The Christmas Wish

Problems are resolved as quickly as they’re introduced in Sala’s flimsy, Christmas-themed 12th Blessings, Georgia, romance (after Somebody to Love). Feed and seed sore manager Wade Montgomery and his bookkeeper, Bridgette “Birdie” Knox, have secretly pined for each other for years but fear their relationship would be inappropriate given their working relationship. It’s a concern that dissipates shockingly quickly: they confront their issues, confess their feelings, kiss, and make love for the first time all in the prologue. From there, Sala cycles through the similarly easily solved issues of Blessings’ other residents. Duffy Martin returns home 10 years after his father was incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit and is relieved by the warm reception of the understanding and forgiving townsfolk. And Josh King struggles with guilt over prioritizing his gambling addiction over his family, but thanks to the kindness of his former employer and new boss, he’s given a second chance. There are happy endings and Christmas miracles all around, but getting to them is such smooth sailing that they feel unearned and saccharine. The lack of focus and shallow character development make it difficult to connect with any of the one-dimensional cast. This is one to skip. Agent: Meredith Bernstein, Meredith Bernstein Literary. (Sept.)