If You Were Here by Abigail Johnson Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
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Synopsis:
Lili Gardner hasn’t been back to Nantucket, her dad’s favorite place, since her parents divorced six years ago. But Dad passed away recently, leaving her a house on the island and an unsolved mystery about a maligned Gardner ancestor. Lili is determined to finish his life’s work, and convinces her mom and sister to spend the summer in Nantucket with her while she looks for answers, and for a connection to her dad.
Wren McCleave has a passion for history, but his father refuses to showcase anything real in their tourist trap of a “museum.” So when Lili asks Wren for help with her research, Wren can’t resist the opportunity to throw himself into something real, even if he dislikes tourists on principle.
Lili and Wren only have a summer to find out the truth about Lili’s ancestor. But the most surprising truths they uncover aren’t about the distant past, but about themselves right here in the present, and about what they want out of the future.
Review:
If You Were Here was a slow burn young adult romance that showed us how messy, heartbreaking, and beautiful life can be. I adored Lily and her journey, the location felt like a character itself, and with history sprinkled throughout the story, this one pulled me in right away.
I don’t believe in fate. But it feels like something is pulling me further into this, farther into her orbit, and I don’t know how to stop it.
I do know that I should try.
After her father’s passing, Lily wanted to finish her fathers passion in proving that one of their great ancestors’ story was wrong. In exchange for access to information at Wren’s family’s business and his knowledge, she agreed to work there for free. Both Lily and Wren had not only struggles from their pasts they were working through, but also in how they saw their futures. What unfolded was a bumpy start, hiccups along the way, and a shared love of history that created a heartwarming friendship and more.
I want to reach out, to touch her hand, to find some reassurance that we’re still solid, still us. But my hands stay at my sides, clenched into fists, holding back the words that would unravel everything.
“We’ll figure it out,” she repeats, softer this time.
I nod, but my chest tightens. We’ve built our relationship on the foundation of avoidance, and I’m starting to feel the cracks.
This grumpy sunshine romance swirled with grief, loss, and hope. It was an emotional story and I adored the nicknames, friendships, and family! I loved Lily’s heart to heart with her mom and watching the friendship with her little sister blossom. That she learned to fix her wrongs and prioritize what’s important. And I loved that Wren had deep talks with his father too. It was beautiful getting to see into both of their heads. So, I quickly devoured this story and closed the book with a smile! I definitely can’t wait to read whatever Abigail writes next!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
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