A Boatful of Lemons: An Unforgettable Summer on the Amalfi Coast

by Nicki Storey

2017: How exactly do you tell your adult daughter about her birth father, who knows nothing of her existence? Wendy needs to come clean with her daughter about what exactly went on all those years ago in Wendy and her friend Amanda get to spend the whole summer on the Amalfi Coast, house-sitting in Positano. They soon settle in, finding the most unlikely jobs and making friends with the locals. A new nightclub is about to open and there are town festas, boat excursions and days out on Capri. It seems like the perfect summer.But Wendy falls for someone who is definitely not available and Amanda realises that one of their friends may be the local drug dealer and everything starts going Mia can’t wait to hear the rest of the story after never knowing the truth about her father. Will she want to meet him? Should she go to Italy with her mum and find out? Maybe she should just book a ticket and go.

Genres: Italy, Fiction

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2023

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been to the Amalfi Coast multiple times over the past few decades, I am always searching for novels set in this colorful seaside setting that I love. This is the first novel that really captures the place AND has great characters and a unique and believable plot.
The writing is so beautiful, you feel transported there - you can smell the jasmine and lemons and will feel like you are walking the streets or riding a Vespa with the wind blowing in your hair. Since the author lives in the area, she accurately describes the places and people she writes about in a way that feels very genuine. As the story unfolds, you feel like the characters really come to life. They are believable and fully fleshed out, making the plot engaging and the book impossible to put down. If you have spent time in Positano, you may even recognize the real people that some of them are based off of, like the old fishermen working on their nets by the ferry dock.
A Boatful of Lemons is a perfect summer read and one I know I will read over and over because the writing is beautiful. An incredible debut novel by an author who has gained great popularity from blogging and a cookbook in the past. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
A Boatful of Lemons available on kindle and as a paperback, but pro tip: you’ll need to first go to the “kindle” or “books” section/tab and THEN type in the title to locate it - and remember it’s Boatful with one “L”.
I highly recommend this book - loved reading it in the summer and can’t wait to read it again in the winter when I need an escape!

[TracyGH · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this coming of age story at all. It was too much back and forth; however I did stay for the wonderful Amalfi Coast and Italian food descriptions. Despite the poor storyline, the author still managed to encapsulate Italy, which is high on my bucket list. 🍋

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I applaud Nicki on writing her first novel. As an author and editor, I understand that this is no easy feat, and that it takes a lot of vulnerability to put yourself out there for the world to see (as she also does on her YouTube channel every week). The story itself is a fun, beach read, and it carries you along, wondering what's going to happen next. I wasn't expecting great literary fiction, just a light, easy read, and that's exactly what A Boatful of Lemons is. For me, I was not only transported back to my 20's in the late 1980's when I was traveling through Europe, but it painted a vivid picture of the Amalfi coast as only a local can do. I appreciated the specific details that Nicki's everyday life in Positano afforded her in writing the story. As an author and editor, I wish that Nicki would have chosen a different book format (the size is not standard and was quite inconvenient to hold and read). I would also suggest a different publisher and/or editor as there were several errors in punctuation, grammar, paragraph set-up, etc. throughout. Fortunately, these can be remedied in a 2nd edition. Again, Brava to Nicki for accomplishing her goal of writing a novel. I'm sure her mother would be proud.

[Cvita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Nicki from YouTube and she is the reason I even bought the book and read it.
I like the story and the characters with their development, but the ending was a bit weird and chringe. All in all, I would recommend this book as a summer read, or any other part of the year read.

[Donele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book because I have followed Nicki since she wrote a blog before YouTube. Throughly enjoyable, loved knowing some of the locations and trying to figure out which characters I’ve seen in her videos.
An enjoyable, easy summer read. I read it while floating around the pool. Likable characters, flawed characters but real life situations. Very relatable. I do hope she continues her writing.
I recommend for a little escapeism. Enjoy!

[Victoria Comeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm usually wary of books written by YouTubers, but with Nicki, it was an easy sell. I've been a follower of The Positano Diaries since early pandemic, and it's been wonderful to see her content evolve and her creativity and art form really put on display. Well written, deliciously descriptive in that comfortable Nicki style, I could smell the lemons and the salty Positano air, and I have never been to Italy. Please write another book, Nicki!

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book to support Nikki, I’ve been a You Tube follower for years. This is as far as you can get from my usual taste in books but I really wanted to give it a go. I enjoyed it especially the descriptions of the area and food etc. because I watch the videos I could picture in my head whilst I was reading. Nice work Nikki, looking forward to the next,one!

[Paula Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best way to start my summer vacation. Such a good read that I finished it in two days. Couldn’t put it down. Nicki Storey is my new favorite author. I hope she writes another one soon.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

21 August 2023 - A Boatful of Lemons was the sweet summer read that I had been craving.

Because I rarely re-read books, I was hesitant to purchase the book (even the Kindle edition), but I really wanted to read it, and I really wanted to support the author -- Nicki Storey of the YouTube channel, The Positano Diaries.

There were a few hiccups regarding flow and editing, but overall, this was a great freshman effort. If you watch Nicki's YouTube channel, then you are familiar with her style. This book reads very much like when she provides a voiceover on her channel. She has a great knack for describing a scene and creating atmosphere. Storey made me nostalgic for the summer in Positano that I never had!

Buy this book! Subscribe to The Positano Diaries!

[Linda Francomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Boatful of Lemons….and then some! ;)

I downloaded Nicki’s book as a pre-order and just now got it read it! What a wonderful first book for her, it kept me very interested and entertained! As a follower of Nicki and Carlo on YouTube for several years, I definitely know some of the real parts of the book! And I’m guessing a few of the characters as well! I could smell the lemons and see the gorgeous landscape and beautiful sea! Luckily, in 2021, my husband and I traveled to Italy and Positano for the first time and got to meet Nicki and Holly! It was a pleasure to meet Nicki, she is very sweet and even more lovely in person! She vividly described Positano and the areas in this book and I knew exactly where many of the places are she described. Bravo for a book well-written, Nicki! Looking forward to the next one!

[MRS LYNDA · Rating 4 out of 5]

thoroughly enjoyable, great summer read

An entertaining page-turner of a summer read. The narrative moves between 1986 and 2016, following the story of the protagonist - Wendy - whose life is changed by unexpected events that interrupt an otherwise idyllic summer holiday on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
The plot develops quickly but clearly, keeping the reader intrigued and entertained, the characters are down-to-earth and realistic (no unattainable or cliche movie star/rich and shameless types here), and the challenges faced by Wendy and her friends are relatable, as are their reactions to them.
Highly recommend, especially as the author manages to convey the atmosphere and rhythm of southern Italian life, as the backdrop to the story.

[Leanne Acosta · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have been watching Nicki Positano on YouTube for a while, I’d recommend this book. Although it’s partly fictional and partly real events, I sort of just imagined it was Nicki and Carlo, and it made it much easier to connect with the characters. I enjoyed this book much more than I was expecting. It’s very vividly describes Positano and the areas around, so if you’re familiar with those areas, you’ll love it. I’ve never been there, but because of Nicki’s videos, I sometimes feel like I have. This book is definitely written from a young adult perspective, and I liked almost everything although I wish the ending had been a longer part of the book. I can’t say anything more specific without giving away the story! I really enjoyed this book.

[Jodi Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be a movie!

I have never written a book review before and don't know how but your book has moved me to try. The story was entrancing from the start. It felt so real and authentic in the descriptions of the places and feelings. It weaved together the beauty of Italy, nature, romance, the excitement and intensity of youth and young love as well as the heartbreak and reality that life isn't perfect but joy and beauty can be found in many phases of life. I would love to see this book made into a movie. To me it brings together Under The Tuscan Sun and Kristin Hannah's Firefly Lane. My next visit to Italy will for sure be the Amalfi coast and I will try to find some of these places! I can't wait to read another one of your books.

[Irene D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this work of fiction set in Positano. As I follow Nicki on her weekly You Tube post about her daily life in Positano I was able to relate to some of the places and people mentioned in the book.
There are interesting personalities and lots of experiences building up to a very realistic ending.
Nicki continually surprises me with her energy and abilities. She published a recipe book and now this lovely work of fiction.
Well done, Nicki!

[Lynn Morzorati · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun beachy type read. The story was better than I expected with a couple of twists and turns. The descriptions of life in Positano were priceless. I could literally picture many of the spots, feel the exertion of walking up the stairs from the beach and had my mouth water at the description of the many feasts! I also enjoyed practicing my Italian in some of the dialogue. Worth a read if you love Amalfi Coast/Postiano region of Italy. Ben fatto!

[Karen Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because I follow Nicki on instagram. When it was announced that she wrote a book based in Positano, and with a title about lemons, I ordered it immediately! What’s not to love? My passion for Italy, my love of all things lemon and written by someone living my dream life in Italy - SOLD! And I am pleased to say, the story and her writing is wonderful. Thank you for creating a world I can only wish was my life.

[Liana Lalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written love story

I would recommend this book to anyone who who enjoys a love story. It's a love story about two people, but also a love story of a beautiful country and it's people. I felt like I took a trip to Italy. The characters were developed in such a way that you really felt like you know them. Such an enjoyable read. And yes, I would go see the movie.
Looking forward to Nicki's next book.

[Joan Faber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought the book because I follow Nicki on Youtube and have been to Italy and absolutely love it there. I loved the descriptions of towns and food and of course the Italian language mixed with English. I liked the story and it kept me wanting to finish the book. I also liked the way it was told as a storyline. For the most part I thought it was a good read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great debut novel from Nicki. I really enjoyed the story, it was well written - truly evocative of Amalfi Coast. It could benefit from some extra formatting as some sections were quite confusing and slightly hard to follow, especially where there was no clear indication of switches in POV or changes if scenes and places. I'm looking forward to her next novel.

[Keli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun romp in Positiano from the 1980s

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were fun and I most enjoyed getting to experience Positano , Italy in the 80s.
I know that era well & spending a summer on the Amalfi Coast was really
interesting. I enjoyed this book! Worth the read.

[Louise Ducker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable read

I read this in a day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Wonderful characters and storyline. I was transported to Positano. A great first book. I hope there are more to come.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I follow Nicki on You Tube and was looking forward to reading this. It didn't disappoint. Very evocative of the area. I believe it was partly autobiographical. I love Italy and have been to this area quite a few times.

[Renata Victor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt as if I was there.

Loved the story and the little details bringing back memories of the 80’s. I could hear Nikki and Carlos voice in my head as I read it my head. Great read

[Anna Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and was riveted in knowing the end and couldn’t put it down. It was a lovely story set in Positano. If you like Italy and knowing the life people lead their this is a great story.

[rosemarie deschenes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and a great beach read

I really enjoyed this story and having lived in the 80's enjoyed the song references and clothing description. Having watched Nicki's YouTube channel, I had a better visual picture of some of the places described.

[Roberta DeFrancesco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mainly read this for the Italian setting. I’m familiar with the author’s YouTube videos. Due to the novel being self-published there were several editing errors and also issues with pacing. But still a fun summer read.

[Andrea Knauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful story that transports you.

By reading this story, I felt transported to another time and place. I love how I felt I had been to all the locations with her delightful descriptions!

[Donna Saiia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boatload of great reading

I really enjoyed Nicki's novel. Having followed her for years on YouTube, her descriptive text made the region come to life. The plot kept me interested all the way through. I hope she writes another!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicky , I loved your storey, you said some parts and characters were true… makes me think it’s part of your storey, well done, you have written a great storey Also Makes me think of my travels to Italy when I was 22 and how much I loved the Italians, and the time I spent there.

[Lizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read and a really good first novel! I wasn't sure when I saw the way the story was going but she managed to pull it all together in a lovely way. Also the way she built the characters was great
I would've wished for a further down the line epilogue tho