“A love letter to reading and the power that childhood stories have over us long after we’ve grown up.” V.E. Schwab
Lucy Hart has come a long way since feeling the cold neglect of her parents, whose attention always centered around her chronically ill sister’s needs. Now a 26 year old teacher’s aide, Lucy is able to share her love of books with bright, young students, and one in particular, a seven-year-old orphan named Christopher. When Lucy was a child, she was passionate about a magical book series called The Clock Island books. Now she shares them with Christopher. The books are all about making wishes and being brave. Lucy and Christopher’s wish is that he might be able to one day be adopted by Lucy. In order for that wish to come true, it might involve more bravery than either of them has ever needed before.
This book was a gift from a dear friend who was right when she said it would be right up my alley. Thanks Laura! I found it delightful, magical, yes predictable as well, but deliciously so–a real ‘feel-good’ novel. What’s not to love about a strange and wonderful island, an eccentric wise author/game host, some devious riddles, and a lot of dreams that come true. It reads like a middle grade novel for grown-ups. My only regret is that the The Clock Island book series with Hugo’s whimsical covers don’t actually exist.
Joanne's Reading Blog 
This sounds lovely–and just the kind of book I love to read around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
Yes, the book has that kind of ambiance for sure!
“A middle grade novel for grown-ups” is exactly how I felt when I read it. I wished it had a little more gameplay and a little less of Lucy’s somewhat implausible life but I definitely enjoyed it!
Oh great, how nice to know you felt the same. Haha, you’re right about Lucy and the games!