I am so sorry. I read this long ago, before my divorce trauma, so I do not remember it. I do not have access to the book any longer and really do not remember anything about

This gives a little bit of Willy Wonka - Lucy is neglected by her family and becomes a teacher to be there for other kids. She has one shed love to adopt and she ends up winning a contest to Clock Island. Will she win? Will she get to bring Christopher home with her?

“When you gotta scream, you gotta scream.”
-Lucy

All the reviews and feedback I got from this book were very good. So I decided to dive in and I’m so happy I did because The Wishing Game did not disappoint. I laughed, I cried, and I smiled through out this book. I fell in love with all the characters in the book! The way Meg wrote about everyone and their lives was amazing. The world she created and the characters that live in this world will forever live in my mind and heart!

I adored The Wishing Game, a story about Lucy Hart, an adult who grew up without parents and who is now trying to become a parent to a child growing up like her, without parents. I loved the story of visiting Jack the Mastermind Masterson and the game where the winner gets the one copy of his newest book of the Clock Island series. The romance story in the book was also a bonus.

Since she was a little girl Lucy Hart has been playing The Wishing Game. Her childhood hasn't been the best as she always felt neglected by her parents. The one thing that always kept her company was The Clock Island series. Her dedication was so strong that when she was thirteen she ran away from home to the island where the author lived. It was her dream to get away from her rough life and instead be the sidekick of her favorite writer. Jack Masterson This is not exactly how things panned out but, she remained a fan of his writing even when he stopped writing all together.

These days she is twenty-six years old, a teachers aid, and enjoys spending time with an orphan named Christopher. She has even introduced him to the Clock Island series! She wishes to adopt him but that doesn't seem possible with her current living situation and finances. That is until one day she receives an invitation to return to the island where Jack Masterson, and potentially win the only copy of his newest book.

Lucy is one of four contestants each of whom once had run away to meet "The Mastermind". They are now all adults but the pull that this author has on them is stronger than ever. I swear that this entire story was a love letter to the power of children books or books in general. It pulled me right in and kept me intrigued with the various challenges that were put in place for them. Each character had some sort of fear, and ultimately the goal of this competition is not just to win the copy of the new book but to face their fears.

The other part of the story that kept me intrigued was the dynamic between Hugo Reese and Lucy. The two characters had a brief encounter when she was first on the island and Hugo recognizes her immediately. I really enjoyed the way they played off each other and the deep concern both of them had for Jack Masterson. Hugo is the illustrator for the Clock Island series and has stayed by Jack's house helping support him. There is something there between Lucy and Hugo but it is hard to put a label on especially with them being so focused on the competition.

The Wishing Game is just mystical and magical. It feels real even in a suspended sense of reality. I must applaud Meg Schaffer for creating a world I wanted to go to with characters I could root for. Every aspect - the characters, the relationships that are formed, the island - each pull you in even deeper. Like I said before, this truly feels like a love story for children's books who are always there for children in need. With the way that everything wrapped up, I feel like there is potential for a sequel and honestly hope that there will be. I'd love to go back into this world again!

**4.5 Stars**

LOVED IT! Thank you so much NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book! I can't wait to see what else this author brings!

I am not a huge fan of magical realism or fantasy books. But this one just clicked all the right buttons for me. What a warm, whimsical, magical book that will treat you to the dreams of several of the characters. They are so well developed from seven-year-old Christopher (who you will absolutely fall in love with); his teacher, Lucy; author, Jack; artist, Hugo; to a few other individuals who are invited to travel to Clock Island as co-contestants. This is a little bit like Charlie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory ... a book I adored as a child. Your heart will be filled with love for Lucy and how determined she is to adopt Christopher. And then the stories of each of the other characters and why they are invited to participate in a contest unlike anything they can imagine. And while there are these heartwarming moments, there are also others that will make your heart ache as you discover a history of loss, love, and sacrifice.

As someone who has devoured books from an early age, the focus of the book that books play a huge part in being a refuge for children and adults. Whatever it is that pulls you into a book, this one will definitely touch your heart and have you smiling at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

It took me a few chapters before I settled in with this fantastical, "Willy Wonka" type story which isn't my typical read. With that in mind, the quirky and unbelievable situations creates a fairy tale type story. It opens with a well-known children's author who wrote many stories which fascinated his readers with the mysteries on Clock Island. Jack Masterson was nicknamed the "Mastermind" which eluded to the protagonist who was the Mastermind in the books granting wishes with his cunning games.

It's been 15 years since he had secluded himself on his Clock Island where he struggles to ever write another book. His illustrator, Hugo Reese, has been his loyal companion not wanting to leave his long time friend alone on the island. Little does he know, Jack has been working on what would be his final novel but not for mass publication. He proses a "special" wishing game on the island with personally selected competitors. The prize is the one and only copy of his final book which the person can do with as they wish. The people chosen are thinking about how the publication of the book would help their financial situations.

Lucy Hart chooses to leave her home and controlling boyfriend, Sean, in Maine after she graduates college. She is desperate is leave her family behind and what she felt was a lonely childhood. She found respite in the Clock Island books. Her sister Angie was a sickly child with her parents focusing primarily on her and leaving Lucy feeling neglected. As a result she has always resented her sister who managed to become a lawyer in Maine.

As an adult, Lucy is a 26-year-old woman working as a teacher's aide at an elementary school in California. She is well liked by the teachers and students but she seems to form a bond with 7-year-old Christopher Lamb who is living with a foster family. Her connection to him sometimes feels "cringe-worthy" given that Christopher is being cared for by a caring family. Lucy desperately wants to adopt him even to the extent that she expresses this to the young boy. He is aware of her financial insecurity and wants to "help" Lucy raise money so she can afford to adopt him. They discuss what the future would look like when Lucy can provide a stable and financially stable home for Christopher.

When Lucy is notified about the Wishing Game opportunity, she is excited to think that she may be able to reach her financial goals sooner than she expected. But, winning the Wishing Game proves to be more challenging than she could've imagined.

The magical realism in this was lovely, and I felt like I was reading something so whimsical and soft and heartwarming. Some parts were unrealistic, but I am always willing to handwave away things that don't quite make sense in favor of a good feeling.

This book was fun to read. I enjoyed the story. It's easy to read through quickly and was a fun escape from reality.

The Wishing Game is a book inspired by Willie Wonka and it gave me those vibes when I was reading this book. It was so much fun playing a game for a grand prize. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I enjoyed how the story took place on an island. I suggest anybody who just wants a fun read to pick this up!!!!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Ballantine books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was on my shelf for a bit and I had tried a few times to read it. I couldn't get into this and DNF.

Lucy is one of four who are chosen to compete in a Wonka-esque competition for the new manuscript of beloved children's author, Jack Masterson.

I absolutely loved this book. I finished it in one sitting, and it was my first 5 star read of the year. Lucy was relatable, easy to root for, and her relationship with Christopher was adorable. Jack was just the kind of kooky you expect from a Wonka type. Having loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a child, this plot was right up my alley, and it lived up to it. I'm just sorry I let it sit on my TBR so long.

Thanks to Meg Shaffer, Ballentine Books, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really good book that I didn't see coming. I see why it was a national bestseller. I'll definitely be reading more of Meg Shaffer in the future!

"The Wishing Game" is a heartwarming and enchanting novel that follows the story of Lucy Hart, a young woman who is struggling to make ends meet and yearns to adopt a child. Meg Shaffer's writing is captivating and vivid, transporting readers to the fantastical world she has created. The characters are well-crafted and relatable, making it easy for readers to become invested in their stories. The themes of love, family, and the power of hope are expertly woven throughout the narrative, making for a truly uplifting read.

Overall, "The Wishing Game" is a delightful and enchanting tale that will leave readers feeling inspired and hopeful. It's a perfect read for anyone looking for a bit of magic and wonder in their lives. I will be recommending this to patrons fond of Erin Morgenstern and V. E. Schwab.

Thank you to Meg Shaffer, Penguin Randomhouse, and NetGalley for sending me the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What if you were encouraged to wish? Maybe your wishes might not come true today but maybe twenty years from now. One author promotes wishing through his children’s books that have made him richer than anyone can imagine. After a personal issue that stopped him writing, he decides to write the last book of his series, but it comes with a catch. It will only be given to a winner of a series games that he will create just for the contestants. They can win the only copy of the final book and do with it what they will. If they lose, it goes to the publisher. Four lifelong fans get a change to make all their wishes come true. But they will have to face several challenges that prompt them to grow and face their fears.

This book turned out very different than what I had been expecting. It is not a children’s book. It is not even a young adult book. It is a book for adults who need to remember their childhood dreams. Children wish for things all the time. Sometimes they outgrow their wishes. Others stay buried deep within their hearts and are revisited during the dark times. Adults might wish, but the believe in wishes in non-existent. The hope has become jaded. This book says that those wishes could really come true. It could depend on what we do to achieve those wishes.

As I read it, I felt myself opening up my stash of wishes that have been stuffed away. As the characters revisited theirs, I went along for the journey. They explored their childhood, faced their fears and their deep desires. Then they faced their lives as they are now and what they wanted most. You would think that made the book dark and depressing. It was quite the opposite.

The character development was great. The Mastermind was quirky, fun, while dealing with his own issues and wishes. He gave them games to play to win the prize. Those games included riddles. This led to me trying to solve them and watching the characters get the answers. These times lightened the mood of the book along with the quirkiness of the Mastermind. I found myself smiling between the deep thoughts. The other characters were real and relatable with desires and flaws that we can all understand.

When the book ended, I had mixed feelings, but I can say that I enjoyed the book immensely. I wanted to enter their world so bad just to experience some of it. A great read that will have you hooked till the end and leave you thinking about your own wishes long after.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer was everything I had hoped it would be. I have wanted to read this book for so long that I was afraid I might have been disappointed by the time I actually got to read it. No chance! It was full of hope, longing, magical realism, a touch of romance and a set of books that helped shape, guide and influence so many children during their childhood years. It was obvious from the beginning that the initial premise for The Wishing Game was borrowed from Willy Wonker and the Chocolate factory but Meg Shaffer masterfully steered The Wishing Game towards its own heartfelt story. The characters were thoughtfully crafted and so well executed. I switched between reading The Wishing Game and listening to the audiobook that was narrated extremely well by Paul Boehmer and Rachel L. Jacobs.

Lucy Hart grew up overshadowed by her older sister who was a very sick child. Even though Lucy loved her big sister, she was forbidden to be around her in fear of her sister catching something. Lucy’s parents only had time and love for her older sister. They never showed Lucy any affection. Lucy craved their attention and affection but was never shown any. One time when Lucy was about eight years old, her sister had to be taken to the hospital. Since her parents couldn’t find anyone to watch Lucy, she accompanied her parents to the hospital. Lucy was left all by herself in the waiting room of the hospital for hours on end. Lucy could not go to the room where her sister had been taken. She was too young. In all that time that Lucy sat in the waiting room, her parents never came to check on her. Two things happened that day. The first thing was that Lucy discovered a book in the waiting room at the hospital. It was part of The Clock Island series and it would transform her life in a way that she never would have dreamed of. Over the course of the next several years, Lucy read every one of the books in the Clock Island series. The second thing that happened that day was that she went to live with her grandparents. Her parents never even came down from her sister’s room to say goodbye to Lucy or explain why she was going to be living with her grandparents from then on. Lucy’s grandparents just showed up and took her to their home to live. Lucy never lived in the home where her parents and sister lived again.

Lucy was now a twenty-six year old kindergarten teacher aide in California. She was having a hard time financially. Lucy lived in a home with three other tenants to make her rent more affordable. She relied on public transportation because she did not have enough money to purchase a car. To supplement her meager salary as a teacher aide, Lucy knitted scarves and sold them on Etsy. The one bright spot in her life was her love for a little seven year old boy named Christopher Lamb. When Christopher lost both of his parents to a drug overdose, Lucy had stepped in and gave Christopher a place to stay until a foster placement was arranged for him. Christopher wound himself around and into Lucy’s heart. That first night that Christopher stayed with Lucy, she introduced Christopher to The Clock Island books. Christopher instantly became a fan. Lucy and Christopher read every book in the series over the next few weeks. Christopher believed in and looked up to the Mastermind in The Clock Island series. For some reason, the author, Jack Masterson, had not written any new books for the past five or six years. No one knew the reason why Jack Masterson stopped writing. He just did.

Lucy wanted to foster and then adopt Christopher more than anything in the world but her circumstances prevented it. The foster agency told Lucy over and over again that she was not in a position to be approved to foster Christopher no less adopt him. Lucy needed money, a lot of it so she could provide Christopher with the things he needed. Lucy was about to let Christopher know that the chances of her ever becoming his mother were not very hopeful.

Then one day, a blue envelope was delivered to Lucy. To everyone’s surprise, especially Lucy’s, Jack Masterson had written a new book and he was holding a contest on Clock Island. There were four people that Jack had chosen to be the contestants in the contest. The prize for winning the contest was the original copy of the new Jack Masterson’s book. The winner of the contest was permitted to sell the rights to the book to either the publisher or anyone else the winner desired. If Lucy was able to win, the sale of the book would provide Lucy with all the money she needed and then some to foster and adopt Christopher. Lucy had been chosen as one of the four candidates eligible to compete in the contest. Could Lucy win the contest? What would she have to do to win?

I really enjoyed Lucy’s character. She had such a difficult childhood and now she had the chance to show young Christopher the love and affection that she was denied as a child. I was really rooting for Lucy to succeed. Most of The Wishing Game was told from Lucy’s perspective. Lucy developed a true kinship with Hugo Reese, the illustrator of The Clock Island books and famous artist in his own right, early on when she first arrived on Clock Island for the contest. I enjoyed the banter Lucy and Hugo shared together, how they began to confide in one another and when their feelings for one another began to develop. The Wishing Game touched every one of my emotions. It was a magical and beautiful story. I loved the setting on Clock Island with the raging sea, dense forests and the unique home Jack Masterson lived in. It was heartbreaking yet uplifting. The Wishing Game focused on the themes of family, self confidence, romance, the perils of being a child in situations that were far from ideal, the art of imagination and partaking in solving riddles, losses and sacrifices. I am so glad that I had the chance to read The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer and look forward to reading the books she writes in the future. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Ballantine Books for allowing me to read The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Having recently finished the previously published “The Wishing Game" by Meg Shaffer, I am happy to have had the chance to read the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine!

This was an emotional story full of riddles and challenges set on the mysterious, straight from the pages of a fairy tale, Clock Island, Maine. As the memorable cast of characters shared when telling their stories, hopes and dreams and wishes are something most of us hold on to, to get us through hard moments in life. This ultimate happily ever after ending led to a forever family, and the gift of a special book given from the heart of a true father to his… sidekick. ❤️

"Writing that book changed my life. Reading it changed yours.”

This was an interesting adult novel! (I really like the cover of it!)

I received an e-ARC from the publisher

The Wishing Game was absolutely fantastic. While reading I was getting Wonka and Hunger Games vibes with a bookish twist and by the end of the book I just felt good.