Everyone has told be to read Katherine Center. “Things You Save In The Fire was amazing you must read it ASAP!” my friend said. “Pick up How To Walk Away, I promise you’ll love it.” Another friend said. I didn’t listen. I kept meaning to, but other newer shinier books kept getting in the way. Until Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press sent me an ARC of What You Wish For, there’s nothing newer and shinier than a book that hasn’t been released yet, amirite? So obviously I hopped right on it and now I understand what all the fuss was about.

First let’s talk about how easy this book was to read. As soon as I opened my kindle I felt like it wrapped me up in a warm blanket with a cup of Earl Grey and whispered “read me Devon”. It was like every Hallmark Channel movie I have ever loved rolled into one (and I mean that as the highest compliment) all I wanted to do was read this book.

Second let’s talk about the theme of finding joy. It may seem like cheesy self-help nonsense (I love cheesy self-help nonsense by the way, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!) but at this particular moment in time, this book reminded me to try to find as much joy in my day as possible. That I might have to fight and claw my way to that joy, but do it anyway. That was the exact message that I needed at the exact time that I needed it. And really isn’t that what the best books do, help you find a tiny piece of yourself that you may have neglected?

So at this point in the review you may be wondering, then why 4 stars instead of five? Well, I think that’s more on me than the book. By then end I wanted all Sam and Duncan all the time but there were a few other storylines that got in the way of my Sam and Duncan love fest that I personally just didn’t need.

Now that I’ve read Katherine Center, I need to read more Katherine Center. Her books are comfort reads and there aren’t a lot of authors that are guaranteed to satisfy that hole in your life after reading too many heavy books. Susan Elizabeth Philips is one and now I feel that Katherine Center may be another. I look forward to finding out.

5 ⭐️ This book was such a joy to read. And that is what’s about, JOY. Finding joy even when life isn’t perfect. Joy is a choice and is cumulative. A choice we make every time we decide to do things that bring us joy. ❤️ Sam and Duncan’s relationship, you can tell it was special from the Beginning, even though they didn’t know it yet. There was No dragged out drama or miscommunication. That’s always a plus for me, The side characters, Babette, Max and Alice (and her funny shirts) were great! Also catching up with Helen and Jake (from Happiness for beginners) was wonderful! 🤓 I personally enjoy more books written in present tense instead of past tense, but I get why this was written in past tense. And it is a very minor detail. There wasn’t much I didn’t like, really this book is a gem! 👍🏼The scene after the surgery and the scene when Duncan starts going around finding things to juggle were some of my favorite ones. My favorite Alice shirt was: “TAUTOLOGY: it is what it is” 😂

Thank goodness for a new book from Katharine Center, who has become one of my favorite authors. It was just what I needed during this crazy period of life. Great characters, a scenic setting, an interesting story with a couple of fun twists, and a great vibe of happiness. As a retired teacher, I especially liked the school setting and teacher characters, but the fun setting of Galveston Beach would appeal to anyone. Samantha was a great center for the story, full of life and fun, a librarian who spread the joy with her clothes, her love for the children, and by making the school library a sanctuary for the kids. I liked her friends, and the school itself was really a character in the story as well. So, a few conflicts, a major plot twist, a sweet love story, a villain you love to hate, and a focus on facing your challenges head on. I picked this up after dinner and couldn’t put it down so read straight through until i finished it! Now that is the mark of a good book!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Another sweet and heartfelt story from Katherine Center! Her books have quickly become my favorite because of their quick wit and engaging characters.

So, here's the thing: I wanted to DNF this book at around 30%. It just wasn't connecting for me, and in these pandemic times, I feel even more than usual that if a book isn't grabbing you, it's okay to put it down and move on. That said, I've enjoyed Katherine's other books, so I kept on keepin' on and overall, it's fine! It's a cute story, with a lot of heart, and also hits on some pretty serious issues (trigger warning here for references to gun violence and school shootings). I'm a St. Martin's Press stan, and this is well written, but didn't make me want to sit down and read it in one go.

Such a lovely book. Katherine's characters are very relatable and I am able to connect with them so easily. She makes me really care about them from the beginning! I highly recommend her books to anyone who asks for book recommendations, and even those who do not! I do adore Katherine Center's writing and storylines. I appreciate the chance to read and review.

MC Samantha loves her job as a teacher until it’s beloved principal is replaced by an old crush, Duncan. Turns out though he is not the sweet teacher friend she once crushed on but now he is stiff & rigid, more concerned about school safety. There’s drama between the two, does Samantha dislike her job now? This is a fun, entertaining read! Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ebook ARC. This is my honest review.

This beautiful book has all the feels. It tells the story of why we need Joy in our lives and how joy can change perspectives. I shows how even thru tragedy you can find something joyful and how to actively work towards it wrapped in a good story that keeps your attention right till the ending. I would recommend it!

I love any book involving librarians and this one did not disappoint. Katherine Center has a way of making you feel connected to the characters, regardless of whether you love them or hate them. Duncan Carpenter's character was so in depth that I kept wanting to try and figure out where his issues stemmed from in order to understand him better. The journey the town and school go through in this novel has you cheering them on and hoping for the best. Katherine Center never lets me down and this novel followed suit perfectly!

I loved this book! Katherine Center’s writing is perfect for me as a reader. She’s knows how to write difficult situations that will make you feel like you know these characters in your own life. Her character building and ability to draw emotion from the reader as the characters face difficult situations is excellent. I really enjoyed the light hearted nature of our main character Samantha and her very first encounters with Duncan.
And although we didn’t know Max for too long before he passed away, I felt the loss deeply when he did pass. If you don’t like that characters, there is nothing to tie you to the story and keep you engaged. Center’s writing is like butter, smooth and delicious. With each bite you just want more.

I was looking so forward to reading this book. I love this author and her other books. I started this and could not put it down. I loved the character development and I found the characters to be very relatable.

I enjoyed this book enough to keep reading and finish it, however there were so many moments where the characters seemed so unbelievable and were thinking and doing things that seemed completely ridiculous. It read a bit like a YA novel, but it was about adults. There was enough in the plot that seemed relevant and interesting, but many situations seemed so over the top. I did enjoy the overall theme of choosing joyfulness, even if it felt a bit forced sometimes.

Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for my advanced copy.

I absolutely loved Katherine Center’s last book Things you Save in a Fire so I was excited to have the chance to read her latest book What you Wish For! What you Wish For is the story of Samantha, a librarian at an idyllic school. After the tragic death of the beloved head of school a person from her past takes the school over. The novel revolves around the changes he makes in the school and their relationship. Unfortunately this story was not as compelling as her previous work. I struggled to connect to the characters. She set the bar so high with her previous work that this one fell flat for me. Thank you for the opportunity to review this book.

What You Wish For was not what I expected at all. I went into this thinking it'd be the perfect sweet, feel-good read, but for me, this was not the case.

I seriously couldn't get into this book until about the 50% mark, and frankly, I'm surprised I stuck it out that long. None of the characters drew me in. Samantha was mostly annoying that first half; Duncan was difficult to understand until a past experience comes to light. I may have liked the book a little more with dual perspectives.

After the scene with Helen and Jake (who I actually enjoyed), I thought the book was finally going to pick up, turn around, do something. It started to for a couple of chapters but then ultimately fizzled for me again.

What You Wish For was mostly a strange and silly book. That being said, I did enjoy a few humorous moments, and I can appreciate the topics and issues Katherine Center addressed in the book.

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

I enjoyed this book. It is definitely one of my favorite Katherine Center books. She has a way of making you feel transported to her special little towns where her books take place. It feels like magic! I didn't love that the book seemed slightly far fetched and cheesy. However, that tends to be a theme with her books. Either way, it was a good book to read during quarantine!

I loved it! I read two other books by this author and I personally favor this book out of the other two I read. It was cute, fluffy, and all the feels. It makes the book that much better when you can relate with one of the characters. Love Sam and Duncan!

Thank you St. martins press and Netgalley for a free eARC in exchange for my honest review.

A book about finding the happy times amidst times of chaos, which seems very fitting right now. Samantha (Sam) is an elementary school librarian who loves er job, the school, and the kids. A new principal comes on the scene and it just happens to be Duncan, a man that Sam liked years before. But he seems very stiff and different than the man she remembers. A book that will leave you turning every last page to make sure you're right about how it will all turn out.

I absolutely love Katherine Center and this does not disappoint. It is a heartfelt novel that's not cheesy. It's well written and grabs you from the start. I think everyone is going to adore this book and get sucked into the lives of the characters. I will continue reading Katherine Center books and recommend them to everyone!

Wow! Pure Joy. This book is about facing fears to find and receive happiness. Finding joy in the everyday, even when you can’t. Especially when you can’t. I loved the relationship and back and forth with Sam and Duncan. Max sounds like he could be anyone’s best friend. The characters are warm, funny. with so much personality. There were parts of the book I read with a huge smile on my face. Pure entertainment from beginning to end.

Another hit for Katherine Center! This book was full of light and whimsy while managing some heavy discussions around death, love, and the safety of children. The characters were well developed and full of conflict, but were still down to earth and loveable. Katherine's use of language and the way she describes something so simple as a man's suit is nothing short of magical.