**This review will contain spoilers**

I’ve heard many great things about this took so decided to take a look at it for myself. It follows female main character. Lucy Hart and her adventure with wanting to adopt seven year old, Christopher Lamb. However, there are other plots beyond Lucy trying to build a family such as a subplot of romance, adventure, etc.

Lucy came from a traumatic childhood and wants to adopt Christopher so that he won’t grow up to be in the same position as herself–single and needing money. Lucy would comfort herself with books from her favorite author Jack Masterson who wrote the Clock Island series. The Clock Island series consists of a multitude of books that revolve around an array of characters and their journey on this island where the Mastermind lived there they would complete puzzles and riddles.

Knowing this comfort Lucy had a kid, she introduced Christopher to the books as well to provide a solace for him like she had when she was little. However, Jack Masterson hasn’t written in years but randomly decided to host a competition for someone to win the lone copy of his newest release. Whoever wins can do whatever they want with the book–sell it for money, send it to a publishing company, keep it to themselves, etc. Lucy is picked along with three other contestants at the opportunity to get this book.

While on the island, Lucy solves puzzles and riddles that help advance her position in getting the book. However, in the end no participant ends up winning but they all get rewarded with what they always wanted. In this case, Lucy always wanted to adopt Christopher and be able to afford her own living area which Jack Masterson has given to her.

The Wishing Game was truly a wholesome read and I encourage it for anyone who just wants a quick read for their 2024 reading journey!

-Madison C.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.