I love it when I discover a new author and fall straight into step with their writing. I read this as though I’d already enjoyed her entire back catalogue, and I can’t wait to read more from this author. The story is set in New York and the Hamptons, locations that I have never visited other than in books and film. Alex Brown vividly describes the sights and sounds of these romantic locations, which bring bittersweet memories for Deedee of her late but much-loved husband, Joe.
With a landmark birthday on the horizon, Deedee is feeling each of her almost seventy years, her zest for life is feeling jaded, and the simple act of pulling on a smile seems beyond her abilities. Jetting off to the Big Apple with two of her newest yet closest friends seems like the best antidote to ageing.
Deedee was blessed with a lovely, tight-knit network of friends who were there to support her as she entered her seventieth decade. The supporting cast was fabulous, and I loved meeting each and every one of them, especially the New Yorkers who had known Deedee when Joe was alive.
Deedee was a complex character. She had created a luxury travel agency but was stuck in the past and afraid of moving her business into the digital era, leaving it behind the competition with only the odd customer keeping it ticking over. What she needed was the support of those that she loved and trusted to support her as she took the next steps. But first, she had a party to handle, and she had every intention of making sure that she controlled every detail.
The details in this book had me skipping through at a rate of knots to reach the ending. Alex Brown has created an idyllic set of friends with enviable access to midlife joys—not the high life, as that is not where his story takes us. Yes, there are references to designer labels and swanky restaurants, but there is a very real sense that money is not at the heart of what Deedee needs.
I have so much more to add, but I would hate to include any spoilers, so that’s all there is. Please take a look at this book and add it to your to-be-read pile, ideally at or very near the top.

Overall a nice easy read but I found some elements of the story rather unbelievable, the friendship between Deedee, Rosie and Gina is only a year old and that seemed very unlikely it felt like this should have been a much longer connection.

The grief was very believable, but overall it was quite predictable.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC

Wow didn’t realise how long it’s been since I read Brown’s debut novel (11 years since Cupcakes at Carringtons).

Brown has a lovely writing style. Deedee (the lead)- strong female about to turn 70 but just not ready. Still mourning the death of her soulmate Joe. Brown deals with it in such a gentle, caring manner.

An enjoyable read. Now looking at Brown’s back catalogue of novels- I’ve got some work to do.

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.

Deedee is about to turn 70 but doesn't want to celebrate alone and therefore asks two of her closest friends to travel to New York with her for a week holiday. Deedee has been struggling for four years after her beloved husband, Joe, passed away and therefore the last thing she really wants to do is to be reminded that she too is ageing.

It is during this trip in New York that Harry, Joe's solicitor, surprises Deedee with a message from her late husband that turns her life around and potentially causes her to think differently about how she might spend the rest of her days.

Deedee is approaching 70 and anxious about what this new chapter of her life will look like she decides to celebrate her birthday in New York where she feels close to her late husband, and invites her friends Rosie and Gina with her. Once there Deedee receives not one but two surprises.

What I didn’t realise to start with was that this book revisited the characters from Alex Brown’s novel Bring Me Sunshine which I also really enjoyed. Once it dawned on me that I had met Deedee, Gina and Rosie before I was thrilled to be catching up with them, this time to celebrate Deedee’s looming big birthday.

One of my favourite things about this book is the female friendship dynamic. Each of the three characters have very different personalities but they come together to not only help Deedee celebrate her birthday but to support each other with the difficulties they are facing.

What Alex Brown’s writing does is transport you to New York, I felt like I was there with the girls, and desperate to be part of their gang.

Can’t wait to read what’s next from Alex Brown, perhaps a book on Rosie and another holiday?

A nice easy read to enjoy in the sunshine!

4.5 stars
This is another beautiful, emotional story from Alex Brown. Full of love, hope and friendship, as always she has written warm and supportive characters.
Deedee has struggled since losing Joe and this trip to New York is just what she needs, and with Gina and Rosie providing the love and support you can see Deedee slowly opening up to her friends and being honest with herself. I loved the idea of their WhatsApp group ‘Come Away With Me’
The beach house in the Hamptons sounded idyllic and I loved how Deedee was able to come to terms with her loss with the help of her friends, both old and new.

Wish You Were Here by Alex Brown

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

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….

My Opinion

I have read and enjoyed a few books by Alex Brown so I was delighted when I saw that there was a new release. Deedee has planned a trip to New York with some friends to celebrate her 70th Birthday. Alex Brown shows that even though her characters are older they are still able to have fun. An entertaining read that will whisk you away to New York.

Rating 4/5

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Deedee is a widow, and is missing her husband who passed away. She has a big birthday coming up, and her travel agency business is not as busy as it used to be.

She’s thinking of making some changes to her life. To mark her birthday, she plans a break for herself and Rosie and Gina, her friends in New York.

She also plans to catch up with her friends whilst there. Whilst in New York she remembers the times that her husband was with her on the last visit.

I recommend this book.

DeeDee has been stuck in a sort of a rut for the last four years. She deeply misses her husband Joe and her travel business is on its last legs.
I loved the New York City setting and all the references to 80s television shows, movies, and music.
Rosie and Gia offer her friend support and I was cheering for Yiannis to make his move.
I also hoped DeeDee would be open to making some major changes of her own.

I enjoyed the unfolding plot and the friendships that Deedee has. I have to say that the second half was a lot more fast paced and interesting than the first, however it did serve to show just how in love she was with Joe and how her life with him was exactly what she wanted.

The book showed the true value of friendship, a life long friendship which Deedee shows is just as important as blood family. Her friends mean the world to her, and I loved how they supported her in getting over the celebrations of her 70th birthday and the news she receives about Joe.

A nice feel good read.

What a FUN book! It has the most honest, real, and easy to follow characters. With the most beautiful setting! Get ready for a perfect summer read with this one!

This is my second book by this author, and I love how her stories come alive on the pages, and you feel like you are right alongside of the characters, experiencing all the magic of the story. This book did not disappoint, Wish You Were Here, is a heartwarming, uplifting and refreshing read, that encapsulates friendship, love, second chances and a variety of emotional, vibrant stories that draw you in from the first word.

Deedee Merriman, a lady at a turning point in her life, is the subject of the book. She manages a travel agency, faces obstacles at work, and is thinking about the next stage of her life. Deedee asks her close friends Gina and Rosie to join her on a vacation to New York, a location that has great meaning for her late husband Joe, as her milestone birthday draws near. But this trip quickly takes a surprising turn when she receives a gift: a tiny, dilapidated beach cottage in the Hamptons, where Joe grew up. What starts off as a lovely gift quickly reveals deeper mysteries that will alter Deedee's entire worldview.

The New York City and Hamptons settings serve as characters in their own right. Brown’s vivid and detailed descriptions bring both places to life, highlighting the vibrant energy of the city that never sleeps and the tranquil, sun-drenched charm of the Hamptons. From the fast-paced rhythms of New York to the calm, sunset-filled beaches, the locations provide an ideal backdrop for Deedee’s journey.

If youre looking for a wonderful adventure without leaving the safety of your house this is the book for you. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.

I have read other books by Alex Brown. This one is a little different. The main character, Deedee, has been widowed and she is finding life hard without her beloved husband, Joe. Her travel agency business has hit a bit of a slump, and she’s about to turn 70. On the spur of the moment, she decides to travel to New York, somewhere she and Joe had been happy. Whilst there, she re-connects with friends old and new and thinks about how to move forward. Whilst Deedee’s glamorous past is probably different to most of us, she was a relatable and likeable character, and the turning point that she finds herself at will resonate with many readers. Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC, this has not changed my review.

Deedee invites her two friends to join her in New York to celebrate her 70th birthday.
This book was about friendship and moving on. It has some romance and an unexpected surprise.
I love this cover and the story was enjoyable too

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

Wish You Were Here by Alex Brown, centres on Deedee Merriman, a travel agent who’s at a crossroads in her life. With her business struggling and a milestone birthday looming, Deedee decides to shake things up by planning a celebratory trip to New York with her two closest friends, Gina and Rosie. The city holds a special place in Deedee’s heart, as it’s where she feels closest to her late husband, Joe.

Once in New York, Deedee is surprised with an unexpected gift—a small, rundown beach house in the Hamptons, a place tied to Joe’s childhood. As she explores the house and its history, Deedee uncovers secrets about Joe’s past that challenge her understanding of their life together. At the same time, the trip becomes a journey of self-discovery for Deedee and her friends, as they confront their own struggles and find strength in their bond.

The novel is heartfelt and emotional, with themes of friendship, love, and second chances woven throughout, offering a pleasant read with a warm, uplifting message. It’s a good choice if you’re in the mood for a light, feel-good story about friendship and new beginnings.

I didn't realise until I started reading that this is the sequel to Bring Me Sunshine. It was good to be reading about these three ladies who met on holiday last year and became friends.
This book centres on Dee Dee who has invited Gina and Rosie to New York to celebrate her 70th birthday.
Dee Dee has old friends who live there and as she is still missing her husband she wants to celebrate her birthday with people who knew him.
This is a really nice story with plenty of surprises and things happening . If you enjoyed the first book you'll enjoy this one too.

I love this authors books and was excited to have the opportunity to read this one. Wish you were here is a sequel to bring me sunshine but could be read as a standalone. It was great to be able to reconnect with deedee, Rosie and Gina. This time the three friends were in New York to celebrate a milestone birthday.

The story also explores the themes of grief and friendship in a very sensitive and heartfelt way and also shows that it’s never too late to consider a fresh start and new beginnings.

A heartwarming and uplifting read which reminds us all to live life to the full as we never know what’s round the corner.

I hope we get to read more about these three characters in the future and where their adventures take them next.

Deedee is about to celebrate her 70th birthday and she’s choosing to go to New York to celebrate with friends. Old friends meet and the party begins, she’s just missing her beloved husband. It’s a heart felt read about friendships and life after grief. A throughly enjoyable 4.5 star book, Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

A very enjoyable sequel to Bring Me Sunshine, where the three ladies in this book originally met.

This story centres around Deedee who is about to reach 70, so the friends journey to New York for the celebrations, as Deedee has friends and memories with her late husband there. She's still struggling with being on her own and also hitting the big 7-0, but her friends help her come to terms with everything.

There are some great new side characters, and an old/new love interest for Deedee, who also had a great fun family who loved Deedee. There was also a big surprise towards the end, but in a very nice way.

A very enjoyable story about second chances and living life to the full. I do agree with quite a few other comments I've read about the cover though, as it's nothing like the three ladies described in the book. It looks to portray 30-somethings, and as I find a cover very important in picking up a book initially this is very deceiving and a bit disappointing.