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Wish You Were Here
Sun, sea and secrets…
A week on the sunny Greek island of Kethos is just what Alice Archer needs, even if she has to put up with her difficult sister. Stella’s tantrums and diva-like demands are a fair price to pay for crystal-clear waters, blue skies and white clifftop villas.
When Alice meets Milo, a handsome gardener at the Villa Argenti, for the first time she suddenly feels beautiful, alluring and confident. But is it just holiday magic or will the irresistible pull between Alice and Milo survive against all odds?
For fans of Katie Fforde and Alexandra Potter, this heartwarming, romantic novel is the perfect escapist read.
A week on the sunny Greek island of Kethos is just what Alice Archer needs, even if she has to put up with her difficult sister. Stella’s tantrums and diva-like demands are a fair price to pay for crystal-clear waters, blue skies and white clifftop villas.
When Alice meets Milo, a handsome gardener at the Villa Argenti, for the first time she suddenly feels beautiful, alluring and confident. But is it just holiday magic or will the irresistible pull between Alice and Milo survive against all odds?
For fans of Katie Fforde and Alexandra Potter, this heartwarming, romantic novel is the perfect escapist read.
358 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2013
41 people are currently reading
863 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Connelly
67 books509 followersVictoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!
Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.
Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.
The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
January 13, 2018
4,25 sterren - Nederlandse paperback - Op naar een Grieks eiland. Ik heb mijn figuurlijke koffer al gepakt. 😀🌹😲
January 18, 2016
A charming chick-lit and a very firm four stars. I won this copy via Goodreads First Reads.
This makes for a great summer read. It has everything you could ask for and more, with it's hint of mythology based fantasy, love, mystery, family, friendship... The ups and downs of more than one dysfunctional family.
Some parts are exasperating, and Shelly is one mean bitch who needs to grow up and shut up and get a job.
This book has made me want to go to some quiet island somewhere nice and warm, and to feel the atmosphere.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
This makes for a great summer read. It has everything you could ask for and more, with it's hint of mythology based fantasy, love, mystery, family, friendship... The ups and downs of more than one dysfunctional family.
Some parts are exasperating, and Shelly is one mean bitch who needs to grow up and shut up and get a job.
This book has made me want to go to some quiet island somewhere nice and warm, and to feel the atmosphere.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
November 10, 2015
This book first appealed to me because of its Greek setting. Greece has been on my radar ever since Lena and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants! I'd read another book by this author and gave it 4 stars. This one turned out to be a mediocre read though.
I mean, it started out so promising! I liked learning about Alice and her office job. I was really excited once she got to Greece. Something never really clicked for me though. There was an annoying misunderstanding and the romance felt off. Especially when Alice was involved with one character but then . It never felt sincere, especially during a climactic scene when Alice said she "thought" she loved the male love interest and they laughed?! And then I actually rolled my eyes at the ending because it was just so darn typical. All in all, this wasn't a terrible book but it could have been a lot better!
I mean, it started out so promising! I liked learning about Alice and her office job. I was really excited once she got to Greece. Something never really clicked for me though. There was an annoying misunderstanding and the romance felt off. Especially when Alice was involved with one character but then . It never felt sincere, especially during a climactic scene when Alice said she "thought" she loved the male love interest and they laughed?! And then I actually rolled my eyes at the ending because it was just so darn typical. All in all, this wasn't a terrible book but it could have been a lot better!
May 21, 2013
Wish You Were Here is the first book I have read by Victoria Connelly so I was unsure what to expect. I packed this one in my bag to keep me company in hospital today but it became clear a few hours into my treatment this wasn’t a good idea! By just after mid-day I had already devoured the book! So now I find myself bookless which is a great excuse to crack on and write the review for you all whilst it is fresh in my mind!
Our heroine is the lovely, plain Alice. Alice doesn’t shine out from the crowd unlike her beautiful sister Stella. When Stella splits from her partner she has a spare ticket to Kethos and she soon talks Alice into going on holiday with her. Going on this holiday with her difficult sister was shouting warning alarms at me but maybe a holiday in Greece is what Alice needs to finally find herself.
Milo is a gardener who works in Kethos at Villa Argenti, he is very passionate about his work and his country. Unfortunately Milo doesn’t have a woman in his life he is passionate about, it would be very difficult to bring a woman home as would they understand when they meet the little lady in his life, Tiana?
I love this author’s easy writing style, the storyline moved along effortlessly which left me flying through the pages. The descriptive writing really helped to set the scene if I closed my eyes it was quite easy to visualise the glorious surroundings and I got quite a shock looking out the window and seeing a dull drizzly day, this book needs to come with holiday vouchers!
Both Milo and Alice are wonderful characters who are very easy to warm to as they are both very warm and caring characters who put other people’s feelings and needs before their own. I think every woman reading this will find they have a little soft spot for Milo!
This book is a very gentle, romantic, feel good read.The storyline was very enjoyable but not challenging which makes for a perfect beach read so pick this one up to keep you company on your travels this summer. I will be picking up more books by Victoria Connelly.
Our heroine is the lovely, plain Alice. Alice doesn’t shine out from the crowd unlike her beautiful sister Stella. When Stella splits from her partner she has a spare ticket to Kethos and she soon talks Alice into going on holiday with her. Going on this holiday with her difficult sister was shouting warning alarms at me but maybe a holiday in Greece is what Alice needs to finally find herself.
Milo is a gardener who works in Kethos at Villa Argenti, he is very passionate about his work and his country. Unfortunately Milo doesn’t have a woman in his life he is passionate about, it would be very difficult to bring a woman home as would they understand when they meet the little lady in his life, Tiana?
I love this author’s easy writing style, the storyline moved along effortlessly which left me flying through the pages. The descriptive writing really helped to set the scene if I closed my eyes it was quite easy to visualise the glorious surroundings and I got quite a shock looking out the window and seeing a dull drizzly day, this book needs to come with holiday vouchers!
Both Milo and Alice are wonderful characters who are very easy to warm to as they are both very warm and caring characters who put other people’s feelings and needs before their own. I think every woman reading this will find they have a little soft spot for Milo!
This book is a very gentle, romantic, feel good read.The storyline was very enjoyable but not challenging which makes for a perfect beach read so pick this one up to keep you company on your travels this summer. I will be picking up more books by Victoria Connelly.
July 12, 2013
It was the cover – or to be more exact, the beautiful blue of the cover – that attracted me to this book. At once I thought ‘Greek islands’, and because I am so very fond of this part of the world, I found myself reading the blurb and then, of course, buying the book.
The setting certainly proved to be a major element of why I enjoyed the book. I could almost taste the cuisines, smell the scents in the air, feel the sun on my skin. I defy any reader not to be swept up in the romance of the setting and secretly wish that they too could go and live on a quiet Greek island with Milo – such a simple, romantic existence:
When he’d returned to Kethos, he’d vowed never to leave again. The bruising, bustling city might suit his three brothers but it didn’t suit him. He would rather walk through an olive grove than a crowd and he preferred a rocky mountain to a shop-line pavement.
I quite understand this perspective, being much more at home in rural Kent and the south coast of France than in a busy city!
I really enjoyed the links in the book with mythology, and the slight mysticism this creates. Also right up my street is the exploration of destiny and fate: do you choose your path, or does some invisible force guide you?
This is a wonderful book for those who enjoy a tale of liberation and growth in a heroine, from under-the-thumb and depressed, to free and loved for herself. It’s also ideal for those who like a physically dreamy but also emotionally attractive hero – Milo certainly delivers on that score.
It’s perhaps not a book for those who like a lot of depth and detail.
The character of the sister, for example, is somewhat one-dimensional, and I wish we could have got beneath her veneer and seen from maturity develop for her also. But having said that, I found a lot of poignancy in the relationship between Alice and her infirm father; very moving, and makes you really care for Alice.
Overall, an ideal summer holiday right – light, easy reading and a sweet romance.
The setting certainly proved to be a major element of why I enjoyed the book. I could almost taste the cuisines, smell the scents in the air, feel the sun on my skin. I defy any reader not to be swept up in the romance of the setting and secretly wish that they too could go and live on a quiet Greek island with Milo – such a simple, romantic existence:
When he’d returned to Kethos, he’d vowed never to leave again. The bruising, bustling city might suit his three brothers but it didn’t suit him. He would rather walk through an olive grove than a crowd and he preferred a rocky mountain to a shop-line pavement.
I quite understand this perspective, being much more at home in rural Kent and the south coast of France than in a busy city!
I really enjoyed the links in the book with mythology, and the slight mysticism this creates. Also right up my street is the exploration of destiny and fate: do you choose your path, or does some invisible force guide you?
This is a wonderful book for those who enjoy a tale of liberation and growth in a heroine, from under-the-thumb and depressed, to free and loved for herself. It’s also ideal for those who like a physically dreamy but also emotionally attractive hero – Milo certainly delivers on that score.
It’s perhaps not a book for those who like a lot of depth and detail.
The character of the sister, for example, is somewhat one-dimensional, and I wish we could have got beneath her veneer and seen from maturity develop for her also. But having said that, I found a lot of poignancy in the relationship between Alice and her infirm father; very moving, and makes you really care for Alice.
Overall, an ideal summer holiday right – light, easy reading and a sweet romance.
February 24, 2015
Na, jammer genoeg, twee saaie en teleurstellende boeken te hebben gelezen, ben ik blij dat ik weer naar één van mijn favoriete genres kan grijpen. Beeld je dit in : gezellig in de zetel duiken met de hond op je voeten en terwijl de regen tegen de rolluiken klettert, weg dromen en je verplaatsen naar een zonnig Grieks eiland ... Niets, behalve zelf op dat eiland te zitten natuurlijk, is leuker. Vermits dat niet altijd te realiseren is, moeten we onze auteurs dankbaar zijn dat zij ons de mogelijkheid geven om er dan toch in gedachten te kunnen zijn.
Ik ben er alvast klaar voor en ben benieuwd welke geheimen er zullen komen bovendrijven.
Een verhaal op een zonnig Grieks eiland, een standbeeld van de godin Aphrodite en plots ziet het leven van Alice er een pak anders uit. Beter? Dat blijft nog maar de vraag.
De cover is alvast geslaagd. Je krijgt direct zin om je koffers vol te stoppen met zomerkleding, het eerste vliegtuig dat die richting uitgaat in te springen en zodra je aankomt, die azuurblauwe zee in te duiken. En hiermee wordt natuurlijk al de eerste stap gezet om de sfeer weer te geven.
Een vlot geschreven boek met de nodige misverstanden en grappige situaties. De beschrijvingen zijn beeldend zodat je je alles goed kan voorstellen, zonder overdreven te zijn.. Je voelt ook onmiddellijk sympathie voor de ene zus, terwijl je de andere met plezier even door elkaar zou willen schudden. Ook daar is de auteur zeker in haar opzet geslaagd.
Wat gaat er gebeuren met de 2 hoofdpersonages? Komt het goed? Natuurlijk komt het goed, alleen is het niet direct duidelijk hoe en dat maakt het zeker extra leuk.
Conclusie
Een ontspannende paar uurtjes lektuur zijn hier zeker verzekerd. Als toetje krijg je op het eind van het boek nog een blik in de toekomst. Dat is, vind ik, altijd een geweldig pluspunt. Daarvoor alleen zou ik al een extra ster toekennen smile-emoticon. Kortom, een boek dat, voor mij, absoluut 4 sterren mag krijgen.
Ik ben er alvast klaar voor en ben benieuwd welke geheimen er zullen komen bovendrijven.
Een verhaal op een zonnig Grieks eiland, een standbeeld van de godin Aphrodite en plots ziet het leven van Alice er een pak anders uit. Beter? Dat blijft nog maar de vraag.
De cover is alvast geslaagd. Je krijgt direct zin om je koffers vol te stoppen met zomerkleding, het eerste vliegtuig dat die richting uitgaat in te springen en zodra je aankomt, die azuurblauwe zee in te duiken. En hiermee wordt natuurlijk al de eerste stap gezet om de sfeer weer te geven.
Een vlot geschreven boek met de nodige misverstanden en grappige situaties. De beschrijvingen zijn beeldend zodat je je alles goed kan voorstellen, zonder overdreven te zijn.. Je voelt ook onmiddellijk sympathie voor de ene zus, terwijl je de andere met plezier even door elkaar zou willen schudden. Ook daar is de auteur zeker in haar opzet geslaagd.
Wat gaat er gebeuren met de 2 hoofdpersonages? Komt het goed? Natuurlijk komt het goed, alleen is het niet direct duidelijk hoe en dat maakt het zeker extra leuk.
Conclusie
Een ontspannende paar uurtjes lektuur zijn hier zeker verzekerd. Als toetje krijg je op het eind van het boek nog een blik in de toekomst. Dat is, vind ik, altijd een geweldig pluspunt. Daarvoor alleen zou ik al een extra ster toekennen smile-emoticon. Kortom, een boek dat, voor mij, absoluut 4 sterren mag krijgen.
May 20, 2013
The perfect holiday, a wonderful romance with a little magic thrown in.
Wish You Were Here is what I would call a real romance, where the connection between two people is about love rather than lust, however strong their attraction. There is plenty of humour but for the most part the characters have a realistic feeling to them, (I'm not sure I believe that anyone as perfect as Milo exists, but I'd like to.) Either way this book will leave you smiling.
Victoria Connelly has a lovely style that is easy to read and hard to put down and her latest novel definitely does not disappoint.
Wish You Were Here is what I would call a real romance, where the connection between two people is about love rather than lust, however strong their attraction. There is plenty of humour but for the most part the characters have a realistic feeling to them, (I'm not sure I believe that anyone as perfect as Milo exists, but I'd like to.) Either way this book will leave you smiling.
Victoria Connelly has a lovely style that is easy to read and hard to put down and her latest novel definitely does not disappoint.
February 7, 2017
I've never read Victoria Connelly.before and I really enjoyed it. The story was lovely and I was on edge as to whether alice and milo would get together, likeable characters and I could picture the setting when reading.
August 4, 2016
I didn't enjoy this one very much - skimmed some parts. I think I found Alice irritating as she was such a doormat.....just not my cup of tea I suppose
January 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and charming, and I loved the relationship between Alice and her father. Stella was soooo annoying! A fun read which I was keen to pick up each day.
November 5, 2017
I liked the premise of this book; a young, shy girl goes to Greece and falls in love. However, I felt as though a lot of the book was much too predictable. In terms of what happened after Alice wished upon the statue of Aphrodite, that was quite obvious, with all of the men gawking at her. Alice often wondered 'oh, why is this happening?'; it was written so plain for everyone to see, it was the wish! I was often annoyed with Stella's behaviour, and felt bored when I had to read about her rudeness throughout various times of the book. I felt as though most of the book was of Alice and Milo's separate lives, not their lives together. I enjoyed reading about the Greek landscapes and the beauty of the love between Alice and Milo however, I felt that there was a lot of depth missing from their relationship. I also felt that the part about Tiana, and the brothers each wanting to take care of her was something that could have been written out of the book.
July 4, 2018
Alice who is plain, not beautiful at all, goes on holiday to a beautiful Greek island with her very selfish sister. Alice finds herself enchanted with the island and meets gardener Milo who introduces to the magical Aphrodite, a statue in his workplace garden. Alice’s life. Is completely transformed through the goddess’ magic but it is only on her return to Kethos that Alice can truly believe how wonderfully her life has changed. Delightful example of chick-lit.
July 16, 2017
This never really got a hold of me. I can't explain why. The story itself is actually really cute and I like the idea a lot, but I didn't really feel the execution of it was all that good. It was a little over the top and I found it more cheesy than fun. It wasn't a book I thought about when I weren't reading it - unfortunately.
It's still and easy an cute read, if anyone should need that!
It's still and easy an cute read, if anyone should need that!
July 17, 2017
Nice easy read although I wish the entire book would have been set in Greece and I felt that certain characters should of gotten their comeuppance in the end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2017
I really enjoyed this escapism and could relate to the sibling rivalry, although it was obviously quite extreme in this example
May 22, 2018
OMG the most perfect book ever!! I loved it. I picked it up and couldn't put it down and read it all in one night. Really enjoyed it.
June 19, 2019
Predictable.
August 10, 2019
Nice quick book to read ; very light hearted
August 3, 2020
A nice easy summer read
August 9, 2020
This book was good but it wasn't a page turner. I enjoyed the Greek setting.
April 22, 2021
A lovely trip to Greece x
June 25, 2022
I could picture this blissful setting! Lovely read
July 1, 2022
This book was bad.
March 10, 2023
A contemporary romantic Novel with a flare of superstitious force by no other than Aphrodite. An office lady who passes her days with no motivation and recognition is gifted an opportunity to travel to a Greek island for a week with her irresponsible sister. The Greek gateway offered her the tranquillity that she craved and a potential suitor who happens to be a gardener of a popular magnificent estate.
The novel lacked the depth needed for the family of the female protagonist- whom I forget her name- considering that that spoilt sister behavior impacted the family and she partly engaged in coercive illegal activity with no repercussions. Also, the protagonist is quite boring, indecisive, and irrational when she started going out with a coworker. Also, the Greek love Interest is a red flag on my book. His behavior is typical of poor men who prey on female tourists who frequent tourist attraction sites alone. He asked many personal questions and had no problems leaving his work commitments to entertain this clueless, inexperienced woman around. How convenient that she a beneficiary of her father estate when she returned to the island? He asked questions regarding her inheritance and few pages later, he professed his love after projecting his ideas on what he would do with a sum like her inheritance?
The novel lacked the depth needed for the family of the female protagonist- whom I forget her name- considering that that spoilt sister behavior impacted the family and she partly engaged in coercive illegal activity with no repercussions. Also, the protagonist is quite boring, indecisive, and irrational when she started going out with a coworker. Also, the Greek love Interest is a red flag on my book. His behavior is typical of poor men who prey on female tourists who frequent tourist attraction sites alone. He asked many personal questions and had no problems leaving his work commitments to entertain this clueless, inexperienced woman around. How convenient that she a beneficiary of her father estate when she returned to the island? He asked questions regarding her inheritance and few pages later, he professed his love after projecting his ideas on what he would do with a sum like her inheritance?
July 26, 2023
wry good but didn’t like the ending
Read
July 29, 2024Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me as I found it a bit silly and far fetched!
May 21, 2013
Being thoroughly exasperated by this ever-more disappointing British ‘spring’ weather, it was a done deal when I saw ‘Wish You Were Here’ on the bookshelf. With a stunning front cover and a synopsis that promises ‘sun, sea and secrets…’, I was hopping on a plane, getting in a bikini, lying on a sun bed, and holding a cocktail in my hand within seconds (all in my head of course!). Sadly, even though I had been looking forward to embracing, indulging and delighting in a beautiful sunny romance, the only thing I really ended up liking about this book was the tempting delights of the Greek island of Kethos, rather than the story itself.
Alice Archer is one of those girls who blends in with the crowd, a girl who will never set the world on fire and who gets trampled on by her spoilt and selfish sister, Stella. And although Alice is caring and kind-hearted, her plain Jane appearance has always made her invisible to the opposite sex, leaving her lonely and disappointed with life. But Alice’s existence is about to experience a whirlwind change of direction when she, against her better judgement, agrees to join her sister on a week’s holiday in Greece.
Blown away by its beauty, Alice quickly decides to embrace the Island of Kethos and, rather than lounging by the pool all day topping up her tan with Stella, she begins to explore the Island, and all that it has to offer. She decides to visit the gardens of Villa Argenti, with its acres of beautiful grounds overlooking the sea, glorious fountains and enchanting statues of gods and goddesses. And it is here that she meets Milo, a handsome local gardener.
Quickly discovering their mutual love for Greek history and mythology, a friendship and romance between Alice and Milo begins and gives Alice the courage to make a wish upon the statue of Aphrodite for men to finally start noticing her. As they enjoy spending the remainder of the week with each other, Alice starts to notice that she is getting an unusual amount of attention from the men of Kethos, and the same thing happens when she returns home. Has her wish to Aphrodite come true? Was her little romance with Milo real or had that been a result of the wish too? Can she actually handle all this male attention that she’s hankered after for so long?
Alice needs to uncover the true meaning behind the surprisingly unfamiliar turn of events that she’s been experiencing and decides to return to Kethos a few months later with a whole array of questions for Milo, and a grand plan to reverse the wish that has actually ended up complicating her once delightfully simple life. Is it possible to stop her wish once and for all, or is there no turning back for Alice?
There is no question that the way in which Victoria Connelly describes Kethos with such thoroughness and radiance will simply take your breath away and leave you pining for the enchanting and irresistible Greek Islands. It was undeniably easy to sink into its warmth and charm.
However, for me, there was a bit of a trick missed here. The beautiful scenes that filled every page were an ideal setting for a deeply romantic story to unfold. And whilst Milo certainly came across as a perfectly likeable and decent character, I was by no means blown away by how gorgeous he was actually supposed to be. I traditionally waste no time swooning over leading men, and on this occasion, waited, and waited, with baited breath for that to happen. Regrettably, it never did. Furthermore, the rather far-fetched sequence of events surrounding Alice’s encounter with the statue of Aphrodite seemed to provide a perfect chance to throw in a little bit of humour as well. But again, I ended up being disappointed.
Apart from the dreamy scenery, this story just didn’t flow very easily for me. I was so desperately crying out to be swept away by a much more endearing love affair between Alice and Milo, but it always seemed to be a ‘nearly…’ on each and every next page! What a shame.
Alice Archer is one of those girls who blends in with the crowd, a girl who will never set the world on fire and who gets trampled on by her spoilt and selfish sister, Stella. And although Alice is caring and kind-hearted, her plain Jane appearance has always made her invisible to the opposite sex, leaving her lonely and disappointed with life. But Alice’s existence is about to experience a whirlwind change of direction when she, against her better judgement, agrees to join her sister on a week’s holiday in Greece.
Blown away by its beauty, Alice quickly decides to embrace the Island of Kethos and, rather than lounging by the pool all day topping up her tan with Stella, she begins to explore the Island, and all that it has to offer. She decides to visit the gardens of Villa Argenti, with its acres of beautiful grounds overlooking the sea, glorious fountains and enchanting statues of gods and goddesses. And it is here that she meets Milo, a handsome local gardener.
Quickly discovering their mutual love for Greek history and mythology, a friendship and romance between Alice and Milo begins and gives Alice the courage to make a wish upon the statue of Aphrodite for men to finally start noticing her. As they enjoy spending the remainder of the week with each other, Alice starts to notice that she is getting an unusual amount of attention from the men of Kethos, and the same thing happens when she returns home. Has her wish to Aphrodite come true? Was her little romance with Milo real or had that been a result of the wish too? Can she actually handle all this male attention that she’s hankered after for so long?
Alice needs to uncover the true meaning behind the surprisingly unfamiliar turn of events that she’s been experiencing and decides to return to Kethos a few months later with a whole array of questions for Milo, and a grand plan to reverse the wish that has actually ended up complicating her once delightfully simple life. Is it possible to stop her wish once and for all, or is there no turning back for Alice?
There is no question that the way in which Victoria Connelly describes Kethos with such thoroughness and radiance will simply take your breath away and leave you pining for the enchanting and irresistible Greek Islands. It was undeniably easy to sink into its warmth and charm.
However, for me, there was a bit of a trick missed here. The beautiful scenes that filled every page were an ideal setting for a deeply romantic story to unfold. And whilst Milo certainly came across as a perfectly likeable and decent character, I was by no means blown away by how gorgeous he was actually supposed to be. I traditionally waste no time swooning over leading men, and on this occasion, waited, and waited, with baited breath for that to happen. Regrettably, it never did. Furthermore, the rather far-fetched sequence of events surrounding Alice’s encounter with the statue of Aphrodite seemed to provide a perfect chance to throw in a little bit of humour as well. But again, I ended up being disappointed.
Apart from the dreamy scenery, this story just didn’t flow very easily for me. I was so desperately crying out to be swept away by a much more endearing love affair between Alice and Milo, but it always seemed to be a ‘nearly…’ on each and every next page! What a shame.
November 26, 2013
Wish you were here is a novel that is, at best, practical. That much cannot be said for many books these days. Much like the protagonist of the novel, Alice Archer, the story starts plainly enough, but then manages to dazzle as it progresses. Plain old Alice Archer has a full time day job, where men never notice her, and a house on rent that is big enough for one person. Alice also has a sister, Stella, who is her exact anti theses. Alice is plain, frugal and responsible. Stella is gorgeous, carefree and spends a lot.
When Stella breaks up with a boyfriend, he leaves with her the tickets for a weeklong vacation in the island of Kethos in Greece. She invites her sister for the sake of company and Alice is glad for the change of scenery. In the island, she stumbles upon a beautiful villa where the gardener is a handsome hunk. She soon engages in holiday romance without knowing the secret the handsome hunk was hiding. They enjoy a whirlwind of romance but due to a twist in circumstances, they are unable to meet each other and Alice suspects he has a family with a wife and few kids.
In Greece, she does something for fun that makes her life turn about. At home Alice deals with the problems in the forefront. Namely, her sick father, selfish sister and men who have now started noticing her. Once she gets back to England, Alice finds herself thinking with longing about Greece. And back in Greece, Milo is pining for her. Over the course of the next few months, Alice and Milo are unable to think of their own selves.
A change of circumstances forces Alice to rethink her decision. She has had enough of the wish she made and decides to revoke it. But it means going back to Greece, and meeting Milo. How she manages to reclaim her life from the downward spiral and if or not Alice manages to settle in the love of her life forms the rest of the story. In the tale of love, family and life, the reader is taken on a roller coaster of two different locations, different people and totally contrasting lives.
Praise must be given for the language and the humour of the whole book. It is filled with individual scenes that are noteworthy and some quite memorable. If the lead people are both wishing to each other, “Wish you were here”, the readers would wish at a few moments, “Wish I were there”. And this is one beautiful piece of work in that aspect. Though the book is a onetime read, there are a few worthy pieces to quote. Wish you were here is beautifully written, and is quite relatable.
WHAT I LIKED: Good character sketch, nice location switch, and relatable story line, clear and concise language with no dreary descriptions.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER: Predictable end, and certain clichéd unnecessary twists that make the reader go “Can’t you see even that?”
A perfectly content tale that could not disappoint.
When Stella breaks up with a boyfriend, he leaves with her the tickets for a weeklong vacation in the island of Kethos in Greece. She invites her sister for the sake of company and Alice is glad for the change of scenery. In the island, she stumbles upon a beautiful villa where the gardener is a handsome hunk. She soon engages in holiday romance without knowing the secret the handsome hunk was hiding. They enjoy a whirlwind of romance but due to a twist in circumstances, they are unable to meet each other and Alice suspects he has a family with a wife and few kids.
In Greece, she does something for fun that makes her life turn about. At home Alice deals with the problems in the forefront. Namely, her sick father, selfish sister and men who have now started noticing her. Once she gets back to England, Alice finds herself thinking with longing about Greece. And back in Greece, Milo is pining for her. Over the course of the next few months, Alice and Milo are unable to think of their own selves.
A change of circumstances forces Alice to rethink her decision. She has had enough of the wish she made and decides to revoke it. But it means going back to Greece, and meeting Milo. How she manages to reclaim her life from the downward spiral and if or not Alice manages to settle in the love of her life forms the rest of the story. In the tale of love, family and life, the reader is taken on a roller coaster of two different locations, different people and totally contrasting lives.
Praise must be given for the language and the humour of the whole book. It is filled with individual scenes that are noteworthy and some quite memorable. If the lead people are both wishing to each other, “Wish you were here”, the readers would wish at a few moments, “Wish I were there”. And this is one beautiful piece of work in that aspect. Though the book is a onetime read, there are a few worthy pieces to quote. Wish you were here is beautifully written, and is quite relatable.
WHAT I LIKED: Good character sketch, nice location switch, and relatable story line, clear and concise language with no dreary descriptions.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER: Predictable end, and certain clichéd unnecessary twists that make the reader go “Can’t you see even that?”
A perfectly content tale that could not disappoint.
May 20, 2013
I’ve been a huge fan of Victoria Connelly and her novels for some time now, so I was really looking forward to Wish You Were Here!
The cover in particular is stunning, and as soon as I saw it I immediately started longing for a holiday somewhere in the sun, with a beautiful view of the sea in front of me. As the cover had put me in a holiday mood, I was keen to get started!
When Alice Archer is given the opportunity to go on holiday to the Greek island of Kethos, she decides that a week in the sunshine is definitely what she needs! The only downside is that she will have to put up with her sister Stella’s attitude and tantrums, but it is worth it to go on a lovely holiday with crystal-clear sea and blue skies. On holiday, Alice meets Milo, a very handsome gardener, and something inside her awakens, for the first time Alice feels beautiful, confident and happy in herself. But is it just holiday feelings or perhaps something more?
I really loved Wish You Were Here! I had a feeling I would like it because I’ve always enjoyed Victoria’s other novels, but I was really swept up in this story and I genuinely think it might be my favourite of hers so far!
The setting of Kethos was delightful! Everything was described so beautifully that I was caught up in the words and completely lost myself in the story, dreaming of being on this truly stunning island. Victoria has a real talent with settings, and she brought the island of Kethos to life for me. I could picture every scene clearly in my mind, I could almost feel myself walking along the streets, looking at the views and hearing the sounds around me. After finishing this wonderful book I really want to fly away for a holiday!
Alice and Milo were fantastic characters. I warmed to Alice straight away, she is so easy to like and as a reader I genuinely wanted everything to go right for her, so I was really rooting for her throughout the book. I think there will be more than a few readers out there who will fall in love with the gorgeous Milo! I particularly enjoyed Milo’s parts in the story, and I enjoyed learning more of his background story, reading about what makes him him and his interests in life.
I don’t want to spoil anything but Wish You Were Here is such a fun read! This book cheered me up and had me smiling, and I was so pleased to have read it. Wish You Were Here is the PERFECT summer read, so take it on holiday, to the beach, read it in the garden, and just relax with this fantastic novel. I would thoroughly recommend this.
The cover in particular is stunning, and as soon as I saw it I immediately started longing for a holiday somewhere in the sun, with a beautiful view of the sea in front of me. As the cover had put me in a holiday mood, I was keen to get started!
When Alice Archer is given the opportunity to go on holiday to the Greek island of Kethos, she decides that a week in the sunshine is definitely what she needs! The only downside is that she will have to put up with her sister Stella’s attitude and tantrums, but it is worth it to go on a lovely holiday with crystal-clear sea and blue skies. On holiday, Alice meets Milo, a very handsome gardener, and something inside her awakens, for the first time Alice feels beautiful, confident and happy in herself. But is it just holiday feelings or perhaps something more?
I really loved Wish You Were Here! I had a feeling I would like it because I’ve always enjoyed Victoria’s other novels, but I was really swept up in this story and I genuinely think it might be my favourite of hers so far!
The setting of Kethos was delightful! Everything was described so beautifully that I was caught up in the words and completely lost myself in the story, dreaming of being on this truly stunning island. Victoria has a real talent with settings, and she brought the island of Kethos to life for me. I could picture every scene clearly in my mind, I could almost feel myself walking along the streets, looking at the views and hearing the sounds around me. After finishing this wonderful book I really want to fly away for a holiday!
Alice and Milo were fantastic characters. I warmed to Alice straight away, she is so easy to like and as a reader I genuinely wanted everything to go right for her, so I was really rooting for her throughout the book. I think there will be more than a few readers out there who will fall in love with the gorgeous Milo! I particularly enjoyed Milo’s parts in the story, and I enjoyed learning more of his background story, reading about what makes him him and his interests in life.
I don’t want to spoil anything but Wish You Were Here is such a fun read! This book cheered me up and had me smiling, and I was so pleased to have read it. Wish You Were Here is the PERFECT summer read, so take it on holiday, to the beach, read it in the garden, and just relax with this fantastic novel. I would thoroughly recommend this.
June 30, 2013
Let’s start with the lovely cover, if that doesn’t sum up a beautiful place that you’d want to be rather than here on a miserable rainy day then I don’t know what will. So yes, it was the picture that first caught my eye and when I read the description well I knew straight away that it would be my kind of story and I’m so glad that I did buy it as it delivered on every level of satisfying my need for an easy, escapist read. It was such a pleasant way to while away the hours lost in a sun soaked Greek island with a gorgeous gardener called Milo who happens to fall for a tourist called Alice that is on holiday with her horrid sister. Milo has responsibilities and family issues that he has to deal with and Alice is not really there looking for love but she finds it anyway, although she is looking to be noticed after having been ignored for most of her life while she copes with her father’s illness and her sister’s selfishness and her work colleagues not even knowing her name. She needed this vacation just to depart from her normal everyday life for a bit, but when she makes a wish on the statue of Aphrodite in a garden that she visits then everything changes when it appears that her wish has come true. Now you would imagine that having men fall at your feet would be every girl’s dream but it soon turns into a nightmare, when the men that Alice attracts are not the type of men that she wants anything romantically to do with. So the wish soon turns into a complete nightmare and results in some cringe-worthy scenes, which Alice has to put up with until she can get back to the island and try to end the curse which this has sadly become. She can’t even be sure if her romances are real or caused by the statue and when the statue is smashed in an earthquake, will Alice get the chance to make things right again? And will Alice and Milo manage to overcome obstacles to be together? You’ll have to read this wonderfully written romance to discover a piece of paradise for yourself.
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