The Wishing Season (Chapel Springs, #3) in Christian rom coms and romances

Apr 09, 2014 Rissi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: most-anticipated, review, 2014

Reading the first book in this series, Barefoot Summer is a kind of magic experience I haven’t had in fiction. It wasn’t *just* the delights of the setting or the character quirks, it’s a deeper, more meaningful chord it strikes in me. That moment ensures this series climbs quickly to the top of my favorites list, which is why despite some minor disappointment in the following novel, I was anxious to have the chance to read any ensuing books in the series. Before the first chapter was gone, I al Reading the first book in this series, Barefoot Summer is a kind of magic experience I haven’t had in fiction. It wasn’t *just* the delights of the setting or the character quirks, it’s a deeper, more meaningful chord it strikes in me. That moment ensures this series climbs quickly to the top of my favorites list, which is why despite some minor disappointment in the following novel, I was anxious to have the chance to read any ensuing books in the series. Before the first chapter was gone, I already put this book down as a keeper.

The story is about PJ McKinley and newcomer Cole Evans. Both of them have dreams that involve the Wishing House, which they place separate bids on. However, since the owner of the house cannot decide between PJ’s careful plan to open a restaurant (her dream) or Cole’s plan to use the house as a home for foster kids transitioning between high school and whatever’s next, the pair of them must share the space for a matter of months. As two very different people who must share the house, they come to realize that there is more to the other person than first impressions would suggest.

The Wishing Season, by Denise Hunter | Book Review

What this novel has is a great hook. Sure the dueling couple is something that’s been done, but the opening, how Denise introduces the characters, is funny and priceless. It sets up a lighter scene before the heavier topics come into play as these two different people open their minds (and hearts) to getting to know each other without blinders on. Cole’s past is an interesting one and I admire him as a hero greatly. True he is a fictional character, but his ability to make something out of a past that would paralyze is inspiring. He’s compassionate and doesn’t use his past as an excuse.

Catching up with the McKinley family feels like our own family gatherings, as if they’re in our crowded kitchens at holidays. PJ is been a sassy spitfire as a side character in prior books, and again she proves to be a fun-loving character. Anyone who hasn’t read the first two books in this series can read The Wishing Season although I would encourage you to read them all; everything has more meaning if read from the beginning. Perfect for any season, this is a sweet winter read that’s great for any season. It’s a dream and a wish come true in one beautiful little package.

Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary e-ARC copy of this book for reviewing purposes. ...more

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Dec 09, 2014 Heidi rated it it was amazing

If you’ve eagerly anticipated another visit to the fictional community of Chapel Springs, rejoice, reader friends. Denise Hunter delivers once again with The Wishing Season, her newest release in her Chapel Springs Romance series. This is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand alone, although I highly recommend starting at the beginning with book one.

My favorite aspect of Denise Hunter’s writing style is her ability to take the reader deep into the story from the very beginning. If you’ve eagerly anticipated another visit to the fictional community of Chapel Springs, rejoice, reader friends. Denise Hunter delivers once again with The Wishing Season, her newest release in her Chapel Springs Romance series. This is the third book in the series and can be read as a stand alone, although I highly recommend starting at the beginning with book one.

My favorite aspect of Denise Hunter’s writing style is her ability to take the reader deep into the story from the very beginning. PJ and Cole, the heroine and hero of the novel, are at odds from page one, both striving to make their dreams come true and win the coveted prize: possession of an historic home known as the Wishing Mansion. PJ longs to make the building her new restaurant and eventually a bed and breakfast, proving to her family and everyone else that she’s capable of being a successful chef and small business owner. Cole wants to make amends for his perceived failures and create better opportunities for other kids exiting the foster system, the very system he came from. Both must make their case for ownership, proving their efforts are worthy to the homeowner and her committee.

I really enjoyed the story because PJ and Cole’s chemistry is almost palpable. While they are both one another’s greatest obstacle in reaching their goals, it isn’t long before their attraction for one another is undeniable. Yet both are wounded and dealing with guilt and shame, too. I think one significant characteristic of a great romance novel is when the hero and heroine are both burdened with similar ‘baggage’. The reader wants to root for them to triumph in the end because their struggles are so relatable. They might be fictional characters, but they wrestle with doubt, regret their past mistakes, yet can’t seem to give up on the love that is before them. Denise Hunter crafts a wonderful story in The Wishing Season. It’s a swoon-worthy romance nuanced with deeper layers of coming to terms with the lies we believe about ourselves and embracing the gifts we often think we aren’t worthy or receiving.

Well done, Denise Hunter. I can't wait to read Ryan McKinley's story next.
Thank you, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley, for an ecopy of this book. ...more

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Dec 10, 2014 Iola rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley, christian-fiction, contemporary-romance, kindle, 2014

PJ McKinley wants to prove to her family that she is capable of making good choices, despite her past history of less-good choices, especially those concerning men. The Wishing House is her opportunity: she wants to turn the property into an exclusive B&B with a classy restaurant attached. Her competition is Cole Evans, who wants to open the house up to teens who’ve aged out of the foster care system and need somewhere safe to live while they complete high school.

Mrs Simmons can’t decide which i ...more

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Mar 30, 2016 Jessica Kate rated it liked it

This was a sweet book! Cole was a great character and resonated with me more than most male leads in a romance do. And PJ's cooking made me hungry!
Perhaps my only niggle was that Cole's program for ex foster children seemed to go fairly smoothly. I've been involved as a volunteer in similar programs before, and things were a little messier than portrayed in the book.
But overall, a great read! ...more

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Nov 27, 2014 Angela Suzanne rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, net-galley

It was nice to see PJ's story after being introduced to her in the first two books of this series. The family dynamics between the four siblings and their parents, as well as Beckett and Daniel, is always a highlight for me in this series. The interactions between the characters is one of the strongest appeals in this book. I did find it a little strange that despite this being a Christian book, nothing was really said about an unmarried man and woman living in the same house. Maybe I'm making a ...more

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