Growing up, Lucy Hart fell in love with the Clock Island book series written by Jack Masterson. It was her respite from a difficult childhood where she was always overlooked by her parents and second priority against her chronically ill older sister Angie. As an adult, Lucy now works as a kindergarten aide and her one wish is to be able to adopt Christopher Lamb, an orphaned 7 year-old in her class, but her current living situation and low income make that almost impossible.

When Jack Masterson suddenly announces a contest for his greatest fans, with the final prize being a just-written novel that will only have one copy in existence, Lucy sees it as a chance to make her dream come true. She leaves California to travel to Clock Island, a small island off the coast of Maine where Jack and Hugo Reese, his illustrator, live to compete against a handful of other contestants. The contest is like none other that they have encountered, however, and Lucy is forced to come to terms with her own past and the stories of those around her in order to make it out the other end.

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. Very much a recommended read when this is released in May 2023!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ For anyone who has read every book in a long series, who has found home in a book, who has been held by a book, this one is for you!!!

Lucy is just the most relatable character...a woman with dreams that she just cannot seem to make come true, with a heart of gold. And the Mastermind is an old man now, but still longing for the family he's always wanted.

This book was amazing, with great characters, a great storyline, and the happily ever ever DOES NOT look the way you expect!

WhatI didn't like: foul language and references to sex sprinkled very sparingly throughout. This COULD have been a book I would have loved to hand off to my young teens, but these things will make me hold off a bit.

I love stories of hope, longing, and wishes, This was full of non-magical riddles and challenges that kept me engaged and yearning to continue reading more. Not a roller coaster ride, this book is a constant page turner that has you constantly wanting to know more. I love the premise and setting of the book; I can absolutely relate as there are several authors I would love to have this magical opportunity with!

4.5 stars rounded up
During a difficulty childhood, Lucy Hart ran away to Clock Island when she was 13, the home of her favorite author, Jack Masterson, of her beloved Clock Island childrens book series. Now in her twenties, she is a kindergartens aide and desperately wants to adopt a young student at her school but has been unable to due to her limited financial situation. Hoping for a miracle she thinks she may have found it when Masterson announces a contest open to just 4 people, Lucy included, with a prize that would allow her to adopt.

This sweet novel has a touch of a middle grade feel with its games and puzzles, but it is definitely adult, and I really enjoyed the story and the found family element and the uplifting ending. If you are looking for a engaging story with a huggable ending, pick up this debut novel.

Thank you to net galley for this e book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the cover, the idea of this book and even the characters, however most of this story fell flat for me. "The Wishing Game" was a very charming and whimsical read, but just came off a bit too immature and YA for what I was expecting. I thought the overall plot was fun, four adults brought back to the island of their favorite children's author to compete in a contest that has the potential to change their lives. I was looking forward to the competition, the games and race to the win - however it was all quite childish and not really what I was hoping for. I liked the characters and found them well developed, especially Jack. While I did like Lucy and appreciated her story, at times I found myself annoyed with her immaturity and complete resistance to help and advice. This book has gotten rave reviews, and I think this is a case of this book was not made for me. I expected more depth and wanted a lot more on the line, and not a predictable and "everyone lived happily ever after" sort of ending.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer was an amazing read! I was hooked from the get-go. It gave me Willy Wonka vibes but with books. It was filled with ideas of wishing, hoping, and dreaming the impossible. As children, we dream and wish, and this just reminded me that as an adult there's no reason why you cannot continue to do the same! The characters were likeable and had issues that anyone could relate to. I also loved the aspect of riddles and games thrown into this book. The whole book kept me on my toes, and I found myself cheering for the characters. Something that wasn't expected, was the fact that this book really hit me in the heart with feels and emotions. I hardly ever find books that make me cry happy tears but this one had me bawling. It was a beautiful story that I'm so grateful I had the chance to read before its release. Thank you to Meg Shaffer for writing such an amazing book and sharing it with the world. And to the publishers for allowing me to read it, thank you as well. I cannot wait for everyone to experience this fantastic story!

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

The Wishing Game was an incredible, nostalgic read that put me through the wringer- like all great books do. Easily one of my favorite reads of the year. The premise immediately hooked me, as a lifelong lover of books. It was whimsical and pure magic without any magical elements. It was a bit daring and out there to write an "adult" book about one's love for "children' books". If you've never anxiously waited for your Hogwart's letter or golden ticket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, you'd just get it.

Lucy, a 26 year old teacher's aide, gets an opportunity of a lifetime to compete for the only existing copy of the latest Clock Island book (after her favorite childhood author takes a mysterious hiatus). This contest happens to take place on THE Clock Island, the home of the legendary Jack Masterson and Hugo Reese, the Clock Island book illustrator. I quite enjoyed the included map of the Island and the imagery Shaffer provided of Masterson's Victorian-style mansion and the rest of Clock Island. The challenges and riddles, though low stakes, were lots of fun.

Overall, it was such a great read. Again, I didn't actually mind that the book was maybe unrealistic (ex: process of fostering and adopting- which the author does mention in the notes/acknowledgements). This book was a wonderful love letter to dreamers and wishers. I can't wait to read more from Meg Shaffer.

Many many thanks to Netgalley, Random House- Ballantine Books, and the author for the ARC.

This book was a magical and whimsical read.
All Lucy Hart wants is to adopt Christopher, an orphan that goes to the school she works at. However, due to financial insecurity, Lucy is deemed unfit to foster-to-adopt Christopher. The two bond over the Clock Island books, which Lucy read when she was a child. Just when hope seems lost for Lucy to become Christopher's mother, the reclusive author Jack Masterson announces a competition to win the only copy of the newest Clock Island book. (A book that, if sold, would give the winner a substantial amount of money). Lucy is one of the contestants and must do all she can to win the competition. However, the other competitors are just as determined to win.
I got swept up in the magic and nostalgia of this book. It brought me back to when I was a kid and how much I loved reading some of my favorite series. It made me think of how much I wished I could meet my favorite author- or even better- visit the world of my favorite books. At the same time, I loved the parallel of Lucy having grown up and faced the harsh realities of life and how Clock Island wasn't as magical in real life as depicted in the books.
Speaking of the books, the Clock Island books were described in such detail but I can't help but wish that they were real! Meg Shaffer did such an amazing job of invoking that childhood nostalgia and giving the reader a big enough taste of the books that you understood what Lucy felt about the books.
Something about this book kept it from getting quite to 5 stars for me. I wasn't super happy with what ended up happening with Lucy's sister. I also wish we could have seen more of the competition. I felt like some parts of it were rushed. However, this was a truly amazing book and I cannot wait to see what Meg Shaffer writes next!
4.5 stars

This book was such a heart-warming story! It started out a little slow, but then it really picked up and I couldn’t put it down. The idea that an eccentric children’s book author would invite specific children he met years ago back to his island for a contest was intriguing, but the stories behind those people were the best parts of this book. Each child had found the author on his island at a challenging time in their lives. Now it was a chance for them to return and possibly win the rights to his next book, which could then be sold for a lot of money.

The author’s contest, with the different puzzles and riddles, was so much fun , but it was Lucy’s story that made me feel so many emotions. Her financial struggles, her relationship with the boy she wants to adopt, her family issues - such a wonderful character that I was rooting for the whole book! Each character’s story was revealed as the contest unfolded. I don’t want to say too much because this truly is a story you don’t want spoiled.

If you like wonderfully developed characters with some riddles and whimsy on the side, this book is for you!

I really enjoyed this book! On more than one occasion I checked to see if this was a YA book because it felt very whimsical at times, but was happy/surprised to see it was not. It is a feel good story but also full of struggles, challenges, and lessons. The book centers around a book series set on a magical island (Clock Island) and an invite only challenge for a select few to go to the island to compete for the only copy of the newest/last installment of the books. It reminded me a lot of Willy Wonka, as the Mastermind had the same magical, mysterious aura about him. I also loved trying to solve the riddles along with the characters.

This book was a lot about wishes, and to be careful what you wish for. It also had such great character relationships. There wasn't just one friendship/relationship to tug at your heart, but several. I think this would be a cute book turned movie.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for a review. I would definitely recommend this one.

The Wishing Game has an intriguing synopsis and beautiful cover art but the book failed to hold my attention for very long at a time. The storyline and main character Lucy seemed childish at times. Thanks to the author, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Are you looking for childhood nostalgia? The first feeling you had as a child enjoying reading a book? Then look no further. I loved this book so much from the very first chapter. This book will convey all those feelings and more. I cried, laughed, enjoyed riddles, and blew through this amazing book. Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this incredible book. I cannot wait until the book is officially released so I can buy my own copy for my bookshelves. This is a book you do not want to miss!

I can't begin to describe how much I loved this book. It brought me back to my childhood of reading the Westing Game, From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In The Wishing Game Lucy Hart has one wish in life, to be able to adopt seven-yr-old Christopher, an orphan she met at the school in which she teaches. As a teacher's assistant she has very little money and not a lot of hope that she'll ever be in a place to be able to adopt. Then she's given the opportunity to return to Clock Island, a place modeled after her favorite books and the one place she felt safe as a child. The game commences and Lucy has to face competitors to try to change her life for the better. No spoilers, just a wonderful feel-good book along the lines of House in the Cerulean Sea.

4 1/2 stars
This is the book for all those kids who wanted to run away not to the circus but to the land of their favorite stories.
Lucy is a hard working teacher's assistant with an oversized heart and one wish - to officially adopt the little boy in the foster system that she has come to love. There is one catch and that is that Lucy is not financially able to care for Christopher yet and she is saving every cent she can. She and Christopher have gotten through the dark times by reading a children's book series about Master Mastermind and Clock Island where wishes are granted if you prove yourself worthy. The author of the series has become a recluse but he is holding a contest for a select few with a prize so special that it will grant more than a couple of wishes. Lucy is invited and if she wins she will finally be able to have Christopher call her mom. Reminiscent of all those childhood classics complete with a quest, hidden clues, riddles and bravery with the adult bonus of making amends. Kudos to all the unsung heroes who make wishes come true without looking for recognition. Brilliant story writing with emotional ups and downs that will appeal to fans of THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY and THE READING LIST. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

Thank you to Ballatine publishers and Net Galley for letting me read The Wishing Game By Meg Shaffer. I was drawn to this title for several reasons, the beautiful cover, the name of the book, and I like to take a chance to read a new author. This book was a willy wonka and the chocolate factory version of a book. A teachers aide who loves to read to read wants to earn the clock island series by competing in riddles to get the only copy that is worth alot of money to succeed.

What an absolutely unexpected gem of a book! I am so glad that the publisher reached out to me to read and review this one because it is not something I had on my radar but I loved it so freaking much. The prologue hooked me immediately and the concept is so unique and fascinating. I read this in like two days because I just couldn’t put it down. The story world is so enchanting, the mysteries and riddles were engrossing, and the characters are so endearing. The plot kept me turning the pages; there is never a dull moment. This book impacted me so profoundly. I felt all the feels and I actually found myself tearing up at times. I’m utterly obsessed with this book and I think everyone needs to read it. It all felt so real! Like seriously… I’m at a loss for words. I felt like I was right there with them the entire time. I cannot even believe that this is a debut; it is just that good. This author is definitely a new favorite for me now and I will be auto-reading anything she writes next. All the stars for this one! I can’t say enough good things about it. This is what reading a book should be like, this is the experience I want to have every time.

Debut author Meg Shaffer has created a beautiful story that touched my heart with The Wishing Game.

Jack Masterson is the successful children's fiction author of the Clock Island series. After taking a unexpected break, Jack has returned to writing his series and the new book comes with a contest. Four contestants will travel to his home on Clock Island, Maine and compete with the winner getting the only copy of the latest book.

For Lucy, this series means everything. The Clock Island series was a constant is a tumultuous upbringing. Now, she is working as a teachers assistant and shares her love of the series with a young boy in foster care named Christopher, who she is trying to adopt When Lucy is chosen to compete for the book, she knows that winning would be life changing, not just for her but also Christopher.

The author has done a nice job of balancing the trauma that some of the characters have experienced in the past with lightness . I liked how the positive impact of books on children's lives is highlighted in this story. It was nice to see it acknowledge and incorporated. I also liked the competition aspect of the book with its challenges and riddles to be solved. It added a bit of fun.
Perhaps my favorite aspect is the hopefulness the story conveys. The friendships and caring that are demonstrated were uplifting and the found family and healing moving.

Thank you Ballantine Books for the advanced readers copy to enjoy.

This was one of the sweetest books I have ever read. I teared up so many times reading it. I almost thought it was going to be too sweet for me and was about to give up on it, but I am SO glad I didnt.

The main character, Lucy, kind of bothered me at first. She seemed very unhappy with her situation and wanted to blame others for it. The way she talked about how unloved she was felt wrong to me for some reason. There are kids who have literally nothing and no one but she had family and that's something. I was glad we got to see her entire story, though, instead of just "this was my life and im forever bitter about it". I hated that her friend, Theresa, kept calling her "baby girl". That's a weird nickname in general for an adult woman, but in the context of this book it was even weirder.

I enjoyed this book! Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced copy.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

The Wishing Game is the grown-up, behind the scenes version of your favorite childhood book. It’s comforting, mystical, and teaches subtle lessons throughout. The focus on chosen family and the execution of what it means for the main character, Lucy, was wonderfully done.

Hands down an excellent comfort read. Perfect for an easy weekend read or an uplifting novel in-between some heavier reading. I could absolutely see this becoming a classic or possibly a film/limited tv series.