Make My Wish Come True
Rachael Lippincott & Alyson Derrick
Arden James left her small town to make it big in LA – leaving everything and everyone behind without a goodbye. Caroline Beckett was one of those left behind without an explanation and she’s done her best to move on with life and support Arden’s family as best she can. When Arden rocks back into town with the request for fake-dating 12 times, Caroline can’t say no.
She Gets the Girl was very good and I therefore jumped at the chance of an ARC of this novel. Unfortunately, Make My Wish Come True was a letdown. It was very predictable and also similar in nature to Finding my Elf. As a probably demisexual, I can’t imagine holding onto the idea of loving someone for four years when they’ve left you. Caroline is finally moving on for someone else, and Arden just waltzes back in and expects her to jump. And she does!
How many teenagers really relate to a popstar/celebrity relocation to LA? I can tell you that today’s teenagers (that I know) couldn’t care less, because tiktok and other social media has made it possible to be famous without moving. On the other hand, Caroline’s dreams of journalism are achievable, if a bit typical of teenage novels. I think that young lesbians could still love this novel, particularly if they like seasonal reading (and snow).
I think I’m allowed to be picky with the #queer novels that come across my path now because there are so many great ones out there! I don’t love Christmas either. That being said, I did recently read another ARC of a Christmas novel (barista/artist/fake-engagement) that I did enjoy. So it’s not just that. 3 stars for this novel from me for a protagonist who seems to be missing a backbone and a storyline that’s a little too predictable.
Simon & Schuster | 2nd October 2024 | AU$22.99 | ebook (ARC)
