I won't be reviewing this online. Although I did complete the book, I found it deeply flawed and prefer not to publish negative reviews. The author signalled the twists too early and too often. It felt overwritten and a bit unsophisticated. Sorry.

I loved the last Center book I read and this one was just as cute and full of heart. I especially adored the quirky librarian at an elementary school heroine who worked hard to find joy in the middle of a challenging life. I adored seeing her bring joy to her new island community- and to the man who originally inspired much of her joy and enthusiasm, but who had lost that spark of his own. Five sweet and brightly colored stars, especially for the line when she says "1, 2" to have her colleagues respond "eyes on you!"... teachers. They're so easy.

Well, teachers are pretty easy. And I loved this enthusiastic librarian (teacher).

I loved this story and was cheering for Samantha the entire time! Made me want to pick up and move to Galveston right away!

This book was an absolute delight. It tells the story of Sam, a funky elementary school librarian, whose old crush comes into her school as principal, but he has completely changed. This is the perfect quarantine read; it is light with deeper themes and has characters you root for. The book is set on the island of Galveston, Texas and has a great sense of place. Overall, this made me want to look more into Katherine Center´s backlist.

The story’s message is, that we should choose joy even in difficult and hard times.
It’s a very uplifting read! I truly loved this book!

3.5 stars. A kind of cheesy rom-com whose characters are a bit too much. I should have rounded down to 3 stars but am feeling generous because it was a good escape and I appreciated the reminder to choose joy and to seek out every little bit you can, even if it's just a pair of crazy socks. Anyway, new school principal arrives and lonely librarian realizes it's someone she knew at a previous job, but his whole personality has done a 180--and not in a good way. You can figure out the rest!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

Over use of the word Epic. Ughhh drove me crazy. Good book, not great. Loved her other books. Maybe it was my mood??

I am always anxiously awaiting the next Katherine Center book and this is a good one. It did take me awhile to get into the story and start relating to the characters, but after the first 1/3 I couldn't put it down. It's hard to write a review of this one without spoilers, but while Sam and Duncan both have their flaws, they are likable characters and I found myself rooting for them. I like how the "choose joy" theme is a central part of the story and how the author worked some very heavy material into the plot. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book!

Katherine Center can do no wrong. I knocked this out in less than 24 hours. Another tremendous story with remarkable and unforgettable characters.

What a unique journey that was carefully planned and successfully executed. As always with Center’s books, I didn’t want this to come to an end. I’m excited to recommend this as one of the best books this summer! While you wait for it’s July 14th release, grab a copy of “Things You Save in a Fire” or “How to Walk Away”. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you so much to the author, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I devour books by Katherine Center. I am a teacher by trade and there were plenty of moments I was scratching my head because it’s just not how the world of teaching works but it was all little things no one outside the profession would need to bother with. She NAILED the culture of the school and I just loved seeing everyone band together for their “people”.

The love story was sweet - not too much - risqué business. Just enough and not over the top. This book is in my top five of the year and I’ve already read over 50! Center’s writing is captivating, makes you think about what’s important and I cannot wait til the next. She nails it every time!

I wanted to love this book. I loved her first book so much but it fell far short. The main character is a simply librarian in a small town who wants everyone to like her. Too much going on-way too many disasters. I couldn’t get much warmth going for any of the characters. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read an early arc in exchange for my honest opinion.66

As much as I enjoy most of the other books I am currently reading, sometimes a 'fluff' read is really what I need! I highly recommend it for anyone else looking for a fast-read romance.

"What You Wish For" had the perfect hook- single, sad woman throws a party for a friend's 60th birthday party and he dies. Actually, when I say it like that, it sounds pretty terrible. But I was hooked from the start. I read "Things You Save In A Fire" by Katherine Center, and her writing style is wonderful. It is engaging, friendly (can writing be described as 'friendly'?) and fun. Kind of like getting together for a cup of coffee with a friend.

When I really think about it, the premise is pretty far-fetched. The ONE person that the female lead liked from the past becomes the principal at her school in a relatively remote school in Texas. Once I put the improbability of that aside, I was able to really enjoy the book.

Katherine Center focuses on the theme of finding joy in life, but also showing kindness. I think a lot of people can relate to the message, especially as this is being published in a time either in quarantine or post-quarantine for most people. The romance is focused on the build-up, but not in an overly dramatic way. There aren't super steamy sex scenes, which may be a pro or a con for some (I thought it was refreshing).

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this book. Katherine Center is quickly becoming a favorite romance author- this book was such a nice, fun way to relax at home.

Katherine Center is a goddess and I would read her grocery list if she published it!

She has been a must read other of mine for a while now, and What You Wish For is no exception. I loved these characters so much and would love for this to be a movie so I can see them the way they're intended to be. I devoured this book in less than 2 days and could have gone for more. The story was so heartbreaking, but also uplifting and hit all the feels.

I can't wait to see what Katherine does next.

I loved it! The colorful description of the school and it’s connection with the local beach makes this a perfect summer beach book. The story is very current. When the new principal comes to town looking to lockdown the school for safety, I found myself torn. It’s a beautiful open and welcoming school, but the reality of the world requires schools to be much more secure than they used to be. The key is finding a balance between the two.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a story of fear and courage, love and loss, community, and secrets revealed. It was an easy read that really drew me in to the characters. I’m so happy to have found this author and look forward to he next release. Thanks Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. Sam was such an awesome heroine. It did deal with some heavy things, and trigger warning for some of it. But the characters, the detail... it was just lovely. Thank you so much to netgalley for the ARC.

Not my favorite Katherine Center book, but it was still cute. The character's "secrets" were way too obvious and I found it frustrating that it took Sam 3 million pages to figure out what I figured out in 20. I gave it 3 stars on goodreads.

clearly have stayed up WAY too late (after midnight) reading this one, but in usual Katherine Center style, I just had to keep going!

Like her past books, this one has romance, family, friendships, and the main setting just happens to be a school, which right now as a teacher, I am missing so much!

The sounds of the lunchroom, the noise in the halls, the bustling of the library, are all so perfectly described in this book and I pictured nearly every wall and classroom in Kempner!

This book makes you laugh a lot and worry a bit and the characters are so real— they have their traumas and scars, but are relatable and loveable! Definitely some cheesy moments where I wanted to kind of skim past, but overall the perfect escape book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Publishing date: July 2020!


#netgalley #whatyouwishfor
#goodreads #bookstagram

What’s a girl to do when the new principal at the school where she is the librarian turns out to be a crush from her past? But, is this guy really Duncan, the beloved always up for fun teacher she remembers, or his evil alternate reality twin? How did Duncan turn into such a cold, straight laced safety and efficiency expert? And how does Duncan not remember her, Samantha, after they had been colleagues? And why does she still feel a spark for this new fun thief version of Duncan?

The premise of this book is cute, and Samantha and Duncan have significant situations that come to light that they must work through. I especially liked the cast of supporting characters, including a charming “guard dog” and a third grade boy. There is humor along with heartfelt situations, and the author weaves everything together in an entertaining story.

It took me a few chapters before I could settle in and really lose myself in this book. I think the setting of an eclectic private school located in Galveston, Texas was unique, but a bit distracting for me. I had to fight for awhile with thinking that schools do not operate the way this school did. I settled upon deciding that either some schools are run this way or this is fiction, so enjoy it. I am glad to say that I was able to enjoy this story.

I truly enjoyed the sense of community and the descriptions of the area. This was well-written and had a positive and uplifting message of choosing joy. There is a fairly long epilogue that wraps things up, but might be too much for some readers.

Definitely consider this book if you are looking for women’s fiction with a romantic element and a happy ending.

After being cooped up for the last 8 weeks, it was refreshing to read this light-hearted romance. Even when dealing with such serious issues as school safety in the age of mass shootings, Katherine Center manages to make things fun and engaged without preaching. There is such joie de vivre in the main character that it was easy to smile while reading. If you get a chance, read this book - it will make you happy.