Monday, November 4, 2024

Make My Wish Come True by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick

Feel the warmth of the holidays with this cozy, heartfelt romance

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"Make My Wish Come True" by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick earns a resounding five stars. It's a perfect blend of holiday cheer, young love, and personal growth that will have you believing in the magic of Christmas—and the power of being true to yourself.

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There’s something undeniably magical about small-town Christmases. The twinkling lights, the smell of fresh-baked cookies, and the warm embrace of community spirit – it’s enough to make even the most jaded city-dweller’s heart grow three sizes. Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick’s latest young adult romance, “Make My Wish Come True,” captures this enchanting atmosphere with all the cozy charm of your favorite holiday movie.

But don’t mistake this for just another fluffy Christmas read. Beneath the tinsel and mistletoe lies a poignant exploration of identity, authenticity, and the courage it takes to choose love over fear. So grab a mug of hot cocoa, curl up under your coziest blanket, and let’s dive into this delightful queer holiday romance that’ll have you believing in Christmas miracles all over again.

A Tale of Two Ardens

Hollywood Glitz Meets Small-Town Charm

At the heart of “Make My Wish Come True” is Arden James, a teen actress whose meteoric rise to fame has come at a steep personal cost. On the surface, she’s living the Hollywood dream—red carpets, adoring fans, and a string of blockbuster hits. But beneath the glittering façade lies a young woman desperately trying to remember who she really is.

When a coveted role in an indie drama slips through her fingers due to her “party girl” reputation, Arden’s publicist concocts a risky plan. The solution? A heartwarming holiday feature showcasing Arden’s small-town roots and her long-term relationship with childhood sweetheart Caroline Beckett. There’s just one tiny problem – Caroline has no idea she’s about to become Arden’s fake girlfriend.

Caroline Beckett: The Girl Left Behind

While Arden’s been chasing stardom, Caroline’s been nurturing dreams of her own. An aspiring journalist with a keen eye for the truth, she’s spent the last four years trying to forget the best friend who left her behind without so much as a goodbye. When Arden comes crashing back into her life with this wild scheme, Caroline’s initial instinct is to slam the door in her face.

But the promise of a coveted byline in Cosmopolitan magazine—and maybe, just maybe, a chance to understand why Arden really left—proves too tempting to resist. Thus begins a whirlwind twelve days of festive “dates” that will challenge everything these young women thought they knew about themselves and each other.

A Sleigh Ride Through Emotions

From Frosty to Heartwarming

Lippincott and Derrick excel at crafting complex, relatable characters, and “Make My Wish Come True” is no exception. Arden and Caroline’s journey from estranged friends to reconnected hearts is a rollercoaster of emotions. The initial tension between them crackles with unresolved hurt and lingering attraction. Their tentative steps back towards friendship are peppered with moments of genuine warmth and laughter that will have readers rooting for them from the very start.

Supporting Cast Shines Bright

The small town of Barnwich is populated with a colorful cast of supporting characters that bring the story to vibrant life. From Arden’s loving but no-nonsense grandmother Edie to Caroline’s supportive siblings, each character feels fully realized. Special mention goes to Riley, Caroline’s snarky little sister, whose one-liners provide some of the book’s biggest laughs.

Deck the Halls with Representation

A Queer Holiday Romance to Cherish

“Make My Wish Come True” is a welcome addition to the growing canon of LGBTQ+ holiday romances. Arden and Caroline’s sapphic love story is treated with tenderness and authenticity. The authors deftly explore the complexities of coming out, both to oneself and to the world, without ever feeling preachy or falling into harmful stereotypes.

Intersectionality Under the Tree

It’s refreshing to see the book incorporate elements of Jewish representation as well. Caroline’s mixed religious background (with a Jewish mother and Catholic father) adds depth to her character and provides some touching moments of cultural exploration. The Hanukkah celebration towards the end of the book is a particular highlight, showcasing the importance of inclusivity during the holiday season.

Writing That Sparkles Like Fresh Snow

Banter That Crackles Like a Yule Log

Lippincott and Derrick’s writing style is effortlessly engaging. The dialogue sparkles with wit and charm, making even mundane conversations a joy to read. Their descriptions of Barnwich’s winter wonderland are so vivid you can practically smell the pine trees and feel the crunch of snow beneath your feet.

Pacing as Smooth as a Skating Rink

The pacing is nearly perfect, balancing quieter character moments with more dramatic story beats. The “twelve days of Christmas” structure provides a natural framework for the plot, building anticipation as December 25th approaches. Each festive activity—from caroling to building gingerbread houses—feels like a delightful set piece in a holiday movie.

Themes That Go Deeper Than a Snow Drift

Finding Your Authentic Self

While on the surface “Make My Wish Come True” by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick is a charming romance, it tackles some weighty themes with surprising depth. Arden’s struggle to reconcile her public persona with her true self is particularly poignant. The book offers a nuanced look at the pressures of fame and the toll it can take on a young person’s sense of identity.

The Courage to Choose Love

Both Arden and Caroline must confront their fears and insecurities to open themselves up to love. The story beautifully illustrates how vulnerability can be both terrifying and liberating. It’s a powerful message for young readers navigating their own paths to self-discovery and connection.

A Few Icy Patches on the Road

Hollywood Clichés

While the authors generally avoid falling into tired tropes, some of the Hollywood elements feel a bit clichéd. Arden’s manipulative agent Lillian, in particular, verges on caricature at times. A more nuanced portrayal of the entertainment industry might have added even more depth to Arden’s character arc.

Convenient Resolutions

Some readers might find the story’s resolution a touch too neat. While the ending is undeniably satisfying, a few plot threads are tied up with perhaps a bit too much holiday magic. However, this is a relatively minor quibble in an otherwise well-crafted narrative.

Wrapping It Up With a Bow

“Make My Wish Come True” by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick is a heartwarming holiday treat that will leave readers with a warm glow long after the last page is turned. Lippincott and Derrick have crafted a story that manages to be both a cozy escape and a thoughtful exploration of identity and love. It’s the literary equivalent of curling up by a fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate—comforting, sweet, and utterly satisfying.

Who Should Read This Book?

  • Fans of queer YA romance
  • Anyone looking for a feel-good holiday read
  • Readers who enjoy small-town settings
  • Those who appreciate stories about finding your authentic self

Similar Books You Might Enjoy

  • “One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston
  • “Written in the Stars” by Alexandria Bellefleur
  • “The Holiday Swap” by Maggie Knox

Final Verdict: A Five-Star Christmas Miracle

“Make My Wish Come True” by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick earns a resounding five stars. It’s a perfect blend of holiday cheer, young love, and personal growth that will have you believing in the magic of Christmas—and the power of being true to yourself. So go ahead, treat yourself to this literary candy cane. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to book a ticket to the nearest small town when you’re done!

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

Lippincott and Derrick have already proven themselves a powerhouse duo with their previous collaboration, “She Gets the Girl.” With “Make My Wish Come True,” they’ve cemented their place as must-read authors in the YA romance genre. This book is sure to become a holiday favorite, one that readers will return to year after year when they need a dose of Christmas spirit and a reminder of the transformative power of love.

So, whether you’re cuddled up by a fireplace or lounging on a beach (hey, some people like warm-weather holidays!), do yourself a favor and unwrap the gift that is “Make My Wish Come True.” Just make sure you’ve got some tissues handy—you might find yourself shedding a few happy tears along the way.

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"Make My Wish Come True" by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick earns a resounding five stars. It's a perfect blend of holiday cheer, young love, and personal growth that will have you believing in the magic of Christmas—and the power of being true to yourself.Make My Wish Come True by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick