"The storyโs message, that people should choose joy even (and especially) in difficult and painful times, seems tailor-made for this moment. A timely, uplifting read about finding joy in the midst of tragedy, filled with quirky characters and comforting warmth."โKirkus (starred review)
From the New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk Away comes a stunning new novel full of heart and hope.
Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her job, the kids, and her school family with passion and joy for living.
But she wasnโt always that way.
Duncan Carpenter is the new school principal who lives by rules and regulations, guided by the knowledge that bad things can happen.
But he wasnโt always that way.
And Sam knows it. Because she knew him beforeโat another school, in a different life. Back then, she loved himโbut she was invisible. To him. To everyone. Even to herself. She escaped to a new school, a new job, a new chance at living. But when Duncan, of all people, gets hired as the new principal there, it feels like the best thing that could possibly happen to the schoolโand the worst thing that could possibly happen to Sam. Until the opposite turns out to be true. The lovable Duncan sheโd known is now a suit-and-tie wearing, rule-enforcing tough guy so hell-bent on protecting the school that heโs willing to destroy it.
As the school community spirals into chaos, and danger from all corners looms large, Sam and Duncan must find their way to who they really are, what it means to be brave, and how to take a chance on loveโwhich is the riskiest move of all.
With Katherine Centerโs sparkling dialogue, unforgettable characters, heart, hope, and humanity, What You Wish For is the author at her most compelling best.