Katherine Center’s WHAT YOU WISH FOR is fun, fresh romance that will leave readers smiling!

Imagine living in a close knit community, having one of the best jobs ever in a school that made the joy of learning and growing priority one. All was seemingly perfect for Samantha Casey, the school librarian until death took her mentor and the guiding light for those around him. The beloved principal was dead and his replacement couldn’t have been any more opposite. Duncan was sucking the joy out of the school and especially Sam, because they had a past, sort of…

Now Sam must take a stand to save her school, her new life and her heart. What happened to the Duncan she once knew? How did he become less friendly than the Grinch? Sam has made it her mission to find out what is going on.

In spite of the sad beginning, this little romance is a delightfully perky tale mixed with just the right amount of drama, heart, hope and revelations that balance out the humorous moments and make for a wonderfully sweet read! Highly recommended “beach read” material, guaranteed to leave you feeling pretty good!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from St. Martin's Press! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Another good read by Katherine Center. I really liked her book 'Things You Save in a Fire' so I picked this one up when I saw her name on the cover. I wasn't disappointed either. I've been reading a lot during this Coronavirus pandemic and it was really nice to read something light and positive.

I liked the character Samantha with her pink bangs and her flair for color in her wardrobe; the way she turned her life around. Alice, a master of math humor, and Clay (a/k/a Brainerd) were also great characters. I also really liked the idea of such a warm, caring, creative school as an environment for children. But the thing I liked most about this book was its message to embrace joy even in difficult times - choose happiness as much as possible.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Katherine Center develops characters so quickly, you feel like you're cheering for them from page one. "What You Wish For" follows her successful "How to Walk Away" and "Things You Save in a Fire" titles to mold a love story for the ages,

Ho. Ly. Crap.

Talk about a roller coaster of emotions! I laughed out loud, bawled my eyes out, gasped so many times I might as well have hyper ventilated, hated so many, just to name a few.

At the beginning, Sam annoyed me. She had the "poor, poor, pitiful me" mentality. In the second half, that all changed. The book touches many important topics: gun violence, physical ailments, overbearing parenting, abandonment, and more.

I will definitely be adding this novel to my home library.

5/5 emotionally raw stars.

Netgalley provided me with an ARC for my honest review.

Any reader who is looking for some joy in life needs to read this latest book from Katherine Center. Those little things that individuals enjoy can add up to happiness in spite of the troubles people often face. That’s pretty much the point of this book.

Samantha Casey, an elementary teacher living in Galveston, has had her share of troubles. In Galveston, she has created a life she loves that becomes threatened when her mentor and principal dies suddenly during the summer break.

Upon returning to school for the fall semester, Samantha learns that the new principal, Duncan, is none other than the man she had a serious crush on at her former school. Samantha knows he is perfect for the job, but the stress of being near him and dealing with unrequited love has sent her stress levels soaring. Unfortunately, when Samantha encounters Duncan he seems like a completely different person—and not in a good way.

As Samantha and the other staff try to adjust to the new normal at the school, they also try to restore Duncan into the man he once was. Their attempts bring healing to the school and many others as they each learn how to find joy in life.

The story deals with a heavy subject, but does not dwell on painful events and is told with an inspirational and hopeful tone. I thought this was the perfect read for this season in life as many deal with the repercussions of our current events.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.

I have loved every Katherine Center book and loved this one just as much! If you are looking for a love story that includes personal issues and finding joy in every situation, you need to read this!

Thank you St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest review.

WHAT YOU WISH FOR was a quirky story, injected with good people and goals. Centered around school life, with teachers, pupils and other staff, this book reeled you in to feeling part of that family. This was a great character-driven story and it felt like something I hadn’t really read before.

The protagonist Sam, was a librarian in a school she loved, with staff that were like family. The death of her beloved mentor and head of school brought an old crush Duncan to the school. This was not a happy reunion and it turned into a semi-hate relationship.

"One: Duncan Carpenter was really here, in my school, about to become the guy in charge. Two: I was not immune to the sight of him in any microscopic way. And three: he had no idea who I was. That last one smarted, I’m not going to lie."

It was quickly apparant that Duncan was not the guy she’d previously known. The Duncan in this story was a hard-skinned robotic type headteacher, immune to persuasion and with one goal. Sam tried and tried, but he was impermeable.

"I couldn’t think of a polite way to tell her that her brother was a mural murderer-and that I had just decided he was my mortal enemy forever."

Actually what happened was an unraveling of Duncan’s character and it was delicious reading. There were a bunch of superb side characters in this book, especially Max, Babette, Clay and Chuck Norris.

The story included some well written elements representing living with mild epilepsy, I appreciated some of the insightful research that went into that perspective. Added to that, the story also dealt with some psychological trauma. The author did not shy away from inclusion of these areas and it enhanced the book.

Katherine Center always manages to leave you on a wow and with a case of the warm fuzzies. WHAT YOU WISH FOR has done just that, warmed me and entertained me. This is an ideal summer read.

Thank you to St Martin’s Press for the early review copy.

“What You Wish For” is a wonderful book about love, loss, finding your voice, and overcoming tragedy. To be honest, it took nearly 60% of the novel before I was hooked. I felt that there was a slow build but it could also be that I am a former teacher and couldn’t get into the plot.

When I first read the synopsis, I was intrigued that the setting was a school and about a teacher however, I quickly realized that as a former teacher I don’t have any interest in reading about teachers and/or schools. This is completely a personal reason and does not reflect on the book.

Once I was about 70% in I was hooked and couldn’t quit. I was also surprised that my favorite character was the supporting role of a 3rd grader. But, then after a few days I realized that of course I loved this character because I taught 3rd grade.

Overall, I would recommend this book as it’s a fun, quick read and also tells the story of how it’s easy to try to “fix” someone when we should “focus” on ourselves first.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Fun quick read. The author did a great job bringing the characters backstories into the present.. There were moments that made you smile, some that made you sad and some so true to life they made you feel sick.
Good read that deals with difficult real life problems...but allows you to escape the real world.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book.

What You Wish For is a heartwarming book about choosing joy. This is the first Katherine Center book that I have read and will definitely be adding her other books to my TBR list!

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Samantha Casey adores the Kempner School and its namesake owners, Max and Babette. She loves being the librarian at their elementary school—it is a beautiful Victorian building that is brimming with creativity and warmth.

The school suddenly loses its beloved leader and a new principal is named to take his place. He turns out to be Duncan Carpenter, a former colleague of Samantha's that she had such an unrequited crush on, she had to move away and start over.

Duncan is nothing like he was. Gone is the funny and charming man, in his place is a militant leader obsessed with safety—he is destroying Max's legacy by turning the school into a prison. Sam is determined to save Kempner, the place that has become her home, before it becomes a thing of the past.

Things You Save in a Fire was my first Katherine Center book and I was blown away.The pace and flow of the narrative was spot on and the writing was effortless and completely captivating. What You Wish For did not quite have the same effect. The story starts off as being very repetitive, going in circles, so it takes more time than necessary for story to flesh out. There is also a campiness about it which I especially noticed with Alice—she didn't add any real value to the narrative and I wanted more out of her relationship with Sam. These reasons are the difference between three and four stars.

But you really can't fault Center's writing. It is beautiful and careful when dealing with some of the more serious scenes, yet lighthearted and delightful. And I adored Samantha Casey immensely. Not just because she's a librarian with what sounds like a wicked sense of retro style, but because she is quirky and just plain good.

This book is exactly what we need more of: finding joy. Thank you, Katherine, for this enchanting read that's full of heart, hope, and whimsy. I can't wait to read what you publish next!

I don’t usually read romance novels but the title caught my eye. This was a fairly quick read for me. The story is about a woman who moves to a different state because of a crush she has on another teacher. Then her worst nightmare that teacher shows up at her new school as the new principal what could be worse. He then takes a school she loves and changes it. All the while she tries to come to terms with her feelings for him that apps she thought were gone.

I liked the book but since it’s not my normal genre I can’t say I loved it. I also thought the protagonist was a little wish washy. Who’ uproots themselves just because they can’t have the person they want. I think there must’ve been something else the author forgot mention.

If you like romance, and romantic suspense then you’ll like this book.

Thank you Netgalley ARC

Sam Casey left her old school because she had a crush on a teacher Duncan Carpenter. He was dating someone else and the rumor had it, he was getting married, so she left. She finds her dream job as a librarian. She becomes the fun teacher wearing fun clothes just like Duncan was at the old school. Max and Babette Kempner who are the founders of the school. The school holds a 60th birthday party for Max who dies at the party. Enter Duncan, who is hired as the new principal except he is very strait laced unlike the person that Sam knew. I enjoyed this book because I work in a school. This story encompasses sometimes what could happen in a small independent school. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.

I'm not sure why I picked up this book by Katherine Center. Honestly, I hate romance novels. But a few years ago I stumbled across "How to Walk Away" and I actually loved it! So, I thought I'd change up my usual go-to genre and pick up another Katherine Center, even though I totally ignored her last one.
Bad idea. She's just too cheesy for me!
Samantha is a wet blanket. She changed her crappy life by moving to Texas (really?) and renting a place at the wonderfully loved Max and Babette's house, working at a school as a librarian. (Yawn) I'm a teacher and love my school librarian but I can't deal with Samantha's whiny narrative.
Max dies and a new principal comes to her little school, it's the very same person she was in love with in her old life she left behind!!! Shockingly cute, huh?
It's a story of self-discovery, if you're into that kind of thing. Nerdy best friend Alice is a bit too much of a saint. Max and Babette are too loveable. The only character I like his their bitchy daughter. This book is not for me and I hate to rate a book that just didn't fit my vibe. If you like Hallmark movies and chick flicks- pick it up! For me, it's a no thanks. Sorry!

This was everything I have come to expect from Katherine Center -- sweet, entertaining, memorable, uplifting.

I never start a review like this - but i LOVED this book.

With all the hate and negativity around - this book was a great reminder to look for the good - to love unconditionally - and to never give up!

Sam and Duncan are do relatable in their "defects" and imperfections. Their way of dealing with life's unjust moments and especially Sam's tenacity are great reminders that life and love aren't perfect - but if we try we can all make our lives the best life we can live!

This is my fourth book read from this author, and while it’s good, it wasn’t my favorite. It’s a love story/women’s fiction contemporary with some serious issues to tackle.

Sam is a librarian at a wonderful elementary school on Galveston Island who was epileptic through middle school, seizure-free until her mid-20s and is now grappling with its return and how much it will rule her life. Duncan is the new principal taking over at the death of Sam’s beloved friend and mentor Max.

Sam and Duncan worked at the same school 4 years previously, where she fell in love with his fun-loving antics from afar, but he hardly seemed to notice her. Sam is shocked that he has changed so drastically into a somber, security-obsessed authority-figure and wants the old, fun Duncan back.

Both have suffered some horrific heartaches in their lives (Sam’s embarrassment and bullying as an epileptic child, Duncan’s PTSD from a violent encounter...the book includes one fairly graphic scene). But together they learn to intentionally choose joy over fear.

While it was well-written and an inspiring story, I did not connect with the main characters (I did enjoy Clay, the highly-intelligent sweet third-grade bookworm) as well as I have in her other books I’ve read. 🤷🏻‍♀️ That’s just me. Still a good read.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.

This is my second Katherine Center book and I devoured and loved them both! Her books strike the perfect balance of breezy fun and sucker punch substance. They're feel good reads that you can easily cozy up and settle into, but they're also peppered with unexpected sparks of wisdom. Things You Save in a Fire taught me a simple but profound lesson in forgiveness. What You Wish For taught me to pay attention to what brings me joy and to choose that joy in the face of fear; to have the courage to fight for it despite the inevitability of eventual loss. I'm so grateful for her stories.

Samantha is an elementary school librarian who's surprised to learn that her new principal is an old crush. But his goofy charm that she remembers is gone. In its place is a safety obsessed stiff who is threatening to destroy everything Samantha loves about the school that has become her home. As she fights to save her school she wonders what happened to the man she knew.

I found it incredibly predictable. But it's so deliciously entertaining and hopeful that I didn't care. There's a place in the world for charming predictable stories. Like my bookshelf. And this one is beautiful and powerful.

This book gave me all the “feels”. Love, family drama, mystery, fear, and loyalty are all wrapped into this story. The overall concept of being joyful was strewn throughout the book by different characters in the story. Samantha Casey was on a collision course with a man from her past, Duncan, who suddenly appears as the new principal at the school where she is librarian....and its a joy to follow. Samantha is a young woman with a health secret that she is ashamed of and doesn’t want to share. Duncan has changed immensely since they previously worked together, and he has his own secrets that he is trying to deal with on his own. The other characters in the story all play interesting parts in the development of the main characters and help us learn more about Duncan and Samantha. A young student, Clay, tugs at the heartstrings and plays an integral part in the story’s development and outcome. “You’ll never fix all your problem......be happy anyway.” A great read....will recommend!! I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review, which this has been. #NetGalley. #WhatYouWishFor. #StMartinsPress

What You Wish For


A emotional and timely story of choosing love and joy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY
Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her job, the kids, and her school family. She has a passion and joy for living. Duncan Carpenter is the new school principal who lives by the rules and is guided by the knowledge that bad things can happen.

Sam knew Duncan before—at another school, in a different life. Back then, she had a huge crush on him. But she was invisible to him then, he never noticed her. She ran away to a new school, a new job, and a new chance at living.

Fast forward four years and Duncan, of all people, gets hired as the new principal at Sam’s school, It feels like a good thing for the school—but not for Sam. The lovable Duncan she’d known is now a suit-and-tie wearing, rule-enforcing tough guy so determined to protect the school that he’s willing to destroy it. Sam may be the only one that can stop him by helping him remember the joyful man he used to be.


REVIEW
I prefer books with strong women characters that can serve as role models for us all. IN WHAT WE WISH FOR Sam is nice enough, but when it come to Duncan Carpenter she becomes...ditzy. No other word for it. Ditzy! She cannot complete sentences, she becomes flustered and she acts ridiculous. She even admits it and says she was the worst possible version of herself whenever she was around Duncan. While her character improves some later in the book, I found the initial characterization impossible to forget. Have you every read a book where a man is portrayed in such a overly-emotional manner?

Despite Sam’s character, Katherine Center’s writing is good and the story has a sweet message...to choose joy over fear, over anger, over boredom and over sorrow. It’s a timely message for the current state of our nation. It’s a nice, light love story, good for a day at the beach

Author is a KATHERINE CENTER is the New York Times bestselling author of over a half dozen novels, including Things You Save in a Fire and How to Walk Away. Katherine recently gave a TEDx talk on how stories teach empathy. She lives in Houston with her husband and two kids.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


Publisher St. Martin’s Press
Published July 14, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com