5 stars. Brb gotta go sob uncontrollably into my pillow.

Okay, so I started reading this at midnight one night. Next thing I know, it's four AM and I can't breathe because the book is finished and Renee ripped out my heart! I LOVE everything she writes. I say it every time, that with each book she gets better and better. But this one- this one is my ALL TIME FAV thing she's written.

This book blew me away. If you need a reality check, a life lesson, or just an uncontrollable sob... look no further. It's beautiful and heartbreaking. But by the end, you're so wrecked that when she puts you back together again it's the most glorious thing.

I'll stay if you want me to.....

God, I loved Seth and the type of man he was. I wished things would have been different for Charlotte, and she wouldn't have had to endure all the heartbreak. All the struggle and pain. But that's what life is. And you can't help who you love, or when they come into your life.

Charlotte is funny. I love her relationship with her brother. It doesn't start out the best but Chuck won me over. He plays a big part in Charlotte's healing, I believe. And for that, he's a good man.

Adam.... Don't even get me started. I just can't. This is where the crying comes in.

Why does the story have to end? ........ It doesn't.

My favorite part was their stories they made up together. I closed my eyes for a second and relished in the feeling they felt. I could feel it. The longing to love one another just a moment longer.

This is not your typical love triangle. Not at all. You just have to read it to understand. Read it and devour it and cry your little heart out because it's so emotional and so perfect.

Thank you, Renee for this beautiful book of art.

This was only my second novel by Renée Carlino. When I first started reading it I really felt like something was off. I wasn't connecting with the story or characters. I couldn't place my feelings on the book yet and wasn't even sure I was enjoying it. But right around the halfway mark the whole story turned around, things became clear and I found myself devouring every word!

"This is the part about one-night stands that I hate. In the end, everyone is just pretending."

WISH YOU WERE HERE starts with a one night stand and a cold shoulder. Charlotte feels rejected and used. What she thought was something special turns into something that could possibly be her biggest regret. Despite her hurt feelings and his strange behavior, she finds herself still thinking about him almost a year later. Can she get past this one person who left such an impact on her and move on? You'll have to read to find out.

"I was in love with his spontaneity. I envied it."

Like I said, once I hit about the halfway mark in this story I couldn't stop. I was so invested in the story, these characters lives and what would happen next that I found myself up into the wee hours of the night finishing the book. I went into reading this book knowing basically nothing about the story. The synopsis doesn't give much away so I want to try and do the same but I will leave you with this: my eyes were leaking without my permission by the end of this book. I. Don't. Cry! Books never make actual tears fall but this one did. I wasn't expecting to have these kinds of feelings when I picked this one up. I really enjoy her writing style and will definitely be reading more of her work.

"It was the first time I’ve ever really been scared to die. I think because it’s the first time I’ve ever really wanted to live."

3.5-4 STARS! Another Carlino masterpiece! While I enjoyed a lot of this book, the characters, the relationships—this was not my favorite of Carlino though I loved the relationships and support between all the characters. This one hit close to home for me as I recently experienced this with a friend and it really tore at my heartstrings.
There were some things that didn't work for me including some of the insta-love and how Charlotte treated Seth. But overall this book and story grabbed my attention from the get-go and I couldn't stop reading—addicted to the words and frantically trying to finish to see how it would all go.
Carlino is still one of my faves of all time and I look forward to what she has in store for us next.

Sometimes I think it's not fair to judge an author by her best work and compare everything else he/she writes to it. Still, that's human nature, and I can't get away from it. Swear on This Life affected me deeply, and it was one of the best books I read in 2016. This one doesn't even get close. In fact, I liked Before We Were Strangers more. I just never truly felt connected with the characters. That said, I still read it in almost one sitting and would recommend it for those who love women's fiction. If you haven't read Swear on This Life yet, I suggest you read this one first because there's just no comparison.

4.5-5 Unique Stars <3

"Your art,our memories,the memories people have of us...it makes us immortal.When you love someone,whether it be your family,friends,partners,whatever,it's like planting a little seedling of yourself inside of their hearts." <3

Omg this book ruined me, I finished it two days ago and still thinking about it!Wish you Were Here is an unforgettable,emotional,intense,heartbreaking and sweet story.When it comes to Renee I can't pick which book is my favorite because all of them are fantastic.Her stories are unique and original.

“Do you believe in soul mates, Charlotte?”
“I think so.”
“Do you know what I think?”
“What?”
“I think we have soul mates but I think we can have more than one ….”


I felt so connected with the characters while I was reading it,I could feel whatever they were going through and this makes the story even more intimidating for me.

Renee Carlino did an amazing job, the story was beautiful and the writing flawless.I'll never forget Wish You Were Here!!!I highly recommend it to everyone!

Wow! This is the my favorite book to date by this Author!

Wish You Were Here is spell binding, beautifully written and will tug at your heartstrings long after you've finished reading!

Seriously, this book has it all. Laughs, sexy characters, sweet moments, soul mates- it's incredible!!!

If you've loved this Author before, trust me you need to read this one!!!!

"6 little sausage" stars from me!!!!!!!

I never know what to expect in regards to the story line when a new Carlino book comes out but what I do know is that book is going to be an epic love story. A love story that will also tear at your heartstrings. A story that makes a skeptic like me believe in love again. That there is someone else out there for me to love again. This happens every single time I read a book by this author.

This story is no different. Although I did find this one a bit deeper than her others. This one is about living life moment to moment and taking advantage of everything that makes you happy. It's about not taking too many things for granted as you never ever know what life will throw at you. And Renee definitely through a curve ball in this one.

I am not going to go into too much detail on this one because I think to fully appreciate the beauty that comes from these pages you must go in blind. Blind to Charlotte and Adam's issues in life. Blind to everything this book comes to represent. Pick this one up if you need just a little hope back in your life.

As always I really like the idea of concept of Renee Carlinos books but they are always disappointing in the end. I don't know why I keep trying with her books maybe I'm hoping they will get better with time but it's just not true. The characters are immature and unremarkable and the romance takes over the whole plot.

I've heard amazing things about Renee Carlino's writing for years now and I don't know why Wish You Were Here is my first read from her but WOW! I had no idea what I was missing. This book- GAH- THIS BOOK! It gave me every feel. There were moments when I laughed, moments when I swooned and moments when I was a weepy mess.

Charlotte was adorably awkward and so like-able. She was also a hot mess. I loved how she was willing to try almost anything and put herself on the line time and again. Even when she was looking back on that one night that made her pause. One random, spectacular night with Adam opened up Charlotte's world and mind and heart and made her believe that there was something more out there for her. And she tried to find it, oh did she try. From online dating to a new roommate, she gave it everything she had.

The true beauty of this book lies in when Charlotte gives up the fight of trying to please everyone and starts living for herself. Adam taught her that. Their time together may have been way too brief but it's impact, Adam's wake, was a force unlike any other.

Wish You Were Here was just so real. Renee Carlino gave me a new, what I like to call, "life book". There was personal growth, acceptance and perseverance through all the garbage life throws your way and love. For others. For your friends. For your family. For yourself. It's not an easy lesson and some never learn it, but watching Charlotte transition into her true self was an incredible ride. AND THAT ENDING!! Absolutely, positively, most definitely, without a doubt, the perfect way to conclude Charlotte's journey.

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.

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

Going into the book as a huge fan of Swear on This Life, I was left disappointed and almost feeling like it was written by a different author. While the synopsis was straight forward, I wasn't expecting so much of the book to be about Seth, the guy Charlotte meets online after Adam goes MIA. I found that relationship (plus the one with Charlotte's roommate and Seth's BFF) to be a tad too hard to believe to really feel invested in that storyline. I was relieved when Adam finally came back into the book and we finally learn the truth about his strange behavior-- which was heartbreaking. Overall, I found myself too focused on all of the things that didn't really seem believable more than I was focused on Charlotte's relationships.

Thank you so much for allowing me to receive an early copy of this book for review. At this time I am declining to review it. Usually I am a huge Renee fan especially of her characters. I typically fall in love with them right away however I had trouble staying connected with these characters. I felt the moral of the story was amazing but with not being able to stay connected with the characters this book just wasn't one of my favorites of hers. I am still more than happy to share it and promote it on my blog as I am sure other readers will love it. Thank you again.

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 miscommunications. 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!

Wish You Were Here was an absolutely stunning book. In fact, it's difficult to articulate how perfectly Renee Carlino captured the cacophony of feelings involved between grief/agony amidst love/hope, how what can be still classed as a light read could evoke such powerful emotion with every page turn, and how I didn't want it to end. I wanted more of Charlotte's and Seth's life because I'm an exceptionally greedy reader, but also knew it would somewhat diminish Adam and Charlotte's love story if more was offered.

This story will take you through a heart-rending emotional journey, but although you will need many tissues for the tough times, Carlino's exceptional strength as a storyteller means you will also have moments when you cry from laughing as well. And, let's not neglect the beautifully penned swoony moments. Sigh. Excellent was the character growth, brilliant was the dialogue and banter, and wonderful the pacing. I truly loved her characters and their role in each moment, even if at the beginning it took me a while to connect with Charlotte. She was a youthful, naive girl who grew into an impassioned and loveable woman. I won't even start on Adam and Seth. But heavens, Charlotte was a very lucky woman.

Renee Carlino is truly one author I will always read. She is an intelligent, clever, and passionate author who draws from life's hardest moments and makes them beautiful and inspiring. Wish You Were Here was simply another outstanding gift to readers.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

This is only the second book I have read by Renee and now I want to take a week and do nothing but curl up with her words. There has not been a book to date that has brought tears to my eyes but this book did.

Adam is so moving. He is sweet, funny and perfectly devastating.

You will watch Charlotte grow and become fabulous.
These words will move you with there fierceness and poignancy. It's positively epic.

A girl floundering threw life finds her 'lobster' and her purpose. You will learn a lot about the appreciation of life from Adam. I just don't have great enough words to describe my love for this read. My life stopped until I finished reading and now I just want to crawl back in and live it again.

All the stars for this read.

❝Love is a wordless secret; it's an inside joke. Only the two of you have to understand it.❞

Absolutely stunning and tragically beautiful, 'Wish You Were Here', is an emotion-filled love story that will hold your heart captive and make you question your thoughts on life!

This is by far, my favorite Renee Carlino book. It was poignant, it was daring and it was beautiful! I cried buckets of tears, my heart ached and I laughed a little, too.

THIS is what true love is; finding your soul mate and caring for and loving them while you live your life to its fullest.
❝The world came to life around me. I could see people for who they were, not what they had. And when I was with you, I felt more alive than ever before.❞ When we reached the car, he wiped tears from my face. ❝Because you are good, Charlotte. You're a good person and you see the good in other people. You care. You brightened the darkest time of my life.❞

Two soul mates meeting by chance. Sparks instantly fly and a connection is made - a match made in heaven. We never know what life will throw at us, but the question is, what do we do with the hand we are dealt?

Can there be second chances?

This story had so much heart and love and held so much promise despite its sadness. The lessons learned were to trust others, to love others, to lean on others while learning to trust, love and lean on yourself. But above all, being grateful for having had love.

Adam and Charlotte's story was touching and certainly not one I will forget for a very long time. Wish You Were Here is a top favorite of the year!

Renée Carlino, what have you done to me?

I have been anticipating Wish You Were Here for what feels like forever. I’m a huge fan of Renée Carlino’s writing. But once I had the book in my hands, I was elated. And then nervous. And I put off reading it. Despite the gorgeous, happy cover, I had a gut feeling that Renée was going to rip out my heart and I chickened out. She does it every time, so why would this one be any different?

I was right.

Wish You Were Here is my favorite book of the year, and one of my favorite books of all-time. I can’t wait until the paperback comes in the mail and I can hold this beauty in my hands and then place it lovingly on my shelf. The impact that this book had on me can’t even be put into words. But I’ll try.

I loved everything about this book. Renée is truly one of the most gifted and talented authors I’ve ever read. She has a way with words that is just so beautiful. She can string sentences together like some sort of word sorceress. Some of the simplest sentences felt like she reached into my chest and death gripped my heart.

I am so in love with Charlotte and Adam. Especially Adam. What an amazing, interesting, awe-inspiring character. I learned so much reading this book. Maybe “learned” isn’t the right word. Reminded. I was reminded over and over again what is really important in life. It was truly eye opening.

I’m not sure what the journey looks like that Renée has been on but the wisdom that lives within her is overwhelming. She pours it into her books and always leaves me in awe. There’s not much that I can tell you about this book without spoiling it or taking away from the story in some way, but I will say that I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

Read this book. Make sure you have tissues—I used 5, plus cried into my pillowcase. Wish You Were Here is one of the best books of 2017. Do yourself a favor and read it.

4.5*'s.

What an adventure! This is one book that will take you on a journey through all the emotions - love, loss, laughs, and acceptance. The story line wasn't what I was expecting, but it was one that will stay with me for a long time.

Sometimes our life can be in a rut and you need a push to get out of your comfort zone and live it to the fullest. Charlotte is in a job she hates, has started numerous careers that don't hold an interest for her, and dates men that are emotionally unavailable. Then she meets the adorable Adam. Oh goodness, he is a little forgetful, but so talented and funny. This changes Charlotte's direction on so many levels, but it's a path she needs to take.

I was really excited to get this book, and it didn't disappoint at all. I am a slow learner, but I am becoming a Renée Carlino fan very quickly. Her books have characters that are well rounded and have plenty of depth. The plots are down to earth but also rich and tangible. I feel you can't go wrong with this book, or any of this writers work.

Good Gawd. Wish You Were Here was so heartbreakingly beautiful that I dare you to read it without feeling like it might just change your life. I finished this a week ago, but I just can't stop thinking about it.

It's hard to write this review without giving something away. The best parts will hit you like a ton of bricks, tear you apart, then finally make you whole again. I'm getting emotional right now just writing this review and remembering. It is without a doubt, one of my top reads this year. It'll unleash feelings in you that you didn't even know were there. The connection that Charlotte and Adam have... it's a once in a lifetime kind of thing.

I received an arc from the publisher via NetGalley.

I first wanted to read this book because of my love for Renee Carlino’s Before We Were Strangers. When I finished that book I promised myself I’d read all of her next books.

The story of Wish You Were Here is as beautiful as its cover. I felt so connected with the characters, their struggles and how in the end they’re just people trying to live their lives in the best way that they can.

When the book first starts, Charlotte is a bit lost and adrift, not really knowing what she wants to do with her life. She’s someone who won’t take chances or risk anything real and who always seems to be sabotaging herself, whether it’s by dating the wrong guys or by choosing careers she’s not really interested in.

And then one night she meets a guy. Adam is gorgeous, charming, charismatic and their connection is immediate and they both feel it. They spend an unforgettable night together, but in the morning Adam asks Charlotte to leave and it’s like everything they’ve been through just faded away for him. She leaves his apartment heartbroken and promises herself she’s through with guys for the foreseeable future.

But she can’t quite shake Adam out of her system, even when she meets Seth, who’s really everything one could possibly want.

It’s hard finding the words to say how much I loved this book. It’s so beautifully written, the feelings so raw and real, it’’s impossible not to fall in love with the characters and feel like you’re right there with them.

I don’t want to say much more because I believe this is sort of book you need to go in without knowing too many details. All I will say is that I have so much love for Adam, for Charlotte, for Seth, as well as her relationship with her family, which is so realistic and I think most people with siblings will be able to related to it.

Wish You Were Here made me laugh, ugly sob, smile like a fool and it just took my breath away. I can’t recommend it highly enough. One of the best romance novels I’ve ever read. It’s a story about finding yourself as well as losing yourself, about taking chances and most of all about falling in love and opening yourself up to the sort of forever love we can only hope to find, despite all the odds and baggage