Wish Book Christmas [Hardcover]

From the bestselling author of If I Were Youcomes 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 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.Starred review.Characters from Austin’s 2020 novel If I Were Youreturn in this lovely standalone Christmas tale. . . . While fans of If I Were Youwill 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.