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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
This one disappointed me. I just couldn’t engage with it. Although there are moments in the story that take place at Christmas, I wouldn’t call it a Christmas book. It just didn’t give me that feel-good Christmas vibe. It may be because a big part of the focus is on parental abandonment and dysfunctional families and the complicated grief of losing the father Lexie was estranged from, but it could also be that it featured one of my least favorite themes: a main character running away from attachments for fear of getting hurt, which just means they end up living a lonely, shallow existence. I guess I’m just not in a good headspace to deal well with emotional trauma due to bad parental decisions.
So, my 3* rating is more reflective of my personal feelings than it is about the quality of the writing or the appeal of the book to other readers. With her first three books (all of which I rated 5*), Stone has earned a reputation as an author to follow, so I definitely think A Winter Wish will find a very receptive audience and I’ll look forward to her next book.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Dell through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
So, my 3* rating is more reflective of my personal feelings than it is about the quality of the writing or the appeal of the book to other readers. With her first three books (all of which I rated 5*), Stone has earned a reputation as an author to follow, so I definitely think A Winter Wish will find a very receptive audience and I’ll look forward to her next book.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Dell through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not my favorite Emily Stone. The novel was based on a lot of extreme preexisting judgements made by characters. Although the walk a mile in someone else’s shoes moral was very strong, a gave a little sense of realism.
The enemies to lovers felt a bit rushed, the gate was so extreme to making out in the hallway after a brush of the wrist. But I think I’m the wrong audience, enemies to lovers isn’t my jam.
The FMCs background story felt a little silly, and unnecessary and took up far too much of the book giving it a bit of a slow start.
Now onto the pros, loved allll of the different settings and travel stories. I loved when they went to a new place and went into details about the food or the traditions. This gave it such a fun twist.
I also loved the FMC finding her path and also her best friend falling out of hers. I don’t think this is normalized in the world and puts a lot of pressure on young people.
All in all good Christmas story, and will continue picking up Emily Stones!
The enemies to lovers felt a bit rushed, the gate was so extreme to making out in the hallway after a brush of the wrist. But I think I’m the wrong audience, enemies to lovers isn’t my jam.
The FMCs background story felt a little silly, and unnecessary and took up far too much of the book giving it a bit of a slow start.
Now onto the pros, loved allll of the different settings and travel stories. I loved when they went to a new place and went into details about the food or the traditions. This gave it such a fun twist.
I also loved the FMC finding her path and also her best friend falling out of hers. I don’t think this is normalized in the world and puts a lot of pressure on young people.
All in all good Christmas story, and will continue picking up Emily Stones!
I've read every Emily Stone book as she is a go to favorite. Always in December is one of my favorite holiday reads.
That being said, I'm a little sad that her latest A Winter Wish seemed to veer off her normal writing.
Lexie is a world seeking wanderer. Never to stay in one place for too long, she travels the globe taking seasonal or temporary jobs. After her estranged father dies, she finds out he has left her half of his travel agency business, to be split with his business partner Theo, if after a year, they can turn a profit, she can either keep it or have to sell it.
Of course, fireworks ensue, despite the fact they're the usual enemies turned lovers.
Sounds like such a promising storyline, but unfortunately, A Winter Wish lacked substance and chemistry. It lacked depth and felt the relationship was forced, which is what makes a romance novel fresh and unique.
The side characters were not compelling, and the travel agency setting seemed dated and not something I would generally think would be a main plot point given it's 2024 (who still uses a travel agency?).
I ended up skimming through to the end, and it pains me to say it, was almost a DNF.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!
That being said, I'm a little sad that her latest A Winter Wish seemed to veer off her normal writing.
Lexie is a world seeking wanderer. Never to stay in one place for too long, she travels the globe taking seasonal or temporary jobs. After her estranged father dies, she finds out he has left her half of his travel agency business, to be split with his business partner Theo, if after a year, they can turn a profit, she can either keep it or have to sell it.
Of course, fireworks ensue, despite the fact they're the usual enemies turned lovers.
Sounds like such a promising storyline, but unfortunately, A Winter Wish lacked substance and chemistry. It lacked depth and felt the relationship was forced, which is what makes a romance novel fresh and unique.
The side characters were not compelling, and the travel agency setting seemed dated and not something I would generally think would be a main plot point given it's 2024 (who still uses a travel agency?).
I ended up skimming through to the end, and it pains me to say it, was almost a DNF.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes