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Meet Me in Italy
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26A sun-soaked trip to the Amalfi Coast promises a fresh start—and reveals secrets never imagined in New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak’s tender new novel.
In the wake of her debut novel’s breakout success—and a very painful public divorce—Charlotte Williams-Jackson has something to prove. With her second novel overdue, she’s scrambling to hold it together. But her focus is rocked when she discovers that her childhood wasn't as it seemed—and she has a tween half-sister who's been orphaned in Italy.
Alongside her best friend, Sloane, and Sloane’s charming brother, Julian, Charlotte ventures to the Amalfi Coast to meet her sister. She would never turn her back on family, especially since this girl doesn’t have anyone else, but between her looming deadline and her entire identity being flipped upside down, it’s a lot. Determined to rebuild her life, Charlotte must confront the relationships she’s held dear—and the loss of those she thought she had but didn't—forcing her to question everything she understood about herself and the bonds that shape a family.
In the wake of her debut novel’s breakout success—and a very painful public divorce—Charlotte Williams-Jackson has something to prove. With her second novel overdue, she’s scrambling to hold it together. But her focus is rocked when she discovers that her childhood wasn't as it seemed—and she has a tween half-sister who's been orphaned in Italy.
Alongside her best friend, Sloane, and Sloane’s charming brother, Julian, Charlotte ventures to the Amalfi Coast to meet her sister. She would never turn her back on family, especially since this girl doesn’t have anyone else, but between her looming deadline and her entire identity being flipped upside down, it’s a lot. Determined to rebuild her life, Charlotte must confront the relationships she’s held dear—and the loss of those she thought she had but didn't—forcing her to question everything she understood about herself and the bonds that shape a family.
- GenresAdult
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 7, 2026
6 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
239 books7,003 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Brenda Novak’s Meet Me in Italy is the kind of book that shows up when your life is a mess, pours you a glass of wine you didn’t ask for, and gently but firmly suggests that maybe everything falling apart isn’t the worst thing that could happen.
Published by Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA, with a huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Let’s be honest: this book had me at “emotionally wrecked writer escapes to Italy,” and then it just kept piling on the reasons I couldn’t put it down. Charlotte’s life is publicly unraveling in spectacular fashion. Her marriage implodes. Her second book deadline looms like a personal vendetta. Then she discovers her entire origin story isn’t what she thought it was, including a half-sister she never knew existed. At that point, Italy doesn’t feel like a vacation. It feels medically necessary.
What really works here is how grounded everything feels, even when the plot throws a lot at you. Yes, the setting is dreamy. Yes, the food descriptions made me hungry at inappropriate times. But this isn’t just a travel fantasy with trauma sprinkled on top. This is a story about identity, responsibility, grief, and the quiet terror of realizing you might have been living the wrong version of your own life. Charlotte isn’t magically fixed by ocean views and fresh bread. She’s still anxious, still overwhelmed, still figuring it out. That honesty made her journey feel real.
The friendships in this book deserve their own round of applause. They’re imperfect, occasionally frustrating, deeply loyal, and wonderfully human. These are the kinds of relationships that survive distance, bad decisions, and long silences. The dialogue feels natural and often sharp in a way that made me laugh out loud. There’s sarcasm, affection, and that unspoken understanding that only comes from knowing someone for most of your life. I loved how the story allowed friendships to be just as important as romance, without diminishing either.
And the romance? Subtle. Earned. Grown. It simmers instead of demanding center stage, which made it all the more satisfying. There’s no rush, no grand gestures that magically solve everything. Just two people circling honesty, timing, and vulnerability in a way that felt refreshingly adult. It added warmth without overpowering the heart of the story.
Italy itself feels like a character, not a postcard. It’s not there to distract from the emotional weight but to amplify it. The slower pace, the shared meals, the forced proximity to beauty all push these characters to confront things they’ve been avoiding. There’s something about being far from home that makes denial harder to maintain, and this book captures that perfectly.
What surprised me most was how comforting this story felt, even when dealing with grief and upheaval. There’s a steady undercurrent of hope running through every chapter. Not the shiny, everything-works-out-perfectly kind, but the quieter belief that people can survive change and still build something meaningful on the other side. I finished this book feeling lighter than when I started, which honestly feels like a small miracle.
“Sometimes the truth doesn’t destroy you. Sometimes it gives you permission to finally become yourself.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Meet Me in Italy is cozy, witty, emotionally layered, and deeply satisfying. It’s about starting over without pretending it’s easy, about choosing connection even when it’s complicated, and about learning that family doesn’t always arrive the way you expect. This is a five-star read for me, and one I’ll absolutely be recommending to anyone who loves women’s fiction with heart, humor, and a strong sense of place.
#MeetMeInItaly #BrendaNovak #BookReview #FiveStarRead #WomensFiction #RomanceReads #ItalySetBooks #AmalfiCoastVibes #FoundFamily #EmotionalReads #NetGalleyARC #MIRABooks #Bookstagram #SEOBookReview
Published by Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA, with a huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
Let’s be honest: this book had me at “emotionally wrecked writer escapes to Italy,” and then it just kept piling on the reasons I couldn’t put it down. Charlotte’s life is publicly unraveling in spectacular fashion. Her marriage implodes. Her second book deadline looms like a personal vendetta. Then she discovers her entire origin story isn’t what she thought it was, including a half-sister she never knew existed. At that point, Italy doesn’t feel like a vacation. It feels medically necessary.
What really works here is how grounded everything feels, even when the plot throws a lot at you. Yes, the setting is dreamy. Yes, the food descriptions made me hungry at inappropriate times. But this isn’t just a travel fantasy with trauma sprinkled on top. This is a story about identity, responsibility, grief, and the quiet terror of realizing you might have been living the wrong version of your own life. Charlotte isn’t magically fixed by ocean views and fresh bread. She’s still anxious, still overwhelmed, still figuring it out. That honesty made her journey feel real.
The friendships in this book deserve their own round of applause. They’re imperfect, occasionally frustrating, deeply loyal, and wonderfully human. These are the kinds of relationships that survive distance, bad decisions, and long silences. The dialogue feels natural and often sharp in a way that made me laugh out loud. There’s sarcasm, affection, and that unspoken understanding that only comes from knowing someone for most of your life. I loved how the story allowed friendships to be just as important as romance, without diminishing either.
And the romance? Subtle. Earned. Grown. It simmers instead of demanding center stage, which made it all the more satisfying. There’s no rush, no grand gestures that magically solve everything. Just two people circling honesty, timing, and vulnerability in a way that felt refreshingly adult. It added warmth without overpowering the heart of the story.
Italy itself feels like a character, not a postcard. It’s not there to distract from the emotional weight but to amplify it. The slower pace, the shared meals, the forced proximity to beauty all push these characters to confront things they’ve been avoiding. There’s something about being far from home that makes denial harder to maintain, and this book captures that perfectly.
What surprised me most was how comforting this story felt, even when dealing with grief and upheaval. There’s a steady undercurrent of hope running through every chapter. Not the shiny, everything-works-out-perfectly kind, but the quieter belief that people can survive change and still build something meaningful on the other side. I finished this book feeling lighter than when I started, which honestly feels like a small miracle.
“Sometimes the truth doesn’t destroy you. Sometimes it gives you permission to finally become yourself.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Meet Me in Italy is cozy, witty, emotionally layered, and deeply satisfying. It’s about starting over without pretending it’s easy, about choosing connection even when it’s complicated, and about learning that family doesn’t always arrive the way you expect. This is a five-star read for me, and one I’ll absolutely be recommending to anyone who loves women’s fiction with heart, humor, and a strong sense of place.
#MeetMeInItaly #BrendaNovak #BookReview #FiveStarRead #WomensFiction #RomanceReads #ItalySetBooks #AmalfiCoastVibes #FoundFamily #EmotionalReads #NetGalleyARC #MIRABooks #Bookstagram #SEOBookReview
December 9, 2025
I am a longtime romance lover, and I always get excited when a book brings something a little different to the table. The moment I saw that this story was set in Italy, I knew I wanted to read it. Italy has been on my dream-travel list for years, so any book that lets me “visit” through the pages is an easy yes for me. That alone made me eager to dive in.
This book pulled me in from the very beginning, and I enjoyed following the characters as they explored both Italy and themselves. One thing I will say, though, is that I personally prefer stories with more detailed character descriptions. I am the type of reader who loves to picture characters clearly in my mind, and the vagueness here made that a little harder for me. Even so, it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story, especially because the emotional journeys were so front and center.
One of the things I appreciated most is that the book is told from four different points of view. Since each character is on their own path of growth and discovery, getting a glimpse into all of their thoughts really added depth to the story. I felt like I understood their motivations so much better because of it.
All in all, I really did enjoy this book. It had heart, beautiful scenery, and characters who were each learning something important about themselves. My only wish is that the epilogue had taken us a little further into the future, because I was not quite ready to say goodbye.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
This book pulled me in from the very beginning, and I enjoyed following the characters as they explored both Italy and themselves. One thing I will say, though, is that I personally prefer stories with more detailed character descriptions. I am the type of reader who loves to picture characters clearly in my mind, and the vagueness here made that a little harder for me. Even so, it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story, especially because the emotional journeys were so front and center.
One of the things I appreciated most is that the book is told from four different points of view. Since each character is on their own path of growth and discovery, getting a glimpse into all of their thoughts really added depth to the story. I felt like I understood their motivations so much better because of it.
All in all, I really did enjoy this book. It had heart, beautiful scenery, and characters who were each learning something important about themselves. My only wish is that the epilogue had taken us a little further into the future, because I was not quite ready to say goodbye.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
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January 21, 2026The novel focuses around Charlotte who is married to a NBA star, Cliff, who dropped the bomb of wanting a divorce because she is too accommodating and he wants to enjoy his stardom. Charlotte, debut novel success and having trouble writing the second book experiencing. stress for being in public divorce. She went back home to her parents and her best friend Jules came to encourage her and keep her from going down a rabbit hole of depression. Jules has a plan to make Cliff jealous. In the meantime she receives a letter in the mail from an attorney and thinking it was about the divorce discovers she has a half sister as well as Charlotte being adopted. Their mother died in a car accident, in Italy where her sister is currently resideing So she, Julian, his sister Sloane who is Charlotte's best friend rent a place there to get away and try to determine the best course for Charlotte's half sister Lilly. The book dives into the decisions, family and how to determine what is best in their individual lives. They all have important life saving decisions to make. Follow them on their journey and see if their decisions get made. The characters are relatable except Sabrina, and the writing flows well. There is introspection as well as dicsussions that will soothe the soul. Thank you to NetGalley, Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Charlotte is in the midst of getting served divorced papers from her husband when she finds out that not only as she adopted but she has a sister in need of a guardian in italy -- her best friend Sloane, is in the middle of a personal crisis, trying to figure out if she still wants to be married or not and Sloane's brother Jules is dealing with his own news- the three have been best friends since they were young.So what else to do, but go to italy to meet charlotte's little sister lily as a group- while each person tries to figure out their life in italy - charlotte's NBA husband maybe doesn't want that divorce after all, Sloane is trying to figure out what she wants from her husband and we hear Ben's side also) and Jules is trying to figure out to deal with his news- lily, she's not quite sure what to think- she's had a very unique lifestyle.And now she has these strangers trying to get to know her- who will charlotte choose, what will Sloane decide- where will Lily end up and will Jules be able to share his news with the others - a good book from a great author- definitely a great summer read,
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
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January 27, 2026Brenda Novak never disappoints and I forget why I do t seek her out more . The story follows a woman who joins a group trip to Italy while navigating unexpected emotional upheaval — including the discovery of her new half sister, Lilly, which adds real depth and emotional tension to the story. Watching that relationship unfold, with all its awkwardness and vulnerability, ended up being one of the most compelling parts of the book.
The Italian setting is vivid and comforting, giving the story a true sense of escape while the characters work through very real, messy emotions. The romance stays firmly in the background. It’s soft, slow, and understated — more of a possibility than a driving force. While that fits the reflective tone, I did find myself wishing for a bit more chemistry and romantic payoff.
Overall, this reads more like women’s fiction than romance, with the focus on personal growth and complicated family connections rather than swoony moments. A solid choice if you’re craving travel vibes, emotional discovery, and a gentle, low-drama read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
The Italian setting is vivid and comforting, giving the story a true sense of escape while the characters work through very real, messy emotions. The romance stays firmly in the background. It’s soft, slow, and understated — more of a possibility than a driving force. While that fits the reflective tone, I did find myself wishing for a bit more chemistry and romantic payoff.
Overall, this reads more like women’s fiction than romance, with the focus on personal growth and complicated family connections rather than swoony moments. A solid choice if you’re craving travel vibes, emotional discovery, and a gentle, low-drama read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There really is a lot going on in Meet Me in Italy.
Charlotte's NBA husband dumps her, so she moves back home with her parents (at nearly 30 years old) and reconnects with her best friend and her twin brother. Then when she opens the letter from a lawyer (thinking its her husband filing for divorce), she discovers that she was adopted and that she has a 12 year old sister and that her biological mother passed away. And if that's not enough a prominent character has a disease and Charlotte has been a bit estranged from her friends because her NBA husband is a bit of a jerk.
Oh ... and the 12 year old is on the Amalfi Coast so Charlotte and her friends go there to find out more about her sisters situation. The food described is mouth watering and the area is now on my bucket list.
Once I started reading, I was pretty hooked.
Many thanks to NetGalley, author Brenda Novak and Harlequin Trade Publishing for approving my request to read Meet Me in Italy in exchange for an honest review.
Approx 384 pages, estimated publication date is Apr 7, 2026.
Charlotte's NBA husband dumps her, so she moves back home with her parents (at nearly 30 years old) and reconnects with her best friend and her twin brother. Then when she opens the letter from a lawyer (thinking its her husband filing for divorce), she discovers that she was adopted and that she has a 12 year old sister and that her biological mother passed away. And if that's not enough a prominent character has a disease and Charlotte has been a bit estranged from her friends because her NBA husband is a bit of a jerk.
Oh ... and the 12 year old is on the Amalfi Coast so Charlotte and her friends go there to find out more about her sisters situation. The food described is mouth watering and the area is now on my bucket list.
Once I started reading, I was pretty hooked.
Many thanks to NetGalley, author Brenda Novak and Harlequin Trade Publishing for approving my request to read Meet Me in Italy in exchange for an honest review.
Approx 384 pages, estimated publication date is Apr 7, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Give me Brenda Novak and an exotic location like the Amalfi Coast and I'll follow her anywhere. Adopted under a closed case, Charlotte Williams-Jackson, a debut novelist and married to an NBA superstar, has been tossed like yesterday's garbage from her famous husband. She receives a letter explaining that she has a preteen half-sister living in Italy who needs a guardian. With her life in shambles, she heads to Italy to meet her half-sister, taking her best friend Sloane and her brother, Jules with them. What happens next provides substantive issues that must abound in adopted families' lives- who was my former family? Who is this new family? Also, what happens when you get away from a one-sided relationship and are given the respect you desire. Found family has been written brilliantly.
I can't thank Harlequin enough for giving me the chance to read this ARC on NetGalley and provide an honest review.
#NetGalley #MeetMeInItaly #Brendanovak #Goodreads #libraryninja📚
I can't thank Harlequin enough for giving me the chance to read this ARC on NetGalley and provide an honest review.
#NetGalley #MeetMeInItaly #Brendanovak #Goodreads #libraryninja📚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a beautiful book! I read The Summer That Changed Everything by Brenda Novak and loved it, so I knew I needed to give this book a chance.
Charlotte's husband, a famous NBA player, asks her for a divorce and requests that she move out of the house. When she finds out she has a half sister that lives in Italy that was recently orphaned after her mother's death, Charlotte decides to travel to Italy to meet her sister, Lilly. Charlotte's friends Sloane and Julian come to Italy with her.
I love how the book wasn't just told from Charlotte's POV. We also got to see sections of the book in the POV of Julian, Sloane, Ben (Sloane's husband), and Lilly. Because of this, we get to see the emotional and internal conflicts and battles occurring within these characters, which made this book so much better.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Charlotte's husband, a famous NBA player, asks her for a divorce and requests that she move out of the house. When she finds out she has a half sister that lives in Italy that was recently orphaned after her mother's death, Charlotte decides to travel to Italy to meet her sister, Lilly. Charlotte's friends Sloane and Julian come to Italy with her.
I love how the book wasn't just told from Charlotte's POV. We also got to see sections of the book in the POV of Julian, Sloane, Ben (Sloane's husband), and Lilly. Because of this, we get to see the emotional and internal conflicts and battles occurring within these characters, which made this book so much better.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Exactly what I wanted from a Brenda Novak book. This is a warm read that blends emotional depth with a dreamy European setting. She does a great job using Italy not just as a backdrop, but as a catalyst for healing, self-discovery, and unexpected connection. The sensory details—food, scenery, and atmosphere—make it easy to sink into the story and feel transported alongside the characters. The emotional arc is where this book really shines. The characters feel genuine and flawed, and their personal growth unfolds in a heartfelt way. While some plot points are a bit predictable and unrealistic, the overall experience is satisfying and uplifting.
Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for sending this book for review consideration.
Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for sending this book for review consideration.
January 10, 2026
I received a copy of this book for free from HarperCollins for an honest review.
Meet Me in Italy is about Charlotte, a new Romance writer, who is dealing with an unexpected divorce and finding out that she has a younger sister. She was never told that she is adopted.
Charlotte’s story is enhanced by a few other storylines, those of her half sister, her best friend and her friend’s twin brother. These are cleverly and seamlessly woven together to create a story that flows. The beauty of Italy and the Amalfi Coast are the backdrop to this story. It makes you wish you were there while you are routing for the characters to find their HEA.
Meet Me in Italy is about Charlotte, a new Romance writer, who is dealing with an unexpected divorce and finding out that she has a younger sister. She was never told that she is adopted.
Charlotte’s story is enhanced by a few other storylines, those of her half sister, her best friend and her friend’s twin brother. These are cleverly and seamlessly woven together to create a story that flows. The beauty of Italy and the Amalfi Coast are the backdrop to this story. It makes you wish you were there while you are routing for the characters to find their HEA.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Brenda’s books. I honestly don’t even read what her books are about before starting.
Charlottes famous husband Cliff just kicked her out when she is contacted by an attorney telling her she has a half sister that needs her to take care of her since her mom just died. Charlotte didn’t even know she was adopted. So Charlotte goes to Italy with her friends Sloane and Julian to meet her half sister. They stay in a villa for a month so she can get to one her half sister before heading back to the states.
I really enjoyed this book. A lot about family and moving on. Thank you netgalley for the arc of this book for my honest review.
Charlottes famous husband Cliff just kicked her out when she is contacted by an attorney telling her she has a half sister that needs her to take care of her since her mom just died. Charlotte didn’t even know she was adopted. So Charlotte goes to Italy with her friends Sloane and Julian to meet her half sister. They stay in a villa for a month so she can get to one her half sister before heading back to the states.
I really enjoyed this book. A lot about family and moving on. Thank you netgalley for the arc of this book for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for the ARC.
Charlotte is a writer with a successful debut novel in her pocket facing a massive case of writer’s block for her second novel. This, however, takes a backseat to her personal traumas. Divorce, adoption and a newly discovered half-sister…currently living in Italy, with no other immediate family. Over time, she allowed her soon to be ex-husband to separate her from her friends and family. She runs into one of these friends, also facing issues and, in turn, reconnects with his twin sister, her childhood best friend. The three friends give themselves a month in Italy to meet the sister and resolve some of their personal issues, rediscovering themselves, and hope, in the process.
Charlotte is a writer with a successful debut novel in her pocket facing a massive case of writer’s block for her second novel. This, however, takes a backseat to her personal traumas. Divorce, adoption and a newly discovered half-sister…currently living in Italy, with no other immediate family. Over time, she allowed her soon to be ex-husband to separate her from her friends and family. She runs into one of these friends, also facing issues and, in turn, reconnects with his twin sister, her childhood best friend. The three friends give themselves a month in Italy to meet the sister and resolve some of their personal issues, rediscovering themselves, and hope, in the process.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is such a wonderful book. There’s so much angst. There are three friends who are each navigating turbulent times in their life. When Charlotte learns she has a half sister who has just lost her mother she and her friends rush off to Italy. The setting is calming and beautiful. It sets a wonderful stage for the changes the four will go through. I felt really bad for Julian. The ending of he book made me really happy.
January 10, 2026
I really loved Meet Me in Italy by Brenda Novak. It’s the story of found family and just multiple relationships in general. Charlotte Williams-Jackson has just been dropped by her NBA player husband, so she moves back in with her parents in Orange County. She gets a letter which drops quite a bombshell into her life and causes her to have to spend the month in Italy on the Amalfi coast. She reconnects with some old friends, twins Julian & Sloane, who are both also facing challenges in their lives and offer to go to Italy with Charlotte to support her, and maybe get some clarity about their own struggles. Brenda’s writing is really great, as usual, and she is really good at 1. coming up with characters and situations that I want to see the outcome for/of and 2. making me want to go to Italy for all the lemon flavored croissants, gelato & drinks. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins/Harlequin for an eproof to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read other books by Brenda Novak and have not been disappointed. This story has family tragedy, love and found family. When you find that you have a sister and were adopted while your life is in turmoil. Then you are in the most beautiful place in Italy. You will feel like you are walking the street and eating the food. Such a beautifully written story. Just loved it
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book. It was emotional, sweet, and romantic. I love how it talked about each character. I even love the descriptions of Italy. The ending was really good. I look forward to reading the next book by Brenda Novak. I'm grateful that netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
December 9, 2025My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have never read a Brenda Novak book that I didn't love & this story was the best one yet!! Knowing the back story of the setting of this story, made the setting stand out to me more than one ever has. Italy is my dream destination and Brenda Novak has ignited my dreams!
December 6, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
This book was different than the usual romance books I read but I really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
This book was different than the usual romance books I read but I really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An engaging and interesting novel. There is much to learn about family relationships. A romance is also included. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Charlotte, debut novel success and having trouble writing the second book . stress being in public divorce as Cliff( an MBA player) told her leave as he didn't want to be married anymore. She went back home to her parents and her best friend Julian came to encourage her. They went out a few times. Then she found out she was adopted and had a half sister. Their mother died in a car accident. She lived in the Amalfi Coast. So she, Julian, his sister Sloane who is Charlotte's best friend rent a place there. She meets her sister Izzy. They all have important life saving decisions to make. Follow them on their journey and see if their decisions get made. A GREAT READ
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A divorced romance writer escapes to Italy with her best friend and her brother to rest and speed write her second book and meet her half-sister she did not know existed.
This book had it all! It was a romance, there was a long-lost sister, a terminal disease, an impending divorce, and TRUST ISSUES. It was a lot. There were a ton of POVs, and some of the side plots just felt kind of unnecessary. But like at the same time, if there wasn't all this, I probably wouldn't have been as entertained (dramaaaaa).
I guess my problems with this book were all the random side plots and like at times I really hated the romance- it was a bit toxic I suppose.
But like I was entertained and I love Italy.
-thanks netgalley
This book had it all! It was a romance, there was a long-lost sister, a terminal disease, an impending divorce, and TRUST ISSUES. It was a lot. There were a ton of POVs, and some of the side plots just felt kind of unnecessary. But like at the same time, if there wasn't all this, I probably wouldn't have been as entertained (dramaaaaa).
I guess my problems with this book were all the random side plots and like at times I really hated the romance- it was a bit toxic I suppose.
But like I was entertained and I love Italy.
-thanks netgalley
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