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A Wish for Winter
Despite losing her parents in a tragic accident just before her fourteenth Christmas, Susan Norcross has had it better than most, with loving grandparents to raise her and a gang of quirky, devoted friends to support her. Now a successful bookstore owner in a tight-knit Michigan lakeside community, Susan is facing down forty—the same age as her mother when she died—and she can’t help but see everything she hasn’t achieved, including finding a love match of her own. To add to the pressure, everyone in her small town believes it’s Susan’s destiny to meet and marry a man dressed as Santa, just like her mother and grandmother before her. So it seems cosmically unfair that the man she makes an instant connection with at an annual Santa Run is lost in the crowd before she can get his name.
What follows is Susan and her friends’ hilarious and heartwarming search for the mystery Santa—covering twelve months of social media snafus, authors behaving badly and dating fails—as well as a poignant look at family, friendship and what defines a well-lived and well-loved life.
What follows is Susan and her friends’ hilarious and heartwarming search for the mystery Santa—covering twelve months of social media snafus, authors behaving badly and dating fails—as well as a poignant look at family, friendship and what defines a well-lived and well-loved life.
416 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2022
About the author
Viola Shipman
21 books3,048 followersI am the USA Today, Publishers Weekly and internationally bestselling author of fifteen books that have been translated into nearly 25 languages. I write fiction under the pen name, Viola Shipman, as a tribute to my working poor Ozarks grandma, whose memory and love inspire my novels and inspired me to become a writer. My novels are a tribute to family and our elders and meant to inspire hope. My grandma used to say, "Life is as short as one blink of God's eye, but we too often forget what matters most in that blink." As a result, my novels remind readers of what matters most in life: Each other.
My new Christmas novel, THE WISHING BRIDGE, publishes November 7 and is available for preorder now. I'm honored that it’s being compared to the holiday works of Kristy Woodson Harvey, Jenny Colgan and Nancy Thayer. It is a beautiful story about why we leave home, why we come home, the magic and meaning of Christmas (and all its ornaments, lights, garland, tinsel, tree skirts, snow globes and villages), the spirit of the American entrepreneur, lost love, and the beautiful story of a father and daughter. We all must cross bridges in our lives. The direction we choose forever alters our course.
There is a line in The Wishing Bridge where the dad asks his daughter, “Why do we always wait until Christmas to return home to show how much we love one another?”
That is the foundational question in my latest holiday novel.
Growing up in the Ozarks, my grandmother’s house was the epicenter – the North Pole – of Christmas to me. She decorated every room, lined her yard with Christmas blow molds and lit anything that didn’t move. But it was more than the decorations: It was the feeling I was safe and loved more than anything else in the world.
That’s hard to replace and recreate once we grow up, move on and begin to lose those we love. However, I’ve learned that sometimes you must stop running from the hurt and celebrate your past while also starting new traditions.
This novel looks at the difficult decisions we must make and how those alter our lives, be it a breakup, moving away from home, or becoming the person you want to be even if that hurts or disappoints those who raise and love us. I took the path less traveled in becoming an author, and that path was a curvy, hilly one filled with potholes and blind turns, and yet it was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.
The Wishing Bridge takes place in the very real village of Frankenmuth, Michigan, a beautiful Bavarian Christmas wonderland (think Hallmark on steroids!). Frankenmuth is known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria due to its German heritage and architecture. But it really comes alive at Christmas. I absolutely fell in love with Frankenmuth the first time I visited – and also nearly spent my entire IRA at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, which inspired Wegner’s Winter Wonderland in the novel. It is a magical place, and Wally Bronner’s unwavering faith, love of family and friends, and belief in the American dream reminded me of my grandparents and touched my soul, making me want to write this novel the first time I set foot in Bronner’s, from its Glockenspiel and dueling chicken restaurants, to the woolen mill, fudge shop and Silent Night chapel.
Speaking of the American dream, I wanted to honor that “idea” in this novel. My grandparents worked and sacrificed to have better lives, and that planted a seed in my soul to pursue my own American dream, which I have done as an author.
The Wishing Bridge is about the choices we make in life – some good, some bad – but realizing that if we have a strong foundation, it is never too late to cross that bridge in our lives to become the people we dreamed we could become.
This is a love story – to family, to friends, to finding love later in life and to Christmas. I was swept away writing this novel, and I hope it touches you as much it touched – and changed – me.
Happy holidays, and I’m so excit
My new Christmas novel, THE WISHING BRIDGE, publishes November 7 and is available for preorder now. I'm honored that it’s being compared to the holiday works of Kristy Woodson Harvey, Jenny Colgan and Nancy Thayer. It is a beautiful story about why we leave home, why we come home, the magic and meaning of Christmas (and all its ornaments, lights, garland, tinsel, tree skirts, snow globes and villages), the spirit of the American entrepreneur, lost love, and the beautiful story of a father and daughter. We all must cross bridges in our lives. The direction we choose forever alters our course.
There is a line in The Wishing Bridge where the dad asks his daughter, “Why do we always wait until Christmas to return home to show how much we love one another?”
That is the foundational question in my latest holiday novel.
Growing up in the Ozarks, my grandmother’s house was the epicenter – the North Pole – of Christmas to me. She decorated every room, lined her yard with Christmas blow molds and lit anything that didn’t move. But it was more than the decorations: It was the feeling I was safe and loved more than anything else in the world.
That’s hard to replace and recreate once we grow up, move on and begin to lose those we love. However, I’ve learned that sometimes you must stop running from the hurt and celebrate your past while also starting new traditions.
This novel looks at the difficult decisions we must make and how those alter our lives, be it a breakup, moving away from home, or becoming the person you want to be even if that hurts or disappoints those who raise and love us. I took the path less traveled in becoming an author, and that path was a curvy, hilly one filled with potholes and blind turns, and yet it was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.
The Wishing Bridge takes place in the very real village of Frankenmuth, Michigan, a beautiful Bavarian Christmas wonderland (think Hallmark on steroids!). Frankenmuth is known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria due to its German heritage and architecture. But it really comes alive at Christmas. I absolutely fell in love with Frankenmuth the first time I visited – and also nearly spent my entire IRA at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, which inspired Wegner’s Winter Wonderland in the novel. It is a magical place, and Wally Bronner’s unwavering faith, love of family and friends, and belief in the American dream reminded me of my grandparents and touched my soul, making me want to write this novel the first time I set foot in Bronner’s, from its Glockenspiel and dueling chicken restaurants, to the woolen mill, fudge shop and Silent Night chapel.
Speaking of the American dream, I wanted to honor that “idea” in this novel. My grandparents worked and sacrificed to have better lives, and that planted a seed in my soul to pursue my own American dream, which I have done as an author.
The Wishing Bridge is about the choices we make in life – some good, some bad – but realizing that if we have a strong foundation, it is never too late to cross that bridge in our lives to become the people we dreamed we could become.
This is a love story – to family, to friends, to finding love later in life and to Christmas. I was swept away writing this novel, and I hope it touches you as much it touched – and changed – me.
Happy holidays, and I’m so excit
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November 7, 2024
Susan has both wonderful and tragic memories associated with Christmas. Her grandparents and her parents both met while dad/grandpa were wearing Santa Claus suits, but her parents were killed by a drunk driver when she was a teenager at Christmastime and over two decades later, Susan is unmarried, and still hasn’t really recovered from the loss of her parents. The town believes Susan’s destiny is to meet her husband to be while he’s dressed as Santa Claus and when she meets a Santa at a holiday fun run, she wonders if it could be “him.” But he never shows up at the bar they were going to meet up at.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, the relationships between Susan and her grandparents and friends, and the way this examined human relationships. I thought the writing did a really good job of making you feel like you were in small town Michigan and I loved snuggling up to read each page. 5/5 stars.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book, the relationships between Susan and her grandparents and friends, and the way this examined human relationships. I thought the writing did a really good job of making you feel like you were in small town Michigan and I loved snuggling up to read each page. 5/5 stars.
October 26, 2023
It’s no secret I love a Viola Shipman/Wade Rouse book, and I feel so fortunate to have one to look forward to both every summer and every winter. A Wish for Winter was published in November, and it’s as charming and warmhearted as I expect from this consistent and well-loved author.
This blurb 😍: “With echoes of classic Hollywood love stories like Serendipity and An Affair to Remember, Viola Shipman’s latest winter charmer following the USA TODAY bestseller The Secret of Snow is sure to tug on heartstrings and delight readers who love books about books, missed connections and the magic of Christmas.”
“A Country Living Magazine Best Christmas Book to Read This Holiday Season!”
Once again set in beautiful lakeside Michigan, A Wish for Winter is Susan’s story. She’s a bookstore owner (YAY), turning forty, and unsure if she’s in the right place with her life and accomplishments. What makes a full life? And what happens when you meet a man (dressed as Santa) and feel those sparks, but then he’s lost in a crowd never to be found again? Susan and her friends will stop at nothing to find the mystery man; the search is on!
A Wish for Winter deals with topics of grief, forgiveness, and starting over, and over again. Susan has the best friends, and I enjoyed being along for her journey. Overall, another feel-good, warmhearted book by this author, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next- and summer!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
This blurb 😍: “With echoes of classic Hollywood love stories like Serendipity and An Affair to Remember, Viola Shipman’s latest winter charmer following the USA TODAY bestseller The Secret of Snow is sure to tug on heartstrings and delight readers who love books about books, missed connections and the magic of Christmas.”
“A Country Living Magazine Best Christmas Book to Read This Holiday Season!”
Once again set in beautiful lakeside Michigan, A Wish for Winter is Susan’s story. She’s a bookstore owner (YAY), turning forty, and unsure if she’s in the right place with her life and accomplishments. What makes a full life? And what happens when you meet a man (dressed as Santa) and feel those sparks, but then he’s lost in a crowd never to be found again? Susan and her friends will stop at nothing to find the mystery man; the search is on!
A Wish for Winter deals with topics of grief, forgiveness, and starting over, and over again. Susan has the best friends, and I enjoyed being along for her journey. Overall, another feel-good, warmhearted book by this author, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next- and summer!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
October 29, 2022
Themes of grief, forgiveness, hope, love and family abound in this sweet book by Viola Shipman. I've enjoyed several of this author's books and was looking forward to this one.
Susan Norcross lost her parents when she was fourteen. Their car was hit by a drunk driver. Susan was raised by her wonderful grandparents. Susan is now 40 years old, single, and runs the bookstore in a small town. She wants to meet her "Single Kringle" just like her parents and grandparents did and have a wonderful companion to share her life with. Both her mother and grandmother met men who were dressed as Santa Claus and married them and lived happily ever after. Susan wants that for herself.
This book was filled with a love of Christmas by Susan and her entire family. It's definitely an appropriate holiday read. Finding the "Single Kringle" was a fun journey. I did find the book kind of repetitive though and thought it could have been much shorter - but overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it as a light, Christmas read.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 15, 2022.
Susan Norcross lost her parents when she was fourteen. Their car was hit by a drunk driver. Susan was raised by her wonderful grandparents. Susan is now 40 years old, single, and runs the bookstore in a small town. She wants to meet her "Single Kringle" just like her parents and grandparents did and have a wonderful companion to share her life with. Both her mother and grandmother met men who were dressed as Santa Claus and married them and lived happily ever after. Susan wants that for herself.
This book was filled with a love of Christmas by Susan and her entire family. It's definitely an appropriate holiday read. Finding the "Single Kringle" was a fun journey. I did find the book kind of repetitive though and thought it could have been much shorter - but overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it as a light, Christmas read.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Graydon House through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 15, 2022.
September 28, 2022
As much as I wanted to love this book, it just dragged forever, and the plot was silly and didn't keep my interest. The character who was gay was very stereotypical, and the "reveal" at the end was not a surprise at all, because things were mentioned throughout the story that didn't need to be there unless that character was going to be more prominent (I'm being vague on purpose here). Not thrilled with this one. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
February 21, 2023
Viola Shipman broke my heart over and over again and he owes me a box of tissues. A WISH FOR WINTER had me tearing up and trying to breathe past the huge lump in my throat over and over again. A WISH FOR WINTER tugs at the heartstrings while bringing laughter, tears, and joy for all the love of ourselves, family and friends. Susan Norcross has a love hate relationship with Christmas. Her grand parents and her parents met when the men were wearing Santa Claus suits. Susan’s parents were killed by a drunk driver and she misses them more than ever and still isn’t over their deaths, twenty years later.
Susan signs up to participate in Chicago’s Santa Run. Will she find some eligible bachelors among the costumed runners? Why yes she does, but then she loses him! Susan’s best friend, Holly turns to social media to track down the mystery man, creating a list of three possible candidates: Jamie, Micah, and Tristan. Will one of them be her soulmate? Will the Susan find her Santa? You have to read A WISH FOR WINTER to find out and I have a feeling, you will love every minute of it! This story is also a wonderful read if you are struggling with grief, letting go, and forgiveness.
A WISH FOR WINTER is a beautiful but heartbreaking story. I became so emotionally invested in all of the characters and felt like they were lifelong friends. When they were sad, I felt sad. When they were happy I found myself smiling. I love when an author can do that to me and Viola Shipman did it perfectly. A WISH FOR WINTER is filled with love, life, hope, sadness, happiness, and learning to carry on when our loved ones pass on. Told with Viola’s typical style of love and family, this story is set in Michigan and we learn a bit about Michigan winters. Be prepared not to do anything else until you finish reading this beautiful story. Once I started I had a hard time putting it down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Graydon House through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Susan signs up to participate in Chicago’s Santa Run. Will she find some eligible bachelors among the costumed runners? Why yes she does, but then she loses him! Susan’s best friend, Holly turns to social media to track down the mystery man, creating a list of three possible candidates: Jamie, Micah, and Tristan. Will one of them be her soulmate? Will the Susan find her Santa? You have to read A WISH FOR WINTER to find out and I have a feeling, you will love every minute of it! This story is also a wonderful read if you are struggling with grief, letting go, and forgiveness.
A WISH FOR WINTER is a beautiful but heartbreaking story. I became so emotionally invested in all of the characters and felt like they were lifelong friends. When they were sad, I felt sad. When they were happy I found myself smiling. I love when an author can do that to me and Viola Shipman did it perfectly. A WISH FOR WINTER is filled with love, life, hope, sadness, happiness, and learning to carry on when our loved ones pass on. Told with Viola’s typical style of love and family, this story is set in Michigan and we learn a bit about Michigan winters. Be prepared not to do anything else until you finish reading this beautiful story. Once I started I had a hard time putting it down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Graydon House through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 26, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
A Wish for Winter by Viola Shipman is a pleasant and uplifting Christmas book that is perfect for the holiday season.
Story Recap:
Susan Norcross grew up with her grandparents after losing her parents in a car accident when she was fourteen years old. Her name, Susan is for the little girl in Miracle on 34th Street, the original with a young Natalie Wood. Her Grandparents always play the town’s Santa and Mrs. Clause, and they help her with the bookstore that she owns and manages. She lives in a small town on the coast of Lake Michigan, that is touristy in the summer and cold in the winter. The entire town believes that Susan’s destiny is to meet and marry a man in a Santa Suit, as this is how her mother met her father and her grandmother met her grandfather. But, Susan is almost forty and she hasn’t found a Santa yet.
When she meets a man at a 5k race in Chicago, who is wearing a Santa costume, her friends know that the man is destined to be Susan’s match. But, when he fails to meet them at their agreed-upon bar after the race, Susan realizes it wasn’t meant to be. She can’t contact him because she didn’t get his name, and he was in full Santa costume, so she would never even be able to recognize him. But, her friends make it their mission to find the guy in the Santa Suit. Will they find the right Santa?
My Thoughts:
A Wish for Winter is just the kind of book I enjoy reading during the Christmas holidays. It’s full of hope and kindness, and growth. The story is set in Michigan in a small town on the lake, and the story is certainly a love letter to Michigan as it is much more than just the setting in the story.
This is much less of a romance than a story about love, friendships, and family. I love that Susan loves to read and runs a bookstore. She has wonderful grandparents and friends that all contribute to this enjoyable story.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend A Wish for Winter for anyone who enjoys a holiday story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A Wish for Winter by Viola Shipman is a pleasant and uplifting Christmas book that is perfect for the holiday season.
Story Recap:
Susan Norcross grew up with her grandparents after losing her parents in a car accident when she was fourteen years old. Her name, Susan is for the little girl in Miracle on 34th Street, the original with a young Natalie Wood. Her Grandparents always play the town’s Santa and Mrs. Clause, and they help her with the bookstore that she owns and manages. She lives in a small town on the coast of Lake Michigan, that is touristy in the summer and cold in the winter. The entire town believes that Susan’s destiny is to meet and marry a man in a Santa Suit, as this is how her mother met her father and her grandmother met her grandfather. But, Susan is almost forty and she hasn’t found a Santa yet.
When she meets a man at a 5k race in Chicago, who is wearing a Santa costume, her friends know that the man is destined to be Susan’s match. But, when he fails to meet them at their agreed-upon bar after the race, Susan realizes it wasn’t meant to be. She can’t contact him because she didn’t get his name, and he was in full Santa costume, so she would never even be able to recognize him. But, her friends make it their mission to find the guy in the Santa Suit. Will they find the right Santa?
My Thoughts:
A Wish for Winter is just the kind of book I enjoy reading during the Christmas holidays. It’s full of hope and kindness, and growth. The story is set in Michigan in a small town on the lake, and the story is certainly a love letter to Michigan as it is much more than just the setting in the story.
This is much less of a romance than a story about love, friendships, and family. I love that Susan loves to read and runs a bookstore. She has wonderful grandparents and friends that all contribute to this enjoyable story.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend A Wish for Winter for anyone who enjoys a holiday story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 10, 2022
3.5 stars
September 29, 2023
Book Title: A Wish for Winter
Author: Viola Shipman
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing ~ Graydon House
Genre: Women's Fiction/ Christmas
Pub Date: November 15, 2022
My Rating: 4 Feel Good Stars
“Baby its cold Outside!”
The weather is mild here in SoCal for 350 days out of year. True we have some hot hot days in the summer and some colder days in winter. Well not winter yet but early November and we woke up to 59 degrees ~ yep colder than normal and perfect weather for a Christmas story. 🎄
I have read and love Viola Shipman novels - and call myself a fan of Wade Rouse!
I read and enjoyed The Secret of Snow awww yes~ the magic of snow!
In this story Susan Norcross, the manager of a family owned bookstore is approaching forty the same age her mother was when she died. Susan lost both her parents right before Christmas when she was fourteen.
Although losing her parent was extremely difficult, she was raised with love by her grandparents. Although Christmas brings back sad memories it also reminds her that her mother as well as her and grandma both met their future husbands when they were dressed up as Santa.
Might the same happen for Susan at the Santa Run? She is dressed as Mrs. Claus and meets a Santa at the race that created, he has no idea who he is or where to find him other than at the race,
Her BFF decides to help and posts a Social media search. Several men claim to be the man who talked to Mrs. Claus at that race. Hmm it is decided that Susan will go on a date with three of them.
Will Susan find her Santa?
We know that Susan has a saying ~ “
I’ll remain Happy and bright-
And I will believe in my Kringle
With all of my might.
There are several ‘feel good quotes in this story that I love:
“Faith is believing in things when Common sense tells you not to.”
Q: How does one make a wish come true? ~
A: By believing in others – But also believing in you.
One of the last feel good ~
Susan states she was always wishing for things that no one could give her as it was something she needed to gift to herself and finally she allowed herself – hope.
I am not a big Chick Lt fan but I always love a good Christmas story.
This novel doesn't end with this story but goes on . . . There is a bonus Christmas short story“A Sugarplum Christmas”.
I always love the Author’s Note and Acknowledgments. In this case, A Personal Letter to Readers (A must read!) There is also a great Reader’s Guide.
Another fun bonus with this story is that I how know Mrs. Santa’s first name!! It is either Gertrude or Jessica.
Note: As you probably already know Wade Rouse chose his grandmother’s name Viola Shipman as his pen name. He states he grew up with her in the Ozarks and her extraordinary life was filled with beauty, hope as well as tragedy and is his inspiration for so many of his stories.
Here is a link for more info.
https://waderouse.com/about/
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing ~ Graydon House for granted me this delightful early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 15, 2022.
Author: Viola Shipman
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing ~ Graydon House
Genre: Women's Fiction/ Christmas
Pub Date: November 15, 2022
My Rating: 4 Feel Good Stars
“Baby its cold Outside!”
The weather is mild here in SoCal for 350 days out of year. True we have some hot hot days in the summer and some colder days in winter. Well not winter yet but early November and we woke up to 59 degrees ~ yep colder than normal and perfect weather for a Christmas story. 🎄
I have read and love Viola Shipman novels - and call myself a fan of Wade Rouse!
I read and enjoyed The Secret of Snow awww yes~ the magic of snow!
In this story Susan Norcross, the manager of a family owned bookstore is approaching forty the same age her mother was when she died. Susan lost both her parents right before Christmas when she was fourteen.
Although losing her parent was extremely difficult, she was raised with love by her grandparents. Although Christmas brings back sad memories it also reminds her that her mother as well as her and grandma both met their future husbands when they were dressed up as Santa.
Might the same happen for Susan at the Santa Run? She is dressed as Mrs. Claus and meets a Santa at the race that created, he has no idea who he is or where to find him other than at the race,
Her BFF decides to help and posts a Social media search. Several men claim to be the man who talked to Mrs. Claus at that race. Hmm it is decided that Susan will go on a date with three of them.
Will Susan find her Santa?
We know that Susan has a saying ~ “
I’ll remain Happy and bright-
And I will believe in my Kringle
With all of my might.
There are several ‘feel good quotes in this story that I love:
“Faith is believing in things when Common sense tells you not to.”
Q: How does one make a wish come true? ~
A: By believing in others – But also believing in you.
One of the last feel good ~
Susan states she was always wishing for things that no one could give her as it was something she needed to gift to herself and finally she allowed herself – hope.
I am not a big Chick Lt fan but I always love a good Christmas story.
This novel doesn't end with this story but goes on . . . There is a bonus Christmas short story“A Sugarplum Christmas”.
I always love the Author’s Note and Acknowledgments. In this case, A Personal Letter to Readers (A must read!) There is also a great Reader’s Guide.
Another fun bonus with this story is that I how know Mrs. Santa’s first name!! It is either Gertrude or Jessica.
Note: As you probably already know Wade Rouse chose his grandmother’s name Viola Shipman as his pen name. He states he grew up with her in the Ozarks and her extraordinary life was filled with beauty, hope as well as tragedy and is his inspiration for so many of his stories.
Here is a link for more info.
https://waderouse.com/about/
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing ~ Graydon House for granted me this delightful early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 15, 2022.
December 16, 2022
It is definitely time for me to find a new online reading group. My group LOVES Viola Shipman so I decided to read one of her books. Viola Shipman is actually the pen name of a male author (Wade Rouse), and she writes like a male author would imagine women would speak and act. The characters in this book were so ridiculous (40 year old women who dress up and sing along to Grease at sleepovers), the story weak (a woman whose dream man must be dressed as Santa when they meet), and the writing was repetitive and super preachy. I rolled my eyes a lot while reading this one. No more Viola Shipman for me.
November 18, 2022
A Wish for Winter is Viola Shipman's latest Christmas-themed novel, and it mostly reads as a rom-com filled with holiday festivity, and not only during Christmas time...
Who is Susan's mysterious Santa Claus (a.k.a. the Single Kringle)? And will her friends be able to find him before next Christmas?
When the novel started off with a really horrible date at a place similar to Chuck E. Cheese, I knew I was going to love it. (Regardless of that fact that I always love Viola's novels!)
The story mainly takes place at a cozy sounding independent bookstore in Petoskey, Michigan. However, Chicago is featured occasionally. I love Susan's friends and how they always support her, even when they are causing mischief and mayhem. I especially loved Noah and would totally hang out with him in real life. Susan's grandparents are so amazing too. This is just a sweet and cute story about romance, friendship, family, and forgiveness. Viola also handles grief in such a thoughtful and sensitive way.
I wish some parts hadn't been included as foreshadowing, as I was able to figure some things out because of that. I read an advanced copy, so I hope the timing issues got ironed out, as I was doing the math in my head while reading and certain timelines wouldn't have been possible. Neither of these issues detracted from my overall enjoyment.
A Wish for Winter is now available and it will definitely get you into a holiday mood! (Even if you don't celebrate Christmas...)
Movie casting suggestions:
Who is Susan's mysterious Santa Claus (a.k.a. the Single Kringle)? And will her friends be able to find him before next Christmas?
When the novel started off with a really horrible date at a place similar to Chuck E. Cheese, I knew I was going to love it. (Regardless of that fact that I always love Viola's novels!)
The story mainly takes place at a cozy sounding independent bookstore in Petoskey, Michigan. However, Chicago is featured occasionally. I love Susan's friends and how they always support her, even when they are causing mischief and mayhem. I especially loved Noah and would totally hang out with him in real life. Susan's grandparents are so amazing too. This is just a sweet and cute story about romance, friendship, family, and forgiveness. Viola also handles grief in such a thoughtful and sensitive way.
I wish some parts hadn't been included as foreshadowing, as I was able to figure some things out because of that. I read an advanced copy, so I hope the timing issues got ironed out, as I was doing the math in my head while reading and certain timelines wouldn't have been possible. Neither of these issues detracted from my overall enjoyment.
A Wish for Winter is now available and it will definitely get you into a holiday mood! (Even if you don't celebrate Christmas...)
Movie casting suggestions:
Susan: Alice Eve
Holly: Bethany Joy Lenz
Noah: Jordan Doww
Jamie: Ryan Hansen
Micah: Clive Standen
Tristan: Michiel Huisman
July 3, 2023
Interestingly enough, Viola Shipman is the pen name of Wade Rouse. It is said that Wade chose the name of Viola to honor his grandmother whose heirlooms inspire his fiction.
This book was part of that search I conducted through my local library for books about characters in bookstores or libraries.
“Only I could gift myself hope.”
Premise: Susan Norcross runs a popular bookstore in her tight-knit Michigan lakeside community. She was raised by her grandparents after her parent’s tragic accident. Now here she is at 40 facing Christmas without a partner.
But this is different for her.
Everyone knows that her grandmother and her mother married a man dressed as Santa, and it is supposed to be her destiny to do the same.
So, when she meets someone at a Santa Run who appears to be the one, and they are supposed to meet after the run, but he doesn’t show up what happens to her destiny Santa man?
Hope. Loss. Family. Love.
For the next year social media searches for her mystery man. And Susan dates hoping that one of them will be the Kringle she’s been looking for with her good friends and grandparents encouraging her to give these men a chance.
Along the way she ventures on a journey to forgiveness and self-discovery.
I wasn’t sure I was going to love this story, but it surprised me.
There were lovely winter scenes. I enjoyed the friendships. Humor. The hope. And the holidays. Even in July.
An easy quick read filled with likable characters.
This book was part of that search I conducted through my local library for books about characters in bookstores or libraries.
“Only I could gift myself hope.”
Premise: Susan Norcross runs a popular bookstore in her tight-knit Michigan lakeside community. She was raised by her grandparents after her parent’s tragic accident. Now here she is at 40 facing Christmas without a partner.
But this is different for her.
Everyone knows that her grandmother and her mother married a man dressed as Santa, and it is supposed to be her destiny to do the same.
So, when she meets someone at a Santa Run who appears to be the one, and they are supposed to meet after the run, but he doesn’t show up what happens to her destiny Santa man?
Hope. Loss. Family. Love.
For the next year social media searches for her mystery man. And Susan dates hoping that one of them will be the Kringle she’s been looking for with her good friends and grandparents encouraging her to give these men a chance.
Along the way she ventures on a journey to forgiveness and self-discovery.
I wasn’t sure I was going to love this story, but it surprised me.
There were lovely winter scenes. I enjoyed the friendships. Humor. The hope. And the holidays. Even in July.
An easy quick read filled with likable characters.
January 19, 2023
Pretty sure that one could have been edited down a hundred pages or so…
November 18, 2022
Some heartbreaks can keep us so frozen in time that we can never really move on, always wanting to play the what if game, never wanting to let go of the love, good memories, and yes, even the guilt. Some are unable to give themselves the permission to leave it all behind and start anew.
This is the case for Susan Norcross. She lost both her parents in a car accident when she was a young teenager. She blames herself. Not the person who hit them. Everything in her life is based on what they would have done or what she thinks they would have wanted her to do. Now turning forty the same age her mother was when she died, she begins to feel her life start to slip away, just as her mother’s did. Although she was raised by her grandparents and has true friends who know her pain and try to help her, she still can’t help but listen to that internal voice. Her mom’s and dad’s.
Now, she manages her family’s very popular bookstore called Sleigh By the Bay which indeed is an homage to all things Christmas all the time, even with her grandparents dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Both her parents and grandparents met and fell in love while dressed in Santa suits, so the name of the store is totally appropriate! Susan is still waiting for her Santa to arrive. Unfortunately, she thinks her Santa may not be coming down her fireplace anytime soon! She can’t help but feel sad because the thinks she will never experience what her parents and grandparents had.
Her best friend Holly has a different take on the problem. She thinks Susan needs to get out there and mingle with Kringle. Don’t wait for him to come to you, you go and make it happen! And that’s just what Holly convinces Susan to do. She reluctantly agrees to go on a Santa Run where everyone is dressed as Santas for a good cause. And she meets a Santa! But can only see his eyes. They agree to meet after the race. He never shows up. Typical Susan luck. End of story…or is it?
Holly devises a plan in which though mathematics she promises to find Susan’s Santa for her. At this point, Susan just wants to be left alone, but she knows Holly will never let this go. Susan agrees and what she learns is so much for than just finding someone who is wearing a Santa suit. She begins to see with the help of those around her what her life has been like and what it used to be. She learns you can let go of the pain and sorrow and still keep those happy memories alive and treasure them.
You can also begin to create new memories, for yourself and all those around you. Will Susan get her Santa ending? Well, sometimes when you least expect it, miracles happen right under your red reindeer nose!
A Wish for Winter is another Shipman masterpiece. It has all the pieces to make a beautifully made story. Love, sorrow, forgiveness, and friendship intertwined.
Thank you #NetGalley #GraydonHouse #ViolaShipman #AWishforWinter for the advanced copy.
This is the case for Susan Norcross. She lost both her parents in a car accident when she was a young teenager. She blames herself. Not the person who hit them. Everything in her life is based on what they would have done or what she thinks they would have wanted her to do. Now turning forty the same age her mother was when she died, she begins to feel her life start to slip away, just as her mother’s did. Although she was raised by her grandparents and has true friends who know her pain and try to help her, she still can’t help but listen to that internal voice. Her mom’s and dad’s.
Now, she manages her family’s very popular bookstore called Sleigh By the Bay which indeed is an homage to all things Christmas all the time, even with her grandparents dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Both her parents and grandparents met and fell in love while dressed in Santa suits, so the name of the store is totally appropriate! Susan is still waiting for her Santa to arrive. Unfortunately, she thinks her Santa may not be coming down her fireplace anytime soon! She can’t help but feel sad because the thinks she will never experience what her parents and grandparents had.
Her best friend Holly has a different take on the problem. She thinks Susan needs to get out there and mingle with Kringle. Don’t wait for him to come to you, you go and make it happen! And that’s just what Holly convinces Susan to do. She reluctantly agrees to go on a Santa Run where everyone is dressed as Santas for a good cause. And she meets a Santa! But can only see his eyes. They agree to meet after the race. He never shows up. Typical Susan luck. End of story…or is it?
Holly devises a plan in which though mathematics she promises to find Susan’s Santa for her. At this point, Susan just wants to be left alone, but she knows Holly will never let this go. Susan agrees and what she learns is so much for than just finding someone who is wearing a Santa suit. She begins to see with the help of those around her what her life has been like and what it used to be. She learns you can let go of the pain and sorrow and still keep those happy memories alive and treasure them.
You can also begin to create new memories, for yourself and all those around you. Will Susan get her Santa ending? Well, sometimes when you least expect it, miracles happen right under your red reindeer nose!
A Wish for Winter is another Shipman masterpiece. It has all the pieces to make a beautifully made story. Love, sorrow, forgiveness, and friendship intertwined.
Thank you #NetGalley #GraydonHouse #ViolaShipman #AWishforWinter for the advanced copy.
January 9, 2023
Categories: Literature & Fiction
Publication Date: November 15, 2022
Narrated by: Nancy Peterson
Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins
At the beginning I was hooked. The premise was so lovely about the traditions, family, friendship, love, forgiveness and romance. At some point the story started to drag on and got repetitive. Nothing interesting seemed to happen.
Publication Date: November 15, 2022
Narrated by: Nancy Peterson
Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins
At the beginning I was hooked. The premise was so lovely about the traditions, family, friendship, love, forgiveness and romance. At some point the story started to drag on and got repetitive. Nothing interesting seemed to happen.
April 19, 2023
I really, really wanted to love this novel. The first few chapters I was hopeful that this was going to be a great read. However, it seemed to be a bit redundant and I started to grow bored. The novel is about grief, coping, forgiving, and healing and there were a lot of great quotes sprinkled throughout the novel. It felt at times like the author stepped out of the story to describe the process of writing a book and getting it published. Those parts just didn't feel like they flowed with the rest of the paragraphs and felt a bit disjointed. The big reveal at the end wasn't that surprising. The one thing his novels always do though is make me think "I need to plan a trip up to Michigan to visit these places." And I did google the submerged crucifix to learn more about it. It's a good novel, it's just not one I will read over and over again.
December 1, 2022
A warm and wonderful story for the holidays! 😊
December 27, 2022
Wade Rouse writes rom-coms as Viola Shipman with a lovely, heart-warming style. In his latest holiday story, the main character is Susan Norcross, forty and single, who owns a bookstore called Sleigh by the Bay in Petoskey, Michigan. Both her mother and grandmother married 'Kris Kringle' and the family lore expects her to marry her own Kringle. It hasn't happened yet but her friends and family are determined to make that happen soon.
The story deals with issues such as grief and guilt, family, friendship and love. My enjoyment of this novel was lessened because it seemed to me it might have been better as a holiday novella rather than a full-length novel. About midway through, I realized I was feeling bored with the plot which seemed silly and repetitive. One character in particular calls his female friends 'diva' ad nauseum. I enjoyed The Secret of Snow much more.
The story deals with issues such as grief and guilt, family, friendship and love. My enjoyment of this novel was lessened because it seemed to me it might have been better as a holiday novella rather than a full-length novel. About midway through, I realized I was feeling bored with the plot which seemed silly and repetitive. One character in particular calls his female friends 'diva' ad nauseum. I enjoyed The Secret of Snow much more.
December 8, 2022
Viola Shipman has been on my radar thanks to blogger friends, so I grabbed A Wish For Winter for the Ho-Ho-Ho readathon as a winter selection, but it has a strong holiday theme as well. Susan’s life has been filled with tragedy, love, books and a childhood wish to meet her own Kris Kringle.
This is very much a women’s fiction selection, and I loved the small-town charm, rich, colorful characters and character growth. Susan has a tightknit group of friends and family. I loved the bookstore from events to celebrations.
The central storyline surrounds a Santa race where Susan meets a man in a Santa suite who might just be the one. Only he fails to meet her after. Her friends help with the hunt to find this Kris Kringle and along the way we see character growth, healing and more. The tale takes us through the major holidays, health emergencies, blind dates, and book events as the search hits the media. I could see the story as a Hallmark movie or motion picture.
A touching story from beginning to end, all set with a bookstore as the backdrop. While romance is central, the story is more about friendship, family and personal happiness. I loved the cozy independent bookstore and small-town in a big city charm. I highly recommend to fans of holiday chick-lit with well-developed characters and depth. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
This is very much a women’s fiction selection, and I loved the small-town charm, rich, colorful characters and character growth. Susan has a tightknit group of friends and family. I loved the bookstore from events to celebrations.
The central storyline surrounds a Santa race where Susan meets a man in a Santa suite who might just be the one. Only he fails to meet her after. Her friends help with the hunt to find this Kris Kringle and along the way we see character growth, healing and more. The tale takes us through the major holidays, health emergencies, blind dates, and book events as the search hits the media. I could see the story as a Hallmark movie or motion picture.
A touching story from beginning to end, all set with a bookstore as the backdrop. While romance is central, the story is more about friendship, family and personal happiness. I loved the cozy independent bookstore and small-town in a big city charm. I highly recommend to fans of holiday chick-lit with well-developed characters and depth. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
November 7, 2022
Viola Shipman’s latest novel is a wonderful heartwarming Christmas story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. To be published November 2022.
October 31, 2022
A good third of this book could (and should) have been excised. There were some cute bits, and the opening is very funny, but it's downhill mostly from there.
January 24, 2023
3.5 stars. In general, this author’s books are a little bit too sappy for my taste…but I keep reading them. This one had such a fun sounding premise but it didn’t turn out to be much of a romance.
December 13, 2022
Wintry breathtaking northern Michigan small town beauty and festivities, a family-run bookstore, and a family tradition of finding THE ONE in a Santa costume as backdrop for a forty-year old woman’s journey of healing from grief and guilt to new-found happiness. A Wish for Winter is my second Viola Shipman tale and had all the feels, humor, friends and family, and winter festivities I adored in The Secret of Snow.
In the pursuit of her “Single Kringle”- as advised by bestie influencer Holly, Susan Norcross had some dating disappointments and the humor this brings right from the get-go had me chuckling aloud and settling in for a comfy, heartwarming read. Her whole town of Petoskey, a little town on the shore of Lake Michigan, has holiday hope that Susan, named for the little girl in Miracle on 34th Street no less, will be the third generation Norcross to find her match in a Santa suit. Her girlfriends, shop friends, and grandparents are all there for her and she thought it was finally happening when she was in a Santa run and had a date planned with a certain Santa-costumed guy only to be stood up. The hunt is on with Holly vetting the three best possibles.
But, it wouldn’t be a Viola Shipman story if all the mischief and holiday festivities were not balanced by a person who has some sadness and unresolved past to deal with. In this case, Susan lost both her parents at a young age during the holidays when they were hit by a drunk driver. But, instead of seeing it as just one of those bad things that happen, Susan blames herself and spends all her life from then on living by her guilt-imposed code of what she decides would have made her parents happy rather than setting her own course through life. Now she’s the age her mom was when she died and it’s a wakeup call of sorts.
The romantic mystery of who she will be with is actually not hard to spot, but I also enjoyed seeing everyone trying to figure it out. The romance is not the central element. Susan’s personal growth, her relationships with grandparents, found family, and friends- even the vibrant town of Petoskey- are all central which is why I consider this women’s fiction more than romance. However, it is all rather holiday romantic in tone so one doesn’t feel anything missing.
Incidentally, loved the short at the end and the author’s note to readers.
It does have slow spots, but all in all, this was a sweetheart of a story and made me wish I could visit the bookshop and the world of A Wish for Winter for the holidays.
I rec'd an eARC from Harlequin via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy on Dec 5th as part of the Harlequin Ho Ho Ho Ho Event.
In the pursuit of her “Single Kringle”- as advised by bestie influencer Holly, Susan Norcross had some dating disappointments and the humor this brings right from the get-go had me chuckling aloud and settling in for a comfy, heartwarming read. Her whole town of Petoskey, a little town on the shore of Lake Michigan, has holiday hope that Susan, named for the little girl in Miracle on 34th Street no less, will be the third generation Norcross to find her match in a Santa suit. Her girlfriends, shop friends, and grandparents are all there for her and she thought it was finally happening when she was in a Santa run and had a date planned with a certain Santa-costumed guy only to be stood up. The hunt is on with Holly vetting the three best possibles.
But, it wouldn’t be a Viola Shipman story if all the mischief and holiday festivities were not balanced by a person who has some sadness and unresolved past to deal with. In this case, Susan lost both her parents at a young age during the holidays when they were hit by a drunk driver. But, instead of seeing it as just one of those bad things that happen, Susan blames herself and spends all her life from then on living by her guilt-imposed code of what she decides would have made her parents happy rather than setting her own course through life. Now she’s the age her mom was when she died and it’s a wakeup call of sorts.
The romantic mystery of who she will be with is actually not hard to spot, but I also enjoyed seeing everyone trying to figure it out. The romance is not the central element. Susan’s personal growth, her relationships with grandparents, found family, and friends- even the vibrant town of Petoskey- are all central which is why I consider this women’s fiction more than romance. However, it is all rather holiday romantic in tone so one doesn’t feel anything missing.
Incidentally, loved the short at the end and the author’s note to readers.
It does have slow spots, but all in all, this was a sweetheart of a story and made me wish I could visit the bookshop and the world of A Wish for Winter for the holidays.
I rec'd an eARC from Harlequin via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy on Dec 5th as part of the Harlequin Ho Ho Ho Ho Event.
January 11, 2023
This was almost a DNF but I didn't want to start the year off that way. The first chapter or two was fine but then came the LESSONS. Every single character conversation had MEANING and turned into some sort of lecture with PURPOSE. Ugh. There is a common refrain between the difference of authors telling you something versus showing you something. In this case, I feel like I've been smacked in the head with something. Repeatedly.
The story also got overtly religious but it's not categorized as Christian fiction. Finally, the characters were either complete stereotypes or they had wildly misunderstanding of appropriate boundaries between friends and/or family.
Disappointed because I've liked other books by this author.
The story also got overtly religious but it's not categorized as Christian fiction. Finally, the characters were either complete stereotypes or they had wildly misunderstanding of appropriate boundaries between friends and/or family.
Disappointed because I've liked other books by this author.
December 13, 2022
I was in love with the first quarter of this book- romance/spirit of Christmas/exploration of grief-the works.
Then the plot got muddied and less engaging and it felt like the author didn’t know if she wanted this to be a religious book or not (I would have preferred not).
Finally, the totally nail in the coffin…bread shaming!!! A “funny” bit of advice from a friend to never eat bread on a date?? Im sorry, I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t eat bread and I don’t respect authors who carb shame. Keep it.
Then the plot got muddied and less engaging and it felt like the author didn’t know if she wanted this to be a religious book or not (I would have preferred not).
Finally, the totally nail in the coffin…bread shaming!!! A “funny” bit of advice from a friend to never eat bread on a date?? Im sorry, I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t eat bread and I don’t respect authors who carb shame. Keep it.
June 12, 2023
Master storyteller, Viola Shipman returns following The Edge of Summer with his charming, lyrical, and cozy holiday Christmas gem —A WINTER WISH.
A fun search for a soulmate dressed like Santa in this Hallmark-like romance, a small-town tale for some holiday magic and Christmas miracles.
Susan Norcross is single, approaching age 40, and feels like time is running out. She owns a flourishing bookshop in a small Petoskey, Michigan town but is lonely and would like her own Santa.
Her late mother and living grandmother met their husbands while the men were in Santa costumes, and Susan is sure she'll meet her perfect match under similar circumstances. Her parent's death affected her greatly when she was only 14.
After encouragement from her best friend, Holly, she signs up to participate in Chicago's Santa Run. Will she find some eligible bachelors among the costumed runners?
She finds him, but then he disappears. How will she find him? Is he lost forever? A lucky mother's angel pin.
Holly turns to social media to track down the mystery man, creating a list of three possible candidates—Jamie, Micah, and Tristan. Will one of them be her soulmate? Will the "Single Kringle" find her Santa?
Heartwarming and witty, this book was much fun. Shipman knows how to create beautiful settings with charming characters and nostalgic memories of places, events, and family. From holiday traditions to bookstores, books, and the love of reading are always a treat.
A gem to treasure about hope, loss, love, family, friendship, and the beauty and magic of Christmas. Simple wishes. A beautiful love letter to Michigan filled with miracles and wishes you never dreamed of or expected.
It is also about the celebration of books. Books save us, and bookstores are our heart, soul, and community. For fans of Catherine Ryan Hyde, Susan Mallery, and Sherryl Woods.
If you have yet to read this Author, I highly recommend all his books-both, both summer, and winter (which I have read and anxiously await the next). I loved the Personal Letter from the Author.
"A Wish for Winter is a novel about believing and having faith in yourself and others. It's a novel about forgiveness of yourself and others. It's a book about that critical moment when we go from child to adult, too often in the blink of an eye, and how that can change us forever."
—Viola Shipman, A WISH FOR WINTER
Cannot wait for his summer book to come in June 2023!
Thank you to Graydon House and NetGalley for an e-ARC to read, review, and enjoy!
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 15, 2022
Nov 2022 Must-Read Books
A fun search for a soulmate dressed like Santa in this Hallmark-like romance, a small-town tale for some holiday magic and Christmas miracles.
Susan Norcross is single, approaching age 40, and feels like time is running out. She owns a flourishing bookshop in a small Petoskey, Michigan town but is lonely and would like her own Santa.
Her late mother and living grandmother met their husbands while the men were in Santa costumes, and Susan is sure she'll meet her perfect match under similar circumstances. Her parent's death affected her greatly when she was only 14.
After encouragement from her best friend, Holly, she signs up to participate in Chicago's Santa Run. Will she find some eligible bachelors among the costumed runners?
She finds him, but then he disappears. How will she find him? Is he lost forever? A lucky mother's angel pin.
Holly turns to social media to track down the mystery man, creating a list of three possible candidates—Jamie, Micah, and Tristan. Will one of them be her soulmate? Will the "Single Kringle" find her Santa?
Heartwarming and witty, this book was much fun. Shipman knows how to create beautiful settings with charming characters and nostalgic memories of places, events, and family. From holiday traditions to bookstores, books, and the love of reading are always a treat.
A gem to treasure about hope, loss, love, family, friendship, and the beauty and magic of Christmas. Simple wishes. A beautiful love letter to Michigan filled with miracles and wishes you never dreamed of or expected.
It is also about the celebration of books. Books save us, and bookstores are our heart, soul, and community. For fans of Catherine Ryan Hyde, Susan Mallery, and Sherryl Woods.
If you have yet to read this Author, I highly recommend all his books-both, both summer, and winter (which I have read and anxiously await the next). I loved the Personal Letter from the Author.
"A Wish for Winter is a novel about believing and having faith in yourself and others. It's a novel about forgiveness of yourself and others. It's a book about that critical moment when we go from child to adult, too often in the blink of an eye, and how that can change us forever."
—Viola Shipman, A WISH FOR WINTER
Cannot wait for his summer book to come in June 2023!
Thank you to Graydon House and NetGalley for an e-ARC to read, review, and enjoy!
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Nov 15, 2022
Nov 2022 Must-Read Books
December 7, 2022
Susan Norcross is about to turn forty – the same age as her Mom was when she was tragically killed alongside Susan’s father. Susan was thirteen at the time and was taken in by her paternal grandparents. Susan has had a hard time loving anyone again afraid to lose someone special all over again.
Both Susan’s Mom and Grandmother found their true love when these men were dressed as Santa Claus. Her friends and Grandparents are pushing Susan to try and find someone to share her life with. At the annual Santa Run, Susan finds a man dressed as Santa and the chemistry is like no other she’s ever experienced. The race sets off and the man tells her to meet him at a local bar later that evening. Unfortunately, he doesn’t show up.
For the next year, Susan’s friends create a search to find the mystery Santa. There are many humourous moments during this quest, as well as many emotional ones as Susan reflects on her life with her parents.
I loved learning more about Susan as the story progresses. The flow of the book makes it easy to want to read this book in one sitting. It is full of the magic of Christmas, as well as a celebration of family and friendships.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a holiday story. I look forward to reading more books written by this author.
I listened to the audiobook version of A Wish for Winter which was narrated by Nancy Peterson. I enjoyed her performance and found her voice to be articulate and easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of this book to those that enjoy this format.
Both Susan’s Mom and Grandmother found their true love when these men were dressed as Santa Claus. Her friends and Grandparents are pushing Susan to try and find someone to share her life with. At the annual Santa Run, Susan finds a man dressed as Santa and the chemistry is like no other she’s ever experienced. The race sets off and the man tells her to meet him at a local bar later that evening. Unfortunately, he doesn’t show up.
For the next year, Susan’s friends create a search to find the mystery Santa. There are many humourous moments during this quest, as well as many emotional ones as Susan reflects on her life with her parents.
I loved learning more about Susan as the story progresses. The flow of the book makes it easy to want to read this book in one sitting. It is full of the magic of Christmas, as well as a celebration of family and friendships.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a holiday story. I look forward to reading more books written by this author.
I listened to the audiobook version of A Wish for Winter which was narrated by Nancy Peterson. I enjoyed her performance and found her voice to be articulate and easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook version of this book to those that enjoy this format.
December 8, 2022
For cozy and beautiful stories about the power of family, you really don't need to look any further than Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse).
From the very first page, A Wish for Winter reaches out, clasps you in a hug, and doesn't let go until the last chapter. You'll love all the nods to Miracle on 34th Street and other Christmas traditions. The story is filled with nostalgia, faith, all the Santas you could ever want, and of course plenty of winter wishes. The writing is beautiful, and the novel places the state of Michigan front and center so that it's almost like a character itself. Queer representation and (spoiler!) multiple HEAs. Librarians, booksellers, book lovers of every kind will adore this book. Would make an excellent holiday gift for family, friends, or even yourself! Truly one of Wade's best books.
Favorite quote: “But all of this—love, friendship, literature, life—is too grand and too planned to simply be happenstance. We miss it all if we don’t have faith.”
From the very first page, A Wish for Winter reaches out, clasps you in a hug, and doesn't let go until the last chapter. You'll love all the nods to Miracle on 34th Street and other Christmas traditions. The story is filled with nostalgia, faith, all the Santas you could ever want, and of course plenty of winter wishes. The writing is beautiful, and the novel places the state of Michigan front and center so that it's almost like a character itself. Queer representation and (spoiler!) multiple HEAs. Librarians, booksellers, book lovers of every kind will adore this book. Would make an excellent holiday gift for family, friends, or even yourself! Truly one of Wade's best books.
Favorite quote: “But all of this—love, friendship, literature, life—is too grand and too planned to simply be happenstance. We miss it all if we don’t have faith.”
December 12, 2022
The first chapter of this book was promising - funny, engaging, and a little quirky. Sadly, it quickly devolved into a sappy, saccharine story that had me raising the audiobook narration speed faster and faster to get through it with minimal eye-rolling. I guess I should have just DNF'd it. I did love all the book talk in the book; that was by far the best part of it. The romance that arrived at the eleventh hour was frustrating and built on absolutely nothing; I found myself wishing the author had taken a wild left turn and made Susan and Holly decide they were in love with each other all along. The one gay character in the book was a cringe-inducing stereotype. Shipman (aka Wade Rouse) is a solid writer, but the story was not for me. Clearly YMMV; this book and Shipman's many others all have great reviews.
December 27, 2022
This book has a weak premise. A 40ish woman wants to marry a guy who dresses as Santa, like her mom and grandmother did. She saw such a man at a marathon held over the holidays, then he vanished into the crowd.
The story is set in Petosky, MI; a place I have visited ~20 years ago. The setting is idyllic and beautifully described.
I thought this was supposed to be a Christmas story, but the main character embarks on a year of dating to meet Mr. Right. Then it's Christmas again. That span of a year felt disjointed.
The author relied very heavily on pop culture references, and many of them were too corny for me.
Overall, someone looking for a silly romance set in a pretty place may enjoy this more than I did. I jsut thought it was weak and foolish.
The story is set in Petosky, MI; a place I have visited ~20 years ago. The setting is idyllic and beautifully described.
I thought this was supposed to be a Christmas story, but the main character embarks on a year of dating to meet Mr. Right. Then it's Christmas again. That span of a year felt disjointed.
The author relied very heavily on pop culture references, and many of them were too corny for me.
Overall, someone looking for a silly romance set in a pretty place may enjoy this more than I did. I jsut thought it was weak and foolish.
January 7, 2023
I’d give this 1 1/2 stars if it was an option. After enjoying several other books by this author, I was disappointed by this one. The story line was VERY repetitive, and I found myself skimming paragraphs to get to new material. Cutting 50-75 pages of repetitive storylines and adding 10 pages or so to support the ending (which seemed to lack appropriate detail compared to the rest of the novel) would probably increase my rating by 1 - 1 1/2 stars, as plot line was solid.
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