The Wishing Game

Lucy Hart grew up alone, her parents completely wrapped up in dealing with her sister's illness, and her one attempt at a grownup relationship ended disastrously. It was only the Clock Island series of books that gave Lucy a path. Lucy has come to care for orphan Christopher, and she longs to be able to adopt the boy, but she is without resources. Jack Masterson, the author of the Clock Island books, has come out of an unexplained retirement to announce a contest and the prize money could be substantial. Lucy is shocked to learn that she has received an invitation to be a contestant.

So many parts of this book felt like a children's book that had been pushed to be a grownup book, and I'm not sure how I feel about that...I kind of wish it HAD been a children's book. Still, it was a lovely diversion.