Chianti Souls

by Karen J. Ross

CHIANTI SOULS is a magical novel of love, surprises and fate...set in the heart of Tuscany, in Chianti...home of legendary wine...home of passionate Italian souls. When Mary Sarto visits for the first time she unexpectedly becomes tangled in vines of timeless love after she meets Luca Rusconi at a fifteenth-century Chianti farmhouse. An inexplicable connection rattles them, as if their love story continues from another lifetime...but neither is looking for love. Mary is visiting Italy with her boyfriend Garrett Hansen, who promised a dream vacation, and Luca is recovering from a recently broken engagement with his Florentine girlfriend. When Garrett is forced to return home early to Philadelphia for a work crisis, she boldly stays alone, and Luca shows her an enchanting Italy not found in a tour book. After the week in Italy, her heart is torn between the two men while her head is clouded with misjudgment of both complicated by lies and betrayal. It is only when Mary discovers buried secrets hidden in two mysterious keepsakes found in Tuscany and Venice that her destiny in love is revealed.

Chianti Souls is a debut novel by Karen Ross, and will have you dreaming of falling in love, and even better, magically falling in love in Italy...

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit

300 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2013

About the author

"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can't get there by bus, only by hard work and risk and by not quite knowing what you're doing, but what you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover will be yourself." Alan Alda spoke these words to a 1980 college graduation, the same year 16-year-old Karen Ross posted his words on her dresser mirror.

Then and now, Karen challenges herself personally and professionally to live on that outside edge of comfortable, and writing does this. She had a story to tell about life experiences: Gutsy romantic love (something not easily found, and often lost); soul-tickling romantic Italy; delectable food and wine (especially Chianti); and passionate living and traveling. So, she put pen to paper, not sure of what she was getting herself into, and the experience was sometimes easy, often challenging, but was always exhilarating and satisfying. It was definitely outside of her city of comfort, but undoubtedly worth the hard work and risk.

Reviews

[Aditi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bertrand Arthur William Russell, a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, historian, social critic and political activist, has once said,

"Italy, and the spring and first love all together should suffice to make the gloomiest person happy."

Chianti Souls by Karen Ross is an enchanting and fascinating love story wrapped in the backdrop of the heart of Tuscany in Italy. This love story is not only going to make you fall in love for one more time but also will make you fall in love with the landscapes and beauty of Chianti. This story is going to take you many places in Italy, which are magical as well as mesmerizing.

A huge thanks to the author, Karen Ross, for giving me an opportunity to read and review her book.

Mary is beyond any joy and excitement when her boyfriend, Garrett, surprises her with a trip to her dream destination in Chianti in Tuscany. Mary always had relationship issues, she even had a failed marriage, so she wanted to keep things casual between Garrett and also she takes a chance by dating Garrett. Garrett is a successful business man who is very career-oriented and focuses more on his job. Soon after reaching Chianti, Garrett has to return to Philly, for his work, leaving behind a sad and distraught Mary. In the heart of Tuscany, she one day meets a very handsome man named Lucas in a farm and hence she realizes that there were so many things that were missing from her relationship with Garrett. As the days progress, she gets more involved with Lucas and gets completely entangled to him, leaving her heart torn between two men in her life.

Karen Ross's debut novel is really quite amazing. With her eloquent and exquisite words, she takes the readers on a magical trip to Italy. Good food and wine and a heart-melting love story in Chianti, what can I ask more? It seems the author is in love with this place called Chianti and it's quite evident with her words. Her love and passion for Chianti has made the book more and more interesting and intriguing. The characters are also well-developed, especially Lucas, a perfect Italian man, with all those charming looks and aura, any girl will eventually melt right in front of him.

The author has strikingly and vividly captured the flora and fauna of Tuscany in her book. Along with the mouth-watering food and wine, this book perfectly blends in well with the blossoming romance unfolding slowly in the backdrop. Also the author has make Mary our guide all through her adventure and in the end, like Mary's confused heart, we too get caught up between the two men and her decisions that is going to change her life forever. The culinary taste, culture and people of Italy, everything about Italy is surely going to warm your heart! This book is a complete retreat and Karen Ross has made sure that the readers get a thorough insight into the heart of Tuscany.
With a bottle of Chianti wine, this book will be a perfect read in a very gloomy afternoon!

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This magical, mesmerizing tale will melt your heart!

Chianti Souls is an exquisitely evocative, atmospheric masterpiece that ensnares the senses and illuminates the mind! Karen Ross transports her readers to the heart of Tuscany bringing vividly to life with such vibrancy, colour and dexterity the wonders of this place. Flawlessly capturing the intense passion of the people and their obsession with fine art and mouth-watering food, this novel will make you want to visit Italy all the more. Amid the Florentine frescoes, delicately refined renaissance architecture and innate artistry was an orange tinted world of excitement and wondrous delights just waiting to be discovered. Profoundly absorbing and compelling, I was swept away by the powerful concoction of passionate souls and overwhelming emotions…

The spellbinding romance between Mary and Luca Rusconi was enchanting, and their heartrending, stirring story really got ‘under my skin’. Within the expertly interwoven narrative the two star-crossed lovers whose paths have irrevocably entangled, becomes more complicated with newfound lies and betrayal. Throughout the book I was begging for Luca and Mary to be together, as it seemed to be fate or destiny {if you believe in either} and so I was swept away by not only the magic of love but also the magic of Italy. With such beautiful descriptions of various places in the Chianti region of Italy, {reminiscent of Philip Kazan’s novel Appetite} the author expresses why this country is so magnetic.

Karen Ross presents an insider’s view of picturesque Tuscan hill towns and villages {from her visits there}, which is deftly interlaced within this passionate tale of timeless love and fate. This beautiful book is a real gem that will delight readers who love Italian culture as well as those who enjoy contemporary romance, Romeo & Juliet esque! I really did not want this sublime story to end as I fell completely and utterly in love with it; the characters and their story set within such a unique place, hence I would highly recommend it to all my friends.

*I would like to thank the author for sending me a physical copy of her novel ‘Chianti Souls’ which I won through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway*

[Diane Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chianti Souls by Karen Ross is a beautiful tale of love set in the heart of Tuscany in the famous Chianti wine region. The author describes the gorgeous scenery in such a manner to make the reader believe they are actually in Italy. Interspersed throughout the book are Italian phrases to help set the language and culture firmly in the mind of the reader.

The story of two lovers, kept apart by circumstances, is a rich, romantic novel by a first time author. The characters are well developed and it seems as if the people in the story are actually real. The author has the unique ability to capture and hold the reader’s attention while allowing the story to play out over a decade. It is a warm tribute to the characters as well as to Italy – a country that is obviously much beloved by the author. I highly recommend you read this book and I believe you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grab an afghan and a glass of chianti and settle down for a cozy read! Karen Ross has given us a wonderful story in her first novel. It is the story of Mary, a pretty typical 30-something woman who is looking for a little more in life than she has. She wants to find her soul mate – someone she can love – and who will love her - for the rest of her life. She lives in Philadelphia near a small Italian market, whose owner she regards as almost a second father. Listening to him talk about Chianti has made her yearn to see it for herself, and she finally gets the chance when her boyfriend, Garrett, offers to take her there for vacation. After they arrive, Garrett becomes engrossed in problems at his job- and ends up leaving her there when he returns to Philadelphia. Mary meets – and falls in love with Luca. Mary is only in Chianti for a week – and then has to return home – to Garrett???
The book is beautifully written – almost a travelogue about the Chianti region of Italy. Ms. Ross’s love of the area definitely comes out in the way she describes it. It makes me wish that we had spent more time there when we visited Italy years ago!
I won this book through goodreads - and am now eagerly awaiting the sequel that Ms. Ross promises on the last page.

[KCM73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this classic romance novel, Mary is a somewhat jaded romantic who is beginning to lose hope in the concept of "true love" after a series of failed relationships. When she meets Garrett, a handsome, driven, successful businessman, she decides to try going against type and dating for security, rather than excitement. When Garrett surprises Mary with a trip to Tuscany, a place she has always dreamed of visiting, she is beyond excited. But what she finds in Tuscany is much more than she was expecting. First, she realizes that she fits in the more rustic, quiet, historic atmosphere of Tuscany much better than she did in Philadelphia. Second, she meets Luca, a handsome Italian with whom she has an immediate -- and deja vu-like -- connection. Both experiences shock Mary into reevaluating her life, her priorities and her approach to relationships.

One of my favorite things about this book was that it was richly detailed with information about Italy and Italian food. Those things add depth to the love story, which is interesting if not wholly original. Mary is likable but fully realistic, with flaws and fears and relatable problems. On the whole, a great first novel and one well worth reading.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer - I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Chianti Souls is a love story between Mary, Garrett, Luca, wine and Italy. Mary has often dreamed of visiting Italy and falling magically in love. She thinks she has the love part down with a safe and steady romance with Garrett. He's driven, stable and seemingly adores her and takes her on a dream trip to Italy. When he has to unexpectedly return to the United States for a work emergency, Mary decides to finish out the vacation on her own. A chance encounter and immediate connection with Luca makes Mary believe she may be missing more in her relationship with Garrett.

Chianti Souls will enchant you, the people, the connections, the land and the wine. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance novel. There are mature themes, but nothing over the top. I so want to visit Italy and the cities and villas described, Karen Ross has done a remarkable job with making the history and scenery of the Chianti region come alive. Grab a glass of wine and settle in with this book, you won't regret it!

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. It was a light romance, a perfect distraction during a busy holiday weekend.

Mary is involved with the "perfect" man, except he seems more involved with his career than her. She's over 30, been married once, and has a history of falling for inappropriate men. She believes that she can make her relationship with Garrett work, and is strongly advised by her mother and sister to do so.

Garrett gives her the gift of a trip to Tuscany, something she's always wanted. She expects a romantic week in the heart of Chianti country, but Garrett has work problems that he can't escape. Another complication happens when she meets Luca, a local businessman and brother to the innkeeper where she is staying.

There's a lot of will she or won't she as she is pulled in two directions by two very attractive men. There's a twist at the end, and a lot of heart ache to get there. This was an enjoyable book.

[Wynafryd · Rating 1 out of 5]

"it is a city filled with the world' best art. yet the most stunning work of art is standing in front of me now."

this book is one word:CHEESY! omg i was fooled by the high ratings on here. if you don't cringe at that quote above then this book is perfect for you. that quote is actually what made me put this book down for awhile cause i just couldn't take how damn cheesy this book was.

i like to keep my reviews short and straight to the point but this book made me so mad. there was absolutely no buildup to the romance. it was like they see each other once and then boom bam they're in love.

i only finished this book because i'm really ocd about finishing books. i'm gonna read til the end but you bet i'm gonna hate it all the way.

the only true joy this book gave me was when i deleted this off my kindle.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this book from the author and am very glad I did. I loved this book! It was well written, great story and characters and very descriptive with all the scenery. I couldn't put this book down and wanted to finish in one sitting. As you read you really get to know the characters and fall in love with them. And as you read you can easily picture all the beautiful scenery, I'd love to visit someday. Makes you want to fall in love so beautifully as the main characters did and reminds of me of all my sweet loves of the past. I will definitely be buying her next book.

[Carolyn Leshyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a suprising love story of two souls who seemingly are meant for each other. The two main characters are passionate, loving and tender. Descriptions of the food and wine of Italy are so realistic that you feel you are indulging by their side. Likewise, the country side and the country's major sights are vividly presented in a beautiful way, making one think you are on the road with them. A nice read.

[Stephen Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, a combination travel and romance story that takes the reader on a deep and realistic dive into the beautiful Tuscan region of Italy. The characters are people that you can imagine meeting and knowing, brought to life through well-developed diaglogue. You'll find yourself drawn into the twists and turns of the plot, wanting more and more.

[Diana Donnelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this through Goodreads. It has been awhile since I have read a romance novel. This was the author's first novel and I think she did a fine job with it. Having spent some time in Italy I could relate to the beauty of the countryside and the warmth of the people. For folks who enjoy romance novels I think they should give this one a try.

[Tedders · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me crave wine, pasta, and plane tickets.
I enjoyed reading it, but the environment kind of overwhelmed the characters, and their goings on.
As a romance novel it was okay, but if Karen Ross ever decides to publish a travel log I am on that so hard.

[Jennie K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying this light hearted novel very much ,easy to read with great descriptions of Tuscany ,you can almost believe you are there

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this her debut novel. I'm excited to see where this author ends up. As I read this book it took me back to memories of when I visited Italy while living in Germany. m

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light and easy read with some great plot twists at the end. I won this from a Goodreads giveaway and it was nice to read during a busy holiday month.

[Glenn Younger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect Sunday read

Contemporary romance is not normally my genre, but I wanted an easy break to a mentally over-stimulating week. Chianti Souls is like a Sunday picnic; perfect for its sunshine, blue skies, balmy breezes, and lazy feel over a bottle of good wine, full bodied cheese, crusty bread, and easy conversation.

There are no turbulent surprises. No psychological thrills. You never anxiously bite your nails as you turn the page. And that's just the way you want it. As a love story, you know who Mary should end up with, and when she does, it leaves you with a satisfied feeling of rightness.

So why give this book 5 stars? Especially since the theme of "an ex-pat meets gorgeous Italian" has been done before?

1. For the genre, there are enough twists to the main characters' back-stories to give you a satisfied smile at the "rightness" of it all.

2. Karen Ross's descriptions of the area make you feel like you're right there. Since I've been living in Italy for the last twenty years--and have a great affection for my adopted country--I give her kudos. She treats it with open-eyed love, and without the rose colored glasses of other novels set in the beauty of the Italian countryside.

3. She peppers it with real Italian, and immediate translations. I liked the authenticity of it.

4. She handles the love / sex scenes with ease, avoiding the trite overused phrases you often see in the genre of contemporary romance, and which turned me off the genre in the first place.

5. She does a fast forward at the end, so the story keeps going even after the resolution of conflict.

In short...

This book is NOT for you if you are looking for blood, guts, killing, terror, 50 shades of sex toys, and general mayhem.

This book IS for you if you like a love story set in the beauty of Italy, one that's not gratuitous in nature and is peppered with sex scenes that are handled tastefully, yet explicit enough to put you on the receiving end of the action. In my book, that's a lovely combination for an easy Sunday afternoon read.

In the end, you just might book your own trip to Tuscany. Or, if nothing else, go out and buy a bottle of Chianti. As for me, I'm off to buy the sequel.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book earlier this year, then life happened. I got busy with work and school (mostly school). I finished Chianti Souls today; and I absolutely loved it! Now, Italy is on top my bucket list :). The characters, the scenery, the food, the story AND the wine were very well described and enjoyable. Mary made me feel I could relate to her, with all her good and bad choices. I loved the intensity of her emotions throughout the story. When she was enjoying the good moments in life and when she felt distressed by the way things were going. One of my favorite parts in Chianti Souls was the strong relationship Mary had with her best friend (Chianti Girls at its best).
Towards the end I felt like there was more to the story. Although most of the questions were answered, the author was detailed enough to leave some loose ends to peak my curiosity. Now, I'm thinking that on my home I should get a bottle of Chianti and start a new adventure with "Because of Tuscany." Thanks for the story Karen!

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS FANTASTIC. Any book that can make me laugh, cry, break my heart and then mend it again should get at least 10 stars.

The book takes place primarily in Italy and is a love story. The 2 main characters are Mary and Luca. Mary goes to Italy with Garrett (her fiancé at the time) and when Garrett has to go back early, Mary decides to stay in Italy. Mary meets Luca and falls in love but still goes back to Garrett only to find out he is into some shady business and she leaves him to return to Italy. Mary and Luca's story picks up from there. I have to say there are times in the book that when something happens it's just a bit hokey but you really want them to happen.

This is a story love, food, wine and enjoyment. So enjoy.

I had never read a book by Karen Ross and immediately bought her second book which I just finished. Thank you Karen Ross for this trip to Italy.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a hopeless romantic, enjoy a good love story and have a passion for all things Italian, then this is the book for you. The novel is well-constructed and has a good flow, maintaining the reader’s interest right until the end, alternating the different settings in America and Tuscany. The author does a good job of describing both the magic of Italy and the protagonist’s feelings, also introducing some sex scenes and loads of details about Italian food! Recommended for lovers of romance.

[Annamarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If this was the author's first novel then she did a great job. Although the writing was a bit amateurish at times I thought the story and the descriptions were great and I couldn't wait to get all the way through the book. As someone who loves Italy she certainly captured the food and the locations in each of the chapters.

[Dana Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

If love in Tuscany and a passion for wine is your thing, then Chianti Souls is the book for yo u. When Mary and her boyfriend go to Italy to rekindle their relationship, Mary finds more than she bargained for and her life will never be the same.

[Brenda M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good bed time read. I learned a lot about Tuscany. Some of the scenes were a bit steamy for me but thoroughly enjoyable.

[Dana Kennedy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book made me feel like a teenager again...because I couldn't stop rolling my eyes.