LOVED this book! Such great character development, very likable leads, rooting for the school, the kids, the couple. Her best book yet!

Having spent almost all of my adult life as an educator I was looking forward to reading Katherine Center’s What You Wish For. It has a message as all of her book do of celebrating life and choosing joy which is as important for students to learn as academics. These are ideals that Samantha Casey has embraced in her life along with mentors, Max and Babette. However, it is also something one of the characters seemed unable to do especially at the beginning.

I expected sorrow so I had my tissues ready, good thing because it happens early. I also expected positive uplifting story which this also delivered with a crazy dog, incredible students, a little romance and a group of strong minded women. That is exactly what you will get with What You Wish For. At times, the characters seem over the top. Oh wait, they remind me of some middle school teachers at a k-8 school where I worked once.

I have only read one other Katherine Center book; this one is different though like all stories there are problems to be solved. It took my mind off of a big educators’ problem of what will happen in our state concerning school in August instead looking at a more manageable one of training a principal. Especially one who doesn’t think he needs to be trained in the fine art of bringing joy to everyday learning.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 3 beach read stars

This book was a bit fluffier than what I have come to expect from Katherine Center. I fell in love with, “Things You Save in a Fire”. I fell in deep like with this most recent release, “What You Wish For”.

When Max, the principal at a Galveston, TX elementary school dies suddenly, the whole community is affected. Samantha (Sam) Casey is the school librarian. Because she was close to Max, She is especially hard hit by his death. Max was a strong presence in the community. Enter Duncan Carpenter. He is the school’s new principal.

When Sam learns that Duncan is the new principal, she is startled. They have a history together, and she is not sure she wants to see him again, let alone work with him. When they meet one another on his first day at the school, Sam knows her hunch was right. He has changed, and not for the better in her opinion. The tension begins to build from that first day.

While this is not the strongest of Ms. Center’s storylines, there just the right amount of focus on how this community worked together to overcome the loss of Max, and how to accept Duncan. Some of the school kids almost steal the show in this book. Sam and Duncan work on their own issues in their own way. Life lessons abound if one stops to ferret them out.

I would categorize her other books as Women’s Fiction, which in my mind presents additional social issues over just as straight Romance or Chick Lit genre book. For me, this was more solidly in the Contemporary Romance genre. It will probably appeal to LOTS of readers, and I *did* enjoy it. It just wasn’t the best book from Ms. Center that I’ve read. This wasn’t quite what I wished for.

‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, St. Martin’s Press; and the author, Katherine Center for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Elementary school librarian, Samantha (Sam), loves her job but after the unexpected loss of her beloved principal, Max, she is shocked to discover that his replacement is none other than her former crush, Duncan. Will the feelings she's worked so hard to squash return as well?

"Pay attention to the things that connect you with joy."

I'll admit that I wasn't sure about this story line or characters Sam and Duncan at the beginning of this book but boy, did they grow on me! So much so that the more I learned about them, the more my rating grew from a 3 to a 4 to a 5. This author never disappoints and her books are infused with joy, whimsy, humor, and always big emotions at unexpected times. I absolutely loved this story and it brought tears (of joy and sadness) to my eyes quite a few times. I loved the author's previous book Things You Save in a Fire very much, but this is definitely my new favorite!

"Joy was cumulative... it wasn't about finding one big thing—but about collecting as many tiny pieces as you could."

If you loved the whale part of this book as much as I did, then I would highly recommend Keep Me Afloat (5 stars) by Jennifer Gold.

Location: Galveston Island, Texas

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

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

“It’s just hard to hold it in though, because when something like that happens to you—like when you just see someone and a part of your heart just clicks into place like a little puzzle piece you didn’t even know was missing—and you don’t even think it in words, but something in you just knows, like that’s my person, somehow. Or at least, that person could be my person. You know—if they liked the idea, too. If they looked at you and by some crazy miracle thought the same thing back.” He looked over. “Did you by any chance think the same thing back?”

Ok so there were a lot of great quotable parts of this book, but overall this one fell kinda flat for me. Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors and I usually devour everything she writes and it becomes an instant favorite. This one however lacked something for me. Not sure if it was the main character Sam, who I didn’t feel a connection too and found kind of annoying. Or Duncan, who I adored in Happiness for Beginners but didn’t like in this one. Or if it was just the pure lack of romance between the two. The storyline was unique (school shootings should be talked about and the safety measures taken to protect students/staff) but I felt like the supporting characters were more likable than the main characters and there was hardly any romance.

Inspirational, romantic, and incredibly absorbing!

What You Wish For is a moving, intimate tale that sweeps you away to Galveston, Texas and into the life of Samantha Casey, a young, school librarian who after finally finding her groove, confidence, and a place to call home has her life unexpectedly turned upside down when her former colleague and old crush, Duncan Carpenter moves to town and takes over as the new school principal with an obsessive focus on safety and security and none of the joviality he was previously known for.

The writing is tender and fluid. The characterization is well-developed with a wonderful cast of characters that are kind, caring, eccentric, and endearing. And the plot is a lovely blend of heart, hope, angst, and drama.

What You Wish For is, ultimately, a story about life, love, expectations, loss, trauma, grief, trust, forgiveness, friendship, community, second chances, and discovering one’s true self. It is a whimsical, addictive, immersive read by Center that does an exceptional job of highlighting the importance of always finding a little joy in everything you do and is a wonderful reminder that there’s no perfection in humanity, we are all wonderfully flawed.

I have been a fan of Center's writing for years, so I always keep my eyes open for her latest titles - and I really loved this one!! Set on Galveston Island, Texas, Sam is a school librarian at an artsy and progressive school. She loves her life there, living in the carriage house of the founders and finally feeling a strong sense of family and belonging. But events conspire to bring to the school the one person who Sam can't work with - a guy that she had such a crush on that she actually fled her previous good job in California four years earlier. But the time apart has also changed Duncan and what follows is a book that is both fun and lovely - while managing to tackle some more serious issues and heartfelt moments as well.

This is a great summer read - and I can see why it was included in the Book of the Month Club selections! I laughed, I cried and I even read parts out loud to my husband. Center - as usual - does a terrific job bringing all of her characters, major and minor alike, to life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and am eager to see what she will write next!

After discovering Katherine Center last year I quickly read (or listened) to all of her books in quick succession. Her writing just connected with me as did all of the characters she created. In WHAT YOU WISH FOR she has given us yet another wonderful story with well developed characters that you love and care about from their first introduction.

The storyline is compelling and the writing is sharp and engaging. But my favourite element of all of Katherine’s books is her dialogue. She always makes me feel like I am actually a part of the conversation rather than just reading it and it makes me so much more invested in the story as a result.

Reading WHAT YOU WISH FOR reminded me to look for the joy in my own life and cherish it. At a time when there is so much uncertainty in the world, that’s a message we could all use reminding of.

This is a perfect summer read and I highly recommend you pick up a copy when it releases on July 13. In the meantime I will commence my impatient wait until Katherine’s next book comes out.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the advance reading copy.

School librarian Samantha Casey loves everything about her job working in an elementary school on the idyllic island of Galveston. When their beloved principal dies, it leaves the entire school reeling, but then Sam learns that Duncan Carpenter is slated as a replacement. Sam and Duncan used to work together, and besides having an unrequited crush on him once upon a time - Sam knows Duncan's fun and outgoing personality will fit right in with her school.

But when Duncan shows up and begins forcing drastic changes upon the faculty and students, Sam is shocked at the person Duncan has become and immediately situates herself as an advocate for the school, which sits her squarely in the position as Duncan's foil. As the year progresses and Sam and Duncan butt heads constantly, she slowly starts to see who this man has become, she finds out that it's fear that dictates his actions. But how can Sam help when she has let her own fears dictate how she's lived?

I love how Katherine Center takes traumas and fears - in generalized forms that everyone encounters - and turns them into these positive stories of strength and perseverance.

It took me a moment for the book to grasp my attention. I think because it takes a moment to really feel out where Sam is coming from and what she's dealt with in her life to get her to this point. I hate to say this but Sam feels slightly flighty before we get into the true grit of her story. We see how, when faced with an unrequited love, she quickly packs her bags and moves on, not really facing her feelings or situation, just moving on and moving forward. It soon becomes clear that this is how Sam deals with tough situations, she shuts down and moves on, of course this is a preservation technique. She doesn't want to have her hear broken so she closes down her feelings. As her story continues to unfold readers get an even better understanding about this flight mechanism.

Where the story really clicked for me was when Sam, instead of throwing in the towel and leaving again when her school dynamic is in upheaval, she stays and decides to make a stand. Fight mechanism. As soon as Sam asserted that she was going to show Duncan what the school stood for and why his changes were detrimental to the actual idea of learning, I was pulled in.

To be honest, I was not surprised by where Duncan was coming from. I figured out the base points of what the reveal would be that led him from fun-loving teacher to being so serious and strict. I like how Katherine Center tied Duncan and Sam's fears together. Although completely different scenarios it speaks to the idea that everyone experiences fear, and it's how we each let that fear manifest in our lives. Do we give it total control? Or do we acknowledge it, account for it, but continue living? Turns out, both Sam and Duncan hold themselves back because of fear. They both have to learn how to move in the world with their fear, not let it stifle who they are. Katherine Center is a pro at this type of storytelling. Making it a universal feeling. However, I will say that I feel Duncan's fears overshadow Sam's a bit. Not that Sam's aren't valid, but I think for me, on a personal level, I could identify with Duncan's fears more. But I like that, essentially, both Duncan and Sam learn to lean on each other and learn that letting someone in can be the first step in assuaging your fear.

Overall, Katherine Center's stories never fail to leave me happy and hopeful. What You Wish For will certainly have you leaning toward the bright side.

A light-hearted story of friendships and love with a cast of characters you can relate to. Sam is a sarcastic and witty librarian who I connected with right away. The plot is a bit slow to take off and grab you, but the story is light and amusing enough to hold my attention.

What you wish for is the third book by Katherine Center that I read. I deeply enjoyed her previous books and my expectations were a bit high for this one, fortunately, the book did not disappoint; however, it was somewhat different from the other books.
Katherine has a unique way of dealing with deep, serious topics. He weaves those topics into an enjoyable and fast-read story and adds the right amount of romance and drama in her books. Nevertheless, What you wish for had a different balance felt different at first because it focuses more on the romantic part. It does cover some deep issues like fear, loss, and school safety (it is so sad to read about that, but unfortunately necessary to address the topic).
I loved the characters (except for Kent Buckley, of course). Sam was super funny and awesome, and so was Duncan and Alice, and even Clay. However, Sam was sometimes a bit too impulsive and intense in some things, but even though I did not like her ALL the time, it was understandable, given her story. The same applies to Duncan. They are complex characters but you can connect with them in some way and that is very important in a book.
I enjoyed the fast pace of the story and the way it feels light and is easy-to-read but makes you think about a lot of things at the same time. I did not entirely LOVE the book, though. There was just some tiny thing missing and I cannot put my finger on it but it certainly lacked something, at least in my opinion.
Overall, I was a great read, I finish it in a couple of hours, I will definitely continue reading Katherine’s books, and I do recommend the story and the previous ones.

What You Wish For by Katherine Center is a great book, that I really enjoyed it. I have read How to Walk Away, and Things You Save in a Fire and must admit I liked those books better, giving them both five stars. Katherine Center is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, can't wait to read more books by her. This book is delightful, and makes you feel all kinds of emotions. I also enjoyed watching people's views change, from black and white thinking to shades of gray. Get ready to be swept up in this story and the characters. I highly recommend this book for any one who enjoys women's fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Sam had a huuge crush on Duncan when they worked together in California until she didn't. She moved to Texas where she's the librarian at a sweet elementary school, happily living in a carriage house behind the home of the principal Max, who, unfortunately, and this is not a spoiler, dies at his 60th birthday party. Much to Sam's surprise, Duncan is hired as the new principal, but the Duncan who arrives is not the fun loving ringleader she knew but a suit wearing security obsessed man with no room for play. What a shock! He's turned things upside down, even painting over murals and changing the carpets to gray. Turns out he's got a secret (one she and everyone else would have known had they googled him, just to nitpick) as, btw, does Sam. There's a reason she doesn't drive but his obsession with security comes from a far darker place. These are two wonderful characters, as are the others, such as young Clay, and that makes this a joy to read, even thought you can probably guess what's going to happen. Know that there are a couple of tough scenes but they are sensitively done, as is Sam's medical condition. One thing nagged at me - I can't imagine that the parents at this school would not have had some reaction (probably not so favorable) to all the changes Duncan made but they aren't heard or seen here. Regardless, I very much enjoyed this- its got a lovely tone and Center's a great storyteller. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This indeed would be a good beach book but it was just as nice sitting inside in the AC on a hot pandemic day.

A small island community in Texas is rattled by the sudden death of their beloved school principle. Struggling with the loss, the school meets their new principle (Duncan), who is obsessed with safety and turning the open, whimsical place into a gray dungeon with bars on the windows. For an added twist, the main character Samantha previously worked (and was in love) with Duncan who had been quirky and playful at their previous school.

While I tend to read a lot of historical fiction and psychological thrillers, sometimes you just need a break from the heavy material. This was my fun, rom-com read of the month… and it was adorable! Yes, you’re expecting a happy ending and know everything is going to turn out alright, but part of the fun is just going along for the bumpy ride awaiting that happy ending to make you smile in the end. It reminded me of a Hallmark movie - you just can't turn it off and you can't help but feel giddy and smile at the end!

That being said, this novel certainly delved into some serious material too from a missing child to the overall theme of school safety. As we unfortunately know too well, school safety has become a hot topic and am extremely important one over the past decade or two with schools shootings taking place way too often. Also, throughout the entire book, various characters grapple with loss and grief from the loss of the previous principle to Samantha looking back at how she became an orphan. Katherine Center did a beautiful job of tackling the more solemn themes within the story while keeping the tone light-hearted and fun.

Personally, I'm not the most optimistic as I tend to be a realist and very straight-forward, but there were so many great themes and quotes in this story that I will definitely keep coming back to. As Katherine continuously explored throughout this novel: "Joy cures everything." We just have to keep searching for what makes us happy and take the leap despite the risks.

As I got about halfway through this book, I thought I wasn't going to like it as well as some of the others I've read by this author. But I was wrong. So many beautiful, wonderful things this author has to say about stepping into or out of fear and choosing joy. Even if it is difficult. Even if it is painful and oh, so much work. It's always worth it to choose to find joy in life around you.
I shed quite a few tears, wanted to shake Duncan for being such a hard-hearted jerk, and rejoiced with the characters as they journeyed through life. Because it's true--if you don't seek the good, you will never find it. I learned quite a bit from Sam and the other characters, and I just need to remember to put it into practice in my own life.
Katherine Center has become one of my favorite authors for her heartfelt stories that magnify the good that can come from walking through the rough, seemingly insurmountable pain of life. Go read this book.

I really enjoy this author so it is not a big surprise that I really enjoyed this title. Katherine Centers style of creating wonderful characters, places and situations that are all in some way relatable and plausible never cease to draw me in and ultimately offer some much needed hope. We start out meeting Sam. She is in Galveston because she ran away from an unrequited love and has built a mostly lovely life for herself. She is a passionate librarian who loves her books, her school and the wonderful principal of the school and his wife. Max (the principal) and his amazing wife Babette have all but adopted her and shown her the love and stability she has craved for most of her life. Then Max unexpectedly passes away and in a moment everything on their charming island and in her world changes. So begins a struggle between a new regime, a power struggle with people so intent on “saving the school” that they almost destroy it, hidden agendas, power hungry people filled with anger and hate wanting it all no matter the cost to anyone around them even their own children, old friendships tested, secrets. possibilities, realizations that blood isn’t always what makes a family, broken trusts, lies, learning to stand up for ones self, to take risks no matter how scared you are, trust, terrible husbands, divorce,
realizing that sometimes being alone doesn’t mean being lonely and when you least expect it and let go a little good things can happen. I’ve never been disappointed by this author and can’t wait for what comes next.

I loved this story. It was a perfect mix of drama and romance. All the characters were likeable, except of course Kent Buckley. It wasn't overly romantic and overly dramatic either. It offered a great relief, I used it as an in between book as I had finished reading a heavy topic book. This was perfect. Good summer read too.

This was my first Katherine Center and definitely won’t be my last. Three and a half stars to this one! I just fell in love with all of the characters. The writing is so well done, it felt as though I was right there with Alice, Sam, Babette and Duncan and all the others, on their brightly colored island.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Publishing for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

When the principal at a quirky elementary school suddenly passes away, a man from Samantha Casey’s past comes back into her life to run the school. Sam remembers Duncan as a funny and loving teacher, but when Duncan shows up, it’s clear his main concern is changing everything the children and teachers love about their school in the name of safety. Sam must find a way to bring back the fun-loving Duncan she knows is still in there.
✨
This book starts off a bit slow but for me, the ending totally made up for it. I will say that going into this one blind, I had no idea until around 20% into reading that the school wasn’t a traditional one. This was a one-day read for me and after finishing, I felt all warm and fuzzy on the inside. I love the way Katherine Center develops her stories and characters. I know I’ve said this before, but her books are so much more than just romances. Out of the three Katherine Center books I’ve read, I’d rate this after Things You Save in a Fire and before How to Walk Away. Can’t wait for the next one! 4.25/5
✨
CW: school shootings, death, emotional abuse

I’ve started and stopped this review like twelve times now. I literally have so many drafts saved. What You Wish For has been my hardest rating for a Katherine Center novel yet. The others were no brainers, I loved them. What should have been my best Katherine Center story yet left me in emotional turmoil (dramatic!). I literally could not decide between three and four stars. Mind you, I read this story back in March. As the release day weights upon me (tomorrow), I figured the time has come.

And it is a 3.5 knocked down to a 3 star rating.

First, I would like to say that I genuinely did enjoy the story. It was fantastic. Everything that I love about Katherine Center presented itself in this novel. This woman really can turn all the romance haters into lovey dovey mush. And I am definitely no exception. But it is an indulgence that occurs like once or twice a year. That being said, I thought the storyline was strong. Center included some heavy topics that you hear about on the news and media. As always, she handles the subjects with care and class. She really presents two sides of the argument without pointing a finger or placing blame. A fair representation for all readers in my opinion on this particular hot topic. Also, I really liked the school environment Center created. Readers really can understand and feel how this school felt and fell apart after their beloved principal passed. While we never knew him, Center really did a great job having readers feel the loss alongside our characters.

While I truly loved the overall story, I TRULY disliked our narrator and protagonist, Samantha Casey. Which is so strange considering, I find many similar qualities with said character. Librarian – Samsies. Quirky – Yeah. Passionate – you know it! Yet, I had a hell of a time liking this woman for MANY reasons.

1. She acts like she knows Duncan. She NEVER really did at her previous job. She knew OF him. But she had no relationship with Duncan before her current role. Yet she goes around barging into his office and making a fool of herself in front of her co-worker for a man she actually didn’t really know at all. It is weird. Normal humans don’t do that.
2. She acts like a high schooler. Don’t know if this trick has spent too much time in the school atmosphere but Samantha Casey would fit right in with children and teenagers. From her inappropriate outburst to how she handles grown situations, a toddler could work these things out better. Duncan leave, leave. He leaves. WAHHHHHHHH, you left. No home girl this isn’t elementary school, grow up. Use your pretty little head and maybe you wouldn’t be such a terrible, horrible no good character.
3. Selfish. Here is where Samantha Casey really, really grinds my gears. She is either incredibly dense or so fucking self-absorbed that she could not see what was happening with Duncan. Any NORMAL human would have read the writing across his forehead. But Samantha Casey did not have the social stamina to pick up on the NUMEROUS hints. Furthermore, her reaction in serious situations are fucking ridiculous. When I think about what Duncan is going through, like real shit, I get absolutely infuriated with Samantha’s audacity. Duncan expresses some major things that happen to him and she did what?!?!? How fucking dare this woman act so childish and selfish after the shit he went through. I wish she would of drowned……there I said it.
4. Lastly, I can’t help but feel as if Samantha Casey is on the spectrum. She possesses many qualities that an adult on the autism spectrum would also experience. Difficulty interpreting feelings and thoughts. Doesn’t quite pick up on social queues. Difficulty regulating emotion. Known to be “eccentric” in the work place. Always wanting a best friend but never actually having that experience. All common symptoms of adults with Autism at home and in the work place. Had this been the case in this novel, I would have felt completely different about Samantha Casey. But she was not on the spectrum, therefore, she just came off as irritating and rude.

As a librarian, I speak on behalf of all those in the profession, we don’t want Samantha Casey. She is the WORST. And furthermore, she NEVER deserved Duncan. I genuinely hate that he got stuck with her. In my head, alternate ending. She jumps off the pier again and Duncan throws his shades on looks to the sun and smiles happily.

Overall, I think Samantha Casey ruined this novel. But the story itself was so easy to love. I think many will be torn over this one. Katherine Center novels are no brainers when it comes to ratings. But the character flaws were too many. I simply can’t get on a board with a story where I have zero respect or interest in the characters behavior or personality.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced read.