Can one find hope when a happy ending seems like nothing more than wishful thinking?

If there's one thing the streets have taught Dan, it's that the future is only guaranteed for those with enough money and power to buy their happy ending. When a crooked magistrate condemns him to a lifetime of service to a ruthless treasure hunter, his own life suddenly seems hopeless...until he stumbles upon a treasure that could secure the very future he wishes for.

Bound in service to a magical lamp, all Aida has known for the last thousand years is a lonely and frustrating existence, watching the world pass by from the confines of her lamp and fulfilling everyone's wishes but her own. But her newest master is nothing like the greedy, power-seeking men that came before, and Aida quickly devises a plan to finally get the one thing that will give her the life she wants: the prince.

A bargain is struck, three wishes exchanged, and Aida and Dan are both sure they will finally get the futures they've dreamed of. But when the treasure hunter returns, intent on claiming Aida's power for his own, will they be able to keep a hold on their freedom? Or is a Happily Ever After the one wish that can never be granted?

"A Wishful Hope," a retelling of Aladdin, is a standalone novella, complete with tropes like Forced Proximity, Rags to Riches, and He Falls First. It is part of the "Hope Ever After" series, a collection of twenty hopeful and uplifting fairy tale retellings. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the O.U.R. (Operation Underground Rescue) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking.