Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 10/30/2019 + 2617 more book reviews

Review for One WIsh by Jodi Thomas:

Short and sweet holiday story. Maggie is cleaning up her store, preparing to close for the night, unaware that she is being watched. Outside are three outlaws, intent on robbing her and more. All of them are unaware of Sam's presence. He'd heard the men talking in the saloon and was ready to step in if necessary. While waiting, he remembers back to his childhood. He and Maggie were friends in first grade before her parents sent her away to school. He's never forgotten her and will do what he must to protect her. I loved seeing him take two of the three outlaws out, and felt his frustration when the third got away. That particular outlaw is bad news, and both Sam and the sheriff think that Maggie is in danger until he is caught. Sam insists on taking Maggie to his home for safekeeping.

I loved both Maggie and Sam. Both of them are outsiders in their town. Maggie is a combination of bossy and shy and has no friends. She works in her store, and that is her whole life. For years she has kept a journal, chronicling her hopes and dreams, though they have dwindled over the years. Now she has just one wish - to spend a day with a good and loving man. Sam is the strong, silent type. He is a private man who doesn't share much of himself with anyone, even the relations who live in the same canyon. Neither he nor Maggie has ever had a genuine relationship with anyone and have no idea how to go about it.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sam and Maggie. Their childhood friendship made it easier for them to give in to their yearning for a connection. I laughed at the idea that they would pretend to be married for the time they were together, as that was surely tempting fate. It was sweet to see Sam's gentleness as he gave in to the urge to kiss Maggie. I loved Maggie's surprise at the feelings he aroused in her, and her willingness to explore them further. Each day they were together, the feelings between them grew stronger.

When danger comes knocking at the door, Sam must find a way to hold it off long enough for Maggie to get away. The confrontation is vicious and dangerous. Sam's life is spared only by the arrival of an unexpected ally. I ached for Maggie, who is left wondering first about his safety, then about whether there is a future for her with Sam. I loved that she knew him well enough to understand that anything more would have to come from him. The ending was sweet and romantic.

The secondary characters were not as well developed, but each had an essential place in the story. I liked the old lady, Nina, and her care for Sam and his son. She was quite the character, and I loved how she also took to Maggie, providing her with excellent advice. The sheriff rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning and proved my instincts right by the end. My favorite was Sam's little boy, Wes. He was an adorable child, and I could see that he was Sam's entire world. I loved how Wes and Maggie took to each other so quickly.

This was my first book by Jodi Thomas, but it won't be my last. She has a fantastic way with descriptions. From the blizzard to the description of Sam's home, it was incredibly easy to picture them as I read. I could feel Maggie's fear as she fled with Wes, and I felt each blow as Sam was beaten by the bad guys.

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