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Italian Escape
The Rome Apartment: The Italian Escape, Book 1
When Elizabeth drops her beloved only daughter off at college, she holds back the tears…fighting her worries about an empty nest with the thought of all the adventures that she and her husband Joel can now enjoy together. But as soon as they sit down to eat dinner that evening, Joel drops a bombshell. He wants a break.
Searching for an escape, Elizabeth discovers an apartment in Rome that is only available for three months rental to ‘an English woman of a certain age’. She reads on to find out the philosophy of Veronica, the 75-year-old owner, is that there is always joy to be found, however difficult the circumstances, and that it is an insult to the gift of life to not live it joyfully and fully – and that there is no better place to make this happen than Rome, the most beautiful city in the world.
Elizabeth accepts the challenge, and on arrival, finds that Veronica has a numbered list of challenges for her.
Searching for an escape, Elizabeth discovers an apartment in Rome that is only available for three months rental to ‘an English woman of a certain age’. She reads on to find out the philosophy of Veronica, the 75-year-old owner, is that there is always joy to be found, however difficult the circumstances, and that it is an insult to the gift of life to not live it joyfully and fully – and that there is no better place to make this happen than Rome, the most beautiful city in the world.
Elizabeth accepts the challenge, and on arrival, finds that Veronica has a numbered list of challenges for her.
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Published July 28, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
July 19, 2023
The story within these pages is as beautiful as the cover!
This is my second book by this author; The Woman In My Home was a fantastic thriller/suspense. I remember being in awe of Kerry Fisher’s ability to evoke an emotional response that left me gasping and frustrated. This general/woman’s fiction book was no different!
In short, this is a story about a woman who is at a crossroads in her life and benefits from time away from home. She learns to radiate vitality and joy as a result of changing her perspective on life.
Time and distance have that effect, don’t they?!
The star of this book is the story’s internal arc! I was in awe of Fisher’s ability to pen her characters’ metamorphosis, especially that of Beth. At first, I wanted to yell at her for allowing her circumstances to control her and for her response to them. However, I stuck with it and was rewarded. I watched Beth develop through the changes Fisher had planned for her and appreciated the opportunity to traverse an arc of my own and expand my emotional self-awareness. My feeling of indignation metamorphized, too, and I became more understanding and supportive. I love how Fisher was able to explore feeling through introspection.
The setting is a close second. What’s not to love about Rome, right? You’ll enjoy the vivid descriptions and Villa Alba, Beth’s home-away-from-home. I grabbed my notebook and recorded places that Beth had discovered so that I could discover them for myself one day; Coppede, Pizza Mincio, My Dog Sighs, and Giardino degli Aranci and the keyhole.
I appreciated the reminders to allow spontaneity a starring role, to try “un buon Cesanese” and a negroni sbagliato, to give myself space to relish the freedom of not having a specific destination and most importantly, to find beauty in the small things!
The humour was fantastic. I loved the references to “nanna knits from Marks & Spencer.”
I can’t wait for book two!
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This is my second book by this author; The Woman In My Home was a fantastic thriller/suspense. I remember being in awe of Kerry Fisher’s ability to evoke an emotional response that left me gasping and frustrated. This general/woman’s fiction book was no different!
In short, this is a story about a woman who is at a crossroads in her life and benefits from time away from home. She learns to radiate vitality and joy as a result of changing her perspective on life.
Time and distance have that effect, don’t they?!
The star of this book is the story’s internal arc! I was in awe of Fisher’s ability to pen her characters’ metamorphosis, especially that of Beth. At first, I wanted to yell at her for allowing her circumstances to control her and for her response to them. However, I stuck with it and was rewarded. I watched Beth develop through the changes Fisher had planned for her and appreciated the opportunity to traverse an arc of my own and expand my emotional self-awareness. My feeling of indignation metamorphized, too, and I became more understanding and supportive. I love how Fisher was able to explore feeling through introspection.
The setting is a close second. What’s not to love about Rome, right? You’ll enjoy the vivid descriptions and Villa Alba, Beth’s home-away-from-home. I grabbed my notebook and recorded places that Beth had discovered so that I could discover them for myself one day; Coppede, Pizza Mincio, My Dog Sighs, and Giardino degli Aranci and the keyhole.
I appreciated the reminders to allow spontaneity a starring role, to try “un buon Cesanese” and a negroni sbagliato, to give myself space to relish the freedom of not having a specific destination and most importantly, to find beauty in the small things!
The humour was fantastic. I loved the references to “nanna knits from Marks & Spencer.”
I can’t wait for book two!
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 30, 2023
Beth’s empty-nest syndrome did not turn out as she planned. While happy that her daughter is now in college, Beth had thoughts of a new chapter in her life with her husband Joel. However, his view is entirely different from hers. In short, Beth heads to Rome - alone. After finding an ad for a three-month apartment rental, Beth is intrigued.
The apartment owner, septuagenarian Ronnie, does more than rent the apartment to Beth. She gives Beth tasks each day, and it doesn’t take Beth long to begin living life to the full. For years, Beth was the dutiful wife and responsible mother. She lost a bit of herself, and now has the opportunity to discover the woman inside.
When Ronnie challenges Beth to have dinner with a man, a man she’d never met, this brings new light to Beth’s life. His name is Rico and after spending time with him, Beth’s heart begins to feel much lighter.
What a lovely story. I enjoyed Beth, Ronnie and Ronnie’s friend Marina. These three women were wonderful characters. This book was a joy to read and I loved moving right on to book two, Secrets at the Rome Apartment.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The apartment owner, septuagenarian Ronnie, does more than rent the apartment to Beth. She gives Beth tasks each day, and it doesn’t take Beth long to begin living life to the full. For years, Beth was the dutiful wife and responsible mother. She lost a bit of herself, and now has the opportunity to discover the woman inside.
When Ronnie challenges Beth to have dinner with a man, a man she’d never met, this brings new light to Beth’s life. His name is Rico and after spending time with him, Beth’s heart begins to feel much lighter.
What a lovely story. I enjoyed Beth, Ronnie and Ronnie’s friend Marina. These three women were wonderful characters. This book was a joy to read and I loved moving right on to book two, Secrets at the Rome Apartment.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 29, 2025
☀️☀️☀️☀️
November 21, 2024
High ratings. Beautiful cover. I may be missing something here, but I don't understand all the high ratings. The story was repetitive, strange and had so much potential to be great!! It had characters that felt one dimensional. The story fell short at the ending!! I'm disappointed ☹️.
If it's on your reading list, please read it!! Hopefully you'll enjoy it better than I did!! Onto better books 📚
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
If it's on your reading list, please read it!! Hopefully you'll enjoy it better than I did!! Onto better books 📚
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
January 12, 2025
4.5/ Stars 🌟
This was a very thoughtful book about a wife and mother who decides to rent a room in a house in Rome after her husband has a mid life crisis and tells her he wants a separation from their boring, stale marriage.
Beth is a British woman in her early 50s whose husband asks for a separation after their only child goes off to University. He swears there's noone else but he has taken a work assignment in France.
Beth meets the two older women who own the apartment and they encourage her to get out there, live life and push her towards a handsome , Italian musician named Rico.
I thought the ending was a little abruptly although I enjoyed the story before the ending. This is a series so I assumed Beth's story would intermingle with new stories throughout the series.
This was a very thoughtful book about a wife and mother who decides to rent a room in a house in Rome after her husband has a mid life crisis and tells her he wants a separation from their boring, stale marriage.
Beth is a British woman in her early 50s whose husband asks for a separation after their only child goes off to University. He swears there's noone else but he has taken a work assignment in France.
Beth meets the two older women who own the apartment and they encourage her to get out there, live life and push her towards a handsome , Italian musician named Rico.
I thought the ending was a little abruptly although I enjoyed the story before the ending. This is a series so I assumed Beth's story would intermingle with new stories throughout the series.
September 27, 2023
The Rome Apartment by Kerry Fisher is the first book in the new The Italian Escape and what a lovely read this was. Once I opened my kindle and found a shady spot in my garden I was transported back to Rome one of my favourite cities. This book was beautifully written from start to finish and had a lovely charm to it, especially as the book cover just pulled you in as well.
A much loved book and a great holiday read. I can't recommend The Rome Apartment enough Just amazing. Plus, 5 big stars.
Big thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review.
A much loved book and a great holiday read. I can't recommend The Rome Apartment enough Just amazing. Plus, 5 big stars.
Big thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review.
August 30, 2024
This was a good short (200 page) easy read about a woman experience Rome while simultaneously going through a life change. Loved the descriptions of Rome and the various characters.
The main character was a bit annoying though, very much a martyr for the people around her. Lost herself in her role of mother and wife.
Maybe it's because I can't relate but it was hard to root for her. She seemed mostly pitiful.
The dichotomy between the way she was written and the way others saw her in Rome wasn't very clear in the writing of her actions/thoughts. Found that a bit frustrating.
The main character was a bit annoying though, very much a martyr for the people around her. Lost herself in her role of mother and wife.
Maybe it's because I can't relate but it was hard to root for her. She seemed mostly pitiful.
The dichotomy between the way she was written and the way others saw her in Rome wasn't very clear in the writing of her actions/thoughts. Found that a bit frustrating.
August 7, 2023
I like the idea behind the story. The journey to find yourself again after a lifetime of living for others, but the story felt incomplete. It is one thing to find certain distractions while you wait to see if your marriage will go or not, but the true healing will only start once the shock of divorce wears off. They do paint a very lovely picture of Rome though.
September 15, 2023
Thank you NetGalley, Bolinda Audio and to the author for an audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book and the story behind it, it’s never too late to find yourself and what you like.
I also really enjoyed the narrator, which she had a great voice and narrated the book exactly how I would like to hear it.
I really enjoyed this book and the story behind it, it’s never too late to find yourself and what you like.
I also really enjoyed the narrator, which she had a great voice and narrated the book exactly how I would like to hear it.
January 10, 2025
This novel was an easy read about plunging into the unknown. The characters were believable and there were fabulous descriptions of Rome.
July 28, 2023
I want to grow up to be Ronnie and Marina! They decide to share the home they live in with British women going through a mid-life crisis, either their own or one forced upon them by a spouse or other outside influence. Ronnie and Marina are full of spunk and verve, they challenge the woman who shows up to a variety of tasks to open them up and make them think about life as they know and what they really want out of it going forward. Granted this was started as a way to keep Ronnie's daughter from coming to stay long term and badgering them to live differently in their elder years. While Ronnie and Marina do play a significant role, the true main character is Beth the woman from England who finds herself cast into limbo by a husband going through a crisis. I so want to be Beth and to spend 3 months in Rome with these spunky ladies taking me under their wing and showing me their version of life! Witty banter, fun interactions, a gorgeous setting and an inspiring story of finding oneself later in life are all combined to make a wonderfully entertaining read that also inspires you to live your best life!
August 23, 2023
This is such a gorgeous book. From the cover to the exquisite descriptions of Rome, this is perfect escapism, with the addition of a brilliantly poignant story, especially for a recent empty-nester, like me!
When Beth and Joel's daughter leaves for university, Joel drops a bombshell; now that they have raised their daughter, he is ready for a divorce. Beth is stunned and devastated.
Beth's chance to spend some time in Rome, complete with challenges set by her hosts, Ronnie and Marina, push her so far out of her comfort zone, she questions whether she really even knows herself. What starts as a quest to show Joel what he's missing, becomes an important, emotional and sometimes humorous journey and I absolutely loved being on Beth's journey with her!
Ronnie and Marina are funny, bossy and irritatingly right - every time! Please let me book a stay with them at Villa Alba!
Emma Spurgin Hussey's narration is excellent, with clear diction and steady pacing.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Kerry Fisher and Bolinda for an ARC in return for an honest review.
When Beth and Joel's daughter leaves for university, Joel drops a bombshell; now that they have raised their daughter, he is ready for a divorce. Beth is stunned and devastated.
Beth's chance to spend some time in Rome, complete with challenges set by her hosts, Ronnie and Marina, push her so far out of her comfort zone, she questions whether she really even knows herself. What starts as a quest to show Joel what he's missing, becomes an important, emotional and sometimes humorous journey and I absolutely loved being on Beth's journey with her!
Ronnie and Marina are funny, bossy and irritatingly right - every time! Please let me book a stay with them at Villa Alba!
Emma Spurgin Hussey's narration is excellent, with clear diction and steady pacing.
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Kerry Fisher and Bolinda for an ARC in return for an honest review.
July 18, 2023
What a wonderful summer adventure!
I loved the characters in The Rome Apartment.
The story is about rediscovering oneself and finding joy in life once again.
The setting of Rome was just beautifully written about by author Kerry Fisher. I loved how vivid the descriptions of the scenery and points of interest were.
I was lucky enough to get book 2 in the series which I am currently reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved the characters in The Rome Apartment.
The story is about rediscovering oneself and finding joy in life once again.
The setting of Rome was just beautifully written about by author Kerry Fisher. I loved how vivid the descriptions of the scenery and points of interest were.
I was lucky enough to get book 2 in the series which I am currently reading.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 8, 2025
Giving MASSIVE Mamma Mia vibes!! This is a hopeless romantic’s dream of a book, even though the romance itself is at a modest amount, the romanticizing of Rome and finding oneself is so well written. It does feel like the book ends rather abruptly with a lot of loose strings but maybe the sequel will clarify!
March 19, 2025
Listened to this on Audible. The best parts of the whole novel were when Beth was wandering around Rome, and I knew exactly where she was! The plot is ho-hum, but there was a little twist that I wasn't expecting so cheers to the author about that. There are two other books in this series that I may or may not get in to. Of them, the third seems most promising with some part of it taking place in Florence.
November 21, 2024
Moved straight onto book 2, I felt like I was walking the streets of Rome ❣️
Romantic, funny, wholesome
An easy read
Romantic, funny, wholesome
An easy read
February 28, 2025
I enjoyed this book, but I was annoyed during the first few chapters that the Main Character was such a whinner about her husband instead of enjoying being in Rome! after that the story was great. until the end, which just stopped! Now I will have to read the next two books!
April 25, 2025
Loved the descriptions of all things Italian.
4 big hearted stars for the “Beauty in small things”.
“The only way to be happy was her way.”
“If you’re still sucking in air, get on with it.”
“I wanted to live my life unfiltered.”
“That pull, to put her first.”
“I lost myself in marriage.”
4 big hearted stars for the “Beauty in small things”.
“The only way to be happy was her way.”
“If you’re still sucking in air, get on with it.”
“I wanted to live my life unfiltered.”
“That pull, to put her first.”
“I lost myself in marriage.”
January 16, 2025
Storyline about an empty nester with a marriage that has gone south unbeknownst to her. Nothing new. The cover drew me as well as exploring Rome with fresh eyes. The storyline did nothing for me. I was expecting more revelations regarding Beth for growth as a person who had been in a mundane marriage for a long while. More of her finding herself. It just didn't happen.
August 12, 2023
Loved that the author spent a month in Rome researching the places she mentioned in this book.
July 14, 2025
Beautiful book.
December 19, 2024
Noiosissimo, pieno di cliché sull’Italia, con una protagonista semplicemente insopportabile e personaggi minori praticamente invisibili.
August 3, 2023
Kerry Fisher knocks it out of the ballpark again. I devoured my time in Rome, unable to put down the adventures of a woman who's taking control of her life. Fisher is a master portrayal of mature love and its stages and complications, as well as a brilliant travel guide who'll give you a trip to remember.
January 1, 2025
Listened to this on BorrowBox. My first book by this author. I’ll probably listen to the others at some point. It was an ok listen. Empty nest syndrome mixed with a hubby that takes a job in Paris and suggests a separation so Beth, persuaded by her friend, moves to Rome after seeing an advert in The Lady magazine.
Beautiful setting. The story had so much going for it but I found it a bit lacklustre and felt the ending was rushed. Infact, it was quite abrupt in how it finished.
Beautiful setting. The story had so much going for it but I found it a bit lacklustre and felt the ending was rushed. Infact, it was quite abrupt in how it finished.
February 14, 2024
I want to grow up to be Ronnie and Marina! They decide to share the home they live in with British women going through a mid-life crisis, either their own or one forced upon them by a spouse or other outside influence. Ronnie and Marina are full of spunk and verve, they challenge the woman who shows up to a variety of tasks to open them up and make them think about life as they know and what they really want out of it going forward. Granted this was started as a way to keep Ronnie's daughter from coming to stay long term and badgering them to live differently in their elder years. While Ronnie and Marina do play a significant role, the true main character is Beth the woman from England who finds herself cast into limbo by a husband going through a crisis. I so want to be Beth and to spend 3 months in Rome with these spunky ladies taking me under their wing and showing me their version of life! Witty banter, fun interactions, a gorgeous setting and an inspiring story of finding oneself later in life are all combined to make a wonderfully entertaining read that also inspires you to live your best life!
August 17, 2023
This book is a bit of a fantasy for us older women. A fantastic apartment becomes available in the heart of Rome (because the 74 year old woman (Ronnie) who owns it does not want her daughter and son-in-law to move in) so she advertises for a middle-age woman tenant who is going through a difficult time. Beth, who is nearing 25 of years of marriage and is seeing her only child, an 18 year old daughter, off to college when her husband informs her he is moving on a work assignment to Paris and he isn't sure he wants the marriage to continue. So of course she becomes aware of the opportunity to go live in Rome for 3 months at a ridiculously low rent in exchange for fulfilling the assignments of Ronnie and her friend and neighbor Marina. She gets to explore the city and she meets an exciting younger man, Rico, who is attracted to her. Things did not happen exactly as I thought they would but the story had a satisfying ending.
July 29, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! There are just so many things to love about this book, I apologize in advance if I just gush about it. First of all, I loved the setting – ROME! I was there for my honeymoon and so this brought me back. Everything is described perfectly. Second, I love the friendships that are within this book. Third, of course, I loved the Romance. Were there a few times I wanted to shake Beth and say “wake up?” YES, but that just made the book even better – it evoked feelings! But “watching” Beth change was such a huge reward for this reader. This book definitely gives you all the feels. I’m so grateful that I had the chance to read this. It’s a quick, easy, summertime read that will transport straight to Rome.
May 5, 2024
I only finished this book because it was something to read. The story was farfetched to the point of being distracting, and redundantly dragged along until near the end, when a critical plot detail was revealed, making the story a bit more intriguing.
Something I'm seeing more and more in the books I've read recently is that the story continues in the next book. Why not just write another few chapters and bring the story to conclusion? I don't like finishing a book only to discover that I need to purchase another book to see what happens next.
I hesitate to criticize any author, because I could never create more than the simplest plot line, but time spent with this book was a waste of my time.
Something I'm seeing more and more in the books I've read recently is that the story continues in the next book. Why not just write another few chapters and bring the story to conclusion? I don't like finishing a book only to discover that I need to purchase another book to see what happens next.
I hesitate to criticize any author, because I could never create more than the simplest plot line, but time spent with this book was a waste of my time.
February 7, 2024
While the book made you think it was too predictable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews