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Zomer aan het Comomeer
Voor de succesvolle interieurontwerpster Hallie Elliot is de zomer gevuld met prachtige feesten en romantische trouwerijen in San Francisco en Napa. Ze droomt dan ook van het moment dat haar vriend Peter haar ten huwelijk zal vragen. Maar als ze vermoedt dat Peter haar bedriegt, besluit Hallie haar heil te zoeken in de Italiaanse villa van halfzus Portia. Daar aan de oever van het Comomeer overdenkt ze haar leven en de oprechtheid van Peters gevoelens.Lukt het haar om hier te beslissen of ze terug wil naar haar (bijna) perfecte leven in San Francisco en te trouwen met haar Peter? Of valt ze voor de charmes van de mysterieuze man in de mooie villa verderop aan het meer? En wat doet het verloren gewaande dagboek van haar moeder verborgen in de bibliotheek van Portia?
270 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2013
36 people are currently reading
1429 people want to read
About the author
Anita Hughes
26 books1,027 followersAnita Hughes was born in Sydney, Australia. She attended UC Berkeley's Masters in Creative Writing program. She is the author of MONARCH BEACH, MARKET STREET, LAKE COMO, FRENCH COAST, ROME IN LOVE, ISLAND IN THE SEA, SANTORINI SUNSETS, CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, WHITE SAND, BLUE SEA, EMERALD COAST, CHRISTMAS IN LONDON and CALIFORNIA SUMMER, and CHRISTMAS IN VERMONT published by St. Martin's Press. ROME IN LOVE is coming to the HALLMARK channel in July, 2019!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 4, 2014
I struggled to finish this book. I even asked my Book club leader if I could get an exemption from reading this after I started it. The protagonist never grows up. What a complainer. The author is fixated on describing the dress and handbag or fashion accessory in every scene (Chanel! Gucci! sickening). I thought perhaps there was a word count that had to be met in every chapter hence the shallow descriptions.
February 21, 2015
I am quite convinced that St. Martin's Griffin is a pseudonym for Harlequin. I give ye this example to prove my point. Please note the first sex scene begins on page three.
"He pulled Hallie down and covered her with his body. Peter was built like a runner: long legs, narrow hips, thin, angular shoulders. But when he made love he was like a wrestler, pinning her to the bed. She loved the feel of his chest rubbing against hers, his tongue exploring her mouth.
Hallie felt Peter's breath hot against her cheek. He opened her legs and slid deep inside her. She felt their bodies push and pull as if they were playing a child's game of tug-of-war."
1. I can't get over the imagery of children playing a game of tug-of-war and can't figure out how that, in any way, is similar to their lovemaking.
2. I can tell you there has been one (or two?) other sex scenes and he's always going "deep".
3. Do I care if he runs a lot and fucks like a wrestler?
4. I'm totally grossed out by the "chest rubbing" description. Ewww.
Perhaps I'm not being fair. I mean, Ms. Hughes wrote a book, and got it published! And all I'm doing is pissing on it. Not very nice, is it? But the premise of this book is just like every other book I read during my middle school years (shout to Danielle Steele, yo!). Girl is with the wrong guy and that relationship ends for whatever reason - could be he cheats on her, he might die, he might go missing and she later finds out he had a second family, etc. Girl is conflicted about where she wants her life to go. She goes, in this book, to an exotic location (see title of said book), which is less exotic since part of her family lives there. She meets a new guy. He's fabulous but behaves in some way that makes it difficult for her to trust him. Yet, in the end she gets the guy, she ends up with a fabulous career, and she finds out she is an actual princess. Oy vey.
If the above description is appealing, this would be a good book to pack if you're traveling and want a light, easy read.
"He pulled Hallie down and covered her with his body. Peter was built like a runner: long legs, narrow hips, thin, angular shoulders. But when he made love he was like a wrestler, pinning her to the bed. She loved the feel of his chest rubbing against hers, his tongue exploring her mouth.
Hallie felt Peter's breath hot against her cheek. He opened her legs and slid deep inside her. She felt their bodies push and pull as if they were playing a child's game of tug-of-war."
1. I can't get over the imagery of children playing a game of tug-of-war and can't figure out how that, in any way, is similar to their lovemaking.
2. I can tell you there has been one (or two?) other sex scenes and he's always going "deep".
3. Do I care if he runs a lot and fucks like a wrestler?
4. I'm totally grossed out by the "chest rubbing" description. Ewww.
Perhaps I'm not being fair. I mean, Ms. Hughes wrote a book, and got it published! And all I'm doing is pissing on it. Not very nice, is it? But the premise of this book is just like every other book I read during my middle school years (shout to Danielle Steele, yo!). Girl is with the wrong guy and that relationship ends for whatever reason - could be he cheats on her, he might die, he might go missing and she later finds out he had a second family, etc. Girl is conflicted about where she wants her life to go. She goes, in this book, to an exotic location (see title of said book), which is less exotic since part of her family lives there. She meets a new guy. He's fabulous but behaves in some way that makes it difficult for her to trust him. Yet, in the end she gets the guy, she ends up with a fabulous career, and she finds out she is an actual princess. Oy vey.
If the above description is appealing, this would be a good book to pack if you're traveling and want a light, easy read.
December 28, 2013
Lake Como has everything you could possibly want in a book: family, art, fashion, love, and incredible scenery. This book makes me want to visit Lake Como so badly; I am seriously considering for my honeymoon next year…now all I need to do is convince my fiancé.
The story centers on the main character, Hallie Elliot, who from the outside, seems to have it all – a great job as an interior designer and a fiancé who is a popular journalist. However, when she sees her fiancé Peter and her boss Kendra in a somewhat scandalous position at a wedding, she begins to question her perfect life and soon-to-be husband. So Hallie decides to take a break from her fabulous life in San Francisco and visits her half-sister Portia in Lake Como, whose marriage is currently on the rocks.
Hallie arrives in Lake Como and stays with the Tesoro family who are practically Italian royalty. The family lives in a beautiful multi-million dollar villa, throws endless parties, and has the best food, clothing, and jewelry you could ever imagine; it’s as if you are living in a fairytale. However, things aren’t always what they seem and appearances can be deceiving; the Tesoro family has some issues and secrets of their own that are revealed throughout the book.
I finished this book in a few sittings and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! The way the author describes the scenery, homes, food, and fashion makes you want to jump right in and embrace la dolce vita. This is my first book by Anita Hughes and I cannot wait to go back and read her other ones; the author writes with such grace and elegance that you are instantly hooked from beginning to end.
Lake Como is a story about truly discovering who you are and where you came from. Add in a little flare of romance and Italian culture and you have a winner!
The story centers on the main character, Hallie Elliot, who from the outside, seems to have it all – a great job as an interior designer and a fiancé who is a popular journalist. However, when she sees her fiancé Peter and her boss Kendra in a somewhat scandalous position at a wedding, she begins to question her perfect life and soon-to-be husband. So Hallie decides to take a break from her fabulous life in San Francisco and visits her half-sister Portia in Lake Como, whose marriage is currently on the rocks.
Hallie arrives in Lake Como and stays with the Tesoro family who are practically Italian royalty. The family lives in a beautiful multi-million dollar villa, throws endless parties, and has the best food, clothing, and jewelry you could ever imagine; it’s as if you are living in a fairytale. However, things aren’t always what they seem and appearances can be deceiving; the Tesoro family has some issues and secrets of their own that are revealed throughout the book.
I finished this book in a few sittings and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! The way the author describes the scenery, homes, food, and fashion makes you want to jump right in and embrace la dolce vita. This is my first book by Anita Hughes and I cannot wait to go back and read her other ones; the author writes with such grace and elegance that you are instantly hooked from beginning to end.
Lake Como is a story about truly discovering who you are and where you came from. Add in a little flare of romance and Italian culture and you have a winner!
January 23, 2015
I’ve bought this book mostly because of the name – I've been to Lake Como, and it is a gorgeous - as well as the plot description on the back cover. I expected to plunge into the atmosphere of this place and its architectural magnificence. But author's descriptions were limited to short “ ..the view was breathtaking”, “the villa was breathtaking”.
Despite the fact that I didn’t like the novel at all, not a single page of it, I read it to the end, so I feel like I have right to share my opinion.
First of all, it’s hard to believe the novel was written by an adult. The plot is silly and full of clichés, narrative style is primitive, characters are absolutely banal and soulless. The whole story just describes a couple months from a life of a spoiled rich girl who has no real problems in her life and she invents them herself. Which then leads her to becoming sad, hating everyone and not knowing what to do. Meanwhile some luxury parties are going on (with endless description of apparel brands, goods and gossips). Everybody looked like movie stars (despite the fact that they eat only pizza, pasta and chocolate cakes, drink a lot of alcohol and never exercise), loved each other for being beautiful/handsome and all developments went in a plain chronology. I didn't get an insight into any of the characters' inner world or personality, they remained just random strangers. There is the line in the book, said by one of main characters, that reflects whole problem that I have with the novel: “I didn't know how to be a good husband. I thought I just had to buy her diamonds and make love to her." Cheap teenagers' fairytale...
Despite the fact that I didn’t like the novel at all, not a single page of it, I read it to the end, so I feel like I have right to share my opinion.
First of all, it’s hard to believe the novel was written by an adult. The plot is silly and full of clichés, narrative style is primitive, characters are absolutely banal and soulless. The whole story just describes a couple months from a life of a spoiled rich girl who has no real problems in her life and she invents them herself. Which then leads her to becoming sad, hating everyone and not knowing what to do. Meanwhile some luxury parties are going on (with endless description of apparel brands, goods and gossips). Everybody looked like movie stars (despite the fact that they eat only pizza, pasta and chocolate cakes, drink a lot of alcohol and never exercise), loved each other for being beautiful/handsome and all developments went in a plain chronology. I didn't get an insight into any of the characters' inner world or personality, they remained just random strangers. There is the line in the book, said by one of main characters, that reflects whole problem that I have with the novel: “I didn't know how to be a good husband. I thought I just had to buy her diamonds and make love to her." Cheap teenagers' fairytale...
October 27, 2014
I'm embarrassed that I read this book. Read it on a plane, so my choices for alternate ways to spend my time were limited, but still. So what's wrong with the book? Cardboard cut-out hackneyed characters, full of stereotypes about Italy (uh, Italian men don't go to airports wearing silk shirts unbuttoned to their navel and covered with gold chains). The book is full of so many oddities about Italian culture it makes me wonder if the author has ever been to Lake Como, or at least at any time since 1965.
Was this book written in this century? Are there really still women who think getting an engagement ring is a goal in and of itself.
Jeesh.
Was this book written in this century? Are there really still women who think getting an engagement ring is a goal in and of itself.
Jeesh.
August 4, 2013
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I really enjoyed this book as it had a few twists and turns I didn't see coming, and a few I did. Our heroine lives in San Fran and is living her perfect life: great relationship, dream job, good family station and close relationship with her grandmother. But something's off. She goes to Italy to spend time with her stepsister and ends up discovering family secrets. I liked this book a lot because of the story and the descriptions. The author is very talented with her settings. I felt like I was in Lake Como, living and working in the villas. She brings the characters to life. I didn't give it 5 stars because I felt like it wrapped up a bit too neatly for my tastes.
I really enjoyed this book as it had a few twists and turns I didn't see coming, and a few I did. Our heroine lives in San Fran and is living her perfect life: great relationship, dream job, good family station and close relationship with her grandmother. But something's off. She goes to Italy to spend time with her stepsister and ends up discovering family secrets. I liked this book a lot because of the story and the descriptions. The author is very talented with her settings. I felt like I was in Lake Como, living and working in the villas. She brings the characters to life. I didn't give it 5 stars because I felt like it wrapped up a bit too neatly for my tastes.
August 14, 2013
I received a copy of Lake Como by Anita Hughes in exchange for an honest review.
What a fabulous read that had me wishing I had cocktail in hand and a pair of heels on my feet while reading! Lake Como whisked me away and wrapped me up in Hallie’s story, beginning with her suddenly rocky relationship with Peter and ending with a touching love story. In between we have royalty and family secrets and the intrigue and mystery surrounding the Tesoro family had me unable to put this book down. Hughes writes with a grace and elegance that had me devouring this story and I highly recommend this book!
What a fabulous read that had me wishing I had cocktail in hand and a pair of heels on my feet while reading! Lake Como whisked me away and wrapped me up in Hallie’s story, beginning with her suddenly rocky relationship with Peter and ending with a touching love story. In between we have royalty and family secrets and the intrigue and mystery surrounding the Tesoro family had me unable to put this book down. Hughes writes with a grace and elegance that had me devouring this story and I highly recommend this book!
October 16, 2013
This was the perfect vacation book! I read it in one sitting because I had to know what happened next - Did Hallie's boyfriend cheat? Would she take him back? What happened between her parents? The plot twists and turns as a family secret unravels. But what also had me turning the pages were the lush descriptions of Lake Como. No detail is too small from the clothes, food, cars, boats, villas, jewels, scenery... I was completely transported by the author's descriptions into this luxurious world. By describing how a dress drapes or a chandelier in a grand room, this book is incredibly visual and I felt swept up in the experience.
December 18, 2014
This book was given to me by a friend so I felt obligated to read it, otherwise I would have stopped after the first couple pages. It was so cliche and stereotypical. I predicted just about ever twist and was annoyed with the constant outfit descriptions. Like I know how pairs of Gucci sandals the girls has but not much else. The characters we shallow and the twists were so anticlimactic. And the ending...urg I wanted to just throw the book in the trash by that point. I am surprised this book has so many positive reviews because while it was a good idea for a story, it was so terribly written that it was almost painful to read.
September 15, 2013
I loved Anita Hughes first two novels, but I think this may be my favorite. LAKE COMO is 24 carat gold escapism--with family jewels and glittering multi-million dollar homes on Lake Como. This novel took me outside of my life and transported me into a fairytale of designer clothes and champagne, stunning natural settings and gourmet food. And yet the characters were also struggling with real life issues of trust, self-discovery and forgiveness. A fabulous read on so many levels!
September 9, 2023
Vibes were great, writing was fine, plot was so bad lol, made no sense and didn’t develop any characters after giving them wild backstories/scenes
January 11, 2019
I picked up this book because I love a plot set in Italy. The book, I felt, was 2-dimensional. You really didn't get to know the characters, only what they were doing and their immediate feelings. You really didn't get a picture of the surroundings or the culture. The lead character, Hallie, wasn't inspiring. She basically just ran away from every single obstacle that came her way. She seemed spoiled going from one mansion to the next, never really delving into her feelings or actions. In my eyes, she was entitled throughout the book and not in a 3-dimensional way. I didn't care so much that she put on designer shoes or dresses and all the detail in that went into those descriptions. I wanted to feel some sort of connection, but I never did.
July 10, 2014
I was very fond of Hallie, she didn't just side step what Peter did nor did she go crazy. I liked how she wasn't hard nor a pushover. She does give herself some space and goes to Italy. Her sister, Portia has a lot on her plate and Hallie can center on her rather than herself. When she gets there Portia ends up taking off and the Italian men in the area have taken notice of Hallie. Before she knows it, Hallie has landed herself a job of a lifetime and the attraction of a new man.
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Just as everything seems to be as it should be, when Hallie stumbles onto some unexpected secrets. Secrets when revealed changes lives.
I have read and enjoyed all of Anita Hughes books, but I have to say this is my favorite! Always Hughes opens the door to an upper class elite. I love how Hallie seems so down to earth even though she is has this amazing lifestyle. It makes me able to really connect to the characters. The issues of an overbearing family member, cheating husbands and boyfriends, sisters needing help, lies being told to us...no matter what we can all relate (but truthfully dealing with it while staying at Lake Como would help to soften the blow).
I felt Lake Como moved right along, it had an easy flow. The twists and turns were very natural. I didn't see everything coming the way it did. I love how Hughes seems to answer those questions that pop up for me while reading. I normally try to write my reviews right after I read the book, but this time I didn't have a chance to. As I began writing my review, I found myself enjoying the story all over again. A great book and I'm recommending! (hey it's cold outside, so warm up with Lake Como!)
July 17, 2015
I brought this book to read during a lakeside vacation, and while my vacation wasn't anywhere near Lake Como, it was certainly better than the book! I was disappointed in this novel. I thought the characters were unrelatable, shallow, and one-dimensional. The protagonist (Hallie) was very immature and, to be honest, annoying. I felt like she acted as a young teenager instead of her 29-30 years. It also seemed that the plot was all over the place as well as poorly paced. One minute Hallie was seeking an escape from life in San Francisco, and the next, people are Italian royalty, the descriptions of which were full of stereotypes and cliches.
And if the author used the words "murmured," "mumbled," and "mused," one more time I was going to scream!! The word "murmured" (as in, Hallie murmured, ".....") was on almost every page. I don't think you could read more than a few pages without coming across it. The term often wasn't appropriate given the conversations and I don't know anyone who mumbles or murmurs as much as Hallie did.
I had had this book on my "to-read" list for awhile, but it certainly didn't live up to my expectations. I was hoping for a good summer read, but I didn't find it in Lake Como.
And if the author used the words "murmured," "mumbled," and "mused," one more time I was going to scream!! The word "murmured" (as in, Hallie murmured, ".....") was on almost every page. I don't think you could read more than a few pages without coming across it. The term often wasn't appropriate given the conversations and I don't know anyone who mumbles or murmurs as much as Hallie did.
I had had this book on my "to-read" list for awhile, but it certainly didn't live up to my expectations. I was hoping for a good summer read, but I didn't find it in Lake Como.
March 22, 2016
Having been to Lugano and driven around Lake Como, I picked up this book a few years ago. Now I am attempting to plan a trip to Lake Como & hoping to stay at The Villa d'Este, reading this book made me feel at home. I felt the descriptions of Lake Como in Anita Hughes' Lake Como as though I have actually stayed there already. I must admit that I worried about Peter and still do, but I cannot come up with a better way to handle it than the author did, but that dedication .......... Then towards the end of the book, I wondered how the author was going to end it as I could see that there were not many pages left. The ending appeared rather short, but I think it worked. I am still thinking. Above all, Ms. Hughes' descriptive language was tops. I truly felt that I was there in Lake Como.
August 29, 2013
I was so excited when I won this book in the goodreads giveaways! It was a fabulous read, my first book from this author. Thoroughly enjoyed it, couldn't put it down. Her vivid descriptions of the scenery, landscape of this part of Italy was phenomenal. I felt like I had been transported to this beautiful place. The characters were so captivating, I loved Hallie, loved the relationships she had with her grandmother, sister and mother. Loved the relationship with the 'new man' in her life. Loved, loved it, would definitely recommend it, great read!
September 12, 2013
Hallie Elliot has a career that she loves, and she is hoping to soon become engaged to Peter, an ambitious young journalist. When she catches Peter in a compromising position with her boss, she decides to take a much-needed vacation at Lake Como, where part of her family lives. She does a lot of soul-searching, while also being given the opportunity of a lifetime decorating the estate of a reclusive American tech mogul. This book is similar to ones by Luanne Rice, Kristin Hannah and Nancy Thayer... a great summer read.
November 27, 2013
Wow! What a fantastic book! First, please let me start by saying I highly recommend all of the books of Anita Hughes! Why? She takes me to a place, draws me into the story, and keeps me reading all night!
Lake Como? Great read. Great setting. Beautiful cover. Inside the cover, is a lovely story focusing on family dynamics and secrets. However, I also view this book as a love letter to Lake Como, because the description of the area is so detailed and beautiful.
Lake Como? Great read. Great setting. Beautiful cover. Inside the cover, is a lovely story focusing on family dynamics and secrets. However, I also view this book as a love letter to Lake Como, because the description of the area is so detailed and beautiful.
February 10, 2016
All I can say is WOW! I loved this book. Set between San Francisco and Italy, the descriptions of the Italian setting made me want to travel there. The characters were well thought out and multi faceted. This is the second book by this author that I have read, I read Market Street earlier and I enjoyed them both. I'll be looking for more from this author, as she is taking her place on my list of favorite, must read authors. Can't wait.
August 11, 2013
I received this book compliments of Goodreads First Read for my honest review.
I don't usually read romance novels but I certainly enjoyed Lake Como. The character developemnt was good and the descriptions of Lake Como, the clothing, the food were superb. This is an entertaining book and the perfect adult fairy tale. If you like romance, this book is definitely for you.
I don't usually read romance novels but I certainly enjoyed Lake Como. The character developemnt was good and the descriptions of Lake Como, the clothing, the food were superb. This is an entertaining book and the perfect adult fairy tale. If you like romance, this book is definitely for you.
December 5, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book! I love interior design, fashion, and Italy (the men, the food, and the scenery haha). This novel had all of that, plus romance, a little drama, and a main character who evolves beautifully over the course of the story. I read it very quickly and would love to see a sequel...
August 29, 2013
Wow, this is the first book I read by this author and boy was it good. I read it in a few hours because I couldn't put it down. I'm very fond of books with an Italian background. Italy spells love and I enjoyed this book tremendously. A must read.
August 9, 2013
I received Lake Como as a Good Reads Giveaway. I loved it - It was a captivating, romantic read. The author does a wonderful job describing the Italian food, the people, and culture. By the time I finished the book, I felt as if I had traveled to Italy myself!
October 20, 2013
Delicious... decadent... and oh, so delightful. I litterally gobbled this book up in one yummy sitting!
September 6, 2013
Absolutely loved this book and love Anita Hughes writing!!! Can't wait to read her second book (since I've read her first and third). Keep writing, please!!!!
October 22, 2013
An enchanting story of a woman finding herself amongst the world's most beautiful place and people. I love Lake Como, Italy, and this book brought me right back. A wonderful women's fiction read.
December 4, 2013
Pure escapism!
November 21, 2014
Is there a zero star for complete stupididy and waste of time. Superficial nonsense that totally missed any chance of my reading it even though it was on the beach. Pure junk.
February 20, 2014
I love this book. I love the characters. And I am now desperately craving a trip to Italy!
August 2, 2014
leest lekker weg op een zomerse dag. verwacht happy end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews