TEST
There’s been much discussion about romance authors who cross over into mainstream fiction. Many readers feel that the authors give up the romance in order to appeal to a different audience. I don’t know if that’s what Barbara Delinsky is doing with this book, but I do know that this is one of the most romantic books I’ve read in awhile. The ending will dismay some, but I found the book very rewarding.
Three Wishes is a fairytale in the old tradition. If you’ve ever read some of the original Grimm stories you know things can happen that wouldn’t in a Disney version of the same story. So the most important thing for the readers of this book to remember is that old adage “be careful what you wish for.”
Bree Miller is typical fairytale heroine material. She was abandoned by her mother, her father has died, and she’s all alone in the world – except for the townspeople of Panama, Vermont. Bree works as a waitress at the local diner and is beloved by all, again part of the fairytale set-up. Of course, a fairytale wouldn’t be a fairytale without a little danger and magic thrown in. The danger is actually twofold. Walking home from the diner one night, Bree is hit by a truck. While undergoing life-saving surgery she dies on the table. Now the magic occurs. As the doctors try to bring Bree back to life, she experiences a vision of warmth and light. A voice within that vision tells her, amongst other things, that she has three wishes.
That voice changes Bree’s life. When she wakes up in the hospital she finds Tom Gates, a well-known writer, waiting at her bedside. Tom is a reclusive newcomer to Panama, and the only witness to the accident that nearly killed Bree. Though he visits her at first because he feels responsible for her, his feelings gradually undergo a change. From the first he finds himself drawn to her warmth and he instinctively knows that she’ll be good for him. Bree doesn’t know this, but she’s willing to let Tom into areas of her life where no one has been allowed in the past.
Tom and Bree both have baggage. Because of her mother’s abandonment of her and her father’s coldness, Bree is afraid to trust in a loving relationship. This was completely believable. She’s always waiting for the other shoe to drop; things are too good to be true, therefore something will inevitably go wrong. Tom’s made some major mistakes in his life and thinks that Bree is his second chance. She just takes a little convincing.
You’re probably wondering about those three wishes. Although Bree does see Tom as a wish fulfilled, she didn’t actually wish for him. She’s reluctant to wish for anything because of something the voice told her, but one morning she impulsively makes a wish. When that wish comes true, though not in a manner she expects, Bree begins to take the whole idea seriously. How she uses the wishes is actually the second aspect of the danger mentioned earlier. As I said, remember that adage.
Other fairytale aspects abound and create a delightful backdrop. Panama is the kind of small New England town you can only find in idealized fiction, and yet it enhances the story. The characters could seem like extras on a Murder, She Wrote episode, but each one is written with affection and fits in the book. Bree isn’t the only one who undergoes enchantment. Barbara Delinsky makes sure the reader is enchanted as well.
My enjoyment of the story was increased by all of these elements, but Bree and Tom were what I loved most. They were idealistic without being preachy and good without being perfect. Another author would have had a hard time keeping them in the realm of the likable because they could have come across as too perfect, but somehow Ms. Delinsky managed it. Kudos to her.
My only minor problem was with a choice Bree made late in the book. I realized that her choice set up the rest of the story, but I needed better reasons for her to do what she did. Some of you will have a much harder time with the ending then I did. I felt it fit and had some inkling of where the book was going, but others may not and will be unhappy.
Which brings me back to the discussion of crossover books by romance authors. Yes, Ms. Delinsky has given up a couple of romance conventions for this story, but the story benefits outweigh the loss. I thought the romantic elements were stronger and more real then those I’ve read recently in genre romance. Most stores will probably classify this as women’s fiction instead, but if you’re looking for a moving relationship, a fairytale setting, and charming supporting characters, then you should pick this one up.
Grade: A-
Book Type: Fiction
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 24/10/00
Publication Date: 2000
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.