Katherine Center's books are always like curling up with a good friend, even if that good friend is someone I've never met. Loved spending time with these characters and would happily apply as a librarian at this sweet, quirky school.

Center does it again! Aside from the sleepy start after the initial momentum (basically chapter 2-5), this book is well paced, exciting and adorable. As an educator, there are so many gems in the internal dialog that I have thought and felt about my profession in these modern times. Center creates realistic characters and challengers they must overcome. What I love best is that while overcoming, conclusion come about in a realistic way, leaving the reader satisfied without cynicism.

I actually laughed, cried, smiled, frowned, and talked to various passages in this book. The only reason it’s not 5 stars is because I rated Center’s Things You Save In A Fire 5 stars and I cried the last 100 pages and I didn’t have that deep emotional response with this one. Still an excellent book and can’t wait to read the next one!



Posted this review in my Goodreads account

Katherine Center is wise, and so her characters are wise too. At least they become wise by the end of the story. For me, that’s one of the hallmarks of her novels - the protagonists change and learn and grow in wisdom. The throughline of this novel’s wisdom is “be careful what you wish for” and know your own heart.

The first instance of “what you wish for” - the title - shows up about a sixth of the way through the book and is directed at our main character, Sam, as part of the full sentence: “Be careful what you wish for.” It’s instantly clear that Sam needs a shift in perspective to end up with Katherine’s signature wisdom.

It’s also clear that Sam is really torn about the arrival of her old colleague, Duncan. She wishes he was near, but also dreads his arrival. Franky, she’s not sure what to wish for. “I couldn’t wait to see Duncan Carpenter again exactly as much as I hoped he would never show up. I longed for the moment to arrive as plainly as I dreaded it.”

Throughout the story, what Sam really wishes for comes into clearer focus. With the help of her friends-who-turn-into-family, she finds and chooses joy, she refuses to let fear make her small, and she lets in the beauty of life, even if it’s scary. See? She gains wisdom.

Of course, the book is funny too. There’s a scene on the beach where Sam meets Duncan and his family that had me literally laughing out loud. This novel is really the whole package, and fans of Katherine’s prior works are sure to enjoy this one as well.

Thanks so much to the author, Katherine Center, the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another cute Katherine Center book. A little meandering in the storyline at times, but I overall enjoyed it as a fun read. (While also addressing deeper issues without getting too heavy in the discussion)

Let me preface this review with the fact that I love Katherine Center. I adored her previous two novels - How to Walk Away and Things You Save in a Fire.

Upon hearing that I gave this book three stars my book bestie was like oh my God. I’m so sorry. I know you were really looking forward to this book.

Y’all - 3 stars is not a bad rating and this will not be a bad review. I enjoyed this book but I didn’t love it like the others.

I read this book with an amazing group of ladies and they were all absolutely head over heels for this book. I’d poke my head into the chat and they’re quoting it left and right. Things really spoke to them on a deeper level and I totally respect that.

This book just didn’t do that for me.

The one thing that I will say is- I loved the community represented in this book. It reminded me of my own.

I also really enjoy Katherine Center’s writing. It’s so easy to pick up one of her books and binge it in one sitting if you have the time.

This book is a quieter read.
In Things You Save in a Fire you read about firefighters and that’s exciting to me. Exciting and different. In How to Walk away you follow the main character after a huge life altering event. This book is about teachers. Not a lot happened for me to be invested like I was in the previous books. This book wasn’t boring but there were times that I felt bored and kind of reading on autopilot.

I also found parts to be a bit predictable which is fine. Its not great but I didn’t go into this book expecting great twists. It’s not a mystery thriller lol

I was also hoping for a bit more character development from the side characters. When characters in books act like horrible humans I always ask myself why and anticipate an explanation. I didn’t get that in this book.

I will continue to pick up Katherine Centers books and I still look forward to reading whatever she decides to write. I am so thankful to her and the fabulous people at St Martins Press for my advanced copy.

Overall- I liked it. I didn’t love it. I still recommend this book to Katherine Center fans. The opinions in this review are my honest opinions and are unique to my reading experience. If you are excited for this book please stay excited. If this is your first Katherine Center maybe don’t start with this one.

If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and applaud in triumph, this book by Katherine Center is exactly what you're looking for. I felt transported back to school, remembering the teachers that created that joy of learning and new experiences. The author wove in details that defined each character so well that I felt like they were old friends. Friends with scars they thought they kept hidden, but that shaped their personalities. Having been a little bit of a Brainerd myself in school, I found 9 year old Clay Buckley a refreshing surprise in this story that captured my heart. I love how the author tackled some tough modern day issues, yet kept the story uplifting and realistic. A refreshing read we all need.

This is my second time reading a book by this author. The previous book (Things you save in a fire) was a very enjoyable read. I saw similarities in the themes, which disappointed me a bit. Perhaps this is just reflective of the author's style and content preferences. But this book did not engage me like the previous one. More importantly, I did not care for the protagonist in the first couple chapters of the book. She was not likeable at all, naive, even childish in an unbecoming way. But soon she was reduced to simply being a character I did not care about in any way, without the negative feeling - more of an indifference. Still, I gave this book 3 of 5 stars simply because the last chapters of the book were able to make a connection with my emotions by stirring memories I personally have, and by the happy ending of the book I admired the protagonist's realization that she could have a joyful life with all the imperfections and hard parts of it too. I would consider reading another book by this author when I want something light on a very leisurely day.

As a teacher, this book really resonated with me. At a time like this it was nice to read a book set in school! I love all of Katherine Center’s work and this book was no different. So grateful for the advanced copy and excited to spread the word to friends!

I tired to read this book, but it wasn't what I thought it was. I don't think it will appeal to my high school sophomores.

I love Katherine's books and her writing!

Sam is our MC, who loses her beloved by all boss, elementary school principal at their Galveston school. His replacement is none other than Duncan who Sam worked with at another school. But the Duncan that appears take the guy she remembers.... This Duncan is too serious! Though as we find out why he seemed to have changed from the fun loving guy Sam knew, it's very understandable!

I loved all (save one) characters! I love that the theme of this book is to choose joy, even in hard circumstances. I empathized with Sam and her struggle as I have seen a little bit of what she goes through with my daughter. Clay is such a special little kid and what he does near the end of the book is such an inspiring moment!

I am a huge fan of Katherine's, definitely an auto buy author for me!

“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘑𝘰𝘺 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨” - 𝘔𝘢𝘹 ⁣
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This quote is so true, especially during these uncertain times. I snagged What You Wish For on Netgallery when it was “Read Now”. What You Wish for, pulled me out of my reading slump. I read it in three short days. I would of finished it sooner, but adulting responsibilities got in the way. This is the third books I’ve read from Katherine Centers, she knows how to take a serious issue and turn it into a life lesson of joy. Yes, a luxury vacation can bring you joy, but also eating ice cream for breakfast can bring you joy too. The story is told from the main character prospective, I really adored the main character Samantha. She is witty, creative and filled with passion for both her job and her friends. If you are looking for a summer beach read, make sure you pick up What You Wish For on 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎.⁣
Tw: school shooting, PTSD⁣

I received a advanced copy of this book from net galley Wow what a great book I couldn’t put it down. Another best seller for sure for this author. Characters are like able and plot was enjoyable. You have the quirky librarian named Samantha that you can’t help but root for. A new principal arrives in town who has some issues. You instantly start rooting for them. Predictable but enoyable story that kept me invested in the outcome

This was my first book by Katherine Center and it was a pleasant, positive happy read. The characters were likeable (mostly - 1 deliberately dislikable) and the story, although at times quite predictable, was nonetheless enjoyable and entertaining. It does cover a couple of challenging topics although not at enough depth to be upsetting - more as a ‘these things have changed who I am’. I enjoyed the read.

I love Katherine Center's books. Her characters, descriptions and dialogue pull you in and don't let go. It feels some times like you are right there watching the story unfold as if happens - as if you might find yourself part of the conversations. What You Wish For is a compelling story about being brave, about loss, about second chances and about the power of love. Most importantly, it is a reminder to always fight for happiness and to never let go of the things that bring you joy.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of What You Wish For by Katherine Centre in exchange for this review. Centre's new novel, like all of her novels, is a delight to read. Sam Casey lives with intention after a lifetime of pain and rejection. After her beloved school Principal and mentor dies, Sam is forced to face her fears when someone from her past arrives at her school to fill the Principal role. Is Sam able to be courageous, "choose joy" and embrace the future or will she run away from the one person who holds the key to her heart? What You Wish For is a warm, funny and thoughtful novel that draws you in from the first page and invites you to decide if you too are choosing joy in your life!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.


Samantha Casey has found the job of her dreams as a school librarians at a prestigious school but this all shattered when someone from her past comes to change the school and not necessarily for the better. Grief has struck the small school with the death of their beloved principal leading to the hiring of Duncan Carpenter. At first Samantha is excited because she knew Duncan from a previous school as fun, carefree teacher who all the students and teachers adored. When the school is introduced to Duncan; however, this new Duncan is nothing like Samantha has ever seen. Duncan is now cold, standoffish and wants to change everything about the school that makes it unique. Samantha, and the teachers, are not about to let Duncan change everything they've worked so hard to make the school what it is.

My reading has definitely changed during quarantine times. Lately I've been reaching for lighter reads, particularly romances, and What You Wish For definitely fit the bill. My reading experience started off a little bit rocky. Honestly it took me about halfway into this book to become invested. At times I thought I would mark it a DNF. Samantha was a little too juvenile for my tastes and honestly that didn't change throughout the novel. Once the readers are able to see why Duncan's demeanor changed it made me more invested in the story. What You Wish For is predictable but with charming secondary characters. This will make for a great beach read when it comes out on July 14th.

This was the quarantine book I needed! It made me laugh out loud. It made me cry. It touched on difficult subjects (school shootings, epilepsy, depression, thoughts of suicide). What You Wish For was un-put-downable. I did not want to leave Sam and her world in Galveston, Texas. ⁣
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Sam left the school she was a librarian at because of a guy. She has managed to make a life for herself in Galveston, but when her boss and mentor suddenly passes away and the guy she left her previous job for is hired to replace him, will she run away again? Sam is faced with the decision of leaving Galveston or staying to save her beloved school. Will she be able to conquer her fears and find joy in everything or will she give into her self-doubts?⁣

Katherine Center has become one of my favorite authors. I really enjoyed What You Wish For and am glad I was given the opportunity to read it through Netgalley. What You Wish For did discuss some heavy topics which I wasn't expecting just by reading the description of the book but I thought it covered these topics very well. There is definitely a reminder throughout the book that you shouldn't assume stuff about someone and that there really could be a lot more going on for that person that you don't realize. Overall, I thought this book was great and one that I will be recommending to people.

In Katherine Center’s highly anticipated summer release, hope is found. Her novel gave my heart just the jolt of positivity it needed to hang on to love and joy in the world right now. If you are looking for an uplifting and lighthearted read, this is it. Sure, there parts of the story which were tough to swallow as an educator myself. However, from the darkness Center’s novel brings a light with its quirky and lovable character and scenes of pure hope. This novel brings out the message of bravery and joy in the aftermath of tragedy and fear. It highlights the true meaning of love and family and how to find peace within the world when everything makes you feel alone.
When a quaint and whimsical private school on a small island loses it’s beloved leader, Sam, the school librarian, finds it her duty to save the school from what happens next. In Max’s absence, with his widow grieving and unable to take on the responsibility of managing the school, a new principal is appointed. Sam and the new principal, Duncan, have known each other for years, or rather Sam has been obsessed with him since they taught together previously. However, the Duncan who appears at this school is nothing like the fun-loving, carefree, goofball from her past. As the school faculty prepares for the changes brought on by Sam’s former crush turned nemesis, we learn that people are filled with experiences and emotions they find hard to share. Through friendship and the power of joy the lives of these characters change through a heartwarming series of events.

After reading Things You Save in a Fire, I was excited to receive a copy of What You Wish For.

Sam Casey moves to Galveston, TX to escape Duncan Carpenter, a teacher from her past life who she was crushing on HARD. Duncan was everyone's favorite person - he was fun, charming, carefree. When Duncan seemed to find the love of his life and Sam realized she didn't have a chance, she made the decision to move on with her life.

Sam finds the perfect job as a librarian at a perfect school in TX. When the principal of the school suddenly passes away, the school is rocked to its core. Imagine Sam's surprise when the new principal is announced and it's none other than her Duncan. Except... it's not the Duncan from her past. Duncan has changed. A LOT. Gone is the fun and engaging Duncan. He has been replaced with a stone-faced and serious man. There is nothing fun about this Duncan. What's even worse is that he wants to implement changes to the school that basically turn it into a lifeless prison. What could have possibly happened to Duncan from the time Sam first knew him to now that caused this change in him? Can anything be done to save the school from disaster?

Katherine Center is now my go-to for a nice, feel good read, which was something I needed right now. I enjoyed this book and blew through it in two days. Was it a little predictable? Yes, but that's OK with me. I loved the characters and their flaws. I loved the quirkiness of Sam and she was someone I could relate to. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.