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simonipatel 's review for:

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
3.5
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

-.25: Hugo being 8 years older than Lucy, they met when she was 13, and she develops a history of dating predatory men
-1: Lucy generally being extremely whiny and calling herself Christopher’s mother when she hasn’t even fostered him yet, also insisting she is a better fit than anyone else when she is broke, doesn’t have a real career, and has an unstable living situation. Also why does she hate her sister so much? Maybe redirect some of that hatred towards her awful parents. She should focus on how her grandparents really loved her as opposed passionately hating her sister.
-.25: the dead child washing up on the island? What?! 

Generally could have been amazing besides these things, should have focused more on the challenges and the game like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or the Candymakers. Great premise but not so great execution. The story was heartwarming, but the conflict and main character were not very well done.