If You Were Here

"Summertime fun meets idyllic Nantucket meets a centuries-old mystery. Abigail Johnson skillfully crafts a fun, romantic story that gets at the tough and tender questions of life: how to honor our past, how to let go, how to apologize, and when to open your heart to love again."—Claire Forrest, award-winning author of Where You See Yourself

"A perfect summer romance! A mystery, a grumpy but loveable hero, and some falling in love? What more could you want? As with everything Johnson writes, I adored this one."—Kasie West, author of Better Than Revenge


"A summer vacation, a history lesson and above all an absolutely charming romance, If You Were Here had us savoring every page and never wanting to leave Lili and Wren’s Nantucket. With a warm, inimitable voice, Johnson weaves a little mystery and an abundance of heart into an original, perfectly joyful summer love story."—Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, authors of The Roughest Draft and If I’m Being Honest


"Part mystery, part love story, all heart—Abigail Johnson has mined an absolute gem of a book. If You Were Here reminded me why I fell in love with YA romance in the first place."— Emiko Jean, New York Times bestselling author of Tokyo Ever After


“The growing attraction between Lili and Wren is undeniable as they bond over history and follow the mystery left behind by Lili’s dad. Lili is a determined protagonist with a natural ability to make the other characters (and readers) like her. Wren, despite his initial foul temper, is portrayed with real depth. Johnson presents an entertaining cast of supporting characters: Lili’s mother and sister are both likable and relatable, and they are joined by Wren’s Nantucket friends, who are easy to get to know, and several oddball locals. With its dual point-of-view narration, this is an engaging and fast-paced read. Reminiscent of the Netflix television series Outer Banks, this is a mystery shrouded in history, wrapped up with a love story.”—School Library Journal (starred review)


“Lili’s and Wren’s alternating first-person perspectives grapple thoughtfully with grief and romantic dilemmas. Sweet and insightful.”—Kirkus Reviews


“[A] sensorial grumpy-sunshine love story set on Nantucket. The teens’ interest in local lore—and Lili’s uncanny ability to charm Wren out of his perpetual crankiness—first sparks amiable companionship, then sunny romance, conveyed via lively prose. Alluring history about Nantucket’s maritime roots and its bustling present-day tourist scene enliven the idyllic seaside setting.”—Publishers Weekly


“The slowly progressing romance between the two is centered in the narrative, but the topics of disability (Wren uses a wheelchair), grief, and the importance of family are also highlighted. Wren’s existing relationship with his high-school girlfriend is handled with nuance and empathy. A fun read for those who want a strong plot to go along with the smooching.”—Booklist