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If You Were Here
A charming and emotional standalone grumpy/sunshine romance set during a Nantucket summer. Lili needs Wren's help to complete her father's research and save her family's reputation--but working together leads to more discoveries than either of them bargained for.
Lili Gardner hasn’t been back to Nantucket, her dad’s favorite place, since her parents divorced six years ago. But Dad passed away recently, leaving her a house on the island and an unsolved mystery about a maligned Gardner ancestor. Lili is determined to finish his life’s work, and convinces her mom and sister to spend the summer in Nantucket with her while she looks for answers, and for a connection to her dad.
Wren McCleave has a passion for history, but his father refuses to showcase anything real in their tourist trap of a “museum.” So when Lili asks Wren for help with her research, Wren can’t resist the opportunity to throw himself into something real, even if he dislikes tourists on principle.
Lili and Wren only have a summer to find out the truth about Lili’s ancestor. But the most surprising truths they uncover aren’t about the distant past, but about themselves right here in the present, and about what they want out of the future.
Lili Gardner hasn’t been back to Nantucket, her dad’s favorite place, since her parents divorced six years ago. But Dad passed away recently, leaving her a house on the island and an unsolved mystery about a maligned Gardner ancestor. Lili is determined to finish his life’s work, and convinces her mom and sister to spend the summer in Nantucket with her while she looks for answers, and for a connection to her dad.
Wren McCleave has a passion for history, but his father refuses to showcase anything real in their tourist trap of a “museum.” So when Lili asks Wren for help with her research, Wren can’t resist the opportunity to throw himself into something real, even if he dislikes tourists on principle.
Lili and Wren only have a summer to find out the truth about Lili’s ancestor. But the most surprising truths they uncover aren’t about the distant past, but about themselves right here in the present, and about what they want out of the future.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Abigail Johnson
8 books971 followersAbigail Johnson was born in Pennsylvania. When she was twelve, her family traded in snowstorms for year-round summers and moved to Arizona. Abigail chronicled the entire cross-country road trip in a purple spiral-bound notebook that she still has, and has been writing ever since. She became a tetraplegic after breaking her neck in a car accident when she was seventeen, but hasn’t let that stop her from bodysurfing in Mexico, writing and directing a high-school production of Cinderella, and riding roller coasters every chance she gets. She is the author of several young adult novels including If I Fix You and Every Other Weekend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An adorable YA literary fiction, coming-of-age story, with a slice of romance.
If You Were Here follows Lili who has moved to the island of Nantucket with her family, for the summer, to the home her deceased father passed on to her. Her father spent many years of his life chasing their family story and for Lili, chasing the same story is the only way for her to feel close with him.
To do this, she enlists the help of a local boy Wren and they geek out together about very specific historical facts about the island... And I know kids have special interests but I can't say I know a bunch of 17 year old citing different references and questioning the validity in comparison to other researchers.
That being said, I can tell that Abigail Johnson did her research! She really brought to life the island's history and had me just as excited about the mysteries as the Lili and Wren. The island was also very well written. The characters were also three-dimensional and easy to get to know and get attached to.
However... This is also the slowest so so so slow burn ever. So slow it's basically not a romance at all and I have no idea why the book is marketed as a "grumpy sunshine romance".
*Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC of this book ☺️*
If You Were Here follows Lili who has moved to the island of Nantucket with her family, for the summer, to the home her deceased father passed on to her. Her father spent many years of his life chasing their family story and for Lili, chasing the same story is the only way for her to feel close with him.
To do this, she enlists the help of a local boy Wren and they geek out together about very specific historical facts about the island... And I know kids have special interests but I can't say I know a bunch of 17 year old citing different references and questioning the validity in comparison to other researchers.
That being said, I can tell that Abigail Johnson did her research! She really brought to life the island's history and had me just as excited about the mysteries as the Lili and Wren. The island was also very well written. The characters were also three-dimensional and easy to get to know and get attached to.
However... This is also the slowest so so so slow burn ever. So slow it's basically not a romance at all and I have no idea why the book is marketed as a "grumpy sunshine romance".
*Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC of this book ☺️*
June 23, 2026
This whole book is built on cheating. For 80% the MMC a had a girlfriend. A few times I thought I must have read something wrong but nope.
August 7, 2026
***4.5/5 Stars***
If You Were Here was a slow burn young adult romance that showed us how messy, heartbreaking, and beautiful life can be. I adored Lily and her journey, the location felt like a character itself, and with history sprinkled throughout the story, this one pulled me in right away.
After her father’s passing, Lily wanted to finish her fathers passion in proving that one of their great ancestors' story was wrong. In exchange for access to information at Wren’s family's business and his knowledge, she agreed to work there for free. Both Lily and Wren had not only struggles from their pasts they were working through, but also in how they saw their futures. What unfolded was a bumpy start, hiccups along the way, and a shared love of history that created a heartwarming friendship and more.
This grumpy sunshine romance swirled with grief, loss, and hope. It was an emotional story and I adored the nicknames, friendships, and family! I loved Lily’s heart to heart with her mom and watching the friendship with her little sister blossom. That she learned to fix her wrongs and prioritize what’s important. And I loved that Wren had deep talks with his father too. It was beautiful getting to see into both of their heads. So, I quickly devoured this story and closed the book with a smile! I definitely can’t wait to read whatever Abigail writes next!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
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If You Were Here was a slow burn young adult romance that showed us how messy, heartbreaking, and beautiful life can be. I adored Lily and her journey, the location felt like a character itself, and with history sprinkled throughout the story, this one pulled me in right away.
I don’t believe in fate. But it feels like something is pulling me further into this, farther into her orbit, and I don’t know how to stop it.
I do know that I should try.
After her father’s passing, Lily wanted to finish her fathers passion in proving that one of their great ancestors' story was wrong. In exchange for access to information at Wren’s family's business and his knowledge, she agreed to work there for free. Both Lily and Wren had not only struggles from their pasts they were working through, but also in how they saw their futures. What unfolded was a bumpy start, hiccups along the way, and a shared love of history that created a heartwarming friendship and more.
I want to reach out, to touch her hand, to find some reassurance that we’re still solid, still us. But my hands stay at my sides, clenched into fists, holding back the words that would unravel everything.
“We’ll figure it out,” she repeats, softer this time.
I nod, but my chest tightens. We’ve built our relationship on the foundation of avoidance, and I’m starting to feel the cracks.
This grumpy sunshine romance swirled with grief, loss, and hope. It was an emotional story and I adored the nicknames, friendships, and family! I loved Lily’s heart to heart with her mom and watching the friendship with her little sister blossom. That she learned to fix her wrongs and prioritize what’s important. And I loved that Wren had deep talks with his father too. It was beautiful getting to see into both of their heads. So, I quickly devoured this story and closed the book with a smile! I definitely can’t wait to read whatever Abigail writes next!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
May 11, 2026
4.25 stars rounded down.
This contemporary YA romance if the perfect breezy summer read for teens and adults alike. It tells the story of Lili, who is in Nantucket after her father's death to solve a mystery that he devoted his life to solving. She ends up roping in the son of a mermaid museum, Wren, whose life gets turned upside down by Lili.
I was really excited to read this because of the disability representation. Wren is a paralyzed after an accident and uses a wheelchair to navigate life. Disability representation in books can often come across as unauthentic or even demeaning and ableist, but Johnson was able to create a dynamic character in Wren whose wheelchair is treated as a normal part of his reality. Not once did anyone in the entire book comment on Wren's disability. His friends, dad, and Lili all made adjustments as needed without it being a thing at all. And Wren's attitude wasn't angry because of his disability. He was angry because he was a regular 18 year old with 18 year old problems. The disability representation here is really well done!
Both Lili and Wren were likeable, but I definitely connected with Wren more than Lili. She annoyed me a bit, which is fine in a YA novel where the mcs are still learning and growing. But because of my mixed feelings on her I just didn't get behind her and Wren as much as I wanted to. They're great characters, and the romance is set up really well. It just didn't hook me the way I really wanted to.
This book is seamlessly blends a romance subplot with a historical mystery the mcs must work together to solve. Ultimately, I would have liked this to be longer. I feel like there was so much of Wren and Lili's story left to share. But still-- that's the mark of a good book, right? So yeah, I loved this.
The Nantucket setting and maritime mystery give this book all the summer vibes. Perfect when you need a little sunshine in your life. Between the compelling story, positive disability rep, and authentic YA characters, If You Were Here is a fun read for YA and adult audiences. It's a solid yes from me!
Thank you to Harper Collins for this gifted NetGalley alc. This is my personal, unsolicited review.
This contemporary YA romance if the perfect breezy summer read for teens and adults alike. It tells the story of Lili, who is in Nantucket after her father's death to solve a mystery that he devoted his life to solving. She ends up roping in the son of a mermaid museum, Wren, whose life gets turned upside down by Lili.
I was really excited to read this because of the disability representation. Wren is a paralyzed after an accident and uses a wheelchair to navigate life. Disability representation in books can often come across as unauthentic or even demeaning and ableist, but Johnson was able to create a dynamic character in Wren whose wheelchair is treated as a normal part of his reality. Not once did anyone in the entire book comment on Wren's disability. His friends, dad, and Lili all made adjustments as needed without it being a thing at all. And Wren's attitude wasn't angry because of his disability. He was angry because he was a regular 18 year old with 18 year old problems. The disability representation here is really well done!
Both Lili and Wren were likeable, but I definitely connected with Wren more than Lili. She annoyed me a bit, which is fine in a YA novel where the mcs are still learning and growing. But because of my mixed feelings on her I just didn't get behind her and Wren as much as I wanted to. They're great characters, and the romance is set up really well. It just didn't hook me the way I really wanted to.
This book is seamlessly blends a romance subplot with a historical mystery the mcs must work together to solve. Ultimately, I would have liked this to be longer. I feel like there was so much of Wren and Lili's story left to share. But still-- that's the mark of a good book, right? So yeah, I loved this.
The Nantucket setting and maritime mystery give this book all the summer vibes. Perfect when you need a little sunshine in your life. Between the compelling story, positive disability rep, and authentic YA characters, If You Were Here is a fun read for YA and adult audiences. It's a solid yes from me!
Thank you to Harper Collins for this gifted NetGalley alc. This is my personal, unsolicited review.
May 1, 2026
this would be a one but the prose was actually good.
these mcs sucked. it’s not that hard to not cheat. idc. literally the guy is in a relationship with another girl until like 80% through. also, i did not find the actual plot compelling at all. i could not care less about the history. it wasn’t interesting or fun imo, and i enjoy history 🥲.
thank you to netgalley for the arc in existence for an honest review (:
these mcs sucked. it’s not that hard to not cheat. idc. literally the guy is in a relationship with another girl until like 80% through. also, i did not find the actual plot compelling at all. i could not care less about the history. it wasn’t interesting or fun imo, and i enjoy history 🥲.
thank you to netgalley for the arc in existence for an honest review (:
May 16, 2026
I asked myself “Wait… did I miss that earlier?” SO many times while listening to this audiobook. And honestly? This book is NOT for romance readers.
The biggest problem is that the wrong characters were falling in love.
Lili and Tate had actual chemistry potential. Hear me out: he’s carrying guilt over permanently injuring his friend, she’s grieving her dad. He’s a charismatic adventurer with a boat, she gets seasick. She’s obsessed with history, he’s the kind of guy who’d drag her into treasure hunting and help her work through her grief along the way. They could’ve had tension, emotional growth, adventure — all while being TWO SINGLE PEOPLE. Revolutionary concept. Meanwhile I spent half the book wondering: "Is Tate secretly gay or something? Did I miss that too?"
Because the actual romance? Lukewarm at best.
The MMC, Wren, ALREADY HAS A GIRLFRIEND. And not even a terrible one! Eryn is lovely and stood by him through his paralysis and recovery. That relationship absolutely should’ve ended before Lili arrived on Nantucket. Instead, the book drags readers through this awkward emotional overlap that makes the romance feel uncomfortable instead of swoony.
And beyond “they both like historical facts,” what exactly do Lili and Wren see in each other? He openly dislikes tourists. She’s only on Nantucket for one summer to renovate and sell her family cottage before heading off to college. The setup screams temporary. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic never really sparks because the banter just… isn’t fun.
On top of that, the historical mystery subplot completely muddies the romance. There’s SO much investigation and side-quest energy that the relationship barely develops. I half-listened to the audiobook while reading an ARC, and somehow I didn’t even realize Wren was paralyzed until halfway through the book. Again: did I miss it, or was the storytelling just that unfocused?
And at 80%? The main couple STILL hasn’t kissed. That’s Hallmark movie pacing without the Hallmark charm.
This book ends right when it feels like it should finally be getting interesting. Instead of a satisfying romance, it felt like a draft of a much better story starring entirely different characters.
Ugh.
The biggest problem is that the wrong characters were falling in love.
Lili and Tate had actual chemistry potential. Hear me out: he’s carrying guilt over permanently injuring his friend, she’s grieving her dad. He’s a charismatic adventurer with a boat, she gets seasick. She’s obsessed with history, he’s the kind of guy who’d drag her into treasure hunting and help her work through her grief along the way. They could’ve had tension, emotional growth, adventure — all while being TWO SINGLE PEOPLE. Revolutionary concept. Meanwhile I spent half the book wondering: "Is Tate secretly gay or something? Did I miss that too?"
Because the actual romance? Lukewarm at best.
The MMC, Wren, ALREADY HAS A GIRLFRIEND. And not even a terrible one! Eryn is lovely and stood by him through his paralysis and recovery. That relationship absolutely should’ve ended before Lili arrived on Nantucket. Instead, the book drags readers through this awkward emotional overlap that makes the romance feel uncomfortable instead of swoony.
And beyond “they both like historical facts,” what exactly do Lili and Wren see in each other? He openly dislikes tourists. She’s only on Nantucket for one summer to renovate and sell her family cottage before heading off to college. The setup screams temporary. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic never really sparks because the banter just… isn’t fun.
On top of that, the historical mystery subplot completely muddies the romance. There’s SO much investigation and side-quest energy that the relationship barely develops. I half-listened to the audiobook while reading an ARC, and somehow I didn’t even realize Wren was paralyzed until halfway through the book. Again: did I miss it, or was the storytelling just that unfocused?
And at 80%? The main couple STILL hasn’t kissed. That’s Hallmark movie pacing without the Hallmark charm.
This book ends right when it feels like it should finally be getting interesting. Instead of a satisfying romance, it felt like a draft of a much better story starring entirely different characters.
Ugh.
April 7, 2026
Harlequin Audio sent me a complimentary ALC via NetGalley, and it turned out to be the perfect YA escape I didn’t know I needed!
I love finding books set in my area, and for some reason, authors can’t resist Nantucket! I didn’t even read what this book was about when I requested it—just seeing the word “Nantucket” sold me. Thankfully, it was exactly my kind of story: a YA sweet romance with a light investigation that perfectly supports the emotional growth between the characters.
I listened to the audiobook, which was dual narrated by Alexandra Hunter and André Santana. Overall, they were enjoyable, though André sometimes sounded a bit too mature for his character, which made it a little tricky to stay fully dialed in at times.
With so many “insta-love” romances out there, it’s refreshing to read a story where a relationship actually unfolds over time. You can watch the characters connect, stumble, and navigate their feelings—both romantic and platonic. The messy, real-life moments make it feel genuine and relatable.
I really appreciated how the author explored themes beyond the usual YA tropes. Challenges are addressed thoughtfully, with communication and honesty guiding the way. This approach allows a seemingly fluffy romance to subtly teach readers about healthy ways to navigate complex situations. I won’t spoil anything, but there’s definitely deeper meaning beneath the surface.
The book’s world-building was delightful, blending history with fantasy—after all, we’re talking about mermaids! It also includes wonderful disability representation and general inclusivity.
This is a YA romance with a little bit of everything: heart, humor, mystery, and magic. Young readers will find themselves fully immersed.
I love finding books set in my area, and for some reason, authors can’t resist Nantucket! I didn’t even read what this book was about when I requested it—just seeing the word “Nantucket” sold me. Thankfully, it was exactly my kind of story: a YA sweet romance with a light investigation that perfectly supports the emotional growth between the characters.
I listened to the audiobook, which was dual narrated by Alexandra Hunter and André Santana. Overall, they were enjoyable, though André sometimes sounded a bit too mature for his character, which made it a little tricky to stay fully dialed in at times.
With so many “insta-love” romances out there, it’s refreshing to read a story where a relationship actually unfolds over time. You can watch the characters connect, stumble, and navigate their feelings—both romantic and platonic. The messy, real-life moments make it feel genuine and relatable.
I really appreciated how the author explored themes beyond the usual YA tropes. Challenges are addressed thoughtfully, with communication and honesty guiding the way. This approach allows a seemingly fluffy romance to subtly teach readers about healthy ways to navigate complex situations. I won’t spoil anything, but there’s definitely deeper meaning beneath the surface.
The book’s world-building was delightful, blending history with fantasy—after all, we’re talking about mermaids! It also includes wonderful disability representation and general inclusivity.
This is a YA romance with a little bit of everything: heart, humor, mystery, and magic. Young readers will find themselves fully immersed.
November 16, 2025
Another thoughtful, layered YA story from Johnson, this time a dual narrative between a young woman trying to finish her recently deceased father’s historical research and a young man whose parallel love of history sets him at odds with his father’s less-than-historical mermaid museum curation. Through these braided stories, Johnson explores themes about how our past impacts our present, how obsession affects those who also need our attention, and how the truth can remain elusive, even to those most determined to seek it out. The two leads are also drawn to each other as they research, though one is already in a committed relationship, forcing both to reconcile what they want with who they’ll hurt in reaching for it. The Nantucket setting is lovingly drawn, from the constant scent of sea air to the joyful island-wide water fight, the historical hunt adds a fun layer of unfolding mystery, and the teens in the story face realistic challenges in defining a sense of home, family, friendship, ambition, and identity. Warm-hearted and beautifully, imperfectly, yearningly human from first page to last.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved the setting of this book! It takes place on Nantucket over the summer and I loved all the summery vibes. It was the perfect book to read to beat the cold and snow of winter. The mermaid tour sounded neat and I liked all the descriptions of summery things happening in Nantucket. It really came to life for me and I felt transported there.
However, I did not care for the romance, since Wren had a girlfriend for most of the book. Lili liked the girlfriend too which made it worse. They were constantly putting themselves in compromising positions and I didn’t like that at all. Even if Wren felt he was staying with his gf only out of obligation (since she stayed by his side after an accident left him in a wheelchair), he needed to break up with her. I will say Lili and Wren were cute together, but the fact that he had a girlfriend diminished their cute moments.
2.5 stars
However, I did not care for the romance, since Wren had a girlfriend for most of the book. Lili liked the girlfriend too which made it worse. They were constantly putting themselves in compromising positions and I didn’t like that at all. Even if Wren felt he was staying with his gf only out of obligation (since she stayed by his side after an accident left him in a wheelchair), he needed to break up with her. I will say Lili and Wren were cute together, but the fact that he had a girlfriend diminished their cute moments.
2.5 stars
June 15, 2026
It’s been a scant twelve hours since I finished this book and I’m sad to say I won’t recommend it. I did like the cover, the Nantucket storyline and the prose but the failings outweigh the positives. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic comes off as more mean/I’m too stubborn to see a red flag, the paraplegia is glossed over in some critical parts which I found unrealistic and borderline disrespectful and even in a romance I don’t want the characters being untrue to themselves. For example, the supporting character ‘Mom’ was sensible and provided sound judgement throughout the story until the last few pages and then she goes against everything the author laid out for her - I didn’t like that.
Did Not Finish
May 4, 2026Fuck. I love Abigail. She’s one of my auto-buys. I’ve only not enjoyed one out of the five contemporary books she’s written (now two out of six). Everything else is a solid four and five star. I’m heartbroken, but I’d rather DNF than give her a one star. I’m so sorry but I do not in any capacity give any kind of fucks about Nantucket history and Lili is annoying AF 😭
July 3, 2026
My first silly goofy beach read of the summer! Nothing but fluff and that’s okay!
April 19, 2026
I really liked the summery beach vibes and the mystery in If You Were Here. I thought it was a miss for me on the romance, though. I’m not a fan of the cheating trope and feel that a lot of choices were made that could have been avoided. 🫣
I was given an advanced copy of If You Were Here. All opinions expressed above are my own.
I was given an advanced copy of If You Were Here. All opinions expressed above are my own.
June 7, 2026
4.5 - the cheating in this was delicious i was gagged
November 22, 2025
I am always going to read the YA romance that involves historical research, and this was, for the most part, a cute read. I wanted to love this, but I couldn't get over the ending. The main character, Lili, is not yet eighteen and about to start college. Her love interest, Wren, is a year or two older. Yet, at the end of the book, Wren—a boy Lili has known all of a few weeks—asks Lili to give up her college experience to stay with him in Nantucket. And, for some reason, Lili agrees to this. There are so many other endings that would have allowed Lili and Wren to continue getting to know each other without Lili completely changing her life plans for a boy she just met. This, unfortunately, ruined the rest of the book for me.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
**Spoilers in strengths and weaknesses.**
Lili Gardner, her mother Mia, and younger sister Goldie all come from Arizona to spend the summer in the Nantucket house that the sisters have been willed after their father's death. The parents divorced six years ago, in part because the father was devoted to staying in Nantucket, but obsessed with finding out information about his family, especially the purported pirate, Kezia Gardner. Lili starts right in on her own research using her father's files, ignoring her mother's requests to help renovate the old house and spend time with Goldie before going off to college. After being turned away from the museum she suspects has information she wants because her father had been banned, Lili takes the advice of a neighbor and visits the quirky Mermaid Museum run by Wren McCleaves and his single father. Wren is in a wheelchair after an accident, and the museum staff includes his friend Tate, who is much better at running the tour, and his girlfriend of several years, Eryn, who is the mermaid who poses out on the rocks for the boat tours. Wren doesn't trust Lili, since his mother was also a "tourist" and left him and his father, but offers to help her with research in exchange for working at the museum for free. Lili really wants to prove that Kezia wasn't a pirate, and is excited to find another volume of her diary in the mermaid museum. The research takes up almost all of Lili's time, so we see only brief glimpses of her mother, who is spending a lot of time with Graham, and of Goldie, who misses her sister. Feelings start to develop between Lili and Wren, but since Wren is still dating Eryn (who may of may not be interested in fellow cafe employee Elliot), the romance is very slow to develop. As the summer draws to a close, what direction will Lili's life take?
Strengths: Nantucket is a place about which I have read, but have never visited, so a virtual vacation there was delightful. The Mermaid Museum, while sadly not a real place, was quirky and fascinating. Given Lili's family history, it made sense that she was willing to pursue her father's obsession with Kezia Gardner, even though it didn't improve her life any more that it did his. Tate and Eryn welcomed Lili, so there was a nice, close cast of characters with which to spend the summer. I even liked the outcome of the research. Ms. Johnson was also injured in an accident, so her portrayal of Wren's occasional struggles with being in a wheelchair are true to life. It's especially nice that while it is a condition he has, it isn't his entire personality. Even though Lili has graduated from high school and Wren seems to have been out for a couple of years, there is no mature language or situations other than a kiss or two. The ending is a fairly happy one.
Weaknesses: There is a lot of history of the area, which my middle school readers might not enjoy. There also isn't as much romance as they like, since Wren and Eryn are dating but pulling away from each other, but Lili and Wren are mostly respectful of this prior committment. I enjoyed the book, but I was really looking for a YA ROMANCE that was also middle grade appropriate. Wren seemed like an odd choice for a male name; I kept thinking of Marie Killilea's book Wren: The Story of Karen. Wren does share a beer with his father, but that's not anything I would keep from middle school students.
What I really think: Fans of Dalton's summer romances like Pulled Under or West's Maybe This Time who can stand a really long lead up to a romance will enjoy this one, but I was a bit appalled that Lili gave up her college plans so that she could stay with Wren. Luckily, at least Eryn was able to get back on track and was planning on leaving Nantucket and studying to become a pastry chef.
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**Spoilers in strengths and weaknesses.**
Lili Gardner, her mother Mia, and younger sister Goldie all come from Arizona to spend the summer in the Nantucket house that the sisters have been willed after their father's death. The parents divorced six years ago, in part because the father was devoted to staying in Nantucket, but obsessed with finding out information about his family, especially the purported pirate, Kezia Gardner. Lili starts right in on her own research using her father's files, ignoring her mother's requests to help renovate the old house and spend time with Goldie before going off to college. After being turned away from the museum she suspects has information she wants because her father had been banned, Lili takes the advice of a neighbor and visits the quirky Mermaid Museum run by Wren McCleaves and his single father. Wren is in a wheelchair after an accident, and the museum staff includes his friend Tate, who is much better at running the tour, and his girlfriend of several years, Eryn, who is the mermaid who poses out on the rocks for the boat tours. Wren doesn't trust Lili, since his mother was also a "tourist" and left him and his father, but offers to help her with research in exchange for working at the museum for free. Lili really wants to prove that Kezia wasn't a pirate, and is excited to find another volume of her diary in the mermaid museum. The research takes up almost all of Lili's time, so we see only brief glimpses of her mother, who is spending a lot of time with Graham, and of Goldie, who misses her sister. Feelings start to develop between Lili and Wren, but since Wren is still dating Eryn (who may of may not be interested in fellow cafe employee Elliot), the romance is very slow to develop. As the summer draws to a close, what direction will Lili's life take?
Strengths: Nantucket is a place about which I have read, but have never visited, so a virtual vacation there was delightful. The Mermaid Museum, while sadly not a real place, was quirky and fascinating. Given Lili's family history, it made sense that she was willing to pursue her father's obsession with Kezia Gardner, even though it didn't improve her life any more that it did his. Tate and Eryn welcomed Lili, so there was a nice, close cast of characters with which to spend the summer. I even liked the outcome of the research. Ms. Johnson was also injured in an accident, so her portrayal of Wren's occasional struggles with being in a wheelchair are true to life. It's especially nice that while it is a condition he has, it isn't his entire personality. Even though Lili has graduated from high school and Wren seems to have been out for a couple of years, there is no mature language or situations other than a kiss or two. The ending is a fairly happy one.
Weaknesses: There is a lot of history of the area, which my middle school readers might not enjoy. There also isn't as much romance as they like, since Wren and Eryn are dating but pulling away from each other, but Lili and Wren are mostly respectful of this prior committment. I enjoyed the book, but I was really looking for a YA ROMANCE that was also middle grade appropriate. Wren seemed like an odd choice for a male name; I kept thinking of Marie Killilea's book Wren: The Story of Karen. Wren does share a beer with his father, but that's not anything I would keep from middle school students.
What I really think: Fans of Dalton's summer romances like Pulled Under or West's Maybe This Time who can stand a really long lead up to a romance will enjoy this one, but I was a bit appalled that Lili gave up her college plans so that she could stay with Wren. Luckily, at least Eryn was able to get back on track and was planning on leaving Nantucket and studying to become a pastry chef.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2026
“Think about what you really want, not just what you feel like you should want.”
After her father’s death, Lili Gardner returns to Nantucket for the first time in six years. There, she discovers that he left behind both a house and an unfinished investigation into disgraced smuggler Kezia Gardner. Determined to complete his research and restore her family’s reputation, Lili spends the summer searching for answers. She enlists the help of Wren McCleave, a history enthusiast frustrated with his father’s tourist-trap museum. As they sift through records and long-buried stories, their partnership uncovers more than just the truth about the past. Along the way, Lili and Wren begin to reconsider what they want from their futures—and from each other.
One thing that immediately stood out to me was how much effort Abigail Johnson clearly put into researching Nantucket’s history. The setting felt vivid and immersive, and it was easy to picture the island while reading. Lili and Wren’s investigation into the past brought in a lot of historical details, and while I occasionally found it a little hard to believe that two teenagers would be so invested in debating historical facts, sources, and research, I still appreciated how thoughtfully Johnson incorporated that material. The characters themselves were well developed and three-dimensional, which made the story engaging even when the pacing slowed down. And slow is definitely the right word here—this is an extremely slow-burn romance, to the point where it barely feels like one at times. I was also frustrated that Wren spends most of the book in a relationship with someone else, especially since Lili forms a friendly connection with his girlfriend. That dynamic made many of their moments together feel uncomfortable rather than romantic. Still, I appreciated that the story tried to explore communication, complicated emotions, and grief in a thoughtful way. If You Were Here also includes strong disability representation and touches of whimsy that younger readers will enjoy.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Storytide for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
After her father’s death, Lili Gardner returns to Nantucket for the first time in six years. There, she discovers that he left behind both a house and an unfinished investigation into disgraced smuggler Kezia Gardner. Determined to complete his research and restore her family’s reputation, Lili spends the summer searching for answers. She enlists the help of Wren McCleave, a history enthusiast frustrated with his father’s tourist-trap museum. As they sift through records and long-buried stories, their partnership uncovers more than just the truth about the past. Along the way, Lili and Wren begin to reconsider what they want from their futures—and from each other.
One thing that immediately stood out to me was how much effort Abigail Johnson clearly put into researching Nantucket’s history. The setting felt vivid and immersive, and it was easy to picture the island while reading. Lili and Wren’s investigation into the past brought in a lot of historical details, and while I occasionally found it a little hard to believe that two teenagers would be so invested in debating historical facts, sources, and research, I still appreciated how thoughtfully Johnson incorporated that material. The characters themselves were well developed and three-dimensional, which made the story engaging even when the pacing slowed down. And slow is definitely the right word here—this is an extremely slow-burn romance, to the point where it barely feels like one at times. I was also frustrated that Wren spends most of the book in a relationship with someone else, especially since Lili forms a friendly connection with his girlfriend. That dynamic made many of their moments together feel uncomfortable rather than romantic. Still, I appreciated that the story tried to explore communication, complicated emotions, and grief in a thoughtful way. If You Were Here also includes strong disability representation and touches of whimsy that younger readers will enjoy.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and Storytide for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook @pinereadsreview, and check out our website at www.pinereadsreview.com for reviews, author interviews, blogs, podcast episodes, and more!
May 15, 2026
This is a really sweet book with some heavy themes that are handled delicately. I liked the beach air that lingers throughout, summertime (my favorate season) festivities, and all the history. The first impression I had was Hallmark, and that's a complement, I'm that person who binges Hallmark movies year round. This delivered.
There are a lot of unique elements and I really love all the
There are a lot of unique elements and I really love all the
Read
July 3, 2026unfortunately, this had a few things going against it. the first of which is focussing on the personal history research project. things like that are as interesting as a grocery list is to the person who wrote it. It’s only interesting because it belongs to you. i’ve read other books that are focussed on the similar narrative where main character tries to find more about their personal history. they’ve been about white folks in america or sometimes in europe and i can’t be made to care. i doubt it’d be much of a difference to me if it was china or brazil or elsewhere. i’m not a history buff. the ways to make random largely unknown events interesting is by focussing on a tangible impact for reader. the impact of this is just implied historically and has meta quality where ties into the main character’s self-perception. i don’t know/care about this lady’s impact on a wider scale.
the major second issue with this was obviously the cheating trope. it had good potential to add serious drama, but was handled poorly. without eryn’s point of view, we really only see wren talking about the relationship for majority of the book. he portrays it as a girl he was friendly with, but never saw as anything more than a friend. who then, days into their relationship, took over as a major caregiver/emotional support provider to him and his family. he then proceeds to take advantage of that kindness for, like, four years. i don’t know about you, but that’s pretty shitty. so, we can kind of work with the cheating, but the fact that he has basically led her on for years because it’s easy is where the problem comes from. he’s not a good person. at least he’d rather be a paraplegic than a cheater. this also the second time i’ve noticed the author use a hidden poc character as a non-competitive second lead.
lili also has trouble with her allegiances because she seems to have an inflated sense of her relationship with
eryn. they’re barely friends. she barely has any friends there. this book barely focuses on those friendships. her dad was also giving major mental health problems.
i liked the author’s last book with the wheelchair representation and i was hoping to learn more in this one. but, there’s way less explanation of positioning and lifestyle changes other than the occasional stair or ramp. guys, i don’t know how wren drives a car. like, does everyone else already know how paraplegic people drive?? i know some folks don’t need a wheelchair full-time, but i don’t know his situation. anyways, kind of a bust for me on that front.
anyways, it’s a crinnamon bun, not a morning roll.
june 27, 2026
the major second issue with this was obviously the cheating trope. it had good potential to add serious drama, but was handled poorly. without eryn’s point of view, we really only see wren talking about the relationship for majority of the book. he portrays it as a girl he was friendly with, but never saw as anything more than a friend. who then, days into their relationship, took over as a major caregiver/emotional support provider to him and his family. he then proceeds to take advantage of that kindness for, like, four years. i don’t know about you, but that’s pretty shitty. so, we can kind of work with the cheating, but the fact that he has basically led her on for years because it’s easy is where the problem comes from. he’s not a good person. at least he’d rather be a paraplegic than a cheater. this also the second time i’ve noticed the author use a hidden poc character as a non-competitive second lead.
lili also has trouble with her allegiances because she seems to have an inflated sense of her relationship with
eryn. they’re barely friends. she barely has any friends there. this book barely focuses on those friendships. her dad was also giving major mental health problems.
i liked the author’s last book with the wheelchair representation and i was hoping to learn more in this one. but, there’s way less explanation of positioning and lifestyle changes other than the occasional stair or ramp. guys, i don’t know how wren drives a car. like, does everyone else already know how paraplegic people drive?? i know some folks don’t need a wheelchair full-time, but i don’t know his situation. anyways, kind of a bust for me on that front.
anyways, it’s a crinnamon bun, not a morning roll.
june 27, 2026
May 8, 2026
4.5
i love it when a book surprises me and exceeds my expectations. tbf, my expectations were six feet under the ground bc hello? have you read the synopsis? do i look like i care about history of a small town that has fake taxidermy mermaids? it was the pretty cover and promise of reluctant allies that caught my eye. i went in BLIND. if i had known what was in store, i don't think it would have me as shook tbh bc let me tell you, i was Shooketh when the sprinkle of cheating started trickling in.... i was sat, glued to my seat actually. i didn't know i was a cheating trope person but now allegedly... i am? or is it bc its YA? i think that must be why. adults with a fully developed forebrain and max maturity cheating just lets me know about their intellect and turns me off immediately. just throw the whole man away (and yes, its almost always the man cheating. exhibit a: this book).
the unexpected nature of it and sheer AUDACITY of wren had me bamboozled, flabbergasted. who knew a paraplegic teen guy who nearly died if not for his girlfriend who stayed by him from the icu to present day would cheat on HER? and have me rooting for him??! the chemistry btw him and lille was off the charts. i would've been their guard for their forbidden shenanigans if needed. i loved lille sooo much too. she was a real one and i understood her at all times. i have to say, the gf was dumb as rocks. how did she not catch that earlier? i fully thought her and tate had the hots for each other and she was just tired of wren at that point.
as i said earlier, this felt like the author wanted to write a Scandal the tv show in book form but her publisher rejected the idea so she disguised it in the form of a cozy, history book and got away with it. i couldn't be more happier.
i love it when a book surprises me and exceeds my expectations. tbf, my expectations were six feet under the ground bc hello? have you read the synopsis? do i look like i care about history of a small town that has fake taxidermy mermaids? it was the pretty cover and promise of reluctant allies that caught my eye. i went in BLIND. if i had known what was in store, i don't think it would have me as shook tbh bc let me tell you, i was Shooketh when the sprinkle of cheating started trickling in.... i was sat, glued to my seat actually. i didn't know i was a cheating trope person but now allegedly... i am? or is it bc its YA? i think that must be why. adults with a fully developed forebrain and max maturity cheating just lets me know about their intellect and turns me off immediately. just throw the whole man away (and yes, its almost always the man cheating. exhibit a: this book).
the unexpected nature of it and sheer AUDACITY of wren had me bamboozled, flabbergasted. who knew a paraplegic teen guy who nearly died if not for his girlfriend who stayed by him from the icu to present day would cheat on HER? and have me rooting for him??! the chemistry btw him and lille was off the charts. i would've been their guard for their forbidden shenanigans if needed. i loved lille sooo much too. she was a real one and i understood her at all times. i have to say, the gf was dumb as rocks. how did she not catch that earlier? i fully thought her and tate had the hots for each other and she was just tired of wren at that point.
as i said earlier, this felt like the author wanted to write a Scandal the tv show in book form but her publisher rejected the idea so she disguised it in the form of a cozy, history book and got away with it. i couldn't be more happier.
February 20, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the free advance copy!
Lili has finally returned to scenic Nantucket to uncover secrets of her notorious smuggler ancestor and the love she’s craved from her now-deceased father. Along the way she meets a cast of locals who may… or may not help her reach her summer goals of uncovering her family mysteries, feel closer to her estranged father, and bond with her mother and sister.
I have never been to Nantucket, yet I now find myself looking up pictures to truly capture the essence of this old island. The rustic, coastal setting and clash between locals and tourists always welcomes an intriguing story, in my eyes!
This clean, ya romance will be an easy-breezy summer reading option for the teens at our public library. The characters definitely sounded like young adults in their dialogue with very relatable teen issues. This story brought back many memories of my own teen summer jobs, forbidden crushes, and awkward introductions. Abigail Johnson’s writing style is a great fit for ya readers!
What I loved: Salt worn Nantucket vibes - characters falling down a historical rabbit hole - realistic teen relationships - a mermaid museum (I’d totally go!)
What I didn’t love: Long dialogues between characters that got hard to follow who was speaking - slow pacing in the middle of the story - in my opinion, a few too many side plots needing to be wrapped up at the end
I think this book will be an easy one to get in the hands of a reader looking for a spice-free romance. This is a solid "crossover" book option for tweens just getting into ya (even though the teen characters are newly graduated, their conflicts and behavior could still be relatable). This book would be a fantastic recommendation for readers that are intrigued by genealogy, American history, and have dreamed of getting away and starting fresh for an entire summer!
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the free advance copy!
Lili has finally returned to scenic Nantucket to uncover secrets of her notorious smuggler ancestor and the love she’s craved from her now-deceased father. Along the way she meets a cast of locals who may… or may not help her reach her summer goals of uncovering her family mysteries, feel closer to her estranged father, and bond with her mother and sister.
I have never been to Nantucket, yet I now find myself looking up pictures to truly capture the essence of this old island. The rustic, coastal setting and clash between locals and tourists always welcomes an intriguing story, in my eyes!
This clean, ya romance will be an easy-breezy summer reading option for the teens at our public library. The characters definitely sounded like young adults in their dialogue with very relatable teen issues. This story brought back many memories of my own teen summer jobs, forbidden crushes, and awkward introductions. Abigail Johnson’s writing style is a great fit for ya readers!
What I loved: Salt worn Nantucket vibes - characters falling down a historical rabbit hole - realistic teen relationships - a mermaid museum (I’d totally go!)
What I didn’t love: Long dialogues between characters that got hard to follow who was speaking - slow pacing in the middle of the story - in my opinion, a few too many side plots needing to be wrapped up at the end
I think this book will be an easy one to get in the hands of a reader looking for a spice-free romance. This is a solid "crossover" book option for tweens just getting into ya (even though the teen characters are newly graduated, their conflicts and behavior could still be relatable). This book would be a fantastic recommendation for readers that are intrigued by genealogy, American history, and have dreamed of getting away and starting fresh for an entire summer!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Thank you to the publisher, Harper Collins for proving with EARC via Netgalley, in exchange for honest review*
Another outstanding story by Abigail Johnson.
Once again, I’m at a loss for words on how this book affected me. I wish that I could give this book more than five stars; it deserves so much more. I have been reading Abigail’s books for years now, and I feel like I shouldn’t be surprised, but once again, she has crafted another story that I cannot stop thinking about. Lili and Wren’s story was so beautifully written that I found myself lost in it for hours, staying up later than I should have. I love books where you feel a connection with most of the characters. If You Were Here was one of those stories.
I love that the story takes place in Nantucket, and although I have never been there, I have read a few books in that setting, and I feel as if I have. I liked the way Abigail described Nantucket in the book; I found myself visualizing myself there while reading it. I was as invested in the Island’s history as Wren and Lilli were; you could tell that the author had done outstanding research. Like Lilli and Wren, I was curious to see what they would discover. One of my favorite aspects of this book was that it was part romance and part mystery.
Another favorite aspect of this book is that, as a reader, you find yourself connecting with almost every character, even minor characters, stand out. I adored Eryn, Tate, and Goldie. I also liked the fact that Wren and Lilli bonded over what they both loved, history. I feel like I could keep talking about this book, but I don’t want to give too much away; you’ll have to find out for yourself. I would highly recommend this book. I have a feeling that I will revisit this story in the future.
Another outstanding story by Abigail Johnson.
Once again, I’m at a loss for words on how this book affected me. I wish that I could give this book more than five stars; it deserves so much more. I have been reading Abigail’s books for years now, and I feel like I shouldn’t be surprised, but once again, she has crafted another story that I cannot stop thinking about. Lili and Wren’s story was so beautifully written that I found myself lost in it for hours, staying up later than I should have. I love books where you feel a connection with most of the characters. If You Were Here was one of those stories.
I love that the story takes place in Nantucket, and although I have never been there, I have read a few books in that setting, and I feel as if I have. I liked the way Abigail described Nantucket in the book; I found myself visualizing myself there while reading it. I was as invested in the Island’s history as Wren and Lilli were; you could tell that the author had done outstanding research. Like Lilli and Wren, I was curious to see what they would discover. One of my favorite aspects of this book was that it was part romance and part mystery.
Another favorite aspect of this book is that, as a reader, you find yourself connecting with almost every character, even minor characters, stand out. I adored Eryn, Tate, and Goldie. I also liked the fact that Wren and Lilli bonded over what they both loved, history. I feel like I could keep talking about this book, but I don’t want to give too much away; you’ll have to find out for yourself. I would highly recommend this book. I have a feeling that I will revisit this story in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If You Were Here by Abigail Johnson is a cute YA summer book set on Nantucket perfect for those who love a sweet romance combined with a historical mystery.
After the passing of her father, Lily and her family return to Nantucket for the summer to work on the house her father left. Lily’s father spent his life researching his ancestor Kezia Gardner, and in an attempt to continue his work, Lily finds herself volunteering at the Nantucket mermaid museum in exchange for time in their archives. Over the summer, Lily finds herself falling for Wren, son of the museum owner as they work together.
I have spent several summers working for a small east coast historical society, and loved the historical aspect of this book. I also enjoyed how Johnson describes the inspiration for the story, and the real life historical events and figures that influenced this story at the end of the book. The romance was sweet, and I particularly enjoyed the character of her little sister.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
I had several issues with the book however that left me unsatisfied. For one, adding a cheating narrative is always difficult, and in this instance I found it created a disconnect between me and the characters love story. There was just a lot going on in this book, while at the same time it felt like nothing was happening. I also wish she didn’t sacrifice her future college experience for an older boy she has only known for a few months. I wish she would have prioritized herself instead, especially in a YA book that young readers will be consuming.
All in all, this is a sweet book for those who love a Nantucket summer filled with sweet romance and historical mysteries.
Thank you so much to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
After the passing of her father, Lily and her family return to Nantucket for the summer to work on the house her father left. Lily’s father spent his life researching his ancestor Kezia Gardner, and in an attempt to continue his work, Lily finds herself volunteering at the Nantucket mermaid museum in exchange for time in their archives. Over the summer, Lily finds herself falling for Wren, son of the museum owner as they work together.
I have spent several summers working for a small east coast historical society, and loved the historical aspect of this book. I also enjoyed how Johnson describes the inspiration for the story, and the real life historical events and figures that influenced this story at the end of the book. The romance was sweet, and I particularly enjoyed the character of her little sister.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
I had several issues with the book however that left me unsatisfied. For one, adding a cheating narrative is always difficult, and in this instance I found it created a disconnect between me and the characters love story. There was just a lot going on in this book, while at the same time it felt like nothing was happening. I also wish she didn’t sacrifice her future college experience for an older boy she has only known for a few months. I wish she would have prioritized herself instead, especially in a YA book that young readers will be consuming.
All in all, this is a sweet book for those who love a Nantucket summer filled with sweet romance and historical mysteries.
Thank you so much to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2026
When Lili asks for his help uncovering the truth about her family’s past, Wren jumps at the chance to work on something real, even if helping a tourist is the last thing he thought he’d do.
As Lili and Wren dig deeper into Nantucket’s history, they uncover secrets that change the way they see the past, their families, and themselves. What starts as a search for answers becomes a summer filled with grief, identity, romance, and figuring out what kind of future they actually want.
I’d give this book 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the mix of mystery, history, and summer romance, and the Nantucket setting made the story feel cozy and atmospheric. The plot kept me interested, especially the search into Lili’s family history and the connection she had to her dad’s unfinished work. Even though the story moved a little slowly at times, I still wanted to keep reading to see how everything would come together.
At first, Wren wasn’t my favorite character because he came across as closed off, grumpy, and a little judgmental, but he really grew on me as the book went on. I liked seeing his passion for history and how his relationship with Lili helped him open up more. The emotional parts of the story about grief, family, and figuring out the future added depth beyond just the mystery.
Overall, this was a thoughtful and heartfelt read with strong character development and an intriguing premise, even if the pacing occasionally dragged.
As Lili and Wren dig deeper into Nantucket’s history, they uncover secrets that change the way they see the past, their families, and themselves. What starts as a search for answers becomes a summer filled with grief, identity, romance, and figuring out what kind of future they actually want.
I’d give this book 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the mix of mystery, history, and summer romance, and the Nantucket setting made the story feel cozy and atmospheric. The plot kept me interested, especially the search into Lili’s family history and the connection she had to her dad’s unfinished work. Even though the story moved a little slowly at times, I still wanted to keep reading to see how everything would come together.
At first, Wren wasn’t my favorite character because he came across as closed off, grumpy, and a little judgmental, but he really grew on me as the book went on. I liked seeing his passion for history and how his relationship with Lili helped him open up more. The emotional parts of the story about grief, family, and figuring out the future added depth beyond just the mystery.
Overall, this was a thoughtful and heartfelt read with strong character development and an intriguing premise, even if the pacing occasionally dragged.
November 2, 2025
Heartfelt YA read with bits of history, mystery and romance.
History for the ancestors of fictional characters, Wren and Lili but a significant time in US history.
Mystery for the quest Lili embarks on to disprove her ancestor's reputation.
Romance for the one that develops between Wren and Lili, despite Wren's committed status to another girl.
Wren's confined to a wheelchair after an unexpected accident. Before meeting Lilli, he was very much engaged with friendships, a girl and to a lesser extent, his family's business (due to mixed feelings). Upon meeting Lilli, he realizes just how much he has been unconsciously limiting his dreams. Lili's special bond with her deceased father motivates her. While admirable, she loses sight of what's important. Both characters are flawed. Witnessing their respective "growing pains" made for a good read.
Believe this is the 7th book written by this author. It's also this reader's 7th read. No two stories or characters are alike. What is a common theme? Engaging writing style and leaving the reader with a lasting impression that the read was time well spent.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, HarperCollins Children's Books | Storytide, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#IfYouWereHere #NetGalley
History for the ancestors of fictional characters, Wren and Lili but a significant time in US history.
Mystery for the quest Lili embarks on to disprove her ancestor's reputation.
Romance for the one that develops between Wren and Lili, despite Wren's committed status to another girl.
Wren's confined to a wheelchair after an unexpected accident. Before meeting Lilli, he was very much engaged with friendships, a girl and to a lesser extent, his family's business (due to mixed feelings). Upon meeting Lilli, he realizes just how much he has been unconsciously limiting his dreams. Lili's special bond with her deceased father motivates her. While admirable, she loses sight of what's important. Both characters are flawed. Witnessing their respective "growing pains" made for a good read.
Believe this is the 7th book written by this author. It's also this reader's 7th read. No two stories or characters are alike. What is a common theme? Engaging writing style and leaving the reader with a lasting impression that the read was time well spent.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, HarperCollins Children's Books | Storytide, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#IfYouWereHere #NetGalley
May 9, 2026
《 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 》
☆☆☆☆
I recently finished the audiobook of If You Were Here by Abigail Johnson, and this was such a cute YA book! It's a summery romance with some historical fiction. I loved it, and it's perfect for reading on vacation!
It follows along Lili Gardner after her dad passes away, and she travels back to Nantucket with her mom and little sister. He left the house to his daughters, and they are going to fix it up so that it can be rented out while Lili goes to college. She loves history as much as she loves Nantucket, and wants to come back after getting her history degree.
While picking up where her dad left off in his own research on their family, she meets Wren McCleave, another history buff who is also from a prominent family in Nantucket's history. Their lives become intertwined as they discover secrets of the past, and discover what means the most to them!
It's a sweet coming-of-age story that I really enjoyed listening to! The narrators did a great job of the dual POV.
It iust got released on April 28th, and is available to read (or listen) to now!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this advanced audio review copy!
☆☆☆☆
I recently finished the audiobook of If You Were Here by Abigail Johnson, and this was such a cute YA book! It's a summery romance with some historical fiction. I loved it, and it's perfect for reading on vacation!
It follows along Lili Gardner after her dad passes away, and she travels back to Nantucket with her mom and little sister. He left the house to his daughters, and they are going to fix it up so that it can be rented out while Lili goes to college. She loves history as much as she loves Nantucket, and wants to come back after getting her history degree.
While picking up where her dad left off in his own research on their family, she meets Wren McCleave, another history buff who is also from a prominent family in Nantucket's history. Their lives become intertwined as they discover secrets of the past, and discover what means the most to them!
It's a sweet coming-of-age story that I really enjoyed listening to! The narrators did a great job of the dual POV.
It iust got released on April 28th, and is available to read (or listen) to now!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this advanced audio review copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was great for those looking for a dose of summer-- it has the perfect atmospheric setting on Nantucket. It also has a hefty dose of themes involving family, obsession, history, and the complication of relationships.
Lili is such a lovable character and summer personified. The love interest, Wren, is grumpy in the most charming way. I was hesitant about their relationship at first because he's already in a relationship while clearly falling in love with Lili, but the situation was handled artfully and didn't fall into the excusing-emotional-cheating-hole. It was a great source of conflict and opened the door for conservations about how complicated relationships really are. The conflict with Lili's dad and his obsession was also impactful and worked really well with Lili's character development and relationship to her family. I enjoyed seeing their dynamic and growth.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! If you're looking for a summer read, love grumpy/sunshine, with a dose of history and heartfelt conversations about family, history, and relationships, this is the book for you!
Lili is such a lovable character and summer personified. The love interest, Wren, is grumpy in the most charming way. I was hesitant about their relationship at first because he's already in a relationship while clearly falling in love with Lili, but the situation was handled artfully and didn't fall into the excusing-emotional-cheating-hole. It was a great source of conflict and opened the door for conservations about how complicated relationships really are. The conflict with Lili's dad and his obsession was also impactful and worked really well with Lili's character development and relationship to her family. I enjoyed seeing their dynamic and growth.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! If you're looking for a summer read, love grumpy/sunshine, with a dose of history and heartfelt conversations about family, history, and relationships, this is the book for you!
June 8, 2026
Well written book with the bones of a good plot, but my god these characters are infuriating. My big issue is that it would have been very easy for this book NOT to feature a cheating subplot - but it does, and it's awful. Generally speaking I'm of the opinion that no topic should be off-limits when it comes to books; but the way this story weaves everything together in a positive way does not work for me.
November 26, 2025
Abigail Johnson has outdone herself with IF YOU WERE HERE, a story that would be an ideal Disney movie.
History buff Lili, mourning the recent death of her father, is organizing the house on Nantucket that he bequeathed Lili and her younger sister. She wants to solve the mystery her father’s research left unfinished. Wren reluctantly works for his family gift shop and mermaid museum. He has bigger plans to make the museum more authentic and less fantastical despite his father’s objections. The two team up to help each other achieve their goals in this self-described grumpy/sunshine romance.
I’ve real all Abigail Johnson’s YA novels. In IF YOU WERE HERE, she takes her storytelling to a new level by incorporating a fictional centuries long mystery into the plot reminding me of the Witch Mountain movies from my childhood (the originals from the 1970s). IF YOU WERE HERE has broad appeal to both MG and YA readers and should be stocked in classrooms and libraries. If it becomes a movie, parents will also enjoy watching it with their children.
History buff Lili, mourning the recent death of her father, is organizing the house on Nantucket that he bequeathed Lili and her younger sister. She wants to solve the mystery her father’s research left unfinished. Wren reluctantly works for his family gift shop and mermaid museum. He has bigger plans to make the museum more authentic and less fantastical despite his father’s objections. The two team up to help each other achieve their goals in this self-described grumpy/sunshine romance.
I’ve real all Abigail Johnson’s YA novels. In IF YOU WERE HERE, she takes her storytelling to a new level by incorporating a fictional centuries long mystery into the plot reminding me of the Witch Mountain movies from my childhood (the originals from the 1970s). IF YOU WERE HERE has broad appeal to both MG and YA readers and should be stocked in classrooms and libraries. If it becomes a movie, parents will also enjoy watching it with their children.
May 5, 2026
🎧 Review: If You Were Here by If You Were Here ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay this one = summer crush energy in book form ☀️💙
We’ve got Nantucket vibes, a lil mystery, and a grumpy history boy (hi Wren 👀). Lili heads to the island to feel close to her dad again and accidentally finds…answers, adventure, and maybe a boy she didn’t plan on catching feelings for. The chemistry?? Cute, awkward, tension filled in the best way. I ate it up.
Now the audiobook??? ELITE.
Alexandra Hunter brings Lili to life with so much heart, and André Santana gives Wren that perfect mix of grumpy + soft boy energy. Dual narration just hits different and this one hits.
AND THE COVER?? 10/10 NO NOTES 🎨
I’m actually obsessed! The colors are so dreamy and the font is chef’s kiss. It’s one of those covers you buy for the aesthetic and then stay for the story.
If you want:
☀️ beachy vibes
💛 grumpy/sunshine
🔍 light mystery
💫 easy, swoony feels
✨ read it
🎧 but definitely listen to it for the full experience
Okay this one = summer crush energy in book form ☀️💙
We’ve got Nantucket vibes, a lil mystery, and a grumpy history boy (hi Wren 👀). Lili heads to the island to feel close to her dad again and accidentally finds…answers, adventure, and maybe a boy she didn’t plan on catching feelings for. The chemistry?? Cute, awkward, tension filled in the best way. I ate it up.
Now the audiobook??? ELITE.
Alexandra Hunter brings Lili to life with so much heart, and André Santana gives Wren that perfect mix of grumpy + soft boy energy. Dual narration just hits different and this one hits.
AND THE COVER?? 10/10 NO NOTES 🎨
I’m actually obsessed! The colors are so dreamy and the font is chef’s kiss. It’s one of those covers you buy for the aesthetic and then stay for the story.
If you want:
☀️ beachy vibes
💛 grumpy/sunshine
🔍 light mystery
💫 easy, swoony feels
✨ read it
🎧 but definitely listen to it for the full experience
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews