Book Review: The January Wish

By Melissa Amster

In most parts of the world, it is freezing cold in January. I can attest to this personally while living on the east coast of the United States. However, if you live in Australia, January is a balmy summer month full of festivals and daily swims. In Tarrin's Bay, it starts with a wishing festival and one such wish is about to come true in a way that will impact several lives.

When Dr Sylvia Greene makes an impromptu wish at the Tarrin’s Bay Wishing Festival, it's the most out of character action she can think of. Hers is not a life of wishes. Hers is a controlled life of order, plans and preparation…of science and research and diagnosis and treatment. But her past has been weighing on her mind, and decisions made long ago have far-reaching consequences.

A week later, the daughter she secretly gave up for adoption at sixteen arrives in Sylvia's small coastal town with secrets that can't be shared. Between feelings of guilt, gossip, and a growing attraction to an emotionally unavailable colleague, Sylvia's well-ordered life is soon thrown into chaos. She is no longer alone, and for the first time she feels as if her world is open to possibilities.

They say be careful what you wish for, but, for Sylvia, the unexpected consequences may be just what the doctor ordered. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

I really enjoyed The January Wish from start to finish. It was a sweet story with characters who were easy to relate to, even if I never had the same experiences they did. They were all easy to sympathize with in their own ways. There was a lot of foreshadowing throughout the story, keeping me in suspense about what was around the next corner and throwing me for a loop at times. I can definitely say that there was never a dull moment! I loved the feel of Tarrin's Bay. It reminded me of some other small towns I've read about in books, such as the town of Avalon, Illinois in Darien Gee's Friendship Bread. There were times I felt the characters jumped to conclusions too quickly, but it only happened a little bit and it led to some other explanations. There were some funny parts, as well as heartwarming romantic moments throughout. I look forward to reading February or Forever soon and hope that Juliet Madison will keep the Tarrin's Bay series going throughout the year!

Sorry to say this, but I have no casting ideas for The January Wish. I just think a small town story from Australia should feature local actors and actresses and I'm not familiar with enough of them to make such important decisions!

Thanks to Escape Publishing for the book in exchange for an honest review. Juliet will be visiting CLC later this week and will have some e-books to give away at that time!

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