Sometimes life’s most magical journeys bring you back to where it all began…From New York Times bestselling author Emily March comes The Christmas Wishing Tree, an enchanting account of the magic and miracle of Christmas. A man who loves adventure and the open sea, Devin Murphy returns for a short Christmas trip to his small hometown of Eternity Springs. Immersed in the joy and magic of the … Springs. Immersed in the joy and magic of the holiday season all around him, he doesn’t hesitate to play along when a young boy phones Santa to ask for a very special wish. Devin never guesses that a wrong number has the potential to make everything in his life so right.
Jenna Stockton adopted Reilly when he needed a mother and she intends to keep him safe. A small town across the country called Eternity Springs seems like a good place to hide from their past without any complications –until sexy Santa himself discovers her secrets. When Devin proposes a daring plan to face down the danger together and defeat it once and for all, she is tempted. Maybe Devin really is capable of making wishes come true? Perhaps in a Christmas wish they’ll both find the miracle they’ve been looking for all along…
A delightful Christmas novel in the New York Times bestselling Eternity Springs series.
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Devin comes home for the holidays to be home with family when he gets a phone call from a little boy from a far and he wonders what more he can do to help this young man. Jenna is doing what she loves when a phone call from her son sends them to a small town in Colorado. Will Eternity Springs magic show in their lives or will they just be better off to continue to another journey?
I was so excited when I saw that another Eternity springs book was coming out. I love this little town and all the fun characters. When this book started it really started off strong and I had a hard time putting the book down. However I felt with such a big thing that was so prominent in Jenna’s life kind of took a back seat half way through and then would pick up a little bit here and there. I was disappointed because I felt like in those moments the book dragged. I did enjoy the over all storyline I just wish it would have been constant through out. This book has very small amounts of adult language/situations. I also loved the fun “blizzard” twist in the book. (that is not giving anything away so don’t worry). Over all if you have been reading the books about Eternity springs grab this book you won’t be disappointed to catch up with these fun characters.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a review and have given my honest opinion
4.5 Stars
“Because I choose to live my vision, not my circumstance.” – Celeste Blessing
The Christmas Wishing Tree was the perfect way to gear up for the holiday season, leaving me with a happy heart and firm belief in the magic that Emily March has created in Eternity Springs.
I have only read three books in this series, but it didn’t take more than a few pages of the first to know that I was going to love the small town “where broken hearts come to heal” and the little bit of magic that seems to have embodied itself in the form of Celeste Blessing, “Eternity Springs’ very own angel.”
This book focuses on Devin and Jenna, two people who don’t reside in Eternity Springs but find themselves in need of the comfort and healing it provides. And it wouldn’t be Eternity Springs if Celeste didn’t also add in a bit of her magic and wisdom, which helps these two find their way to one another – who knew a burner cell phone with a number advertised as the Santa Hotline would start a chain of events that would lead Jenna and Devin right to each other and fulfill a child’s ultimate Christmas wish?! And even though their road to finding one another was not easy, Eternity Springs provided all the right support for Jenna, Reilly, and Devin, as they unraveled the mystery of Jenna’s stalker and find a way to become a family.
Emily March has such a way of embedding true emotion into each of her characters. We are treated to glimpses of many of the residents of Eternity Springs, and each one has been brought to life with their own unique personality and character, guaranteeing that each story in this series is one that will warm your heart and renew your belief in true love. The little details that she also adds to the story, like the Christmas Wishing Tree, and her ability to convey that family feeling the entire town has, adds to the warmth of the story.
This is book 15 in the series but can easily be read as a stand-alone. When needed, the author gives enough background to each of her characters to ensure continuity of the story line – but let me warn you, she’ll also give you just enough to make you want to go and read them all! So even though you can read this on its own, I would recommend starting at the beginning so you can enjoy each book in the series – something I wish I had done!
I can’t say enough about this series – Eternity Springs has quickly become one of my favorite small towns and I have fallen in love with Emily March’s writing style and voice. I look forward to reading more from this author!
A definite must read for everyone!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book I received from the Publisher via NetGalley.
The Christmas Wishing Tree by Emily March
Eternity Springs #15
“Believe!” is just what Devin Murphy tells Reilly when he calls Santa’s hotline asking for one more Christmas wish even though it is the night before Christmas and time is running out. Devin is in Eternity Springs for the holidays, has been given the phone and is suddenly giving advice to a lonely boy who wants a father. Well, Devin knows he needs to let Reilly’s mother in on the fact her son has called Santa but Dr. Jenna Stockton has a stalker and fears that the unknown number calling her is…the stalker. Finally they do end up talking on the phone but Jenna and Reilly are “swatted” after having already experienced much “doxxing” and are on the move again trying to evade the stalker.
This story does eventually bring Reilly, Jenna and Devin together but it takes time as they seldom seem to be in the same place at the same time and then when they are there are numerous logistics to be dealt with. How they achieve their HEA is a great story to read that reminded me a bit of Peter Pan, quite a bit of Miracle on 34th Street and also a number of wonderful Hallmark movies.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
WOW!!! AMAZING!! I just loved, loved, loved reading The Christmas Wishing Tree by Emily March. Devin Murphy returns to Eternity Springs to spend a short Christmas visit with his family. After a phone mishap, he willingly plays along when a you boy phones Santa to ask for a very special gift. Jenna Stockton adopted Reilly when he was in need of a mother and her life goal is to keep him safe; especially after an unknown person has been wreaking havoc on her life. Jenna figures that moving across the country to Eternity Springs would be a good place to hide from their past; at least until they are discovered by Devin and he learns their secrets. Devin creates an investigative team of Eternity Springs’ residents to find the person making life difficult for Jenna and Reilly.
Jenna’s strength helped her cope with her life demands and made her a wonderful mother. She feared that Reilly would never be able to live a normal life, enjoying school, making friends, or playing sports; but living in Eternity Springs, allowed for this. Devin was ruled by the sea. As much as he loved his family and life in Eternity Springs, he loved adventure and the open sea to get his blood running and make his living. Devin and Jenna had to work out their conflicts before a relationship could be established between them. Devin and Jenna never guessed that a wrong number would have the potential to make everything in their life so right.
Ms. March wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that is not to be missed. It was a story filled with sexual attraction, fun dialogue, and endearing characters; along with a baby boomlet in the town. Reading this story had me catching up with many of the residents of Eternity Springs, but you do not need to read the previous books to enjoy this one. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to Emily March’s next book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
It is becoming a pattern that the only time I get to enjoy this awesome author is for her Christmas stories. I mean I am a big kid and love Christmas but I am nothing compared to Celeste. Now reading this story you will meet her I mean she does like to give great words of wisdom over people that all the towns people know not to ignore and this is Devin’s year. Who knew that by answering a call to Santa he would become involved with Riley’s mom and all that would come from that. Riley’s mom is dealing with a stalker. When she goes off the grid, trying to escape the hell her life has become and to protect her son, all she can think of is healing her sons heart. Her stalker has other plans.
With a little help from his friends and family Eternity Springs works it’s healing power. With this kind of friends and family it’s no wonder this is the place to be. I love this community and it makes you see the beauty and love of a small town. Absolutely heart soothing story filled with all the feels and wonderful characters that make you believe in people again and that the spirit of Christmas is not confined to the Christmas season. Love this author and this wonderful read.
The Christmas Wishing Tree (Eternity Springs, #15) by Emily March I can’t believe I’m on #15 in this series… Thank you Emily, the publisher and #NetGalley for taking me to my favorite place Eternity Springs.. These stories always pull back to the town and the wonderful people who live there and their stories. This is Devin Murphy (he answers a spare phone and becomes Santa to a little boy) Jenna Stockton ( she adopted Reilly) It is great to visit with all the great friends I’ve made in Eternity Springs and Celeste who makes another wish come to pass. The is some violence, plenty of love and laughs, some tears happy and sad and of course a very HEA. I almost for got Sinatra … Maybe Boone will get the next story.
Emily March’s The Christmas Wishing Tree is set in Eternity Springs, Colorado. The characters, setting, romance and the mystery drew me into this warm, feel good story. The novel’s message of spreading hope and love throughout the year touched my heart.
While helping Angel Rest’s owner Celeste Blessing decorate for the holidays; Devin Murphy rescues her when she slips on ice and falls into Angel Creek. Celeste is unharmed but Devin’s cellphone is ruined. Celeste has a special Christmas message for Devin; she tells him not to give up on his dreams. She hands him a prepaid cellphone and she tells him answer the phone when he hears Christmas bells. Six-year old Reilly Stockton calls Santa hotline and tells Santa/Devin that he wants a Dad for Christmas. Loved the conversations between Devin and Reilly—who tells Devin an angel gave him Santa’s phone number.
Emily March carefully weaves in a cyber doxing thread into the storyline. Although the harassment is targeted at Reilly’s mom, Dr. Jenna Stockton; the stalker terrifies Reilly and shakes both Reilly and Jenna to the core. Jenna’s primary concern is for her son’s safety. Emily March’s mother-son dialogue is fabulous; I could feel the strong bond between Jenna and Reilly. I was moved to tears when the Stockton family was swatted. Jenna and Reilly head to Eternity Springs to for Christmas. They meet Celeste and she shows them to their cottage and invites them to choose a Christmas tree from her property.
Loved the magical chapter when Celeste introduces the Stocktons to Cam Murphy and his son Michael; who are Santa/Devin’s father and brother. Celeste, Jenna and Reilly enjoy their sleigh ride with Cam and Michael as they search for their Christmas tree. Emily March’s descriptive voice shines as Celeste explains the spiritual story of the Christmas Wishing Tree.
Devin, Jenna and Reilly meet when the Stocktons return to Eternity Springs after a second swatting incident. Jenna confides in Devin about the harassment and stalking incidents. Devin assembles a group of friends who uncover the identity of the stalker. I liked that the romance between Devin and Jenna was a slow burn. Devin surprises Jenna with a cruise when they head to Bella Vita for a wedding. The chapter was fabulous and oh so very romantic!
I adored the characters and the small town community in The Christmas Wishing Tree. Celeste’s magic and healing powers strengthened the bond between Devin, Jenna and Reilly. Although Devin’s business was in Australia; he travelled to Eternity Springs to celebrate family events and holidays. He considered Eternity Springs home. Jenna and Reilly were looking for a safe haven to call home and Eternity Springs welcomed them with open arms. The novel is well -paced and the story lines blend seamlessly. Emily March does a wonderful job balancing the stalker thread, the multiple pregnancies and Devin and Jenna’s journey from friends to lovers. Living in Eternity Springs had such a positive effect on Reilly-he became more confident in himself and he believed in himself. The conclusion to the novel was perfect! I laughed, cried and smiled as I read the last pages.
The Christmas Wishing Tree is a perfect holiday read! It’s got all the feels; a beautiful setting, engaging characters, romance and a little boy’s Christmas Wish! Celeste’s magic brings three people together and teaches them to believe in the Christmas spirit all year long.
It’s the most magical time of the year
Yes, it is the time of year that Christmas books start turning up on my kindle!
I have only just realised that this is book 15 in the Eternity Springs series, but that didn’t make a lick of difference to my enjoyment of The Christmas Wishing Tree.
Jenna, Reilly and Devin’s story is a wholesome, lovely story. It is the perfect blend of sweet and tender, with some mystery and intrigue thrown in. My heart hurts for Jenna and Reilly as their story unfold, but full of hope as the town of Eternity Springs embraces them. There is a great sense of community that I just adore.
I love the “wrong number brings them together” story line. This really is a different take on “secret santa!”
I have to say, Reilly is a scene stealer. I adore all the characters, but this little guy just grips you by the heart and doesn’t let go.
The Christmas Wishing Tree is a great way to get that Christmas spirit ramping up. It is my favourite holiday, and this has just made me love it more.
I will be going back to read the earlier books in this series now.
I can’t wait to see what Ms Grant brings us next.
You just can’t go wrong with a book by Emily March.
We have known Devin Murphy since he was a teenager and now he is a grown man.
Enter Celeste and her uncanny way of knowing and being involved in everything. Somehow he winds up playing a phone Santa and gets more than he bargains for.
Jenna and Reilly are being terrorized by some lunatic who the police can’t apprehend. I felt so sorry for Reilly and what he went through, but Eternity Springs has its healing powers. The question is, will Eternity Springs healing powers be enough to protect Jenna and Reilly?
I love Eternity Springs & it’s resident angel, Celeste! The community pulls together like small towns do. When the women want something, it’s funny how these big, strong Alpha males try to move heaven & earth to get it for them. Emily March infuses so much warmth & emotion into each story that you have to read it cover to cover in one sitting. The connection to the characters is instantaneous. The fear that Jenna feels for her son in each situation the stalker puts them in hits directly in the readers’ heart. I loved how Devin went with the flow when he started getting Reilly’s phone call to Santa & did everything he could to reach out to Jenna & let her know what was going on. The other thing I appreciated is that this wasn’t an “instant” romance. This story took place over a couple of years but never was drug down or slow. Emily March has become one of my go to authors for warm, wholesome romances that touch the heart in the same way Debbie Macomber’s stories do.
The Christmas Wishing Tree is the latest book in prolific author Emily March’s Eternity Springs series. Aussie Devin Murphy is home in Eternity Springs, Colorado to visit his family for the Christmas holidays. When his phone is damaged while he is helping Celeste Blessing hang lights at her spa retreat, Angel’s Rest, Celeste gives him a spare phone to use while his is being fixed. This phone has the unusual phone number that spells out North Pole1.
When 6 year old Reilly Stockton calls this number to ask Santa for the one thing he wants more than anything else, a dad of his own, Devin doesn’t know what to do. He repeatedly tries to get ahold of Reilly’s mom, Dr. Jenna Stockton, without success until she finally does answer and is quick to accuse him of being the stalker that has been doxxing her for several months.
Reilly’s mom and his Santa Devin work out a plan so Reilly won’t be disappointed culminating in a planned final phone call on New Year’s Day. But Reilly isn’t able to take that phone call after the swatting experience that happened just before the new year began.
After several missed opportunities, Jenna and Devin’s paths do finally cross in a summer visit home for him and a stay at a local campground in Eternity Springs for her. Jenna and Reilly have been on the run for months since the second swatting incident in Tallahassee. Her stalker has taken away their sense of safety and security, but Devin is determined to restore this and catch her stalker once and for all.
In this lovely holiday story of love and loss, Ms. March spins a delightful tale. But it is also a cautionary tale of the horrible things that can occur in this technological age and how a person on the other end of a keyboard can make a target run, thus ruining their lives. In this story, however, Devin and his friends are able to bring a happy conclusion to Jenna’s angst and lead to a promising future for all.
This is a lovely story with emphasis on the Christmas holidays. I very much enjoyed this book and do recommend it!
I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it. I did like how it goes from one Christmas to the next then to June of the following year. You will fall in love with Eternity Springs when you read this book and as I said with the last book I read these make me want to go back and read all of the series. All these books can be read as a stand alone but once you start reading you want to know the background of everyone which makes you want to go back and read the previous books. This book gets you in the mood for Christmas and a feel good story. I think this could be a Hallmark Christmas movie.
*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
This is the 15th book in the Eternity Springs series by Emily March and reading it will leave you with a warm, happy feeling and have you wishing that you could step into the world that Emily March has created and live there.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this still new to me author’s book and look forward to reading more.
The Christmas Wishing Tree is a great romance. I fell in love with the town of Eternity Springs, Devin Murphy, and Celeste Blessings. When Celeste gives Devin a replacement cell phone for one that is broken, the story begins with a call from a little boy looking for Santa. This call is what takes Devin on a long and interesting trip to connecting with Devin’s mother, Jenna. A connection that is in danger of being ripped away when she comes under attack from several deadly “pranks.”
The relationship was really great for me because it didn’t happen overnight. Devin and Jenna circled each other for a long time before finally reconnecting on accident one summer in Eternity Springs. But Jenna is on the run, and Devin doesn’t know if he wants to settle down. They are both adults thought, which was a great thing because there was no needless drama or arguing.
The one thing I was disappointed in was the resolution to the deadly prankster. It is such a driving force throughout the whole book, and then it just goes away in the span of a couple pages. Yes, it is resolved, but I didn’t feel like it was given the attention it really needed.
*I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book*
The Christmas Wishing Tree by Emily March is a book that you can start and finish in one day. In fact you don’t want to put it down. There were many twist and turns, and keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. The characters were well developed and the town is described so well that I want to move there. This is the first book I have read from Emily March’s Eternity Springs Series but it won’t be the last. Even though this is book fifteen in the series it can very well be read as a standalone. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my ARC.
I have been a huge fan of the Eternity Springs series and I have been waiting for Devins story !
Devin Murphy has had much loss in his life, he also has been blessed with a great adopted family. Devin is a rolling stone, no moss on him, he likes to keep it free and easy with no relationships lasting longer than a few weeks !
Jenna is a surgeon, with an adopted son, Reilly . Reilly wants a Dad for Christmas and asks Santa to help bring him one !
I love this series and while you can read it as a stand-alone , please try to read them all, this way you can meet all the wonderful people who reside in Eternity
Springs .
Emily March writes such memorable characters and I love to catch up with my friends !
This book had a little mix of everything! There’s a slim thread of suspense from the stalker who is scaring Jenna and her son, Riley. Then there’s the romantic tension between Jenna and Devin. There’s Christmas magic-like major mojo as Devin reminisces about the Eternity Springs’ couples as he compares to his own life. Then there’s the slew of characters I can choose from to go back and read how they’ve all become intertwined. Of course, the best part is the sweet, chaotic vibe of living in a small town, surrounded by loving family and friends. Some things required a stretch of my imagination, but overall, I enjoyed this introduction to Eternity Springs and her colorful residents!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Christmas Wishing Tree by Emily March is a sweet installment to Eternity Springs, capturing the essence of the entire series. Eternity Springs is the place where broken hearts go to mend, and that could not be more true of our two main characters Jenna Stockton and Devin Murphy. Spanning nearly two years, the story begins when a little boy makes a call to Santa asking for a father for Christmas.
Jenna Stockton is a physician in Nashville, TN. While busy, she is a great mom to her adopted son Reilly. Reilly however is lonely on the nights his mother has to work which prompts his phone call to Santa. Jenna is saddened by this, but knows there is truth behind his request. I love Jenna. She puts Reilly’s needs ahead of her own, always building him up. When a stalker scares Jenna and Reilly from their home in TN, they make their way to Eternity Springs where they meet Reilly’s Santa Claus.
Devin Murphy was home visiting family when he received the first phone call from Reilly. Not wanting to ruin the kid’s Christmas, he played along with him and pretended to be Santa. One phone call led to several more until he truly began to care for the little guy he’d never met. This led to phone calls with his mom which led Devin to question who this woman really was. If I like Jenna, I love Devin. He resides in Australia, living the life a seafarer. Eternity Springs doesn’t have a seacoast, but it does have his family which brings him there often. Devin puts family first and himself second, and this made my heart melt for him just a little.
The plot of the story really focuses on Jenna and Devin’s relationship as much as Devin’s relationship with Reilly. The stalker adds an edge to the story I didn’t expect from Emily March, but it isn’t overpowering or even suspenseful. It just helps to move the plot along and gets Devin and Jenna in the same town. I love their relationship, how they met, and Reilly. Oh how I love Reilly! He is the same age as my own son, and I found myself smitten with the young man. His enthusiasm and love for Jenna is infectious. This story is as much about Jenna as it is him.
Amy Landon narrates this one, and I love her. Devin’s accent is subtle, but believable. Her tone and inflection bring the characters to life. I almost finished it in one sitting, listening on double speed because I did not want to stop!
Overall I really enjoyed The Christmas Wishing Tree. Jenna and Devin’s story is sweet and steamy, but Reilly is who really steals the show. If you enjoy holiday romance, I highly recommend you grab this one. While it is the #15 in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
What I enjoyed most about The Christmas Wishing Tree was the slow build up of love and trust between Devin and Jenna. Although both have been severely burned by life, they are willing to trust in each other. And with a bond built on their mutual concerned for a traumatize child, they’re willing to take the risk on each other to protect that child. I also really liked the focus of family and community of this story, the perfect ingredients for every Christmas tale.
Even though this is a series, readers can and should take a chance on picking this book up and reading it as a stand alone.
“The Christmas Wishing Tree” (Eternity Springs Book 15) by Emily March is a wonderful read. I absolutely loved Devin, Jenna, and Reilly’s story. I enjoyed catching up with all the entertaining residents of Eternity Springs. This book is a terrific addition to the series, packed with romance, family, small-town life, entertaining characters, and more. I can’t wait to see what happens next with the amazing characters in Eternity Springs. Highly recommend to all fans of romance, family, small-towns, and series.