You know when you’re looking at someone and you can’t help but smile at how oblivious they are to their own charm? That’s what was happening to me, and it was making me feel…happy. Euphoric. Something indescribable. It was like we already knew each other, like we had met in a previous life. Memories that didn’t exist began exploding in my mind like fireworks.
Charlotte has spent her twenties 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. 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. 5 Star Review by Ashley
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. About the Author
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of contemporary women's novels and new adult fiction. Her books have been featured in national publications, including USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, and Publisher's Weekly. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she's not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate. Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com
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