One More Wish by Lindsey Lanza | Book Review • Ana's Attic Book Blog

One More Wish (Sugar Valley 2) by Lindsey Lanza

Contemporary Romance w/Magical Realism. Can Stand Alone, But Better in Order

I read A Little Magic by Lindsey Lanza in December 2023, and it became one of my favorite books of the year. A year and a half later, I still remember more about that story than almost any other from that year. I’d forgotten just enough to realize One More Wish can stand alone, but I do wish I’d reread A Little Magic first. The characters from that book play a big role here, but even without that refresher, I absolutely loved this one.

A single dad with an adorable daughter is my favorite trope, and Liam and his daughter Poppy completely won me over. Liam was a Michelin-starred chef in NYC, trying to balance the demanding culinary world with raising his daughter. While staying over after what could have been a life-changing date, he received a call that Poppy was seriously ill and he ran out while his date was sleeping. That night, Poppy was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. When he tried to reconnect with the woman from that incredible night a few days later, he realized he must have had the wrong number.

Knowing he needed to be fully present for Poppy, Liam walked away from fine dining and moved to Sugar Valley, Vermont, where he opened a diner and built a quieter life. Over the next two years, he grew close to Ellie and Theo from the first book. Ellie’s Lupus plays a big role in both stories, and she’s the emotional heart of this one, too.

Then comes Maya.

Maya is Ellie’s best friend, and she arrives in town in a wedding dress, fresh from calling off her wedding at the altar. She’s vibrant, impulsive, and full of heart, but she carries a heavy emotional burden. Maya has a secret—when she speaks her wishes aloud, they come true. But every wish comes with unintended consequences, so she’s stopped wishing altogether. What she doesn’t realize is that Liam remembers her from the best night of his life… and she has no idea who he is. Maya had once wished she could just forget him, thinking she was ghosted after their incredible date.

Though the magical element didn’t take away from my enjoyment, it felt less organic than the more holiday-themed magic in the first book. I think I would have loved this story just as much—maybe more—without it.

He kisses me like he’s mad that it’s the first time. “Fuck, Maya,” he says, pausing with just a breath between us. “You taste good enough to put on the menu.”

Liam’s daughter Poppy is absolutely precious and immediately bonds with “Princess Maya.” Watching their connection grow melted me. Liam, meanwhile, is an amazing dad who creates diabetes-friendly recipes and grows his own produce in a greenhouse behind his home. I loved his cinnamon roll energy and how devoted he is to his daughter.

“Stevie toddles over to the puppy as soon as I set her down, but my eyes are pinned on Liam and his daughter at the kitchen counter, both of their gazes fixed on a laptop screen, both of them braiding their own hair.”

But what made this book truly special was the found family. Ellie, Theo, their baby, Ellie’s brother Ezra (who needs a book of his own!), Maya, Liam, and Poppy create a warm, supportive circle that I didn’t want to leave. Honestly, I may have loved the relationship between Maya and Ellie even more than the central romance.

I originally planned to wait for the audiobook, but I was too excited and ended up reading the ebook instead. I’m so glad I did. I rarely finish books in two days, but this one had me up late, crying happy tears. Okay, I was sobbing.

Likes:

The representation: Type 1 diabetes, Lupus, dyslexia, asthma.
I related to Ellie’s Lupus, especially during pregnancy, as I had the same thing.
The found family.
How Maya took care of Ellie.
Poppy was so adorable.
Liam was a cinnamon roll and an amazing dad.
The food and milkshakes. Recipes included at the end!
It was closely tied to the first book.
Jewish representation (Ellie & Ezra).

Dislikes:

The magic didn’t feel necessary and didn’t quite fit the tone, though it didn’t hurt my love for the story.
Maya’s job felt a bit unrealistic—she barely worked, then suddenly closed major hotel contracts.

The Down & Dirty:

I loved One More Wish by Lindsey Lanza. From the cozy Vermont setting to the rich friendships and found family, it hit all my emotional soft spots. The sweet romance, the lovable little girl, and the supportive community made this one of my favorite reads of the year. I’m already dreaming of a getaway to Sugar Valley—and I really hope Ezra is next to get a book!