Marry Me in Italy

by Nicky Pellegrino

It's the chance of a lifetime...Skye has just discovered that her long-time love is cheating on her, so the last thing she's thinking about is a wedding! But when her husband Tim tells her that he's won an all-expenses paid wedding in idyllic Montenello, she can't help but think that a week in beautiful Italy could be just what she needs...Anna is looking to make some big changes in her life now that she's hit the big 5-0. And so when she spots a rundown masseria for sale in a romantic Italian village, she jumps at the chance. But she certainly didn't expect to find such a handsome (and very distracting) neighbour in Dino!One thing's for sure, this summer certainly has its surprises in store...

Genres: Romance, Italy, Fiction

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2024

About the author

I was born and grew up near Liverpool, England. For a while I worked as a magazine journalist in London but then 21 years ago I came on holiday to New Zealand and met my future husband Carne Bidwill at a wedding. Now we live together near a beach in Auckland with our dogs Charlie the standard poodle and Lucy the pointer. I spend my time writing novels, working as a freelance journalist, riding my two horses, growing veges in my garden, cooking, trying to get other people to cook for me, eating and reading. There isn't much time for anything else except a little light housework.
My all-time favourite book is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee and my book of 2013 was LIfe After LIfe by Kate Atkinson.
I have a website www.nickypellegrino.com

Reviews

[Rasa|Knygų princesė · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jau tapo tradicija, kad Nicky Pellegrino romanai lydi mano atostogas. Šie metai buvo ne išimtis: rašytoja nukėlė į Montanelą, kur verda tikras itališkas gyvenimas. Taip, tai tas pats miestas, kur buvo galima įsigyti namų už eurą.


Anglijoje dvi moterys patiria gyvenimo lūžius. Kulinarinio žurnalo redaktorė Ana atleidžiama iš darbo ir turi išmokti gyventi iš naujo. Ji iškeliauja į Italiją ir Bazilikatoje jos kelyje pasipainioja vila bei išvaizdus kaimynas ir širdyje pabunda iki tol nepatirti jausmai. Na, o Skai sukasi savo kepinių versle, augina du paauglius vaikus ir laiko visus namų kampus, nes partneris Timas vis neranda savęs. Vieną dieną jis praneša, kad jie laimėjo vestuves Italijoje. Skai apninka abejonės, o kai dar sužino apie Timo išdavystę… Vis dėl to, gyvenimas ir Skai nuveda į gydantį Montanelą.


Italijos kraštovaizdis, skanus maistas ir nuoširdūs žmonės - tai Nicky Pellegrino istorijų varikliukas. Ši istorija ne išimtis. Na, ir visi keliai veda į Italiją, kur galima išspręsti savo problemas, atrasti naują save. Ir tikrai pritariu rašytojai: Italija veikia magiškai. Tai ir romane tos magijos labai reikia abiems moterims. Nors ir jų istorijos atrodė labai skirtingos, visai nesusijusios, bet viską į vietas sudėliojo Italija.


Romanas lengvas, grakštus apie rimtus gyvenimo sprendimus. Tiek Ana, tiek Skai atsiduria gyvenimo kryžkelėje, kai reikia nuspręsti, kur judėti. Abu gyvenimai savotiškai įdomūs: Skai mąsto apie tai, kokie žmonės šalia, ką jie reiškia ir ar tikrai nori kurti gyvenimą su vyru, kuris dabar yra šalia. Na, o Anai reikia išmokti gyventi kitaip, labiau sau, nes iki šiol jos gyvenimas buvo darbas. Taigi atpažinti šiose veikėjose galite šiek tiek savęs.


Sunku komentuoti, kai labai pažįstamas rašytojos stilius. Romane pasigedau stiprios romantinės linijos, kuri kaitintų kraują. Taip pat trūko ir charakterio abiems veikėjoms: tik Italija joms suteikė savitumo. Vis dėl to, šioje istorijoje atrasite tikrai kažką sau. 

[Adeline Saunders · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ive always loved Nicky Pellegrino's books, unfortunately not this one. There was no flow, zero capturing moments, it was just blurgh and boring. Rather disappointed to be honest.

[Rebecca Webb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Predictable

Not enough charm in the writting to make for the predictable story arc and one dimensional characters. Do not recommend.

[Kirsten McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lighthearted, hunger-inducing, travel envy-invoking book! And the perfect palate cleanser I needed this week. I read instead of watching the news. And I feel better for it!
I loved the two POVs in this story, and felt a connection with both Ana and Skye.
It was the perfect blend of The Great British Bake Off, Location Location Location, Say Yes To The Dress, and The Devil Wears Prada (with a much reduced version of Meryl Streep's character).
I don't enjoy cooking, never have, but this book made me look wistfully towards my collection of unopened recipe books as I was blithely imagining whipping up a brushetta for lunch for the children... Can I do it? Possibly. This is the sort of book which makes you believe that you can!
I loved it. Read it in two days.
I don't want to lessen it by calling it the perfect beach read, but then again, that's my favourite place to read books. I say it's the perfect book to read in bed, at the beach, waiting for your car service, in between appointments, and in your lunch break.
Now to book my tickets to Italy and to crack the spines of those recipe books!

[Jacki (Julia Flyte) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marry Me in Italy, the new release from Nicky Pellegrino, came along at the perfect moment for me and I loved it.

How can you judge if it’s the right moment for you? Do any of these apply?

- Your weather is rubbish and you want a virtual holiday in the Italian sun
- You need a reminder that it’s never too late for a second – or third - act in your life
- You like shows like A Place in the Sun or Grand Designs Abroad
- You are feeling vaguely dissatisfied with your life and wondering if this means you need a big upheaval or just a reminder to appreciate what you have
- You feel like reading lots of mouthwatering descriptions of Italian food
- You just want a charming read that won’t demand too much of you but equally will keep you happily absorbed

I’ve read all of Nicky Pellegrino’s books. They’re like a warm Italian hug, guaranteed to make you hungry and make you feel happy. This is quite possibly her best yet and I really enjoyed it.

[Claire Coan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful heartwarming book filled with hope, food and love.
Skye and Anna are both at difficult times in their lives but both take a leap of faith which leads them to Mon……. in Italy. Will Skye marry Tim and will Ana be brave enough to leave her London life behind for good.
Some of the side characters are wonderful, Skye’s assistant Meera is strong and feisty. Augustus is glorious, what I wouldn’t give to meet him in the piazza and chat over a coffee or spritz. Finally I loved Rocco, he was clearly sexy and mysterious along with it, lucky Ana!
I thought this was such a beautifully written story by Nicky, her descriptions of Italy and food made me crave to visit, job well done on her I think ☺️
Thank you NetGalley, Nicky Pellegrino and Orion Publishing for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Gabriela Bourke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Montenello aspect of the novel was as strong as any of her others, with lots of comforting familiar characters making entrances as expected. The English half though was slow, and Skye was a frustrating, insipid kind of character who ultimately gave in to what surely every reader was hoping she wouldn’t for the entirety of her story.

[Evelina Jamontaitė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicky Pellegrino "Susituokim Italijoje" 💚 apie Italiją, o skaityta Ispanijoje 🤭

Dvi moterys, dvi istorijos ir viena vasara.

Ana - moteris, visą gyvenimą paskyrusi darbui kulinarijos žurnale, iki kol žurnalas... nutraukiamas. Nežinodama, kuo toliau gyvenime imtis, ji iškeliauja į Italiją patirti nuotykių. Skai - turinti kepinių verslą, erzinantį vyrą ir du šaunius vaikus. Konkurse pora laimi vestuves, tačiau Timas ne viską galo pasako..

Iš tiesų man visos Nicky knygos daugiau mažiau patiko, kurias skaičiau. Autorė puikiai skaitytoją nukelia Italiją, aprašomi valgiai ir vietovės, nuošalūs kaimeliai, leidžia ten pabuvoti.

Montenelo miestelis žinomas iš "Itališka svajonė", tačiau jau ir kitose autorės knygose veiksmas vyksta čia, tad smagu sutikti ir seniai matytus veikėjus. Dar paminėsiu, kad ši kaip ir kitos autorės knygose puikiai tinka atostogoms.

[Dovile Milkerienė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Labai lengva, "lėta" knyga😊

[Caroline O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love this authors book and this one was no different, I pretty much inhaled it as it is such an easy fun and heartwarming read.

Three of the things I love that this author does is take us on holiday around Italy, with beautiful descriptions of each place. Introduce us to lovely friendly Italian people who always welcome newcomers with wide open arms. Then the icing on the cake is all of the delicious food she shares with us in all of the local cafes and restaurants, an absolute treat.

In this book we have Skye and Ana, both who are at crossroads in their lives and very unsure what direction their lives are going to take. They are both so different yet end up in the same place at the same time and against all odds become friends. It was a real pleasure to see these woman grow into the next stages of their lives.

I loved the side characters a lot, especially sweet Augustus and of course sexy Rocco.

A sweet read that will have you laughing and smiling throughout.

I absolutely recommend you grab this book.

[Rebekah Fry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
I wanted to love this book - I love all the authors' previous books, but this one was a little slow going, clunky, and took a bit of a toll. I did enjoy both leading ladies. They just didn't quite get there quick enough.
Ana's storyline was preferable to Skye, though - I still think she made the wrong choice too!

[Joke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicky Pellegrino is een bestsellerauteur die romans schrijft die zich afspelen in Italië en waarin vriendschap, liefde, verandering en lekker eten een grote rol spelen. Haar laatste boek Een Italiaanse bruiloft, het derde deel in de serie Montenello laat je genieten van eerder genoemde belangrijke dingen in het leven. Italië voor altijd en Dromen van Italië gaan eraan vooraf en zijn los van elkaar te lezen. Wel is het leuker om te beginnen bij het eerste deel daar je dan de ontwikkeling merkt die het bergdorpje Montenello doormaakt.

Ingehaald worden door de tijd, daar zit niemand op te wachten, maar er komt een dag dat dit gaat gebeuren. Het overkomt hoofdredacteur Ana die al twintig jaar het populaire tijdschrift Culinaria vormgeeft. Haar werk is het enige waar ze om geeft en als bijna zestigjarige zou ze niet weten wat ze anders zou moeten doen. Om te voorkomen dat ze in een diep gat valt, begint ze thuis op te ruimen. Haar opruimwoede geeft haar nieuwe inzichten die ze gebruikt om het roer totaal om te gooien door een auto te kopen, haar appartement te verhuren en te vertrekken op een trip door Italië. Op haar reis komt ze op mooie plekjes, ontmoet ze interessante mensen en krijgt ze de gouden tip om naar het bergachtige Montenello te gaan. In dit schilderachtige dorpje ontmoet ze een oude man die daar vroeger de burgemeester was, hij maakt haar wegwijs in de omgeving. In de tweede verhaallijn maak je kennis met de hardwerkende Skye die van haar hobby haar beroep heeft gemaakt en taarten ontwerpt. Haar vriend Tim is een man die vol met ideeën zit, maar zelden iets afmaakt. Ze zijn afhankelijk van haar inkomen en hij rent van de ene activiteit naar de andere. Met zijn nieuwste obsessie, deelnemen aan prijsvragen, wint hij een volledig verzorgde bruiloft in Montenello. Dat hij daarmee Skye voor het blok zet heeft hij niet eens in de gaten. Hij ziet het als dé kans om hun ingedutte relatie nieuw leven in te blazen. Hun kinderen springen een gat in de lucht, behalve Skye die vol twijfels zit.

Een Italiaanse bruiloft is een sfeervol verhaal met steeds wisselende perspectieven en wordt afwisselend vanuit Ana en Skye verteld. Deze feelgoodroman dompelt je onder in een warm bad met hartveroverende personages in een unieke setting. De heerlijk beschreven gerechten laten je het water in de mond lopen en het is net of je z lf een beetje op vakantie bent in Italië. Bij het lezen over het smakelijke eten krijg je spontaan zin in de bavette met romige pesto van gorgonzola en hazelnoten, cannellinibonen met gerookte kaviaar en de pastabodem gevuld met schapenkaas en kerstomaatjes. Het water loopt mij al in de mond. Het is een genot te lezen over de voortvarendheid waarmee Ana en Skye te werk gaan. De veerkrachtige dames zijn op zoek naar manieren om hun leven opnieuw vorm te geven en ze krijgen zicht op hoe ze dat kunnen gaan bereiken. Aan Tim ga je je irriteren, maar als je eenmaal doorhebt waarom hij zo handelt, is er begrip. De bijpersonages passen perfect in dit boek en laten de waarde van vriendschap zien, dat echte vrienden iets over hebben voor de ander. Pellegrino heeft een treffend verhaal geschreven met actuele thema’s als vriendschap, liefde, avontuur, ouder worden en opkomen voor jezelf. De fleurige cover geeft
goed de ambiance van het verhaal weer.

Bruiloft in Italië is een heerlijk ontspannend verhaal om op een mooie zomerdag te lezen, waarbij je geniet van al het lekkers dat er in voorbijkomt en de liefde voor koken voelbaar is.

Deze recensie verscheen eerder op Boeken-cast.

[Viktorija Valeikienė · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Susituokim Italijoje“: kai meilė lyg citrinos sunoksta Italijoje.

Kai paimi į rankas Nicky Pellegrino knygą, beveik žinai, ko gali tikėtis. Ir ačiū autorei, kad bent kol kas ji nenuvilia ir leidžia lengvai slysti per knygos puslapius. Taip jau susiklostė, kad šios autorės knygas renkuosi savo gimtadienio ir atostogų Kuršių nerijoje metu. Tikra atgaiva mano smegenims ir tikras poilsis mintims bei svajonėms. O kur dar gražus ir pats knygos viršelis, lyg saldainis prie kavos.

Knygoje plėtojama dviejų moterų – Anos ir Skai – gyvenimo istorijos. Ana yra ryžtinga, rafinuota ir karjeros moteris, kuri jau daugiau nei dvidešimt metų yra vyriausioji redaktorė itin žymaus kulinarinio žurnalo „Culinaria“. Meilės reikalams ji tiesiog neturi laiko ir noro. Skai – ištekėjusi, du paauglius vaikus auginanti mama, valdanti saldžių gaminių mažą kepyklėlę „Miško trobelė“. Skai nežino, ar vis dar myli savo vyrą ir ar verta tęsti gyvenimą kartu.

Abi moterys kiekviena išgyvena savo iššūkį ir transformaciją. Ana turi surasti kitą savo gyvenimą po to, kai skausmingai atleidžiama iš redaktorės pareigų. Skai – turi apsispręsti, ar vis dar nori bendro gyvenimo su savo vyru. Nors jis ir pasipiršo po ilgo gyvenimo kartu. Ką šios moterys darys? Ar Ana suras kitą veiklą be jos mylimo žurnalo, ar Skai liks su savo vyru ir ištekės? Ir kaip bebūtų visi atsakymai ateina Italijoje. Ir ne tik jie – ir meilė. Aleliuja. :) Kaip gi be to, kur geras oras, skanus maistas, gražūs gamtos ir miestelių vaizdai, šilti žmonės bei jų siekis padėti.

Man tikrai patiko, nes autorė kaip ir iki šiol plėtoja pagrindinės veikėjos pokyčio į teigiamą pusę istoriją. Man patinka skaityti apie tai, kad žmonės ryžtasi pokyčiams ir jiems pasiseka. Jie gyvena savo svajonių gyvenimą. To norėtųsi palinkėti visiems. Tai knyga apie pokyčius ir antrą šansą. Skaitosi labai lengvai, tad tikrai puikus skaitinys atostogoms ir vasarai. :)

Beje istorija man labai primena kitą Nicky Pellegrino knygą, susidaro toks įspūdis, kad nauja istorija perkeliama į besitęsiančią senąją. Tik reikia prisiminti, kuri tai buvo knyga.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicky Pellegrino is a new author to me so I began reading not knowing what to expect. I really enjoyed Marry Me in Italy and think it is an uplifting read that would be a perfect holiday read. I love Italy and the title piqued my interest. The two main characters Skye and Ana are so likeable, as are Becky, Josh and Augusto. I wasn't too keen on Tim initially although he did grow on me slowly as the book progressed. The authors writing is beautifully descriptive and very engaging and I was drawn into the story quickly. The characters jumped out from the pages and I could picture them, the scenery and places in my mind when reading. Ana is on a journey of self discovery and Skye is questioning her relationship with her partner. I think this is a lovely, heartwarming and feel good read that I would recommend and I'll definitely be looking to read more from this author when I can.

4 stars

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an enjoyable read, and these few sentences explain why: “Her mind was on Italy. She had travelled extensively, visiting many different countries, but it was Italy that kept drawing her back. Maybe it was the simplicity of the food and how much the way they ate seemed to matter to Italians. Perhaps it was the warmth of those people and their sunshine . . . Ana lived Italy; for some reason she always felt lighter and freer when she was there.”

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skye bakes cakes, Ana edits a top food magazine. We follow both in alternate chapters as they both travel to Italy for very different reasons. Anna to reinvent herself after the devastating shock of her magazine stopping production. Skye travels somewhat reluctantly for her own wedding to her long term partner rollercoaster Tim. It’s a lovely story of both women finding themselves in Italy and it’s a good ending. Found it a page turner!

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicky P. has done it again! Another novel set in picturesque Italy with delightful characters and mouth watering food. I love the way she weaves in characters from earlier books too.
I found Tom the most interesting character both for his ups and downs (is he Bipolar?) and for the way his wife interacts with him.
Keep it up Nicky.

[Corinne Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's not to love about a book with cakes and Italy and especially Montenello. I'd want to live there. Probably be 5 if not for the years that Skye has ignored Tim's erratic behaviour without seeking help. I read this in a day pretty much, lovely escapist read with just enough deep thoughts about marriage and commitment to give the reader long lasting thoughts about their own lives.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I'm Italian born and bread I often consider romance/rom-coms set in Italy as a type of fantasy.
This is an enjoyable and entertaining read that made me travel to a lovely place and meet lovely people
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Annie Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the clever structure of this book. I loved the very real characters, with all their flaws and foibles. And, of course, I adored how Nicky Pellegrino once again transported me to quintessential Italy. Bellissimo!

[Mekerei · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHITCOULLS Top 100: Marry Me in Italy - No. 67

I know when I read a Pellegrino novel what I'm going to get. Great descriptions of Italy, an adventure of a women who has life changing decisions to make.

Pellegrino does not disappoint.

Four stars

[Jane Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely escape from this always reliable and relatable author. Claps!

[W S · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars every time

Nicky’s books nail it every time, for me. No other authors gets exactly what I want the way Nicky does. She’s a sparkly gem of genius.

[Lisa DeRea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the two storylines in this book and how they merged towards the end.

[Leigh Edwards-trembath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable journey to the lovely Montenello, two more new and like-able characters mix in with old favourites for a lovely bit of escapism to the dreamy italian life.

[Mary Swenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore any book Nicky Pellegrino writes!!!!! Absolute joy in her writing!!!

[Carol Slade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable, light escapist in her usual style.
Enjoyable despite this.

[Julie Manu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning read, so many pockets of this story I aligned with. See you in Italy, May 2025 🇮🇹💗

[Faye Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Nicky's stories, taking me on a journey in Italy.. a little romance in there too.
You taste the flavors, smell the aromas, get to know the locals.. a great read

[Merrin Millard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful read. Love being transported to Italy, actually ate at a Italian restaurant recently that had a map on the wall and I could trace the area I knew well from reading Nicky books!