The Wishing Game: A Magical Journey of Wishes and Imagination!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review:

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a delightful and enchanting tale that takes readers on a whimsical journey filled with wonder. From the very first page, I was captivated by the author's vivid storytelling and her ability to transport me to Clock Island, a world where dreams come true.

Meg Shaffer's characterization is impeccable, as she effortlessly brings Lucy, Jack Masterson, Hugo, and Christopher to life, making them relatable and endearing. I found myself rooting for Lucy as she embarked on her quest to make her biggest wish come true.

The author's writing style is fluid and engaging, making it a breeze to get lost in the pages of this enchanting book. The pacing is just right, keeping the story moving at a steady pace while allowing for moments of reflection and introspection. Each chapter unfolded with a new twist, keeping me eagerly turning the pages to see what surprise awaited Lucy.

One of the aspects I loved most about The Wishing Game is the emphasis on the power of imagination and the importance of dreams. It serves as a beautiful reminder to readers of all ages to never stop dreaming and to believe in the magic that resides within us all. Meg Shaffer expertly weaves this message into the narrative, creating a heartwarming and uplifting reading experience.

My only slight criticism is that at times, I wished for a bit more development in some of the secondary characters. While Lucy is a wonderfully fleshed-out character, I found myself wanting to know more about her friends and their own dreams and aspirations.

Overall, The Wishing Game is a captivating and heartwarming read that will ignite the imagination and leave readers with a sense of wonder. Meg Shaffer's storytelling prowess shines through in this enchanting tale, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a magical escape into a world where wishes really do come true.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Although I received a copy of this e-book in exchange for my review, all opinions remain my own.

Oh. My. Gosh. This story is just beautiful. Lucy wants nothing more than to be able to take Christopher home and be his mother. In order to do so, she needs "proper funds and stability" meaning more money. She's doing the best she can, but time is creeping by and her chances of success seem to be getting smaller.

Then, she gets a mysterious letter, postmarked "Clock Island." Within that envelope is the chance to get everything she dreamed of, via "winning" the only copy of the newest Clock Island book. The trials and games that she participates in are so imaginative and fun. I love that they had the realistic aspect of having the lawyer intervene and require a contract and release.

I plan on buying myself a hard copy of this book because I want to be able to read it whenever I want <3 Just LOVE!

When Lucy Hart was a child, she found the love she lacked at home in books and her favorites were from the Clock Island series by children's author Jack Masterson. Now all grown up, Lucy is estranged from her family, living in California and working as a teacher's aid. There is a child in foster care, a former student, to whom she has become quite close. She wishes with all her heart that she could adopt him but her finances and living conditions are not stable enough to meet the state's requirements. I especially loved how the author drew attention to the foster care system and how skewed/heartbreaking it can be. I know there are lots of people all around the country who are in Lucy's shoes and children who are in Christopher's positions- it's heartbreaking. While this kind of novel is far from the usual genre I read, I found myself pulled in by the compelling plotline and the larger-than-life characters. Yes, the whole premise of the novel is far from reality, bringing to mind "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", but layered in the perspectives of adults - having to deal with the burdens of debt and finances, strained relationships and marriages, and the reality that wishes and dreams aren't enough. Lucy's situation was especially heartbreaking, as we learn in detail what her childhood was like and the difficulties that face her in trying to become Christopher's guardian. There are nonetheless touching and joyful moments as the characters grow closer and come to understand each others' pain and memories and are able to help each other through each of their traumas. I found the writing style to be a little rudimentary and the style and flow didn't have much variance, but didn't find this to detract from the story as a whole.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Meg Shaffer for an ARC of this book.

I was so excited to get this book because the synopsis sounds like something so unique and original! It definitely didn't disappoint and I am going to be adding this book to my list of favorites!

There are not enough words in the English dictionary to describe the intense beauty of this book. This is not a book for children. Nor about children. This is a book that recognizes that when we are children, we are brave and hopeful and everything wonderful, but that as we age, we forget to be brave or hopeful because we are bombarded by the inanities of adulthood. We only remember when we are older, freer and can take immense childlike pleasure from the humblest experience. When the adults who were once children brave enough to slay dragons and scale the castle walls arrived at their dream house, they were no longer those adults, filled with anxiety and terror, but the bold and daring children who once made wishes larger than themselves. As a reader, I was delighted to be able to feel their lungs inflate, hands on hips, and shout "I win." Shaffer reveals her heart in every word, every page. Perfectly edited such that I was completely taken aback by the first twist, this book is a so well done that I wanted to runaway to Clock Island myself.

Jack Masterson is the author of the beloved Clock Island books, a series of books for children. It’s been years since one was published, but a contest has just been announced and four invited guests get to go to Jack’s home on the real Clock Island. Lucy is a kindergarten teaching assistant who is down on her luck and desperate to adopt a little boy who has recently lost his parents. But her luck may have changed when an invitation arrives in the mail.

‘Ah, but that’s how life is,” Jack said. “Hindsight is twenty-twenty, they say, and they aren’t wrong. We only know the right thing to do after we’ve done the wrong one.’

Was this a smidge predictable? Maybe. But that didn’t keep me from adoring this book. The writing was beautiful, it was imaginative and magical. A genuinely lovely debut.

“The stories write us, you see. We read something that moves us, touches us, speaks to us and it ... it changes us.”
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Such an unbelievable journey. As we root for Lucy and little Christopher in hopes of them finally becoming a family, we fall down the proverbial rabbit hole that is Clock Island. This review will not do this story justice, given that my inner child was healed a bit after reading this book. Thanks Netgalley.

There is so much I loved about this book - The Wishing Game will be in my top 10 reads of the year. The story itself is intriguing, but it is the characters that really shined in this book. A recluse children's author, a lonely boy, a hard-working teacher's aide - all with some big wishes. The way each character story was told and how they were seamlessly interwoven with each other was magical. I was transported to Clock Island, I enjoyed the riddles, and I truly appreciated the humanity on every page. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Thank You to NetGalley for this ARC book, and for my honest review!!

"The only wishes ever granted are the wishes of brave children who keep on wishing even when it seems no one’s listening because someone somewhere always is.”

This Story was unique, even though it has remnants of Willy Wonka, but with the kids coming back as adults, this book is amazing, I loved the characters in this book. I would definitely recommend reading it.

If you are looking for a feel-good book, The Wishing Game is for you. The characters are so real I felt that I could reach out and touch them. Meet Lucy, a teacher's assistant wanting to adopt Christopher, a seven-year-old orphan. Lucy's favorite author is sponsoring a competition for the chance to win enough money to be able to afford the adoption. There are so many delightful, quirky characters that live in this story. I found myself smiling throughout the pages. I loved this book so much that I gave it as presents.

This was a quick weekend read that made me feel nostalgic for the days when I would hide under the covers reading by flashlight past my bedtime. If you ever wanted to be the characters in your childhood novels, having adventures and solving riddles to earn some magic in your life, this is the book for you. With a cast of characters you'll become attached to and a competition filled with twists, turns, and riddles this will easily become a novel you think of often.

I wish this novel was longer so I could get a better picture of what Clock Island the book series meant to these characters as children. I would have also loved to see the characters in this novel develop over a larger period of time or hear about their motivations to return to Clock Island a bit more. Overall, this was a nice 3.5-star read rounded up to 4 stars that I would recommend and hand-sell to my customers.

I'm so confused while everyone is racing about this book?! I found it boring. I also felt that the relationship between Hugo and Lucy was very cringe and uncomfortable.

Five stars is not enough for this book. Without a doubt, this is one of the best books I have read all year. It is a beautiful, highly entertaining story filled with puzzles, a fabulous island, characters we care about and a compelling plot. But, the best thing about this book os that it touches on very difficult subjects like grief, child abuse and loss, with care and respect. I loved every single second.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
#NetGalley published 5/30/23

The publisher calls this book fantasy or woman's fiction. I don't see it as either. It seems more like a YA to me even though the MC is 26. I don't remember reading anything not realistic to call it a fantasy or scifi. Maybe even romance. Hmm what are you thinking #randomhousepublishinggroup
#ballantinebooks ?

Light and endearing story. Lucy needs money in order to afford to foster to adopt one of her former kindergarten students. Her favorite children's book author is holding a contest for "his" kids. Can she win it?

Loved the story. Will definitely be reading more by this author!

#thewishinggame
#romance
#bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendation #booknerdsbookreview #recommend #gottareadthisbook #lovedthisbook

Thank you to @ballantinebooks @netgalley and @prhaudio for the #gifted copy.

This book had a lot of hype and high praise. The story had a lot of potential, but fell flat for me. I really liked the premise- a recluse children’s author who hadn’t written a book for many years decided to write again, but only 1 copy of the book will be available. In order to get that copy, he invites 4 people, who are all in need of something, to his house on Clock Island for a challenge. There will only be one winner.

It was a sweet story, but it was a bit predictable and on the boring side for me.

The Wishing Game is a magical story of books and the power of a fantastical world that brings comfort in the darkest times. It feels like Willy Wonka for book lovers. It has the whimsy of a children's book, but the seriousness of an adult novel. It's heartfelt, funny, and endearing and is an excellent comfort read. I enjoyed every bit of this.

Twenty-six-year-old Lucy is a kindergarten teacher who is trying to adopt her former student who was orphaned. However, it doesn't seem possible until Jack Masterson, Lucy's favorite author from childhood, announces a contest for the only copy of his latest book. There is impeccable character development, a hint of romance, and a well-executed plot.

I highly recommend this one.

4 1/2 stars

If wishes could come true - - they would look like this book. What a sweet book of positivity, encouragement and goodness. When a world famous author of children's books announces a contest for the single copy of a new book he's written in his beloved series, people are clamoring for an invite.

Our main character, Lucy has met Jack Masterson (the author) before when she was a child/teenager. She's living a life that doesn't feel like it will ever be quite enough. She's struggling financially, hasn't met a good man, and is desperate to adopt a young boy that she's become attached to. Her hopes and dreams are simple ones - - to make a home for Christopher and be able to adopt him. But everything seems stacked against her until she hears about the contest and then hope springs to life....and her wishes take flight.

This contest takes Lucy back to Clock Island where she is able to reunite with Jack but also with his assistant/illustrator, Hugo who she also met before briefly too. Hugo is striving to find a way to move away from Clock island and resume his own life. But he wants to know that Jack will be watched over if he leaves. But with Lucy back, he isn't in a hurry to go anywhere.

I love a book that leaves you feeling uplifted when you finish. This was definitely one of those.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

This was such a fun book. It had such a childlike quality to it that brought all my WilllyWonka fantasies to life, but at the same time had all the qualities of an adult novel that you look for. Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC. 4.5 stars

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is a surprising read. This book was nothing like I expected and that was a very good thing. With a love for reading and the magic it can bring, this book will remind you of your childhood. I particularly loved the tone of this book and how quickly it absorbs you in its setting. Amazing book! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I was so charmed by The Wishing Game, easily my favorite read of the year so far. I can't remember the last time I was so immediately captured by a book. The premise is irresistible, with a clear nod to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but replace the candy with books and the children with adults who have significant yet simple wishes. Throw in some delicious riddles and a couple of characters to root for and you have an endearing, engaging story.

Lucy is a teacher's aide, with a desperate desire but no funds to foster and adopt a boy that she tutors, Christopher. They share a love of the Clock Island book series (think Magic Tree House but described with HP like fandom). Lucy is one of the lucky, chosen few to be in a unique contest held on the author's private island. The winner gets the manuscript of the next book, a prize worth more than enough to finally adopt Christopher.

It is so easy to love Lucy and Christopher and be swept away by the game on the island. A story involving a game or quest of some sort always sparks the thrill of adventure and the chance of a win. I had some critiques but I forgave them easily, as the joy of the story outshone the shadows of these minor imperfections. My issues were around the other contestants, who never felt quite real or fleshed out. I would have liked to know them more, through distinct behaviors and dialogue (versus backstory). It bothered me that they were all immediately annoyed with each game, frustrated before giving it a chance. I may have believed it more if just one of them reacted this way, but it felt unrealistic that they'd all be immediately irritated and seemingly ungrateful to be there. If they idolized this man and his books I'd think they'd be more eager and excited versus instantly defeated by a riddle. I at least expected a range of reactions but it was a lot of immediate "are you kidding?! This is crazy!" type of exasperated, extroverted comments. All of the non-Lucy contestants bled together. I convinced myself to forgive it by comparing Lucy to Charlie and the other contestants to the deplorable children in Willy Wonka's factory, but I don't think they were meant to be unlikable caricatures, so it felt wonky.

There are few things more comforting than a new book that feels nostalgic, and The Wishing Game sits cozily in this space. Read it in a blanketed nook then put it on your favorites shelf.