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Italian Escape
Escape to the Rome Apartment
Sara’s eyes fill with tears as she reads the letter, her last words from her dearest ‘I’m buying you your freedom. You don’t need to ask your husband’s permission and you have to put yourself first for once. Have an incredible adventure before it’s too late for both of us…’Sara has lost her zest for life. Trapped sharing a house with her soon-to-be-ex-husband, with grown-up children who still need her but take her for granted, working in a job where her boss bullies her, the final straw is the heartbreak of losing her beloved best friend Lainey. But Lainey’s death could be the beginning of Sara’s new life… as the last gift Lainey gives to her friend is a sum of money and Sara travels to Italy, the scene of the pair’s youthful adventures, and scatters Lainey’s ashes on the beach at Portofino. For once, Sara decides to be brave. She quits her job, tells her family they can manage without her, and sets off on the trip of a lifetime. Swept up by new friends and relishing the freedom of being away from home in beautiful Florence, Sara finds herself drawn to Carlo. Handsome and charming, he is everything Sara finds it so hard to be carefree, impulsive, living in the moment without worrying about the future. And then Sara sees something she shouldn’t… and discovers a secret about Carlo that makes her question everything she thought she knew. Stuck at a crossroads in her life and her travels, she can’t face returning home yet, but nor is she brave enough to continue the challenge that Lainey set her. And then she meets an English woman who tells her about an apartment in Rome, that could just be the answer to everything…Return to the sunny streets of beautiful Rome with this heart-warming and romantic story about discovering your true path in life. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Elin Hilderbrand and Sheila O’Flanagan.Readers love the Rome Apartment ‘My favourite summertime read of 2023… Fantastic… A sweeping engrossing story.’ Cozy Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Superb… This book will go far, 5 stars. Blindingly excellent… This book should come with a disclaimer as once you start reading you aren’t going to want to walk away.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow!… Unleashes a flood of feels!… Absolutely wonderful.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘It has very positive messages about living your best life, but you have to work hard to find yourself and change it… The descriptions of Rome are amazing… I loved all the characters. A wonderful read.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A moving and emotional story, full of hope. The descriptions of Rome are breathtaking.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- GenresRomance
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 11, 2024
Fifty-seven-year-old Sarah has been stuck in a marriage long past its expiry date. In fact, since deciding to divorce three years ago, she and her soon-to-be ex-husband have been continuing to live in the same house. Her opportunity to break free is offered to her in the most unique circumstances; the last request of her recently passed best friend, Lainey.
Lainey has gifted her £20, 000 to buy her freedom on the one condition that Sarah uses the money to scatter her ashes in Portofino, Italy.
Before she has time to get cold feet, Sarah books her ticket to Italy promising her twin 18-year-old sons that she’ll be back in 5 days. Everything changes when she meets Boo on the flight. Boo encourages Sarah to see that she’s been moulding herself into someone else’s view of what she should be and challenges her to reawaken her senses that have become dull after 26 years of a loveless marriage.
“There’s more to life than fitting into a jelly mould of convention.”
“What if you just didn’t. Didn’t anything. Didn’t go home, didn’t help with the house, didn’t I don’t know, do what people expect of you?”
Sarah grabs the opportunity to shed a weight. She doesn’t allow her husband to dictate her timeline and begins living life with music in her soul.
I absolutely loved this third installment of the Rome Apartment series! The examination of why we stay in an accepted cocoon no matter how unhappy we are was thought-provoking as was the suggestion to unburden ourselves of the things that give structure to our life and reclaim some space for ourselves.
I also appreciated the struggle mothers have with the tricky transitional period when their children are adults in so many ways but still need their parents. I don't have children, but I can imagine this story would have an even deeper appeal to those who have children who are nearing ‘leaving the nest.’
I laughed and cried and closed this book reminded again why I love these women who champion the downtrodden woman and/or a woman at a crossroads. Fisher’s story about the adventures, love, joy and lessons from the Eternal City is magnificent. Its theme may be about rediscovery, but it's about so much more than that!
Ronnie’s advice will stay with me:
“It takes decades to stop worrying about things, people, events that don’t matter. Gobble up every opportunity, say yes to things that excite but scare you and give people who whine about their lot a wide berth. With any luck, the next thirty years will be the best you’ve ever had.”
I will be singing the praises of this trilogy to anyone who will listen!
This is book 3 of the Italian Escape but it can be read as a stand-alone.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Lainey has gifted her £20, 000 to buy her freedom on the one condition that Sarah uses the money to scatter her ashes in Portofino, Italy.
Before she has time to get cold feet, Sarah books her ticket to Italy promising her twin 18-year-old sons that she’ll be back in 5 days. Everything changes when she meets Boo on the flight. Boo encourages Sarah to see that she’s been moulding herself into someone else’s view of what she should be and challenges her to reawaken her senses that have become dull after 26 years of a loveless marriage.
“There’s more to life than fitting into a jelly mould of convention.”
“What if you just didn’t. Didn’t anything. Didn’t go home, didn’t help with the house, didn’t I don’t know, do what people expect of you?”
Sarah grabs the opportunity to shed a weight. She doesn’t allow her husband to dictate her timeline and begins living life with music in her soul.
I absolutely loved this third installment of the Rome Apartment series! The examination of why we stay in an accepted cocoon no matter how unhappy we are was thought-provoking as was the suggestion to unburden ourselves of the things that give structure to our life and reclaim some space for ourselves.
I also appreciated the struggle mothers have with the tricky transitional period when their children are adults in so many ways but still need their parents. I don't have children, but I can imagine this story would have an even deeper appeal to those who have children who are nearing ‘leaving the nest.’
I laughed and cried and closed this book reminded again why I love these women who champion the downtrodden woman and/or a woman at a crossroads. Fisher’s story about the adventures, love, joy and lessons from the Eternal City is magnificent. Its theme may be about rediscovery, but it's about so much more than that!
Ronnie’s advice will stay with me:
“It takes decades to stop worrying about things, people, events that don’t matter. Gobble up every opportunity, say yes to things that excite but scare you and give people who whine about their lot a wide berth. With any luck, the next thirty years will be the best you’ve ever had.”
I will be singing the praises of this trilogy to anyone who will listen!
This is book 3 of the Italian Escape but it can be read as a stand-alone.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 12, 2024
Although Kerry Fisher has published a long list of novels since 2012 I have only just come across her writing and this is the first one I have read. ‘Escape to the Rome Apartment’ came to my attention being an Italophile. It is Book 3 of a series The Italian Escape, however that made no difference to my enjoyment of this story, as it stood alone perfectly.
Sara the middle aged protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery whilst carrying out her deceased best friends last wishes. The descriptions of her time in Italy transported me back to Milano, Firenze and Roma once again. I felt I was there with her, every step of the way as the story developed.
My love of Italy was definitely satisfied by this uplifting feel good read. Would recommend to lovers of romance and or Italy. Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this novel.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
Sara the middle aged protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery whilst carrying out her deceased best friends last wishes. The descriptions of her time in Italy transported me back to Milano, Firenze and Roma once again. I felt I was there with her, every step of the way as the story developed.
My love of Italy was definitely satisfied by this uplifting feel good read. Would recommend to lovers of romance and or Italy. Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this novel.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
February 29, 2024
Having thoroughly enjoyed the previous two books in the Rome Apartment series, I was super excited to be granted an advance copy through Netgalley.
I admit to being a bit confused when Sara, whose story this is, goes first to Milan, then spends a while in Florence before arriving at the eponymous Rome apartment. While I didn’t in the least mind ‘being’ in Florence, I was eager to meet up with Ronnie and Marina again and have them do their magic for Sara.
Despite not being a mother myself, I sympathised with Sara in her struggle to cut the apron strings for her twin sons, even while thinking ‘come on, girl, it’s for their own good’!
As well as enjoying seeing Sara give herself permission to take risks and start a new way of life, there was the delightful bonus of briefly catching up with Beth and Rico from book 1 of the series.
My only complaint – it was too short. I want more!!!
I admit to being a bit confused when Sara, whose story this is, goes first to Milan, then spends a while in Florence before arriving at the eponymous Rome apartment. While I didn’t in the least mind ‘being’ in Florence, I was eager to meet up with Ronnie and Marina again and have them do their magic for Sara.
Despite not being a mother myself, I sympathised with Sara in her struggle to cut the apron strings for her twin sons, even while thinking ‘come on, girl, it’s for their own good’!
As well as enjoying seeing Sara give herself permission to take risks and start a new way of life, there was the delightful bonus of briefly catching up with Beth and Rico from book 1 of the series.
My only complaint – it was too short. I want more!!!
August 6, 2025
3.0⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 4, 2024
Fun read! Great characters, new and old, in beautiful settings. Lots of angst, but also lots of interesting tidbits about the locals.
March 9, 2024
Escape to the Rome Apartment by Kerry Fisher is the perfect springtime read that transported the reader to the sunny streets of Italy. It was the third book in the series - I hadn’t read the previous instalments and certainly didn’t miss out so it can be read as a standalone story. It delivers on the promise of love, laughter, and loss. The first few chapters I was in awe at Sara's ability to be spontaneous and escape the drudgery of the day-to-day work/family routines and jump on a plane. Sara’s journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and friendship is both relatable and intriguing, with Sara serving as a strong and engaging female lead. The story is an great escape, offering a blend of backstory, romance, and feel-good moments. Highly recommended for anyone in need of a quick, heartwarming and uplifting read. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for a review.
March 30, 2024
I've never read a book my this author before. This is a part of Kerry Fisher's The Rome Apartment trilogy but it is a stand alone read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's about friendship, letting go of the past, unlearning who you aren't and finding yourself again, boundaries, and bit of romance.
I could have highlighted most of this book. It's refreshing to read books about older mature women who are still living life. Learning, exploring. Letting go of expectations, even though there is some reluctance to let go of what's comfortable and live fully. Getting second chances, whether at love or life in general. Kerry Fisher's writing is so thoughtful.
I liked this book so much I put the other two in this series on my to be read most.
#EscapetotheRomeApartment
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, I was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own
Description
Sara’s eyes fill with tears as she reads the letter, her last words from her dearest friend: ‘I’m buying you your freedom. You don’t need to ask your husband’s permission and you have to put yourself...
Read More
Description
Sara’s eyes fill with tears as she reads the letter, her last words from her dearest friend: ‘I’m buying you your freedom. You don’t need to ask your husband’s permission and you have to put yourself first for once. Have an incredible adventure before it’s too late for both of us…’
Sara has lost her zest for life. Trapped sharing a house with her soon-to-be-ex-husband, with grown-up children who still need her but take her for granted, working in a job where her boss bullies her, the final straw is the heartbreak of losing her beloved best friend Lainey.
But Lainey’s death could be the beginning of Sara’s new life… as the last gift Lainey gives to her friend is a sum of money and a request: that Sara travels to Italy, the scene of the pair’s youthful adventures, and scatters Lainey’s ashes on the beach at Portofino.
For once, Sara decides to be brave. She quits her job, tells her family they can manage without her, and sets off on the trip of a lifetime. Swept up by new friends and relishing the freedom of being away from home in beautiful Florence, Sara finds herself drawn to Carlo. Handsome and charming, he is everything Sara finds it so hard to be: carefree, impulsive, living in the moment without worrying about the future.
And then Sara sees something she shouldn’t… and discovers a secret about Carlo that makes her question everything she thought she knew. Stuck at a crossroads in her life and her travels, she can’t face returning home yet, but nor is she brave enough to continue the challenge that Lainey set her. And then she meets an English woman who tells her about an apartment in Rome, that could just be the answer to everything…
Return to the sunny streets of beautiful Rome with this heart-warming and romantic story about discovering your true path in life. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Elin Hilderbrand and Sheila O’Flanagan
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's about friendship, letting go of the past, unlearning who you aren't and finding yourself again, boundaries, and bit of romance.
I could have highlighted most of this book. It's refreshing to read books about older mature women who are still living life. Learning, exploring. Letting go of expectations, even though there is some reluctance to let go of what's comfortable and live fully. Getting second chances, whether at love or life in general. Kerry Fisher's writing is so thoughtful.
I liked this book so much I put the other two in this series on my to be read most.
#EscapetotheRomeApartment
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, I was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own
Description
Sara’s eyes fill with tears as she reads the letter, her last words from her dearest friend: ‘I’m buying you your freedom. You don’t need to ask your husband’s permission and you have to put yourself...
Read More
Description
Sara’s eyes fill with tears as she reads the letter, her last words from her dearest friend: ‘I’m buying you your freedom. You don’t need to ask your husband’s permission and you have to put yourself first for once. Have an incredible adventure before it’s too late for both of us…’
Sara has lost her zest for life. Trapped sharing a house with her soon-to-be-ex-husband, with grown-up children who still need her but take her for granted, working in a job where her boss bullies her, the final straw is the heartbreak of losing her beloved best friend Lainey.
But Lainey’s death could be the beginning of Sara’s new life… as the last gift Lainey gives to her friend is a sum of money and a request: that Sara travels to Italy, the scene of the pair’s youthful adventures, and scatters Lainey’s ashes on the beach at Portofino.
For once, Sara decides to be brave. She quits her job, tells her family they can manage without her, and sets off on the trip of a lifetime. Swept up by new friends and relishing the freedom of being away from home in beautiful Florence, Sara finds herself drawn to Carlo. Handsome and charming, he is everything Sara finds it so hard to be: carefree, impulsive, living in the moment without worrying about the future.
And then Sara sees something she shouldn’t… and discovers a secret about Carlo that makes her question everything she thought she knew. Stuck at a crossroads in her life and her travels, she can’t face returning home yet, but nor is she brave enough to continue the challenge that Lainey set her. And then she meets an English woman who tells her about an apartment in Rome, that could just be the answer to everything…
Return to the sunny streets of beautiful Rome with this heart-warming and romantic story about discovering your true path in life. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Elin Hilderbrand and Sheila O’Flanagan
March 21, 2024
Kerry Fisher, Escape to the Rome Apartment, Book 3 of The Italian Escape, Bookouture, April 2024.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Kerry Fisher’s Italian Escape series is a pleasant combination of romance, social commentary and the most engaging descriptions of Italian towns, culture and life. With its two main characters, Ronnie and Marina, friends in their seventies who live in the apartments, some continuing secondary characters and the introduction of new ones, the Italian Escape series is an engaging read. Although I found Books 1 and 2 more absorbing, Book 3 has a charm of its own, beginning with Sara’s escape from her life in England with a demanding husband and twin sons to a chance meeting on the plane with a woman whose joyous approach to life begins to work a change in Sara’s.
Sara, now in her fifties, is returning to Italy years after her romance with an Italian lover failed. Although this provides a background to her visit, most importantly she has returned to scatter the ashes of her best friend, Lainie, with whom she spent a summer in Italy. She has spent her life after this joyous time bowing to society’s expectations. However, even before she reaches the Rome apartment where Ronnie and Marina’s plans help women change their expectations of what life can offer them, Sara has rebelled. She has refused to bend to her tyrannical boss at the prestigious women’s magazine where she is lifestyle editor, giving her the opportunity to stay in Italy for as long as she wants. It will take her longer to change her wife and mothering mode, but this at least is a start.
Florence, Portofino and then Rome provide wonderful vignettes of Italian culture and locations; popular songs from the past stimulate memories for the fictional characters and readers; Beth and Rico from a previous Roman Apartment journey not only make a link with the Rome apartment and its influence but continue their story. Sara’s past showing her parents’ disapproval of her former romance and life choices are intersected with her current experiences in Italy. Clues to the life she has lived in her marriage are provided through texts and phone calls from her husband and sons, and Sara’s reflections.
Once again, Kerry Fisher has written a well plotted romance with preceptive portrayals of family relationships, friendships, and lifestyles that embrace a range of options to enhance women’s choices. That she does so with women in the fifties and seventies as the main characters is another positive feature of this series.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Kerry Fisher’s Italian Escape series is a pleasant combination of romance, social commentary and the most engaging descriptions of Italian towns, culture and life. With its two main characters, Ronnie and Marina, friends in their seventies who live in the apartments, some continuing secondary characters and the introduction of new ones, the Italian Escape series is an engaging read. Although I found Books 1 and 2 more absorbing, Book 3 has a charm of its own, beginning with Sara’s escape from her life in England with a demanding husband and twin sons to a chance meeting on the plane with a woman whose joyous approach to life begins to work a change in Sara’s.
Sara, now in her fifties, is returning to Italy years after her romance with an Italian lover failed. Although this provides a background to her visit, most importantly she has returned to scatter the ashes of her best friend, Lainie, with whom she spent a summer in Italy. She has spent her life after this joyous time bowing to society’s expectations. However, even before she reaches the Rome apartment where Ronnie and Marina’s plans help women change their expectations of what life can offer them, Sara has rebelled. She has refused to bend to her tyrannical boss at the prestigious women’s magazine where she is lifestyle editor, giving her the opportunity to stay in Italy for as long as she wants. It will take her longer to change her wife and mothering mode, but this at least is a start.
Florence, Portofino and then Rome provide wonderful vignettes of Italian culture and locations; popular songs from the past stimulate memories for the fictional characters and readers; Beth and Rico from a previous Roman Apartment journey not only make a link with the Rome apartment and its influence but continue their story. Sara’s past showing her parents’ disapproval of her former romance and life choices are intersected with her current experiences in Italy. Clues to the life she has lived in her marriage are provided through texts and phone calls from her husband and sons, and Sara’s reflections.
Once again, Kerry Fisher has written a well plotted romance with preceptive portrayals of family relationships, friendships, and lifestyles that embrace a range of options to enhance women’s choices. That she does so with women in the fifties and seventies as the main characters is another positive feature of this series.
April 6, 2024
A great plot enhanced by the backdrop of Italy - and who doesn't love Italian culture? Their history, wonderful food and that laid back lifestyle. It's a story of new beginnings and being brave enough to take chances and change direction. As we glimpse journalist Sara's life, it seems right from the beginning, other people have influenced her choices - and she has made some bad ones herself. Continually bullied at work and given the more mundane projects, she decides enough is enough and walks out of her job. Home life is no better. At 57 with twin boys of 21) she has fallen into the role of the 'wife machine' with an expectation she will sort out every domestic problem and provide a smooth home life for husband Declan and the boys to drop in and out of. Despite Declan deciding their marriage has run its course and mentioned divorce, nothing has changed. That change comes when her best friend Lainey dies, leaving her £20,000 together with a request that her ashes are scattered at Portofino. Sara decides she will carry out her wishes, seeing it as an opportunity to get away and take stock of her life. Predicably Declan (who is the most selfish, insensitive individual) not only objects to the trip but also appears to think he has a claim on the £20,000. In the end, taking a leap of faith, Sara leaves, with the promise she will be back in a few days.
A chance meeting with a fellow passenger on the plane turns the whole visit on its head and the story takes Sara on a journey she did not expect, one which will change her life for good. Great characters, a wonderful story and, of course, Italy! I was rooting for Sara all the way.
I would like to thank Bookouture, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of Escape to the Rome Apartment in exchange for an honest review.
A chance meeting with a fellow passenger on the plane turns the whole visit on its head and the story takes Sara on a journey she did not expect, one which will change her life for good. Great characters, a wonderful story and, of course, Italy! I was rooting for Sara all the way.
I would like to thank Bookouture, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of Escape to the Rome Apartment in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2024
Sara and Lainey always planned to take another trip together but life and then death gets in the way. Lainey dies and leaves money and her ashes to Sara with specific instructions to scatter them in Italy. Can Sara enjoy her freedom or will reality drag her down...?
Escape to the Rome Apartment is the third book in the series and I have previously read and reviewed the first book, The Rome Apartment. Some of the characters feature in this book but there are no major plot spoilers.
Ooh I was annoyed! Poor Sara has a job she hates and a family who take her for granted. She has split up from her husband but they still live together and she skivvies around after him and her grown up sons. Of course, I fully believe that people will only treat you badly if you let them and this is a theme that threads through the book as Sara realises she should have more power and freedom in her relationships.
Most of the book is set in the present to show Sara’s experience in Italy (she doesn’t move to Rome or the apartment until halfway so I was starting to think the title didn’t fit!) There are some chapters to show Sara’s past relationship with an Italian man and this helps us to understand how she ended up stuck with Declan, accepting second best.
Ronnie and Marina remain a force to be reckoned with from the earlier books. Their insight and determination reinforces how essential it is to grab every second of life, be true to yourself and value what is important. I felt so sorry for Sara that it takes the death of her friend for her to truly live herself.
Escape to the Rome Apartment is a light hearted but deeply profound book about making the most of life's opportunities.
Escape to the Rome Apartment is the third book in the series and I have previously read and reviewed the first book, The Rome Apartment. Some of the characters feature in this book but there are no major plot spoilers.
Ooh I was annoyed! Poor Sara has a job she hates and a family who take her for granted. She has split up from her husband but they still live together and she skivvies around after him and her grown up sons. Of course, I fully believe that people will only treat you badly if you let them and this is a theme that threads through the book as Sara realises she should have more power and freedom in her relationships.
Most of the book is set in the present to show Sara’s experience in Italy (she doesn’t move to Rome or the apartment until halfway so I was starting to think the title didn’t fit!) There are some chapters to show Sara’s past relationship with an Italian man and this helps us to understand how she ended up stuck with Declan, accepting second best.
Ronnie and Marina remain a force to be reckoned with from the earlier books. Their insight and determination reinforces how essential it is to grab every second of life, be true to yourself and value what is important. I felt so sorry for Sara that it takes the death of her friend for her to truly live herself.
Escape to the Rome Apartment is a light hearted but deeply profound book about making the most of life's opportunities.
March 30, 2024
Closing one chapter of life, can she smoothly launch into the next?⛲
Yes, I liked the plot based around 57 year old Sara finding it hard to break away from her foundering life in Britain. Finally fed up and newly unemployed, she grabs the opportunity to head off to Italy to carry out her best friend Lainey's dying wishes. And the real adventure begins...
Although I preferred the first story in this series about the sanctuary Rome apartment and its eccentric owners, I did find this a good read. The author really knows how to incorporate the spirit and magic of Florence, Rome and the Ligurian coast sights, ancient streets and gorgeous landscapes into the story. The Rome action is reserved for the latter part of the story.
Sara, the main character, had to be pulled along to face new challenges, but I could relate to this reluctance to totally ditch her old life and start afresh at her mature stage of life. There's continuing frustration emanating from her demanding soon-to-be ex; the family home to be sold; two sons to be settled; a strong-willed travelling companion to handle; a new romantic interest and the overwhelming uncertainty of just where she will end up.
The flashbacks to her earlier Italian love affair are nicely built in and add extra drama to her travels as Sara fears facing the "great tragedy" of her youth by returning to Rome. And the reminiscences of her times with BFF Lainey added poignancy.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Yes, I liked the plot based around 57 year old Sara finding it hard to break away from her foundering life in Britain. Finally fed up and newly unemployed, she grabs the opportunity to head off to Italy to carry out her best friend Lainey's dying wishes. And the real adventure begins...
Although I preferred the first story in this series about the sanctuary Rome apartment and its eccentric owners, I did find this a good read. The author really knows how to incorporate the spirit and magic of Florence, Rome and the Ligurian coast sights, ancient streets and gorgeous landscapes into the story. The Rome action is reserved for the latter part of the story.
Sara, the main character, had to be pulled along to face new challenges, but I could relate to this reluctance to totally ditch her old life and start afresh at her mature stage of life. There's continuing frustration emanating from her demanding soon-to-be ex; the family home to be sold; two sons to be settled; a strong-willed travelling companion to handle; a new romantic interest and the overwhelming uncertainty of just where she will end up.
The flashbacks to her earlier Italian love affair are nicely built in and add extra drama to her travels as Sara fears facing the "great tragedy" of her youth by returning to Rome. And the reminiscences of her times with BFF Lainey added poignancy.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
April 12, 2024
Another winner from Kerry Fisher! This is absolutely one of my favourite book series' and I think this one is possibly my favourite of them all so far.
Sara and her husband separated amicably during lockdown, and are still living together, for convenience and out of habit. The death of Lainey, Sara's best friend, has made her re-evaluate and she realises that her husband is moving on with his life, doing whatever he likes, while Sara is still very much housekeeper to him and their eighteen year old twin boys.
Lainey has gifted Sara some money on the premise of Sara taking her ashes to scatter in Italy, but with an unspoken suggestion that Sara also uses that money to take time for herself, something she hasn't done for years. And so we once again find ourselves in Italy, with breathtaking descriptions, romantic scenery and culinary perfection.
While her husband demands she return to get their house ready to go on the market and arrange accommodation for their adult children, Sara, with the help her new friends Boo and Carlo, switches off her phone and immerses herself in her escapist life in Italy. It was a brilliant surprise to meet Beth and Rico again and of course, that brought with it a link to the wonderful Marina and Ronnie, who help Sara to shake off the emotional demons of her past and teach her to live for now.
A balm for my soul!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Kerry Fisher and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Sara and her husband separated amicably during lockdown, and are still living together, for convenience and out of habit. The death of Lainey, Sara's best friend, has made her re-evaluate and she realises that her husband is moving on with his life, doing whatever he likes, while Sara is still very much housekeeper to him and their eighteen year old twin boys.
Lainey has gifted Sara some money on the premise of Sara taking her ashes to scatter in Italy, but with an unspoken suggestion that Sara also uses that money to take time for herself, something she hasn't done for years. And so we once again find ourselves in Italy, with breathtaking descriptions, romantic scenery and culinary perfection.
While her husband demands she return to get their house ready to go on the market and arrange accommodation for their adult children, Sara, with the help her new friends Boo and Carlo, switches off her phone and immerses herself in her escapist life in Italy. It was a brilliant surprise to meet Beth and Rico again and of course, that brought with it a link to the wonderful Marina and Ronnie, who help Sara to shake off the emotional demons of her past and teach her to live for now.
A balm for my soul!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Kerry Fisher and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.
April 4, 2024
It came to my attention after finishing the book that it's the 3rd installment in 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 series, but it worked very well as a standalone.
This is a wonderful, uplifting, emotional story of letting go and finding your true self. Sara is a fifty seven year old woman trapped sharing a house with her soon to be ex-husband and twin boys who are grown but still tied to mother's apron strings.
Her best friend Lainey has passed away, and her dying wish was to have her ashes scattered at the beach in Rome, where they had vacationed in their youth.
In a snap decision, she books a flight, and it turns into the trip of a lifetime. Sara embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. She decides to be brave and relishes in the freedom she had long forgotten
Through beautifully immersive writing, we discover the sights, sounds, and smells of Italy and get to know the amazing people who help Sara along the way. I loved some of the advice she received about why people stay in stagnant situations such as marriages, relationships, jobs, etc. It was quite enlightening.
I would definitely recommend this lovely book to everyone.
Thank you to the author, Bookature, and Netgally for the arc. My review was voluntary.
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This is a wonderful, uplifting, emotional story of letting go and finding your true self. Sara is a fifty seven year old woman trapped sharing a house with her soon to be ex-husband and twin boys who are grown but still tied to mother's apron strings.
Her best friend Lainey has passed away, and her dying wish was to have her ashes scattered at the beach in Rome, where they had vacationed in their youth.
In a snap decision, she books a flight, and it turns into the trip of a lifetime. Sara embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. She decides to be brave and relishes in the freedom she had long forgotten
Through beautifully immersive writing, we discover the sights, sounds, and smells of Italy and get to know the amazing people who help Sara along the way. I loved some of the advice she received about why people stay in stagnant situations such as marriages, relationships, jobs, etc. It was quite enlightening.
I would definitely recommend this lovely book to everyone.
Thank you to the author, Bookature, and Netgally for the arc. My review was voluntary.
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July 7, 2024
I have read the other two books in the series and I was really looking forward to reading this one too. It didn't disappoint.
Sara is stuck. She is sharing a house with her soon-to-be ex-husband and is being taken for granted by him and their two young adult sons. When her best friend Lainey dies, she finds herself with an unexpected sum of money and takes off to Italy to scatter her ashes. She meets some interesting people along the way and yes, a bit of romance enters her life too, however, this is a book about finding yourself and having the courage to forge your own path before it's too late. This story will definitely appeal to "women of a certain age" who find themselves taking care of everyone in their orbit but forget about taking care of themselves.
So lovely to meet Ronnie and Marina again (and Beth and Rico!) and it reminds me a bit of when I did some travelling with a friend in the 80's. Staying with a friend of a friend in dodgy accommodation in London.....ah, those were the days!
As it was in the earlier books, I really wanted to go to Italy and explore. All that history would be amazing. The Romans knew some things about architecture, road building and the like, for sure :)
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Sara is stuck. She is sharing a house with her soon-to-be ex-husband and is being taken for granted by him and their two young adult sons. When her best friend Lainey dies, she finds herself with an unexpected sum of money and takes off to Italy to scatter her ashes. She meets some interesting people along the way and yes, a bit of romance enters her life too, however, this is a book about finding yourself and having the courage to forge your own path before it's too late. This story will definitely appeal to "women of a certain age" who find themselves taking care of everyone in their orbit but forget about taking care of themselves.
So lovely to meet Ronnie and Marina again (and Beth and Rico!) and it reminds me a bit of when I did some travelling with a friend in the 80's. Staying with a friend of a friend in dodgy accommodation in London.....ah, those were the days!
As it was in the earlier books, I really wanted to go to Italy and explore. All that history would be amazing. The Romans knew some things about architecture, road building and the like, for sure :)
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
April 17, 2024
Favorite Quotes:
I clung onto the rush of adrenaline, the dizzying high of ‘Am I really doing this?’, feeling like the school swot who’d suddenly started throwing chairs before flinging exercise books out of the window, pages of algorithms and equations a-fluttering, while swearing at the teacher.
He had a way of looking at me that made me feel as though I’d swum into a warm spot in a cold sea.
‘Now I’m all about the good karma.’ He pinched his thumbs and forefingers together in a mock-meditative pose. ‘Though I still love to see a total tosser get his comeuppance.’
Learnt helplessness. All my husbands suffered from it. Perfectly capable in the areas they were interested in, then lying around like beetles on their backs if something was too much effort.
It’s hard enough to stay alive without him boring me half to death.
My Review:
I reveled in this delightfully witty and insightfully written tale that kept me chortling and smirking gleefully throughout my perusal. The writing style and storylines were a joy to delve into and were populated by uniquely authentic yet perceptively written and knowable characters. I haven’t had this much fun in ages. I want to stop time and just sit and read all of Kerry Fisher’s scribblings.
I clung onto the rush of adrenaline, the dizzying high of ‘Am I really doing this?’, feeling like the school swot who’d suddenly started throwing chairs before flinging exercise books out of the window, pages of algorithms and equations a-fluttering, while swearing at the teacher.
He had a way of looking at me that made me feel as though I’d swum into a warm spot in a cold sea.
‘Now I’m all about the good karma.’ He pinched his thumbs and forefingers together in a mock-meditative pose. ‘Though I still love to see a total tosser get his comeuppance.’
Learnt helplessness. All my husbands suffered from it. Perfectly capable in the areas they were interested in, then lying around like beetles on their backs if something was too much effort.
It’s hard enough to stay alive without him boring me half to death.
My Review:
I reveled in this delightfully witty and insightfully written tale that kept me chortling and smirking gleefully throughout my perusal. The writing style and storylines were a joy to delve into and were populated by uniquely authentic yet perceptively written and knowable characters. I haven’t had this much fun in ages. I want to stop time and just sit and read all of Kerry Fisher’s scribblings.
April 12, 2024
Escape to the Rome Apartment by Kerry Fisher
What made 57 year-old Sara to escape from her current home to the Rome apartment? Her hopeless marriage, dependent adult twins, terrible job experience and the death of her best friend Lainey. Lainey prepared the money for Sara a trip to Italy in order to scatter her ashes and also to find herself back. The author brought us with Sara to Italy to follow her adventure with her two new friends. The ups and downs of what Sara had been through were relatable.
The story setting was fantastic. A great place with plenty of imagination room, the characters with standing out personalities and strong POV of Sara. I enjoyed the book a lot. A mixture of feelings. Imagine we have a friend like Lainey, who cares you a lot. Many shared memories and she always encourages you to chase your dream.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my copy.
Pub date: April 11, 2024
What made 57 year-old Sara to escape from her current home to the Rome apartment? Her hopeless marriage, dependent adult twins, terrible job experience and the death of her best friend Lainey. Lainey prepared the money for Sara a trip to Italy in order to scatter her ashes and also to find herself back. The author brought us with Sara to Italy to follow her adventure with her two new friends. The ups and downs of what Sara had been through were relatable.
The story setting was fantastic. A great place with plenty of imagination room, the characters with standing out personalities and strong POV of Sara. I enjoyed the book a lot. A mixture of feelings. Imagine we have a friend like Lainey, who cares you a lot. Many shared memories and she always encourages you to chase your dream.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my copy.
Pub date: April 11, 2024
April 13, 2024
Escape to the Rome Apartment by Kerry Fisher and is the third book in the brilliant The Italian Escape series and it was another beautiful book from start to finish. I have loved this series and I always find Kerry wrote this series from her heart. This book was a beautiful, a heart warming story that will take your mind to a better and a beautiful Place to visit - Rome and especially if it is raining outside your window.
Once I opened this book on my kindle and started to read Escape to Rome Apartment I wanted to go back to Rome, sitting in Piazza Navona the square people watching and reading this book drinking coffee......and become apart of this story. This is why I love Kerry's books.......From the very first page you will find it hard to put your kindle down.
I loved it especially as it is a "down to earth book" and I highly recommend it.
A great holiday read.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and especially Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Once I opened this book on my kindle and started to read Escape to Rome Apartment I wanted to go back to Rome, sitting in Piazza Navona the square people watching and reading this book drinking coffee......and become apart of this story. This is why I love Kerry's books.......From the very first page you will find it hard to put your kindle down.
I loved it especially as it is a "down to earth book" and I highly recommend it.
A great holiday read.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and especially Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 3, 2024
It is stories like these that remind me I must take my head out of a thriller more often.
This is a beautiful, emotional, sweet and uplifting story about how our losses and our loves shape us. How life can change almost overnight and just how short life is.
A generous bequest from her lifelong friend Lainey to scatter her ashes in Rome sends ripples through every part of Sara’s life. Navigating the loss of her friend and the demise of her marriage while still trying to be a safety net for her now-adult children, she begins to realise that her life - and the possibility to find new love - does not end in your fifties.
Through beautifully descriptive and immersive writing, the sights and sounds of Rome felt tantalisingly close and made me want to hop on a plane.
Thank you so much to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.
This is a beautiful, emotional, sweet and uplifting story about how our losses and our loves shape us. How life can change almost overnight and just how short life is.
A generous bequest from her lifelong friend Lainey to scatter her ashes in Rome sends ripples through every part of Sara’s life. Navigating the loss of her friend and the demise of her marriage while still trying to be a safety net for her now-adult children, she begins to realise that her life - and the possibility to find new love - does not end in your fifties.
Through beautifully descriptive and immersive writing, the sights and sounds of Rome felt tantalisingly close and made me want to hop on a plane.
Thank you so much to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC.
April 11, 2024
This is the third installment in this series and it did NOT disappoint. I absolutely love these books as they give me an escape. I feel like I am the person that is in Italy trying to figure out something in her life. I’ve been to Italy so I really enjoy reading about some of the places that I have visited.
There are so many heartwarming moments in this book, as well as tough moments. Either way, this book feels relatable. Whether it be missing a loved one, going through a divorce, trying to be there for your children but not always knowing how, or trying to figure out what’s best for yourself in your own life.
This book brought smiles and tears. The scene in Portofino with Lainey’s ashes was a tough one to read, but also so beautiful.
Of course I loved seeing Ronnie, Marina, Beth, and Rico back! I absolutely love these books and I cannot wait to read another one!
There are so many heartwarming moments in this book, as well as tough moments. Either way, this book feels relatable. Whether it be missing a loved one, going through a divorce, trying to be there for your children but not always knowing how, or trying to figure out what’s best for yourself in your own life.
This book brought smiles and tears. The scene in Portofino with Lainey’s ashes was a tough one to read, but also so beautiful.
Of course I loved seeing Ronnie, Marina, Beth, and Rico back! I absolutely love these books and I cannot wait to read another one!
April 14, 2024
Sarah is separated but still living with her soon to be ex husband and working at a job she hates. She is given an inheritance by her best friend who recently passed away, to buy her freedom and scatter her ashes in Portofino. Leaving her job and marriage behind, she heads off to Italy, to honor her friend's wishes. She lands first in Florence, staying at an apartment with a friend she met on the trip. Eventually, she ends up hearing about an apartment in Rome.
This was another fun and fast read. It’s number 3 of the Italian Escape series. I enjoyed the 1st 2 in the series. It’s helpful to read the other books but it’s not necessary. I loved the characters and it was nice to see a follow-up with Beth from the first story, as well as Ronnie and Marina who run the apartment. Sarah was a great character and it was fun to see her find her mojo, by leaving behind her job and marriage. I loved the descriptions of Rome and Florence as they wandered around and explored the cities.
Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author of this ARC.
This was another fun and fast read. It’s number 3 of the Italian Escape series. I enjoyed the 1st 2 in the series. It’s helpful to read the other books but it’s not necessary. I loved the characters and it was nice to see a follow-up with Beth from the first story, as well as Ronnie and Marina who run the apartment. Sarah was a great character and it was fun to see her find her mojo, by leaving behind her job and marriage. I loved the descriptions of Rome and Florence as they wandered around and explored the cities.
Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author of this ARC.
April 18, 2024
I’ve read a previous book by the author and the story of Beth and Ronnie and Marina, so it was like coming home. I am green with envy over those who have “strong passports” and thus fly to wherever they want to go, do their thing, stay months in beautiful locations and enjoy to the full joie de viere.
This story captivates. Sara in a loveless marriage 57 years old uses a legacy to dispose the ashes of her bestest friend Lainey. Sara after a lifetime of giving in to the wishes of an over riding husband, and twin sons who want her to be general dogsbody, finds it very hard to think of herself first.
Finding love was an unexpected bonus, but finding friends and an independent path for herself was even better.
The beautifully detailed descriptions of Rome, Florence and the in between places, alongside the myriad nooks and crannies off the beaten track added so much more.
This story captivates. Sara in a loveless marriage 57 years old uses a legacy to dispose the ashes of her bestest friend Lainey. Sara after a lifetime of giving in to the wishes of an over riding husband, and twin sons who want her to be general dogsbody, finds it very hard to think of herself first.
Finding love was an unexpected bonus, but finding friends and an independent path for herself was even better.
The beautifully detailed descriptions of Rome, Florence and the in between places, alongside the myriad nooks and crannies off the beaten track added so much more.
June 24, 2024
I didn't care for this book as much as I'd hoped I would. While the setting is beautiful and the author is certainly descriptive, I just felt that Sara (main character) was so wimpy one minute, they overbearing the next, that I felt like it was being around a tornado. She didn't know what she was doing, acted superior to Ronnie, yet would turn around and try to control her adult kids from a distance while lamenting no one took her seriously--make up your mind, girl!
I also had trouble with her just taking up with stranger she met on a plane and just went to stay with her and her friend for a few weeks..that was just too weird and not adventurous at all. More like foolhardy in today's world.
Of the three books, I liked this one the least and found myself skipping through it because it seemed so repetitive.
I also had trouble with her just taking up with stranger she met on a plane and just went to stay with her and her friend for a few weeks..that was just too weird and not adventurous at all. More like foolhardy in today's world.
Of the three books, I liked this one the least and found myself skipping through it because it seemed so repetitive.
March 4, 2024
This is the feel good story you need this spring! Escape to the Rome Apartment will have you checking flights to Italy before you finish the book. This story follows Sarah who has promised her best friend, Lainey that she would scatter her ashes in Italy, but a year later and she hasn't made that trip. After a disastrous morning at work, Sarah stands up to her boss and walks out of her job and her humdrum, suburban life. Any one who has regrets over a life you wished you lived will love to read about Sarah's adventures in Italy, her reunion with the "one who got away", and finding new love. This is the perfect springtime read.
February 22, 2024
I was thrilled to see there was a third book in this wonderful series, and finished it almost it in one go. I felt a lot of empathy with Sarah, and thoroughly enjoyed reading about her changing life. As with the previous books, it has made me want to visit Rome again, the descriptions are beautiful and I need to see those unusual places (not seen by most tourists) for myself. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, particularly for women of the same age!
April 18, 2024
This is my favorite of the series so far. One major reason is that Ronnie and Marina strike me as overbearing to the point of needing to escape, and I cannot imagine spending even a week with them, thus their appearance midway through the book is a relief.
I also like the development of friends at first sight to "get me away from this nutcase". Things like that do happen, and it was handled realistically, IMO. I was genuinely glad for both Finn and Sara landing happily in Italy. I read way too many books in this genre and this is one of my favorites.
I also like the development of friends at first sight to "get me away from this nutcase". Things like that do happen, and it was handled realistically, IMO. I was genuinely glad for both Finn and Sara landing happily in Italy. I read way too many books in this genre and this is one of my favorites.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2024
'Escape to the Rome Apartment' is a heart-warming story about all sorts of love - mature love, maternal love, love of a friend and a growing love affair with a beautiful country. As ever, Kerry Fisher writes with huge compassion and empathy, taking her readers through a whole range of emotions. The book is threaded with beautiful descriptions of Italy, a welcome distraction from cold and wet UK. I hope there'll be a fourth book in this wonderful series!
May 16, 2024
Lovely travel /tourism read. I love being able to travel through the words of a story and this was able to give me that. I haven't read the other books in the series but it did not seem to be a detriment; this one can stand alone. A story of friendship but also an address of losing yourself within the confines of your responsibilities and a poignant account of the feeling of life passing you by.
April 14, 2025
I bought this book on a sale, even though I had only read the first in the trilogy, and waited until I had read the second in the series before picking it up. This was a good idea because the novel brings in several characters whom I already knew and ties up their stories in a very satisfying way. Even so, the plot was surprising, involving time spent in Florence as well as Rome. Reading it felt like going on holiday, which is always a treat!
May 23, 2025
Another lovely book by Kerry Fisher set in Italy not just Rome this time but a lot of Florence. I don’t think many people would just go with a stranger off the plane but it worked out ok. Lovely characters especially Sarah who hadn’t had a lot of luck with men. Nice touch to take her friend’s ashes to Italy as if you need an excuse. It was nice to meet up with some old favourites in Rome which gave a little twist.
March 8, 2024
I liked books 1 and 2 in this series, so was itching to get my hands on book 3. This was such a lovely story and in Spring made me crave the Italian sun. Lots of love, laughter and loss. This is relatable, and intriguing. Sara is a great female lead as you go through the motions with her and I liked seeing her story blossom.
Great escapism, liked the backstory and an all round feel good read.
Great escapism, liked the backstory and an all round feel good read.
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