Starred review from July 26, 2021
Characters from Austin’s 2020 novel If I Were You return in this lovely standalone Christmas tale. It’s December 1951 in Connecticut, and two five-year-old boys, Bobby Barrett and Harry Dawson, are obsessed with the Sears Wish Book, convinced Santa will bring everything they underline in the pages. Both raised by single mothers, they also think Santa might be able to bring them fathers. Frustrated by their sons’ selfishness, Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson set out to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas. To do so, they start the “Wise Men” project intended for neighbors in need of emotional support or daily errands, which they hope will encourage the boys to give gifts to others. While the boys are less than enthusiastic about the idea, they soon begin to embrace the spirit of giving. The mothers also learn some important lessons along the way, including the necessity of accepting forgiveness and help. As the boys begin to learn and change, Audrey and Eve also open their hearts to the possibility of new love. While fans of If I Were You will be eager to read the next chapter of Audrey and Eve’s lives, this charming book will also be a delight for inspirational readers looking for a feel-good Christmas story.