Wish You Weren’t Here by Christy Schillig – heartwarming and cozy contemporary romance

Wish You Weren’t Here is a relaxing, heartwarming, and cozy contemporary romance that offers complete escapism with relatable characters.

Synopsis

In this transportive debut, a woman spending a summer in Italy finds her world completely upended–but it may be the kick she’s needed to figure out who she truly wants to be, perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle and Tessa Bailey.

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.

Review

Wish You Weren’t Here is heartwarming cozy contemporary romance with complete escapism to hilly region of Italy, Urbino.

Wish You Weren’t Here follows Ava as she embarks on an international study program in Italy, a journey she undertook for her final law school credits and to honor a promise to her late mother. However, a series of unexpected events derails her carefully laid plans: the anticipated proposal from her longtime boyfriend turns into a subtle breakup, her chosen program gets canceled, and she is instead offered a TA position with Professor James Massini—the same handsome man she insulted for being late to pick her up from the airport while lamenting her relationship woes, mistakenly thinking he didn’t understand English.

Determined to take control of her life, Ava faces off against James, who is equally intent on persuading her to abandon her rigid planner and embrace the adventures Urbino has to offer. The journey promises to be transformative, shaping Ava’s perspective and her future in ways she never anticipated.

At first glance, the plot may not seem particularly unique compared to other summer romances, but the setting and characters elevate it into a delightful package. I took some time to adjust to the writing style, but I quickly found the premise to be immersive and enjoyable. The more I read, the more I found myself smiling and cheering for the characters, experiencing a complete sense of escapism in the charming landscapes of Urbino and Venice, all wrapped in a cozy, heartwarming cocoon.

Ava initially comes across as entitled and presumptuous, clinging to her rigid planner and resisting the changes fate has in store for her. However, as she explores Urbino, meets locals, and discovers that her mother also attended the same university—living a life she knew little about—her caring and free-spirited nature begins to emerge.

The transformation from the Ava in Philly at the start of the novel to the one who experiences Urbino is remarkable. It’s touching to read about her mother’s legacy and the grief Ava had suppressed since her passing. Through conversations about her mother and learning about her experiences in Urbino, Ava confronts this long-buried sorrow. I loved how she gradually allowed James to share in her grief and accepted his love and support. While I wanted to shake her for prioritizing her plans over love during the climax, it ultimately made the ending even sweeter.

James is an observant, caring, and passionate photographer and art history professor. He, too, has faced loss, having been abandoned by his parents in pursuit of their dreams. This abandonment deeply impacted him, making him hesitant to remarkable opportunities he got for his photography. I was frustrated with Ava for mirroring his experience during the climax, but I admired how it didn’t diminish his love for her. Despite his pain, he understood her need to follow her own path.

The supporting characters are just as vital to the story as the main ones. I loved James’s family, as well as the locals Ava encounters in Urbino—her mother’s friends and James’s family friends—all of whom contribute to a heartfelt found-family vibe.

James’s aunt Nina and uncle Leo were particularly delightful who loved James as much as their own son. Their well-meaning meddling and gentle nudges toward embracing the best things in life, especially Ava, added charm to the story. What they did for him near the end brought tears to my eyes and made me wish to be a parent like them.

The setting is the heart of the story. I loved the vivid descriptions of Urbino—the market, festivals, museums, food, and people—each detail transported me to this enchanting place. The portrayal of Venice before the climax also captivated me, adding it to my bucket list.

The romance unfolds as a slow burn from dislike to lovers. The chemistry between Ava and James is palpable from the start, yet they take their time surrendering to their attraction. I enjoyed their dates and the moments they shared, filled with banter and tenderness.

While the climax is predictable, Ava’s heartfelt conversation with her father was a much-needed turning point that finally brought her to her senses. It was the most touching scene in the book, and as I mentioned, I loved what Nina and Leo did for James. It was wonderful to see their happily ever after in the end.

Overall, Wish You Weren’t Here is a relaxing, heartwarming, and cozy contemporary romance that offers complete escapism with relatable characters.

Book Links

Goodreads | Amazon.in | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

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