What You Wish For by Katherine Center

What You Wish For by Katherine Center

What You Wish For by Katherine Center is a perfect summer read that will uplift you. With its fantastic characters and perfect setting, this book is captivating and hard to put down. Also, the theme of hope woven throughout the story is something that many readers will appreciate right now.

What You Wish For by Katherine CenterTitle: What You Wish For
Author: Katherine Center
Also by this author: The Bodyguard
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult Fiction
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
Rating: four-stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

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.

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❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃


Review: What You Wish For by Katherine Center

There are so many quirky and interesting characters in this novel. Samantha is a librarian that has a whimsical and vibrant style that matches her sunny outlook on life. While her life hasn’t always been easy, she chooses to see the bright side of things. Then there is Duncan, a principal who at one time had a similar outlook on life, but has since hardened. It is really enjoyable to watch their romance slowly unfold and discover how these two characters can lift each other up.

❀ Amazing Island setting

Another amazing aspect of this story is its island setting. It really is a character of its own, with its wonderful old buildings and a tight-knit community that helps one another. The descriptions of the quirky old school are also so much fun. I really love how the author gives so much life to the school through so many details, such as art and a dream library overlooking the ocean.

❀ A theme of hope

There is a mix of light and heavy topics in this novel. Both Samantha and Duncan have internal struggles that they are dealing with that are definitely difficult. However, Center balances these hardships with a theme of hope. The way the main characters and the whole town come together to help one another through so many difficulties is incredible.

❀Perfect for your beach bag

What You Wish For by Katherine Center is a perfect book for your beach bag. It has characters that are easy to fall in love with and a setting that will whisk you away. As well, it has a hopeful theme that will lift your spirits.

About Katherine Center

Katherine Center

Katherine Center is the New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk Away, the upcoming Things You Save in a Fire (August 2019), and five other bittersweet comic novels. Six Foot Pictures is currently adapting her fourth novel, The Lost Husband, into a feature film starring Josh Duhamel, Leslie Bibb, and Nora Dunn. Katherine has been compared to both Nora Ephron and Jane Austen, and the Dallas Morning News calls her stories, “satisfying in the most soul-nourishing way.” Katherine recently gave a TEDx talk on how stories teach us empathy, and her work has appeared in USA Today, InStyle, Redbook, People, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, Real Simple, Southern Living, and InTouch, among others. Katherine lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas, with her fun husband, two sweet kids, and fluffy-but-fierce dog.

Lori

About Lori

Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.

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