What do you think?
Rate this book
Wish You Were Here
A very young Beth and Jack met, fell passionately in love and had a whirlwind engagement several years ago in Corsica. But when they got back to the reality of their everyday lives in the UK, Jack mysteriously ended their relationship and Beth was left alone and heartbroken. What a cad. Or was he? When Beth, all grown-up and newly engaged - again - ends up working for Jack by a bizarre twist of fate, they start to unravel a string of misunderstandings that drove them apart. But it's too late to try again - or is it?
Paperback
First published June 14, 2007
134 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
About the author
Phillipa Ashley
43 books1,185 followersPhillipa Ashley is a Sunday Times and Amazon Top 10 best selling author of uplifting romantic novels.
She has written 26 books under three pen names since her debut novel , Decent Exposure, was made into a Lifetime TV movie called 12 Men of Christmas.
Her latest release is An Endless Cornish Summer.
A Special Cornish Christmas will be published in November 2021.
She also writes the Oxford Blue series as Pippa Croft and The Love Solution as Ashley Croft.
She has written 26 books under three pen names since her debut novel , Decent Exposure, was made into a Lifetime TV movie called 12 Men of Christmas.
Her latest release is An Endless Cornish Summer.
A Special Cornish Christmas will be published in November 2021.
She also writes the Oxford Blue series as Pippa Croft and The Love Solution as Ashley Croft.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
June 21, 2011
The story had such great potential in the beginning, but the author failed to push the novel to the next level. Everything was safe, there was too much dialog, too much in depth office-related goings on and there were several editing mistakes.
I would have liked the author to have abided by the rule "Show, Don't Tell." Jack had all this mysterious history surrounding him and only once did the author allude to the truth of it. I wish that more and more of his history had been revealed slowly throughout the book, rather than a confessional in the second to last chapter.
All the business talk and inter-office stuff was incredibly boring and I am not ashamed to admit that I skimmed or skipped a few pages of it.
I also did not like the fact that the two main characters didn't really develop their relationship at all. They pretty much circled each other and then WHAM they were getting it on. And it took a long time for the WHAM moment.
It makes me sad because the idea of the story sounded really intriguing! But the author refused to let go of her kick-board and swimmies.
The author has potential, but we're not quite there yet.
I would have liked the author to have abided by the rule "Show, Don't Tell." Jack had all this mysterious history surrounding him and only once did the author allude to the truth of it. I wish that more and more of his history had been revealed slowly throughout the book, rather than a confessional in the second to last chapter.
All the business talk and inter-office stuff was incredibly boring and I am not ashamed to admit that I skimmed or skipped a few pages of it.
I also did not like the fact that the two main characters didn't really develop their relationship at all. They pretty much circled each other and then WHAM they were getting it on. And it took a long time for the WHAM moment.
It makes me sad because the idea of the story sounded really intriguing! But the author refused to let go of her kick-board and swimmies.
The author has potential, but we're not quite there yet.
November 15, 2023
She renews her relationship with a narcissist. The end.
June 2, 2015
3 Stars
I liked this story, but I'm sorry to say that I didn't 'love it'.
The writing and story were really good, but I had a hard time connnecting with the characters.
July 16, 2024
Това е една обикновена и земна любовна история, която може да се случи с всеки. Много човешка и реална, поради което ми хареса, особено след идеализираните герои от книгата на Лори Фостър "Да измамиш смъртта".
May 25, 2018
Боза... гадна при това. За такива "книги" трябва да има възможност за минусови оценки :(
August 3, 2011
It was the last third of the book that rocked for me! I was swept away with the love story. The sensual tension between Beth and Jack was intense. I found myself characterizing Jack as debonair. Heck, I'd take him back!! That's how good the teasing was presented. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but the "will they get back together" scenario played out as foreplay. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this fits the erotic genre. Not at all. Merely, a chick lit that made me want to cheer for the couple's success. I caught myself in La-La Land imagining Prince Charming in the midst.
In between the tension was funny stuff that made the read fun as well. Also, the supporting characters were intriguing as well and helped the mystique. My only memorable qualm was the 2 or 3 swear words towards the end. I understand that people use it but I read it at the wrong moment. I'm trying to get out of a spiritual struggle and so seeing those words hurt my eyes and felt an immediate heartbreak because I was so enjoying the ending. Really just the timing because I liked Push by Sapphire and every other word there were swear words ... though I'm not saying I like seeing those words, I'd actually rather not, ... it was context and timing there as well.
An overall lovely chick lit and nice beach read ... that's if you don't have three little kids to worry about getting tossed in the sea! I know, melodramatic but we were at the beach a couple of weeks ago and I thought that it was the perfect place to read. But come to find out that I needed both eyes on the little boogers!
Jinky is Reading
In between the tension was funny stuff that made the read fun as well. Also, the supporting characters were intriguing as well and helped the mystique. My only memorable qualm was the 2 or 3 swear words towards the end. I understand that people use it but I read it at the wrong moment. I'm trying to get out of a spiritual struggle and so seeing those words hurt my eyes and felt an immediate heartbreak because I was so enjoying the ending. Really just the timing because I liked Push by Sapphire and every other word there were swear words ... though I'm not saying I like seeing those words, I'd actually rather not, ... it was context and timing there as well.
An overall lovely chick lit and nice beach read ... that's if you don't have three little kids to worry about getting tossed in the sea! I know, melodramatic but we were at the beach a couple of weeks ago and I thought that it was the perfect place to read. But come to find out that I needed both eyes on the little boogers!
Jinky is Reading
January 13, 2013
The first thing you have to know about this book is that you have to accept it for what it is and more importantly for what it is not before you even begin to read it. This story is not a "sweeping generational family saga." It is not a "Nail biting on the edge of your seat legal thriller." Nor is it a "love story for the ages" This book is not "The Paris Wife" or "Defending Jacob" or "Memoirs of a Geisha" What it is, however is a light simple modern romance story. When you know that and read it in the context of it being that, it is a very sweet, very readable and enjoyable story. It's the kind of story that even though you can't quite bring yourself to admit it, you find it hard to put down and you want to know what exactly is going to happen with Beth and Jack. You just KNOW they are going to have a happy ending and you find that your heart kinda does a happy dance the last 25 pages to get them there.
This is the perfect book for lounging by the pool on a summer day, sitting on the front porch swing, or curled up in an overstuffed chair next to the fire on a cold winter day. Will it go down in my top 10 favorite books? No, not really. Am I glad I read it? Absolutely!
This is the perfect book for lounging by the pool on a summer day, sitting on the front porch swing, or curled up in an overstuffed chair next to the fire on a cold winter day. Will it go down in my top 10 favorite books? No, not really. Am I glad I read it? Absolutely!
May 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this one on a recent camping trip.
Reread 19th May 2015
This is an ideal holiday read- pack it in your suitcase now! I can just imagine losing myself in this one on the beach with the sun shining down and imagining exotic corners of the world!
Beth and Jack met eight years ago and fell in love in Corsica. A whirlwind engagement followed- but when they got back to the UK Jack disappeared without trace leaving Beth very sad.
She is now engaged again and ends up working for Jack’s company as she’s desperate for a job. She’s working as a travel planner and finds that the spark between her and Jack is ready to reignite!
I first read this one back in 2009 and didn’t realise because of the cover change. But I really enjoyed reading it afresh.
Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one.
Reread 19th May 2015
This is an ideal holiday read- pack it in your suitcase now! I can just imagine losing myself in this one on the beach with the sun shining down and imagining exotic corners of the world!
Beth and Jack met eight years ago and fell in love in Corsica. A whirlwind engagement followed- but when they got back to the UK Jack disappeared without trace leaving Beth very sad.
She is now engaged again and ends up working for Jack’s company as she’s desperate for a job. She’s working as a travel planner and finds that the spark between her and Jack is ready to reignite!
I first read this one back in 2009 and didn’t realise because of the cover change. But I really enjoyed reading it afresh.
Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this one.
June 7, 2011
I've been eagerly looking froward to the release of Phillipa Ashley's book here in the US. I made myself wait and not devour it when it arrived.
I love the premise of lovers being reunited. Beth and Jack met 8 years ago on a trek in Corsica and fell madly in love. Jack proposed and Beth accepted. Then Jack disappeared without a word and left Beth behind heartbroken. Now Beth has re-entered Jack's life and both dance wearily around the other trying to upset the delicate balance between them.
I felt the supporting cast of Beth's family wasn't utilized as well as they could have been. They played pivotal roles, but were only mentioned as afterthoughts. While I enjoyed the book, the ending seemed rushed and that bothered me.
I am very happy that another book will be released this year and am looking forward to reading more from Phillipa Ashley!
I love the premise of lovers being reunited. Beth and Jack met 8 years ago on a trek in Corsica and fell madly in love. Jack proposed and Beth accepted. Then Jack disappeared without a word and left Beth behind heartbroken. Now Beth has re-entered Jack's life and both dance wearily around the other trying to upset the delicate balance between them.
I felt the supporting cast of Beth's family wasn't utilized as well as they could have been. They played pivotal roles, but were only mentioned as afterthoughts. While I enjoyed the book, the ending seemed rushed and that bothered me.
I am very happy that another book will be released this year and am looking forward to reading more from Phillipa Ashley!
February 17, 2025
Oh my god, no. The characters were quite childish. HE WAS 25 AND SHE WA 19 WHEN THEY FIRST GOT TOGETHER! The two main characters were kinda flat and annoying. the last chapter (27) was honestly just trying so hard to wrap everything up.
The last chapter was so childish! yall have barely been together and you're already getting married. Hes like 36, shes like 28 and therefore GROWN ADULTS! It just felt so childlike.
The last chapter was so childish! yall have barely been together and you're already getting married. Hes like 36, shes like 28 and therefore GROWN ADULTS! It just felt so childlike.
July 26, 2015
Jack and Beth already knew each other before she turned up for an interview at his travel company. He had left her high and dry with a broken heart so she wasn't too pleased to see him again. Of course that soon changed. Definitely a holiday read - easy, light and entertaining. Book provided by publisher and Netgalley.
November 12, 2011
Beth and Jack met eight years ago on an outdoor travel trip to Corsica, and the sparks flew between them. Now she's applying for a job, and he's her future boss in the travel company. This is a hot and humorous romance set in both London and beautiful Corsica.
February 24, 2018
I don't like cheating, even when you realize you don't love the person you are with. You should at least break up with them before starting something with another person.
I also was not invested in the main characters, I only liked Freya.
I also was not invested in the main characters, I only liked Freya.
October 8, 2014
Loved this fun read, and managed to whiz through it in a couple of days. A perfect romance story!
December 15, 2020
I know I read this before but can't find a review, so I re-read it. It's not good.
So Beth and Jack. Their whole deal was completely eye rollingly stupid. Beth's condition for accepting the job is that they never talk about the past. That is one of the STUPIDEST romance tropes ever. Sheesh, just don't take the job in that case. Instead, we get through the entire book before Jack is allowed to explain himself. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Then we have numerous instances of cheating, which I'm not a fan of (but it's ok because both people go on to happier relationships? Uh, no, it's still cheating).
And yes, Beth's relationship with Marcus is OBVIOUSLY a bad one. He's dismissive and controlling (or attempts to be controlling) every time the two of them talk. But she says she likes and respects him. Why? It seems to me she's only dating him because she's stuck in town after her father's accident and maybe he's the only single guy around? Really, you never have a convincing feeling that these two would date at all, let alone be about to get engaged. Completely unbelievable. Still don't cheat on him though. Jeez, break up with him because he's not right for you, not because you found your hot teenage crush again.
The writing wasn't good either. But then,this is one of her early books I think and her later ones have better reviews so maybe she gets better?
So Beth and Jack. Their whole deal was completely eye rollingly stupid. Beth's condition for accepting the job is that they never talk about the past. That is one of the STUPIDEST romance tropes ever. Sheesh, just don't take the job in that case. Instead, we get through the entire book before Jack is allowed to explain himself. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Then we have numerous instances of cheating, which I'm not a fan of (but it's ok because both people go on to happier relationships? Uh, no, it's still cheating).
And yes, Beth's relationship with Marcus is OBVIOUSLY a bad one. He's dismissive and controlling (or attempts to be controlling) every time the two of them talk. But she says she likes and respects him. Why? It seems to me she's only dating him because she's stuck in town after her father's accident and maybe he's the only single guy around? Really, you never have a convincing feeling that these two would date at all, let alone be about to get engaged. Completely unbelievable. Still don't cheat on him though. Jeez, break up with him because he's not right for you, not because you found your hot teenage crush again.
The writing wasn't good either. But then,this is one of her early books I think and her later ones have better reviews so maybe she gets better?
January 7, 2021
Second book of the year down and quite a contrast from the first I read.
Yeah, this book was a huge hit for me. Information and story progression in all the right places, funny and interesting characters who didn't just jump the gun or who were naive or who played the 'oh but whatever will i do?' card. The main female protagonist actually had a head on her shoulders, and a firm and determined one at that, which shock horror...is not that hard to write about so why are more authors not following suit?
My only small gripe was the end which, eh, I almost come to expect nowadays with romance novels. The sudden rush of information that we have waited 200+ pages to find out, all for it to be summed up in 3 pages and then it's all over and resolved, wham bam thank you ma'am. It then wraps up everything into a neat little bundle when actually, the best and adult thing to do (at least maybe in real life?) Is to ask the bastard who ran off and never spoke to you again, 'hey, asshole...why did you run off and ghost me like that?'
Makes sense right, or is that just me? Do i just not understand how books and tension work...
Next!
Yeah, this book was a huge hit for me. Information and story progression in all the right places, funny and interesting characters who didn't just jump the gun or who were naive or who played the 'oh but whatever will i do?' card. The main female protagonist actually had a head on her shoulders, and a firm and determined one at that, which shock horror...is not that hard to write about so why are more authors not following suit?
My only small gripe was the end which, eh, I almost come to expect nowadays with romance novels. The sudden rush of information that we have waited 200+ pages to find out, all for it to be summed up in 3 pages and then it's all over and resolved, wham bam thank you ma'am. It then wraps up everything into a neat little bundle when actually, the best and adult thing to do (at least maybe in real life?) Is to ask the bastard who ran off and never spoke to you again, 'hey, asshole...why did you run off and ghost me like that?'
Makes sense right, or is that just me? Do i just not understand how books and tension work...
Next!
June 28, 2024
Ok
This was an easy read, it began well with hints of possible intrigue and strong emotions. She and Jack had fallen in love whilst on an expedition in Corsica, he proposed but then vanished without explanation leaving her confused and hurt. Now, eight years later, he is the man interviewing her for a job she desperately wants.
I expected an interesting, emotional read but I found the main characters a bit dull, I couldn’t empathise with any of them. The story was well written and flowed easily but it was a bit unremarkable overall.
This was an easy read, it began well with hints of possible intrigue and strong emotions. She and Jack had fallen in love whilst on an expedition in Corsica, he proposed but then vanished without explanation leaving her confused and hurt. Now, eight years later, he is the man interviewing her for a job she desperately wants.
I expected an interesting, emotional read but I found the main characters a bit dull, I couldn’t empathise with any of them. The story was well written and flowed easily but it was a bit unremarkable overall.
October 9, 2024
Such a predictable read: young lovers got apart to reunite years later at a company both start working at (male character ends up the boss of female one), to get together and fix their stuff months later, and to end up married.
This can clearly show the young writing of the writer, which gets some improvement in latest books.
Even though the cover says “perfect book for holiday”, this book has zero holiday read vibes. It’s clearly missing that summer appeal with nice vacation descriptions, and visuals.
Seriously considered to DNF but only got through as it’s a short book.
This can clearly show the young writing of the writer, which gets some improvement in latest books.
Even though the cover says “perfect book for holiday”, this book has zero holiday read vibes. It’s clearly missing that summer appeal with nice vacation descriptions, and visuals.
Seriously considered to DNF but only got through as it’s a short book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2023
will they, won’t they story
Another great book with a few missed opportunities- a real will they, won’t they tale.
Good characters who are instantly imaginable and either very likeable or not!
Enjoyable but a bit annoying- Beth acts a bit oddly but her story is interesting, however it is tidied up a bit too quickly and avenues could have been elaborated.
Another great book with a few missed opportunities- a real will they, won’t they tale.
Good characters who are instantly imaginable and either very likeable or not!
Enjoyable but a bit annoying- Beth acts a bit oddly but her story is interesting, however it is tidied up a bit too quickly and avenues could have been elaborated.
June 22, 2024
Very goood book, finished in 2 days (I am a slow reader) but I couldn’t put the book down it was amazing I felt like I connected with the characters although it was predictable what would happen I loved every single page of this book and was sad to finish it :)
March 22, 2025
Lovely read
A lovely read with plenty humour and characters! The story begins with Jack, it makes a change to know what the male character is thinking/feeling and Beth is a sweetheart!
A lovely read with plenty humour and characters! The story begins with Jack, it makes a change to know what the male character is thinking/feeling and Beth is a sweetheart!
July 4, 2017
So basic. It killed me.
July 2, 2022
Cute quick and breezy summer read. Fun!
July 23, 2023
Cute and fun summer read!
September 26, 2023
A lovely easy little summer read.
October 14, 2023
Wish you were here.
I love Phillips Ashley books and once again this one didn't disappoint. I enjoy the way her characters interact together.
I love Phillips Ashley books and once again this one didn't disappoint. I enjoy the way her characters interact together.
May 26, 2024
Easy to read chicken lit after some hard reads
September 28, 2024
Quick beach read. Not a lot of substance to this one.
December 24, 2025
the age gap is appalling and i was checked out while reading it.. no thank you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews