I loved this beautiful story about an elementary school librarian who unexpectedly loses her beloved boss and finds out her crush from college will be taking his place.

This was such a fun and quirky book. It had a good message about choosing happiness even though you've been through some things instead of letting the bad stuff bring you down and constantly living in fear. It reminds us to enjoy the little things like wearing polka dot socks if we want.

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for my gifted audiobook copy. ❤

Thanks to Netgalley for the audiobook copy.
I thought the narrator was excellent. As for the book, I thought this was a cute read. Perfect book to read at the beach or sitting in a hammock.

"What You Wish For" written by Katherine Center is a story about finding joy in the midst of tragedy and dealing with change. The story centers on a school librarian who is very active in the school community. The characters in this book were interesting and some a bit quirky. As a teacher, it was interesting to read this book and see all of the things that occurred... but some events did feel a little far fetched. I really enjoyed the second half of the book and I like that the ending tied up everything perfectly.

In terms of the audiobook, I could not stand the narrator. For some reason, her voice bothered me. It seemed super upbeat and peppy which I found extremely annoying to listen to. I love audiobooks and have listened to many but have never had the reaction like I did to this voice actor. I felt like that really took away from my enjoyment of the story unfortunately. However, it won't keep me from reading more of this author and trying again with a different audiobook.

I'm so excited NetGalley has audio books now! I listened to this book during a long weekend of painting our new condo, and it was the perfect light and cute story to keep me entertained while I was working. Narrators make or break an audio book for me, and this one was good. If you like listening to a book sped up slightly this probably isn't a good narrator for you, I found it a little strange and hard to listen to that way, but on normal speed it was fine.

As for the book itself, I had a high bar. How To Walk Away was one of my favorite books I read in 2019. Probably top 5 for the year, that's a big deal for me! The story was unexpected and the characters felt richly layered, complex, and genuinely surprised me. What You Wish For wasn't that way at all. From the first few chapters you'll have a good idea where this book is headed, and even though you really do want to root for Sam and Duncan, I didn't feel a lot of surprise or suspense from them. One of the best things about How To Walk Away was the really complex picture it painted of recovery and learning to live with a disability and the ways in which it doesn't always wrap up neatly. What You Wish for sprinted toward a tidy conclusion that didn't really do service to the characters or their story. It was still a fun read, but I think I expected more from a Katherine Center novel.

A genuinely lovely book about the power of joy. Packed with an utterly brilliant cast of characters and a wonderful story that draws you in and leads you gently by the hand. It made me laugh out loud many times, which books rarely do, but also sigh with delight and gasp with tension. I've read a couple of books by this author now and she keeps getting better.

I listened to this on netgalley audiobook and it was brilliantly narrated by Therese Plummer, her fabulous voices made the story come alive.

I have loved everything I've read by Katherine Center so far and while this book wasn't my favorite of hers, I still enjoyed it for the most part.

There are definite trigger warnings in this book for the loss of a loved one, gun violence, abuse, and medical trauma.

All of those trigger warnings may make you think that this is going to be an incredibly emotional book... you're right... however, it isn't all doom and gloom. It tackles some serious subject matter, but the hope and joy in this book make a good balance.

I did find some of those parts a bit cheesy - and trust me, I can tolerate a fair amount of it - sometimes, considering the darker parts, I wondered if it was a little over the top. Perhaps, though, that was done on purpose.

Another criticism I found - which is fully just a "me" thing - are inaccuracies or things that just wouldn't happen in a private school setting. Or if they did, it'd be a HUGE deal. I have a better part of a decade's experience with the administration/development (and parent) side of private schools and it was slightly irritating to read about how certain things were handled at the school that would not fly in real life. It took me out of the story every time.

The most glaring was when the new principal claimed he was re-allocating funds that were raised for a new playground to build something completely different. I could NEVER imagine that happening. Parents would lose their ever-loving minds and it would NOT be worth the headache if they donated large sums of money to a capital campaign and the nonprofit organization suddenly changed their minds about what they were using the money for. I also highly doubt a Board of Directors would agree to that. Is it even legal?

There were also little things like how the "quirky" teacher behaved and I kept imagining what kind of uproar it truly would've caused at faculty meetings - and how many complaints the Head of School and administration would get from other teachers. You'd be surprised at how upsetting those overly outgoing teachers are to the rest of the faculty. I think I would've been more impressed with this book if it had handled those nuances more accurately. It definitely would've been far more believable for me.

I really enjoyed the romance, though the hero's "before and after" characteristics were so jarringly different that his character didn't hold a lot of believability to me. In fact, I found both the main characters somewhat lacking. I loved the epilepsy rep, though I can't speak to how well it was done. I did feel like the heroine's quirks weren't consistent. I can't really put into words what it was exactly, but something felt off with both of these characters which has not been the case at all with other Katherine Center books I've read.

Speaking of the epilepsy rep, I fully empathize with how the main character felt about her illness. It is a constant storm cloud that looms over her head and plays a part in every decision she makes. It refocused her future and how her mind works on a minute-to-minute basis. The constant, "is this an episode," worry was so relatable to me.

I have Multiple Sclerosis, so I know what it is like to carry around your illness with you everywhere you go, whether you're having a flare-up or not. I both love and hate reading about it in books.

As always in Katherine Center books, I did love the ending. I love how she wraps things up in a pretty bow. And OMG if I could rate only her essay about reading for joy at the end, I'd give it all the stars in the universe, it was so validating and so good!

This was a very fast listen for me and my first, of many, Katherine Center books! I didn't know what to expect going in but a lot of other's have mentioned their love for Center - and now, I'm a huge fan. This is a story about Sam who uproots her life just to be thrown in the middle of that previously left life, in a different city.

Center is able to easily weave a lot of different stories/relationships seamlessly. I was invested in all the character's happiness and rooting for them every step of the way. Center also takes on some very hard-hitting topics that are prevalent in our society today (if I wrote them it would ruin the story).

Anyone who wants a happy ending with a few twists and turns along the way, this is the book for you!

I recommend picking up this book because in all the chaos that surrounds daily life, finding a way to celebrate the little things will always make you feel better. This is one of the lessons that Max and Samantha (characters) try to teach others.

Audiobook Review
Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars

I initially read What You Wish For (my original review is below) back in March 2020. I absolutely loved revisiting Duncan and Sam via audiobook. Therese Plummer continues to amaze me with her incredible narration and ability to bring characters to life. Her performance is emotional and heartfelt and I laughed (and cried) all over again while listening to this. She gives each character their own distinct voice (young, old, male, female) and I had no problem distinguishing between characters. I also really loved the author's note at the end read by Katherine Center. It drove home the importance of choosing and cultivating joy in our lives. Such a wonderful way to experience this book!

*****
4.5 stars
I have loved every Katherine Center book I have had the pleasure of reading. The characters are so endearing and often wonderfully adorkable. They encounter relatable issues and obstacles that will have readers rooting for them from the start. What You Wish For is no exception. After reading Happiness for Beginners, I was so excited to learn that loveably goofy Duncan would be getting his own book. I dropped all my other reading commitments and dove right into What You Wish For. Though it's not necessary to read Happiness for Beginners prior to this book, I do recommend it because it's wonderful and I think it will really enrich the experience.

I loved the overall message of choosing joy, even in the face of fear and adversity. The book deals with some very serious, but timely topics (TW: school and gun violence), that may be extremely difficult for readers. It sometimes felt too in your face, but at the same time I can understand why the author chose to show these two extreme sides to the issue. I enjoyed the contrast between bright and sunny Sam and doom and gloom Duncan, especially after seeing him so dramatically different in Happiness for Beginners. Yes, they both make some poor over the top choices, but I could understand that for the most part, their hearts were in the right place. It was fairly clear from the start what Duncan's history would entail, but it didn't take away the impact of his past when all was revealed. Sam and Duncan have a lot of emotional scars to process and deal with, but I loved how they ended up helping each other (and the entire school community) heal. It's a slow burn, second chance-ish romance between them and I have to say that one of my favorite parts of the book is when Duncan is high on pain killers ("The opiates never lie." LOL).

I really enjoyed Sam's inner monologue/voice. The story is told completely in her POV, but her little jokes and quirks were so endearing. Her friendship with Alice was the best and I loved all the math jokes and connections. One of my favorite parts of the book however, was when a few familiar characters popped up during a beach scene. I couldn't wipe the HUGE smile off my face and I may have let out a contented sigh. It really was the tiny bit of epilogue my heart needed for those characters. Another highlight was Chuck Norris and the few easter eggs/nods to Happiness for Beginners. Overall, this was another fantastic read by Katherine Center and is sure to be one of my top reads of 2020!

*I voluntarily read and listened to a review copy of this book. Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley*

If you're looking for a fun, carefree, "delightful" audiobook, "What You Wish For" is the one for you!

That's right: I said "delightful". This book is the very definition of "delightful".

The narration is perfection. Chipper and energetic, bursting with optimism and glee. The narrator really conveys Sam's character. Also, though, she nails the sarcastic and deadpanned humor sprinkled throughout the book.

The plot is very cute: a fun, colorful school, very bohemian/privileged chic, taken over by a hardcore, straightlaced principal, who happens to be the librarian's crush from years back. The dialogue is hysterical at times.

Although the book begins with a tragedy, which made me want to stop listening because it was so depressing, it turns into a wonderful little escape listen. Sam reminds me a lot of myself: people always see me as this bubbly, silly person who tells ridiculous dad jokes and dirty jokes, and they're always surprised to learn that I really have to force myself into a good mood. Like Sam, I have my depressing past, and the best way to overcome it is to confront myself with joy, which is a loose line from the book.

This is an easy, breezy listen, and I loved every second of it.

I love Katherine Center. Her romances have depth. You know that the girl and the guy are going to end up together, but there's always a little heartbreak along the way. This novel does not disappoint.

The main character, a librarian at an elementary school, has gone through a transformation to take her life back. In the first 10 pages, her principal has a heart attack while dancing with her. The replacement is a loveable, teacher-of-the-year type that is a former crush of the protagonist. While she hopes he'll keep the school running as it was, that's not this guy's style.

Therese Plummer is a veteran narrator, who never disappoints. When I hear her voice, I know it's going to be a good book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 4
Pace: 4
Plot development: 3
Characters: 3
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of Reading: 4
Narrator: 3

Overall rating: 4 out of 5

Moving to Galveston was one of the best decisions Samantha Casey ever made. She found a home on the island. At the Kempner School where she works as a librarian, kids are encouraged to play and be creative. She has a beautiful library with books painted on the stairs and comfy furniture galore. It's a safe haven for her students and everything Sam could have ever hoped for. So when the school's beloved principal and founder dies suddenly, Sam is devastated. His replacement? Duncan Carpenter, an old, unrequited crush that Sam just can't seem to shake. Duncan is not the same man she remembers though. Gone is the sweet, carefree teacher who would wear funky ties and have random dance parties. The new Duncan is all about school safety, even if it means stifling everything that Sam loves about Kempner. Well, crush or no crush, that's not happening on her watch!

You can never go wrong with Katherine Center, and What You Wish For is no exception (although I might be biased because I'm a librarian). Center's latest novel is all about finding joy in everyday life to counteract the sadness or despair we may be feeling, a lesson we could all use right now. I admit I wanted more scenes with Sam and Duncan that didn't necessarily revolve around heavy topics, but they were adorable all the same. Highly recommend!

"WHAT YOU WISH FOR" was not what I wished for!

I am a huge Katherine Center fan....so perhaps my expectations were too high. I was wishing for ANOTHER amazing Katherine Center book and that was not what was delivered.

The book was 10 hrs and 18 mins and should have been 4 hours top. TRUE CONFESSION: I was unable to get into this book until the 58% mark (I checked!) because the first portion of this book had the main character (Sam) whining and obsessing about a guy who never paid any attention to her or asked her out (Duncan). Sam rambled on about how much she adored the old Duncan...yet she rarely spoke to him during the 2 years that they worked together. Just how many times can one listen to someone (Sam) talk about another person's (Duncan's) pants, ties, socks, t-shirts and funny lines? Needless to say, the dialogue in the first half of the book was repetitive and very annoying -- and I am being kind.

When Duncan revealed his backstory to Sam (at marker 58%), I hoped that this book would pick up, but it did not. None of the characters drew me in and I also was not able to relate to the storyline about the trapped baby whale at the end of the book.

When the book FINALLY ended, I felt cheated because I spent 10 plus hours of my time listening to the book that never improved... This book's e only redeeming feature was the Katherine Center's statement at the end of the book. I enjoyed learning more about Katherine Center and the first novel that she penned when she was younger.

What You Wish For
By Katherine Center
Audiobook narration by Therese Plummer

Finally, NetGalley is offering audiobooks! And I was able to grab Katherine Center’s new book as my first. Whoop! Whoop! Below is my honest review.

I have read and adored Things You Save in a Fire, another of Center’s books, so my bar was set pretty high for this new piece. Initially, I felt that the audio narration was too slow for me but remedied that problem by boosting the rate to 1.25. That did the trick!

This work of fiction revolves around a school in the wake of a beloved Principal’s sudden passing and the new leader’s over-the-top obsession with stripping the school of it’s character and developing the nation’s premier school in state of the art safety. Tension between the new leader and the school’s quirky epileptic librarian waxed and waned, and it was clear from the beginning that the relationship was bound to evolve.

The narrator did a beautiful job of bringing Center’s tragic scenes to life, bringing me to the verge of tears on at least two occasions. However, the book was predictable and the writing frequently evoked in me a memory of impassioned monologues a la Grey’s Anatomy, for better or for worse.

The author’s note, read aloud by Center herself, is not to be missed. She shares poignant life lessons AND her childhood obsession with Duran Duran. Dare I say I enjoyed the author’s note even more than the novel it accompanies. Overall, What You Wish For was an enjoyable book to listen to and I will definitely be back for more of Center’s work.
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I loved this!! Adorable and uplifting; What You Wish For is the kind of book you end up hugging because its main character ignites so much happiness.

Samantha Casey, an eccentric librarian in love with her elementary school is faced with a dilemma when former crush Duncan Carpenter arrives in town to take over as principal. Duncan is but a shadow of his former fun self, now obsessed with uniformity, school safety and fortifying the school grounds. After hearing what Duncan has planned, it’s up to Sam to bring him back from the dark side. Wearing her weirdness like a badge of honor, Sam is a champion of all things bright and joyous, and ultimately, it’s her big heart and optimism that sweeps this novel and its readers along on a librarian’s quest for goodness.

Sam is the kind of character that you want to either adopt or befriend immediately because of her pure heart. I thought the narration performed by Therese Plummer was among the most fun and captivating narrations I have heard from an audiobook, and at times reminded me of the hilarity and boisterousness of Kristen Wiig.

Placing all the funny aside, What You Wish For also delivers on thoughtful and serious themes of child safety, the importance of maintaining vivid learning environments for kids, and myriad examples of the importance of community, love and support for adults and kids alike.

I think educators will love this book but I also fully recommend What You Wish For to anyone who is in need of a dose of joy.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review! I’ll be posting very similar glowing reviews to my Goodreads and IG account (@ediblereads) this week! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

What You Wish For follows Katherine Center’s recipe for success in her previous novels. It’s sweet with a touch of real world drama/trauma. Overall it’s a feel good story, reminiscent of hallmark movies (which I personally love so I’m here for it).

While this book is a love story of sorts, it’s more than that. It’s about a love for your community, your life, joy, and those you choose to surround yourself with. It’s about making the best of sometimes terrible situations and still choosing joy and pursuing the things that make you happy.

At times I thought Sam seemed a little immature and self centered, yet at the same time I found her endearing. Even the actions I felt were somewhat selfishly motivated were from a good place.

I really enjoyed the narration of this. Therese Plummer’s voice was perfect for what I pictured Sam to sound like. Overall I liked What You Wish For it’s a feel good story with touching moments that pull at your heart strings.

Oh my gosh this book!

I loved the narrator and the emotional range she was able to give us readers. She MADE the book even better. Within the first chapter I was on the verge of tears and I was just ONE CHAPTER IN! She didn't just read you the story. She gave you everything the character was going through and more.

I knew I'd love this only because I love Center's previous book What To Save In A Fire. She is an amazing author and writes some seriously swoon-worthy stories.

This is exactly why I choose audiobooks over regular books. It's just a different connection to the story.

I vote if you decide to read this, definitely choose the audio version!!!

I loved this audiobook. I loved the relationships and the characters. Although I do think that the way of getting better could've been handled better.

Wonderfully whimsical! Another delightful story from Katherine Center. This was such an uplifting feel good story that just radiated joy! Samantha had a troubled past but she has now reinvented herself in Galveston as the quirky colorful school librarian. Due to tragedy the school is getting a new principal Duncan, and in a unlikely coincidence Sam has a pass connection to Duncan. BUT Duncan is no longer the fun-loving free spirit that Sam previously knew. He is now a uptight tie wearing safety obsessed downer determined to change Sam’s beloved school. What happened to the upbeat Duncan and will Sam be able to help him find joy?

There was just something so sweet and innocent about this story that really resonated with me. Terese Plummer narrates the audiobook and her upbeat narration just had me smiling throughout the entire book. She gave Sam a lovely voice that really immersed me in this tale. There were so many wonderful secondary characters in the story, my favorite being a little boy with a passion for books and a love of see life. We’d all be lucky to have a school librarian as wonderful as Sam!

This book in emojis 🏫 🏖 🐳 🦋 📚 🖍

*** Big thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

I was sent this book from the publisher/publicity team. My ratings and reviews will be my own personal opinions and are in no way influenced by publishers or authors who may have sent me books to review.

I have always wanted to read a book from Katherine Center as I have heard great things about her previous works. Sadly, this one did not work for me.
I absolutely loved the beginning of this story when we first get introduced to Samantha and her life. I was hooked and thought I was going to fly through this. Sadly, this one lost me after the introduction scenes.

This does deal with adults, but it was very YA to be in how the characters were acting. I did not think it made any sense how Samantha fell so in love with Duncan when he did not even know her. Again, this was more of a younger character story for me. She ended up leaving her job and moving away to nothing over a guy who did not know her.

Once Duncan arrives to her new school, of all places, the story still did not pick up for me. It was slow and there were too many details that I just did not care about. I found myself a little bored and skimming to find out what happened.

I will still try some other work from the author as others seem to feel the same way about this one.