A Second Christmas Wish (Choc Lit)

A Second Christmas Wish is just one of those heart warming, and absolutely loveable Christmas stories. It clearly has taken a small influence from one specific Christmas film that I can think of, but I won't say which one, as it may give away one of the sweetest, most charming and emotional moments of the whole book.

In fact I could easily see this story on at the very least the small screen, as it is the sort of tale that I think can be enjoyed year on year and become a family favourite.

The quality of the writing and the way the prologue was written was enough for me to be hooked on this book. I loved every part of this story, with the obvious exception of Melissa's ex-husband who I really didn't take to, but he wasn't meant to be loved.

Melissa has come out of a controlling marriage, and lives with her 7 year old son William. William is painfully shy to start with, and is scared of his own father. Melissa persuades him to have tennis lessons in the run up to Christmas, alongside his best friend, Simon.

It just so happens Simon's uncle is the tennis instructor and is the gorgeous ex-grand slam winner Daniel McCormick, who had to retire due to injury. Daniel is warned against even flirting with Melissa but as they all get to know each other better, feelings develop.

The question is whether Melissa and William's past has hurt them to the extent to whether they can still enjoy Christmas and enjoy the magic of the season, and Daniel does his best to put a smile on both of their faces.

A Second Christmas Wish is a relatively easy going book to read, that brought me a huge amount of enjoyment.

Thank you so much to Choc Lit and Netgalley for my copy of this book. This was my honest opinion.

Oh I did enjoy this book. A wonderful Christmas love story that did not go smoothly due to a rocky and difficult past. Luckily love conquers all. This story is a delight and well recommended.

Delightful Christmas Romantic Read

What a joy! Lovely Christmas romantic read. Melissa is reluctant to commit to another man after a failed marriage and the pain it caused to her and her son. Boy, do I relate to her feelings, been there got the T-shirt! Daniel, the hero, has his own pain, having been a professional tennis player who had to give up the game through injury. The star of the book is Melissa’s son William, who adds a different dynamic to the romantic tale. Light-hearted but with themes many will relate to, I enjoyed the book from start to finish.

A great book just in time for the holiday season.
Melissa has decided to sign up her son William for tennis lessons. William's instructor is none other than Daniel McCormick a world class tennis player. Melissa and Daniel relationship starts out because of Melissa's relucant need to explain her sons behavior. William and Daniel grow close which is a surprise to Melissa. Daniel ask William what he wants from Santa in which William replies that there isnt one. Daniel who decides to get Will to right a letter to Santa for a new racket and then Will decides that he needs to make a second wish? Will Williams wishes come true? Will Melissa let go of her past hurts and see the great guy Daniel is? Read and find out ;)

I enjoyed this story about a young boy and his mother both regaining their belief in Father Christmas. Set in England, Melissa divorces her cold remote husband when he crushes his young son's belief in Christmas. William is a shy timid 7 year old who is afraid of just about everything until he starts tennis lessons and becomes friend with Danial, the teacher at the local club. A lovely Christmas romance that's easy to read with a satisfying outcome.

Melissa had been modeling Lawrence’s new designs. She had been swept off her feet when she met Lawrence he was a designer at the top - wealthy, powerful, and charismatic. Lawrence was twice Melissa’s seventeen years mature and experienced.Her Parents had been cold and distant not receiving or giving love. Lawrence helped Melissa with her career, and took her to foreign lands. As his wife she felt cherished at first but then she started to see his cruel side. When Melissa became pregnant with William Lawrence wanted her to have an abortion but Melissa refused and had her son. Just shy of William’s fifth birthday Melissa let Lawrence know she was taking William and leaving him. Lawrence didn’t fight her. Lawrence had only seen William once since she left on Williams's sixth birthday and William was very scared of him. Then Lawrence came to her door the following year saying he wanted to take William for Christmas , Melissa said no unless she named the place and was also there. Melissa had a good friend Alice who’s brother had been a professional tennis player until he got hurt.- Daniel. Alice asked Daniel if he could fit William in a class as Simon - her son and William were friends and William was very shy. Alice also told Daniel not to hit on Melissa as she had a bad marriage behind her. Melissa had a fan crush on Daniel when she was younger and watched him play. William had a couple private lessons with Daniel to catch up now he was excited to come to play tennis with the other kids. Daniel was very attracted to Melissa but trying to be her friend. Melissa had become a designer - she would never be an internationally known designer as she didn’t have the consuming drive and passion. But Melissa loved fashion and loved what she did. Melissa had been nominated for Best New Designer, The award is given at the Fashion Council’s Christmas Party. Daniel offered to go with Melissa and she accepted. Melissa also won the award.
I liked this story a lot. It was so very sweet. I really liked Daniel as a character, a very nice man. Daniel bonded well with William and that made you feel good that William had a positive male role model. I felt bad Melissa had no memory of a happy family Christmas- yes almost like they are real but what can I say. But at least now she had William even if she was a little overprotective of her self and William and even the tiniest bit put out when William talks to Daniel about things and not her first. She can’t give William a happy family Christmas if she doesn’t take a chance on love again. Anyway I liked the plot a lot and the characters also the ins and outs of this story and I recommend.

What could be sweeter than a little boy learning to believe in Santa? Maybe his mother learning to believe in love?

Melissa's ex wanted her, but he didn't want competition for her love. When she got pregnant, he insisted on an abortion and when she refused, he refused to love the child. Eventually they split and Melissa went from being a model to being a fashion designer. Then she met Daniel. She didn't want to love him, she didn't want to let him get close, but....he loved her boy and what woman can resist that?

The title refers to her son, William's visit to Father Christmas (the story is set in England). William doesn't believe, but tells Father Christmas two things he wants. What are they? Will he get them? Read the book--it is an inexpensive ebook and definitely worth it.

Thanks to the publisher for making a review copy available via NetGalley. Grade: B.

A super sweet love story just perfect to curl up with on a winters night.A great christmas read recommended

This was one of those heartwarming Christmas stories that I absolutely love. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fast Christmas read to warm your heart.

Downfall: As much as I loved this book I felt like I was almost missing pages in some areas, the story wasn't developed enough in some areas and I felt I needed to go back to re-read parts of chapters.

This book was provided to me from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I started reading A Second Christmas Wish late one evening and found myself gripped enough that I stayed up until I had finished. It's not a perfect book but it tells a believable story about realistic balanced characters. Melissa's fear and uncertainty about becoming involved with Daniel has a proper, entirely reasonable, explanation and her wavering stops before it gets irritating. I'd recommend this to someone looking for an ultimately feel-good Christmas escape.

What two wishes for Christmas are written inside a small boy’s letter to Father Christmas? One is a new tennis racket but what is the second? And most importantly, does Father Christmas really exist?

In A Second Christmas Wish by Kathryn Freeman begins her story with Melissa finally standing up for herself and her young son and leaving her horrible marriage. As a young runway model, she had fallen for Lawrence, a successful middle-aged fashion designer. When she became pregnant, he told her that he didn’t want the child, William, and her life began to dissolve. She has remained with him thinking that a mother and father should remain together, until Lawrence who has only ever yelled at the child, tells William there is no Father Christmas. As a result of how William has been treated, he has become painfully shy and afraid of the man who is his father.

Now it has been 3 years since Melissa got her divorce and she has become a successful fashion designer on her own, but has vowed never to be so dependent on anyone again. However, her son remains shy and afraid. William does have one good friend, Simon, who takes tennis lessons from his Uncle Daniel, a former tennis champion. Melissa’s good friend arranges for William to join his friend for tennis lessons. Melissa hopes that the lessons will provide William with some self-confidence.

Daniel immediately falls for the mother of his young pupil and
hopes to break down Melissa’s defenses while helping William. Melissa is determined that love and marriage are out of the question. Can Daniel show Melissa that she can love and trust again? Can William begin to heal from the affects of his hateful father? Can Melissa and Daniel together prove to William that Father Christmas does exist by figuring out what is written in the letter to Father Christmas?
Thanks to NetGalley and Choc Lit for the ARC of this book and I have voluntarily reviewed it.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, although the ending was predictable. A nice light feel good read.

This book has such a beautifully inviting cover that you couldn’t fail to pick it up and add it to your festive tbr pile! It’s such a lovely read. Full of Christmas cheer, romance and a charming tennis pro. The characters are lovely and warm (barring the ex husband) and really well developed.
It takes us through the magic of Christmas- the festive feel all around you as you read on, eagerly turning the pages and losing yourself in a Christmas bubble. Perfect for grabbing a mug of hot cocoa and a biscuit and relaxing in your favourite armchair. It’s my first book by Kathryn Freeman- but I’m very keen to seek out more of her books. I was so sad to come to the end of this one.
I voluntarily read an arc of this book with thanks to Net Galley

This is an amazing heart warming Christmas read you wont be disappointed by what you find between the pages of this book.
Melissa is an ex-model turned fashion designer who after a very bad marriage to Lawrence is bringing up her son William on her own, she is very protective of him as he is such a quiet and shy boy until she signs him up for tennis lessons with Daniel an ex-tennis world champion at his tennis academy and who also happens to be the brother of Melissa's friend Alice.
Daniel becomes a major part of their lives and he takes charge of looking out for them, Melissa even though she protests she is smitten by him but can't let herself get involved with him because of all the hurt she suffered in the past by her ex-husband.
The story has elements of happiness and sadness and some thought provoking moments that made the story very memorable. I love a man that likes to be all alpha dominant when he wants something but can also be chivalrous and kind and Daniel fit that mould perfectly. Melissa was a little silly thinking that she had to be alone for the sake of William to protect him but I did understand her reasoning but I did like her character more as the story moved along.
This was a pleasure to read right from the start to the finish, and I will be sure to look for more books from this author in the future.

This is a lovely, gentle love story. Melissa lives with her painfully shy son, William, after leaving her controlling and bullying ex husband.

In an attempt to get William some confidence, she signs him up for tennis coaching with Daniel, her best friend's brother. Daniel is an ex grand slam winner, who has retired from professional play due to an injury.

William very quickly bonds with Daniel and shares his secrets with him. The attraction between Daniel and Melissa grows slowly - and Melissa is very scared after her last experience.

Daniel shows great patience and tenderness - in direct contrast to her ex, who is an extremely unlikeable character.

The Wish refers to William's request to Santa Claus - and there are definite echoes of a well-known Christmas film there, but the book is deeper and shows the feelings - in fact very different! This would make a wonderful Christmas film as well!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Choc Lit for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This romantic Christmas story had all the perfect ingredients: hope, as the heroine Melissa and her son William learn to trust again; a developing love story; glamour (Melissa is a model turned fashion designer and Daniel, her son’s tennis coach, is a former champion) and drama, due to the threatening background presence of Melissa’s controlling ex. And then there’s a fairy-tale ending to look forward to! I also loved Kathryn Freeman’s attention to more minor characters. Melissa’s ex’s new partner is convincingly poisonous and Daniel’s sister (also Melissa’s friend) is delightfully forthright.

If your time crunch or budget only has space for a few select Christmas stories for yourself this holiday season then I’d strongly suggest that you put A Second Christmas Wish on the top of your list. You’ll discover a wonderful, heartwarming story of one disillusioned woman, one quiet and sad little boy and a man who has the power to heal them both – if they all can simply believe in themselves as a group that deserves to be happy together.

An emotionally abusive man can do far more damage with a few select words than with a physical strike, at least in my opinion. For the emotional damage goes on for years with the destruction of self-worth, doubts, fears and the determination to never be put in that place again… even when the best person ever comes along. Trust is shattered and difficult to regain.

This is where Melissa and her son, William are this Christmas season. She’s left behind an emotionally abusive husband and begun a new life with her son. Yet they each still bear the scars of Lawrence and his need to defile and destroy with words. William is closed off and far too quiet these days, but he does want to learn to play tennis with his best friend. This decision will open up a chance for normal for both son and mother, if they can simply believe in love. And for them, that’s a difficult task.

A Second Christmas Wish is so visually formed that it is so easy to picture scenes and people as they live their lives. In truth, this has all the go to buttons of a lovely Christmas holiday movie. Big screen. The book’s cover is the perfect opening scene that sets the tone for the rest of this story. Simple and stunning, and yes I do love that cover and can’t help but comment on it here.

Daniel is at the core a nice man. A talented athlete, yes, but a nice, compassionate man as well. His easy touch, the confidence he builds in William and the acceptance of William for exactly who he is makes him a perfect father figure for this young child. A father is not made from a blood connection, that’s DNA, what makes a parent is the love that flows to a child, the acceptance of the good and the bad moments but all tinged with an unshakable love that never harms but encourages. That is what I saw between Daniel and William, and it made this story all the sweeter and realistic for those touches.

While Melissa may have never known the family closeness that she longs for in her past, it could be there in her future. She has to go past what she’s known and believe that Daniel could love and treasure both her and her son in order to take a risk on what Daniel offers to them. It won’t be easy for Melissa to trust once again, that’s been destroyed. But if she can let go of what was and trust, just a little at first, then there is happiness and joy and security in the love Daniel has for them both… if she will take that chance. I never saw Melissa as weak, beaten down yes, but she has strength that she’s only beginning to understand. It’s that newfound strength that will help her make the best decision of her life – letting love lead the way.

One small child’s second Christmas wish is about to be answered in the most wonderful fashion. And isn’t that what believing in Christmas miracles is truly all about?

This story is one that I will bring out to read once again for years to come – thank goodness a digital copy cannot get frayed around the edges or damaged with hot chocolate spills. *smile* In all seriousness – A Second Christmas Wish is a delightful feel good story with believable characters and situations, and an absolutely brilliant solution. I loved this one and would highly recommend it for any reader no matter your preferred genre. Give yourself a gift this season and take a journey of discovery with Melissa, William and Daniel – you’ll have the time of your life.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this novel. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this story.*

Melissa Raven had had enough, she was tired of putting her child through hell, while staying in a loveless marriage, with her husband Lawrence, who didn't even want their child in the first place, and punished her with an affair and coldness. But even on their last Christmas together Lawrence destroyed it with his temper tantrum.

Fast forward 3 year and one divorce later, Melissa had made a wonderful home for her and William. William was even starting tennis lessons with former tennis pro Daniel McCormick, and Daniel has helped William come out of his shell, and even inspired passionate kisses from Melissa.

But when it becomes serious, Melissa becomes scared of the relationship developing between the 3 of them, Melissa slams on the brakes! But is this something they can work past or is this the end.

Okay, so I'm going to start with a plea to the Christmas movie gods, that SOMEONE, PLEASE MAKE THIS INTO A MOVIE!!

Oh my goodness, A Second Christmas Wish is such a beautiful Christmas love story, of love in the modern day, that I think so many people would relate too. This book literally made mad me cry ugly tears over just how wonderful this story is. The writing is sheer perfection and those are words I don't say that lightly. The plot is heartwarming and the characters! Are wonderful. Melissa is a momma bear where it comes to William, but after years of emotional abuse, is unsure of herself in every other aspect of her life. Daniel is a strong man, that craves that home, wife and children aspect of his life. I have to say that I love the way he enjoys being with William for his own merit, not because of his mother.

This book is truly an amazing read and I will treasure it for years to come.

I give A Second Christmas Wish 5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and Kathryn for selecting me to review this book. This is my honest opinion.

Melissa and Will found a friend in Daniel at a time when they needed someone. His warm, friendly, charismatic and caring personality is one you couldn't help but fall in love with.

Melissa's ex husband had done a right number on her and their son, leaving them to protect their feelings, and doubt that others could be genuine and not controlling. High five to Daniel for never taking no for an answer.

Choc lit at its best - I couldn truly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down.

A beautiful story about Father Christmas and believing in him with your heart. Melissa is divorcing her verbal abusive cheating husband and during Christmas he announced it and made William there son cry ever since that day Christmas has never been the same until Daniel. But will Melissa open her heart to Daniel or keep pushing him away. Will Daniel prove to William that Father Christmas does exist? Beautiful story with heartache and love. A perfect story for the holidays.5/5 stars *** I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book ***

The cover of A Second Christmas Wish is just so deliciously tempting I defy anyone to resist peeking beneath. The prologue is equally tempting, giving a concise backdrop and a glimpse into Melissa’s marriage to the cold and psychologically controlling dark eyed, Lawrence. It’s beautifully written, one sentence in particular the man utters making you sympathetic to Melissa and her son immediately. Thus hooked, we move on two years to find Melissa now divorced and, not surprisingly, putting love and the hurt it will surely bring aside to dedicate her time to her son, William, who is frightened of his own father and dreadfully shy – no surprise there either.

In hopes of bringing William out of his shell, Melissa encourages him to take tennis lessons and we meet Daniel, a tennis coach, who is everything Lawrence isn’t, and hot to boot. He’s also a bit of a charmer, thus warned off flirting with Melissa. Daniel, however, is smitten and is determined to put a smile back on her face. The question is, can he? The bond between Daniel and William is magical, watching this little boy grow is as heartwarming as our first glimpse of him is heartbreaking. We so want the sparkle of Christmas to be rekindled for him. A Second Christmas Wish really is the perfect story in the run up to the festive season. Grab a copy, curl up and indulge.

Thank you NetGalley for providing a copy of this book which I chose to read voluntarily.

This is a lovely Christmas romance. Melissa is a single mum, her son William is a shy introverted boy. Melissa was a model and is now a designer of women's clothing. Melissa is introduced to Daniel, her friends brother, who is a tennis coach. William takes tennis lessons and really likes Daniel. The attraction between Melissa and Daniel is instant. Can she let her guard down to love again? Read on.

Really beautiful book cover, really enjoyed A Second Christmas Wish, such a lovely heart warming story!

A warm and cosy Christmas read! Melissa is an ex-model who is no longer interested in having a relationship thanks to her ex-husband the horrible marriage she shared with him. She wants to give all of her time and energy to her young son and to make sure he grows up happy and loved. Then she meets Daniel who is determined to be with her and of course everything changes! It was fun to see how Daniel bonded with Melissa's son and I really enjoyed it when her ex-husband got his. All in all a great Christmas read.

Such Feel-good, Festive Fun! When it comes to stories with sweet, slow-burning romance and a little bit of heartache, Kathryn Freeman always delivers! I adored stepping into Melissa's world in A Second Christmas Wish and witnessing her beautiful relationship with her son William, and her attraction to Daniel grow.
Christmas has never been a good time for Melissa. For the last few years she'd been married to her manipulative and emotionally abusive ex-husband Lawrence (You will love to hate this guy, seriously!) and now all her efforts are focused on giving William a Christmas that he deserves. But that proves more than difficult since Lawrence had made William believe that Father Christmas isn't real.
Seeing the way that William blossomed throughout this book was the highlight for me. Starting off as shy, quiet and a boy who internalised a lot, it was so heartwarming to see that through Melissa and Daniel's relationship, and through Daniel's being a positive male role model, William became a confident, happy and outgoing boy.
Daniel was an oh-so-sweet hero who I loved. With the host of secondary characters including his sister and nephew, we see how the difference in how he and Melissa had grown up, her lonely and distant, whilst him showered with family love, affected him in fighting for Melissa. Their scenes together where he refused to give up on her, even when she had doubts, were so great.
Join Melissa, Daniel and William in this gorgeous festive story, where you'll see that sometimes a single wish can have a unique power.

5 Stars!

A second Christmas wish by Kathryn Freeman was a lovely Christmas read. We meet Melissa and her 5 year old son. Melissa has just got out of an abusive relationship with her ex husband and meets Daniel who is the local tennis coach. Can he help them both to forget the past?
A great story.