“The story’s message, that people should choose joy even (and especially) in difficult and painful times, seems tailor-made for this moment. A timely, uplifting read about finding joy in the midst of tragedy, filled with quirky characters and comforting warmth.”–Kirkus (starred review) From the New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk Away comes a stunning new novel full of heart and … a stunning new novel full of heart and hope.
Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her job, the kids, and her school family with passion and joy for living.
But she wasn’t always that way.
Duncan Carpenter is the new school principal who lives by rules and regulations, guided by the knowledge that bad things can happen.
But he wasn’t always that way.
And Sam knows it. Because she knew him before–at another school, in a different life. Back then, she loved him–but she was invisible. To him. To everyone. Even to herself. She escaped to a new school, a new job, a new chance at living. But when Duncan, of all people, gets hired as the new principal there, it feels like the best thing that could possibly happen to the school–and the worst thing that could possibly happen to Sam. Until the opposite turns out to be true. The lovable Duncan she’d known is now a suit-and-tie wearing, rule-enforcing tough guy so hell-bent on protecting the school that he’s willing to destroy it.
As the school community spirals into chaos, and danger from all corners looms large, Sam and Duncan must find their way to who they really are, what it means to be brave, and how to take a chance on love–which is the riskiest move of all.
With Katherine Center’s sparkling dialogue, unforgettable characters, heart, hope, and humanity, What You Wish For is the author at her most compelling best.
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Katherine Center has written another book with an important message…Choose joy even in the midst of tragedy. You can’t live in fear. This is the message we need to hear in these troubled times.
Ms. Center has created wonderful characters that come off the pages and into the reader’s heart. Duncan is a once beloved quirky teacher who has suddenly become a strict, almost dictatorial principal of a school where the former principal encouraged laughter and joy among the teachers and students. Samantha knew him when he was that fun-loving teacher who inspired joy in his students. What caused such a drastic change in Duncan’s personality?
I recommend What You Wish For. It has a a captivating storyline that held my attention from the first chapter to the end of the book. There was laughter and a lot of tears as I read of Samantha’s journey to discover what caused the change in Duncan.
I received an ARC of What You Wish For from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
With the magical and flowery prose that is the signature of Center, this book explores relationships, love, loss, honesty, grief and self-discovery. Samantha Casey fled California from a love interest that didn’t reciprocate and ended up in Galveston, Texas. She is the librarian at a small private school there and is loving it. Max Kempner, the co-founder and principal of the Kempner School, encouraged curiosity, investigation and artistic freedom there, and Sam is in her element. When Max suddenly dies, everyone is grieving but determined to find a good principal to carry on his legacy. When Duncan Carpenter arrives, Sam remembers him from California and expects him to be fun and charismatic, much like Max. But Duncan seems to be the antithesis of Max, demanding changes in the entire atmosphere and physical appearance of the school, all in the name of safety and security. Although Sam knew Duncan in California, she was not at all ready for this new form of him who has lost his hope and love of life. The scene is thus set for conflict, lots of emotions and plenty of cheering for one side or the other. Should Duncan be fired or should he be allowed to continue his reign at Kempner? As a former teacher and a rules person, I was kind of on Duncan’s side, but I did think he went too far in some of his demands and was expecting an explosive reaction from the faculty who were all more used to laid-back Max. Duncan seemed determined to get rid of freedom of expression at the school, and Sam was equally determined to save it. I really liked both characters, because Center is a master at strong characterization, creating a siren’s call for me to an emotional connection with her characters. I think that this book had a slower start for me that her other books, but about a third of the way into the book, I was captured and the magnetic pull of the charm and intrigue in the book just wouldn’t let go until I had finished it. Fans of Center will really love this book and I encourage fans of romance with multiple themes interwoven to try it. I love to feel happy after I read a book, and that is always how I feel after a Center book. This one also made me think about what I really want in life and what I am willing to do to grab it.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Another excellent book by Katherine Center! I enjoyed reading this! Samantha Casey is amazed to see a face from her past at a school meeting. Duncan Carpenter who she once had a crush on. She loved how full of life he was and how much he enjoyed teaching and just having fun. But the man standing in front of her bears no resemblance to the man she once new. He’s no longer the fun loving full of life man she once loved. He has come to be the new headmaster at the school she works at after the sudden death of Max, the beloved leader of the school. Beautifully written story of heartbreak, tragic secrets, love and life. I definitely recommend reading this book!
This is my fourth book read from this author, and while it’s good, it wasn’t my favorite. It’s a love story/women’s fiction contemporary with some serious issues to tackle.
Sam is a librarian at a wonderful elementary school on Galveston Island who was epileptic through middle school, seizure-free until her mid-20s and is now grappling with its return and how much it will rule her life. Duncan is the new principal taking over at the death of Sam’s beloved friend and mentor Max.
Sam and Duncan worked at the same school 4 years previously, where she fell in love with his fun-loving antics from afar, but he hardly seemed to notice her. Sam is shocked that he has changed so drastically into a somber, security-obsessed authority-figure and wants the old, fun Duncan back.
Both have suffered some horrific heartaches in their lives (Sam’s embarrassment and bullying as an epileptic child, Duncan’s PTSD from a violent encounter…the book includes one fairly graphic scene). But together they learn to intentionally choose joy over fear.
While it was well-written and an inspiring story, I did not connect with the main characters (I did enjoy Clay, the highly-intelligent sweet third-grade bookworm) as well as I have in her other books I’ve read. That’s just me. Still a good read.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for providing me the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
“What You Wish For” by Katherine Center is a very well written book about being accepted for who we are and living life with joy. “What You Wish For” had me hooked right from the first page and I did not want to put it down. This book was the perfect read for the times we are living in. Such a positive book with a little bit of romance. I read this book in one sitting and could not turn the pages fast enough. This is my second book that I have read by Katherine Center and now I have an insatiable craving for more of her books. I would like to thank NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Katherine Center for the ARC, I received in exchange for my honest review!
**A free copy was given to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
This is a love story and yet, it’s more than just a love story. Although this is my first Katherine Center book, it’s not the first time I heard about her. I heard a lot of good things about Things You Save in a Fire (which I also plan on reading). So when I got an opportunity to read an ARC of this, I didn’t hesitate to grab it.
Ever read books that make you feel like you’ll really love them even from the start? This is one of those. I just loved reading this from Samantha’s point of view. She is super relatable and really funny. Despite everything she went through, she remained positive and refused to back down.
I expected this book to be a cute and sweet romance. And while it had me giggling like a high school girl in front of her first crush, it was also so much more than that. Yes, this is a story of two people falling in love. But it’s also about who they both are as people: their struggles, fears, goals, and motivations. Because before there is a couple, there are individuals. I loved how this book tackled issues amidst the promise of a romance. I’m afraid I won’t be able to reveal what those issues are (spoiler alert!) but all I can tell you is that they’re important. They need to be talked about.
Ultimately, this book is about how love is not only looking at the best qualities of a person and admiring them but also seeing their worst and choosing to stay. This book is about how the world is a scary place but it is not an excuse to live in fear, but a reason to reach for joy as much as we can.
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I think the blurb sums up this one well enough that it doesn’t need a summary from the reviewer. The school had so many fun elements and I would have loved to attend such a school when I was younger.
“Joy and sorrow walk side by side.”
When Duncan first showed up to the school and started making major changes, Samantha’s repeated defense of him baffled me. When someone is changing So much that students and teachers alike are growing depressed, that doesn’t call for support. I was glad when she stood up to him. I can understand the trauma Samantha has endured to keep her illness a secret. But it also shows a lack of trust in the friends she has made since moving here. She’s changed how she tackles life and is much happier for it. She should put some faith in her friends.
I think the fact that both Duncan and Samantha are suffering from their secrets helps to bond them together, even though feelings are brewing between them. I liked them together, even when they weren’t getting along. Because their arguments were fiery, fueled by a passion for what they believed in. I also could completely relate to her when she said, “I had woken up that morning with a terrible oversharing hangover…”
There were a lot of fun characters in this one and such a powerful feeling of community. Add that to a storyline that swings between emotional and amusing, and this made for a super fun read. I read in another review that readers first meet Duncan in Happiness for Beginners, so I definitely want to go back and read that one. Thank you St. Martin’s for sending this along!
I received this ebook from NetGalley. The book publishes in July 2020.
This book takes place in Galveston, Texas. It is about the story of Sam (Samantha) Casey, the librarian at Kempner School. The school is run (and was founded) by Max and Babette Kempner. When someone in the school community passes away, they find themselves with a new principal, Duncan Carpenter. Duncan and Sam worked with each other years before. She had feelings for him but it was not mutual. Sam was thrilled to learn that Duncan would be their new principal because he was fun, goofy and she thought he would be a good fit. He changed a lot from when they worked together – even going so far as not remembering her. He makes several changes at the school that do not go over well resulting in a bit of animosity between Sam and Duncan.
This book is about joy and finding joy, feeling joy, experiencing joy. I did not like this book as much as Things You Save in a Fire. This book seemed a bit overdone and I found myself skipping over some of the dialogue.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and I an voluntarily publishing my review.
#KatherineCenter is one of my new favorite authors. This is the third of her books I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. Her main characters are in their late-20s to early-30s, around my daughter’s age. Somehow they seem older, more mature. Each has a flaw. Each book deals with one or more social issues. and/or teaching moments
“What You Wish For” is set in /around an elementary school in Texas with very like-able (all but one or two), believable characters. The dominant issues are: gun violence in our schools, early childhood education and stimulation, and hidden health issues.
Very enjoyable, with a handful printing /typographical errors in the version I read which I have relayed to the publisher.
What You Wish For was not what I expected at all. I went into this thinking it’d be the perfect sweet, feel-good read, but for me, this was not the case.
I seriously couldn’t get into this book until about the 50% mark, and frankly, I’m surprised I stuck it out that long. None of the characters drew me in. Samantha was mostly annoying that first half; Duncan was difficult to understand until a past experience comes to light. I may have liked the book a little more with dual perspectives.
After the scene with Helen and Jake (who I actually enjoyed), I thought the book was finally going to pick up, turn around, do something. It started to for a couple of chapters but then ultimately fizzled for me again.
What You Wish For was mostly a strange and silly book. That being said, I did enjoy a few humorous moments, and I can appreciate the topics and issues Katherine Center addressed in the book.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***
This book is different from the others that I have read by the author, yet it still has that feel good aspect to it. A bit humorous/whimsical and a bit silly in places, but overall a very good read with good characters that are overcoming fears and finding joy. I liked the way the author dealt with school safety, health fears and family relations. A light hearted read that will bring a smile to your face.
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the ARC
This is a story about choosing joy despite heartbreaking circumstances. She has no idea of how this lesson of choosing joy will greatly impact what is about to upend her world. Her past is about to enter her present in the form of Duncan Carpenter. I love the internal dialogue of Samantha Casey. She has lived through so much and has a view of life that is definitely distorted but in a good way. Samantha and Duncan are dealing with how the past have shaped and changed them. Both of the characters have to learn to face their fears and not let it stops them from living. Ms Center mixed her stories with powerful messages and humor to make an impact on her readers. One of the most life-changing statements made is “Never Miss a Chance to Celebrate” by Max.
I received this book from Netgalley and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This was a quick story for me, it drew me in right away.
The two main characters annoyed me at first but they both became more likeable as the story went on. This was a fun, breezy sort of book. I enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martins press and the Author, Katherine Center for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Yet another fabulous book by Katherine, who has become one of my favorite authors.
I loved the settings and characters who were very charming, quirky and loveable especially the main protagonist “Sam”.
This was a very enjoyable and heartwarming story.
Katherine Center has done it again. At first you think it’s going to be a quick, quirky read about dealing with an unrequited crush, then she throws another dynamic into the mix. Then another. And another. Her books always have interesting layers, creating a depth that a lot of books lack in this genre.
Thank goodness for a new book from Katharine Center, who has become one of my favorite authors. It was just what I needed during this crazy period of life. Great characters, a scenic setting, an interesting story with a couple of fun twists, and a great vibe of happiness. As a retired teacher, I especially liked the school setting and teacher characters, but the fun setting of Galveston Beach would appeal to anyone. Samantha was a great center for the story, full of life and fun, a librarian who spread the joy with her clothes, her love for the children, and by making the school library a sanctuary for the kids. I liked her friends, and the school itself was really a character in the story as well. So, a few conflicts, a major plot twist, a sweet love story, a villain you love to hate, and a focus on facing your challenges head on. I picked this up after dinner and couldn’t put it down so read straight through until i finished it! Now that is the mark of a good book!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
MC Samantha loves her job as a teacher until it’s beloved principal is replaced by an old crush, Duncan. Turns out though he is not the sweet teacher friend she once crushed on but now he is stiff & rigid, more concerned about school safety. There’s drama between the two, does Samantha dislike her job now? This is a fun, entertaining read! Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ebook ARC. This is my honest review.
Quirky cute book. Not my usual genre, but I enjoyed it. Thank you Katherine Center and McMillian publishers for this ARC. The story centers around Samantha a quirky librarian who works at a school she loves. Samantha lives in the guest house of Max and Babette who own the school Samantha works at. Everything seems perfect until Max suddenly dies. Samantha is sure Babette will take over the school and everything will remain the same, that is until Kent Buckley (Babette and Max’s hated son-in-law) takes over as Chairman of the school, and hires a new Principal Duncan Carpenter. At first Samantha is excited for Duncan to come to her school, as they worked together at a previous school and Samantha had a huge crush on him. Samantha believed Duncan is the perfect replacement for Max as he has the same fun loving personality as Max did. However when Duncan shows up he is not the same man Samantha remembers. Duncan has changed immensely, and starts making changes at the school that are detrimental not only to the students, but the teachers as well. Everyone hates Duncan, but Samantha feels she can break down his exterior and get the old Duncan back. Just how hard will it be…
Never judge a book by its’ cover – or in this case – the clothing the man wears.
Katherine Center’s latest novel takes place in Galveston, Texas where we meet Librarian Sam and her cast of friends who are more like her framily (friends that are family). The story starts with the head of school unexpectedly passing away and the president of the school board bringing in the polar opposite, in Duncan, to run the school.
We find Sam knows Duncan from her previous teaching position on the West Coast, but will Duncan remember her? We aren’t quite sure! The new principal Duncan might look a lot like the old Duncan, but his clothing couldn’t be more different, his attitude couldn’t be more different…. What happened to Duncan to cause all these crazy changes? What follows is the story of Duncan’s past and why he is who he is now. Can Sam bring back the fun Duncan? Is he still in there?
Katherine writes with such conviction, you can literally feel the butterflies Sam feels when she encounters Duncan on the beach one winter evening… and every time thereafter.
Enjoy the ride Katherine Center takes you on in her newest novel. I can’t wait for my friends to pick this up so we can talk about Duncan!!!!!
This book brought tears to my eyes on numerous occasions. I sat down to read it and found myself emersed in the story quickly. Before I knew the story was done, but the characters and the message of the book still linger.
It’s a beautifully tragic story that brings these two former colleagues back working together in new place, in a new time. Much has changed for both, some for the better and some for the worst. Sam had always had a crush on the popular, happy-go-lucky Duncan in the past, but a lifetime of ridicule and humiliation when she was younger die to her epilepsy had made her a shy mouse. She knows she is invisible to the awesomeness that is Duncan Carpenter. So to prevent further heartache, she runs from one coat to a island community of Galveston, TX to teach. There she blooms and learns to “. . . bite and scratch and claw my way toward happiness everyday” instead for letting fear smother the life out of her. “. . .it’s a hostile kind of joy.”
Everything is perfect until her beloved mentor and principal does unexpectedly and is replaced by Duncan.
Duncan’s past has changed him. Here is no longer the happy-go-lucky man of his past. He has a job to do and nothing with stop that. He has shut down his emotions, cut off all human contacts. He is a shell of his former self, but he is determined to protect his student and teachers, even if it means they go to school in a prison-like place everyday to do, they will be safe. What changed him so drastically? Can these two broken people find a way to help heal each other??
This book had a lot of “hot topic issues” that we see (sadly) more and more in our world today. I don’t want to run it for you, but what teachers could or have faced and how bullying effects lives. They are issues with long reaching impacts on not just the individuals but communities and families. I felt the power of love in this book. It’s the kind book that gives you the warm-fuzzies while at the same time enriches your life for having read it if you take the life lessons to heart
“The world keeps hanging on this idea that love is for the gullible. But nothing could be more wrong. Love is for the brave.”
** I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. **