Reviewed by Janice Airhart
Posted on: August 25, 2026
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Sandra is called to her hometown of Cleveland to “babysit” her sister-in-law Janine while Sandra’s brother Greg, an investigative journalist, goes on an overseas assignment. Janine suffers from a life-threatening heart condition and is on a heart-lung transplant list. It’s important that a trusted person approves of surgery should organs become available. Sandra is mystified by their request for her presence, however. She’s had a strained relationship with Greg and Janine since opposing their marriage more than a decade prior, due to Janine’s health issues. Nevertheless, she agrees.
After settling in with Janine in Cleveland and being accepted into her social circle, Sandra’s attitude toward her sister-in-law softens. The women learn to enjoy each other’s company and trust the innate honesty each displays. Mystery surrounding Greg’s assignment and a surprise connection between the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Susan’s former flame add intrigue to the plot.
In One Wish, Emack’s style is straightforward and concise, in keeping with her history as a playwright. This short book’s quick-paced narrative adeptly describes its three primary characters without excess detail about each one’s backstory. Its strength lies in the succinct descriptions and a focus on only the most relevant interactions between characters.
Efficient dialogue and direct action paint Sandra as the no-nonsense attorney for a healthcare company that she is. When Greg asks her to sign a form he’s drafted, shortly after her arrival, she balks. “I don’t need this,” Sandra says. “It’s much too broad. Let me draw up a more limited power of attorney. Don’t worry, it will only take a minute.”
Janine is a softer character, with empathetic instincts and genuine regard for her sister-in-law’s take-charge, but imminently trustworthy, personality. Janine also cares deeply about her husband’s career and future. She insists, over his objections, that he leave her for his extended assignment. “I had to find a way to separate him from my illness,” she tells Sandra at one point. “Getting him to take the assignment was the best I could do.” She also urges Sandra to encourage Greg to marry again after she’s gone.
Greg returns from Egypt with a potentially career-altering conundrum. While Janine provides much-needed comfort and support, Sandra contributes the practical lawyerly advice that might prevent future prosecution. He considers both women’s input before arriving at a conclusion to his dilemma that appears to protect both his professional reputation and his personal safety.
One Wish is a quick read that demonstrates the changes in attitude that can occur when a person is committed to sincerely interacting with someone they misunderstand or actively dislike. In a span of only ten days, Sandra and Janine learn to appreciate each other’s strengths. As a result, Sandra returns to her high-power Manhattan job a bit softer around the edges.
