Review: The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

Blurb from Goodreads:

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, 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 on his private island where four hand-picked readers will compete to win the only copy. At age thirteen, Lucy fled her unhappy home and showed up on Jack Masterson’s doorstep, hoping to live with her favorite author. Thirteen years later, a sky-blue envelope arrives with Lucy's name on it, postmarked "Clock Island."

For Lucy, a chance to read the first Clock Island book in years is a prize worth fighting for, but the possibility of winning, selling the manuscript, and securing a better future for her and Christopher means everything.

But first, Lucy must contend with ruthless book collectors, wily opponents, and the distractingly handsome (and grumpy) Hugo Reese, illustrator of the Clock Island books and Jack’s only friend. Meanwhile, Jack “the Mastermind” Masterson is plotting the ultimate twist ending that could change all their lives forever.

. . . You might just get it.

My Review:
This was a quick and fun read.  It lets you imagine if you ran away to meet your favorite author when you were a kid and actually succeeded in finding that author . . . only to be invited back for a special contest as an adult.  I loved reading about the setting, the world within the world and all of the riddles.  Plus the ending was good!  I definitely recommend, especially if you like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Ready Player One!

The Wishing Game comes out next week on May 30, 2023, and you can purchase HERE!  I really liked this one!

"I love when the kids are still young enough that you can trick them into doing chores because they think they're playing." Theresa dug her purse out of the bottom desk drawer.  "I told Rosa she couldn't mop the kitchen because that was for grown-ups, and she literally pouted until I let her do it." 

"Is that what being a mother is?" Lucy asked. "Pulling a long con on your kids?" 

"Pretty much," Theresa said.