Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
What You Wish For by Katherine Center Published by St. Martin's Press on July 14, 2020
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Life Fiction
Pages: 320
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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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.
I think of this author as one who writes life fiction, rather than contemporary romance. There is a romance too, in the books I have read, but it isn’t the main story or the only story. Life fiction develops characters deeply and progresses them through various events in their lives including romance. They are more realistic because there is a more balanced perspective of their life including more than a romance, sharing more detail on career, friends, family and other aspects of their life.
What You Wish For is told in the viewpoint of a school librarian, Sam (short for Samantha). She has some issues with abandonment and feeling unlovable. She left her old school because she had a crush on a teacher, Duncan and couldn’t see him everyday with someone else. It works out because her new school is amazing. The small town has a community with some great people and she blossoms and makes some true friends.
Then Duncan shows up as the new school principal. She loves and hates the idea. She knows he will be amazing but she worries she will still be in love with him and have to leave a place she also loves. Well, it isn’t the problem she expected because he’s changed and he’s not a great principal.
Through her efforts to get him to change his mind, then to get him fired and then to understanding what has changed him, Sam has an emotional journey. She finally undertakes a new effort to save him with her teacher friends’ help which gives them both life, courage and love.
About 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.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER-20
I’m a recently converted fan of the author and have this one on my TBR. Excellent review, Anne?
Thank you! I’ve read just one other title and enjoyed it immensely. She is a master of this life fiction category.
Wow, what a great set up for a story! I wouldn’t normally pick this up, but I want to know what happens ?
It’s a character driven story, more than just a romance.
I loved this one!
I’m a fan of this author, although I am new to her work.
I think I finally have a Katherine Center on my request list for my kindle from the library. I’ve read so many good things about her books – can’t wait til I have a chance to read one 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I hope you enjoy it. I also LOVED Things You Save in a Fire and highly recommend it also.
I like that this has a school setting. It’s different than the usual.
Yes it is much more than a romance, deals with various issues both personal and school things.
Sounds cute… I do love second chance (ish) stories! Thanks.
I’d say it is deeper than cute but it is also cute.
I have this one waiting for me to read soon!! I love Katherine Center–this one sounds great! Great review!
Thank you. She is quickly becoming a favorite of mine in this genre.
Some nice topics there!
Yes both the personal and school issues were topical and complex.
I haven’t tried this author, but it looks like I need to!
Yes I would recommend you try her work. Since they are all standalone you can pick any of them that sound interesting.
I’m going to try to pick this up this week so I’ll come back to your review when I finish. Nice to see your 4 stars, Anne! 🙂
It’s a strong 4 hearts. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by this author.
I loved this book so much, especially when they all work together to try to save Duncan. That was fun.
It was fun! I enjoyed how character driven this sort of fiction is, rather than focusing only on a romance.
This was great story, not just focused on the romance, as you said. It was an emotional journey. One that I loved!