This is a fun book where there's a protagonist to really root for and a premise that's like Willy Wonka but with an eccentric author and a beloved children's book series. Riddles, wishes, and the ultimate contest -- who will win, and will wishes come true?

Such an interesting read. Many thanks to the publisher for the advanced reader copy. I recommend this one!

Lucy Hart is a teaching assistant who shares her love of reading with her young students. Books saved Lucy when she was a neglected child, particularly the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson, which allowed her to escape her own grim reality. She loved Masterson’s books so much, that as a child she ran away and showed up on Masterson’s doorstep, hoping to live with him. Now, Lucy has formed a real bond with Christopher, a student who has recently lost his parents, and even toys with the idea of adoption. It seems like fate when Lucy receives an invitation from Masterson on “Clock Island”. The reclusive author has picked four readers who will travel to his island where they will compete for the one copy of the new “Clock Island” book. The winner will have the rights to market and sell the book; if Lucy wins, the money could mean she could adopt Christopher. But first she has to defeat the other contestants who range from charming and handsome to downright deadly. What a marvelous story! This is a bibliophile’s dream story. Highly recommended

Put your cynicism aside and get ready to enjoy this feel-good story about an eccentric millionaire/beloved author, Jack Masterson, trying to fulfill the wishes of his greatest fans.

Lucy Hart has channeled all her energy into saving money and applying to foster and adopt a seven-year-old orphan boy she bonded with while working as a teacher’s aide. She is close to giving up hope when she receives an envelope inviting her to Clock Island, where Jack lives, to compete for the sole copy of his latest novel.

This was a fun story - we get a lovable protagonist, slight Willy Wonka vibes, and a bit of romance! Recommended to anyone looking for a heart-warming adventure about people looking to heal and to love and be loved.

Thank you very much to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

This book is beautiful. I should have been asleep two hours ago, but once I began this book, I could not rip myself away from it. The characters are so easy to love. Jack Masterson skates the line between eccentric recluse author and a man with the greatest heart. Wishes are granted for kids who are brave, and this book is full of bravery and love and goodness. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book as moving and kooky and lovely as this one. And I loved every word of it.

I absolutely loved this book and am so glad to have had the opportunity to read an advance copy of it thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. I found it completely original, very uplifting, and a nice change from my usual reads. In the book, a children's author had a huge impact on some of his young readers lives. They became invested in the fantasy world of his books, and he sometimes personally corresponded with his readers and was able to help them. Now, as adults, some of them are invited to compete to win the only copy of his last book for them to do what they wish with it. Shaffer did a great job bringing the characters to life, focusing on one in particular. Although I'm terrible at riddles, I enjoyed seeing how the characters solved them. I was happy that the story was unpredictable and went in unexpected directions. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from the author.

The Wishing Game was a delight. Stories about chosen families always touch my heart, and this one was beautifully done. My thanks to NetGalley and Random House.