Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: Wrapped in Wishes
AUTHOR: J.H. Knight
PUBLISHER: Self-published
LENGTH: 212 pages
RELEASE DATE: December 12, 2023
BLURB:
After moving around most of his life, Sean Ellis is finally putting down some roots in the friendly little town of Sterling Hollow. But those roots might be ripped out from under him after his ex-roommate leaves him high and dry. With the bills mounting and a car that barely runs, what he really needs is a Christmas miracle. And maybe a boyfriend. Luckily for him, Santa’s big day is just around the corner, and despite the spate of bad luck and unfortunate circumstances, Sean has been a good boy all year.
Bruce Cafferty hasn’t felt the Christmas spirit in a long time, and he’s pretty sure those days are behind him. Until he meets Sean, who might as well be an elf from the North Pole. Can Sean’s relentless cheer heal the ache in Bruce’s heart and show him that love is always worth a chance?
Wrapped in Wishes is a heartfelt, heat-filled small-town romance with a handful of elderly neighbors, a lot of found family, a few dogs, a secret Santa, and a drag queen named Stella.
REVIEW:
*sigh* I have been a rabid fan of J.H. Knight since The Last Thing He Needs. This is another story that just grabbed me and held me tight.
This author writes characters who are down on their luck so beautifully. Sean is a guy with an absolute heart of gold. He puts himself last so much. Despite having such really rotten awful bad luck, he trusts people. He takes care of people – and animals! He understands what it’s like to do without. But he’s not been broken. Maybe it’s because he never had a lot and when he lost his mother, he didn’t focus on what he’d lost, but instead on his memories.
Bruce has been keeping his “big gay secret” from his Pop forever. He’s been assuming something that maybe wasn’t correct. But he is absolutely drawn to Sean’s light. They meet a the local drag queen’s holiday decorating party that neither want to be at and literally get shoved together – which is fine with Bruce since he’s been staring at Sean all night. And it’s clear that this one night stand could be so much more. Bruce also has a heart of gold – particularly when it comes to Sean. I adored their meeting and how well they got on. On the surface they are so different, but they fit together so well. They have some obstacles – with Sean’s lack of funds and Bruce not being out to his Pop. But they also have a lot of things going for them too.
Family and friends play a big part in this story. I truly had no idea who Sean’s secret Santa was 🙂 I adored all of Sean’s Christmas miracles. Bruce’s family was also great. His sister Evie was the best. Bruce and his family are still living in grief and with Sean there, Evie has a new partner to try to help the family move forward from that. Bruce’s brothers and his Pop are wonderful characters. Sean’s neighbors and co-workers are his chosen family. The holidays that were looking rather bleak when Sean left the post Thanksgiving party where he met Bruce with $12 in his pocket ends up being the best Christmas ever for everyone 🙂
This book has all the holiday feels, a little bit of angst and a lot of love – of all kinds! Such great positive vibes without being saccharine at all. I can’t recommend this little holiday gem enough. Will likely end up as my favorite Christmas story this year. Brava!!
RATING:
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