The Wishing Game

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.

Genre

Contemporary Fiction

Magical Realism

304 pages, Hardcover

First published May 30, 2023

Average Goodreads Rating: 4.15

My Thoughts

This novel felt like a middle grade novel written for adults. The author did an incredible job of balancing a whimsical and magical tone while still having depth and going into the hardships of the main characters. I love the optimism, the wholesomeness, the knowledge that (more often than not) everything is going to work out in the end. It is refreshing in 2024 to read such a novel.

Clock Island is a magical place, made more magical by the dozens of books set there. I desperately wish the Clock Island books actually existed. I would introduce my grandchildren to them immediately. I was charmed by this book and its characters. I thought it was unique and refreshing. I give it 5 stars.