The Wishing Game was a whimsical, grown up take on Willy Wonka (and I believe the author references that in her acknowledgments!) full of island adventures, riddles and complicated situations.

Lucy is a book lover and she shares her love for the Clock Island series with one of her students, Christopher. The books teach kids how to be brave, which is a common theme throughout this book. The Wishing Game deals with topics like fostering/adoption, family fallouts and so much more. However, Clock Island is a magical place that makes you fall in love with the author, Jack, and makes you feel like he cares deeply about each and every one of his readers.

I wish my review could do justice to how great this book was, but my words aren't as eloquent as the author's! I adored each aspect of this book, from Lucy's relationships with Christopher, Jack, Hugo and even the other contestants. Some reviews say her interactions with Christopher and Hugo were "creepy" but I didn't think that at all. It was sweet and whimsical and I sure as heck tried to solve some of the riddles myself while reading!

This was a sweet book about never being too old to make wishes and that sometimes happy endings are found in mysterious places. An author who has always tried to create a place for children to escape to through his books, decides to write one more book and allow the 4 children who ran away to his island off of Maine (and were promptly returned to their parents) to compete for the manuscript - and the potential windfall of cash they could get for selling it.
I loved the sense of magic and dreaming this invoked in me, it is so easy to lose sight of big dreams as we get older. This was a really nice, light hearted read.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy of this book.

If you are looking for something with magic, romance and a difficult foster-to-adopt situation then this is the book for you. Parts of this book broke my heart but it also built it back up. I really connected with this book due to these topics. Especially being a teacher and having students in the foster system.

This was a truly delightful book. I loved the characters, it sucked me in right away!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

A book about a book lover written for book lovers - this book was such a treat! i

Huge shoutout to random house publishing for the net galley advanced copy of this book! it was so much fun, thank you. (:

Okay, now on to the actual review:

This book follows the story of Lucy Hart, a 26 year old kindergarten teacher's aide, who desperately wants to adopt one of her former students, Christopher, who was orphaned a few years prior.

The story truly couldn't have hit home more as someone who turns 26 this year, works in the children's department of a public library, and sees so many children every day.

Lucy Hart grew up reading The Clock Island book series (and reads them to her student Christopher). When the recluse author, Jack Masterson, comes out of hiding to announce he's written a surprise final book in the series and is holding a contest to giveaway the only copy. Lucy Hart, in all her broke, car-less, and three roommate glory, enters the Wonka-esque contest in an attempt to finally be able to adopt Christopher and give him a home.

This debut novel by Meg Shaffer was a sweet story about family (found, chosen, and blood), as well as the stories we escape into and why. I will absolutely be getting myself a physical copy. And I would say I want to be best friends with Lucy Hart, but I already feel like I am her most of the time, so I'll just settle with reading and re-reading this lovely little story.

(Because I read it as an e-book, I probably would rate the reading experience as 4 or 4.5 straps, but especially considering this is Meg's first book, I have to give it 5 stars.)

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me with an ARC of this delightful book.

This is an excellent debut and a must-read for the summer. If you dreamed of being an adventurer or hero in your favorite childhood book series, then this is the book for you. The atmosphere that Shaffer creates is whimsical but believable, and I felt incredibly nostalgic while reading this book. I felt like Shaffer had transported me back to my childhood, sitting at the breakfast table on summer break devouring my Magic Treehouse or Boxcar Kids book series. The magic was real, and Shaffer makes this tangible for an adult reader. Ultimately, while this book isn't necessarily groundbreaking for the genre, I really loved and needed this story.

My main thoughts: What was most compelling about this book is the premise and the characters' co-development. I LOVED how much dimension the characters had all throughout the book and how the characters kept developing throughout the book. Were they a little stereotypical? Yes, but I didn't feel like I'd met these exact characters before. I was glad that Jack wasn't cartoonish throughout, and even though Lucy and Hugo's relationship didn't seem necessary to the plot and their character development, it felt organic and not forced. Parts of the competition could have been elaborated upon more for my own personal interest, but it didn't really bother me. The integration of the Clock Island books alongside the storyline and character development was beautiful and lent itself to the atmosphere. Finally, the ending is so heart-warming, but not necessarily in the way that I expected. I loved Christopher and Lucy's relationship, and I cried and cried happy tears. Definitely a 5/5 for me!

If Willy Wonka was a children's author... this is exactly how I would picture it. An eclectic author of a beloved children's series has not published a book in quite some time. When he is inspired to release a new book, he invites five fans (now young adults) to help with the unveiling. The participants are all former children that, having fallen in love with the books, all tried to run away to the setting of the novels - a place called Clock Island - to escape their troubles. Now, as adults, they must solve puzzles to win a life-changing surprise: the manuscript to the much-awaited new novel that they can sell or use as they wish.

Most of the story follows one of the five contest participants, Lucy, as she tries her best to win. She wants to use the money to have a stable living situation, which would enable her to adopt a child desperately in need of a home. It's a feel-good, whimsical novel that is unlike anything I have ever read. Knowing that the author is a student (who happens to be living in the same city where I went to college), makes it even more impressive. Five stars!

Lovely story! It was a purely whimsical tale that really brightened my day!

Lucy has some grand plans but not a lot of money. However, her favorite childhood author creates a competition that only 4 lucky people can participate in on his magical Clock Island. The winner will receive the one and only copy of a new book by this author, giving them a chance to make millions.

This story almost reads like a contemporary fairytale at parts. I really enjoyed this but did think certain aspects were a bit underdeveloped and therefore just too farfetched, particularly the very real world aspects.

Recommend this as a fun and enjoyable read!

Out May 30, 2023!

Wow. I had to take a few days to think about The Wishing Game before I wrote a review. It's almost the perfect fantasy of a self-professed book lover. I still remember the books that shaped my childhood, and it is my actual job as a librarian to find books for kids to connect with. But I digress.

Imagine Willy Wonka, but with books and your favorite author. Lucy Hart is a twenty-six year old kindergarten teachers aide who dreams of being able to adopt foster kid, Christopher. Unfortunately, there is just no way with her low paying job. Circumstances change when she wins the chance to compete to win the one and only copy of author Jake Masterson's newest book which is enough money to solve all her problems.

Turns out, Jake Masterson wrote her favorite childhood series of all time: Clock Island, and Lucy had tried to run away to Clock Island when she was younger. Now she gets to go there to compete with the other contestants.

I couldn't wait to race through the pages, but I also didn't want it to end. Be prepared to feel ALL the feels.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the electronic arc.

Lucy is an exceptional person who has overcome a difficult childhood. Her heartfelt desire to adopt Christopher, a child in the child welfare system, is hindered by her shared living arrangements, two jobs, lack of stability, and a modest income. However, a contest held by their favorite author, Jack Masterson, offers them a glimmer of hope. Lucy's extensive knowledge of Masterson's books makes her an ideal candidate for the contest taking place on the island where his stories are set. Winning would provide the financial stability needed for Lucy to adopt Christopher, as well as granting them first access to Masterson's new book. Filled with hope, dreams, and the struggles of accepting one's limitations, this heartwarming tale will resonate with book lovers everywhere. Special thanks to Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The book will be published on August 30, 2023.

There are a lot of great reviews for this book so I may just not be the right reader. I wasn’t a fan of the writing and Lucy’s naivety in wanting to adopt a child as an underemployed, debt ridden twenty six year old living with three college age roommates was so incredibly frustrating that I set the book down. It wasn’t just that she unrealistically wanted to adopt the child but she also talked openly with the child about the fact. As a plot line, it was enough to turn me off from the entire book. Since I did not finish it entirely, I will not be reviewing it in other places.

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine through NetGalley.
If you loved going to the Chocolate Factory with Charlie, you'll love traveling to Clock Island to meet the Mastermind. Readers meet characters who are all connected by a series of children's books - the author, the illustrator, several readers who are now adults, and a traumatised child.
Lucy is a kindergarten aid who desperately wants to adopt Christopher (a child who is in foster care after his parents' deaths). She can't afford to even foster him but the two of them have hope. Then the story shifts to an island in Maine and readers meet the author, Jack, and the illustrator, Hugo, who have created the amazing Clock House book series. Jack decides to hold a contest to win the only copy of his new book and Lucy is one of the four invited to compete.
From here, the magical world of the island unfolds for readers who will cheer for Lucy and the others through the dramatic contest conclusion.
I appreciate the emphasis on facing fears and being brave in order to get your wishes. The emphasis on working for them along with hoping and dreaming of them works for all ages. This adult version of a magical place lets readers return to their childhood and appreciate how much they have grown as adults.

This was a very sweet book about wishes, family, and love.

I enjoyed watching Lucy go on the journey to Clock Island and participate in the contest run buy a famous author. I liked seeing her watch her face her fears and come to terms with her childhood.

I liked watching her fight for her ability to foster a young boy. There were some moments that I couldn’t quite understand why she would want to do it at her age, but I also could understand her desire to create a better family.

This was very entertaining, heartwarming and a little heartbreaking. Definitely recommend.

This is definitely a must read book of 2023! I enjoyed this book so much and I highly recommend it! Be prepared to start and not want to stop!

I received a complimentary copy of this excellent debut novel from Netgalley via publisher Randomhouse - Ballantine Books, and the author Meg Shaffer. I have read The Wishing Game of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Meg Shaffer is an author I will follow - this book takes my breath away in places, and I can't wait for more from her. I am pleased to recommend this novel to friends and family - it will break your heart, and then bind it up with love.

Lucy was a child raised without traditional family love and support, and she desperately needs to be able to adopt Christopher, a child in the school classroom where she is a teacher's assistant in lower California. Chris is an orphan who discovered both of his parents overdosed in their bed and has not had a good foster-home experience. Lucy hasn't the resources to foster Chris, much less qualify to adopt him, but a letter from the blue from a children's author she once met in her home state of Maine offers her an opportunity to win a competition on Clock Island, the private island owned by that author. He is offering this opportunity to the adults who ran away to Clock Island in their youth - kids who had always been first among the appreciative audience for his many children's books and have corresponded with him over the years. The offer is an all-expense-paid trip back to Clock Island, and the winner of the competition will become the owner of the author's latest manuscript, a book the world has been waiting on for over five years. Lucy can't wait - these books have been the support she had counted on in her own youth, and they are an important part of the base of her relationship with Christopher. Reading and re-reading the books, discussing Clock Island, and enjoying the book covers and illustrations are important to both of them.

But returning to Maine will be painful for her - her family is still estranged - and if she doesn't win Chris will be terribly disappointed. But of course, you can't win if you don't compete. Chris would be even more disappointed if she weren't brave enough to try.

‘The Wishing Game’ by Meg Shaffer was super unique, full of emotion, great characters, had Willy Wonka vibes that I loved, and was just totally charming and heartfelt. Highly recommend!

4.5 stars
I loved this book! I was so sad about the situation with Lucy and Christopher at the beginning. I was concerned about what happened with Hugo and Jack as we moved to Clock Island. I was on the edge of my seat with the contestants and the Game. There were so many different things going on that I worried how it was all going to come together in the second half. Fortunately, it all came together (forgive me here) like clockwork! 😂Much like with Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl/Simon Snow, I am desperate to read the Clock Island series! Pretty please make this happen!! I’ll just have to make a wish!🤞
*Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this advance review copy.

Talk about a beautiful journey that Lucy is taken on, one reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate factory but adult style. With adult wishes and dreams Lucy is invited to the world of Mr. Masterson (think Wonka). Lucy's dream is to adopt foster children as she was once in foster care.

Meg Shaffer has written a beautiful, fun, emotional take on Willy Wonka/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that is both mind blowing and stunning all at the same time. The plot is wildly different despite it's take from The other story and the characters are well developed and fun to follow. I found myself cheering for Lucy the whole time.

Less of a game but truly a must read for this year!!

This is a delightful story with a nod to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the prize of the Golden Ticket. When Lucy Hart was growing up in Maine, she was sent to live with her grandparents so her parents could care for her sister who was chronically ill. She felt totally abandoned and unloved and began writing to the author of her favorite series of children's books, Jack Masterton, and ran away from home to his very private island in the hopes of being allowed to live with him. Of course the police were called and she was returned to her grandparents.

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.

Then her chance for a better future comes in the form of a contest held by Jack Masterson to promote his first new book in six years. Four contestants, all of whom had tried to escape to Clock Island as unhappy children, have been invited back to the island to try win the one and only copy of his new book. They will score points in games, puzzles and riddles. If no one succeeds in scoring enough points, the book will just go to the publisher.

The books seem to have a lot of life lessons embedded in the stories: especially the need for bravery and courage to go after what you want instead off just wishing for it--something all of these contestants have to keep in mind, especially Lucy.

Totally heartwarming! Oh to be able to spend time on Clock Island! What book(s) did you read as a child that totally changed your life, shaped who you are today? The publisher mentions the Nancy Drew books and they were the ones which started me off too.

I received an arc of this new book from the publisher and author via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and Meg Shaffer for an e-ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.

This book reminded me so much of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, but with a few distinct twists: there's no candy, and all of the children have grown up now and instead of wanting chocolate, they have other wishes. Each of the contestants in Masterson's challenge snuck onto Clock Island as children, wishing to escape something in their lives. As adults, they still have wishes, but they've grown and evolved over time. Lucy Hart is a kindergarten teacher's aid who desperately wants to adopt a former student who lost his parents, but is ineligible because she doesn't have the stability in her life for the state to allow her to foster. However, she continues to connect with him through the Clock Island books, a series that got Lucy through her own childhood.

The beginning of this book was a little slow, but I was hooked after I got about 10% in and couldn't wait to keep reading. My only qualm about the writing style was that Lucy kept talking about wanting to be Christopher's mother which annoyed me a little at times, though I understood what the author meant when writing it.

This was a beautifully written story. As an avid reader, this book spoke to my heart and communicated what books mean to me.
Many thanks to Random House and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.