As a librarian in Texas, I really enjoyed that this book is set in Galveston. While the story may have been predictable, this was a fun "summer read."

Every time I think I can't love the simplicity of Center's writing more than I did in her last book, she surprises me again. I loved her first two books, even if this type of genre is so far from my preferred genre. But it's not your typical romance the way Center writes. It's wholesome, but not in a way that's preachy. Her writing is tender, and soft, and done in a way that truly is perfect.

What You Wish For is no exception. I've been looking forward to this book for months and was #blessed that NetGalley let me get a copy. I read it in two days. I wanted to cry. I cheered. I loved. The characters are sweet, but not sappy. And the story is lovely. Center will always have a fan in me, and I can't wait until her next one.

What You Wish For publishes 7.14.2020.

5/5 Stars

This is an outstanding book! I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, they were interesting and quirky at the same time. Katharine Center is a great writer who has the ability to put the reader down in the places she's writing about. I wanted my kids to go to a school that had that much fun!

This book is a gem, 5 stars.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Perfect novel if you want to escape the state of the world! I have heard of Katherine Center, but this is the first novel of hers that I've read and it won't be the last. Beautifully written love story!

Center describes an adorable elementary school on Galveston Island in Texas that I wish my own children could attend. I loved the school librarian protagonist Samantha and her rapport and friendship with other teachers in the building. The author did a fantastic job realistically capturing the spirit of an elementary school.

When Samantha ends up with her old crush as a principal she grows as an educator and romantic heroine learning to speak up for what matters,

Highly recommend as an uplifting and engaging story!

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy.

After reading Center's last two books (Things You Save in a Fire and How to Walk Away) I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. I loved the last two and they had the perfect mix of a bit of substance mixed in with the Chick Lit/Romance story that allowed me to not only stomach but really enjoy the books. Sadly, this one didn't do it for me. It felt a bit too over the top and too sugary that left me with a stomache instead.

The story was cute and ultimately it was a nice quick read in a day. Through out the story the underlying theme is life it too short to be sad and to live it joyfully which is a much needed message in today's climate. If you want a nice, sweet, fluffy summer romance you may enjoy this one.

Kinda cheesy but sweet. Unrealistic town and characters but works on a fluff beach read level. Made me laugh at times but was kind of heavy handed.

What You Wish For by Katherine Center is a fantastic and emotional story that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you cheer for each and every character.

Katherine Center ceases to amaze me. Her gift for pulling you into a story with layers of characters that are breathtaking and diverse. I throughly enjoyed her new book and am excited to recommend it to my book club!

I enjoyed this book very much. It was filled with unique characters and although the storyline seemed somewhat predictable there were enough surprises within the story. Katherine Center is one of my new favorite authors. I love the way she develops her characters and she really did that in this book. Even the background characters were likeable and the character(s) you were meant to dislike were easy to dislike.

Katherine Center created another interesting, quirky romance in What You Wish For. The protagonist, Samantha, an elementary school librarian, tells the story using the stream-of- consciousness technique. Through Sam’s feelings and experiences, the reader becomes a part of her life on Galveston Island, TX. She describes the unique school building in such vivid colors and designs that one would want to attend that school. The strong bond within her school family is so positive that this reader found it hard to believe its existence. Sam deals with her problems, becoming a stronger person afterwards.
I thoroughly enjoyed this great read!

This was an easy read. I would have like more fleshed out characters and an ending that didn’t feel quite as rushed. I wanted more time with the main characters together. I liked them and would have liked to explore them more. Overall a good book.

I love Katherine Center’s ability to tell a story you want to read. Her character development is second to none. You find yourself rooting for these people as if they are truly real people. This book challenges us to think about how we approach life and the choices that we make. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come and I am so grateful for it in this COVID mad world.

For me, What You Wish For had too much buttercream frosting on this layer cake.

Samantha Casey is a school librarian in Galveston, Texas. Over the summer she and the local community planned a special birthday celebration for the school's principal, Max. But tragedy struck on the night of the party and lives were changed completely.

We find Samantha preparing for the upcoming school year that Fall. But there's news that leaves her very unsettled. The newly named principal is someone that she knows from her past. Duncan Carpenter taught at the same school as Samantha out in California. Duncan was known for his outlandish costumes and comical ties to get the attention of the students. But he got Samantha's attention in a far different way. She fell hard for him.......but the feeling wasn't mutual.

Samantha hides behind potted plants and the like in order not to call attention to herself. Not working. Nothing's working. This new Duncan is nowhere near the old Duncan. School safety is now what he lives and breathes. This will set the stage for conflict between them.

I've read Katherine Center's previous novel, How to Walk Away, and enjoyed it. What You Wish For didn't make my wishes come true. The characters seemed stereotypical and the tensions were predictable. Maybe for me the "light and airy" content of this one seemed a bit much. Reviews have been mixed. I always advise you to take it out for a spin and see what you think. Perhaps you may see it in a different light.

I received a copy of What You think through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Katherine Center for the opportunity.

This novel starts out with such a random, quirky convergence of characters and complex issues that I wasn’t sure what to think. Or if I should keep reading. However, I loved one of the author’s previous novels Things You Save in a Fire so I decided to hang in there.
I’m so glad I did. Sure, it’s quirky and the plot is unconventional, yet the theme of the novel is so uplifting. Choosing joy, even when we have to work hard to find it, is a message that the world needs to hear. Probably now more than ever.
I really enjoyed reading What You Wish For. While the inciting incident and the story that follows are a bit unexpected, I finished this charming book feeling both satisfied and encouraged.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions shared here are my own.

Well I needed a light, feel good book after Home Before Dark and that is exactly what I got w/this one!!! I loved this story!!!! I wasn't sure about Sam at first. She seems kinda immature to begin with but you grow to love & understand her. Somehow I stayed open minded about Duncan from the get go. Even when it was hard to like him. I just knew he would come around and do right. Just like Katherine Center's previous books this one has her feel good signature style and her strong women characters we all love. Thank

NetGalley ARC | Confession: I had never read Katherine Center before, even knowing that people love her novels.

I won't lie, either: What You Wish For started a little slow for me, and I found Sam's self-doubt repetitive and annoying (maybe I am a heartless monster?!)

However, 1/4 of the way in, I fell for this July 2020 book release and loved the Montessori-like school, LIBRARIAN edge, love story, and relevant themes that teachers and students face today.

Touching and sincere, What You Wish For definitely sparked joy within me, Marie Kondo-style. This one is a quick read, too.

You can see my complete review on The Uncorked Librarian: https://theuncorkedlibrarian.com/july-2020-book-releases/

Thank you to the author and publisher for a free advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Oh, boy. I am not a "kissing book" fan by nature, but I have enjoyed 2 other Center books prior. However this one took the "cheese factor" and ramped it up to 11. I just couldn't get past how hokey it was, but I think that is on me, not on Center.

This is my first book by Katherine Center, but it will not be my last! What a fun, quick, easy beach read. I enjoyed the plot and even cried in a few places.

One of my favorite books is Katherine Center's How to Walk Away so I had high expectations for this book. The story was a heart-warming story and had a good message about focusing on the joy in life. As an educator, I found some of the storyline to be unrealistic. If I wasn't reading this through the lens of someone who works in the a school setting, I probably would have enjoyed it more.

Such a good story! I really enjoyed this book! The character development was great and I enjoyed getting to know them. The story was heartwarming and a little emotional. This was only the second book by Katherine Center that I have read, but now I want to read more of her books! Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital arc of this title.