#NewDebut~~ The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
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.
“Meg Shaffer’s beautiful novel is part Willy Wonka, part magical realism, and wholly moving.”–JODI PICOULT
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.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3kVv3k6
Tera’s 4 Blush Review
A wonderful change of pace for me! Imagine someday really getting your Hogwarts letter! Or winning that golden ticket. That’s exactly what The Wishing Game was! A modern day Willy Wonka story with 4 avid fans undergoing riddles and games of their favorite Children’s author, Jack Masterson, in hopes of winning the only copy of his next book after a 6 year hiatus!
Lucy has read all of the “Clock Island” books that she now shares with 7 year old Christopher, a boy she wishes to foster and then adopt. However, her meager wages and less than ideal living situation has made that impossible. The contest put together by Jack Masterson is her ticket to getting the funds she needs to be the mother Christopher desperately needs.
The story is so fun! I didn’t quite know what to expect but I was not disappointed. It’s fast-paced with lovable characters and the perfect ending! If this is Meg Shaffer’s debut, I can’t wait to see what she does next!
Louisa’s 4 Blush Review
This book was so different than my “typical read,” and I absolutely loved it.
Lucy grew up reading Clock Island books, which were an escape for her – she literally – “escaped” her home as a child and made her way to Clock Island, the author’s home. Fast forward, and Lucy is an adult. She’s working at a school, living with a few roommates, and she’s just barely getting by. She has fallen in love with a young boy that she’s teaching (and reading Clock Island books to) and would love to adopt him, but her life situation (too many roommates, not enough money, etc.) has made it impossible for that dream to come true.
Along comes a contest from Jack Masterson, the author of the Clock Island books – it reminded me of getting a golden ticket and living out Charlie’s dream in Willy Wonka. Only a few are invited to the game, and the winner will be set for life, and her dreams of being a mother are in sight.
I loved the whimsical themes of the book, there were even a few nail-biting moments, but I was enthralled by the book and loved it.