Katherine Center always hits it out of the park with every single book she writes. I was excited to see this was a “Read Now” book on NetGalley and I grabbed it right away. I loved the whole book and couldn’t put it down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

Join characters you want to be friends with in another emotionally charged novel by Katherine Center.

The theme is courage: courage to face your fears, courage to find joy every day.

The Kempner School staff include librarian Samantha Casey. When Sam's former colleague, Duncan Campbell, arrives, things begin to change. Heartache brought Sam to Galveston Island, Texas and running away is a choice she needs to confront. Sam chooses to step out of her comfort zone and challenge the changes.

I was sorry to see this book end it was so full of plot twists and wonderful characters.

I really enjoyed What You Wish For. As a teacher, I could really relate to Sam and it was a love story with so many twists and turns that kept me reading way too late into the night. I'm so glad it ended how it did!

This is my fourth Katherine Center book, and I love her novels for their heavy-lightheartedness. She has a way of tackling tough, real-life hardships and turmoil in a relatable way; and it’s always framed within a lighter, loveable romance that keeps you hooked until the last page. I appreciate her characters’ inspirational journeys every time as they fight and learn how to grow, to better themselves. You laugh, smile, cry and groan for each one of them. She’s done it again with What You Wish For! Sam and Duncan’s story is thoroughly enjoyable as they struggle to come to grips with the truly difficult situations life has given them, and what they mean to one another despite, and because of it all. The story gets personal as we are in Sam’s head - those awkward moments when she’s second-guessing herself, or thinking before she speaks. I can so relate!! My only disappointment was that after being on this invested roller coaster ride of a story with these two delightful characters, the ending wrapped up too quickly for me. It felt rushed and I so wanted more of a chance to say goodbye to everyone. I craved a less-hurried, more detailed picture of how everyone turned out.
It was a delightful read. It was just what I needed! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this digital galley.

While I didn’t love this one quite as much as ‘Things a You Save In A Fire,’ there’s no doubt that Katherine Center knows how to write a good book that tugs at your heartstrings. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Sam is the bright and sunny librarian of the Kempner School in Galveston, TX when the school founder, and principal, suddenly dies before the school year starts at the party that she has planned for him. Now her and her co-workers must face a new school year without him. Just when they think they have it bad, it gets worse. A new principal from Baltimore has been chosen to come in and revamp a school that most people believe is doing just fine as is. It also doesn’t help that his new principal and Sam have a past history that he doesn’t seem to remember. Will Sam be able to endure an entire school year working under someone she loves, but who doesn’t remember her, or will she be forced to reveal the truth before he destroys the school?

I have loved everything that Katherine Center has written; I have re-read several of her novels. But "What You Wish For" is a story I won't return to, and I'm having a hard time determining why. Samantha is a teacher who has made a new start after realizing Duncan Carpenter, another teacher at her school, will never reciprocate her feelings. She take a job in Galveston, Texas, reinventing herself as more confident, colorful, and happy. That is, until Duncan is named the new principal, a very different version of the comic, free-spirited Duncan that she knew (unknown to her, he has survived a horrific school shooting and is obsessed with safety).

Everything in this plot and character description appeals to me, but I no matter when I picked up the book to begin reading, I'd have to flip back through previous pages to remember the plot and characters. Nothing connected with me. This could be because I was trying to read it as the world descended into chaos from the coronavirus. But I have read and enjoyed other novels recently, so for whatever reason (I still can't figure it out), this novel for me lacked Center's characteristic engaging warmth and never really held my interest.

What You Wish For by Katherine Center will be just what her fans wished for.
#bookreview
From the publisher: 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 review: With certainty I can predict that What you Wish For will be a success with Katherine Center's legion of readers. There is a likable protagonist although at times I wanted to tell her to stop being so sophomoric in her yearning for a lost love. I found her memories and her reactions to them sometimes bordered on obsession. Still, I cheered her on and wanted her to win in the great fight she was thrown into.

The major male character was in turn lovable, and goofy and then the biggest jerk ever created. I feel that's just what the author wanted. The supporting characters were likable throughout the story.

The school setting to which Samantha runs when she thinks she must escape her current life was just what she needed-- a bubbly, happy place, a family. The description of those happy years with Max at the helm were so like the school setting in which I taught in western Colorado. You don't find that loving, supportive, happy setting often. I lost my happy work family when we moved. Samantha lost hers when Max died and HE took over.

My favorite character was Clay, an eight year old genius with home problems, but with an irresistible love of learning and life. Ms. Center created a wonderful character in Clay.

I will not disclose any spoilers, but will just say, if you liked How To Walk Away, you'll love What You Wish For. It is not available until mid-July, but is available for pre-order.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for my advance reading copy. The opinions expressed here are my own.

#katherinecenter #stmartinspress #netgalley #bittersweetromance

Thank you St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC of this fabulous book.

Samantha lives in Galveston Texas and works as a school librarian at an elite private elementary School. She loves her job and her bosses. She lives in a carriage house on their property and she considers them her adopted parents. Her life changes in a moment after tragedy strikes and she wades through grief and then upheaval as "the guy" arrives and makes sweeping changes to the school.

As always, Katherine Center writes a well developed character driven read that keeps you engaged with perfect pacing. This one is just perfect in every way.

Recommended: sure
For teachers, for those who like Center's writing style, for a blend of teaching pedagogy and medical/personal self-discovery, for a book where you know exactly what to expect, for something uplifting and quotable if you're having a bad day

Thoughts:
The writing was very familiar to Center's other works. The MC was very self-aware, and did a good job at calling herself out in cliche situations with clear-eyed bemusement. Overall, I was entertained but not enthralled. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why, but I'll try.

There were points that felt unecessarily drawn out; like descriptions that didn't add to the story, or musings that we had already heard several times before ("I can't believe how different Duncan is"). I rarely skim in stories, but I was here every now and then.

My main issue was with the characters. The MC didn't seem to put much empathy or thought into what could have made Duncan change so drastically, and was unable to recognize that something that severe is usually based in trauma. Perhaps that's due to her inward focus of her own feelings. Duncan provided some issues for me as well, as the descriptions of what Old Duncan was like was pretyt much cringeworthy for me. He sounded... exhausting. And over the top. Having taught, I definitely have known people and specifically teachers like him. They can be fantastic at their jobs, but reading about one was just tiring and overwhelming. Personal issue, maybe? Either way, I didn't particularly like him in his old or new form.

The story was a bit of a slow build. I expected Duncan to be taking over relatively quickly, as the key conflict in the story was him taking over the school and sending it in a different direction. In reality, I feel like that was a very small portion of the story in terms of length. Once he showed up, the school year passed in a few chapters. There was a lot of setup to everything that telegraphed quite clearly what could be expected for character and story growth.

It was entertaining and had some really great quotable lines, but it probably won't be one that sticks with me for very long.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the book the world needs right now. Katherine Center's What You Wish For is all about choosing joy. Especially in the face of hardship. Samantha is a school librarian who loves her job and does her best to love her life...even after recent loss. Along comes Duncan, the new principal at her school, and Sam's former crush. When Sam knew Duncan he was everything she loved...fun, positive, energetic, kind. She, as well as the other school staff, are more than surprised when Duncan comes along and is nothing like Sam remembered. He's cold and distant....almost mean-spirited. And wanting to completely change the school they all love so much. The one good thing about this new Duncan is that it has effectively killed Sam's crush on him...or has it? As the story progresses, secrets come out as well as past experiences that have Duncan and Sam seeing one another in a different light.

This book is so so so good. It's fun, witty, romantic, and just so full of so many amazing messages on the theme of choosing joy. The writing is so well done and kept me captivated the entire way through. What You Wish For is one of those books that was hard to put down and will stick with you well beyond the last word. Very highly recommended and a definite future re-read for me.

There were times early on in the book when I thought I was simply too old to read it, which I grant is an odd thought for someone who still reads children's books. It is nonetheless an aspect of the late 20's early 30's life lessons books that exists for those of us closer to our 70's than our 60's. There was nothing surprising in the book for me. I knew why Duncan changed so drastically long before it was revealed. I kept reading because the philosophical purpose of the book is so very important and the sooner we all learn it, the better. Perhaps if I'd read such a book in my late 20's it would not have taken me until my late 50's to get the message.
I applaud the author for putting it out there so well.

I have yet to read a Katherine Center book that I don't absolutely fall in love with, and "What You Wish For" continues that trend. Center tells love stories that put normal people in extraordinary circumstances and watches them shine. "What You Wish For" is the sweet and thoughtful story that touches on everything from unrequited love, overcoming trauma, fighting for what you believe in, and personal growth.
While I guess this story is a romance, Center's style leans more towards literary fiction, as her characters are so perfectly and completely drawn, their motivations and convictions all drive the story well beyond just the lust/love push-pull that most romances focus on. I have to say, Center will continue to be on my "must-read" list as long as she's sharing her talents with the world!

Katherine Center’s books are always like a big giant warm hug for me, and this one was no exception. Beautifully written with supremely likeable characters who are each on a journey to find happiness in their lives, this book’s message is just perfect: do more of the things that bring you joy! Highly recommend for a feel good pick-me-up read. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

It's not often a book puts a stamp on my heart, meaning it has all the feels, love , hope , fear , anger , sad , happy .It makes you feel! I love the characters , esp Sam , her attitude and Joy lifts your spirits. I loved the concept of this read , it could realistically be a part of my world or anyone reading it .I predict this will be one of 2020 top reads !

I have a few of this author’s books on my TBR list, but this was the first one I actually read. The storyline was interesting, but initially I didn’t like the main characters, especially Sam, the librarian. She always seemed to voice her opinion but when it counted, didn’t heed her own advice, and ran away from her problems. The characters in this story had to deal with problems and situations that needed to be dealt with head on and couldn’t be avoided such as school safety issues, the death of a spouse, epilepsy, family problems, and the trauma of a school shooting. As the story developed, the characters became more likable especially after the painful events of their past were acknowledged and accepted.

I liked how the author used positive messages throughout the story such as embracing joy and not live in fear. This message could easily be transferred to our current world problems. I also enjoyed the laughable moments throughout the story.
Overall, it was an entertaining read.

ARC given for an honest review.

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from netgalley and I’m so fortunate that I did. I went into reading this book with very high expectations, given that I loved this authors other works and boy did not disappoint.

This story focuses on Sam who has a perfect job as a librarian at a perfect school, living in a perfect carriage house owned by her closest friends. When tragedy suddenly takes the life of her beloved friend and principle, Sam and her co workers find his replacement to be everything opposite to what they had before. Added on top of that the new principle is no one then the man Sam loved before. Sam soon learns that sometimes people need to be reminded what joy is and the importance of having it in your life. But the end it’s Sam that learns life without risk and love it not a life at all.

This book was filled with characters that felt like my best friends and a story I couldn’t put down. This book was nothing but perfection.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3242001866

This is Katherine Center in her element. I am always impressed by how Center develops her characters, giving them quirky, endearing personalities, but also real and relatable feelings. Another thing that impresses me, is how she creates such different and unique settings. She continuously creates new and fresh characters, worlds, and careers for these characters without ever feeling repetitive or stale. Also, as a Texan, I can attest to the authenticity of Galveston Island!

I'm absolutely torn about how to review this book. Though I've never read anything by Katherine Center, I've been looking forward to it for ages--the cover is gorgeous and the summary sounded wonderful.

But I have to admit, If I were reading this for pleasure rather than review, I would have given up well before the half-way mark. The writing is good, and I know you don't have to have a likable main character to make a good book, but I hated Samantha. She's supposed to be an adult--a professional school librarian, and yet, I've read middle grade and young adult titles with more mature characters. And nothing about the plot made sense--from her quitting a job and running to a different state to get away from a crush that by all accounts doesn't even seem to know she exists (very YA), to all of the unbelievable stuff happening at the school (there are any in this day and age that don't lock their doors? Dogs would be allowed on property? Carpool lines don't take an hour. And please, it isn't hard to take attendance in every class--I've done it.). But I kept reading because I felt obligated and because I was looking for the gotcha that would tie everything together and give meaning to it all (I had a hunch about the principal's backstory that was right on the mark). And yes, after 50% through, not only did I finally get answers, but I finally started liking the characters a little (though I could do without another math pun shirt and every time the words "Kent Buckley" were uttered, I wanted to throw my Kindle).

And yes--Samantha does win for worst father award.

But if I were just a simple reader, picking this up at the library or where ever, I would never have gotten to the point of actually enjoying the ending, because I disliked the beginning so much.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for making this ARC available for review.

What an absolutely delightful book during these times of uncertainty and confinement. I thoroughly enjoyed it and thank you to the author and publisher for sharing it with us at this time.

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