Center's newest novel hits upon hard topics while still remaining lighthearted

     Acclaimed author Katherine Center is back with her newest love story, which was released July 14th, that will have fans of hers jumping for joy! With favorites like How to Walk Away and Things You Save in a Fire, Center’s new book, What You Wish For, might just be her finest work yet!
     Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her job, the kids, and her school family with passion and joy for living. But she wasn’t 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 wasn’t always that way. And Sam knows it. Because she knew him before—at another school, in a different life. Back then, she loved him—but 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 school—and the worst thing that could possibly happen to Sam. Until the opposite turns out to be true. The lovable Duncan she’d known is now a suit-and-tie wearing, rule-enforcing tough guy so hell-bent on protecting the school that he’s 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 love—which is the riskiest move of all.
     This book has a fun enemies-to-lovers romance set in a colorful and creative elementary school, which makes this book even more endearing. Brimming with unforgettable characters, witty dialogue, and a kind and funny narrator, this might be my favorite Katherine Center book to date! I loved the characters, I wish I had Sam’s wardrobe, and I loved the redemptive arc that Duncan had. Plus, who can resist a book with a failed security dog named Chuck Norris??
     I also really loved the simple message of choosing joy and making an effort to love life to the fullest. While this book is fairly light-hearted, Center does touch upon real issues like school shootings, grief, and epilepsy. She handles these topics with care, yet shows that despite life’s hardships and traumas, a person can still overcome and live life without being plagued by their pasts, presents, or futures.
     If you’re a fan of Katherine Center’s other books or are just looking for a sweet rom-com, then this book is for you! And for those who haven't read any of Center’s prior books, this is a great one to start off with!!

*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.​

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