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Wish You Weren't Here: A Novel
In this transportive debut, a woman spending a summer in Italy finds her world completely upended–but it may be the kick she’s needed to figure out who she truly wants to be, perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle and Tessa Bailey.
Ava Graham's ducks are in a row as she heads off to Italy to complete her final law school credits and fulfill a promise she made to her late mother five years ago. Ava expects her long-term boyfriend to propose before her trip, but instead of giving her a ring, he suggests they use her time abroad as a “break” before settling down.
When James Massini arrives–late–to the airport to pick up Ava as a favor to his aunt and uncle, he’s surprised to find that she’s not a young co-ed, but a fascinating woman approaching thirty with a serious superiority complex and a habit of underestimating him. When she’s assigned to his class as a TA, he becomes determined to prove to her that there is more to life than plans and lists, no matter how hard she fights with him–or how annoyingly charming he finds their banter.
Despite the sudden disaster of her life, type A Ava might actually enjoy Italy—if only annoyingly carefree James wasn’t there, too. As Ava reluctantly lets James try to show her a different way of life in Italy, she begins to find beauty in the chaos. Of course, it’s when things begin to make sense again that her past comes storming back.
With a humorously relatable protagonist and a rich Italian setting, this debut novel is an escapist treat and a necessary reminder that life doesn’t always care about the plans we’ve made for ourselves.
Ava Graham's ducks are in a row as she heads off to Italy to complete her final law school credits and fulfill a promise she made to her late mother five years ago. Ava expects her long-term boyfriend to propose before her trip, but instead of giving her a ring, he suggests they use her time abroad as a “break” before settling down.
When James Massini arrives–late–to the airport to pick up Ava as a favor to his aunt and uncle, he’s surprised to find that she’s not a young co-ed, but a fascinating woman approaching thirty with a serious superiority complex and a habit of underestimating him. When she’s assigned to his class as a TA, he becomes determined to prove to her that there is more to life than plans and lists, no matter how hard she fights with him–or how annoyingly charming he finds their banter.
Despite the sudden disaster of her life, type A Ava might actually enjoy Italy—if only annoyingly carefree James wasn’t there, too. As Ava reluctantly lets James try to show her a different way of life in Italy, she begins to find beauty in the chaos. Of course, it’s when things begin to make sense again that her past comes storming back.
With a humorously relatable protagonist and a rich Italian setting, this debut novel is an escapist treat and a necessary reminder that life doesn’t always care about the plans we’ve made for ourselves.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
67 people are currently reading
8512 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
January 26, 2024
WISH YOU WEREN'T HERE is transportive and gorgeous, perfectly blending escapism with real and complex characters that were easy to root for. James and Ava's romance journey is brimming with wit, yearning, and made my heart soar. I cannot wait to read everything Christy writes.
July 28, 2024
A wonderfully heartwarming debut that has me eager for the authors next work!
This story follows Ava as she goes on a visit to Italy, a place her mother previously fell in love with and encouraged her to visit. The descriptions of the setting were so immersive and really captivating. The characters were well rounded and had me rooting for them all throughout the story. I would definitely recommend the read especially for fans of One Italian Summer!!
I swapped back and forth between the audio & physical copy, and I would definitely recommend the audio if you’re a fan of listening!! The narration was great and also helped to be immersed in the story.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy!
This story follows Ava as she goes on a visit to Italy, a place her mother previously fell in love with and encouraged her to visit. The descriptions of the setting were so immersive and really captivating. The characters were well rounded and had me rooting for them all throughout the story. I would definitely recommend the read especially for fans of One Italian Summer!!
I swapped back and forth between the audio & physical copy, and I would definitely recommend the audio if you’re a fan of listening!! The narration was great and also helped to be immersed in the story.
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy!
April 26, 2024
I enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers summer rom-com set in Italy. The descriptions of the food and beauty of the countryside made me feel like I was there and I want to take a trip right now. I loved the characters of the town, there was a great sense of community. Art was the main background of the story and it was something that I really related to and enjoyed. The FMC and MMC connected emotionally through past traumas and other secrets uncovered throughout the book. There were a few chapters with open-door spice and a few closed-door in the second half of the book. I thought it was paced well until the end when it seemed a little rushed in the predictable ending.
October 24, 2023
This book was such a cultural breath of fresh air! It had me wanting to buy a 1 one way ticket to Italy to sip aperol spritz and eat pasta all day, a girl can dream right?!
I loved the storyline of this book. The FMC Ava was so relatable and this book was a nice reminder that no matter what stage of your life you are in, sometimes the universe has different plans for you and you need to take the signs when they appear.
This book transported you to the little Italian town of Urbino that is full of culture and breathtaking scenery. The descriptions Christy used in this book made you feel like you were there the entire time.
I felt every emotion while reading this book, I laughed, I cried and I swooned for Italian heartthrob James 🤤
I highly recommend reading this book when it is published in May next year. It was such a beautiful wholesome read.
I loved the storyline of this book. The FMC Ava was so relatable and this book was a nice reminder that no matter what stage of your life you are in, sometimes the universe has different plans for you and you need to take the signs when they appear.
This book transported you to the little Italian town of Urbino that is full of culture and breathtaking scenery. The descriptions Christy used in this book made you feel like you were there the entire time.
I felt every emotion while reading this book, I laughed, I cried and I swooned for Italian heartthrob James 🤤
I highly recommend reading this book when it is published in May next year. It was such a beautiful wholesome read.
September 26, 2024
Ok, fine. I’ll book a trip to Italy.
Seriously, this book was everything I needed it to be. My love for travel 🤝 my love for reading.
Quotes of mention:
"Time has a funny way of haunting us when it is wasted."
“If you don't go you won't see, if you don't see you won't know, if you don't know you'll always take it in the ass.” (🤣🤣🤣)
"At some point in life, you will know that some people can stay in your heart but not in your life."
“You gave me back pieces of myself that I thought died with her”
“If you aren't happy, then you are wasting time,"
“You were the dream I never dreamed of, my love. The dream I could never have imagined for myself.”
Seriously, this book was everything I needed it to be. My love for travel 🤝 my love for reading.
Quotes of mention:
"Time has a funny way of haunting us when it is wasted."
“If you don't go you won't see, if you don't see you won't know, if you don't know you'll always take it in the ass.” (🤣🤣🤣)
"At some point in life, you will know that some people can stay in your heart but not in your life."
“You gave me back pieces of myself that I thought died with her”
“If you aren't happy, then you are wasting time,"
“You were the dream I never dreamed of, my love. The dream I could never have imagined for myself.”
July 1, 2024
I love a book that can whisk you away through its words. The small, hilly Italian town of Urbino was an utterly dreamy escape. The writing truly painted a vivid landscape. From the delicious food to the charming narrowed streets, it was a setting that was descriptive in every sense.
Heading to Italy for the summer to complete her final credits for law school, Ava anticipates a proposal from her boyfriend. But instead of getting engaged like she hoped, said boyfriend suggests a temporary break, encouraging Ava to live freely in Italy before making their final commitment.
Pfft. Good riddance. Thankfully for Ava, this heartbreak uncovers a beautiful trip of self-discovery and family history. And an unexpected romance, of course! Beginning as enemies and transitioning to colleagues, the relationship between Ava and James was a deeply romantic, passionate slow burn that shimmered with tension.
The story was a tad lengthy and leans heavily into photography and art, which isn't an interest of mine, but the romance (and secondary characters) more than made up for it. Overall a fantastic debut and I'm excited to see more from this author!
(heat level: one open-door scene, moderate details)
Heading to Italy for the summer to complete her final credits for law school, Ava anticipates a proposal from her boyfriend. But instead of getting engaged like she hoped, said boyfriend suggests a temporary break, encouraging Ava to live freely in Italy before making their final commitment.
Pfft. Good riddance. Thankfully for Ava, this heartbreak uncovers a beautiful trip of self-discovery and family history. And an unexpected romance, of course! Beginning as enemies and transitioning to colleagues, the relationship between Ava and James was a deeply romantic, passionate slow burn that shimmered with tension.
The story was a tad lengthy and leans heavily into photography and art, which isn't an interest of mine, but the romance (and secondary characters) more than made up for it. Overall a fantastic debut and I'm excited to see more from this author!
(heat level: one open-door scene, moderate details)
August 9, 2025
⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 2/5
I’m not joking when I say this book is now in my top five! I absolutely loved every single moment of this book! The transportive way Christy Schillig shares Italy with the reader is so magical!
The romance found on the pages of this book was so dreamy. The whirlwind Italian romance had me swooning over anything Ava and James did together! I couldn’t get enough of their banter! Not only that, but I absolutely adored the charming found family that Ava easily integrated herself into in Urbino. Every single one of them melted my heart.
I really enjoyed seeing how much Ava changed from the first page to the last. Navigating the grief of losing her mother in the place she held so dear, uncovering new pieces of her through stories from friends she made when she was young, and, on top of it all, trying to rediscover herself. All this combined made for an utterly perfect story!
I cannot recommend this book enough! The absolute perfect summer read!
🌶️ 2/5
I’m not joking when I say this book is now in my top five! I absolutely loved every single moment of this book! The transportive way Christy Schillig shares Italy with the reader is so magical!
The romance found on the pages of this book was so dreamy. The whirlwind Italian romance had me swooning over anything Ava and James did together! I couldn’t get enough of their banter! Not only that, but I absolutely adored the charming found family that Ava easily integrated herself into in Urbino. Every single one of them melted my heart.
I really enjoyed seeing how much Ava changed from the first page to the last. Navigating the grief of losing her mother in the place she held so dear, uncovering new pieces of her through stories from friends she made when she was young, and, on top of it all, trying to rediscover herself. All this combined made for an utterly perfect story!
I cannot recommend this book enough! The absolute perfect summer read!
July 29, 2024
lots of tropes & clichés — enemies-to-friends-to lovers. nerdy hot girl with perfectionist tendencies learns to let go of her plans and find happiness and love. mom has cancer and dies and daughter is left with lingering emotional scars -- but gets a found family during study abroad in italy. breakup leads to a woman’s self-discovery and love in italy. fun italian family with big personalities and lots of shared dinner.
lots of issues with details, like greek mythology written in latin (?) and what of this betch *not* taking the bar exam before working as a lawyer (?) and how did ethan find out where ava was in all of venice (?) ?!
maybe i’m grumpy and jaded, but there are way cuter, funnier, smuttier, deeper, better written, etc. rom-coms out there to pick up instead (*and* i say this as someone who is okay with tessa bailey!). if it wasn’t a book club selection, i probably would have DNF’ed this one. it’s a “skip” recommendation from me.
lots of issues with details, like greek mythology written in latin (?) and what of this betch *not* taking the bar exam before working as a lawyer (?) and how did ethan find out where ava was in all of venice (?) ?!
maybe i’m grumpy and jaded, but there are way cuter, funnier, smuttier, deeper, better written, etc. rom-coms out there to pick up instead (*and* i say this as someone who is okay with tessa bailey!). if it wasn’t a book club selection, i probably would have DNF’ed this one. it’s a “skip” recommendation from me.
April 4, 2025
4.5
Really enjoyed this one and now I desperately want to go to Italy again
Really enjoyed this one and now I desperately want to go to Italy again
July 10, 2024
First things first, I am completely aware of the fact that I am a snob when it comes to literature. That is to say, I recognize that people loved this book--and I deeply respect that--but I found this book laughably terrible.
I am not a huge fan of contemporary romance novels at all, so I figured that a two-pronged approach to a review would be the most apt. To begin, I want to cover the structural and rhetorical components that hindered my ability to enjoy this book. Second, I just have opinions that have nothing to do with form.
As with most romance novels, the premise was wildly unrealistic in so many ways. The very first interaction between James and Ava when she assumes that he can't speak English just wouldn't happen; is it too presumptuous of me to assume that if James knew that he was driving an American who gave no sign of knowing Italian, he would at least address her in English? Even then, the "enemies-to-lovers" framework makes zero sense. It is animosity born from a perceived language barrier, a serious mountain of a molehill. It is also clear to me that the author has clearly never been to law school. If Ava was finishing the third year of her law program and then finishing coursework in the summer, there is no way that she would be a working attorney by August (unless we were supposed to imply that she was also studying for the Bar while in Urbino). I also don't really understand how TA-ing for an art history course equates credits that one would get from a seminar on law.
I also think that there were parts that were unclear or just poorly explained. For example, the post card. We aren't exactly keyed into why this postcard is really important at all other than the fact that her dead mother (yet another overdone trope) gave it to her. Plus, we are also led to believe that James has a tragic backstory, but it's never fully articulated. In fact, this book had essentially no plot motivations other than the fact that Ava was there to do a promptly (conveniently) canceled law seminar. The random sequences of Ava and James dealing with students at the club and police station (?????) had no actual bearing on the plot.
Also, one thing that actually bothers me is the fact that in one fell swoop, the author lumps Virgil and Homer together as an impetus to learn Latin. This is me being pedantic, but last time I checked, Homer was Greek. While I am certain there are Latin translations of his epics, they wouldn't be accessible to a teenage girl, surely.
As for the characters, they are lazily constructed and hardly remarkable. What do we know about Ava? She has a plan and repressed grief. James? Mommy issues and photography. I had zero reason to actually like these characters because there was nothing notable about them. They truly just felt like vehicles to a happy ending. Point blank.
Then there were just the things that I didn't like personally. First of all, any romance novel that features an adult woman using Harry Potter as a common referential point automatically loses brownie points. How am I supposed to take any of the touching scenes between the characters seriously when the FMC is clearly someone who has based much of her identity on her Hogwarts house? She also just gives "It's Wine O'Clock" vibes and I have nothing to justify that. I also personally found it really annoying that in the birthplace of Raphael, Francesco di Giorgio Martini, Donato Bramante, Filippo Bellini, and other extremely influential painters, the American foreign exchange student was the person whose artwork became a local legend. Make it make sense.
There were a few things that I actually enjoyed--I promise! I thought that the descriptions of the paintings themselves were quite good. I think that the visual aspects of photography and painting were reflected really well in Schillig's writing. I also loved Verga, but I am a sucker for Neapolitan Mastiffs.
It pains me to say this, but overall, this book very much encapsulates the person who studies abroad in Italy and comes back to the United States over-pronouncing "mozzarella" as "Mootzarell." I think if I were on the beach or on a flight I would have enjoyed this more, but this was not it for me.
I would give this book 1.5/5 stars. (rounded up to 2 because I feel bad for eviscerating such an inconsequential read.)
I am not a huge fan of contemporary romance novels at all, so I figured that a two-pronged approach to a review would be the most apt. To begin, I want to cover the structural and rhetorical components that hindered my ability to enjoy this book. Second, I just have opinions that have nothing to do with form.
As with most romance novels, the premise was wildly unrealistic in so many ways. The very first interaction between James and Ava when she assumes that he can't speak English just wouldn't happen; is it too presumptuous of me to assume that if James knew that he was driving an American who gave no sign of knowing Italian, he would at least address her in English? Even then, the "enemies-to-lovers" framework makes zero sense. It is animosity born from a perceived language barrier, a serious mountain of a molehill. It is also clear to me that the author has clearly never been to law school. If Ava was finishing the third year of her law program and then finishing coursework in the summer, there is no way that she would be a working attorney by August (unless we were supposed to imply that she was also studying for the Bar while in Urbino). I also don't really understand how TA-ing for an art history course equates credits that one would get from a seminar on law.
I also think that there were parts that were unclear or just poorly explained. For example, the post card. We aren't exactly keyed into why this postcard is really important at all other than the fact that her dead mother (yet another overdone trope) gave it to her. Plus, we are also led to believe that James has a tragic backstory, but it's never fully articulated. In fact, this book had essentially no plot motivations other than the fact that Ava was there to do a promptly (conveniently) canceled law seminar. The random sequences of Ava and James dealing with students at the club and police station (?????) had no actual bearing on the plot.
Also, one thing that actually bothers me is the fact that in one fell swoop, the author lumps Virgil and Homer together as an impetus to learn Latin. This is me being pedantic, but last time I checked, Homer was Greek. While I am certain there are Latin translations of his epics, they wouldn't be accessible to a teenage girl, surely.
As for the characters, they are lazily constructed and hardly remarkable. What do we know about Ava? She has a plan and repressed grief. James? Mommy issues and photography. I had zero reason to actually like these characters because there was nothing notable about them. They truly just felt like vehicles to a happy ending. Point blank.
Then there were just the things that I didn't like personally. First of all, any romance novel that features an adult woman using Harry Potter as a common referential point automatically loses brownie points. How am I supposed to take any of the touching scenes between the characters seriously when the FMC is clearly someone who has based much of her identity on her Hogwarts house? She also just gives "It's Wine O'Clock" vibes and I have nothing to justify that. I also personally found it really annoying that in the birthplace of Raphael, Francesco di Giorgio Martini, Donato Bramante, Filippo Bellini, and other extremely influential painters, the American foreign exchange student was the person whose artwork became a local legend. Make it make sense.
There were a few things that I actually enjoyed--I promise! I thought that the descriptions of the paintings themselves were quite good. I think that the visual aspects of photography and painting were reflected really well in Schillig's writing. I also loved Verga, but I am a sucker for Neapolitan Mastiffs.
It pains me to say this, but overall, this book very much encapsulates the person who studies abroad in Italy and comes back to the United States over-pronouncing "mozzarella" as "Mootzarell." I think if I were on the beach or on a flight I would have enjoyed this more, but this was not it for me.
I would give this book 1.5/5 stars. (rounded up to 2 because I feel bad for eviscerating such an inconsequential read.)
July 23, 2024
Oh this was so beautiful 🥹
May 22, 2024
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful, poetic, perfect debut this is! My heart is so full after going on this journey with Ava. While this book includes a lot of my favorite tropes- forced proximity, enemies to lovers, etc, this book is so, so much more than a just a romcom with a list of tropes. It is a beautiful journey of self-discovery and healing that I just adored. The way that James, who was in his own battle between protecting his heart and handing it over, was able to be present for Ava through her journey was so sweet and just fueled their love story in the perfect way.
The perfect backdrop, found family, and artistic landscape of this novel just highlighted an already beautiful love story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The perfect backdrop, found family, and artistic landscape of this novel just highlighted an already beautiful love story.
Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 16, 2023
This was a pretty good debut novel by the author. I've never been to Italy, but the author's descriptions of Urbino and Venice made me want to rectify that ASAP. The supporting characters were all warm and welcoming and added lots of charm to an already charming city.
Ava has been dating the son of a Senator for a long while and expected to get engaged, but instead he sent her on her way to Urbino with a single calling card and basically told her to sow any wild oats she has. She was expecting a ring, he pushed her away instead. What she didn't expect to find in Urbino was James. I'll admit that their initial meeting was hilarious. She assumed he was just a hired driver and that he didn't speak English, so he heard a mouthful about things she would not have mentioned otherwise. She kinda hates him for this afterwards and I'll admit that I wasn't a fan of her hostility given she was the one who made assumptions about him based on him picking her up at the airport.
James was an interesting character. He was deeply loyal to his family. He was a photographer and art connoisseur, and he was even a professor. He was obviously good at what he does given the offer from The Post he kept turning down over the years. As a fellow photographer, I liked that he was also a photographer and saw the beauty in all things around him and really captured the heart and emotion behind what he was seeing (and no, I didn't find this creepy at all as another reviewer mentioned...that's what artists do, they observe and capture what they see).
There was obvious sexual tension between them and it continued to build until well into the last half of the book when they finally had time alone. So I'd say this was an incredibly slow burn romance. But I honestly didn't mind it as much.
The book was too long though IMO...by about 20 chapters. It's well over 60 chapters and even though some were only about 4-5 mins long, that's still many hours of reading and dedication to one romance book. I still enjoyed it, but I did find myself checking to see how many more chapters were left the last half of the book. Had there been a lot going on during that time, I think it wouldn't have been so bad, but there isn't a whole lot of plot development going on. They meet, they fight, they have meals together with family, they decide they like each other, they have more family meals, she discovers who her mom really was before she was born, they have more family meals and invite townspeople, they explore Urbino and Venice, they break up, they get back together, the end. (Yes, they had a lot of family meals in this book lol)
I'd probably read another of this author's books because I did like the descriptiveness of the town and people and it really made me feel like I was there or wanted to be there. I think the next book should be shorter though, but I'd definitely read another.
Ava has been dating the son of a Senator for a long while and expected to get engaged, but instead he sent her on her way to Urbino with a single calling card and basically told her to sow any wild oats she has. She was expecting a ring, he pushed her away instead. What she didn't expect to find in Urbino was James. I'll admit that their initial meeting was hilarious. She assumed he was just a hired driver and that he didn't speak English, so he heard a mouthful about things she would not have mentioned otherwise. She kinda hates him for this afterwards and I'll admit that I wasn't a fan of her hostility given she was the one who made assumptions about him based on him picking her up at the airport.
James was an interesting character. He was deeply loyal to his family. He was a photographer and art connoisseur, and he was even a professor. He was obviously good at what he does given the offer from The Post he kept turning down over the years. As a fellow photographer, I liked that he was also a photographer and saw the beauty in all things around him and really captured the heart and emotion behind what he was seeing (and no, I didn't find this creepy at all as another reviewer mentioned...that's what artists do, they observe and capture what they see).
There was obvious sexual tension between them and it continued to build until well into the last half of the book when they finally had time alone. So I'd say this was an incredibly slow burn romance. But I honestly didn't mind it as much.
The book was too long though IMO...by about 20 chapters. It's well over 60 chapters and even though some were only about 4-5 mins long, that's still many hours of reading and dedication to one romance book. I still enjoyed it, but I did find myself checking to see how many more chapters were left the last half of the book. Had there been a lot going on during that time, I think it wouldn't have been so bad, but there isn't a whole lot of plot development going on. They meet, they fight, they have meals together with family, they decide they like each other, they have more family meals, she discovers who her mom really was before she was born, they have more family meals and invite townspeople, they explore Urbino and Venice, they break up, they get back together, the end. (Yes, they had a lot of family meals in this book lol)
I'd probably read another of this author's books because I did like the descriptiveness of the town and people and it really made me feel like I was there or wanted to be there. I think the next book should be shorter though, but I'd definitely read another.
October 30, 2023
Wow. I wanted to like this book. I really did. I was intrigued by the characters and the scenery. But over and over, the readers are told about how beautiful the main character is. How the golden of her hair shines in the sun. And the profuseness on the scenery. I get it the Italian city of Urbino is beautiful and the art is amazing. But it was too much. I did enjoy the few sentences in Italian and how those characters were portrayed. Overall, I didn’t like the main character and I thought that James with his constant picture taking of people was a bit creepy.
This book took me forever to read because I just knew it had to get better. I wish I had just skipped. I liked the title, cover and description. It just wasn’t for me.
I received this advanced reader copy for my honest opinion.
This book took me forever to read because I just knew it had to get better. I wish I had just skipped. I liked the title, cover and description. It just wasn’t for me.
I received this advanced reader copy for my honest opinion.
November 4, 2023
Prepare to be transported to Italy through the pages of this gorgeous novel!
Wish You Weren't Here is a soulful yet sexy love letter to the beautiful city of Urbino and the art it inspires. The love story of Ava and James is much like an aperol spritz on a warm summer day-refreshing, zesty and bittersweet, all at the same time. You won't want to miss this one!
Wish You Weren't Here is a soulful yet sexy love letter to the beautiful city of Urbino and the art it inspires. The love story of Ava and James is much like an aperol spritz on a warm summer day-refreshing, zesty and bittersweet, all at the same time. You won't want to miss this one!
May 26, 2024
Wish You Weren’t Here is a charming debut by author Christy Schillig that will transport you to the beautiful historic Italian city of Urbino.
Law student Ava Graham has everything in her life planned out, including her job at a high-profile law office and her impending engagement to her long-term boyfriend, Ethan. Standing between her and this life is a summer abroad in Italy, a promise she made to her late mother. As Ava is about to leave, instead of receiving a ring from Ethan, she is shocked when he asks for a break over the summer.
Fleeing to Italy heartbroken and confused, Ava meets James Massini, who she confuses is her driver but is actually the nephew of the couple she is staying with for the summer. When it is revealed that James is a local college professor and photographer, and Ava is assigned to be the TA of his class, the two must learn to work together. In the walled city of Urbino, Ava and James’s personal walls come down as they learn more about each other’s pasts and what brought them to Italy.
As Ava’s summer nears the end, she finds herself enjoying her laid-back Italian lifestyle and not ready to return to the rat race of her life in the US. She also discovers she is going to miss James more than she’s willing to admit as she realizes she hasn’t missed Ethan. Faced with a choice between sticking to her carefully planned future or living without so many plans, Ava must decide which life is worth living.
I liked reading Wish You Weren’t Here as it transported me to Italy, and I could imagine myself having a glass of wine with some delicious Italian cheese under twinkling lights. You can tell Christy has a passion for Italian culture with her descriptive details (the food descriptions alone will make you hungry) and use of Italian throughout the novel.
As I was reading this, I kept picturing one of my favorite rom-coms, Letters to Juliet, as this has a similar vibe. I loved James! He sounded so charming and like the perfect gentleman! If you want an escapist read this summer that will transport you to Italy, and you like an enemies-to-lovers trope, you will enjoy Wish You Weren’t Here!
Thank you, Alcove Press, for this #gifted ARC!
Law student Ava Graham has everything in her life planned out, including her job at a high-profile law office and her impending engagement to her long-term boyfriend, Ethan. Standing between her and this life is a summer abroad in Italy, a promise she made to her late mother. As Ava is about to leave, instead of receiving a ring from Ethan, she is shocked when he asks for a break over the summer.
Fleeing to Italy heartbroken and confused, Ava meets James Massini, who she confuses is her driver but is actually the nephew of the couple she is staying with for the summer. When it is revealed that James is a local college professor and photographer, and Ava is assigned to be the TA of his class, the two must learn to work together. In the walled city of Urbino, Ava and James’s personal walls come down as they learn more about each other’s pasts and what brought them to Italy.
As Ava’s summer nears the end, she finds herself enjoying her laid-back Italian lifestyle and not ready to return to the rat race of her life in the US. She also discovers she is going to miss James more than she’s willing to admit as she realizes she hasn’t missed Ethan. Faced with a choice between sticking to her carefully planned future or living without so many plans, Ava must decide which life is worth living.
I liked reading Wish You Weren’t Here as it transported me to Italy, and I could imagine myself having a glass of wine with some delicious Italian cheese under twinkling lights. You can tell Christy has a passion for Italian culture with her descriptive details (the food descriptions alone will make you hungry) and use of Italian throughout the novel.
As I was reading this, I kept picturing one of my favorite rom-coms, Letters to Juliet, as this has a similar vibe. I loved James! He sounded so charming and like the perfect gentleman! If you want an escapist read this summer that will transport you to Italy, and you like an enemies-to-lovers trope, you will enjoy Wish You Weren’t Here!
Thank you, Alcove Press, for this #gifted ARC!
September 4, 2024
This was a very enjoyable dual POV enemies to lovers debut set in Italy as Ava, an American woman recently given a "hall pass" by her boyfriend back home, has come to study abroad and also to fulfill a promise to her dead mother. While there she meets James, an American expat and aspiring photographer who also turns out to be the professor who she has to work for over the semester abroad she's in Italy for. Sparks fly between the two and the more time they spend together the more feelings grow. This had humor, heart and lots of emotional depth. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This is perfect for fans of authors like Rebecca Serle.
Steam level: closed door/fade to black
Steam level: closed door/fade to black
May 29, 2024
In general aspect, I enjoyed this one. The vacation vibe and the absolute feel about it were making me want to go on a vacation to Italy. Another aspect is the art content, which I find interesting as well.
Anyway, I would also say this also felt underwhelming, especially the last 40% and so.
The romance as well, I feel like the romance didn't really kick that much, when I believe that it could have been so much better if it did considering the chemistry they had.
Another thing, Ava was kind of irritated me, James also weirded me out tbh.
The thing with Nathan as well? I think that ended quickly.
Overall, I think this could have been better.
Anyway, I would also say this also felt underwhelming, especially the last 40% and so.
The romance as well, I feel like the romance didn't really kick that much, when I believe that it could have been so much better if it did considering the chemistry they had.
Another thing, Ava was kind of irritated me, James also weirded me out tbh.
The thing with Nathan as well? I think that ended quickly.
Overall, I think this could have been better.
June 28, 2025
Wish You Weren’t Here by Christy Shilling
4.75/5⭐️
1/3🌶️ (1-2ish scenes)
3/3🦋
•Blurb•
Swipe for published blurb.
•My Thoughts•
I’ve been eying this book for a while now and friends, it was so good! it’s labeled as romcom but it’s so much more - fun with great banter but so many emotional moments. I love that it was set in Italy and the author wrote the most beautiful descriptions that didn’t feel like I was chugging adjectives but was right there in the moment with the characters. I *must* go there and drink wine and see the places she mentioned. I loved both of our main characters and their stories. James with his deep love of art and family and Ava with sneaky playfulness and discovery that controlling everything doesn’t stop you from feeling pain. The family and culture of Italy was so charming. I loved the nods to art, slowing down and the importance of dreaming. The banter was really fun and the characters’ chemistry was lovely. This was a beautiful ode to Italy and following your heart. I absolutely recommend!
4.75/5⭐️
1/3🌶️ (1-2ish scenes)
3/3🦋
•Blurb•
Swipe for published blurb.
•My Thoughts•
I’ve been eying this book for a while now and friends, it was so good! it’s labeled as romcom but it’s so much more - fun with great banter but so many emotional moments. I love that it was set in Italy and the author wrote the most beautiful descriptions that didn’t feel like I was chugging adjectives but was right there in the moment with the characters. I *must* go there and drink wine and see the places she mentioned. I loved both of our main characters and their stories. James with his deep love of art and family and Ava with sneaky playfulness and discovery that controlling everything doesn’t stop you from feeling pain. The family and culture of Italy was so charming. I loved the nods to art, slowing down and the importance of dreaming. The banter was really fun and the characters’ chemistry was lovely. This was a beautiful ode to Italy and following your heart. I absolutely recommend!
June 14, 2024
esse livro aqui me fez suspirar alto, me senti andando pelas ruas da italia comendo pizza e falando de arte... literalmente um sonho. tinha TUDO pra ser perfeito mas senti alguma coisa esquisita no tempo do livro, não sei explicar, talvez eles se gostaram muito rápido ou ela demorou muito pra aceitar que gostava dele, não sei, faltou um TCHAM que eu não sei o que é. mas amei. chorei lendo. o james é um querido e li esse imaginando os atores que fazem o anthony bridgerton e a kate porque faz total sentido!!!!
July 6, 2025
I gave Wish You Weren’t Here two stars. I didn’t get the vibe that Ava and James were truly very attracted to each other (or maybe they had attraction but not feelings) and I could’ve skipped their romance plot entirely and focused on the B Plot. Schillig seems to shy away from too much detail about the B Plot which I was a lot more invested in, I was continuously disappointed with all of the teasers of the B Plot that didn’t get fleshed out further.
July 7, 2025
“Where is that dog anyway? I want to give him a treat for the enthusiastic greeting he gave our guest’s ass” - James Massini if i see you in the street it’s on sight
I thought the descriptions of the food, scenery, and Italian culture were well-done and made me feel immersed in the setting. I also thought the plot about Ava’s search for information about her mom was very interesting, and I enjoyed the chapters that explored that. The romance, however, did not work for me.
I thought the descriptions of the food, scenery, and Italian culture were well-done and made me feel immersed in the setting. I also thought the plot about Ava’s search for information about her mom was very interesting, and I enjoyed the chapters that explored that. The romance, however, did not work for me.
July 29, 2025
I adored this book! I was lucky enough to study abroad in Italy in college, and it was just an enchanting as it was in the book! The story is inspiring, humorous, and heartwarming!
I loved the alternative POV from Ava and James. It was wonderful seeing Ava slowly fall out of her strict life she's planned and into a life where she lives in the moment and appreciates time with those you love, art, food, and endless possibilities. I can't wait to discuss this in my book club! Thank you to Christy Schilling for the wonderful story and characters!
I loved the alternative POV from Ava and James. It was wonderful seeing Ava slowly fall out of her strict life she's planned and into a life where she lives in the moment and appreciates time with those you love, art, food, and endless possibilities. I can't wait to discuss this in my book club! Thank you to Christy Schilling for the wonderful story and characters!
July 4, 2025
2.5 ? ⭐️ idk
I think the writing of this book was, for the most part, fine. But the FMC and the MMC both annoyed me at the start and then the romance happened way too quickly and shifted fast into overly saccharine territory. I also felt like the personalities of the leads were kind of inconsistent for the sake of starting them off with an “enemies to lovers” dynamic, which felt a lot like a marketing ploy to pitch the book to readers based on the blurb. overall I didn’t hate this but it wasn’t for me
I think the writing of this book was, for the most part, fine. But the FMC and the MMC both annoyed me at the start and then the romance happened way too quickly and shifted fast into overly saccharine territory. I also felt like the personalities of the leads were kind of inconsistent for the sake of starting them off with an “enemies to lovers” dynamic, which felt a lot like a marketing ploy to pitch the book to readers based on the blurb. overall I didn’t hate this but it wasn’t for me
June 9, 2025
Why is no one talking about this book??? If you love romance & food & want to go to Italy but currently cannot, this is a beautifully written book that will make you laugh and swoon and be grateful to be alive. The female main character travels to Italy to fulfill a promise to her mother who passed away years ago, and finds out more about her mother and herself. Beautiful! Read it!! And if you’re like me, laugh out loud at the humor that feels written just for your sense of humor.
March 31, 2025
This was cute. It would’ve made for a great vacation/beach read I think.
August 13, 2024
If you've read one Italian summer romance you've read 'em all.
August 15, 2024
What’s better than Italy for a book setting? 😍 The scenery, the food, art and more. In this debut novel, you’ll wish you were there.
Ava leaves the comfort of home and her boyfriend, Ethan, to travel to Urbino, Italy to complete the last of her law school credits. Her mom, who passed away 5 years earlier, wished this for her. At the airport, Ethan tells her that they need some time apart. Her head is spinning, and her heart is crushed.
Enter James, the Professor she will TA for. Things are about to become very unpredictable.
“My mom loved languages and words, she said they opened the world to you. She said that about literature too. And art.”
I enjoyed the theme of learning what we really want in life and taking a chance on love.
Heads up for ⚠️ | Contains strong and mild profanity scattered throughout. A couple of steamy scenes, mild details.
Ava leaves the comfort of home and her boyfriend, Ethan, to travel to Urbino, Italy to complete the last of her law school credits. Her mom, who passed away 5 years earlier, wished this for her. At the airport, Ethan tells her that they need some time apart. Her head is spinning, and her heart is crushed.
Enter James, the Professor she will TA for. Things are about to become very unpredictable.
“My mom loved languages and words, she said they opened the world to you. She said that about literature too. And art.”
I enjoyed the theme of learning what we really want in life and taking a chance on love.
Heads up for ⚠️ | Contains strong and mild profanity scattered throughout. A couple of steamy scenes, mild details.
November 16, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
ava is ready to embark on a trip to italy to fulfill her late mother’s wishes and complete her final credits for law school. and as she’s rushing through the airport with her boyfriend, she fully expects him to propose to her before they leave together. however, he shocks her by instead— proposing a break 😅 he wants her to go to italy and “sow all her oats” lol before they decide to commit to each other when she gets back. she is pissed to say the least!!! so she flies to italy and is picked up by an italian man, james, who is driving her back to her new place. she assumes this man doesn’t speak any english so she proceeds to trauma dump her struggles on him. however when they arrive to their destination she realized he in fact does speak english and now knows all of her woes 😂 she’s instantly embarrassed and wants to avoid him at all costs. this however, ends up being impossible bc james is the nephew of the family she’s staying with for the next 4 weeks AND he’s the professor at the university that she has to TA for. so unfortunately they’re stuck butting heads for the foreseeable future!
from start to finish I absolutely loved this book. it was silly goofy and corny at times but it was also so romantic, heartwarming and just gave the comfiest vibes!!!! I literally want to teleport to the streets of urbino RIGHT NOW i’m not even kidding 😩 the imagery and the descriptions of the town were everything. ava and james have my mf heart!!!!! I was rooting for them from the start! their meet (not so) cute was hilarious. but seeing them go from dislike to friends to lovers was 😚🤌🏼 the side characters were everything! I want to live with nina and leo and I want to be besties with all the townspeople!! truly an amazing found family!! lastly, seeing ava face her grief relating to her mother was so beautiful and had me sobbing like a baby! seeing her connect with a part of her mom’s life through art made me so emo and happy for ava. this was absolutely stunning for a debut novel. it made me miss italy so much but simultaneously gave me a the perfect fix 🤭 pls add this to your tbr! it’s such a fun read!!! available on 5/21/24 🫶🏼
tysm to netgalley for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review!!!
ava is ready to embark on a trip to italy to fulfill her late mother’s wishes and complete her final credits for law school. and as she’s rushing through the airport with her boyfriend, she fully expects him to propose to her before they leave together. however, he shocks her by instead— proposing a break 😅 he wants her to go to italy and “sow all her oats” lol before they decide to commit to each other when she gets back. she is pissed to say the least!!! so she flies to italy and is picked up by an italian man, james, who is driving her back to her new place. she assumes this man doesn’t speak any english so she proceeds to trauma dump her struggles on him. however when they arrive to their destination she realized he in fact does speak english and now knows all of her woes 😂 she’s instantly embarrassed and wants to avoid him at all costs. this however, ends up being impossible bc james is the nephew of the family she’s staying with for the next 4 weeks AND he’s the professor at the university that she has to TA for. so unfortunately they’re stuck butting heads for the foreseeable future!
from start to finish I absolutely loved this book. it was silly goofy and corny at times but it was also so romantic, heartwarming and just gave the comfiest vibes!!!! I literally want to teleport to the streets of urbino RIGHT NOW i’m not even kidding 😩 the imagery and the descriptions of the town were everything. ava and james have my mf heart!!!!! I was rooting for them from the start! their meet (not so) cute was hilarious. but seeing them go from dislike to friends to lovers was 😚🤌🏼 the side characters were everything! I want to live with nina and leo and I want to be besties with all the townspeople!! truly an amazing found family!! lastly, seeing ava face her grief relating to her mother was so beautiful and had me sobbing like a baby! seeing her connect with a part of her mom’s life through art made me so emo and happy for ava. this was absolutely stunning for a debut novel. it made me miss italy so much but simultaneously gave me a the perfect fix 🤭 pls add this to your tbr! it’s such a fun read!!! available on 5/21/24 🫶🏼
tysm to netgalley for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review!!!
October 18, 2024
Tried to finish this twice, but the MC was so obnoxious I couldn't do it.
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