This story started out a bit slow for me, but picked up towards the end. It was a bit different from a lot of what I read, and certainly made me think on the old adage “be careful what you wish for.”

I’ve stated before and will many times again in the future, but for me it’s the characters that make the story. I love getting to know a character and growing with them through the story. While there is an evolution in the story, for the town (which is essentially a character in itself) and the residents of Madison; the only character you really get to experience the changes with is Eldon.

I enjoyed how the author looked at the concept of wishing, and explored the stories of those whose wishes didn’t turn out quite as expected. But there was also almost a sinister concept to the wishing and keeping of secrets, the corruptible power surrounding it.

What I liked even more, was Eldon’s journey through the wish process and deciding what he should wish for. His family’s pressures and opinions, his sister’s story. I think his experience was believable and makes complete sense. I felt for him and cried towards the end.

I understand Eldon’s choice at the end of the book, but I don’t agree with it. I would have liked to see him move forward and explore a future away from Madison.

My rating on this book is actually 3.5 stars, though shows as 3 stars in most systems.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher in exchange for an honest review, All thoughts and opinions are my own.