Book Smart Kate

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 Spice: closed door

by Melissa Wiesner (October 15, 2024)

Huge thanks to @readforeverpub and @melissawiesnerauthor for the advanced copies—both physical and ebook—of this incredible story, which blends romance, self-discovery, a sprinkle of magical realism, and a whole lot of heart.

Catherine Lipton is on the cusp of everything she’s ever worked for: her dream job as a tenured math professor at a prestigious university is finally within reach, promising her the orderly and successful life she’s always craved—despite her free-spirited upbringing by a wildly unpredictable single dad. But just as she’s about to step into her new role, disaster strikes. According to every government database, Catherine doesn’t exist. No bank account, no driver’s license, no social security number—nothing. Without proof of her existence, she can’t start her job, pay her rent, or do much of anything.

Enter Luca Morelli, her quirky, chaotic, and forgetful apartment building doorman. Luca might spend more time entertaining the elderly residents than doing his job, but he’s the only person willing to help her untangle the mess. Together, they embark on a whirlwind adventure across Pittsburgh to find proof that Catherine is real. Along the way, they’re joined by a cast of eccentric and unlikely heroes, from Luca’s somewhat mafia-like relatives to the lively septuagenarians at the local community center, jugglers, dancers, and even a bit of magical intervention. As Catherine navigates this wild journey, she’s forced to re-examine what happiness truly means, question her tightly-held beliefs about success, and—quite possibly—fall for a tattooed doorman who challenges her to see life through a different lens.

After loving Wiesner’s The Second Chance Year (one of my favorite reads of 2023), I was beyond excited to dive into her latest. Wish I Were Here delivers the same perfect blend of romance, self-discovery, and magic that I adored in her previous work. The multi-generational found family surrounding Luca and Catherine was a joy to read, with each character bringing something unique to the story. The elderly characters in particular were fully realized, adding warmth, humor, and wisdom to the story. Catherine’s journey of self-discovery and the push-and-pull dynamic with Luca was so much fun. This tender, quirky, and heartwarming story will stay with me for a long time.