Wish You Were Here

A Novel

By: Renée Carlino

Narrated by: Ava Lucas

Charlotte has spent her 20s adrift, searching for a spark to jump-start her life and give her a sense of purpose. She’s had as many jobs as she’s had bad relationships, and now she’s feeling especially lost in her less-than-glamorous gig at a pie-and-fry joint in Los Angeles, where the uniforms are bad and the tips are even worse. Then she collides - literally - with Adam, an intriguing, handsome, and mysterious painter. Their serendipitous meeting on the street turns into a whirlwind one-night stand that has Charlotte feeling enchanted by Adam’s spontaneity and joy for life. There’s promise in both his words and actions, but in the harsh light of morning, Adam’s tune changes, leaving Charlotte to wonder if her notorious bad luck with men is really just her own bad judgment.

Months later, a new relationship with Seth, a charming baseball player, is turning into something more meaningful, but Charlotte’s still having trouble moving past her one enthralling night with Adam. But why? When she searches for answers, she finds the situation with Adam is far more complicated than she ever imagined. Faced with the decision to write a new story with Seth or finish the one started with Adam, Charlotte embarks on a life-altering journey, one that takes her across the world and back again, bringing a lifetime’s worth of pain, joy, and wisdom.

©2019 Dreamscape Media, LLC (P)2019 Dreamscape Media, LLC

I loved this story!

I loved this story. The narrator was wonderful. I have found a new favorite author and look forward to listening to this narrator again.

A Truly Poignant Story about Life & Love

I originally read this book in 2017 (review below). 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.

Emotional

I loved this story. It took a few chapters for me to get into it but then I was hooked and listened at every spare moment until done. Fabulous writing, oh and grab a box of tissue.

Human

This book is so heartbreakingly sweet and very human. Listen to it when you have some time alone. I had wet eyes through most of it.

loved it

just such a sweet and hopefull story. loved all the players in the end (even Charlotte)

Get Ready to Cry Like a B@#ch

I don't usually write reviews, but this one made me cry like a little bitch. Emotions can be hard for me so the fact that I was sobbing listening to this story means to me that it was great.

Best story

The best story I have listened to in a long time. Sad and heartfelt, a really good listen and the narrators were perfect

Amazing story!!!!

I haven't cried so much listening or reading a book, I couldn't stop, it had the understanding of true love, understanding, compassion and 2nd chances. It really touched me and I will be listening to it again as I'm a glutton for punishment to my heart.

such a surprise

This book was deeper and more complex than I expected. I loved the characters, their stories, and how it was all organized. It was much heavier than I anticipated but completely worth every minute.

wonderful

I teared up twice. the words were so beautiful describing love. in the beginning I wanted to shake our girl but she evolved making it a more powerful end