I want to start this book right over and read it again! It is so beautiful and whimsical and real. A wonderful dichotomy. Lucy has felt unwanted her whole life. What gets her through is an acclaimed children’s book series and its quirky author. She is on the cusp of losing what she wants most, to adopt a little boy she loves fervently (Christopher) and whose only wish is to call her mom. Then, an invitation arrives to compete is a game where the prize could make that wish come true. A reclusive, eccentric, and lovable author (Jack) invites four of his “kids” (adults who as children ran away from home to his island based on his books to have wishes granted) to compete for the chance win his latest book and do with it what they will. Lucy, if she sells it, could get her heart’s desire. But through Jack’s guidance, his handsome illustrator, Hugo’s, encouragement, and some fear facing by both Lucy and Christopher, Lucy learns that maybe her wishes can come true. I laughed and cried and did not want it to end. It was sort of Willy Wonka with more lovable and complicated characters! Sorry, not sorry! Just a fantastic read!