Wish You Were Her

What I Liked: This book instantly captured my attention because of the description, not only did it have an Autistic female main character, but the love interest is also Autistic! I just had to read it after seeing that, and I am so glad that I had the chance to read this one. As someone who is neurodivergent, this book spoke to me, and there were traits of myself that I saw in both Allegra and Jonah. There were also moments in which Allegra was speaking about being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world that were important to hear, and I hope everyone takes a moment to think about those things.

Jonah, at first glance, isn't a character that I would like because of his attitude and the way he initially treats Allegra. While at first you won't be a big fan of Jonah, he grows on you as you learn why he responds in the manner he does, and especially as you start to dislike Simon. The relationship between Jonah and Simon is realistic and important to the book, as it highlights how people can use Autistic people for their own gain. It also showcases what happens when the Autistic person catches on to this and chooses to stand up for themselves.

While this book is set in the summer, it feels perfect for the transition between summer and fall. This book feels like the ending for a lot of things, like Jonah being stepped on and people telling Allegra how to live her life, and a lot more new beginnings for all of our characters. Setting this book in a small town feels like you are there with the characters and get to know the people of the town quite well. The small town is a fun contrast with putting Allegra in there and then also getting the chance to see her in the city and the difference between both locations.

Final Verdict: Wish You Were Her is a cute small-town romance that follows Allegra as she tries her best to have a normal summer, even if she's a famous actress. This book is perfect for young adults who enjoy cozy romances and are looking for an escape from reality.

At first glance, Wish You Were Her by Elle McNicoll might appear to be a sweet summer romance, but this book offers so much more depth that will truly capture a reader's heart. This is the second book I've read by Elle McNicoll, and I was delighted to see that this story takes us back to Lake Pristine, a fictional town that first appeared in her book Some Like It Cold. Lake Pristine evokes a charming, small-town setting, and its residents are quirky and lovable, a quality that is definitely evident in this novel.

The story focuses on Allegra Brooks, an actress who needs a break from her celebrity life and comes to live with her father, George, in Lake Pristine. George owns Brooks Books, where Allegra meets Jonah and Simon, who work part-time at the bookstore and are helping with the local book festival. Jonah and Allegra have a rough start, seeming to butt heads every time they interact. However, as the story unfolds, you see them slowly fall in love. Allegra's journey of learning about friendship and boundaries also made for a compelling storyline.

What I Liked: The setting in Lake Pristine was a highlight, as it allowed us to revisit some characters we met in Elle McNicoll's Some Like It Cold. I loved getting a glimpse of Jasper and Arthur, and I especially enjoyed watching Grace and Allegra develop such a supportive friendship. The story features both main characters having autism, and I particularly think the portrayal of autism is done in a realistic and understandable way for someone who might not be familiar with it. Allegra's personal growth throughout the story, especially as she navigates new friendships and realizes her personal boundaries, was such an important piece to the story. The addition of a mysterious email friendship and some miscommunication certainly added a whole lot of drama to the plot. "Enemies to lovers" is one of my favorite tropes, and Allegra and Jonah certainly have a lot of initial animosity. However, the chemistry they share once they begin to admit their feelings is worth the slow burn.

Wish You Were Her is a beautiful romance story that shines a light on neurodiversity, making it a memorable read.