i got stuck on this review, which i began approx. 15 minutes after finishing the book, b/c i couldn't remember the main character's (lucy's) name - which either says something about me or something about the book. not sure which.

this was cute and very sweet, but not tremendously special. you could map out pretty much the entire plotline once you got to, oh, say chapter 3? very trope-y and the characters fell flat. you see this sort of feel-good book everywhere, and whether you read it or don't, you'll probably read the same story somewhere else.

regardless, though, the book was a pleasant, light read. i wouldn't consider this book a waste of my time... just not very special. maybe i'm too old and cynical to be swayed by a child's wonderland.

-- spoilers past this line --

quite frankly, i found it a little creepy that hugo and lucy ended up together. the whole "meeting a grown adult in childhood and when i get older we fall in love" trope grosses me out a little, even when done with as low of a creep-factor as possible (as is true here). stop doing this shit!!!!!

thanks to random house publishing group for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars rounded up! A sweet story about the power of wishes and the written word.

Several years ago, Lucy Hart moved across the country to California to get away from neglectful parents and a toxic relationship. Now 26 years old, she is an elementary school teacher’s aide who desperately wants to adopt Christopher, a former student who is stuck in the foster care system, and start her own family. However, with her paltry salary, she doesn’t have the money for the two-bedroom apartment and car she needs to pass the home evaluation. She is about to give up on her dream when she receives an invitation to a once-in-a-lifetime contest…

Jack Masterson is the renowned author of the “Clock Island” books, a popular children’s series in which the mysterious Master Mastermind grants wishes to brave children who run away to his island, solve his riddles, and complete his challenges. Jack abruptly stopped writing six years ago and became a recluse on his own version of Clock Island off the coast of southern Maine, his only companion being his illustrator and surrogate son Hugo Reese. But now he has come out of seclusion and announced a contest: four people will come to the island and compete to win the only copy of the newest book. For Lucy, the chance to read it with Christopher and then sell it to a publisher for six figures is a sure way to their happiness.

“The Wishing Game” is a very readable, engrossing story perfect for those who had their own favorite series as kids and dreamed about what it would be like to really escape into the fictional worlds. The book explores the importance of pursuing your dreams and conquering your fears just like your favorite protagonists, and has a bit of adventure, romance, and familial love to keep you engaged. I wish more time was spent on the Clock Island competition, but I can understand the book may have gotten long-winded and convoluted if it did. As it is, the novel is charming and captivating, a great pick to take with you on your own trip.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. My review was posted on April 14, 2023 to https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5325520238.

Really interesting and unique premise, but was ultimately a bit too slow for me. Really did enjoy it once it picked up!

This was a pleasant read, but I didn't LOVE it. The concept was extremely interesting, but the execution wasn't exactly to my taste/what I was looking for. The book is a mix of two things: the mysterious "game" that Jack Masterson brings Lucy & co to Clock Island for + all of the feelings and life things going on with our three main characters. I expected this to be more "fun" and have more focus on the former but really it was mostly the latter. A word I would use for this would be "heartwarming" but I didn't find it to be page-turning. I think a LOT of people will love this book, but it just didn't charm me the same way.

This book was extremely enjoyable! The closest comparison I can give it, of which I'm sure the author would approve, is that it is like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for grownups. In this case, the reclusive genius is world-renowned children's author, Jack Masterson. But unlike Willy Wonka with his golden tickets, Jack personally selects the "children" to compete for the prize.

The children, however, are not children at all. They are adults who grew up reading and immersing themselves in Jack Masterson's extensive Clock Island series. Sixty six books in all. Books that helped and affected these readers so much during difficult times that all of them, at one point, went seeking their favorite author in person. Some of us can only imagine the thrill of doing such a thing.

The plot mostly revolves around one person in particular. Lucy Hart, a kindergarten teacher's aide whose greatest wish is to foster and adopt one special little boy, and whose greatest fear is that Life's obstacles will prevent her from doing so. But if there's one thing to learn from the Clock Island characters, it's that "the only wishes ever granted are the wishes of brave children."

As someone who loved and devoured all of Roald Dahl's books as a child and is fiercely protective of his legacy, I raised an eyebrow when I saw that The Wishing Game was a bit of a reboot of his most famous story. I didn't need to worry. It is a lovely homage--faithful to the principles of the original in that kindness, courage, and humility are rewarded, but unique enough that it stands firmly on its own as a terrific read and a worthy addition to any library.

I wasn't sure if this book was for me, but I thought I would take a chance and request it. I am so glad I did. I really liked it! It involved books, adventure and wishes coming true. It is just a unique book with several great messages-never give up on your dreams and wishes. They might come true. Thank you to Meg Shaffer for writing such an interesting book with lots of great characters and a beautiful story! I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the chance to read and review this wonderful story!

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

The mystical mixed with real life makes this an adult fantasy. Teacher's assistant Lucy Hart grew up with two parents and a sister who was very sick. Her parents thoughts and activities revolved around the sick daughter and Lucy felt like an orphan in so many ways, not really there because she didn't "need" the attention her sick sister needed. Lucy has turned those feelings of childhood neglect and loneliness towards seven year old Christopher, whose parents died in an accident.

Christopher is in a foster home where twins younger than him require all the attention of his foster mom. Mourning his parents and wanting to belong in a home where he is really wanted, Christopher dreams of being adopted by Lucy while Lucy desperately wants to adopt Christopher. But Lucy's meager income and savings means that dream is years away and she is told to give up on the dream of ever adopting Christopher.

Then life takes a hopeful turn when Jack Masterson, long quiet author of the whimsical Clock Island series, announces that he is going to write another book and the winner of his contest will become the owner of the valuable manuscript. Lucy is one of the four people who get to contest for this manuscript on Jack's very own Clock Island. This is Lucy's chance to win the manuscript, worth more than she could have dreamed obtaining, and being able to then adopt Christopher. Off Lucy goes to meet Jack, a man she met once before, to win this contest that can change her life and Christopher's life.

This is a sweet story, an adult fairy tale with both the good and the bad mixed together. Not only is Jack on the island but so is the handsome and grumpy artist, Hugo Reese, who is so ready to move on from this life of watching over Hugo, waiting to illustrate another of his books. My mind immediately made plans for Hugo. I won't say if my plans came to pass but it was fun watching the magic of Jack and Clock Island do its work in this grownup fairy tale.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC.

Lucy is a single woman who's estranged from her family due to her older sister Angie having had medical issues as a child. Lucy finds a children's book while in the waiting room at the hospital and takes refuge in the book and it's characters and the setting of Clock Island off the coast of Maine. She's picked up from the hospital by her grandparents and never returns to live with her family. Lucy is teacher's aide in CA now having moved from her native Maine. She desperately wants to adopt Christopher a young orphan at her school. The author of the Clock Island books has written a new story after many years of not writing. He's having a contest and Lucy is one of the participants because as a young girl, she had once run away to Clock Island. The author Jack is hosting the contest on his island where he lives with Hugo, the illustrator for the books. Interesting concept and an enjoyable read.

An author. An artist. A private island. Some mystery and romance. PLUS someone will win the manuscript. This has WIlly Wonka vibes in the best way possible. I loved the creativity behind the story and I think that many will love this story as much as I did. This book will transport your mind into such a different place. The perfect escape!

If you ever, as a child, wanted to climb into the book you were reading, this book was written for you. It was everything I had ever hoped for as a kid on the pages of an adult fiction book. I didn't know I needed this book. Thank you, Meg Shaffer, for the gift.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a heartwarming novel that centers around Lucy Hart, a 26-year-old teacher's aide who loves to read and share her passion with her students. Lucy has always felt the absence of her parents' love, finding solace in books such as the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. When she learns of a contest being held by Jack Masterson, where the winner will receive the only copy of his latest book, she sees an opportunity to change her life and that of her young friend, Christopher Lamb.

The novel is written in a delightful manner that captures the readers' attention with ease. The author's use of simple, yet engaging language, makes the book a perfect read for young adults and adults alike. The characters are well developed, and readers will find themselves rooting for Lucy and Christopher throughout the book. The story deals with themes such as love, loss, hope, and the power of perseverance in the face of challenges.

The plot of the novel is interesting and engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author's ability to create vivid images of the settings, characters, and their emotions is impressive, making the book come alive in the reader's imagination. The themes of the story are relatable, making the book a poignant read that will leave readers with a sense of hope and fulfillment.

Overall, The Wishing Game is a charming novel that will appeal to anyone who loves a good story about hope, love, and the power of books to change lives. Meg Shaffer has done an excellent job of crafting a delightful tale that will captivate readers from start to finish.

This book was so unique and really had such a great premise. The game was very interesting, and I see the Willy Wonka vibes everyone mentions. It really was a fun, sweet read.

It was a little slow for me. I usually go for books geared toward a more adult audience, so this might have just been a different vibe than I’m used to.

This book was so fun and heartwarming! I wish the Clock Island books were real so I could go and read those now too! I really loved the nostalgia of reading and falling in love with books as a kid that this story evoked. I loved how whimsical and crazy the island and the game were.

My review will is posted to Goodreads and IG.

I actually took three times to pick this one up and continue…however, once I got into it, I couldn’t stop. A wonderful read with heart, adventure, and purely great writing! Thank you to NetGalley for the early read!

Great story with captivating story and rich characters. A new telling of Willie Wonka but in the world of children's books. Very original!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House-Ballantine for the ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

What a smart, fun book! The author has an incredible imagination and an impressive way with riddles. Comparisons to Charlie & the Chocolate Factory are warranted, with The Wishing Game geared more towards adults. This will leave you with a smile on your face. Highly recommend.

This was a slow read for me. Very endearing but also childish and corny. Not my favorite book but it was a sweet story. It did get a little dark at times which made it more interesting. Lucy really felt sorry for herself throughout the book. She went through some hard times and had a rough childhood but she constantly talked about it. 2.5 out of 5 stars but I’ll round up to 3. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing the e-ARC for an honest review.

3.75 stars rounded up!

Jack “the mastermind” Masterson is the reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author who wrote a series of books about the Magical, Mysterious “Clock Island”.

It’s been years since he has published anything new, but he suddenly resurfaces with a brand-new book AND a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change one winner’s life.

But, there is a catch-only four people will be invited to compete to win the “one and only” copy of the book, worth enough money to change a life forever.

And, Lucy Hart, once a child who found solace in his books, and dreamed of being the author’s “sidekick”, knows that as a teacher’s assistant, she doesn’t have enough money to adopt the orphaned boy that she tutors-but winning the competition would allow her to do so.

Can she find a way to be invited?

And, that seven year old boy, Christopher has also found comfort from the “Clock Island series” which Lucy reads to him.

The two play what they call “The Wishing Game” often.

He WISHES to be her son.

And, she WISHES to be his new mother.

So when her invitation arrives, he screamed. And, she screamed.

“When you gotta scream, you gotta scream”!

So Lucy heads to “Clock Island” and Jack’s “writing factory” to play his games, and solve his RIDDLES with her eyes on the prize-you have to be brave for wishes to come true!

From the opening dedication to “Charlie, and all of us still looking for our golden tickets” to the author’s acknowledgement page, thanking Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka for taking over her brain in third grade-the book is VERY reminiscent of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and Jack Masterson is VERY reminiscent of Willy Wonka himself.

You could call this a “reimagining” or a “homage” to the Classic but with books in place of chocolate, but BE AWARE that it DOES read like YA although it hasn’t been tagged as such.

If you are young, or young at heart, you can pick up this charming book on May 30, 2023. I think a hardcover with this GORGEOUS COVER ART, would look wonderful on my shelf.

Thank You to Ballantine Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

Lucy is a teacher's aid deeply connected to a young student in the foster care system named Christopher. They both love the classic children's book series called "Clock Island" and Lucy is a presented with a unique opportunity to travel to the author's real life island. The author, Jack, has devised a competition for adult fans of his book. The winner will be gifted the manuscript of his newest book in the series which will yield a nice financial reward. Highly motivated to win the contest in order to be able to adopt Christopher, Lucy gives it a shot and finds out that she may just have a chance to win it all.

I understand the buzz around this book: it taps into 90s nostalgia, a time that boasted incredible book series spanning hundred of issues (Babysitter's Club, Goosebumps, Animorphs, etc.) What adult wouldn't want to travel to RL Stine's island and revisit the magic of their childhood? A wildly creative and fun concept. My main quabble is the quality of the writing. It felt pretty amateurish (think Colleen Hoover) and moved way too fast. It was over before I knew it, and I don't mean that as a compliment. Read more like fan fiction than a title published by Penguin Random House.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

The Wishing Game is what you get if you replace the candy factory in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with a book-themed island, a recluse author, and a game that all players need to win. From the beginning of this book, I was hooked! I enjoyed the premise- a world renowned children’s author opens a contest with the prize being the one manuscript to the last book of the beloved series. All the players have somehow connected with the author when they were children. The book theme and the island itself were great fun! For example, buildings, instead of numerals, are how those who live on the island give time. This was a charming book and I adored it. It was a light-hearted read, with some romance, that bibliophiles will enjoy. This reader wishes a tad bit more attention was paid to some backstory (Christopher's parents?) but overall a well-crafted story.
A recommended purchase for public libraries serving adults.