Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

An Italian Affair

Rate this book
An Italian Affair sweeps readers into a tale of rediscovery, love, and seizing life's opportunities. Encouraged by loyal friends, she embarks on a leap of faith, returning to Italy to reconnect with a love that has lingered in her heart for 25 years. The novel explores whether time and destiny align to rekindle a romance that once bloomed amid the cobblestone streets and whispered promises of Italy. Italy's allure beckons her to rekindle a 25-year-old love story. Friends unite, pushing her to take a life-changing leap of faith. The novel delves into the Can love transcend time? Cobblestone streets bear witness to whispered vows and long-lost passion. Explores destiny's role in reigniting enduring romance.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2023

16 people are currently reading
24 people want to read

About the author

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
13 (24%)
4 stars
17 (32%)
3 stars
12 (22%)
2 stars
7 (13%)
1 star
4 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Aakanksha Jain.
Author 7 books731 followers
December 14, 2023
An Italian Affair by Amanda Burns is a picturesque journey through Italy, blending love, adventure, and self-discovery. Protagonist Julia, searching for lost love Stefano, navigates cobblestone streets and vineyards, creating a delightful backdrop for a love story.

While Amanda Burns skillfully evokes sensory details, the plot follows predictable romance tropes, lacking character depth. Julia's journey lacks emotional engagement, and supporting characters remain one-dimensional. Steady pacing could benefit from a nuanced exploration of emotions.

Despite its formulaic nature, the novel offers a light, feel-good escape exploring themes of lost love against Italy's enchanting backdrop, catering to romance fans seeking an enjoyable read.

Read the detailed review here - Books Charming
Profile Image for Katherine.
955 reviews180 followers
December 8, 2023
An Italian affair is a swoon-worthy romance novel with themes of second chance love and beautiful romance that overcomes the test of time, fate and distance. The romance rekindles with passion, desire and hope.

The story follows Julia who goes back to Italy where she found love and sizzling passion for real. Now, 25 years later she is hoping Stefano, her love awaits her with open arms. But will it be true?

Her journey to rekindle her long- lost love will take her on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and feelings. Will 25 years be a long time to forget and move on? Will destiny work in their favor or will it keep them apart?

I absolutely loved this novel. The encapsulation of friendship, hope, passion and love coupled with the engaging writing style of the author just pulled me in. The characters are well- written and the narration is quite alluring. The lovely and beautiful descriptions of Italy will charm all the readers within a short span of time. This trope of rediscovering the long-lost romance and second-chance love is truly well- done. She has breathed feelings……. The very life of her characters.

A cozy romance novel that will be cherished by all the readers who are ardent aficionados of sweeping off feet kind of romance and tales that surpasses the turbulent rhythm of time and place. Kudos to Amand Burns for creating such a magnificent storyline and a riveting cast of characters who will stay with you, forever in your hearts.
308 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2024
⏩ Tell me your favourite fictional couple.

🏖️ An Italian Affair by Amanda Burns is a romantic, refreshing tale of love and longing. 

🏖️ I really love the cover It's so bright,fresh and something to make you feel light by instant. 

🏖️ The story revolves around Julia and Stefano -  story about love at first sight, they were drawn to each other like magnetis - passionate, desiring and pure.

🏖️ But there is saying that destiny always has different plans for you and maybe both of them were not destined to meet at that time.

🏖️ After 25 years, Julia is back to Italy where her heart is still best for the memories of her first love - his Italian personality, smile but this time after getting married, having three children, losing her husband made her heart in dilemma.

🏖️ Will their love be the same again? should she open her heart for love again? 

🏖️ The most beautiful thing about this book was Chances Of love - when it's meant to be sometimes there are more than second chances.

🏖️ Even though Julia decided to bury the love ,but her destiny had planned something else for her.

🏖️ Julia and Stefano's love was fiery, passionate, desiring with longing something that is rare to find in most of romance genre, because most of has slow and gentle.

🏖️ However, I feel some of the chapters lose the plot and it was just poetic quotes expressed dragging it to the end.

🏖️ But at the same time it was a different perspective on love where the longing and desire to be with each other executed beautifully.

🏖️ The friendship of Julia with her friends was like cherry on the cake, so loving and fiercely protective.

🏖️ At the same time it was a journey for Julia to discover about herself.

🏖️ It was one of the most refreshing and passionate tale of love !
Profile Image for Artistic Amy.
194 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2024
Have you read any romance books about lost love?? “An Italian Affair” by author “Amanda Burns” it's a contemporary romance fiction that takes you on a journey through the beautiful landscapes of Italy, blending love, adventure, and self-discovery. The story comes after the protagonist, Julia. She embarks on a trip to Italy after a series of life-changing events. She hopes to reconnect with Stefano, her first love whom she met 25 years ago in Italy, and who has never left her heart. The novel explores whether time and fate align to reawaken a romance that once blossomed amidst the cobblestone streets and whispered commitments of Italy.
Amanda had beautifully described the Italian scenery, culture, and cuisine, the realistic and relatable characters, and the emotional and captivating plot. The author, has a mastery for making a sense of sentimentality, yearning, and fascination in her writing, driving the readers to feel invested in the result of Julia and Stefano's relationship. This book also touches on themes such as friendship, family, forgiveness, and taking hold of life's opportunities.
What I liked in the book is the author's writing style, with an engaging storyline, and the romantic chemistry between the central characters.
An Italian Affair is a flawless read for anyone who loves romance, journey, and second chances. It is a heartwarming and delightful story that will make you believe in the ability of love.
I'd rate this book 4/5 stars
Profile Image for Sudeshna Banerjee.
1,328 reviews40 followers
January 4, 2024
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the cover photo. Its simplicity and beauty immediately drew me in. "An Italian Affair" by Amanda Burns presents a poignant love story, as Julia and Stefano reconnect after 25 years, unfolding a touching narrative.

From the first page, I was captivated by the story оf Julia and Stefano, two souls who found each other across time and space. The novel, written with grace and emotion, celebrates the power оf second chances and the resilience оf love. Through skillful narration, the story weaves together the past and the present, showing how a first love can last a lifetime.

The author's writing skills are absolutely flawless, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page оf this book. The captivating writing style made me feel as іf I were іn Italy, and I had a wonderfully cozy time reading. I couldn't put іt down and finished іt іn just two sittings, all while savoring a cup оf coffee.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book tо all romance lovers. You need tо give іt a read. Grab your copy today, and I promise you won't be disappointed; there's nо chance оf getting bored.
Profile Image for Mili Das.
610 reviews22 followers
January 7, 2024
An Italian Affair is a book that delves into the theme of rediscovery in changing lives, love, and seizing life's opportunities

In candid narration, it's a story of female friendship, bonding, encouraging each other, romance that always will find you on relaxing holidays.

Very emotional aspects that describe with heart.
With vivid narrative this book is an evocative and alluring description of relationships, Italy's ambiance gradually makes the book engaging.

Author's language is simple yet so passionate when she tells a story of romance that took 25 years to fulfill. The candid storyteller immediately takes you into the mesmerizing landscape seeking Heartwarming romance and trustworthy friends who encourage the protagonist to take further steps in her life. A lifetime decision was taken by her.

It whisked you immediately to a land of romance yet the characters are so mature enough to give you a struggle to realize that they are not college girl. Their characters are etched full of life, love, enthusiasm, and passion to live life fully. It is infectious and I bet you will be blown away by their spirit.

Absolutely loved this beautiful and simple cover that perfectly conveyed the theme and the atmosphere of the book.

It's a soft sweet love story ideal if you are looking for a light read on the weekend.
Profile Image for Siddhi Palande.
762 reviews45 followers
December 14, 2023
An Italian Affair by Amanda Burns was a treat for the sick romantic in me. It tears you up and you feel an uncanny yearning for the celestial bond that Stefano and Julia share. It's enviable.

Stefano was Julia's one true love who she bumped into while in Italy. The young girl was sweeped off her feet and from the very beginning she knew that this thing she had with Stefano was beyond what words could describe. She wanted a lasting love from this relationship but Stefano was in denial and hence she decided to go back to Australia and start afresh. However, the feelings haunted her and years later, she decides to revisit Italy. What begins as mere flirtatious texts soon turns into a steamy affair, teleporting us all to the land of love, Venice. But there's a hiccup because there's always a hiccup. Stefano is still in denial. ©

Read the entire book review here 👇
https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...
Profile Image for Kshitij Bajpai.
275 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2024


Hoping that nothing goes wrong, Julia decides to go to Italy to reconnect with her lover from 25 years ago. Before she realises, she is again too deep into Stefano, with hopes of destiny helping them rekindle their spark.
The plot is simple, not comprising of elements that are unnecessary and a great use of the small town romance trope (if that was taken into account). The characters are natural and you understand them. Julia’s friends, especially Hermoine leave a lasting impact even though she entered the story after its great advancement. We feel Julia’s longing, her love and her confusion as she seeks Stefano, with doubts clouding her vision but hope clearing the way at the same time. Stefano too, stands out by not being the orthodox bare-minimum-efforts person and instead being vocal about his opinion, fears and of course, love with Julia. My favourite thing about the protagonists: they were of almost same age, matured like fine wine with their own experiences, making sure one doesn’t overshadow the other.
The writing almost made me tear up because its not everyday that I find such profound literature. The metaphors Burns used, her finesse of writing about heartache, it all just sent shivers down my spine when I read the last page of An Italian Affair.
What a story! I have been getting my feet into romance genre of literature and An Italian Affair is the second book I read of the said genre. Undoubtedly, it will stay a beautiful memory forever, asserting its presence as one of the best books I have read in 2023.
A must read for everyone, An Italian Affairs talks about second chances, love in an age when your children usually marry, and finding home.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
75 reviews
September 11, 2024
What did I just read? The only reason I finished this book was because it was a gift and I wanted to make a good faith effort.
Why I didn't like the book - this book had no plot. NONE. It was just a liteny of the main character talking about her feelings. There was some setting descriptions, but then they talked about feelings, setting changed, talked about feelings, and a couple of sex scenes tossed in. By the end I just wanted the sex scenes to end because I just couldn't get why the main character couldn't get, He's Just Not That Into You! And oh, man the ending!
Of course, please don't take my word for it. If you want an Italian romance where a girl chases a guy who doesn't seem to reciprocate, go for it. This book just wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Debabrata Mishra.
1,673 reviews45 followers
February 6, 2024
"An Italian Affair" intricately weaves a tapestry of emotions, as Julia's journey unfolds through the enchanting backdrop of Italy. The narrative skillfully resurrects the palpable chemistry between Julia & Stefano, echoing the profound theme of second-chance love.

Stefano's allure is painted with the finesse of an artist capturing a Greek God, his love-making prowess becoming a showstopper in the tapestry of this swoon-worthy romance. The author's descriptive prowess magnificently brings Stefano to life, rendering him an irresistible figure in the literary landscape.

Julia, a relatable protagonist, grapples with a myriad of emotions—confusion & worry—that resonate with readers on a deep level. Her return to Italy after 25 years becomes a poignant exploration of whether love can withstand the test of time, fate, & distance.

The novel's engagement is further heightened by the author's enchanting writing style, skillfully encapsulating themes of friendship, hope, passion, & enduring love. The narrative expertly breathes life into the characters, making them more than mere words on a page.

The scenic beauty of Italy is vividly painted through the author's lovely and beautiful descriptions, charming readers within a short span of time. The trope of rediscovering long-lost romance and second-chance love is executed with finesse, with the author infusing the characters with genuine, relatable feelings.

In essence, it is not just a cozy romance novel but a captivating journey into the intricacies of love and the resilience of the human heart. Amand Burns deserves commendation for crafting a magnificent storyline, complete with a riveting cast of characters that will linger in the reader's heart long after the final page is turned. This novel stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, defying the turbulent rhythm of time and place.

This compelling tale sweeps readers into a realm of rediscovery, love, and the courage to seize opportunities.The novel artfully delves into destiny's intricate role in reigniting a romance that once bloomed amidst whispered promises and cobblestone streets, leaving readers captivated by the enduring allure of love.

🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Arun Verma.
411 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2024
📚 A Beautiful Tale of Love, Longing, and Second Chances.

The book is a sizzling, soul-stirring story that delves into the chemistry between Stefano and Julia. Based on the concept of a twin flame, An Italian Affair unfolds as a steaming narrative of first love, friendship, and drama.

A quarter-century ago, Julia and Stefano shared a love that left an indelible mark on their hearts. Circumstances, however, led them on separate journeys. Despite the passage of time, Julia's determination to nurture that love endured. Now, after 25 years, she has returned with the hope of reigniting the flame with Stefano. The catch? Stefano is still in denial, creating a poignant intersection of past emotions and present hesitations in their intricate love story. Will they come together, or is this meeting the beginning of their end?

The story is heartwarming and refreshing. With an exciting plot and gripping narrative, the author takes us through the beautiful lanes of Italy. It's hard to believe that the characters are not in their college days.

The characters are well-developed and impressive. One can't help but fall under the charm of Stefano and the beauty of Julia. The other supporting characters, especially Julia's friends, are adorable.

What I liked most about the story was the friendship between Julia and her friends. The way they supported and stood by her has all my heart. The cold behavior of Stefano did make me angry at times.

It is a wonderful romance story you can count on. It is a refreshing tale that will make you believe in second chances.
Profile Image for Dalia (book_o_creativity).
566 reviews76 followers
February 5, 2024
Twenty five years isn't too late for lost love, is it? But love has no age and date. Julia's impulsive journey to revive a love buried deep within her heart takes her back to Italy. After twenty five years so many things have changed but she wonders if Stefano, her first love will still be there, same as ever. This leap of faith rekindles passion and romance, devoid of promises and certainities, just raw pursuit of her heart's desire. But are they ready accept what fate awaits them? What will be the outcome of this blooming romance between them?

"An Italian Affair" is a contemporary love story wrapped around the heart's desires narrating a vivid tale of love, longing, desire and most of all second chances. The story revolves around Julia, who had a life dynamic on it's own way. This book invokes a sense of empathy as well as fuzzy warmth and comfort we look into romance books but the book turned into smut sometimes rather than sharing a fond bond of love and caring in some plots. I would have preferred a more emotional connection between the characters rather than it being physical desire only. I enjoyed the friendship bit.

Coming to the writing I found the narration quite interesting with Julia's pov jumping back and forth from past to present. It feels as if we're present in her memories feeling the same experiences with her. Quality of the writing is great. I would recommend this book to romance lovers who like vivid graphic representation of love.
81 reviews
February 6, 2024
An Italian Affair by Amanda Burns

Pages: 300
Genre: Romance
Ratings: 4.5/5⭐️

An Italian Affair is a picturesque and beautiful story of a long lost love. It is a very beautifully written romance in a great picturesque backdrop of Italy and explores through various sceneries, streets and vineyards. It is a book about second chance love and the romance that overcomes all obstacles and fate. Julia, the protagonist goes back to Italy to rekindle her romance with her first love Stefano after 25 long years. Will she be able to do so? Or the fate has something else in store for her?

The novel written by Amanda Burns finds its way through different themes like friendship, family, second chance love. The rush of emotions and the journey of Julia to go through everything and tries to find her first love again and rekindle her relationship is nothing less of a roller coaster ride. The book has been written well by the author and she has explored all the themes and the pool of emotions the protagonist is going through. The secondary characters could have been better and the character development of protagonist gets stagnant after one point. Otherwise, it is a very good read for romance lovers like me. Definitely pick the book and feel the magic of second chance love as we all desire to be with our first love.
Profile Image for Sulagna.
598 reviews
February 5, 2024
Spanned over 30 years and 3 countries, Amanda Burns's An Italian Affair explores love, passion and second chances. Julia, our protagonist, met the love of her life when she was 23 in a foreign land. She meets Stefano— an attractive Italian man, who swirls her up in a frenzy and passionate affair only to break her her. That one year of romance changes Julia's life forever and after she returns back to Australia, she charges ahead with her life, marrying her husband and kids, trying to forget Stefano and the great affair.

This book had been an easy read, with steamy scenes and a lot of angst and turmoil, but it had far too many steamy scenes for my liking. The back and forth in time, as Julia reminisces about her affair, daydreaming about the intimate times, becomes a little confusing to keep up with.

I loved Julia's female friendships and her friends hyping her up. They have their own back stories that I would have loved if more was explored. Julia comes with her own emotional baggage, and most of the book has Julia going through emotional turmoil and contemplating on how to solve them. Not much was explored about Stefano's past and his character so he comes off as an impulsive person who breaks off and gets back with Julia time and again.
Profile Image for Khushi Rungta.
226 reviews5 followers
February 22, 2024
Oh I got one good read to start the supposed love month with - An Italian Affair by Amanda Burns.

This book has a second chance and lost love romance theme with a dose of self discovery. It speaks of the beautiful bond of friendship as well as takes you to the lanes of Italy.

Amanda Burns definitely did a good job with bringing out the essence of all the different elements of the book. The romance between Julia and Stefano - which undertook the journey of 25 years, is a sizzling and affectionate.

Many characteristics that we observe in the main protagonists are relatable. The sometimes stern love as well as the cute romance, is what we easily notice around us. The character of Stefano I believe took time to settle with me because that is what the author might have intended to do so. But one think I'd agree is that she definitely made him look attractive 🌚

Julia's story on the other hand felt something we would connect with more. Her way of processing things and overthinking nature, as well as hoping for things with pure heart, were actually what made the novel a good read for me.

If you want to read a good holiday romance about lost love then do give this book a chance. You'll be charmed certainly.
Profile Image for Gaurika Gandhi.
219 reviews14 followers
February 25, 2024
Through the lens of her protagonist's quest to rediscover a love that has endured for a quarter of a century, Burns weaves a tapestry of emotions that resonates deeply with the reader.

Set against the backdrop of Italy's picturesque landscapes and romantic cobblestone streets, the novel not only captures the essence of a love that transcends time but also delves into the profound question of whether destiny plays a hand in rekindling lost romance. As the protagonist is encouraged by her steadfast friends to embark on a life-altering journey, readers are reminded of the power of friendship and the importance of seizing the opportunities life presents.

The author's prose is both evocative and enchanting, painting vivid images of Italy's beauty and the passion that simmers beneath its surface. Through her words, Burns invites readers to ponder the nature of love, fate, and the courage it takes to pursue one's heart's desires.

"An Italian Affair" is a testament to the enduring power of love and the transformative effect of embracing life's possibilities. It is a captivating read that will linger in your heart long after the final page is turned, inspiring you to embrace your own journey of rediscovery and love.
Profile Image for Prachi.
384 reviews11 followers
February 7, 2024
An Italian Affair" skillfully crafts a tapestry of feelings as Julia's journey takes place against Italy's mesmerising backdrop. The story deftly revives Julia and Stefano's undeniable chemistry, echoing the deep theme of second-chance love.
The author skillfully employs the trope of long-lost romance and second-chance love, imbuing the characters with realistic and relatable emotions.

It's a romance fiction book, which is one of my favourite genres. I also like stories about second chances. The scenic beauty of Italy and cozy romance novel won't disappoint you till the last.
The author has skillfully woven together every single character and element of the plot, which is written with great skill. The book has antagonists and protagonists, which makes it really exciting. It took me two sittings to finish.
The title and the cover both are captivating.Its a fast paced book and Julia Stefano's chemistry will definitely entertain you.

✿⁠ Happy Reading ✿⁠ 
1 review
December 29, 2023
"An Italian Affair" by Amanda Burns unfolds a touching love story as Julia and Stefano rediscover each other after 25 years. The story drew me in from the start, immersing me in the intimate journey of Julia and Stefano's connection with each other. The novel, with its heartfelt prose and celebration of second chances, is a rich exploration of enduring love, leaving me with a warm appreciation for the timeless beauty of true connection. Skillfully blending the past and present, the story portrays the enduring connection of a first love.
14 reviews
June 13, 2024
It’s an ok-okayish book for the romance lovers. Not over-the-top romance here,people. With its very simple word stretch,the author has tried to keep the dialogues free flowing. Not too bad a pick if you are looking for some heart warming story.
2 reviews
April 29, 2025
The storyline is great, but the overall reading experience felt choppy.
8 reviews
January 1, 2026
Terrible book. I have never been so bored in my life! The constant errors drove me insane. Not recommended.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.