Make My Wish Come True by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick

You know that feeling when you curl up with a good book on a snowy winter’s night, hot cocoa in hand, fairy lights twinkling in the background? That’s exactly the vibe I got while reading “Make My Wish Come True” by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick. This charming holiday romance took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from laughing out loud to fighting back tears, and left me with that warm, fuzzy feeling that only the best Christmas stories can deliver.

A Small-Town Girl in Tinseltown

Let’s dive into the plot, shall we? We’ve got Arden James, a Hollywood starlet with a reputation that’s starting to overshadow her talent. Think Lindsay Lohan in her party girl phase, but with a heart of gold underneath all that glitter. When a big-shot director turns her down for a role because of her wild child image, Arden’s publicist cooks up a scheme that would make even the craftiest Hallmark movie writers blush.

The plan? Convince everyone that Arden’s been in a long-term relationship with her childhood bestie, Caroline Beckett, back in her quaint hometown of Barnwich, Pennsylvania. It’s a classic fish-out-of-water tale meets fake dating trope, and I am here for it.

A Blast from the Past

Enter Caroline, our small-town journalist with big dreams and an even bigger chip on her shoulder when it comes to Arden. Can you blame her? Arden ghosted her for four years, and now she’s back asking for favors. But here’s the kicker – Caroline agrees to play along in exchange for a byline in Cosmopolitan magazine. Talk about an offer you can’t refuse!

Twelve Days of Christmas… and Chaos

What follows is a whirlwind of holiday activities that would make even Santa’s head spin. From stealing Christmas trees (don’t try this at home, kids) to impromptu karaoke sessions, Lippincott and Derrick paint a vivid picture of small-town life that had me googling “quaint Christmas towns near me” faster than you can say “Jingle Bells.”

Chemistry That Sizzles Like Chestnuts on an Open Fire

Let’s talk about the romance, because, oh boy, does it deliver. Arden and Caroline’s relationship is a slow burn that smolders for most of the book before igniting into a flame hot enough to melt all the snow in Barnwich. Their banter is sharp, their history is complicated, and their chemistry is off the charts. I found myself rooting for them from page one, even when I wanted to shake some sense into both of them.

More Than Just a Pretty Face

What really sets “Make My Wish Come True” by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick apart from your run-of-the-mill holiday romances is the depth of its characters. Arden isn’t just a Hollywood cliché—she’s a young woman struggling with the weight of fame and trying to figure out who she really is beneath the glossy exterior. And Caroline? She’s not just the small-town girl pining for her long-lost love. She’s ambitious, talented, and not afraid to call Arden out on her BS.

The supporting cast is equally delightful. From Arden’s no-nonsense grandmother Edie to Caroline’s soccer-obsessed little sister Riley, each character feels fully realized and adds flavor to the story like the perfect blend of holiday spices.

A Touch of Hanukkah Magic

One aspect of the book that really warmed my heart was the inclusion of Hanukkah celebrations alongside the Christmas festivities. As someone who’s always felt a bit left out during the holidays, seeing Caroline’s Jewish heritage honored and celebrated was a breath of fresh air. The authors handle this with sensitivity and authenticity, showing that there’s room for all traditions in a truly inclusive holiday story.

Hollywood vs. Hometown

The contrast between Arden’s glitzy LA life and the cozy charm of Barnwich is stark, and it provides some of the book’s most poignant moments. Watching Arden rediscover the simple joys of small-town life—like sledding with friends or caroling door-to-door—made me nostalgic for a childhood I never even had.

Not Just Another Hallmark Movie

Don’t be fooled by the familiar tropes—this isn’t your grandma’s Christmas romance. Lippincott and Derrick tackle some hefty themes amidst the mistletoe and merriment. They explore the price of fame, the pain of abandonment, and the struggle to stay true to yourself in a world that’s constantly trying to mold you into something else.

A Sprinkle of Social Commentary

The book also offers a subtle critique of the entertainment industry and its treatment of young stars. Arden’s relationship with her ruthless publicist, Lillian, is particularly telling. It’s a stark reminder that behind every tabloid headline is a real person dealing with real pressures.

Writing That Sparkles Like Fresh Snow

Lippincott and Derrick’s writing style is as smooth as hot chocolate and just as comforting. They have a knack for crafting scenes that feel cinematic—I could practically hear the crunch of snow under Arden and Caroline’s feet and smell the pine needles on the stolen Christmas tree.

Their dialogue is snappy and natural, peppered with pop culture references that had me chuckling. And the way they describe Barnwich? Let’s just say I’m ready to pack my bags and move there tomorrow.

A Few Lumps of Coal

No book is perfect, and “Make My Wish Come True” has its flaws. The pacing can be a bit uneven at times, with some plot points feeling rushed while others drag. And if you’re not a fan of rom-com clichés, you might find yourself rolling your eyes once or twice.

But here’s the thing—even when it’s predictable, it’s still utterly enjoyable. It’s like your favorite Christmas cookie—you know exactly what you’re getting, but that doesn’t make it any less delicious.

The Verdict: A Holiday Hit

“Make My Wish Come True” by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick is the literary equivalent of wrapping yourself in a warm blanket by the fireplace. It’s cozy, it’s heartwarming, and it left me with a smile on my face and a lump in my throat.

Is it groundbreaking literature? No. But it’s not trying to be. What it is is a perfectly crafted piece of holiday escapism that manages to be both familiar and fresh at the same time.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Fans of holiday romances who are looking for something with a little more depth
• LGBTQ+ readers hungry for representation in feel-good Christmas stories
• Anyone who’s ever felt torn between their roots and their dreams
• People who secretly love Hallmark movies but wish they had more substance (and queerness)

Final Thoughts

As I turned the last page of “Make My Wish Come True” by by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick, I found myself wishing for more time with Arden and Caroline in their winter wonderland. And isn’t that the mark of a truly great book? When it leaves you wanting to linger in its world just a little bit longer?

So grab a cup of cocoa, find a cozy spot, and dive into this delightful holiday romance. Just don’t blame me if you end up booking a trip to the nearest small town with a big Christmas tree in the town square. After all, ’tis the season for a little magic—both on and off the page.