What You Wish For

Katherine Center

From Katherine Center, the New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk Away comes a stunning new novel full of heart and hope.

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.

-Excerpt taken from Goodreads.

Check Goodreads to see the book’s ratings.

My Opinion

“Pay attention to the things that connect you with joy.”

(4 / 5) I’ve decided something about Katherine Center; her books are a great palate cleanser and are a bit like Hallmark movies (but less cheesy!)  They are cute and fluffy and lighthearted, even if they touch on hard subjects. She makes them end happy and I love that! I don’t have to plan on people dying and breaking my heart (cough cough Sparks!) and they’re easy, quick reads.

This was about a woman who had a crappy childhood and for multiple reasons, has been alone most of her life. She has a hard time opening up and it affects her relationships. 

I loved her journey in finding joy. She worked hard at it every day and found little things to help and boost and make a difference. It was a good lesson. Every day we need to “bite and claw and scratch (our) way toward happiness every day.” I loved the message. I loved the characters. I loved the journeys each were in and how they made it through.

I think pretty much everyone can enjoy Center’s books. They’re real, honest and the content is way low. That’s good for those of us that don’t love a steamy romance! There was language but it’s fairly mild (2 F words plus casual swearing.) There were a few triggers for school shootings but the details were short-lived. I recommend this for those who need a good pick-me-up book, those who like happy endings and those who need a sweet romance.

Thank you, thank you to Katherine Center and St. Martins Press for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book will be published July, 14, 2020.

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