The Kempner School on Galveston Island was a haven for librarian Samantha Casey and the other teachers, who relished their work with elementary aged children. Max and Babette Kempner had designed an off-beat, creative space for children to be educated and nurtured, and they were delighted at the trajectory and success of the school. After Max’s sudden death, the board president, Kent Buckley, son-in-law of Max and Babette and a complete and total jerk, wanted to make changes, and he hired an expert on school security named Duncan Carpenter as the new principal.

Duncan and Sam had worked together four years earlier, at a school in California, and the Duncan Sam remembered was a fun-loving guy who captured the children’s’ attention through his ability to relate to them and their interests. This Duncan was serious, even severe, in a three-piece suit, and had completely lost his ability to read a room, managing to alienate all the teachers at their initial staff meeting by pulling out a water gun painted to resemble an actual pistol. His emphasis on school security threatened everything that made the Kempner School successful, and made Sam wonder how the joyful man she had known – and fallen hard for – had changed into this paranoid, suspicious person, and she was determined to find out.

What a fun story this was to read! I loved Sam, with her bright colors, pink bangs, and polka dots, making her library a safe and comfortable place for the children, and her plan to help Duncan break out of his shell, with the help of Babette and fellow teacher Alice, was genius. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the Kempner faculty and the way the town pulls together in sorrow and in celebration.

I wish to read this again and again! The theme of choose joy, choose love, choose to celebrate, is consistently written throughout without being heavy-handed. It's such a perfect book to read while everything in the world is uncertain. We can actively choose to find joy and share it.
Sam has psuedo adopted Max and Babette, the founders of the school she works at, as her family. She basically lives in a happy bubble until Max unexpectedly dies and Duncan comes back into her life. Duncan is no long goofy and she wants to turn back time and bring the old him back. After Max's death, she knows everyone needs his old carefree, happy leadership.
Every character added value to the book as a whole, from math-pun-t-shirt-wearing Alice to brainy-whiz-kid Clay. I read this so quickly and adored every sentence. Katherine handles difficult topics with finesse. This feel-good book will not disappoint.
Thank you, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All thoughts in this review are my own.

What You Wish For is an entertaining and inspiring book. Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her job and her life. Suddenly Samantha is confronted with the reason she left her last job, Duncan Carpenter. Samantha was secretly in love with Duncan, the goofy and gorgeous 4 th grade teacher. When Duncan arrives at Samantha’s school as the new principal his personality has completely shifted. He is obsessed with security and keeping the children safe. There is nothing fun about him-but he is still very handsome. Samantha and the staff must take drastic measures to save the school’s beautiful spirit. Center crafts characters that resonate with her reader. They are all people with problems and unimaginable strength. This book will bring you joy and teach you how to find more. What more could you ask for?

This book was a very enjoyable read. The beginning was a little slow, but I ended up liking the second half a lot. I really enjoyed all the characters (except one...you know who you are), and I also enjoyed the story. I love how Sam was able to bring Casey back to himself and how he trusted her to do it...and the entire "after surgery" portion had me literally laughing out loud. I'm very close friends with someone with a similar drug tolerance and let me tell you, she nailed it! Bottom line, if you can get through the beginning the second half really picks up and makes the book worth reading. 4 stars!

A quick summer read!

Sam, a librarian at a fun elementary school in Texas, has her world shaken up with the sudden death of the beloved school principal and then the newcomer, Duncan, who Sam knows from her old life. Fans of Katherine Center will definitely like this book. I did prefer Things You Save in a Fire, but would 100% recommend this one as well! I typically don't read Romance, but I really love Katherine's writing & plot lines!

Thank you to Katherine Center, NetGalley, & St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy!

I want to thank both the author and St Martin’s Press for my ARC of this title.

As an educator, this story really spoke to me. I could just see myself in their school and as a lover of books, I wanted to spend hours in the school library.

I loved that storyline wasn’t oversexualized the way so many books are. I felt that the love interests between people was sweet.

This book had so many great lines on letting go of grief and trauma. Chapter 5 especially spoke to me!

I would recommend this for all readers.

Katherine Center had quickly become one of my favorite authors! I loved What You Wish For ❤ I laughed out loud more than a few times, I gasped a couple of times, I yelled at Duncan and Kent(in my head 😉 ) and cheered for Sam. Clay captured my heart early on but especially with the whale episode! The cast of characters who are co workers are also like a family. Supporting one another and doing what is best for each other. Overcoming trauma, dealing with illness, working through grief. A special story that will stay with you as do all of Katherine's stories 😁

Title: What You Wish For
Author: Katherine Center
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5

Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her job, the kids, and her school family with passion and joy for living.

But she wasn’t always that way.

Duncan Carpenter is the new school principal who lives by rules and regulations, guided by the knowledge that bad things can happen.

But he wasn’t always that way.

And Sam knows it. Because she knew him before—at another school, in a different life. Back then, she loved him—but she was invisible. To him. To everyone. Even to herself. She escaped to a new school, a new job, a new chance at living. But when Duncan, of all people, gets hired as the new principal there, it feels like the best thing that could possibly happen to the school—and the worst thing that could possibly happen to Sam. Until the opposite turns out to be true. The lovable Duncan she’d known is now a suit-and-tie wearing, rule-enforcing tough guy so hell-bent on protecting the school that he’s willing to destroy it.

As the school community spirals into chaos, and danger from all corners looms large, Sam and Duncan must find their way to who they really are, what it means to be brave, and how to take a chance on love—which is the riskiest move of all.

This book made me think being a teacher might be fun…which is really saying something, considering that’s possibly the least likely of things for me to want to do. And I have an English degree. I just know that’s not the job for me. It takes a special kind of person to be a good teacher. I am not that person.

I loved this book. It made me laugh, it made me smile, it just made me feel good. Sam was great. I loved how much she had changed as a person and come totally out of her shell. She seemed like such a fun person to be around. And Duncan used to be fun...he’s just forgotten that in the wake of everything he’s been through. I can’t speak highly enough of this book—absolutely recommend it!

Katherine Center is from Texas. What You Wish For is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

Katherine Center’s books are hopeful. Characters are workin on overcoming something, on being accepted, on finding love and moving on.. Her characters Duncan and Samantha both have obstacles blocking their way and they are able to help each other as they deal with some debilitating issues in their pasts so that they can be happy and move forward.

Katherine Center’s latest novel, What You Wish For, is a beautiful story about love and loss, friendship and “found” family, and perhaps most importantly, it’s a story about overcoming fears, embracing joy, and living life to the fullest.

The story follows Samantha (“Sam”) Casey, an elementary school librarian at a prestigious private school in Galveston, Tx. Life is pretty good for Sam when we first meet her. She loves her job – the school itself is fantastic with a vibrant, creative atmosphere, and Sam loves interacting with her students and with her colleagues. She even loves her bosses, Max and Babette Kempner, the beloved founders of the school who also happen to be Sam’s landlords. Over the years, Sam has come to think of Max and Babette as family.

When tragedy strikes unexpectedly and Max passes away, Sam’s life, both personally and professionally, is thrown into turmoil, especially when she learns that the man hired to replace Max as Principal is none other than Duncan Carpenter, a teacher from her old life that Sam had a mad crush on, so much so that when she realized she had missed her chance with him and that he was marrying someone else, she immediately resigned her position and moved to Texas to get away from his happily ever after with someone else. When Duncan arrives, Sam is shocked that 1) he doesn’t even recognize her, and 2) he immediately starts dismantling everything about her beloved school that made it so special.

What You Wish For really took off for me from the moment Duncan walked back into Sam’s life. He’s so awful and not at all like Sam has described him to her friends that I, like Sam, was obsessed with trying to figure out what had happened to cause such a radical change in his personality. I was even more hooked by the story though from the moment Sam and Duncan have their first meeting. It’s borderline hostile and he clearly doesn’t remember Sam, but even so, the chemistry between them is intense and the sparks are flying. This was a relationship I was eager to see evolve!

Aside from the relationship between Sam and Duncan, I also just loved all of the secondary characters in this story. I already mentioned the lovable Max and Babette, but there’s also Alice, the hilarious math teacher who wears math pun t-shirts to work everyday and who is also Sam’s best friend. Then there is Babette’s adorable grandson, Clay, who is a bookworm and loves to hang out in the library with Sam. Oh and there’s also an adorable labradoodle named Chuck Norris who will absolutely melt your heart.

The last thing I want to mention is a major theme running through the story that I really loved. It was Max’s life philosophy, which he imparted to Sam over the years anytime he sensed her struggling. Max believed that no matter what is going on in your life, no matter how scared or stressed you may be, it’s important to always choose joy. That while it may not solve all of your problems, it’s a great place to start. I thought that was such a beautiful philosophy, and one that is especially relevant right now, with everything that is going on in the world.

What You Wish For is my third Katherine Center novel and she has yet to disappoint. Her stories are always so moving and filled with unforgettable characters, and they never fail to leave me with a full heart and a smile on my face. If that sounds like your kind of read, you definitely want to give What You Wish For a try.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest, voluntary review. Katherine Center has never disappointed me when it comes to excellent writing and fantastic characters. Her stories draw you in and will captivate you until the very last page. Congratulations Katherine for another superb book! Enjoy! 📚

This was the first book by Katherine Center that I read but it certainly won’t be the last. I loved Max & Babette’s story as well as Duncan and Sam”s story. The characters and story was very well written. After an unexpected event Duncan arrives at the school where Sam works to become the new principal. Sam remembers him from a previous school and his fun loving personality. However, upon his arrival he is nothing l8ke she remembers he is hard and strict. I loved the character development and couldn’t wait to see how all their stories would end.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters had a lot of depth to them. It was just what I want when I pick up a Katherine Center book!

WHAT YOU WISH FOR is a compelling, timely, and ultimately uplifting read about finding “joy” amid tragedy—filled with quirky characters and lots of heart. There is an ongoing theme about choosing “joy” on purpose. Not, despite life’s sorrows. But, because of them. What an excellent book for the times we are living.

Stay tuned for my unique fun and exciting Elevator Ride with the Author, coming July 14th. Learn all the behind the scenes exclusives from WHAT YOU WISH FOR and more about this talented Author.

If you are looking for a book that makes you smile, laugh out loud, and good for the soul— pick up any Katherine Center book. If you have not seen her book to movie, THE LOST HUSBAND, be sure and stream it now!

WHAT YOU WISH FOR has an extraordinary cast of characters with personality. Hoping for a movie based on this book as well!

Set on the historical island of Galveston, Texas, in an old Victorian building, there is an elementary school with a fun-loving and caring principal, Max. Everyone loved Max and his wife, Babette.

Samantha Casey’s life has not always been easy before moving to Galveston, where she began working as an elementary school librarian. Max and Babette became like her parents and rented a cottage from them. They were her role models.

After planning a big anniversary party for the couple, while having to fight against their not so nice daughter, Tina, a tragedy occurs. Max, now gone, has left everyone in the town shattered and grief-stricken.

The school receives the word they are getting a new principal, Duncan. (you may recall from her previous book). She is shocked. At her old school, he was the guy she had a mad crush on that did not return her feelings.

However, soon she learns the fun-loving, quirky guy she fell in love with is no more. He is quite the opposite. Plus, he does not even acknowledge her and acts as though they have never met.

Sam and Duncan seem to have switched places. She was the solemn one in the past, and he was the fun one. Now she wears all the quirky fun colors, and Duncan is a stick in the mud. He is strict and changing all the rules. He is taking away all their joy. Long gone is the fun, impulsive Duncan with the colorful ties and socks.

He is ruining their school. Sam must do something before he destroys all the work Max and Babette set in motion. However, things are not always as they seem. There is a story behind both Sam and Duncan. Each is guarding their private secrets. However, for them to truly get to know one another again, the walls must come down.

What a fantastic story! You will fall in love with little Clay. Fans of Mary Alice Monroe (protecting wildlife) will be assured to enjoy WHAT YOU WISH FOR.

Katherine is a master storyteller (with a special gift) who writes both humorous and bittersweet stories. Stories of falling and getting back up. Tragedy over triumph. She skillfully turns something tragic into something beautiful with humor and heartwarming characters.

Her characters must always learn a powerful lesson. At the same time, readers will receive a message which will resonate with them.

WHAT YOU WISH FOR is timely and perfect for each of us today in these uncertain and trying times. We all need an escape from the madness. Triumph over tragedy. Joy in the places we least expect. Katherine is assured to provide entertainment and a smile to brighten your day.

😎 Highly recommend!

#JDCMustReadBooks

A special thank you to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for an advanced reading copy.

Sam is a school librarian in Galveston TX, where she has found her place, somewhere she feels like she belongs. When the school principal suddenly passes, there is a hole ripped in their community and in Sam's heart. When his replacement is announced as a former coworker (and crush) of Sam's, she is nervous but also excited because she knows what a great teacher he was.

The Duncan that shows up to the school is not at all like the Duncan she knew before. He has a wall up around him and is obsessed with school safety, wanting to take away everything Sam and the other teachers love about their school. Will Sam run away like she usually does, or will she stand up for her life and her community?

The characters were relatable, I easily felt their pain and joy and became connected with them. They had interesting pasts, which added to your love for them and to your rooting for a happy ending for everyone. The characters are eccentric and loveable. The story actually hit some really big, serious issues, but was laced with humor and some powerful lessons. The main theme for the story was choosing joy, even when it's difficult.

"What You Wish For" by Katherine Center is a fun and entertaining book. It totally held my interest and made me laugh out loud and giggle several times. Who doesn't need that during these trying times in our country? If you want a book to get you out of your head, this should be your next read. You won't be disappointed.

There is some predictability to her story but, it is okay because the dialog, situations and the characters make up for it. The author made me love and care for her characters and what they were each dealing with in their lives. There were a few heavy subjects in the story but the way they were handled with empathy and humanity gave me hope.

I love a story that teaches me a few things and because the narrator was a librarian, there are some interesting things to learn. One of her friends was a math teacher and has a lot of cute little math jokes. So, I learned something new with this book.

Katherine Center is new author for me and I am excited to read more from her. If you haven't read any of her books yet, give her a try. You might find a new author to add to your list of favorites. I know I did!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.

Confession: I read about 32% of the way into What You Wish For, stopped, read a handful of (non-spoiler) reviews, skipped ahead to about 47% and read a few pages, then went back to 32% to start reading again.

Why? This one was, for me—and a few others, it would seem—something of a slow starter. But once it picks up, it becomes an endearing, charming, funny, and heart-rending read. It's filled with the wit and joy that I loved in Katherine Center's Happiness for Beginners, currently the only other title of hers I have read. Though, rest assured, I will be reading all of her others after this.

My advice: if you find What You Wish For a little thick in the beginning—heavy on inner monologue, and with characters you aren't yet sure you can and will like—press on. (Or skip to about 47% *shrugs*.) It's well worth it. And, by the time the end rolls around, you will be overflowing with the joy we are encouraged to seek out by Ms. Center and her protagonists. You will love the characters and their quirks, the town and its community, the book and its early, slower pages. I know it did.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Samantha is a school librarian. She loves her job, her kids, and all that it entails. Until one day when a blast from the past in the form of a man named Duncan shows up and uproots all that she and her colleagues know.

Duncan brings with him the plan to change everything that everyone knows about the school in the form of rules and regulations.

This is unlike the Duncan that Sam remembers. What in his past has made him so hardened? As Sam and Duncan explore their lives together and apart, can he become the man that Sam once had feelings for?

This was an emotionally tragic book, but I really enjoyed and finished quickly!

This is a Netgalley ARC review. All opinions are solely my own.

What You Wish For by Katherine Center is a lovely book about love and family. It may not be the family that we're given that matters but the family we choose is just as important. This was not my favorite book by Katherine Center. It seemed a much slower moving book than I am used to from her. I can't say I fell for this book until I was about 80% finished. Then it just hit me!!

Samantha has retreated to Galveston in order to rebuild her life. Galveston provides her a security that she hasn't had before. It is all turned upside down when Duncan is hired as the new principal. Duncan and Sam have history and of course they each see it differently.

Duncan's entry into the story provides a sense of chaos related to his past experiences. When trying to reconcile who he was with who he is now he says, "I can't know what I know now and be who I was then." I was blown away by that statement.

"This is what it means to be fully alive. To feel it all--the joy and the sorrow--the hope and the fear. This is what life demands of us. You just have to stay, and try, and let life break your heart." The secondary characters really drive this point home. Alice, Babette, and Tina all live this principle. "Love is only for the brave."

Samantha Casey, school librarian carries childhood scars from a father that couldn't handle her epilepsy and abandoned her, She lives with the school's principal and his art teacher wife Max & Babette in their carriage house..
They have just returned from a last minute second honeymoon and it is the night of his 60th birthday party for which the town and school staff have generously donated decorations for the party.
Their daughter Tina does not like Samantha , she resents that her parents treat her like another daughter.,
At the party Max collapses and dies,
The school board appoints Duncan Carpenter .to be the new principal. Samantha remembers him from when she worked with him a few years ago and had a crush on him. She remembers him as a great teacher and being very humorous.
The Duncan Carpenter who arrives in town is not the same man He is a suit and tie wearing guy and a rule enforcer, He wants to make many changes at the school, which doesn't go well with the school staff.,
When he has to have minor surgery Samantha discovers what made Duncan change and she sets out to have him do one silly task daily, hoping to being him back to his old self.

When a dangerous situation occurs , he and Emily bond again and realize their feelings for each other
and decide to take a chance on happily ever after.