When You Wish Upon a Lantern

When You Wish Upon a Lantern

Gloria Chao2023
Acclaimed author Gloria Chao creates real-world magic in this luminous romance about teens who devote themselves to granting other people's wishes, but are too afraid to let themselves have their own hearts' desires--each other. Liya and Kai had been best friends since they were little kids, but all that changed when a humiliating incident sparked The Biggest Misunderstanding Of All Time--and they haven't spoken since. Then Liya discovers her family's wishing lantern store is struggling, and she decides to resume a tradition she had with her beloved late grandmother: secretly fulfilling the wishes people write on the lanterns they send into the sky. It may boost sales and save the store, but she can't do it alone . . . and Kai is the only one who cares enough to help. While working on their covert missions, Liya and Kai rekindle their friendship--and maybe more. But when their feuding families and their changing futures threaten to tear them apart again, can they find a way to make their own wishes come true?
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Reviews

Photo of Laurianne
Laurianne@bruisedcloud
4.25 stars
Jan 7, 2024

"Since năinai was more of a parent to me than my mom or dad, they don't seem to know how to step up now." I didn't know how much I needed the book until I have read all of it. It provides so much comfort and warmth, which I'm utterly grateful for. I always seem to be drawn to the books whose character resembles me in a way, and Liya does. I... badly needed that. I need someone else grieving my grandmother with me because she was everything, she was my world, and now without her, I feel so lost. So alone. I'm glad Liya has Kai in her life, how he lifts some weights off her shoulders so she doesn't have to carry all the burdens alone. It's a very heartwarming read, light and quick. I love the Chinese traditions described in the book and every time they say, "may your wishes find the light," I feel myself forming up a smile so wide. I do, too, believe that the world holds magic in it. Despite it being rare.

Photo of Aslei
Aslei@aslei
4 stars
Jan 2, 2024