I loved this book! Renee seems to be getting better with each book she writes. I didn't think she could top Swear on this Life, then I read this book and was completely blown away!

Reviewed by Rachel McEwan at Kindle Friends Forever

5 Stars Are Not Enough !!

“… everything is reduced to feelings and emotions and actions that don’t need explanation or justification…..”

I’ve been a fan of Renee Carlino since I fell in love with her book covers however when I picked up a copy of Before We Were Strangers in my local store and took a chance it was then I fell in love with her words. I read the blurb and was sold; it sounded like my kind of read. The style of her writing just sucked me in and kept me captive until the very last page. It was then that I bought all her other books and never looked back. Renee fast became of my all-time favourite authors. So when I was offered to a chance to read her latest book, Wish You Were Here, it was a no-brainer! I didn’t even read the synopsis as I just know she will never let me down. However, what I didn’t anticipate was what an emotional roller coaster she would take me on. Never before have her stories hit me like this one. The story line in this read took me on a very personal journey and at times I did have to put my Kindle down and gather my thoughts and take a few deep breaths, oh and also go grab a pile of tissues! My tears just wouldn’t stop and even now writing this review I’m tearing up.

“I realised that right now is all that matters for everyone….”

The beginning of the story starts at a gentle enough pace when you are introduced to Charlotte and her bestie, Helen. They are living and working together at local restaurant and enjoying their freedom after college. Charlotte has no idea what to do with her life and has had a series of disastrous relationships with the opposite sex. You could say she’s in a rut and needs to take a chance on life but she plays things safe. But, one night she takes a leap of faith with a guy she’s just met. They both experience an all-consuming instant attraction and what transpires is nothing short of life changing.

“Everything I did in the past was safe.”

Adam is spontaneous and a total whirlwind and this makes Charlotte feel brave, which inspires her to move out of comfort zone. He’s recently moved into the
neighbourhood after leaving his high powered law career. Their night together is surreal and the stuff of fantasies but there is something she cannot figure out about him but pushes this to the back of her mind because she totally mesmerised. I think at this point in the story something felt off but like Charlotte I couldn’t pin it down. After their night together ends quite abruptly Charlotte puts it down to a one night stand and moves on but as that night has such a profound effect on her thoughts of Adam are never far from her mind.

“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’ve written quite a reviews in my time but never found them hard until this one. I’m a lover of sharing quotes as I think they add something special to your thoughts and feelings of a book but this time I’ve been very careful as so many I love give the plot away and I believe you must go in blind!

The secondary characters in this read fitted in very well and were very extremely well developed. Yes, this story is an emotional one and thought provoking albeit, humour was evident and at times brought much needed levity at just the right moments. I especially loved the way her relationship with her brother, Charles (Chucky), developed and changed for the better. At first I didn’t like, Charles, nevertheless in the end I loved him.

“ Love is an inside secret joke. Only the two of you have to understand it.”

This book is written entirely from Charlotte’s point of view and at times this did niggle me as I was itching to get into the minds of the other characters but when I finished I realised it would have been a mistake. The reason for this was this was Charlotte’s story. Never before has the saying, it’s not about the destination but all about the journey and this book is shining example of that. This author has delivered a heart breaking, emotional but bittersweet read and one that will stay with me for some time. If you are already a fan of Ms. Carlino’s work then you’ll adore it however, if you have yet to read her work then get ready as she will spoil you rotten!

I have love every single book Renee Carlino has written and I am ecstatic to report that Wish You Were Here is as fantastic as I hoped it would be!!!!!

Living in Los Angles, Charlotte finds herself tolerating her job as a waitress and finding herself very unlucky in love. Upon randomly meeting Adam, a handsome stranger, Charlotte feels an immediate connection. Shocking herself and her bestie Helen, Charlotte has a very unexpected and uncharacteristic one night stand with Adam!!! The night was magical and couldn't have gone better...until the morning!! When they woke up, Adam was cold and distant. Any fairy tale ideas Charlotte had built overnight in her head crumbled!! Charlotte left his apartment that morning and intended to walk out of Adam's life permanently...or so she thinks!!!

Renee Carlino is a master storyteller!!!!! When I started With You Were Here I wasn't sure what direction this novel would take me. I had a couple theories on how I thought the plot would play out, but I was totally wrong. I LOVED what Ms. Carlino had planned for Charlotte!!!!! The entire novel was completely original and was perfectly paced. I don't want to touch on the storyline anymore than I have because this book is written so cleverly and I wouldn't want to spoil anything!! I will say that by the end, I was blown away!! The different emotions I had throughout this book was plentiful and the feels were enormous. Wish You Were Here is a 5+++ star read that will stay with you long after you finish!! This book is a sure thing-- go 1-click it!!

Heartbreakingly fantastic. Swollen eyes and a full heart. Hallmark Renee Carlino and I can't wait for what is next.