New Orleans, a city of mystery and magic, of secrets and dreams, and a history drenched in both love and the deepest of heartache. When ballet dancer Clara Campbell arrives in New Orleans, lonely and homesick, she is immediately captivated by the story of Windisle Plantation and the tragic tale that is said to have transpired beyond its gate. Legend has it that it is abandoned by all living … living souls, but to Clara’s great surprise, it is not a ghost she hears through the stone wall surrounding the property, but a flesh and blood man. A scarred stranger with a pain deeper and darker than the churning waters of the Mississippi river that flows beside his self-imposed prison.
The ruined man behind the wall hides himself from the world. The last thing he expects is to find a friend in the selfless girl who speaks to him through the cracks in the rock. The girl who keeps returning week after week. The girl who makes him wish for things he has long since given up on. The girl who strikes both fear and hope within his wounded heart. But there can be no future for them, no life beyond Windisle, for no one knows better than him that monsters only live in the dark.
The Wish Collector is the story of shame and triumph, of loneliness and love, and the miracle of two hearts connecting despite the strongest of barriers between them.
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This book was enchanting, alluring. Leaving you breathless at some points, full of sorrow in other moments and swooning like a teenager most of it. It’s so well developed making every decision and event come in full circle to have the most wonderful happily ever after.
The Wish Collector was a magical story were past events and future ones collide. It transports you to a difficult yet beautiful time in life. A time when grand parties in prestigious and beautiful Plantations in New Orleans were the topic of the day. A time were, unfortunately, the color of your skin did matter and rule you life worth.
Events from the past will make possible for Clara and Jonah to meet in an unconventional and magical way. This is not a fantasy read with mystical creatures but if your familiar with how New Orleanders believe in magic, voodoo, incantations and past lives then that is definitely part of this love story.
This review is short because I feel any details I give you will break the spell of this extraordinary story. I will leave you will a heart full of love. If your familiar with Mia’s writing, this story has a feel of Archer’s Voice. A wounded hero and an amazing and beautiful hearted heroine. A love that start as friendship and grow to an incandescent passion. I even get goosebumps writing this review. A love that start as friendship and grow to an incandescent passion. I even get goosebumps writing this review. I truly recommend this book to you all guys.
A lovely contemporary romance story paralleling a historical one in the always enigmatic setting of New Orleans. Mia Sheridan’s writing always provides beautiful escapism and her characters charm their way into readers hearts.
.Every time I read a Mia Sheridan book, I give myself over to her indescribable artistry and let the magic of her brilliant words transport me to yet another time and place. Never in my wildest imagination, did I fancy that she would whisk me off to the tortured and romantic Garden District of New Orleans for a transformative love story that blends BEAUTY & THE BEAST, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and the 1945 film THE ENCHANTED COTTAGE. I believe this is Mia’s most powerful romance of all, showing us the importance of grace, forgiveness and understanding. So deeply romantic is the core of this couple – they instill a belief in miracles, magic, wishes, and love that transcends the physical. With this book, Mia has given us the deepest peek into her own soul and left me speechless.
Simply Amazing – Modern Day Beauty and the Beast set in New Orleans.
There is romance, pain, two lonely people finding each other in a most interesting way around a legend, with a bit of magic and folklore. And a glance back to the times of Civil Wars.
I just loved this book so much I couldn’t stop reading.
Must Read of 2018. LOVE
It’s been quite a while since a book has inspired me to read from beginning to end without putting it down when the genre isn’t exactly my choice of reading material! That being said, I had absolutely no idea what I was letting myself in for since I hadn’t read the synopsis. The mere fact that it was written by an author who had previously written an unforgettable book engraved on my heart was enough for me to one-click. So, did her writing exceed my expectations? Yes! Sheridan’s unpredictable tale in present and past melds two stories together with the precision of reality, entwining unimaginable past happenings. Always intriguing, the mysteries of a convoluted logic took this reader on a journey of wishes, making me try to guess the outcome.
A broken soul. The owner of wishes. A mysterious wall, bleeding tears of despair. Light is shone on a lass whose curiosity to know the whys and wherefores of a fascinating story she’d inadvertently stumbled on, brimming with unanswered questions, the unknown. She becomes a lonely man’s shadow of hope confined in his solitary world behind mortar and stone. He hadn’t had the courage to venture further afield in many years for reasons you will discover. Right guys, this isn’t an easy read. It’s not all rose petals and strawberries, but it will keep you stuck to the pages. The emotional stress broke my heart too many times to count. Then my heart skipped with joy when beautiful scenes gained not only a semblance of relief, but also left me in awe of such outstanding compassion.
New Orleans’ historical richness, its architecture and a stifling humidity caused by the river are incredibly well-described. The climate was most certainly different to what ballerina, Clara Campbell had ever experienced. Never once did she complain because it wasn’t in her nature. I couldn’t help but like her. Clara’s gratefulness for everything small, big and in between sizzles off the pages. If anyone in Jonah Chamberlain’s existence could lessen his grief, it was she. Oh my, to say I feel sorry for him would be an understatement. I desperately wanted a know why there were so many dark areas in his story. Only one person could unlock the truth. Who?
Jonah. Goodness me. Actually, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if you have to gravel for that connective tissue we all look for in our heroes. He is a sorrowful fellow buried deeply in his woes although his acceptance of bad luck or call it what you will, made me respect him. I found fault in him as did Clara but as they say, love moves mountains…it gives fuel for change and can lift even the most desperate to unimaginable levels!
I am going to keep this review short. Firstly, I have no wish to spoil this magnificent story for you and secondly, you have to see for yourselves if hope, self-forgiveness and love rules. Sheridan’s storytelling technique is beyond exquisite. Her secondary characters’ abounding sense of goodness and encouragement left me smiling. Only one more thing to say. Sheridan, bravo!
Two stories of love. Two eras-Civil War time and the present. Two intermingled stories of love broken by lies, manipulation and circumstances beyond control. One story of how love can heal the past and the present. Coming into the light and setting love free.
The characters are wonderful, as are many of the supporting characters.
Past-Angelina and John
Present-Jonah and Clara, Mrs Guillot, Mr Baptiste, Myrtle and Cecil, the Brass Angels, and so many more.
There is heart and will, bone-deep pain and loss. There are wishes and hope; bravery and passion.
The Wish Collector is a story about life, the good and bad; how easily broken one can be; how a simple touch or gesture can lift you up enough to find the fight, the bravery to overcome obstacles. Love can heal.
I finished this story last night and writing this review to time. I had to think and relive those moments that spoke to me, that made my heart bleed and and then soar. Don’t rush through The Wish Collector. Read and think and feel, as there is so much to this story.
The Wish Collector by Mia Sheridan is hands downs one of the most amazing, intriguing, haunting, and beautiful books I have ever read.
Sheridan reached into the depths of her soul and shared with us characters who were flawed and perfect all at once.
I absolutely loved and savored every word. I’m telling y’all, half the Book is highlighted on my Kindle.
Clara and Jonah are magical!
“Grace. Forgiveness. Understanding.”
“I believe everyone deserves grace, Clara. What you will have to ask yourself is if you should offer that grace from near or from afar.”
Mia Sheridan has put words to page and created a body of work that defies description. Every aspect of her newest creation, The Wish Collector, is deliberate and magical. The subject, the characters, the setting, the point of view, the choice of words, the intense drama, and sheer artistry with which Ms. Sheridan weaves these elements together to present this amazingly imaginative story is extraordinary and noteworthy.
Out of all the wonderful nuances gifted to the reader in The Wish Collector, my favorite was the way in which this talented author made me forget about my real world to escape into one so very complex, unique, and fascinating. For hours I was immersed and enraptured by this gorgeous story. I enjoyed the way this story kept me thinking, wondering, and imagining about what would happen next. Not getting what I expected and being more than pleased with what I got from The Wish Collector was the biggest and gift Mia Sheridan gave to me. She is astoundingly intelligent in her approach to presenting and telling a story.
It is by far one of the most original and beautiful books I have read in a very long time. I am placing The Wish Collector at the top of my list of Books that Need to be Read before the end of 2018.
The Wish Collector is beautifully written. A story with in a story. Rich, meaningful words woven together. Woven with mystery, romance, suspense and timeless folklore. The Wish Collector alternates between the present and the past, history and heartache. An emotional journey filled with hopes, dreams, despair, regrets and the magical pull of love. The mystery of New Orleans is the background and is filled with suspicions and traditions.
Clara Campbell is a bit lost and lonely. She is a ballet dancer who recently moved to New Orleans leaving behind her elderly father to pursue her dream. Clara is compassionate, sweet and straight forward. Clara speaks her mind although it is usually gentle yet firm. She thinks of others before herself.
Jonah Chamberlain feels hopeless, drowning in his sorrows. He is a recluse. Jonah pines away behind the great walls of the Windisle Plantation paying a self-imposed penance. He feels unredeemable. He has had many years to reflect upon his actions and their consequences.
“I don’t read them all. I just collect them.” “You collect them,” she repeated slowly. “So I guess you’re the wish collector, then?”
Clara is fascinated by the legend of the “weeping” wall at the Windisle Plantation. She seeks it out and is surprised to find that someone is behind the wall. A friendship begins between Clara and Jonah, the mysterious man behind the wall. They talk and share their deepest secrets and regrets. There is a connection between them that is felt right through the wall and down to their souls.
“Help me help you, Angelina.”
Inside the walls of Windisle Plantation is the spirit of Angelina Loreaux and John Whitfield who some believe still haunt the property. Their tragic tale has been passed down generations through storytelling.
“Love makes a place for itself even if there isn’t one, Mama,” she said quietly. “Love carves into the hardest of places.”
Mia Sheridan brings us a unique story of love and loss. I was both captivated and moved. It had a fairytale feeling with a grown up twist. And yet it was still so believable. I was anxious as I wondered – What will happen? Why are Angelina and John not at peace? Will Jonah finally feel redeemable? As always Mia shows us that no matter what life throws your way, you can overcome it. There is always hope. Beautifully done Mia!
“…where there was love, there was always, always hope.”
4.5 stars
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#Unique #1Click #SoulMates #Sexy #AngelinaAndJohn #IBelieve
Magical. There is no other word to describe this book, or if you want to use a sentence, you can say it its a 5 stars masterpiece. Mia once gain deliver a passionate story about love, friendship and family. The Wish Collector embodies the mystique of New Orleans and transforms the city in a Character of the book. Going back an forth between two stories of crossed-star lovers, it challenge your believes and has you on the verge of your seat wanting to know what happened in the past and what will happens next. A love story about acceptance, differences and pure love. I can’t recommend this book enough.
This is my next read! I’m so excited to start it.
If you’re looking for something different – something that will capture your heart and tease your mind and whisk you away to another place and even, for a bit, another time? The Wish Collector is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s lovely. It’s captivating. It’s both a tale as old as time, and uniquely told story you’ve never read before.
I’ve seen the comparisons to both Beauty and the Beast and Phantom of the Opera and I think those are the most accurate comparisons. They are the two stories that kept floating around in my brain as I was pulled into the sort of mystical world Ms. Sheridan crafted. As a fan of surly, wounded heroes and strong, determined heroines – I was primed to like this story from the very beginning.
Only, this is much more than a simple love story. It’s a tapestry – the modern day love story between Jonah and Clara is woven with threads from two heartbreaking storylines from the past. It’s interesting, heartbreaking, and ultimately so incredibly rewarding. There are elements of mystery and history that layer what, at the root of it all, is a simply lovely, breathtakingly beautiful romance. While the story itself sometimes feels moody and almost gothic in its telling, the overall message was of hope, and love unconditional.
I loved it. It’s not like anything Ms. Sheridan has written before, and yet it satisfied in exactly the same way that I’ve come to expect from her stories. It’s a story that has nestled itself inside my brain and my heart and won’t be leaving me any time soon. This was an easy 5 stars and an enthusiastic recommendation from me!
History, fate, redemption and above all else the power of love. Mia shines brighter than the stars with this new read. I can’t think of a better book to end 2018.
Jonah and Clara are inspiring. Clara is the purest soul I’ve ever read and her goodness glows from these pages.
This book offers the best of all the romantic reading world. There’s a historical element, the pureness of real love beyond the superficial, the fight to show forgiveness and adoration beyond the exterior and a tad bit of smokin hot steam. A beautifully stunning display of romance at it’s finest.
Bravo Mia I offer you a white and red rose for your awe inspiring words and a story I’ll not soon forget!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a story written by Mia Sheridan that wasn’t amazing. The Wish Collector was a great 5 star story that was just unique.
I don’t want to say too much about what kind of story this is because I don’t want to spoil anything for the other readers. Let me say that there are 2 stories happening. One in 1860’s and one in the present.
An unique storyline that had me reading non stop. When I did happen to put it down , I wanted to come back to reading it. Wonderful characters that attached themselves to my entire being. I felt so much for them. This story is set in New Orleans and comes with the magic of that setting.
A lengthy story but it was not enough, I wanted more. I basically devoured this captivating and intriguing story. Bottomline this is a must read.
Told in the third person with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
This sweeping story of love and forgiveness goes really deep. It’s riveting and very moving. Set in New Orleans, I love how the Southern background and rich culture weave into the story.
Clara and Jonah are two lonely people, whether by circumstance or choice, the result is the same – two starving souls. Their friendship forms under unusual circumstances, united by a legend about one of Jonah’s ancestors and Clara’s selflessness.
The cultivation and progression of this friendship are my favourite parts of this story. Clara is the key to Jonah’s path to healing and feelings of self-worthiness. She is a spitfire, a champion who blooms under Jonah’s attention and friendship.
Jonah is barely existing with a broken spirit when Clara comes into his life. I love how she unwittingly breaks down his emotional barriers with her offer of friendship and easy companionship. Her light balances his darkness.
Strong secondary characters add layers and depth to an already winning book.
Mia Sheridan weaves her magic again.
5 Stars!
Clara Campbell is a midwestern girl from Ohio. She’d been dancing since she was four, and her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina come true when she joins the New Orleans Ballet. Alone in a new city she feels homesick. Then she learns of the local attraction at Windisle Plantation. She’s drawn to the tragic tale and history of a couple from years ago that were plagued by heartbreak and misery. The myth of their ghosts and the stone wall where people left their wishes fascinated her. She decides to go leave a wish at the wall, and is shocked when she hears movement from the other side. She keeps returning weekly and a friendship forms between two lonely people who can talk anonymously and be themselves. They become each other’s deepest confidant. They talk about everything despite the physical barricade between them.
Jonah Chamberlain once had it all, or so he thought. He was a handsome, successful lawyer. The golden boy son following in his father’s footsteps. Then the path he chose forever changed his life, and led him to Windisle. Now he feels worthless and pathetic, and is consumed by grief, anger and pain. He’s become a recluse, and is a shell of the man he used to be. He’s locked away in his fortress by his own self-appointed isolation. Then he forms an unusual bond with a woman named Clara. She intrigued him, and offered him compassion. He was captivated by her sweetness, and she soothes him, and makes him question everything. She made him yearn for things that were long out of his reach. Their time together felt magical, and he decides to enjoy the moments they had.
Clara has been obsessing over her broken wish collector since the day they met. He brought her peace, and invoked a fierce longing in her. She wanted this beautiful man to be hers. For him to join the world, and realize he still had plenty to offer. Her scarred stranger had stolen her heart.
Jonah continues to push Clara away. He doesn’t know how they can have a future together. He felt safe behind his wall, and thought being with him would only bring misery to Clara’s life, but he couldn’t deny she’d changed him. Would he stay an outcast hidden in his sanctuary making himself suffer, and risk her walking away, or will he step out of the shadows for love?
This story is about a man who lives life consumed with such an overwhelming, intense sadness. It’s about healing, forgiveness, hope, shame, redemption, second chances, and most of all love. That sometimes we just need that one person to truly see us and believe in us. It’s also about the need to find faith in yourself and love yourself as you are. That nobody is perfect, but we all always have something to be grateful for. This book was a deeply emotional, romantic, beautiful, touching, unique story. I loved it so much! It’s one of my favorites by this author. A book that touches your heart, and one I’ll be thinking about for a while.
A beautiful story with a beautiful cover (I love the simplicity of it)
When you read a Mia Sheridan’s book you gifted an epic love story in her own special brand of storytelling and writing. I was captured at the prologue to the very end!
The story is told in dual POVs in the past and the present (few chapters from the 1860s) and is a story of two couples one in the past and one in the present. It is packed full of mystery, intrigue, with tragedy and heartbreak so much emotion!
The supporting characters enhanced the story and as always Mia gifted us with an epilogue to tie up any loose ends.
This book is something you should go in blind and feel all the emotions that go along with this very magically story!
4.5 stars
“For now they were just a boy and a girl, sitting on opposite sides of a wall, a layer of thick stone between them, but their hearts connected nonetheless. And for now, he would enjoy the moments they had.”
First of all I want to say that I absolutely love the cover and title of this book. It is beautiful and magical, and I think it fits this book perfectly. “The Wish Collector is the story of shame and triumph, of loneliness and love, and the miracle of two hearts connecting despite the strongest of barriers between them.” I don’t even read Mia’s book blurbs to decide if I want to read the book, I just read them to see what level of excitement I should be in. We have mystery, magic, history, romance, heartbreak and so much more in this book. I love all of these elements so I knew I was in for an interesting ride. I will not go into the plot a lot, because I think the blurb is more than enough to entice the reader to pick up this book, so I will discuss my feelings and thoughts. I just loved the way the main characters Jonah and Clara met. It was magical, mysterious and intriguing. I just couldn’t wait to see how their relationship would develop from the moment they met. Clara is so selfless and caring, she is the type of person loved by many. Jonah, is broken and hiding from the world, he is punishing himself. But the moment he meets Clara, he knows he can’t hide or ignore her.
“He wouldn’t let her fall. Though in all honesty, it was far too late for that. She’d fallen. Somewhere along the way, she’d already fallen.”
The Wish Collector is a beautiful and magical contemporary romance. Clara is trying to solve a mystery/curse and the flashbacks of this two other characters connected to this mystery was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I honestly wanted more of these flashbacks and I didn’t think there were enough of them in this book. Also I felt like in the last 20% of the book a lot of things were resolved a bit too conveniently. I was expecting a bigger focus on it, because it was pretty important in the first half of the book. But towards the end it fell more to the background. In a way this was a good thing because the focus became stronger on Jonah and Clara’s relationship and problems. But I was invested in both stories and was just expecting a little bit more. Overall, this book was amazing and so beautiful. The characters were great, the story was original, and I was hooked until the end. This book had a very different atmosphere to it, I think it being set in New Orleans was part of the reason it felt magical. Also Mia Sheridan’s beautiful story-telling and writing was another reason this book was so intriguing.
4.5/5 STARS
See my review in French here
The Windisle plantation is quite the mysterious place, hiding a “monster” behind its walls…
But it also hides tragic events from past times.
I believe the best way to savor this book is diving into it completely blind.
Because this property holds so many stories, from the present and from the past, so many tangled heartaches, paths, decisions, that led to those neglected walls…
What I loved the most, besides Mia Sheridan’s writing of course, is that as the story unfolds, pieces of the puzzles are discovered, secrets are revealed and so many feelings and events are uncovered.
Prejudice, broken dreams, betrayals, lies, corruption, tragedy, legends, but also love, passion, altruism and courage.
The Wish Collector has a special touch of magic that reminded me of some fairytales, but also a hint of mystery and unexpected twists.
I love Mia Sheridan’s stories and this book is definitely one of my favorite from hers, right behind Archer’s Voice and Most Of all You.
***ARC Provided by the Author for an Honest Review***
Visit my French blog: https://isalacroqueusedelivres.wordpress.com
Life as a ballerina doesn’t always lend you time for enjoying all that life can offer. The demands a pleasant and lingering part of the day, but one that a dancer wouldn’t trade for the world. Clara Campbell traveled to NOLA for the ballet. With her days consumed by her craft, Clara has had little time to explore the city she know calls home.
With a neighbor that provides Clara with details about this city, a folktale quickly comes to life. After learning about a plantation that is the focal point of a love story from long ago, Clara sets out to see for herself the lure and intrigue surrounding this tragic tale. Windisle Plantation holds the mysteries of the past while providing the residents of NOLA with a quest for hope. This plantation is nothing like Clara dreamed, but definitely is the beginning of a new relationship with the city she now calls home.
Life always throws curveballs to those that least expect it, a fact that Jonah knows all too well. Once an attorney with the world at his feet, Jonah’s life turned on a dime with one case. The events from that fateful day led Jonah to seek solace behind the walls of the Windisle Plantation – a family property that allows Jonah to live without the scrutiny of the public.
Living as a hermit, Jonah doesn’t interact with the outside world anymore. The confines of Windisle the only place that offers solitude from the storm that is brewing within Jonah’s soul. When Clara brings her burdens to the walls of Windisle, a new friendship begins between the two. Both discover that the other eases the loneliness within the soul, creating a bond that quickly seeps into the heart.
The Wish Collector is the latest release by author Mia Sheridan, and it’s a definite must read!! Sheridan loves to mix reality into her works of fiction, and this piece of fiction seemed more reality than not. Mixing lore from the 1800’s with a modern day romance was a stroke of genius!! The tale centered around the Windisle Plantation was fascinating and so realistic. You will feel the mystery surrounding this locale pulsing throughout the story. The lore will pull you into this modern day romance, but leave you longing to uncover those bits and pieces left dangling from the past.
Clara and Jonah were wonderful characters all on their own. Both had emptiness in their heart that was waiting to find completion. This Wish Collector is the best type of book to read when you need inspiration and HOPE!! Get ready for a journey of hope, despair, redemption and forgiveness…..the perfect combination for a romance that is sure to be one you will not forget!