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One Night in Italy
If journalist Anna had to write up the story of her own life, it wouldn’t make for a great headline: Dull Journo Has Dull Boyfriend! The only mystery in Anna’s life is that she’s never known who her dad is but with her mum refusing to tell her more she’s at a dead end. When she accidentally comes across a clue that her father is Italian, it opens up a burning curiosity in Anna. Soon she’s cooking Italian food, signing up for an Italian class and even considering dusting off her passport to go and find her dad in person…
Sophie is serving gelato to tourists in Italy when she gets the call that her father has had a serious heart attack. In a rush, she grabs her well-worn backpack and heads back to the one place she’s been avoiding for so long – home. Living with her mum again while her dad recuperates, and taking a job teaching Italian to make ends meet, Sophie has to face up to the secrets she’s kept buried in the past.
Catherine has no idea what the future holds. Her children have left for university, her husband has left her for another woman and her bank account is left empty after dedicating her life to raising her family. She needs a job and an identity all of a sudden. At an Italian evening class she makes a start in finding new friends Anna and Sophie. And she’s going to need good friends when she discovers her husband’s lies run even deeper than his infidelity… As Anna embarks on the trip to Italy that could answer all of her questions, will the truth live up to her dreams?
Sophie is serving gelato to tourists in Italy when she gets the call that her father has had a serious heart attack. In a rush, she grabs her well-worn backpack and heads back to the one place she’s been avoiding for so long – home. Living with her mum again while her dad recuperates, and taking a job teaching Italian to make ends meet, Sophie has to face up to the secrets she’s kept buried in the past.
Catherine has no idea what the future holds. Her children have left for university, her husband has left her for another woman and her bank account is left empty after dedicating her life to raising her family. She needs a job and an identity all of a sudden. At an Italian evening class she makes a start in finding new friends Anna and Sophie. And she’s going to need good friends when she discovers her husband’s lies run even deeper than his infidelity… As Anna embarks on the trip to Italy that could answer all of her questions, will the truth live up to her dreams?
495 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
192 people are currently reading
4753 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Diamond
82 books1,424 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
First of all, a confession. My name isn’t really Lucy Diamond at all, it’s Sue Mongredien. I’ve used a pen name because ‘Diamond’ is a lot easier to spell and pronounce than ‘Mongredien’ and also because I’ve written lots of children’s books too and wanted to keep the genres separate. (There is actually another Lucy Diamond on Amazon who writes religious children’s books. That isn’t me, though.)
I was born in 1970 and grew up in Nottingham. I read English at Leeds University then moved to London and worked for various publishers before I packed it all in to go travelling around the world for a year and a half. When I came back to the UK, I worked in publishing again, then moved to the BBC. I now live in Bath with my husband and three young children and divide my time between writing and looking after them. You can have a look at my children’s books here.
Favourite things: beaches, holidays, chocolate, wine, reading, Green Wing, bubble baths, sunshine, hearing my children laugh, babysitters
Favourite books: The Magus (John Fowles), The Edible Woman (Margaret Atwood), The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Colour of Memory (Geoff Dyer)
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
First of all, a confession. My name isn’t really Lucy Diamond at all, it’s Sue Mongredien. I’ve used a pen name because ‘Diamond’ is a lot easier to spell and pronounce than ‘Mongredien’ and also because I’ve written lots of children’s books too and wanted to keep the genres separate. (There is actually another Lucy Diamond on Amazon who writes religious children’s books. That isn’t me, though.)
I was born in 1970 and grew up in Nottingham. I read English at Leeds University then moved to London and worked for various publishers before I packed it all in to go travelling around the world for a year and a half. When I came back to the UK, I worked in publishing again, then moved to the BBC. I now live in Bath with my husband and three young children and divide my time between writing and looking after them. You can have a look at my children’s books here.
Favourite things: beaches, holidays, chocolate, wine, reading, Green Wing, bubble baths, sunshine, hearing my children laugh, babysitters
Favourite books: The Magus (John Fowles), The Edible Woman (Margaret Atwood), The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Colour of Memory (Geoff Dyer)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
March 23, 2014
I love Lucy Diamond's writing, she never fails to cheer me up and One Night In Italy is possibly her best yet.
I love reading novels that are set in a familiar setting, and I fully expected One Night In Italy to be set in Rome or Venice or some other hot and sultry Italian city. I was surprised and delighted to find that instead of the magic of the Mediterranean this story is set in glorious Sheffield - a place I know well and is very dear to my heart.
Each of the characters are linked by an evening class, they all sign up for Italian for Beginners, taught by Sophie, and although the course is only ten weeks long, it doesn't take them long to become firm friends.
Sophie herself has found herself back in her home town of Sheffield. She's spent the last few years running away, travelling the world, never settling anywhere for very long. Teaching Italian to beginners was always going to be just a stop gap before her latest adventure abroad - but sometimes things just don't go to plan.
Catherine, the wife of a respected but not particularly pleasant GP discovers that despite the years of being a downtrodden wife, she really can do something. Her classmates are just the encouragement that she needs.
And Anna, local journalist and girlfriend to the spreadsheet loving Pete; her life too will be changed dramatically by those few weeks of learning the basics of the Italian language.
Lucy Diamond has a gift for creating characters that the reader really can relate to. This eclectic group of people are so realistic that you find yourself becoming really attached to them and rooting for them all the way. The story gallops along at a fast pace, with each character having their own starring role, although the supporting cast are all pretty great too.
There are serious issues amongst the funny one-liners and the author deals with these effortlessly too. From the downtrodden wife, to NHS corruption and newspaper politics, there really is something for everyone contained in this gem of a story.
Once again, Lucy Diamond has delivered a belter of a book. Italy, Sheffield, food, recipes, love ... this is the perfect combination and will delight her fans.
I love reading novels that are set in a familiar setting, and I fully expected One Night In Italy to be set in Rome or Venice or some other hot and sultry Italian city. I was surprised and delighted to find that instead of the magic of the Mediterranean this story is set in glorious Sheffield - a place I know well and is very dear to my heart.
Each of the characters are linked by an evening class, they all sign up for Italian for Beginners, taught by Sophie, and although the course is only ten weeks long, it doesn't take them long to become firm friends.
Sophie herself has found herself back in her home town of Sheffield. She's spent the last few years running away, travelling the world, never settling anywhere for very long. Teaching Italian to beginners was always going to be just a stop gap before her latest adventure abroad - but sometimes things just don't go to plan.
Catherine, the wife of a respected but not particularly pleasant GP discovers that despite the years of being a downtrodden wife, she really can do something. Her classmates are just the encouragement that she needs.
And Anna, local journalist and girlfriend to the spreadsheet loving Pete; her life too will be changed dramatically by those few weeks of learning the basics of the Italian language.
Lucy Diamond has a gift for creating characters that the reader really can relate to. This eclectic group of people are so realistic that you find yourself becoming really attached to them and rooting for them all the way. The story gallops along at a fast pace, with each character having their own starring role, although the supporting cast are all pretty great too.
There are serious issues amongst the funny one-liners and the author deals with these effortlessly too. From the downtrodden wife, to NHS corruption and newspaper politics, there really is something for everyone contained in this gem of a story.
Once again, Lucy Diamond has delivered a belter of a book. Italy, Sheffield, food, recipes, love ... this is the perfect combination and will delight her fans.
June 14, 2015
I absolutely loved this and couldn't put it down, also didn't want it to end. Living in Sheffield myself I found myself trying to work out the place references and they fitted in well for me with the story. The characters were all likeable and well drawn. The storyline was reasonably believable and has lots of 'spin off' potential for future books. In fact I would really like to see that as some of the characters would make good reading for their individual stories.
March 15, 2014
Lucy Diamond is a little jewel in chick lit. I read a proof copy of this and couldn't put it down. It's like drinking a hot chocolate with cream on top. Very satisfying but a bit naughty!! The story tells of the trials and tribulations of three different types of women who become friends through an italian class. It is more than chick lit. I really liked the developement of the characters and how they overcame the constant obstacles thrown at them.
August 28, 2018
Loved it!!! I’ve read quite a few of Lucy Diamond’s books and they never fail to make me chuckle. I like to read Chick lit now and again as they are an easy read. I will definitely be reading more of hers.
May 7, 2014
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC of this book.
This is a very average fluffy romantic chick lit book. There is nothing particularly original or intriguing about it and I feel it has very little to add to this over-crowded genre.
It starts with a pointless red herring prologue which does not pay off well enough to warrant it’s existence. We then follow three stereotypical female characters as they overcome difficult turning points in their lives to achieve the idealised happy ending.
There is Anna, who is incredibly naive despite supposedly being a great journalist and who is instantly brilliant at everything she turns her hand to but does not realise that her boyfriend is a scumbag and maybe she should not take her demented grandma’s word as read. She is on a hunt to find her father but it takes the whole book for her to follow everyone’s advice and simply ask her mother who he was.
Next is Sophie, a perpetual traveller running away from a really not that difficult relationship with her parents.
Finally poor Catherine dealing with empty nest syndrome with children who don’t appreciate her and a husband leaving her for another woman and all the loss of confidence and sense of self that that entails.
None of these story lines are particularly interesting or well-drawn, they are very recognisable from other similar books in this genre. The problems are far too easily solved. The characters all meet at an Italian class where everyone is unfeasibly nice and become fast friends within a couple of weeks. There are too many characters and as a result there is no depth to the characters of the men the women end up with, they are all just nice and good looking. It would have been better to focus on one main character/storyline in order to properly develop the characters and their love interests.
From the title, you could be forgiven for expecting more of the novel to be set in Italy. In fact most of it is in wintery Sheffield with only a couple of chapters in Italy.
This book is an easy to read piece of fluff, if that’s what you are looking for, but wouldn’t make me pick up another Lucy Diamond book and I will have forgotten most of the characters/storylines in a few days.
This is a very average fluffy romantic chick lit book. There is nothing particularly original or intriguing about it and I feel it has very little to add to this over-crowded genre.
It starts with a pointless red herring prologue which does not pay off well enough to warrant it’s existence. We then follow three stereotypical female characters as they overcome difficult turning points in their lives to achieve the idealised happy ending.
There is Anna, who is incredibly naive despite supposedly being a great journalist and who is instantly brilliant at everything she turns her hand to but does not realise that her boyfriend is a scumbag and maybe she should not take her demented grandma’s word as read. She is on a hunt to find her father but it takes the whole book for her to follow everyone’s advice and simply ask her mother who he was.
Next is Sophie, a perpetual traveller running away from a really not that difficult relationship with her parents.
Finally poor Catherine dealing with empty nest syndrome with children who don’t appreciate her and a husband leaving her for another woman and all the loss of confidence and sense of self that that entails.
None of these story lines are particularly interesting or well-drawn, they are very recognisable from other similar books in this genre. The problems are far too easily solved. The characters all meet at an Italian class where everyone is unfeasibly nice and become fast friends within a couple of weeks. There are too many characters and as a result there is no depth to the characters of the men the women end up with, they are all just nice and good looking. It would have been better to focus on one main character/storyline in order to properly develop the characters and their love interests.
From the title, you could be forgiven for expecting more of the novel to be set in Italy. In fact most of it is in wintery Sheffield with only a couple of chapters in Italy.
This book is an easy to read piece of fluff, if that’s what you are looking for, but wouldn’t make me pick up another Lucy Diamond book and I will have forgotten most of the characters/storylines in a few days.
April 25, 2019
Непретенциозна, леко инфантилна, но приятна за четене книга.
August 23, 2023
Tre brittiska kvinnor, en kurs i italienska och drömmar som väcks till liv – allt detta möter vi i ”Kvällskurs i italienska” av Lucy Diamond. En varm och charmig feelgoodroman om tre kvinnor som vågar pröva nya vägar trots hårt motstånd och växer läng med vägen. Om vänskap, kärlek, motstånd, prövningar, nystart och en massa italienska influenser.
Romanen har flera personligheter som jag tycker om och vars utveckling är intressant att följa. Det är händelserikt, hoppfullt och blandar både humor och svärta. Kvinnorna tar verkligen revansch! En mysig bok jag kan rekommendera.
Romanen har flera personligheter som jag tycker om och vars utveckling är intressant att följa. Det är händelserikt, hoppfullt och blandar både humor och svärta. Kvinnorna tar verkligen revansch! En mysig bok jag kan rekommendera.
August 25, 2014
Review: ooo this was a lovely lovely book. I connected with the characters and the storyline right from the word go. I loved the setting, I loved the structure and I loved the way everything was resolved at the end. Because this book centres around three different women, initially the book is structured so we visit one woman at a time and see her storyline (Anna's was my favourite storyline intially because I loved the connection that she had with Italy) but of course these women's lives become intertwined and so we get to visit them altogether after a point as well as sometimes apart when they are off gallivanting on their own. Although it as a little predictable that they would all end up joking together, I really needed that predictability and so I loved it, and I really enjoyed the way the story was structured, it made it very clear whose storyline was being addressed. The storyline I liked the least intially was Spphie's but I grew to enjoy seeing her continue to build upon her relationship with her parents as the book went on.
The characters in this novel were really believable and easy to like, the whole book had a real Milly Johnson feel about it and although I'm not normally one to compare authors, she is one of my favourites and so I think that's one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much! Sophie has been living the dream, travelling the world and the reality when she comes back hom hits her hard. Think this is something we can all identify with, even if it's just from having been on holiday, but those people who have travelled or have worked abroad will be able to connect with the lovely Sophie too. Anna's story is lovely, she seems to get the break at work which is fab, there's definitely romance in the air for her too and then there's her mysterious connection with Italy. She handles all the is thrown at her extremely well and I really liked her and her storyline because of this. Someone else who has a lot thrown at her is Catherine. I don't think initially she handled all that she had to cope with as well as Anna but it was really interesting to see her grow and blossom as the book went on and I think, in the end, I was rooting for her the most!
There are a host of fabulous supporting characters as well, my favourite of these was Pete with his interesting array of spreadsheets. I loved the way this author wrote him and gave him his comeuppance in the end! The book ties everything altogether nicely in the last few chapters and then in the wonderful epilogue and so some might find the predictability of this a little too much and too full on, but this was just the kind of book I wanted to read and so I loved the fact that everything was tied off neatly, I wouldn't have gone to a book like this if that wasn't what I fancied but predictability is on the high side, so if that's not what you're in the mood for then save this book for another time.
For a book with Italy in the title, very little of it is actually set in Italy, but a lot of it is set in the north with I loved. I like being able to identify landmarks and towns (as well as shopping centres) when I'm reading a novel sometimes and so the setting for me was absolutely perfect! This book gave me a real warmth of feeling and was just the right amount of coziness for a summer novel. If you are a fan of Lucy Diamon then you won't be disappointed by this latest offering and if you're looking for a real solid, fun, feel-good women's fiction read then this novel is for you-it may even improve your Italian! Now I am gong to go and add a couple more Lucy Diamond books to my collection!
The characters in this novel were really believable and easy to like, the whole book had a real Milly Johnson feel about it and although I'm not normally one to compare authors, she is one of my favourites and so I think that's one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much! Sophie has been living the dream, travelling the world and the reality when she comes back hom hits her hard. Think this is something we can all identify with, even if it's just from having been on holiday, but those people who have travelled or have worked abroad will be able to connect with the lovely Sophie too. Anna's story is lovely, she seems to get the break at work which is fab, there's definitely romance in the air for her too and then there's her mysterious connection with Italy. She handles all the is thrown at her extremely well and I really liked her and her storyline because of this. Someone else who has a lot thrown at her is Catherine. I don't think initially she handled all that she had to cope with as well as Anna but it was really interesting to see her grow and blossom as the book went on and I think, in the end, I was rooting for her the most!
There are a host of fabulous supporting characters as well, my favourite of these was Pete with his interesting array of spreadsheets. I loved the way this author wrote him and gave him his comeuppance in the end! The book ties everything altogether nicely in the last few chapters and then in the wonderful epilogue and so some might find the predictability of this a little too much and too full on, but this was just the kind of book I wanted to read and so I loved the fact that everything was tied off neatly, I wouldn't have gone to a book like this if that wasn't what I fancied but predictability is on the high side, so if that's not what you're in the mood for then save this book for another time.
For a book with Italy in the title, very little of it is actually set in Italy, but a lot of it is set in the north with I loved. I like being able to identify landmarks and towns (as well as shopping centres) when I'm reading a novel sometimes and so the setting for me was absolutely perfect! This book gave me a real warmth of feeling and was just the right amount of coziness for a summer novel. If you are a fan of Lucy Diamon then you won't be disappointed by this latest offering and if you're looking for a real solid, fun, feel-good women's fiction read then this novel is for you-it may even improve your Italian! Now I am gong to go and add a couple more Lucy Diamond books to my collection!
December 4, 2022
So far my favourite from Lucy Diamond!
September 12, 2014
If you like chick lit then this is for you. Anna, Catherine and Sophie all meet to learn Italian at the evening class where Sophie is the teacher, although she would rather be back in sunny Italy where she has just recently left.
Anna a journalist for the local paper unexpectedly finds herself baking and reviewing recipes and local restaurants. She's also trying to find her father who she thinks is Italian after her grandmother let something slip when she went to visit her.
Catherine is suffering from empty nest following the departure of the twins to university, and also a broken heart as on the same day her husband walks out on her telling her he doesn't love her.
Sophie never wanted to find herself living with her parents again but with no money to continue her travels try's to make the best of it.
This is a story of friendships, lost loves and new relationships in the making. Perfect to lose yourself in. Also for me it felt like a trip down memory lane as the story is set in Sheffield my home town.
Anna a journalist for the local paper unexpectedly finds herself baking and reviewing recipes and local restaurants. She's also trying to find her father who she thinks is Italian after her grandmother let something slip when she went to visit her.
Catherine is suffering from empty nest following the departure of the twins to university, and also a broken heart as on the same day her husband walks out on her telling her he doesn't love her.
Sophie never wanted to find herself living with her parents again but with no money to continue her travels try's to make the best of it.
This is a story of friendships, lost loves and new relationships in the making. Perfect to lose yourself in. Also for me it felt like a trip down memory lane as the story is set in Sheffield my home town.
February 5, 2017
It was alright. It was the story of 3 women who at first seemed to have nothing in common, then their paths cross and their lives intermingle.
The three characters come from very different places, metaphorically, and their stories are kind of common, the one I connected the most was Anna, not because I am anything like her, but because I liked her story and personality the best. I loved her time with her workmate, I found myself reading quickly through the other characters chapters so I could get more of them, and more of her cooking, I love cooking and I just love Italian food, so it was a feast for me.
The story was quite well paced, the story line didn't feel rushed or unbelievable and all in all it was an enjoyable read.
The three characters come from very different places, metaphorically, and their stories are kind of common, the one I connected the most was Anna, not because I am anything like her, but because I liked her story and personality the best. I loved her time with her workmate, I found myself reading quickly through the other characters chapters so I could get more of them, and more of her cooking, I love cooking and I just love Italian food, so it was a feast for me.
The story was quite well paced, the story line didn't feel rushed or unbelievable and all in all it was an enjoyable read.
May 20, 2016
Adult themes, juvenile approach. Everything just miraculously falls into place without anyone *actually doing* something. Meh!
July 25, 2023
What a load eh pish.
October 25, 2014
Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/
I'd like to send a big, sparkly thank you in the direction of Lucy Diamond, the fabulous author of One Night in Italy and the publishers Pan, for accepting me via Net Galley. I was incredibly excited when I received an email informing me that I had been accepted and I couldn't wait to begin reading it.
Whenever I see the word 'Italy' I imagine stunning scenery, gorgeous Italian men, glittering blue seas and adorable little eateries. I apologize for referring to another book during this review but ever since I read a 'The Villa' by Rosanna Ley I have been obsessed with the place so when I read the title to Lucy Diamond's newest release I was squealing with excitement! I must mention that this is the first novel by Lucy Diamond that I have read (yep, where have I been?!) and I have to say, I was very impressed. I read the last page with one of those soppy, 'wow, this was so beautiful' smiles on my face. In fact, I'm still wearing that smile whilst writing this review.
One Night in Italy was a brilliantly written story surrounding the lives of three women from completely different walks of life. Lucy introduced the reader to her character Anna first. Out of the three women, Anna was my favourite and the one I found I could relate to most. (Sorry Catherine and Sophie, I loved you both too!) Anna was a journalist and found herself becoming tired of the same old daily routine that she went through constantly, and which mostly consisted of writing up pointless and uninteresting articles that she just couldn't find the passion for. Revealing a tiny bit more about her past, Anna has never met or even known her father, but she has always been curious as to who he is, and where he is for that matter. I felt that Anna's story really began after a life-changing visit to Clemency House, the care-home where her grandmother Nora was living. Nora lets slip at the right moment and hands Anna a key to unlock the door regarding her father. From that moment on, Anna was stepping into a world rammed to the brim with everything Italian, trying everything to feel closer to her new-found Italian bloodline. Italian cooking classes and Italian language classes spurred Anna on towards her ultimate goal - finding her father. What I loved most about Anna's part in the story was her determination, and the emotional struggle behind it. Her chapters were full of drive and conviction. Not once did she turn around and admit defeat. Her dream kept strong and I admired her so much for that. I found all the Italian references to be gorgeous, the recipes that Anna learnt and phrases at her language classes pulling me deeper into her mind. I could completely understand the attraction of Italy and everything that it had to offer. Another character that plays a sort of side-role within Anna's story is Pete, her pig of a boyfriend that I took an instant dislike to. Lazy, no enthusiasm for his and Anna's relationship and I just felt like punching him in the face. I really didn't know what Anna was doing with the slime-ball. I was begging her, in my head of course, to chuck him! As soon as possible! What made it even worse was his chart that he kept on his laptop. Yes, that's right, ladies. A bloody chart. And guess what that chart contained? Urgh, he's so vile. I won't spoil the lovely surprise for you, I'll let you find out for yourselves. Anna was lovely, a do-gooder and I was rooting for her constantly as she went on her journey of discovery.
The next character that Lucy introduced was the lovely, kind-hearted Catherine who came a very close second to being my favourite character. Catherine actually reminded me of one of my own best-friends; someone who doesn't realise how bloody marvelous they are and never has a nice word to say about themselves. Catherine goes on a very bumpy ride within this story and I really wanted to comfort her with a huge hug the majority of the time because I just felt so bad for her. She really didn't deserve anything negative that happened to her. Catherine doesn't feel very appreciated and tends to look upon herself as just being there for other people, never really doing anything for herself. I admired this so much about her. When Catherine's own story takes off, her two kids are off to university and she really doesn't know what she is going to do without them at home. She's dedicated her entire life to her gorgeous children and feels a little lost when they leave. Catherine hasn't actually been left on her own though. Her husband, Mike, is still at home too, who I don't really have much to say about! Catherine's journey was more one of self-discovery. I loved watching her come out of her hardened shell and truly show herself to the big, wide world. She was once a cheeky young girl with a radiant smile and someone who would never let anybody walk all over her. Throughout the story, I felt that Catherine was kinda' resurrected, and I absolutely bloody loved it. Overall, she was a fantastic addition to the group of women and I couldn't help but adore her.
The last member of the group was the fantastic Sophie. Lucy drops us off in Italy when Sophie's part of the story begins. She has been travelling all over the place, working here and there to earn enough money to move on to the next destination, but her gallivanting is brought to an end when she receives a call from back home informing her that her father has just had a heart attack. Instantly, Lucy describes Sophie's hesitation in returning home and my interest piqued. I wanted to know what happened, why she was suddenly feeling panicked and this was a great way to hook the reader in. Of course, Sophie ends up returning home, not really having a choice in the matter due to her father's fragile state. When Sophie and her mother set eyes on each for the first time in years, there are sparks instantly. I was dying, absolutely DYING, to find out what was between the two of them. Sophie's character was brilliantly put together. She was a little feisty and couldn't stand the thought of being under lock and key. I got the feeling she was a free spirit and couldn't bear to let anyone try to have a say on what she chose to do with her life. I was in awe of this Sophie's travel experience and a little jealous too. But there was more to Sophie than just the stamps on her passport, and I loved this about her.
What was so magnificent about this story was how perfectly Lucy managed to weave all three lives together, but then still managed to separate them off again later on too. It was cleverly structured, superbly written and I just could not put it down. Every character, every individual character and their own personal story had me hook, line and sinker. It was beautiful, emotional yet still have that fabulous chick-lit feel about it too.
Becca's Books is rating Lucy Diamond's One Night in Italy with five gorgeous looking cupcakes! I couldn't take my eyes away from the pages for a single moment. It was just brilliant!
I'd like to send a big, sparkly thank you in the direction of Lucy Diamond, the fabulous author of One Night in Italy and the publishers Pan, for accepting me via Net Galley. I was incredibly excited when I received an email informing me that I had been accepted and I couldn't wait to begin reading it.
Whenever I see the word 'Italy' I imagine stunning scenery, gorgeous Italian men, glittering blue seas and adorable little eateries. I apologize for referring to another book during this review but ever since I read a 'The Villa' by Rosanna Ley I have been obsessed with the place so when I read the title to Lucy Diamond's newest release I was squealing with excitement! I must mention that this is the first novel by Lucy Diamond that I have read (yep, where have I been?!) and I have to say, I was very impressed. I read the last page with one of those soppy, 'wow, this was so beautiful' smiles on my face. In fact, I'm still wearing that smile whilst writing this review.
One Night in Italy was a brilliantly written story surrounding the lives of three women from completely different walks of life. Lucy introduced the reader to her character Anna first. Out of the three women, Anna was my favourite and the one I found I could relate to most. (Sorry Catherine and Sophie, I loved you both too!) Anna was a journalist and found herself becoming tired of the same old daily routine that she went through constantly, and which mostly consisted of writing up pointless and uninteresting articles that she just couldn't find the passion for. Revealing a tiny bit more about her past, Anna has never met or even known her father, but she has always been curious as to who he is, and where he is for that matter. I felt that Anna's story really began after a life-changing visit to Clemency House, the care-home where her grandmother Nora was living. Nora lets slip at the right moment and hands Anna a key to unlock the door regarding her father. From that moment on, Anna was stepping into a world rammed to the brim with everything Italian, trying everything to feel closer to her new-found Italian bloodline. Italian cooking classes and Italian language classes spurred Anna on towards her ultimate goal - finding her father. What I loved most about Anna's part in the story was her determination, and the emotional struggle behind it. Her chapters were full of drive and conviction. Not once did she turn around and admit defeat. Her dream kept strong and I admired her so much for that. I found all the Italian references to be gorgeous, the recipes that Anna learnt and phrases at her language classes pulling me deeper into her mind. I could completely understand the attraction of Italy and everything that it had to offer. Another character that plays a sort of side-role within Anna's story is Pete, her pig of a boyfriend that I took an instant dislike to. Lazy, no enthusiasm for his and Anna's relationship and I just felt like punching him in the face. I really didn't know what Anna was doing with the slime-ball. I was begging her, in my head of course, to chuck him! As soon as possible! What made it even worse was his chart that he kept on his laptop. Yes, that's right, ladies. A bloody chart. And guess what that chart contained? Urgh, he's so vile. I won't spoil the lovely surprise for you, I'll let you find out for yourselves. Anna was lovely, a do-gooder and I was rooting for her constantly as she went on her journey of discovery.
The next character that Lucy introduced was the lovely, kind-hearted Catherine who came a very close second to being my favourite character. Catherine actually reminded me of one of my own best-friends; someone who doesn't realise how bloody marvelous they are and never has a nice word to say about themselves. Catherine goes on a very bumpy ride within this story and I really wanted to comfort her with a huge hug the majority of the time because I just felt so bad for her. She really didn't deserve anything negative that happened to her. Catherine doesn't feel very appreciated and tends to look upon herself as just being there for other people, never really doing anything for herself. I admired this so much about her. When Catherine's own story takes off, her two kids are off to university and she really doesn't know what she is going to do without them at home. She's dedicated her entire life to her gorgeous children and feels a little lost when they leave. Catherine hasn't actually been left on her own though. Her husband, Mike, is still at home too, who I don't really have much to say about! Catherine's journey was more one of self-discovery. I loved watching her come out of her hardened shell and truly show herself to the big, wide world. She was once a cheeky young girl with a radiant smile and someone who would never let anybody walk all over her. Throughout the story, I felt that Catherine was kinda' resurrected, and I absolutely bloody loved it. Overall, she was a fantastic addition to the group of women and I couldn't help but adore her.
The last member of the group was the fantastic Sophie. Lucy drops us off in Italy when Sophie's part of the story begins. She has been travelling all over the place, working here and there to earn enough money to move on to the next destination, but her gallivanting is brought to an end when she receives a call from back home informing her that her father has just had a heart attack. Instantly, Lucy describes Sophie's hesitation in returning home and my interest piqued. I wanted to know what happened, why she was suddenly feeling panicked and this was a great way to hook the reader in. Of course, Sophie ends up returning home, not really having a choice in the matter due to her father's fragile state. When Sophie and her mother set eyes on each for the first time in years, there are sparks instantly. I was dying, absolutely DYING, to find out what was between the two of them. Sophie's character was brilliantly put together. She was a little feisty and couldn't stand the thought of being under lock and key. I got the feeling she was a free spirit and couldn't bear to let anyone try to have a say on what she chose to do with her life. I was in awe of this Sophie's travel experience and a little jealous too. But there was more to Sophie than just the stamps on her passport, and I loved this about her.
What was so magnificent about this story was how perfectly Lucy managed to weave all three lives together, but then still managed to separate them off again later on too. It was cleverly structured, superbly written and I just could not put it down. Every character, every individual character and their own personal story had me hook, line and sinker. It was beautiful, emotional yet still have that fabulous chick-lit feel about it too.
Becca's Books is rating Lucy Diamond's One Night in Italy with five gorgeous looking cupcakes! I couldn't take my eyes away from the pages for a single moment. It was just brilliant!
September 19, 2021
In the story we meet three women whose destinies intertwine in an interesting way. Sophie lives in Sorrento. One day, horrifying news brings her back to Sheffield and she has to live with her mother and father again. Their relationship is quite strained, and Sophie needs an income and starts teaching an Italian language course. Catherine is going through a huge crisis - her two children go to college and her husband leaves her for another woman. She is enrolling in an Italian language course because she needs something different and positive in her life. Anna is a journalist. One day she finds out that her father is Italian and decides to go to Italy. to find him. Before that she has to learn the language and enroll in a course. So the three women meet and form a friendship.
Ironically, the action takes place in Sheffield, not Italy. In only one of the chapters is Anna in Rome, but I think the title refers to another of the women, as is understood at the end of the book. Each chapter is guided by the point of view of one of the three and it was interesting for me to immerse myself in the feelings and emotions of the individual heroines. The action doesn't unfold too fast, but it doesn't drag on. It is enough to keep the interest of the reader. I think I was most interested in Anna's chapters and I liked her story the most. In addition to words in Italian, at the end of the book we find recipes for Italian dishes.
Of course, there is no lack of love torments. I was very angry with Catherine because she could make her ex-husband pay for the things he had done but didn't, at least not in the way I expected. On the other hand, I understand her motives. What happened between Sophie and Dan in the end was a little unrealistic. But Anna and Joe were a lot of fun. "Almost Perfect Vacation" is another book by the author that I have read. Admittedly, I liked it a lot more than this one, but this one is also worth reading. There were a lot of predictable moments in the story, but when you read a lot of similar books in the genre, you can't help but find similar plots. However, I liked the book.
Ironically, the action takes place in Sheffield, not Italy. In only one of the chapters is Anna in Rome, but I think the title refers to another of the women, as is understood at the end of the book. Each chapter is guided by the point of view of one of the three and it was interesting for me to immerse myself in the feelings and emotions of the individual heroines. The action doesn't unfold too fast, but it doesn't drag on. It is enough to keep the interest of the reader. I think I was most interested in Anna's chapters and I liked her story the most. In addition to words in Italian, at the end of the book we find recipes for Italian dishes.
Of course, there is no lack of love torments. I was very angry with Catherine because she could make her ex-husband pay for the things he had done but didn't, at least not in the way I expected. On the other hand, I understand her motives. What happened between Sophie and Dan in the end was a little unrealistic. But Anna and Joe were a lot of fun. "Almost Perfect Vacation" is another book by the author that I have read. Admittedly, I liked it a lot more than this one, but this one is also worth reading. There were a lot of predictable moments in the story, but when you read a lot of similar books in the genre, you can't help but find similar plots. However, I liked the book.
February 9, 2023
Rating 2.5
.5 extra for her eloquent writing.
I loved the writing style crisp and funny.
The book started with a promising buildup.
Three lead female protagonists fiddling with their respective struggles.
Anyone could guess their paths will eventually cross and they will help each other overcome their troubles.
However, with time, the book becomes very predictable. Everything falls into place like a happy ending movie. There were several coincidences that are hard to digest.
Finally, the majority of men were shown as dorky womanizers which didn't resonate with me.
.5 extra for her eloquent writing.
I loved the writing style crisp and funny.
The book started with a promising buildup.
Three lead female protagonists fiddling with their respective struggles.
Anyone could guess their paths will eventually cross and they will help each other overcome their troubles.
However, with time, the book becomes very predictable. Everything falls into place like a happy ending movie. There were several coincidences that are hard to digest.
Finally, the majority of men were shown as dorky womanizers which didn't resonate with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2024
Enjoyable, easy reading. A cast of characters but it's not confusing and they are all linked by the end.
June 4, 2014
*Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I was really happy when I got accepted for this book on NG J This was the first Lucy Diamond book for my to read and I’m glad I did, there will be much more, she’s an awesome writer.
I have a strong connection to Italy so this was really special for me to read about. I loved that all the chapters had an Italian title.
The book tells us the story of three different women, who meet at an Italian class in Sheffield: Sophie, Anna and Catherine.
Sophie is their teacher, she recently came to England, because her father is ill. She spent the last two years in Italy and before she lived in Australia. She has a lot of memories from that time, especially a broken heart. And her heart still seems to be broken, because of Dan, and now he’s back in Manchester…
Anna is a journalist and has just found out that her dad is Italian. She is determined to find out more and most of all she wants to find him. So she goes to the Italian class, but that’s not all: Her boyfriend Pete seems boring and then she finds about more about what he’s been up to. She also gets the opportunity to write restaurant reviews for the journal and she spends more time with her colleague Joe. Misunderstandings and drama comes up because of the review she writes. Let’s see from there…
I really liked her energy and her passion!!!
Last but not least, there is Catherine. She’s married and has two kids at University. As soon as their gone, she finds her husband Mike cheating and he leaves her. She is heart broken and sad. Only after a while she wants to change her life and do something with it, so she goes to the Italian class. She also finds out more about what her husband was doing behind her back.
The stories of these three ladies are all connected somehow, which was great and really enjoyable to read about.
All three women are figuring out what they want in life and all in a total different way. I was hoping for at least ne of them to get to Italy and Anna made it. It was also there, where her new life began! I loved her story. She expressed her feelings in her articles and found her luck.
Sophie started acting again and I liked the way she changed after that, like she was glowing and then Dan turned up at the premiere…
As for Catherine, also her story developed and she realised how much her children mean to her.
Lucy has a wonderful way of writing; it’s bubbly, funny, thoughtful and entertaining!
Rating: 4.5
I was really happy when I got accepted for this book on NG J This was the first Lucy Diamond book for my to read and I’m glad I did, there will be much more, she’s an awesome writer.
I have a strong connection to Italy so this was really special for me to read about. I loved that all the chapters had an Italian title.
The book tells us the story of three different women, who meet at an Italian class in Sheffield: Sophie, Anna and Catherine.
Sophie is their teacher, she recently came to England, because her father is ill. She spent the last two years in Italy and before she lived in Australia. She has a lot of memories from that time, especially a broken heart. And her heart still seems to be broken, because of Dan, and now he’s back in Manchester…
Anna is a journalist and has just found out that her dad is Italian. She is determined to find out more and most of all she wants to find him. So she goes to the Italian class, but that’s not all: Her boyfriend Pete seems boring and then she finds about more about what he’s been up to. She also gets the opportunity to write restaurant reviews for the journal and she spends more time with her colleague Joe. Misunderstandings and drama comes up because of the review she writes. Let’s see from there…
I really liked her energy and her passion!!!
Last but not least, there is Catherine. She’s married and has two kids at University. As soon as their gone, she finds her husband Mike cheating and he leaves her. She is heart broken and sad. Only after a while she wants to change her life and do something with it, so she goes to the Italian class. She also finds out more about what her husband was doing behind her back.
The stories of these three ladies are all connected somehow, which was great and really enjoyable to read about.
All three women are figuring out what they want in life and all in a total different way. I was hoping for at least ne of them to get to Italy and Anna made it. It was also there, where her new life began! I loved her story. She expressed her feelings in her articles and found her luck.
Sophie started acting again and I liked the way she changed after that, like she was glowing and then Dan turned up at the premiere…
As for Catherine, also her story developed and she realised how much her children mean to her.
Lucy has a wonderful way of writing; it’s bubbly, funny, thoughtful and entertaining!
Rating: 4.5
July 21, 2015
Three women are the focus in this latest Lucy Diamond release. Catherine is the first and when her husband ups and leaves she feels like she is starting all over again. We also meet Anna who has recently discovered her father who she has never known is Italian, and then Sophie who has returned from her many years abroad to see her ill father. The three women will meet through the Italian language course they all decide to be a part of.
The three women’s stories are told individually and you really get to know each of them before they eventually meet. Anna and Sophie I instantly liked, but for some reason I wanted Catherine to grow a backbone and she annoyed me for the first few chapters. However, when she starts to make changes to her life I warmed up to her. Sophie was my favourite and I loved the way the reader gets to discover slowly why she left the UK, and why her relationship with her parents had gone so wrong. Anna was a funny and warm character and you couldn’t help but get swept along with her in her dream to find out about her Italian roots.
The story flowed beautifully and I was transported into all of their lives and willing them to all get what they wanted out of their classes. In addition to the three main characters we also meet some of the characters at their class, and they definitely made the book complete in my eyes. Once again Lucy Diamond has managed to create a heart-warming story, which takes you away from reality for a few hours. I read this in just under 2 days and really enjoyed it. Certainly a recommended read, although ‘Summer With My Sister’ will always remain my absolute favourite!
The three women’s stories are told individually and you really get to know each of them before they eventually meet. Anna and Sophie I instantly liked, but for some reason I wanted Catherine to grow a backbone and she annoyed me for the first few chapters. However, when she starts to make changes to her life I warmed up to her. Sophie was my favourite and I loved the way the reader gets to discover slowly why she left the UK, and why her relationship with her parents had gone so wrong. Anna was a funny and warm character and you couldn’t help but get swept along with her in her dream to find out about her Italian roots.
The story flowed beautifully and I was transported into all of their lives and willing them to all get what they wanted out of their classes. In addition to the three main characters we also meet some of the characters at their class, and they definitely made the book complete in my eyes. Once again Lucy Diamond has managed to create a heart-warming story, which takes you away from reality for a few hours. I read this in just under 2 days and really enjoyed it. Certainly a recommended read, although ‘Summer With My Sister’ will always remain my absolute favourite!
February 8, 2019
3 girls with different stories and backgrounds come together in this book and end up being close friends. Anna is destined to meet her father who she believes is Italian. However, it turns out he is a chef in London but he has an Italian mother.
Caroline's husband left her and she found herself without a job and trying to pick up the pieces of her life. Meanwhile, Sophie has been travelling and working in Italy, only to find herself back home living with her parents after her dad suffered a heart attack.
The 3 of them soon meet each other when Sophie starts teaching Italian at a college, and Anna and Catherine are students in her class.
I feel I can relate to this book in different ways as I have also travelled then ended up back at home with my parents like Sophie and struggled to find a job like Catherine. I throuroughly enjoyed this book as it is full of heart break, romance, friendship and new beginnings. It is the first Lucy Diamond book I have read and I will definitely be reading more of her books. I highly recommend it.
Caroline's husband left her and she found herself without a job and trying to pick up the pieces of her life. Meanwhile, Sophie has been travelling and working in Italy, only to find herself back home living with her parents after her dad suffered a heart attack.
The 3 of them soon meet each other when Sophie starts teaching Italian at a college, and Anna and Catherine are students in her class.
I feel I can relate to this book in different ways as I have also travelled then ended up back at home with my parents like Sophie and struggled to find a job like Catherine. I throuroughly enjoyed this book as it is full of heart break, romance, friendship and new beginnings. It is the first Lucy Diamond book I have read and I will definitely be reading more of her books. I highly recommend it.
October 27, 2018
This book is a lazy book. I felt all three female characters were the same person. Every story line was extremely similar and there was nothing notable in the writing style. I did not care about any character, (apart from the elderly couple who were adorable), and I would go as far as to say the main 3 protagonist's irritated me. They jumped to huge conclusions, or spent all their time moaning but did nothing to fix it.
At first I loved that the chapter headings were in Italian, but then I started to find it annoying because there was no effort to connect the chapter headings to what occurred in the chapter the majority of the time. Then on the rare occasions they were connected, it was sloppy and messy.
The redeemable quality for this book, despite it's length it was a very quick read.
At first I loved that the chapter headings were in Italian, but then I started to find it annoying because there was no effort to connect the chapter headings to what occurred in the chapter the majority of the time. Then on the rare occasions they were connected, it was sloppy and messy.
The redeemable quality for this book, despite it's length it was a very quick read.
August 22, 2017
Another amazing entertaining read from Lucy Diamond, thoroughly enjoyed the story line and getting to the all of the characters.
You can never go wrong with reading one of her books, as they never fail to disappoint.
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would, that's how good it was.
You can never go wrong with reading one of her books, as they never fail to disappoint.
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would, that's how good it was.
February 9, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, funny, emotional and very likeable characters, shame I read it so quickly
June 9, 2014
After reading "Me and Mr. Jones" I have promised myself that I'm going to read every book published by Lucy Diamond. I have waited for "One Night in Italy" for months and was more than excited when it finally arrived on my doorstep.
At the first sight you can see that the cover differs from the covers of all Lucy's books, but the deep blue colour is so beautiful, there is spaghetti:) and you can feel this brilliant, gold heart under you fingertips.
The book follow the stories of three women who don't know each other but are going to meet one day. Catherine thinks she's happily married so imagine her shock when, after driving her both children to the two universities she comes back home and finds her husband already in bed... with other woman. Mike has always underestimated her and bullied her and made her feel very uncertain, tentative and hesitant but she loves him. Or so she thinks.
Anna is a journalist and lately she got the wind that her father, whom she doesn't know because her mother doesn't want to talk about him, could be an Italian. So she decides that, with her Italian roots, she must do something Italian: learn language, or cook, and then travel to Italy and find him, although she only knows his name. In the meantime, she finds that her boyfriend is marking sex with her on special spreadsheet and, some time later, that he cheats on her.
Sophie loves to travel, although her travelling is actually a kind of escape from her parents and their possessiveness, so it's also a shock for her when she receives a call from her cousin that her father is in hospital. She immediately comes back home and tries to find her place there afresh.
All three women meet on the Italian course where Sophie is a teacher, and, together with the rest of the group, become friends and share their lives and the hidden dreams. I loved all of them, although it took me some time to like them all in this way. At first I found Anna a little naive and too quickly jumping to conclusions, and when she on the spot decided that her father is for sure one handsome Italian named Gino I thought, surely not Anna? When I already started to like her much more she broke up with her boyfriend, which was already long over-dued, and then started to have doubts. Then I thought for the second time: surely not? For a person that's a journalist you should know better, shouldn't you? But all in all, she was a warm, sunny, cheerful, very likeable girl. I have also thought that Catherine is going to be a no - go character for me, with her being so meh, so subdued, such a doormat, dealing with empty next syndrome, but then she showed me that she has balls actually and can live her life on her own rules.
It takes some time for the characters to get together and it happens when Anna and Catherine attend Italian classes that Sophie agrees to teach. And the classes were the next winner in this book. They were not only about learning language but all the participants become friends and shared their stories in the pub after the classes. The Italian phrases that I learnt are just a bonus:)
Lucy Diamond is a champion in creating brilliant, likeable, realistic and believable characters, and not only the main ones, oh no, the whole cast of the interesting people that appear in the story are just popping out of the pages, coming off to life from the pages. It was like reading about one big extended family that help itself through hard times - and it is no wonder, there is Italy in the background, isn't there? And what is more important for Italian people if not their families?
The chapters are told from our three main character's point of views. I totally enjoyed the way their stories started to overlap, even if it took some time for them all to get together.
I have thought that the book is going to be set mostly in Italy and was surprised when I found out that Italy itself is actually only mentioned, but there was enough Italian things, especially food, oh yes baby, and I promise Lucy, I'm going to do this foccacia one day.
What I also really enjoyed in this book was the fact that the end was not too rushed. It often happens in books that their ends come just out of the blue, as if the author has lost his thread and just wanted to write THE END. In "One Night in Italy" the end wrapped itself very nicely, was not too sharp, accidental and left me feeling totally content and satisfied. It was absolutely enjoyable book, from the beginning to the end and it had me immediately hooked. I wanted to know where the story is going, how it is going to end and I found myself keeping my fingers crossed for our three main characters. They were all so different, but in some way they rub together so well, and it's impossible not to like them and root for them. And it is also one of the main power of this book - that the three women are so different, their stories are so different but we keep our fingers crossed for all of them.
The novel has so many extended plots and threads but I haven't felt confused for a single moment. Lucy Diamond has her way with the words, she writes in a very easy, engaging way that let you follow the story easily, with eyes wide open and sometimes keeping your breath in, a way that sucks you in the story. The pace is only right, we have some twists and turns there as well, the characters are people that you find yourself rooting for, the author deals also with some very important issues but she does it in a very effortless way and altogether, it all makes a brilliant, light, interesting read. Can't wait for Lucy's next book!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
At the first sight you can see that the cover differs from the covers of all Lucy's books, but the deep blue colour is so beautiful, there is spaghetti:) and you can feel this brilliant, gold heart under you fingertips.
The book follow the stories of three women who don't know each other but are going to meet one day. Catherine thinks she's happily married so imagine her shock when, after driving her both children to the two universities she comes back home and finds her husband already in bed... with other woman. Mike has always underestimated her and bullied her and made her feel very uncertain, tentative and hesitant but she loves him. Or so she thinks.
Anna is a journalist and lately she got the wind that her father, whom she doesn't know because her mother doesn't want to talk about him, could be an Italian. So she decides that, with her Italian roots, she must do something Italian: learn language, or cook, and then travel to Italy and find him, although she only knows his name. In the meantime, she finds that her boyfriend is marking sex with her on special spreadsheet and, some time later, that he cheats on her.
Sophie loves to travel, although her travelling is actually a kind of escape from her parents and their possessiveness, so it's also a shock for her when she receives a call from her cousin that her father is in hospital. She immediately comes back home and tries to find her place there afresh.
All three women meet on the Italian course where Sophie is a teacher, and, together with the rest of the group, become friends and share their lives and the hidden dreams. I loved all of them, although it took me some time to like them all in this way. At first I found Anna a little naive and too quickly jumping to conclusions, and when she on the spot decided that her father is for sure one handsome Italian named Gino I thought, surely not Anna? When I already started to like her much more she broke up with her boyfriend, which was already long over-dued, and then started to have doubts. Then I thought for the second time: surely not? For a person that's a journalist you should know better, shouldn't you? But all in all, she was a warm, sunny, cheerful, very likeable girl. I have also thought that Catherine is going to be a no - go character for me, with her being so meh, so subdued, such a doormat, dealing with empty next syndrome, but then she showed me that she has balls actually and can live her life on her own rules.
It takes some time for the characters to get together and it happens when Anna and Catherine attend Italian classes that Sophie agrees to teach. And the classes were the next winner in this book. They were not only about learning language but all the participants become friends and shared their stories in the pub after the classes. The Italian phrases that I learnt are just a bonus:)
Lucy Diamond is a champion in creating brilliant, likeable, realistic and believable characters, and not only the main ones, oh no, the whole cast of the interesting people that appear in the story are just popping out of the pages, coming off to life from the pages. It was like reading about one big extended family that help itself through hard times - and it is no wonder, there is Italy in the background, isn't there? And what is more important for Italian people if not their families?
The chapters are told from our three main character's point of views. I totally enjoyed the way their stories started to overlap, even if it took some time for them all to get together.
I have thought that the book is going to be set mostly in Italy and was surprised when I found out that Italy itself is actually only mentioned, but there was enough Italian things, especially food, oh yes baby, and I promise Lucy, I'm going to do this foccacia one day.
What I also really enjoyed in this book was the fact that the end was not too rushed. It often happens in books that their ends come just out of the blue, as if the author has lost his thread and just wanted to write THE END. In "One Night in Italy" the end wrapped itself very nicely, was not too sharp, accidental and left me feeling totally content and satisfied. It was absolutely enjoyable book, from the beginning to the end and it had me immediately hooked. I wanted to know where the story is going, how it is going to end and I found myself keeping my fingers crossed for our three main characters. They were all so different, but in some way they rub together so well, and it's impossible not to like them and root for them. And it is also one of the main power of this book - that the three women are so different, their stories are so different but we keep our fingers crossed for all of them.
The novel has so many extended plots and threads but I haven't felt confused for a single moment. Lucy Diamond has her way with the words, she writes in a very easy, engaging way that let you follow the story easily, with eyes wide open and sometimes keeping your breath in, a way that sucks you in the story. The pace is only right, we have some twists and turns there as well, the characters are people that you find yourself rooting for, the author deals also with some very important issues but she does it in a very effortless way and altogether, it all makes a brilliant, light, interesting read. Can't wait for Lucy's next book!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
August 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Absolut klyschig och allt-är-bra-i-slutet-bok, men sådana böcker är som en varm filt i en trygg miljö för mig. Inga överraskningar, ingen stress, ingen oro eller spänning - my cup of tea. Om det bara handlar om romans blir jag riktigt uttråkad och provocerad, men den här var fin just därför. Absolut kärlek och romans, men på ett smakfullt sätt, och fokuset låg ändå på vänskap, kursmiljö, teater, kreativt skrivande, familjerelationer osv. Kreativitet och vänskap är alltid roligt att läsa om!
August 21, 2023
no hate to the book but omg felt like i’ve been reading this forever! so glad anna and joe ended up together because i’ve been shipping them since they were in relationships. overall i loved the book it slayed so so so hard bc one thing about me a book about a group of people who’s lives intertwine - i’m gonna eat that up every. single. time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
já adianto que a história não se passa na italia, o que me decepcionou um pouco.
é um livro legalzinho, não mudou minha vida, mas os personagens são legais e a autora escreve bem. me incomodou um pouco que não tem uma grande trama acontecendo, e sim pequenas coisas rolando.
no geral, uma boa distração, mas acho que não recomendaria esse livro pra um amigo.
é um livro legalzinho, não mudou minha vida, mas os personagens são legais e a autora escreve bem. me incomodou um pouco que não tem uma grande trama acontecendo, e sim pequenas coisas rolando.
no geral, uma boa distração, mas acho que não recomendaria esse livro pra um amigo.
December 2, 2025
Ilmeisesti joku lukuväsymyskin vaivaa, mutta tämä nyt ei vetäissyt mukaansa. Liian kauan kehiteltiin ja kerrottiin monien henkilöiden taustoja ja tilanteita ja onnelliset loput vain putkahtelivat ihan lopussa, toisaalta eihän niissä ollut juuri yllätyksellisyyttä. Ehkä jotain muunlaista luettavaa seuraavaksi.
December 25, 2022
It was okkkk. The start was a bit of a muddle long and drawn out to get the story going. The middle beefed up and then right at the end the story warmed and began!
Liked it because of the Italian flavour and the story was just ok
Liked it because of the Italian flavour and the story was just ok
September 5, 2023
Tre brittiska kvinnor,en kurs i italienska och drömmar som väcks till liv .Bra miljöer och bra karaktärer. Jag kommer på mig själv med att jag drömmer mig till Italien och maten och kanske man skulle besöka Italien eller en kurs ? Kul med recepten i slutet av boken .
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