This is a heartfelt novel that explores the strength of female friendship and the emotional journey of grief and healing. Centered around a holiday shared by three very different women, it delves into love, loss, and the power of showing up for one another when life feels overwhelming.
Wish You Were Here by Alex Brown
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Womens Fiction

Your perfect escape awaits! 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….

Wish You Were Here 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.

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review

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.

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