Samantha is a librarian in a great school in Texas, she loves her job, the kids and neighbors and landlord who also work at the school. When the new principle ends up being Duncan, the guy she was so infatuated with in her old school. However, Duncan is no longer the fun loving teacher she knew. He's uptight, humorless and obsessed with school safety. When he starts making changes to the school she doesn't agree with at all, she works out a plan to bring the old Duncan back. This was a cute romance that also tackled some deeper subjects.

Enjoyed reading this book during the COVID-19 quarantine. This was a super light, funny and romantic book. Now, do not let me fool you there are absolutely some more serious themes in this book. I loved how the main character worked with her friends to to try and 'change' Duncan back to his old self, which we all know cannot be done. The ending was pretty much what I had expected with some tiny unexpectedness happening.I have always enjoyed Center's books and was happy to read this advance copy!

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.

Katherine Center does it again. Another book that I couldn't put down. After the first few chapters I wasn't a fan of Sam the main character in the book. By the end, I was clapping my hands for her . This was a feel good easy read book that shows we all need love and support in our lives.

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!