I don't know how I haven't reviewed this book yet. I loved it! Meg Shaffer is a must read for me now from this story. As a life long reader I connected with Lucy right away. Especially with her love of the Clock Island books. Lucy is a teacher's aide, and she wants to adopt one of her students, Christopher after his parent's died. But without any money it won't happen.
Then Jack Masterson enters (the author of Clock Island books). Lucy is given a change to win the only copy of his new book, and she is going to try and change her life.

This was the first ebook I was approved for on netgalley and I couldn’t have been more lucky! This is the pick for the book club I run this next month, and I can’t wait to see what the other girls think.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a whimsical, emotionally resonant story that blends the magic of childhood dreams with the complexities of adult healing. The premise—a reclusive author staging a contest to win the only copy of his new book—is irresistibly charming, and the narrative is steeped in literary nostalgia and heart.

Shaffer’s writing is warm and evocative, and the characters—especially the protagonist grappling with personal loss—are well-drawn and relatable. However, the plot occasionally leans too heavily on sentimentality, and some twists feel a bit too convenient. The pacing is gentle, which suits the tone, but may feel slow for readers expecting more tension or drama.

Still, this is a love letter to stories and the people who need them most. It’s not perfect, but it’s comforting, hopeful, and quietly magical.

The Westing Game but make it grown up and kind of sad. Some of the writing was a little clunky, and my goodness that’s not how adoption works, but the story is generally well done!

A thriller with a heart! THE WISHING GAME can easily compete with The Hunger Games and Harry Potter to capture and hold the attention of readers of all ages. It may not be a blockbuster....yet....but it's an excellent story that stirs emotions and promises a happily ever after.

You can always dream. Lucy started to escape into the world of books at a small age. She needed this escape as she had nothing in her own home life to hold onto. Jack Masterson provided the world into which Lucy would crawl into. Soon, these worlds that Jack had created would become a part of Lucy. As a reader, I think Lucy’s connection with Jack and her escape resonates with many of us. The amazement and freedom to escape into the pages of a great book and leave our current world beyond, even for just a few moments, is priceless.

As a teacher’s aide, Lucy is drawn to a student in her classroom Christopher, who is in foster care. Lucy feels a connection with Christopher and this connection deepens throughout the year. Lucy would like to adopt Christopher, but her current situation is not ideal. Lucy heart is in the right place as she tries to find a solution to this problem, but her frustration grows. It’s an emotional story as Christopher and Lucy both struggle with the way life is and how they want it to be. Lucy introduces Christopher to the Jack Masterson books that she loved growing up and soon, they share this reading experience together.

Getting an invitation in the mail, Lucy is invited to a contest hosted by Jack Masterson. This could be Lucy’s “golden ticket,” her chance to change the current situation. Will it be enough to change Christopher’s life also? Will Lucy be the winner?
I enjoyed the contest hosted by Jack. It wasn’t a one chance winner but multiple chances so everyone who was invited got a chance to win points and be the winner at the end of the contest. This was a page-turner and one that touched my heart as I was drawn into the contest and the lives of Lucy and Christopher. 4.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book to me.

What reader hasn’t dreamed of meeting her favorite author and getting to go the setting of her favorite series, especially when it comes with a chance to win an exclusive copy of the last book in that series? Lucy, a teacher’s aide with a lonely past, has the chance of a lifetime, and the setting of Clock Island is such a delight (even though it’s also a little creepy and there are a lot of weird surprises). I really enjoyed the riddles, the cast of very grumpy characters, and the descriptions of the Clock Island books. I felt a little uncomfortable with Lucy’s relationship with Christopher, an orphaned child in her class who she wants to adopt - the way that she got his hopes up and really pushed his boundaries in a few situations seemed so cruel, and the idea that anyone would allow that type of relationship between a teacher and a student seemed really unrealistic to me. I understood what the thought was behind it, but I did feel like it detracted from the rest of the story. Besides that part, though, this was a magical novel, full of riddles and surprises, and such a great homage to the love of favorite childhood books.

A magical, heartfelt novel about books, hope, and second chances. Sweet without being overly sentimental. A beautiful love letter to storytelling.

I loved the premise of this story and was hooked from the beginning.
My only critique is that the book turn a slight turn toward an ick factor - which was intentional, but I don't think it worked as they had hoped. To look at how adopters can come about and be a single parent...
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I enjoyed that Clock Island was literally set as a clock, and the intrigue and mystery aspects added to the story. Solid debut that I'm sorry it took me forever to review.

Even though the concept was unique in some way this had me as bored as Caraval, and I passionately hated Caravan. Maybe if you liked Caravan, you'll like this book.

I really liked the Willy Wonka inspired book story. The mix of fun and sorrow was blended well to make the story work. I especially liked the relationship between teacher and student and how she really wanted to be the little boy's mom and would do anything to make it happen.
There were some swear words throughout and parts I didn't enjoy as much. But overall I liked the story.

Thank you to #NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

I enjoyed this book. However, it was written too much like a Childs book. I couldn't decide the authors target market. I felt like I was reading a magic tree house book to my kids.
I received this galley from NetGalley

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer was a fun, whimsical type book yet it also tugged on my heart too (Christopher!) I was thoroughly immersed into this story! And I love the cover too.

What an awesome book! I loved the contest format, and the lonely, orphaned Christopher tugged at my heart. Definitely a must read for book lovers.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a magical, thought-provoking tale that seamlessly blends whimsy with deep emotional insight. Set in a world where wishes come to life, the story explores the cost of fulfilling one's deepest desires through richly drawn characters and a captivating narrative.Shaffer's debut is a memorable journey into the heart of human longing and self-discovery.

WOW WOW WOW I loved this book!! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC but so mad at myself for taking so long to read it!! I can’t believe this is Meg’s first book! I loved the storyline, and while at times it seemed a little YA for me, she would throw in some adult elements that would bring the story back to my level. I absolutely fell in love with Lucy and Christopher and felt myself rooting for them the whole time. Definitely a very heartwarming story with a little twist at the end that I enjoyed! Would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading her other books!

A wonderful story that awakens the imagination and warms the heart. Adventure with Lucy through a fantastical puzzle and the fight for familial love.

I loved it. This was a book that I began with the idea of reading something different, so I had no preconceived idea of whether I'd like it or not. The premise of a book series that captured the hearts and brains of children caught my attention right from the start. The main character, Lucy, was such a likeable young woman and I was anxious to get to know her better! And who cannot like a teacher's aide who loves working with children and has her heart and soul set on adopting a little boy, Christopher, to give him a home and endless love. Enter the plot of "the game" on Clock Island where riddles have to be solved to move forward in the game and in life. We are introduced to Clock Island in the Prologue which sets the tone for what's to come. A contest is being held where the prize can change lives - and four adults who had visited Clock Island as children, are invited back to play the game. Along the way we learn much more about the author of the books, Jack Masterson, who designs the life-altering contest, as well as the artist for all the book artwork, Hugo. There are many stories that complete the ultimate story, along with tests and riddles designed to make the players look well within themselves for the answers. And at the heart of it all is love.... of the game, of life, and of each other. Definitely can recommend this book that brought smiles to my face and the need to keep reading to get to the outcome!! Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #TheWishingGame

The Wishing Game is a sweet story, almost a modern version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory written for an adult audience.

The novel follows Lucy, a woman whose life has been marked by hardship and loss. She finds solace in the magical world of "The Wishing Game," a mysterious and magical game that grants wishes to those who truly believe. The premise is charming, and the plot is filled with moments of wonder and discovery. While some plot points may be predictable, the story maintains a sense of magic and optimism throughout. The novel beautifully explores the themes of hope, belief, and the transformative power of wishes. It reminds readers that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light and the possibility of a better future.