What You Wish For By Katherine Center Review

I received a digital advanced reader’s copy of What You Wish For from NetGalley. This review may contain minor spoilers. 

If you read only one book this summer, read this one, because Katherine Center knows how to play with your emotions, ya’ll.  I will be as spoiler free as possible. I cannot review the book without giving away some plot elements. What You Wish For is a must read if you loved How To Walk Away and Things You Save In A Fire. 

The book follows Samantha Casey, a school librarian who after a life-changing event re-invents herself. Sam as her friends call her, has built a new amazing life for herself. She loves her job and her co-workers are her new family. When tragedy strikes Sam thinks her former co-worker Duncan Carpenter will help the school and be the change everyone needs.

Sadly, Sam learns that Duncan has changed and not for the better. Duncan appears to be a stone cold, rigid man. The amazing, charming, and loveable teacher is no longer there. I knew conflict portion of the plot that involved Duncan. It was easy to guess. Later in the book when Duncans conflict is revealed, many of you will think I knew it! I think that element was obvious because of Duncan’s introduction.

The subplot with Duncan may seem like it is the heart of the story, but it is not. The true heart is Sam’s backstory, which may wreck you when you read it. This may appear to be a romance novel, but it is not. You will know what I am talking about when you read What You Wish For and if it doesn't make you cry, I don't know what will. Sam’s childhood trauma has a significant impact on her current situation. It ties into all five components of the plot. Sam’s trauma is everything and the key to helping Duncan reveal his conflict.

At 72% through this book Sam says something that resonated with me and Duncan. “Dude-I’m not happy because it comes easily to me. I bite and scratch and claw my way towards happiness every day.” I many ways we all can relate to Sam. We all have something we work towards getting past. We may not be characters in a Katherine Center novel, but the theme of trauma and recovery is something we can all relate to. 

The actual gift that What You Wish For gives is insight on blame. Mainly how blaming ourselves for things we have no control over can cripple us emotionally. I took away the message of the power of letting go of blame can transform your life. Katherine Center writes books that always have an underlying life lesson or two. In How To Walk Away loss is a major theme. In Things You Save In A Fire, forgiveness and reconciliation are major themes. I feel that What You Wish For finds a fresh way to spin the theme of forgiveness this time not others but yourself. You need to let go of blame. You must make your own happiness, not wait for happiness to come to you. 

I rated What You Wish For five stars on Goodreads. As always, Katherine Center knows how to write an irresistible story you cannot put down. As a bonus, you learn a life lesson or two. I recommend you read this book when it comes out on July 14th.