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Wishes #1
Saving Wishes
For Charli Blake, being seventeen is a tough gig.
She's been branded a troublemaker, her reputation is in tatters and she's stuck in Pipers Cove, a speck of a town on the coast of Tasmania. Thankfully, it's temporary. Her lifelong dream of travelling the world is just months away from becoming reality. All she has to do is ride out the last few months of high school, which is easier said than done thanks to a trio of mean girls known as The Beautifuls.
When Adam Décarie arrives in town, all the way from New York, life takes an unexpected turn. His arrival sets off a chain of events that alters her life forever, convincing her of one thing. Fate brought him to her.
She's been branded a troublemaker, her reputation is in tatters and she's stuck in Pipers Cove, a speck of a town on the coast of Tasmania. Thankfully, it's temporary. Her lifelong dream of travelling the world is just months away from becoming reality. All she has to do is ride out the last few months of high school, which is easier said than done thanks to a trio of mean girls known as The Beautifuls.
When Adam Décarie arrives in town, all the way from New York, life takes an unexpected turn. His arrival sets off a chain of events that alters her life forever, convincing her of one thing. Fate brought him to her.
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2013
587 people are currently reading
5598 people want to read
About the author
G.J. Walker-Smith
15books829followersWife, mother, writer, wanderer.
Author of the YA novels, The Wishes Series.
Saving Wishes - iBooks Breakout Book Of The Year (AUS/NZ)
Author of the YA novels, The Wishes Series.
Saving Wishes - iBooks Breakout Book Of The Year (AUS/NZ)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 629 reviews
August 21, 2024
I read this book probably 8-10 years ago and enjoyed it. Decided to re-read it and it was a good book but I didn’t love it as much as I remember the first time around. Im guessing because this book is more YA and I’m a lot older now and don’t care for YA much anymore. I did still enjoy reading it though and I’m moving on to book 2 in the series.
July 23, 2014
Charlotte Blake (Charli) who is seventeen lives in the small town of Piper's Cove in Tasmania with her brother, Alex. From a very young age, Charli has been cared for by her brother, Alex after her mother passed away. Charlie is doing her last year in school and once it's over she's looking forward to leaving Piper's Cove with her best friend, Nicole. This has been their dream and they can't wait to leave and travel the world. Charli will miss her brother as they get along really well and spend quite a bit of time together. Both of them love surfing and most mornings this is where the pair can be found.
Gabrielle Décarie is Charli's French teacher who she doesn't get along so well with. Charli not only doesn't get along with Gabrielle nor does she like doing French. Then one day out of the blue, Gabrielle's cousin, Adam Décarie who lives in New York comes to visit for a couple of months. The day that Charli and Adam paths cross there is an instant connection between them. Meeting Adam will turn, Charli's world up side down. Spending time with Adam and getting to know him has been a wonderful time in Charli’s life and the pair now have very strong feelings for one another, but it's time for Adam to return home. Will Charli change her mind about traveling the world with her best friend to be with the love of her life?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was truly a beautiful story and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in this series. A very enjoyable read which I know will be enjoyed by many especially YA readers. HIGHLY recommended.
Gabrielle Décarie is Charli's French teacher who she doesn't get along so well with. Charli not only doesn't get along with Gabrielle nor does she like doing French. Then one day out of the blue, Gabrielle's cousin, Adam Décarie who lives in New York comes to visit for a couple of months. The day that Charli and Adam paths cross there is an instant connection between them. Meeting Adam will turn, Charli's world up side down. Spending time with Adam and getting to know him has been a wonderful time in Charli’s life and the pair now have very strong feelings for one another, but it's time for Adam to return home. Will Charli change her mind about traveling the world with her best friend to be with the love of her life?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This was truly a beautiful story and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in this series. A very enjoyable read which I know will be enjoyed by many especially YA readers. HIGHLY recommended.
October 14, 2014
And so the five-star streak ends—in a flaming ball of twisted metal and pain.
I stuck with this book to the end in the hopes that Charli would eventually deliver on the promise drummed into the story from the beginning—i.e. she'd grow up, chart her course, take responsibility for her life, and maybe do something intelligent. But no. She dinks around with Adam because tru luuuuuurv for ages and ages and eventually the book just kind of peters out.
No, that's too kind. Eventually the book ends with one of those reader-hating cliffhangers that's the exact opposite of a resolution. Indeed, the ending promises that at least the next book is going to be more of the exact same drama-llama this one has been and probably will still end dismally with everybody being selfish and stupid and whining about it to each other.
I know that there are people who love these long-drawn out drama stories where everybody has to pass through worlds of hurt (largely of their own making) to earn their eventual (possibly happy) ending. I am not one of those. I really, really wish I hadn't taken a chance on this book just because I managed to snag a free copy during an Amazon sale. And I wish even harder that I hadn't bought the promise the story was making for Charli to grow up and stop being so stinking dopey. I'd return for a full refund, if I could...
I stuck with this book to the end in the hopes that Charli would eventually deliver on the promise drummed into the story from the beginning—i.e. she'd grow up, chart her course, take responsibility for her life, and maybe do something intelligent. But no. She dinks around with Adam because tru luuuuuurv for ages and ages and eventually the book just kind of peters out.
No, that's too kind. Eventually the book ends with one of those reader-hating cliffhangers that's the exact opposite of a resolution. Indeed, the ending promises that at least the next book is going to be more of the exact same drama-llama this one has been and probably will still end dismally with everybody being selfish and stupid and whining about it to each other.
I know that there are people who love these long-drawn out drama stories where everybody has to pass through worlds of hurt (largely of their own making) to earn their eventual (possibly happy) ending. I am not one of those. I really, really wish I hadn't taken a chance on this book just because I managed to snag a free copy during an Amazon sale. And I wish even harder that I hadn't bought the promise the story was making for Charli to grow up and stop being so stinking dopey. I'd return for a full refund, if I could...
June 4, 2017
I wanted to read this YA novel because 1) it is set in Tasmania and 2) it is quite highly-rated on ŷ. I found it rather trite*, and at times overwrought; nevertheless I was able to read through to the end. (*A word that the author, amusingly, overuses in this novel.)
I am a born and bred Tasmanian, and it's not often I come across a piece of fiction set in my home-state. But I can see that my insider knowledge is partly what made this novel irksome for me. On page 1, we are told that Piper's Cove, the fictional setting, is located on the south-west coast of Tasmania. Pipers Cove sits at the base of sweeping cliffs that take a vicious bite into the southwestern coastline of Tasmania. Next stop south, Antarctica. And yet, the 'big town' that the characters go to for services unavailable in Piper's Cove, is Sorell -- distinctly south-east. You would have to go past Hobart to get from the south-west to Sorell!! Ugh. Furthermore, unless things have changed a lot since my day, there is no Grade 12 public school student in Tasmania who is required to take French against their will, and Charli's reluctant French classes are critical to the plot. Glad to get those 2 irritants off my chest.
Moving on. I like to think the author was having a bit of fun with her readers when she was pushing the angst-o-meter to its limits -
Nicole was really the only person who could understand how I felt about him. She’d watched seventeen years� worth of my insecurities unravel in a few short weeks � only to have new ones surface. I told her that I needed to be with him. My voice took on a tone of desperation as I punched out the words. Such a trite affirmation would never have crossed my lips a few weeks ago, but now it was a statement that held meaning. I’d never been surer of anything in my life, but nothing I said made it sound strong enough, true enough...or gut-wrenchingly painful enough. I could feel my face twisting with emotions I wasn’t sure how to explain.
...because if she wasn't, I have to question whether I really like YA as much as I think I do.
Recommended for readers who don't care about any of the above.
I am a born and bred Tasmanian, and it's not often I come across a piece of fiction set in my home-state. But I can see that my insider knowledge is partly what made this novel irksome for me. On page 1, we are told that Piper's Cove, the fictional setting, is located on the south-west coast of Tasmania. Pipers Cove sits at the base of sweeping cliffs that take a vicious bite into the southwestern coastline of Tasmania. Next stop south, Antarctica. And yet, the 'big town' that the characters go to for services unavailable in Piper's Cove, is Sorell -- distinctly south-east. You would have to go past Hobart to get from the south-west to Sorell!! Ugh. Furthermore, unless things have changed a lot since my day, there is no Grade 12 public school student in Tasmania who is required to take French against their will, and Charli's reluctant French classes are critical to the plot. Glad to get those 2 irritants off my chest.
Moving on. I like to think the author was having a bit of fun with her readers when she was pushing the angst-o-meter to its limits -
Nicole was really the only person who could understand how I felt about him. She’d watched seventeen years� worth of my insecurities unravel in a few short weeks � only to have new ones surface. I told her that I needed to be with him. My voice took on a tone of desperation as I punched out the words. Such a trite affirmation would never have crossed my lips a few weeks ago, but now it was a statement that held meaning. I’d never been surer of anything in my life, but nothing I said made it sound strong enough, true enough...or gut-wrenchingly painful enough. I could feel my face twisting with emotions I wasn’t sure how to explain.
...because if she wasn't, I have to question whether I really like YA as much as I think I do.
Recommended for readers who don't care about any of the above.
July 7, 2013
Charlotte Blake was seventeen and doing her final year of high school in her small home town of Pipers Cove in Tasmania. Her best friend for forever was Nicole, and the two of them had been planning to leave home at the end of school and travel around the world. Saving money through working part time in Charli’s brother, Alex’s little shop was building Nicole’s nest egg, and Charli sold the beautiful photos she took after turning them into postcards of the area.
Charli and Alex loved to surf and usually headed to the waves early each morning, before school and work. Alex had looked after Charli since she was three years old, when her mother passed away; he had put his life on hold for her, and though grateful (she loved Alex dearly) she was excited for the dream of travelling and leaving home in a few months time.
The bane of Charli’s school life was her French teacher, Gabrielle Décarie. Charli hated French and did her best to make life for her teacher the worst she could. She tended to succeed as she was always spending time in detention. So when her cousin, Adam Décarie arrived unexpectedly from New York on a two month holiday before university, little did Charli know her life was about to change, her plans would get thrown into chaos, and her emotions would get a thorough work-over.
I absolutely loved this book! Charli is an extremely likeable character and with her insecurities, her often “weird� ways and her determination, along with the angst of a seventeen-year-old, she needed all the courage she was sure she didn’t have. The author has done a masterful job choosing Charli as the narrator, and I can’t wait to read the next instalment in the series. I would highly recommend this book to all lovers of YA, and everyone else who just loves a good story!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
Charli and Alex loved to surf and usually headed to the waves early each morning, before school and work. Alex had looked after Charli since she was three years old, when her mother passed away; he had put his life on hold for her, and though grateful (she loved Alex dearly) she was excited for the dream of travelling and leaving home in a few months time.
The bane of Charli’s school life was her French teacher, Gabrielle Décarie. Charli hated French and did her best to make life for her teacher the worst she could. She tended to succeed as she was always spending time in detention. So when her cousin, Adam Décarie arrived unexpectedly from New York on a two month holiday before university, little did Charli know her life was about to change, her plans would get thrown into chaos, and her emotions would get a thorough work-over.
I absolutely loved this book! Charli is an extremely likeable character and with her insecurities, her often “weird� ways and her determination, along with the angst of a seventeen-year-old, she needed all the courage she was sure she didn’t have. The author has done a masterful job choosing Charli as the narrator, and I can’t wait to read the next instalment in the series. I would highly recommend this book to all lovers of YA, and everyone else who just loves a good story!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
November 13, 2014
*** Abandoned after reading 11% of the e-version ***
I honestly do not understand where these tons and tons of positive reviews and ratings come from.
I started rolling my eye so fast after deciding to give the book a try, because the heroine, who outs herself to be "trouble" and bored to pieces and desperate to leave her sleepy, coastal town, is (surprise, surprise!) such a secretly talented photographer, such a good friend and such a delectable girl - the love interest spends one minute with her and decides to lengthen his stay considerably in order to shower regularly in her gruff comments, cold looks and bad practical jokes - and her so-called trouble is a home-made cover-sticker produced to lure in readers . I do not buy her personality, I do not buy her attraction, I do not buy the initial coincidence (postcard incident) and I do not buy the overblown side-characters.
I should probably stick to digging out low-average-rating gems (i.e. or ) out of the ŷ mud instead of following the trail of unhinged gushers that beckons and glistens and promises.
Well. This attempt came free of costs.
I honestly do not understand where these tons and tons of positive reviews and ratings come from.
I started rolling my eye so fast after deciding to give the book a try, because the heroine, who outs herself to be "trouble" and bored to pieces and desperate to leave her sleepy, coastal town, is (surprise, surprise!) such a secretly talented photographer, such a good friend and such a delectable girl - the love interest spends one minute with her and decides to lengthen his stay considerably in order to shower regularly in her gruff comments, cold looks and bad practical jokes - and her so-called trouble is a home-made cover-sticker produced to lure in readers . I do not buy her personality, I do not buy her attraction, I do not buy the initial coincidence (postcard incident) and I do not buy the overblown side-characters.
I should probably stick to digging out low-average-rating gems (i.e. or ) out of the ŷ mud instead of following the trail of unhinged gushers that beckons and glistens and promises.
Well. This attempt came free of costs.
September 1, 2016
This was a very nice novel. Charlie was a great narrator and I loved how funny she could be. Adam, what a wonderful guy. Definitely need more Adam's in the world. There was a surprise I did not see coming, but it was heartwarming all the same. Cannot wait for the second book. I need more of Charlie's journey!
July 18, 2019
UPDATE: I can’t tell you how many times I have read this book now, and I love it just as much each time. Charli is like a kindred spirit to me. Even though she is only 17, and she does do things that any 17 year old will do, she also has maturity beyond her years. Fate steps in and Charli meets the delectable Adam who I just adore. I’m on a pilgrimage now to re read the entire series.
Saving Wishes is the first book in a fabulous series by GJ Walker-Smith. This book not only has become one of my favourite series, but has opened up a new world to me.
I discovered this book on iTunes for free - which it still is. I couldn't put it down and finished it very quick, but I had to have more. I then discovered that it was part of a series and quickly downloaded the next book. GJ Walker-Smith is one of a few authors that I pre order and one click without hesitation.
Saving Wishes is set in a little town of Tasmania Australia. Charli is a teen finishing her last year at school and then she is out of there. That is until she meets Adam, who has come to visit his cousin. This couple has a banter you are going to love. Their romance is so sweet. Charli shows Adam around La La Land which he adores. This story will take you on highs and lows with it's twists and turns.
If you are a true romantic, as I am, you are going to love this book and series. It is a special must read that I am happy to recommend.
Saving Wishes is the first book in a fabulous series by GJ Walker-Smith. This book not only has become one of my favourite series, but has opened up a new world to me.
I discovered this book on iTunes for free - which it still is. I couldn't put it down and finished it very quick, but I had to have more. I then discovered that it was part of a series and quickly downloaded the next book. GJ Walker-Smith is one of a few authors that I pre order and one click without hesitation.
Saving Wishes is set in a little town of Tasmania Australia. Charli is a teen finishing her last year at school and then she is out of there. That is until she meets Adam, who has come to visit his cousin. This couple has a banter you are going to love. Their romance is so sweet. Charli shows Adam around La La Land which he adores. This story will take you on highs and lows with it's twists and turns.
If you are a true romantic, as I am, you are going to love this book and series. It is a special must read that I am happy to recommend.
April 4, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyable coming of age story about a young teenage girl growing up in the care of her older brother, due to extenuating circumstances.
There are some very surprising twists, and also some delightful ones.
This is the first book in a series and left me eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series, to follow the progress of this unique family.
Can recommend this as an enjoyable read for young adults and adults alike.
4*s
September 7, 2013
I couldn't put this book down! It started off a bit slow, but it picked up quick. I loved the character of Charli and the relationships she has with others.
August 23, 2015
My goodness if all books were this good my soul would always be singing.
August 21, 2013
Originally reviewed on
SAVING WISHES tells the story of a seventeen-year-old girl, Charli, short for Charlotte. I have to say, this was a great story. The characters were all amazing and the story plot is so interesting. I kind of died after the ending. I mean, how can you end a book like that?!
Charli was witty, HILARIOUS, and she has this vibe around her that I can't describe but totally love! I love how she has this unique personality, I just love that about characters. Her relationship between her brother, Alex (oooooh a huge twist that will wrench your guts. READ IT!), is just so admiring. I love how they understand each other and push each other buttons. It felt so real that I really wished I had an older brother like that.
Adam was just as hilarious as Charli. He's super rich over in New York, and he has a car that everyone drools over. He's isn't a bad boy, he's charming, kind, funny, witty and he sees the best in Charli. He knows Charli, and he understands her. That's what I love about him. He knows all the wrong in Charli, but he understands, and he sticks by her side (I seriously want him to be my boyfriend. Shh! No one should know!).
I really enjoyed reading Saving Wishes, the book dealt with school, bullying, relationships, dreams, and lastly--love. It was so enjoyable, laughable, dramatic in some parts that I just want to join the characters in the book. I love Charli, Adam, Alex and other characters that took a great part in this book. I can't wait for the next one!!
SAVING WISHES tells the story of a seventeen-year-old girl, Charli, short for Charlotte. I have to say, this was a great story. The characters were all amazing and the story plot is so interesting. I kind of died after the ending. I mean, how can you end a book like that?!
Charli was witty, HILARIOUS, and she has this vibe around her that I can't describe but totally love! I love how she has this unique personality, I just love that about characters. Her relationship between her brother, Alex (oooooh a huge twist that will wrench your guts. READ IT!), is just so admiring. I love how they understand each other and push each other buttons. It felt so real that I really wished I had an older brother like that.
Adam was just as hilarious as Charli. He's super rich over in New York, and he has a car that everyone drools over. He's isn't a bad boy, he's charming, kind, funny, witty and he sees the best in Charli. He knows Charli, and he understands her. That's what I love about him. He knows all the wrong in Charli, but he understands, and he sticks by her side (I seriously want him to be my boyfriend. Shh! No one should know!).
I really enjoyed reading Saving Wishes, the book dealt with school, bullying, relationships, dreams, and lastly--love. It was so enjoyable, laughable, dramatic in some parts that I just want to join the characters in the book. I love Charli, Adam, Alex and other characters that took a great part in this book. I can't wait for the next one!!
June 22, 2014
Every now and then you stumble across a truly fantastic author who is able to capture not only your attention, but your heart as well within a matter of a few pages. Australian born and bred GJ Walker-Smith is one of these authors. I first reviewed this book early last year (2013) when I signed up to be part of this book’s blog tour just after it’s initial release. Little did I know back then (in my early blogging days) just how much this book and author would come to mean to me and what it had the capacity to do to me not only as a person, but as a reader and a dreamer.
Saving Wishes is the first book in the Wishes Series by Australian author GJ Walker-Smith. It’s the story of Charli Blake, a seventeen year old girl who dreams of places bigger and better than her small coastal home town of Pipers Cover in Tasmania. Having dreamt her entire life of seeing the world, its no wonder that she’s itching to leave in the last few months of High School, and yet even her wildest imaginations/daydreams couldn’t have thought up what these months would hold in store for her. For just before she finishes school, 21 year-old Adam Décarie arrives in town and despite a less than stellar start (Adam may have almost run her down on his arrival in town) the pair turn each other’s worlds upside down as they navigate the world and learn to find out who they both are away from prying eyes and small towns constructs and overbearing parents.
Charlotte ‘Charli� Blake is one of the most unique and fascinating characters in any young adult book I have ever had the pleasure to read. She’s strong, sassy, charismatic, unique, quirky and a free spirit. In many ways she reads like an ‘old spirit� trapped in a small town where her world views and opinions are not necessarily taken kindly. She’s strong and spirited when she needs to be, but underneath all those quick and witty comments lies a vulnerable seventeen year old who is trying frantically to find her place in the world. Considered too ‘out there� at times, and potentially ‘strange�, Charli is a day dreamer who knows the world by an alternate set of beliefs and stories compared to the kids she has grown up with, for Charli’s older brother and guardian Alex has raised her on stories of magic, fairies and hope.
In many ways my passion and love for this character and thus the book stems from the way in which I was drawn to GJ Walker-Smith’s portrayal of Charli in this small town setting. Right from the start I was drawn to Charli’s mind; she is one of the strongest intellectual characters I’ve read, which was a fantastic change for a contemporary young adult (YA) character. What’s more Charli is different from those around her. She’s a dreamer and frequently inhabits a world her and her brother affectionately named La La Land where anything is possible and magic not only exists, but is the reality through which she can understand the world. Although Adam’s arrival in town sparks a series of interchangeable events in her life that will forever alter her as a person and her life long beliefs, he isn’t there to save her like other YA male main character. In fact, I believe that Adam is saved by the spunky little firecracker that is Charli, as she challenges his beliefs in everything he has ever known about his world when Charli invites him to see the world through her eyes.
Adam Decarie is a 21-year-old French-American who couldn’t be more different from Charli if he tried. Born in to the world of money and destined to be sensible lawyer back home in New York City, he came to the Cove to visit his Aunt Gabrielle (Charli’s French teacher) and the last thing he expected to find was a summer romance with the Queen of La La Land herself. As a whole Adam is an� interesting character who is sure to make you angry and frustrated one minute with his narrow mind and selfish ways and yet makes you swoon the next with his romantic antics and the love he has for a certain rebel. And for that, I think I want him as my book boyfriend!
I absolutely loved GJ Walker-Smith’s writing which not only blew me away, but took me away with Charli to a world that I think I can understand better than the one I inhabit. The narrative was beautifully constructed, and despite having been able to predict a certain moment in the book, I found it completely touching and true to life. In fact, over a year later I still think of the power of THAT scene and the way it moved me and transformed the book. It haunts me with its beauty and emotions and left me gushing for most of last year. In fact it took me weeks to write my original review because I couldn’t form words to explain it’s power.
Ultimately Saving Wishes is a coming of age story which promises to bring change and romance to the world of its readers. Much like the stories themselves, the reader will be enchanted by Charli’s tales and her mischievous adventures and Adam Décarie will delight your senses in ways only a Décarie can do.
Over a year later, Saving Wishes is still one of my stand out YA books. There’s just something about this quirky, imaginative and romantic contemporary tale that ticks every box for me and speaks to me on a level deeper than just words on a page. The character’s spoke to me as tangible people and at times felt like they could have been members of my own family; their struggles were real and easy to relate too, but most of all the narrative was beautiful, both in it’s portrayal (craft) and its events. Seriously, this book was something else entirely; Saving Wishes is a book like no other I’ve read before.
Saving Wishes is a stunning début by a must watch Australian Indie Author whose career I’m sure will prove to long and lustrous. With this book, GJ Walker-Smith became my one-click must buy author and I’ve never looked back since. I personally couldn’t wait for the second book in the series Second Hearts.
Originally reviewed in 2013, then updated 22nd June 2014 on blog:
Saving Wishes is the first book in the Wishes Series by Australian author GJ Walker-Smith. It’s the story of Charli Blake, a seventeen year old girl who dreams of places bigger and better than her small coastal home town of Pipers Cover in Tasmania. Having dreamt her entire life of seeing the world, its no wonder that she’s itching to leave in the last few months of High School, and yet even her wildest imaginations/daydreams couldn’t have thought up what these months would hold in store for her. For just before she finishes school, 21 year-old Adam Décarie arrives in town and despite a less than stellar start (Adam may have almost run her down on his arrival in town) the pair turn each other’s worlds upside down as they navigate the world and learn to find out who they both are away from prying eyes and small towns constructs and overbearing parents.
Charlotte ‘Charli� Blake is one of the most unique and fascinating characters in any young adult book I have ever had the pleasure to read. She’s strong, sassy, charismatic, unique, quirky and a free spirit. In many ways she reads like an ‘old spirit� trapped in a small town where her world views and opinions are not necessarily taken kindly. She’s strong and spirited when she needs to be, but underneath all those quick and witty comments lies a vulnerable seventeen year old who is trying frantically to find her place in the world. Considered too ‘out there� at times, and potentially ‘strange�, Charli is a day dreamer who knows the world by an alternate set of beliefs and stories compared to the kids she has grown up with, for Charli’s older brother and guardian Alex has raised her on stories of magic, fairies and hope.
In many ways my passion and love for this character and thus the book stems from the way in which I was drawn to GJ Walker-Smith’s portrayal of Charli in this small town setting. Right from the start I was drawn to Charli’s mind; she is one of the strongest intellectual characters I’ve read, which was a fantastic change for a contemporary young adult (YA) character. What’s more Charli is different from those around her. She’s a dreamer and frequently inhabits a world her and her brother affectionately named La La Land where anything is possible and magic not only exists, but is the reality through which she can understand the world. Although Adam’s arrival in town sparks a series of interchangeable events in her life that will forever alter her as a person and her life long beliefs, he isn’t there to save her like other YA male main character. In fact, I believe that Adam is saved by the spunky little firecracker that is Charli, as she challenges his beliefs in everything he has ever known about his world when Charli invites him to see the world through her eyes.
Adam Decarie is a 21-year-old French-American who couldn’t be more different from Charli if he tried. Born in to the world of money and destined to be sensible lawyer back home in New York City, he came to the Cove to visit his Aunt Gabrielle (Charli’s French teacher) and the last thing he expected to find was a summer romance with the Queen of La La Land herself. As a whole Adam is an� interesting character who is sure to make you angry and frustrated one minute with his narrow mind and selfish ways and yet makes you swoon the next with his romantic antics and the love he has for a certain rebel. And for that, I think I want him as my book boyfriend!
I absolutely loved GJ Walker-Smith’s writing which not only blew me away, but took me away with Charli to a world that I think I can understand better than the one I inhabit. The narrative was beautifully constructed, and despite having been able to predict a certain moment in the book, I found it completely touching and true to life. In fact, over a year later I still think of the power of THAT scene and the way it moved me and transformed the book. It haunts me with its beauty and emotions and left me gushing for most of last year. In fact it took me weeks to write my original review because I couldn’t form words to explain it’s power.
Ultimately Saving Wishes is a coming of age story which promises to bring change and romance to the world of its readers. Much like the stories themselves, the reader will be enchanted by Charli’s tales and her mischievous adventures and Adam Décarie will delight your senses in ways only a Décarie can do.
Over a year later, Saving Wishes is still one of my stand out YA books. There’s just something about this quirky, imaginative and romantic contemporary tale that ticks every box for me and speaks to me on a level deeper than just words on a page. The character’s spoke to me as tangible people and at times felt like they could have been members of my own family; their struggles were real and easy to relate too, but most of all the narrative was beautiful, both in it’s portrayal (craft) and its events. Seriously, this book was something else entirely; Saving Wishes is a book like no other I’ve read before.
Saving Wishes is a stunning début by a must watch Australian Indie Author whose career I’m sure will prove to long and lustrous. With this book, GJ Walker-Smith became my one-click must buy author and I’ve never looked back since. I personally couldn’t wait for the second book in the series Second Hearts.
Originally reviewed in 2013, then updated 22nd June 2014 on blog:
May 23, 2013
**See more of my reviews at !
Saving Wishes by G.J Walker-Smith is a prime example of why I love reading. This book is absolutely enchanting! From the first page until the last, I was captivated.
“Charlotte has a high tolerance for risk, she’s a slave to the sea and she takes pictures of time.�
Charli is stuck in Pipers Cove, a small town off the coast of Tasmania. She has been branded a troublemaker and dreams of the day she’ll be able to leave and travel the world. One day, Charli meets Adam Décarie and her whole world shifts. She sees meeting Adam as fate, that he’s a step in the direction towards a life that is limitless and far from ordinary.
“Six days was all it took for my pre-Adam life to fade. Spending time with him made everything else pale in comparison.�
“Mademoiselle Blake,� his voice was low and deliberately slow. “Are you desperately in love with me?�
“Not desperately.� I muttered.
“I guess we’ll have to work on that then,� he replied, grinning like he’d won something.
Charli’s narration of this book is so witty and addicting. She is so real and passionate. I never tired of the way she sees the world; in fact, I’d love to be more like her. Adam is a perfect gentleman with a streak of rebel. He calls her “Coccinelle� which has a precious meaning. He is #1 on my swoon-worthy list. I think the depiction of their relationship was so fluid and beautiful.
“The only thing that had changed since the last time was us. We no longer sat at opposite ends of the rickety wooden seat, cautiously trying to figure each other out. We sat together, bound by something neither of us had ever really managed to understand.�
Another character that deserves 5 stars is Alex, Charli’s brother. His words explain enough.
“If you’re ever unsure, you can always come home to me. You can revisit a safe place you’ve been to, or you can find your way to Adam.
“If you alter his course, you’ll never be able to live with yourself,� he warned. “There should be no compromise at your age, for either of you. You’re both supposed to get what you want. The best you can hope for is that you meet somewhere in the middle later on.�
So there you go…I knew this review would turn into me gushing about how much I adore this book. For real. I think I was living in La-La Land for a few days after finishing.
…and it’s not over! Second Hearts (Book 2 of the Wishes Series) is already out and I’ll have my review up soon! Get ready for more gushing!
Now, I know that “my Charli� doesn’t look like the cover…but this is my all time favorite movie couple (Because I Said So) and Gabriel Macht is so handsome, but not in the typical way…I can’t even describe it! haha Plus if I could choose to be any famous person, I would choose Mandy Moore! I picture her like Charli, with her own La-La Land!
Saving Wishes by G.J Walker-Smith is a prime example of why I love reading. This book is absolutely enchanting! From the first page until the last, I was captivated.
“Charlotte has a high tolerance for risk, she’s a slave to the sea and she takes pictures of time.�
Charli is stuck in Pipers Cove, a small town off the coast of Tasmania. She has been branded a troublemaker and dreams of the day she’ll be able to leave and travel the world. One day, Charli meets Adam Décarie and her whole world shifts. She sees meeting Adam as fate, that he’s a step in the direction towards a life that is limitless and far from ordinary.
“Six days was all it took for my pre-Adam life to fade. Spending time with him made everything else pale in comparison.�
“Mademoiselle Blake,� his voice was low and deliberately slow. “Are you desperately in love with me?�
“Not desperately.� I muttered.
“I guess we’ll have to work on that then,� he replied, grinning like he’d won something.
Charli’s narration of this book is so witty and addicting. She is so real and passionate. I never tired of the way she sees the world; in fact, I’d love to be more like her. Adam is a perfect gentleman with a streak of rebel. He calls her “Coccinelle� which has a precious meaning. He is #1 on my swoon-worthy list. I think the depiction of their relationship was so fluid and beautiful.
“The only thing that had changed since the last time was us. We no longer sat at opposite ends of the rickety wooden seat, cautiously trying to figure each other out. We sat together, bound by something neither of us had ever really managed to understand.�
Another character that deserves 5 stars is Alex, Charli’s brother. His words explain enough.
“If you’re ever unsure, you can always come home to me. You can revisit a safe place you’ve been to, or you can find your way to Adam.
“If you alter his course, you’ll never be able to live with yourself,� he warned. “There should be no compromise at your age, for either of you. You’re both supposed to get what you want. The best you can hope for is that you meet somewhere in the middle later on.�
So there you go…I knew this review would turn into me gushing about how much I adore this book. For real. I think I was living in La-La Land for a few days after finishing.
…and it’s not over! Second Hearts (Book 2 of the Wishes Series) is already out and I’ll have my review up soon! Get ready for more gushing!
Now, I know that “my Charli� doesn’t look like the cover…but this is my all time favorite movie couple (Because I Said So) and Gabriel Macht is so handsome, but not in the typical way…I can’t even describe it! haha Plus if I could choose to be any famous person, I would choose Mandy Moore! I picture her like Charli, with her own La-La Land!
July 29, 2013
Charli Blake believes there is more to life than marry in young age and spend her life in her small town. She wants to travel around the world, discover new things and figure out who she really is. She spent most of her life makes plan to go from Pipers Cove with her bestfriend, Nicole but then she meet Adam Decarie who change her life forever.
Story with characters who don't quite feel fit with their life is one of my favorite stories. I believe in some part everyone will feel that way, at least I feel that way in my life. In stories I read I'm eager to know what will the characters do to escape their feeling or to be able to make it fit. Yet, I'm not a fan of love at first sight or any kind of insta-love story. I always have to struggle to connect and feel the characters' insta-love. I found it in Adam-Charli's relationship I don't believe that they already talked about fate and attraction, if not love on a day they meet. I can't help myself roll my eyes every time they share their feeling. They only spend six days together when Charli thinks that her life pre-Adam already fade, stay away from her bestfriend and forgot her homework. Yet, I like her. She is straight forward, smart, sarcastic and brave in her own way. As for Adam I like him for his persistent to Charli and never give her up. Regarding to their love story, it's quite hard for me to believe that they are truly in love but I also think that they are good to be together.
Aside the insta-love, I also have problems with Charli and her brother, Alex, think about their small town. On the blurb and along the story, I feel like she constantly says that she is a bad girl, a troublemaker but I didn't see it. I mean, she is not that bad to be labeled as a troublemaker, maybe it's the way small town think but I found it kind of irritated me. It also happens with Alex . I understand his reason but when it exposed and everyone knows it, there is nothing major happen. I assumed there will be more drama but when the only thing I get is a few innuendos from the town bully, the Beautiful, makes me think that he's only exaggerated it and it feels like a contradiction to me.
For some readers, this story has surprises. I love surprises in the story but in this case, the big surprise isn't that big I practically can figure it out in less than half of the story. But I still like and enjoy reading it. And Charli's decision and the way it ended is what makes me think that this is more than okay story, though it didn't blow me away. I'll definitely read its sequel .
Story with characters who don't quite feel fit with their life is one of my favorite stories. I believe in some part everyone will feel that way, at least I feel that way in my life. In stories I read I'm eager to know what will the characters do to escape their feeling or to be able to make it fit. Yet, I'm not a fan of love at first sight or any kind of insta-love story. I always have to struggle to connect and feel the characters' insta-love. I found it in Adam-Charli's relationship I don't believe that they already talked about fate and attraction, if not love on a day they meet. I can't help myself roll my eyes every time they share their feeling. They only spend six days together when Charli thinks that her life pre-Adam already fade, stay away from her bestfriend and forgot her homework. Yet, I like her. She is straight forward, smart, sarcastic and brave in her own way. As for Adam I like him for his persistent to Charli and never give her up. Regarding to their love story, it's quite hard for me to believe that they are truly in love but I also think that they are good to be together.
Aside the insta-love, I also have problems with Charli and her brother, Alex, think about their small town. On the blurb and along the story, I feel like she constantly says that she is a bad girl, a troublemaker but I didn't see it. I mean, she is not that bad to be labeled as a troublemaker, maybe it's the way small town think but I found it kind of irritated me. It also happens with Alex . I understand his reason but when it exposed and everyone knows it, there is nothing major happen. I assumed there will be more drama but when the only thing I get is a few innuendos from the town bully, the Beautiful, makes me think that he's only exaggerated it and it feels like a contradiction to me.
For some readers, this story has surprises. I love surprises in the story but in this case, the big surprise isn't that big I practically can figure it out in less than half of the story. But I still like and enjoy reading it. And Charli's decision and the way it ended is what makes me think that this is more than okay story, though it didn't blow me away. I'll definitely read its sequel .
May 17, 2013
Purely Spellbinding!
I have to admit, it's the cover that first caught my eye and once I read the blurb, well it sealed the deal. ;-)
I absolutely fell in love with this story, it's about a young girl trapped in a small town in Piper's Cove, Tasmania, Australia. With dreams of travelling the world with her best friend, Charlotte or as she prefers to be called Charli, is not your average teenage girl. Charli has a free spirit, she's adventures and likes to live spontaneously. Living in such a small town nothing is kept secret and everyone knows everybody's business, and Charli had become known for her craziness as the troublemaker. But see causing trouble was the only way to have a little fun. ;-)
Charli, she's such a unique and intriguing character, I loved how she always had something to say and if someone was being rude she always stood up for herself and others OR she just took action instead, lol. Charli believes in fate and she believed that a certain handsome French/American Adam was in town just to find her, and maybe he was.
Adam, is such a gorgeous character not only is he completely swoon worthy but he is also smart, sweet, generous, bold and did I mention he speaks French?! *sigh* I don't speak or undertsand French but I swear when he spoke I had a sweet, sexy voice in my head, lol. Adam had come to town to visit his cousin and when he met Charli things started to happen.
G.J. Walker-Smith has written a truly beautiful story. From the very first page I was sucked in, Charli tells her story with such conviction you can't help but feel like you're there watching it unfold. All the characters bring along something special, even the ones you want to smack in the face (which there are quite a few), lol.
The plot is full of twists and turns, I had my mouth hanging open a few times, lol. G.J. Walker-Smith knows how to keep her readers on their toes. And she also knows how to keep them coming back for more, I know that I'm dying to get my hands on book two, Second Hearts. Which from ŷ, is already out. So I'm off to purchase my copy and get back into this astoundingly addictive story.
July 6, 2017
was a good read.
I liked Charli. She put up a tough front, but underneath it, she was funny, sweet, and a really likable character. Her french classes got me laughing quite a few times, and i could understand why she hated them so much. I was so bad at French and Spanish at school!
I liked most of the other characters too, apart from "The beautiful's" and her apparent best friend. I really didn't like her by the end of the book!
The pacing was good, and the twist in this was great. I didn't see it coming at all!
Overall, A great YA contemporary/Romance.
I liked Charli. She put up a tough front, but underneath it, she was funny, sweet, and a really likable character. Her french classes got me laughing quite a few times, and i could understand why she hated them so much. I was so bad at French and Spanish at school!
I liked most of the other characters too, apart from "The beautiful's" and her apparent best friend. I really didn't like her by the end of the book!
The pacing was good, and the twist in this was great. I didn't see it coming at all!
Overall, A great YA contemporary/Romance.
August 3, 2019
3.5 STARS
hmm... i don't know what to say about this book. it was kinda the typical small-town-girl-who-wants-to-travel-meets-guy-who-lives-in-big-city book, but it also had some major plot twists that i DID NOT see coming and i really liked the characters.
Alex is the greatest brother possible and i LOVED his portrayal, he was amazing. i also liked the Parisienne Witch, she was sweet and had a good personality. the two protagonists were ok, i liked the MC and her sense of humour and i guess the romance was cute, but i wasn't super invested in the guy. Mitch was great though, and i REALLY hated the best friend as intended, so that was done well. the Beautifuls were just funny.
anyway, this was pretty good i guess! did i mention how much i loved Alex?
thanks to the author and amazon kindle for the free book :)
hmm... i don't know what to say about this book. it was kinda the typical small-town-girl-who-wants-to-travel-meets-guy-who-lives-in-big-city book, but it also had some major plot twists that i DID NOT see coming and i really liked the characters.
Alex is the greatest brother possible and i LOVED his portrayal, he was amazing. i also liked the Parisienne Witch, she was sweet and had a good personality. the two protagonists were ok, i liked the MC and her sense of humour and i guess the romance was cute, but i wasn't super invested in the guy. Mitch was great though, and i REALLY hated the best friend as intended, so that was done well. the Beautifuls were just funny.
anyway, this was pretty good i guess! did i mention how much i loved Alex?
thanks to the author and amazon kindle for the free book :)
May 17, 2013
A review copy was provided for an honest review. I wasn't expecting very much from this novel, it sounded like many others and seemed to stand out even less. Which is why I was so taken aback with surprise when I realized it was very good. Saving Wishes is excellently delivered, has incredibly interesting characters, fluid twists, and a heartfelt story. I could effortlessly relate to the protagonist Charlotte who is every bit as trapped in a small town as I am. Charli is outgoing, rebellious, and lays everything on the line when she opens herself up emotionally. Every day is the same mundane activities on repeat until Adam Décarie enters her life and makes it entertaining which she would have never thought possible. If you've ever met someone whose changed your outlook on life and opened up doorways you've been too afraid to than this book's for you. It's brilliantly detailed, superbly written, with a witty and addicting story.
Charlotte 'Charli' is and has always been a little bit of a rebel. Making trouble for herself is all there really is to do in a small town on the coast of Tasmania, Australia in a place called Piper's Cove. Day in and day out is spent the same way until Adam Décarie shows up and changes her life. As they begin getting to know each other they soon find out that fate may have brought them together but outside forces may just tear them apart. Charli's dream of leaving the only place she has ever known is finally close to happening but with Adam now in her life she has a reason to be apprehensive about following them.
Saving Wishes is slightly slow-paced at times but manages to always lure you back into the story. I really loved Charli and Adam's relationship it felt real and most importantly believable. I liked the idea of fate having a hand in them finding each other--as I wholeheartedly believe in it. The story has quite a bit of drama but nothing over-the-top or unrealistic, tons of cute moments, and some sad ones as well. It has just the right amount of everything to make it a great, and irresistible read. G.J. Walker-Smith has a way of beautifully describing any location and making you feel like you yourself are there. Tasmania, Australia has never sounded more appealing and I now have the urge to see it in person. Overall I'd recommend Saving Wishes for how well done, elegantly written, and beautifully told it is. Charli is a great narrator and engaging character and I can't wait to see her adventure continue.
Charlotte 'Charli' is and has always been a little bit of a rebel. Making trouble for herself is all there really is to do in a small town on the coast of Tasmania, Australia in a place called Piper's Cove. Day in and day out is spent the same way until Adam Décarie shows up and changes her life. As they begin getting to know each other they soon find out that fate may have brought them together but outside forces may just tear them apart. Charli's dream of leaving the only place she has ever known is finally close to happening but with Adam now in her life she has a reason to be apprehensive about following them.
Saving Wishes is slightly slow-paced at times but manages to always lure you back into the story. I really loved Charli and Adam's relationship it felt real and most importantly believable. I liked the idea of fate having a hand in them finding each other--as I wholeheartedly believe in it. The story has quite a bit of drama but nothing over-the-top or unrealistic, tons of cute moments, and some sad ones as well. It has just the right amount of everything to make it a great, and irresistible read. G.J. Walker-Smith has a way of beautifully describing any location and making you feel like you yourself are there. Tasmania, Australia has never sounded more appealing and I now have the urge to see it in person. Overall I'd recommend Saving Wishes for how well done, elegantly written, and beautifully told it is. Charli is a great narrator and engaging character and I can't wait to see her adventure continue.
September 17, 2020
Wonderful is not a strong enough word.
I've been wanting to read this book for ages, but I never tried it because I was scared I wouldn't love it as much as I hoped. I've been saving it because I was afraid. I wanted the book to be special and mean something to me. I had no way of knowing that is magical on its own. I had never read anything similar, and my heart wanted to hug this story. This reading took a little of me, and I took a lot back. There is hope in this world for people like me if stories like this are written.
"I'm always going to believe in magic and I'm always going to trust that things will work out in the end."
Saving Wishes is about more than a small town girl that wants to travel the world, and it's more than a simple love story. It talks about family, trust, school, nice people, and mean humans. We learn the value of a moment in time that we'll never get back. I'm beyond grateful to have this story be forever remembered as one of the books I long to read over and over again.
I've been wanting to read this book for ages, but I never tried it because I was scared I wouldn't love it as much as I hoped. I've been saving it because I was afraid. I wanted the book to be special and mean something to me. I had no way of knowing that is magical on its own. I had never read anything similar, and my heart wanted to hug this story. This reading took a little of me, and I took a lot back. There is hope in this world for people like me if stories like this are written.
"I'm always going to believe in magic and I'm always going to trust that things will work out in the end."
Saving Wishes is about more than a small town girl that wants to travel the world, and it's more than a simple love story. It talks about family, trust, school, nice people, and mean humans. We learn the value of a moment in time that we'll never get back. I'm beyond grateful to have this story be forever remembered as one of the books I long to read over and over again.
August 8, 2015
A dirla tutta non so cosa pensare di questo libro, non perché sia brutto o scritto male, semplicemente perché non ha saputo lasciare il segno.
Lei è carina, un po' svitata ma piena di sogni da realizzare...
Lui sembra uscito dai miei sogni, perché incarna tutto quello che mi piace.
Ma la storia sembra sempre sul punto di decollare, e sul più bello invece si arresta come se l'autrice si fosse appena ricordata che ci saranno altri libri.
I personaggi sono abbastanza credibili, Charli in effetti acquisisce una maggiore consapevolezza di se stessa, ma non abbastanza da decidere che il suo amore vale il rischio...
Lui è la perfezione in tutto quel che è o fa, questo mi preoccupa perché credo che nessuno sia completamente perfetto!
Vedremo i seguiti...
Lei è carina, un po' svitata ma piena di sogni da realizzare...
Lui sembra uscito dai miei sogni, perché incarna tutto quello che mi piace.
Ma la storia sembra sempre sul punto di decollare, e sul più bello invece si arresta come se l'autrice si fosse appena ricordata che ci saranno altri libri.
I personaggi sono abbastanza credibili, Charli in effetti acquisisce una maggiore consapevolezza di se stessa, ma non abbastanza da decidere che il suo amore vale il rischio...
Lui è la perfezione in tutto quel che è o fa, questo mi preoccupa perché credo che nessuno sia completamente perfetto!
Vedremo i seguiti...
May 26, 2016
Very YA. Good, although a little unrealistic, considering how self-assured the 17 year old was. I read the first one because I got it for free as an iBook or on the Kindle app. Will I keep reading the series? Possibly, if my library buys the next books in the series - they aren’t ones I’d bother to buy.
August 22, 2017
The cutest book I've read. It had many twists and turns, and the ending was perfect. I'm not sure if I want to read the second book now because the ending was just perfect for me. Maybe in the future I'll read the second book later.
Five cute stars from me
Five cute stars from me
August 25, 2014
Wow.
Wow.
Wow.
This was bad.
And when I say bad, I mean lurve-at-first-sight-fate-bought-us-together-how-could-I-possibly-live-without-you bad. I mean 'small town girl falls in love with handsome (French speaking) stranger' bad. I'm talking 'poor ickle orphan with gap yah style lets bum around the world as soon as I finish school dreams' bad.
If you are one of those people who gave this 5 stars, please see someone.
So we have Charlotte. She lives in a small town in Australia, with her 34 year old brother Alex, and is awaiting her high school graduation in a few months so she can bum around the world wiv her bezzie Nicole.
But shock. Drama. Along comes American Adam in a sleek black Audi almost running her over. Yep, Mr Right for dumb little Charli, complete with stunning looks and a rather sizeable bank balance. I have no doubt that these two are perfect for one another: there's Charli, the 17 year old believer in fate and twoo luv at first sight, and actually for real believes in fairies, and then we have Adam, who, despite being bilingual and smart and aspiring to be a lawyer, is dumb enough to hang around with Charli.
Adam + Charli = Vomit inducing lurrrrve.
“A picture I took made it all the way around the world to you. And you came looking for it. It’s fate.�
“You’re so incredibly special, Coccinelle�
I would add a third but I'm not sure I would be able to contain the nausea.
BUT ZIS ROMAAANCE BE DOOOMED!
Don't think that you can read this one quickly and painlessly and without any overly dramatic angst. Nuh uh.
First you have the stereotypical trio of shallow, vain, bitchy girls (*smacks head against wall*), lovingly nicknamed 'the Beautifuls' by Charli.
And zey want to steal Adam!
And theeeeennnn we have the ever so predictable revelation that Alex is sleeping with Charli's ever so stunning French teacher, also Adam's cousin.
Will Charli be able to deal with the fact that her brother is happy?
And then there is the return of some guy who slept with Charli before leaving to travel around the world.
BUT WHAT OF HIS CLAIMS THAT HE ACTUALLY LURVES HER!?!
Then we have some worrying about how rich Adam acccttttuuuuallly is.
Will Charli be able to handle his wealth, given that she has no plans or viable qualifications to generate her own income in the future?! Will she be able to cope without him after he leaves?! And if she goes to find him in New York, WILL SHE BE ABLE TO HANDLE HIS WAY OF LIFE?!?!
I know, it's pretty difficult to hold it together. But the show stopper is yet to come.
Alex isn't in fact Charli's brother. He's her dad.
Yup, turns out that he moved to this remote town, his mother lied about Charli being her kid, and he decided to just go with it. Even after the woman died.
WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?
IT MAKES NO SENSE.
YOU'RE AN IDIOT.
END OF MESSAGE.
And that's not the end. Noooooo.
Adam departs.
Charli lies to him and says she doesn't love him. (?) (I've given up asking why.)
Boo hoo hoo. But it's okay because he knoooows deep down that he loves her.
Nicole runs off with some guy (to bum around the world, obvs) taking most of Charlotte's hard-earned-given-to-her-by-Adam cash.
So Charli runs off to bum around the world with the guy she previously screwed. But in a totally platonic way.
Hmmm.
Needless to say this book had me both in hysterics at how appalling it was, and rolling on the floor just wondering why it had to be written. Honestly, truly, don't read it if you value your sanity.
Wow.
Wow.
This was bad.
And when I say bad, I mean lurve-at-first-sight-fate-bought-us-together-how-could-I-possibly-live-without-you bad. I mean 'small town girl falls in love with handsome (French speaking) stranger' bad. I'm talking 'poor ickle orphan with gap yah style lets bum around the world as soon as I finish school dreams' bad.
If you are one of those people who gave this 5 stars, please see someone.
So we have Charlotte. She lives in a small town in Australia, with her 34 year old brother Alex, and is awaiting her high school graduation in a few months so she can bum around the world wiv her bezzie Nicole.
But shock. Drama. Along comes American Adam in a sleek black Audi almost running her over. Yep, Mr Right for dumb little Charli, complete with stunning looks and a rather sizeable bank balance. I have no doubt that these two are perfect for one another: there's Charli, the 17 year old believer in fate and twoo luv at first sight, and actually for real believes in fairies, and then we have Adam, who, despite being bilingual and smart and aspiring to be a lawyer, is dumb enough to hang around with Charli.
Adam + Charli = Vomit inducing lurrrrve.
“A picture I took made it all the way around the world to you. And you came looking for it. It’s fate.�
“You’re so incredibly special, Coccinelle�
I would add a third but I'm not sure I would be able to contain the nausea.
BUT ZIS ROMAAANCE BE DOOOMED!
Don't think that you can read this one quickly and painlessly and without any overly dramatic angst. Nuh uh.
First you have the stereotypical trio of shallow, vain, bitchy girls (*smacks head against wall*), lovingly nicknamed 'the Beautifuls' by Charli.
And zey want to steal Adam!
And theeeeennnn we have the ever so predictable revelation that Alex is sleeping with Charli's ever so stunning French teacher, also Adam's cousin.
Will Charli be able to deal with the fact that her brother is happy?
And then there is the return of some guy who slept with Charli before leaving to travel around the world.
BUT WHAT OF HIS CLAIMS THAT HE ACTUALLY LURVES HER!?!
Then we have some worrying about how rich Adam acccttttuuuuallly is.
Will Charli be able to handle his wealth, given that she has no plans or viable qualifications to generate her own income in the future?! Will she be able to cope without him after he leaves?! And if she goes to find him in New York, WILL SHE BE ABLE TO HANDLE HIS WAY OF LIFE?!?!
I know, it's pretty difficult to hold it together. But the show stopper is yet to come.
Alex isn't in fact Charli's brother. He's her dad.
Yup, turns out that he moved to this remote town, his mother lied about Charli being her kid, and he decided to just go with it. Even after the woman died.
WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?
IT MAKES NO SENSE.
YOU'RE AN IDIOT.
END OF MESSAGE.
And that's not the end. Noooooo.
Adam departs.
Charli lies to him and says she doesn't love him. (?) (I've given up asking why.)
Boo hoo hoo. But it's okay because he knoooows deep down that he loves her.
Nicole runs off with some guy (to bum around the world, obvs) taking most of Charlotte's hard-earned-given-to-her-by-Adam cash.
So Charli runs off to bum around the world with the guy she previously screwed. But in a totally platonic way.
Hmmm.
Needless to say this book had me both in hysterics at how appalling it was, and rolling on the floor just wondering why it had to be written. Honestly, truly, don't read it if you value your sanity.
August 19, 2015
Nel mondo dei sogni, c’� una regola non scritta.
La magia batte sempre la follia.
Ed arriva così senza che me lo aspettasi il libro magico, quello che senza troppi giri di parole e senza grossi scossoni mi ha catapultato dall'altra parte del mondo e fatto vivere in prima persona la vita della diciassettenne Charlotte Blake. E l'amore bussò mi ha provocato sensazioni inattese, mi ha emozionato e mi ha rapito sin dalle primissime parole, è stato un crescendo di battiti, davvero una gioia inspiegabile pagina dopo pagina.
Siamo a Pipers Cove un paesino della Tasmania in Australia, è una fredda mattina di settembre quando il destino permette ad una giovane sognatrice, che crede che ogni cosa accada per un motivo o che sia un segno che la vita le sta dando, di incontrare un ragazzo di ventun'anni giunto in quel paesino sperduto guidato dall'istinto che continuava a suggerirgli che quel posto potesse dargli ciò che gli serviva in quel momento.
La prima persona che Adam incontra arrivando a Pipers Cove è appunto la piccola Charli e da allora -e per due mesi- ogni occasione è buona per stare insieme. Adam e Charli non possono essere due persone più diverse e ne sono entrambi consapevoli ma tutto intorno a loro sembra gridare che quell'incontro non sia solo un caso, ma il fato ci ha messo lo zampino e Charlotte ha voglia di assecondare il suo destino. Ma per assecondare il destino la nostra protagonista dovrà fare una scelta che non sa se è pronta a compiere: da una parte il sogno che attende di realizzare quando fra qualche mese finirà il liceo ovvero girare il mondo alla ricerca del posto perfetto dove fermarsi, dall'altra seguire l'amore?
Che scelta difficile! Non so voi ma io questa domanda l'ho sentita così mia che ho sofferto per tutto il libro. Incontrare l'amore a diciassette anni è difficile da gestire, si è in un momento in cui ancora non si ha ben chiara l'idea di cosa farai in futuro, di cosa vuoi dalla vita e quindi spesso le scelte si fanno seguendo le emozioni che in quel periodo poi sono più amplificate che mai... ma sarà la scelta giusta? Io me lo chiedo da una vita e col senno di poi avrei fatto altre scelte ma poi ci ripenso e se guardo cosa ho adesso magari non cambierei una virgola. Mentre sei adolescente però pensi di avere la risposta giusta per tutto e che l'amore giustifichi ogni mossa azzardata e così Charli lascia che il suo cuore si abbandoni ai sentimenti... ma ecco che Alex, il fratello che l'ha cresciuta come un padre, le mette la pulce nell'orecchio, cerca di aprirle gli occhi ed è allora che Charlotte va in crisi.
A diciassette anni non si dovrebbe vivere di compromessi, non si dovrebbero fare scelte basandosi sulla vita degli altri, e allora che si fa? Si soffre qualsiasi cosa si scelga. Ma cosa sceglierà Charlotte lo scoprirete solo leggendo il libro, i suoi desideri avranno la meglio sul cuore o scenderà a compromessi con l'amore?
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February 3, 2021
(Source: Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk.)
17-year-old Charli wants to do nothing other than go traveling as soon as she graduates high school with her best friend Nicole.
Charli has always been a risk taker, and she’s always been special � the way she believed in faeries so fiercely, and took pictures because they were little frozen snippets of time. When she took a risk on her friend Mitch previously, he used her and threw her away though, so when she meets Adam, even though she likes him, she maintains her spikey exterior.
Adam works on her though, and soon they both know that they are in love. Adam’s plans are very different from Charli’s though. Adam wants to go to Law school in his home city of New York, whilst Charli wants to leave Tasmania and find her true place in the world, which will be somewhere where she can surf.
Can Charli and Adam ever truly be together and both be happy? Can Charli break Adam’s heart and send him back to New York alone? And what if Charli’s place in the world is wherever Adam is?
This was an emotional and thought provoking YA contemporary, that made me want to travel, find true love, and find my place in the world.
Charli was an interesting character, I didn’t quite get why she was so standoffish at first, but once her history was revealed, it all made a bit more sense. I loved how she had made herself tough to put up with her bullies though, and I loved how desperately she wanted to spread her wings and fly. I didn’t quite get why she wanted to leave her home town and never come back, but it was obviously something that she felt really strongly about.
I liked some of the characters in this book more than others, and I think Charli was really lucky to have the support of Alex, as well as Adam and Gabrielle. If I ever come across her best friend Nicole though there will be trouble, because she is quite possibly the worst best friend ever, and Charli really didn’t deserve the way Nicole treated her.
I liked the storyline in this book, and there were quite a few twists in the tale that I didn’t see coming. There were moments when I wondered where the story was going to take us, and also things that made me really angry, but it all came together in a quite emotional book, and I liked the romance, even though it wasn’t your typical ‘happy ever after� kind of story.
I did get a bit upset with some of the events in this book, and although we were left with a sense of hope in the end, I didn’t really like the way things were left between Charli and Adam, and I really want to read the next book now to work out what happens next.
Overall; a good YA contemporary romance, that makes you want to travel, find true love, and find your place in the world, and in someone’s heart.
7.5 out of 10.
17-year-old Charli wants to do nothing other than go traveling as soon as she graduates high school with her best friend Nicole.
Charli has always been a risk taker, and she’s always been special � the way she believed in faeries so fiercely, and took pictures because they were little frozen snippets of time. When she took a risk on her friend Mitch previously, he used her and threw her away though, so when she meets Adam, even though she likes him, she maintains her spikey exterior.
Adam works on her though, and soon they both know that they are in love. Adam’s plans are very different from Charli’s though. Adam wants to go to Law school in his home city of New York, whilst Charli wants to leave Tasmania and find her true place in the world, which will be somewhere where she can surf.
Can Charli and Adam ever truly be together and both be happy? Can Charli break Adam’s heart and send him back to New York alone? And what if Charli’s place in the world is wherever Adam is?
This was an emotional and thought provoking YA contemporary, that made me want to travel, find true love, and find my place in the world.
Charli was an interesting character, I didn’t quite get why she was so standoffish at first, but once her history was revealed, it all made a bit more sense. I loved how she had made herself tough to put up with her bullies though, and I loved how desperately she wanted to spread her wings and fly. I didn’t quite get why she wanted to leave her home town and never come back, but it was obviously something that she felt really strongly about.
I liked some of the characters in this book more than others, and I think Charli was really lucky to have the support of Alex, as well as Adam and Gabrielle. If I ever come across her best friend Nicole though there will be trouble, because she is quite possibly the worst best friend ever, and Charli really didn’t deserve the way Nicole treated her.
I liked the storyline in this book, and there were quite a few twists in the tale that I didn’t see coming. There were moments when I wondered where the story was going to take us, and also things that made me really angry, but it all came together in a quite emotional book, and I liked the romance, even though it wasn’t your typical ‘happy ever after� kind of story.
I did get a bit upset with some of the events in this book, and although we were left with a sense of hope in the end, I didn’t really like the way things were left between Charli and Adam, and I really want to read the next book now to work out what happens next.
Overall; a good YA contemporary romance, that makes you want to travel, find true love, and find your place in the world, and in someone’s heart.
7.5 out of 10.
December 5, 2013
This review originally published on
I’ve been on the lookout to expand the books I read to ones that explore life in other countries. So I was quite excited to pick up Saving Wishes, which takes place in a tiny town called Piper’s Cove in Tasmania. The main character of the book, Charli, longs to escape her insular community and see the world. I grew up in rather small town myself, so I could really relate with her desire to get out and meet new people, see the world, and experience something other than life as it always has been.
The problem was that Charli was a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. She’s constantly telling the audience, and the boy she’s fallen in love with, that she’s trouble. She has problems. Her life is difficult, she’s too hard to love, stay away, she’s not worth the hassle. And yet throughout the course of the story she never really lives up to her own promises of how terrible she is. In the pantheon of young adult heroines she’s actually quite tame. Her parents died when she was too young to remember, the popular girls don’t like her, she’s bad at French, and she secretly loves photography. Maybe I’ve gotten jaded, but after she describes herself I’m ready for her to be a member of a gang or something.
The love interest, Adam, is a bit stereotypical as well. He’s the type of guy who’s always had his life planned out and stuck to his plans until he randomly decided to visit his cousin in Piper’s Cove, and there he meets Charli who introduces him to her wacky way of viewing the world. Only eventually he has to return to his original life, and the source of the conflict between the two just didn’t really come through for me. The book tries a bit to create a sort of upper/lower class narrative but it doesn’t really reach the heights of what that kind of story can be.
Charlie’s brother is actually the most interesting character in the story, in my opinion, and there’s a reveal about his life that could have been absolutely riveting if the narrative had been more focused and built around that rather than this teenage whirlwind romance. Don’t get me wrong, I love teenage romance stories, but her other relationships were just so much more intriguing and more well drawn. If this was a movie, I would say the leads didn’t have any chemistry.
Generally the book wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t too original and the writing style was a lot of describing things instead of experiencing them. I’d rather read more about the other citizens of Piper’s Cove instead of the sequel which continues to focus on Charli.
I’ve been on the lookout to expand the books I read to ones that explore life in other countries. So I was quite excited to pick up Saving Wishes, which takes place in a tiny town called Piper’s Cove in Tasmania. The main character of the book, Charli, longs to escape her insular community and see the world. I grew up in rather small town myself, so I could really relate with her desire to get out and meet new people, see the world, and experience something other than life as it always has been.
The problem was that Charli was a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. She’s constantly telling the audience, and the boy she’s fallen in love with, that she’s trouble. She has problems. Her life is difficult, she’s too hard to love, stay away, she’s not worth the hassle. And yet throughout the course of the story she never really lives up to her own promises of how terrible she is. In the pantheon of young adult heroines she’s actually quite tame. Her parents died when she was too young to remember, the popular girls don’t like her, she’s bad at French, and she secretly loves photography. Maybe I’ve gotten jaded, but after she describes herself I’m ready for her to be a member of a gang or something.
The love interest, Adam, is a bit stereotypical as well. He’s the type of guy who’s always had his life planned out and stuck to his plans until he randomly decided to visit his cousin in Piper’s Cove, and there he meets Charli who introduces him to her wacky way of viewing the world. Only eventually he has to return to his original life, and the source of the conflict between the two just didn’t really come through for me. The book tries a bit to create a sort of upper/lower class narrative but it doesn’t really reach the heights of what that kind of story can be.
Charlie’s brother is actually the most interesting character in the story, in my opinion, and there’s a reveal about his life that could have been absolutely riveting if the narrative had been more focused and built around that rather than this teenage whirlwind romance. Don’t get me wrong, I love teenage romance stories, but her other relationships were just so much more intriguing and more well drawn. If this was a movie, I would say the leads didn’t have any chemistry.
Generally the book wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t too original and the writing style was a lot of describing things instead of experiencing them. I’d rather read more about the other citizens of Piper’s Cove instead of the sequel which continues to focus on Charli.
July 15, 2013
Cover:
This cover is very pretty. The girl on the front fits Charli quite perfectly, and really is how I pictured her through out the book. The font's are simple and subdued which fits the image wonderfully. Perfect cover for this book!
First Reaction:
Sometimes it's nice to read a book which just... nice. Simple, easy, no love triangles, no murders,no wizards trying to kidnap some important political figure and take them into the future where they create a devise which could blow up the universe. Nope, a nice simple read.
What I Think About the Book:
I love the whole concept of fate, love at first sight and soul mates. Sometime it's near impossible to understand why something happens, why someone is instantly connected to another person and why you life turned in the direction it did. This book draws such a wonderful picture of this. Sometimes fate turns your life upside down, but there may be a perfect reason why.
"My head is very protective of my heart and it's a defect I'm well aware of"
The setting of this story in Tasmania is such a perfect location. Who wouldn't want to read about sun kissed surfers, sandy shores, old worn sailboats and picturesque rocky coast lines. This is exactly the perfect location for a love to blossom between two people. I personally love the idea of Australia as the setting of a love/coming of age tale. I don't understand why Charli would want o leave such a beautiful place in the first place, maybe it's just a right of passage, the need to extend ones self.
I have to say I am usually a much bigger fan of books where the male is more dominate and flaky, not the female in the relationship. I usually like the jerk, or bad boy if you may, but i this story it's not that way at all. Adam is sweet and loving and tries so hard to gain Charli's affection, not my normal cup of tea, but still a great relationship.
Final Thoughts:
A beautiful love/coming of age story, set in a romantic sea side town. Picturesque scenery, budding romance and a sprinkle of witty humor made this story a delight to read.
I received this E-Book for free from NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
You can also see this review on my blog
This cover is very pretty. The girl on the front fits Charli quite perfectly, and really is how I pictured her through out the book. The font's are simple and subdued which fits the image wonderfully. Perfect cover for this book!
First Reaction:
Sometimes it's nice to read a book which just... nice. Simple, easy, no love triangles, no murders,
What I Think About the Book:
I love the whole concept of fate, love at first sight and soul mates. Sometime it's near impossible to understand why something happens, why someone is instantly connected to another person and why you life turned in the direction it did. This book draws such a wonderful picture of this. Sometimes fate turns your life upside down, but there may be a perfect reason why.
"My head is very protective of my heart and it's a defect I'm well aware of"
The setting of this story in Tasmania is such a perfect location. Who wouldn't want to read about sun kissed surfers, sandy shores, old worn sailboats and picturesque rocky coast lines. This is exactly the perfect location for a love to blossom between two people. I personally love the idea of Australia as the setting of a love/coming of age tale. I don't understand why Charli would want o leave such a beautiful place in the first place, maybe it's just a right of passage, the need to extend ones self.
I have to say I am usually a much bigger fan of books where the male is more dominate and flaky, not the female in the relationship. I usually like the jerk, or bad boy if you may, but i this story it's not that way at all. Adam is sweet and loving and tries so hard to gain Charli's affection, not my normal cup of tea, but still a great relationship.
Final Thoughts:
A beautiful love/coming of age story, set in a romantic sea side town. Picturesque scenery, budding romance and a sprinkle of witty humor made this story a delight to read.
I received this E-Book for free from NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
You can also see this review on my blog
May 3, 2015
Charlotte Blake lives in a small town called Piper’s Cove with her older brother Alex who has looked after her from a very young age after their mother passed away. She hopes to finally fulfill her dream and leave Piper’s Cove as soon as she graduates from high school and travel the world. The only people who will make it difficult to leave behind her home are her brother and best friend.
Cue in a handsome American boy named Adam Decarie who lives in New York and is visiting his cousin Gabrielle, who just happens to be the annoying and exasperating French teacher who makes Charli’s high school existence even more intolerable. Their unexpected encounter will change both of their lives. As they begin to spend time together Charli only realizes how much Adam is affecting her emotionally she is struggling to overcome the connection and draw she feels towards him. She doesn’t want to let her guard down and ultimately suffer heartbreak at the hands of gorgeous stranger who will leave in a matter of months.
The reluctance Charli has towards allowing her true personality to shine through is because she knows deep down that this stranger will somehow play an integral part in her life.
These characters were easily relatable as it made it easier for the reader to make connections with how deep their emotions are affecting them. Each of their personalities shined through specially Charli’s with all the drama surrounding her.
There are absolutely no words to describe how much I truly enjoyed reading this beautiful story. I can’t wait to find out what will happen in the installment I highly recommend this book!!!
Cue in a handsome American boy named Adam Decarie who lives in New York and is visiting his cousin Gabrielle, who just happens to be the annoying and exasperating French teacher who makes Charli’s high school existence even more intolerable. Their unexpected encounter will change both of their lives. As they begin to spend time together Charli only realizes how much Adam is affecting her emotionally she is struggling to overcome the connection and draw she feels towards him. She doesn’t want to let her guard down and ultimately suffer heartbreak at the hands of gorgeous stranger who will leave in a matter of months.
The reluctance Charli has towards allowing her true personality to shine through is because she knows deep down that this stranger will somehow play an integral part in her life.
These characters were easily relatable as it made it easier for the reader to make connections with how deep their emotions are affecting them. Each of their personalities shined through specially Charli’s with all the drama surrounding her.
There are absolutely no words to describe how much I truly enjoyed reading this beautiful story. I can’t wait to find out what will happen in the installment I highly recommend this book!!!
July 16, 2013
I loved the story line because it tells the story of an almost broken girl and a boy who tries to get her to see her for who she is. I felt that the setting helped explained some of the characters and their actions, thought, and feelings. I loved how the author set up the book and felt that the author did a pretty good job in introducing all the twisting and turning that went on in the book. In some parts of the book I felt that I was disconnected with the characters, but that was one of the only problems.
Charli Blake was an interesting character to say the least. Her reactions and decisions continued to surprise me and I liked that about her character. The author wrote her with a strong personality that anyone can connect with and appreciate. I liked that she didn’t always make the right choices and wasn’t the perfect lead character that always did things right.
Adam was an character that really changed Charli’s opinions. I liked how his presence affected Charli and how she responded to him and the many situations they were put in. I felt that sometimes Charli wanted to go way to fast for a guy she just met, but luckily Adam managed to slow her down most of the time.
Overall the book was a pretty good read and I look forward to the next book in the series. I will be reading more books by this author and publisher in the nearby future.
***I received this book as an eARC for my honest review and opinion.***
Charli Blake was an interesting character to say the least. Her reactions and decisions continued to surprise me and I liked that about her character. The author wrote her with a strong personality that anyone can connect with and appreciate. I liked that she didn’t always make the right choices and wasn’t the perfect lead character that always did things right.
Adam was an character that really changed Charli’s opinions. I liked how his presence affected Charli and how she responded to him and the many situations they were put in. I felt that sometimes Charli wanted to go way to fast for a guy she just met, but luckily Adam managed to slow her down most of the time.
Overall the book was a pretty good read and I look forward to the next book in the series. I will be reading more books by this author and publisher in the nearby future.
***I received this book as an eARC for my honest review and opinion.***
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