Genres: Chick Lit, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance
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Katherine Center's What You Wish For is a heartfelt and uplifting novel that explores themes of hope, resilience, and the unexpected turns life can take. The story follows Samantha, a dedicated school librarian whose life is upended when her former boss, the charismatic and larger-than-life Duncan, returns to their school after a tragic event. His vibrant personality clashes with Samantha’s more cautious and reserved nature, leading to a rollercoaster of emotions.
Center's writing is warm and engaging, drawing readers into Samantha's world with relatable characters and rich emotional depth. The narrative captures the intricacies of navigating grief and personal growth, making it a poignant exploration of what it means to truly live.
The chemistry between Samantha and Duncan is beautifully portrayed, blending moments of humor and vulnerability. As they navigate their complicated past and the challenges of the present, readers are treated to a touching romance that feels both genuine and transformative.
What truly stands out in this novel is Center's ability to balance humor with heavier themes. The dialogue is witty and charming, providing levity in moments of sadness, while the character arcs resonate with authenticity. Center tackles important issues such as mental health, loss, and the importance of community, reminding readers of the power of connection and kindness.
Overall, What You Wish For is a delightful and uplifting read that encourages readers to embrace life’s unpredictability and to find joy in the unexpected. Katherine Center has crafted a poignant story filled with heart, making this novel a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and hope in challenging times.
About Katherine Center
BookPage calls Katherine Center “the reigning queen of comfort reads.” She’s the New York Times bestselling author of ten novels, including How to Walk Away, Things You Save in a Fire, The Bodyguard, and her newest, Hello Stranger. Katherine writes laugh-and-cry books about how life knocks us down—and how we get back up. She’s been compared to both Jane Austen and Nora Ephron, and the Dallas Morning News calls her stories, “satisfying in the most soul-nourishing way.” The movie adaptation of her novel The Lost Husband (starring Josh Duhamel) hit #1 on Netflix, and the movie of her novel Happiness for Beginners, starring Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes, opens July 27 on Netflix. Katherine’s summer 2022 book, The Bodyguard, was an instant New York Times bestseller, a People Best New Books pick, and nominated for Book of the Year by Book of the Month Club. Bestselling author Emily Henry calls The Bodyguard “a shot of pure joy,” and bestselling author Helen Hoang calls it “a perfect feel-good rom-com.” Katherine lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas, with her husband, two kids, and their fluffy-but-fierce dog.