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As You Wish
They say be careful what you wish for…
For Lydia, Jenny, and Selene, au pairing in Seoul is the opportunity of a lifetime. Lydia wants nothing more than to transform into a leading lady; Jenny is determined to swear off love for good 5,955 miles away from her ex; and Selene is convinced working in Korea will finally lead her to her biological mother.
During a combined family vacation with their host families, the women visit an enchanted waterfall on Jeju Island and make a wish under a full moon. Overnight, everything changes. Suddenly, Lydia is the girl everyone wants—except, strangely, her mysterious art class partner from Spain. Jenny is having secret, no-strings-attached fun with her host mom’s irresistible younger brother. And Selene is finally getting somewhere in her search for her mother thanks to a research-savvy photographer.
But when Jenny’s romantic feelings begin to deepen, she realizes her wish is standing in the way of true, lasting love. Her decision to return to the waterfall will have unexpected consequences and force the au pairs to confront a new question altogether: Could it be that their friendship was the real magic all along?
For Lydia, Jenny, and Selene, au pairing in Seoul is the opportunity of a lifetime. Lydia wants nothing more than to transform into a leading lady; Jenny is determined to swear off love for good 5,955 miles away from her ex; and Selene is convinced working in Korea will finally lead her to her biological mother.
During a combined family vacation with their host families, the women visit an enchanted waterfall on Jeju Island and make a wish under a full moon. Overnight, everything changes. Suddenly, Lydia is the girl everyone wants—except, strangely, her mysterious art class partner from Spain. Jenny is having secret, no-strings-attached fun with her host mom’s irresistible younger brother. And Selene is finally getting somewhere in her search for her mother thanks to a research-savvy photographer.
But when Jenny’s romantic feelings begin to deepen, she realizes her wish is standing in the way of true, lasting love. Her decision to return to the waterfall will have unexpected consequences and force the au pairs to confront a new question altogether: Could it be that their friendship was the real magic all along?
368 pages, Paperback
Published June 24, 2025
34 people are currently reading
9766 people want to read
About the author
Leesa Cross-Smith
12 books2,787 followersLeesa Cross-Smith is a homemaker and writer from Kentucky. She is the author of seven books: AS YOU WISH, GOODBYE EARL, HALF-BLOWN ROSE, THIS CLOSE TO OKAY, SO WE CAN GLOW, WHISKEY & RIBBONS, EVERY KISS A WAR. HALF-BLOWN ROSE received Coups De Cœur recognition from the American Library in Paris and was the Amazon Editors’ Spotlight for June 2022, the inaugural pick for Amazon’s Editorial Director Sarah Gelman’s Book Club Sarah Selects, and the Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick for June 2022. THIS CLOSE TO OKAY was a Goodreads Choice 2021 Nominee for Best Fiction, a Book of the Month Book of the Year 2021 Nominee, a Book of the Month Early Release Pick for December 2020, the Good Housekeeping Book Club Pick for February 2021 and the Marie Claire Book Club Pick for March 2021. She was longlisted for the 2022 Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award and 2021 Joyce Carol Oates Literary Prize and SO WE CAN GLOW was listed as one of NPR's Best Books of 2020. WHISKEY & RIBBONS won the 2019 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) Gold Medal in Literary Fiction, was longlisted for the 2018 Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, and was one of O Magazine's 2018 Top Books of Summer. EVERY KISS A WAR was nominated for the PEN Open Book Award (2014) and was a finalist for both the Flannery O'Connor Award for Short Fiction (2012) and the Iowa Short Fiction Award (2012). Find more @ LeesaCrossSmith.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
August 29, 2025
judging books by their covers again...and i don't know what to tell you.
i mean, so much of this book is annoying.
for starters, there are a LOT of names — our three protagonists each have multiple love interests, au pair host families with two parents and several kids, families at home, and additional classmates and side-quest-helpers and instagram commenters who are usually somewhat inanely involved with their subplots. at a certain point i gave up trying to track most of them and just vibed.
they also drink, like, so much soju. and generally are really dumb. but those things are separate.
the first half can be a real drag, perhaps because there are so many characters and so many magical wish-making subplots to cover.
there are also strong YA vibes outside of the smut and writing moments like "All seven members of BTS looked perfect and beautiful in their perfect, beautiful costumes."
and yet. this was fun. i thought it was fluffy and swoony. all of the romances worked for me in that i got wrapped up in the yearning and drama. it reminds me of gail carson levine's wish, another objectively imperfect wish-based romance book i also unapologetically like.
bottom line: i had a good time!
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
i mean, so much of this book is annoying.
for starters, there are a LOT of names — our three protagonists each have multiple love interests, au pair host families with two parents and several kids, families at home, and additional classmates and side-quest-helpers and instagram commenters who are usually somewhat inanely involved with their subplots. at a certain point i gave up trying to track most of them and just vibed.
they also drink, like, so much soju. and generally are really dumb. but those things are separate.
the first half can be a real drag, perhaps because there are so many characters and so many magical wish-making subplots to cover.
there are also strong YA vibes outside of the smut and writing moments like "All seven members of BTS looked perfect and beautiful in their perfect, beautiful costumes."
and yet. this was fun. i thought it was fluffy and swoony. all of the romances worked for me in that i got wrapped up in the yearning and drama. it reminds me of gail carson levine's wish, another objectively imperfect wish-based romance book i also unapologetically like.
bottom line: i had a good time!
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
January 18, 2025
3.5 Stars (Rounded Up to 4)
This novel is a captivating exploration of friendship, identity, and the age-old adage "be careful what you wish for," set against the vibrant backdrop of South Korea. The story follows Lydia, Jenny, and Selene, three au pairs whose lives take unexpected turns after they make magical wishes during a trip to Jeju Island. I was immediately drawn to the camaraderie and individual journeys of these women, whose bond is the heart of the story. Each character’s distinct arc brought depth to their collective experience, and I appreciated how their friendship evolved as they faced challenges and self-discovery.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book was its thoughtful incorporation of Korean culture and the characters' efforts to navigate life in a foreign country. The lush descriptions of the setting, foods, and traditions made the story immersive, while the philosophical undertones of the "what you wish for" theme added a reflective layer that resonated deeply.
That said, the execution faltered in a few areas. The characters' development felt rushed at times, with pivotal emotional growth and interactions coming across as abrupt or underexplored. Additionally, the dialogue didn’t always match the maturity of characters who are portrayed as being in their mid-twenties. This dissonance occasionally pulled me out of the narrative, making certain moments feel less authentic.
Despite these shortcomings, the novel’s whimsical tone and heartfelt message about friendship and self-acceptance carried it through. The idea that what the characters truly needed wasn’t tied to their wishes but rather to the strength of their bond with one another was beautifully executed.
Overall, while the pacing and characterization could have used more finesse, this book offers a delightful mix of magic, cultural exploration, and emotional growth. It’s a thoughtful and enjoyable read for anyone who appreciates stories about finding oneself in unexpected ways.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton | Tiny Reparations Books for sharing the arc copy of this heartfelt women's fiction with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
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This novel is a captivating exploration of friendship, identity, and the age-old adage "be careful what you wish for," set against the vibrant backdrop of South Korea. The story follows Lydia, Jenny, and Selene, three au pairs whose lives take unexpected turns after they make magical wishes during a trip to Jeju Island. I was immediately drawn to the camaraderie and individual journeys of these women, whose bond is the heart of the story. Each character’s distinct arc brought depth to their collective experience, and I appreciated how their friendship evolved as they faced challenges and self-discovery.
One of the most engaging aspects of the book was its thoughtful incorporation of Korean culture and the characters' efforts to navigate life in a foreign country. The lush descriptions of the setting, foods, and traditions made the story immersive, while the philosophical undertones of the "what you wish for" theme added a reflective layer that resonated deeply.
That said, the execution faltered in a few areas. The characters' development felt rushed at times, with pivotal emotional growth and interactions coming across as abrupt or underexplored. Additionally, the dialogue didn’t always match the maturity of characters who are portrayed as being in their mid-twenties. This dissonance occasionally pulled me out of the narrative, making certain moments feel less authentic.
Despite these shortcomings, the novel’s whimsical tone and heartfelt message about friendship and self-acceptance carried it through. The idea that what the characters truly needed wasn’t tied to their wishes but rather to the strength of their bond with one another was beautifully executed.
Overall, while the pacing and characterization could have used more finesse, this book offers a delightful mix of magic, cultural exploration, and emotional growth. It’s a thoughtful and enjoyable read for anyone who appreciates stories about finding oneself in unexpected ways.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton | Tiny Reparations Books for sharing the arc copy of this heartfelt women's fiction with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
medium.com
March 16, 2025
This novel made me feel joyful and hopeful. The three young women’s friendship was undoubtedly beautiful! The author made sure that culture was definitely a big part of this book, which I loved. It was cute and cozy! Even though it was cute and cozy, I felt like the writing was hard for me to get used to. The plot was clear and the characters were multilayered. However, I did feel like the characters seemed younger than what they were.
As You Wish is about three different women, whose names are Jenny, Lydia, and Selene. They all come from completely different families. They all make a wish and wonders if it comes true the following day. The next day comes and everything did change! As the story unfolds, you will learn more about each of them individually. I give this book a 3.5 stars out of 5!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Leesa Cross-Smith, and Penguin Group Dutton | Tiny Reparations books for this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!
This book is expected to be published on June 24, 2025!
As You Wish is about three different women, whose names are Jenny, Lydia, and Selene. They all come from completely different families. They all make a wish and wonders if it comes true the following day. The next day comes and everything did change! As the story unfolds, you will learn more about each of them individually. I give this book a 3.5 stars out of 5!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Leesa Cross-Smith, and Penguin Group Dutton | Tiny Reparations books for this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review!
This book is expected to be published on June 24, 2025!
January 18, 2025
started on:
(16.12.24.)
↪ ★★★.75 confused stars
💐 | mini review.
----> 'As You Wish' is a heartwarming tale that beautifully weaves together themes of hope, friendship, and the power of appreciation. the story centers around a group of friends who end up with host families that are family friends, and through an unexpected series of events, make their wishes under a magical waterfall in jeju island. the author does a remarkable job of building a world where wishes are not just whimsical desires but integral parts of the characters' journeys, filled with emotional growth and self-realization. the magical realism present in the book adds a layer of wonder without overshadowing the deeper, relatable messages about life and relationships.
at its core, the book emphasizes the importance of true friendship. the bonds between the main characters feel (mostly) genuine, with each individual bringing something unique to the table. as their wishes begin to materialize in surprising ways, they must also confront the complexities of what they truly want versus what they need. this aspect of the story encourages readers to reflect on their own desires and the role their friends play in helping them navigate life’s challenges. the friendships in the book are tested and strengthened, serving as a reminder of how vital supportive connections are in the pursuit of personal happiness.
jenny was definitely my least favorite of the three, with selene being my favorite. jenny's story was definitely fun, but her relationship with haru felt too quick and physical, which i didn't appreciate. her immaturity nearing the end of the book got on my nerves a little, but it all turned out well in the end. lydia's story was extremely heartwarming, and i love how she understood that not everyone needs to like her for herself to be considered a good person. and finally, selene. she was a great person and her relationship with the "photographer" was so healthy and mature; i loved it !!
the host families were super sweet as well, and the children's dynamic was adorable to witness !! overall, i'd probably read a book by this author again !!
thank you to netgalley and the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review !
xx
almas
─────────────────── 𝜗𝜚 ───────────────────
pre-review.
this was interestinggggg. i have some thoughts on this. finished it on my second flighttt, rtc soon 🤍 (3.75)
pre-read.
another arc !! i saw this one, the cover mesmerized me, i read the description, loved the idea (it's so unique) and requested for itt. i'm curious to see how this story unfolds...
꒰🌠꒱ as you wish by leesa cross-smith
↪ ★★★.75 confused stars
💐 | mini review.
----> 'As You Wish' is a heartwarming tale that beautifully weaves together themes of hope, friendship, and the power of appreciation. the story centers around a group of friends who end up with host families that are family friends, and through an unexpected series of events, make their wishes under a magical waterfall in jeju island. the author does a remarkable job of building a world where wishes are not just whimsical desires but integral parts of the characters' journeys, filled with emotional growth and self-realization. the magical realism present in the book adds a layer of wonder without overshadowing the deeper, relatable messages about life and relationships.
at its core, the book emphasizes the importance of true friendship. the bonds between the main characters feel (mostly) genuine, with each individual bringing something unique to the table. as their wishes begin to materialize in surprising ways, they must also confront the complexities of what they truly want versus what they need. this aspect of the story encourages readers to reflect on their own desires and the role their friends play in helping them navigate life’s challenges. the friendships in the book are tested and strengthened, serving as a reminder of how vital supportive connections are in the pursuit of personal happiness.
jenny was definitely my least favorite of the three, with selene being my favorite. jenny's story was definitely fun, but her relationship with haru felt too quick and physical, which i didn't appreciate. her immaturity nearing the end of the book got on my nerves a little, but it all turned out well in the end. lydia's story was extremely heartwarming, and i love how she understood that not everyone needs to like her for herself to be considered a good person. and finally, selene. she was a great person and her relationship with the "photographer" was so healthy and mature; i loved it !!
the host families were super sweet as well, and the children's dynamic was adorable to witness !! overall, i'd probably read a book by this author again !!
thank you to netgalley and the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review !
xx
almas
─────────────────── 𝜗𝜚 ───────────────────
pre-review.
this was interestinggggg. i have some thoughts on this. finished it on my second flighttt, rtc soon 🤍 (3.75)
pre-read.
another arc !! i saw this one, the cover mesmerized me, i read the description, loved the idea (it's so unique) and requested for itt. i'm curious to see how this story unfolds...
March 27, 2025
I received a free copy of, As You Wish, by Leesa Cross-Smith, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Selene, Jenny, and Lydia are au pairing in Seoul, for different reasons. I thought this was a nice, read.
October 21, 2024
This is my fifth novel, my seventh book! It is a loveletter to Seoul and K-dramas, complete with K-pop playlists and a long list of my fave K-dramas @ the end. AS YOU WISH is coziness, cuteness, comfort, and healing. For me, for you, for wishes coming true. “Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery.”_Jane Austen. x
July 10, 2025
4.5⭐️
A very cute, emotional, and inspiring read. Makes me want to travel to Seoul with my bff’s.
A very cute, emotional, and inspiring read. Makes me want to travel to Seoul with my bff’s.
January 29, 2025
As You Wish is absolutely heartfelt. A “coming of age” so to speak, with adult characters finding themselves riddled with self-reflection and longing for acceptance, family and most importantly, love. It really shows that no matter our age, where we are in life, or the world we thought we would live in, we are all still learning about life. And even in the darkest of times, we must be careful what we wish for.
The story follows three young women, Lydia, Jenny and Selene, as they grapple with their new life as au pairs (basically a live in nanny) for three different families in Seoul, South Korea. During a communal trip to Jeju Island, the three girls find themselves making a wish under a full moon at a very popular and famous waterfall. The next morning, they discover that their wishes have come true.
The three girls are each so relatable in their own way. Strangers turned friends really grasps the reality of how life is for foreigners in South Korea, and how the unlikely of people can become your best friend with a singular commonality. The bond between the three manifests into such a beautiful friendship, it had me thinking of my own friends I made in Seoul. Leesa’s writing is so delicate, I felt myself get teary eyed in some instances.
As an expat in Seoul, South Korea myself, I thought Leesa really captured the essence, atmosphere and culture of Seoul. The language and description she uses for the various places the girls travel to felt so real, especially for places I’ve been to myself. I must commend Leesa for building this world in such a way that made me feel like I was watching a movie.
However, while the writing style is excellent, the pacing could be better. There is a clear beginning, a subpar middle, and an ending that gave me whiplash. While I am a sucker for happy endings, everything gets resolved so fast that it ruined the ending for me. Also, the characters start off emotionally immature for women in their mid twenties, so I figured their character development would improve and show as the story progressed but I didn’t really feel natural growth.
Even with some shortcomings, As You Wish is such a nice read. If you’ve never been to Seoul, or know nothing about the Korean Culture and Korean pop culture, this is a great read to get a glimpse of what South Korea has to offer. I look forward to reading more from Leesa.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Dutton | Tiny Reparations Books and Leesa Cross-Smith for sharing the Advanced Reader Copy of As You Wish in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows three young women, Lydia, Jenny and Selene, as they grapple with their new life as au pairs (basically a live in nanny) for three different families in Seoul, South Korea. During a communal trip to Jeju Island, the three girls find themselves making a wish under a full moon at a very popular and famous waterfall. The next morning, they discover that their wishes have come true.
The three girls are each so relatable in their own way. Strangers turned friends really grasps the reality of how life is for foreigners in South Korea, and how the unlikely of people can become your best friend with a singular commonality. The bond between the three manifests into such a beautiful friendship, it had me thinking of my own friends I made in Seoul. Leesa’s writing is so delicate, I felt myself get teary eyed in some instances.
As an expat in Seoul, South Korea myself, I thought Leesa really captured the essence, atmosphere and culture of Seoul. The language and description she uses for the various places the girls travel to felt so real, especially for places I’ve been to myself. I must commend Leesa for building this world in such a way that made me feel like I was watching a movie.
However, while the writing style is excellent, the pacing could be better. There is a clear beginning, a subpar middle, and an ending that gave me whiplash. While I am a sucker for happy endings, everything gets resolved so fast that it ruined the ending for me. Also, the characters start off emotionally immature for women in their mid twenties, so I figured their character development would improve and show as the story progressed but I didn’t really feel natural growth.
Even with some shortcomings, As You Wish is such a nice read. If you’ve never been to Seoul, or know nothing about the Korean Culture and Korean pop culture, this is a great read to get a glimpse of what South Korea has to offer. I look forward to reading more from Leesa.
A huge thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Dutton | Tiny Reparations Books and Leesa Cross-Smith for sharing the Advanced Reader Copy of As You Wish in exchange for my honest review.
June 21, 2025
"The bows and dresses made her look like she was holding it together, even hen she knew she wasn't."
As You Wish was seemingly a book for me - you can feel the author's love for South Korea and the culture of this country, which creates an immersive background that one can easily imagine for themselves.
Unfortunately, I ended up DNFing it. The writing seemed a bit too focused on listing actions of each character, and what I've read up until that point felt more like YA than Adult Fiction. Same could be said about the characters, they did not feel the age they were.
Thank you to Leesa Cross-Smith, PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As You Wish was seemingly a book for me - you can feel the author's love for South Korea and the culture of this country, which creates an immersive background that one can easily imagine for themselves.
Unfortunately, I ended up DNFing it. The writing seemed a bit too focused on listing actions of each character, and what I've read up until that point felt more like YA than Adult Fiction. Same could be said about the characters, they did not feel the age they were.
Thank you to Leesa Cross-Smith, PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2025
3.5 stars- "As You Wish" is the story of three girls living in Korea as au pairs as they set out to embark on new paths in their life. All three of them make a wish one day while on a trip with their host families. They believe their wishes come true and those wishes help shape their future decisions. However what we wish for in the moment may not be what we truly want deep down.
This book to me was definitely more young adult although I think it is meant to be an adult novel. The girls are all in their early twenties and have come at that crossroads of trying to figure out what to do with their life. Lydia lacks confidence but wants to be a great artist. She feels like she blends in so her wish is to stand out. Jenny is desperate to get over her break up from her ex so she wants to never fall in love again. She is also still trying to get over the loss of her dad. Finally, Selene was adopted from Korea and wants to find her birth mother.
I enjoyed the setting of Korea, learning some of the language, and reading about all of the food. I definitely need to try some Korean food. However I just didn't connect with the story like I would have wanted to. The book dragged at times and their problems to me just sounded so juvenile. The book at random times would list playlists of music and much of it was songs that I had never heard of before. Overall, I do think this book would be an enjoyable read for younger women especially those interested in Korea and its music.
Thank you to Penguin Group Dutton/Tiny Reparations Books and Net Galley for this ARC.
This book to me was definitely more young adult although I think it is meant to be an adult novel. The girls are all in their early twenties and have come at that crossroads of trying to figure out what to do with their life. Lydia lacks confidence but wants to be a great artist. She feels like she blends in so her wish is to stand out. Jenny is desperate to get over her break up from her ex so she wants to never fall in love again. She is also still trying to get over the loss of her dad. Finally, Selene was adopted from Korea and wants to find her birth mother.
I enjoyed the setting of Korea, learning some of the language, and reading about all of the food. I definitely need to try some Korean food. However I just didn't connect with the story like I would have wanted to. The book dragged at times and their problems to me just sounded so juvenile. The book at random times would list playlists of music and much of it was songs that I had never heard of before. Overall, I do think this book would be an enjoyable read for younger women especially those interested in Korea and its music.
Thank you to Penguin Group Dutton/Tiny Reparations Books and Net Galley for this ARC.
November 7, 2024
Grateful for an advanced copy from Penguin group. The story was beautifully written, I really enjoyed this read. If you're looking for a "feel good, happy ending" read, this one is for you. I love how the author really got the reader to understand and feel from each main character. I'm a sucker for a happy ending and although it did feel a bit rushed at the end, the beautiful history of Seoul was really evident in all of the pages. The author almost had me submitting an au-pair application lol all jokes aside, I would most definitely be reading more books from this author.
May 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️My review: Overall a really lovely story of three very different young women and their lives as au pairs in Korea. Selene is more worldly but searching for her birth parents, Jenny is nursing a broken heart, and Lydia just wants to matter. Their wish under a waterfall seemingly made their desires come true. But when Jenny wants to cancel her wish will the other two friends be able to handle that?
I loved the way we could see into each woman's thoughts and understand their point of view. And I loved their friendship. They spent a lot of time supporting each other in a new country and figuring out their way. The middle of the book seemed to wander some with scenes and chapters that didn't further any of the story lines. I wasn't bored but was eager to have things move along.
The ending was a little abrupt and I'm not always a fan of the "x years later" wrap up. But it does tell the reader where everyone went and how they all turned out. I enjoyed the book, all the drama, friendship, and hopeful wishes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.
I loved the way we could see into each woman's thoughts and understand their point of view. And I loved their friendship. They spent a lot of time supporting each other in a new country and figuring out their way. The middle of the book seemed to wander some with scenes and chapters that didn't further any of the story lines. I wasn't bored but was eager to have things move along.
The ending was a little abrupt and I'm not always a fan of the "x years later" wrap up. But it does tell the reader where everyone went and how they all turned out. I enjoyed the book, all the drama, friendship, and hopeful wishes.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Publishing for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.
June 25, 2025
As You Wish is a very cotton-candy-and-peppermint-tea kind of book. Surprisingly romantic and sexy given the kind of childish nature of the three au pair protagonists, who are in their mid-20s. But the overall vibe is definitely cozy and the love for Korean culture shines so beautifully it doesn’t matter if you don’t already share that love. (You will by the end — I just bumped Seoul up on my list of places to visit! 😅)
Added bonus: music playlists and the author’s own guide to K-dramas. You can find the playlists that appear in the book on Spotify!
Added bonus: music playlists and the author’s own guide to K-dramas. You can find the playlists that appear in the book on Spotify!
October 8, 2025
I loved the setting of this book. No notes. The author seamlessly weaves in descriptions of Seoul and peppers cultural references into this story.
The plot pacing and overall content left a little to be desired. This read more like a YA book in a lot of ways but some of the scenes were definitely mature as far as the romance went so it seemed to not know which genre it should be in.
There were parts of this where I couldn’t put it down but then parts where I was skimming. I don’t regret reading it but I think maybe a slightly younger person would’ve enjoyed this more.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The plot pacing and overall content left a little to be desired. This read more like a YA book in a lot of ways but some of the scenes were definitely mature as far as the romance went so it seemed to not know which genre it should be in.
There were parts of this where I couldn’t put it down but then parts where I was skimming. I don’t regret reading it but I think maybe a slightly younger person would’ve enjoyed this more.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2025
⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As You Wish
Author: Leesa-Cross Smith
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for my copy of this read! In As You Wish by Leesa Cross-Smith, three American au pairs travel to South Korea seeking new beginnings. After making wishes during a late-night walk on Jeju Island, each of their lives begins to change in unexpected and magical ways. The character development was strong, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of their personal journeys. The story was a little slow-moving at times, but still a really solid read. The romance was sweet and well done, adding to the emotional depth without overpowering the friendships or personal growth. A charming and thoughtful story about friendship, identity, and what it really means to get what you wish for.
As You Wish
Author: Leesa-Cross Smith
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for my copy of this read! In As You Wish by Leesa Cross-Smith, three American au pairs travel to South Korea seeking new beginnings. After making wishes during a late-night walk on Jeju Island, each of their lives begins to change in unexpected and magical ways. The character development was strong, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of their personal journeys. The story was a little slow-moving at times, but still a really solid read. The romance was sweet and well done, adding to the emotional depth without overpowering the friendships or personal growth. A charming and thoughtful story about friendship, identity, and what it really means to get what you wish for.
December 26, 2024
*An advanced digital copy was received from NetGalley in return for an honest review*
This book drew me in with its slice-of-life charm and found-family vibes. As a former expat in South Korea, I was especially excited to dive into this story, hoping it would capture the culture and experience authentically.
The story follows Lydia, Jenny, and Selene, three women who move to Seoul to work as au pairs. Each woman has her reasons for being in Korea, but they quickly form a strong bond. On a trip to Jeju Island, they make wishes under a full moon at a waterfall, only to discover their wishes have unexpected consequences. Lydia longs to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight, Jenny vows never to fall in love again, and Selene hopes to reconnect with her birth mother. As their wishes unfold, Jenny finds herself falling for her host mother’s younger brother, raising questions about whether the wishes are blessings or curses.
The idea of the story is very promising and intriguing to read. I felt that the trope of "careful what you wish for" was very entertaining to read, and really makes us as the reader question if what's happening is magic or not. Watching the characters’ wishes manifest was satisfying, but the pacing felt rushed, and I would have loved more time to explore each character’s journey. The trio’s dynamic was heartwarming, and the split perspectives gave depth to their backstories and individual growth.
The writing style is very detailed. I loved how the author would walk us through each scene and give us very detailed adjectives about what was happening. It felt super immersive and made me feel like a participant in the story.
One of the biggest reasons that I have for giving this book a 3 star rating is the writing style. It is a story about women that are in their mid twenties and I felt that a lot of the dialog and actions were juvenile and out of place. I personally wish the characters came across as more mature. Another factor that took me out of the story was when various Korean words were randomly included in the writing. The story would progress and the character would think of how to say something in Korean - where the author would then write it out. With some of the writing I also felt that it was romanticizing Korea a bit too much from the perspective of someone outside of the Korean culture. I myself am Korean, but I felt there were a few moments in the book that were a bit cringey to read.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read with an intriguing premise, strong found-family dynamics, and relatable characters. While it didn’t fully resonate with me, readers looking for a slice-of-life story with a touch of magic will likely find it worthwhile.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This book drew me in with its slice-of-life charm and found-family vibes. As a former expat in South Korea, I was especially excited to dive into this story, hoping it would capture the culture and experience authentically.
The story follows Lydia, Jenny, and Selene, three women who move to Seoul to work as au pairs. Each woman has her reasons for being in Korea, but they quickly form a strong bond. On a trip to Jeju Island, they make wishes under a full moon at a waterfall, only to discover their wishes have unexpected consequences. Lydia longs to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight, Jenny vows never to fall in love again, and Selene hopes to reconnect with her birth mother. As their wishes unfold, Jenny finds herself falling for her host mother’s younger brother, raising questions about whether the wishes are blessings or curses.
The idea of the story is very promising and intriguing to read. I felt that the trope of "careful what you wish for" was very entertaining to read, and really makes us as the reader question if what's happening is magic or not. Watching the characters’ wishes manifest was satisfying, but the pacing felt rushed, and I would have loved more time to explore each character’s journey. The trio’s dynamic was heartwarming, and the split perspectives gave depth to their backstories and individual growth.
The writing style is very detailed. I loved how the author would walk us through each scene and give us very detailed adjectives about what was happening. It felt super immersive and made me feel like a participant in the story.
One of the biggest reasons that I have for giving this book a 3 star rating is the writing style. It is a story about women that are in their mid twenties and I felt that a lot of the dialog and actions were juvenile and out of place. I personally wish the characters came across as more mature. Another factor that took me out of the story was when various Korean words were randomly included in the writing. The story would progress and the character would think of how to say something in Korean - where the author would then write it out. With some of the writing I also felt that it was romanticizing Korea a bit too much from the perspective of someone outside of the Korean culture. I myself am Korean, but I felt there were a few moments in the book that were a bit cringey to read.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read with an intriguing premise, strong found-family dynamics, and relatable characters. While it didn’t fully resonate with me, readers looking for a slice-of-life story with a touch of magic will likely find it worthwhile.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
January 22, 2025
This book was so sweetly written and carefully wrapped with a bow on top for the ending. I found it to be a beautiful reminder of the messy journey that youth can be when we’re trying to find ourselves and our purpose. For those that like a beautiful K-drama, this book is for you! This project is heavily inspired by them and it shows through perfectly. Even if you’re not a fan of K-dramas or have yet to see one, I would recommend this story. I am excited to have read an ARC of it and can’t wait until it’s released!
Read
July 7, 2025DNF
July 13, 2025
DNF @ 41% - I started this in late March and found myself not wanting to pick it back up.
Read
June 14, 2025Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
As You Wish by Leesa Cross-Smith is a third person multi-POV romantic contemporary set in South Korea that follows three au pairs from America. Lydia, Jenny, and Selene meet for the first time when they are hired to take care of the children of three families who are friends with each other. On a trip to Jeju Island, the three girls wish for their heart’s desires and they start to get them and find genuine love on the way.
Jenny and Haru’s romance was the one I was most invested in, mostly because Jenny does notice so much about Haru and the quiet moments between them in the kitchen are one of my favorite set-ups for those moments in romance books. We only get Jenny’s POV, but we do see hints of Haru’s humor and his dedication to his career, which also helps make him feel real. Jenny’s POV does very strongly revolve around her romance with Haru and I think that makes sense because she met him on Jeju and they hit it off quickly, but she also thinks it’s just a fling and I wanted to shake her and say ‘no, he genuinely likes you.’ This is complicated further by the fact that Jenny is still getting over her ex who very quickly got engaged to an ex-girlfriend of his after he broke-up with Jenny.
Selene’s journey involves her looking for her birth mother and learning more about where she comes from as she was born in South Korea but raised by an American couple. She meets Joon who helps her on her mission and the two get closer, slowly becoming comfortable with each other the more time goes on. What I thought was really interesting about Selene’s journey is how the tone is fairly at peace with her situation, she just wants a name. When I often watch films about adoptees, there tends to be a frantic energy because they’re so desperate to know, but Selene being in her birth country and learning more about part of where she comes from is a journey on its own and she’s enjoying it.
Lydia goes through several dates and possible love interests before ending up with Santi, a young man from Spain who is attending the same art classes in Seoul as Lydia. Lydia’s journey not only involves romance but also her own feelings of inadequacy. Lydia doesn’t see herself as interesting or talented and relies a lot on external validation in regards to her looks and what she gets from her boss. Santi gives her very little in way of validation and I think that is exactly what she needs because it helps her see that she needs to learn how to validate herself and not go chasing people to give it to her.
I would recommend this to fans of contemporary fiction with strong romance subplots and readers who love K-dramas and K-pop and like references to it in their literature
As You Wish by Leesa Cross-Smith is a third person multi-POV romantic contemporary set in South Korea that follows three au pairs from America. Lydia, Jenny, and Selene meet for the first time when they are hired to take care of the children of three families who are friends with each other. On a trip to Jeju Island, the three girls wish for their heart’s desires and they start to get them and find genuine love on the way.
Jenny and Haru’s romance was the one I was most invested in, mostly because Jenny does notice so much about Haru and the quiet moments between them in the kitchen are one of my favorite set-ups for those moments in romance books. We only get Jenny’s POV, but we do see hints of Haru’s humor and his dedication to his career, which also helps make him feel real. Jenny’s POV does very strongly revolve around her romance with Haru and I think that makes sense because she met him on Jeju and they hit it off quickly, but she also thinks it’s just a fling and I wanted to shake her and say ‘no, he genuinely likes you.’ This is complicated further by the fact that Jenny is still getting over her ex who very quickly got engaged to an ex-girlfriend of his after he broke-up with Jenny.
Selene’s journey involves her looking for her birth mother and learning more about where she comes from as she was born in South Korea but raised by an American couple. She meets Joon who helps her on her mission and the two get closer, slowly becoming comfortable with each other the more time goes on. What I thought was really interesting about Selene’s journey is how the tone is fairly at peace with her situation, she just wants a name. When I often watch films about adoptees, there tends to be a frantic energy because they’re so desperate to know, but Selene being in her birth country and learning more about part of where she comes from is a journey on its own and she’s enjoying it.
Lydia goes through several dates and possible love interests before ending up with Santi, a young man from Spain who is attending the same art classes in Seoul as Lydia. Lydia’s journey not only involves romance but also her own feelings of inadequacy. Lydia doesn’t see herself as interesting or talented and relies a lot on external validation in regards to her looks and what she gets from her boss. Santi gives her very little in way of validation and I think that is exactly what she needs because it helps her see that she needs to learn how to validate herself and not go chasing people to give it to her.
I would recommend this to fans of contemporary fiction with strong romance subplots and readers who love K-dramas and K-pop and like references to it in their literature
July 15, 2025
3.75 rounded up
Three young women looking to find themselves decide to move to Seoul and work as au pairs. The families they each work for are friends and have decided to hire from the same company in order for them to hopefully become friends.
There’s Lydia, Jenny, and Selene. We’re introduced to Lydia first. She’s unaware of her beauty and lacks confidence and self-esteem but is very ambitious. She longs to be noticed, desires the attention she’s never experienced.
Jenny is a hopeless romantic who has gotten her heart shattered by her first love. She has sworn off falling in love ever again.
Selene is confident & inspires her hundreds of thousand social media followers. She’s a chic fashionista who is searching for her birth mother who gave her up for adoption only days after she was born.
The three girls love everything about Korea and its culture. They find themselves visiting a popular site; an enchanted waterfall on Jeju Island. They make their wishes under a full moon just as the folks tale says. Things change instantly. They felt it!
I thought it was a cute story. They each had their own stories. Their own start, middle, and ending. Their sweet introductions and learning who they were; to their individual dramas, man problems, family ties, and finally fights that lead to their happy endings. It gave me hallmark channel vibes but it wasn’t as cringy.
I liked that they had each other throughout their journeys. I know how difficult it is to try and have a life so far away from home and doing it while feeling lonely. First time reading this author and I’m interested to see how her other book I’ve had on my TBR list (This Close to Okay) will read. A cozy, YA romance read for sure.
Thanks Mink for gifting me the chance to read this book and introducing me to this author 🫶🏾
Three young women looking to find themselves decide to move to Seoul and work as au pairs. The families they each work for are friends and have decided to hire from the same company in order for them to hopefully become friends.
There’s Lydia, Jenny, and Selene. We’re introduced to Lydia first. She’s unaware of her beauty and lacks confidence and self-esteem but is very ambitious. She longs to be noticed, desires the attention she’s never experienced.
Jenny is a hopeless romantic who has gotten her heart shattered by her first love. She has sworn off falling in love ever again.
Selene is confident & inspires her hundreds of thousand social media followers. She’s a chic fashionista who is searching for her birth mother who gave her up for adoption only days after she was born.
The three girls love everything about Korea and its culture. They find themselves visiting a popular site; an enchanted waterfall on Jeju Island. They make their wishes under a full moon just as the folks tale says. Things change instantly. They felt it!
I thought it was a cute story. They each had their own stories. Their own start, middle, and ending. Their sweet introductions and learning who they were; to their individual dramas, man problems, family ties, and finally fights that lead to their happy endings. It gave me hallmark channel vibes but it wasn’t as cringy.
I liked that they had each other throughout their journeys. I know how difficult it is to try and have a life so far away from home and doing it while feeling lonely. First time reading this author and I’m interested to see how her other book I’ve had on my TBR list (This Close to Okay) will read. A cozy, YA romance read for sure.
Thanks Mink for gifting me the chance to read this book and introducing me to this author 🫶🏾
May 13, 2025
As You Wish is a coming of age tale about three girls who are working in Seoul, South Korea as au pairs as they try to start a new chapter in their lives. One night, on a vacation getaway with their host families, the girls make a wish at a magical fountain on Jeju Island. Lydia, who has always been timid and insecure, wishes to embody Main Character energy. Jenny, still reeling from a breakup with her ex, wishes to never fall in love again. And Selene, who is half Korean and was adopted at birth, wishes to find her biological birth mother.
They all believe their wishes come true. However, it isn't long before they discover that what they wished for may not be what they truly want or need.
Overall, this was a thoughtful exploration of friendship, culture, and selfhood. The novel's largest strength was the way it immersed readers in South Korea. I liked feeling as if I were strolling with the characters through the different markets, celebrating with them over holidays, and eating all the traditional cuisine. I do think that some emotional epiphanies among the girls were rushed, that some interactions were left underdeveloped. I also had hoped for more from the wishing fountain. It was good as a catalyst for the girls to make life changes but its wish effect, so to speak, fell flat.
Despite that, this was a quick and enjoyable read. A true love letter to South Korea, finding yourself, and discovering kindred spirits in unlikely places.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Reparations Books for the ARC in exchange for my review.
BOOK BLOG
They all believe their wishes come true. However, it isn't long before they discover that what they wished for may not be what they truly want or need.
Overall, this was a thoughtful exploration of friendship, culture, and selfhood. The novel's largest strength was the way it immersed readers in South Korea. I liked feeling as if I were strolling with the characters through the different markets, celebrating with them over holidays, and eating all the traditional cuisine. I do think that some emotional epiphanies among the girls were rushed, that some interactions were left underdeveloped. I also had hoped for more from the wishing fountain. It was good as a catalyst for the girls to make life changes but its wish effect, so to speak, fell flat.
Despite that, this was a quick and enjoyable read. A true love letter to South Korea, finding yourself, and discovering kindred spirits in unlikely places.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Reparations Books for the ARC in exchange for my review.
BOOK BLOG
April 2, 2025
A feel good, coming-of-age novel about three American au pairs who take once in a lifetime jobs in Seoul in an attempt to jump starting their stagnant lives. The trio finds themselves making wishes at an enchanted waterfall under a full moon in the hopes of making their most heartfelt dreams a reality. But as the old adage goes…be careful what you wish for.
While the writing in this novel wasn’t quite as eloquent as I’ve come to expect from Cross Smith, it was nonetheless meaningful and sensual. The three au pairs, Lydia, Jenny, and Selene could be juvenile and vapid at times but displayed significant growth throughout the novel as they navigated the challenges of work, school, friendships, and romantic relationships. The real stars of the story are the stunning and vivid descriptions of South Korean life from food to music to cultural traditions; come for the romance, stay for the cultural enrichment. This sugary sweet read pairs well with a pretty ribbon in your hair, a shot of soju, and spicy kimchi.
While the writing in this novel wasn’t quite as eloquent as I’ve come to expect from Cross Smith, it was nonetheless meaningful and sensual. The three au pairs, Lydia, Jenny, and Selene could be juvenile and vapid at times but displayed significant growth throughout the novel as they navigated the challenges of work, school, friendships, and romantic relationships. The real stars of the story are the stunning and vivid descriptions of South Korean life from food to music to cultural traditions; come for the romance, stay for the cultural enrichment. This sugary sweet read pairs well with a pretty ribbon in your hair, a shot of soju, and spicy kimchi.
May 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton | Tiny Reparations Books for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
'As Your Wish' follows Lydia, Selene, and Jenny as they begin their au pair journey to their respective host families in South Korea.
Overall, this was a cute and fun read! I enjoyed how much of the Korean culture was portrayed in this book. I appreciated that it was encompassed more than just food and K-pop music. The language was sprinkled throughout the book as well as subtle cultural nuances on how one interacts with their elders, traditions and customs, etc.
As far as the three main characters, I enjoyed reading their individual stories and how they each developed by the end of the books. I felt that their friendship with each other, and romantic relationships with others, were pretty representative of their age. For example, all three of them had moments of selfishness, inevitable drama from miscommunication, etc.
I recommend this book if you're looking for a light-hearted and fun read about friendship, finding love, and finding yourself.
'As Your Wish' follows Lydia, Selene, and Jenny as they begin their au pair journey to their respective host families in South Korea.
Overall, this was a cute and fun read! I enjoyed how much of the Korean culture was portrayed in this book. I appreciated that it was encompassed more than just food and K-pop music. The language was sprinkled throughout the book as well as subtle cultural nuances on how one interacts with their elders, traditions and customs, etc.
As far as the three main characters, I enjoyed reading their individual stories and how they each developed by the end of the books. I felt that their friendship with each other, and romantic relationships with others, were pretty representative of their age. For example, all three of them had moments of selfishness, inevitable drama from miscommunication, etc.
I recommend this book if you're looking for a light-hearted and fun read about friendship, finding love, and finding yourself.
March 27, 2025
As You Wish is a breezy read about three young women who take au pair positions in South Korea.
I would say that this book is about friendship, finding love, finding yourself through travel and new friends. The relationships that these women build with one another and others in Korea were an accurate representation of being in your early 20s. Lots of misunderstanding that could have been avoided by simply talking to one another.
While I am probably not the target audience for this book, I enjoyed reading it. It was entertaining. I had not heard of almost all of the songs or k-pop artists listed in the various playlists in the book but if you like k-pop or k-dramas you will love these references.
Spice level 2/5.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Tiny Reparations Books, the author, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an eARC for the purpose of review.
I would say that this book is about friendship, finding love, finding yourself through travel and new friends. The relationships that these women build with one another and others in Korea were an accurate representation of being in your early 20s. Lots of misunderstanding that could have been avoided by simply talking to one another.
While I am probably not the target audience for this book, I enjoyed reading it. It was entertaining. I had not heard of almost all of the songs or k-pop artists listed in the various playlists in the book but if you like k-pop or k-dramas you will love these references.
Spice level 2/5.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Tiny Reparations Books, the author, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an eARC for the purpose of review.
June 27, 2025
this book was whimsical and fun and delivered a vibrant peak into the city of Seoul, South Korea. I love books that center friendships and navigation into discovering self and this one being based in a wish coming true overnight made it magical and fun!
I think this book might be enjoyed better with a more intentional YA tone. I questioned the maturity of the characters throughout and felt like it didn’t always match with their ages. Character development is something that helps me feel more connected to a story and there were times in the story where things were either briefly touched upon or jarringly dumped upon the reader.
I would love to keep this author on my radar for future releases! there’s so much promise in the writing and I’m looking forward to what’s next :)
thank you so much to dutton for the digital physical arc and finished copy in exchange for my honest thoughts 💌
I think this book might be enjoyed better with a more intentional YA tone. I questioned the maturity of the characters throughout and felt like it didn’t always match with their ages. Character development is something that helps me feel more connected to a story and there were times in the story where things were either briefly touched upon or jarringly dumped upon the reader.
I would love to keep this author on my radar for future releases! there’s so much promise in the writing and I’m looking forward to what’s next :)
thank you so much to dutton for the digital physical arc and finished copy in exchange for my honest thoughts 💌
June 1, 2025
Thank you Dutton Books and Leesa Cross-Smith for sending me an advanced copy of As You Wish.
5 ⭐️
I immediately fell in love with this book. It follows 3 American Au Pairs to Seoul. We get to know the back story of each woman and their families that they care for. The 3 women make a wish at a magical waterfall, all for different things, and we follow the journey of watching their wishes (and some added bonuses!) unfold.
This book easily could've been overwhelming based on the amount of characters, but Cross-Smith made it so easy to follow the women and their families. I also didn't expect to get romance from this novel, but it was a perfect balance.
I love a book that reads like a movie.
5 ⭐️
I immediately fell in love with this book. It follows 3 American Au Pairs to Seoul. We get to know the back story of each woman and their families that they care for. The 3 women make a wish at a magical waterfall, all for different things, and we follow the journey of watching their wishes (and some added bonuses!) unfold.
This book easily could've been overwhelming based on the amount of characters, but Cross-Smith made it so easy to follow the women and their families. I also didn't expect to get romance from this novel, but it was a perfect balance.
I love a book that reads like a movie.
June 25, 2025
A drama-filled coming of age young adult romance that sees three American au pairs working for families in the same Seoul apartment building becoming friends, traveling to Jeju island and making wishes that come true. This had great female friendship, a ton of fantastic Korean cultural traditions, food and settings and LOTS of K-pop style drama. The girls felt a little too immature at time for my particular tastes but if you want something light and fluffy for the summer this fits the bill. Would recommend for fans of The sisterhood of the travelling pants books. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
February 17, 2026
I'm going to start off by saying this was good, not great and I had really high hopes for it. However, I really did think it is partially a me issue. My biggest hang-up with As You Wish is purely the sheer amount of characters and names that are thrown at us. I'm not sure if maybe a chart in the beginning of the book would have helped but we pretty quickly meet one of our main characters, have the entire host family thrown at us and then we head on over to a dinner and get two additional family and nannies thrown into the mix. It's a lot to keep track of and I honestly gave up trying to keep track of which girl worked with which family and how many kids were running around. The next thing I really couldn't shake and feels less like a me issue and more just general tone was the portrayal of ages. Going in, I really thought these were barely graduated high school girls and then we hit the drinking and the spice and my head just went for a total loop.
Now, the premise is great. A magic wish each girl has that comes true, seeking out their deepest desires. We've got a hunt for a birth mother, someone who is desperate to stop being overlooked, and another swearing off love. Watching them journey into the new roles and coming to terms with whether or not these were wishes that they really wanted or if it was a 'the grass is always greener' type of situation. I finished this book in hopes I could catch up and really become immersed but sadly, I just never really got there.
Now, the premise is great. A magic wish each girl has that comes true, seeking out their deepest desires. We've got a hunt for a birth mother, someone who is desperate to stop being overlooked, and another swearing off love. Watching them journey into the new roles and coming to terms with whether or not these were wishes that they really wanted or if it was a 'the grass is always greener' type of situation. I finished this book in hopes I could catch up and really become immersed but sadly, I just never really got there.
July 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Tiny Reparations Books for the eARC!
The premise of three girls traveling to Seoul to be au pairs and making a wish on a magical waterfall on Jeju island was intriguing. I appreciated that the author really emphasized many aspects of Korean culture (especially kpop) but sometimes it felt a bit over the top/forced. I also felt some of the actions that Jenny made were quite immature. I also didn’t connect with many of the characters and the host families felt one dimensional.
The premise of three girls traveling to Seoul to be au pairs and making a wish on a magical waterfall on Jeju island was intriguing. I appreciated that the author really emphasized many aspects of Korean culture (especially kpop) but sometimes it felt a bit over the top/forced. I also felt some of the actions that Jenny made were quite immature. I also didn’t connect with many of the characters and the host families felt one dimensional.
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