This was a delightful book. Lucy is trying to save up for a house and car so she can foster to adopt a sweet boy, Christopher. She gets the chance to compete for a new book in a children's book series that she loved growing up. I almost wish the book was longer and the games and characters more fleshed out. I loved what I got of them and could have read a lot more. Overall, a very good book.

After reading this novel I really wish I could go to Clock Island. This novel is a blend of childhood longing, adult problems, and a desire for a magical solution. Lucy is a teacher's aide who really wants to foster a young boy named Christopher. The problem is Lucy does not have her own place to live, a car, and she does not make enough money to support a child. Lucy comes from a family who were completely devoted to her older, sick sister. She was an afterthought. She knows what it is like to be unloved and wants more than anything to give Christopher a better childhood than he has had. Both of them have found solace in a series of children's books known as the Clock Island Series. When a new book is written Lucy has a chance to win the one and only copy but only if she can win the game. To do that she will have to solve riddles and face her fears. It will be worth it though because in the end she could finally make her wishes come true if only she can beat out her competition.

As a child who read a lot, I felt like this was a book written for all of us who grew up loving to read. Reading is an escape from all of our problems and this book definitely held true to that. I found this book extremely heart warming and I was definitely rooting for Lucy the entire time. Her young life was heartbreaking and had me wanting to keep reading so I could find out what was going to happen. I really enjoyed this story and loved that it had a little of everything from romance to fantasy to mystery. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Random House Publishing for this advance copy.

Hands down this was my favorite book of 2022, and to date I've read 190 books. I was gifted this book to review and didn't know much of what is what about but was quickly drawn in. I stayed up late to get to the next section and unfortunately finished the following day. As I was about halfway through the book I realized the storyline was a lot like Willy Wonka but instead of a chocolate bar the special item was a manuscript. Everything about this book was dreamy and the story so well written. I am literally obsessed. The characters were lovable,the storyline so creative, the descriptions so well explained I could picture myself on the Island. The second I finished I made myself a note to pick this for my book club book in June. Bravo Meg Shaffer, I can't wait to read what you write next.
Lucy Hart had a hard life growing up with parents who didn't want her. Now she has come to love a little boy who is in great need of a family and she won't stop until she can become his mother. What she can provide is unconditional love but unfortunately with no money, no car, and living with roommates, social services explains she's simply not a good placement. Growing up with only her grandparents as family and very few friends Lucy wants to adopt Christopher and give him the childhood she never had, but how?
When Lucy was young and ignored by her parents she started reading the Clock Island books as an escape. She wanted nothing more than to become Astrid and runaway to the Island and have the Mastermind adopt her. These books got her through the hardest times and stayed with her through adulthood. So imagine her surprise when she learns the author Jack Masterson is running a contest and one winner will receive an unpublished copy of Jacks new book. If Lucy can get invited and win the contest she could sell the manuscript and have money to buy a car and a house and then she can become a mom to Christopher!
Well the invite does come and Lucy is headed back to the Island to try and win the contest. She ran away to the Island when she was thirteen hoping she could become the Masterminds sidekick, but of course was sent home. But Jack always remembered Lucy and three other brave children who loved his books and touched his heart with their stories.Now is their chance to have something no one has ever seen. Lucy will do anything she can to win the contest and along the way she will be reunited with people from her past and learn to love, how to truly live, and how to forgive. Will Lucy win the contest and become Christophers mother? You'll have to read the book to find out!

Can a tragedy that defines us ultimately end up being a blessing? That is a question that is answered in this magical, heartwarming story of an old eccentric author who is giving away the only copy of his last book to one of 4 adults who can be the overall winner in his game of riddles and puzzles. Lucy desperately needs to win so she can save a young boy who needs a family, but the other contestants have big needs too. This story and the characters drew me in with mystery and magic. It is a powerful story of love, loss, and finding a new family to call your own. Special thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for reaching out and giving me this suggested read.

This was BEAUTIFUL! A touching story that is filled with kindness and goodness. It was an absolute breath of fresh air to read a story like this, one that was a bit suspenseful but 99% feel good. I loved every word of it. One of the best books I’ve read all year!

Lucy is about as lovable as protagonists can be. It’s obvious that she has a huge heart and propensity to do the right thing (because she wants to, not because she should). She’s driven by pure motives, not lured by money or distraction. Jack Masterson is also masterfully (ha!) orchestrated. His wit, his imagination, his heart… he’s perfect. And Hugo…. I think I started falling in love with him as I read.

I have nothing bad to say about this book. The ending was more than I could’ve ever imagined. Perfection.

This book is a quick read and while a bit flawed, won my heart over. I would call this YA fantasy that crosses over to adult literature well. The fantasy elements are so vivid, this world continues to exist in my mind. The characters are mostly well fleshed out with a few exceptions. Clock Island feel so real, it’s a tribute to the author.

The issues I had with the book didn’t interfere with my enjoyment. I felt the protagonists relationship with a foster care student was too intense and would raise some red flags. I also found the other island contestants to be flat and diversity tokens. About half way into the book, I felt the plot came close to just stealing aspects of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

However these are pretty minor quibbles compared to the technicolor world building of Clock Island. That really was a master stroke. I’d absolutely read future work from this author.

This book was really, really good! I enjoyed getting to know all the characters, who were built up throughout the book with thought and detail. The story concept was great and it held my attention from beginning to end.
I not only want to visit Clock Island but also want to read all of the fictional stories from it, too!

On the very first page of The Wishing Game I was flown back in time to my being the 8 year old latchkey child who spent her afternoons in the local library reading and escaping into fairy tales. The Wishing Game has that wonderful and rare quality in a book that transports you into a different reality. It's also utterly delightful; so much so that I didn't want to finish reading and invented chores so that I could put the book down to make the experience last longer. Some may say that this is more of a middle-school or young adult novel, but I can assure you that it has no upper age limit.

When Lucy was a small child, her parents sent her away from home so they could focus on their older daughter's serious illness. Lucy lost herself in reading, particularly the novels of Jack which all took place on Clock Island off the coast of Maine. Lucy identified with the characters so strongly that she took a ferry to the very private real Clock Island to offer herself as a companion to the author.

Thirteen years later, Lucy is a Kindergarten teacher's aide, quite underpaid, who has fallen in love with a young boy traumatized by who has been traumatized by the loss of both parents to drug overdoses and has no other family. Enter Jack again with a contest that would provide the winner with his new book. Jack has not written anything for a number of in years). The contes for the prize, filled with riddles and puzzle solving, just like in the Clock Island books, could provide Lucy with the money she needs to be able to adopt Christopher, the boy she has grown to love.

The story may remind you of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, being filled with humor and excitement, but it stands alone as a unique and totally wonderful piece of writing. It overflows with love and wonder. Please let us hear more from you, Meg Shaffer.

Thank you to Doubleday and NetGalley for the chance to preview this book. I totally loved it.!

THE WISHING GAME is absorbing and compelling from page one. Every bookworm can surely understand the desire to live inside the world of their favorite childhood series.

While written for an adult audience, this novel reignites a love of children's literature and the safe space it can provide.

Lucy is likable and her goals are relatable. I loved Hugo as well.. The side characters are fun additions that keep the plot moving.

The ending is 100% satisfying. I predict this will be a hit with bookclubs.

Not since the Harry Potter series was I so involved in a book. This author is rising star. I savored this book like I was tasting a filet mignon. I did NOT want this book to end.
The story, the characters, the riddles, the hidden love, the hidden twists within the story, I DID NOT WANT THIS BOOK TO END!

If you only read one book this year, READ THIS BOOK! THis is such a magical, delightful, well thought out story, that I want everyone to read.

I can't praise this book enough. I won't give the story, the plot lines away, but this is a truly a wondrous book that I will probably read it again. IT was so good.

This story is magical. It is comprised of magic, fantasy, love, family and childhood dreams and wishes. Also even though some of it is predictable the wishes that are granted are done in an unconventional way.

A pleasure to read. I am sad I finished it

Thank you netgaLley for this ARC.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is one unforgettable story!

Meg Shaffer completely blew me away with this magical very interesting read.
Her writing swept me away to such a fascinating place.
The characters are unique, engaging and so full of life.
And the story.... WoW! What a story! It was fun, spellbinding and so magical.
Seriously it's one amazing book that took me by complete surprise.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House & Ballantine Books for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is part fantasy, and part magic. The rest is 100% Love, Hope, Wishes and Dreams!
There is no doubt that the amazing land of "Clock Island"owned and run by long time famous author, Jack Masterson; is a place where anyone who reads and adores Jack's books will want to visit or even live.
(I really want to go!)
When Lucy was a child ,the Clock Island stories were what kept her hopes alive.
Her life was nothing short of sad and lonely.
Now- as an adult, Lucy is offered an invite to a contest in this magical place.
What can she win? Will this bring her happiness?
She wants to help not only herself, but a young student who needs a special person!

This is one incredible novel that I will not soon forget.
There are many lessons for each and every one of us to embrace.
Honest- -Sit and open up this gorgeous story and open your imagination and your heart. You won't be sorry.

Thank you so much @NetGalley and @Random House Publishing Group-Ballentine for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review.

This story was magical. It awoke my childhood wonder and made my heart happy. What more can one want in a book?

It took me a few days to get started on this book. It basically fell into my lap, well email after I just finished my last book. I read the description and thought it was something I could like and I’m really glad I gave it a shot because once I started reading, I was hooked.

Lucy Hart, is a kindergarten teachers aid who’s been through some stuff. Discarded by her parents and raised my her grandparents, bad relationships, etc. She’s asked to take in a young boy who’s lost his parents tragically and he changes her life.

Hugo Reeves, illustrator of a popular children’s book has spent years on an island with the author of said children’s books. He’s basically put his life on hold to be there for the author who is more like a father than co-worker.

Everyone is connected by the books and the magic of the books spills over into reality as the author who suddenly stopped writing has decided to write one more and hold a contest for the rights to the solo copy.

This was a really great story! I was so absorbed into the book. I wanted to know what happens next but also didn’t want it to end. I would love to read a second book in the story. It had me laughing and crying and the ending left me satisfied so that’s all I can ask.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for allowing me to experience this story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will look for other books by this author.

If Ready Player One was a set on an island in Maine and not in some dystopian hell scape, you'd have The Wishing Game. And if The Inheritance Games wasn't a mystery/love triangle. A lovely little book of an author, an artist, a teaching assistant and a traumatized little boy in need of some faith, trust and pixie dust. Lucy does have a bit of Mary Sue in her (and the sister story line felt like a sinister My Sisters Keeper plot) but she was likeable enough. It's very sweet and the reminder that the you can never buy more of is time, so make the best of it.

2.5 stars rounded up bc a sprinkle of sugar is what I needed about now.

This book defies being pigeonholed - part Willy Wonka, part about the true definition of family, and a hint of romance - the author has an incredible imagination and wonderfully descriptive writing. All I can say is read it for yourself and if you don't have a lump in your throat at the end you might want to check your pulse.

tl;dr
A sometimes tragic, mostly hopeful story about the dreams we had as kids, and the courage it takes to make them come true as adults.

Thoughts
When a mysterious reclusive author invites people to his remote island to compete for a prize, the first thing my mind conjures up is backstabbing, cynically evil people, and a murder or two. And at first, it seems like we might be heading in that direction, but the Wishing Game willfully chooses a more hopeful voice. The competitors are all flawed, but sympathetic, with difficult (sometimes traumatic) and relatable histories that make it very easy to wish the best for everyone involved. The game creator in particular is incredibly human, and potentially the most sympathetic of the entire cast. I normally have a clear favorite character, but I found myself invested in everyone on the island. Hugo the artist perhaps squeaks out as my fave, but only because I have a soft spot in my heart for grumpy rebellious artists. The plot is fairly straightforward - a chocolate factory-esque competition, but for adults (or perhaps for kids who simply got older), and I appreciated the perspective of people who have lived long enough to understand what's really at stake. With the addition of some light romance and a few fun puzzles, this was far from the dark cynical book I expected, and I am immensely grateful for it. Strong recommend for anyone looking for an honest, but hopeful take on being an adult and making your wishes come true.

What bookworm hasn’t wanted to live inside the world of their favorite series? In The Wishing Game, Jack Masterson has created a fantastic world/safe space for children like Lucy Hart. Not only has he written 65 books in the Clock Island series, but he has also built Clock Island in reality. Now, as he announces the completion of book 66 after a long hiatus, he decides to host a Willy Wonka-esque competition to win the rights to and the only copy of his newest book—and Lucy is one of the lucky few invited to the island to compete.

This book was a delight. It brought back the nostalgia I have for my childhood bookworm days, but also was clearly written for an adult audience (who were all childhood bookworms). I empathized with Lucy’s struggles and read impatiently, wanting to see her win and accomplish her biggest wish in life. I liked all of the side characters and thought they were, for the most part, sufficiently fleshed out. There were some random tidbits thrown in toward the middle/end (Jack’s orientation, while interesting especially as pertains to his motives, felt unnecessary; Lucy’s family had some really odd curveballs, and Angie’s bit of the epilogue was SUPER unnecessary) but all in all, an enjoyable read!

Meg Shaffer has written a book that pulled at all my heartstrings with The Wishing Game.
Where children wish they could live on the magical Clock Island, after reading about it in the Clock Island books, where there’s always hope.