Review Detail

As a fan of Rachael Lippincott’s previous works, including bestselling novels FIVE FEET APART and ALL THIS TIME, I was excited to dive into this Christmas rom-com coauthored by Lippincott and wife Alyson Derrick.

At just fourteen, Arden James left her quaint hometown with aspirations of becoming an actor. Now, at eighteen years old, she is a rising star in Hollywood and a well-known celebrity. 

Caroline Beckett leads a simple life in her small town. Since her best friend and secret crush left without a word four years ago, she has spent her time developing and polishing her portfolio that will hopefully get her into the top journalism program of her dreams. 

Arden is known for her reckless and imprudent party girl reputation in Hollywood, but, when this image catches up with her and costs her her dream acting role, she and her publicist concoct a lie in the hopes of persuading a director that she is the perfect fit for the role. Arden swears she is from a small town and in a serious relationship. Upon being asked to prove it, Arden returns to her hometown and pleads with Caroline, her former best friend, to pretend to be her girlfriend in exchange for a byline in Cosmopolitan if she will do a write up on their "secret romance" and go on twelve "holidates" to act as a cover story. 

As a lifelong fan of the small-town girl trope (Gilmore Girls, Sweet Magnolias, etc.), I was so happy to be met with a charming town and a cast of lovable characters. The book is lighthearted with minimal angst or drama, but it also tackles serious issues like emancipation at age sixteen and experiencing fame at a young age, as well as struggling to sort out romantic feelings and complex emotions. 

I did find Arden’s storyline in particular to be rather unrealistic, but that is not to say it is outside the realm of possibility, and it certainly served its purpose and added an element of glamour and celebrity intrigue to the story. 

MAKE MY WISH COME TRUE is an easy read that is perfect for Hallmark fans. If you are interested in a sweet, cozy, holiday rom-com, then I highly recommend you add this book to your TBR.