Such a beautifully written story--perfectly paced, lots of slow-burn emotions, lovely descriptions. I was supposed to be working from home for five hours today, but dang, this book was too good; so I obviously HAD TO skip the work and read this instead. Worth every minute.,

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to review Katherine Center’s What You Wish For! I adore this author and have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book she has written. This one was no different, however it lacked the intensity of some of her former reads. It dealt with timely issues that are very significant in today’s world. Self esteem, grief and love played a part in the story.
It revolves around a school and what is important. Safety, creativity, freedom? A new principal that has been hired after the death of the beloved founder of the school has very different ideas about the future of the school. It adds in a librarian that has been in love with this man for years and at this point in time, they could not be more different! Their journey, along with the schools slowly unfurls bringing everything to light that tries to hide in darkness and confusion. Entertaining and very likable just without some of her signature intensity.

When this book popped up on NetGalley, I knew I had to read it if I was given the chance (and luckily I was!). I have recently become a fan of Katherine Center and this book did not disappoint.

In this story we meet Sam, a quirky librarian who moved to Galveston to make a new life for herself. And she has been doing great. Unfortunately, Max, Sam's mentor at her new school, passes away and the person she was least expecting from her old life comes in to take on his role as principal at her school -- Duncan Carpenter.

From the beginning we can feel the tension between these two characters. Both have inner turmoil and deep issues that will take a lot of communication and trust. But can that happen when Duncan appears to be completely different from the man he was before?

Add in Babette (Max's wife), Tina Buckley (Max's daughter), Clay and Kent Buckley, and Alice and you have a book full of great characters, some of whom you root for and others you loathe.

This was the perfect read for me at this time with everything going on. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC.

a sweet story, i wished the real life issues it addressed were done more seriously or with more emotional, felt like they were trivialized.

This book was delightful. My favorite Katherine Center read by far. There are lessons to learn about joy and bravery and the characters are totally likeable. I was rooting for them all (except one), and I wasn't disappointed. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who needs a light, feel-good read that is funny, interesting, and full of feelings.

I met Katherine Center last year and she was such a bubbly and joyful person! What You Wish For is Katherine Center in a story! I loved every page; the flawed and lovable characters and the theme of the story! The two main characters, Duncan and Sam have worked together in the past-she pining for him and him not realizing that fact. Flash forward to a new school in a new state and Sam has discovered joy and color while Duncan is now stiff, unapproachable and gray. You find out what changed Duncan (didn't expect that) and see their story unfold in the pages. All of Katherine stories are amazing, this one included!

This is the third book by Katherine Center that I have read and just like the rest, I adored it. Sam and Duncan we lovable characters for different reasons. Sam is a librarian in what sounds like a wonderful, creative school. Duncan is the object of her long ago crush, suddenly at her school attempting to fill the big shoes left by their former principal and school founder. Duncan has changed and Sam needs to figure out how to find the man she once knew inside the man she meets now. The story had heart and it was really the exact kind of book I needed to read today. The message of choosing joy was very powerful and the way the author weaves the story makes it a delight to read. I look forward to reading anything and everything by this author! Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Awwwwwww, this book was just perfect for that lousy day when I was waiting for a repair that never happened. Loved Samantha Casey and all her buddies; Max a nurturing person and the principal of a progressive elementary school in Galveston, Texas, Alice with her math jokes and T-shirts, Babette with her quiet, stoic grief, and Clay, the most unbelievable third-grade “brainerd” who is too smart, too sweet, too understanding of so much beyond his years. The negative forces opposing these wonderful characters were so realistically drawn that I could give a name and place to each one from my experiences.

There is so much to laugh about in this book, crazy antics, foot-in-the mouth comments, great, meaningful life lessons: “never miss a chance to celebrate”; “pay attention to the things that connect you with joy” “Love is only for the brave”. And then there is the question ‘can you confront someone with joy”...Pelt him with joy. Attack him with it. Joy-bomb him.” Can You? Does she?

Awwww, this was the best on one of my unbestest (another one of my special words) days and I really want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy.

Samantha is a school librarian in a lazy, Texas coastal town. She absolutely loves her job and her boss happens to be her landlord. She adores them and they are the parents she never had.

After a terrible tragedy, a new principle is hired to her beloved school. Duncan has arrived to completely overhaul her school and her life. A past crush on Duncan is challenged when nothing turns out as she expects. What follows is a battle of wills to keep her school safe, but also a place of love and happiness. At first I felt there was a little too much pining for Duncan, but ultimately it set the stage for what was to come and it was just fine with me.,

I have read two other books by Katherine Center. I enjoy her writing a lot. Her books are easy and sweet and ultimately just leave you feeling good about life. I've already checked out another of her books from the library!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

What You Wish For was exactly the book I needed this week. Katherine Center is so good at finding the right balance of joy and heartbreak. She's also great at writing awesome female characters that feel like friends by the end of the book. Sam was spunky and sweet and so relatable. I definitely recommend picking up What You Wish For when it comes out this summer! Katherine Center issued a challenge this week to find 3 good things each day, and today this book was one of those good things. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy!

This book was magic. With all the doom and gloom in the world going on right now this was absolutely essential. Some of it was very silly, coupled with sweet and serious, I've looked forward to Katherine Center's books since How to Walk Away.

Like Katerine Center’s last two books, I immediately fell for the main characters and felt incredibly invested in their lives and the story as a whole. Her books are so much more than simple contemporary romance novels because they include great depth and emotion as characters struggle with traumatic issues, carrying their past burdens, and developing deep, meaningful relationships with one another. She wrote of happiness and love and the struggle and work necessary to achieve both.

I also feel so much for Duncan, the cold principal and eventual love interest, as he deals with lasting PTSD from a school shooting. As a teacher, I fear almost every day when I walk into school that something horrible like that will happen, and I cannot even begin to imagine how I would handle the situation at that moment or afterward if should should happen at my school or to my students. It’s heartbreaking to think about.

I tried to stick it out but unfortunately I couldn't finish the book completely which is disappointing because I LOVED the last two books the author wrote! But this book just droned on and on at times it was too lengthy for unnecessary reasons. It wasn't keeping my attention at all. I felt like I was reading someone's diary the way the main character Sam just went on and on about a guy she had a crush on and that same guy ends up back in her life. I can see where the author was trying to go with the story but unfortunately for me it just didn't give.

Catherine Center has a penchant for writing binge-worthy novels with likable characters and storylines lines that captivate the reader immediately. I inhaled this novel in one day and I was sad when it was over. I highly recommend it!

Sam is the colorful fashion forward librarian for the Kempher School in Galveston, Texas. She’s planted strong roots on the island forging forever friendships with people who have become her family. She rents a place from honorary parents, Max & Babette who started the school years ago who continue to remain heavily involved in the school and in their beloved community. They view Sam as their other daughter but Tina, their actual daughter is less than thrilled. Tina and her husband, Kent Buckley are standoffish and unwelcoming. Alice, Sam’s BFF provides a wonderful ear and is eclectic in her own way.

When Max suddenly dies, the whole school is reeling as their beloved principal and friend is gone. They intend to do whatever it takes to maintain Max’ legacy. When new principal, Duncan Carpenter is hired, Sam has a mini-panic attack. It’s him. She moved to Galveston to getaway from him. She always felt like a bumbling idiot when he was around. He was handsome in a goofy way, so good with the children, fun-loving and attentive but this new Duncan Carpenter was completely different. And he didn’t even remember her.

His intentions for the school would dismantle everything that Max & Babette built, and Sam was not about to let that happen. It was a shame that he had grown even more handsome over the years, but Sam couldn’t allow herself to focus on that or the glimpses of the Duncan that he used to be. If she did, she might be forced to explore what was sorely lacking in her life and the possibilities.

I received an advance copy of this novel; all opinions are my own.

Having previously read Happiness for Beginners, I didn't know what Ms. Center had done to my beloved Duncan, but I needn't have worried. He ended up being everything I expected him to be and more. What You Wish For is as standalone but I highly recommend reading it after Happiness for Beginners to truly understand (and simultaneously experience) Sam's shock when she's reunited with her former crush.

From the second this book hit my kindle, I struggled to put it down. It was exactly what I needed to pull me out of the book slump I'd been in. If you're already a Katherine Center fan, you won't be disappointed. If she's new to you, start with Happiness for Beginners and then give this one a shot. I'm certain both books will make my year end top ten.

Ever since I picked up How to Walk Away by Katherine Center, I have been obsessed. When an author I love writes a new book I get super excited, but also wonder if the new book will continue to be just as good as the others. Well let me tell you... What You Wish For by Katherine Center was amazing! Without a doubt a 5 star read. Whenever I had moments of doubt while reading, it was like Center read my mind and had already planned to throw in a twist. I really enjoyed being in Sam's head while getting to know who Duncan truly was and watching the story unfold tugged on my heart so much. Overall, such a great, page turner to read!

This is a heartwarming story, about a kind of quirky librarian, a school and community that pulls together, and a new principal the librarian knows form a previous job. From the beginning you know that the librarian and the principal will end up together, but of course the path of true love never runs smooth, and lots of stuff happens throughout the book. Most of the characters were immensely likable, and of course there was a villain, Kent, who was most definitely NOT likable.
A light read, lots of uplifting moments. A good escape from COVID19!

I absolutely love Katherine Center and was thrilled to get the opportunity to read her latest book! The story started off a little slower than I would have preferred and it took a bit longer to feel a strong connection with the main characters. However, as the story progressed, the pace picked up and by the end, I felt the usual tugs on my heart strings from reading one of Center’s books. Overall, I definitely recommend this book!

I really liked the setting of this love story, a beloved school in an island community, and the theme of the power of joy and whimsy to help us through tough times was lovely.

I think the book needed some additional editing and I didn't finish it because the idea of blackmailing someone into addressing their mental health in the ways you see fit totally turned me off. I know not everyone would be bothered by that and lots of folks looking for a romance between quirky characters will enjoy this one.

I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Samantha Casey is currently living her dream life as a quirky and fun librarian at a wonderful elementary school where her coworkers feel like family. But when tragedy strikes and the school is forced to find a new principal, the last thing she expects is her former crush, Duncan Carpenter, to show up as the replacement. At first she’s worried all her old amorous feelings will come flooding back, but within minutes it’s clear that this isn’t the same lovable Duncan she once adored from afar. Instead, now he’s stern, demanding, and unyielding, and shows no interest in getting to know his new employees or students at all.

From the first day, Duncan sets out to remove all potential hazards and distractions at the school. Bright murals are painted over, field trips are cancelled, and strict security measures are put in place. Samantha has no idea what happened to the old Duncan, but she’s determined to stop her school from becoming a sterile prison. Time to keep her friends close and her enemies closer.

MY THOUGHTS
I can’t even begin to describe how ecstatic I was to get approved for this title early. I love Katherine Center, and her books are usually guaranteed four- or five-star reads for me. I wish I could say that I loved What You Wish For, but I just didn’t. Before I say anything, let me point out that this book is wildly popular on Goodreads and Instagram, and most people LOVE it. Even I have to admit that the 30% of the book that focuses on the development of a deep relationship between Samantha and Duncan is perfect. Unfortunately, though, that fantastic 30% couldn’t make up for the less than stellar remaining 70%.

I’m not sure if I’m just a little too old for characters like these, but my main problem with the book is Samantha. As far as I’m concerned she’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. One minute she’s completely sweet, rational, and empathetic, and the next minute she’s…jumping off a pier at night because she’s, uh, a little sad and disappointed. (In fact, she does a lot of physical running away when she’s upset in this one.) I can understand a few major emotional swings in a story, but, good grief, she’s all over the place. Hers are not the actions of a calm, responsible adult—let alone an adult who is in charge of children on a daily basis.

And that was another big problem for me—how unbelievable the school environment was in the story. I volunteer at my kids’s elementary school a lot, and so many things in this book would never, EVER happen—especially at a school considered to be “one of the best in the country.” For starters, you can’t bring a dog to school. You definitely can’t bring a fake GUN to school either. There has never been a carpool line that lasted for an hour. There’s no money to install bullet-proof windows or doors made out of tank materials. There’s also zero research that would support turning an elementary school into a all-grey military-esque zone. It just doesn’t make sense to anyone who has worked with kids or spent any time at an elementary school whatsoever.

In short, you’re going to have to suspend belief if you want to enjoy What You Wish For even a little bit. There are some golden moments in the story, sure, but, for me, it was too over the top and unbelievable for me to really connect with it on a meaningful level. I wish I had liked it more, but, sigh, I just didn’t.