Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed reader
Review: I usually love Elaine Goudge's books, but this one was a disappointment to me. I enjoyed the first Carson Springs Taste of Honey but the next two weren't quite as good. This book, Wish Come True is certainly not the best of the three. Too many characters to keep up with, I had to keep looking back to see who's who. I couldn't really get into this book though I stayed with it to the end. I wouldn't recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: A Piece of Heaven on Earth...
Review: Paraplegic and former movie actress Monica Vincent is dead. Her sister, Anna Vincenzi, is arrested for murder. The residents of Carson Springs are shocked--not because of Monica's death; she was a cruel, vindictive woman who played the pity card to manipulate others. Anna's friends are shocked because they don't believe she is capable of such a heinous crime. WISH COME TRUE, the third book in the Carson Springs trilogy, begins with Anna's arrest, then takes the reader back six months to view the events that led up to the murder. Anna cares for her Alzheimer's-afflicted mother, Betty, as well as assists Monica many hours each day. Monica is an alcoholic and makes Anna's life a living hell. Things finally reach a breaking point, and Anna and her other sister Liz convince Monica to enter rehab. During family week, Anna gets to know Marc, a counselor with troubles of his own. The two grow closer, and over the next few months forge a relationship. Marc joins Anna in the search for Monica's killer. Will they fall in love or just remain close friends? Will they find Monica's true murderer, or will Anna go to jail? WISH COME TRUE also revisits some favorite characters from Eileen Goudge's previous novels. Finch is on a mission to find out more about her birth family. Laura and Hector proceed with the adoption of a baby. Sam, Claire, Gerry, and many others are also featured. Who is the mysterious woman with the same name as Finch, are they related? Eileen Goudge has a talent for creating believable characters who overcome obstacles for love. I enjoyed getting to know Anna in the previous two novels in which she was a peripheral character. In WISH COME TRUE, she has a voice and comes to find herself in the midst of the needs of others. Marc is an ideal match for Anna, although he is not without faults. The cracks in his armor are what make him a believable and interesting person. Ms. Goudge writes in such a way that the transitions between past and present flow smoothly. In the end, she paints a seamless picture with a conclusion that even most mystery lovers will not figure out in advance. One issue that really bothers me about this book is the treatment of the characters from past books. The previous novel, TASTE OF HONEY, featured Gerry finding the daughter, Claire, she had given up for adoption thirty years before. Most of that book is a struggle of choices for Claire--between Gerry and her adoptive parents, between her new love in Carson Springs and her hometown boyfriend. In WISH COME TRUE, it is mentioned almost as an aside that Claire is now married, and that Claire's mother had passed away. I felt cheated that this was only worthy of one sentence when I had grown to know and care for these people. I hate to see this trilogy end. There are so many more stories to tell in Carson Springs, hopefully Ms. Goudge will revisit it again someday. Although WISH COME TRUE is the third in a series, Ms. Goudge gives the reader enough background that it can stand alone. I recommend reading all three books: STRANGER IN PARADISE, TASTE OF HONEY, and now WISH COME TRUE, to get to know the special people of Carson Springs. The idyllic scenery and warm residents will make you wish to live in this corner of heaven on earth, or at least visit for a little while.
Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful ending to a fascinating series
Review: There were times when Anna Vincenzi might have thought that even Cinderella had better breaks then she did. As the caregiver and secretary to her sister, the dazzling but disabled movie star Monica Vincent, Anna was more often than not regulated to the background and constantly berated for her hard work. It didn't help that Anna was overweight and less than confident about herself. When she took a little incentive to change her life and begin to lose some weight, Anna never dreamed that she would soon be charged with the murder of her famous sister. Talk about a weight loss plan! Best selling author Eileen Goudge mixes up an intense murder mystery into her latest novel, "Wish Come True," the final book in her Carson Springs trilogy. Carson Springs is a tranquil community that prides itself on the closeness of its community. So when one of their beloved residents finds herself charged with murder, everyone rallies to her support. Anna's neighbors Laura and Hector find a lawyer to help clear their friend's name, and Laura's sister Alice and her husband provide the bail money. Teenager Finch and her high school pals go door to door to raise money for the defense fund, and organize a rally to sway all the reporters who have gathered to cover the sensational murder trial. But all their hard work could be in vain unless an important piece of the mysterious puzzle can be found before the trial ends in disaster. Goudge also takes time to update her readers on the lives of her characters who were featured in the previous Carson Springs novels. Sam and Ian are happily married with their beloved baby, Jack. Gerry and her new husband Aubrey are singing along, and her oldest daughter Claire's new business venture, the Tea and Sympathy teashop is hit with the town. Weddings, first loves, and new babies round out the endearing stories found within the novel. "Wish Come True" is lively and emotionally charged, with a dollop of sensuality to make it sizzle. A perfect read for the summer. Goudge's writing style is cozy and heartwarming, and readers will find themselves sorry to see this charming series coming to an end. But you know that she will have something wonderful waiting in the wings for the next book. Sharon Galligar Chance
Times Record News, Wichita Falls, Texas
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: Who could possibly think Anna would kill Monica???? Not that she doesn't deserve to after all that she has put her thru but of course you can't put down the book once you get started. Great way to start your holiday weekend by picking up a copy of this book.
Carson Springs is a great place to live and I wish there were a Tea & Sympathy near my home.
Congratulations Eileen for once again writing about the people in Carson Springs who we have all known to come and love. If you haven't read her other books go out and get them you don't know what you are missing. Pure enjoyment.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: Who could possibly think Anna would kill Monica???? Not that she doesn't deserve to after all that she has put her thru but of course you can't put down the book once you get started. Great way to start your holiday weekend by picking up a copy of this book.
Carson Springs is a great place to live and I wish there were a Tea & Sympathy near my home.
Congratulations Eileen for once again writing about the people in Carson Springs who we have all known to come and love. If you haven't read her other books go out and get them you don't know what you are missing. Pure enjoyment.
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