The Wish Book Christmas

Written by Lynn Austin

Narrated by Sarah Zimmerman

A nostalgic and charming tale that evokes the wonder and miracle of Christmas

Best friends Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson can't wait to celebrate Christmas in postwar America. They are thrilled about starting new traditions with their fiveyear-old sons, even daring to hope there might be fresh beginnings ahead for both
of them, too. But when the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish Book arrives and the boys start obsessing over every toy in it, Audrey and Eve realize their most important task is teaching them the true meaning of the holiday by giving presents, not just asking for them.

The heartwarming tale that unfolds reminds us all that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and often don't deserve.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705020531

Reviews for The Wish Book Christmas

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this Christmas story that can be read any time of the year. I think this would make a fantastic Hallmark movie. I love Audrey and Eve and their sons. I love the lesson in giving that they all learn during this Christmas season.

[shannond38 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderful story for the Christmas season. The gospel is woven into every aspect and so beautifully shared.

[Claire · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sweet ending to the prequel ‘if I were you’. Different to the first but enjoyable, a feel good read.

[Missy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great sequel and perfect for the Christmas season. Wonderful author!

[Debbie Jayne Doolin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Such a wonderful, nostalgic Christmas story! Perfect for reading during the advent season while wrapped up in a blanket with a cup of something yummy, this story warmed my heart utterly! (I didn’t get to it until the new year, and am glad I didn’t wait. This will be a nice gift for friends and family next year).

[Miriam Elaine Espino · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really loved this book about 2 single moms and their sons and how the four of them understood the grace of God in the gospel on their happiest Christmas ever! Five year olds Harry and Bobby were both adorable and labrador Cooper was so cute. The kindergarten Christmas play was hilarious! ???
May all of us never forget God's most precious gift of His Son during this busy season! ??♥️

[Ann Bush · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The book started out with a couple of whiney kids, but I guess that's the way kids are at Christmas. It was great to see how everything was turned around to point to Jesus

[Amy Webster · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great Christmas story about the real reason to celebrate Christmas. I have not read “If I Were You” by the author, so I did not know the back story to this novella. However, it is a lovely story on its own, but it makes me want to read the original story.

[LeAnne Parham · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sweet, short story. My one word for readers would be to know everything will be explained. I was a little confused by dates and timing at first, but we were told everything soon.

[Lori Retz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful sequel to If I Were You!!! I love all of Lynn Austin’s writings!

[Coco Burns · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

You will love this if you have ready “If I Were You”

[JoAnn Fredendall McGowan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Absolutely beautiful story this is a story of love hope forgiveness. I loved revisiting even Audrey and the boys what a wonderful holiday book beautiful Christmas story

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I greatly enjoyed getting to know Audrey and Eve in If I Were You, so I was excited to read more about these ladies and their sons in this Christmas novella. This book is a heartwarming tale with wonderful central themes of generosity and Christ-likeness during the holiday season. A perfect novella to read with a cup of cocoa near a fire, I found myself smiling several times at the boys and their antics. The novella is easy to read and enjoy. I do recommend reading If I Were You first to get complete background information on the characters, but this novella is the perfect addition to that story. Highly recommended!I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story of Eve and Audrey from “If I Were You” continues in this Christmas novel. The year is 1951, and their boys are obsessed with the Sears Christmas Wish Book. Pouring over the pages, wanting everything they see, they can think of little else. The mothers decide to try to make them understand the real meaning of Christmas. They steer the boys into making “wiseman gifts” for others, and before long, the boys throw themselves into the new venture. They meet new people, make new friends, discover the joy in giving, and even plan a birthday party for Jesus. It’s not without some problems along the way, even for the adults as they struggle with some life-altering decisions. It’s a heartwarming tale, well written with the characters readers have come to know and love, perfect for anytime, but especially for Christmas time.

[beautyinthebinding · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin follows Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson from If I Were You. The author recapped just the right amount of information from If I Were You to refresh my memory. I recommend reading the books in order as The Wish Book Christmas felt like a beautiful continuation of If I Were You. In many ways, The Wish Book Christmas deals with personal growth. Eve, Audrey, and their sons work through expectations, ideals, and thought patterns. As the characters developed, the story gained a depth that is rare for Christmas novellas. When the plot introduced certain ideologies, I questioned where each character would land in the end, but continued reading. Turns out, I liked the outcomes even though I would not embrace some of Eve and Audrey’s parenting methods. The Wish Book Christmas is perfect for fans of Lynn Austin’s books, including If I Were You. I read this as part of a ladies book club and we had plenty to discuss. Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Wish Book ChristmasAuthor: Lynn AustinPages: 304Year: 2021Publisher: TyndaleMy rating: 5 out of 5 starsWhat a timely book for our times! The story is about two young women whose lives are intertwined by events that occurred during WWII. These women are best friends who are raising their sons to be more focused on giving than receiving during the Christmas season. Audrey Barrett wants to continue her schooling to become a nurse while Eve is working full-time to help support her son. Audrey and Eve live together to share life together and help make ends meet during a tough economic time. However, as I read the book, I realized there is more to the story.These two women have suffered heartache as well. Through it all, they have remained best friends, encouraged each other and supported each other through thick and thin. Their boys keep looking at the Sears Christmas Wish Book, as usual for kids, wanting every toy they see. Together the moms come up with unique ways to teach the value and blessing of being givers to others in the community.The hardest part for Audrey and Eve is being willing to open their own heart to romance. I didn’t realize when I started the book that the two characters are from the novel, If I Were You, which I haven’t read. I still enjoyed the book as it brings to the forefront that people can make a difference right where they live. I loved how the two moms worked together to teach their sons to look up from the wish book to see folks who they could bless in creative ways.Lynn Austin did a superb job of showing how friends can support and encourage one another, as well as how faith can embolden people to step out of their comfort zone. Throughout the book, there are references to what each character experienced before their current living situation and season, which is revealed in If I Were You. Whether you read that book or not, I highly recommend reading The Wish Book Christmas and sharing with family and friends.Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[ladyofthelodge · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story about Christmas with two adorable little boys and their moms took me back to the days of my childhood. Bobby and Harry find a Wish Book catalog and soon they are ready to ask Santa for every toy in the book. Santa certainly has big plans for these little guys and their moms too.The story lends itself well to thinking about the real meaning of Christmas and the importance of helping others. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it as a cute and heartwarming holiday reading selection.I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[mandat_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a lovely Christmas story Lynn has written. She has penned a story that will bring back the nostalgia of 1951. The author gives us a glimpse of the life Audrey and Eve have carved out for themselves and their sweet boys. All seems well and cheery, but deep down both women have past hurts and regrets they need to forgive and surrender over to God. And it seems as though, two little boys have a lesson to learn, too. I love how each character changes throughout the story, and how the story makes the reader pause to remember the greatest gift ever given to us... Jesus! This book is a delight, so pick one up for your Christmas reading this season!***I received this complimentary book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[estherfilbrun · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a delightful story! I don’t always go for Christmas books; they just feel like the wrong season here in New Zealand with us being in summertime instead of winter! However, this one was published in September, so the weather felt much more complimentary this time. And anyway—I couldn’t pass up a Lynn Austin book when I had the chance to read it. So even though this is a sequel to another of her stories, which I haven’t read, I enjoyed this story.I loved seeing the characters work through their struggles in this story—so very familiar to many of us. I was especially able to relate to one, who was struggling to work through guilt—how often do I struggle to forgive myself, let alone accept forgiveness from others? It doesn’t come easily!This book took me to the depths of what Christmas is really about—our Lord, his coming to the earth to be our Savior, and our desperate need of him—and the joy we have now that he HAS come, and IS with us. From depths of despair to heights of joy, this has it all, and I’m thankful I had the chance to read this story. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if, once I read the prequel, I come back and re-read this. These characters are delightful.(In saying that, I did feel like this book wasn’t up to Austen’s normal standards—the wordplay wasn’t quite as diverse and fun as in some of her other stories, and the overall plot lacked some of the depth I’ve come to expect in the others. That could be partly due to it being a novella, not a novel, but also because this was a “relax write”, meaning that it was helping her to recover from writing other, heavier books. I fully understand both reasons, but some might find that aspect a little disappointing as they read. Just be warned—it’s a good book, not one I’d classify as great, but it is still a very worthwhile, heartwarming story in and of itself.)I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin has Eve Dawson and Audrey Barrett worried about their sons, Harry and Bobby. They boys discovered The Sears Wish Book and have been consumed with it. They have a long list of toys they want Santa to bring them for Christmas. Eve and Audrey want to the boys to know the true meaning of Christmas. After watching the boys play wise men in the school play, they come up with a plan. The Wish Book Christmas is a continuation of If I Were You. I was not aware that there had been a prior book until I started reading The Wish Book Christmas. I felt like I was plopped into the middle of a story, so I went investigating. The author does provide the necessary background information so it technically can be read as a standalone. Personally, I believe I would have enjoyed the book more if I had read If I Were You first. I thought The Wish Book Christmas was well-written with developed characters. Once I got into the story, I was engaged. I liked how the mothers went about teaching their sons the true meaning of Christmas. The Wish Book Christmas is a heartwarming story that will put you in the mood for the holidays. It is a book that will get you to thinking about how you can help others this holiday season. There are many types of gifts you can give someone, and they do not involve purchasing an item in a store (or by purchasing a gift card). The ending was very special and will leave you smiling. The Wish Book Christmas is a story about forgiveness, hope, family, moving on, joy, and the true meaning of Christmas. The Wish Book Christmas is a heartwarming holiday novel with a wish list of toys, a cavorting canine, shoveling snow, a decked-out Christmas tree, a gracious God, finding forgiveness, firm friends, and a happy holiday.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a gift this read was! Not only is the story such a great lesson of giving, and leading the next generation, it is an update on the lives of a previous wonderful book "If I Were You", and yes, I suggest you read it, but this can be read alone.This was a present that as I opened it, it kept on giving, with each page I turned the wrapping gave up more, I just didn't want it to end!These two little boys make for a delightful, and at times laugh out loud read, and then add in a dog! The kindergarten play is a wonderful treat, and following these woman from England to the states has been an adventure!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale House, and was not required to give a positive review.

[grammy57 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I chose this book because of the author. I did not realize it was part of a series. At first, it confused me but as I continued on, there was enough told to update me on what was going on.This is a nice story about learning lessens at Christmas time. The story was well done and I enjoyed it.. I would recommend this book. It was an easy and entertaining read.