A sweet contemporary read with a hint of magical realism and subtle romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. If you liked the Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston, or the Midnight Library by Matt Haig - then you'll likely love this one too!

I was fully immersed from the beginning and I enjoyed the writing style where we are taken along this journey and discover bits and pieces as we go. I found myself relating to the FMC, Catherine, with her type A - arrive early kind of persona. I thought the MMC was lovely (tattooed, cinnamon roll) and enjoyed how his character evolved in the book. The elderly side characters were charming and I wanted to live in this little world.

This was nearly a full 5 star - shout from the rooftops type read. But I knocked a half star off as I craved/pined for just a little bit more romance and there were a few side characters I wanted more development of (can't say without spoilers) - there was also a bit of acceptance for her upbringing that I struggled with (it's ok to say it wasn't ok).

I really enjoyed this one and think it'll live rent free in my head space for a bit.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Wish I Were Here" is a charming story that blends romance, self-discovery, and a touch of magical realism. The book follows Catherine Lipton, a meticulous math professor whose life is turned upside down when her identity mysteriously vanishes from all records. Forced to rely on the help of her laid-back and infuriatingly charming doorman, Luca Morelli, Catherine embarks on a journey to reclaim not only her lost identity but also a sense of who she truly is.

Wiesner crafts a narrative that's both heartwarming and introspective, exploring themes of identity, family, and the unexpected joys that can arise from stepping outside one's comfort zone. Luca and Catherine's relationship is the classic opposites-attract dynamic, bringing humor and warmth to the story as they navigate various challenges together.

Though the romance is light and sweet, the book primarily focuses on Catherine's personal growth and the rediscovery of what truly matters in life. The subtle magical realism adds an intriguing layer to the plot, keeping readers engaged as the story unfolds.

Overall, "Wish I Were Here" is a cozy and uplifting read, perfect for those who enjoy stories about finding oneself and the unexpected connections that can change everything.

Wish I Were Here is a story that teaches lessons about life and family and done in a beautiful and simple way. The magical realism in this story sneaks up on you, but it's there. This was one of the reasons I wanted to read this book, for that touch of magic.

Catherine follows rules, always early, and lives in a narrow lens of life. She just landed her dream job as a mathematician professor. That is, until she gets notified its revoked, due to her missing from the government's records. No social security and an invalid birth certificate. She disappeared from the system. With the help of the laid back, always late, infuriating doorman, to her apartment building, Luca, they search to get her identity back.

I loved that the way things appear on the outside isn't always what's on the inside. The connection Luca had with the older generation in the building was just precious. The quest that Luca and Catherine go on about town brings silly and heartfelt times, two opposites learning from eachother. I did wish that there was more magical realism, as I kept looking for it while reading this story. However, the revelation at the end was shocking to me, an invisible string that tied this story together perfectly.

Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the opportunity to read this eARC!

Wish I Were Here was not what I expected but was what I needed. Similar to Catherine, life deals her situation that she could have gone without but she need to understand that there is more to than just a profession and to do lists. Catherine and Luca are total opposites but they perfectly balance each other.

Melissa Wiesner writing is beautiful. It will have you thinking about what you read even after you have closed the book.

I really enjoyed Melissa Wiesner’s writing style in Love and Other Lost Things, so I was excited to get into the magical realism novel Wish I Were Here. Type-A mathematician Catherine is used to having everything under control—that is until a wish to be nobody causes a case of missing identity and her only hope of help is her building doorman Luca who will go above and beyond to help her and all the residence of the building. This is very in line with a kind of Ashley Poston story. I wouldn’t necessarily categorize this as a romance; it’s 100% Catherine’s story of self-discovery and balance of her work/life with a splash of endearing romance. Luca is just precious and so kind and sweet. I loved him, but I do wish there was more to really flesh him out (but again, this is Catherine’s story more than anything else, so he really just felt like a support character to the story). He was a perfect balance to Catherine and her rules though. And Catherine’s story is so relatable; she’s always on and organized, and I just totally understood her. And I loved watching her let go some and find her voice. There’s great character development. I think some of the twists were kind of predictable, but even so, it’s a quick and fun read with a lot of emotion and really strong characters. It’s cozy and sweet and a great fall pick.

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!

This was a cute story that explores the meaning of family and what's truly important in life. While I found it hard to like main character Catherine at times, I did like how her character resolved things in the end.
Overall, this was missing some of the depth that I usually look for in novels. It felt predictable and trite at times.

Wish I Were Here is a very happy surprise in reading. The premise felt original yet familiar, perhaps better said— it became a comfort in reading. That feeling that everything is going to be okay.

Our heroine Catherine is very much a stickler for rules and responsibility, and given her upbringing, it’s easy to see why. It’s also easy to see why it’s hard for her to lose those things, and how lost and untethered it initially makes her. I related very much to her, my sympathy was with her even when she bad wrong calls and bad judgements. I could understand that fear she felt. Which is why I felt inspired by her eventual embrace of the chaos.

In large part, that embrace is thanks to the chaotic (or is he!) Luca. Who, like his tattoos, brings vibrancy and color to Catherine’s life.

I immediately loved the connection these two had, although I did lament there wasn’t more prominent romancing (but it definitely happens!). Yet, at the same time, I liked how while the relationship between Catherine and Theo is poignant on the page, as it helps to transform Catherine— it’s not the driving force of the story. Catherine is. In reconciling with herself, with her childhood, her father, and the community she finds herself becoming part of.

Another interesting facet to the narrative is the magical realism subtly but perfectly brought into the story. I caught on to it early yet the proper reveal still made me emotional. It was done with so much heart.

And this is a book which wears its heart on its sleeve.

If you love watching characters blossom in their growth, if you love moving yet subtle love stories, and if you love stories filled with hype and inspiring personal change. This one is for you! It most certainly was for me!

Thank you kindly to Forever and NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

Catherine Lipton has all of her ducks in a row. She has a plan and everything is on track for her success as a new Math Professor. That is until that plan gets completely derailed by her birth certificate turning out to be a fake and her identity being compromised. Now she has to figure out a way to track down a mom she has never met to find the original copy so she can keep her new job. But she needs help… and that's where Luca Morelli comes in.

Luca is the door man for Catherine’s building. He is heavily involved in the lives of the elderly residents and assists with all of their errands. He also helps at the local community center where they all spend their time. While he is a great guy, he is never actually at the door when he needs to be. But he has connections and is able to help Catherine through all of the roadblocks she faces while trying to get her identity sorted out.

📖This novel was a great reminder to not take life so seriously, and to slow down and smell the flowers. The characters were well crafted and really made this book the masterpiece that it is. The ending of this book is what had me feeling all of the feels. This is a must read, so add it to your TBR!!!

Read if you love
🤍 Opposites attract
🤍 Magical realism
🤍 Found family
🤍 Elderly people with sass
🤍 Character growth

Wish I Were Here is for fans of the reverse grump x sunshine trope! This book has a lot of things I like: grump x sunshine, found family, relatable characters and a golden retriever MMC. I found this to be a very cozy romance. It was funny and had the journey of self discovery at its center.

I liked how the magical realism was used. It wasn't confusing or overused. I felt the author did a good job of balancing that element of the book.

I also enjoyed the progression of the romance between Catherine and Luca. Luca is so charming and fun that it's impossible not to like him (as Catherine discovers). I felt they meshed well and had a fun dynamic. These two are reverse grumpy x sunshine trope for sure! So if you're a fan of that you'll devour this.

I thought this book was charming, heartwarming and a beautiful story of discovering what you really want.

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!

Rating: 3.5/5
Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner is a sweet story that takes us on an adventure while Catherine tries to find her lost identity. Through this journey, her doorman, the sexy Luca, is by her side every step of the way. This book has a little of everything, love, self discovery, an amazing community of characters, and a little bit of magic. Catherine's character was a little off-putting. Luca was charismatic and fun Ioving. Unfortunately, I did not feel their chemistry. I usually love Melissa Wiesner's work. This book is just one that did not stand out for me.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the Publisher and Melissa Wiesner for the ARC of this contemporary romance.

There is just something special about magical realism in a romance. Wish I Were Here is the book to pick up when you need a dose of warm fuzzies. The characters in the novel are just wonderful. I really connected with the FMC, who is a type A rule follower. And love me a tatted cinnamon roll hero! We get an apartment building of senior citizens who are the most endearing characters. The found family trope is chef's kiss. And Melissa Wiesner's writing just makes it so easy to keep turning pages. From start to finish, this book was pure FUN!

This is my second Melissa Weisner read and it did not disappoint! I love the opposites attract trope and these two main characters could not have been more different. I had Sal figured out the second time we meet him on the page, but I still loved the pay off at the end!
👏🏻
While I think The Second Chance Year is still my favorite from this author, if you love a good romcom then you’ll enjoy this book!
🥰
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for a free copy of this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
💜

First off thank you Forever Publishing, Melissa Wiesner and NetGalley for the early copy of this book. It was such a fun books to read.

I loved the missing identity premise, but the journey of self discovery that Melissa takes us on with Catherine and Luca was such a joy to read. I really felt like I was on the hunt with Catherine. That was a mark of good storytelling from Melissa.

I loved the subtleties of the relationship with Catherine and Luca. You felt their connection from the beginning of the book, even when Catherine was annoyed with him. You were rooted for him and then the whole way. I loved how he was not only always there for Catherine but for all of the residents of their buildings. He truly has a heart of gold.

While the story was great, the quirky senior citizens who live in Catherine’s apartment building really stole the show! I loved everyone one of them. Even the ghost who constantly breaks the elevator. They were all such a great addition to the story.

Thank you again to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for this book. I really adored it.

ARC review of Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner. Thank you Forever and NetGalley for this book. Opinions are my own. I really enjoyed the character of Luca, the Italian doorman who seems careless yet is the most precious, caring soul imaginable. I had a hard time connecting with Catherine, the FMC, despite her clear character growth through the book. The magical realism felt a little lacking, until the end (which was somewhat predictable but enjoyable nonetheless!) I will definitely try more Wiesner books in the future.

Like many who have read this, I enjoy magic realism in books but unfortunately, in this book, this concept fell flat since I didn't connect with the characters in the way I was hoping to. While Luca was a dream, the chemistry between him and Catherine wasn't palpable. A fun read but not one I will be reaching for again.

3.5 stars. Take a type A woman, add a precious tattooed golden retriever of a man, a dash of found family and a sprinkle of magical realism and you have this novel!

This book was so cute and had adorable funny moments. I love a found family and 5 stars for Luca because YES. So as a whole, I liked this!

Unfortunately, I didn’t absolutely adore it. The magical realism angle in this novel didn’t completely work for me and I wanted to feel the chemistry between the main characters ten fold! You can have a closed door romance and still have sizzling chemistry and I was missing that.

Still will continue to pick up everything this author writes!

I absolutely LOVED this ARC! Between the characters, the location (took place in my hometown) and the story behind this was so good! I loved the connection between Catherine & Luca and how much it grew! This book made me cry by the end because of all the feels it gave!

Advanced Book Review! Thank you @readforeverpub and @netgalley for sending me this book for review. Opinions are my own.
“Opposites attract when a buttoned-up professor and carefree doorman must restore a magically missing identity in this sparkling romance.”
I’m back with another Melissa Wisener book review. As I mentioned before, she writes in two genres (with two different publishers) and Wish I Were Here falls into the magical realism/romance genre.
When Catherine’s identity disappears from the government records right before she’s supposed to start her new job as a mathematics professor, she doesn’t know how to start literally putting her life back together. She unwillingly turns to her charming, but non-rule abiding, doorman, Luca, and his massive Italian family for help discovering who she really is, and putting the pieces of her life back together.
Catherine is a rule follower, which clearly stems from trying to create order to make up for her chaotic childhood. With her mom out of the picture and completely unknown to Catherine, and her dad’s lifelong dream of being a professional clown and inability to hold a steady job, Catherine has always taken on the responsibility of creating some stability.
Wish I Were Here is about finding family, community and identity, with a touch of magical realism. In trying to find her lost government identity, Catherine really ends up searching for her true identity. And a brief moment of wishing to be nobody actually leaders Catherine down a path of self-discovery.
This book was just ok for me. I think I never really connected with any of the characters and didn’t really buy the relationship between Catherine and Luca or how he was literally related to everyone in town.