The First Wish of Mr. Murray McBride: A Novel

Joe Siple, you got me again with this prequel learning Murray and his wife Jenny’s love story. I didn’t cry this time, but came close to it, especially as I got towards the end! The First Wish takes place in both 1910 and 1996. In 1910, Murray and Jenny meet while in school; in 1996, it is the day before Jenny is being moved into a memory care center due to her decline with Alzheimer’s. Also in 1996, Jenny is 99-years-old and Murray is 98- years old. They have also been married for just over 80 years. What a life they both have lived! Both 1910 and 1996 are filled with a variety of emotions. I was fully invested in both storylines as I just adored Murray in The Five Wishes and loved reading about Murray and Jenny’s meeting and eventual love story that covers 80 years. The reader also feels emotions with the dealings of Alzheimers/Dementia of both Murray as the caregiver and Jenny as the one suffering from the disease. Siple handles this well. Both timelines deal with a journey to find a treasure that is ‘worth more than gold’. I was intrigued in multiple ways: First, will the treasure even be located? Two, what could be worth more than gold?!?! Chapter 11 through the end really got to me emotionally. What was mentioned was dealing with life throwing you curveballs: 2024 was a year that threw a huge curveball for me, but I am doing much better now in 2025. Many thanks to Joe Siple for bringing these characters to life in this series. This is one reader who really appreciated reading these books. And it is thanks to a book club that I am in for introducing me to The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride. I would not have heard of this book without that book club.

I loved the first book, the second was great, BUT the third and final book hit home. I am currently taking care of my husband who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. When I read the dedication of this book, I had second thoughts about going forward. I did, and with many a tear shed. That being said, I LEARNED SOME MUCH from Murray and the hints and tips his Dr suggested. I can’t remember reading such a beautiful story and following the lives of these unique individuals. I believe I will never come across another book that touched me in so many ways. I THANK YOU JOE SIPLE FOR THIS LOVELY STORY AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL WRITING SKILLS.

This a a warm, traditional novel. The characters are life-like, and the plot is interesting. It does take place Dutton different time periods, but it works because one is as interesting as the other. It even has some suspense, but it isn’t an adverbial. It has an old-fashioned feel to it, but it is contemporary because it features an up-to-date study of Alzheimer’s. Lastly, it is a great emotional read. Read it to smile or cry or both. Well-worth it as a solo read or part of a trilogy by Joe Siple.

Siple does it again. The Wish Trilogy has the power to restore YOUR faith in humanity and the celebration of giving and loving is alive in each of the three. I can only hope that a fourth book emerges fairly soon. That’s MY wish!

As a Nearly 68 year-old married to an 81 year-old, there were so many aspects to this story that I would have felt so much differently were I in my 20s. I could feel the words entwining themselves into my being, Containing some of my fears And much of my love. I have had experiences with dementia among dear friends and my own sister. It took me quite a while before I understood That I should stop trying to prove myself right with them and meet them in their own space. To call this work of reality simply a 'book' almost seems like an insult. It feels much more like a story of truth and love. I suspected all along what was worth more than gold and I am glad that I have that worthiness in my life already. It's a great read and an even better story.

Such an amazing story. I cried several times as I read it. It shows the true nature of love and kindness.

Unforgettable. This book made me cry at least seven different times. Was I just feeling weepy that day? Honestly, not at all. It was the amazing story that did it. The tale about Murray and Jenny, his beloved wife of eighty years, and their need to go on one last quest. It’s just that moving.

I loved this book! It was an easy read because I felt right there with him. :)

This is a wonderful book a prequel to his others. I loved every minute of it.

I enjoyed every page. I love a good love story and this one is worth reading. And, you will to.

Love this 3 book series, the story hit very home for me and I could not put it down. It's been many years that I have actually read a novel cover to cover. These kept leading me to turn to the next page and hard to put it away.

This book was amazing, it shows how the little things in life mean so much. I highly recommend reading the whole series or all of his books they were truly magical.

Love this author!