Book Bartender™Pour me a book
The Wishing GameMeg Shaffer

Contemporary fiction

The Wishing Game

by Meg Shaffer

Lucy Hart grew up finding refuge in the Clock Island books and now hopes to adopt Christopher, a boy in her care, despite lacking the money and stability the process requires. Reclusive children's author Jack Masterson unexpectedly invites her and three other devoted readers to his island home for a contest whose winner will receive the only copy of his long-awaited new novel. Riddles, old disappointments, and illustrator Hugo Reese complicate Lucy's chance at a life-changing prize. Whimsical but emotionally grounded, this story is a warm rainy-day choice for readers who enjoy literary puzzles, found family, second chances, and wishes that demand courage as well as hope.

Paired for this story

Clock Island Cocoa + Dark Lady Blackberry Fizz

Jump to the pours ↓

Choose your bookseller

Find the Book

Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.

At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice1 of 5
Suspense2 of 5
Creepy1 of 5
What do these symbols mean? →

No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Child neglect · Foster care · Grief and loss · Anxiety · Mild romantic content

Alcohol-Free Pour

Clock Island Cocoa

Whimsical comfort for solving one last riddle.

How to mix it

  1. Whisk the cocoa and sweetener into the hot liquid until smooth. Add remaining flavorings, heat until steaming, and pour into a mug. Add any listed topping.
  2. Garnish: As listed.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Dark Lady Blackberry Fizz

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Blackberry and lemon give this gin fizz a dark-fruit flourish and a lively finish.

What you'll need

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

How to mix it

  1. Shake gin, blackberry syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Strain over fresh ice and top with sparkling water.
  2. Garnish: Blackberry and lemon wheel.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.

Set up the bar cart

Shop the Barware

Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.

Browse the bar cart
See this book's two drink pairings ↓ See this book's two drink pairings ↓