“I can’t stand seeing my failures in her eyes.” Boy oh boy if that’s ever a theme for a failed relationship I don’t know what is.

Firstly, such a treat to see the two main characters are not only in their 50’s but sexy, passionate, and vibrant women. Leslie Raymond has come back to her childhood home and day one meets her next door neighbor, Erica Cooper and her daughter, Sienna, who has Autism. Leslie and Sienna establish an immediate connection to each other as well as to a stray mutt that has made himself Leslie’s new dog. That’s happened to me so I got a kick out of the I’ll just keep him till I find him a real home scenario.

But things get hard after that initial loveliness because older people carry lots of stories, good and bad, in their heads and hearts and it’s harder to open up to new possibilities when all you’ve seen are your failures in someone else’s eyes. Both Leslie and Erica carry those burdens and the book follows their individual journeys to make peace with the past to be able to create something new together. It’s an enchanting book full of poignant moments that make you gasp in their revelation and most definitely worth the read.

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The only other book of Levig’s that I’ve read was A Heart To Call Home, which I was lukewarm on. I had initially skipped this one, but a few of the reviews made me change my mind and I’m so glad I did. I loved everything about this book. Erica, and especially Leslie, are fantastic characters, (also older than those in most lesfic which made for a nice change). And while kids in stories can be hit and miss for me I adored Sienna (even though I’m about as found of discussing poop as Erica is, Sienna’s considerable mentions of poop were pretty amusing). And I love dogs, so I thought Gus was one of the best characters in the book, so sweet.

Sienna’s ASD was written beautifully, and I loved watching her interactions with her mother, Gus and Leslie, there were some lovely moments between them all. The secondary characters were all good too, and I liked that Trent wasn’t played for the villain. It would have been nice if Leslie could have had some more closure around her situation with Elijah, but probably more realistic (though also more heartbreaking) that she didn’t. I also liked that even when the two leads were having issues, both early in the book and late, that they resolved them by talking and they also put Sienna first.

Like I said, I loved everything about this, and I’m wondering if Sienna’s star wishing trick actually works, I wouldn’t mind having a Leslie type move in next door to me. :) 5 stars.

What a nice read. Erica Cooper likes her life. Raising a child with autism has many challenges. Siena’s father couldn’t deal with the stress so he goes on with his own life leaving Erica to shoulder the load alone. Little does she know her new neighbor could just be what she needs. Not only for herself but more importantly her little girl. Leslie Raymond moves back to her family home in California when the woman she has lived with and helped raise a son with decides she’s no longer a lesbian. The biggest hurt was not being able to be see the boy she loves. The idea of starting a relationship with another woman with a little girl is just too risky. Ms Levig gives us a beautiful story while at the same time educating us about what living with a child with autism is really like. Very, very enjoyable read. One of the nicest books I’ve read in awhile.
ARC via NetGalley

I love it when a book doesn't follow the mold of the genre, and this one does not! The two main characters, Leslie and Erica, are both in their 50's for one. The author did a great job of actually writing them in that age range.

Then their relationship starts with an instant attraction on both sides, but it actually takes time for them to get into a relationship. Like months went by!!

The storyline with Erica having a daughter, Siena, with autism was wonderfully done. It was interesting, delightful, descriptive, and handled with care. I fell in love with Siena just as much, if not more, than the two main ladies.

Last thing was that the book felt complete. I wasn't left feeling like I needed anything more than I got, because I just knew these two ladies would be together forever. It was a relationship fully developed from beginning to end.

Jeannie Levig sure knows how to write a great romance novel. Leslie Raymond makes a new start by returning to her childhood home. Her beautiful neighbor, Erica and Erica's autistic daughter, Sienna draws Leslie into their world but Leslie is conflicted, she has come out of a long term relationship with a another woman and her son Elijah who Leslie loved as her own. The breakup was sudden and Leslie was heartbroken as Elijah was ripped from her world. Leslie never wants to go through that again. Erica on the other hand is the protective mother and will do anything to protect Sienna. Can Erica and Leslie let themselves be vulnerable enough to let the other in?
This novel is such a slow burn and the characters are well developed and you feel their every emotion. I couldn't put it down. Definitely worth the 5 stars.

This book has a lot going for it. It's written well, the characters and their insecurities are clearly defined, and the plot moves at a steady pace. The author, however, chose a difficult subject to include in a feel good book and perhaps for that reason had to gloss over a lot of the challenges that parents and loved ones of children who suffer from ASD face. The popular romance genre doesn't allow for an in-depth exploration of such serious issues and so one can't hold this against the author. Otherwise, it was a pleasurable read.

I am head over heels in love with this book.

When Leslie's parents die and leave her with her old childhood home in California, she packs the bare minimum belongings, jumps in her car and drives west. She isn't prepared for the attractive neighbour, Erica, who lives next door, and her endearing daughter Siena, who is autistic. Leslie is no stranger to heartbreak and she's determined to keep Erica at arms length, just friends. But their attraction is nearly impossible to deny. Add to the mix Siena and Leslie's friendship, and the way they all three fit seamlessly into each other's lives, makes the lines between friendship and family blur.

Not going to lie, I was a little hesitant reading this book because the women were a lot older than I am and I wan't sure if I could connect to the characters and the place they are in their lives. I'm only mentioning this for two reasons...For one, if anyone else in their late teens or early twenties and they're hesitating because of this silly reason, because it is silly, you shouldn't. This book is perfect. The characters are totally relatable. The story heartwarming. And the chemistry is out of this world. The second reason, because I think it speaks to the magnitude of talent Jeannie Levig has. She can create these gorgeous three dimensional characters, that are so relatable that it doesn't matter where you are in life you'll connect with them. You'll laugh with them, cry with them, love with them. It's everything. I remember reading one of her previous books, where one character was a convict, and I remember being hesitant and thinking what could I have in common with this person that I'll be able to get lost in the book and this romance. I was 100% wrong. I also highly recommend Embracing the Dawn because I was totally enamoured by that book as well.

This was a beautiful character driven book. Gus and Siena stole my heart and stole the show. I loved the evolution of Trent's character. Erica and Leslie are so badass and strong and I love the way two independent women come to trust each other and understand you don't have to lose your independence to be able to depend on someone.

I loved the simplicity of this book. There was nothing wild, just the everyday, but the everyday can be so so special.

There was one tiny (but big) oops - it's Colombia not Columbia (Columbian roast coffee).

I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars!

Absolutely loved this read. The characters, the story, the dialogue, the special needs angle, everything. A great read from start to finish. Even the cover is downright gorgeous. This is another book that hits on all the right notes for me while having very little downsides which aren't worth mentioning. I even shed a few tears at the end, something that hasn't happened in a while after finishing a book.

Jeannie Levig is getting better with each new work. Embracing the Dawn was good but this was awesome. I'm looking forward to her next book.

Little acts of kindness can brighten anyone’s day-whether it is allowing a 7 year old child who has ASD water a dry spot of grass or simply doing the dishes for a harried mom dealing with Siena’s meltdown. Slowly, those kindnesses turned into a friendship and ultimately a beautiful trusted love enveloped three unique characters : Leslie, Erica, and Siena. A Wish Upon a Star was a beautiful heart warming story that focused on a very special child and the love that radiated from the lives she touched and those that touched her.
The characters were all well developed. Their growth throughout the story was emotional at times with some justifiable angst. I think this author did a magnificent job in conveying the importance of educating oneself when a special needs child is part of your life.
A Wish Upon a Star is the type of book that will stay with you after its completion because the characters are memorable and relatable. It also encompasses the goodness of all that can be accomplished when love is defined and grows merely by random acts of kindness.

To me, this was a near perfect romance. Levig found the right way to show these characters gradually developing feelings and attachments. No insta-romance here. No scratching your head with circumstances. No projecting chemistry because you want it. This felt as authentic as anything I've read before.

Leslie is a 50 something lesbian that leaves Florida to return to her hometown after her life is basically stolen from her. She becomes enchanted by the young next door neighbor. And so do the readers.. Then Leslie meets the 50 something mother next door soon after.

What follows is a beautiful story of starting over, selflessness, letting go, learning to accept love and support, and falling in.

There is an appropriate amount of drama. My heart hurt a little bit at times. There was a part where Leslie was making an apology to the quirky young girl and I melted. I love great dialogue.

I don' think I can even critique this at all. Adored this so much.

This is another beautiful story by Levig and the third one that I’ve read. On the first morning of Leslie Raymond’s return to her childhood home she is accosted and interrogated by 7-year-old Siena Cooper. Shortly thereafter she meets Erica, her neighbour and mother of Siena, and then Trent, Siena’s father. Although it’s easy to be attracted to the beautiful, silver-haired Erica, Leslie has no interest in straight women. To all intents and purposes, Leslie is grieving for a life lost and needs to heal which is why she decided to return to her late parents’ house. In spite of her promises to herself, Leslie is drawn to Siena in spite of, or perhaps because of, her Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Erica.

There are a number of things I loved about this novel. Both main characters are around 50-years-old and had the ability to communicate well even though they didn’t always employ it. There some great witty and sexy banter along with pretty serious conversations giving the dialogue a nice balance. The tension and chemistry between Leslie and Erica is built up and sustained for most of the novel (which is a slow-burn romance). Much of the drama happens at the beginning where the characters are trying to figure each other out rather than giving the reader a shiny, insta-love outlook and then trashing it in the last 10% for dramatic effect.

I don’t mind children in romance novels (as long as they don’t talk in baby talk) and Siena was a great character. She’s on the spectrum but high-functioning so she goes to school, can interact with people as long as she isn’t overwhelmed and is learning coping mechanisms for when she is. She’s also brutally honest, likes things organised and is not fond of being touched. She was integral to the story and her portrayal quite powerful. All too often children are chucked into a chapter for nothing more than a dose of cuteness.

The only real downside I had was that I felt the characters’ passion didn’t match the chemistry that had been sustained. Other than that, this is a wonderful read.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

A Wish Upon a Star by Jeannie Levig is a charming, heartwarming, slow-burn romance that will leave you with that awww feeling as you read. The story is about three people, Leslie Raymond, Erica Cooper, and Erica’s special needs daughter Siena. Leslie is moving into her parents’ old home after a breakup with her former partner. Erica and Siena live next door and the three meet when Siena comes over and begins talking with Leslie. There is an instant connection between Leslie and Siena and an instant attraction between Erica and Leslie. Then there is Gus, a stray dog Leslie picked up traveling from Florida. In my eyes, he turns out to be one of the best characters in the story besides Siena.
This book is a little different than your usual lesbian romance. For one, the main characters are both mature women in their early fifties. Both women have to deal with old baggage from their past relationships that include abandonment and trust issues. It was nice seeing the characters have to work on their issues, instead of having “instant love” solve all their problems. Erica and Leslie had to work together and separately to recognize and overcome the issues they brought to the relationship.
I also liked how Siena’s disability was handled in the story. As a proud ‘other mom’ of a high functioning autistic child, I can assure you that Siena is drawn believably. While every person on the spectrum is different, there are certain quirks and signs that are easily recognized, and the author handled this perfectly with Siena.

I really enjoyed this novel and can recommend it to all who love a sweet, different, feel-good romance.
I received an ARC from Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

This is a really sweet book. I really felt a kinship with Leslie because the same thing happened to me, just with 2 sons. I think the fear based conflict is more understandable because of both main character's baggage. It feels less contrived than some other romance only storylines can. I really appreciated how well done the child is written and that the author included the special needs portion. I am, again, pleased with this author's work and look forward to reading the next book she writes. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This lesbian love story alternates between sweet/romantic and graphically sexual. I found the contrast jarring as if the story could not make up its mind. The autism content was handled pretty well. A lot of loose ends were tied up a bit too neatly for my taste. The tonal changes were my biggest criticism. Nice to see lesbian romance in the mainstream.

When you see the Northern Lights or a unicorn, you are spellbound. Overcome with emotion, bursting to share your feeling and utterly lost for words. This book is like that. We’re left a blubbering mess of delight and feelings. Completely in love with every single character in this wonderful book.

Leslie Raymond and Erica Cooper are both in their fifties, which immediately gave this book many, many positive points. Erica has a seven-year-old daughter, Siena, an unusual occurrence in romances, but real enough otherwise. There is a dog, Gus, that adopts Leslie and then burrows his way into Siena’s (and our) heart. There are wonderful secondary characters – each one distinct and with a defined personality of their own.

The relationships between Siena and Leslie, Erica and even Gus are beautifully described. In fact, every single relationship has been carefully thought out and described such that we can practically live them.

Levig has thoughtfully crafted Leslie and Erica with their own fears, backstories, warmth, love, personalities and most importantly, arcs through the book. The narrative is flowing, comprehensive (no jumps in time, emotion or sequences), and keeps us turning the pages with a feeling of “just one more chapter”…especially when you just need to get up to pee!

It is a slow-burn tale with each of the women working through their own pasts and baggage. The chemistry is undeniable and the love bubbling. You actually feel every emotion with them. We can’t remember the last book that has moved us to tears. This one did.

It is absolutely phenomenal.

This is my first time reading a book by Jeannie Levi’s and I really enjoyed it.

A Wish Upon a Star is about Leslie Raymond who moves back to her childhood home and first meets Siena who is special needs then her Mother Erica Cooper. Leslie is instantly taken by both child and mother, but she assumes Erica is married after meeting Trent who appears to be the husband. As the book progresses we see that both Leslie and Erica have their own set of issues that they need to work out in order to allow themselves to get involved with the next door neighbor.

I don’t typically read romances that include children. Mainly because they are normally an unnecessary distraction for me. I am very happy I took a chance with this one. I really enjoyed Siena who is autistic. I am not sure this book would have been as good if it wasn't for her. I don’t know much about autism, but this book gave me some insight on what living with autism could be like.

One thing I look for in a romance novel is chemistry between the two main characters. Leslie and Erica for sure have chemistry. I loved how the author decided to show that women in their 50’s can still be attractive and still be interested in sex and romance. This book is a slow burn romance so don’t expect lots of hot passionate sex. This fact doesn’t take anything from this book. I typically like more in the sex department, but the chemistry is good so it makes up for the lack of sex.

I rate this one 4.25 stars.

This was a heartwarming family love story.

Leslie Raymond has lost everything she hold dears as she tries moves past the pain. She decides to move back into her parents home before she arrives she find a abandon dog that she doesn't know whether to keep him or take to a shelter.

In comes the sweet little girl Siena who instantly takes to the dog she names Gus as she bonds with the little girl she meets her mother Erica and a bond is form between them.

I love the flirty banter between Leslie and Erica and the slow burning of their romance as they come together as a couple and a family.

I like this story because it's about unconditionally love and acceptance.

Ps.
Siena and Gus told the show

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, Jeannie Levig blew me away. This time with her latest, "A Wish Upon A Star." Already psyched to read it after breezing through its excerpt because of how the story started, what was entailed in it and the flow was already pulling me in even with just a couple of chapters, I couldn't believe me luck when I finally got to read the entire story! It was simply divine. I couldn't ask for more. Levig crafted an utterly compelling, thought-provoking, heart-wrenching, heartwarming story with characters who immediately entranced me from the get-go, hooked me in and I was addicted. Having read Levig's other books previously, I knew I would be captivated by her characters and her storytelling style. Only this time, apart from all the attributes that I've come to love and enjoy from Levig's work, this time, she also awarded me a story (and all its components) that was truly refreshing to me. I never read anything portrayed and/or told like how Levig did in this book.

First of all, the age. Now, I've read lesfic romances with middle-aged protagonists but usually they were age-gap related, where only one of the two protags was in their late 40s or early 50s, whilst the other would be much younger. But Levig's protagonists, Leslie and Erica, were BOTH in their 50s. And I was delighted about that because I hadn't read any romance between two women in that age bracket before this! PLUS, another new territory, was that one of them, Erica, had a seven-year-old child. And if you thought Levig would stop there with her originality, you would be wrong. Erica's child, Sienna, just happened to be a special needs child who had ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). As if that wasn't extraordinarily unique enough of a glorious treat for an endlessly inquisitive and curious reader like I am, there was Gus - a stray dog that Leslie picked up on her road trip from Florida to California! WHAT?!

And... one of the protagonists, Erica, was bisexual. Now, you may say, oh there have been quite a few bisexual protagonists in lesfic romance, so nothing special here. But Levig delved into the issue of bisexuality in a way that I thought flowed very naturally, her approach sensitive and sensible, so it didn't seem preachy to me. The circumstance to which Erica's bisexuality came into the forefront was tied to Leslie's past, something which I thought was very realistically written. What was only perceived as just who Erica was became a pivotal point to Leslie, adding another complex layer to their journey as the story progressed. And, it's not what you think. Well, it is and it's not. There was something else meshed into Leslie's past that I don't think was ever talked about in lesfic. At least not the ones I'd read. It's something that happens in our community, but not discussed or used as part of the plot in lesfic. But Levig took the real fact and depicted it as part of Leslie's life experience ever so authentically that it was like reading a real-life person's past experience. I thought Levig dealt with the subject matter with honesty and integrity. There was no demonising of anyone or any behaviour. It was just as it was - experience. It was how Levig's protagonists dealt with it that was truly grounded with realism which I appreciated very much. Yes, Leslie and Erica were portrayed so realistically I felt them to be real people. 

When I first read the book, it immediately reminded me of Gerri Hill's "The Neighbor" because the love story was also surrounding two next-door neighbours. But the similarity ended there. I was first hooked on the story when Sienna came into the picture. The first person Leslie met from next door. Sienna stole me heart right from the start, just like Leslie did! Her way of introducing herself to Leslie, how her inquisitive mind, filled with innocence, led to insightful remarks she made about Leslie and her house, her mum, Erica, and the mutt that Leslie picked up along her road trip, Gus, completely had me spellbound. This child was special. I fell in love with her then. Oh, the way Sienna's instant love toward Gus was so heartily described that in that moment, I knew that Sienna and Gus had effectively taken residence in me heart and soul permanently. Wow! You must read just how Gus and Sienna's relationship blossomed along their journey - so incredibly innocent, filled with love, loyalty and caring. For a big dog-lover like me, I was smitten by Gus! Honestly, dogs. They are truly guardian angels, aren't they? Levig characterised Gus with so much heart, you'll feel his feelings, emotions, all throughout, along with Sienna, and to a lesser degree, Leslie and Erica, although, his encounters with Leslie and Erica were also very memorable, and funny, too. I think, this book is prolly the only book I've read that I was so invested in a dog, apart from the protagonists! Just shows Levig's writing that's always filled with so much depth and emotions that you can't help but feel. Doesn't matter if it's a human being or an animal! Amazing! 

I was so happy to be reading BOTH Leslie and Erica's POV because it added to the depth and dimensions of their characters through their monologue, their innermost thoughts and feelings, their psyche, so as a reader, I was given the opportunity to experience what their states of mind so I would have a much better understanding as to the paths they'd taken in their life journey. In particular, their past relationships, their backstory. I was immediately taken to Leslie and Erica's characters. It's not always that I loved both protagonists. Usually, I'd prefer one over the other. But in this story, both Leslie and Erica stole me heart. I was absolutely captivated by them. Their chemistry was depicted with such authenticity, it made their slow-burn romance ever so much more intoxicating to uncover, to follow, to discover! The yearning for more as they slowly made their way toward each other's lives, which was achingly addictive because both of them went through terrible pain in their past relationships, especially Leslie's. I can't divulge much about what she went through because you have to read it in order to feel her persistent need to escape from her inevitably growing attraction and feelings for Erica and Sienna. Levig truly epitomised Leslie's dilemma, her struggle, her fears and insecurities with such rawness that I couldn't help but felt her heartache! I could see meself in her position, most definitely! 

As for Erica, her past was also laced with hurt which affected how she handled her life thereafter. As a single parent with a special needs child, she believed that no one else could ever be with her and her child with absolution so she decided to take on the world by herself, depending on no one, would not open her heart to anyone lest they hurt her again, and worse, hurt Sienna, which she would never let happen again. Whereas for Leslie, her fears of being put in the same position of terrible pain and soul-crushing heartache if she were to let anyone into her heart again, gave her the ammunition to stay away from love. But when cupid's arrow strikes the heart of these two beautiful, pained souls, there's no way to escape, is there? No matter how much Leslie and Erica tried to push each other away, in their own way, the invisible thread that was already binding them together tugged them back to each other. The conduit? Sienna. There were so many things happening between them, not to mention, the involvement of Sienna and Gus, obviously, which only made the situation ever-more compelling to uncover as these two self-induced star-crossed souls tried to get on with their lives, with this thing called "love" kept hovering over them, getting stronger by the minute! Levig's secondary characters who were in the lives of Leslie and Erica's, were intriguingly crafted ones because they played a role in these two's journeys. I was quite invested in how they became more involved especially when it came to Leslie and Erica sounding off about their love-struck dilemma!

One of the most memorable moments that I absolutely loved from the book was the relationship between Leslie and Sienna. OMG. Speaking of tugging at the heartstrings, their growing relationship was dipped in so much sincerity, unmitigated candidness, the ingenuous feelings they had with each other - from sheer innocence but utterly adorable frankness and intelligence of a child to pure love and bond of an adult - me heart was full every time they were in-scene together. Oh, just wait until you reach their convo about what "love" was. Blimey! It will melt your heart. Guaranteed. Mine did. 

THE moment that truly broke me inside-out was the moment when Leslie had to open up to Sienna about her scarcity. The words that Levig used to express Leslie's state of mind at that moment when she looked into Sienna's eyes, the heartache, the pain shown in her own, were so alive, so achingly resonating, it teared me up. I swear, the only other book that made me choke from me own tears was Andrea Bramhall's "Lost for Words." I didn't see this one coming and it shattered me heart to pieces. I was weeping inside! Oh, the pain! Poor Leslie! And Sienna's reaction to her was so intensely moving, I was left feeling exactly like how Erica and Leslie felt! This moment, is one of the many reasons you must read this book. 

Speaking of Sienna, I MUST stress just how absolutely grateful I am of Levig for creating this character. I must admit, I never knew anything about ASD. I only knew, in general terms, about autism. But with the inclusion of "spectrum," I was out of me depth. So, when Levig introduced Sienna as this bright young child with this condition, I was naturally intrigued and wanted to know more. Levig did not disappoint. Needless to say, I learned so much about a child with ASD, all the nuances, the emotional, physical and mental characteristics that encompassed her well-being. Levig portrayed Sienna with so much depth, so much heart, that this child wasn't just a fictional character to me. I felt her presence in me mind in the flesh. I'm forever changed because now I have an understanding of what ASD is and how it affects not only the child but also the parents, and everyone around. Thank you, Ms. Levig, for including this character in your story and investing in her story, her well-being which enriched Leslie and Erica's love story and their journey to a whole new emotional level and depth. 

I was totally in love with how Leslie and Erica slowly inched their way toward each other. That slow-burn simmer was one of the best depictions I've read in a while. Their own fears but undeniable feelings for each other created this intoxicating dance between them as their push-pull slowly became this magnetic pull as they fell deeper into the depths of desire and love for each other. Levig's vivid description of their emotions, their psyche was so hypnotic I was utterly mesmerised. I yearned for more. 

And just as I finished it, I remembered something which I totally forgot all about whilst reading and uncovering Leslie and Erica's journey, which made me feel utterly appreciative -  the fact that love and romance were happening to these two souls at their age, which, before this book, I never came across in lesfic! Cupid's arrow is indiscriminate when it comes to fate and destiny! This story shows people that age is irrelevant when it comes to matters of the heart - love. Deep, true, passionate love. Love is in the soul. Soul is infinite.

Not to be missed: The EPILOGUE!!! OH. MY. GOD. I was jumping with joy, dancing me heart out (in me mind, obvs!) because I really didn't expect it to happen that way! Bloody well done, Levig! I raise me hat to ya, mate! And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the utter on-point cover and the title of the book. When you read the entire story, you will understand just how perfect they are in portraying this absolutely fantastic, brilliantly written and told story! And it has everything to do with Sienna! Here's a gist of it...

"You taught me how to wish on stars...Now I know that if I wish for something really hard and wish it on a star, it can happen..."

There's more from this , which I won't reveal here, obvs. Needless to say, the entire quote killed me....with so much emotion built up into so much warmth in me heart at the end of one of the most memorable scenes I've read in lesfic romance! Levig, your words have once again stirred me soul! 

All in all, I LOVED the story and all it entailed - the highs, the lows, the angst, the drama, the humour, the absolutely adorableness of it all, and the utter heartwarming effect it had on me - mind, body and soul.

I LOVED Leslie and her pain, her insecurities, her fears, her raw feelings for Erica, her utter devotion to Sienna;

I LOVED Erica and her character, her steadfast courage and strength in protecting her beloved daughter and her undivided love and care for her child come what may, her true feelings and love for Leslie despite everything;

I LOVED Erica and Leslie's slow-burn, slow-dance journey of desire, passion and falling in love, deeper than ever as their story unfolded before their eyes;

I LOVED Gus and his unceasing devotion in being Sienna's loyal, lovable companion, being her protector and source of comfort, loving her like a human did to another beyond how a dog (or animal) could ever do, his kindness and loyalty toward all three of his human family - Leslie, Erica and Sienna; (*Just wait until you read about how he was when all he wanted was to be on Sienna's side! I nearly died! Bloody Levig and her genius storytelling and writing!*)

I LOVED all the secondary characters who were a part of these Amazing Trio's lives. 

In short, I LOVED THIS BOOK. End of. I never thought I would be reading something this truly original and fresh romance, heart-melting, soul-enriching love story with so many unconventional archetypes in lesfic! This is a RESOUNDING, an absolutely ENTHUSIASTIC MUST-READ!! I was truly well-sated, me mind and soul enriched so thoroughly I will never forget this story, not Sienna, not Leslie, not Erica, and definitely not Gus! There's longevity in this story and its characters...at least in me heart. What a glorious romantic love story to have safely stored in me as we gradually say goodbye to 2018! Thank you, Ms. Levig, for this tremendous gift of love, hope, joy and family that you created!

Simply SUBLIME. 'Nuff said.

I was given, with much thanks and appreciation, an ARC of this book from BSB via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Leslie has moved across the country hoping the change will help her move on from a bad relationship in her past. When the scruffy dog she picks up on the side of the road befriends the daughter of the woman next door Leslie realizes her desire to keep some distance from her new neighbours might be more challenging than she thought. It’s not long before she has that “Oh no, not again” feeling as she is drawn into a circle of friendship with Erica and Siena. It doesn’t help that she finds herself unavoidably attracted to Erica and charmed by Siena.

Erica is the neighbour next door with a special needs child. She has dealt with all the challenges, small victories and careful planning which come with raising an autistic child like Siena. Her life is ordered and orderly and like many moms with special needs kids, she puts her daughters needs above her own. She is attracted to her hot new neighbour and this attraction grows as she watches Leslie interact with Siena.

This lovely romance features a couple of mature women who begin as friends with undeniable attraction towards one another. Each has faced challenges in their lives and each are wary of changing their personal status quo. Enter two of the most endearing secondary characters, namely Siena and Gus the dog and watch the walls Erica and Leslie have thrown up around their hearts begin to crumble.Their daily interactions make this small romance a deep and moving experience. In the end I found myself thinking this is what love is all about, overcoming challenges and weathering the storms life throws at you and making a home filled with love.

A memorable and sweet read.

ARC received with thanks from BSB via NetGalley for review

If you’re looking for something more than a flimsy romance A Wish Upon a Star fits that ticket superbly. First, the romance is between a couple who are in their 50s who exude experiene and maturity that’s written alluringly and downright sexy. Next is the charming and intuitive mutt that Leslie rescues off the street and becomes a fierce friend and protector in his new home. The real star of the show is Erica’s daughter, seven year old Siena, who is autistic but charms her way into everyone’s heart despite her quirks and behaviors. This romance is about family, through thick and thin, and fierce friendships that make all these characters truly glow. Their growth as human beings, all of them, is the icing on this marvelous story. A feel good story that will warm you in the most pleasant of ways.