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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
DNF’d at 5%, because why is the FMC talking to the doorman like that?
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a sweet story. Took me a bit to get into it and felt like the “magic” of it was a bit fuzzy in the middle of the story, but I was happy with how it all came together at the end.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Feel good, easy, heartwarming read.
DNF @ 24% - I didnt love the MFC, she needed to chill and also treat people with respect?!?!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner is a delightfully charming and emotionally rich novel that explores identity, community, and the transformative power of wishes. From the very first page, I was drawn into Catherine Moonstone Lipton's story—a woman who suddenly finds her life upended by a lie of omission and is forced to ask herself, “Who am I, really?”
What could have been a tragedy is reimagined by Wiesner as an opportunity for reinvention. The author deftly examines what it means to lose (and find) yourself, and what we do when our identity feels like it's been pulled out from under us. The magical realism was handled beautifully—subtle yet impactful—and added a lovely sense of wonder to Catherine's journey.
The setting is cozy and vividly imagined, filled with quirky charm and a strong sense of community. I found myself completely immersed—especially during moments like the dancing scene in the building and the hilarious trouser-changing mishap. I could easily see this story coming to life on screen.
The romance between Catherine and Luca was sweet, gentle, and refreshingly grounded. Luca is an easy character to fall for—steady, supportive, and patient. His presence helps Catherine reframe her life beyond academic achievement and encourages her to embrace balance and connection.
Wiesner also touches on the beauty of found family, the quiet wisdom of the elderly, and the importance of understanding love languages. These themes lend the book a depth that sneaks up on you between the laughter and magical moments.
If you enjoy books that blend emotional growth with a dash of whimsy, and characters that feel like friends, this is the perfect fall read. Cheesy in the best way—like a warm, comforting hug in book form—I couldn’t help but be swept away.
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the digital review copy!
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
an extremely sweet love letter to the power of community