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Wish You Were Here
Freya Daly has a problem. Her property-tycoon father has dispatched her to the wilds of Idaho to buy a rundown campground, with her promotion hanging in the balance, but the owner doesn’t want to sell. Worse still, Freya has rare eye condition that makes it seem like she’s crying, which she isn’t, and it doesn’t make conducting business with the campground’s stubborn, though sexy, owner any easier.
Nate Brody has a problem. He gave up his life as a five-star chef to keep a deathbed promise to his father, and now he’s stuck in Idaho until he can find a mysterious... something. All he wants is to make good on his promise, sell the stupid place to the crazy, but alluring, woman in Cabin Four, and get back to his real life.
Unfortunately, there’s more going on in this Idaho idyll than either Freya or Nate bargained for, and they must work together to figure out what’s going on before things get out of hand... although it may already be too late.
Wish You Were Here: It’s not business. It’s personal.
Nate Brody has a problem. He gave up his life as a five-star chef to keep a deathbed promise to his father, and now he’s stuck in Idaho until he can find a mysterious... something. All he wants is to make good on his promise, sell the stupid place to the crazy, but alluring, woman in Cabin Four, and get back to his real life.
Unfortunately, there’s more going on in this Idaho idyll than either Freya or Nate bargained for, and they must work together to figure out what’s going on before things get out of hand... although it may already be too late.
Wish You Were Here: It’s not business. It’s personal.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2008
36 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 13, 2008
Summing up Wish You Were Here, by Lani Diane Rich, in one word is endearing. Lani Diane Rich is a best-selling author, with such titles as: Crazy in Love, The Comeback Kiss, Maybe Baby, Ex and the Single Girl, and Time Off For Good Behavior. She resides in New York with her family.
Freya Daly has developed what she likes to call “a condition.” She couldn’t quit crying. She is so very close to getting everything she wants- to take over her father’s Boston real estate business when he retires, and now this “condition” was ruining everything, including her reputation. Her father sends her to Deer Creek, Idaho to purchase a run-down campground to prove her capability, the last hoop in a long line of trials. The problem is, Nate Brody won’t sell. Nate promised his dying father that he wouldn’t sell the land. Freya finds herself enchanted by Nate and his ten-year-old daughter, Piper, making her hoop even harder to jump through. As they search for a valuable heirloom, a treacherous secret from generations past is about to put them all in danger, forcing Freya to choose between her old, comfortable, boring life and the love she never dreamed imaginable.
This is my first time reading a title by this author, and I very well might pick up more. Lani Diane Rich has a candid way of laying out raw emotions and practical characters that you can relate to. She has a clever and witty sense of humor which had me laughing aloud quite a few times. The characters were realistically flawed, including the secondary ones. I particularly like the ending, where you got closure without changing who they were and altering the personalities greatly. I love a good romance that is not over-gushy and littered with cliché’s, to which she proves immeasurably well here. The setting was richly portrayed, making you want to jump right in. You can tell that she thoroughly enjoyed writing this book.
Wish You Were Here, by Lani Diane Rich, is a humorous, charming, and satisfying read. Lani Diane Rich is emerging on the romance scene and I see great things in the future for her. Readers will delight in this light-hearted page-turner that will leave you with a smile on your face and restoration in the contemporary romance genre again.
Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
Freya Daly has developed what she likes to call “a condition.” She couldn’t quit crying. She is so very close to getting everything she wants- to take over her father’s Boston real estate business when he retires, and now this “condition” was ruining everything, including her reputation. Her father sends her to Deer Creek, Idaho to purchase a run-down campground to prove her capability, the last hoop in a long line of trials. The problem is, Nate Brody won’t sell. Nate promised his dying father that he wouldn’t sell the land. Freya finds herself enchanted by Nate and his ten-year-old daughter, Piper, making her hoop even harder to jump through. As they search for a valuable heirloom, a treacherous secret from generations past is about to put them all in danger, forcing Freya to choose between her old, comfortable, boring life and the love she never dreamed imaginable.
This is my first time reading a title by this author, and I very well might pick up more. Lani Diane Rich has a candid way of laying out raw emotions and practical characters that you can relate to. She has a clever and witty sense of humor which had me laughing aloud quite a few times. The characters were realistically flawed, including the secondary ones. I particularly like the ending, where you got closure without changing who they were and altering the personalities greatly. I love a good romance that is not over-gushy and littered with cliché’s, to which she proves immeasurably well here. The setting was richly portrayed, making you want to jump right in. You can tell that she thoroughly enjoyed writing this book.
Wish You Were Here, by Lani Diane Rich, is a humorous, charming, and satisfying read. Lani Diane Rich is emerging on the romance scene and I see great things in the future for her. Readers will delight in this light-hearted page-turner that will leave you with a smile on your face and restoration in the contemporary romance genre again.
Kelly Moran
Author and Reviewer
September 28, 2010
4.5 stars. Feel-good book. Enjoyable, pleasant reading about human relationships with romance and mystery.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
There is a lot of good conversation and some heartwarming lines. I was chuckling several times and laughed out loud a few times. I loved the interaction and conversations between Piper and Freya. Nate was a neat guy, open, sensitive and honorable. The author did a decent job creating the bad guys. The plot was good.
STORY BRIEF:
Richard Daly is a wealthy real estate developer. His daughter Freya wants to take over his position when he retires. She is hardened, tough, and a successful, savvy real estate negotiator who recently developed some emotional weaknesses. She can’t prevent her frequent bursting into tears. Her father sends her to a run down campground in Idaho to negotiate buying it. He is willing to pay much more than it is worth but won’t tell Freya why.
Nate inherited the campground from his father. On his deathbed the father made Nate promise to find a purple item but died before he could say more. Nate won’t sell until he finds whatever his father was talking about. He was married briefly and has sole custody of his daughter Piper, now 11 years old.
DATA:
Story length: 280 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Length of sex scenes: 0.2, 1.2 and 5 pages. Setting: current day northern Idaho and Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright: 2008. Genre: romantic mystery.
OTHER BOOKS:
To date, I've read the following Lani Diane Rich books.
4.5 stars. Wish You Were Here. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 11/2/08.
3 stars. Crazy In Love. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 5/25/09.
2 stars. A Little Ray of Sunshine. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 5/25/09.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
There is a lot of good conversation and some heartwarming lines. I was chuckling several times and laughed out loud a few times. I loved the interaction and conversations between Piper and Freya. Nate was a neat guy, open, sensitive and honorable. The author did a decent job creating the bad guys. The plot was good.
STORY BRIEF:
Richard Daly is a wealthy real estate developer. His daughter Freya wants to take over his position when he retires. She is hardened, tough, and a successful, savvy real estate negotiator who recently developed some emotional weaknesses. She can’t prevent her frequent bursting into tears. Her father sends her to a run down campground in Idaho to negotiate buying it. He is willing to pay much more than it is worth but won’t tell Freya why.
Nate inherited the campground from his father. On his deathbed the father made Nate promise to find a purple item but died before he could say more. Nate won’t sell until he finds whatever his father was talking about. He was married briefly and has sole custody of his daughter Piper, now 11 years old.
DATA:
Story length: 280 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Length of sex scenes: 0.2, 1.2 and 5 pages. Setting: current day northern Idaho and Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright: 2008. Genre: romantic mystery.
OTHER BOOKS:
To date, I've read the following Lani Diane Rich books.
4.5 stars. Wish You Were Here. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 11/2/08.
3 stars. Crazy In Love. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 5/25/09.
2 stars. A Little Ray of Sunshine. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 5/25/09.
March 31, 2020
Another good choice for a feel-good book. Not so detailed, but full of fun and loveliness and warmth at heart.😌
October 15, 2008
Freya Daly is ready to take over her father’s company when he retires. Unfortunately her father does not think Freya is ready and wants her to prove her worth. So he sends Freya to Deer Creek, Idaho. If Freya can get the owner, Nate Brody to sell his campground then Freya’s father will let her run his company. For Freya this will be just another walk in the park. She buys up businesses all the time. Once Freya sees the campground and how run down it is; she knows she has this deal in the bag.
Nate made a promise to his father before he died that he would run the campground. All Nate needs in his life right now is some meddling daddy’s girl. If Freya never saw Nate again it would be too soon. One person though that has warmed her way into Freya’s heart is Nate’s, Piper. Will this princess run back home or will Freya become camp counselor?
I loved Freya. She was so kooky and fun. Plus who knew there was an eye condition that could make someone cry unexpectedly. Nate is so patient, kind, and has a heart of gold. Piper was one of my favorite characters. Wish You Were Here is a fun, up-beat romance story. This was a quick read. Lani Diane Rich is a new author for me. She was such a dream to read. I enjoyed every minute of this story. Readers better watch out as Lani Diane Rich is a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary romance world.
Nate made a promise to his father before he died that he would run the campground. All Nate needs in his life right now is some meddling daddy’s girl. If Freya never saw Nate again it would be too soon. One person though that has warmed her way into Freya’s heart is Nate’s, Piper. Will this princess run back home or will Freya become camp counselor?
I loved Freya. She was so kooky and fun. Plus who knew there was an eye condition that could make someone cry unexpectedly. Nate is so patient, kind, and has a heart of gold. Piper was one of my favorite characters. Wish You Were Here is a fun, up-beat romance story. This was a quick read. Lani Diane Rich is a new author for me. She was such a dream to read. I enjoyed every minute of this story. Readers better watch out as Lani Diane Rich is a force to be reckoned with in the contemporary romance world.
March 12, 2011
Another fabulous read from Lani Diane Rich. This woman can really write!
Freya Daly is trying to be all business, as usual. Too bad she has developed this peculiar eye condition...one that looks a whole lot like she is crying. At the drop of a hat. She goes to Deer Creek, Idaho to prove herself to her father so she can take over his business when he retires. But there is a WHOLE LOT he's not telling her.
Nate Brody would love to sell the campground that Freya is trying to buy. But he has secrets, too. And a bright young daughter with a plan of her own.
Funny, smart, and full of surprises, Wish You Were Here is one of my favorite reads this year. If you are a fan of Jennifer Crusie, you should be reading Lani Diane Rich, too.
Freya Daly is trying to be all business, as usual. Too bad she has developed this peculiar eye condition...one that looks a whole lot like she is crying. At the drop of a hat. She goes to Deer Creek, Idaho to prove herself to her father so she can take over his business when he retires. But there is a WHOLE LOT he's not telling her.
Nate Brody would love to sell the campground that Freya is trying to buy. But he has secrets, too. And a bright young daughter with a plan of her own.
Funny, smart, and full of surprises, Wish You Were Here is one of my favorite reads this year. If you are a fan of Jennifer Crusie, you should be reading Lani Diane Rich, too.
March 5, 2009
The characters seem believable. Nate, Freya, Piper and Ruby seem like people you know. They are all feisty. They all swear like sailors, even the eleven year old. That might put people off.
April 1, 2011
great, but horrible cover!
November 25, 2011
NL's book crawl Idaho
took me long enough to finally read this book. turned out to be very enjoyable. new author for me.
took me long enough to finally read this book. turned out to be very enjoyable. new author for me.
July 7, 2016
My first book of this author, but not last.
I really liked it. The ideal reading for the summer.
I really liked it. The ideal reading for the summer.
October 31, 2008
Cute contemporary romance although the "mystery" is contrived.
November 14, 2008
Wish You Were Here,
Written By: Lani Diane Rich
Published By: Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing (Hachette Book Group) USA, Inc., New York, 2008, First Edition, 288 pages, paperback, ISBN 978-0-446-61825-0
Wish You Were Here will charm and enchant you with the entertainingly-witty, romantic characters and story; simply spectacular! BCM
Just one last hoop to jump through and the business would be hers. Freya Daly was so close to being selected as her father’s successor that she could taste it.
As soon as she had the property purchased she could return home triumphant and secure in her new position as head-honcho for Daly Developers Incorporated.
With the amount of money she was authorized to offer Nate Brody for his property, there wasn’t a doubt in her mind that he would sell! Unfortunately for Freya, she came to Deer Creek, Idaho less then prepared.
Nate Brody didn’t have any real ties to the land his father left him, but the promise he made on his dad’s deathbed sure meant something to him!
When Nate flat out refuses all of Freya’s offers to buy the land, Freya just...
**Please follow the link to read the whole review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
Written By: Lani Diane Rich
Published By: Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing (Hachette Book Group) USA, Inc., New York, 2008, First Edition, 288 pages, paperback, ISBN 978-0-446-61825-0
Wish You Were Here will charm and enchant you with the entertainingly-witty, romantic characters and story; simply spectacular! BCM
Just one last hoop to jump through and the business would be hers. Freya Daly was so close to being selected as her father’s successor that she could taste it.
As soon as she had the property purchased she could return home triumphant and secure in her new position as head-honcho for Daly Developers Incorporated.
With the amount of money she was authorized to offer Nate Brody for his property, there wasn’t a doubt in her mind that he would sell! Unfortunately for Freya, she came to Deer Creek, Idaho less then prepared.
Nate Brody didn’t have any real ties to the land his father left him, but the promise he made on his dad’s deathbed sure meant something to him!
When Nate flat out refuses all of Freya’s offers to buy the land, Freya just...
**Please follow the link to read the whole review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
November 17, 2013
I love it when a book surprises me, and this book was chock full of them!
I fell in love with Freya. I adored everything about her--from her "crying condition" to her willingness to ride bikes with a young girl who was stubborn enough to convince her why she should. And how could anyone not love Nate? He's hot, he's handy, he's a gentleman, and the man can cook. Ladies, do we really need anything more?
What I also loved about this book were the supporting players. Ruby was fabulous. I cracked up on more than one occasion at her bluntness. Piper was the coolest kid ever, Nikkie was the ultimate beeyotch-turned-brave-mom, and Malcolm, despite the whole criminal side of him, was strangely endearing. I'd be frustrated too if no one ever took me seriously.
The love scenes were perfectly written. Freya lets herself lean on Nate, finally giving herself permission to need someone. 'It felt like falling and being caught. It felt like not having to be responsible for everything...It felt like heaven.'
This story was action-packed from beginning to end, full of romance, mystery, love, hope, humour, and family. I know I'll be reading it again and again!
I fell in love with Freya. I adored everything about her--from her "crying condition" to her willingness to ride bikes with a young girl who was stubborn enough to convince her why she should. And how could anyone not love Nate? He's hot, he's handy, he's a gentleman, and the man can cook. Ladies, do we really need anything more?
What I also loved about this book were the supporting players. Ruby was fabulous. I cracked up on more than one occasion at her bluntness. Piper was the coolest kid ever, Nikkie was the ultimate beeyotch-turned-brave-mom, and Malcolm, despite the whole criminal side of him, was strangely endearing. I'd be frustrated too if no one ever took me seriously.
The love scenes were perfectly written. Freya lets herself lean on Nate, finally giving herself permission to need someone. 'It felt like falling and being caught. It felt like not having to be responsible for everything...It felt like heaven.'
This story was action-packed from beginning to end, full of romance, mystery, love, hope, humour, and family. I know I'll be reading it again and again!
November 13, 2012
What a fun book. I haven't read any of Ms. Rich before but I feel a glom coming on.
This is a light rom suspense. It has likeable characters, even a moppet that is not just a plot moppet. The 11-year-old girl acts/reacts as a child would in the situations she finds herself in (due to the actions of adults, not because she is just too too precious and finds herself in multiple cute situations). Her presence in the story adds depth and dimension.
These are "people" who would never meet each other if not for the subject of the "suspense." Their actions and interactions are believeable and fun.
The writing it polished and smooth. There are not plot holes that I could see, nothing just to move the story along. The arc is natural, not forced. While time in the story is not all that long, in their "lives" enough time has progressed that the HEA is not too, too soon. And yes, safe sex is practiced and referenced and it is done well and with humor so that makes it all the better in my eyes.
This is a light rom suspense. It has likeable characters, even a moppet that is not just a plot moppet. The 11-year-old girl acts/reacts as a child would in the situations she finds herself in (due to the actions of adults, not because she is just too too precious and finds herself in multiple cute situations). Her presence in the story adds depth and dimension.
These are "people" who would never meet each other if not for the subject of the "suspense." Their actions and interactions are believeable and fun.
The writing it polished and smooth. There are not plot holes that I could see, nothing just to move the story along. The arc is natural, not forced. While time in the story is not all that long, in their "lives" enough time has progressed that the HEA is not too, too soon. And yes, safe sex is practiced and referenced and it is done well and with humor so that makes it all the better in my eyes.
April 1, 2024
Re-read March 2024: This was a re-read for me. I started reading Rich’s How Story Works and wanted to refresh my memory re: her fiction writing. I didn’t really like this book too much; it felt too hokey, even for a romance, and it was tough to feel connected to Freya because I felt like she kept everyone, reader included, at arm’s length.
Read March 2018: Read as an ebook. After listening to some of Lani Diane Rich’s podcasts, I wanted to read some of her books. I had read one (The Fortune Quilt) years ago and loved it, so I wanted to read more. They are light and fluffy in the best way - a great comfort read. They are listed as romance in my library and there are elements of that, but the snark makes it more chick lit to me. There is always a mysterious or suspenseful storyline, too, and I love it.
Read March 2018: Read as an ebook. After listening to some of Lani Diane Rich’s podcasts, I wanted to read some of her books. I had read one (The Fortune Quilt) years ago and loved it, so I wanted to read more. They are light and fluffy in the best way - a great comfort read. They are listed as romance in my library and there are elements of that, but the snark makes it more chick lit to me. There is always a mysterious or suspenseful storyline, too, and I love it.
November 18, 2012
I liked the book. It strikes the right balance between love and villainy, romance and mystery. The characters are believable and flawed, especially the female heroine Freya. I didn’t like her very much; she is too cold and trying to stay that way. She resists emotions, but life keeps pushing them her way. Obviously a change is imminent.
The male protagonist Nate is too good to be true, absolutely yummy, and he finally melts even Freya’s formidable ice shell. And what do you know: beneath all that ice is a beating heart and a loving woman.
The plot is tightly woven, and the secondary characters interesting.
A fast, enjoyable read.
The male protagonist Nate is too good to be true, absolutely yummy, and he finally melts even Freya’s formidable ice shell. And what do you know: beneath all that ice is a beating heart and a loving woman.
The plot is tightly woven, and the secondary characters interesting.
A fast, enjoyable read.
July 10, 2021
Freya seems to be in the middle of a breakdown. She has a mysterious "condition" that causes her eyes to leak, the once tough negotiator is now horrible at it and this job to buy a place in Idaho is her last hoop to go through to impress her dad.
Nate made a promise to his dad on his death-bed and it is interfering with his life, although his daughter seems happier.
The book was good. Nate and Freya fell for each other a little too quickly, but Piper was a gem and Ruby was pretty cool too. The mysterious purple thing had an interesting background.
Nate made a promise to his dad on his death-bed and it is interfering with his life, although his daughter seems happier.
The book was good. Nate and Freya fell for each other a little too quickly, but Piper was a gem and Ruby was pretty cool too. The mysterious purple thing had an interesting background.
August 6, 2016
I've enjoyed this author's books so far however I was a little disappointed in this book. First of all the wig on the cover model is awful! Why didn't they just put a blonde there? The romance didn't seem to gel for me. And the initial huge offer for the property, Anyway, I'm going to take a Lani Diane Rich break and then come back to read more of this author's books. To me, this book was just okay - 2-1/2 stars.
November 10, 2013
Another entertaining read from Lani Diane Rich.
I liked the story line as we find Freya trying to buy some property from Nate. They both have their reasons for their actions, Freya in wanting it and Nate's reasons for not wanting to sell.
I thought the chemistry was very apparent between the two of them.
Toss in Nate's daughter Piper, a 11 year old that forms a bond with Freya and that adds an additional layer to an already compelling story.
I liked the story line as we find Freya trying to buy some property from Nate. They both have their reasons for their actions, Freya in wanting it and Nate's reasons for not wanting to sell.
I thought the chemistry was very apparent between the two of them.
Toss in Nate's daughter Piper, a 11 year old that forms a bond with Freya and that adds an additional layer to an already compelling story.
May 20, 2014
I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn't even finish it. Overall plot is intriguing but the relationship between the two main characters is sickeningly unrealistic - in no way would a professional woman behave in this manner with her career on the line. I couldn't bring myself to read further which is too bad because the mystery of the book would be worth reading if it weren't for the "love" relationship of the two characters.
February 25, 2020
Романтична криминална книга. Има си от всичко по малко, без да е задълбочено. Леко четиво.
Фрея заминава да купи къмпинг в Айдахо и там среща Нейт и неговата дъщеря. Двамата се влюбват, но тъмна тайна от миналото излиза наяве. Те ще трябва да се мобилизират да премахнат опасността и да решат дали искат да допуснат да бъдат обичани и да обичат. Фрея повече ме дразнеше като герой, а Нейт е отговорен и грижовен.
Книга за вашата ваканция.
Фрея заминава да купи къмпинг в Айдахо и там среща Нейт и неговата дъщеря. Двамата се влюбват, но тъмна тайна от миналото излиза наяве. Те ще трябва да се мобилизират да премахнат опасността и да решат дали искат да допуснат да бъдат обичани и да обичат. Фрея повече ме дразнеше като герой, а Нейт е отговорен и грижовен.
Книга за вашата ваканция.
December 30, 2013
Not my favourite of the books by Rich I've read, mostly because the romance was so incredibly rushed. It had to be, given the premise, but that didn't make me buy it any more. Nate was a delightfully good guy, though, and I liked Freya herself pretty well too. The mystery element was wildly over the top, though, which is a pity, as the good stuff got a bit buried in the not-so-good.
June 13, 2009
The story of Freya and Nate. This is one of those "real people" funny books. You only come across a few of these in a lifetime so don't skip over this book. Take the time to sit down and appreciate it.
January 27, 2012
Definitely chick lit but not overly mushy. There was a good story line, a few twists and turns to keep the reader interested. Not too many characters to keep track of, well described to make you appreciate them.
I enjoyed Lani's writing style and look forward to reading more by her.
I enjoyed Lani's writing style and look forward to reading more by her.
July 28, 2015
This was fun! Not much to say about it. Freya felt like a different kind of heroine. I was a bit surprised to have a suspense going on since there was no trace of that in the other Lani Diane Rich's books I'd read, but it worked well enough here.
October 23, 2013
This was a really cute story, little romance and mystery. I loved Piper and would loved to see how she reacted to her Dad bringing Freya home. Would have loved even a short epilogue.
But I loved it very sweet read.
But I loved it very sweet read.
Read
November 14, 2008Lani Diane Rich delivers her most emotional novel to date, about a woman who unexpectedly finds the family she never knew she was looking for. It's a keeper.
January 12, 2009
I had never read anything by this author before but it was good, a combo of romance and a little mystery/suspense. a good combination in my book!
January 14, 2009
Easy read, finished in a couple days. Partly your typical romance novel but with a bit of a twist. I was interested in solving what was going on.
March 30, 2009
I was so disappointed by this book! Also--major language and content alert. The bottom line is--a "happy ending" doesn't make up for all the distasteful stuff!
July 19, 2009
Less satisfying than "A Little Ray of Sunshine." Eh. Will investigate others of hers, but from the library.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews