Recommended Wish Series Reading Order
If you are looking to dive into the Wish series by Barbara Freethy, the recommended reading path is simple: follow the publication order. Because these stories are connected by a shared theme rather than a continuous, multi-book plotline, you have a lot of flexibility. However, starting at the beginning gives you the perfect introduction to the whimsical, emotional tone that defines this trilogy.
Here is the recommended order to read the books:
- A Secret Wish (2011) — The series begins with an emotional, multi-perspective novella set in the heart of San Francisco.
- Just a Wish Away (2012) — A full-length novel focusing on childhood sweethearts reunited by a mysterious object.
- When Wishes Collide (2012) — Another full-length novel blending a suspenseful search for a missing child with a deep romantic connection.
Wish Books in Detail
To help you decide which book to pick up first, here is a detailed breakdown of the stories, their settings, and the unique ways wishes shape their plots.
1. A Secret Wish (2011)
Originally published in 2011 as a novella of approximately 40,000 words, A Secret Wish serves as the introductory cornerstone of the series. Set against the beautiful and bustling backdrop of San Francisco, the story follows three very different women—Liz, Angela, and Carole—who share the exact same birthday. On their birthday night, each of them makes a secret wish, expecting nothing to come of it. However, those wishes set off a chain of events that will completely rewrite their futures.
Liz is a dedicated nurse who is deeply haunted by a past tragedy, finding it difficult to move forward until an unexpected romance with a stranger forces her to open her heart. Angela faces the heartbreaking strain of infertility, which has slowly begun to fracture her marriage, forcing her and her husband to confront what they truly want. Carole, dealing with the painful sting of betrayal by her husband, finds herself reconnecting with a figure from her past. Through these three interconnected narratives, Freethy explores themes of hope, resilience, and the emotional healing needed to move forward.
2. Just a Wish Away (2012)
The second installment, Just a Wish Away, is a full-length novel that shifts the setting to the serene environment of Sand Harbor, Washington. This story centers on childhood sweethearts Alexa Parker and Braden Elliott. When they were just twelve years old, they made a promise and a wish over an old blue bottle, believing their bond was unbreakable. However, life and a family tragedy tore them apart, leading to fifteen years of separation.
When Braden returns to Sand Harbor, he is a man deeply scarred by his military service and past experiences, while Alexa has built a life of her own but has never truly moved on from their childhood connection. As they reunite, they must unravel the mysteries of their past and figure out if the magic of their childhood wish can help them bridge the distance that time and trauma have created. It is a classic second-chance romance filled with emotional depth and a touch of mystery.
3. When Wishes Collide (2012)
The final book in the trilogy, When Wishes Collide, is another full-length novel that seamlessly blends contemporary romance with light suspense. The story brings together Adrianna Cavello and Wyatt Randall. Adrianna is a talented chef who is struggling to reclaim her life and sense of security after surviving a traumatic restaurant break-in. Wyatt is a desperate father who has dedicated his life to searching for his kidnapped daughter, refusing to give up hope despite the passing years.
Their paths cross unexpectedly at a fountain, where both make wishes born of desperate hope. As they get to know one another, they realize their lives and struggles are intertwined in ways they never could have anticipated. Together, they embark on a journey that forces them to face their deepest fears, search for answers, and discover if love can bloom from shared grief and determination.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Since the books in the Wish series were published in quick succession between 2011 and 2012, the chronological timeline matches the publication order. However, because each book features completely different main characters, independent plotlines, and unique settings, there is no strict chronological continuity that readers need to worry about. You can read the books in any order you choose without spoiling the events of the other stories.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Barbara Freethy's Wish trilogy, here are a few practical details to keep in mind to enhance your reading experience:
- Standalone Format: Every book in this series is a complete standalone. While the thematic concept of a "wish" ties them together, they do not feature recurring main characters or cliffhangers. You can pick up any of the three books and get a fully resolved story.
- Thematic Thread: The unifying element across the trilogy is the magical realism of the wishes. Whether it is a shared birthday wish, an old blue bottle, or a coin thrown into a fountain, these wishes act as catalysts for the characters to change their lives.
- Genre Blend: Expect a mix of contemporary romance and light suspense. While the focus remains heavily on the emotional journey and the romantic relationship, elements of mystery, trauma recovery, and family drama keep the plots moving at a brisk pace.
- Boxed Set Availability: If you prefer to have the entire collection in one place, the trilogy is commonly sold together as the Wish Series Boxed Set in ebook and audiobook formats.
Who is Barbara Freethy?
With over 75 novels to her name and millions of books sold worldwide, Barbara Freethy is a powerhouse in the contemporary romance and romantic suspense genres. She is particularly well-known for her emotional, family-driven storytelling and her ability to weave light mystery elements into her books. When she launched the Wish series in 2011, she was already an established author, but this trilogy allowed her to showcase her signature blend of heartwarming romance and emotional drama. Fans of authors like Nora Roberts, Susan Mallery, and Robyn Carr will find a very similar warmth and pacing in Freethy's Wish books.
Similar Series to Read Next
If you finish the Wish trilogy and find yourself wanting more of Barbara Freethy's signature style, you should check out her other popular collections:
- The Callaways: A massive, bestselling family saga that mixes romance and mystery across multiple siblings, starting with On A Night Like This.
- Off the Grid: A romantic suspense series that offers a higher level of action, thrill, and mystery compared to the lighter suspense found in Wish.
- The Whisper Lake Series: A charming small-town romance series set in a mountain resort, perfect for readers who loved the cozy, community-driven feel of Sand Harbor in Just a Wish Away.