This was a very enjoyable dual POV enemies to lovers debut set in Italy as Ava, an American woman recently given a "hall pass" by her boyfriend back home, has come to study abroad and also to fulfill a promise to her dead mother. While there she meets James, an American expat and aspiring photographer who also turns out to be the professor who she has to work for over the semester abroad she's in Italy for. Sparks fly between the two and the more time they spend together the more feelings grow. This had humor, heart and lots of emotional depth. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. This is perfect for fans of authors like Rebecca Serle.

a stunning debut. a book that can make me equally laugh and sob is a gold star in my book. cannot wait for everything else christy writes :')

Ava Graham's ducks are in a row as she heads off to Italy to complete her final law school credits and fulfill a promise she made to her late mother five years ago. Ava expects her long-term boyfriend to propose before her trip, but instead of giving her a ring, he suggests they use her time abroad as a “break” before settling down.

When James Massini arrives–late–to the airport to pick up Ava as a favor to his aunt and uncle, he’s surprised to find that she’s not a young co-ed, but a fascinating woman approaching thirty with a serious superiority complex and a habit of underestimating him. When she’s assigned to his class as a TA, he becomes determined to prove to her that there is more to life than plans and lists, no matter how hard she fights with him–or how annoyingly charming he finds their banter.

Despite the sudden disaster of her life, type A Ava might actually enjoy Italy—if only annoyingly carefree James wasn’t there, too. As Ava reluctantly lets James try to show her a different way of life in Italy, she begins to find beauty in the chaos. Of course, it’s when things begin to make sense again that her past comes storming back.

With a humorously relatable protagonist and a rich Italian setting, this debut novel is an escapist treat and a necessary reminder that life doesn’t always care about the plans we’ve made for ourselves.

Ava is rushing through the airport with her politician boyfriend to make her flight to Italy on time and complete her final credits for law school. She is expecting him to propose right before she gets on the plane but instead gives her a pass to “sow her oats” before she comes back home. Completely stunned the entire flight there, she snubs James, the man that was sent to pick her up from the airport in Italy. Come to find out, he is the nephew of the family Ava is staying with and the professor she is working with for the next 4 weeks.

I thoroughly enjoyed how Ava trauma dumped on James thinking that he didn’t speak English and then had to deal with all that awkwardness. I loved the way she and James became friends and let the chemistry between them flow.

I loved the details of the Italian countryside and Villa where Ava stayed. I want to move there! Her found family was a delight. I also loved when she found out how well loved her mother and her paintings were in the Italian town.

This was a beautiful debut and I would definitely read more from Christy Schillig. Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for this book. Wish You Weren’t Here is out now.

A love letter to Italy, to mothers, to lovers, to found family. This book is absolute perfection!!! I will post an Instagram review shortly.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

🤍 Dislike to Lovers
🤍 Summer Rom-Com
🤍 Italian Setting
🤍 Opposites Attract
🤍 Age Gap

Thoughts:
Absolutely adored this read! It is the perfect summer romance read with its Italian setting and detailed descriptions that transport you into this world 🌎

Ava and James are perfect for each other and their story is so beautiful! The characters and their emotional connection really drive this story and even though there isn’t a lot of spice, you still feel every single moment of romance between these characters ❤️

The banter between these two was perfect and their chemistry will have you rooting for them the entire book. I loved the side plots and the story behind Ava’s mom as well.

Brb while I go book a flight to Italy ✈️

‼️ Triggers: some mild triggers including abandonment and 💀 of a parent.

This is an EXCELLENT romance read for the summer!

A transportive book about finding one’s self

I loved the escapist aspect of this book that I felt I was walking the streets of Urbino myself. The found family was a delight and heartwarming to read (save for that creepy kid, somebody save him). And the food and wine! I suggest that you don’t read this book on an empty stomach.

I just had some issues with the pacing as the middle third of this book went a bit sluggish that I almost DNFed, but this was well-written enough for me to finish.

My thanks to Alcove Press, NetGalley and the author for my copy. All opinions are honest and my own.

I really liked this book! While there is a romance here (and yay for it being somewhat of an Enemies-to-Lovers tale!), I feel like this book falls more under the General/Contemporary [Women's] Fiction category, which I admittedly don't read too much of. That said, I enjoyed the MCs, their development throughout the novel, and found them both to be easy to relate to and root for. I also thought the story/plot as a whole was well-paced and clearly thought out, with the writing to be strong, immersive, and atmospheric (particularly when it came to the descriptions of Italy, the food, etc— it felt like I was really there!). I would definitely recommend this book out to others, especially for summer, and look forward to seeing what Schillig comes out with next!

Loved the Italy setting but this story just fell flat for me. After weeks of reading I’m only 35% through because I found I wasn’t ever picking it up. This one just isn’t for me. Thank you to the publisher for the free ebook to review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an Advanced Reader Copy of Wish you Weren't Here. Unfortunately, I couldn't get into this story. I didn't even make it a quarter of the way through, so I don't have much to share other than it didn't resonate with me and I didn't connect with the characters.

I loved this book! I liked that it took place in Italy and that the author did a wonderful job describing place, atmosphere and characters. Great easy read. I look forward to more books from this author. Take this book with you on vacation.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

When I read what this book was about, I was immediately intrigued! Unfortunately it didn't completely live up to my expectations, but I still enjoyed it!

I really loved this book. She flies to Italy to finish her law degree and she was expecting her boyfriend to propose to her, but instead he breaks up with her. When she goes to Italy she meets this guy and the rest is history.

Author, Christy Schilling hit a walk off home run with this one. I absolutely adored this book. I was grabbed into the whirlwind life of Ava on a Ava goes into a Study abroad school term that finds from the beginning a love/ hate relationship not only with a very handsome lovable professor, James but also with his family, their lifestyle, their friends and the small community of Urbino, Italy. As a whole. The descriptive details of the Urbino countryside, the food and culture. and family made me wish I was there. My words hardly do justice to the author or the book. The beautiful picture her words paint. If you enjoy a perfect romance novel. Get this one to tuck into your beach bag and get swept away. I so highly recommend this book if you enjoy clean romance novels. I give this one two arms up with jazz hands, eight fingers and two thumbs up! Must settle on five stars instead of my recommended ten. Special thanks to the following for an advance unedited copy: This is my own honest opinion.
#NetGalley
#AlcovePress
#ChristySchilling
Publication Date: May 21, 2024

In general aspect, I enjoyed this one. The vacation vibe and the absolute feel about it were making me want to go on a vacation to Italy. Another aspect is the art content, which I find interesting as well.

Anyway, I would also say this also felt underwhelming, especially the last 40% and so.

The romance as well, I feel like the romance didn't really kick that much, when I believe that it could have been so much better if it did considering the chemistry they had.

Another thing, Ava was kind of irritated me, James also weirded me out tbh.

Overall, I think this could have been better.

This was a wonderful story of how the efforts to protect others and yourself can sometimes backfire in the nest of ways. Ava has had some curveballs thrown at her, and she finally gets to fulfill a promise to her mother when yet another curveball is thrown. She will need to roll with the punches in order to find the beauty that is right in front of her. James, on the other hand, sees so much beauty through his camera but fails to see his own worthiness. Sparks fly whenever they are near each other, and I spent much time giggling at the miscommunication and outright snark. I loved the location and how the author beautifully described what the characters were seeing. I felt like I was there. I enjoyed the chemistry between James and Ava and how everyone in her orbit had something to teach her.

Love and Gelato but for adults, in the best way. I think we all should go to Italy to discover what is really important to life.

What an amazing debut! This was the epitome of a wanderlust, jam-packed, wholesome book!

Ava travels to Italy to finish off her law school credits after going through a breakup. James picks her up from the airport as a favor to his uncle & aunt, with whom Ava will be staying. Not only that, but Ava is assigned as a TA in James' class! Hah. The banter these two had was epic.

As these 2 are constantly thrown into each other's paths, they discover their hate is slowly blossoming love now. Set in the gorgeous backdrop of Italy, the scenes will literally transport you there. I loved the descriptions of every little detail.

thank you Netgalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wish You Weren’t Here is a charming contemporary novel that takes you on a journey of self-discovery and second chances. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town, the story follows our main character Sarah as she navigates the complexities of life, love, and friendship.
Schillig weaves a captivating story that keeps you hooked from the very first page. The plot is rich with emotion, humor, and unexpected twists, making it a delightful read for fans of women's fiction and romance. The small-town setting adds charm to the story, making you feel like you're a part of Sarah's world.
Wish You Weren’t Here is a captivating read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you longing for more. Christy Schillig has crafted a touching story that reminds us of the power of love and the beauty of second chances. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a heartwarming escape into the world of fiction.

Wish You Weren’t Here by @christyschillig is an unforgettable book about love and finding your true calling! ❤️

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I absolutely LOVED Wish You Weren’t Here!!! It was well-written, romantic, and humorous at times. I enjoyed Ava’s journey of finding her true passion again and exploring Urbino with a handsome man by her side. James is an absolute dreamboat and his journey to follow his dreams was fantastic as well. I adored James’ family and how they support each other too. Wish You Weren’t Here is a must-read that will make you cry, laugh, swoon, and yearn to travel to Italy. 🇮🇹❤️✨

Thank you to @alcovepress and @netgalley for the opportunity to read/review this ARC! 🤩📚

#wishyouwerenthere #christyschillig #review #bookrecommendation #bookobsessed #instabook #booklovers #instabooks #fiction #readingtime #currentlyreading #readmorebooks #author #amreading #novel #ilovebooks #booksofig #romance #bookishlove #authorsofinstagram #readersofig #igbooks #writersofinstagram #literature #bookaesthetic #love #booklife

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful, poetic, perfect debut this is! My heart is so full after going on this journey with Ava. While this book includes a lot of my favorite tropes- forced proximity, enemies to lovers, etc, this book is so, so much more than a just a romcom with a list of tropes. It is a beautiful journey of self-discovery and healing that I just adored. The way that James, who was in his own battle between protecting his heart and handing it over, was able to be present for Ava through her journey was so sweet and just fueled their love story in the perfect way.
The perfect backdrop, found family, and artistic landscape of this novel just highlighted an already beautiful love story and I'm so happy the world gets to fall in love with this one very soon.