I just love Katherine Center! Her stories are so good! I loved the characters in What You Wish For. The message of this story is perfect, especially fitting for the current time we live in. I definitely won't forget this book!

School teacher Samantha Casey moved to Galveston, Texas because of unrequited love. Her crush, Duncan Carpenter, became engaged, and that was too much for Sam. She started over and found happiness in the community while teaching, but then a new principal is needed. As (bad) luck would have it, the new principal is none other than Duncan. The man she used to love has turned into an all-work-and-no-play type whose idea of fun is to paint the school a lifeless grey, and he doesn't even remember who she is. Samantha almost quits as Duncan ratchets up the dreary seriousness, but then she realizes Duncan may simply need a helping hand to find happiness again. Of course, she'll first have to get him to see reason, because how can children enjoy learning if they are never afforded an opportunity to explore, to take risks, or to achieve anything beyond the confines of a desk? One way or another, she's going to bring him back to life.⁣
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This is a definite feel-good story. I had not previously read a book by Katherine Center before, but I think I'll be checking out some of her other books now. There are definitely moments of sadness, of grief, even of anger, but the core of this story is finding happiness and reaching for the good in life even when it's difficult and tomorrow doesn't feel like it will be better than today. I enjoyed learning more about Samantha, Duncan, and the kids they were responsible for, and the story left me feeling happy and uplifted at the end. If you're looking for a story about optimism, fun, and finding the good in life, What You Wish For may be just what you need.⁣
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⭐⭐⭐.5/5⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

What You Wish For by Katherine Center was a fun read I devoured. Samantha looked for a fresh start from her previous life. She started over in Galveston and is now happy and loves her job. But when she discovers her old unrequited love is becoming the new principal, will she need to leave and start over again? But when she learns he is going to be making huge chances to the place she loves; can she just leave? Samantha is shocked to learn how much Duncan has changed from the man she once knew. What follows is a fun. Light and charming read.

Happy reading!

I love the way Katherine Center can talk about difficult subjects - grief and trauma in this book- while still writing a story full of hope and joy. The school setting was a lot of fun, as was seeing the main characters come out of their protective shells. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a sweet, hopeful book with some depth as well.

This is my second book that I've read by Katherine Center and I really enjoyed this book. I feel that the message for this story is to choose joy, even during difficult times. I'm going to attempt to write my review without giving away too much. I don't enjoy reading reviews that give the twists away so hopefully that won't happen here!

Samantha (Sam) works as a school librarian and has chosen to live with color and fun in her life. She has a medical issue that she deals with and it definitely causes her to be apprehensive at times. Sam's 'crush', Duncan, from a previous school ends up coming to her current school as the new principal. The Duncan that comes to the school is not what Sam remembers and as you read the story you will find out why. I'm a teacher and reading this book was definitely difficult at times because some of the events that happened are an unfortunate possibility for me to experience, however, I am so glad I read this story and the events didn't overshadow the joy that was clearly in this book.

I originally received this book as an ARC and ended up not being able to read it immediately (again... teacher here and I was adjusting to teaching my elementary students online due to Covid so life was a little crazy!). The day that this book was published (July 14, 2020) I decided to purchase the Audible version, and I must tell you, I am SO GLAD that I did!! The narrator pulled me into the story & I listened to it within a day and half. I couldn't put it down!! At the end of the audible story, Katherine Center had a portion that she shared with the listeners, Reading for Joy. The words she said were not written in the Kindle version that I have, however, I am beyond glad I listened to the book!! I have no idea if what she said is available written somewhere, however, I want to share some of the points she made. The following things she said struck me in such a way that I wrote them down on the closest thing I had... a napkin... and I'm keeping them with my reading materials. Statements from her that I'd like to share: "Reading for Joy is Reading from your Heart", A good story makes you feel what is happening to the character & makes you feel empathy. As a reader you feel the characters feelings as if you're the character and experiencing it yourself. When reading/watching t.v. or a movie you know it's not real or true but you believe it anyways as if it is really happening & a true story. I loved when Katherine Center said "... twinkling unfathomable milky way of possibilities..." Readers should Read for Joy & that stories can save you.

All of the things I just said in the previous paragraphs are directly from Katherine Center. I tried to write it exactly like she said, however, some of it may not be quite exact. All of the things she stated are exactly how I felt when reading this story. She had me feeling empathy for the characters, laughing, crying, afraid, worried, and I felt like I was reading (actually listening to since I was listening to the Audible version) the right story at the right moment in my life. Kudos to Katherine Center for writing an amazing book filled with LOTS of feels. I've only read 2 books of hers now, however, time permitting I plan to look into more books of hers so I can 'Read for Joy' and experience things I never thought possible. Thank you so very much to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press & Katherine Center for ARC. Although I ended up listening to the Audible, I think this book is amazing!!

For me, reading a Katherine Center novel is like a day at the Spa. It’s enjoyable, refreshing, you don’t want it to end and it leaves you feeling good. What You Wish For was exactly that! I’ve read two of her other books and this one is equally good. I plan on reading her other books as soon as possible and I’m sure I will love them.

Center fully develops the two main characters — Sam, the whimsy school librarian and Duncan, the school principal. The reader really gets to know and like these two as well as care about them. Sam and Duncan attempt to overcome their flaws with the help of each other. I found myself quickly invested in the storyline and I kept turning the pages to find out what happens.

The book includes discussions about some timely and relevant themes, such as school violence/safety and PTSD. We also learn about epilepsy through one of the main characters.

What You Wish For has an important message about finding the joy in life wherever and whenever you can:

“It’s one of the secrets to life that no one ever tells you. Joy cures everything.”

“Joy is an antidote to fear. To anger. To boredom. To sorrow. But you can’t just decide to feel joyful... But you can decide to do something joyful.”

“And the more I learned about how it worked, the more I felt like joy was cumulative. That it wasn’t about finding one big thing—but about collecting as many tiny pieces as you could.”

“We made a choice to do joy on purpose. Not in spite of life’s sorrows. But because of them.”

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Goodreads: devoured Things You Save In A Fire in one sitting, so was naturally looking forward to this next book of Katherine Center’s.

Someone on here said it felt more like a YA read, and I would definitely agree. It was rather cheesy and predictable, but the ending made me emotional in a good way. Definitely an uplifting story about overcoming obstacles and learning how to move on in a healthy way, but it started out rather slowly. Duncan is so easily hateable at the beginning, but you know there’s a reason he is the way he is and will change once a love interest pushes hard enough. Sam reminded me of Penelope from Criminal Minds, lol.

Also, as a Texan, this was a fun read just because I’ve been to all the spots she’s mentioned, which makes it fun to imagine. Also, Clay is the coolest little kid.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending me an e-galley in exchange for an honest review!

Instagram: i’m practically reading a book a day at this point, y’all. guess that’s what quarantine will do to ya😂

what you wish for (romance?): ★★★

this book just came out on tuesday, and I couldn’t WAIT to read it. I read Center’s most recent novel, Things You Save In A Fire, during quarantine, and it became one of my all time favorites.

this book is set in galveston, texas (!!! all my texas peeps- you will recognize many of the settings!) and centers around sam, a school librarian. the school’s beloved principal dies in the beginning of the book, and sam is excited about the new principal coming in because she used to work with him and knows how legendary he is with the kids.

except, he’s not that guy anymore. at all. he tries to take all of the color and joy and fun out of the school, and sam can’t figure out what happened to the happy-go-lucky man she used to know. turns out both sam and duncan have things in their past that keep them from enjoying life, and they help each other overcome those barriers.

this definitely isn’t a typical romance at all. it’s more of an overcoming your challenges, inspirational storyline, but it’s pretty cheesy and sometimes reads more like a YA novel. it’s definitely a good read and the ending make me emotional, but it’s not my favorite of hers.

thank you to @stmartinspress for an e-galley in exchange for an honest review!

This is the 2nd book I’ve read by Katherine Center and from now on I know I will read anything she writes! Samantha is a school librarian who moved away from her old life because of a man she thought she’d never be able to have. When he shows up years later at her new school her whole life is turned upside down. But not for the reasons you would think. This book is about love and loss, friendship, forgiveness, and moving on. I loved the characters, I loved the story, and I really just loved everything about this book. Give it a try because you won’t be disappointed!

Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of #whatyouwishfor

School Librarian Samantha Casey is happy in life, but not in love. She adores her job in the small, private school and the children she teaches. Her co-workers are kind, fun and have accepted her into their fold with open arms. The little community on Galveston Island, Texas is just what she is searching for after fleeing her last job. She loved the school she worked in, but after falling for one of the most amazing men she had ever met, his rebuff was too hard to live with. She moved to a small town and immediately felt at home and loved her new job at Kempner School.

After the devastating death of her boss Max, the principle and founder of Kempner School, everything changes in the small community. His replacement is named, and is none other than Duncan Carpenter, the man Sam fell head over heels for at her previous job. Not only will he be her boss, but the fun-loving crazy dressing man she knew is gone. And the new Duncan is sucking all of the joy out of the new school and town she now calls home. He is threatening to change everything she loves with new rules and joyless tactics based upon keeping all of the children safe in the eventuality of violence that he experienced firsthand.

Max’s widow Babette seems to be allowing all of the changes, but she is willing to hatch a scheme with Sam and a few friends to convince Duncan to enjoy, not fear life. In doing so, Sam will have to spend more time with Duncan, which makes her uncomfortable, but she’ll do almost anything to keep Max’s legacy alive.

What You Wish For is a deep, yet fast and easy to read novel. It deals with love, loss and the devastation of a school shooting (that is presented as a memory of one of the characters). Ms. Center also writes of love, joy and happiness. The kindness of the characters as well as the love the residents of the town have for each other and the school will remain with you long after the last pages are read.

This is the first book I have read by Katherine Center and I absolutely loved it. I will seek out her previous seven books and add them to my list. The message of hope and love is especially important now, I highly recommend this book.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2020 Laura Hartman

I enjoy this author's books. I will admit that any book was going to be hard to live up to Things you save in a fire. This story dealt with how an individual in education changed after dealing with a school shooting. Sam remembers Duncan as a fun-loving teacher and is surprised by the "by the rules" principal who comes to her school after the sudden passing of the previous admin. Loved when Duncan admitted his feelings when he was coming off the anesthesia after surgery. Good read!

My first impression was that this was a rather lightweight story, especially compared to the previous books I've read from Katherine Center. However, as I continued to read I decided that the author had incorporated a few philosophical messages. Despite the traumas and hardships we face, we can intentionally seek a bit of joy in our daily lives. Also, others don't necessarily judge you as harshly as you judge yourself. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an early read in exchange for my opinion.

Happy Pub Day to Katherine Center and her newest book, What You Wish For!
{A huge thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the gifted copies}

What You Wish For centers around the beloved Kempner School on the small island of Galveston, Texas. The librarian, Samantha Casey has found herself a makeshift family with members of the Kempner School community, specifically the husband and wife founders of the school, Max and Babette Kempner. After a devastating tragedy, a new principal for the school must be chosen and Sam is shocked to discover it is none other than a fun and legendary former colleague, Duncan Carpenter, whom she had a huge crush on. Sam hopes Duncan can help continue the legacy of the school, but once Duncan arrives he immediately starts changing everything to adhere to very strict safety protocols. Sam and Duncan must learn how to live life without fear.

Katherine Center is one of my favorite authors and I had very high expectations for What You Wish For and it definitely did not disappoint! This was such a beautiful story that tugged at my heartstrings from the very beginning. The lessons that are woven throughout the story are such a great reminder for everyone about the importance of courage, joy, and living life to the fullest. I was charmed the entire time by Sam, Duncan, and the myriad of other quirky characters! Overall, I highly recommend this book, but I do have to say that Things You Save in a Fire is still my favorite by this author!

4/5 stars!

On the surface, Sam is this bubbly, lovable school librarian. She walks around like she has not a care in the world, only seeing the good in others. Duncan is the new school principal and he is all about rules and safety. Sam remembers only good things about her former crush Duncan. She builds him up so much to her peers only to come face to face with someone she no longer recognizes.

I will be honest and say I was not sure how this was going to fare for me a couple of chapters in. I was getting a little annoyed with Sam’s obsession in the beginning. The constant love fest was a little over the top but also matched Sam’s personality. I knew something was off with Duncan from his first speech and the way he acted afterwards but I was completely wrong with all of my guesses as to why.

Once things started to settle, I found myself looking forward to seeing what was going to happen next. Sam and Duncan both had their struggles that they wanted to hide from each other. Sam kind of hid behind a mask to protect herself from any kind of heartbreak and Duncan had his past to deal with.

The secondary characters added so much to this story though. The laughs and sadness and overall craziness were plenty.

Overall, we went from an obsession to a bit of hatred to a bit of scheming. The growth these two went through and the standing message of joy and enjoying the moment was undeniable.

What You Wish For by Katherine Center is a contemporary romance. Having read three books now by this author I can say that the one thing she has had in common in those is having a somewhat flawed main character making the story feel much more real. Each time there is something they may struggle with so there is so much more emotion within.

This story introduces readers to Samantha Casey who is an elementary school libraian who rents out a guest house from her school principal. Sam adores the principal and his wife just as if they were her own family so she voluteers to throw him a huge birthday bash. Unfortunately though things take a horrible turn when her friend and mentor suffers an attack at the party and passes away.

Everyone at the small elementary school is shocked by the death and all expect his wife to take over the duties of principal also being a teacher in the school. However, instead of getting their much loved teacher a new man is hired to take the job, Duncan Carpenter. Duncan is someone Sam knows from her past but as he arrives Sam quickly learns this isn’t the same fun loving Duncan she remembers.

What You Wish For is another wonderful read from Katherine Center with both main characters having their own issues they both struggle to overcome. I will say being my third book from this author that what I feel this one lacked a bit over the others was simply just more time invested in their time together. The book spent a lot of build up so some of the time together gets a bit glossed over and I wouldn’t have minded more depth but otherwise this was still a lovely read.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I'm going to rip off the band-aid: I was incredibly disappointed by this book. Since Happiness for Beginners is an all-time favorite, I was thrilled to learn Duncan was the hero of this story. I expected this to be exactly what I'd wished for! Instead, I felt so let down. I loved the theme of the novel, a few quotes from it, and a cameo from a certain favorite couple. But that's it. The heroine made me want to scream. She got on my last nerve and made a "just okay for me" book even worse. I was continually questioning her reasoning and actions in a way that just pulled me out of the story. I didn't like how internal the writing was either. Give me more dialogue, more action, and some showing instead of telling. Sadly, I'm So Over It.

I absolutely loved this book. The writing flowed well; I loved the character development; and I really just wanted to keep reading. I have heard many good things about this author, although I have never read anything from her before. I will definitely be reading more from her!
This book follows a young teacher, Sam, who suffers a tremendous loss in the beginning of the novel. She has been through a lot already in her life, and this ranks up there as one of the worst. Just when she thinks it can't get worse, the man that she was infatuated with, Duncan Carpenter, walks back into her life. What is she going to do?! She literally moved away from her previous home, and out of state to escape her obsession. Now she will be faced with it every day in her work life. One thing is for sure, things will definitely never be the same
Easy and enjoyable reading, with some "current" topics thrown in. Definitely worth the read.

I really enjoy Katherine Center's books. She has entered late in my life but she's definitely here for good.

I really really enjoyed this book. This is such a lovely book. Katherine Centre has this incredible way of talking/writing about serious topics and situations in a way that will make you laugh, cry, break your heart and yet at the end remain hopeful... of life and love.

Samantha and Duncan and their romance was so evocatively penned. This was a beautiful romantic story that left me sighing with a big smile.

I definitely recommend this book which is a feel-good, all parts entertaining, romantic and beautiful story with some really good characters.

I can't wait for her next book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the complimentary copy! What You Wish For delivers on what I’ve come to expect from Center’s novels: sweet, funny, romantic, lovable and poignant stories of fallible characters figuring out their lives in the face of trauma.
Recently I posted about a romance novel that felt too predictable to keep me engaged, even though familiar narratives can be comforting. In this novel, and others I’ve read by Center, I generally know where things are going to shake out by the end. But the journey to that comforting ending involved many scenarios I could not have predicted, definitely keeping me on my toes and fully engaged!
If you are new to this author, I’d say that How to Walk Away is my favorite and a great way to get hooked, and What You Wish For has a timely feel that might be inspiring during these trying times we all find ourselves in...
✨”Joy is an antidote to fear. To anger. To boredom. To sorrow.✨

Sam is a school librarian. I love school librarians, having been one for many years. Her life is going along - she’s happy with her job, her friends and her environment. But the sudden loss of Max, who has been a mentor as well as a friend, brings changes to everyone’s lives. Max had been the founder/principal of her school and he is replaced by Duncan. Turns out Sam had known Duncan at her previous job. She actually left that job to get away from Duncan, because she had feelings for him which made it hard for her to work with Sam. Sam has epilepsy, and feels that somehow makes her unworthy of being loved. But the Duncan who comes to her school is not the same man he used to be. Sam tries to figure out what has sucked the joy out of Duncan’s life and finds herself falling in love. But she can’t let him know about the epilepsy. Will Sam and Duncan be able to open up to each other and let love in? I read this book straight through jut to find out!

I’ve witnessed several grand mal seizures, and it is a scary experience. I found this book relatable on more than one level.

Thank you NetGalley for an early copy of What You Wish For

Samantha Casey loves her job as the school's zany librarian working alongside the beloved founders and her best friends. Sam believes that things could not get better until Max has a heart attack and the new principal is her crush from her former school. She is excited for his return but he has lost all of the fun crazy antics he preformed as a teacher and replaced them with gray business suits, serious demeanor and an obsession with school security. Can Sam save her school or will Duncan chase her away again.

I was very excited to get a copy of Katherine Center's new work because I really enjoyed her previous novel, Things You Save In A Fire, but to be honest this one fell way short. The characters and storyline felt flat and predictable. It has its sweet romantic undertones but no real surprises or depth of her previous work. I will be looking forward to her next book but this one didn't do it for me.