Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Wish You Were Here by Phillipa Ashley

Wish You Were Here is a modern day tale of Persuasion with the thrill of a vacation travel adventure. Eight years ago, Beth Allen met and fell in love with Jack Thornfield while they were both on a vacation trekking through the island of Corsica. After a whirlwind romance and an engagement, Beth never heard from Jack again, breaking her heart. Now all of these years later, Beth discovers that Jack is head of the company where she is desperately trying to get a job. While Beth hates Jack for his abandonment in the past, old attractions start to stir up again when the two meet again.

I really enjoyed Wish You Were Here. I thought it had the perfect blend of romance, exotic vacation travel, and a bit of mystery (why did Jack leave Beth eight years ago?). I sped through the book wanting to know how it ended and it certainly did not disappoint. In fact, it was the perfect book (and quick read) with a great story and great ending. I loved the characters of Jack and Beth, and really felt for the both of them.

Wish You Were Here reminded me of my favorite Jane Austen novel, Persuasion. While neither Jack nor Beth were necessarily persuaded to abandon each other (or were they? You’ll have to read the novel to find out), it was still a story of two young people who impetuously fell in love, only to be separated and reunited eight years later. Although much has happened in the meantime, the two can’t deny that they still have feeling for one other. Will they let their feelings guide them to each other, or to their current boyfriend/girlfriend? You’ll have to read it to find out!

I enjoy that Phillipa Ashley’s novels always have a bit of adventure in them. I liked Dating Mr. December and the rescue squad. I enjoyed that Jack and Beth word for a travel adventure company and like to travel around the world. It gives the novel a unique premise as well as an exotic flair.

Overall, Wish You Were Here is a great fun read whether you are on the beach, backpacking through an exotic land, or sitting at home on your couch.

Phillipa Ashley wrote a fantastic guest post for this blog about her favorite vacation movie. Check it out and leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Wish You Were Here.

Book Source: Advance Review Copy from Sourcebooks. Thank-you!

7 comments:

  1. Laura - thanks for the review. Glad you enjoyed it. I love a bit of adventure to, but I mostly live it through my characters!

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  2. Thank-you for stopping by! I really enjoyed Wish You Were Here!

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  3. Wonderful review, Laura! It sounds like you thoroughly enjoyed Wish You Were Here.

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  4. This sounds like a great summer read. Great post! I will add to my wishlist.

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  5. fantastic review! sounds like a fun book, i saw the dating mr december movie and liked it.

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  6. I just recently picked up my first book by this author! I am looking forward to actually reading it soon.

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  7. Hi Laura, it is Really very informative. The appearance of the graphics and text should include a single style that flows throughout, to show trustworthiness.

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