The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer Published by Ballantine on May 30, 2023
Genres: Fiction
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Years ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner’s life in this absorbing and whimsical novel.
Make a wish. . . .
Lucy Hart knows better than anyone what it’s like to grow up without parents who loved her. In a childhood marked by neglect and loneliness, Lucy found her solace in books, namely the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Now a twenty-six-year-old teacher’s aide, she is able to share her love of reading with bright, young students, especially seven-year-old Christopher Lamb, who was left orphaned after the tragic death of his parents. Lucy would give anything to adopt Christopher, but even the idea of becoming a family seems like an impossible dream without proper funds and stability.
But be careful what you wish for. . . .
Just when Lucy is about to give up, Jack Masterson announces he’s finally written a new book. Even better, he’s holding a contest at his home on the real Clock Island, and Lucy is one of the four lucky contestants chosen to compete to win the one and only copy.
For Lucy, the chance of winning the most sought-after book in the world means everything to her and Christopher. But first she must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, the illustrator of the Clock Island books. Meanwhile, Jack “the Mastermind” Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.
. . . You might just get it.
The Wishing Game is a standalone book that is just a magical read. I quickly fell in love with this novel. It touched on some heavier emotions like being neglected as a child but also balanced in a whimsy reminiscent to Willy Wonka.
Our leading lady, Lucy Hart is a teacher’s aide that has big hopes and dreams. Her biggest wish in life would be to foster one of her students and adopt him. Christopher, was orphaned at a young age and Lucy was there for him in his time of need. They’ve grown closer as she shared her love of her favorite childhood book series, the Clock Island series.
Sadly, Lucy winds up being too short on money to create an environment that will allow her to foster a child. But she gets an invitation she cannot turn down. The writer of the Clock Island books is inviting a few lucky people to his island to play a game. The winner gets the one and only copy of his latest book which will be worth a fortune. Lucy has a chance to have her biggest wish come true. She just has to win it all.
