Take a leap into a fairy tale with The Wishing Game. What would you do if you found yourself in the world of your favorite childhood books? For these characters one wish can be life changing.

In The Wishing Game, Lucy Hart's life is shaped by a challenging past marked by neglect. She finds herself seeking comfort in the children's book series, Clock Island by Jack Masterson. As a teacher's aide, she dreams of adopting seven-year-old Christopher, an orphan yearning for a family. The book has a Willy Wonkaish theme and Jack announces a contest for the only copy of his new book. Lucy is invited to be one of the contestants, embarking on a journey to Clock Island. The contest and visit to Clock Island are filled with challenges, riddles, ruthless collectors, wishes, and many encounters with Jack’s illustrator, Hugo Reese.

Some themes throughout the book I enjoyed were overcoming fears, a world where wishes come true, and the power of love conquers all. This book was a pick outside of my norm and wasn’t my favorite, but I can see why so many readers love it! The ending made my heart melt, but I couldn’t get into the riddles and games throughout the story. This was a slow read for me, but if you enjoy Harry Potter, Willy Wonka, and the Hunger Games you should check this out!

Thank you NetGalley, Meg Shaffer, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. The Wishing Game is available now!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer was a joy to read. I want to give you very little info because I went into this book blind and I think that's the best way to go.
If you like life affirming, whimsical and cozy writing this one is for you!

This was sweet; it tugs at the heart and felt like a warm hug. I did not feel emotionally manipulated which can happen in this type of book and my puzzle loving self enjoyed the puzzle/riddle aspect. Lucy's motivations felt a little on the Hallmark side, but it made for a good story. I was surprised to learn this isn't a debut, but the author is quite a prolific romance author (although kind of not surprised at the same time).

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ecopy. All views expressed are my own.

oh, how I loved this book so much!! This is one of my favorite books of 2023. It was so magical, I cried so many times and I want to go to clock island immediately !! ohhh I loved it!! The characters were all so fun, the romance was subtle and perfectly written and the love between Lucy and Christopher was incredible!! I have recommended this book to so many people!!

It has been a long time since I've read a book that appeals to generations of readers. Cannot wait to share it with my school friends!! Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read #TheWishingGame by Meg Shaffer. I loved it!

This was a wonderful lighter book that I greatly enjoyed. I highly recommend picking this up. It reminded me of a modernized Willy Wonka mixed with A Series of Unfortunate Events with some more adult undertones.

This Wishing Game felt like an adult children's novel when I first picked it up. Whimsy is the best term I can use to describe it.

Lucy Hart is putting her heart and soul into the adoption of Christopher. When she constantly realizes she does not have enough money to do so and is about to give up, a contest is announced by the author of a children's series she read as a child. If a letter is received in the mail, the individual is allowed to be a contestant. Lo and behold, Lucy receives an invitation and is invited to participate with a few other adults.

What comes from this story is a novel of love, second chances and starting over. Found family is also a huge theme throughout and will just warm your heart.

I saved and read this book around the holidays and could not think of a better time to read it. It gave me the warm and squishies that I so needed.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read an early copy of this book!

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer was one of my favorite reads of 2023. It's a book about found family that evokes feelings of wonder that will fit well on bookshelves alongside classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda. The love between Lucy and Christopher is so heartwarming, and it will have readers rooting for them.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

So sweet and charming, fall down a rabbit hole of nostalgia and prepared to have your heart warmed with this one!

This was such a delightful book that masterfully toed the line between adult fiction and children's fare. While reading about the mysterious and magical Clock Island, it transported me back to reading as a child and wishing every night that the worlds I had immersed myself in were real. This book accomplishes the very difficult trick of making adults wish feel as thought they are children again.

The cover of the book drew me in. Such a delicate balance of rooting the protagonist on, and feeling the opposite way of her relationship. Overall enjoyable storyline. I think a sequel would be popular

I have heard so many great things about this book, and it lived up to the hype.

Lucy loved a series of books as a child. She's now sharing them with another child who she would love to foster and adopt. Unfortunately, she can't afford it. Just when she thinks all hope is lost, she gets an opportunity. She is invited to a contest on Clock Island, the home of beloved author, Jack Masterson. The winner will get a manuscript of a newly written book in the series. Lucy is determined to win so she can adopt Christopher.

There's so much more to the book than the contest. There are memories of her own childhood and connection to Clock Island, there are connections with Hugo, the illustrator of the series, and there's Jack, the author.

Ultimately it's book about wishes and hope. It acknowledges the hard parts of life and leans into the hope for better. I really enjoyed it and recommend it.

Sweet read involving a love of books, childhood fantasies, and embracing our inner child. I loved that there were so many elements of play throughout. Not only that, but the layers of longing and love were practically dripping off of the pages. Beautiful!

Magical and heart warming. For any fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Perfect way to end the year.

This was fine! It's another book that I think may not have been marketed to the right audience, but ignoring that this is a super fun read. Lots of Wonka comparisons, and I think those are spot on!

An emotionally wrought journey through the creative mind of a children's author will have you simultaneously turning pages as quickly as you can read them and grabbing tissues to mop your eyes! The diversity of the characters backgrounds makes the story so much more believable and enhances the plot by bringing in their personalities and viewpoints. Four adults who were once sad or hurting children and found their way to the author's island, have been now invited back as adults to participate in a game that could change their lives. The central character is Lucy, who's entire goal is to be able to adopt a child who is currently feeling lost and alone, takes on the game with gusto, but will she win and be able to create a home or will she lose thus losing her chance at happiness? While tears will be shed, laughter and smiles will also be brought out so don't shy away from this story! This book definitely goes down as a favorite read in 2023! What a way to end my reading year! Seriously, if you only read a handful of books each year, make sure that this book makes the cut as you will truly enjoy the read and the emotional journey that this book takes you on!

I wasn’t a huge fan of this book. It is heartfelt, sweet, and a book lovers dream- but something just was off for me. It felt a little too sweet and was manipulating me to make me love books and I didn’t love it. I know lots of others did though!

Books can change a life and for Lucy, a special book gave her a reason to go on. The Wishing Game is a story of chosen family, hope, and magic. It brings you nostalgia, a gorgeous setting, and a warmth that only a good book can do.

A five star for me, highly recommend.

I received a copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

This book is a cozy, nostalgic delight! I love the magic, mystery and adventure as well as the endearing characters.