A Winter Wish was a story that brought out some deep emotions within me. It was very introspective of self, reflective of the connections around us, and a beautiful, healing journey to learn to say goodbye. My heart grew heavy reading throughout this narrative, but it ended feeing light and free. 3.5✨

I wouldn't say this is an overtly festive holiday novel, but I do think it features a sentiment that I'd argue we all feel throughout the winter season and its holidays: nostalgia.

A very heavy feeling of nostalgia, that brings a bit of blues. A wistful feeling that includes loss, grief, loneliness, and regrets. Lexie faces all these feelings as she loses her estrangered father. It's like grieving him twice over-- first as the man who was once a dad but abandoned her, and second as the the man who was simply her distant father who passed away. It's strange because I can't directly relate to Lexie's loss but I had such a difficult time reading through the heaviness wrought from her loss. It was a very emotional read, and I had to take several steps back at times. I am glad I always returned because by book's end there is also a cathartic sense it brings about, one of reconciliation and healing.

Perhaps, that is the true festive sentiment to be found during the holidays.

This is not always a happy read, but it's a healing read. It's a read letting you know you aren't alone in all those conflicting feelings that arise in consideration of the complexity of family and self. It's a story that allows us to redefine who we are, how we choose to remember our loved us, and how we chose to move forward. If you find comfort in this, this book will definitely be for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.