The Wish Book Christmas - by Lynn Austin (Hardcover)

About the Book

"From the bestselling author of If I Were You comes a nostalgic and endearing holiday story that reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don't deserve. Best friends Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson are looking forward to celebrating Christmas in postwar America, thrilled at the prospect of starting new traditions with their five-year-old sons. But when the Sears Christmas Wish Book arrives and the boys start obsessing over every toy in it, Audrey and Eve realize they must first teach them the true significance of the holiday. They begin by helping Bobby and Harry plan gifts of encouragement and service for those in their community, starting by walking an elderly neighbor's yellow lab-since a dog topped the boys' wish list for Santa. In the charming tale that follows, Audrey and Eve are surprised to find their own hearts healing from the tragedies of war and opening to the possibility of forgiveness and new love"--

Book Synopsis

From bestselling author Lynn Austin comes a nostalgic and endearing holiday sequel to If I Were You that reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don't deserve.

Best friends Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson are looking forward to celebrating Christmas in postwar America, thrilled at the prospect of starting new traditions with their five-year-old sons. But when the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish Book arrives and the boys start obsessing over every toy in it, Audrey and Eve realize they must first teach them the true significance of the holiday.

They begin by helping Bobby and Harry plan gifts of encouragement and service for those in their community, starting by walking an elderly neighbor's yellow Lab--since a dog topped the boys' wish list for Santa. In the charming tale that follows, Audrey and Eve are surprised to find their own hearts healing from the tragedies of war and opening to the possibility of forgiveness and new love.

• A cozy and heartwarming historical fiction novella
• An inspirational tale about family, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Review Quotes

The Wish Book Christmas is a 'wise man's' gift to readers as Austin unwraps the true meaning of Christmas. . . . This is a 'curl up by a crackling fire with a cup of cocoa' book, a reminder of 1950s America and 'the reason for the season.'--Historical Novel Society

There's no putting down this nostalgic, appealing read that conveys the feeling of a child's wonder and the building of a caring community.--Library Journal

Starred review. Characters from Austin's 2020 novel If I Were You return in this lovely standalone Christmas tale. . . . While fans of If I Were You will be eager to read the next chapter of Audrey and Eve's lives, this charming book will also be a delight for inspirational readers looking for a feel-good Christmas story.--Publishers Weekly