As You Wish: A Novel

A heartwarming story of found family, love, and second chances about three American au pairs in Seoul who realize a wish may be all they need to make their dreams come true.

For Lydia, Jenny, and Selene, au pairing in Korea is the opportunity of a lifetime. Lydia wants nothing more than to transform into a leading lady; Jenny is determined to swear off love for good 5,955 miles away from her ex; and Selene is convinced working in Korea will finally lead her to her biological mother.

The girls find comfort in the magic of instant companionship when their host families introduce them. During a combined family vacation, they visit an enchanted waterfall on Jeju Island—and make a wish under a full moon. Overnight, everything changes. Suddenly, Lydia is the girl everyone wants—except, strangely, her mysterious art class partner from Spain. Jenny is having secret, no-strings-attached fun with her host mom’s irresistible younger brother. And Selene is finally getting somewhere in her search for her mother thanks to a research-savvy photographer.

But when Jenny’s romantic feelings begin to deepen, she realizes her wish is standing in the way of real, lasting love. Her decision to undo it will have unexpected consequences—and force Lydia, Jenny, and Selene to reexamine what truly matters and confront the age-old adage be careful what you wish for.

Story Locale:Seoul & Jeju Island, South Korea

About the Author

Leesa Cross-Smith is a homemaker and the author of seven books. She was longlisted for the 2022 Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award and the 2021 Joyce Carol Oates Prize. Her third novel, Half-Blown Rose, received the Coups de Cœur recognition from the American Library in Paris and was the Amazon Editors’ Spotlight pick for June 2022. It was also the inaugural pick for Amazon editorial director Sarah Gelman’s book club, Sarah Selects, and a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick. She lives in Kentucky with her husband and two children.

Author Residence: Louisville, KY

Author Hometown: Louisville, KY