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When You Wish Upon a Lantern
Acclaimed author Gloria Chao creates real-world magic in this luminous romance about teens who devote themselves to granting other people's wishes, but are too afraid to let themselves have their own hearts' desires—each other.
Liya and Kai had been best friends since they were little kids, but all that changed when a humiliating incident sparked The Biggest Misunderstanding Of All Time—and they haven’t spoken since.
Then Liya discovers her family's wishing lantern store is struggling, and she decides to resume a tradition she had with her beloved late grandmother: secretly fulfilling the wishes people write on the lanterns they send into the sky. It may boost sales and save the store, but she can't do it alone . . . and Kai is the only one who cares enough to help.
While working on their covert missions, Liya and Kai rekindle their friendship—and maybe more. But when their feuding families and their changing futures threaten to tear them apart again, can they find a way to make their own wishes come true?
Liya and Kai had been best friends since they were little kids, but all that changed when a humiliating incident sparked The Biggest Misunderstanding Of All Time—and they haven’t spoken since.
Then Liya discovers her family's wishing lantern store is struggling, and she decides to resume a tradition she had with her beloved late grandmother: secretly fulfilling the wishes people write on the lanterns they send into the sky. It may boost sales and save the store, but she can't do it alone . . . and Kai is the only one who cares enough to help.
While working on their covert missions, Liya and Kai rekindle their friendship—and maybe more. But when their feuding families and their changing futures threaten to tear them apart again, can they find a way to make their own wishes come true?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 14, 2023
105 people are currently reading
20630 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Chao
11 books1,087 followersGloria Chao is a USA Today bestselling author and a screenwriter. Her novels include The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club (sequel coming 6.2026), Ex Marks the Spot, When You Wish Upon a Lantern, Rent a Boyfriend, Our Wayward Fate, and American Panda. She graduated from MIT and became a dentist before realizing she'd rather spend her days in fictional characters’ heads instead of real people’s mouths. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the curling ice, where she and her husband are world-ranked in mixed doubles.
Visit her tea-and-book-filled world at GloriaChao.Wordpress.com, and find her on Twitter and Instagram @GloriacChao.
Visit her tea-and-book-filled world at GloriaChao.Wordpress.com, and find her on Twitter and Instagram @GloriacChao.
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May 27, 2022I wrote When You Wish Upon a Lantern with the hope of writing a contemporary book that feels like magic, with the magic coming from kind acts for others. In the book, Liya's family owns a wishing lantern shop in Chicago's Chinatown, and behind the scenes, Liya makes wishes come true for the customers. And she does this with the (very cute) boy from the mooncake bakery next door who is, as described in the book, "a cinnamon roll who can make cinnamon rolls."
This book is my love letter to my culture, featuring some of my favorite Chinese traditions, holidays, food, folk tales, and more. I also tried to create a tight-knit community that readers could feel a part of.
Overall, I hope to remind readers that even though it's rare, magic can be found in the real world.
Being an author was the wish I wrote on my metaphorical lantern and sent into the air years ago. Thank you all for helping my dreams come true.
May your wishes find the light!
This book is my love letter to my culture, featuring some of my favorite Chinese traditions, holidays, food, folk tales, and more. I also tried to create a tight-knit community that readers could feel a part of.
Overall, I hope to remind readers that even though it's rare, magic can be found in the real world.
Being an author was the wish I wrote on my metaphorical lantern and sent into the air years ago. Thank you all for helping my dreams come true.
May your wishes find the light!
December 16, 2022
thank you viking for the arc !!
maybe ex-friends to lovers DO deserve rights !! this was such a cute and fun read. the way gloria writes friendships, family, and community dynamics was chefs kiss.
"He looks at you like you are the sun and moon and stars."
STOP IT😭 (disclaimer: quote is from arc copy so it may change in the final copy!)
the moment i read liya and kai's first scene together, you could feel the chemistry SO quickly. it was done so well! they really are the bestest of friends. AND IT'S HE FALLS FIRST TROPE (MY FAVORITE) (and the way kai is described... omg just read it)
maybe ex-friends to lovers DO deserve rights !! this was such a cute and fun read. the way gloria writes friendships, family, and community dynamics was chefs kiss.
"He looks at you like you are the sun and moon and stars."
STOP IT😭 (disclaimer: quote is from arc copy so it may change in the final copy!)
the moment i read liya and kai's first scene together, you could feel the chemistry SO quickly. it was done so well! they really are the bestest of friends. AND IT'S HE FALLS FIRST TROPE (MY FAVORITE) (and the way kai is described... omg just read it)
April 24, 2022
This was such a feel-good read!! I think... it's my favorite Gloria Chao book??
January 2, 2024
5/5 stars, that was such a cute story!
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group & Viking Books for Young Readers for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
This book was absolutely adorable, in pretty much every way and I still get a smile on my face just thinking about this book. I might increase my rating at some point, as this book had me kicking my feet while I was reading it. The cover looks so gorgeous but the story inside is even better, filled to the brim with cute romance, a cozy community, and wonderful Chinese cultural representation. There is so much to talk about that I enjoyed this book, and I cannot recommend this enough.
While the overall plot in its basics was one that I've read before, that didn't make it any less interesting, especially with the added culture and other plots getting attention. This book is about Liya and Kai, two childhood best friends to lovers who haven't talked since a small misunderstanding they had a few months ago. Liya is dealing with both the death of her grandmother, and learning that her family's lantern store is struggling. So she decides to pick up a secret tradition that she used to complete with her grandmother, secretly fulfilling the wishes that people write on their lanterns, but Kai is the only one who wants to help her. While working on the wishes these two rekindle their friendship into something more, but their family's feuds threaten to distance them from one another, can they make their own wishes come true?
There are always stories of feuding families, especially related to Asian people in the United States and I always get annoyed with how the families act. I understand that it's a cultural thing, and due to not being a part of the culture I won't fully understand, but this one didn't anger me as much as some others. The parent's feud was less ugly and more understandable, though it was still frustrating to see both of their families bulldozing so clearly over what both of them wanted. Getting to learn about Chinese culture through the various stories and festivals that were explored in this book was so fun, it was done in such a great way and I always love learning about other cultures. Plus, seeing Liya keep her grandmother's memory alive by fulfilling wishes was so adorable, no matter how many wishes she granted I always felt so happy.
Liya was a great main character! She was such a sweetheart, especially for her community and in the loving memory of her grandmother. The ideas she had to help try to keep the store going were quite innovative and creative and also were really interesting especially as they had a lot to do with Chinese culture. The way she chose to help others was also really sweet, especially the lengths she would go to make sure her community felt both included but also loved. Overall she was just really sweet and even her anxiety/shyness was handled in a very realistic way I felt.
Kai is an adorable character by himself, but also such a sweet friend and love interest to Liya. He's such a sweetheart and really does his best to help those around him, while also allowing himself to grow. He loves helping Liya and the community and it's very obvious he cares a lot about the people in the town and his own culture. He's also a baker which I think is so cute to see in the book, and allowing boys to have softer hobbies is something that I think should happen more often. He definitely goes through some family troubles in this book but I also think it's quite obvious he loves his family, even if they push his boundaries and it's nice to see as well.
This book has made me realize how much I really do enjoy childhood best friends to lovers, and it's probably one of my favorite tropes. The relationship between Liya and Kai is a perfect example of this, even with their family's feud and the 'misunderstanding' at the start of the book. While the synopsis kind of makes this seem like a really big deal but the story honestly moved past it pretty quickly, so the two easily got back into the 'routine' of their relationship. They were such a good balance for each other, as Liya had a lot of anxiety but a really big heart and wanted to help others. Kai always helped her with both her anxiety/shyness and also with helping others. When they both had similar faults they helped one another figure it out even if they had some other misunderstandings. Overall, I just really really enjoyed them and loved their connection.
Overall, this was such a beautiful book in so many ways including the romance, writing style, and depiction of Chinese culture. I loved pretty much everything about this book, including the very pretty color and so I definitely want to read Gloria Chao's backlist of books. This is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves cute romance, especially childhood friends to lovers, it's done so well that you will absolutely fall for the main characters.
[TW: death of a grandmother, sexism, aggressive siblings, breach of a person’s boundaries, death of a partner mentioned, car accident mentioned]
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group & Viking Books for Young Readers for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
This book was absolutely adorable, in pretty much every way and I still get a smile on my face just thinking about this book. I might increase my rating at some point, as this book had me kicking my feet while I was reading it. The cover looks so gorgeous but the story inside is even better, filled to the brim with cute romance, a cozy community, and wonderful Chinese cultural representation. There is so much to talk about that I enjoyed this book, and I cannot recommend this enough.
While the overall plot in its basics was one that I've read before, that didn't make it any less interesting, especially with the added culture and other plots getting attention. This book is about Liya and Kai, two childhood best friends to lovers who haven't talked since a small misunderstanding they had a few months ago. Liya is dealing with both the death of her grandmother, and learning that her family's lantern store is struggling. So she decides to pick up a secret tradition that she used to complete with her grandmother, secretly fulfilling the wishes that people write on their lanterns, but Kai is the only one who wants to help her. While working on the wishes these two rekindle their friendship into something more, but their family's feuds threaten to distance them from one another, can they make their own wishes come true?
There are always stories of feuding families, especially related to Asian people in the United States and I always get annoyed with how the families act. I understand that it's a cultural thing, and due to not being a part of the culture I won't fully understand, but this one didn't anger me as much as some others. The parent's feud was less ugly and more understandable, though it was still frustrating to see both of their families bulldozing so clearly over what both of them wanted. Getting to learn about Chinese culture through the various stories and festivals that were explored in this book was so fun, it was done in such a great way and I always love learning about other cultures. Plus, seeing Liya keep her grandmother's memory alive by fulfilling wishes was so adorable, no matter how many wishes she granted I always felt so happy.
Liya was a great main character! She was such a sweetheart, especially for her community and in the loving memory of her grandmother. The ideas she had to help try to keep the store going were quite innovative and creative and also were really interesting especially as they had a lot to do with Chinese culture. The way she chose to help others was also really sweet, especially the lengths she would go to make sure her community felt both included but also loved. Overall she was just really sweet and even her anxiety/shyness was handled in a very realistic way I felt.
Kai is an adorable character by himself, but also such a sweet friend and love interest to Liya. He's such a sweetheart and really does his best to help those around him, while also allowing himself to grow. He loves helping Liya and the community and it's very obvious he cares a lot about the people in the town and his own culture. He's also a baker which I think is so cute to see in the book, and allowing boys to have softer hobbies is something that I think should happen more often. He definitely goes through some family troubles in this book but I also think it's quite obvious he loves his family, even if they push his boundaries and it's nice to see as well.
This book has made me realize how much I really do enjoy childhood best friends to lovers, and it's probably one of my favorite tropes. The relationship between Liya and Kai is a perfect example of this, even with their family's feud and the 'misunderstanding' at the start of the book. While the synopsis kind of makes this seem like a really big deal but the story honestly moved past it pretty quickly, so the two easily got back into the 'routine' of their relationship. They were such a good balance for each other, as Liya had a lot of anxiety but a really big heart and wanted to help others. Kai always helped her with both her anxiety/shyness and also with helping others. When they both had similar faults they helped one another figure it out even if they had some other misunderstandings. Overall, I just really really enjoyed them and loved their connection.
Overall, this was such a beautiful book in so many ways including the romance, writing style, and depiction of Chinese culture. I loved pretty much everything about this book, including the very pretty color and so I definitely want to read Gloria Chao's backlist of books. This is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves cute romance, especially childhood friends to lovers, it's done so well that you will absolutely fall for the main characters.
[TW: death of a grandmother, sexism, aggressive siblings, breach of a person’s boundaries, death of a partner mentioned, car accident mentioned]
April 10, 2023
3.5⭐️
This was really cute! It was a nice read and I liked that it was about romance but also navigating complicated family dynamics.
Kai and Liya were sweet together but I wish we got to see more of their relationship develop on page. The story opens with them already liking each other and the only reason they aren’t together is because of an annoying miscommunication so you don’t really get to see their bond developing.
I liked the inclusion of Mandarin language and Chinese culture. The glossary in the back was really helpful and I feel like I learned more about the significance of some holidays.
Nothing really stood out to me about this book but I enjoyed it overall!
This was really cute! It was a nice read and I liked that it was about romance but also navigating complicated family dynamics.
Kai and Liya were sweet together but I wish we got to see more of their relationship develop on page. The story opens with them already liking each other and the only reason they aren’t together is because of an annoying miscommunication so you don’t really get to see their bond developing.
I liked the inclusion of Mandarin language and Chinese culture. The glossary in the back was really helpful and I feel like I learned more about the significance of some holidays.
Nothing really stood out to me about this book but I enjoyed it overall!
July 1, 2023
This was a cute time.
The book hinges on some miscommunication, technically, and that seems to be a point of contention for some readers. For me it really felt like children being children. And I don't think that miscommunication was outlandish or frustrating in anyway. It mostly served to kick off the book and even that didn't impact the story as much as it could.
Here we are following Liya as she attempts to revive the wish granting side hustle she and her grandmother had going before she passed, only this time it's with her long time friend and family antagonist [ calling them a rival feels a little silly, but there's definitely some animosity happening ] Kai. Liya's family store has come on some hard times, a fact that she comes across on her own and believing that her parents are keeping this from her sets out to earn some extra income for the store. Kai's family runs a bakery next door and he's dealing with his own parental issues, and he jumps at the chance to help Liya because he's been fostering a crush and is excited to have his friend back in his life.
I might have taken forever and a day to get around to reading this arc, but this feels like the perfect time as the kickoff to the book is centered around the kickoff to summer and kind of goes on from there. I was nervous that the wishing aspect of this book was going to take it into a magical place, and I suppose in a sense that it does depending on how broadly we want to take the word magic. But Liya and Kai were refreshing as characters and the journey's that each of them go on were a joy to read. It was a fun, fast read, that I think is perfect for this time of year.
The book hinges on some miscommunication, technically, and that seems to be a point of contention for some readers. For me it really felt like children being children. And I don't think that miscommunication was outlandish or frustrating in anyway. It mostly served to kick off the book and even that didn't impact the story as much as it could.
Here we are following Liya as she attempts to revive the wish granting side hustle she and her grandmother had going before she passed, only this time it's with her long time friend and family antagonist [ calling them a rival feels a little silly, but there's definitely some animosity happening ] Kai. Liya's family store has come on some hard times, a fact that she comes across on her own and believing that her parents are keeping this from her sets out to earn some extra income for the store. Kai's family runs a bakery next door and he's dealing with his own parental issues, and he jumps at the chance to help Liya because he's been fostering a crush and is excited to have his friend back in his life.
I might have taken forever and a day to get around to reading this arc, but this feels like the perfect time as the kickoff to the book is centered around the kickoff to summer and kind of goes on from there. I was nervous that the wishing aspect of this book was going to take it into a magical place, and I suppose in a sense that it does depending on how broadly we want to take the word magic. But Liya and Kai were refreshing as characters and the journey's that each of them go on were a joy to read. It was a fun, fast read, that I think is perfect for this time of year.
December 23, 2024
Very cute and sweet. Two kids who seem completely and appropriately extra mature for their Chinese immigrant selves. Two very different sets of parents that are three parts annoying and one part so awful, mixed in with the stubbornness that I only know from Asian dads. Great food, of course. And mostly, the love and ever-loving grandparental spirit. Big dreams. Big hearts. Rounding up to 4.
May 5, 2023
there were definitely some very cute and sweet moments, but it just never really caught my attention
May 5, 2023
this was a super cute and fast read, however, it wasn't my favorite by any means. There was so much of taking God's name in vain, like a ridiculous amount. Probably three times a page, which was very sad. I did love the concept of the lanterns, they are my favorite. There was miscommunication trope in this, which is my least favorite trope and the most annoying. The reason was kinda dumb and childish too. Like, JUST TALK!!!!!!
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
- swearing and SO MUCH TAKING GOD'S NAME IN VAIN
- couple kissing scenes
- A LOT of Greif
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
- swearing and SO MUCH TAKING GOD'S NAME IN VAIN
- couple kissing scenes
- A LOT of Greif
May 1, 2023
biggest disappointment of the year already :'))
September 15, 2023
"Since năinai was more of a parent to me than my mom or dad, they don't seem to know how to step up now."
I didn't know how much I needed the book until I have read all of it. It provides so much comfort and warmth, which I'm utterly grateful for. I always seem to be drawn to the books whose character resembles me in a way, and Liya does. I... badly needed that. I need someone else grieving my grandmother with me because she was everything, she was my world, and now without her, I feel so lost. So alone. I'm glad Liya has Kai in her life, how he lifts some weights off her shoulders so she doesn't have to carry all the burdens alone. It's a very heartwarming read, light and quick. I love the Chinese traditions described in the book and every time they say, "may your wishes find the light," I feel myself forming up a smile so wide. I do, too, believe that the world holds magic in it. Despite it being rare.
February 27, 2023
(Feb 2023) RTC, gotta stop crying first.
- - -
I saw a few people DNF this book immediately because it had miscommunication trope, so I was so scared to pick it up. I'm happy to say that it's not even close to miscommunication - more like poor timing. You immediately know why Liya and Kai are somewhat estranged, and it's honestly an entertaining hiccup that led them to where they are. The only thing that blip resulted in, really, was mutual pining, which was adorable.
This story is a story of love - a dash of Romeo and Juliet (or Zhinü and Niulang) mixed with friends-to-lovers - but, as a whole, it's a story about history, immigration, Chinese/Taiwanese culture, community, and tradition. Liya and Kai bop through the story as wish granters in an attempt to save Liya's family's store. Through their wish granting, they learn more about their community, people's histories, and their immigration stories. I teared up a lot throughout this book both because of heartfelt, warm moments, as well as moments of grief, not just for the dead, but for the lonely and the lost.
I also related a lot to Liya's unnamed anxiety and germaphobia. The way that old memories haunted her and impacted her actions was so similar to my experience with life. Like, this story didn't have to come at me like that. The whole storyline with Stephanie was so perfectly executed and I loved the outcome of it all.
This book was so beautiful, and honestly felt like a warm hug for the most part. Gloria Chao hits it out of the park once more!
TW: Grief, bullying, vomit, toxic family, mentions death
Rep: unnamed anxiety and germaphobia
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Viking Books for Young Readers via Penguin Group in exchange for an honest review.
- - -
I saw a few people DNF this book immediately because it had miscommunication trope, so I was so scared to pick it up. I'm happy to say that it's not even close to miscommunication - more like poor timing. You immediately know why Liya and Kai are somewhat estranged, and it's honestly an entertaining hiccup that led them to where they are. The only thing that blip resulted in, really, was mutual pining, which was adorable.
This story is a story of love - a dash of Romeo and Juliet (or Zhinü and Niulang) mixed with friends-to-lovers - but, as a whole, it's a story about history, immigration, Chinese/Taiwanese culture, community, and tradition. Liya and Kai bop through the story as wish granters in an attempt to save Liya's family's store. Through their wish granting, they learn more about their community, people's histories, and their immigration stories. I teared up a lot throughout this book both because of heartfelt, warm moments, as well as moments of grief, not just for the dead, but for the lonely and the lost.
I also related a lot to Liya's unnamed anxiety and germaphobia. The way that old memories haunted her and impacted her actions was so similar to my experience with life. Like, this story didn't have to come at me like that. The whole storyline with Stephanie was so perfectly executed and I loved the outcome of it all.
This book was so beautiful, and honestly felt like a warm hug for the most part. Gloria Chao hits it out of the park once more!
TW: Grief, bullying, vomit, toxic family, mentions death
Rep: unnamed anxiety and germaphobia
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Viking Books for Young Readers via Penguin Group in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2023
3.5* this should be a christmas movie, it’s so cute
January 8, 2025
(Best) friends to lovers greatness. I’ll never understand people who hate friends to lovers and think it’s so boring.
July 11, 2023
3.75 stars!!
while this book was truly adorable, it could have done without the few inappropriate references. it wasn’t bad, only two, but like… they were so out of place lol.
also, it was banterless 😭
BUT ITS FINE! because the festivals made up for it!! i found kai boring, liya was good, but, admittedly, stephanie lee and eric were my favorite characters 😂
this was definitely an enjoyable, and quick read! <3
cws: two inappropriate references, light swearing (h*ll, p**sed), and using Jesus/God’s name in vain. there was a passionate kiss scene, but it didn’t lead to anything! also there is a lesbian character but she shows up for all of one page, it’s really low profile lol
while this book was truly adorable, it could have done without the few inappropriate references. it wasn’t bad, only two, but like… they were so out of place lol.
also, it was banterless 😭
BUT ITS FINE! because the festivals made up for it!! i found kai boring, liya was good, but, admittedly, stephanie lee and eric were my favorite characters 😂
this was definitely an enjoyable, and quick read! <3
cws: two inappropriate references, light swearing (h*ll, p**sed), and using Jesus/God’s name in vain. there was a passionate kiss scene, but it didn’t lead to anything! also there is a lesbian character but she shows up for all of one page, it’s really low profile lol
May 27, 2023
2.5 rounded up.
Cute enough story with a gorgeous cover, but incredibly immature and lacking of depth. The book touches on issues such as grief, gentrification, loneliness, and poor relationships between parents and kids, but never goes particularly in depth on any of them, probably because this book is meant for younger high school students (although some vaguely spicy scenes make defining the readership difficult).
I appreciate the great representation; I don't think there is a single non-Asian character, and we learn a lot about a number of Chinese holidays. Perhaps the weakest aspect of this book: every plot point stems from various types of miscommunication. The novel would be a page long if these people would just talk. Also, Liya's story is boring and goes nowhere; Kai is far more interesting, though the way his plot concludes is infuriating. Ultimately I think the book is kind of meh but mostly inoffensive.
Cute enough story with a gorgeous cover, but incredibly immature and lacking of depth. The book touches on issues such as grief, gentrification, loneliness, and poor relationships between parents and kids, but never goes particularly in depth on any of them, probably because this book is meant for younger high school students (although some vaguely spicy scenes make defining the readership difficult).
I appreciate the great representation; I don't think there is a single non-Asian character, and we learn a lot about a number of Chinese holidays. Perhaps the weakest aspect of this book: every plot point stems from various types of miscommunication. The novel would be a page long if these people would just talk. Also, Liya's story is boring and goes nowhere; Kai is far more interesting, though the way his plot concludes is infuriating. Ultimately I think the book is kind of meh but mostly inoffensive.
December 13, 2022
A beautiful cover and an equally beautiful story!
When You Wish Upon a Lantern is filled with Chinese culture; the foods, the traditions. I think those parts were my absolute favorite. I really felt like I was there at the festivals too.
Kai and Liya's story centered around their culture and how it shaped their choices as young adults. The chapters alternated between Liya and Kai, giving the reader a good glimpse into both of their home lives.
The middle of the book dragged a bit and there was miscommunication between multiple characters throughout the story. Being a YA novel, I didn't feel like it was necessarily a bad thing as that's a normal part of growing up, learning how to express your thoughts and feelings.
"Sometimes I wish you could bottle up moments and relive them when you need to."
Overall, this book has a very feel-good, magical quality to it. It's a sweet and heartfelt romance with some young adult, awkward humor rolled in.
Definitely recommend!
The glossary at the back of the book was very helpful and highly appreciated.
Thank you PenguinTeen for the e-ARC to read and honestly review!
When You Wish Upon a Lantern is filled with Chinese culture; the foods, the traditions. I think those parts were my absolute favorite. I really felt like I was there at the festivals too.
Kai and Liya's story centered around their culture and how it shaped their choices as young adults. The chapters alternated between Liya and Kai, giving the reader a good glimpse into both of their home lives.
The middle of the book dragged a bit and there was miscommunication between multiple characters throughout the story. Being a YA novel, I didn't feel like it was necessarily a bad thing as that's a normal part of growing up, learning how to express your thoughts and feelings.
"Sometimes I wish you could bottle up moments and relive them when you need to."
Overall, this book has a very feel-good, magical quality to it. It's a sweet and heartfelt romance with some young adult, awkward humor rolled in.
Definitely recommend!
The glossary at the back of the book was very helpful and highly appreciated.
Thank you PenguinTeen for the e-ARC to read and honestly review!
April 8, 2023
2.5
I fell in love with the cover and title of this book when I first saw it and it was one of my most anticipated books. Sadly, it fell flat. It was a little too cheesy (and not in a cutesy way) and sometimes the logic behind the character’s actions didn’t make sense. For instance, the fMC is hellbent on avoiding the mMC because of an embarrassing misunderstanding in the beginning. She literally avoided him forever and then one day decides to go to his family’s bakery knowing she was going to see him without any self reflection on the moment, no hesitation or anything…just to propel the plot.
The pacing was a little off for me too as the MCs get together pages before I thought they would, so then the last hour or so of the book felt pointless.
Lastly, I don’t like when the plot is centered around a misunderstanding and this book was exactly that. I guess it’s because the MCs are young, so it’s believable…but it was frustrating for me to read that as an adult. Just say what you mean and mean what you say.
I fell in love with the cover and title of this book when I first saw it and it was one of my most anticipated books. Sadly, it fell flat. It was a little too cheesy (and not in a cutesy way) and sometimes the logic behind the character’s actions didn’t make sense. For instance, the fMC is hellbent on avoiding the mMC because of an embarrassing misunderstanding in the beginning. She literally avoided him forever and then one day decides to go to his family’s bakery knowing she was going to see him without any self reflection on the moment, no hesitation or anything…just to propel the plot.
The pacing was a little off for me too as the MCs get together pages before I thought they would, so then the last hour or so of the book felt pointless.
Lastly, I don’t like when the plot is centered around a misunderstanding and this book was exactly that. I guess it’s because the MCs are young, so it’s believable…but it was frustrating for me to read that as an adult. Just say what you mean and mean what you say.
July 7, 2024
“kai, you are a person” will forever remain iconic. the amount of delicious food in this book made me very hungry and i also absolutely adored the culture and family bonds here. it’s magical realism at its finest, and I promise you’ll find yourself endlessly rooting for liya and kai’s story. <3
July 9, 2023
I think it was the prettiest cover of the year! I just didn't get wrapped up in the story. I was bored, and it seemed too juvenile for me.
January 9, 2023
This was a sweet, feel good #ownvoices YA friends to lovers romance. After an embarrassing misunderstanding, best friends Liya and Kai have a falling out. When Liya's family business is on the brink of closing, the two teens band together to try to raise the profile of wishing lanterns at a variety of local Chinese festivals.
There was so much to love about this book, from all the reality tv/pop culture references, to the great cultural traditions, the strong sense of family and the Romeo and Juliet feuding families. Much thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This was great on audio narrated by Carolyn Kang and Dylan J. Locke and perfect for fans of Jenny Han or Jennifer Yen.
There was so much to love about this book, from all the reality tv/pop culture references, to the great cultural traditions, the strong sense of family and the Romeo and Juliet feuding families. Much thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This was great on audio narrated by Carolyn Kang and Dylan J. Locke and perfect for fans of Jenny Han or Jennifer Yen.
January 3, 2023
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus
Kai and Liya live in Chicago's Chinatown where their families both have businesses; the Once Upon a Mooncake bakery and the When You Wish Upon a Lantern sundry store respectively. Liya is still grieving the loss of her Năinai, who started the store over fifty years ago after coming to the US from Taiwan. Kai and Liya have been friends since they were very young, but recently things have been awkward. Liya finds Kai attractive, but is mortified that she choked on a Boba bubble and threw up on him when they were out. Kai has a long time crush on Liya and took her vomiting right after he asked her out as a sign that she wasn't interested. The two's fathers frequently fight over the garbage in their shared alley, which doesn't help! When Liya finds out that the business owes the landlord two months' rent, she's determined to find a way to help save it, making sure that the local festivals lead to a lot of sales. She also tries to make more of people's wishes come true, the way she and her Năinai used to. The bakery isn't doing too well, either, thanks to the bad business practices of Kai's father (who spends a lot of money on schemes that don't pan out, as well as on betting on horses). Kai and Liya go back and forth between enjoying each other's company, fretting over perceived miscommunications, and worrying about their futures. Will they ever get together, and will the family businesses be saved?
Strengths: This was as much a travel book as a romance; I enjoyed hearing about all of the local businesses in Chinatown, visiting the park, etc. Young Adult romances often seem whiny to me, and while Kai and Liya had their moments of apprehension, they have a strong connection that outlasts their misunderstandings. There's also a delightful scene where Liya bonds with Stephanie and is forgiven for an episode in the 5th grade that has shaped her actions for years. That really resonated with me! The families both want more for the teenagers; even though the family businesses were a success for the generations that started them, the hope is that Kai and Liya will go to college and have more professional careers that don't depend on the success of the business.
Weaknesses: Wouldn't the lanterns being sent up into the air or out onto the river be pollution? It's not a tradition in my fairly landlocked Tree City, although I did have neighbors who set a nearby tree on fire one New Year's Eve with a similar lantern!
What I really think: This is an excellent Young Adult romance that will work very well for middle school students who enjoyed books like Rigaud's Simone Breaks all the Rules or Kasie West's or Jenna Evans Welch's romances. I enjoyed this one very much.
Kai and Liya live in Chicago's Chinatown where their families both have businesses; the Once Upon a Mooncake bakery and the When You Wish Upon a Lantern sundry store respectively. Liya is still grieving the loss of her Năinai, who started the store over fifty years ago after coming to the US from Taiwan. Kai and Liya have been friends since they were very young, but recently things have been awkward. Liya finds Kai attractive, but is mortified that she choked on a Boba bubble and threw up on him when they were out. Kai has a long time crush on Liya and took her vomiting right after he asked her out as a sign that she wasn't interested. The two's fathers frequently fight over the garbage in their shared alley, which doesn't help! When Liya finds out that the business owes the landlord two months' rent, she's determined to find a way to help save it, making sure that the local festivals lead to a lot of sales. She also tries to make more of people's wishes come true, the way she and her Năinai used to. The bakery isn't doing too well, either, thanks to the bad business practices of Kai's father (who spends a lot of money on schemes that don't pan out, as well as on betting on horses). Kai and Liya go back and forth between enjoying each other's company, fretting over perceived miscommunications, and worrying about their futures. Will they ever get together, and will the family businesses be saved?
Strengths: This was as much a travel book as a romance; I enjoyed hearing about all of the local businesses in Chinatown, visiting the park, etc. Young Adult romances often seem whiny to me, and while Kai and Liya had their moments of apprehension, they have a strong connection that outlasts their misunderstandings. There's also a delightful scene where Liya bonds with Stephanie and is forgiven for an episode in the 5th grade that has shaped her actions for years. That really resonated with me! The families both want more for the teenagers; even though the family businesses were a success for the generations that started them, the hope is that Kai and Liya will go to college and have more professional careers that don't depend on the success of the business.
Weaknesses: Wouldn't the lanterns being sent up into the air or out onto the river be pollution? It's not a tradition in my fairly landlocked Tree City, although I did have neighbors who set a nearby tree on fire one New Year's Eve with a similar lantern!
What I really think: This is an excellent Young Adult romance that will work very well for middle school students who enjoyed books like Rigaud's Simone Breaks all the Rules or Kasie West's or Jenna Evans Welch's romances. I enjoyed this one very much.
January 17, 2023
GLORIA CHOA IS THE QUEEN OF FEEL GOOD BOOKS THAT MAKE YOU GOOEY AND THINK AND THAT'S JUST FACTS ON FACTS
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
August 29, 2022
Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Just like all of Gloria Chao's books, When You Wish Upon a Lantern was such an adorable read! There's something so pure and tender about best friends to lovers romances, and the case was no different with Liya and Kai. The love they have for each other was evident from page 1 and I mentally "awww"-ed at every interaction between them. I'm also a sucker for any type of book that features a Romeo and Juliet-esque forbidden romance between two characters whose families own rival businesses. I enjoyed seeing Liya and Kai navigate their friendship and relationship while trying to come up with creative ways to make their family stores stay afloat.
I also loved learning about the significance of wishing lanterns in Chinese culture. Overall, this book was brimming with knowledge about Chinese traditions, foods, proverbs, and more. As an Asian American reader, the family dynamics within Liya and Kai's families, and the differences between the two families, was definitely relatable.
I only wish that some events and inner monologues in the story weren't so repetitive, in the sense that Liya and Kai continuously go through this cycle of hanging out, granting people's wishes, avoiding talking about their feelings for one another, and then getting broken up by their families. This made the plot drag on for a bit, especially towards the middle of the story. This book also has a few moments of miscommunication between Liya and Kai, specifically about their feelings for each other, which I know can be off-putting for some readers. Otherwise, this was such a cute read and fans of Gloria Chao's previous novels will definitely enjoy it!
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Just like all of Gloria Chao's books, When You Wish Upon a Lantern was such an adorable read! There's something so pure and tender about best friends to lovers romances, and the case was no different with Liya and Kai. The love they have for each other was evident from page 1 and I mentally "awww"-ed at every interaction between them. I'm also a sucker for any type of book that features a Romeo and Juliet-esque forbidden romance between two characters whose families own rival businesses. I enjoyed seeing Liya and Kai navigate their friendship and relationship while trying to come up with creative ways to make their family stores stay afloat.
I also loved learning about the significance of wishing lanterns in Chinese culture. Overall, this book was brimming with knowledge about Chinese traditions, foods, proverbs, and more. As an Asian American reader, the family dynamics within Liya and Kai's families, and the differences between the two families, was definitely relatable.
I only wish that some events and inner monologues in the story weren't so repetitive, in the sense that Liya and Kai continuously go through this cycle of hanging out, granting people's wishes, avoiding talking about their feelings for one another, and then getting broken up by their families. This made the plot drag on for a bit, especially towards the middle of the story. This book also has a few moments of miscommunication between Liya and Kai, specifically about their feelings for each other, which I know can be off-putting for some readers. Otherwise, this was such a cute read and fans of Gloria Chao's previous novels will definitely enjoy it!
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March 5, 2023
I can honestly say I know why it’s not one of my favorites by Gloria Chao. I really don’t like miscommunication tropes. If that’s a trope you like, I highly recommend it.
The characters were adorable and likable. Watching Kai and Liya develop into their own people is so nice and their struggles are so heartbreaking. It also does well with dealing with grief and moving forward.
The characters were adorable and likable. Watching Kai and Liya develop into their own people is so nice and their struggles are so heartbreaking. It also does well with dealing with grief and moving forward.
September 29, 2022
Thank you Penguin Teen/Netgalley for the ARC
This was cute! A fun, easy story to get lost in. A contemporary with hints of magic, which is always a sweet spot for me when it comes to contemporary. I definitely enjoyed my time reading it. Also, Liya & Kai are adorable.
This was cute! A fun, easy story to get lost in. A contemporary with hints of magic, which is always a sweet spot for me when it comes to contemporary. I definitely enjoyed my time reading it. Also, Liya & Kai are adorable.
January 21, 2024
4.5
this book felt like a nice warm hug and I'm here for it. their relationship dynamic was adorable with all of their inside jokes and I enjoyed learning about a bit of Chinese culture along with the journey of their relationship <3
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
this book felt like a nice warm hug and I'm here for it. their relationship dynamic was adorable with all of their inside jokes and I enjoyed learning about a bit of Chinese culture along with the journey of their relationship <3
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
October 9, 2022
Thank you Penguin Teen!! This was so freaking cute and perfect for fans of A Pho Love Story or Hana Khan Carries On.
March 29, 2023
so cute! the characters are so sweet! i love them!
May 8, 2023
actual rating: 3.5 stars
a vomit and a confession later, liya and kai found themselves acting weirdly with one another. despite being best friends forever, this moment couldn't be erased and changed things between liya and kai.
from the start, we know how mortified liya was after vomiting all over kai but we didn't know that kai confessed to liya on the same day, just before the vomit. when liya approached kai to fulfil some wishes that people wrote on their sky lanterns, he agreed.
i liked liya until she started the final act when she and kai argued. honestly, she was in no position in saying him that way because she's the exact same about her relationship with her parents. i got so frustrated and annoyed at the things she was saying, i was frowning so hard. other than that, i liked liya's dedication in keep her grandmother's memories alive, helping out at their lantern store, and secretly granting people's wishes. not everything can be done but she tries her best.
for kai, he's the absolute sweetheart. since he's the second son, kai's father often only sided his older brother and doesn't listen to him or his suggestions. also, he's very stubborn and set in his ways that caused a lot of problems for kai. regardless, though, kai is the golden retriever who bakes and has nice arms (according to liya). throughout liya's plans of revitalising her family business and continuing a tradition that her grandmother started, kai was there all the time without fail.
we knew that kai liked liya from the start so it's adorable watching him fumble around when liya's present. everything was exacerbated by the misunderstanding so when that was cleared, we know what happens.
a vomit and a confession later, liya and kai found themselves acting weirdly with one another. despite being best friends forever, this moment couldn't be erased and changed things between liya and kai.
from the start, we know how mortified liya was after vomiting all over kai but we didn't know that kai confessed to liya on the same day, just before the vomit. when liya approached kai to fulfil some wishes that people wrote on their sky lanterns, he agreed.
i liked liya until she started the final act when she and kai argued. honestly, she was in no position in saying him that way because she's the exact same about her relationship with her parents. i got so frustrated and annoyed at the things she was saying, i was frowning so hard. other than that, i liked liya's dedication in keep her grandmother's memories alive, helping out at their lantern store, and secretly granting people's wishes. not everything can be done but she tries her best.
for kai, he's the absolute sweetheart. since he's the second son, kai's father often only sided his older brother and doesn't listen to him or his suggestions. also, he's very stubborn and set in his ways that caused a lot of problems for kai. regardless, though, kai is the golden retriever who bakes and has nice arms (according to liya). throughout liya's plans of revitalising her family business and continuing a tradition that her grandmother started, kai was there all the time without fail.
we knew that kai liked liya from the start so it's adorable watching him fumble around when liya's present. everything was exacerbated by the misunderstanding so when that was cleared, we know what happens.
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