Title: What You Wish For
Author: Katherine Center
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published On: July 14, 2020
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Source: Digital Copy, Netgalley
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Samantha Casey loves everything about her job as an elementary school librarian on the sunny, historic island of Galveston, Texas—the goofy kids, the stately Victorian building, the butterfly garden. But when the school suddenly loses its beloved principal, it turns out his replacement will be none other than Duncan Carpenter—a former, unrequited crush of Sam’s from many years before.
When Duncan shows up as her new boss, though, he’s nothing like the sweet teacher she once swooned over. He’s become stiff, and humorless, and obsessed with school safety. Now, with Duncan determined to destroy everything Sam loves about her school in the name of security—and turn it into nothing short of a prison—Sam has to stand up for everyone she cares about before the school that’s become her home is gone for good.
My thoughts
Katherine Center’s latest novel is just what the world needs right now. Did she know we were going to need a novel about finding joy in the hardest of times? Is Katherine Center psychic?? I only wish the rest of the world didn’t have to wait so long to read this thoughtful and sweet story. But, looking on the brighter side–you have something to look forward to this summer!
“The world keeps hanging on to this idea that love is for the gullible. But nothing could be more wrong. Love is only for the brave.”
~Katherine Center
Once again, I was not disappointed in Center’s characters. I love that she creates uniquely beautiful and flawed characters. Each one–even the smallest character–has a backstory. Samantha (Sam) is a breath of fresh air and Duncan is a compelling puzzle. While I had his story figured out from almost the beginning, it was still touching to watch it unfold. I was mostly excited about What You Wish For because it’s set in my home state of Texas. I visit Galveston almost every other summer. I love that little beach town, and I was so excited that she chose it for her setting. I only wish I could have read it while I was there, listening to the waves, soaking up the sun.
While What You Wish For doesn’t quite reach the five-star status I gave How to Walk Away and Things You Save in a Fire, it was still delightful. And a great reminder that we can find joy in the most unlikely places.
Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with an advance copy.
My Rating:
A Song For A Book
On Bookstagram I created a hashtag for when I include a song that reminds me of the book I’m sharing, #ASongForABook, I thought I’d make it a regular feature on my reviews, too. This time I’ve chosen For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder. The lyrics are perfect for Sam:
For once in my life I won’t let sorrow hurt me
Not like it’s hurt me before
For once, I have something I know won’t desert me
I’m not alone anymore…
Have you read What You Wish For? Or is it on your tbr? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
Beautiful review Dedra. I can’t wait to read this one. I also loved her previous two books. Her characters are so endearing and real. Being a retired teacher, I am sure I will love this one.
If you enjoyed her other books AND you were a teacher, you’re pretty much guaranteed to love this one. 😉
Omg this review has me screaming “YAAAS!” I am loving the sound of this book even more now and I’m gutted that it’s not out yet. I have a feeling I’m going to have this song stuck in my head for a while now (I love it so much) but will definitely put it on while reading the book once it’s out ? Fab review!
Oh yay!! I’m happy I could encourage you to pick it up! It’s such a positive book. And I’ve totally had this song stuck in my head since I made this post. 😉
I can’t wait to read this one!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! <3
This sounds so good! Lovely review 🙂
Thank you! It was a breath of fresh air! 🙂
Aw this sounds like a perfect cheer-me-up book, and I love stories that celebrate joy!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Yes! It is definitely a cheer-me-up book. <3
How do I get my hands on this?! I can’t wait until July…..
I received my advance copy through Netgalley. You can also try to enter giveaways on Goodreads, through the publisher, or the author on social media. You never know when you might get lucky! <3