Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication date: May 30, 2023

Length: 304 pages

Lucy Hart wasn’t wanted. She had a mother, father, and older sister. The problem is that her sister is in the hospital constantly with an undiagnosed illness. Her parents focus all their attention on her sister to the point that Lucy has to be raised by her grandparents. Lucy finds a book in the Clock Island book series. While reading these books, she is able to escape from her troubles. Lucy believes these books have saved her. As an adult, Lucy has moved to California from Maine to escape a toxic relationship/breakup. She is delighted to hear that the author of the Clock Island series is finally writing another book. He will give this book to the winner of a contest that he is devising. How can Lucy get invited to participate?

This book has something you can’t quite put your finger on. It is magical. Meg Shaffer is an excellent author with the ability to tell a fascinating story inhabited by completely relatable characters. She describes Clock Island so vividly that it is easy to picture in your mind. The main character, Lucy, is someone you would like to have as a friend. Life for her has been hard and readers will want her to have a good outcome. This story touched me and the pages seemed to turn themselves. This is Meg Shaffer’s debut novel and I so thoroughly enjoyed reading this book that I can’t wait to read her next book.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻/5