Blog Tour Review
Wish You Were Here
by
by
Renee Carlino
~ Synopsis ~
You know when you’re looking at someone and you can’t help but smile at how oblivious they are to their own charm? That’s what was happening to me, and it was making me feel…happy. Euphoric. Something indescribable. It was like we already knew each other, like we had met in a previous life. Memories that didn’t exist began exploding in my mind like fireworks.
Charlotte has spent her twenties adrift, searching for a spark to jump-start her life and give her a sense of purpose. She’s had as many jobs as she’s had bad relationships, and now she’s feeling especially lost in her less-than-glamorous gig at a pie-and-fry joint in Los Angeles, where the uniforms are bad and the tips are even worse.
Then she collides—literally—with Adam, an intriguing, handsome, and mysterious painter. Their serendipitous meeting on the street turns into a whirlwind one-night stand that has Charlotte feeling enchanted by Adam’s spontaneity and joy for life. There’s promise in both his words and actions, but in the harsh light of morning, Adam’s tune changes, leaving Charlotte to wonder if her notorious bad luck with men is really just her own bad judgment.
Months later, a new relationship with Seth, a charming baseball player, is turning into something more meaningful, but Charlotte’s still having trouble moving past her one enthralling night with Adam. Why? When she searches for answers, she finds the situation with Adam is far more complicated than she ever imagined. Faced with the decision to write a new story with Seth or finish the one started with Adam, Charlotte embarks on a life-altering journey, one that takes her across the world and back again, bringing a lifetime’s worth of pain, joy, and wisdom.
~ Excerpt ~
“You’re making love sound tragic,” I said.
“No”—he shook his head—“I wouldn’t want it any other way. Tell me about us. What do we like to do?”
“Paint and sail and eat and drink. Just simple things.” “Don’t forget about sex,” he said.
“Yeah, lots of sex. Before the children were born we
"We were practically naked every second of the day.”
“I like that.”
“When they got older, we’d sneak away for weekends and leave them at my mom’s.”
“What are they like? Our children.”
“Happy. That’s all we wished for. We put our love first and it just spilled over into them and now they’re happy.”
Tears sprang from my eyes and ran down my cheeks. Isn’t that what we all hope for when it comes to our children?
His tone suddenly changed. “That’s beautiful, Char- lotte.” It was like he was waking up from the dream. I didn’t want to go back to reality yet, but I knew these fantasies were just to help Adam get his mind off things.
“I can imagine a long life with you,” he said. “I can imagine what a great wife you’d be."
I pulled my hand out of his. “The story is about you and me.” He didn’t say anything; he just nodded and then continued to stare out the window. I bent and kissed the top of his head again, and whispered, “It’s about us. Don’t take that away from me.” 
~ Review ~
I should have known from the title....see I don't read the blurbs, especially not on a Renee Carlino novel. I know that what will be between the pages will take me on an emotion journey and that it will be time well spent. Wish You Were Here was that and more. Adam and Charlotte's story was beautiful, heartfelt, heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time.
A chance encounter after a night of drinking turns into the best night of your life. Only to be faced with what seems like regret in the morning which sends you on a downward spiral. Ugh...I loved Adam's spontaneity and the connection that him and Charlotte seemed to have outside of the physical. I must admit though, that I kept thinking something was off. Again....that title.
As Charlotte tries to move on she begins a relationship with Seth. I mean who wouldn't fall for a muscular, attentive baseball player. Me...I was so invested in Adam that I truly couldn't fall for Seth or route for their relationship.
As time passes, the memory of Adam and their night still haunts Charlotte and when the reason behind their separation is revealed it broke my heart. Tears......yes there were quite a few. Renee's storytelling puts you right there....front and center. You cannot help but fall and feel for these characters.
All I can tell you about this novel without giving away the amazing story is to go and #1click! It will truly be time well spent and something tells me that we all may take a little piece of this story and keep it with us.
~ About the Author ~
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of contemporary women's novels and new adult fiction. Her books have been featured in national publications, including USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, and Publisher's Weekly. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she's not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.
~ Connect with Renee ~
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