Since discovering Lindsey’s books around this time last year I have read my way through all of her standalone books and loved every minute of them.
When I first heard about The Christmas Wish my immediate thought was ‘how will that work?’ because I was not (and I know that this is not a common view) a massive fan of Groundhog Day. But the moment I picked this book up I couldn’t stop reading.
I finished reading in a single evening, accompanied by a giant mug of hot chocolate and a small plate of digestive biscuits (which admittedly was piled high with half a packet of the wholemeal delights). I loved every moment of poor Gwen’s struggle as she relived the same day over and over. Each time changing one more thing just so she could get to Boxing Day alive.
I have to admit that one of my favourite moments probably shouldn’t be, the fireworks in the pantry. Oh, I laughed loud enough that my neighbours probably heard me. But I couldn’t help it. The look of horror that I imagined on Gwen’s face at that second was a picture.
All of the characters that we get introduced to – even poor Cerys who brought out conflicting emotions in me as I can’t help but recall Christmases past for myself where I am the singleton compared somewhat unfavourably with my own settled and seemingly stable sister – made me feel a gamut of emotions.
Manny is the friend everyone wants to have, the close cousin, the one you grow up with and is always there for you (though we’re not all sadly fortunate enough to have a person like him in our lives).
Dev is not perfect and that’s probably what makes him perfect (if that makes sense).
Gwen’s parents were incredible, supportive, understanding, in pain, stressed, everything you know happens at a time of year when everyone is putting on a front so as to not cause pain or stress for anyone else.
The one person who made this even better had to be Myfanwy! Gwen’s nan is AMAZING.
Thank you for a fantastic seasonal read that I will definitely pick up again, especially as I have a special edition Christmas version arriving on my doorstep in November.
