4.7 out of 5
47,457 global ratings
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, an emotionally poignant novel about the enduring legacy of first love–and the decisions that haunt us forever. Sent away at sixteen, Maggie Dawes could think only of the friends and family she left behind . . . until she met Bryce Trickett. Bryce showed her how much there was to love about the wind-swept beach town and introduced her to photography, a passion that would define the rest of her life.
By 2019, Maggie is a renowned travel photographer. Unexpectedly grounded over Christmas and struggling to come to terms with a medical diagnosis, she finds herself becoming dependent on her young assistant.
As they count down the last days of the season together, she tells him the story of another Christmas, decades earlier—and the love that set her on a course she never could have imagined.
416 pages,
Kindle
Audiobook
Hardcover
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Audio CD
First published August 1, 2022
ISBN 9781538728604
Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 130 million copies sold worldwide, in more than 50 languages, including over 92 million copies in the United States alone.
Eleven of Nicholas Sparks's novels—The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven, The Lucky One, The Last Song, Dear John, Nights in Rodanthe, The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and Message in a Bottle—have been adapted into major motion pictures. The Notebook has also been adapted into a Broadway musical, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.
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Amanda Dill
5
Condition
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2024
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I ordered this book and got it fast . It was a good read and the book was in perfect condition.
Miesha34
5
Great story
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2024
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Great condition! No bent pages or cover dents. No binding issues. Great purchase!
The story itself was absolutely heartbreaking, yet sweet. Make sure you have your kleenex next to you from page 1. This isn't my usual genre but glad our book club chose this one.
Alissa S. Orr
5
another tear jerker!
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2024
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Nicholas Sparks does it again! I don’t even know how many times I teared up! The story was amazing and wonderfully told. Truly ready for the big screen as well!
Nightingale
5
Perfect ending
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024
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When I started the novel I wasn't sure I was going to get into the story but everything changed after the first 1-2 chapters. The main character flashed back as she recalled a previous experience in her life in a drastic way. I was shocked at the ending as details were revealed that was shocking. I didn't see it coming. It was an emotional journal and kept me intrigued to hear more.
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Sam A
5
This book will pull at your heart strings and encourage you become part of the answers.
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2023
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The Wish, Nicholas Sparks, 01/26/23
Nicholas Sparks is one of my absolute favorite authors. He always delivers, with each book better than the last. The Wish was thought-provoking and pulled on my heart strings. From the beginning, I felt like I was right there with each character, feeling their emotions and rooting for their happiness and successes.
Like Jodi Picoult, Sparks addresses societal concerns of the day. In this complex novel, he addresses teen pregnancy, coming of age, first loves, wartime heartache, as well as death and dying. In his way, he is educating us and encouraging us to become part of the answers in the world around us.
It’s 1996. Maggie was a fifteen-year-old pregnant teenager. Her parents were old school Catholics and were of the mind to send her away to deal with the pregnancy. She was sent to live with an aunt she barely knew in an isolated location in North Carolina. An adoption was arranged, and since Maggie was Catholic, abortion was not an option. To avoid any socially related stigma, Maggie was to remain in isolation until “it was taken care of.” Maggie was depressed as she no longer had contact with her friends or family. She also felt unloved by her parents.
Maggie’s depression lifted after meeting Bryce Trickett, one of the few teenagers on the island. As she was to be home-schooled, Bryce became her tutor. Bryce also introduced Maggie to photography. She was a natural and this new love would become the building block to her future.
As Bryce and Maggie spent time together, they fell deeply in love. She felt safe with Bryce as he had proven to be a handsome, gentle, compassionate, non-judgmental young man. He was well-read and on his way to West Point in the fall. Could they realistically share a life together? Accepting the possible roadblocks, they made a vow to return on Maggie’s 24th birthday to the beach where they first met. They also promised to send yearly Christmas cards to one another.
This year, Maggie had to slow down due to a life-threatening illness. She relied heavily on her staff in her absences, especially a new young man that she had recently hired. Mark quickly became a very good friend, and they spent the Christmas holiday together. At Mark’s insistence, Maggie shared her memories of Ocracoke, the place that taught her how to love and find her dream.
The characters were so well defined that they become part of your heart. The reason that Nicholas Sparks books continually get made into movies is because they appeal to everyone as real and compelling stories. I have read every one of his books, at least once. I enjoyed reading “The Wish,” and look forward to his next novel. I wholeheartedly recommend his books to anyone who likes to read a relatable story that touches the heart while also taking you on a journey to explore the social issues around you. Put together, his books can change the way look at the world and how you treat those around you.
This is a voluntary review, and all comments and opinions are entirely my own.
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29 people found this helpful
Kindle Customer
5
Unbelievably touching story
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024
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OMG, Nicholas Sparks has done it again. One of the most beautiful stories that I have ever read. My first book that Nicholas wrote was Tuesday's with Morrie. I have now read several of his books. I thought that The Notebook was incredible. But The Wish is by far , even better. I look forward to reading his next book when it comes out later in September 2024.
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Ann F.
5
Understandably true fiction
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2024
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What a wonderful, moving story. Such a pleasure to read this book which contained no explicit sex and no obscene language. Such a rare find. The story is beautifully written and accurately records the way society viewed similar occurrences not so long ago.
Forever49
5
Maggie, Bryce, and Mark
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
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I love Nicholas Sparks’s novels. Probably because I enjoy a good cry now and then. This one has a satisfying ending. And I enjoyed learning a little about Ocracoke, which I looked up on Google World as I followed their story. .
R. Murray
4
Nice reading
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2024
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It was a standard Nicholas Sparks book, I felt. A little predictable and saccharine. Nonetheless, the story was enjoyable to read.
SueJohnson
4
Very sad
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
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Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors but I don't enjoy his books where one of the principles dies especialy a slow agonizing one like in this book. I did enjoy the part about Bryce. And Mark was an interesting character.
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