“She knew better than to let a little pain hold her back. She knew that joy and sorrow walked side by side. She knew that being alive meant risking one for the other. And she also knew, as I was starting to understand.. that it was always better to dance than to refuse.”

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for gifting me this copy of WHAT YOU WISH FOR by Katherine Center. 

“Samantha Casey loves everything about her job as an elementary school librarian on the sunny, historic island of Galveston, Texas—the goofy kids, the stately Victorian building, the butterfly garden. But when the school suddenly loses its beloved principal, it turns out his replacement will be none other than Duncan Carpenter—a former, unrequited crush of Sam’s from many years before.

When Duncan shows up as her new boss, though, he’s nothing like the sweet teacher she once swooned over. He’s become stiff, and humorless, and obsessed with school safety. Now, with Duncan determined to destroy everything Sam loves about her school in the name of security—and turn it into nothing short of a prison—Sam has to stand up for everyone she cares about before the school that’s become her home is gone for good.”

What a sweet read this was! I have always been a fan of Katherine Center as she crafts her stories to include characters that exemplify pure kindness and joy and this book is no exception.

I loved Sam’s bright and cheerful personality; her character’s funky outfits and genuine nature prompted me to want to add a little more color in my wardrobe and to not be afraid of what others would think. Although Duncan, was painted as a bit of a curmudgeon at first, I knew that in his heart that he was a good man just trying to do the right thing after something tragic had occurred. I will say, I saw the direction that Center’s was taking the story after just a few chapters and I think that had me swaying in Duncan’s favor. What happened to Duncan is a very heavy topic that our country has become far too familiar with in the past – I don’t want to give away any of the storylines so if you would like more information, please message me!

‘It’s a choice. A choice to value the good things that matter. A choice to rise above everything that could pull you down. A choice to look misery right in the eyes.. and then give it the finger.”

I chose to read WHAT YOU WISH FOR while recovering from being sick and it was just the feel-good story that I was needing. It filled me with hope, it made me laugh, brought tears to my eyes, and taught me a thing or two on perseverance. I recommend this to anyone who needs a little bit of joy and light in their life. 

WHAT YOU WISH FOR was published on July 14th and can be picked up at your local bookstore today!