Susan's Review of Emily March's Christmas Wishing Tree

Sometimes life’s most magical journeys bring you back to where it all began…

From USA Today bestselling author Emily March comes The Christmas Wishing Tree, an enchanting account of the magic and miracle of Christmas.

A man who loves adventure and the open sea, Devin Murphy returns for a short Christmas trip to his small hometown of Eternity Springs. Immersed in the joy and magic of the holiday season all around him, he doesn’t hesitate to play along when a young boy phones Santa to ask for a very special wish. Devin never guesses that a wrong number has the potential to make everything in his life so right.

Jenna Stockton adopted Reilly when he needed a mother and she intends to keep him safe. A small town across the country called Eternity Springs seems like a good place to hide from their past without any complications —until sexy Santa himself discovers her secrets. When Devin proposes a daring plan to face down the danger together and defeat it once and for all, she is tempted. Maybe Devin really is capable of making wishes come true? Perhaps in a Christmas wish they’ll both find the miracle they’ve been looking for all along…

A delightful Christmas novel in the New York Times bestselling Eternity Springs series.



Author Bio:

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Keep in touch with Emily March on Social Media!

Emily's Website
Emily's Facebook page
Emily on Twitter
Emily's Pinterest Page

Emily March’s The Christmas Wishing Tree is set in Eternity Springs, Colorado. The characters, setting, romance and the mystery drew me into this warm, feel good story. The novel’s message of spreading hope and love throughout the year touched my heart.

While helping Angel Rest’s owner Celeste Blessing decorate for the holidays; Devin Murphy rescues her when she slips on ice and falls into Angel Creek. Celeste is unharmed but Devin’s cellphone is ruined. Celeste has a special Christmas message for Devin; she tells him not to give up on his dreams. She hands him a prepaid cellphone and she tells him answer the phone when he hears Christmas bells. Six-year old Reilly Stockton calls Santa hotline and tells Santa/Devin that he wants a Dad for Christmas. Loved the conversations between Devin and Reilly—who tells Devin an angel gave him Santa’s phone number.

Emily March carefully weaves in a cyber doxing thread into the storyline. Although the harassment is targeted at Reilly’s mom, Dr. Jenna Stockton; the stalker terrifies Reilly and shakes both Reilly and Jenna to the core. Jenna’s primary concern is for her son’s safety. Emily March’s mother-son dialogue is fabulous; I could feel the strong bond between Jenna and Reilly. I was moved to tears when the Stockton family was swatted. Jenna and Reilly head to Eternity Springs to for Christmas. They meet Celeste and she shows them to their cottage and invites them to choose a Christmas tree from her property.

Loved the magical chapter when Celeste introduces the Stocktons to Cam Murphy and his son Michael; who are Santa/Devin’s father and brother. Celeste, Jenna and Reilly enjoy their sleigh ride with Cam and Michael as they search for their Christmas tree. Emily March’s descriptive voice shines as Celeste explains the spiritual story of the Christmas Wishing Tree.

Devin, Jenna and Reilly meet when the Stocktons return to Eternity Springs after a second swatting incident. Jenna confides in Devin about the harassment and stalking incidents. Devin assembles a group of friends who uncover the identity of the stalker. I liked that the romance between Devin and Jenna was a slow burn. Devin surprises Jenna with a cruise when they head to Bella Vita for a wedding. The chapter was fabulous and oh so very romantic!

I adored the characters and the small town community in The Christmas Wishing Tree. Celeste’s magic and healing powers strengthened the bond between Devin, Jenna and Reilly. Although Devin’s business was in Australia; he travelled to Eternity Springs to celebrate family events and holidays. He considered Eternity Springs home. Jenna and Reilly were looking for a safe haven to call home and Eternity Springs welcomed them with open arms. The novel is well -paced and the story lines blend seamlessly. Emily March does a wonderful job balancing the stalker thread, the multiple pregnancies and Devin and Jenna’s journey from friends to lovers. Living in Eternity Springs had such a positive effect on Reilly-he became more confident in himself and he believed in himself. The conclusion to the novel was perfect! I laughed, cried and smiled as I read the last pages.

The Christmas Wishing Tree is a perfect holiday read! It’s got all the feels; a beautiful setting, engaging characters, romance and a little boy’s Christmas Wish! Celeste’s magic brings three people together and teaches them to believe in the Christmas spirit all year long.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the publisher