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I Wish You Happy
Told with warmth and wit, I Wish You Happy explores the sometimes-dark complexity of relationships, the transformative power of friendship—and the magic of hope.
Rescuing abandoned animals is easier for Rae than attempting relationships with people. According to her therapist, she lacks a dimmer switch—her energy is either full-intensity on or off. Lately, she’s been opting for off.
But the switch flips back on when Rae’s car collides with a cyclist, leaving the rider fighting for her life. After discovering the crash was a suicide attempt, Rae invites the victim—emotionally and physically fragile Kat—into her home. Soon, Rae finds herself opening up, not just to friendship but also to the possibility of love with Cole, the crisis worker assigned to Kat’s case.
However, Kat’s pain threatens to overshadow Rae as their codependent friendship deepens. When disaster strikes again, Rae is desperate to help Kat heal, but the plan backfires, putting at risk Rae’s tenuous connections and forcing her to confront the most difficult challenge of all— embracing her own happiness.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
2048 people are currently reading
1654 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Anne King
13 books809 followersKerry Anne King (aka Kerry Schafer) is the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of thirteen novels. An incorrigible genre hopper, Kerry has written fantasy, paranormal mystery and book club fiction. Known for her lyrical writing and memorable characters, Kerry weaves deep emotional insights, humor, and often a touch of magic into all of her tales. Her most recent writing venture is an amateur sleuth novel, Party Planning Can Be Murder, releasing in March of 2025.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
In addition to writing, Kerry co-hosts the One Happy Thing podcast with bestselling authors Jennifer Moorman and Maddie Dawson and runs Author Genie, where she provides virtual assistant services to fellow authors.
Kerry lives in a small town in northeastern Washington with her real-life Viking and a crew of neurotic rescue animals—two dogs and four cats—whose favorite pastime is interrupting her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
September 13, 2017
I'm usually not into Contemporary Fiction, but Kerry Anne King is the alter ego of Kerry Schafer, so I just had to give this book a try.
And right in the first few pages Kerry hooked me when Rae gets upset at her therapist when the therapist says something demeaning about Rae's dead pet rat. If there's one thing I understand and which makes me relate it's someone being sad about the death of a beloved pet and how hurtful it can be when others don't understand.
From that moment on I was invested in what happened to Rae and I wanted her to be happy.
Rae is a very sensitive person who is trying very hard to survive in a world that's often too hard for her. I recognized the need to want to do the right thing, but not always having the energy for it. And Rae is taking it a step further: she feels responsible for the happiness and well being of others and thinks her own happiness is less important.
This observation and the above blurb may make you think this is a very serious book. But although it certainly is about serious issues this book is fun and heartwarming as well. Remember the the dead rat? I loved the storyline that dealt with the aftermath of his passing. It was awesome, funny and touching.
As the story unfolds Rae gets forced to make important decisions for herself and she learns a lot about herself, the people around her, and what friendship should be about. I will tell you that this book made me laugh, sniffle, grumble, and smile.
If you like Contemporary Fiction (or if you are usually on the fence, like me) I can really recommend this book. It's a wonderful read.
And right in the first few pages Kerry hooked me when Rae gets upset at her therapist when the therapist says something demeaning about Rae's dead pet rat. If there's one thing I understand and which makes me relate it's someone being sad about the death of a beloved pet and how hurtful it can be when others don't understand.
From that moment on I was invested in what happened to Rae and I wanted her to be happy.
Rae is a very sensitive person who is trying very hard to survive in a world that's often too hard for her. I recognized the need to want to do the right thing, but not always having the energy for it. And Rae is taking it a step further: she feels responsible for the happiness and well being of others and thinks her own happiness is less important.
This observation and the above blurb may make you think this is a very serious book. But although it certainly is about serious issues this book is fun and heartwarming as well. Remember the the dead rat? I loved the storyline that dealt with the aftermath of his passing. It was awesome, funny and touching.
As the story unfolds Rae gets forced to make important decisions for herself and she learns a lot about herself, the people around her, and what friendship should be about. I will tell you that this book made me laugh, sniffle, grumble, and smile.
If you like Contemporary Fiction (or if you are usually on the fence, like me) I can really recommend this book. It's a wonderful read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2017
Depicting the depth of human frailty yet framing it within a picture of hope, I Wish You Happy pulls you in as you root for the flawed, yet intoxicating characters to reach a satisfying conclusion of healing. King’s writing is impeccable—and her knowledge and exploration of depression and how it affects those it touches makes this a story that everyone will connect with.
June 4, 2017
A rollercoaster ride from beginning to end! I couldn't put this book down as I held on for dear life with my escalating emotions. King writes articulate, exciting, sensitive prose that is an absolute pleasure to read. I felt fortunate to read an ARC with no pressure for a review. By the time I was partway through, I couldn't wait to share my thoughts.
July 11, 2017
So good! Such a lighthearted, warm and funny story about mental health and how none of us are really "normal". Every character came with their own little bit of mad. It could have been sad, or a bit gruesome even but somehow managed to be the opposite. Our main person, Rea, really grew throughout the book..for a while I wanted to sink with the amount of other people's problems and emotions that she was taking aboard, but she copped on.
It's a story about a girl that tends to take on shit, stray animals, people, you name it, but it makes it hard for her to have normal relationships, always trying to fix, exhausting herself. She takes on a girl who tried to kill herself by cycling in front of her car and through this event, new people come in to her life and she starts to change.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was how the romance bit was building and building and then Poof, It was dismissed in a "they lived happy ever after" sum up.. Disappointing, as so much more could have been used there, why was it rushed?
I am on such a roll on my book shelf "about people", some really good stuff coming my way and this is up there with favourite releases of the year!
It's a story about a girl that tends to take on shit, stray animals, people, you name it, but it makes it hard for her to have normal relationships, always trying to fix, exhausting herself. She takes on a girl who tried to kill herself by cycling in front of her car and through this event, new people come in to her life and she starts to change.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was how the romance bit was building and building and then Poof, It was dismissed in a "they lived happy ever after" sum up.. Disappointing, as so much more could have been used there, why was it rushed?
I am on such a roll on my book shelf "about people", some really good stuff coming my way and this is up there with favourite releases of the year!
July 3, 2017
It’s the horrible accident that forms the backbone of the plot at the beginning of I WISH YOU HAPPY that will take your breath and have you turning the pages. The hook has a vivid, ripped from the headlines vibe, one that will have you wondering what you would do, how you would respond in a similar situation. But there are so many other treasures to find in this story as it unfolds. From the warm, deeply human and relatable characters to the heartbreaking and complex situation they find themselves in, this is a novel to savor, one you will be sorry to see end. Sometimes funny and often very wise and poignant, I WISH YOU HAPPY is a reading journey you do not want to miss.
July 21, 2017
This was a free Goodreads and Kindle giveaway. It's all about a nurse who takes a suicidal girl under her wing. The characters are only a little believable. The plot moves at a snail's pace but it does give the reader yards and yards of hope. We can all use a lot of that!
July 9, 2017
Finding Happiness
I Wish You Happy is a heartfelt book, a story that exudes warmth and feelings. The characters in this book are quirky, genuine, and a bit tortured; they are all searching not only for their own happiness but also for the happiness of the people they love. Although parts of this book are very dark, there is also such a spirit of hope and optimism. I loved the relationships in this book...none of them easy....parents and children, husbands and wives, a blossoming love, and friendships...all of them portrayed with true emotions...anger, love, disappointment, affection, and passion.
I Wish You Happy is a heartfelt book, a story that exudes warmth and feelings. The characters in this book are quirky, genuine, and a bit tortured; they are all searching not only for their own happiness but also for the happiness of the people they love. Although parts of this book are very dark, there is also such a spirit of hope and optimism. I loved the relationships in this book...none of them easy....parents and children, husbands and wives, a blossoming love, and friendships...all of them portrayed with true emotions...anger, love, disappointment, affection, and passion.
May 21, 2020
I really struggled with how to rate this book, I was almost positive that I would give it three stars, but I really liked the ending and all in all there is a good message within this book so I rounded it up to four stars. With that being said though this book can be really depressing at times and I feel like there should be some trigger warnings (suicide, suicidal thoughts, miscarriages). I listened to this through Amazon Prime free audio, I think the narration might have had something to do with why I didn't love this either. So anyways, super depressing through most of the book but it ends well and there is a good message here.
May 8, 2020
Enjoyed!
March 21, 2025
I love this author 🥹 this book was a bit on the heavier side (trigger warning: suicide talk and attempts) but I appreciated the lessons and reflection woven throughout
July 27, 2018
This story moves slow. In the beginning I asked myself why I was still reading this book. I didn’t really feel like there was a point to anything at all and I was just watching a clip of someone’s life. But I kept reading because unless a book is absolutely horrendous, I won’t quit reading it. Overall, I’m glad I didn’t quit reading because I think this book highlights mental health really well. We all need to take care of ourselves and this book gently reminds you to.
The main character is Rae, who is a huge hot mess. She gets along better with animals than people and is socially awkward. She ends up running over a suicidal woman on a bike on her way to bury to her dead pet rat. I told you she’s a little awkward.
She ends up going to the hospital to check on the woman she ran over. She feels so much guilt over what happened with Kat, the woman she ran over, and blurts out that for her recovery she can stay with her. The guilt hit her so strong (even though there was no way she could have prevented it) and she wants to help her. She starts to have a flirty relationship with Cole, Kat’s therapist, and he ends up planning a memorial service for her dead rat. What? It’s an excuse for the party.
Kat is the only drama in this book, that is unless you count Rae going back and forth in her head on what she’s doing with her life. She is an empath so she takes on the emotional load of everyone around her. She was seeing a therapist but stopped because, well, let’s be honest, she couldn’t handle her anymore, but, she didn’t seem to help her out anyway.
Rae does seem to find a way to detach herself from other people and grows in the book. Kat becomes a liability and Rae FINALLY puts her foot down. She stands up for herself and will not let herself be taken advantage of with her kindness anymore. It was nice to see that. It was also nice to see how important our mental health can be and how serious we should take it. Rae felt guilty and blame for Kat when, in reality, she needed to be giving her tough love from the very beginning. It was never anything Rae did and I think she finally sees that light. It helps her to have Cole by her side and she gets some great advice from his grandmother.
When Cole’s grandmother enters the book, she is filled with understanding and compassion. Rae’s therapist didn’t necessarily have that. It is important to be able to talk to someone openly that you trust and I think the underlying message in this novel was just that.
Overall, I give this book a 4. I would really give it a 3.5 and well, that rounds up to 4. I teetered between a 3 and 4 but the second half of the book is solid and I was dying to see where her and Cole went. I also had to see what happened with Kat and if Rae would grow a pair. It’s an easy read. If it lands on your lap it’ll pass some time.
The main character is Rae, who is a huge hot mess. She gets along better with animals than people and is socially awkward. She ends up running over a suicidal woman on a bike on her way to bury to her dead pet rat. I told you she’s a little awkward.
She ends up going to the hospital to check on the woman she ran over. She feels so much guilt over what happened with Kat, the woman she ran over, and blurts out that for her recovery she can stay with her. The guilt hit her so strong (even though there was no way she could have prevented it) and she wants to help her. She starts to have a flirty relationship with Cole, Kat’s therapist, and he ends up planning a memorial service for her dead rat. What? It’s an excuse for the party.
Kat is the only drama in this book, that is unless you count Rae going back and forth in her head on what she’s doing with her life. She is an empath so she takes on the emotional load of everyone around her. She was seeing a therapist but stopped because, well, let’s be honest, she couldn’t handle her anymore, but, she didn’t seem to help her out anyway.
Rae does seem to find a way to detach herself from other people and grows in the book. Kat becomes a liability and Rae FINALLY puts her foot down. She stands up for herself and will not let herself be taken advantage of with her kindness anymore. It was nice to see that. It was also nice to see how important our mental health can be and how serious we should take it. Rae felt guilty and blame for Kat when, in reality, she needed to be giving her tough love from the very beginning. It was never anything Rae did and I think she finally sees that light. It helps her to have Cole by her side and she gets some great advice from his grandmother.
When Cole’s grandmother enters the book, she is filled with understanding and compassion. Rae’s therapist didn’t necessarily have that. It is important to be able to talk to someone openly that you trust and I think the underlying message in this novel was just that.
Overall, I give this book a 4. I would really give it a 3.5 and well, that rounds up to 4. I teetered between a 3 and 4 but the second half of the book is solid and I was dying to see where her and Cole went. I also had to see what happened with Kat and if Rae would grow a pair. It’s an easy read. If it lands on your lap it’ll pass some time.
July 4, 2018
This was a pleasant surprise! I found myself not wanting to put this down (thank goodness for the holiday - extra reading time!). I seem to be on a warm-hearted, hopeful reading kick at the moment (Digging In, by Loretta Nyhan comes to mind) and this story was no exception. I really liked the heroine, Rae, and her journey to accepting that who she is is enough. And while there were a lot of tough subjects/moments in this book, there was always hope. .
Loved the relationships (and the kittens!!) and the message of hope and friendship. (Could have done without the "orbs", though; little too new-agey for me).
There is power in knowing you are loved and accepted for who you are, and surrounding yourself with people who build you up as well as aren't afraid to call you out, and this book shows that.
Loved the relationships (and the kittens!!) and the message of hope and friendship. (Could have done without the "orbs", though; little too new-agey for me).
There is power in knowing you are loved and accepted for who you are, and surrounding yourself with people who build you up as well as aren't afraid to call you out, and this book shows that.
November 23, 2019
"Well, here's the news bulletin, princess. Life breaks everybody; long before death comes to sweep up the fragments."
.
I was really looking forward to this book because I loved King's most recent release, Every Thing You Are, but this one just didn't do it for me. The story started out strong, but about halfway thru it started to fall apart and felt like new storylines were being thrown in to "up" the shock factor and it was a bit of a mess for me. Don't let the title or pretty cover fool you, this story is filled with many trigger subjects... suicide, miscarriage, anxiety...wore me out and I ended up skimming thru the last few chapters so I could "get it done". I still look forward to reading more of King's books, but this one just didn't do it for me.
.
I was really looking forward to this book because I loved King's most recent release, Every Thing You Are, but this one just didn't do it for me. The story started out strong, but about halfway thru it started to fall apart and felt like new storylines were being thrown in to "up" the shock factor and it was a bit of a mess for me. Don't let the title or pretty cover fool you, this story is filled with many trigger subjects... suicide, miscarriage, anxiety...wore me out and I ended up skimming thru the last few chapters so I could "get it done". I still look forward to reading more of King's books, but this one just didn't do it for me.
August 25, 2017
I won this book in Kindle format from a giveaway on Goodreads. The book exceeded the expectations I had for it. I love the main character Rae and that she is helping others and finds out who she really is and what she wants out of life.
July 7, 2017
Rae runs into Kat - literally.....Kat is bicycling and turns into Rae's car getting run over. Somehow she survives and Rae feels guilty (Kat was trying to commit suicide or so she thinks)....and then takes on the responsibility of getting her well. But Rae bites off more than she can chew - between working at the home where elderly people need her attention and opening up her home to Kat who is so dependent on her - it all becomes too much - that combination along with very little sleep leaves Rae spread out very thin.
When Kat attempts another suicide try it is time for Rae to do something about all of this responsibility she took on, along with her feelings for Cole, a crises worker helping her with Kat.
The book was interesting but dragged in certain places....but I needed to see what the outcome was in the end.
When Kat attempts another suicide try it is time for Rae to do something about all of this responsibility she took on, along with her feelings for Cole, a crises worker helping her with Kat.
The book was interesting but dragged in certain places....but I needed to see what the outcome was in the end.
November 8, 2021
I thought about this book for the last few days and wondered how to review it. Books like this are important to open up personal thinking and conversations about some tough real life issues (suicide, still birth, mental health). I thought the writing was great and gave good insight and understanding without being overly preachy and the author’s note at the end added deeper understanding here.
There were times when the plot felt a bit rushed and having more time pass through the story would have made it even more realistic. Also, there were some storylines that I thought weren’t necessary (the romance angle) however I can see why this was added, to give more hope and sweetness to the otherwise raw, confronting topics. As someone who is currently supporting a loved one through similar issues, although difficult at times (a trigger warning is necessary) I really appreciated how parts of the story didn’t hold back or sugar coat anything and there were moments during reading that I was nodding my head completely agreeing with what I read.
Personally, I wouldn’t say it was enjoyable as such, but I needed to read it and glad that I did – 4 stars
There were times when the plot felt a bit rushed and having more time pass through the story would have made it even more realistic. Also, there were some storylines that I thought weren’t necessary (the romance angle) however I can see why this was added, to give more hope and sweetness to the otherwise raw, confronting topics. As someone who is currently supporting a loved one through similar issues, although difficult at times (a trigger warning is necessary) I really appreciated how parts of the story didn’t hold back or sugar coat anything and there were moments during reading that I was nodding my head completely agreeing with what I read.
Personally, I wouldn’t say it was enjoyable as such, but I needed to read it and glad that I did – 4 stars
November 2, 2025
This is dark, raw and emotional.
Friendships, relationships and hardship - not everyone feels they can get through it. How do people find happiness when they are in the darkest point of their lives?
Friendships, relationships and hardship - not everyone feels they can get through it. How do people find happiness when they are in the darkest point of their lives?
February 24, 2019
I read the final 74% in one day, very productive start to a Sunday 😂
February 4, 2020
I imagine that, "I wish you happy." will you become an engrained thought for me after this read.
July 18, 2017
A book of hope
This was A free Goodreads and Kindle giveaway. It is all about a nurse who takes a suicidal girl under her wing. The characters are kind of believable, the plot moves at a snails pace but it does give the reader yards and yards of hope. We can ALL use that!
This was A free Goodreads and Kindle giveaway. It is all about a nurse who takes a suicidal girl under her wing. The characters are kind of believable, the plot moves at a snails pace but it does give the reader yards and yards of hope. We can ALL use that!
August 6, 2017
3.5ish stars. I received I Wish You Happy as a Goodreads giveaway. Now that I've read it, I look at the cover and wonder what they were thinking. It's pretty incongruous with the book. No one in this book is skipping through any freaking fields.
Anywho, I enjoyed this book overall. It was a fairly quick read and it held my attention for the most part. It starts out with Rae who is having a hell of a bad day. One of her pets has died and then later when she's driving, a suicidal woman, Kat/Katya, on a bike throws herself in front of her car. At first, she doesn't realize that it's a suicide attempt and she bucks against everyone's assertions that this woman is suicidal. And in her guilt, she latches onto the woman and begins visiting her and eventually agrees to take her in when they threaten to commit her. Rae was a conundrum for me because at times she seemed terrible naive, and at other times, she seemed like she knew what she was doing.
Kat is a manipulative liar and Rae really gets in over her head. I kept wondering how she wasn't more angry when she realized that this woman had thrown herself in front of her car on purpose. To ruin someone else's life while trying to take your own. And then to make them feel bad about it...good lord! Imagine if that really happened, even if the person didn't die. Having to live with the memories of running someone over with your car. That would haunt anyone for the rest of their life. Whereas I would have been angry once I realized, Rae still felt guilt even though there was nothing she could have done.
For that and other reasons, it was frustrating to read at times. Watching someone else, especially someone so naive (at times), be emotionally abused and manipulated is never easy. But it seemed to redeem itself quickly right when I was on the verge of some heavy sighing and eye rolling. I kept reading because I was invested. I was curious about what was going to happen to Kat, if Rae would wise up and kick her out, what the future held for Rae in all of her wishy-washiness. It definitely had my attention.
I give it 3 stars instead of 4 more for it's emotional yo-yo-ing as well as it's overall lack of focus. There was a lot going on - a lot that happened in the span of only 300 pages.
It's not all dark and gloom. There are some bright spots, but you're definitely dealing with some heavy themes in this book. So prepare yourself.
Anywho, I enjoyed this book overall. It was a fairly quick read and it held my attention for the most part. It starts out with Rae who is having a hell of a bad day. One of her pets has died and then later when she's driving, a suicidal woman, Kat/Katya, on a bike throws herself in front of her car. At first, she doesn't realize that it's a suicide attempt and she bucks against everyone's assertions that this woman is suicidal. And in her guilt, she latches onto the woman and begins visiting her and eventually agrees to take her in when they threaten to commit her. Rae was a conundrum for me because at times she seemed terrible naive, and at other times, she seemed like she knew what she was doing.
Kat is a manipulative liar and Rae really gets in over her head. I kept wondering how she wasn't more angry when she realized that this woman had thrown herself in front of her car on purpose. To ruin someone else's life while trying to take your own. And then to make them feel bad about it...good lord! Imagine if that really happened, even if the person didn't die. Having to live with the memories of running someone over with your car. That would haunt anyone for the rest of their life. Whereas I would have been angry once I realized, Rae still felt guilt even though there was nothing she could have done.
For that and other reasons, it was frustrating to read at times. Watching someone else, especially someone so naive (at times), be emotionally abused and manipulated is never easy. But it seemed to redeem itself quickly right when I was on the verge of some heavy sighing and eye rolling. I kept reading because I was invested. I was curious about what was going to happen to Kat, if Rae would wise up and kick her out, what the future held for Rae in all of her wishy-washiness. It definitely had my attention.
I give it 3 stars instead of 4 more for it's emotional yo-yo-ing as well as it's overall lack of focus. There was a lot going on - a lot that happened in the span of only 300 pages.
It's not all dark and gloom. There are some bright spots, but you're definitely dealing with some heavy themes in this book. So prepare yourself.
July 12, 2017
"I Wish You Happy" by Kerry Anne King
Rae has dreams and ideas of where she would like to be and how she would like things to be. Others have visions of where they want her to go. Yet setting others straight and getting from where she is to following her dreams will put her on a journey she least expects.
From suddenly ending counseling after years because her therapist is no longer helping or feels authentic; to never being able to bury Oscar; meeting both a woman in the most horrible way who will teach her great lessons in a not so positive way; to figuring out what she does and doesn't like about her job as a nurse for the elderly; to meeting a man and his grandmother who do start to teach her positive and wonderful life lessons.
Kerry Anne King uses her background in nursing and mental health to write write a dynamic and authentic novel that will resonate with every reader at some point or another.
The characters are extremely well written. You will not only empathize with them, but truly feel as if you are them. The plot is so well defined that nothing gets missed. Not even the most minor nuance.
Rae is a wonderful character who has yet to find her true passion and purpose in life, yet she is always finding ways to wish happiness upon others, be it directly by saying, "I wish you happy," or indirectly through stone skipping at her favorite "wishing" section of the beach.
She learns how prayer and wishing can be related and different. She also comes to better understand why she can relate to others moods so well. She is an empath.
While there is a whole spectrum upon which empaths lie, Rae is just learning what it means for her and how to address it. What is about Rae and not about Rae is something she determines in situations which she feels overwhelming or confusing. It is a hard lesson, but she is dead set on learning it and implementing it.
Rae has several coping skills to deal with all the negative stuff she picks up from others, but her main one is rescuing animals. Her love for them all is vibrantly clear, even when she is barely able to function. Through her own exploration of how to move forward in her life, how to address the issues of being an empath, and what means most to her, she does find her passion and a way to follow her dream, while staying true to those parts of herself she has always appreciated.
A moving novel that will take you places you want to go and don't want to go as Rae makes her journey from where she initially is introduced to us to where the novel ends. Trust me, you will be glad that you did. And quite happy at what you learn about yourself along the way, as well.
A definite must read. I wish you happy on your journey, with Rae and within yourself.
Buy Link for "I Wish You Happy": http://amzn.to/2sRNvJX
Buy Link for "Closer Home": http://amzn.to/2uk0Pvn
(Any links in this review may be affiliate links. They may result in a small commission for me at no expense to you)
Rae has dreams and ideas of where she would like to be and how she would like things to be. Others have visions of where they want her to go. Yet setting others straight and getting from where she is to following her dreams will put her on a journey she least expects.
From suddenly ending counseling after years because her therapist is no longer helping or feels authentic; to never being able to bury Oscar; meeting both a woman in the most horrible way who will teach her great lessons in a not so positive way; to figuring out what she does and doesn't like about her job as a nurse for the elderly; to meeting a man and his grandmother who do start to teach her positive and wonderful life lessons.
Kerry Anne King uses her background in nursing and mental health to write write a dynamic and authentic novel that will resonate with every reader at some point or another.
The characters are extremely well written. You will not only empathize with them, but truly feel as if you are them. The plot is so well defined that nothing gets missed. Not even the most minor nuance.
Rae is a wonderful character who has yet to find her true passion and purpose in life, yet she is always finding ways to wish happiness upon others, be it directly by saying, "I wish you happy," or indirectly through stone skipping at her favorite "wishing" section of the beach.
She learns how prayer and wishing can be related and different. She also comes to better understand why she can relate to others moods so well. She is an empath.
While there is a whole spectrum upon which empaths lie, Rae is just learning what it means for her and how to address it. What is about Rae and not about Rae is something she determines in situations which she feels overwhelming or confusing. It is a hard lesson, but she is dead set on learning it and implementing it.
Rae has several coping skills to deal with all the negative stuff she picks up from others, but her main one is rescuing animals. Her love for them all is vibrantly clear, even when she is barely able to function. Through her own exploration of how to move forward in her life, how to address the issues of being an empath, and what means most to her, she does find her passion and a way to follow her dream, while staying true to those parts of herself she has always appreciated.
A moving novel that will take you places you want to go and don't want to go as Rae makes her journey from where she initially is introduced to us to where the novel ends. Trust me, you will be glad that you did. And quite happy at what you learn about yourself along the way, as well.
A definite must read. I wish you happy on your journey, with Rae and within yourself.
Buy Link for "I Wish You Happy": http://amzn.to/2sRNvJX
Buy Link for "Closer Home": http://amzn.to/2uk0Pvn
(Any links in this review may be affiliate links. They may result in a small commission for me at no expense to you)
May 26, 2018
You know when people talk all crazy like they went to see this awesome movie and they start to tell you all about it, but you have no idea what they are talking about?
Well, let me tell you about this movie I just saw called “I Wish You Happy.” It’s about a girl who feels everything, like an empath. She gets tangled up with some chick on a bike. Then there’s this gorgeous hunk of a man who may be the one who can breach the walls around her heart. And then there are these adorable newborn kittens just waiting for someone to love them…
Ok, too cheesy?? Maybe. But seriously, this story transported me to a comfy, cushiony seat at the local movie theater. I could almost smell the buttery over-priced popcorn.
On the serious side, the words in this book have come together perfectly to craft a story of life’s uncertainties. The state of one’s mental health is fluid. We all have our good days and bad days. Some people are able to work through their bad days with instinctual coping mechanisms. Others need the help of others through counselling and medication. Then there are those who have reached rock bottom. Society is becoming more aware of the vastness of mental instability but hasn’t yet learned to read the signs of those desperate souls. The indicators may be as subtle as a minute shift in habit or personality, or as obvious as buying a gun or simply disappearing within themselves. Help is available. If living in the now is too difficult, try living for the promise of a better tomorrow. Suicide is never the answer.
Well, let me tell you about this movie I just saw called “I Wish You Happy.” It’s about a girl who feels everything, like an empath. She gets tangled up with some chick on a bike. Then there’s this gorgeous hunk of a man who may be the one who can breach the walls around her heart. And then there are these adorable newborn kittens just waiting for someone to love them…
Ok, too cheesy?? Maybe. But seriously, this story transported me to a comfy, cushiony seat at the local movie theater. I could almost smell the buttery over-priced popcorn.
On the serious side, the words in this book have come together perfectly to craft a story of life’s uncertainties. The state of one’s mental health is fluid. We all have our good days and bad days. Some people are able to work through their bad days with instinctual coping mechanisms. Others need the help of others through counselling and medication. Then there are those who have reached rock bottom. Society is becoming more aware of the vastness of mental instability but hasn’t yet learned to read the signs of those desperate souls. The indicators may be as subtle as a minute shift in habit or personality, or as obvious as buying a gun or simply disappearing within themselves. Help is available. If living in the now is too difficult, try living for the promise of a better tomorrow. Suicide is never the answer.
March 28, 2024
"Name your emotions"
I am without words...
There is SO MUCH within this book that hit the very CORE of me...
** CONTENT WARNING. **
This book takes a very serious, albeit loving, multi-perspective look at and around and through serious, depressive psychosis and suicide.
And offers ways to help and work through serious, difficult situations, especially if you are a full on, 💯 empath such as myself.
My emotions, my constantly deep, ever moving feels, like the tides of the ocean sometimes make me feel out of control and insane.
And in this book, the protagonist is every bit exactly like me! Carrying every else's hurts, struggles, feels, and being constantly worn down and overwhelmed by it all. And she is given the most beautiful advice.
I hope to learn it and be able to apply it.
“The number one thing I would tell you is this. You can’t fix people. You can’t change people. So the trick, if there is one, is to differentiate. Your emotion. Their emotion. Your responsibility. Their responsibility. Oh, you can offer your friendship, your support, even your help. But what somebody does with that is entirely up to them.”
And I LOVE this wish/prayer. I want to memorize it and keep it ALWAYS in my heart!
"May you be free from inner and outer harm and danger. May you be free of mental suffering or distress. May you be happy."
I am SO GLAD I read this book!
I needed this beautiful, joyful book.
I am without words...
There is SO MUCH within this book that hit the very CORE of me...
** CONTENT WARNING. **
This book takes a very serious, albeit loving, multi-perspective look at and around and through serious, depressive psychosis and suicide.
And offers ways to help and work through serious, difficult situations, especially if you are a full on, 💯 empath such as myself.
My emotions, my constantly deep, ever moving feels, like the tides of the ocean sometimes make me feel out of control and insane.
And in this book, the protagonist is every bit exactly like me! Carrying every else's hurts, struggles, feels, and being constantly worn down and overwhelmed by it all. And she is given the most beautiful advice.
I hope to learn it and be able to apply it.
“The number one thing I would tell you is this. You can’t fix people. You can’t change people. So the trick, if there is one, is to differentiate. Your emotion. Their emotion. Your responsibility. Their responsibility. Oh, you can offer your friendship, your support, even your help. But what somebody does with that is entirely up to them.”
And I LOVE this wish/prayer. I want to memorize it and keep it ALWAYS in my heart!
"May you be free from inner and outer harm and danger. May you be free of mental suffering or distress. May you be happy."
I am SO GLAD I read this book!
I needed this beautiful, joyful book.
January 3, 2019
Rae’s a screwup—according to Rae. To her family and friends, she spreads herself too thin and holds unrealistic expectations for herself. When you don’t even fit into your own family, it’s hard to feel at home anywhere. Plus, peopling is hard; animals are easier. Then a woman jerks her bike in front of Rae’s car—the thump and bump of driving over a human drives Rae to feel responsible for her, though eyewitnesses say she couldn’t have avoided hitting her. The mysteriously damaged woman and a houseful of pre-weaned kittens overwhelms Rae. The romantic interest introduces her to his new-agey gran, who explains Rae to herself, guiding her onto a healthier path. This is a wonderful story of the complexities of life, the importance of connecting with others, and how everyone must find their own way, not to mention that communication is key. King’s writing draws you in and wraps you in a big, fluffy blanket of ambiguities, yet dear reader leaves her work somehow better equipped to traverse these gray areas. King’s talent makes the words disappear as the story flows through the reader, while letting us know that often others see us more clearly than we can see ourselves. Highly recommended!
My joy was in receiving this ebook in a giveaway. Check out King’s work on her website, where you can find links to purchase her books: https://www.kerryanneking.com/
My joy was in receiving this ebook in a giveaway. Check out King’s work on her website, where you can find links to purchase her books: https://www.kerryanneking.com/
July 18, 2022
An OK read, kind of weird and unrealistic, hoped it would be better
When Kat, troubled with pain that seems inescapable, deliberately rides her bike into Rae’s car, Rae, a nurse with her own issues and preference for pets over people, agrees to care for Kat at her home.
This premise sounded good, but the story dragged on for the first half before I could really care about any of the mostly unrealistic characters. Rather than simply say to her very weird parents that, no, the obviously very physically injured Kat wasn’t living with Rae because Rae had somehow one day out of absolutely nowhere suddenly become a lesbian, as her parents assume and discuss like she’s an academic case, she just leaves that be. What?
And then we get into the whole thing that Rae is an empath, and another character shows up with meditation and kind of preachy spiritual stuff that distracted from the main story of characters I was finally starting to like or at lease have some interest in.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
Narration was mostly good, though Rae’s father’s voice made him sound kind of awful, more so than his cold academic ponderings about his daughter.
When Kat, troubled with pain that seems inescapable, deliberately rides her bike into Rae’s car, Rae, a nurse with her own issues and preference for pets over people, agrees to care for Kat at her home.
This premise sounded good, but the story dragged on for the first half before I could really care about any of the mostly unrealistic characters. Rather than simply say to her very weird parents that, no, the obviously very physically injured Kat wasn’t living with Rae because Rae had somehow one day out of absolutely nowhere suddenly become a lesbian, as her parents assume and discuss like she’s an academic case, she just leaves that be. What?
And then we get into the whole thing that Rae is an empath, and another character shows up with meditation and kind of preachy spiritual stuff that distracted from the main story of characters I was finally starting to like or at lease have some interest in.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
Narration was mostly good, though Rae’s father’s voice made him sound kind of awful, more so than his cold academic ponderings about his daughter.
February 7, 2019
Incredibly meaningful - I truly enjoyed this book
Usually, I would give a book like this 4 stars. Simply because it took me a few days to read... I was able to put it down and go to sleep....which in reality is a good thing. That being said ... this one gets 5 Stars. I never found myself skimming over parts ... rolling my eyes in boredom due to so much detail over a leaf or tree description, just written to make the book longer (you know what I mean). I related to the feelings of empathy the main character has. I admire that she was intelligent enough to understand her own weaknesses, yet know she was still doing the right thing and just needed to find a healthy balance.
There was enough romance in the story to keep everyone interested, sweet and good romance. However, the book was deeper then that. It was the kind of book that encourages all those that read it to look around and think of how others may be feeling. Not solely focusing on how you feel. Love and be selfless without being harmful to yourself.
Great job! Don’t change anything.
Usually, I would give a book like this 4 stars. Simply because it took me a few days to read... I was able to put it down and go to sleep....which in reality is a good thing. That being said ... this one gets 5 Stars. I never found myself skimming over parts ... rolling my eyes in boredom due to so much detail over a leaf or tree description, just written to make the book longer (you know what I mean). I related to the feelings of empathy the main character has. I admire that she was intelligent enough to understand her own weaknesses, yet know she was still doing the right thing and just needed to find a healthy balance.
There was enough romance in the story to keep everyone interested, sweet and good romance. However, the book was deeper then that. It was the kind of book that encourages all those that read it to look around and think of how others may be feeling. Not solely focusing on how you feel. Love and be selfless without being harmful to yourself.
Great job! Don’t change anything.
July 20, 2019
It's often difficult for individuals to see that their actions are detrimental to themselves and that they do have the power to change. Sometimes they need help figuring that out and ultimately they need to want to change for the better too. This is a story of Rae learning to use her empath abilities for good instead of wallowing in the pain. It is inspiring, relatable and realistic. I felt like I was Rae at times and other times her friend or colleague trying to get to see her worth. When she finally does, she sees how her empath abilities can be used for good.
I understood her need to take in the woman, Katya, because she is driven to help others even if it means she suffers. I was proud of her when she finally started standing up for herself and essentially forced Katya to take responsibility for her actions. Everyone contemplating suicide needs someone like Rae to take a chance on them to help them realize their own worth. Sometimes that's successful, sometimes it's not. Thank you to Kerry Anne King for addressing the issue of crisis management and mental health.
I understood her need to take in the woman, Katya, because she is driven to help others even if it means she suffers. I was proud of her when she finally started standing up for herself and essentially forced Katya to take responsibility for her actions. Everyone contemplating suicide needs someone like Rae to take a chance on them to help them realize their own worth. Sometimes that's successful, sometimes it's not. Thank you to Kerry Anne King for addressing the issue of crisis management and mental health.
June 1, 2023
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
Rae works as a nurse in a care home in a small town. Her pet rat Oscar has died, and she’s in the throes of grief when she’s involved in a car accident with a cyclist. The chain reaction that ensures throws the structures of Rae’s life out, and she is put on a path to connect with several new people. The new people include the cyclist Katya, in a bad space of her own, Mason, a witness to the accident, and crisis worker Cole who gets involved in the case.
𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Rae is a unique character in this story. She has amazing empathy and absorbs the feelings of those around her. She struggles with people, preferring the company of animals. I loved how she was open to taking care of others, even when she is struggling herself, and her caring and kindness bring real sparkle to the story. There is so much sadness and a huge helping of regret in this story, but it’s filled with characters and compassion. I haven’t yet read a Kerry Ann King book I haven’t loved, and this one is no exception ❤️
Read on Kindle
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Rae works as a nurse in a care home in a small town. Her pet rat Oscar has died, and she’s in the throes of grief when she’s involved in a car accident with a cyclist. The chain reaction that ensures throws the structures of Rae’s life out, and she is put on a path to connect with several new people. The new people include the cyclist Katya, in a bad space of her own, Mason, a witness to the accident, and crisis worker Cole who gets involved in the case.
𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Rae is a unique character in this story. She has amazing empathy and absorbs the feelings of those around her. She struggles with people, preferring the company of animals. I loved how she was open to taking care of others, even when she is struggling herself, and her caring and kindness bring real sparkle to the story. There is so much sadness and a huge helping of regret in this story, but it’s filled with characters and compassion. I haven’t yet read a Kerry Ann King book I haven’t loved, and this one is no exception ❤️
Read on Kindle
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
December 21, 2018
Really Enjoyed!
It is rare that a book is successful in keeping me engaged and interested while having characters that are humanistic. For me the main character was well developed and very relatable and a welcome change from the predictable storylines and “perfect” characters that I find in many books. I loved the addition of a flamboyant secondary character, that is not necessarily essential to the storyline, but adds interest and dimension to Rae’s life story and experiences. Perhaps the thing I liked the most about this book is the personality of Rae, and her internal, and sometimes external, sarcastic sense of humor. While mental health struggles are an important part of this story, I like that it wasn’t all “doom and gloom” or sensationalized in any way. The characters all felt like regular people with typical jobs, who try to do the best they can to work through their challenges and sometimes learn to embrace them. I would read again!
It is rare that a book is successful in keeping me engaged and interested while having characters that are humanistic. For me the main character was well developed and very relatable and a welcome change from the predictable storylines and “perfect” characters that I find in many books. I loved the addition of a flamboyant secondary character, that is not necessarily essential to the storyline, but adds interest and dimension to Rae’s life story and experiences. Perhaps the thing I liked the most about this book is the personality of Rae, and her internal, and sometimes external, sarcastic sense of humor. While mental health struggles are an important part of this story, I like that it wasn’t all “doom and gloom” or sensationalized in any way. The characters all felt like regular people with typical jobs, who try to do the best they can to work through their challenges and sometimes learn to embrace them. I would read again!
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