As You Wish by Leesa Cross-Smith is a sweet, playful story about friendship, identity, and finding your way in a new place. It follows Lydia, Jenny, and Selene, three American au pairs in Seoul, each at a turning point in their lives. The setting in South Korea is beautifully done, with vivid descriptions of food, culture, and everyday life that really bring it all to life. I did feel the girls came across as a bit younger than their actual ages, but their bond and shared experiences made for a heartfelt story. It's a light, dreamy read with a strong focus on friendship and self-discovery, and the cover is absolutely gorgeous, too! 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I really liked the premise of this book and enjoyed the read, but for some reason it just didn't really WOW me. I think its going to be the kind of book that I enjoyed well enough, but just won't lasting impression. I really liked the authors exploration of Korean culture, it made me really feel a part of their world. I think it was just a lack of connection to the characters that pulled it down for me... still 3 stars though, and I can definitely see others enjoying it.

I really enjoyed this story. The setting and atmosphere were spot on. The description and storytelling were very immersive so it was easy to imagine being in Seoul. I found each of the main characters relatable in one way or another. It was also refreshing for them to become close and supportive right away instead of the usual competitive/comparative phase before friendship. Each story is ultimately comforting and uplifting.

Lydia, Jenny, and Selene are all Americans that take jobs as au pairs in Seoul for families who are close friends. As they begin their adventure together they happen upon an enchanted waterfall and all make wishes. When the wishes seem to be coming true the next morning the three girls believe they have finally gotten exactly what they want. But as time goes by they come to learn more about the unexpected consequences of getting what you want. Did the wishes really come true? Do they still want them to come true?
I was drawn to this book by the cover and fun synopsis (I love stories about living abroad and discovering new places). However, not knowing much about the Korean culture nor being a fan of KPop, I was probably not the right audience for this book. There were a lot of great descriptions of the food, music (with multiple playlists given and available on music apps), culture, and parts of the city. Some of the behaviors felt a little naïve or childish for these characters in their 20s. Although I do wonder if they were trying to play on the K-Drama genre. If you enjoy Korean music/movie/TV show genre, you will probably really enjoy this book. I enjoyed it some, but it just felt a little overdone for me.
It is already published, so grab a copy at your favorite book buying location!
Thank you to @netgalley for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
#NetGalley #AsYouWish

I can appreciate where the author was going with this story. Three women become friends in Seol, which is a beautiful setting. Unhappy with their current lives for different reasons, hoping for a new start. They make a wish, and suddenly everything changes for the better.

I enjoyed the friendships and the setting, but I felt like the girls felt a bit on the younger side in both their actions and dialogue. Even with a few spicy scenes with one of our main characters.

This one just wasn't for me.

As You Wish is a love letter to Korea. When Lydia, Jenny, and Selene agree to au pair in Korea, none of them have any idea of the adventures to come. One trip to an enchanted waterfall later, they are suddenly fulfilling their wishes and reasons for coming to Korea. Yet when one of the women wants to undo her wish, what does that mean for the others?

As You Wish is the perfect book for readers who want to take a trip through Korea and enjoy many of the beautiful sights. Leesa Cross-Smith clearly writes with an immense love and knowledge of Korea. The descriptions of food were delicious! The host families are lovely and I enjoyed their interactions with the trio. At times I did feel a bit confused on if this was an adult or YA book. It is an adult book, but the characters sometimes act younger. Overall though, I enjoyed this love letter to Korea and the sweet romance and friendships between the trio.

Thank you to Leesa Cross-Smith, Tiny Reparations Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc.

If you love both Korean culture and romance novels, you’ll get caught up in the magic of As You Wish. But some readers might be frustrated by the author’s love-is-all-you-need perspective.

Full review published on NightsAndWeekends.com and aired on Shelf Discovery.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. This was my first time reading this author. It was an enjoyable book. I have never read a book set in Korea, so I found the very interesting. The descriptions really made the country come to life for me. I found most of the characters well-developed and likable.

Where the book fell short for me was that it seemed more like a young adult book, which I wasn't expecting. While I did enjoy reading about the lives of these three au pairs living and working in Korea, I found them to be a bit immature. Theiir situations with their host families and their quick friendship with each other was sweet, but at times seemed a little too perfect.

I enjoyed the many love stories that took place throughout the book and liked the ending.

Thank you Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was so dreamy. The way I wish I could rewind the clock 15 years to be an au pair in Seoul, you have no idea! I loved the girls' individual stories, as well as their collective story together. So romantic, sweet and heartfelt!

Thank you again for the ARC!

I did not like this story. I felt the girls were incredibly naive and the dialogue and even inner thoughts of the characters were all very surface level. I stopped reading it at 40% due to that.

Before I begin, I want to sincerely apologize to the publisher for the delay in posting this review. Life got unexpectedly hectic, but I’m so thankful for the opportunity to read an early copy of As You Wish. I absolutely adored it, and I hope my love for this gorgeous book shines through even if this is coming a little later than planned.

Leesa Cross-Smith has once again created magic with her signature warmth, softness, and emotional depth. As You Wish is like a warm summer breeze—it’s romantic, nostalgic, and full of longing in all the best ways. I was completely enchanted.

As You Wish is the kind of book that feels like curling up with cotton candy and a cup of peppermint tea—sweet, cozy, and comforting. It’s surprisingly romantic and even a little steamy, especially considering the slightly whimsical, youthful energy of the three au pair protagonists (all in their mid-20s). But the overall tone is warm and inviting, and the way it celebrates Korean culture is truly beautiful. Even if you didn’t start the book as a fan, you’ll be one by the end—I just bumped Seoul way up on my travel list!

Thank you again to the publisher for the ARC and for your grace with this slightly delayed review. As You Wish is a dreamy, heartfelt novel that I’ll be recommending to everyone who loves stories about love in all its forms. Leesa Cross-Smith, thank you for this gift.

Be mindful that my rating is for the purpose of publishing my review and does not truly reflect what I think about this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.

I did not finish the story. I stopped about 30% through when I realized I felt no connection to the 3 female leads conflicts. Selene was probably the one I truly valued to know more about but I couldn’t get past Lydia and Jenny’s. Mostly because I may not be the targeted audience for this story.

I think the issues with being shy and invisible, and the first big breakup being the end of the world are conflicts I do not resonate with and have moved on from reading about and connecting to.

I think someone who is around the characters’ ages (early 20s) are the best to feel a connection to the stories.

I’d still recommend it to someone around the target range that is looking for these elements in a novel.

As You Wish by Leesa Cross-Smith was a spectacular story!
The writing is superb and the story is fast paced and exciting. So vivid and full of imagery. Very well written.
It's an enjoyable read with unforgettable characters.
The characters were so real, the writing so good, and the story so compelling that it is moments like these that I am so happy books exist, and feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to read this one in particular.
I really couldn’t get enough of Leesa’s writing style.
I loved following Lydia, Jenny, and Selene’s journey.

This is a cute story of three young women finding their way in life and finding love and friendship along the way. I'm a little older than the demographic who would probably enjoy this story, but I found it enjoyable, the characters interesting and likeable and an overall fun book. I enjoyed learning more about the location. The three main characters all find themselves in Seoul at the same time and instantly build a friendship. The book is told from each character and I enjoyed how the story evolves. I was happy with the ending. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’m so glad I read this book! It is a delightful coming of age story about three American girls. They all take a job as au pairs for Korean families. Each chapter focuses on a different girl.
Lydia is coming into her own- focusing on her art and trying to reinvent herself.
Jenny is nursing a heartache. Will love find her in Korea?
Selene is looking for her birth mom in Korea.
Loved it! I’m looking forward to more books by this author! Many thanks to the author, Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#AsYouWish #LeesaCross-Smith #NetGalley #PenguinGroup #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInKorea

If you have ever wanted to read a book that made you feel part of a Korean Drama, this is the book for you! It was a sweet story of 3 au-pairs who come to Korea and navigate the culture, with some magical realism thrown in. Overall I enjoyed the story!

I was looking forward to this one because I loved another book by the same author, but unfortunately, this one didn't quite live up to expectations. The South Korean settings and cultural details were amazing. But I had a hard time connecting with the characters, and the tone of the story felt a little juvenile to me. I can see how this might resonate with other readers, but not for me. I would read other stories from this author, though!

this book was whimsical and fun and delivered a vibrant peak into the city of Seoul, South Korea. I love books that center friendships and navigation into discovering self and this one being based in a wish coming true overnight made it magical and fun!

I think this book might be enjoyed better with a more intentional YA tone. I questioned the maturity of the characters throughout and felt like it didn’t always match with their ages. Character development is something that helps me feel more connected to a story and there were times in the story where things were either briefly touched upon or jarringly dumped upon the reader.

I would love to keep this author on my radar for future releases! there’s so much promise in the writing and I’m looking forward to what’s next :)

The premise here was interesting. Unfortunately I really couldn't get into this one. There was too much dialogue and generally it felt too young for me.

This book is an adorable, little story!!!!!!!!!!! It was so enlightening and refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book