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A Place in the Sun
It's never too late to find where you belong...
Thea knew the holiday house her late husband Marco bought in Tuscany wasn't pristine. But when she relocates to Italy for the summer with her children, she's shocked by how much work Casa Luna needs. And she only has six weeks to fix it up ready to sell! Her only option is to ask the tight-knit Italian community for help.
In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside handsome chef Giovanni and three very competitive nonnas. Gradually, Thea begins to open up to the people around her for the first time in a long while. But just as she's beginning to wonder whether this small Tuscan town could become a new place to call home, a surprise visitor turns everything on its head . . .
Thea knew the holiday house her late husband Marco bought in Tuscany wasn't pristine. But when she relocates to Italy for the summer with her children, she's shocked by how much work Casa Luna needs. And she only has six weeks to fix it up ready to sell! Her only option is to ask the tight-knit Italian community for help.
In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside handsome chef Giovanni and three very competitive nonnas. Gradually, Thea begins to open up to the people around her for the first time in a long while. But just as she's beginning to wonder whether this small Tuscan town could become a new place to call home, a surprise visitor turns everything on its head . . .
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
46 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Jo Thomas
60 books532 followershttps://www.facebook.com/pg/JoThomasA...
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 16, 2025
I received a free copy of, A Place in the Sun, by Jo Thomas, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thea is in Italy with her children, the widow is at the house her late husband owned, not realizing how much work the place actually needs. Is Thea is over her head?This was a nice read, the setting was lovely.
June 14, 2025
Jo Thomas transports readers to Casa Luna, a home in the Tuscan hilltop village of Citta dei Castagni where Luca, Aimee, and their mom, Thea have arrived for what they believe will be a relaxing and rejuvenating summer. They soon discover that they need to pull together for 6 weeks to make the impossible…possible.
“I’ve come to realize the past is a place I shouldn’t go back to. But it’s not a place to stay. Time moves on.”
Thomas’ book is about new beginnings. You’ll discover why Thea has arrived with a broken heart, why a young girl keeps visiting their home, and why the village handyman/entrepreneur feels he needs to leave a village he loves. When Thea gets a chance to pick up where she left off in the past, she soon realizes that grief has changed her and she is no longer the person she was in the past.
“It’s not what you put into the pasta as much as who you share it with.”
Thomas also writes about the heart of the village. You’ll meet Nonna Rosa, Nonna Teresa, and Nonna Lucia and find out why they are at odds with one another and what it’ll take to get them to work together. The key to the heart of the village is these three. Fix what’s wrong with them and everything else will fall into place.
My takeaways:
✔️Change or get left behind
✔️Learning to work together to overcome differences is as important for yourself as it is for others
✔️Our identity is tied to place and experiences
✔️The past needs to stay in the past; don’t pull it into the present and future.
I thoroughly enjoyed my armchair travel to Tuscany and felt inspired to make lasagna for dinner!
I was gifted this copy by the publisher through NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
“I’ve come to realize the past is a place I shouldn’t go back to. But it’s not a place to stay. Time moves on.”
Thomas’ book is about new beginnings. You’ll discover why Thea has arrived with a broken heart, why a young girl keeps visiting their home, and why the village handyman/entrepreneur feels he needs to leave a village he loves. When Thea gets a chance to pick up where she left off in the past, she soon realizes that grief has changed her and she is no longer the person she was in the past.
“It’s not what you put into the pasta as much as who you share it with.”
Thomas also writes about the heart of the village. You’ll meet Nonna Rosa, Nonna Teresa, and Nonna Lucia and find out why they are at odds with one another and what it’ll take to get them to work together. The key to the heart of the village is these three. Fix what’s wrong with them and everything else will fall into place.
My takeaways:
✔️Change or get left behind
✔️Learning to work together to overcome differences is as important for yourself as it is for others
✔️Our identity is tied to place and experiences
✔️The past needs to stay in the past; don’t pull it into the present and future.
I thoroughly enjoyed my armchair travel to Tuscany and felt inspired to make lasagna for dinner!
I was gifted this copy by the publisher through NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 7, 2025
A place in the sun is yet another culinary delight from Jo Thomas, I adore how she has the unique ability to instantly transport you to the books setting, in this case Tuscany, the vivid descriptions of the landscape,community and the most delectable tantalising local fare so wonderfully described you can almost taste the food!
Thea and her children head to Casa Luna a rundown little house in Tuscany that her deceased husband had bought several years ago,they intend to do up the property, sell it and head back home to Cardiff, however they are welcomed into the community by the locals they become absorbed into the culture and ethos of the village and flourish and heal.
Surprises,cooking, new ventures, and romance make for a great read that epitomises the wonder fullness of friendship, community, love and second chances.
Thank you net galley for this early read
Thea and her children head to Casa Luna a rundown little house in Tuscany that her deceased husband had bought several years ago,they intend to do up the property, sell it and head back home to Cardiff, however they are welcomed into the community by the locals they become absorbed into the culture and ethos of the village and flourish and heal.
Surprises,cooking, new ventures, and romance make for a great read that epitomises the wonder fullness of friendship, community, love and second chances.
Thank you net galley for this early read
August 31, 2025
Книги, в които присъства храна, готвене и традиции, избирам във всеки сезон. A Place in the Sun има в изобилие.
Италия сякаш свързваме със здравите семейни традиции, с по - лежерното темпо на живот, с удоволствието от приготвянето на домашна храна, която събира близки около масата с темпераментни разговори и откраднато време заедно; със спиращите гледки към крайбрежието и с лимоните , моцарелата и зехтина. Стереотипи, в които си умираме да се потопим, когато стeгнем куфарите си за посещение в тази страна.
Книгата на Jo Thomas ни среща и с една друга инициатива в италианските общини - къщи в отдалечени села, които може да се закупят за 1 Евро. Придобиване на имот сред простора, чистия въздух и природата на Италия, който след реновиране би съживил тамошната общност чрез присъствието на нови хора. Малките села навсякъде биха приветствали пристигащи жители, които да се потопят в битието, традициите и икономиката на мястото. А как по - добре би могло да се случи всичко това, освен чрез храната? За това са и местните жители. Особено италианските баби с техните изпитани във времето рецепти за домашна паста, лазаня, салата с билки , жилава моцарела, маслини и босилек.
Когато младата англичанка Теа идва заедно с децата си в малко италианско селце, за да ремонтира къщата, купена от съпруга й , тя попада в друг свят. И все още не знае, че цялата й тъга и безизходица ще бъдат пометени от сплотеността на хората там.
Топлата домашна храна връща силите и е универсално средство за общуване, за лекуване и за съпричастие. В труден момент е лошо да сме сами с мислите и безизходността си. Затова жителите на малките общности знаят как да не оставят новопристигналите в тяхното село дълго време лутайки се в самотността си.
В A Place in the Sun се готви, яде, разговаря, спори се, споделя се и се наслаждават на природата, на гледките и на сърдечността. А когато любезно кливоличиш между съседските отношения, споделяния и съревнования, това е начин да се поддържа ведро настроение, без да хвърчи перушина по тесните улички.
И " Когато дойде време за обяд и църковните камбани все още бият, кухнята ухае на нещо много специално: ухае на дом."
Италия сякаш свързваме със здравите семейни традиции, с по - лежерното темпо на живот, с удоволствието от приготвянето на домашна храна, която събира близки около масата с темпераментни разговори и откраднато време заедно; със спиращите гледки към крайбрежието и с лимоните , моцарелата и зехтина. Стереотипи, в които си умираме да се потопим, когато стeгнем куфарите си за посещение в тази страна.
Книгата на Jo Thomas ни среща и с една друга инициатива в италианските общини - къщи в отдалечени села, които може да се закупят за 1 Евро. Придобиване на имот сред простора, чистия въздух и природата на Италия, който след реновиране би съживил тамошната общност чрез присъствието на нови хора. Малките села навсякъде биха приветствали пристигащи жители, които да се потопят в битието, традициите и икономиката на мястото. А как по - добре би могло да се случи всичко това, освен чрез храната? За това са и местните жители. Особено италианските баби с техните изпитани във времето рецепти за домашна паста, лазаня, салата с билки , жилава моцарела, маслини и босилек.
Когато младата англичанка Теа идва заедно с децата си в малко италианско селце, за да ремонтира къщата, купена от съпруга й , тя попада в друг свят. И все още не знае, че цялата й тъга и безизходица ще бъдат пометени от сплотеността на хората там.
Топлата домашна храна връща силите и е универсално средство за общуване, за лекуване и за съпричастие. В труден момент е лошо да сме сами с мислите и безизходността си. Затова жителите на малките общности знаят как да не оставят новопристигналите в тяхното село дълго време лутайки се в самотността си.
В A Place in the Sun се готви, яде, разговаря, спори се, споделя се и се наслаждават на природата, на гледките и на сърдечността. А когато любезно кливоличиш между съседските отношения, споделяния и съревнования, това е начин да се поддържа ведро настроение, без да хвърчи перушина по тесните улички.
И " Когато дойде време за обяд и църковните камбани все още бият, кухнята ухае на нещо много специално: ухае на дом."
August 26, 2025
Imagine this: I'm on a summer holiday in Tuscany, looking out the window right after sunset when the kids are finally in bed. I'm looking at the view, the blue and orange sky, the olive trees and cypresses while sipping an Aperol Spritz. It was the perfect setting for this uplifting book.
I found this book in a bookstore in Siena next to other Tuscany-themed books. And I'm glad I did. A Place in the Sun is pure comfort. It's a cute story of family, community and food. A wonderful feel good story in a beautiful setting.
It may not be great writing, it was quite repetitive and many parts were just too cute to be true. But it was heart-warming escapist bliss, a book that takes you to a beautiful place, nice people and delicious pasta. I've never had cacio e pepe before but I'll google a recipe right after sending out this review.
I found this book in a bookstore in Siena next to other Tuscany-themed books. And I'm glad I did. A Place in the Sun is pure comfort. It's a cute story of family, community and food. A wonderful feel good story in a beautiful setting.
It may not be great writing, it was quite repetitive and many parts were just too cute to be true. But it was heart-warming escapist bliss, a book that takes you to a beautiful place, nice people and delicious pasta. I've never had cacio e pepe before but I'll google a recipe right after sending out this review.
September 30, 2025
3.5⭐️
A light-hearted, hug in a book based on second chance love, new beginnings, friends family and a whole lot of Nonna’s in the heart of Tuscany 🇮🇹
A light-hearted, hug in a book based on second chance love, new beginnings, friends family and a whole lot of Nonna’s in the heart of Tuscany 🇮🇹
August 3, 2025
This was… not very good. Nothing really happened and it was quite predictable and repetitive. Definitely needs another round of editing.
June 11, 2025
Whenever I open a Jo Thomas book I know I am going to be transported to somewhere wonderful, read about mouth-watering food and follow her characters on the road to romance. When we meet Thea and her family though, romance couldn’t be further from her mind. Her husband Marco had died suddenly a couple of years before but just before he died, he had bought a holiday home for the family in a small village in Italy. Arriving there for the first time to spend the school holidays with Luca and Aimee, Thea finds the house in a sad state of repair. It’s not the idyllic place in the sun to relax and recharge she had thought it would be. There’s a very amusing scene early on involving a case of mistaken identity. Poor Thea was mortified but it did make me smile!
Food is always central to a Jo Thomas book and that’s no exception here. Whether it’s the restaurants that Thea and Marco used to run, the community kitchen La Tavola, the lasagnes cooked and shared by the three Nonnas, a cook school weekend or Thea cooking for her own family, you’re never more than a few pages away from reading about some delicious sounding food. Lasagne is a very important dish in this book. It’s a dish that caused a huge family rift and it’s a dish that heals that rift too. If you don’t crave lasagne by the time you have finished this book, I’ll be very surprised. It’s certainly on my menu for this weekend!
As one of the characters says, “food is so much more than cooking something to eat… It’s about the experience, company, conversation, laughter, debate. It’s about inclusion. It’s about feeling part of something.”. In her writing, Jo Thomas creates that wonderful sense of community and family coming together, chatting, laughing and sharing over food.
The characters in the book are fantastic too. Special mention has to be made of the three Nonnas: two sisters and their sister-in-law. They are always bickering and, as I alluded to above, fell out over lasagne! They were such fun to read about with their rivalry and their sharp tongues. I’d love to try any of their lasagnes. The spirit of Marco is ever-present throughout the book which is a comfort to Thea. I particularly liked her son Luca who seemed to have a wise head on his young shoulders. Jo Thomas has filled the whole community with wonderful characters and I enjoyed meeting them all and finding out their stories.
A Place in the Sun is a brilliant story about new beginnings and second chances in a wonderfully sunny location, with family, food, friendship and, of course, love at its heart. A real summer treat from Jo Thomas: don’t miss it!
Food is always central to a Jo Thomas book and that’s no exception here. Whether it’s the restaurants that Thea and Marco used to run, the community kitchen La Tavola, the lasagnes cooked and shared by the three Nonnas, a cook school weekend or Thea cooking for her own family, you’re never more than a few pages away from reading about some delicious sounding food. Lasagne is a very important dish in this book. It’s a dish that caused a huge family rift and it’s a dish that heals that rift too. If you don’t crave lasagne by the time you have finished this book, I’ll be very surprised. It’s certainly on my menu for this weekend!
As one of the characters says, “food is so much more than cooking something to eat… It’s about the experience, company, conversation, laughter, debate. It’s about inclusion. It’s about feeling part of something.”. In her writing, Jo Thomas creates that wonderful sense of community and family coming together, chatting, laughing and sharing over food.
The characters in the book are fantastic too. Special mention has to be made of the three Nonnas: two sisters and their sister-in-law. They are always bickering and, as I alluded to above, fell out over lasagne! They were such fun to read about with their rivalry and their sharp tongues. I’d love to try any of their lasagnes. The spirit of Marco is ever-present throughout the book which is a comfort to Thea. I particularly liked her son Luca who seemed to have a wise head on his young shoulders. Jo Thomas has filled the whole community with wonderful characters and I enjoyed meeting them all and finding out their stories.
A Place in the Sun is a brilliant story about new beginnings and second chances in a wonderfully sunny location, with family, food, friendship and, of course, love at its heart. A real summer treat from Jo Thomas: don’t miss it!
May 1, 2025
What a beautiful story, set in the a beautiful Tuscan village.
This story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Thea and her children head off to Tuscany, having loss their house and her work, to sort out and sell a house her late husband bought for them. The grief is palpable as we get to know the family, you will really resonate with them, want to hold them all in a great big hug. As the summer moves on and with deadlines jumping towards them, they must make decisions to quicken the process. Reluctantly Thea steps back into her previous roll to help out a friend, but really is it helping her move on and heal?
This story is centred around community and friendship. It shows how people can come together to help one another, even if you know nothing of their past, know nothing of the burdens they carry. It shows how just opening your heart to others can make a world of difference.
I love the food aspect in this story, not just the wonderful meals they create, but the way it brings everyone together and bonds them. The way they don’t always need to talk about what’s happened but can get lost in producing something spectacular and then share it with those around them. I love a story that shows different generations coming together, people with different backgrounds, showing anyone can be friends if you just open yourself up a little and let someone else in.
Another stunning book from this author. She can really set the scene, describe the beautiful surroundings and bring her characters to life in a vibrant way.
July 31, 2025
What a wonderful summer read this book is. Set in the beautiful location of Tuscany, Thea and her two children arrive at Casa Luna to renovate a house chosen by Thea’s late husband Marco. The family are inundated with lasagnas from the local nonnas who all think they have the best recipe. Each time I read the book I felt really hungry! With goats, bells, cicadas and limoncello there is love in the food, in the Tuscan hills and in the air. I loved the story, I loved the cover, I loved the location, I loved the nonnas. I highly recommend this book.
May 1, 2025
A lovely cosy romance. Love the nonna's they made me laugh. Did not expect the twist with one character but loved how it turned out.
June 30, 2025
Absolutely loved it! It was like I was there involved in the experience. Wish I knew what happens next.
July 13, 2025
Brilliant book by a brilliant author
July 26, 2025
What a beautiful story about healing, set in a remote Tuscan village filled with colourful characters, including three hilarious nonnas! Be warned though, this book will make you very hungry! The food all sounds so mouth-watering and is sure to get your tummy rumbling!
I loved seeing how Aimee and Luca were able to learn to be children like they deserved, it was a wonderfully hopeful story.
Giuseppe and the nonnas provided so much comic relief throughout, they really embodied the stereotypical older Italian generation.
Giovanni and Thea both had much to teach one another, they were wonderful leading characters.
I loved the idea of La Tavola, what a source of community joy.
This was a super quick read, that very quickly hooked me into the story, there was nothing I disliked about this and would definitely recommend it.
I loved seeing how Aimee and Luca were able to learn to be children like they deserved, it was a wonderfully hopeful story.
Giuseppe and the nonnas provided so much comic relief throughout, they really embodied the stereotypical older Italian generation.
Giovanni and Thea both had much to teach one another, they were wonderful leading characters.
I loved the idea of La Tavola, what a source of community joy.
This was a super quick read, that very quickly hooked me into the story, there was nothing I disliked about this and would definitely recommend it.
July 26, 2025
A fun fast paced summer read - I’m heading to Tuscany in a few months and it was the perfect little getaway read complete with food and love and nonnas
July 27, 2025
A Place in the Sun is tender, heartwarming and full of feeling and emotion all wrapped up in a wonderful Tuscan summer read.
I must say though, I have read Jo Thomas previously, but this is definitely not my usual type of read. I am, however, so glad I gave it a go, as I really did throughly enjoy it. I also think it's important for authors to have the perspective of readers who are not necessarily their target audience, so I try to read outside of my comfort zone as often as I can.
It's a great change of pace for me, from my usual Sci-fi / Fantasy. I love the warm, Italian, laid back feel and the great cast of characters that are believable and feel real.
The writing is descriptive, you really do believe you're under that warm summer sun, and the storyline, I'm sure, will hold your attention to the very end.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
I must say though, I have read Jo Thomas previously, but this is definitely not my usual type of read. I am, however, so glad I gave it a go, as I really did throughly enjoy it. I also think it's important for authors to have the perspective of readers who are not necessarily their target audience, so I try to read outside of my comfort zone as often as I can.
It's a great change of pace for me, from my usual Sci-fi / Fantasy. I love the warm, Italian, laid back feel and the great cast of characters that are believable and feel real.
The writing is descriptive, you really do believe you're under that warm summer sun, and the storyline, I'm sure, will hold your attention to the very end.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
July 30, 2025
A wonderful trip to Tuscany, this book had a way of transporting me to the beautiful community and surroundings of this small village.
With a story of starting over, making friends and falling in love after heartbreak this makes a perfect summer read that you’ll find heartwarming.
Thank you for a copy of this lovely book
#zooloosbooktours @jothomasauthor @zooloosbooktours #aplacelnthesun #bookstagram #summerreading
With a story of starting over, making friends and falling in love after heartbreak this makes a perfect summer read that you’ll find heartwarming.
Thank you for a copy of this lovely book
#zooloosbooktours @jothomasauthor @zooloosbooktours #aplacelnthesun #bookstagram #summerreading
August 13, 2025
beautiful story with magical ending
September 1, 2025
Lovely summer read. Enjoyed finishing this whilst away on holiday. An easy read, wholesome storyline.
June 28, 2025
You could almost feel the sunshine and warmth through the pages of this book. Thea takes her children to Italy for the summer to check out the house her husband purchased just before he passed away, the house needs a lot of work and Thea only has six weeks to achieve this. Filled with friendship, communities and a lot of pasta, I was craving lasagna and tiramisu reading this book.
July 18, 2025
Such a lovely light hearted and quick read.
I love books set in other countries when they are written well and make you feel like you are there. Feeling the heat and hearing the goats.
I did worry when Stella turned up. And I felt for Thea all the way through. Losing the love of your life cannot be easy.
A lovely light summer read. Definitely recommend.
I love books set in other countries when they are written well and make you feel like you are there. Feeling the heat and hearing the goats.
I did worry when Stella turned up. And I felt for Thea all the way through. Losing the love of your life cannot be easy.
A lovely light summer read. Definitely recommend.
August 21, 2025
When Thea and her two children Luca and Aimee arrive in the small hill top town of Citta dei Castagni in Tuscany, they are exhausted from the long drive from the UK. Thea's plan is to clean up the house that her husband bought on a whim nearly two years ago as part of a regeneration scheme for a really cheap price and then sell it quickly. She's got six weeks to sort it all out, so that they can start their life again. Since her husband died soon after signing the contract for the house, Thea has done her best to keep going but she has lost the restaurant that they ran together and the family home. Whatever she can get for this house is what she has to build her future life upon.
What she doesn't know is that the old house is still full of possessions from the previous owner and it looks like maybe someone has been staying there without Thea's knowing. From the minute they arrive and there are problems with the electricity it becomes clear that it is going to take a lot of effort to get the house ready. Then the mayor arrives with the news that under the terms of the contract the house must be habitable within two years or else the owners must pay the penalty clause which is the full value of the house. Thea doesn't have any money so the pressure is really on. She's got six weeks to sort it all out.
This is a really small town, with not a lot in the way of shops and restaurants, but what there is a community kitchen which is run by a former chef named Giovanni. On her first night in town, Giovanni fed Thea and the kids, and soon he is helping her navigate life in the small town where everybody knows everyone's business.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...
What she doesn't know is that the old house is still full of possessions from the previous owner and it looks like maybe someone has been staying there without Thea's knowing. From the minute they arrive and there are problems with the electricity it becomes clear that it is going to take a lot of effort to get the house ready. Then the mayor arrives with the news that under the terms of the contract the house must be habitable within two years or else the owners must pay the penalty clause which is the full value of the house. Thea doesn't have any money so the pressure is really on. She's got six weeks to sort it all out.
This is a really small town, with not a lot in the way of shops and restaurants, but what there is a community kitchen which is run by a former chef named Giovanni. On her first night in town, Giovanni fed Thea and the kids, and soon he is helping her navigate life in the small town where everybody knows everyone's business.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...
August 13, 2025
RTC
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin, Transworld Publisher from Random House UK for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Release date : 19 June 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin, Transworld Publisher from Random House UK for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Release date : 19 June 2025
June 15, 2025
When I think of an idyllic setting, Tuscany easily takes one of the top spots. Perfectly prepared lasagne on a table under a large chestnut tree, a bottle of wine to share, goats (just roll with that one) grazing in the field beyond, a house called Casa Luna to retreat to...
That's not a bad place to be for now, Thea reasons as she packs up her two young children to venture to the only thing that can turn their lives around: a Tuscan villa purchased on a whim 2 years ago by her late husband Marco, one day before he suddenly died. Having lost her love, their restaurant and their home in Cardiff, Thea is determined to sell the house Marco envisioned would be their eventual forever home, and start over back in the UK. Marco, whose head was often in the clouds, didn't mention that Casa Luna is a fixer-upper with a costly and fast approaching deadline. When the roof literally & figuratively collapses in on Thea, she reluctantly takes down some of her own walls, realizing she needs to rely on the small community for help and trust herself to be relied on by its kind-hearted people in turn.
A Place in the Sun is what I'd hoped it would be: a breezy story transporting its reader to a wonderful little Tuscan town, while still gently handling dramatic themes in an uplifting manner. When I finished, I felt all gooey. First and foremost, I was moved by the sense of community. The community of Città del Castagni is small but fierce; Jo Thomas stuck with a few characters and just wrote them with such warmth that (imagining) being in the town itself felt like being wrapped in a big hug. I loved the side plot with the three rivaling Nonnas and their lasagne-packed backstory, and melted at Giovanni's entire...
...well, everything. We don't find out one vital detail about the man until 93%-ish in, but I will gladly spoil this for you: this most perfect man that has ever perfected. Also. Owns. A. Motorcycle. You're welcome.
Giovanni is also a former chef turned construction worker, who (in between fixing whatever needs upping) runs La Tavola, a community kitchen striving to welcome anyone in their time of need or want for company – residents and passers-by alike. He reminds Thea of Marco in the best and worst way possible. Still struggling with the loss of Marco, Thea feels an instant attraction to Giovanni, forcing her to face the final stage of grief. Conversely, Giovanni also reignites the passion she once shared with Marco regarding their work in hospitality – before all it became to her was representative of pain, stress and loss.
Thomas builds up this no-spice romance by offering us a visualization of how Thea processes having lost Marco (with Marco being a very integral part of the story), and by showing us through Thea's sensations and conflicting emotions just how she comes to develop feelings for someone new. There is a small amount of angst, just enough to keep me (even more) invested in their love story while staying low on actual drama.
At times I felt the book is a little too fast-paced; the story spans around 6 weeks, and when Thomas “skips” over a week for a mini time-jump, that's when I perhaps would have preferred a longer read if it meant more scenes between the romantic leads, or more development of lovely side characters and interpersonal relationships. A friendship between Thea and Catarina (another young mother; she'd left an abusive husband) could have been explored more. A few more scenes with just Thea and her adorable kids (11 year-old Luca and 7 year-old Aimee).
...Giovanni riding that surprise motorcycle of his in the Crete Senesi... two or three times... Ah well. I'll just let that image live rent-free in my head instead. It's fine.
A Place in the Sun is a sweet novel with beautiful, multi-layered arcs for both main characters; the story is emotional but never too heavy overall. Bickering side characters and the community's antics have made me laugh out loud a bunch of times, but the feel-good factor is most convincingly found in a few important takeaways: home is about the people you're with... and it's not the food that matters, but the love (and thus also the company) that goes with it.
**Thank you NetGalley and Random House UK / Transworld Publishers / Penguin for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.**
That's not a bad place to be for now, Thea reasons as she packs up her two young children to venture to the only thing that can turn their lives around: a Tuscan villa purchased on a whim 2 years ago by her late husband Marco, one day before he suddenly died. Having lost her love, their restaurant and their home in Cardiff, Thea is determined to sell the house Marco envisioned would be their eventual forever home, and start over back in the UK. Marco, whose head was often in the clouds, didn't mention that Casa Luna is a fixer-upper with a costly and fast approaching deadline. When the roof literally & figuratively collapses in on Thea, she reluctantly takes down some of her own walls, realizing she needs to rely on the small community for help and trust herself to be relied on by its kind-hearted people in turn.
A Place in the Sun is what I'd hoped it would be: a breezy story transporting its reader to a wonderful little Tuscan town, while still gently handling dramatic themes in an uplifting manner. When I finished, I felt all gooey. First and foremost, I was moved by the sense of community. The community of Città del Castagni is small but fierce; Jo Thomas stuck with a few characters and just wrote them with such warmth that (imagining) being in the town itself felt like being wrapped in a big hug. I loved the side plot with the three rivaling Nonnas and their lasagne-packed backstory, and melted at Giovanni's entire...
...well, everything. We don't find out one vital detail about the man until 93%-ish in, but I will gladly spoil this for you: this most perfect man that has ever perfected. Also. Owns. A. Motorcycle. You're welcome.
Giovanni is also a former chef turned construction worker, who (in between fixing whatever needs upping) runs La Tavola, a community kitchen striving to welcome anyone in their time of need or want for company – residents and passers-by alike. He reminds Thea of Marco in the best and worst way possible. Still struggling with the loss of Marco, Thea feels an instant attraction to Giovanni, forcing her to face the final stage of grief. Conversely, Giovanni also reignites the passion she once shared with Marco regarding their work in hospitality – before all it became to her was representative of pain, stress and loss.
Thomas builds up this no-spice romance by offering us a visualization of how Thea processes having lost Marco (with Marco being a very integral part of the story), and by showing us through Thea's sensations and conflicting emotions just how she comes to develop feelings for someone new. There is a small amount of angst, just enough to keep me (even more) invested in their love story while staying low on actual drama.
At times I felt the book is a little too fast-paced; the story spans around 6 weeks, and when Thomas “skips” over a week for a mini time-jump, that's when I perhaps would have preferred a longer read if it meant more scenes between the romantic leads, or more development of lovely side characters and interpersonal relationships. A friendship between Thea and Catarina (another young mother; she'd left an abusive husband) could have been explored more. A few more scenes with just Thea and her adorable kids (11 year-old Luca and 7 year-old Aimee).
...Giovanni riding that surprise motorcycle of his in the Crete Senesi... two or three times... Ah well. I'll just let that image live rent-free in my head instead. It's fine.
A Place in the Sun is a sweet novel with beautiful, multi-layered arcs for both main characters; the story is emotional but never too heavy overall. Bickering side characters and the community's antics have made me laugh out loud a bunch of times, but the feel-good factor is most convincingly found in a few important takeaways: home is about the people you're with... and it's not the food that matters, but the love (and thus also the company) that goes with it.
**Thank you NetGalley and Random House UK / Transworld Publishers / Penguin for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.**
June 23, 2025
2.5 Stars
One Liner: Good premise; rushed writing
Thea didn’t realize the holiday house in Italy would need so much work! Her late husband Marco had bought it for them, but now Thea has six weeks to repair and sell it. She and her children move to the region to get things started. Soon, they are welcomed by the local community, which gives them love, support, and a found family.
The story comes in Thea’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
2025 is my year of Italy. This is yet another story set in the country, this time in a cutesy Tuscan village. Given the lovely cover and the author’s vast writing experience, I was hopeful for another heartwarming book about life, love, and second chances.
There’s no denying the beauty of the premise. It has everything you need to make a solid escapist women’s fiction despite heavy themes like the death of a spouse and grief.
However, the writing is so rushed and choppy! While I appreciate the fast-paced narration, it feels like the story just drifted on high tide like a helpless basket carried by the strong current. The reader is left to catch up or watch it happen from a distance with no involvement.
Still, I might have enjoyed it a little more if I could feel something other than mild irritation for the FMC. Sure, she is burned out, still grieving her dead husband, has two kids to care for, and is an independent woman. But… she’s prickly for no reason. Runs away when she should have stood and apologized, and just feels like someone I wouldn’t bother helping. As you can guess, this made it harder to connect with the plot or the supposed romance that’s barely there.
That said, I liked the kids a lot. They were such darlings (and luckily, the FMC was a good mom), and sometimes reminded their mother to be courteous. The kids made the book much better.
It’s the same with the side characters like the three nonnas who seem to have a feud going on. In fact, the supporting characters shine a lot more than the FMC. I wonder if this is due to rushed narration or a gap between the idea and the execution.
The last quarter had more drama, and I couldn’t resist rolling my eyes. It could have worked well if there had been enough space for everything to unfold at a slower pace. Apart from the benefit of saving a reading day (for me), the pace didn’t do the book any favors.
This is my first book by the author, but I think I made the wrong choice. It reads like it was written on a tight deadline and a handful of pages. I’ll check out the previous releases first.
To summarize, A Place in the Sun has a good premise but a hurried execution with little character development. The side characters are great, though!
Thank you, NetGalley and Transworld Publishers (Penguin), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #APlaceInTheSun
One Liner: Good premise; rushed writing
Thea didn’t realize the holiday house in Italy would need so much work! Her late husband Marco had bought it for them, but now Thea has six weeks to repair and sell it. She and her children move to the region to get things started. Soon, they are welcomed by the local community, which gives them love, support, and a found family.
The story comes in Thea’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
2025 is my year of Italy. This is yet another story set in the country, this time in a cutesy Tuscan village. Given the lovely cover and the author’s vast writing experience, I was hopeful for another heartwarming book about life, love, and second chances.
There’s no denying the beauty of the premise. It has everything you need to make a solid escapist women’s fiction despite heavy themes like the death of a spouse and grief.
However, the writing is so rushed and choppy! While I appreciate the fast-paced narration, it feels like the story just drifted on high tide like a helpless basket carried by the strong current. The reader is left to catch up or watch it happen from a distance with no involvement.
Still, I might have enjoyed it a little more if I could feel something other than mild irritation for the FMC. Sure, she is burned out, still grieving her dead husband, has two kids to care for, and is an independent woman. But… she’s prickly for no reason. Runs away when she should have stood and apologized, and just feels like someone I wouldn’t bother helping. As you can guess, this made it harder to connect with the plot or the supposed romance that’s barely there.
That said, I liked the kids a lot. They were such darlings (and luckily, the FMC was a good mom), and sometimes reminded their mother to be courteous. The kids made the book much better.
It’s the same with the side characters like the three nonnas who seem to have a feud going on. In fact, the supporting characters shine a lot more than the FMC. I wonder if this is due to rushed narration or a gap between the idea and the execution.
The last quarter had more drama, and I couldn’t resist rolling my eyes. It could have worked well if there had been enough space for everything to unfold at a slower pace. Apart from the benefit of saving a reading day (for me), the pace didn’t do the book any favors.
This is my first book by the author, but I think I made the wrong choice. It reads like it was written on a tight deadline and a handful of pages. I’ll check out the previous releases first.
To summarize, A Place in the Sun has a good premise but a hurried execution with little character development. The side characters are great, though!
Thank you, NetGalley and Transworld Publishers (Penguin), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #APlaceInTheSun
June 26, 2025
She is back and her new book called A Place in the Sun by Jo Thomas was a perfect beautiful read, just what I needed. I love the way Jo writes and she has a way of pulling you into every book she has written with the way she describes the surroundings, the smells etc especially as this book is set Tuscany, and the way Jo described the landscape, the smells and how the food tastes I want t go there for a holiday.
Thea husband Marco had just died and she is bringing up their children alone. But, several years ago her husband Marco purchased a rundown little house in Tuscany called Casa Luna . When he was alive he intended to do this little house up and then sell it and go back to Cardiff with their profits of the sell. But, the community was so welcoming and friendly he just fell in love with their culture and the way they live day to day. So he never sold it.
Thea has just lost her house and her job, she needs a change and takes her children to Italy to Casa Luna for the summer holidays, to relax and recharge their batteries, but, when they gets there she's shocked by how much work Casa Luna needs to be done to make it liveable and even to sell!
She only has six weeks to fix it up ready to sell! Now, her only option is to ask the tight-knit Italian community for help.
As the summer holiday goes by, deadlines of achieve to get this little house liveable is becoming closer. with grief eating them all up Thea has to be strong and be there for her children as well as managing the renovations.
Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen and start to work alongside a
Thea Reluctantly Thea steps back into her previous roll to help out a friend, but really is it helping her move on and heal?
In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside handsome chef Giovanni and three very competitive nonnas. - Grandmothers.
In a short period of time, Thea begins to open up to the people around her for the first time in a long while, and she is beginning to wonder whether this small Tuscan town could become a new place to call home?
Then, surprise visitor turns everything on its head
This book was a great Holiday read, a heartwarming story.
Thea husband Marco had just died and she is bringing up their children alone. But, several years ago her husband Marco purchased a rundown little house in Tuscany called Casa Luna . When he was alive he intended to do this little house up and then sell it and go back to Cardiff with their profits of the sell. But, the community was so welcoming and friendly he just fell in love with their culture and the way they live day to day. So he never sold it.
Thea has just lost her house and her job, she needs a change and takes her children to Italy to Casa Luna for the summer holidays, to relax and recharge their batteries, but, when they gets there she's shocked by how much work Casa Luna needs to be done to make it liveable and even to sell!
She only has six weeks to fix it up ready to sell! Now, her only option is to ask the tight-knit Italian community for help.
As the summer holiday goes by, deadlines of achieve to get this little house liveable is becoming closer. with grief eating them all up Thea has to be strong and be there for her children as well as managing the renovations.
Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen and start to work alongside a
Thea Reluctantly Thea steps back into her previous roll to help out a friend, but really is it helping her move on and heal?
In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside handsome chef Giovanni and three very competitive nonnas. - Grandmothers.
In a short period of time, Thea begins to open up to the people around her for the first time in a long while, and she is beginning to wonder whether this small Tuscan town could become a new place to call home?
Then, surprise visitor turns everything on its head
This book was a great Holiday read, a heartwarming story.
July 10, 2025
I gave this a solid 4 stars – a slower-paced read for me, but one I really enjoyed settling into over a couple of cosy, rainy days. It had that lovely, immersive quality that lets you sink into the story at your own rhythm, and I felt like I’d taken a little holiday to Tuscany without ever leaving home.
This was actually my first Jo Thomas book, and I’m so glad to have discovered her. It’s always exciting to find a new author whose writing you just click with—and now I know I can pick up another one of her books and be confident I’ll enjoy it.
The story follows Thea, who relocates to a small Tuscan village with her children to renovate a rundown property her late husband bought. Casa Luna is far from perfect, and she only has six weeks to get it ready to sell. But as she gets to know the locals—especially the three competitive nonnas, the tight-knit community kitchen, and the quietly charismatic chef Giovanni—something begins to shift.
I really liked the way the story progressed at its own pace. Thea’s journey is a gentle one, rooted in grief, strength, and rediscovery. She doesn’t rush into change; instead, we watch her slowly open up, finding support in unexpected places. The relationships that form—between her, her children, and the villagers—are warm and genuine, and the setting is beautifully written.
And I have to say… don’t read this when you’re hungry! The descriptions of food being prepared with fresh local ingredients had me absolutely craving every single dish. Jo Thomas makes you feel like you’re right there in the kitchen, taking in the smells and the flavours and the sun streaming through the windows.
Just as Thea starts to feel settled and consider the idea of staying longer, a surprise visitor shakes things up again—and I appreciated that little injection of drama and emotional depth.
A heartwarming story about second chances, community, and finding your place—even if it’s not where you expected. This one left me smiling, and I’ll definitely be reaching for another Jo Thomas novel very soon.
This was actually my first Jo Thomas book, and I’m so glad to have discovered her. It’s always exciting to find a new author whose writing you just click with—and now I know I can pick up another one of her books and be confident I’ll enjoy it.
The story follows Thea, who relocates to a small Tuscan village with her children to renovate a rundown property her late husband bought. Casa Luna is far from perfect, and she only has six weeks to get it ready to sell. But as she gets to know the locals—especially the three competitive nonnas, the tight-knit community kitchen, and the quietly charismatic chef Giovanni—something begins to shift.
I really liked the way the story progressed at its own pace. Thea’s journey is a gentle one, rooted in grief, strength, and rediscovery. She doesn’t rush into change; instead, we watch her slowly open up, finding support in unexpected places. The relationships that form—between her, her children, and the villagers—are warm and genuine, and the setting is beautifully written.
And I have to say… don’t read this when you’re hungry! The descriptions of food being prepared with fresh local ingredients had me absolutely craving every single dish. Jo Thomas makes you feel like you’re right there in the kitchen, taking in the smells and the flavours and the sun streaming through the windows.
Just as Thea starts to feel settled and consider the idea of staying longer, a surprise visitor shakes things up again—and I appreciated that little injection of drama and emotional depth.
A heartwarming story about second chances, community, and finding your place—even if it’s not where you expected. This one left me smiling, and I’ll definitely be reaching for another Jo Thomas novel very soon.
May 6, 2025
If you are a cat named Garfield, then you will be salivating at this novel, and in fact pawing your way through the pages, hoping the descriptions will be coming to life and giving you your favourite food!
For at the heart of this book is Lasagne, proper Tuscan lasagne, with three nonnas all thinking their recipe is the best and all determined to welcome Thea to Tuscany and to Casa Luna with Lasagnes.
In fact there are a few scenes in this clearly written with the humour of the The Vicar of Dibley's 3 Christmases episode in mind. At least that's what I was reminded of, while Thea knows she needs to be polite, while really not being able to eat any more!
It's not just lasagne though, there is a whole of of Italian food in this that will have your mouth watering, and leave you feeling very hungry the entire time you are reading.
This is Jo Thomas at her destination and foodie romance best. This book is filled with humour, evocative descriptions of food and also the small village that Thea has a house to do up in, and their community.
The three Nonnas are a comedy triple act that had me laughing the entire time. Starting the book as rivals, it's interesting to see the effect Thea (and her kids) have on them.
Thea is a widow, and this house in Italy as her husband Marco's purchase, and they were going to restore it together. But life changes and now she is trying to do her best by him, while keeping her children happy and wondering whether it may be time to move on too.
This is a delicious book to devour, its easy to read and made my train journey melt into oblivion of background movement, while I was totally between the pages and living life alongside Thea.
I absolutely loved every second of this book, it's another winner for me from Jo Thomas, an author that never lets me down. Just exquisite.
Thank you to Transworld Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
For at the heart of this book is Lasagne, proper Tuscan lasagne, with three nonnas all thinking their recipe is the best and all determined to welcome Thea to Tuscany and to Casa Luna with Lasagnes.
In fact there are a few scenes in this clearly written with the humour of the The Vicar of Dibley's 3 Christmases episode in mind. At least that's what I was reminded of, while Thea knows she needs to be polite, while really not being able to eat any more!
It's not just lasagne though, there is a whole of of Italian food in this that will have your mouth watering, and leave you feeling very hungry the entire time you are reading.
This is Jo Thomas at her destination and foodie romance best. This book is filled with humour, evocative descriptions of food and also the small village that Thea has a house to do up in, and their community.
The three Nonnas are a comedy triple act that had me laughing the entire time. Starting the book as rivals, it's interesting to see the effect Thea (and her kids) have on them.
Thea is a widow, and this house in Italy as her husband Marco's purchase, and they were going to restore it together. But life changes and now she is trying to do her best by him, while keeping her children happy and wondering whether it may be time to move on too.
This is a delicious book to devour, its easy to read and made my train journey melt into oblivion of background movement, while I was totally between the pages and living life alongside Thea.
I absolutely loved every second of this book, it's another winner for me from Jo Thomas, an author that never lets me down. Just exquisite.
Thank you to Transworld Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 4, 2025
I’ve only read 1 x other book by Jo Thomas so far, which was Chasing the Italian Dream and was a Five Star Read. I love books about Italy so I was really excited to get an ARC of A Place in the Sun via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After her husband, Marco unexpectedly passes away, Thea has to close the family restaurant and their home is repossessed so she relocates to Tuscany for the summer with her two children, Aimee and Luca to try and sell their holiday home (Casa Luna) so they can make a fresh start back in Wales.
Casa Luna is in a struggling community, which is slowly becoming abandoned and doesn’t attract many tourists. At its heart is La Tavola, a community kitchen which provides food and a safe haven for those in need.
Thea is reticent to get involved at first because her late husband was a chef and after losing both him and their restaurant, she’s fearful of going back in the kitchen. However Casa Luna needs a lot of work doing before it can be put up for sale and so she strikes a deal with Giovanni, who runs La Tavola that she’ll help with the kitchen if he’ll take care of the repairs.
I really liked how Thea and the children became part of the community, rediscovering their love of food and began to have doubts about whether they wanted to return to Wales after the renovations were finished at Casa Luna.
After all, where else can you borrow a neighbour’s herd of goats to take care of your overgrown garden?
A Place in the Sun is a lovely, feel-good read with plenty of comic relief from three feuding nonnas and their abundant lasagnes. The descriptions will definitely make you hungry and/or want to book a trip to Tuscany asap. The romance felt a little rushed though, which is why I’m giving it 4 x Stars.
After her husband, Marco unexpectedly passes away, Thea has to close the family restaurant and their home is repossessed so she relocates to Tuscany for the summer with her two children, Aimee and Luca to try and sell their holiday home (Casa Luna) so they can make a fresh start back in Wales.
Casa Luna is in a struggling community, which is slowly becoming abandoned and doesn’t attract many tourists. At its heart is La Tavola, a community kitchen which provides food and a safe haven for those in need.
Thea is reticent to get involved at first because her late husband was a chef and after losing both him and their restaurant, she’s fearful of going back in the kitchen. However Casa Luna needs a lot of work doing before it can be put up for sale and so she strikes a deal with Giovanni, who runs La Tavola that she’ll help with the kitchen if he’ll take care of the repairs.
I really liked how Thea and the children became part of the community, rediscovering their love of food and began to have doubts about whether they wanted to return to Wales after the renovations were finished at Casa Luna.
After all, where else can you borrow a neighbour’s herd of goats to take care of your overgrown garden?
A Place in the Sun is a lovely, feel-good read with plenty of comic relief from three feuding nonnas and their abundant lasagnes. The descriptions will definitely make you hungry and/or want to book a trip to Tuscany asap. The romance felt a little rushed though, which is why I’m giving it 4 x Stars.
April 17, 2025
I am a big fan of Jo Thomas, her books are perfect for those times when all you want is to be swept away to somewhere exotic with gorgeous settings and heart-warming stories, and; A Place in the Sun is absolutely no different, it's perfect for your armchair travels are sitting in the sun all day (not that I do that, as I would turn into a shrivelled up lobster, or turn to dust) but this is pure feel-good escapism!
This time we are transported to beautiful Tuscany, my goodness the richness of her writing literally makes you think you are right there with Thea. After the death of her husband, she loses everything except an old cottage in Tuscany so along with her children she makes the trip to Tuscany, the plan is to do the cottage up and sell it so that they can all go back home to Cardiff and start their lives again. Great plan, only dreams and reality don't always go hand in hand.
What could go wrong, mostly there are hiccups and drama and lots of emotion thrown in and a hint of unexpected romance and a gorgeous community feel, this book is a winner on all fronts. It's not so much a romance, even though there is romance, this is all about finding your feet, finding yourself and discovering who you are and just how strong a person can be after the worst period of your life. It's full of hope and sunshine, with an eclectic but good-natured and lovable cast of characters, I do love the small village feel to Tuscany where everyone knows where voters are doing.
Despite the seriousness of some of the subjects, this is very feel-good, it's not too serious in itself and there are so many really lovely moment which will leave you siling, plus lots and lots of food which will always make you hungry.
A beautiful holiday escape!
This time we are transported to beautiful Tuscany, my goodness the richness of her writing literally makes you think you are right there with Thea. After the death of her husband, she loses everything except an old cottage in Tuscany so along with her children she makes the trip to Tuscany, the plan is to do the cottage up and sell it so that they can all go back home to Cardiff and start their lives again. Great plan, only dreams and reality don't always go hand in hand.
What could go wrong, mostly there are hiccups and drama and lots of emotion thrown in and a hint of unexpected romance and a gorgeous community feel, this book is a winner on all fronts. It's not so much a romance, even though there is romance, this is all about finding your feet, finding yourself and discovering who you are and just how strong a person can be after the worst period of your life. It's full of hope and sunshine, with an eclectic but good-natured and lovable cast of characters, I do love the small village feel to Tuscany where everyone knows where voters are doing.
Despite the seriousness of some of the subjects, this is very feel-good, it's not too serious in itself and there are so many really lovely moment which will leave you siling, plus lots and lots of food which will always make you hungry.
A beautiful holiday escape!
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