A Place of a Thousand Wishes

by Sarah Merrett

Time 1899. Mason makes the world's best ice cream but a sinister and dangerous stranger wants to destroy his business. But then Mason receives an invite to the mysterious manor of Darlington the Miraculous, a Wish Maker who creates stunning bubbles that can float wishes to the skies and make them come true. Darlington has his own reasons for wanting to fulfil Mason's wish― they share some very special magical gifts― but he hasn't reckoned with the sinister stranger!

A middle grade mystery adventure full of hope.

Genres: Middle Grade

324 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2025

About the author

Sarah grew up in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. She went to art school and gained three degrees from different universities. She loves animals, being out in nature, and doing all kinds of creative things. In between writing children’s stories, she can often be found creating with Lego, getting muddy in her garden, or wielding a power tool. She has worked as a bookseller and a school librarian. She lives in rural Hampshire with her two children and one husband.
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Reviews

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent middle grade historical fiction with a dash of magic. You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from my 11 year old daughter, G:

I absolutely loved 'A Place of a Thousand Wishes' because the story was amazing and it was so intriguing. There were lots of twists and turns. It was so hard to put the book down! I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

[Barbara Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1899, and Mason and his father lose both their home and their ice cream business. But a new friendship, and an invitation to the legendary Wishmaker’s event, enables Mason to discover he has a hidden family who live in a dazzling mansion filled with splendours and stars.

His luck quickly turns again with a kidnapping by a villain who is out to destroy every bit of the happiness he has found. Can Mason outwit this stranger and find his own true magic?

Read this sparkling adventure and find out!

[Valis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful adventure story which is superbly written with meticulous period details, strong characters and a gripping plot. The story is exciting from start to finish and behind it all are themes of hope, friendship and ordinary people fighting to better their own lives without compromising their hearts. The illustrations support the story beautifully and draw you even further into the world. Difficult to put down and highly recommended.

[Starr~☆♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical , unique adventure filled with twists and turns in every chapter making it impossible to put down . The characters are compelling human- loveable protagonists you will root for and a detestable villain. Complete with atmospheric settings this book takes you on a journey like no other.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family feud, a boy coming into his magical powers and an evil villain, fuelled by bitter sibling rivalry. A fast moving adventure, with a new friendship bringing warmth and magical bubbles full of charm granting wishes.