Wish You Were Here: A Novel

I can always count on Renee Carlino to write stunning stories. Wish You Were Here is an emotional, poignant, and beautiful story of love, loss, and soul mates. This is one of those books that rocked me to my core. I started reading it, and to be honest, it didn’t’ hook me at first. The more I read, though, the more I loved it. It affected me so much towards the end, I had to leave my bed and go read on the couch so I didn’t wake my husband up with my crying. Charlotte is in her mid-late twenties, but she still doesn’t feel like she has much direction in her life. She lives with her best friend, Helen, works as a waitress full-time, and is in school… again. This time for cosmetology, which she learns she doesn’t really have a knack for. Along with being a little lost on the career front, she also has a bad picker. Her last few boyfriends have been less than stellar. Then, one night, she meets Adam. Charlotte has never met anyone like this man. He enamors her from the start and she knows it’s only one night, but she’s never felt like this before about anyone. One night is all Charlotte and Adam have, but it’s an unforgettable night. No matter what happens or who comes into her life the next few months, she can’t forget him…. There is so much more I want to say about this story, but I loved being surprised by certain things so I’ll keep quiet about the plot. This book, it moved me. It made me think, made me feel, and really got to me. It’s been a few days since I’ve read it, and it hasn’t left my mind. I love books that have that type of impact on me. They seem to always end up on my favorites list, as I’m sure this one will. Adam is such a beautiful soul. He is an unforgettable character. Charlotte is one of those heroines who I wasn’t sure if I loved at the beginning. She really did change and grow though, and I ended up adoring her. I was blown away by how selfless she was. Wish You Were Here is a story that touched my soul. Carlino’s writing is flawless. If you’re looking for an emotional read with lots of heart, don’t miss out on this book. It’s a top favorite for 2017.

I have been struggling to formulate my thoughts for this review after finishing it almost two weeks ago! Usually I try to write my reviews as quickly as possible, but I have the strongest writer’s block for this book! This is a novel I went into completely blind. I didn’t know much about the story, except for the first line of the blurb: “Charlotte has spent her twenties adrift, floating from interest to interest, job to job, and guy to guy, searching for a spark but never quite finding it.” I like to keep my knowledge of the books I plan to read pretty limited before I start them. I’m anxious about knowing too much and spoiling the story before I even start, especially for this particular title. That’s why I’ve been nervous to share anything about Wish You Were Here with others who haven’t picked it up yet. I want you to experience it! Renee Carlino writes stunning love stories. I love the pacing of her books and the ability to get completely lost in love and simple pleasures. Her writing is magic. When her glitchy Kindle sale happened a couple of weeks ago, I bought up all of her books I’ve yet to devour. After Swear on This Life, she made a lifelong fan out of me. Ok, I’ve beat around the bush for long enough. Let’s get back to this story! The main character, Charlotte was incredibly relatable because she was in her late twenties still struggling to figure life out. She can’t make up her mind on a career, on a man, or much of anything else. While her life is more outwardly “willy-nilly” than mine comes across, I still felt connected to her. I don’t know what I’m doing as an adult and I’m now closer to thirty than twenty. Adulthood rarely pans out the way we expect as children, leaving many of us feeling lost and confused as our ages creep upwards. I appreciate Renee’s ability to create a character that didn’t have it all together and still had plenty to learn. When Charlotte bumps into Adam, she can’t shake their interaction. She is fascinated by his spontaneity and easy-going personality. Like Charlotte, I was instantly drawn to him. He was an excellent character and he added a mystery to the plot that had me turning the pages at warp speed. I wanted to know more about him, to see if my assumptions about his characteristics were correct! This story had just the right amounts of suspense, romance, and day-to-day activity. I loved getting to know these characters and being able to get lost in their lives. Overall, I immensely enjoyed reading Wish You Were Here, but knocked one star off the rating because I didn’t quite experience the intense feelings I would have expected from the subject matter within. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I felt like it was missing a bigger emotional punch. However, I can’t delve too deep into the hows and whys of the disconnect I felt without giving too many details about the story away. That simply means you’ll have to snag a copy of Wish You Were Here and find out for yourself!

5 Tear Jerking Stars!! “Nothing, I just wish…I wish he were here.” Oh boy! I’m a hot mess right now. I didn’t expect this book to be everything that it was. I love Rene Carlino’s writing because she has a way with words that creates these epic love stories that are raw and real. This story far exceeded my expectations. It’s a story with layers and it was thought-provoking. It not only kept me thinking about Charlotte and Adam for days, but it kept me thinking about life, friendship, relationships, and how most of us take it all for granted. “That’s what happens when you live it well, right? When you have someone to love? It goes by fast. You blink and it’s over.” This story will touch the hearts of all romance readers, but also those who love seeing a woman come into her own. The core of this story is love, but also Charlotte’s growth and journey. This book is the perfect blend of women’s fiction and romance. Charlotte is the main character; she’s in her twenties and she’s lost. She unexpectedly meets Adam and has this perfect whirlwind night with him. It’s love at first sight; it’s soul mates meeting. The next morning is plagued with miscommunication and there ends their short love affair. Only Charlotte can’t get Adam out of her mind and eventually discovers the truth. Sometimes love at first sight stories can feel rushed or too cheesy, but this was done perfectly. Each word, each page captivated me and I couldn’t stop falling in love with Charlotte and Adam. I don’t want to give spoilers because part of what kept me reading was the unknown answers regarding Adam. I had a few theories that were wrong, so I felt some shock in learning the truth. My hope was the cause of my heartbreak in this book. I’m not a crier, but I was sobbing my eyes out in this book. I carried out my hope until the very end and even then, I was hoping. Adam has this light that shines so bright; it was contagious on and off the paper. There was no doubt why Charlotte was drawn to him. He helped Charlotte grow so much. He saw what lied beneath and helped her shed her fears. She transformed into a completely different person by the end of the story. I was inspired by both Adam and Charlotte. I wish they had more time; such wasted time on their trivial miscommunication. They have the type of love movies get made about (hint hint…I think this would make a beautiful movie). I was inspired to be more, to love more, to feel more, and to live more. Lastly, without being obvious in how the story ends, I do want to comment on the idea that there is more than one person for us. I’m the ultimate romance girl so soul mates are black and white for me, but this story was done in such a way where I do believe there is more than one person for us. I think there is the ultimate soul mate who will trump all others. It’s the strongest bond and if we have a choice it will always be the soul mate. I think Adam is the ultimate soul mate for Charlotte. However, it’s comforting to know that if we never meet our soul mate or if they leave us one day, there is still hope for love. “I’m writing because I wanted you to know that when people talk about “the one,” you were my “one.” Ok, I promise I’m ending this review. Please read this book! Open yourself up, take it all in, and come out on the other side ready to live life a little more. Happy reading!

I am a big fan of Renee Carlino's books, and I couldn't wait to get started on Wish You Were Here. The cover is one of my favourites of this year, and written by an author I love? There was no way I was turning down this book. Unfortunately, for me, it fell short. I am hugely in the minority with my feelings on this book, my timeline was filled with people shouting their love for it around release, so don't just take my word for it, give it a try for yourself, you might just love it. So anyway! I loved the start of the book. There was so much mystery surrounding this kinda crazy and impulsive guy the main character, Charlotte, meets, and I couldn't wait to unravel the story surrounding him. As the story goes on, we meet other people, one who I completely fell for, and again, I couldn't wait to keep reading to see how it would play out, and all the while, Charlotte annoyed me. She was so standoffish, and I get it, to a point, but she came across rude and I can't stand rude people. At a certain point, revelations are made and twists and turns happen, and I know I was supposed to have all these feels, but I just couldn't muster them. Charlotte completely changed as a character, and it was all so unbelievable. I know, I know, it's fiction, it's not real, but going from someone with no ambitions, to being the captain of a boat after 1 lesson...I'm not buying it, even with what the message of the book was. As for the ending... I liked it, but I still had no feels and after everything that had happened...I don't know. I would have liked it more if I'd connected better to the story and the characters, I think. But as I said, don't just take my word for it. Go read. Hopefully it works for you.

Edited 11/15/19 Audiobook Review Overall 5 stars Performance 4 stars Story 5 stars Rereading this story via audio brought back all the emotions and feelings that I experienced the first time around. Charlotte and Adam's story was just as captivating and intriguing and even though I knew what the eventual outcome would be, I didn't want to put this one down. Ava Lucas narrated this story beautifully. She was perfect as Charlotte and had good variation in her male voices so that it was fairly easy to distinguish the characters. I did think her narration as Adam and Seth was a little too similar though, and overall her male voices were a bit too high pitched. Her timing and performance was still very enjoyable though, and had me crying and sobbing as I listened while walking my dog. It wasn't that I was so sad about what was happening, but more about how moved I was by the story and Renee Carlino's beautiful words. I know some of the actions our characters take may rub readers/listeners the wrong way, but it only made the story and characters more relatable and human to me. Definitely recommend this one! 🎧AudiobookObsession ***** This book completely and utterly blew me away. It demolished my heart in the most raw and honest way, but it also slowly and surely pieced it back together. Wish You Were Here was so emotional and moving that I'm still struggling with my thoughts and feelings, long after finishing the book. There are very few books that I have read where I have loved each and every character and am rooting for them to thrive and flourish. Yes, the story centered on Charlotte and Adam, but there were also many incredible secondary characters as well. Renee Carlino has created quite the cast in this book, each with their own individual journey to embark on. The genius, however, is that this motley crew will feel so familiar and relatable to your own life. I thought of my own brothers, parents, sisters, friends, and lovers as I read this book. I'm still in awe at how accurately and honestly the author captured these emotions and experiences. Wish You Were Here isn't simply a girl meets boy love story. It's also a story of connection, understanding, friendship, growth, death, timing, and of truly living. You will cry as your heart breaks, but even through the sadness, there is beauty and hope. We watch our characters rise up and grow and are left feeling a little lighter and optimistic. This is definitely one of the best books I have read in a very long time. While reading, I was often reminded of a line from The Summer Day by Mary Oliver, "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" You don't want to miss this poignant and thoughtful book! Another truly stunning masterpiece from Renee Carlino.

Such an emotional love story. You definitely don't want to be reading this out in public. Make sure you have Kleenex handy. This is an insta-love that only lasted one night, but forever in their hearts. Just as Charlotte starts to move on from that lost relationship, that lost love reappears in her life, only he (Adam) brings along complications. Meanwhile, the other man, Seth (whom she was starting to move on with,) is left out in the cold... in limbo. The men in the book are all fun and endearing. The women, I have some issues with. The way Charlie treated Seth from the very beginning left me questioning why he would even want to be with her. She played hot and cold with him, and always seemed to be pushing him away and practically ignoring him, while she continued trying to get over Adam. Clearly she wasn't into him as much as her was to her. Her behavior towards him was lacking. Although how she was with Adam after they reconnected was admirable. Other than those few character 'flaws,' it is well written and hits you in the heart. Read it in one sitting (over the weekend, so I could be alone in my sorrows.) lol There are a few sex scenes but they are pretty mild, and a few 'F' bombs thrown in, but I feel this is a safe read for teens and up.

*** 6 Star Review *** *** 2017 Favorite *** Wow! Renee Carlino astounded me and left me emotionally floored in a very good way. It took a lot of ugly tears and emotional hiccups along the way but the end result was so worth the emotional journey. The epilogue validated every single reason I believe in love. I can honestly say that I suffered a very serious book hangover for days after reading this book. The first chapter introduces the reader to Charlotte, a twenty seven year old woman still struggling to find her niche in life. She’s had as many bad jobs as she’s had bad relationships. She’s educated and has tried many different types of jobs. Nothing seems to stick. She’s still working a crappy waitress job with crappy uniforms, crappy tips, and a crappier boss. She’s become perpetually stuck in life. Even though her life is less than stellar, she is eternally optimistic and is still searching for the right fit. She’s constantly comparing her non achievements in life to her over achieving, younger brother who’s on the road to success. Her parents are bewildered by her life choices. Her best friend, who is also perpetually stuck in her twenties, is her biggest cheerleader and lifetime roommate in their crappy apartment. One bad breakup ( the BFF) leads to a night that changes the course of her life. She meets a random stranger on the street and immediately makes a connection that leads to the most unusual but very memorable one night stand. An adventurous one night stand that is filled with spontaneity, maple donuts, and forgotten Chinese food leads to a confusing and somewhat degrading walk of shame the next morning. Charlotte can’t seem to forget the night she spent with Adam, the vivacious artist with a thirst for life. His spontaneity and pure joy marked her soul. Months later, she’s finally ready to move on when she meets a sexy baseball player, Seth, on an online dating site. What begins as a fun flirtation starts developing into a real relationship that has potential of being the very thing she’s been searching for. Everything is perfect until it’s not. There’s something holding her back and that something is her one night stand with Adam. From that point on everything begins to change and spiral out of control. Her best friend is moving on in life and grasping the adulting concept. Her successful baby brother has become her new life coach and roommate. Seth has made it to the major leagues and wants her along for the ride. The problem is that Charlotte is still stuck in her life. Maybe she needs to go back to the beginning or back to the one night that still haunts her thoughts. She needs some kind of closure from the disastrous one night stand that muddled her direction in life. The answers aren’t what she was expecting nor are they black and white. Adam’s life is anything but carefree and spontaneous. He’s a different man than the one she met on the street. Now that she has the answers, the choices are hers to make. Does she let go of Seth, the man who offers her everything she’s looking for in life or does she take the risk and follow Adam on a spontaneous adventure that has no guarantees of a future? Choices are never easy and many times they aren’t right or wrong. They are merely stepping stones in the journey of life. The most important thing is accepting that choice and letting it become part of life’s compass. Eventually it will lead Charlotte to the place she was meant to be. I’m usually not a fan of love triangle themed romances but this novel was an unusual triangle that had all the “feels” from every angle. I loved both men equally and swooned over them both. What I loved most is how they both loved Charlotte. They both loved her unconditionally, without measure, or expectations. They accepted her as she was. They both encouraged her to become something better for herself rather than for them. They wanted her to have everything she deserved in life. Most of all, they wanted her to know she was loved no matter what happened in her life. They both gave her pure unconditional love. I’m choking up with tears as I write this review. Thinking about all that Charlotte experienced, the pain, joy, and rebirth, was phenomenal. This novel gave Charlotte the potential to experience all of the possibilites offered in life. I think we all strive to experience the pure love Charlotte received. Wish You Were Here by Renee Carlino is more than a romance novel, it is an amazing reading adventure. It has become one of my all time favorite books.

Wish You Were Here by Renee Carlino 5 stars!!! “How long have we been in love?” Wish You Were Here will be on my 2017 favourites shelf at the end of the year, without a doubt. There was so much about this book that I fell in love with and Renee Carlino has proven once again that she never fails to deliver. Wish You Were Here was simply stunning, a breath-taking story about love and loss, soul mates and lightening striking twice. This story was incredibly moving, extremely poignant and just an awe-inspiring piece of writing from the very beginning. “Do you believe in soul mates, Charlotte?” “I think so…” “Do you want to know what I think?” “What?” “I think we have soul mates, but I think we can have more than one…” Many, many tears were shed reading this book, the prose incredibly moving and Renee Carlino extracted all those emotions with effortless ease. The character connection was on point, the dialogue was simply perfect and the humour interspersed with emotional prose was the perfect balance. Renee Carlino captured her characters perfectly and brought them to life over the pages to the point where you become the voyeur looking in. I felt that I was an innocent bystander watching the lives of these characters play out before my eyes and it is that connection that makes this book all the more consuming. I don’t want to go into the plot at all as I do not want to spoil it for anyone and this is one book that you need to read as the author intended. This is a book all about the journey and you need to experience this one word for word and let Renee Carlino’s flawless writing envelope and consume you as much as it did me. Charlotte was flighty by nature, in her late twenties, starting and abandoning many university courses and never having found her purpose in life, she is a little lost. Men are not top of her priority list either, many failed relationships have led to her being extremely jaded and second guessing her ability to be loved. One night she meets Adam, and totally out of character has a one-night stand she will never forget. They had a connection, one she has never felt before and one she fears she will never feel again. “That’s what happens when you live it well, right? When you have someone to love? It goes by fast. You blink and it’s over.” Adam is a character that will remain with me for a very, very long time and that is all I am going to say about our lawyer/artist. Other than he was simply adorable on so many levels. The growth in Charlotte throughout this book was amazing. In the beginning, she was a little hard to warm up to, but as she grew, so did my feelings towards her. Charlotte’s heart shone throughout this book and it is her selflessness that ingratiates her to the reader. “Because I don’t want you to stop asking.” This book was simply stunning, it took turns I never saw coming and some that I did. As I said above, flawlessly written, emotional, poignant and one heck of a fantastic read. Simply adored it. “…you were my one.”

Haven't sniffled so much over a book for ages and I just wasn't expecting this to be such a book. Charlotte and her BFF live a mundane life not really committing to or sticking at anything. After an alcohol fuelled night out the girls meet Adam on their way home; he seems to be lost at first but there is an instant connection between him and Charlotte. They end up having a wonderful night together but the next day Adam appears to be a different person and more or less chaces her away. Charlotte tries to move on when she meets Seth, and just when she seems resigned to never seeing Adam again she receives some heartbreaking news. Such a wonderful love story even though it was totally sad, you just must read it. There were a few unbelievable bits and the epilogue which is my favourite bit was miniscule! I wanted to know so much more about Charlotte' s life and what if any job she ended up doing, how Seth's baseball career went, where they lived etc. & I was a bit disappointed but it still cannot take away from those 5 wonderfully emotional stars.

This is the 2nd book I have read by Renee Carlino and I think she is becoming a new favourite. This book was absolutely amazing. I love every character in this book, they all brought something to the table. I laughed, I cried and felt so many emotions going through this book. 5 out of 5!

Renee Carlino is one of my go to authors. I love all her books. She has a way with words that not all are gifted with. I could picture vividly the moment Charlotte met Adam. I love how books could easily do that. It just places you in that moment. The moment she sees his eyes, you see it too like you're there in the sidewalk with them. It's amazing. I read most of this book in the train, like I mostly do and finished this on my lunch break because I just had to finish it. I think that was the mistake I did because it didn't make me feel like it should have. I think I would have loved this book more if I would have properly set a time to experience it. Absorb it. Nevertheless, Renee Carlino is amazing. This book is a definite must read to those who like to feel. This book is for those who love to feel their heart break and to feel hope.

Maravilhoso. Uma temática super envolvente, uma estória de amor, de doação, de superação.. Daqueles livros que não te fazem terminar vomitando um arco-iris, mas te deixam com coração quentinho, típico de um final feliz mesmo depois de muita "perrengueira". Vale muito a pena ler!

I have mixed feelings on this book. I did enjoy it and it got me out of a book funk. I liked the main character at times and then at other times I found her annoying. It is an interesting story and it makes you think. I don't want to give too much away. Very interesting characters and story. I would definitely recommend.