2026 – Coming Jan 27, 2026 by St. Martin’s Press
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This beautifully written story is about family, mistakes, hope, and the wish to control life’s twists and turns. It is a striking, heartfelt story about loss—the loss of a loved one, lost dreams, unspoken words, and the magic that can unite people through books and stories. Emerson Clarke, a dedicated mother, parentified daughter, and creative ghostwriter, struggles to manage life’s curveballs after her father’s death. She is tasked with ensuring her father’s published legacy is preserved while having to deal with her mother, whose drinking problem is apparent to everyone but her. She also deals with her daughter’s concerning self isolation and worries about the growing distance between them. One day, while struggling to keep it all together, she comes across an old, worn-out typewriter in her father’s study. Named his ‘lucky charm’, the typewriter’s mysterious draw lures her in, and before she knows it, she becomes entangled with its unique and tempting power. Emerson quickly realizes the wishes she types on its old keys can come true. Before long, it becomes apparent that the mysterious typewriter’s gift can easily become a curse to anyone who uses it. Besides discovering the mysteries of the typewriter, Emerson needs to unearth her father’s secrets, which prove to be just as tricky. Things begin to happen all around her, making it difficult for her to manage the frailty of her family’s feelings and her own emotions. This story leaves the reader questioning whether they’d pay the high price needed to change their fate.
Moonshelf story: Yes. This book strikes many chords and mirrors many real struggles and emotions that readers everywhere might encounter. The magical element of the typewriter is an excellent addition to what otherwise is an unfiltered and authentic story that perfectly describes the raw relationships among family members. The story is well-paced and experienced through the eyes of the main character, who displays complex emotions and struggles. It is emotionally immersive and offers many moments of connection to each character, including the deceased father. You can feel the internal conflict of the characters who feel tied to the typewriter and what it offers. The author made the story flow well through Emerson’s point of view and her father’s entries. The beauty of this book lies in its theme of control and what it means to be happy.
This book has become my new favorite for this year. After completing it, I’m still feeling the emotions and reflecting on the main character’s journey. This story contains several layers of realism; it has a touch of enchantment, the kind we all wish we could see in our lives. It brings back the age-old question of what you would wish for if given the chance. Would you still make the wish if you knew the cost? It also brings the idea that life is ever-changing and how difficult staying in control can be. The inclusion of books made this story even more engaging and created a personal connection if you’re a reader or writer. Overall, this book will be a recommendation to friends, family, and other readers for years to come.
For readers who enjoy heartfelt stories of determined writers facing difficult choices and a bit of magic that pushes those choices forward.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is an advance reader copy (ARC) and may contain errors or changes before final publication. My review is voluntary and reflects my personal thoughts. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog!
