Welcome to Reading Over the Weekend with When There’s Only a Christmas Wish by D. L. Finn, a new release that reminds us that when hope seems to be all we have left, sometimes one Christmas wish can make all the difference.
Some books ask to be analysed. Others ask to be noticed. And then there are those that make you pause halfway through a page and say, I want to remember that.
Reading Over the Weekend: When There’s Only a Christmas Wish by D. L. Finn
Ana has lost almost everything: her home, her money, her marriage and the security she once took for granted. Once accustomed to a comfortable life in San Francisco, she now finds herself struggling to survive in Denver… Her late husband, Ted, has left behind more than financial ruin.
Yet, even when she has barely enough to look after herself, Ana cannot ignore an abandoned mother cat and her kittens left out in the snow. Taking them in may jeopardise what little she has, but compassion wins over caution. A small act of kindness?
Help arrives from people she hardly knows. Carla, whom Ana meets at a food bank, and Eleanor, an elderly widow with a generous heart, offer her something she has not experienced in a long time: genuine kindness without expecting anything in return… She also meets Lucas, a reserved member of the bakery family…
But Ana’s fresh start is far from peaceful. An assault, a kidnapping and an alarming encounter with the police follows.
Why I enjoyed When There’s Only a Christmas Wish
I particularly enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere, the theme of second chances and Ana’s gradual journey towards believing in herself again.
The suspense surrounding her past adds tension, while the kindness of Eleanor, the warmth of the Martini family and the growing friendship with Lucas bring a comforting balance to the story. Carla is an especially intriguing character, adding an unexpected touch of magic.
I also liked that the story goes beyond romance to explore found family, resilience and the importance of kindness. Ana has every reason to become bitter, yet she continues to care for others, and her journey reminds us that new beginnings can come when we least expect them.
I would recommended When There’s Only a Christmas Wish by D. L. Finn to:
Readers who enjoy heartwarming Christmas fiction with a little suspense and romance will find much to enjoy here.
It is particularly suited to those who love stories about second chances, found family, unexpected friendships and characters who find the courage to rebuild their lives.
A lovely holiday read with a touch of mystery and Christmas magic.
Fun Finn Facts:
- 1. I’ve never been to Denver, although family lives there now, so I’m sure I’ll make it there. But I can easily picture Ana living there.
- 2. The movies and games mentioned in my stories are some of my favorites, like Scrabble, Clue, A Christmas Story, and White Christmas.
When There’s Only a Christmas Wish GIVEAWAY
***It’s so easy to enter!***
Your chance to WIN one of THREE Amazon Gift Cards worth $5, $10, or $15!
All you have to do is comment here and the other blog tour stops (to increase your chances) and D.L. Finn will pick winners at the end of the blog tour.
D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.
Discover D.L. Finn’s literature on Goodreads as well as her author website and blog or my review for A Long Walk Home, Christmas Novelette, her paranormal romance A Voice in the Silence, or her Miracles & Ghosts Past: A Christmas Collection Two.
More Author Links:
YouTube
Amazon Page
D.L. Finn Blog
Pinterest
Instagram
Facebook
Bookbub
Bluesky
Twitter/X
D. L. Finn’s Gratitude Store
Reading Over the Weekend is a blog series celebrating the joy of reading. Not every book I read will be new. Not every book will belong to the same genre. Some may be historical fiction, others memoir, crime, biography, or something completely unexpected. What they will have in common is that they have stayed with me after I closed the book. Perhaps they taught me something. They made me laugh. They opened a door into a world I had never known. Or perhaps, like a forgotten scent, they brought back something I thought I had lost.
I believe that reading is a form of travelling. We can cross centuries without leaving our chair, visit countries we might never see otherwise, inhabit lives entirely different from our, and sometimes return to our own childhood through somebody else’s memories.
Plus it has a cat! Yours is the latest in a growing line of great reviews for Denise’s new publication, Patricia. Looks like she’s got a winner here. Many thanks for sharing!
It certainly does! A Christmas story with a cat already has a special charm, doesn’t it? Denise does seem to have a winner on her hands. I’m delighted to see her book receiving such lovely attention, and happy to add my voice to the chorus. Thank you, Laura.
Thank you, Laura 🙂 I agree that cat adds to any story!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on When There’s Only a Christmas Wish, Patricia. I enjoyed it, too! It’s such a sweet story, and some of those scenes related to her husband’s past were nail biting!
Thank you, Priscila. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, too. Denise has woven a lovely blend of Christmas warmth, suspense and unexpected moments into the story. It certainly makes for an enjoyable festive read 🙂
Thank you Priscilla and your review caused a happy forest dance xo
Another awesome review of this book. Everyone should read this book.
One of the nest eays to set the mood for Christmas is with a seasonal story 🙂 Thank you for adding your positive reinforcement to Denise’s new novel, Darlene 🙂
Thank you, Darlene 🙂 I appreciate your support and you xo
Hi Patricia, a lovely review of Denise’s book. It sounds like a wonderful and engaging read.
Thank you, Robbie, amd welcome back 😉 It really is a lovely, heartwarming Christmas read in D.L. Finn’s wonderful writing style.
I was thrilled to see Patricias review, Robbie:) xo
It’s great to see Denise’s book on a blog tour, Patricia. Wonderful that you contributed to the blog tour.
Thank you Timothy 🙂 I’m so happy to be visiting Patricia today!
Thank you for your visit today, Tim. I am thrilled I could support Denise this time 🙂
You’re welcome, Patricia. It’s nice you are thrilled with your support.
Thanks for featuring Denise and her new book, Patricia. I’ll definitely add it to my holiday reading. Congrats to Denise! ❤️
Such a great pleasure, Lauren. Enjoy the read! 🙂
Thank you Lauren 🙂 I hope you enjoy it! Xo
I know I will, Denise! xo
A Christmas story and a cat! What’s not to like! I love Denise’s writing and this book is on my Christmas reading list! May I have time to read!
That kitty won my heart 🙂 Thank you for supporting Denise. Maybe the Holidays allow you extra reading time 😉 I’m wishing for it too! xx
A perfect combination in our house, Noelle 🙂 Yes, finding the time especially in the busy season. I have the same issue. Xo
I love your review, Pat! This Christmas story is the perfect mix of thriller and holiday warmth! Congratulations to Denise on another winner!
It certainly is, Jan. And a great ending ahead of Christmas 🙂 Denise certainly delivers. xx
I’m over the moon with Patricias review, Jan 🙂 Thank you, I love hearing that blend worked and appreciate your valuable input. Xo
Thank you SO much for having me here today, Patricia and all your extra touches:) Doing my happy forest dance in the fall colors! Xo
Hugs, Denise. Thank you for an engrossing read! It is a great pleasure having you here and helping you spread the word. We all have a special Christmas Wish xx
I’ve noticed this blog tour. It sounds like a great book and I know D.L. Finn is a great author since I’ve read a few of her books. And you wrote a great review for the book.
It is wonderful to see you here, Thomas, and hear that this blog tour did so well
I am sure Densie is thrilled. Thank you!
Thank you, Thomas 🙂 I’m always so touched by the support our community gives! And very thrilled by Patricias review!