Everyone will come together to solve riddles, play games, and ultimately face their fears to help Jack recover from his sadness, Hugo find his freedom, and Lucy get the family she’s always longed for. Magical, emotional, and charming.
It has emotional plot twists, heartbroken but resilient characters and a feel-good ending that may not be what you had expected ... Shaffer balances the darkness of emotional backstories with plenty of hopefulness, humor, plot twists and just a bit of romance.
Shaffer blends tragedy and triumph in a whimsical and gratifying debut romance ... Shaffer doesn’t shy away from the darkness in her characters’ backstories even as she delivers childlike wonder in spades. This is wish fulfilment in the best way.
Shaffer’s characters are not fully developed, and Jack’s motives in particular feel a little trite. But, somewhat two-dimensional characters notwithstanding, readers will appreciate the interplay of whimsy and realism on the island.
