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.

I

Samantha is a 28 year old elementary school librarian in a quirky private school on an island town near Galveston, Texas. She loves her school and her friends that are like family. She left California to start over after feeling that her crush on Duncan Carpenter would never amount to anything and she has not looked back. 4 years later, her beloved principal and friend suddenly dies and the school board appoints a new principal and its none other than...Duncan Carpenter. Except this Duncan is nothing like the Duncan she left behind and Sam is determined to find out what happened and to bring him back.

After reading a few of Katherine Center's books, I jumped at the chance to read an advance copy of her latest book. I have to admit I was very disappointed. The writing was very juvenile, in fact, I felt like I was reading a YA book at times. I had a hard time reading much of the first half of this book. The story picked up a bit in the second half but it was wildly predictable and schmaltzy. I managed to finish it quickly I was mostly skimming.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the advance copy. I wish this book the best of luck-maybe some more editing would help?

I love Katherine Center books, and her latest What You Wish For, did not disappoint. Sam is the librarian at a fun loving school. When the school loses its loved principal, his replacement is Sam's old crush, Duncan Carpenter. He hardly resembles the Duncan Sam once knew and quickly because her nemesis.

#netgalley

Another wonderful book by Katherine Center!

I guess you could call this a second-chance romance, but it is so, so much more than that. Yes, the characters knew each other from a former job, and yes, they now have the chance to reunite. In between those basic elements are embedded bits of hard, emotional, reality that impacts all the main characters in one way or another.

I don't give spoilers, so this is not a play-by-play. Some of the themes are "ripped from the headlines", others are emotion-packed, and still others are part of everyday life. When put all together by this terrific author, it becomes a book that causes you to laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the author for an advanced copy of this book, but my opinions are my own.

I'm not generally a fan of rom-com/chick lit books but I love Katherine Center. I think she writes so well and her characters are flawed and human, and this one was no exception. It was a little sadder and more topical than some of her other books, but I was totally fine with that.

There were some parts I didn't love or I wish she had dived into a little deeper instead of glossing over but overall, I liked this book a lot. I mean, I read it in a few hours in one day.

I love Katherine Center’s books and characters, and this book is no exception. The set up for this book was particularly exciting to me: a quirky school librarian clashing and falling in love with a by the books new principal. Like any Center novel, the characters deal with both emotional and physical traumas along the way. I fell in love with the main characters but also with the minor characters: Alice, the math teacher who wears a different math joke shirt every day; Babette, the funky art teacher struggling with the death of her husband; Clay, the adult like 10 year old obsessed with marine archaeology; Chuck Norris, the goofy failed security dog. I also loved the setting of an untraditional school set on a small island in Texas. Also, the school library sounds amazing! I felt like the pacing dragged in a few parts, so I’m giving it 4 stars. Overall though, this was a fun relaxing read, and I would recommend to anyone wanting a novel about choosing to find joy despite the hardships in life.