***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
Newly single lawyer Gwen Baker is hoping that a family Christmas—countryside, a mountain of food and festive films—will salve the sting of her career hanging by a thread and her heart being trampled on. Because everyone else has their life sorted: even Dev, her boy-next-door crush, is now a tall, dark and handsome stranger with a fiancée. She can’t help wishing her future was clearer.
Then Gwen wakes up to discover it’s Christmas day all over again. Like Groundhog Day but with eggnog. And family arguments. On repeat.
As she figures out how to escape her own particular Christmas hell, Dev is the one bright spot. He might be all grown-up but underneath he’s just as kind and funny as she remembers.
Maybe, just maybe, her heart can be mended after all.
But how do you fall in love with someone who can’t remember you from one day to the next?
The Christmas Wish by Lindsey Kelk is a magical and charming Christmas story that is perfect for the holiday season.
Story Recap:
Gwen Baker’s life is a bit of a mess. Her career as a lawyer at a top London Law firm is hanging by a thread and her fiance, Michael left her a few months ago. She’s hoping that a family Christmas holiday is all she needs to get back to where she was before and put her life back together again.
Christmas day is full of chaos with her parents, her cousin Manny who is like a brother, and her sister Cerys, and her family all drinking a bit too much and the family dinner ends up a disaster. Next, she embarrasses herself in front of her next-door neighbor, Dev, who she’s had a crush on for years, but finally, the day is over and she’ll soon be back in London trying to get her life back in order. However, the next day turns out to be Christmas morning once again. Gwen has to find a way out of the time loop as she can’t spend another disastrous Christmas day over again.
My Thoughts:
I love a bit of magical realism, especially in Holiday books. I usually enjoy a good time loop story, and The Christmas Wish did not disappoint. Although Gwen’s family is a big chaotic mess, there is love and support deep down underneath it all. So, it was just a matter of time for Gwen to find it and appreciate her family for what it is.
The romance was definitely a side plot, and the main story is all about Gwen and how she figures out what is important in her life. But, it was a sweet romance, and although we don’t see as much of Dev as I would have liked, he’s quite a wonderful hero. I enjoyed this light and hilarious book, it was everything I want in a Holiday book, with some magic, love, and self-reflection.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend The Christmas Wish to anyone who enjoys fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Lindsey Kelk
Lindsey Kelk is the Sunday Times bestselling author of books including the I Heart series, In Case You Missed It and One in a Million, along with the middle grade Cinders & Sparks series.
As well as writing her ‘witty, funny, warm and clever books’ (thanks, Marian Keyes), Lindsey co-hosts the award-winning beauty podcast, Full Coverage, and Tight and Fights, a pro-wrestling podcast on the Maximum Fun network.
Born and raised in South Yorkshire, Lindsey lived in London and New York before settling in LA, where she lives with her husband and two rude cats.
I’m not sure on the Groundhog Day trope. I have to admit that I have only seen the film once and that was enough for me – I found that I lost interest as the same things kept happening over and over again so I haven’t tried a book with it.
I’ve seen Groundhog Day several times, and still think it is funny. It sounds like this book could be the same, but for Christmas. You have to hope the characters end up getting it right in the end!
This sounds like a fun story, Wendy. I love a family that is all over, it makes me laugh and it makes my family look good. LOL. Nice review, I just requested this one.
I like romance books where the romance is the side story, so I might like this. I’m on the fence about magical realism. I feel like some authors do it right and others confuse or disappoint me.
Okay, I NEED this book in my life this holiday season! My favorite holiday movie is 12 Dates of Christmas (old ABC Family Christmas movie that I’ve seen more times than I can count over the years) and it follows a similar plot (Groundhog Day-esque but at Christmas time). I’m also a sucker for anything with magical realism, so you’ve got me totally convinced that I should read this ASAP!
Great review, Wendy! I love me some magical realism too, although I don’t read that many books with it. I also like that the romance was a side plot. It doesn’t always need to be on the front with me. Thanks for sharing!
I adore Groundhog Day type of stories! In fact I just finished one this past week by Lynn Painter, you should go check out that review if you haven’t yet. I am making sure this one is on my Goodreads TBR for sure! May not get to it this year, but maybe for holiday reads next year!
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2022/11/26/blog-tour-review-with-giveaway-the-do-over-by-lynn-painter/
I’m not sure on the Groundhog Day trope. I have to admit that I have only seen the film once and that was enough for me – I found that I lost interest as the same things kept happening over and over again so I haven’t tried a book with it.
Have a great week!
Sounds the perfect read for the season. I like that Gwen’s own journey is more central than the romance. Lovely review, Wendy🙂
This does sound like a great read & another lovely christmas book, great review 💕
Time loop stories can be such fun and this looks like a fun Christmas-y take on it!
Time loop stories are hit or miss for me but looks like this was really good. Amazing review!
I sure enjoyed it. Thank you, Yesha
Wonderful review! This sounds like such a great Christmas read.
Thank you, Yvonne!
Sounds like a fun holiday romance. The Groundhog Day thing reminds me of In a Holidaze by CL.
It was kind of similar to In a Holidaze.
Great review. Glad you liked it.
Thank you, Rolé
I’ve seen Groundhog Day several times, and still think it is funny. It sounds like this book could be the same, but for Christmas. You have to hope the characters end up getting it right in the end!
I still love watching Groundhog day too!
This sounds like a fun story, Wendy. I love a family that is all over, it makes me laugh and it makes my family look good. LOL. Nice review, I just requested this one.
That’s so funny, Carla because I feel the same way. When I read about a messy family, I just thing that maybe mine isn’t so bad!
Even though it’s been done before, that Christmas time loop thing can be a lot of fun. Glad this one worked so well.
It was fun!
I am hearing about several stories featuring magical realism. This sounds like another good one.
I love the magical realism. It’s a cute book.
I love a chaotic family! Wonderful review Wendy!🤗📚☕💜
Chaotic families are so much fun!
I just read The Do-Over which was also a groundhog day. But for Valentine’s Day instead of Christmas.
I want to read The Do Over soon!
I like romance books where the romance is the side story, so I might like this. I’m on the fence about magical realism. I feel like some authors do it right and others confuse or disappoint me.
Yes, magical realism isn’t always well done!
I love this author and really enjoyed this book! I’m glad to see you enjoyed it as well Wendy! Wonderful review!
I’m glad you enjoyed it too!
Okay, I NEED this book in my life this holiday season! My favorite holiday movie is 12 Dates of Christmas (old ABC Family Christmas movie that I’ve seen more times than I can count over the years) and it follows a similar plot (Groundhog Day-esque but at Christmas time). I’m also a sucker for anything with magical realism, so you’ve got me totally convinced that I should read this ASAP!
Oh good! I hope you enjoy it when you get to it!
This sounds like a nice holiday read. I like magical realism also. Nice review!
Thank you!
Great review, Wendy! I love me some magical realism too, although I don’t read that many books with it. I also like that the romance was a side plot. It doesn’t always need to be on the front with me. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Stephanie!
Sounds like a perfect mix.
It is! Thank you, Cathy
As soon as you mentioned magical realism is caught my eye.
Oh good! It’s a sweet story