The Wish List

Major’s wholesome fourth Carolina Girls novel (after Wedding Season) follows a trio of sisters determined to make peace with their egotistical mother—and themselves. After acclaimed author May Carlyle suffers a stroke, her estranged adult daughters Beth, Freya, and Trinity rush to her side in Magnolia, N.C.—just in time for Christmas. The sisters are each dealing with issues of their own: nurse Beth, who’s had multiple miscarriages, is distraught to learn that her ex-husband’s new wife is pregnant; Freya is unhappy in her career as a reality show star; and pregnant Trinity is on the run from an abusive relationship. All are at a crossroads: Beth wants to escape Magnolia, Freya wants to become an author, and Trinity wants a safe environment to raise her baby. Fortuitously, the universe has plans for the women in the form of handsome strangers: Beth’s chance meeting with her patient’s friend Declan Murphy leads to love; Freya catches the eye of Christopher Greer, her mother’s agent; and widowed police chief Asher Davis falls for Trinity. But when Trinity’s ex brings danger to town, all bets may be off. Major’s charming small town is packed with salt-of-the-earth people readers will embrace, and each sister’s journey is beautifully imagined. Readers will eagerly await their next visit to this idyllic community. (Oct.)