Loved this book so so so much. I Literally could not put my kindle down I had to know how it ended! Thank you for such a great read!

4.5 stars for this lovely book!

This was my first Katherine Center book, and it certainly won't be my last. I really loved this book. It was so cute and fun. Also, it was about a woman who works at a school and loves books, so that was relatable. I loved Sam (even though she was a bit dramatic and hypocritical at times), and even though I didn't love Duncan, I was rooting for him the whole time. The messages in this book were great as well: not living in fear and being brave, finding joy/celebrating every opportunity you get, community and family, second chances, and the value of creativity and originality- all applicable, especially now. My main dislike is with the ending. It just missed the mark for me, as it seemed too rushed and fell a little flat. Overall, a great book and I would recommend it.

Special thanks to Netgally and St. Martin's Press for this amazing ARC in exchange for my honest review.

*gasp* *sigh* I didn't want this book to end. I wanted it to go on forever. I wanted to follow Duncan and Sam around for so much long. I already want to turn back to page one and read it all over again.

You know you've picked up a good book when you have both audibly laughed and cried within the first 20 pages.

Predictable is always given a bad rap. But you know when you just *know* what's coming but the characters and the story world are just so wonderful that you are actually giddy reading to see when and how what-you-just-know-is-going-to-happen will happen. That was this book for me. I had it pegged within the first few pages (quite accurately, I might add), but that actually made me love it even more. It made me turn the pages even faster. It made me read breathlessly.

>>>My only caveat is...where were the parents of the students. I attended a private school for some of my adolescence, and I know that regardless of the board's ideas and choices, if the parents make an uproar and are against the decisions, the board will quickly rethink things. These teachers would surely have known that and would have rallied parents on their side. But in this book world, that wouldn't have brought about the story in this way, so I'll give it to her. But that's what I kept thinking, "Sam, just call the parents. They would be livid and immediately pull their tuition."<<<

Literally everything about this book, I loved. I think I smiled the the entirely thing, maybe even the moments that I cried. It was charming and endearing from the get go. I absolutely fell in love Max and Babette. With Sam. With Clay. With Duncan. Oh my geez, Duncan. I could have read about Duncan forever. In fact, I just found out that Duncan makes an appearance in one of the authors earlier books, and I may just scrap my to-read list and jump to it, just so I can get more Duncan.

It is very rare to find an author that makes me want to ditch every other book on my shelf and read her entire backlist. But Katherine Center has made me feel that way. I've read 3 of her books, and so far, she can do no wrong. I can't wait to continue reading more.

I know, I'm gushing. I actually want to keep writing more so that you can know just HOW GOOD THIS BOOK IS. But I don't think I could put it into words any more. Please, PLEASE, just read it for yourself!

I will definitely said I enjoyed "What You Wish For" by Katherine Center. Sam has been dealt a rough hand in life. She made a life in Texas and became the beloved school librarian. Sam's world really falls apart when her close friend and principal dies right in front her. How one can deal with grief and the new principal?

Duncan is dealing his own demons and replacing the principal, He tries to keep professional at all times and the staff and students safe. Duncan and Sam are constantly butting heads over the changes in the school. Will there ever be compromising with these two?

I like that the author had the main character dealing a health and mental issues. Sam's demand for positive in her life was inspiring. I loved her relationship with her principal and his life. Everyone has that person or people that are family and not related by blood. I will admit that I thought Duncan was a jerk at the beginning. Sam and Duncan were dealing with demons but help each other in the process. I would highly recommend this read. There so many aspects that could be discussed.

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for access to "What You Wish For."

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing house for providing a review copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Katherine Center has become my go-to comfort food, for literature, and I needed that a lot this month. This novel will hit store shelves on July 14th and I highly recommend pre-ordering this phenomenal little escape.

Did I mention that it stars a school librarian?

What more do I need to say?

Samantha loves her job as a librarian and is devastated when their beloved principal passes away.

When she discovers that a guy she used to have a crush on, Duncan Carpenter, is the next principal she is thrilled for her school… and maybe, a little secretly thrilled for herself too.

She remembers Duncan as a hilarious jokester that any kid would love and any woman would find charming.

The Duncan Carpenter that arrives at their school though is nothing like the man she remembered.

This guy is the opposite of fun and he seems determined to remove any element of it in their school.

He eliminates their school’s fun traditions, implements strict school rules and guidelines, and even strips color from the walls of every room.

Sam is bewildered and dismayed by Duncan’s behavior, as is the rest of the staff at school.

What Sam doesn’t know is how Duncan has gotten to this point and that, folks, is where the meat of the story lies.

Center delivers another pull-at-your-heartstrings story with quirky characters, believable depth, and a focus on finding strength in community.

Her love stories are always solid and this is another winner that I think you are really going to love this summer!

This is the story of Sam and Duncan - two people both trying to start fresh and make new lives for themselves for very different reasons. They are linked together due to knowing each other before their lives took very different turns. Sam is the librarian at The Kempner School and Duncan arrives as the new principal - strict, almost-military like and hellbent on ensuring the security of the school.
This story unfolds in such a beautiful way and I would definitely describe it as a page turner - I was absolutely hooked wanting to uncover the secrets of the main characters and they were written in such a lovely way that I really found myself rooting for them and the whole school community. Sam is much more complex than she first seems and I loved the journey that she went on, coming to terms with how her health condition didn't need to define her and most importantly learning to allow herself to be loved.
Duncan was equally as complex for very different reasons and I did get emotional when finding out the reasons for his new attitude - maybe that's due to being a primary school teacher myself and realising how real the situation he found himself in could potentially be!
There were so many moments in this book that I found myself laughing out loud - this is due to the way the character's were written - they seemed so real. I don't know if it was the author's intention to provide comedic moments but the conversations after Duncan's hospital visit were particularly humorous!
I would highly recommend this book as a page turner with a lovely story of love and friendship at its heart.

“The world keeps hanging on to this idea that love is for the gullible. But nothing could be more wrong. Love is only for the brave.” ⁣
⁣
Ahhh, WHAT YOU WISH FOR is like a breath of fresh air. Author Katherine Center is so great at providing me with a perfectly-timed escape and I’m sort of sad that this is over. After enjoying all of her other novels, which I also highly recommend, I’ll now just be waiting for the next one.

A progressive and highly regarded grammar school on Galveston Bay is the setting: colorful, engaging, and a happy place to be and work. When we meet Sam, she’s the school librarian, living in the carriage house of the school founders, and totally in love with books, reading and everything that makes the school pop. But with the death of the founder, and Sam’s ever-increasing tension with their daughter, as well as the changes the school will face, added to the grief from losing the founder and Sam’s own childhood issues – the story quickly takes form.

When Duncan is brought in as the new head of school, Sam is somewhat relieved that her history with him makes him the perfect fit, even though her unrequited love for him means she’s got to move on. But the Duncan that appears is far different than the one she knew. Obsessed with security, ruling with an iron fist and making decisions and shutting down the collaborative environment all in the name of security.

While the story is ostensibly about the growth and changes (and traumas) that both Sam and Duncan have endured, there is an ensemble cast here, solid friendships and the solid theme of “choose joy mindfully’, that was the hallmark of the school’s founder. No matter how scared you are – find one thing that makes you smile, really smile, and others will benefit from it as well. A tough task for Sam who still believes that she was the reason her parent’s split, and her father didn’t take custody after her mother’s death, some not so gentle pushing of Sam and Duncan together by all those who love her and want to see her grow, and plenty of moments to ‘aww’ over: from a precocious 9 year old to a cafeteria filled with child-sized butterflies, a labradoodle ‘security dog’ who isn’t and the struggle to balance security without inducing bone-deep fears. A bit over the top and somewhat cheesy at times, the story works despite those moments, and gives readers that bit of joy (and ways to grab it) that are sorely needed in today’s world.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aNm” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

This author has become a favorite in the past few years. Her books are such a delight and this was no exception. I have been recommending it to everyone.

I was so excited for this one after loving Katherine Center's previous books, but this was sadly a 3 star for me.

This was a quick & easy read and definitely provided a good distraction for our current times. However I didn't connect with the characters and love story the way I usually do with Katherine's books. I wanted a chance to see Sam & Duncan's relationship develop more, but it felt forced and I didn't buy their relationship.

It also touched on a lot of serious topics: epilepsy, school shootings, death, and PTSD, but none of them really had a chance to develop. It may have been better to pick one or two and fully explore them rather than rush through all of them.

However looking at the ratings I may be in the minority here so if you liked her previous books it might be worth a read! If you haven't read anything by Katherine Center, I also really recommend her previous books How To Walk Away and Things to Save in a Fire.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Loved the spunkiness of Samantha. Her life is going well until her mentor and friend dies unexpectedly and turns her life upside down. Enter new principal Duncan Carpenter who Sam happens to know and then things really get going. I always find that Katherine's books are easy to read and follow and always enjoyable.

I absolutely loved this book! A true tale of life love and the pursuit of happiness. This touched every corner of my heart and leaves me with so much to think about. Our life choices, joys, fears, love and the lack of. A brilliant book! I highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was my first Katherine Center book. I decided to read it because I’ve heard a lot of great things about this author. This was a nice break from all the psychological thrillers that I’m constantly reading. I would classify this as “feel good fiction.” The plot was light and entertaining and the characters lovable, with the exception of a well-drawn, hatable villain. I’m very happy to have read this and it will be a top choice when I make book recommendations to library patrons.

Katherine Center is the master of writing characters that are relatabe and lovable and stories that are heartfelt and full of joy. What You Wish For is an easy, fast read that is thoughtful, deeply emotional, and undeniably enjoyable. It is a story about loving yourself for who you are, finding joy in the small moments, and enjoying life to the fullest. With that being said, Center isn't afraid to tackle deeper, darker issues, like overcoming trauma and dealing with illness and death. I highly recommend if you enjoy Women's Fiction, Chick Lit, or Romance novels.

What You Wish For by Katherine Center is a fun romance. The book hooks you quickly with a tightly written introduction. Can you find love in the midst of tragedy? I loved so many things about this book. I think it is life affirming. Readers of romance and women’s fiction will adore this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

“…you can decide to do something joyful. …You can hug somebody. Or crank up the radio. Or watch a funny movie. Or tickle somebody. Or lip-synch your favorite song. Or buy the person behind you at Starbuck’s a coffee. Or wear a flower hat to work.”

I loved Center’s two previous books, “How to Walk Away” and “Things You Save in a Fire,” and was not disappointed with this one. (And I adore the covers of her books – so colorful!)

“What You Wish For” has awesome characters that drew me in and made me care about them as though they were my friends. Chuck Norris was the absolute best! I loved the positivity, so sorely needed right now. I loved the celebration of family, community, and friendship. After personal struggles, librarian Samantha Casey has learned to find the joy in life. But now the guy she had a major crush on will be the new principal at her school. But Duncan Carpenter isn’t the goofy, lovable, “never miss a chance to celebrate” man she used to know. He is now a heartless three-piece-suit bureaucrat. What happened to him? Can Samantha and Duncan overcome the fears that hold them both back?

The story was somewhat predictable. I suspected almost from the beginning what had happened to Duncan to turn him into such a different man. But I still found the story delightful. There were several laugh-out-loud moments. And I really needed a happily-ever-after story.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

The main character, Sam (Samantha) is a librarian at a charming school in Galveston, TX. The school is run by Max and Babette. Sam even lives in the carriage house on their property.

Max and Babette have created a school that is built around joy and celebration. It’s a lovely place to work and go to school. But then their beloved Max dies and a new principal, Duncan Carpenter is brought in.

Sam is both excited and horrified. She is horrified because she used to work with Duncan and one of the reasons she moved to Galveston was because she had such strong feelings for him, feelings that he didn’t know about or seem to reciprocate. She is excited though because Duncan was as full of joy as Max was and if anyone could take Max’s place, it would be Duncan.

However, the Duncan that arrives is nothing like the Duncan that Sam remembers. He is stuffy, serious, always in a three piece gray suit. His whole goal is to make the school safer, eliminating all fun field trips and even painting over a butterfly mural with gray paint.

Sam eventually learns why the new Duncan is the way he is and her and Babette set about to fixing him.

This is such a delightful story. Full of charm and hope. It makes you want to live your life with more joy, more celebration. The perfect feel good book.

I received an ARC of the book

I continue to be a huge fan of Katherine Center's books. They are always uplifting, have memorable characters, and a great message. I've also read Thing You Save in a Fire and How to Walk Away, and do think this one was my least favorite, but I still enjoyed it and devoured it in one sitting.

This was a fantastic way to end August, I really enjoyed this one! I did this via audiobook and listened to it all in one day. What I love about Center is that her novels have a depth to them, they are always more than just a light romance read. This one in particular was great in that even the ancillary characters were evoking all the feels, I mean really, Clay and the whale? COME ON NOW.

As with most romance novels you can easily predict the plot and how it will go, but with Katherine Center novels you will thoroughly enjoy the journey, become a part of the setting, fall in love with the characters (and root against the obvious ones), and just wish you were right there with them. I mean there where a couple of scenes when I was yelling at Sam right along with Duncan and vice versa, but that’s what I love about Center is she makes you feel what these characters are feeling in the moment and your heart is so full by the time it is done.

There are some TW to note as this deals with subject of school shootings, but overall I highly recommend this one, and if you are looking for that one last summer read to fit in, this one is perfect.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ecopy to review.

This was the perfect read at the perfect time for me. I didn’t want to put it down, and, for the most part, I didn’t have to, as we travelled across country. I was able to curl up and immerse myself in this novel.
WHAT YOU WISH FOR by Katherine Center had quirky, flawed characters who had to figure out how to deal with life that wasn’t perfect or what they expected. I found myself cheering on the main characters as I fell in love with them and their school. There were some sad parts to this one as we learned how each got to this point, but, overall, I was left happy and glad that this book came into my life at the time it did. Find a cozy spot and curl up with it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
#WHATYOUWISHFOR #KATHERINECENTER #STMARTINSPRESS