions for her! But a great read about Lawson’s and Shaye’s journey to an HEA. Really enjoyed.
Fast read for me but what a great introduction to this wonderful town and lots of lovable and quirky characters. I’ll just bet that when Shaye drove into town she never expected all the “feels” she would get just by visiting. And Lawson…OMG. He is amazing. What a wonderfully sensitive character. What a sense of humor. What dedication and loyalty to his family and friends. And let’s not forget his patience with Shaye.
I won’t retell the story but Shaye has some major thinking to do about her future and her life. Does she move ahead with her plans, and leave town? Or does she stay and build a life in Wishing Tree? Can she trust that folks there are as good, thru and thru, as they seem? Lots of decisions for her! But a great read about Lawson’s and Shaye’s journey to an HEA. Really enjoyed.
August 11, 2022
Say You'll Stay by Susan Mallery
2 hrs & 51 min narrated by Tanya Eby,
Kindle 126 pages
Wishing Tree #0.5
Genre: Romance > Contemporary Romance; Novella, Holiday > Christmas; Women's Fiction > Chick Lit; Family, Adult Fiction
Featuring: Washington, Military, Small Towns, Christmas In July
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Song for the soundtrack: Underneath The Tree" by Kelly Clarkson
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thoughts: I have 3 books going and errands to run so I needed an audiobook but I didn't want another book to juggle. This one was the perfect solution, it's under 3 hours and was patiently waiting on my Libby shelf. I only discovered it recently after hearing about Home Sweet Christmas, and since I already read The Christmas Wedding Guest, I figured why not. Although it's a novella I enjoy this story more than the first book. I guess this would be a prequel, Wishing Tree looked better in the summer and there wasn't any family or holiday drama. I was trying to connect the two stories, but the town is the only connection; Dena, sister that's an innkeeper/school teacher, makes a few appearances but it seems each book will focus on a different family. Anywho, I really enjoyed this story, it was fun and thoughtful. It's only available as an ebook, CD, and eaudiobook at the moment.
Recommend to others?: Yes. I think I would have loved to have started with this book.
2 hrs & 51 min narrated by Tanya Eby,
Kindle 126 pages
Wishing Tree #0.5
Genre: Romance > Contemporary Romance; Novella, Holiday > Christmas; Women's Fiction > Chick Lit; Family, Adult Fiction
Featuring: Washington, Military, Small Towns, Christmas In July
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Song for the soundtrack: Underneath The Tree" by Kelly Clarkson
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thoughts: I have 3 books going and errands to run so I needed an audiobook but I didn't want another book to juggle. This one was the perfect solution, it's under 3 hours and was patiently waiting on my Libby shelf. I only discovered it recently after hearing about Home Sweet Christmas, and since I already read The Christmas Wedding Guest, I figured why not. Although it's a novella I enjoy this story more than the first book. I guess this would be a prequel, Wishing Tree looked better in the summer and there wasn't any family or holiday drama. I was trying to connect the two stories, but the town is the only connection; Dena, sister that's an innkeeper/school teacher, makes a few appearances but it seems each book will focus on a different family. Anywho, I really enjoyed this story, it was fun and thoughtful. It's only available as an ebook, CD, and eaudiobook at the moment.
Recommend to others?: Yes. I think I would have loved to have started with this book.
April 3, 2022
That was cute and schmaltzy in that Hallmark movie way that I am trash for. If Wishing Tree was a real place, I would be packing my bags and moving there. Totally charmed by that town.
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July 1, 2022
A super quick listen, the novella introduces the town of Wishing Tree and some of the characters met in the official first book of the series.
Bumping in to someone was a lucky happenstance for Shay as she arrives in town while on a trek to relocate to Seattle. Finding a job and a place to live also fall in her lap, if only for one month. The town's crazy commitment to Christmas is just as strong for Christmas in July! The celebrations and a classic car give plenty of opportunity for Shay and her first day friend, Lawson, to take their budding friendship to new levels, until someone gets scared. Past relationships and the loss of loved ones breeds fear of another broken heart....until.it doesn't. Happy ending. ❤️
Bumping in to someone was a lucky happenstance for Shay as she arrives in town while on a trek to relocate to Seattle. Finding a job and a place to live also fall in her lap, if only for one month. The town's crazy commitment to Christmas is just as strong for Christmas in July! The celebrations and a classic car give plenty of opportunity for Shay and her first day friend, Lawson, to take their budding friendship to new levels, until someone gets scared. Past relationships and the loss of loved ones breeds fear of another broken heart....until.it doesn't. Happy ending. ❤️
July 24, 2021
Fun story
This was a fun story and a great introduction to the new series based in the quirky Christmas themed town of Wishing Tree. I'll be looking forward to more stories in this series.
This was a fun story and a great introduction to the new series based in the quirky Christmas themed town of Wishing Tree. I'll be looking forward to more stories in this series.
August 26, 2025
Honestly I should have paid more close attention to the content in the book. I didn’t realize there were 3 stories in 1 book. I liked the first and third one. I didn’t read the second one because it didn’t seem interesting to me. The 2 I read were okay. Next time I’m going to make sure it’s one story lol
December 5, 2021
Two-haiku review:
Her parents both died
She's on her way to new life
Stops in sweet small town
Liked this one a lot
Really well done novella
Quick but substantial
Her parents both died
She's on her way to new life
Stops in sweet small town
Liked this one a lot
Really well done novella
Quick but substantial
December 27, 2022
This was so sweet
September 8, 2021
3.5 Stars
July 23, 2021
The town of Wishing Tree seems like the ideal place to live! I loved this introduction to the town and can't wait to read about all the people in future books!!
June 7, 2023
One of those very short stories that is a prelude to the series. It was ok...
February 22, 2022
I'm a huge fan of Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold series, so I was excited to see a new series. Unfortunately, this one lacked the magic of Fool's Gold. Don't get me wrong, the town is still as charming as Fool's Gold, so I have high hopes that the series will only get better. But I wasn't as charmed by the hero/heroine in this one.
Shaye wasn't my favorite because of how flaky and stubborn she was. She arrives in Wishing Tree as a stop along the way to Seattle. She has no family, no friends, nothing tying her down anywhere. So she decides to leave her hometown behind and see what life brings her in Seattle. As soon as she arrives in Wishing Tree, she finds the town charming and finds Lawson, the guy she meets, to be even more charming. But alas, she's firm on leaving and even after deciding to stay for a few weeks, she still decides to leave at the end. Even after spending a lot of time with Lawson and getting to know him. Even after making a lot of friends and loving how welcoming everyone is. Even after falling in love with the house she's renting a room in. She just thinks that because a couple jerks broke her heart, that all guys are like that and she doesn't want to stay somewhere that it may happen again (since she's falling for Lawson). The stubbornness and 'I have to leave' for principle alone was just too over-the-top for me. I did like that she was good at fixing up cars - I work in the automotive industry and can only wish I had her skills, so I have to give her props for that.
Lawson was adorable. He was calm, respectful, sexy, loyal and a really great guy. And I do think that he and Shaye made a great couple. I just wish she hadn't held him at arms length for most of the book.
The assorted cast of supporting characters were great to meet and I look forward to seeing them in future books. I won't let this one book cloud my judgment for the rest of the series since I know Ms. Mallery is great at writing heartwarming small-town quirky romances that reel you in.
Shaye wasn't my favorite because of how flaky and stubborn she was. She arrives in Wishing Tree as a stop along the way to Seattle. She has no family, no friends, nothing tying her down anywhere. So she decides to leave her hometown behind and see what life brings her in Seattle. As soon as she arrives in Wishing Tree, she finds the town charming and finds Lawson, the guy she meets, to be even more charming. But alas, she's firm on leaving and even after deciding to stay for a few weeks, she still decides to leave at the end. Even after spending a lot of time with Lawson and getting to know him. Even after making a lot of friends and loving how welcoming everyone is. Even after falling in love with the house she's renting a room in. She just thinks that because a couple jerks broke her heart, that all guys are like that and she doesn't want to stay somewhere that it may happen again (since she's falling for Lawson). The stubbornness and 'I have to leave' for principle alone was just too over-the-top for me. I did like that she was good at fixing up cars - I work in the automotive industry and can only wish I had her skills, so I have to give her props for that.
Lawson was adorable. He was calm, respectful, sexy, loyal and a really great guy. And I do think that he and Shaye made a great couple. I just wish she hadn't held him at arms length for most of the book.
The assorted cast of supporting characters were great to meet and I look forward to seeing them in future books. I won't let this one book cloud my judgment for the rest of the series since I know Ms. Mallery is great at writing heartwarming small-town quirky romances that reel you in.
November 17, 2021
Well... I want to move to Wishing Tree now!
I wanted to read the next book in this series, so thought I'd read this novella first, and I'm glad I did as it gave me an overview of the lovely town of Wishing Tree, where they celebrate everything, especially Christmas, this one being Christmas in July.
Shaye is a bit lost, with no family, and heading towards a new life when she stops off in Wishing Tree, and doesn't want to leave. There's a lovely romance, friendly characters and just a really lovely vibe about the whole town. I'm off to read the next full-length book in this series now as I don't want to leave Wishing Tree just yet!
I wanted to read the next book in this series, so thought I'd read this novella first, and I'm glad I did as it gave me an overview of the lovely town of Wishing Tree, where they celebrate everything, especially Christmas, this one being Christmas in July.
Shaye is a bit lost, with no family, and heading towards a new life when she stops off in Wishing Tree, and doesn't want to leave. There's a lovely romance, friendly characters and just a really lovely vibe about the whole town. I'm off to read the next full-length book in this series now as I don't want to leave Wishing Tree just yet!
April 28, 2025
This is a great bedtime ready - easy and relaxing. 3 stars because nothing interesting or surprising happened at all. I thought the other books in the Wishing Tree series were more interesting than this one
September 30, 2021
The heroine was just too indecisive. Also, there is way too much repetitive internal dialogue. It just didn’t feel like the author’s usual writing style.
July 29, 2021
A new series similar to Fool’s Gold.
August 1, 2021
A perfect sample of what we are in store for this new Wishing Tree series! I can’t wait to meet the characters and more about this quirky town
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