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Wish I Were Here
Opposites attract when a buttoned-up professor and carefree doorman must restore a magically missing identity in this sparkling romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Cousens and Ashley Poston.
For type-A mathematician Catherine Lipton, growing up with a free-spirited single dad who worked part-time as a clown was more than a little stressful. So as an adult, the only place she’ll allow for variability is in her data sets. Everything in Catherine’s life is ordered, from her lists to her lesson plans at her new job as a college professor. Catherine’s carefully calculated life goes awry, though, when the university’s human resources system rejects her employment paperwork. Soon after, her credit card is declined. At the Social Security office, Catherine makes a shocking discovery—she’s disappeared from the government’s records, and there’s no evidence she exists at all. Catherine can’t seem to convince anyone she’s a real person, even though she’s standing right there in the flesh.
Catherine knows she can’t count on her dad, and the university is only concerned with who will teach her classes. The one person who offers to help is Luca Morelli, her attractive but aggravating doorman who spends more time flirting with Catherine’s neighbors than he does enforcing the building rules. The older residents might fall for Luca’s charm, but if he can’t keep bikes out of the lobby or put packages in their designated area, how can he help Catherine get her life back?
Left with no other options, Catherine reluctantly agrees to enlist the help of Luca’s well-connected Italian family. Soon, Catherine finds herself following Luca into a smoky bar to meet the Mafia, breaking into the records room of a local hospital, doing a little light stalking, and having a surprising amount of fun. She also finds herself growing closer to Luca, who makes her laugh and challenges her well-ordered ways. As Catherine begins to unravel the mystery behind her missing identity, she may discover that the “real” Catherine is someone she never expected.
For type-A mathematician Catherine Lipton, growing up with a free-spirited single dad who worked part-time as a clown was more than a little stressful. So as an adult, the only place she’ll allow for variability is in her data sets. Everything in Catherine’s life is ordered, from her lists to her lesson plans at her new job as a college professor. Catherine’s carefully calculated life goes awry, though, when the university’s human resources system rejects her employment paperwork. Soon after, her credit card is declined. At the Social Security office, Catherine makes a shocking discovery—she’s disappeared from the government’s records, and there’s no evidence she exists at all. Catherine can’t seem to convince anyone she’s a real person, even though she’s standing right there in the flesh.
Catherine knows she can’t count on her dad, and the university is only concerned with who will teach her classes. The one person who offers to help is Luca Morelli, her attractive but aggravating doorman who spends more time flirting with Catherine’s neighbors than he does enforcing the building rules. The older residents might fall for Luca’s charm, but if he can’t keep bikes out of the lobby or put packages in their designated area, how can he help Catherine get her life back?
Left with no other options, Catherine reluctantly agrees to enlist the help of Luca’s well-connected Italian family. Soon, Catherine finds herself following Luca into a smoky bar to meet the Mafia, breaking into the records room of a local hospital, doing a little light stalking, and having a surprising amount of fun. She also finds herself growing closer to Luca, who makes her laugh and challenges her well-ordered ways. As Catherine begins to unravel the mystery behind her missing identity, she may discover that the “real” Catherine is someone she never expected.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
189 people are currently reading
11511 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Wiesner
17 books952 followersMelissa Wiesner’s mother didn’t allow her to watch much TV as a child and instead, made her play with paint, colorful pipe cleaners, random bits of fabric, and all manner of other crafty things. This set Melissa up for a lifetime of creative pursuits, and it was only a matter of time before things took a bookish turn.
A night-owl, Melissa began writing novels when her early-to-bed family retired for the evening. She is the award-winning author of both emotional women’s fiction and romantic comedies. Melissa’s book, His Secret Daughter was an Amazon bestseller, The Second Chance Year was a Book of the Month add-on pick, and It All Comes Back to You will soon be translated into almost a dozen languages.
Along with her charming husband and two adorable children, Melissa splits her time between the big city of Pittsburgh, PA and rural West Virginia.
Sign up for Melissa's newsletter! https://www.melissawiesner.com/contact
Website: melissawiesner.com
Instagram: @melissawiesnerauthor
Facebook: MelissaWiesnerAuthor
A night-owl, Melissa began writing novels when her early-to-bed family retired for the evening. She is the award-winning author of both emotional women’s fiction and romantic comedies. Melissa’s book, His Secret Daughter was an Amazon bestseller, The Second Chance Year was a Book of the Month add-on pick, and It All Comes Back to You will soon be translated into almost a dozen languages.
Along with her charming husband and two adorable children, Melissa splits her time between the big city of Pittsburgh, PA and rural West Virginia.
Sign up for Melissa's newsletter! https://www.melissawiesner.com/contact
Website: melissawiesner.com
Instagram: @melissawiesnerauthor
Facebook: MelissaWiesnerAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 849 reviews
June 22, 2024
This seemed like a cute romance with an interesting plot (Catherine basically loses her identity overnight) but it ended up being more about self discovery with a romance side plot.
Which wasn’t what I expected nor hoped for so that led to some disappointment on my part.
I struggled to get into the story from the beginning, and I never really connected with nor cared for the characters.
The romance between Catherine and Luca was somewhat lackluster, there wasn’t really any chemistry between them and I just wasn’t invested.
Might be because Luca’s character wasn’t very fleshed out at all. The only thing I remember about him is that he had tattoos..
I enjoyed some of the other characters and subplots though.
Overall an interesting story that didn’t deliver for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Which wasn’t what I expected nor hoped for so that led to some disappointment on my part.
I struggled to get into the story from the beginning, and I never really connected with nor cared for the characters.
The romance between Catherine and Luca was somewhat lackluster, there wasn’t really any chemistry between them and I just wasn’t invested.
Might be because Luca’s character wasn’t very fleshed out at all. The only thing I remember about him is that he had tattoos..
I enjoyed some of the other characters and subplots though.
Overall an interesting story that didn’t deliver for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
December 9, 2024I've got 4 days left on this library loan... I wasn't a big fan of her first book.. could someone lmk if this one is better ? Should I give it a try? Or bless the next patron in line at the library early? 👀
April 8, 2025
4.75⭐️
i was super excited going into this book because i really loved the second chance year by this author!! i really enjoyed this book, it was a cute, lighthearted read and i can’t wait to see what melissa publishes in the future! let's get into the review, shall we?
📨🫧🦜🎡🖋️
wish i were here is a story about a girl named catherine who suddenly loses her identity, putting her future life in jeopardy. as she tries to solve the issue of her non-existence, a man named luca, along with the local community, come together to help her find herself in more than one way. the only thing catherine wants is for her life to return back to normal, but the newfound friends and romance she’s made are making her reconsider. maybe a change isn’t all that bad, especially when it comes with a loving group of people to support you.
characters
catherine lipton, our fmc. i really loved reading from her pov. she’s a very relatable and understandable character. the growth that she experiences during this book is so heartwarming!
luca morelli, our mmc. luca was so chaotic but in the best way😂 he is such a caring and thoughtful person and always goes the extra mile to help people. such a cute character!!
plot
overall i really enjoyed the plot! the pacing was good in this book and i loved how cozy it felt when reading. i didn’t particularly enjoy the 3rd act “breakup”, but it was realistic and resolved in a good way. i took .25 off because of the 3rd act breakup’s placement in the story. if it would have been earlier and/or had more of a resolution, i would have enjoyed it more. i liked this book a lot, and would recommend it!
thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. all opinions here are my own!
----------------------------
🫧 pre-read ☆彡
-> i enjoyed the second chance year by this author so i hope this one delivers as well!
i was super excited going into this book because i really loved the second chance year by this author!! i really enjoyed this book, it was a cute, lighthearted read and i can’t wait to see what melissa publishes in the future! let's get into the review, shall we?
📨🫧🦜🎡🖋️
wish i were here is a story about a girl named catherine who suddenly loses her identity, putting her future life in jeopardy. as she tries to solve the issue of her non-existence, a man named luca, along with the local community, come together to help her find herself in more than one way. the only thing catherine wants is for her life to return back to normal, but the newfound friends and romance she’s made are making her reconsider. maybe a change isn’t all that bad, especially when it comes with a loving group of people to support you.
characters
catherine lipton, our fmc. i really loved reading from her pov. she’s a very relatable and understandable character. the growth that she experiences during this book is so heartwarming!
luca morelli, our mmc. luca was so chaotic but in the best way😂 he is such a caring and thoughtful person and always goes the extra mile to help people. such a cute character!!
plot
overall i really enjoyed the plot! the pacing was good in this book and i loved how cozy it felt when reading. i didn’t particularly enjoy the 3rd act “breakup”, but it was realistic and resolved in a good way. i took .25 off because of the 3rd act breakup’s placement in the story. if it would have been earlier and/or had more of a resolution, i would have enjoyed it more. i liked this book a lot, and would recommend it!
thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. all opinions here are my own!
----------------------------
🫧 pre-read ☆彡
-> i enjoyed the second chance year by this author so i hope this one delivers as well!
March 19, 2025
« No commitments. No one expecting anything from me. I can’t remember a time when I experienced that kind of freedom, even in childhood. By the time I was 6 years old, I was the responsible party in our household. »
This book hit me like a brick wall. I really didn’t expect all this childhood trauma stuff in a book that was marketed as romance…
« … quite often, I concluded that if my mother left, it meant there was something wrong with me. »💔
Cried from start to finish. The FMC was saying and feeling things I’ve thought or said weeks or months ago. Catherine only has her dysfunctional father in her life, her mom having abandoned her… for me, it was a dysfunctional mother with an absent father. You can see the mirror there. Catherine’s father wouldn’t pay the bills and she ended up moving a lot… my mom wouldn’t pay the bills - I’ve lived in 57 different apartments in my 26 years of existence… and sometimes we didn’t have time to pack our things so we’d have to restart from scratch… even if we didn’t have the money to begin with.
« … and he never seemed to understand how hard it was on me - constantly packing our things in boxes, leaving our home behind, finding a new apartment we could afford… and then there were the times we couldn’t find an apartment we could afford. »
The worst times were when she couldn’t pay the hydro before we moved in, so we’d spend weeks without electricity and no ustensils because we couldn’t afford them. And that’s not counting the times we actually couldn’t find a place. See the parallels here?
« You’re the smartest, most capable person I know. Ever since you were a little kid, you always worked things out.
- That’s because I never had any choice. Working things out shouldn’t have always been my job. »
And like Catherine, I was so focussed on wanting to succeed that I forgot who I was along the way. When I bought my house almost 4 years ago, I crumpled completely. It’s been a big healing journey ever since but I’m further than I used to be and I’m safe now 💗. Also provided a safe environment for my younger siblings.
« I can’t be the rule follower or people pleaser that I was a week ago. Something’s changed in me, and I can’t change it back. I don’t want to change it back. »
« His expression says that he’s not sure what to make of me. Which is understandable, because I’m not sure what to make of me, either. »
« I’m not much of a drinker. I don’t like anything that makes me feel out of control. »
« My eyes burn for that kid just trying to hold it all together and wishing for someone who understood. » ❤️🩹
This book hit me like a brick wall. I really didn’t expect all this childhood trauma stuff in a book that was marketed as romance…
« … quite often, I concluded that if my mother left, it meant there was something wrong with me. »💔
Cried from start to finish. The FMC was saying and feeling things I’ve thought or said weeks or months ago. Catherine only has her dysfunctional father in her life, her mom having abandoned her… for me, it was a dysfunctional mother with an absent father. You can see the mirror there. Catherine’s father wouldn’t pay the bills and she ended up moving a lot… my mom wouldn’t pay the bills - I’ve lived in 57 different apartments in my 26 years of existence… and sometimes we didn’t have time to pack our things so we’d have to restart from scratch… even if we didn’t have the money to begin with.
« … and he never seemed to understand how hard it was on me - constantly packing our things in boxes, leaving our home behind, finding a new apartment we could afford… and then there were the times we couldn’t find an apartment we could afford. »
The worst times were when she couldn’t pay the hydro before we moved in, so we’d spend weeks without electricity and no ustensils because we couldn’t afford them. And that’s not counting the times we actually couldn’t find a place. See the parallels here?
« You’re the smartest, most capable person I know. Ever since you were a little kid, you always worked things out.
- That’s because I never had any choice. Working things out shouldn’t have always been my job. »
And like Catherine, I was so focussed on wanting to succeed that I forgot who I was along the way. When I bought my house almost 4 years ago, I crumpled completely. It’s been a big healing journey ever since but I’m further than I used to be and I’m safe now 💗. Also provided a safe environment for my younger siblings.
« I can’t be the rule follower or people pleaser that I was a week ago. Something’s changed in me, and I can’t change it back. I don’t want to change it back. »
« His expression says that he’s not sure what to make of me. Which is understandable, because I’m not sure what to make of me, either. »
« I’m not much of a drinker. I don’t like anything that makes me feel out of control. »
« My eyes burn for that kid just trying to hold it all together and wishing for someone who understood. » ❤️🩹
October 21, 2024
Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner
Contemporary romance.
Catherine Lipton’s goals are lining up. She’s moved into a nice apartment on her own and she’s interviewing for a university position in the math department that’s on the path to tenure. Sure, there’s a hiccup or two with the doorman who never seems to be at his desk, and then running into her father with her new boss at the university, but she can handle it. When she shows up for orientation though, things start falling apart. Her paperwork was rejected saying she doesn’t exist. Then her credit card is declined and the Social Security office says she doesn’t exist. Doorman Luca Morelli has friends and family all over the city and he helps Catherine track down the details she needs to get her life back online. Becoming friends with many of the elderly residents in the building and realizing that Luca may be more than he seems, adds a spark of possibilities to her life. Her future may be different than she planned.
Catherine and Luca are at odds from the beginning. But really, how was she supposed to know he’s helping the other residents? She only sees that he’s missing from his post. As Catherine gets to know Luca, her eyes are opened to so much more. She finds out about her own history, and Italian families, and community involvement.
Romance, family, community. I loved this story. While there are a lot of shocks for Catherine, she handles it all remarkably well. For the most part. I doubt I’d be anywhere near as composed if I was told I didn’t exist.
Poignant and romantic.
Bonus Reading Questions included at the end of the Print version.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance.
Catherine Lipton’s goals are lining up. She’s moved into a nice apartment on her own and she’s interviewing for a university position in the math department that’s on the path to tenure. Sure, there’s a hiccup or two with the doorman who never seems to be at his desk, and then running into her father with her new boss at the university, but she can handle it. When she shows up for orientation though, things start falling apart. Her paperwork was rejected saying she doesn’t exist. Then her credit card is declined and the Social Security office says she doesn’t exist. Doorman Luca Morelli has friends and family all over the city and he helps Catherine track down the details she needs to get her life back online. Becoming friends with many of the elderly residents in the building and realizing that Luca may be more than he seems, adds a spark of possibilities to her life. Her future may be different than she planned.
Catherine and Luca are at odds from the beginning. But really, how was she supposed to know he’s helping the other residents? She only sees that he’s missing from his post. As Catherine gets to know Luca, her eyes are opened to so much more. She finds out about her own history, and Italian families, and community involvement.
Romance, family, community. I loved this story. While there are a lot of shocks for Catherine, she handles it all remarkably well. For the most part. I doubt I’d be anywhere near as composed if I was told I didn’t exist.
Poignant and romantic.
Bonus Reading Questions included at the end of the Print version.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
June 10, 2024
I really enjoyed The Second Chance Year and so I was very excited to dive into this ARC. However, this book was not as fun as I thought it would be. None of the comedic moments hit and and I had hard time relating to the FMC. The romance was also very bland. I couldn’t feel the chemistry between Luca and Catherine. We honestly don’t even get to know that much about Luca until the end of the story and he ended up just coming off as one-dimensional. All in all, this book was fine. I didn’t hate it or love it, but I don’t see myself remembering much about it in a few weeks.
*** I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
*** I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
November 14, 2024
This was the cheesiest book, and I loved every minute of it. <3
April 4, 2025
I wish "Wish I Were Here" stuck to its compelling premise:
Type-A math professor falls in love with her doorman.
Instead, the book was all over the place, focusing on the female protagonist's quest for self-discovery and her mother's true identity.
In addition, the book was waaay too cheesy for this fastidious vegan.
And, finally, I was put off by the author's identification of her characters as "White Female", "White Male", Black Female", "Black Female".
This book was released in 2025, and IMHO, there was no reason to reference the color of someone's skin.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Helen Laser.
2.5 stars
August 27, 2024
I found myself pulled into Catherine's universe as soon as I began reading this novel. The messaging was pretty brilliant, and the story was done in such a compelling way. Catherine's problems and anxieties struck a deep chord with me since they were described so vividly that they were nearly tangible. It was wonderful to see Catherine's quest for self-discovery highlighted in this story, and it was uplifting to see her new family's support along the road.
I liked seeing Catherine grow as she and Luca became closer throughout the book. There was something so light and refreshing about their relationship. It's really easy to fall in love with Luca. His guidance in helping Catherine become more balanced in her life and recognize that life is about more than just her work was such a sweet thing here.
I adore reading about characters whose personalities mesh well together, and Luca and Catherine certainly do! Not to mention how masterfully the magical realism portion of the novel is handled, and the finale was astounding!
The plot, characters, and environment were all captivating and perfectly balanced between realistic and fantastical. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which was very sweet and kind of reminded me of a Hallmark movie!
I liked seeing Catherine grow as she and Luca became closer throughout the book. There was something so light and refreshing about their relationship. It's really easy to fall in love with Luca. His guidance in helping Catherine become more balanced in her life and recognize that life is about more than just her work was such a sweet thing here.
I adore reading about characters whose personalities mesh well together, and Luca and Catherine certainly do! Not to mention how masterfully the magical realism portion of the novel is handled, and the finale was astounding!
The plot, characters, and environment were all captivating and perfectly balanced between realistic and fantastical. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which was very sweet and kind of reminded me of a Hallmark movie!
December 28, 2024
5⭐️ | TikTok | IG |
She’s a grumpy, organized, workaholic who thinks rules should be followed at all times, but when you’re raised by a single father who is a literal clown (circus performer) its no surprise that you’d crave structure in your life.
He’s sunshine in a tall, handsome, and heavily tattooed body - he’s also always late, never follows the rules and she finds him infuriating (even if she can’t look away).
When Catherine loses her identity she has no choice but to rely on the unreliable (and unbelievably sexy) Luca to help her get her identity back before she loses everything that matters to her. What she finds in the process is more than she bargained for yet just what she needs.
Wish I Were Here is a heartwarming and laugh out loud funny tale about discovering that what you thought you were missing was really there all along.
I absolutely adored this book!
What I loved
- an FMC that felt relatable
- an MMC that was not just hot, but layered in ways that made it impossible not to love him
- hilarious and lovable side characters (Can we get a Ginger Ale/Uncle Vito story please?!)
- Found family that wrapped me in the warmest of hugs
- a sprinkle of magical realism that gave this book the extra pop
- laugh out loud banter
What I think you should know
- The clown in the book isn’t a scary face painted clown but rather a handsome, fit, 48 year old (single father) juggler and circus act performer. No need to let a fear of clowns scare you away.
- The plot is so much more than just a romance. It’s a story of self-discovery and healing with the added bonus of being a sweet grumpy-sunshine romance adventure.
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
She’s a grumpy, organized, workaholic who thinks rules should be followed at all times, but when you’re raised by a single father who is a literal clown (circus performer) its no surprise that you’d crave structure in your life.
He’s sunshine in a tall, handsome, and heavily tattooed body - he’s also always late, never follows the rules and she finds him infuriating (even if she can’t look away).
When Catherine loses her identity she has no choice but to rely on the unreliable (and unbelievably sexy) Luca to help her get her identity back before she loses everything that matters to her. What she finds in the process is more than she bargained for yet just what she needs.
Wish I Were Here is a heartwarming and laugh out loud funny tale about discovering that what you thought you were missing was really there all along.
I absolutely adored this book!
What I loved
- an FMC that felt relatable
- an MMC that was not just hot, but layered in ways that made it impossible not to love him
- hilarious and lovable side characters (Can we get a Ginger Ale/Uncle Vito story please?!)
- Found family that wrapped me in the warmest of hugs
- a sprinkle of magical realism that gave this book the extra pop
- laugh out loud banter
What I think you should know
- The clown in the book isn’t a scary face painted clown but rather a handsome, fit, 48 year old (single father) juggler and circus act performer. No need to let a fear of clowns scare you away.
- The plot is so much more than just a romance. It’s a story of self-discovery and healing with the added bonus of being a sweet grumpy-sunshine romance adventure.
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 16, 2024
“Sometimes I wish I could just…I don’t know. Be someone else.”
Catherine Moonstone Lipton lives to regret those off-handed words she uttered.
Doctor Lipton has just earned her dream job as a mathematics professor, a tenure-track position, when she discovers that issues with her paperwork may mean that she has to give up the position.
I was caught up in a compelling story and an examination what we do when we discover we’ve been the recipient of a lie of omission. What if that lie lead to a missing identity? How do we go about discovering the truth about ourselves? How do we transition from a ‘nobody’ to a ‘somebody’? I was swept away pondering the power of making wishes and the possibility of the universe allowing you to actualize them. I loved how the author spun this to be read as an opportunity instead of a tragedy and how a single choice can lead us to a new life.
In addition to examining our identity, the author also investigates the importance of community. I loved the setting of DeGreco and mused many times that this book would make a great movie; I could imagine the dancing scene and the trouser-changing scene vividly! Wiesner also highlights found family and nature versus nature. I took note of how the elderly chose to live out their golden years and was inspired. I also was thankful for the reminder to dig deep and discover our loved ones’ love language.
This magical and hopeful romance features some great characters and will be a great addition to your Fall reading list!
I was gifted this copy by Forever, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Catherine Moonstone Lipton lives to regret those off-handed words she uttered.
Doctor Lipton has just earned her dream job as a mathematics professor, a tenure-track position, when she discovers that issues with her paperwork may mean that she has to give up the position.
I was caught up in a compelling story and an examination what we do when we discover we’ve been the recipient of a lie of omission. What if that lie lead to a missing identity? How do we go about discovering the truth about ourselves? How do we transition from a ‘nobody’ to a ‘somebody’? I was swept away pondering the power of making wishes and the possibility of the universe allowing you to actualize them. I loved how the author spun this to be read as an opportunity instead of a tragedy and how a single choice can lead us to a new life.
In addition to examining our identity, the author also investigates the importance of community. I loved the setting of DeGreco and mused many times that this book would make a great movie; I could imagine the dancing scene and the trouser-changing scene vividly! Wiesner also highlights found family and nature versus nature. I took note of how the elderly chose to live out their golden years and was inspired. I also was thankful for the reminder to dig deep and discover our loved ones’ love language.
This magical and hopeful romance features some great characters and will be a great addition to your Fall reading list!
I was gifted this copy by Forever, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 5, 2024
Wish I Were Here is a delightful blend of whimsy, mystery, and romance, with just the right dash of magic to keep readers hooked.
Catherine and Luca’s chemistry is so good, with a charming opposites-attract dynamic that keeps you rooting for them as they navigate everything from smoky bars to underground hospital records. Watching Catherine’s journey from rigid pragmatism to embracing spontaneity is as heartwarming as it is funny, especially as Luca’s zest for life brings out her hidden sides. Luca’s boisterous Italian family adds warmth and humor, giving the story a grounded, cozy feeling even amid the suspense of Catherine’s lost identity.
The pacing keeps the pages turning, and while the mystery behind Catherine’s identity disappearance is compelling, it’s the emotional transformation and sweet romance that steal the show. Wish I Were Here is a great escape into a world of love, laughter, and a touch of magic.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book!
Catherine and Luca’s chemistry is so good, with a charming opposites-attract dynamic that keeps you rooting for them as they navigate everything from smoky bars to underground hospital records. Watching Catherine’s journey from rigid pragmatism to embracing spontaneity is as heartwarming as it is funny, especially as Luca’s zest for life brings out her hidden sides. Luca’s boisterous Italian family adds warmth and humor, giving the story a grounded, cozy feeling even amid the suspense of Catherine’s lost identity.
The pacing keeps the pages turning, and while the mystery behind Catherine’s identity disappearance is compelling, it’s the emotional transformation and sweet romance that steal the show. Wish I Were Here is a great escape into a world of love, laughter, and a touch of magic.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book!
September 23, 2024
As a big fan of the Second Chance Year, I was so excited to get my hands on this ARC! Wish I Were Here centers around Catherine Lipton, a mathematics professor who, after submitting her hiring paperwork for her dream teaching position at a university, discovers that she simply *doesn't exist*. As she begins to uncover answers around her missing identity, she works alongside her apartment's doorman, Luca (a golden retriever-like MMC), and discovers that maybe there's more to life than just a career.
Initially, I was expecting more magical realism going into this book so I found myself a bit caught off guard. As the plot and loose ends came together, my perception and opinion of this story changed--for the better. For the majority of the book, I found many of the characters insufferable and struggled to connect to the FMC. While I enjoyed how everything came together, this book was honestly a bit difficult to get through until the last 15% or so, but ultimately I feel like the resolution did make it all worth it. Overall, I loved the ending, but wish I had enjoyed it just a bit more throughout. I'm still a big fan of Melissa Wiesner's books and am eager to check out her future releases!
Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Initially, I was expecting more magical realism going into this book so I found myself a bit caught off guard. As the plot and loose ends came together, my perception and opinion of this story changed--for the better. For the majority of the book, I found many of the characters insufferable and struggled to connect to the FMC. While I enjoyed how everything came together, this book was honestly a bit difficult to get through until the last 15% or so, but ultimately I feel like the resolution did make it all worth it. Overall, I loved the ending, but wish I had enjoyed it just a bit more throughout. I'm still a big fan of Melissa Wiesner's books and am eager to check out her future releases!
Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2024
This romance didn’t blow me away by any means, but it was undeniably sweet and enjoyable! The story itself is what really hooked me—the magical elements were subtle and super fun, with everything coming together full circle into the most precious ending!
After a very promising career opportunity, Catherine Lipton’s life takes a wild turn when she mysteriously disappears from all government databases. Desperate to retrieve her birth certificate from the mother she’s never met, Catherine steps into a whimsical adventure filled with silly detours that challenge her rule-following nature in the best possible way!
Joining her is Luca Morelli, her infuriatingly handsome and charismatic doorman. And from the very start, I adored this ray of sunshine. There’s a sweet and heartwarming mystery behind his quirky tendencies, and I loved how he disrupts Catherine’s carefully controlled world, helping her realize her life is filled with people who genuinely care about her!
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
After a very promising career opportunity, Catherine Lipton’s life takes a wild turn when she mysteriously disappears from all government databases. Desperate to retrieve her birth certificate from the mother she’s never met, Catherine steps into a whimsical adventure filled with silly detours that challenge her rule-following nature in the best possible way!
Joining her is Luca Morelli, her infuriatingly handsome and charismatic doorman. And from the very start, I adored this ray of sunshine. There’s a sweet and heartwarming mystery behind his quirky tendencies, and I loved how he disrupts Catherine’s carefully controlled world, helping her realize her life is filled with people who genuinely care about her!
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
September 28, 2024
Okay, so Melissa set up the most fun ARC group read thing ever and I had a blast reading this book after it travelled all over the country to some of my fave bookstagram pals and seeing all their notes and annotations 🥹🩷
Dr. Catherine Lipton is a recently hired mathematics professor at a local university. She grew up with her single father, but is finally feeling stable and secure on her own! She just got her own apartment in a quiet building and landed her dream job—everything is moving along great. There was a small hiccup with the doorman and another tenant on her way to her initial meeting with the chair of the mathematics department where coffee was spilled and pants were swapped, but Catherine survived and made it through!
However, a couple weeks later, Catherine arrives on campus for orientation and is told… her files are… gone….? Her background doesn’t exist anymore. Her social security number, driver’s license, birth certificate.. none of them are valid and there’s no record of her existence anywhere at all! Catherine’s world takes a major shift as she tries to navigate her new reality. However, as a bonus, the doorman of her apartment building—Luca—is by her side every step.
I liked this book a lot. It was cute and I thought the characters had chemistry (and it was closed-door!!! YAY)! Some of the conflict resolutions seemed a little too easy, but they weren’t entirely unreasonable/unbelievable. I LOVED Melissa Wiesner’s The Second Chance Year so I had really high hopes for this one, maybe my expectations were a little too high and that’s why this book felt so average to me, idk. Regardless, it was definitely enjoyable and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes a sweet lil romance novel ☺️
Dr. Catherine Lipton is a recently hired mathematics professor at a local university. She grew up with her single father, but is finally feeling stable and secure on her own! She just got her own apartment in a quiet building and landed her dream job—everything is moving along great. There was a small hiccup with the doorman and another tenant on her way to her initial meeting with the chair of the mathematics department where coffee was spilled and pants were swapped, but Catherine survived and made it through!
However, a couple weeks later, Catherine arrives on campus for orientation and is told… her files are… gone….? Her background doesn’t exist anymore. Her social security number, driver’s license, birth certificate.. none of them are valid and there’s no record of her existence anywhere at all! Catherine’s world takes a major shift as she tries to navigate her new reality. However, as a bonus, the doorman of her apartment building—Luca—is by her side every step.
I liked this book a lot. It was cute and I thought the characters had chemistry (and it was closed-door!!! YAY)! Some of the conflict resolutions seemed a little too easy, but they weren’t entirely unreasonable/unbelievable. I LOVED Melissa Wiesner’s The Second Chance Year so I had really high hopes for this one, maybe my expectations were a little too high and that’s why this book felt so average to me, idk. Regardless, it was definitely enjoyable and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes a sweet lil romance novel ☺️
June 22, 2024
I never cry when I read books & this had happy tears streaming down my face!!!
Thank you Melissa Wiesner and Forever pub for the gifted copy to travel around the entire state for a couple bookish buddies to read. "Wish I Were Here" publishes on October 15.
The coziest rom-com I've picked up this year. Melissa Wiesner's latest story is perfect for when you need something extra light that will easily transport you into a world filled with joy and whimsy. This books purpose is truly to make you feel good.
Plsu...it was surprisingly filled with tons of twists that kept me reading late into the night.
Wiesner tied-in specific elements that made my heart so happy. There is a scene at the end of the book that made me absolutely S O B with happy tears. It will truly live with me forever. (Hint: I normally not a big fan of this in my books but Queen Melissa revived the whimsy of how good this can be [IFYKYK])
OH...I might be bias because I am a S U C K E R for an mmc who has a positive outlook on life and is a talented artists. Enter Luca *swooning forever* He might be the most perfect book boyfriend. He is kind, selfless, creative... did I mention that he is T A T T E D up. I can see you drooling through the computer. It's alright. I am too. (hehe) This golden retriever man is top notch. You will 100p fall in love with him.
I have a confession... starting this book, I thought that the juggling and circus people being a huge part of Catherine's life was fairly bizarre BUT I really ended up loving it. I thought that it worked well with the message that the author was trying to portray to the reader PLUS it made me appreciate and love a specific character deeper.
Speaking of lessons and messages, the one in this book is finding solace and love through the community around you was absolute perfection. Sometimes we get lost in routine and forget to open our eyes to what surrounds us daily. Through the eyes of Catherine, we end up learning to appreciate the people, place, things and moments that make up our lives. It will make your heart swell. There is a scene with a book club that will resonate with you and personally made me squeal out loud.
✨ Magical Realism
✨ Goofy
✨ Light Read
✨ Ashley Poston fans will L O V E
✨ Opposites Attract
✨Found Family
✨ Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
✨ Lil Bit O' Mystery
If books that feel like a hug, have magical elements in them and will make you burst into happy sobs by the end are your jam than you probably should pre-order Melissa Wiesner's newest romance!
Thank you Melissa Wiesner and Forever pub for the gifted copy to travel around the entire state for a couple bookish buddies to read. "Wish I Were Here" publishes on October 15.
The coziest rom-com I've picked up this year. Melissa Wiesner's latest story is perfect for when you need something extra light that will easily transport you into a world filled with joy and whimsy. This books purpose is truly to make you feel good.
Plsu...it was surprisingly filled with tons of twists that kept me reading late into the night.
Wiesner tied-in specific elements that made my heart so happy. There is a scene at the end of the book that made me absolutely S O B with happy tears. It will truly live with me forever. (Hint: I normally not a big fan of this in my books but Queen Melissa revived the whimsy of how good this can be [IFYKYK])
OH...I might be bias because I am a S U C K E R for an mmc who has a positive outlook on life and is a talented artists. Enter Luca *swooning forever* He might be the most perfect book boyfriend. He is kind, selfless, creative... did I mention that he is T A T T E D up. I can see you drooling through the computer. It's alright. I am too. (hehe) This golden retriever man is top notch. You will 100p fall in love with him.
I have a confession... starting this book, I thought that the juggling and circus people being a huge part of Catherine's life was fairly bizarre BUT I really ended up loving it. I thought that it worked well with the message that the author was trying to portray to the reader PLUS it made me appreciate and love a specific character deeper.
Speaking of lessons and messages, the one in this book is finding solace and love through the community around you was absolute perfection. Sometimes we get lost in routine and forget to open our eyes to what surrounds us daily. Through the eyes of Catherine, we end up learning to appreciate the people, place, things and moments that make up our lives. It will make your heart swell. There is a scene with a book club that will resonate with you and personally made me squeal out loud.
✨ Magical Realism
✨ Goofy
✨ Light Read
✨ Ashley Poston fans will L O V E
✨ Opposites Attract
✨Found Family
✨ Reverse Grumpy Sunshine
✨ Lil Bit O' Mystery
If books that feel like a hug, have magical elements in them and will make you burst into happy sobs by the end are your jam than you probably should pre-order Melissa Wiesner's newest romance!
August 18, 2024
This contemporary romance has a delightful dose of magical realism that makes for a sweet, unforgettable story.
Catherine is a newly hired math professor who feels comforted by order and strict planning. This is a result of being raise in a way that could be seen as chaotic at best, but abusive and neglectful at worst. Her single dad is a literal clown who seems more interested in his performing than in paying bills or providing stability for his daughter. She has recently moved out and found an affordable apartment in a building full of elderly residents. The only person her age seems to be the doorman, Luca.
When Catherine attempts to attend the HR orientation at her new university, she find out that her government documents aren't valid and the issue stems from her birth certificate being a forgery. With the help of the doorman (and his towncar), she tracks down the parts of her past that will set everything right again. Through Luca, she also meets her neighbors and becomes more aware of the community around her.
This was a fast, charming read and the magical element is subtle, but beautiful. It was a little difficult to read about Catherine's childhood, as there was real trauma there (constant moving around, being dragged to festivals instead of going to school as a kid) and it seemed to be dealt with as a humorous aspect of the story. Still, it was a very entertaining read!
Catherine is a newly hired math professor who feels comforted by order and strict planning. This is a result of being raise in a way that could be seen as chaotic at best, but abusive and neglectful at worst. Her single dad is a literal clown who seems more interested in his performing than in paying bills or providing stability for his daughter. She has recently moved out and found an affordable apartment in a building full of elderly residents. The only person her age seems to be the doorman, Luca.
When Catherine attempts to attend the HR orientation at her new university, she find out that her government documents aren't valid and the issue stems from her birth certificate being a forgery. With the help of the doorman (and his towncar), she tracks down the parts of her past that will set everything right again. Through Luca, she also meets her neighbors and becomes more aware of the community around her.
This was a fast, charming read and the magical element is subtle, but beautiful. It was a little difficult to read about Catherine's childhood, as there was real trauma there (constant moving around, being dragged to festivals instead of going to school as a kid) and it seemed to be dealt with as a humorous aspect of the story. Still, it was a very entertaining read!
October 3, 2024
Catherine shows up to start her new job after moving to a new (to her) adorable apartment with quiet(ish), sassy elderly neighbors only to find out that her government records are non-existent. She's on the verge of losing all she has worked hard for. But with help from Luca and the seemingly endless supply of local Morelli's, Catherine is bound and determined to sort out the paperwork and move on as quickly as possible.
I. ADORE. MAGICAL. REALISM. Catherine is down but not out of the game and her emotional and mental journey with fun and yummy Luca at her side was everything I hoped to read when I started. I laughed and had the good feels the entire time.
This sealed the deal! Melissa Wiesner is an auto-read author for me. I love everything about the way she writes, the flaws of her characters, their emotional journey, and the fun and sassy cast surrounding a heroine to root for. I am so excited to have a copy for my shelves (when it publishes) and happy to recommend it to anyone who will listen to me.
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
I. ADORE. MAGICAL. REALISM. Catherine is down but not out of the game and her emotional and mental journey with fun and yummy Luca at her side was everything I hoped to read when I started. I laughed and had the good feels the entire time.
This sealed the deal! Melissa Wiesner is an auto-read author for me. I love everything about the way she writes, the flaws of her characters, their emotional journey, and the fun and sassy cast surrounding a heroine to root for. I am so excited to have a copy for my shelves (when it publishes) and happy to recommend it to anyone who will listen to me.
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
August 13, 2025
A sweet, joyful, big-hearted story about a woman learning to value her community when a twist of magic leaves her scrambling to sort out her identity paperwork with the help of her kind, handsome doorman. Readers who’ve been stuck in a cycle of accomplishment-chasing or simply keeping up with daily responsibilities to the detriment of having a little fun or prioritizing interpersonal relationships will relate with Wiesner’s heroine, a rule-following math professor who grew up taking care of her whimsical, unreliable father, and who’s now anxious to prove her value to her new and demanding boss. Thankfully, she befriends not only the charming doorman, but several members of the doorman’s extended family and a number of lively residents her building who all help her see that life is about more than meeting deadlines and being on time. A buoyantly told, uplifting story that celebrates community, with a sweet romance and a gentle sparkle of magic.
October 16, 2024
3.5 rounded up
This was a fun opposites attract romance that sees Catherine Lipton befriending her doorman as she tries to track down her birth mother and secure an original copy of her birth certificate in order to gain a much desired, tenure track mathematics college teaching job.
Part romance, part family drama, this was a heartfelt, kissing only romance that was compelling and good on audio. I enjoyed it a lot and loved seeing type-A, workahlolic Catherine discover that there's more to life and love than finding career success.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and gifted physical copy in exchange for my honest review!
This was a fun opposites attract romance that sees Catherine Lipton befriending her doorman as she tries to track down her birth mother and secure an original copy of her birth certificate in order to gain a much desired, tenure track mathematics college teaching job.
Part romance, part family drama, this was a heartfelt, kissing only romance that was compelling and good on audio. I enjoyed it a lot and loved seeing type-A, workahlolic Catherine discover that there's more to life and love than finding career success.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and gifted physical copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 1, 2024
This book was cute, magical, and easy to read. It was more general fiction than romance, with the focus being on the heroine’s quest to regain her identity. The romance between the leads didn’t wow me, and I found myself sticking around for the main identity plot, which I enjoyed. The secondary characters also stole the show.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It had magical realism, found family, and a touch of romance. I loved the residents of the apartment building and Luca's many family members. I found it funny and full of heart and I would definitely read a sequel.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 1, 2024
This was a lighter story that explores the meaning of family and what’s important in life.
Unfortunately, it was just so-so for me because it felt predictable and trite at times. Main character Catherine wasn’t especially likeable, and the magical element felt contrived.
After loving The Second Chance Year, I was disappointed with this one, but if you love found family and are in search of a lighter read, it might be worth a try.
⚠️Infrequent profanity (no f-words) and kissing only.
Unfortunately, it was just so-so for me because it felt predictable and trite at times. Main character Catherine wasn’t especially likeable, and the magical element felt contrived.
After loving The Second Chance Year, I was disappointed with this one, but if you love found family and are in search of a lighter read, it might be worth a try.
⚠️Infrequent profanity (no f-words) and kissing only.
October 10, 2024
Absolutely not. I read romance to feel good, not to feel stressed. The premise of this book - that an uptight woman is forced to reevaluate her life when her identity disappears - sounds like classic, lightly magical rom com material.
Instead, it is one of the most anxiety inducing books I have ever read. I had a *visceral* reaction. This poor woman cannot prove that she exists, but everyone remembers her; so naturally, they all mostly assume she’s some kind of liar, plagiarist, con, or criminal - and there is NOTHING she can do about it. It does not work for me, no matter how lovely the writing is at times. Maybe this would have worked better in a historical setting, where identity is easier to fake or “restart”, but in this? It felt more like a horror novel than a romance.
Instead, it is one of the most anxiety inducing books I have ever read. I had a *visceral* reaction. This poor woman cannot prove that she exists, but everyone remembers her; so naturally, they all mostly assume she’s some kind of liar, plagiarist, con, or criminal - and there is NOTHING she can do about it. It does not work for me, no matter how lovely the writing is at times. Maybe this would have worked better in a historical setting, where identity is easier to fake or “restart”, but in this? It felt more like a horror novel than a romance.
September 1, 2024
2.5 stars. I felt like this is more fiction than romance, since the main plot is the FMC’s identity. As a result, the romance felt a little underbaked. The magical realism in this one didn’t work for me — even knowing the premise, I couldn’t quite suspend my disbelief. I did enjoy the found family aspect with the FMC getting to know her neighbors and helping out at the community center.
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the ARC!
September 2, 2025
Rating: 3.5 rounded up to 4💫
I REALLY wanted to love this book 😭 the premise & cover really hooked me. the book overall reminded me of the love of my afterlife. so if you loved that book, I’d definitely recommend this one.
let’s start with the things I really did enjoy. I loved Luca & the way he cared for Catherine 🥺 he knew exactly what she needed without even asking. his love language is 1000% acts of service & I loved it so much! I loved the found family throughout the book & all the characters we got to meet. I will say, at times it did get a bit confusing. It took me a minute to remember who was who. I loved Catherine’s relationship with her dad & watching that come full circle! As someone who doesn’t have the best relationship with their dad, I love getting to see those healthy relationships in books. Getting to watch as Catherine learned to love herself despite what happened with her mom was relatable to read. I feel like so many people think, if I do this, this person will love me. If I’m perfect, this person will pay attention to me. Catherine was yearning for that attention from her mom. But once she realized the family you create is more important than a blood family, she didn’t need that confirmation from her mom. She found it in the found family she created throughout the book. the magical realism aspect (if that’s what you can even call it?) was super unique. there was a part in the book that got me emotional. 😭
The only thing I didn’t LOVE was the pacing. I feel like Catherine was on so many side quests that the overall storyline got jumbled up. there were days that I didn’t want to even pick up the book because so much was going on 🥲 like I mentioned before, there were a lot of characters that were introduced. In my opinion, if the author had focused on a handful of side characters & helping Catherine with her goal, the book would’ve been waaaay shorter. I also would’ve felt more connected to those side characters versus the 10+ we met.
As you can see, I have so many mixed feelings about this book. I wanted to love it but had to force myself to even pick it up. I will say, at the 80% mark, I became super invested & that’s when I couldn’t put it down. But there were a lot of moments I thought about dnfing it. I think the right audience would love this book. It just depends on your preferences but I’d still recommend this book for anyone who loves magical realism, acts of service & found family!
I REALLY wanted to love this book 😭 the premise & cover really hooked me. the book overall reminded me of the love of my afterlife. so if you loved that book, I’d definitely recommend this one.
let’s start with the things I really did enjoy. I loved Luca & the way he cared for Catherine 🥺 he knew exactly what she needed without even asking. his love language is 1000% acts of service & I loved it so much! I loved the found family throughout the book & all the characters we got to meet. I will say, at times it did get a bit confusing. It took me a minute to remember who was who. I loved Catherine’s relationship with her dad & watching that come full circle! As someone who doesn’t have the best relationship with their dad, I love getting to see those healthy relationships in books. Getting to watch as Catherine learned to love herself despite what happened with her mom was relatable to read. I feel like so many people think, if I do this, this person will love me. If I’m perfect, this person will pay attention to me. Catherine was yearning for that attention from her mom. But once she realized the family you create is more important than a blood family, she didn’t need that confirmation from her mom. She found it in the found family she created throughout the book. the magical realism aspect (if that’s what you can even call it?) was super unique. there was a part in the book that got me emotional. 😭
The only thing I didn’t LOVE was the pacing. I feel like Catherine was on so many side quests that the overall storyline got jumbled up. there were days that I didn’t want to even pick up the book because so much was going on 🥲 like I mentioned before, there were a lot of characters that were introduced. In my opinion, if the author had focused on a handful of side characters & helping Catherine with her goal, the book would’ve been waaaay shorter. I also would’ve felt more connected to those side characters versus the 10+ we met.
As you can see, I have so many mixed feelings about this book. I wanted to love it but had to force myself to even pick it up. I will say, at the 80% mark, I became super invested & that’s when I couldn’t put it down. But there were a lot of moments I thought about dnfing it. I think the right audience would love this book. It just depends on your preferences but I’d still recommend this book for anyone who loves magical realism, acts of service & found family!
October 14, 2024
(4.5 stars) Huge thanks to Forever and Melissa Wiesner for the advanced copies—both physical and ebook—of this incredible story, which blends romance, self-discovery, a sprinkle of magical realism, and a whole lot of heart.
Catherine Lipton is on the cusp of everything she’s ever worked for: her dream job as a tenured math professor at a prestigious university is finally within reach, promising her the orderly and successful life she’s always craved—despite her free-spirited upbringing by a wildly unpredictable single dad. But just as she’s about to step into her new role, disaster strikes. According to every government database, Catherine doesn’t exist. No bank account, no driver’s license, no social security number—nothing. Without proof of her existence, she can’t start her job, pay her rent, or do much of anything.
Enter Luca Morelli, her quirky, chaotic, and forgetful apartment building doorman. Luca might spend more time entertaining the elderly residents than doing his job, but he's the only person willing to help her untangle the mess. Together, they embark on a whirlwind adventure across Pittsburgh to find proof that Catherine is real. Along the way, they’re joined by a cast of eccentric and unlikely heroes, from Luca’s somewhat mafia-like relatives to the lively septuagenarians at the local community center, jugglers, dancers, and even a bit of magical intervention. As Catherine navigates this wild journey, she’s forced to re-examine what happiness truly means, question her tightly-held beliefs about success, and—quite possibly—fall for a tattooed doorman who challenges her to see life through a different lens.
After loving Wiesner's The Second Chance Year (one of my favorite reads of 2023), I was beyond excited to dive into her latest. Wish I Were Here delivers the same perfect blend of romance, self-discovery, and magic that I adored in her previous work. The multi-generational found family surrounding Luca and Catherine was a joy to read, with each character bringing something unique to the story. The elderly characters in particular were fully realized, adding warmth, humor, and wisdom to the story. Catherine's journey of self-discovery and the push-and-pull dynamic with Luca was so much fun. This tender, quirky, and heartwarming story will stay with me for a long time.
Catherine Lipton is on the cusp of everything she’s ever worked for: her dream job as a tenured math professor at a prestigious university is finally within reach, promising her the orderly and successful life she’s always craved—despite her free-spirited upbringing by a wildly unpredictable single dad. But just as she’s about to step into her new role, disaster strikes. According to every government database, Catherine doesn’t exist. No bank account, no driver’s license, no social security number—nothing. Without proof of her existence, she can’t start her job, pay her rent, or do much of anything.
Enter Luca Morelli, her quirky, chaotic, and forgetful apartment building doorman. Luca might spend more time entertaining the elderly residents than doing his job, but he's the only person willing to help her untangle the mess. Together, they embark on a whirlwind adventure across Pittsburgh to find proof that Catherine is real. Along the way, they’re joined by a cast of eccentric and unlikely heroes, from Luca’s somewhat mafia-like relatives to the lively septuagenarians at the local community center, jugglers, dancers, and even a bit of magical intervention. As Catherine navigates this wild journey, she’s forced to re-examine what happiness truly means, question her tightly-held beliefs about success, and—quite possibly—fall for a tattooed doorman who challenges her to see life through a different lens.
After loving Wiesner's The Second Chance Year (one of my favorite reads of 2023), I was beyond excited to dive into her latest. Wish I Were Here delivers the same perfect blend of romance, self-discovery, and magic that I adored in her previous work. The multi-generational found family surrounding Luca and Catherine was a joy to read, with each character bringing something unique to the story. The elderly characters in particular were fully realized, adding warmth, humor, and wisdom to the story. Catherine's journey of self-discovery and the push-and-pull dynamic with Luca was so much fun. This tender, quirky, and heartwarming story will stay with me for a long time.
November 21, 2024
I absolutely adored this book! The premise was so unique which is honestly hard to come by! Even the opposites attract element and how the author executed it, felt completely original and fresh.
"Maybe something seems like a disaster. But if you look deeper, maybe it's an opportunity. It's all about how you look at it."
I loved how she really let the characters and their chemistry shine through as they went on this adventure to find Catherine’s lost identity. Luca was a perfect golden retriever mmc and I loved how he helped Catherine to find a balance in her strict rule abiding schedule and to help her view life through a different lens. The found family aspect was so beautifully done as we meet the senior members of the apartment building and community where Luca and Catherine reside. I appreciated the lessons at the heart of Catherine’s quest to not only solve the matters of her missing identity, but to find herself along the way. The novel wrapped up beautifully with a subtle magical arc woven seamlessly in. From practicing the Carolina shag in the lobby, to butterscotch candies just when you need them, to a professional juggling father, this book had so many fun, whimsical, and magical moments! I can’t recommend this book enough and I know I’ll be thinking of these characters long after!
•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 •
+ opposites attract, golden retriever mmc
+ closed door
+ songs inspo from the book: Build Me Up Buttercup & You Can’t Hurry Love
+ he’s the doorman of their apartment
+ he’s tattooed all over with whimsical nature-inspired art he drew himself
+ she’s a mathematician and professor
+ he doesn’t mind breaking the rules and she lives by them
+ butterscotch candies
+ “elbows” and Moonstone
+ there’s juggling and circus found family
+ hospital heists & mansion stakeouts
+ rooftop escapes and kisses under the stars
+ she’s looking for her birth mom
+ big Italian family
+ senior community rep
+ he calls her darling
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: October 15, 2024
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance • Magical Realism
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: Physical 📖 (368 pgs)
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★★ 𝟓
𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: I loved it!
✨Thank you so much @readforeverpub and #discoverforever for my #gifted copy!
"Maybe something seems like a disaster. But if you look deeper, maybe it's an opportunity. It's all about how you look at it."
I loved how she really let the characters and their chemistry shine through as they went on this adventure to find Catherine’s lost identity. Luca was a perfect golden retriever mmc and I loved how he helped Catherine to find a balance in her strict rule abiding schedule and to help her view life through a different lens. The found family aspect was so beautifully done as we meet the senior members of the apartment building and community where Luca and Catherine reside. I appreciated the lessons at the heart of Catherine’s quest to not only solve the matters of her missing identity, but to find herself along the way. The novel wrapped up beautifully with a subtle magical arc woven seamlessly in. From practicing the Carolina shag in the lobby, to butterscotch candies just when you need them, to a professional juggling father, this book had so many fun, whimsical, and magical moments! I can’t recommend this book enough and I know I’ll be thinking of these characters long after!
•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 •
+ opposites attract, golden retriever mmc
+ closed door
+ songs inspo from the book: Build Me Up Buttercup & You Can’t Hurry Love
+ he’s the doorman of their apartment
+ he’s tattooed all over with whimsical nature-inspired art he drew himself
+ she’s a mathematician and professor
+ he doesn’t mind breaking the rules and she lives by them
+ butterscotch candies
+ “elbows” and Moonstone
+ there’s juggling and circus found family
+ hospital heists & mansion stakeouts
+ rooftop escapes and kisses under the stars
+ she’s looking for her birth mom
+ big Italian family
+ senior community rep
+ he calls her darling
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: October 15, 2024
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Romance • Magical Realism
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: Physical 📖 (368 pgs)
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★★ 𝟓
𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: I loved it!
✨Thank you so much @readforeverpub and #discoverforever for my #gifted copy!
October 15, 2024
“Something might seem like a disaster and turn out to be a beautiful, wonderful opportunity.”
Have you ever felt like you didn’t exist? Well, Catherine Lipton is living it!
This brilliant, type-A mathematician is this close to her dream job—until she quite literally vanishes from all government records. No social security number, no bank account… nothing.🤯
And who’s there to save the day?
Not her spreadsheets, that’s for sure.
Enter Luca Morelli—her tattooed, carefree, and oh-so-charming doorman who’s more golden retriever energy than rule-enforcer.
Together, they’re on a whirlwind adventure to restore Catherine’s identity, from mafia connections to sneaky break-ins. And it’s an absolute ride!🔥
But here’s where it gets even better—Luca isn’t just charming, he’s got a heart of gold, and he’s ready to flip Catherine’s well-ordered life upside down in the best way possible. I was swooning over him!
Seriously, this golden retriever guy? Tatted, artistic, and will do anything to help? Yes please!
This book is a perfect blend of opposites attract, found family, and a sprinkle of magical realism that will leave you with all the feels.
You’ll laugh, you’ll tear up, and you’ll definitely wish you had Luca on speed dial.
What you will find in the pages…..
☀️Reverse grumpy sunshine
🏡Found family vibes
💫Magical realism moments
💖Self-discovery
It’s got all the quirky, heartwarming feels with just the right dash of romance. If you’re in the mood for a light, feel-good read that’s full of whimsy and heart, grab this one now!
P.S. The ending? Let’s just say… tissues were involved. Happy tears though, I promise!😭💖
Have you ever felt like you didn’t exist? Well, Catherine Lipton is living it!
This brilliant, type-A mathematician is this close to her dream job—until she quite literally vanishes from all government records. No social security number, no bank account… nothing.🤯
And who’s there to save the day?
Not her spreadsheets, that’s for sure.
Enter Luca Morelli—her tattooed, carefree, and oh-so-charming doorman who’s more golden retriever energy than rule-enforcer.
Together, they’re on a whirlwind adventure to restore Catherine’s identity, from mafia connections to sneaky break-ins. And it’s an absolute ride!🔥
But here’s where it gets even better—Luca isn’t just charming, he’s got a heart of gold, and he’s ready to flip Catherine’s well-ordered life upside down in the best way possible. I was swooning over him!
Seriously, this golden retriever guy? Tatted, artistic, and will do anything to help? Yes please!
This book is a perfect blend of opposites attract, found family, and a sprinkle of magical realism that will leave you with all the feels.
You’ll laugh, you’ll tear up, and you’ll definitely wish you had Luca on speed dial.
What you will find in the pages…..
☀️Reverse grumpy sunshine
🏡Found family vibes
💫Magical realism moments
💖Self-discovery
It’s got all the quirky, heartwarming feels with just the right dash of romance. If you’re in the mood for a light, feel-good read that’s full of whimsy and heart, grab this one now!
P.S. The ending? Let’s just say… tissues were involved. Happy tears though, I promise!😭💖
October 15, 2024
Wish I Were Here is absolutely charming and fun!
This book has some of the best tropes; Grumpy x Sunshine, magical realism, and found family. It's a sweet look at priorities in life, finding your way, and being able to stand up for yourself (the romance was nice too!!). There were so many wonderful and colourful side characters - the residents of the DeGreco, Andy's performer friends, and Luca's never ending family - that really brough this story to life.
Luca and Catherine were so great for each other, they balanced each other out perfectly and I loved their story of finding Catherine's identity after it had been lost. Definitely a good read for fans of sweet romance, even though the romance is more of a subplot in this entry. It's definitely more of a women's fiction book with a lot of heart!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available October 15, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book has some of the best tropes; Grumpy x Sunshine, magical realism, and found family. It's a sweet look at priorities in life, finding your way, and being able to stand up for yourself (the romance was nice too!!). There were so many wonderful and colourful side characters - the residents of the DeGreco, Andy's performer friends, and Luca's never ending family - that really brough this story to life.
Luca and Catherine were so great for each other, they balanced each other out perfectly and I loved their story of finding Catherine's identity after it had been lost. Definitely a good read for fans of sweet romance, even though the romance is more of a subplot in this entry. It's definitely more of a women's fiction book with a lot of heart!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Available October 15, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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