Three Days in Florence: Perfect Escapism with a Holiday Romance

by Chrissie Manby

The new hilariously funny summer romance from the best-selling author of Seven Sunny Days, perfect for fans of Melissa Hill, Jenny Colgan and Holly Martin.

When a mini-break becomes make or break.

Kathy Courage has never visited the famous Italian city of Florence before, so she's thrilled when she and her boyfriend, Neil, are invited there for a wedding. Unfortunately, with Neil's constant complaining and his teenage children in tow, it's not exactly the romantic break Kathy was hoping for.

But when a mix-up with her flights leaves Kathy stranded in the city, she decides to embrace the unexpected and stay on alone. What follows is a life-changing few days in the Tuscan sun, as Kathy begins to question the choices that have led her here. With the help of the colourful Innocenti family, who offer Kathy a place to stay, she gradually begins to realise that there's a much bigger world out there, if only she can be brave enough to explore it.

Could Italy hold the answers to her future happiness? Or is Kathy destined to return to her old life?

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Italy

Audible Audio

Published July 11, 2019

About the author

This author has also released books under the name Chris Manby

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com

Kathy Courage has travelled with her long-term boyfriend Neil to Italy for his brother’s wedding. In tow is Neil’s three rude and antisocial teenage children. They arrive a couple of days before the wedding and are due to leave the very next morning as Neil wants to get back home.

From the moment the wedding is mentioned Neil has been like a bear with a sore head about it and his children are annoyed that they have to attend. Things don’t get any easier for Kathy from issues on the journey to the hotel, Neil’s constant moaning and needing the air-con on Arctic blast setting, the teenagers wanting everything their way and then, of course, needing new bridesmaid dresses and Kathy’s shoes just happen to go with the new dress leaving her with flip-flops for the big day.

If the first two days were bad, the worse was to come when Neil not only proposes at his brother’s wedding. But the next morning there has been a mix-up and Kathy isn’t on the flight home with the family. Neil orders her to stay at the airport and wait for another flight, but when you have been in love with Florence all your life and you are given three days alone, what else would you do then make the most of your time.

Three Days in Florence is a fun book featuring an amazing young woman, Kathy Courage – I love her name. Kathy and Neil have been together for a long time but she never expected him to propose, especially when she’d been having doubts about the relationship for a while. I’m not surprised she was having doubts, I’d of kicked him to the kerb a long time ago with his constant me, me, me attitude. He uses Kathy like a doormat and what is with the ‘Chicken Licken’ he calls her when he knows she doesn’t like the name. Grrrr

The book takes a while to get to Kathy being alone, but once she has her freedom and time to explore the story comes alive. I’ve never been to Italy, but it sounds so beautiful and there is so much to see, the descriptions were so vivid it often felt like I was were there. There are some lovely people in Florence that show Kathy what true friendship means.

This is the perfect book for lounging by the pool with or reading on the beach. Even better if you are holidaying in Florence, what an amazing way to make the book come alive that reading it in the city it is set.

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time for me to read a book by Chrissie Manby and I am so glad I did! What a nice book taking place in beautiful Florence, Italy! Kathy, the main character fly from London to Florence to attend a family wedding with her very busy and never happy boyfriend and his three spoiled kids. During the wedding something will happen that will take Kathy by surprise and she is not sure if she likes this suprise or not. Then the next day, when they are all due to fly back to London, there has been a mixup in Kathy's flight ticket and while everybody else fly back home she is forced to stay three more days in Florence by herself. Those 3 days waiting for her will be packed up with different events that will make her think about her life and will make her cross her path with wonderful people.
I really loved this book, it's very well written and it's a page-turner! I highly recommand you to read it!!!!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adored every moment of this book, Kelly Courage is one fabulous main character, but more on her in a moment,

I firstly want to say how much I utterly despised and hated Neil, her boyfriend and his family. What a self-centred, confidence stripping, uncaring group of people. I had great glee in my hatred of him, and I'm really not sure he had any redeeming qualities at all. The question of course for most of the book was whether Kathy would every notice his true colours, that really were rather obvious!

Kathy though is fabulous, especially once thrown slightly outside of her comfort zone and having to spending extra time in Florence alone. You could feel her excitement, and then her fear, and relief, basically every emotion under the sun so closely, as she adjusted to what needed to be done.

I loved the whole of the Innocenti family, from the mischievous Manu, smelly Faustino, gorgeous Henry, kind hearted Carla and the others as they really helped Kathy out. Although she also proved very helpful too, toward the family.

We don't see much of the typical touristy bits of Florence, as although the setting is key, this was far more about Kathy's dreams of the city, and integrating with a local family, so we see things from a different perspective which was refreshing.

Chrissie Manby's observations were spot on as always, especially during the first bit of the book with how Neil's family behaved in the run up to a wedding, and how one teen at at least was completely oblivious to everything as he was attached to his phone.

There are plenty of laughs and drama in this marvellous book that I adored every single second of and read with a big grin on my face. Another triumph for one of my all time favourite, and must read authors.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun and charming read, as we get to spend time in the company of Kathy and, unfortunately her long term boyfriend and his kids (all of them are brats!!), as they are in Florence for his brothers' wedding. It's been a dream of Kathys for years to spend time in Italy and she's hoping to make the most of her time there - shame Neil and his children seem to just want to make her life hell, and I found myself shouting at Kathy so many times to dump them and have fun on her own! The woman was a bloody saint for being so nice to them!!

And that's what happens when there is a mix up over the flights home, and Kathy has to stay behind. Neil is very uncomfortable about leaving her behind as it's messing his plans up and he even has to deal with his own bratty kids while she's there - good!! Thankfully Kathy meets a lovely family who invite her into their home/hotel after a bad experience she has, and this time seeing the good in people really helps Kathy see what she is missing and she gets to explore and experience Florence in her own time - and without the constant moaning of Neil who is still trying his best to get her back home ASAP as he finds it a massive inconvenience. The more you read about Neil, the more you wonder what she ever saw in the man!!

I adored the setting, and just loved seeing Kathy get to spread her wings and stand on her own two feet - she's always been a bit too happy to follow what others wanted but that never made her happy so when she finally starts doing what she likes, she discovers how much happier life can be! This was a real feel good story and I could have happily spent more time with Kathy in Florence!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved all Chrissie Manby’s books, so I knew that this one would be a winner as well!

Kathy Courage has always wanted to visit Florence because her parents honeymooned there, so she is really pleased when she and her boyfriend, Neil, are invited to his brother’s wedding there. At the reception, Neil springs a huge surprise on her by getting down on one knee and proposing.

When there are several mix-ups with the flights, Kathy decides to stay in Florence for three days after the wedding – which Neil isn’t very happy about. Has she done the right thing in accepting Neil’s proposal? Does she really want to be stepmother to Neil’s three rude, ungrateful teenagers? Kathy ends up staying at the homely hotel belonging to the Innocenti family, and comes across the son, Henry, for the second time in her visit – something else that Neil isn’t very happy about!

A fab page-turner that had me drawn in from the beginning and left me wanting a sequel! Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

[Yrinsyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed reading Chris Manby's novels since the first one I bought: Running Away from Richard. Some of the later novels were hit or miss, but she is back in good form with this one. Neil, her fiancé and his three teens are perfect horrors - well, the kids are more horrors and Neil is just boorish. An accidental mis-booking puts her in Florence alone. Alone time! Reckoning time. Time to reflect and to realise that she shouldn't settle for second best - she deserves to start living her life as she wants it. Add Italian medieval town, warm nights, a handsome musician ... I read this while waiting at Outpatients in a hospital. The perfect book to pass the time and pleasantly relax before seeing medical specialists. I'd read it again. Yay for Chris Manby!

[Искра · Rating 3 out of 5]

Едно такова ми е. Прочетох я с ясната идея, че отивам в Италия, и исках да ми е италианско. Завърших я в Болоня, където ми беше италианско. Познавам Италия, отблизо и отдалеч, и знаете ли, книгите са доста далече от истината.

Поне от човешката страна. Че е красиво, красиво е. Че е романтично, романтично е, и то много. Но знаете ли с какво помня Флоренция? С комарите. И многото туристи.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read...thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Donna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Days in Florence by Chrissie Manby
I loved this book so much.
Katy goes to Florence to a family wedding with her partner and his teenager children who is nothing but a moaner his teenage children dont like Katy much so it is not the most romantic break. Heading home there is a mix up with her flight leaves Katy having extra days in Florence. She goes sightseeing to have her bag and money stolen she is alone and nothing. She finds help by a stranger who invites her to stay with her family. After a few days Katy sees things differently. 10/10 😀

[Margaret Reeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit predictable but enjoyable ✔️

[Amelia Lethbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captures the beauty of Italy so perfectly, it’s an easy read but always some gentle adventure going on.

[Karolina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was meant to be a cheesy holiday read, since I was going to Florence for three days, and it was so much better. I really liked the story. It was exactly what I needed between sightseeing and sipping Aperol.

[Louise Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved Chrissie Manby's books, so I couldn't resist downloading Three Days in Florence - particularly as I'd just returned from spending three days in Florence! The book wasn't quite what I was expecting - it's more behind-the-scenes rather than touristy - but I enjoyed it very much!

Florence has always been a bit of a legend in the Courage family. Kathy's parents spent their honeymoon there and always promised to take her back, but it never happened and now her father has died. When Kathy and her boyfriend are invited to Florence to attend a family wedding, Kathy is thrilled - but it doesn't turn out the way she's expecting and it's a disappointing trip. Then a mix-up with the flight home means Kathy is unexpectedly stranded alone for three more days. Will she hole-up at an airport hotel? Or head out to discover if Florence really is the city of her dreams?

Although we don't see Kathy tick off visits to all the tourist hotspots in Florence, we get to see the 'real' city as she's adopted by an adorable Italian family (I LOVED Manu, Henry and Faustino!) and she ends up literally having to sing for her supper. There is a sweet romance and humour - little Manu's attempts to teach Kathy Italian don't go quite the way she is expecting, and Kathy rediscovers the person she was always meant to be.

I loved Three Days in Florence. It's the perfect holiday romcom and one of my favourite reads this year. I wish the Innocenti family would adopt me! Oh, and I love that cover!


Thank you to Chrissie Manby and Hodder & Stoughton for my copy of this book, which I requested via NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a rather embarrassing confession to make. Yes yet another one. Although I have several of Chrissie's books on my 'to be read' mountain, 'Three Days In Florence' is the first one I have sat and read. Judging by how much I enjoyed 'Three Days In Florence', her other books will not be on the 'TBR' mountain for very much longer. I absolutely loved 'Three Days In Florence' but more about that in a bit.
I couldn't help but take to Kathy Courage from the first moment that I met her and by the time I got to the end of the first chapter, I had begun to think of her as a friend and I wanted to jump in the book and stick up for her. Kathy is a young woman, who is in a 'relationship' with Neil. Neil is divorced from his wife and they share custody of their three children, who spend all day glued to their mobile phones. To be perfectly honest, Neil is a right pain in the arse, who does nothing but constantly whinge about how stressed he is, how he doesn't want to go to his brother's wedding, how mosquitoes seem to target him, how the music isn't to his taste and how certain activities shouldn't be allowed and so on and so forth. I think you get the picture. Neil and his kids treat Kathy like muck, they treat her like a skivvy and they walk all over her. At this point, I was wanting to jump inside the pages to give the children what for and to slap Neil in the face with a wet flip flop. Kathy has been that busy making sure that Neil and his kids are ok, that she has neglected her own self care. Slowly but surely, whilst Kathy is in Florence she starts to discover herself again and she makes herself a priority which makes a nice change. Kathy rediscovers just what it is that makes her happy and the activities that she enjoyed in the past. Kathy and Neil are not exactly well matched and the signs were there that all was not well in the relationship from the fact that he was seeing three women at once, before he graciously decided that Kathy was the one for him. More like he knew that she was the only one that was going to let him get away with murder and he could comfortably use her as a doormat. Kathy is kind, considerate, helpful, compassionate, sensitive, funny, friendly and just the kind of person you would want to have as a friend. I think that Kathy is a bit lacking in self confidence, which isn't surprising given how she is being treated. I was keeping everything crossed that she would dump Neil and his family, she would find a life for herself and that she would find the happiness that she so deserved. Does this happen? Well for the answer to that question and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I was mesmerised by this lovely book from the moment I picked the book up and I was under the book's spell until the moment I closed the back cover. As soon as I began to read, I knew it was the right book for me and that it would prove to be addictive reading. I was right on both counts. It didn't take me long at all to become totally wrapped up in the story, which is in part due to the fabulous writing, a fabulous lead character and great storylines. I was simply unable to put the book down. It wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it went everywhere with me. It was as if I feared breaking the hold that the book seemed to have over me and I didn't want to miss a single word of Kathy's story. The pages of the book turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story concluded grew. All too soon, I reached the end of the story which I was so disappointed about. I don't mean that in a negative sense- far from it. I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters, the storylines and I loved the fact that the book was mainly set in Italy. I can honestly say that there wasn't one thing that I disliked about the book.
'Three Days In Florence' is superbly written. Chrissie certainly knows how to draw you into the story from the first word onwards and she keeps your attention all the way through the book. Reading this book felt more like a discussion between friends. Chrissie describes the places so realistically that if I closed my eyes, I could easily imagine that I was in Italy myself. Chrissie certainly made me feel as though I was part of the story myself. For me, the sign of a fantastically written book is when I begin to interact with the book. Now I know that sounds silly because a book is an object that can't talk, but I find that if I enjoy a book, I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real and I begin 'talking' to it. On occasions, I found myself arguing with the book or trying to give certain characters what for as if they could hear me. 'Three Days In Florence' is one of those books that I loved and interacted with.
In short, 'Three Days In Florence' is fantastically written. The author has to be one of my favourite author finds so far this year. I can't wait to read what Chrissie comes up with next. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. Whilst I am waiting, I will definitely be reading her other books. I just know that I am going to enjoy reading them just as much as I enjoyed 'Three Days In Florence'. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Steph Hayward-bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely summer read with interesting characters. The descriptions of Florence made me want to go there and experience it myself.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

❤️🇮🇹🥂

[Juliet Bookliterati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Florence is my favourite city in the world so I couldn’t turn the chance to read Three Days in Florence by Chrissie Manby. Kathy, her boyfriend Neil and his three teenage children are in Tuscany for Neil’s brother’s wedding. What should be a lovely few days is marred by Neil’s constant complaining, and when they go for their return flights and find Kathy is not on their flight things get worse. Kathy decides to turn this delay into a positive and a chance to visit Florence, a place she has dreamed of visiting for a long time. On her own, away from Neil and his family, and with the help on the Innocenti family, Kathy remembers the person she use to be, and realises there is more to life if she chooses to take the chance.

I have read a few books by Chrissie Manby and love them for the wonderful characters and the warm and witty stories. This is another enchanting read, that captures the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, and the beauty of Florence. I know Florence quite well and felt I was with Kathy as she walked around the historic centre, taking in the Duomo, having a drink on the La piazza della Signoria, looking out at the copy of Michelangelo’s David and visiting Galleria degli Uffizi. Of course Kathy’s time in Florence is not going to be straight forward, and her saviours are the Innocenti family, who take her under their wing and into their house. There is plenty of wit and humour in the form of Manu, the young son of Carla who helps Kathy, as he teaches her some Italian phrases, not all appropriate and their little fluffy farting dog Faustino.

Kathy has the patience of a saint in my opinion, putting up with Neil and his family. Neil is a character I wholly disliked, he is selfish, arrogant, rude, and whinges about everything. His teenage daughters aren’t much better as they complain endlessly and like their father take advantage of Kathy’s good nature. Between them they seem to have sucked the life out of Kathy and stolen any self confidence she had, but in Florence, away from Neil, she remembers her dreams, ambitions and who Kathy Courage really is. I was really rooting for her throughout this novel, hoping for a happy ending.

Three Days in Florence is a warm, witty and fun read about remembering who you are and not settling for second best. It is enjoyable easy read, with memorable characters and the perfect setting in my opinion that combine to make this such a captivating and delightful read; I loved it.

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

Please say that I'm not the only one who thought that Neil and his kids were absolute doorknobs?!?! Oh, wait...that would make them useful. Ugh! I didn't like them AT ALL.....if you hadn't already guessed that. I just wanted Kathy to turn round to Neil and go, 'you know what f'WIT, go to hell!'. But she didn't. I think she would have been well within her right to do that though, wouldn't you agree?!

Kathy has longed to visit Florence for as long as she can remember and, thanks to Neil's brother getting married in that very city, Kathy is over the moon that she can finally step onto Italian soil. Best laid plans and all that meant that Kathy's trip didn't exactly go the way that she had hoped it would. I won't spoil it for you, but judging by what I've said above, I'm sure you can guess who the culprit was!

Anyway, through lack of communication and clerical error by Neil's PA, Kathy found herself staying in Florence longer than anticipated. Not that she would have complained!

Is it mean that I laughed out loud at Neil being annoyed? It wasn't Kathy's fault! I was so pleased that we were able to watch her personality flourish in her beloved city, and watch the person she has kept under wraps, finally spread its wings and be the person she is meant to be. Honestly, it was as though I reading about a completely new person and, as weird as this sounds, I felt proud as punch. It was as though she had had a lightbulb moment regarding her worth.

I really enjoyed getting to know the Innocenti family, and I absolutely loved being caught up in the beautiful story that Chrissie Manby had created. The underlying message about happiness and living life to the full, really hit home and is definitely something people should do their bests with. Life is incredibly short, so why should we spend it being unhappy and stuck in a situation that we had no say in?

'Three Days in Florence' is a home away from home novel which filled me with hope.

[Christina Banach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so uplifting it should be on prescription as an antidote to the troubled times in which we live. I read this novel in the midst of the furore over the prorogation of the UK parliament, and let me tell you I was in great need of a pick-me-up. But I didn’t resort to gin and tonic, as tempting as that may have been, instead I turned to Chrissie Manby’s Three Days in Florence and – oh – am I glad I did.

This story is beautifully written, and its perfect pace had me flicking the pages, as did the thoroughly engaging plot. I loved that the story was set mainly in Florence and that the backdrop to the story had an authentic Tuscan flavour. Oh to be to a guest in the Casa Innocenti and be cared for by its wonderful owners!

A special mention should go to this author’s skills in character development: each player in this tale has a distinct and unforgettable personality, and it’s amazing how she makes the reader feel as if there are real, live people between those pages. I loved Kathy, the protagonist, and although I wanted to have a word in her ear at times I rooted for her from the first page to the last. She’s a flawed character but has warmth, loyalty and compassion (too much for her own good on many occasions) so I really wanted the story to end well for her. I won’t divulge whether it did, or not, suffice to say that I closed the book more than satisfied. And oh my goodness, Chrissie Manby certainly knows how write men to fall in love with, and those to whom you would give a wide berth – I’m talking about you Neil! As for Neil’s children, let’s just say that I wouldn’t to spend too much time in their company. This author also does a great line in funny. That Italian cook: wow, how I chuckled at his antics!

Rich in detail, with gorgeous descriptions, this is a novel in which to lose yourself. Three Days in Florence has the feelgood factor but has also depth and honesty at its core. I closed this book with a smile on my face; if you read it I reckon you will too.

[Shalini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three Days in Florence was a delightful read about a woman called Kathy Courage, who wanted to visit Florence for a long time and when her wish finally gets fulfilled, life throws Kathy a curveball that she never saw coming.

Kathy Courage has always wanted to visit Florence because her parents honeymooned there, so she’s ecstatic when she and her boyfriend Neil, are invited to his brother’s wedding there. At the reception, Neil springs a huge surprise on her by getting down on one knee and proposing.

When there are several mix-ups with the flights, Kathy decides to stay in Florence for three days after the wedding – which Neil isn’t very happy about. Has she done the right thing in accepting Neil’s proposal? Does she want to be stepmother to Neil’s three children who doesn’t think of her any better than their father? Kathy’s train of thought is cut short when she is robbed and a kind stranger steps in to help her. It is none other than Carla Innocenti, whose family hotel Kathy ends up staying at, and to her surprise, she comes across Henry – a charming and enigmatic musician- for the second time in her visit.

I loved Kathy so much. She’s such an amazing woman but is self-conscious due to her absolute tosser of a boyfriend undermine her at every moment. You can see the difference between Neil and his family and the Innocentis. The latter are kind, loveable, and offer refuge to Kathy when she needs it the most. Although the book is named Three Days in Florence, there is less sightseeing and more of Kathy’s interactions with locals such as the Innocenti family and it offers us a fresh perspective on things.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you are looking for a light read that will make you laugh and also provide you with some family drama with the premise of a love story.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Karen Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Jenny from Hodder for the invitation to the tour and the copy of the book in return for a fair and honest review.

Kathy Courage is an only child and she has dreamt of visiting Florence since her mother and father visited on their honeymoon. So when she is invited to her boyfriend Neil brother's wedding in Florence she is delighted. Unfortunately for Kathy she is with the awful Neil and his equally hideous children.  

Kathy decides to have a nap and gets left behind at the palazzo when everyone goes off for the day on a pre-wedding trips.Enjoying sometime alone she finds a piano and also meets Henry and plays a duet for the first time in many years.

 At the wedding Neil gets down on one knee and proposes but Kathy is already having second thoughts and how could blame her what a family, they are hideous !  Luckily for Kathy the flights get muddled up on the way home and she finds herself stranded in Florence with Neil and his children going home.

After not being given the chance to explore Florence properly with Neil she decides to make the most of her time alone. Unfortunately things don't go quite to plan but a fortuitous meeting with Carla takes her back to Casa Innocenti where she meets up with Henry again.

I really enjoyed this book and I loved Kathy and I was so pleased that she eventually sees through Neil and his awful family. I liked the contrasts of the two families and how Kathy becomes stronger and experiences what she wants to in life.

 I had not read any of Chrissie's books previously but I will definitely looking up more. A really great feelgood holiday read.

[Jenny Armitage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in a day.

Kathy Courage is over the moon when she is invited to a wedding in Florence, the city of her dreams. Unfortunately her self-centred boyfriend Neil and his complaining kids aren't impressed about being dragged off to Italy for three days of mosquitos and endless small-talk, and Kathy's boundless optimism can't convince them otherwise. When a mix-up occurs and Kathy is left stranded in Florence alone, the city seems to be throwing obstacles in her path to be trying to keep her there, and with the help of a family of Good Samaritans she might just rediscover the "Kathy Brave" she thought she'd lost.

I went to Florence on a school music tour about 7 years ago and the memory still burns bright for me; the beauty of the streets, the glory of the architecture and the delicious food. Reading this book took me right back there, and I know exactly how Kathy felt when she saw the city for the first time.

This was a lovely book, brimming with Italian sunshine. Our heroine Kathy is eminently likeable and relatable, even if I did end up mentally screaming at her a few times during the story, because she's much more than she thinks she is and she deserves to rediscover that about herself. The Innocenti family we meet in the book's development (forgive the musical analysis term) are gems, especially the cheeky Manu and Faustino. Kathy's fiance on the other hand....

I've not read any of Chrissie Manby's books before but I can say I'll happily look for more of them, she has a great style and sense of humour and if her other books are as good as this one I think I've found a new go-to author for the summer holidays!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and moving story with terrific characters, romance, and a dream setting. A family destination wedding turns to a fateful crossroads in this lovely novel. Heroine Kathy has some serious headaches accommodating her partner and his demanding family. Her loyalty is tested by a fascinating world she discovers after a flight reservation mix-up and an ordeal that leaves her depending on the kindness of some Florentine strangers. Kathy was a heroine who grew on me as she took new challenges in stride, but her relationship with pompous Neil kept me asking why?

Yes, some of these characters are horrible, self-centered and hopelessly unpleasant. But they are well-drawn and make the generous Innocenti family who befriend Kathy all the nobler and engaging, right down to impish practical joker Manu and their little flatulent dog that never misses a chance to nab a meat treat!

This was the first novel I've read by this talented author but it definitely won't be the last.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided through NetGalley; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Noemi Proietti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathy Courage’s second name is Florence, in honour of the Italian city where her parents went for their honeymoon. She’s been dreaming to visit the city since she was a child, when her parents told her the story and showed her pictures of the trip, but she’s been waiting for someone special with whom to share the experience. When her partner’s brother announces his wedding in a castle in Tuscany, Kathy has finally the chance to visit the city, but her boyfriend Neil can’t wait to go back to London and to his job. But things don’t go as planned… Call it fate, call it inefficiency of the world’s most perfect personal assistant, but Kathy is forced to spend three more days in Florence without Neil. Luckily, she won’t be alone, but in the company of the Innocenti family…

I devoured this book. The descriptions are so beautiful and detailed that it was like being there myself together with Jean while she visited Palazzo degli Uffizzi, Ponte Vecchio, and the Cathedral of Florence. The story is entertaining, romantic, and funny. The characters are realistic and mostly likable. The only characters I didn’t like are Kathy’s insufferable and selfish boyfriend Neil and his three spoiled teenage children. I couldn’t stand how Neil tried to control her and how he often put her down. But then comes Henry Innocenti, a pianist, half-English, half-Italian handsome, funny, and caring. I mean, there is no competition. Kathy’s submission to Neil’s wishes infuriated me, how she always tried to make everything easy for him. When she is finally alone, she blossoms and she becomes more alive and engaging. For Kathy the trip to Florence is a journey of self-discovery, a chance to figure out what she really wants from her life.

If you are looking for an heart-warming and brilliant story about friendship and love that will take you in one of the most beautiful city in the world, then THREE DAYS IN FLORENCE to not miss!

[Hannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het boek was wel leuk, maar toch miste ik iets. Het boek dat ik hiervoor las, ook een chicklit, had ook grappige elementen. Dat miste ik bij dit boek. Er zaten wel wat scènes in die grappig hadden kunnen zijn, zoals Neil zijn gedrag, maar ze gaven mij juist een somber gevoel. Ook is het verhaal vrij voorspelbaar. Er zitten wel een paar onverwachte wendingen in het verhaal, maar uiteindelijk eindigt het verhaal toch zoals verwacht. Op zich was ik wel blij met het einde, omdat ik Kathy geluk wenste. Toch was het daardoor niet erg verrassend. Leuk als boek om even bij weg te dromen. Een pluspunt: doordat het verhaal zich grotendeels in Italië afspeelt, kreeg ik wel zin in een vakantie naar Italië. Hoewel ik nooit in Florence ben geweest, ben ik in genoeg andere Italiaanse steden geweest om te weten hoe de sfeer in Italië is. Daarom lijkt het me wel weer een keer leuk om naar Italië te gaan.

[Pelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t really expecting this book to be deep so I’m surprised that it touches upon psychologically abusive relationships and the struggle of a woman to recognise and get out of one. Still, I didn’t find Kathy Courage’s character entirely loveable, and maybe that’s what a five-year worth of abusive relationship does to you. You feel helpless and you don’t feel like there’s life outside of the relationship. Even at the end of the book she was weighing the pros and cons of leaving Neil and I felt like she wouldn’t have done it if she was going to end up alone. That’s sad to think about, but probably very realistic of many relationships.

[Sally Tyrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Chrissy manby book!
Funny lighthearted easy read perfect for a holiday.
The reader is instantly transported to Italy, the descriptions of Florence and the delicious Italian food make you want to book a holiday.
Kathy’s tale of being in an unhappy relationship, a hasty engagement and being a reluctant step mum is told in a believable way that is easy to empathise with, and although the happy ending is predictable it’s a perfect way to end the book!
Three days in Florence is well worth a read and very enjoyable! Thank you Netgalley for this advance copy to read!

[Chants Du · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to really enjoy this book as the setting is one of my favourites. The main character Kathy, was likeable and a good person but I felt so frustrated by how much of a door mat she was with her awful bully of a partner Neil. How I wished she would stand up to him and give him a piece of her mind. I also wished that she would experience more of the magical city of Florence. The redeeming thread of the story was the delightful, kind and warm Innocenti family and of course the gorgeous setting which compelled me to read to the end.

[Angie F · Rating 5 out of 5]

No-one does lighthearted romances like Chrissie Manby and this book lived up to all my expectations. As well as the gorgeous descriptions of Florence it has a full cast of characters including bad tempered chefs (why are chefs always bad tempered?) mischievous little boys and flatulent dogs. Not forgetting, of course, a couple who are destined to be together. Now I just need to book my flight to Italy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

[Nicola (Not Just Books) Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that transport you to a different place without leaving the comfort of your chair. Florence is somewhere I would love to visit and this book made me feel as if I was there. The story was slightly predictable but never the less a great read. Easy to read and loveable characters, even the little fluffy dog.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Chrissie Manby for the early e book copy.