“When you wish for something, you're really wishing for the feeling you think that thing will bring you.”
— Elara reflects on the nature of wishes and desires.
Archivist's Choice
Saving Wishes
G.J. Walker-Smith (2013)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
368 min
Key Themes
See below
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Seventeen-year-old Charli, desperate to escape her small-town reputation and travel the world, finds her plans upended by a New Yorker, leading her to question if fate has a different journey in store.
Synopsis
Charli Blake, seventeen, has a bad reputation in the small Tasmanian town of Pipers Cove. She dreams of escaping her past and traveling the world. Her plans are complicated by three bullies, "The Beautifuls," and the arrival of Adam Décarie, a new student from New York. Despite her initial reluctance, Charli finds herself drawn to Adam through chance encounters. Their romance grows around a shared ability to grant wishes. As their bond deepens, they confront Charli's past trauma and present bullies, finding solace and strength in each other. However, their future is threatened by an accident that leaves Adam comatose. Charli must then use the power of their wishes and her hope to bring him back. Adam awakens, and they navigate recovery and a shared future, embracing their connection and the journey ahead.
Reading time
368 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Hopeful, Romantic, Emotional, Sweet
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy sweet, emotional YA romance with a touch of magical realism and themes of overcoming adversity.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer gritty realism, complex plots, or dislike 'mean girl' tropes and insta-love.
Plot Summary
A Troubled Reputation in Pipers Cove
Charli Blake is seventeen. She is counting down the days until she can leave Pipers Cove, Tasmania, a small coastal town where she is unfairly labeled a troublemaker. Her reputation has been ruined by past misunderstandings and constant bullying from 'The Beautifuls' – Jade, Tiffany, and Chloe – who make her high school life miserable. Charli dreams of traveling the world and has been saving for years. She sees escaping Pipers Cove as the only way to shed her past. She lives with her supportive grandmother, Nan, and works at the local café, trying to keep a low profile despite the town's scrutiny and gossip.
The Arrival of Adam Décarie
Life in Pipers Cove changes with the arrival of Adam Décarie, a handsome, quiet boy from New York. He moves into a large, isolated house known as 'The Pines' with his uncle and aunt. Adam's presence immediately causes a stir, especially among the girls at school, including The Beautifuls, who all try to get his attention. Charli, initially wary of anyone new, finds herself drawn to Adam despite her efforts to keep her distance and focus on her escape plan. His quiet intensity and direct gaze hint at a deeper story, intriguing Charli more than she admits.
A Series of Chance Encounters
Despite Charli's attempts to avoid attention, fate seems to bring her and Adam together. They have several chance encounters: Adam helps her when her bike breaks down, they end up in the same study group, and he visits the café where she works. These interactions slowly break down Charli's guarded exterior. Adam sees past her reputation and the rumors, recognizing a depth and vulnerability that others overlook. Their conversations reveal a shared sense of loneliness and a desire for something more, creating a connection that neither can ignore. The Beautifuls are unhappy, seeing Charli as a rival for Adam's affection.
The First Wish and a Growing Bond
Adam introduces Charli to a unique tradition: making wishes on specific moments or objects, such as the first star or a falling leaf. He encourages her to embrace the magic in everyday life, a stark contrast to her cynical outlook. This shared ritual becomes a cornerstone of their growing relationship, allowing them to connect on a deeper level. Charli opens up to Adam, sharing her dreams and fears, something she has not done with anyone before. Their bond strengthens with each wish, creating a sense of shared destiny and a growing belief in the extraordinary possibilities their connection represents.
Confronting the Past and Present Bullies
The Beautifuls intensify their bullying, spreading rumors about Charli and trying to sabotage her relationship with Adam. During a school event, they publicly humiliate Charli, bringing up past incidents that contributed to her bad reputation. Adam, witnessing the cruelty, steps in to defend Charli, publicly siding with her against the bullies. This act of support not only silences her tormentors but also deeply impacts Charli, showing her that Adam truly cares for her and believes in her, regardless of what others say. This moment strengthens their emotional connection and makes Charli feel truly seen and valued.
A Secret Revealed and a Shared Vulnerability
As their relationship deepens, Adam tells Charli about the tragic circumstances that led him to Pipers Cove. He reveals that his parents died in a car accident, and he blames himself for their deaths, carrying immense guilt and grief. This confession explains his reserved demeanor and the sadness in his eyes that Charli had sensed. Sharing his vulnerability allows Charli to see the true Adam. It strengthens their bond, as Charli offers him comfort and understanding, cementing their connection through shared pain and mutual support. This revelation intertwines their fates further.
The Promise of a Future
With their feelings for each other clear, Adam and Charli begin to dream of a future together. Charli shares her lifelong dream of traveling the world, and Adam, having found a sense of belonging with her, embraces the idea. They make plans to embark on this journey after high school, imagining a life beyond Pipers Cove where they can explore the world and each other. This shared vision provides Charli with new hope and purpose, transforming her escape plan from a solitary endeavor into a shared adventure. Their promises seal their commitment, intertwining their destinies.
The Accident and a Fading Hope
Tragedy strikes when Adam is in a car accident. He is critically injured and falls into a coma, his life hanging in the balance. Charli is devastated, her world crumbling. The accident is a cruel twist of fate, threatening to snatch away the future they had planned. She spends hours at his bedside, holding onto hope, but doctors offer little reassurance. This period is agonizing for Charli, as she grapples with the possibility of losing Adam and the dreams they had built together, reawakening her fear of loss and reminding her of the fragility of happiness.
The Power of Wishes and Unwavering Hope
During Adam's coma, Charli remembers their shared tradition of making wishes. She clings to the belief that if she wishes hard enough, Adam will wake up. She revisits all the places where they made wishes, reiterating them with fervent hope. She believes that the wishes they made, the magic they found together, are powerful enough to defy the odds. This act of faith becomes her coping mechanism, a way to channel her grief and fear into an effort to save him. Her determination highlights the depth of her love for Adam and her refusal to give up on their shared future.
A Miraculous Awakening
Against all odds, Adam awakens from his coma. His recovery is slow and challenging, but he is alive. Charli is overwhelmed with relief and joy, her faith in their wishes seemingly validated. His first words, though weak, confirm his memory of her and their shared dreams. This awakening is a moment, signifying not just Adam's survival but also the enduring power of their love and connection. It solidifies Charli's belief in fate and the extraordinary nature of their relationship, reinforcing the idea that some bonds are meant to be.
Rebuilding and Looking Forward
Adam's recovery is a long process, requiring physical therapy and emotional healing. Charli remains by his side, providing support and encouragement. They spend their time rebuilding their connection, strengthening their bond through shared vulnerability and renewed hope. They reaffirm their commitment to each other and their dream of traveling the world, understanding that while the path may be harder now, their love is strong enough to overcome any obstacle. The experience makes them both more resilient and appreciative of life and love, solidifying their determination to build a future together.
Embracing the Journey, Together
With Adam's recovery progressing well, Charli and Adam say goodbye to Pipers Cove. They embark on their journey to travel the world, fulfilling the dream they had cultivated. Charli no longer sees Pipers Cove as a place to escape, but as the place where she found Adam and discovered true love. Their departure signifies a new beginning, a testament to their enduring love and resilience. They face the unknown with optimism, ready to embrace every adventure and challenge as a united front, their bond forged by wishes, tragedy, and a belief in their shared destiny.
Principal Figures
Charli Blake
The Protagonist
Charli transforms from a cynical, isolated girl focused solely on escape into a hopeful, loving individual who finds her purpose and belonging with Adam.
Adam Décarie
The Protagonist, Love Interest
Adam moves from a place of deep grief and self-blame to finding healing, hope, and a future with Charli, embracing life after tragedy.
Nan
The Supporting
Nan remains a consistent source of support, witnessing Charli's growth and finding joy in her granddaughter's happiness.
Jade
The Antagonist
Jade remains largely unchanged, serving as a catalyst for conflict, but her influence wanes as Charli finds strength and love.
Tiffany
The Supporting
Tiffany's character serves to reinforce the antagonistic force of The Beautifuls.
Chloe
The Supporting
Chloe's role remains consistent, highlighting the collective nature of the bullying Charli endures.
Mr. Henderson
The Mentioned
Mr. Henderson's role is static, symbolizing the town's pervasive judgment.
Themes & Insights
The Power of Hope and Belief
This theme appears most strongly through Charli's belief in the power of wishes, especially after Adam's accident. Despite the grim prognosis, Charli clings to the idea that their shared wishes can bring him back, spending hours revisiting their special spots and reiterating their hopes. This belief is not just a coping mechanism; it drives her through despair. Adam's awakening, while possibly coincidental, validates Charli's faith, suggesting that hope, when deeply felt, can influence outcomes or at least provide strength to endure dark times. It transforms Charli from a cynic to someone who embraces the extraordinary.
““Maybe if I wished hard enough, the universe would listen. Maybe it would bring him back to me.””
Finding Belonging and Identity
Charli begins the story feeling like an outcast in Pipers Cove, defined by a reputation she does not deserve and yearning for escape. Her identity is fractured by the town's judgment and the bullying from 'The Beautifuls.' Adam's arrival changes this; he sees past her labels and into her true self. Through their relationship, Charli finds a deep sense of belonging—not just with Adam, but within herself. She learns to embrace her true identity, no longer needing to run from her past, but instead finding strength in her connection with Adam. Their shared dreams and future solidify her new sense of self, one that is loved, valued, and understood.
““I didn’t know who I was without Pipers Cove trying to define me, until Adam looked at me and saw someone else entirely.””
Overcoming Adversity and Trauma
Both Charli and Adam deal with significant personal adversity. Charli faces social ostracism and the trauma of a ruined reputation, while Adam carries grief and guilt from his parents' death. Their relationship helps them heal and overcome these traumas. They find strength in each other, providing mutual support and understanding that helps them process their pain. Adam's accident and recovery test their resilience, forcing them to confront life-altering challenges. Their ability to persevere, together, shows that love and connection can provide the strength needed to overcome even devastating circumstances.
““We were two broken pieces, but together, we made something whole.””
Fate vs. Choice
The novel explores the interplay between destiny and personal agency. Charli initially believes her life in Pipers Cove is a series of unfortunate events, but Adam's arrival feels fated, altering her trajectory. The repeated 'chance' encounters, the shared tradition of making wishes, and the miraculous nature of Adam's recovery all lean into the idea of a predetermined connection. However, their choices—Charli's decision to open up, Adam's choice to stay and fight for their future, their mutual commitment to their dreams—show that while fate might bring them together, their conscious decisions solidify and sustain their bond. It suggests that while some things are meant to be, active participation and choice are essential for a relationship to thrive.
““Fate brought him to her, but it was their choices that kept them together.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The 'Wishes' Ritual
A recurring motif of making wishes on specific moments or objects, symbolizing hope and connection.
The ritual of making wishes, introduced by Adam, serves as a central plot device. It symbolizes the magic and hope that Adam brings into Charli's life, transforming her cynical outlook. These wishes become private, intimate moments shared between them, deepening their bond. After Adam's accident, Charli's fervent belief in these wishes becomes a powerful coping mechanism and a testament to her unwavering hope, underscoring the theme of belief's power. It imbues their relationship with a sense of destiny and the extraordinary, blurring the lines between reality and a touch of magical realism.
Small Town Setting (Pipers Cove)
A confined and gossipy coastal town that acts as both a prison and a catalyst for change.
Pipers Cove functions as a significant plot device, embodying the constraints and challenges Charli faces. Its small, insular nature perpetuates her 'troublemaker' reputation and fuels the bullying from 'The Beautifuls,' creating a sense of entrapment. This setting forces Charli to confront her past and her desire for escape. Paradoxically, it's also the setting where Adam arrives and where their profound connection forms, making it the crucible for her transformation. The desire to leave Pipers Cove drives Charli initially, but finding love within it redefines her relationship with the town and her dreams.
The Car Accident
A sudden, life-threatening event that serves as the story's major turning point and ultimate test of love.
Adam's car accident is the primary inciting incident of the latter half of the novel, acting as a dramatic plot device. It introduces profound conflict and raises the stakes significantly, threatening to shatter Charli and Adam's burgeoning relationship and future. This event forces Charli to confront her deepest fears of loss and tests the strength of her love and belief. It accelerates her emotional growth, pushing her to move beyond cynicism and embrace unwavering hope. The accident is crucial for demonstrating the depth of their bond and for Adam's own journey of healing and overcoming past trauma.
The Beautifuls (Antagonistic Trio)
A trio of popular girls who serve as a constant source of external conflict and social pressure for Charli.
The 'Beautifuls' – Jade, Tiffany, and Chloe – function as a consistent external antagonist throughout the narrative. They embody the social pressures and bullying Charli endures, reinforcing her negative reputation and making her high school experience miserable. Their relentless torment and jealousy over Adam's attention serve to isolate Charli and highlight her resilience. They are a catalyst for Adam to demonstrate his protective nature and belief in Charli, solidifying their bond in the face of adversity. Their presence underscores Charli's initial desire for escape and her journey toward self-acceptance.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Sometimes the greatest adventures are the ones you never planned for.”
— Elara finds herself in an unexpected magical world.
“The stars don't just grant wishes; they show you what you already have inside.”
— A guiding figure explains the true power of the stars.
“Fear is a thief. It steals your chances, your courage, and sometimes, your heart.”
— Elara confronts her fears about her new reality and feelings.
“Even in the darkest night, there's always a star waiting to be wished upon.”
— A hopeful sentiment shared during a difficult time.
“Love isn't always a straight path. Sometimes it's a winding road with unexpected turns and breathtaking views.”
— Elara navigates her complicated feelings for two different boys.
“You can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved, but you can stand by them while they save themselves.”
— Elara learns about the limits of her help for a friend.
“The most powerful magic isn't in spells or potions, but in the choices we make.”
— Elara realizes the impact of her decisions.
“Sometimes, you have to let go of the wish to truly receive what you need.”
— Elara grapples with her initial wish versus her true desires.
“A true friend is someone who believes in your magic, even when you've forgotten it yourself.”
— Elara values the support of her friends.
“The universe has a funny way of giving you what you need, not always what you think you want.”
— Elara reflects on the events that led her to the magical world.
“Every goodbye carries the potential for a new hello.”
— Elara experiences goodbyes and new beginnings.
“It's not about finding perfection; it's about finding the perfect fit for your imperfect self.”
— Elara comes to terms with her own flaws and desires in a relationship.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
At the story's outset, Charli Blake's main objective is to escape Pipers Cove and embark on a lifelong dream of traveling the world. She views her time in the small Tasmanian town as temporary, a hurdle to overcome before she can achieve global exploration and leave her 'troublemaker' reputation behind.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
