I love it. The End.
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Reading this during Covid-19 with a husband working in the ICU and taking extreme precautions, had me thinking about this book in a different way.
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One of the themes within is to seize the day and live. I think it is beautiful, especially right now.
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I appreciated that one aspect of the story line was touched upon but not the main point as I feel that would have really changed the tone of the book.
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I loved the multiple themes within a single story and I can’t thank @stmartinspress @netgalley and @katherinecenter for the ARC.
Congrats on another stunning book!

I actually thought this book was fun! Easy to read Nd the pages turned quickly..good book for the beach.

I can’t say too much about what this book Is about, because it’s best to go in relatively blind. However, I will say this book isn’t for the faint of heart, and it does have a massive trigger warning associated with it.

I found the story to be extremely compelling, but did have some issues with the characterization of the main character. At times, it felt like her characterization was trying too hard to be “#relatable”, and it didn’t feel genuine. However, it was a very quick read and the story itself was gripping enough that I could mostly ignore my issues with the characterization.

This is my second book by Katherine Center and I’ve enjoyed them both. They are easy to read and I devoured it in one sitting. Like other women’s fiction - the elements will seem familiar. Love, loss, misunderstandings.

Main character, Sam, is a librarian in Galveston, TX. She suffers losses earlier in life with her parents (mom died and dad isn’t in the picture). Max and Bebette come into her life and serve as parental figures and mentors in Sam’s life. Max’s sudden death leaves a big hole for Sam - professionally and personally.

We find out that after Max’s death, his role as principal is being replaced by Sam’s big crush from years earlier (and a huge reason why she’s now in Texas), Duncan. Duncan is different now - stern and distant - and Sam must navigate her new provisional normal and figure out what went wrong with Duncan in the process.

As with How To Walk Away, we see with What You Wish For the female lead (Sam) is persistent in pulling back the layers of the male lead (Duncan) until there’s reconciliation and understanding through trauma, illness, and loss. It’s solid book even if it’s fairly predictable at times.

What You Wish For is a heartwarming and uplifting novel that reminds us to choose joy through the most difficult times we experience. Overall, I had mixed feelings about this book. I really loved the timely message that this book showcases and it provides a great escape. The storyline was intriguing as well, but I felt like the writing was more reflective than present. There were a few instances where I wish we could have seen flashbacks to see the differences in Duncan’s personality from the present rather than being told of the memory from Sam. I found Sam’s character to be a bit too naive and childish for someone who should be in her late 20s. However, I did like how we got to see how Duncan’s character developed through the story. The one thing I was expecting to see was the slow build of chemistry and emotion connection between the main characters. It seemed to be there, but felt like it was too rushed at the end to be savored. Though I had mixed feelings about this book, I’d still recommend checking this out if you’re a fan of Katherine Center.

Self preservation. Sometimes we push people away in order to protect ourselves from hurt, not wanting others to see us at our worst. Only till we are truly raw, honest and open can we see the good most people have. The love these characters have for each other jumps out from page one. You share all their feelings...loss, hurt, fear, disgust, anger and frustration....are all on display here. You’ll laugh and cry And cheer with this cast!

Another emotional read from Katherine Center, but nothing will come close to ‘How to Walk Away’ for me. Once you start this book, you’ll be half way thru it before you know it. Fast paced and tackles tough subjects with respect and honesty. Another gorgeous cover!

Thanks to Ms. Center, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

I loved this book so much. As a teacher, I was able to relate quickly to the characters and parts of the plot. The author manages to wrap every teachers worst fears into the plot while still creating an amazing storyline with romance built in. I rushed through this book and then hated when it was over.

Beautifully written story of Samantha and Duncan. Loved these characters! The story is the story of their journey to happiness with a life lesson of choose joy! Thinking about this long after I put down the book. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity.

I enjoyed this fast paced read by Katherine Center. I enjoyed many of the characters and the storyline. I think the ending was the typical tie it in a bow happy ending, but the story to get there was a nice adventure. My biggest pet peeve of this novel and others is when characters refuse to communicate and things linger on. I know it is what keeps the story going but it can be frustrating to read. Overall, a great escape read which great storylines.

What worked for me: As with her previous two novels, Katherine Center's knack for humor even in the most serious situations is evident in What You Wish For. I liked the evolution of Sam's character from the silly teenage girl acting in the beginning to leading the group of teachers in fighting for the school.

What didn't work for me: The overuse of the phrase "fair enough".

Overall, a quick read that pulls you in and compels you to root for the characters until the very end. I highly recommend two of the author's previous novels, How To Walk Away (5 stars) and Things You Save in a Fire (5 stars).

Super sweet story, with just a little meat. Starts off super strong, but fizzles a bit mid-way, then ends up being pretty darn predictable by the end. Summary of the story in one meme, and why it lost a star for me (please let my imbedding work!)-

<img src="https://www.romancerehab.com/uploads/7/2/0/3/72036153/the-grumpy-one_orig.jpg" alt="sunshineone style="width:40px;height:100px;">

The thing that bothered me most about the story really boils down to my personal issues. The main character, Sam, has epilepsy. This isn't really a spoiler, as it's talked about openly and revealed pretty early on in the book. I have a very close loved one with epilepsy, so it brought up all kinds of feelings. In particular, Sam doesn't treat her epilepsy with any medication. Meaning, of course she is going to continue to have seizures. Not to mention she works at a school, so she should have more concern over no treatment, when children may see a seizure (which can be very scary, even watching as an adult). So while I understand medication has side-effects, the non-treatment really left me upset.

It's a quick, but predictable romance. Both characters have issues they are keeping from each other, both end up helping each other move past them. This is my first book by Katherine Center, and I did enjoy it enough to add her first to books to my TBR list!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for a review.

A lovely emotional read that combines pain with joy. Luckily joy wins in the end. This is definitely going on my re-read/comfort read shelf.

Although this book is a romance, there is no sex just heavy kissing. A fine change of pace from books that describe making love in minutiae.

I will be reading more from this author.



*ARC supplied by the publisher and author.

What You Wish For is another hit from Katherine Center. The backdrop of Galveston, TX serves as a "main" character in Center's latest release. School librarian Samantha loves the island that has become her family and her job at a progressive local school. When the school's headmaster dies unexpectedly the town is in mourning and the school facing an unthinkable loss. The new principal arrives in town and has a tie to Sam's past-a former crush that she had had strong feelings for and always felt invisible around.

While Sam has changed so has Duncan. Gone is the carefree, light-hearted man-and in his place is a warden obsessed with school safety. His vision and plans for the school are so far removed from the place everyone loves that Sam is concerned he's destroying everything she and the community have worked for. With moving dialogue, great descriptions and the backdrop of Galveston Center weaves another winning novel. Pick this one up!

Thank you to the writer, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Wow. I have loved each and every one one of Katherine Center's books. Add this one to the list. I love that she writes characters who are real people, flawed, introspective, and ultimately trying to do the best they can. What You Wish For has these characters, but it also has an important underlying message: you can always choose to be happier - fall in love with joy. I fell in love with Sam, from her quirky outfits to her deeply rooted belief that her flaws make her unloveable. I fell in love with Duncan, the person from her past who mysteriously turns up and turns out to be a completely different person than he was before. And as an educator, I fell in love with the important perspectives on education this book offers. My only critique is that the last 20 percent of the book felt a rushed in my opinion - I wanted to savor the development a bit more. Despite that, I'm adding this one to my list of favorites,

If I could only use one word to describe this book, it would be delightful. I love the way Katherine Center writes about hard things. She doesn’t make light of them, but writes in a lighthearted way. There are moments that are heartbreaking, but also many moments that make you smile and laugh. The main character, Sam, is quirky and wonderful. I loved everything about this book!

Max and Babette Kempner are pillars of the community on Galveston Island and founders of the Kempner school, a community school with strong values, with positive, appreciated and progressive teachers. They are also the landlords and pseudo-parental figures for school librarian Samantha Casey, who moved to the school following a failed romance ... well actually more like unrequited love with a previous colleague.

When Max passes away unexpectedly passes away, the school board, headed by Max's objectionable, pompous son-in-law hires Duncan Carpenter. Samantha, quite believe her misfortune, because Duncan was the object of her affection and he's to be the new Principal. As expected, things don't go smoothly. Whereas Samantha had previously seen a free-spirited, vibrant, outside-the-box thinking teacher, Duncan the Principal is the antithesis of this in every observable way.

Samantha and Duncan inevitably butt heads and Samantha sets about trying to bring some life back into the old Duncan she knew, for the good of the school of course. As she slowly chips away at Duncan's armour she is slowly losing her ability to stay neutral as far as her feelings for him are concerned and it's not smooth sailing for the pair personally, or for the school community.

This was my first foray into Katherine Center's books. I found this one enjoyable with a great cast of supporting characters, a canine that threatens to steal the limelight, and a pretty interesting story line balancing romance with the sensitive topic of school safety and intra-school violence. The book was a little slow at times and I felt there was a mismatch between the joy-choosing, vibrant Samantha and the introverted, introspective Samantha who seemed to want to withdraw or run away when things get too tough emotionally. The reader comes to understand Samantha's reasoning however if I'm honest I struggled a little with her and couldn't quite reconcile my feelings towards her. There was perhaps a lack of sexual intensity between the two as well in my opinion.

In saying that, I think readers can and will appreciate the gentle, tread lightly approach within this book, particularly in the midst of our recent turbulent times. The book is perhaps refreshing and hopeful.

I'm super keen to given Katherine Center's other backlist books a read as a result.

Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin's Press/Macmillan Australia for this copy of What You Wish For. I'm really chuffed to have read it.

What I have determined after reading this book is that I love Katherine Center and I am a huge fan. I love her writing style and everything about her books. So as you continue on, just know how much I adore her and her latest novel.

Reader's digest synopsis: Samantha has been loving her life as an elementary school librarian in Galveston, Texas. The school's adoring founder and principal dies suddenly and a new man, Duncan, whom she was head over heels in love with at her previous school, takes over. When Duncan isn't the man he used to be, she's determined to figure out what has happened.

I can't say more because it will ruin the story. It had everything I adore in a chick lit, romance novel. Drama. Love. Friendships. Real talk. It was realistic and felt like this could happen in real life.

I found myself smiling (maybe even had a tear or two in my eye) and yelling at the characters in this book. Samantha ended up reflecting on her life when she was trying to help others do the same. She ended up growing and opening her eyes when she probably never would have. It was great to see her go through that.

5 stars. I was worried when I saw I didn't have much left to read, but phew, the ending was absolutely more than I could have imagined and made me SO happy. If you are looking for a happy, uplifting read that you'll have devoured in a few hours, this is the one to pick up before anything else in your stack!

This book never really landed for me. The setting was great, and I enjoyed the side characters a lot. In fact, I preferred the side characters to the main characters, which may have been my main issue with the book. Our main heroine was shockingly immature about some things, and perhaps because of that, there were some serious topics that were handled much too breezily for my taste.

Another amazing book by Katherine Center! The characters are so heartwarming and fun and I loooved the setting.
Samantha Casey is a librarian at a beautiful and eclectic school in Galveston, TX. When their beloved principal passes away Duncan Carpenter is assigned in his place. Samantha has a history with Duncan and is nervous to see him again, but knows he will be a perfect fit for their school. Until he isn’t.... Duncan is totally different from what she remembers and is trying to change everything she loves about her school.
I loved this book so much and loved the character development that we saw in Sam and Duncan. Duncan is also the younger brother of Helen Carpenter from Happiness for Beginners and it was so fun getting to see what he’s been up to and get a cameo from Helen and Jake.
What an amazing book and a perfect book for summer.

"Joy is fleeting. Nothing lasts. That's exactly what courage is. Knowing all that going in -- and going in anyway."

This one sentence captures this book! I work in education and can't resist a love story that involves a school librarian and a principal. It's a real story.....it contains, loss, memories, disabilities, social issues. It is sweet, it is heart-warming. It is real life and satisfying.