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I don't create a playlist for a book while I'm writing it. I prefer to wait until the book is done, and I can think back through the characters and how their stories unfolded. For my exclusive content, I've created this playlist of songs that remind me of the heroine, Lacey, and the relationships that change her in I Wish.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole : At the beginning of the book, Lacey feels exhausted, scared, and isolated (not unlike many of us are experiencing around the world today). This is a song I would prescribe for her so she can remember not to give up hope.

“Rather Be” by Clean Bandit : Lacey adores her 8-year-old brother, and he adores her back. Unfortunately (in her opinion) he plays soccer, which she doesn't adore. But even though the costs for him to play are straining the family budget, she shows up at every game--his biggest fan.

"Reasons I Drink" by Alanis Morrisette : Crystal, mother to Lacey and Henry, has fallen into a period of deep sadness and depression. Her inability to function forces Lacey to be the adult and to miss out on the best parts of her senior year. Crystal knows it's not fair to her daughter, but she can't simply think her way out of depression. (Although Crystal is not an alcoholic,) "Reasons I Drink" nails the pain and despair of her mental illness.

It's Nice to Have a Friend by Taylor Swift : Lacey no longer has the time to spare for friends. But the new girl at the high school, Kimberley, is too persistent to accept the word no. It's Nice to Have a Friend is a sweet song to describe how much Lacey needs her new friend.

The Bones by Maren Morris : Lacey and Eli have gone to the same high school for years, and they’ve always been friendly. But now that he's her brother's soccer coach, they're bonding over vintage Mustangs and Shakespearean sonnets and Henry.

“Break In” by Halestorm: When Grant (the "genie") arrives, he's shocked by how desperately Lacey and her family need their month of wishes. He begins the book a bit overly focused on rules, so it takes time for him to relax--and for her to trust. But eventually, they're ready to let each other break in.

Silent Night by Pentatonix : On the book's cover is a music box. Since the book ends on Christmas Day, "Silent Night" is the song that plays when the music box is opened. Here's one of my favorite versions.

Let It Be by The Beatles : While life isn't perfect for Lacey by the end of the story, she completely believes that it will get better. With all that's happening right now in the world, I'm going to end the playlist the way it began...with a song about hope.