When I am trying out a new book I look for a few things. Normally, the first requirement is YA because I work with teens and I want to know what they are reading and well- my reading taste has always been YA. I believe it is probably because I didn't really find good YA until I was in college. Another thing I look for is either romance, mystery, or a fundamental truth that we can all learn.

Katherine Center's What You Wish For didn't meet my first criteria, which almost made me abandon it/read it last. But I am so glad I didn't. This story is filled with love, hope, and joy that we all need during this time in our lives. The main character Sam is a librarian at an elite elementary school in Texas. I, as a new librarian and fellow romantic, really connected with Sam. She has the grit and personality that I have come to associate with being a new age librarian. She also has a romantic and idealistic notion towards her life and her job that I love and aspire to.

This is a wonderful feel good novel- that could easily be loved my teens as well. It was a pretty quick read and made me feel great while reading it. It may not have been my normal go to pick, but it might just push me to read more adult fiction.
http://kaitlynrcarpenter.weebly.com/blog/librarians-love-story-what-you-wish-for-by-katherine-center

This book is not from a genre I usually gravitate to immediately, but I could not put this book down and quickly finished it in an afternoon. Katerine Center created characters that draw the reader in, uses descriptions that perfectly paint the area in Galveston being described, and the plot isn't wholly predictable. The story is fast-paced, the characters are relatable, and the events tug at your heart--Exactly what one would want from this type of novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the DARC of this work in exchange for my honest review.

A more in-depth review to come on the blog closer to the publication date.

I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of What You Wish For ever since I finished savoring the last few pages of Things You Save in a Fire, but this book was such a disappointment for me.

Samantha Casey loves everything her life has become in Galveston, Texas. She’s a cherished elementary school librarian. Sam rents the carriage house that is on the property of Max, the principal of her school, and Babette who also works at the school. Sam’s world crumbles beneath her when Max suddenly dies.

Duncan Carpenter is the man that Sam had a huge crush on at her previous school but never made him aware. When word gets out that Duncan is the new principal, Sam is giddy with excitement especially since he will be the perfect man for their esteemed elementary school since he is essentially a ball of laughs.

When Duncan arrives at the school, it is clear that something has changed. Duncan takes a militaristic approach to running the school with safety as his number one priority. Sam is determined to keep the things she loves at the school in tact while also trying to understand what happened to Duncan.

So my first gripe with this book is the immaturity of Sam’s character. Sam is a woman in her late twenties, but in all honesty, does not act like it. She literally packed up and left a school district because of an unrequited crush that Duncan was completely unaware of. I understand teenagers making those sorts of rash decisions due to hormones, but why would a person in their twenties up and leave a situation because of a crush?! That makes absolutely no sense.

I will commend the author for trying to tackle a controversial topic, but I found the execution poor. Duncan survived a school shooting, which is why he is hellbent on security taking priority over other activities at the school. However, Sam makes it her personal crusade to find a way to get Duncan to be the person that he used to be: fun-loving, humorous, easy-going. My issue with this is that when someone is suffering from PTSD, constantly reminding them that their personality was different before said event is honestly just tasteless and naive. As someone who was raised by a person who suffers from PTSD, people don’t just snap back to their previous personality because it’s affecting other people, so I found the entire basis for their relationship unrealistic.

Overall, I had high hopes for this book but it definitely missed the mark with the over the top characters and unrealistic scenarios.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
Katherine Center is such an amazing writer who has given us another fantastic five star story. She somehow manages to make the characters believable and lovable at the same time.
Sam and Duncan are delightful souls who have had to deal with life-changing events. They find themselves reunited after a tragedy and what follows; is a journey of self-discovery and courage, with a bit of joy thrown in.
Favourite quote: 'Joy is an antidote to fear. To anger. To boredom. To sorrow.'

This review is going live on 05/22 on the below mentioned blog and social medias.


Book Title: What You Wish For

Author: Katherine Center

Genre: Fiction


Line Summary:


A school Librarian who loves her school and island and was hopelessly in love with her former colleague found out the same ex-colleague became a principal of her school and tried to destroy it. She stands up and tried to change the pricipal to his former shelf while fighting with her own darkness.


My Review:


The usual Katherine Center Magic. I am a big fan of Katherine Center and was desperate to get this book as soon as possible. All those efforts are worth indulging in this wonderful story! Lovely story with a lineant plot. As usual, her characters are adorable, natural, and life-changing. The narration is neither fact-paced nor slow-paced but enjoyable on every page. Celebrate life whenever you could is the baseline and it’s really awesome to find a reason for that. I love to read KC's books more and more. They are subtle but surely has an impact on our thinking, on our life. This is not the best book from KC but it’s my favorite too. Check this out, you will be happy about it!



Thoughts while reading :


This section has subtle spoilers,


The “Sam” character is lovely. The way she came out of her cocoon and try to live her life by desperately looking for happiness is a deep lesson for everyone. Her impact made me looking for colorful clothes!


But it’s not believable or not so natural she just ran away from her previous destination just because of her unexpressed one side love!!!


I would love if the characters Alice, Helen, and the podcast celebrity were elaborated or included more in the story! Those characters were interesting and the one or two pages are not enough!


The reason behind Duncan’s change is easily guessable from the beginning ( his continuous obsession over security made us think about the shooting at schools ) and so it’s not shocked to know it.


After 80% of the book, it seems so many emotional outbursts! Emotions overloaded on every page!


Like in "The lost husband" book by the same author the wise old character Babette is adorable. I love to read about her and Max's life.


The drama of "Clay" got lost and the subsequent events made me roll my eyes out. It seems those were just pushed into the story!


As usual, this story would make you think about your life, possible ways to looking for happiness! If you are stressed, sad, or depressed read this! It will make you look at life from a different perspective! make you realize the value of what you have and will make you cherish it! celebrate it!

 


Favorite Quotes From the Book:
"
Be careful , What you wish for"

“You will never get anything that matters without earning it"
 


Thanks to #netgalley and #stmartinspress for this ARC. This review is straight from my heart not biased in any way!

This is a very popular author, I know her titles are well-loved, so I wanted to get it on the buzz.

I have to say, this one just wasn't for me. I think there are several reasons. I don't usually read much in the 'romance' genre, and I'm not sure if this is where this book falls. I often find the conflicts to be manufactured and the resolutions or reunion of characters to be over the top. Again, I fully understand that's why many readers are drawn to this genre.

I also believe this book suffered because I read it on the heels of several excellent reads. It suffered by comparison.

I found the main character, Samantha "Sam", to be annoying and immature. I don't want to divulge too much and spoil the read for others, but her reaction to someone (remotely) from her past showing up at the school she teaches seemed extreme to the point of ridiculousness. I thought the 'issue' the book attempted to address was done heavy handed and yet very superficially.

I thoroughly understand my opinion will be in the minority on this one. That's ok by me as I understand not every book is for every reader. I am confident this one will find a dedicated enthusiastic response from others.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Katherine Center for the complimentary digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Title: What You Wish For ⠀⠀
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Author: Katherine Center ⠀⠀
  ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Rate: ⭐️⭐️ .25

Thank you St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for ARC in exchange for the an honest review.

I can not even explain how excited I was when I got a copy of this book.
The cover is gorgeous and the plot seems really interesting. I really struggled with the main character Sam. I don't mind reading from the POV of an unlikable character but there have to be substance. I think I would have accepted her erratic behaviors if she was diagnosed with something besides seizures. She wanted to fix Duncan by “forcing” him into therapy but maybe therapy would have helped her too.
There were times I felt like this book was repetitive. One conversation or situation would go on for 3-5 pages but it would get nowhere (which felt like thousands of pages).
I know this was supposed to be a romance story but it was more Sam complaining about how hard life is and the need to maintain everything the same.
Okay I'm done with my rant.
Would I read books by Center? Yes

What a wonderful, heartwarming book! I look forward to reading more by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

Unfortunately this was my least favorite of Katherine Center’s books so far.

I thought it was pretty obvious where the story was going, what the author was holding back from us, and I didn’t like the way the main character responded to the situation. The story COULD potentially touch the right reader, and I’d recommend it to avid fans of the author, but I didn’t enjoy the characters or the plot enough to fully recommend it to everyone.

Also... what is with characters “not even realize they were crying” until they feel the water on their hands or someone reassured them, etc. Is that the adult version of “she let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding?”

I read very few romance or chick lit books, although I have read a couple of Katherine Center’s previous works and enjoyed them. Her latest, What You Wish For, is definitely the best that I have read. And, what a wonderful read in the midst of stay-at-home orders and a pandemic! It is truly a story full of heart, a genuine feel-good book that focuses on trying to leave pain behind to concentrate on true happiness and joy.

This novel is told entirely from the perspective of Samantha, a school librarian in Galveston, Texas, who is quirky and flawed, but lovable. The plot centers on her dealing with Duncan Carpenter, a former colleague — and major crush — of hers who becomes the new principal at her school. But, present day Duncan is a far cry from the Duncan that Sam had known and loved. As the story progresses, the reader sees that both Sam and Duncan have major obstacles from their pasts that they are trying to overcome, and it is these struggles that help them face their fears and find friendship and love. I really enjoyed the characters of Sam and Duncan, as well as some of the secondary figures, especially Babette and Clay.

Yes, What You Wish For is a basic story of girl meets boy. Yes, it is fairly fluffy. And, yes, it is pretty predictable. Nonetheless, it really hits the mark, making it a delightful and enjoyable read. It reminds me of I Hope You Dance, a song by Lee Ann Womack, which inspires the listener to live his/her life with joy.

What You Wish For was exactly what I needed during this time when happiness and laughter is necessary. Katherine Center knows how to write a story that takes her readers through every emotion— I’d often find myself smiling while reading, or laughing out loud, and sometimes even (happy) crying. Her characters are adorably quirky and perfectly flawed, they usually suffer from some sort of trauma and demonstrate the true meaning of resiliency as they learn to cope, and all of this just helps to make them more relatable. Center’s books always have a message— this one was about CHOOSING joy and happiness for yourself, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Katherine Center’s novels are simply good for the soul. Her writing is beautiful, colorful, and delightful. I ALWAYS suggest her books to anybody who asks me for a book recommendation, and What You Wish For will be tops on that list!

Great read by Katherine Center. Fun writing style~Enjoyable read~Loved the Characters
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC

This book is different from the others that I have read by the author, yet it still has that feel good aspect to it. A bit humorous/whimsical and a bit silly in places, but overall a very good read with good characters that are overcoming fears and finding joy. I liked the way the author dealt with school safety, health fears and family relations. A light hearted read that will bring a smile to your face.
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the ARC

This book is all fluff. And 6 months ago I probably would not have enjoyed it. At all. Now, in these uncertain times, a book about living joyfully really hits the mark. So kudos to the author for being prescient and creating a warm and joyful story. A welcome read during a difficult time. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Samantha is an elementary school librarian who has made a new life for herself, and a new family, in a small Texas town far away from all she's ever known. Enter Duncan, a teacher from her previous school who she never thought she'd see again... and her biggest crush that she's never gotten over. At first, she's excited but skeptical - she fell in love with him because of his caring nature, his sense of humor, and how wonderful he was with students. But she left town trying to escape him. She never thought she'd have a chance with him and couldn't stand to live a life of unrequited love. Now he's back in her life and she's worried she'll have to leave everything behind again. But the Duncan she remembers isn't the one who shows up at her small charter school. He is cold, aloof, strict, and wants to turn their innovative and creative little school with it's butterfly mural walls into an institution with barred windows and gray walls. Who is this Duncan, and what happened to the man she knew and loved? Duncan's not sharing anything, until he needs Samantha's help. Samantha sees her chance to crack Duncan's veneer to save her school and save the man she still loves.

Thoughts: Now this is what I'm talking about! I LOVED How to Walk Away but was left disappointed by Things You Save in a Fire, so I was a little skeptical going into this one. But I can't say enough good things about it! As a fellow school librarian, it was easy to relate to the main character. And I will say that, while Katherine Center does have a few librarian tropes on display, it's nothing that isn't true nor is any of it insulting in any way. And how passionate Samantha is about fostering a love of reading in her students is like our mission statement. I'm proud of Samantha's character -- thank you, Katherine! And Duncan may be a jerk at first, but once you find out why all you want to do is hug him. When he finally lets his guard down, he is a total sweetheart and says totally swoon-worthy statements. Readers, be prepared to melt! Love this from start to finish!

During the pandemic, I have been finding that I am, more than ever, choosing books with “feel good vibes.” After finishing chapter one of What You Wish For, I literally closed my e-reader and called it a night. A tragedy in the first chapter didn’t sound like a promising read. After a couple of days, I decided to go back and give it a second chance and am so happy I did. Overall, this is a story about coming back from tragedies and choosing to live your life with joy, especially when you are not feeling very joyful. It is a story of facing your fears, finding love, friendship and a sense of family. So perfect for this fear filled time we have been living in this spring. I loved Sam and Duncan, the adorable Kempner school (especially the library stairs) and the setting of Galveston Island. Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin’s Press for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an another wonderful book by Katherine Center. She builds such wonderful characters that I didn’t want their story to end. Perfect for a great escape during this unusual time. Thank you NetGalley for approving this ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for my e-arc of What You Wish For by Katherine Center.

This is my first book by Katherine Center. I wasn’t for sure what to expect with this one, but I loved the main character, Sam. She had such a vivid personality. She is the type of person who you want to be friends with. She was so relatable.

Sam and Duncan’s relationship was a slow build, but I was all for it. I loved how their relationship blossomed. I absolutely adored their banter. I could not put the book down once their relationship began to heat up.

I am also a teacher so I felt their fear for students as well as for themselves. I can understand why Duncan made the decisions he did. It is hard to imagine how we live in such a world where we have to think about these things. I thought the author handled this topic very gracefully and appropriately.

I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read it again when it releases. I am going to buy a hardcover copy.

Rating: 3/5⭐️⁣⁣⁣
Rationale: Katherine Center is my go-to for a heartwarming read with substance, but this one wasn’t as emotionally packed as her previous books. Not my favorite by her, but I will still highly anticipate her next release.
⁣⁣⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐨 𝐈’𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐨: fans of Happiness for Beginners (Helen’s brother Duncan has a lead role in this one!)
⁣⁣⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝: Center thrives in developing characters, and in this book the secondary characters were the stars for me. My favorites were Babette, Alice, and little Clay Buckley. Babette is such a wonderfully supportive maternal figure, and Alice seems like a genuinely cool best friend—telling it like it is but also showing up at 2am to make you tea when she knows you’ve had a rough night. I would read a spinoff about Alice in a heartbeat and hope that she will be the next protagonist in this series.

The overall theme of choosing to pursue joy was very hopeful, and I loved the school staff’s dedication to Max’s legacy.
⁣
𝗪𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞: What I usually love about Katherine Center’s novels is that she focuses on a strong female lead. Unfortunately I didn’t feel that connection to Sam in this book. She quite literally runs away from every problem in her life and I found her flightiness to be off-putting. I missed that badass vibe that Center usually captures in her protagonists.

I wanted to feel more connected to the love story, but I felt as though something was missing in the development of Sam and Duncan as a couple. I think one of the things that frustrated me was the lack of communication, and that Sam spent half the book wondering why Duncan was behaving in such a paranoid manner, when the answer seemed obvious (at least to me).

Overall this one felt a bit rushed and I found myself wanting more. I think it tried to accomplish a lot, and I commend it for that, but there were elements that I wish had been fleshed out in more detail.

Samantha Casey loves being a librarian, loves her school and loves the people who began the school...Max and Babette. After the death of the principal, Duncan Carpenter comes to take over and has quite a few changes her wants to make but Samantha and the rest of the staff think he is turning their beloved school into more of a prison than a learning environment. To make matters worse, Samantha worked with Duncan at a previous school and she had a huge crush on him but was sure he didn’t feel the same.

I love the writing style of Katherine Center. She has a way of telling great stories with amazing characters which allows you to totally immerse yourself in the book. This book addresses things like epilepsy, PTSD, relationships and love. Another great one from Center.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.