When I first started Wish You Were Here I kept thinking that these characters felt really familiar. Then one of them mentioned how they met and I realized it was the women from Alex Brown's other book that I read called. Bring Me Sunshine. It was so fun to visit with the women again as they enjoy their friendship and come together in NYC to celebrate DeeDee's 70th birthday. It's especially great they came together as she's been having a really hard time after the love of her life passed away. A well written book that takes them all over the island and to a few other secret places as they catch up, have fund and deal with some painful and surprising things from the past.

thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

I devoured this book in a day. Alex’s descriptive writing of the scenery and the crystal clear sea was just amazing.
Wish You Were Here by Alex Brown is an emotional, romantic story about female friendship and finding love after loss in the city that never sleeps and the sand dunes with stunning sunsets of the Hamptons.
Such an amazing story of self worth and friendships.
Alex’s writing is always top class and real page turners.

I am likely in the minority, but this book didn't work for me.

From the start, I felt very out of touch with Deedee. Perhaps it's an age thing as the main character is 70, From the start the story brought me down a little. The despair over turning 70, her business falling off and her lack of any sort of life started the book off in a disappointing way. No matter what came next, the book didn't recover for me. I finished it, but even the change of scenery from New York to the Hamptons didn't make this book any better. I'm sorry to say this did not work for me. I'm sure other will love this book.

Wish You Were Here is the first book I've read from Brown and on the strength of this alone it's definitely not going to be my last.

I love books that have an older person at the helm. They make you realise that life is for the living whatever age you are.

Brown's characters are realistic and those friendships were goals. Dee Dee reminded me so much of my Mum, who is still very much lively and has the mindset of someone younger.

Little did I know this is actually the sequel to another of Brown's books, Bring Me Sunshine. This didn't distract from my enjoyment of the book in anyway. But for further backstory on the friends is one I'll definitely be reading soon.

A thoroughly enjoyable escapism read. Full of friendship and fun.

The narrative is about Deedee Merriman, an owner of a travel agency who is reaching a milestone birthday and pondering the future of her life. In a quest to indulge in a younger spirit, she invites her long-time friends Gina and Rosie on a celebratory vacation to New York, which is a city that has great meaning since it reminds her of her deceased husband, Joe.

However, the trip holds more than just birthday celebrations. A surprise awaits Deedee upon arrival: a small, rundown beach house in the Hamptons, a place where Joe spent his childhood. This unexpected gift becomes the catalyst for uncovering long-held secrets that promise to alter everything Deedee thought she knew.

Alex Brown adeptly interlaces themes of women's friendship, loss, and the potential to rediscover love. The relationships between Deedee, Gina, and Rosie are real and nurturing, and they provide the emotional foundation of the story. Their path of discovery, whether in the active city environment of New York or the peaceful vistas of the Hamptons, is compelling and accessible.

The author emphasizes the emotional depth of the story, specifically Deedee's journey of navigating life after loss. The contrast between the bustling city of New York and the Hamptons' soothing "sand dunes with breathtaking sunsets" sets a rich stage for Deedee's emotional and love life exploration. The aspect of a secret surrounding the beach house provides an intrigue that keeps the reader engaged to find out what is true with Deedee.

'Wish You Were Here' is an engaging and moving tale of female friendship, coping with loss, and discovering new horizons. Alex Brown guarantees a read full of emotion, romance, and the beauty of city and seaside life. Readers who love tales of powerful female friendships, second chances, and a dash of mystery against the idyllic settings will find themselves enthralled by Deedee's tale and the mysteries to be revealed in 'Wish You Were Here'.

The friendships in this book are amazing. Deedee has the friendships that women dream of. Gina and Rosie understand what Deedee needs before she even knows it herself. They give her space when she needs it, keep her company when needed, and always support her. I love that their friendship is on the new side, but it feels like it has years of understanding and knowledge.

I have never visited New York but it is on my list of places to be visited. I love how Gina and Rosie chose where to go. Visiting movie locations is a great way to see a city with so much to offer. The surprise that Joe, Deedee’s late husband, left her made me cry.

This is my first Alex Brown book and I am excited to read more.

In 'Wish You Were Here' we meet and follow DeeDee. An adventurous and outgoing woman about to celebrate her 70th birthday. With the big day fast approaching, DeeDee longs more and more for the love of her life, her late husband, Joe. When things take an unexpected turn of events, DeeDee is forced to come to terms with her loss, her mortality and maybe even her second chance.

This was a very sweet story. I enjoyed reading it quite a bit. I got caught up in my feels while reading it. My only issue with it, is that the main character did not read as a 70-year-old woman. It felt like I was reading about someone much younger. This didn't affect my opinion of her, I still adored her, it just threw me off a little bit. There's so much I just want to gush about but it would be too many spoilers. So I will just say, this book will make you smile and break your heart. I positively adored it. I'll be thinking about this one for a little while before I let it go.

Thank you to the author & Rachel's Random Resources for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love it when I discover a new author and fall straight into step with their writing. I read this as though I’d already enjoyed her entire back catalogue, and I can’t wait to read more from this author. The story is set in New York and the Hamptons, locations that I have never visited other than in books and film. Alex Brown vividly describes the sights and sounds of these romantic locations, which bring bittersweet memories for Deedee of her late but much-loved husband, Joe.
With a landmark birthday on the horizon, Deedee is feeling each of her almost seventy years, her zest for life is feeling jaded, and the simple act of pulling on a smile seems beyond her abilities. Jetting off to the Big Apple with two of her newest yet closest friends seems like the best antidote to ageing.
Deedee was blessed with a lovely, tight-knit network of friends who were there to support her as she entered her seventieth decade. The supporting cast was fabulous, and I loved meeting each and every one of them, especially the New Yorkers who had known Deedee when Joe was alive.
Deedee was a complex character. She had created a luxury travel agency but was stuck in the past and afraid of moving her business into the digital era, leaving it behind the competition with only the odd customer keeping it ticking over. What she needed was the support of those that she loved and trusted to support her as she took the next steps. But first, she had a party to handle, and she had every intention of making sure that she controlled every detail.
The details in this book had me skipping through at a rate of knots to reach the ending. Alex Brown has created an idyllic set of friends with enviable access to midlife joys—not the high life, as that is not where his story takes us. Yes, there are references to designer labels and swanky restaurants, but there is a very real sense that money is not at the heart of what Deedee needs.
I have so much more to add, but I would hate to include any spoilers, so that’s all there is. Please take a look at this book and add it to your to-be-read pile, ideally at or very near the top.

Overall a nice easy read but I found some elements of the story rather unbelievable, the friendship between Deedee, Rosie and Gina is only a year old and that seemed very unlikely it felt like this should have been a much longer connection.

The grief was very believable, but overall it was quite predictable.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC

Wow didn’t realise how long it’s been since I read Brown’s debut novel (11 years since Cupcakes at Carringtons).

Brown has a lovely writing style. Deedee (the lead)- strong female about to turn 70 but just not ready. Still mourning the death of her soulmate Joe. Brown deals with it in such a gentle, caring manner.

An enjoyable read. Now looking at Brown’s back catalogue of novels- I’ve got some work to do.

Wish You Were Here is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that explores the power of female friendship and the raw, unpredictable nature of grief. At first glance, I expected a light, uplifting story about aging and self-discovery—but it quickly became clear that this book dives much deeper, tackling themes that are both relatable and thought-provoking.

Deedee, Gina, and Rosie form the heart of the story. Each woman brings something unique to the friendship, and their dynamic feels authentic and full of heart. Deedee may be the central character, but it’s the presence and support of her friends that give the narrative its depth and emotional weight.

What really stood out was how sensitively Alex Brown handles the topic of grief. The portrayal of Deedee navigating life after the loss of her partner is tender, honest, and incredibly moving. The book offers a poignant reminder that grief is not a straight line—it ebbs, flows, and often resurfaces when you least expect it.

While there were moments where the pace slowed a little for me, overall it was a heartfelt and absorbing read. A story of love, loss, resilience, and the healing power of friendship—tissues definitely recommended.

Deedee is about to turn 70 but doesn't want to celebrate alone and therefore asks two of her closest friends to travel to New York with her for a week holiday. Deedee has been struggling for four years after her beloved husband, Joe, passed away and therefore the last thing she really wants to do is to be reminded that she too is ageing.

It is during this trip in New York that Harry, Joe's solicitor, surprises Deedee with a message from her late husband that turns her life around and potentially causes her to think differently about how she might spend the rest of her days.

Deedee is approaching 70 and anxious about what this new chapter of her life will look like she decides to celebrate her birthday in New York where she feels close to her late husband, and invites her friends Rosie and Gina with her. Once there Deedee receives not one but two surprises.

What I didn’t realise to start with was that this book revisited the characters from Alex Brown’s novel Bring Me Sunshine which I also really enjoyed. Once it dawned on me that I had met Deedee, Gina and Rosie before I was thrilled to be catching up with them, this time to celebrate Deedee’s looming big birthday.

One of my favourite things about this book is the female friendship dynamic. Each of the three characters have very different personalities but they come together to not only help Deedee celebrate her birthday but to support each other with the difficulties they are facing.

What Alex Brown’s writing does is transport you to New York, I felt like I was there with the girls, and desperate to be part of their gang.

Can’t wait to read what’s next from Alex Brown, perhaps a book on Rosie and another holiday?

A nice easy read to enjoy in the sunshine!

4.5 stars
This is another beautiful, emotional story from Alex Brown. Full of love, hope and friendship, as always she has written warm and supportive characters.
Deedee has struggled since losing Joe and this trip to New York is just what she needs, and with Gina and Rosie providing the love and support you can see Deedee slowly opening up to her friends and being honest with herself. I loved the idea of their WhatsApp group ‘Come Away With Me’
The beach house in the Hamptons sounded idyllic and I loved how Deedee was able to come to terms with her loss with the help of her friends, both old and new.

Wish You Were Here by Alex Brown

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Three friends. Two secrets. And a holiday to remember forever.

Deedee Merriman loves her job running a travel agency but with turnover down and a big birthday fast approaching she’s thinking about the next chapter of her life and the changes she wants to make.

Determined to stay vibrant and keep a youthful outlook on life she invites her friends, Gina and Rosie to celebrate with her in New York, one of her favourite places and where she feels closest to her late husband, Joe.

On arrival, there’s a surprise, secret gift in store for Deedee of a small, ramshackle beach house in the beautiful Hamptons where Joe spent his childhood. But the house isn’t the only secret and discovering the truth will change everything….

My Opinion

I have read and enjoyed a few books by Alex Brown so I was delighted when I saw that there was a new release. Deedee has planned a trip to New York with some friends to celebrate her 70th Birthday. Alex Brown shows that even though her characters are older they are still able to have fun. An entertaining read that will whisk you away to New York.

Rating 4/5

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Deedee is a widow, and is missing her husband who passed away. She has a big birthday coming up, and her travel agency business is not as busy as it used to be.

She’s thinking of making some changes to her life. To mark her birthday, she plans a break for herself and Rosie and Gina, her friends in New York.

She also plans to catch up with her friends whilst there. Whilst in New York she remembers the times that her husband was with her on the last visit.

I recommend this book.

DeeDee has been stuck in a sort of a rut for the last four years. She deeply misses her husband Joe and her travel business is on its last legs.
I loved the New York City setting and all the references to 80s television shows, movies, and music.
Rosie and Gia offer her friend support and I was cheering for Yiannis to make his move.
I also hoped DeeDee would be open to making some major changes of her own.

I enjoyed the unfolding plot and the friendships that Deedee has. I have to say that the second half was a lot more fast paced and interesting than the first, however it did serve to show just how in love she was with Joe and how her life with him was exactly what she wanted.

The book showed the true value of friendship, a life long friendship which Deedee shows is just as important as blood family. Her friends mean the world to her, and I loved how they supported her in getting over the celebrations of her 70th birthday and the news she receives about Joe.

A nice feel good read.

What a FUN book! It has the most honest, real, and easy to follow characters. With the most beautiful setting! Get ready for a perfect summer read with this one!

This is my second book by this author, and I love how her stories come alive on the pages, and you feel like you are right alongside of the characters, experiencing all the magic of the story. This book did not disappoint, Wish You Were Here, is a heartwarming, uplifting and refreshing read, that encapsulates friendship, love, second chances and a variety of emotional, vibrant stories that draw you in from the first word.

Deedee Merriman, a lady at a turning point in her life, is the subject of the book. She manages a travel agency, faces obstacles at work, and is thinking about the next stage of her life. Deedee asks her close friends Gina and Rosie to join her on a vacation to New York, a location that has great meaning for her late husband Joe, as her milestone birthday draws near. But this trip quickly takes a surprising turn when she receives a gift: a tiny, dilapidated beach cottage in the Hamptons, where Joe grew up. What starts off as a lovely gift quickly reveals deeper mysteries that will alter Deedee's entire worldview.

The New York City and Hamptons settings serve as characters in their own right. Brown’s vivid and detailed descriptions bring both places to life, highlighting the vibrant energy of the city that never sleeps and the tranquil, sun-drenched charm of the Hamptons. From the fast-paced rhythms of New York to the calm, sunset-filled beaches, the locations provide an ideal backdrop for Deedee’s journey.

If youre looking for a wonderful adventure without leaving the safety of your house this is the book for you. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.