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Dear fellow wanderers and story seekers,

As a travel writer, I’ve always been drawn to stories that transport you to a different place and time, where the landscape becomes a character in its own right. Nicholas Sparks’ *Wish* does exactly that, weaving a tale of love, loss, and self-discovery against the windswept backdrop of Ocracoke, North Carolina. Listening to this audiobook, narrated by the talented Mela Lee and Will Collyer, felt like sitting by a crackling fireplace, wrapped in a blanket of nostalgia and warmth. It reminded me of the evenings I spent in Oaxaca, listening to the grandmother of the family I was staying with spin stories that felt as real as the ground beneath my feet. Her voice, like Lee’s and Collyer’s, had a way of making the world outside disappear, leaving only the story and its emotions.

The narrative unfolds like a photograph slowly developing in a darkroom, revealing layers of Maggie Dawes’ life that are as vivid and textured as the landscapes she captures through her lens. The story alternates between 1996, when Maggie is sent to Ocracoke as a teenager, and 2019, where she’s a renowned travel photographer grappling with a life-altering diagnosis. Sparks’ signature blend of romance and introspection shines through, but it’s the audiobook’s narration that elevates this story into something truly special.

Mela Lee’s voice is like a soft ocean breeze—gentle, soothing, and full of quiet strength. She captures Maggie’s vulnerability and resilience with such authenticity that I found myself pausing the audiobook just to sit with the emotions she evoked. Will Collyer, on the other hand, brings Bryce Trickett to life with a warmth and sincerity that makes it impossible not to root for him. Together, their performances create a listening experience that feels intimate and immersive, as if you’re eavesdropping on a conversation between old friends.

The themes of *Wish* resonated deeply with me, particularly Maggie’s journey of finding herself through photography. As someone who’s traveled the world with a camera in hand, I’ve often felt that same sense of wonder and connection to the places I’ve visited. Sparks’ portrayal of Ocracoke is so vivid that I could almost feel the salty tang of the sea air and hear the distant cry of gulls. It reminded me of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, listening to *One Hundred Years of Solitude* as the barren landscape stretched endlessly before me. Just as García Márquez’s magical realism mirrored the surreal beauty of the desert, *Wish* captures the timeless allure of the Outer Banks.

That said, *Wish* isn’t without its flaws. At times, the pacing felt uneven, particularly in the transitions between timelines. While the dual narration helps distinguish the past and present, some listeners might find the shifts jarring. Additionally, Sparks’ reliance on familiar romantic tropes might feel predictable to those well-versed in his work. However, the audiobook’s emotional depth and the narrators’ performances more than make up for these minor shortcomings.

If you’re a fan of Nicholas Sparks or simply enjoy a heartfelt story about love and self-discovery, *Wish* is a must-listen. It’s the kind of audiobook that stays with you long after the final chapter, like a cherished photograph or a memory you revisit often. Whether you’re curled up at home or on a long journey, let Maggie’s story remind you of the beauty of first love and the courage it takes to face life’s challenges.

And if you’re looking for a free download of this audiobook, I highly recommend checking out audiobook platforms that offer trial periods or credits—it’s a listening experience worth every moment.

With wanderlust and a love for stories that move the soul, Marcus Rivera
Marcus Rivera