Little Wishes

Suspense author Adams (Between the Lies) offers a sentimental but overcrowded tale of a lost love rekindled in her first foray into romance. Tom Hale and Elizabeth Davenport were teen sweethearts torn apart by circumstance who both went on to lead separate happy lives. Still, each year Tom leaves a blue crocus and a wish for what could have been between them on Elizabeth‘s doorstep to celebrate the anniversary of their first kiss. Elizabeth saves each one as a treasured sign of Tom’s continued love, despite their absence in each other’s lives. But on the 50th anniversary, there is no gift. Fearing the worst, Elizabeth tracks Tom down in London and discovers he is suffering from lung cancer. Elizabeth slides into his life as though no time has passed, and the couple begins fulfilling all the wishes Tom left for Elizabeth over the years. The story alternates between the present day and Tom and Elizabeth’s tumultuous youth, slowly revealing the circumstances of their separation. The bittersweet present struggles to keep pace with the melodramatic past, however, leading some of the novel’s most touching, climactic moments to feel muddled. Still, Adams is sure to win fans with this poignant, if improbable, love story. Agent: Madeleine Milburn, Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV & Film Agency. (Nov.)