A Wish in the Wind: a fresh start in a town known for granting wishes

A Wish in the Wind by Kay Bratt is the seventeen book in The Wishing Tree series. In the small town of Linden Falls, there stands a tree with wishes tied to its branches. Through magic, divine providence or a random act of kindness wishes are granted. Hunter Glen and his daughter, Ava, recently moved to town for a fresh start. One day, Ava insists on placing a wish on the tree, as he reaches to tie the wish, a gust of wind carries it away and out of sight. Nicole is a long term resident of Linden Falls who is looking to the new year as life changing. As she works as a waitress at the Crooked Porch restaurant, a slip of paper falls from the sky onto her tray. The simple message gives her the idea that fate isn’t done with her just yet. 

I love The Wishing Tree series and when the group of authors announced new books in the series, I was super excited. A Wish in the Wind is the final book of this new wave of books. It is a quick, fun read with great moments of hope and magic. I loved Hunter as a newly single father left blindsided following his sudden divorce and worrying about providing his daughter with everything she needs. I loved Nicole as a person full of hope for the future. As they keep crossing paths, even for a small town, something seems to bring them together. Readers do not need to read the entire series in order to enjoy this book. Although I highly recommend reading the entire series. It is an uplifting series full of hope, magic and wishes. I highly recommend A Wish in the Wind. 

A Wish in the Wind will be available in eBook on October 17, 2024

Wishful Witness: the cozy mystery to end The Wishing Tree series

Wishful Witness by Tonya Kappes is the thirteenth and final book in The Wishing Tree series. Cheryl Paisley is the owner of The Stitchin’ Post yarn shop where she teaches knitting classes and has become grand central for the gossip of Linden Falls. The members of the Linden Falls Knitters keep everyone aware of all the comings and goings in their quaint little town. With the old King Building reopening as an artesian center, many welcomed the idea, at first. Then the local businesses began to feel the pinch and sales began to fall. Protests began. When Zeke Turner, one very vocal resident, turns up dead, there is no shortage of suspects. As the Knitters' gossip leads to real clues, they begin to work together to catch the killer. Can Cheryl and the ladies of the Knitters discover his or her identity before it’s too late? 

While it is sad to see the end of the wonderful Wishing Tree series, Wishful Witness is a wonderful, cozy mystery to say goodbye. Cheryl does not truly believe in the magic of the wishing tree. But on a whim, she ties one to the tree. When the wish seems to be coming true, a murder shocks the town. Suspicions travel with the speed of juicy gossip as Cheryl finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. The mystery has plenty of twists, turns and surprises that add to the wonderful quirkiness of the town. I did not see the reveal of the murderer coming and it was total shock as the clues are lined up. I loved the gossipy ladies of the Knitters. I laughed when one lady said “But you didn’t hear it from me.” I recommend Wishful Witness and the entire Wishing Tree series. 

Wishful Witness is available in eBook

Wishes of Home: a heartwarming story of love and home

Wishes of Home by Barbara Hinske is the twelfth book in The Wishing Tree series. Readers first meet Pam in book five, Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses, as her relationship with Steve blossoms from childhood friends to colleagues to romance. In Wishes of Home, Pam and Steve are still going strong, although her past hurts from her ex-husband finds herself doubting her relationship with Steve. In this story, Pam furthers her talent for remodeling and home décor. What started as a hobby takes her on an unexpected path. With her boyfriend, Steve Turner, at her side, she is filled with more confidence. But when their relationship hits a rough patch, will her dreams come tumbling down? Meanwhile, a young girl’s wish from the Wishing Tree touches Pam’s heart and she is determined to fulfill this wish. Has she taken on more than she can handle? Can she fulfill her own wish as well as this young girl’s wish? 

Wishes of Home is a sweet, wonderful story. There are heartwarming moments and a few tears. When Pam is filled with doubt about herself and her relationship with Steve, instead of talking with him, she ghosts him. Thinking the relationship is over, Steve doesn’t know where to turn. But the residents of Linden Falls aren’t going to let Pam and Steve ruin their relationship because they are perfect for each other. It is a story of communication, even if it could be hurtful and tough. Communication is key. There was one piece of information that Steve thought Pam knew, thinking small town everyone knows, but not realizing that she does not. It adds to the old saying “Assuming makes an ass out of you and me.” Overall, I enjoyed this story. It has been a great addition to The Wishing Tree series. I highly recommend Wishes of Home as well as the rest of The Wishing Tree series. 

Wishes of Home is available in paperback and eBook. 

A Whole Heap of Wishes: finding love and happiness in the here and now

A Whole Heap of Wishes by Amanda Prowse is the eleventh book in The Wishing Tree series. The upbeat, easy going and outgoing Vera has a popular beauty parlor in Linden Falls. Known for her friendly conversation, Vera holds all confidences are shared within the safety of her salon. Her life is about to be shaken up when she gets a letter from her son announcing his engagement and their impending visit to Linden Falls. While she is excited, Vera is also plagued with anxiety as no one in town knows about her son or his father. With the legacy of her childhood still haunting her, she battles with self-esteem and feelings of inadequacies that she hides her true self from her friends, her town and her son. Can she make peace with the past in order to have a brighter future? 

A Whole Heap of Wishes is a shorter story than the previous books in this series. However it is still a sweet, heartwarming story of life’s choices and finding love and happiness in the here and now. Vera has been seen in previous books and she was always a fun and lively character. In A Whole Heap of Wishes, readers discover she hides pain, shame and low self-esteem behind the fun façade. As one wish came true, Vera hopes for one more. I did find the speed in which Vera’s son, Knox, and his fiancée plan the wedding suspicious. I wondered if there was more than a happy couple so deeply in love? There is a bit of a twist at the end. I enjoyed A Whole Heap of Wishes. I recommend it and the previous books in this series. 

A Whole Heap of Wishes is available in paperback and eBook

Overdue Wishes: undue guilt, forgiveness and second chances at love

Overdue Wishes by Tammy L. Grace is the tenth book in The Wishing Tree series. Norma Braxton is a born organizer. A member of the Winey Widows and a retired high school librarian, she keeps busy with local events. As she helps organize the All-Class Reunion in Linden Falls, she comes face-to-face with a man from her past, a man she never expected to be in Linden Falls. She panics as he knows her secrets and tries to pretend that he’s mistaken when he recognizes her. Fearful he could reveal her secret and upend the life she has built but he’s persistent. Chet is committed to learn more about the woman he recognizes as the young girl he used to know. His appearance in town has awakened something in Norma’s heart. Does she dare hope that her overdue wish could come true? 

Linden Falls is a town where wishes come true. Sometimes they are granted right away and some take years. Long after the individual has long given up. Overdue Wishes is a sweet story of undue guilt, forgiveness and second chances at love. Norma hides a secret that even her dear late husband didn’t know. I enjoyed Norma and her dedication to her adopted home. I loved Chet’s loving forgiveness toward Norma as he convinces her that he has held nothing against her and his sweet pursuit of her. There was one moment I held my breath as I waited for the outcome. Surely Norma and Chet’s story wouldn’t end like that? Overall, I enjoyed this trip to Linden Falls and witness Norma and Chet’s love story blossom. I highly recommend Overdue Wishes as well as all the books in The Wishing Tree series. 

Overdue Wishes is available in paperback and eBook

Wishful Thinking: finding self-acceptance and your heart's desires

Wishful Thinking by Kay Bratt is the ninth book in the Wishing Tree series. In this story, Janie Stallard has a new life as the newest business owner in Linden Falls as she has opened Wishful Thinking shop. She also helps Neva run the Wishing Tree Inn. She’s looking forward to the future as her divorce moves closer to becoming finalized. Coco Baines is a guest at the inn with the goal to become the graceful and fit anchorwoman her boss expects her to be. No matter how unfair she thinks the stereotype is outdated, she has to have that promotion! When a rumor about the Wishing Tree becomes an undeniable truth, the whole town is in an uproar and has banded together to protect their precious tree. Even with Janie and Coco working hard to divert the crisis, it will take more than just wishful thinking to save their tree. It will take a miracle. 

Wishful Thinking is a story of self-acceptance and finding your heart’s desires in the most unlikely places. I saw myself in Coco as she was fueled by an image that she thinks she needs to be in order to be the success she wants to be. She doesn’t see that she is beautiful just as she is. It takes a friendship with the local reporter and the story of the Wishing Tree to see that. Janie is a single mother who is trying to move forward until her estranged husband shows up in town. What is his motive? Can she trust him again? Can she trust herself to truly see her heart’s desires? My heart broke at the thought of the beloved Wishing Tree would be no more, even though I knew a solution would be found, I was surprised and enjoyed how the tree was saved. I highly recommend Wishful Thinking as well as the rest of the Wishing Tree series. 

Wishful Thinking is available in paperback and eBook.

Gone Wishing: second chances and truly finding home

Gone Wishing is by Jesse Newton and is the eighth book in The Wishing Tree series. Loretta Thompson is a people person. She loves meeting new people and has a special gift that everyone feels as she is their best friend. As she helps clean the rooms at the Wishing Tree Inn, she is fascinated by the items people leave behind. Her fascination leads her across the country as she returns the lost items to their rightful owners. Now she is returning to Linden Falls but this time she has company. Sally Redwood was a genealogy center coordinator before she had her hip replacement. With no family to help her while she heals, she joins Loretta back to Linden Falls to recover. Lois Bryant lost her husband a year ago and still reeling from his sudden loss, she needs a fresh start. Despite her children’s protests, Lois packs up and heads to Linden Falls with Loretta and Sally. Back in Linden Falls, all three women tie a wish to the famous tree. 

Gone Wishing is a sweet story of second chances. Second chances at a fulfilling life and maybe even love. Readers first learn about Loretta in an earlier book as she has packed up and left, leaving Neva in a lurch. Now she’s back and we learn more about the reasons behind her wayward travels and her lack of faith in the Wishing Tree. Sally was a hard character to like as she constantly complained about the lack of good barbeque. Or at least what she would consider good barbeque. However, by the end of the book, Sally’s story is one readers will cheer for as she finds new life in her new home. Lois’s story is the one that I clung to the most. Lois takes the most risk as her children are against her move. I enjoyed that she stuck up for herself and demanded that she needs to find a new purpose. Overall, I enjoyed Gone Wishing and highly recommend it and the rest of the Wishing Tree series. 

Gone Wishing is available in paperback and eBook

Careful What You Wish: another addition to The Wishing Tree series

Careful What You Wish by Ashley Farley is the seventh book in The Wishing Tree series. Mary May has been adrift. Her husband left her, she has no children and she’s on the verge of losing her home. Now she has lost her housekeeping job. With no income, she has lost all hope that she can repair her family’s dilapidated home. As a sarcastic joke, she ties a wish to the town’s famous wishing tree. She never expected her wish to come true and come true in an amazing fashion! All of a sudden her maple tree sprouts hundred dollar bills resulting in thousands of dollars. As she makes the necessary repairs, she begins to go on a spending spree and gives herself a much needed makeover. Soon she realizes that it wasn’t money she truly needs but friends. As her wish becomes a blessing and a curse, she must discover the true meaning behind her wish fulfillment. 

I have been enjoying The Wishing Tree immensely which is why it hurts to not enjoy Careful What You Wish. The story didn’t seem to fit with the others. Despite being from the town, no one seems to know or recognize Mary which doesn’t jive with the small town atmosphere. While the other books had small overlap with each other, Careful What Your Wish doesn’t have a single character that I recognize from the other books. Not even Neva, the Curator of Wishes, fails to make an appearance. Even the magic of the tree seems to be out of place with the previous books. The wish fulfillment in this story had more of a supernatural/divine intervention feel than the others. Mary was a hard character to care for and sympathize with. Sadly, I was highly disappointed in Careful What Your Wish and only recommend it as a part of The Wishing Tree series. I wonder how this story will fit with the remaining stories. 

Careful What You Wish is available in paperback and eBook

A Parade of Wishes: when the impossible becomes possible

A Parade of Wishes by Camille DiMaio is the sixth book in The Wishing Tree series. Liz Guidry is the It-Girl in New York City for painting murals in posh Park Avenue nurseries. But something is missing. The accolades feel empty and the wait-lists leave her feeling uninspired. When she crosses paths with Neva Cabot, who orders a commissioned piece, her life begins on a path that will change her life. After delivering the piece to Linden Falls, Neva asks Liz to return a little boy’s lost wallet on her way out of town. She reluctantly agrees, not knowing that the love she wants is awaiting for her up ahead. Will she open her heart to the love she craves? Will she allow herself to believe in the magic of the Wishing Tree? 

A Parade of Wishes is a sweet story of finding your heart’s desires in ways that can only be beyond human explanation. I loved how Liz, despite being skeptical, decides to grant a wish. She grabs one that seems impossible to fulfill. Or is it? It is a fast read but a heartwarming story that reminds us that the best things in life are often unexpected and greater than we ever thought we wanted or needed. I loved the characters of Mark and his nephew, Cameron. I love the little pearls of wisdom like “people never say what they want..they say what is expected of them. If you listen closely, you hear what their heart desires most.” I highly recommend A Parade of Wishes as well as the previous five books of The Wishing Tree series. 

A Parade of Wishes is available in paperback and eBook. 

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses: when love is right before your eyes

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses by Barbara Hinske is the fifth book in The Wishing Tree series. In Linden Falls, wishes are tied to the branches of the linden tree in the town square. Wishes of hopes and dreams. Some believe in the magic of the tree and others do not. Can anything change their minds? Pam Olson and Steve Turner have been childhood friends who are now work colleagues at the local gym. They are perfect for each other except they do not see it. Fortunately, there are a few who do and are willing to bring these two together. After disastrous online dating, Pam joins Steve in a no-dating pact. What they don’t know is that there is a covert mission to bring these two together. Will they finally see the sparks between them? 

I love The Wishing Tree series and its magical town of Linden Falls. In this story, Pam and Steve have seen their share of heartbreak and are determined to never be hurt again. Reluctantly, Pam agrees to try online dating and it ends as horribly as she imagined. I thoroughly enjoyed Pam and Steve. They have a history and a friendship they don’t want to jeopardize in case their romance fizzles. I felt for Pam as each online date she goes on is worse than the one before. I enjoyed the involvement and the covert mission that those close to Pam and Steve put in action as they see these two belong together. I highly recommend Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses as well as the previous books in The Wishing Tree series. 

Workout Wishes and Valentine Kisses is available in paperback and eBook

Wish Again: through grief and love we find the strength to wish again

Wish Again by Tammy L. Grace is the fourth book in The Wishing Tree series. Paige Duncan returned to Linden Falls after the sudden death of her husband. She sought comfort and contentment of her hometown and her beloved mother, Margot. It was to be short-lived when her mother suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in her sleep. In the midst of her grief, she struggles to keep her mother’s beloved bookstore afloat. She lost her trust in the town’s Wishing Tree long ago. After a series of one crushing blow after another, she feels she’s floundering. But soon Paige hears her mother’s voice reminding her to simply wish again. As summer turns into autumn, a series of events reminds Paige that she is stronger than she realizes and to take a chance for happiness. Will she take the chance and wish on the Tree one more time? 

Wish Again is a sweet story about grief, moving forward and finding hope and love again. I was shocked when I opened the first page to learn that Margot had passed away! Readers are introduced to Margot and her beloved bookstore in the previous books. Even after a brief introduction, I was sad to see her gone. My heart went out to Paige as she is still under the cloud of grief from her husband’s death, the clouds get darker with her mother’s sudden death. I loved Paige’s character. Even though she didn’t believe in the magic of the Wishing Tree, it didn’t stop her from granting a wish. Slowly but surely, she finds a new joy and sense of purpose. She learns that life goes on and it can get better. If you are enjoying The Wishing Tree series, I highly recommend Wish Again. 

Wish Again is available in paperback and eBook. 

If you haven’t started The Wishing Tree series,

 the first three books are available in paperback and eBook

Book 1 The Wishing Tree

 Book 2 I Wish…

Book 3 Wish You Were Here

Wish You Were Here: saying goodbye

Wish You Were Here by Kay Bratt is the third book in The Wishing Tree series. Henry Harmon has been married to his bigger-than-life, talk-of-the-town wife, Greta, for more than sixty years. He began to notice differences in her behavior, when her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s comes to light, he struggles to care for her as he promised to “in sickness and in health.” But he is determined to do it alone. However, Neva Cabot won’t let Henry care for Greta alone. Even though many years she cut her friendship ties with Greta and Henry, she can’t bring herself to let Henry struggle alone. After some soul-searching, she walks in and helps Henry find ways to deal with Greta’s mood swings and slips in time. At the same time, Janie Stallard moves into town with a secret. Neva offers her a job and a place to stay at her inn. As Neva helps care for Greta, she tries to figure out why Janie is in Linden Falls. 

Wish You Were Here is another great addition to The Wishing Tree series. Kay Bratt handles the aspects of Alzheimer’s beautifully. My grandmother had Alzheimer’s before she passed away and I saw her in Greta. The slips in time, the conversations with invisible people, and even looking for people who have been long gone. Even the heartbreaking realization when Greta has a moment of clarity, knowing it wouldn’t last. I wanted to reach through the book and give Neva a big hug. Even though her heart broke many years ago, she still wanted to help. I loved the methods that Neva uses to help Greta. Janie’s story is interesting. We know she’s hiding something. Is she running from something or someone? The shocking reveal of why she is in Linden Falls was one I did not expect. I am looking forward to hearing about her story in future books. I highly recommend Wish You Were Here as well as the first two books in the series. 

Wish You Were Here is available in paperback and eBook

I Wish...: small town, a special wish and one magical tree

I Wish…is the second book in The Wishing Tree series by Amanda Prowse. When her world is disrupted by shock and heartache, Verity Joseph’s life in the affluent Chelsea area of London is blown apart. To hide from the press and to lick her wounds, she and her teenage daughter, Sophie, packed their bags and headed to Linden Falls. The small town in Vermont is just what Verity needs for peace, quiet and time to consider her next move. Little does she know that her journey of self-discovery will come with a surprising twist. As Verity and Sophie find a new rhythm in Linden Falls, she begins to feel at home and realizes that her ending is actually a new beginning in disguise. Will she find the courage to follow her heart and allow her wish to come true? 

The Wishing Tree series is an interesting series as each book is written by a different author. With thirteen books in total, readers will visit the magical town of Linden Falls and be inspired by the hopes and dreams of the heartbroken and see the magic of the unexplained and unimaginable. I Wish… was a quick and enjoyable read as the reader follows heartbroken Verity to Linden Falls. Once there, she is determined to enjoy her time and reconnect with Sophie. What she doesn’t expect is the openness and friendliness of the residents. She finds herself opening up to her newfound friends in ways she didn’t want to but once she does, it is liberating. She even opens herself up to life and love again. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend I Wish… 

I Wish… is available in paperback and eBook. 

The Wishing Tree: a great introduction to a new series

The Wishing Tree is book one in The Wishing Tree series by various authors. In Linden Falls, Vermont is that picturesque, idyllic small town. Within the charming street of a community of people who care about each other and in the center of town is the famous Wishing Tree. It is an old beautiful tree with wishes tied to the branches. From simple wishes and dreams to heartbreaking and devastating hopes. As tourists flock to town and join the locals to hang ribbons to the branches of the tree. Some believe in the magic of the Wishing Tree while others believe it is the hooky gimmick to bring in tourists. If it’s magic or not, there have been beautiful stories of love, forgiveness and happily ever after that brings people to the tree and taking a chance to hang a wish. 

Book one of The Wishing Tree series is an introduction to the rest of the series. With a wonderful prologue which introduces Neva Cabot, one of the oldest residents and leads into a brief introduction to the first six books of the series. I read a lot of reviews that were upset that this book is not a full novel itself. However, I enjoyed the brief introduction into the premise of the series and the first six books. As an added bonus, this book is a free eBook that if you are interested in the series, this is a great way to give a highlight of what to expect and the feel for the series. I have the next six books in the series and will be reviewing them soon. If you are curious about Linden Falls and their Wishing Tree, I recommend checking out The Wishing Tree. 

The Wishing Tree is available in paperback and eBook