Thank you so much Katherine Center and St Martins Press for releasing this ebook early for everyone to read! I have to say, although my TBR stack is high, I pretty much dropped it all to read this one! It did not disappoint! A romance set at an elementary school in Galveston (shoutout Texas girls!), this book had the cutest characters, the sweetest kids, and enough tough topics to make me cry! It was a can't-put-it-downer for me, and while I read it so quickly, I loved every minute of it. Thank you again Katherine Center for writing a book to lift our spirits in this crazy time!

This is a book that took me by surprise. I mean that in a very positive way. The biggest take aways for me come from Max Kempner, a character who is easy to love, "Never miss a chance to celebrate." With everything going on in the world today that struck me as an excellent way to live. His second axiom is just as important. Pay attention to what connects you to joy.

What You Wish For is a pleasure to read. The characters are engaging and well developed. The above mentioned Max and his wife Babette run a legendary school on Galveston Island called the Kempner School.
Samantha Casey is the librarian and lives in the Kempner's carriage house. The love shown in the characters interactions feels real and is uplifting. There is plenty is tension caused by the death of Max in the opening pages of the story. This is a well balanced story. It easily earns a five star rating.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from St Martin's Press through NetGalley.The opinions expressed are completely my own.
#WhatYouWishFor #NetGalley

One of the things I love the most about Katherine Center is her unique way of writing characters that are always relatable, lovable, and full of joy and zeal.

Samantha was utterly enjoyable. She had a big heart and was full of passion and love for her job, and the school that became a second home to her. She was vibrant, cheerful, and incredibly down to earth. Her and Duncan’s story was heartwarming, and uplifting. Although, Duncan was on my naughty list for some time, but he redeemed himself midway through the book. I also thought, that Samantha and Duncan knowing each other, worked really well for this particular story. It gave additional depth to the book, and a shared history to built on.

It’s not surprising that the book tackled topics that were interesting but also totally unexpected. It also didn’t take me long to tear up at one particular heartfelt scene. There were actually many scenes that were so well done that I wanted to applaud the author for working her magic in a very gracious and compassionate way.

I ended up reading the book in one sitting, during a time when concentrating on new books has become quite hard. What You Wish For was an easy and fast read. Thoughtful. Emotional. Enjoyable. It was a novel about loving yourself as you are, finding the joy in small things, and enjoying life to the fullest.

I had heard about this author, but actually never read her previous novel, How To Walk Away. But now, I think I need to read that one, as well. Why? Because I honestly devoured What You Wish For in about two days. I just couldn’t put it down. See the story of Samantha Casey and Duncan Carpenter was heartwarming and endearing. Without spoiling this for anyone who hasn’t read it just yet, the plot honestly made my heart swell and was such a feel good read, especially during this current time right now. I just couldn’t help, but root for both of these characters to heal and find happiness. So, thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me an ADR to read.

Galveston, TX school librarian Samantha's new boss is the guy she had a crush on 4 years ago - but now he's very different. No longer happy-go-lucky, Duncan is only concerned with school safety and seems bent on ridding the school of everything that brought joy to students and staff. A terrific romance and story of the varying effects of trauma on people of all ages. Great read.
(Netgalley review)

An enjoyable book for all. Katherine Center really knows how to tell a love story and her positive spin on life is very much needed right now.

Loved this book just as much as Katherine Center's other books!!! So excited I had a chance to read an early copy!

This easy to read story follows Sam Casey, a librarian at a historic elementary school on Galveston Island in Texas. Though she doesn't have a boyfriend, her life is satisfying and full. She lives with her beloved mentor, Babette, she has a dedicated best friend, Alice, and she adores her job and her colleagues. But when she learns that her new principal is Duncan Carpenter, a man she had an unreciprocated crush on years ago in California, her well tended life threatens to implode. When the Duncan Carpenter who arrives is nothing like the man she used to know, Sam vows to learn his secret. With the help of the school community, Sam and Dylan get to know each other again and friendship soon leads to more. Everything about this book is warm, comforting and completely predictable. Not my usual type of read, I was glad to have the book equivalent of macaroni and cheese at this moment in history.

I love Katherine Center books and this one is no exception. I loved the quirky characters and the pining love story. The story was fun and unique and the book was a perfect weekend read.

Sam ran from a previous school librarian job to escape the man that she had a huge, unrequited crush on, only for this man to turn up 4 years later when the beloved current principal dies unexpectedly and they need a replacement. Even though it will be painful to see him, and she'll probably quit to avoid the heartache, she thinks he's the perfect person for the job. Fun loving, great with kids, goofy and easy at heart, he's exactly what the school needs after their loss. But when he shows up, he's a complete 180 from the man she knew. Completely and totally focused on school safety, he makes dozens of changes that take the heart right out of the culture they've created. Now Sam has to figure out how to reach him, before the school loses everything that makes them, them.

Cute, homey little romance without too complicated of a plot. It touches on some serious subjects, but everything stays so surface level that it doesn't wring a lot of emotional response. It's not very steamy either, there's a few kissey scenes and that's about as touchy as it gets. The storytelling itself is good, and the plot is interesting enough to push this from a 3 to a 4.

Overall a good read. A cheesy but enjoyable read! I found the main characters to be a bit frustrating which made it difficult to read at times.

This is a pleasant book from an author that I enjoy. I really liked this book. It was a quick read and I wish that there were a few more chapters as the end felt rushed. Sam is a teacher who left one school for another escaping her crush. She now happily resides on Galveston Island. The school she’s teaching at loses its beloved founder and principal so a new principal must be hired. To Sam’s surprise, the new principal is none other than her former crush, Duncan. Sam has reinvented herself from a person that no one noticed to a person I imagine you couldn’t help but notice. Duncan has changed too. Sam and Duncan navigate their old and new relationships and learn to accept each others issues and work through them. I did not enjoy the characters use of “fair enough”. The characters used that statement numerous times throughout the book and sometimes several times in one conversation. I do wish the book had a few more chapters because I would like to know what happens next for Sam and Duncan. Hoping for a sequel.

What You Wish For
by Katherine Center

Let me start by saying, I live in Galveston and thoroughly enjoyed the aspect of my hometown as the setting. As I recognized the street names and special locations I could just picture the events. However, when there was a deviance of location description, I noticed that too and it bothered me a little ... but that’s just me - very few others would know or notice. Other things like “real estate is super cheap” ... NOPE, definitely not. Once, again, that’s me picking out what would otherwise go unnoticed. I do love the author’s descriptions of beloved places, the Victorian houses, beach homes, the coffee shop on Post Office Street, the Seawall and beach itself. She understands the deep feelings of the residents who refer to Galveston as “my island”.

The story of Max and Babette Kempner (Kempner is a well known founding family of Galveston 👍🏻) is such a true testament of genuinely good people in the world. The resounding message to choose joy was strong and meaningful. Their daughter, Tina is married to Kent - a really “douchey” guy aka the wealthy, arrogant a** that we’ve all met. Tina and Kent have precious, precocious 3rd grader Clay who plays a big part in the resolution of the story. The focus is on Sam, the quirky, often insecure (but beloved) Kempner elementary school librarian and her relationship with Duncan. He comes in as the new principal after Max’s sudden, unexpected death. I got frustrated with Duncan’s coldness and Sam drove me crazy because she kept literally running away, running off. If either one of them said “fair enough “ one more time, I swear!

The situations of the school, especially with a new principal taking over were spot on - been there, experienced that. The whole principal/boss and teachers/staff referred to as employees have not been my experience, however.

Note: the ghost story mentioned is typical for the area, with it’s many tales. The story Samantha tells Duncan is reminiscent of the ghost bride story of the Hotel Galvez (look it up!). I loved this being included.

My review may seem a little critical, but I really did enjoy the story. I also liked Things You Save in a Fire. Are they groundbreaking classics? No, but they’re not intended to be. They portray stories of human doubts and emotions, while addressing issues of our times.

I rate What You Wish For a
⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. I anticipated the book, hoped for an ARC from the author who I do follow and like (didn’t get it), but ended up getting an e-book ARC from NetGalley and MacMillan Publishing.
Thank you to both!

The opinions expressed in the review are solely my own.

This one gave me all the feels. When an old crush comes back into her life after a tragedy, you are left reeling to know how it ends. Samantha's journey in life hasn't been a smooth one, which keeps you rooting for her until the end. I couldn't put it down. This was a fun light hearted read, and I loved it. Thank you #netgalley for the read!

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Katherine Center for an early copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

In the midst of chaos in the world, this was exactly what I needed to read. This book has a great writing style, easy to read, and it's a great book that's just easy to fall in love with.

The characters are endearing, easy to resonate with, and when the town is in mourning, you feel their grief. Love that I received this as an ARC, and this author is always on my authors to follow list. Add this one to your TBR List...it doesn't disappoint.

5 out of 5.

"What You Wish For" tells the story of Samantha Casey, an elementary school librarian on the island of Galveston, Texas. The book centers around the relationship between Samantha and her new boss and the conflicts between them over how the school should be run. What sets this book apart from others in the "women's fiction" category is the superb writing and character development that are the hallmark of all of Katherine Center's books. In this case, she does a wonderful job of drawing out the backstories of the two main characters to help explain why they do the things they do. An added bonus is the description of Galveston--she truly brings this unique location to life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, and it would also be a good selection for book clubs, as it raises interesting issues around PTSD and school shootings that would make for an excellent discussion.

Looking forward to her next book!

"Choose joy on purpose." Another wonderful message from another wonderful novel by Katherine Center! Katherine Center has a way of creating characters that you love and love to hate (Kent Buckley) and storylines that immerse you into her world. This story shares the journey towards grief, healing, happiness, new beginnings, courage and love. I absolutely fell in love with the community in this book! The author's portrayal of how human connection and community can create a catalyst for change is heartwarming. Especially, as I read this during our world's own experience during the Covid pandemic and self-isolation to keep others safe and healthy.

Katherine Center also has a way with words and how she introduces tragic situations, such as a school shooting in this particular novel, and harnesses her words in a way that the reader is able to feel the emotion behind the situation. She did not center her entire book around the actual incident but highlighted the emotions that anyone can relate to.

5-stars is not a high enough rating for this book. This is the 3rd Katherine Center novel that I have read and she is by far one of my favorite authors who is able to make me feel the emotions that she must have felt while she writes her masterpieces. I highly recommend this novel, her other novels and her as an author in general.

A beautiful story of how joy bring people back from horrible situations in life. The reader will fall in love with Sam and Duncan, as well as the school they work in.

This is my 3rd Katherine Center novel and I am a fan! This one was a slow start for me and it wasn’t until almost half way through that I was invested in the characters enough to keep going for their sake. But I am so very glad I did. Sam and Duncan were complex but interesting characters, even when I wasn’t sure I liked them. The author’s story line was very believable and could have happened to anyone, but told in such a way that never felt like you had heard that story a thousand times. I loved this book and I’m quite sure I will read it again!

this book was wonderful. I could not put it down. I felt such a range of emotions while reading - sadness, anger, laughter, joy... the story felt so real, and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. Like the characters in the story, I too, am seeking joy in my life and having thoughts that better days are ahead through these uncertain times.