4 1/2 stars

If wishes could come true - - they would look like this book. What a sweet book of positivity, encouragement and goodness. When a world famous author of children's books announces a contest for the single copy of a new book he's written in his beloved series, people are clamoring for an invite.

Our main character, Lucy has met Jack Masterson (the author) before when she was a child/teenager. She's living a life that doesn't feel like it will ever be quite enough. She's struggling financially, hasn't met a good man, and is desperate to adopt a young boy that she's become attached to. Her hopes and dreams are simple ones - - to make a home for Christopher and be able to adopt him. But everything seems stacked against her until she hears about the contest and then hope springs to life....and her wishes take flight.

This contest takes Lucy back to Clock Island where she is able to reunite with Jack but also with his assistant/illustrator, Hugo who she also met before briefly too. Hugo is striving to find a way to move away from Clock island and resume his own life. But he wants to know that Jack will be watched over if he leaves. But with Lucy back, he isn't in a hurry to go anywhere.

I love a book that leaves you feeling uplifted when you finish. This was definitely one of those.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

This was such a fun book. It had such a childlike quality to it that brought all my WilllyWonka fantasies to life, but at the same time had all the qualities of an adult novel that you look for. Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC. 4.5 stars

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a surprising read. This book was nothing like I expected and that was a very good thing. With a love for reading and the magic it can bring, this book will remind you of your childhood. I particularly loved the tone of this book and how quickly it absorbs you in its setting. Amazing book! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I was so charmed by The Wishing Game, easily my favorite read of the year so far. I can't remember the last time I was so immediately captured by a book. The premise is irresistible, with a clear nod to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but replace the candy with books and the children with adults who have significant yet simple wishes. Throw in some delicious riddles and a couple of characters to root for and you have an endearing, engaging story.

Lucy is a teacher's aide, with a desperate desire but no funds to foster and adopt a boy that she tutors, Christopher. They share a love of the Clock Island book series (think Magic Tree House but described with HP like fandom). Lucy is one of the lucky, chosen few to be in a unique contest held on the author's private island. The winner gets the manuscript of the next book, a prize worth more than enough to finally adopt Christopher.

It is so easy to love Lucy and Christopher and be swept away by the game on the island. A story involving a game or quest of some sort always sparks the thrill of adventure and the chance of a win. I had some critiques but I forgave them easily, as the joy of the story outshone the shadows of these minor imperfections. My issues were around the other contestants, who never felt quite real or fleshed out. I would have liked to know them more, through distinct behaviors and dialogue (versus backstory). It bothered me that they were all immediately annoyed with each game, frustrated before giving it a chance. I may have believed it more if just one of them reacted this way, but it felt unrealistic that they'd all be immediately irritated and seemingly ungrateful to be there. If they idolized this man and his books I'd think they'd be more eager and excited versus instantly defeated by a riddle. I at least expected a range of reactions but it was a lot of immediate "are you kidding?! This is crazy!" type of exasperated, extroverted comments. All of the non-Lucy contestants bled together. I convinced myself to forgive it by comparing Lucy to Charlie and the other contestants to the deplorable children in Willy Wonka's factory, but I don't think they were meant to be unlikable caricatures, so it felt wonky.

There are few things more comforting than a new book that feels nostalgic, and The Wishing Game sits cozily in this space. Read it in a blanketed nook then put it on your favorites shelf.

More than a decade ago, Lucy Hart ran away from home, to the private Maine island of her favorite author, Jack Masterson. He counseled her before sending her home. Now she is a 26-year-old teacher's aide, broke and eager to adopt Christopher, a boy with a tragic past. But she cannot foster or adopt until she can afford a place of her own--a dream that is beyond her reach.

Until Jack Masterson announces a contest with the prize being the rights to his latest book, sure to make a lot of money after his long draught. Lucy qualifies to be one of four contestants to travel to Maine. The competition is steep, and the other contestants also have legitimate reasons for needing money. Not only is Lucy reunited with Jack, she also becomes reacquainted with Hugo, the illustrator of Jack's books she crushed on as a young girl and who is no less appealing through the eyes of her adult self. Lucy is also forced to reunite with her sister, who she mistakenly blamed for her unhappy childhood.

There's a lot to unpack here, but this book is charming. Lucy and Hugo are adorable, as is Christopher, and Jack is delightfully cantankerous and annoying, but very very generous. It is a reminder of the power of books, particularly for friendless, misunderstood, or just sad children. #TheWishingGame #NetGalley

This book absolutely infuriated me. Not only was it poorly edited, as though it were written for a middle grade audience, but it also had a completely horrendous storyline glamourizing adoption and foster care. This is fully harmful to readers.

Big thanks to Ballantine Books for the widget to read The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer! I adored this story!

3.5 stars!

A Kindergarten teacher's aide, the boy she hopes to adopt, wishes, mysterious children's book author, a 'grumpy' illustrator.... it all came together for a super cute, at times heartbreaking, story. I cried and laughed in this one. The author did a great job of making me feel I was right there in that library, on Clock Island with the contestants.

The riddles were so fun! I was proud of myself for figuring a couple out, others I struggled with! :-D

The budding romance was a cute aspect (I'm a sucker for romances so maybe just me).

Overall, a feel-good, lovely story I enjoyed.

If you loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, you will love this book! Great characters, a fun island, and a game! It was a tad predictable but was still a really fun read! I absolutely loved Christopher! I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

The Wishing Game was a whimsical and charming journey that will deliver you to a magical world. It is the story of love and found family.
Jack Masterson is the author of the beloved "Clock Island " series. He hasn't written a book in years and his stories have been missed by all. One day Jack starts writing again and now has an eagerly anticipated new book. He is holding a contest at his home on the magical Clock Island. The winner will receive the one and only copy of the new book.
This story was heartwarming and magical, with a nod to Willy Wonka. It captures perfectly how reading is so impactful in our lives, especially when the right book comes along at just the right time.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance copy of this heartwarming book.

I fell in love with "The Wishing Game" from nearly the first page. A whimsical, happy story - perfect for book lovers & those with giant wishes. While I was reading the book, so much about the plot felt familiar to me & I realized it was the book-themed version of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," the Gene Wilder movie based on Roald Dahl's classic "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory." While the plot felt like a knock-off, the writing did not. I fell in love with the characters, laughing & crying with them until the very last page. I would definitely recommend adding it to your summer reading list.

I was blown away by the creativity and planning that must have come into play for this book. That alone is going to bump up my review. I really liked this. It felt fresh and new and in a category all its own. To me it had some realistic elements that weren’t all glitter and rainbows but was overall a feel good book that has left me with a smile on my face.

Imagine your favorite childhood author holds a contest on an island he lives on and you are a participant as an adult! So well thought out and articulated this was! Everything was so visible in my head and unique. We have a very talented author in our hands here. Rounding up to a 5.

A giant thank you to our author, Netgalley and Ballantine Books - Random House Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced eGalley copy of the book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This was published on May 30th, 2023. I hope you love it also.

This book was so well written and so thoroughly enjoyable. The character were well developed and you liked the ones that deserved to be liked and disliked the ones who were deplorable. Even though the ending was satisfying it wasn't 100% a predictable ending.

Escaping into a good book is my favorite pastime. Since I was a young child, I knew that a good book was a balm to my soul. In The Wishing Game, Lucy Hart's love of reading the Clock Island books allowed her to escape her difficult childhood and find a place where wishes did indeed come true. Hart shares the book series with one of her students, Christopher, who is going through tough times of his own. Imagine their surprise when the book's author and illustrator both enter their lives in surprising ways.
I loved this book. This is storytelling at its finest - a sweet, compelling read. Finished it in days and miss the characters now that the book is over. Perfect beach read.

A famous reclusive author living on a private island, a handsome but grumpy illustrator, four adults with a wish to go to the island, and a young boy in foster care, all star in this wonderful story. They come to the island for a contest in which many puzzles and riddles must be solved to win.. Lucy, Hugo, Jack and Christopher all learn much about themselves and make heartwarming connections. A delightful story.

Have you ever read a book (or series) that so captured your imagination that you wanted to actually live in the book? This is exactly the scenario that Lucy Hart wanted as a young teen when she ran away to Clock Island. Later as an adult, she is invited back to Clock Island for a game -- the winner will win an exclusive copy of the newest Clock Island book.

At first I was sure this was a copy/ripoff of the book Ready Player One, and there are a few similarities -- an eccentric author who sets up puzzles/riddles/quizzes that must be solved to win the contest. But the similarities end there. Lucy is a fully fleshed out character with an intriguing backstory. The author and his assistant/illustrator are as well, and soon I was completely captivated by them all and the storyline. Who wouldn't want to live on Clock Island? Not only is it everything you have imagined, but the stories of Lucy, Jack, and Hugo are so emotionally engaging that I could not put it down. This would make a great movie. Yes, it's somewhat predictable in places, but there are plenty of surprises and twists in the plot to keep you interested. Highly recommended!!

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is an absolute MUST READ! I loved everything about this debut novel from the captivating cover to the very last page of the final chapter. The story of the reclusive children’s author Jack Masterson & his mysterious return with a new book in his very popular Clock Island Series. Add to that a “contest” for this new book for a few of his former fans that has the promise of being life changing is just the beginning.

Written in a mesmerizing & immersive style Shaffer’s vivid descriptions bring Clock Island to life. Thus creating a rich and imaginative world that readers can easily get lost in. The story moves at a steady yet well balanced tempo while allowing for moments of reflection and introspection.

The characters are beautifully crafted & charismatic. All undergo growth throughout the story from overcoming fear, recovering from feeling unloved to being brave. Jack, Hugo, Lucy & Christopher all transform into a better version of themselves. Their self-discovery, the power of choices, & the impact reading has had on their lives is central to the story.

“The Wishing Game” is a magical and heartwarming tale that will resonate with readers of all ages. Meg Shaffer has delivered a captivating & enchanting journey that will leave readers spellbound. With its imaginative world-building, relatable, lovable characters & meaningful themes, this book is a gem worth discovering. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a captivating heart warming story that reminds us that sometimes wishes do come true! So dive in without delay and let the magic of "The Wishing Game" sweep you away.

Thank you Meg Shaffer, #TheWishingGame #NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Ballantine Books for this ARC. This has been my favorite book of 2023 & I cannot wait to read more from Meg Shaffer. My review is strictly voluntary. Please can there be a SEQUEL???

Be still my heart!! Meg Shaffer took a topic that's very near and dear to my heart and turned it into a truly beautiful and magical story. I was completely pulled in by Christopher's story and rooting for him and Lucy! I appreciated a story that shows a glimpse of the true struggles of the foster world from how traumatic it is on children to the journey taken to become a foster parent.
Clock Island is a magical and mesmerizing island where wishes may or may not come true. Jack Masterson is great at reeling in children to his stories and giving them hope, giving them a reason to keep on going, to overcome life's obstacles, he shows compassion and forgiveness, and everything in between. Jack puts everything he has ever wanted on the back burner due to the fear of judgment. Can he ever have his own true happiness?
This Wishing Game will no doubt stay with readers for a long time to come. Thank you, Netgalley, for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

This was the sweetest book! I loved the idea of Lucy working so hard to become Christopher's mom, and - being deliberately vague to avoid spoilers - found the ending incredibly satisfying. This was such a great reading slump-buster.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. Wow what can I say about this title it was just an awesome read. This book was just something so wonderfully different I’ve never quite read anything like this. You should read to find out you won’t be disappointed. I’m definitely going to read more by this author.

If you love Willy Wonka, Mr. Lemoncello, and Mr. Benedict, you're going to love Jack Masterson and Clock Island!

Jack Masterson is the famous author of the Clock Island children's books. He lives on the real-life Clock Island off the coast of Maine with his illustrator Hugo. Masterson is depressed and hasn't written a book in several years. Hugo is ready to move on, but worries about leaving the man who had saved him and changed his life.

But Masterson has a surprise up his sleeve - he has written another book, and is offering a few choice people the chance to compete for the only copy of the book.

Lucy is a kindergarten aide. She wants to adopt Christopher, who was one of her students a couple of years ago. But she doesn't have enough money to afford a car or an apartment of her own, meaning that Social Services won't consider her as a foster parent, much less an adequate person to adopt a child.

Years ago, Lucy wrote a letter to Mr. Masterson. Lucy has an older sister who was sick for their entire childhood. Her parents eventually left Lucy with her grandparents so they could focus on their older daughter. Lucy wrote to Mr. Masterson with her wish, that her parents would want her, too. Mr. Masterson wrote back, saying she could be his sidekick. So Lucy ran away to Clock Island. Mr. Masterson didn't let her stay, but he never forgot her, or three other kids whose stories had touched his heart.

Now these four grownup kids are on Clock Island, competing in puzzles and games to win the book. All have a compelling reason to win, but who will succeed? And what other secrets does Jack Masterson have up his sleeve?

I love plucky children who face their fears and get rewarded for their intelligence and bravery. This book was like a love letter to all of those wonderful books you read as a child that made you hope for a zany millionaire to change your life, too.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.