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The Italian Village in the Hills
Stella has spent decades trying to forget the heartbreak that made her flee the Italian village of her childhood. But when her new fiancé surprises her with a trip back to Liguria for her upcoming birthday, she is forced to confront the past, her first love and a tragic family rift.
Amy is mourning her beloved grandpa and curious to know more about the old coin necklace and mysterious postcard that he left her. Following his trail to the Italian Riviera, a chance meeting leads Amy to Stella’s village in the hills and to secrets that have lain buried since the war.
Against a backdrop of cobbled medieval streets, sunlit piazzas and rustic olive groves, both Stella and Amy make surprising discoveries about their families – and themselves.
By facing up to the past and opening their hearts, can Stella and Amy find happiness in the Italian village in the hills?
Escape to Italy with this warm, romantic and emotional tale of family, love and second chances.
Amy is mourning her beloved grandpa and curious to know more about the old coin necklace and mysterious postcard that he left her. Following his trail to the Italian Riviera, a chance meeting leads Amy to Stella’s village in the hills and to secrets that have lain buried since the war.
Against a backdrop of cobbled medieval streets, sunlit piazzas and rustic olive groves, both Stella and Amy make surprising discoveries about their families – and themselves.
By facing up to the past and opening their hearts, can Stella and Amy find happiness in the Italian village in the hills?
Escape to Italy with this warm, romantic and emotional tale of family, love and second chances.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
i love a book that can make your heart feel warm. just the cozy feeling , where everything feels right. old family secrets, New love, old love, second chances. yes please. i recommend this book. thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
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December 21, 2025The Italian Village in the Hills is an emotive story from the very talented Victoria Scott, an author who makes me want to head off to Italy whenever I read her books!
This story follows three families: two from the small village near Liguria in Italy with a chequered past linking them both together, and one from the UK, where a young lady, Amy, finds the courage to follow in the footsteps of her late grandfather, as she tries to trace the origins of a couple of intriguing objects he leaves behind.
Stella finds herself back in her home village after many years of avoiding visiting, filled with shame from past misdeeds,
Somehow, their paths cross, and, slowly as the story unfolds, discoveries are made, guilt assuaged, and links are forged.
First loves, last loves, new loves, friendships repaired, and secrets laid to rest.
A beautiful story.
This story follows three families: two from the small village near Liguria in Italy with a chequered past linking them both together, and one from the UK, where a young lady, Amy, finds the courage to follow in the footsteps of her late grandfather, as she tries to trace the origins of a couple of intriguing objects he leaves behind.
Stella finds herself back in her home village after many years of avoiding visiting, filled with shame from past misdeeds,
Somehow, their paths cross, and, slowly as the story unfolds, discoveries are made, guilt assuaged, and links are forged.
First loves, last loves, new loves, friendships repaired, and secrets laid to rest.
A beautiful story.
January 11, 2026
The Italian Village in the Hills is the story of two women on a personal journey to the small Ligurian village of Leto. Stella is returning to the village she grew up in whilst on trip to Italy with her new fiancé Joe. Whilst there her elderly uncle has a fall and she runs his shop whilst he is in hospital. Anna found a postcard of the village amongst her grandfather’s papers after his death. She goes to find out why he was there during the war.
Both women, despite being of very different ages, Stella is 60 and Anna is in her twenties, we’re both quite likable and relatable. Their back stories were interesting and I enjoyed it when they met and discovered connections between them and their families. The village setting was gorgeous, Victoria’s descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was there. It was filled with delicious sounding Italian food. I enjoyed the back story of the village’s fascist past and a particular character’s divisive role in it. It was interesting to see how history can still impact on a small villages many years later. I was kept intrigued as family secrets started to spill and happy to see both women find themselves and love. For readers who enjoyed romance, history and a touch of mystery and Italian settings.
Both women, despite being of very different ages, Stella is 60 and Anna is in her twenties, we’re both quite likable and relatable. Their back stories were interesting and I enjoyed it when they met and discovered connections between them and their families. The village setting was gorgeous, Victoria’s descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was there. It was filled with delicious sounding Italian food. I enjoyed the back story of the village’s fascist past and a particular character’s divisive role in it. It was interesting to see how history can still impact on a small villages many years later. I was kept intrigued as family secrets started to spill and happy to see both women find themselves and love. For readers who enjoyed romance, history and a touch of mystery and Italian settings.
January 10, 2026
This was a great book. Full of Hope and restoration and joy. It had a great story and characters. Excellent book.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2026
excellent read!
READ THIS! Great story with lots of twists and well developed characters. So good. Looking forward to the next story.
READ THIS! Great story with lots of twists and well developed characters. So good. Looking forward to the next story.
January 22, 2026
Love found in a Italian village
I recommend this book. By far the best book I have read in a long time. It's filled with romance and just enough suspense to keep you wondering what's going to happen next. I can usually figure out villain but not this time I had it all wrong. If you like books that are about Italy you will love this one.
I recommend this book. By far the best book I have read in a long time. It's filled with romance and just enough suspense to keep you wondering what's going to happen next. I can usually figure out villain but not this time I had it all wrong. If you like books that are about Italy you will love this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There are certain authors whose books feel like a holiday waiting to happen, and for me Victoria Springfield is firmly at the top of that category. Having previously reviewed three of her novels on my blog, I couldn’t wait to dive into The Italian Village in the Hills — and I’m delighted to say it more than lived up to expectations. From the very first pages, this novel whisked me away to the Ligurian hills, where cobbled medieval streets, sun-drenched piazzas and rustic olive groves form the perfect backdrop for a deeply emotional and romantic story about family, love and second chances.
The story follows two women across different generations. Stella has spent decades running from the heartbreak that drove her from her childhood village in Italy. When her fiancé surprises her with a birthday trip back to Liguria, she is forced to confront long-buried memories, a first love and a painful family rift. Meanwhile, Amy is grieving the loss of her beloved grandfather and searching for answers about the mysterious coin necklace and postcard he left behind. Her journey leads her to the Italian Riviera — and, ultimately, to Stella’s village in the hills, where secrets from the war finally begin to surface.
What I loved most about this book is how effortlessly Victoria Springfield weaves past and present together. The dual storyline is beautifully balanced, and I found myself equally invested in both Stella’s and Amy’s journeys. The emotional depth of the story is handled with real sensitivity, and I felt a genuine empathy for the characters — I cared about what happened to them, which is always the mark of a truly enjoyable read. As always, the setting is a star in its own right. Reading this book felt like basking in Italian sunshine on vacation, soaking up the atmosphere, the food, the history and the quiet magic of village life. Victoria Springfield has a wonderful gift for transporting the reader, and once again I found myself completely immersed.
Warm, romantic and touching without ever feeling heavy, The Italian Village in the Hills is a story about facing the past, opening your heart and finding happiness in unexpected places. It was an absolute pleasure to read and one that lingered with me long after I reached the final page, making it an easy five-star read. If you’re looking for an escapist novel rich in emotion, vivid scenery and characters you can truly care about, this story offers the perfect chance to step away from cold, grey days and lose yourself in the warmth and sunshine of the Italian hills.
The story follows two women across different generations. Stella has spent decades running from the heartbreak that drove her from her childhood village in Italy. When her fiancé surprises her with a birthday trip back to Liguria, she is forced to confront long-buried memories, a first love and a painful family rift. Meanwhile, Amy is grieving the loss of her beloved grandfather and searching for answers about the mysterious coin necklace and postcard he left behind. Her journey leads her to the Italian Riviera — and, ultimately, to Stella’s village in the hills, where secrets from the war finally begin to surface.
What I loved most about this book is how effortlessly Victoria Springfield weaves past and present together. The dual storyline is beautifully balanced, and I found myself equally invested in both Stella’s and Amy’s journeys. The emotional depth of the story is handled with real sensitivity, and I felt a genuine empathy for the characters — I cared about what happened to them, which is always the mark of a truly enjoyable read. As always, the setting is a star in its own right. Reading this book felt like basking in Italian sunshine on vacation, soaking up the atmosphere, the food, the history and the quiet magic of village life. Victoria Springfield has a wonderful gift for transporting the reader, and once again I found myself completely immersed.
Warm, romantic and touching without ever feeling heavy, The Italian Village in the Hills is a story about facing the past, opening your heart and finding happiness in unexpected places. It was an absolute pleasure to read and one that lingered with me long after I reached the final page, making it an easy five-star read. If you’re looking for an escapist novel rich in emotion, vivid scenery and characters you can truly care about, this story offers the perfect chance to step away from cold, grey days and lose yourself in the warmth and sunshine of the Italian hills.
January 25, 2026
The Italian Village in the Hills
by Victoria Springfield
For decades, Stella has sought to bury the painful memories that drove her away from the enchanting Italian village of her childhood. But when her new fiancé surprises her with a trip back to the sun-kissed shores of Liguria for her upcoming birthday, she finds herself compelled to face the ghosts of her past, including her first love and a devastating family rift.
On the other hand, Amy is grieving the loss of her cherished grandpa and feels a deep longing to unravel the mystery surrounding the old coin necklace and the enigmatic postcard he entrusted to her. Following a trail of clues to the breathtaking Italian Riviera, a serendipitous encounter guides Amy to Stella’s picturesque village nestled in the hills, where buried secrets from the war await discovery.
The book intertwines the lives of two women and the scenic beauty of a single Italian village, both veiled in family secrets eager to be unveiled. It spans generations, with each revelation peeling back layers of history and gossip from a community once overshadowed by the Nazi regime. Every chapter unfurls a new detail that deepens the reader's understanding of the present while casting light on the shadows of the past. Vivid imagery immerses readers in the vibrant landscapes of Liguria, igniting a longing to experience its charm firsthand.
I found great pleasure in journeying alongside Amy and Stella as they navigate their individual paths and uncover the depths of their identities. This story poignantly illustrates how a single place can tower with different meanings and evoke a tapestry of memories, shaped by the lives it has touched throughout the years.
by Victoria Springfield
For decades, Stella has sought to bury the painful memories that drove her away from the enchanting Italian village of her childhood. But when her new fiancé surprises her with a trip back to the sun-kissed shores of Liguria for her upcoming birthday, she finds herself compelled to face the ghosts of her past, including her first love and a devastating family rift.
On the other hand, Amy is grieving the loss of her cherished grandpa and feels a deep longing to unravel the mystery surrounding the old coin necklace and the enigmatic postcard he entrusted to her. Following a trail of clues to the breathtaking Italian Riviera, a serendipitous encounter guides Amy to Stella’s picturesque village nestled in the hills, where buried secrets from the war await discovery.
The book intertwines the lives of two women and the scenic beauty of a single Italian village, both veiled in family secrets eager to be unveiled. It spans generations, with each revelation peeling back layers of history and gossip from a community once overshadowed by the Nazi regime. Every chapter unfurls a new detail that deepens the reader's understanding of the present while casting light on the shadows of the past. Vivid imagery immerses readers in the vibrant landscapes of Liguria, igniting a longing to experience its charm firsthand.
I found great pleasure in journeying alongside Amy and Stella as they navigate their individual paths and uncover the depths of their identities. This story poignantly illustrates how a single place can tower with different meanings and evoke a tapestry of memories, shaped by the lives it has touched throughout the years.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book talks all about second chances set in the beautiful scenic village backdrop in Italy.
Stella returns back to her village where she left many years ago. When she was younger, she was in love with a boy and her father who didn't approve of her relationship died of heart attack. Now by chance, Stella realizes her uncle still runs the shop. Her uncle suddenly has an accident, causing her to take over the shop which eventually makes Stella breaks of her engagement with Joe. While running the shop, she meets her first love, Gino. Gino also couldn't help and the two decide to give their relationship another chance. Meanwhile, Amy comes to the village as her grandfather, who used to fight in WWII has come to this village and she found it through the postcard that he had received. Amy also had a necklace that used to belong to her grandfather. The whole story talks about second chances, romance and of course discovering love.
This was an interesting and emotional read. The descriptions of the village brought the reader to Italy and it feels like you are in Italy. I love the coziness that I felt in this book as well. I also like the historical element that is added to this book, which made the whole book interesting to read as well, with a romantic twist. Overall, this was a cozy romance book that will bring you to the Italian village.
Overall this book is rated 4 stars.
Stella returns back to her village where she left many years ago. When she was younger, she was in love with a boy and her father who didn't approve of her relationship died of heart attack. Now by chance, Stella realizes her uncle still runs the shop. Her uncle suddenly has an accident, causing her to take over the shop which eventually makes Stella breaks of her engagement with Joe. While running the shop, she meets her first love, Gino. Gino also couldn't help and the two decide to give their relationship another chance. Meanwhile, Amy comes to the village as her grandfather, who used to fight in WWII has come to this village and she found it through the postcard that he had received. Amy also had a necklace that used to belong to her grandfather. The whole story talks about second chances, romance and of course discovering love.
This was an interesting and emotional read. The descriptions of the village brought the reader to Italy and it feels like you are in Italy. I love the coziness that I felt in this book as well. I also like the historical element that is added to this book, which made the whole book interesting to read as well, with a romantic twist. Overall, this was a cozy romance book that will bring you to the Italian village.
Overall this book is rated 4 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a self confessed Italophile I was delighted to discover the author, Victoria Springfield last summer when I read One Summer in Italy. Her books are set in Italy and are contemporary feel good fiction that draw you in with realistic characters and evocative scenes that make the reader feel immersed in the Italian lifestyle. She uses a mixture of fictional and real places but the inspiration comes from real life, this time from San Remo and the surrounding Ligurian countryside.
'The Italian Village in the Hills' is set in the fictional village of Leto and is a tale of families and loyalties that hark back to WWII. The main characters are Stella, originally from the village who after many years trying to forget why she left, unexpectedly finds herself back there. Secondly we have Amy, a much younger woman who is mourning the death of her grandfather. Curiosity about his past also leads her to the village of Leto. Both Stella and Amy make some interesting and surprising finds, but will these emotional discoveries lead them to find happiness in Italy.
This escapist read is recommended to those that enjoy a feel good romance and of course Italophiles.
Thank you NetGalley, Victoria Springfield and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review.
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'The Italian Village in the Hills' is set in the fictional village of Leto and is a tale of families and loyalties that hark back to WWII. The main characters are Stella, originally from the village who after many years trying to forget why she left, unexpectedly finds herself back there. Secondly we have Amy, a much younger woman who is mourning the death of her grandfather. Curiosity about his past also leads her to the village of Leto. Both Stella and Amy make some interesting and surprising finds, but will these emotional discoveries lead them to find happiness in Italy.
This escapist read is recommended to those that enjoy a feel good romance and of course Italophiles.
Thank you NetGalley, Victoria Springfield and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
April 4, 2026
In this charming new novel from Victoria Springfield, readers follow Stella and Amy as they both travel to Stella’s childhood home and Amy’s late grandfather’s hometown, the Italian village of Liguria. Traveling with her new fiance, Stella must confront her past, while Amy delves into the mystery of the coin necklace and postcard her grandfather left to her. Against a backdrop of medieval streets, olive groves, and the beauty of the Italian Riviera, both women will make some surprising discoveries about their family histories and their own lives on these incredibly important, if not expected, trips back into their pasts. The characters are the stars of the book, and their parallel emotional arcs pull readers into the narrative. The setting is incredibly detailed and comes to life through Springfield’s descriptions, and readers will love the immersive nature of the story’s setting. The larger plot is detailed and emotional, and as Stella and Amy return to Liguria and face their family histories, readers find themselves immersed in this larger narrative. Packed with details and set against a charming Italian Riviera backdrop, women’s fiction fans will love this emotional, character-centric narrative from Victoria Springfield and the world she brings to life in this latest novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Once again thanks to Bodwood Books for trusting me with the arc in exchange of an honest review. I've been a fan of Victoria Springfield's writing since I read 'One Summer In Italy' (if you haven't read it, please do!!) so I was really thrilled to have access to her latest book.
She has a way to talk about Italy (even a small not mainstream part of it as Liguria and Alassio) that makes me want to go and see these places in real life, her love for Italy, its culture and flavours shows through every word she writes.
The story is about families and old stories somehow entwined and connected to each other in ways not even the main characters knew possible. Every chapter is a discovery on a new detail which leads the reader to know more about the present but also the past. The flashbacks and characters' backgrounds are about a dark period of Italian History which is not easy to use as a setting, especially in a novel, as it can be tricky, but I think Victoria did a good job overall,
If you enjoy old family stories and a plot full of discoveries, that's the read for you! Enjoy Amy and Stella's stories and wonderful depictions of Italy's countryside.
She has a way to talk about Italy (even a small not mainstream part of it as Liguria and Alassio) that makes me want to go and see these places in real life, her love for Italy, its culture and flavours shows through every word she writes.
The story is about families and old stories somehow entwined and connected to each other in ways not even the main characters knew possible. Every chapter is a discovery on a new detail which leads the reader to know more about the present but also the past. The flashbacks and characters' backgrounds are about a dark period of Italian History which is not easy to use as a setting, especially in a novel, as it can be tricky, but I think Victoria did a good job overall,
If you enjoy old family stories and a plot full of discoveries, that's the read for you! Enjoy Amy and Stella's stories and wonderful depictions of Italy's countryside.
January 21, 2026
Amy is drawn to Liguria to learn more about her family. Amy has a coin necklace and postcard from her late grandfather and is looking to learn more about the time he was in Italy during World War II.
Stella, however, has been trying to distance herself from her past and growing up in Liguria. She comes back after her fiancé surprises her with a trip to her hometown.
The prose paints a vivid pictures of Liguria, making readers feel like they are in Italy. The novel’s structure flows well between past and present and between the perspectives of Amy and Stella and how their stories cross paths.
This story is one of new beginnings and second chances. It’s about discovery - particularly self-discovery - and how we can continue to learn and evolve at any age.
I enjoyed seeing Amy and Stella’s individual journeys as they grow and learn more about themselves. This story shows how a place can have different meanings and memories for people.
Thank you to Love Books Tours and Victoria Springfield for the opportunity to read and review the book! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
Stella, however, has been trying to distance herself from her past and growing up in Liguria. She comes back after her fiancé surprises her with a trip to her hometown.
The prose paints a vivid pictures of Liguria, making readers feel like they are in Italy. The novel’s structure flows well between past and present and between the perspectives of Amy and Stella and how their stories cross paths.
This story is one of new beginnings and second chances. It’s about discovery - particularly self-discovery - and how we can continue to learn and evolve at any age.
I enjoyed seeing Amy and Stella’s individual journeys as they grow and learn more about themselves. This story shows how a place can have different meanings and memories for people.
Thank you to Love Books Tours and Victoria Springfield for the opportunity to read and review the book! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
February 23, 2026
Stella fled her hometown of Leto when she was a young woman due to a terrible family event and has spent her whole life, trying to forget her past. An unexpected trip back to her hometown brings the pain of her past back.
While there Stella reunites with her uncle Domenico and she ends up staying to help him out in his store after he ends up in. When Gino enters the store, Stella feels her teenage love in full force, and she wonders if Gino still feels the same for her.
Meanwhile, Amy, after having lost, her grandfather, finds a medallion and postcards that sent her to the Ligurian village of Leto in search of her grandfather’s secret past. And she runs into Fernando and her grandson Leo. Can they help Amy find what she is looking for.
This was a beautiful story about these two women’s stories discovering the past, about finding love and your place in this world. I really enjoyed the story and every book I’ve read by this author I look forward to reading many more.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.
While there Stella reunites with her uncle Domenico and she ends up staying to help him out in his store after he ends up in. When Gino enters the store, Stella feels her teenage love in full force, and she wonders if Gino still feels the same for her.
Meanwhile, Amy, after having lost, her grandfather, finds a medallion and postcards that sent her to the Ligurian village of Leto in search of her grandfather’s secret past. And she runs into Fernando and her grandson Leo. Can they help Amy find what she is looking for.
This was a beautiful story about these two women’s stories discovering the past, about finding love and your place in this world. I really enjoyed the story and every book I’ve read by this author I look forward to reading many more.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.
February 17, 2026
I picked up The Italian Village in the Hills at just the right moment, when winter felt especially heavy and I was craving a little sunshine. This story swept me away to the hills of Liguria and the sparkling Italian coast, where Stella and Amy—two women from different generations—find their lives unexpectedly intertwined through grief, long-buried secrets, and the pull of the past. I loved how the setting felt almost tangible; I could practically feel the warmth of the sun and hear footsteps on cobblestone streets as their journeys unfolded.
While there are touches of romance, this is really a story about family, healing, and finding where you belong. I listened to the audiobook and found the narration wonderfully immersive, adding warmth and personality to every character. By the end, I felt like I’d been on a gentle emotional holiday—one filled with heart, hope, and second chances.
I received an ALC of this audiobook from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
While there are touches of romance, this is really a story about family, healing, and finding where you belong. I listened to the audiobook and found the narration wonderfully immersive, adding warmth and personality to every character. By the end, I felt like I’d been on a gentle emotional holiday—one filled with heart, hope, and second chances.
I received an ALC of this audiobook from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Stella has not returned to Italy since she left in disgrace over 30 years ago, but her fiance takes her there as a surprise and Amy is visiting Italy, trying to recapture a little of her beloved grandfather, who has recently died.. Both become embroiled in a mystery that dates back to the second world war that led to two families being at loggerheads to the present day.
This was a charming story set in a beautiful sun soaked village in the Liguria region. It twists and turns around friendship, love and decades old feuds. The characters are rounded and believable and have great story arcs. There was a really good balance between the modern day frienships and romances and the historical detail, which worked for me as I don't enjoy historical fiction as much. I really enjoyed the book and would consider reading other novels by the same author.
This was a charming story set in a beautiful sun soaked village in the Liguria region. It twists and turns around friendship, love and decades old feuds. The characters are rounded and believable and have great story arcs. There was a really good balance between the modern day frienships and romances and the historical detail, which worked for me as I don't enjoy historical fiction as much. I really enjoyed the book and would consider reading other novels by the same author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Italian Village in the Hills by Victoria Springfield ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance, History and mystery makes for a good read, in my opinion. It didn't stop there...there was family secrets, new love, old love and a second chance at romance.
2 Women's personal journey in the Ligurian village of Leto, Italy. The families split during WW2 continues to impact them today after generations. Stella in her 60's returns to the village with her fiancee. Anna (20's) goes to the village after she finds a postcard from her grandfather's death. Leaving questions as to why he was in Italy.
Have I left you intrigued? Hope so that was my intention. Pre-order your copy today for a January 19th release date. You'll be happy you did.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the advanced copy for my honest opinions.
Romance, History and mystery makes for a good read, in my opinion. It didn't stop there...there was family secrets, new love, old love and a second chance at romance.
2 Women's personal journey in the Ligurian village of Leto, Italy. The families split during WW2 continues to impact them today after generations. Stella in her 60's returns to the village with her fiancee. Anna (20's) goes to the village after she finds a postcard from her grandfather's death. Leaving questions as to why he was in Italy.
Have I left you intrigued? Hope so that was my intention. Pre-order your copy today for a January 19th release date. You'll be happy you did.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the advanced copy for my honest opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Amy is thrilled her beloved Grandpa is finally willing to talk about his experiences fighting in WWII, asking her to record his memories. Sadly, he passes away before he can finally reveal his past. Heartbroken, Amy departs England for Italy, where she hopes to piece together his life in a small Ligurian hilltown where she believes he spent time.
Meanwhile, Stella, divorced, made redundant in her job and rapidly approaching her 60th birthday, jets off to Italy on a pre-wedding journey with her fiancé. Wanting to learn more about her, Stella’s fiancé surprises her with a return to the Ligurian village where she grew up - and from which she definitively fled.
In this idyllic, small town environment, Amy and Stella settle into village life while researching the past, including the painful chapter during WWII. This was an enjoyable story told primarily through the perspectives of Amy and Stella as long buried secrets come to light.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
Meanwhile, Stella, divorced, made redundant in her job and rapidly approaching her 60th birthday, jets off to Italy on a pre-wedding journey with her fiancé. Wanting to learn more about her, Stella’s fiancé surprises her with a return to the Ligurian village where she grew up - and from which she definitively fled.
In this idyllic, small town environment, Amy and Stella settle into village life while researching the past, including the painful chapter during WWII. This was an enjoyable story told primarily through the perspectives of Amy and Stella as long buried secrets come to light.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a gorgeous, heartwarming read. It was lovely to escape to the Italian hills. The setting felt very authentic, with lots of Italian food and culture. The characters are well-drawn and engaging, and I liked that there were two main characters: Stella, who at 59 is returning to the Italian village of her youth where she is worried that the secrets of her past will come back to haunt her, and Amy, a younger woman travels to the same village because she is curious to learn more about her late grandfather's life. There's so much interesting history woven into the story. The plot kept me turning the pages and stayed with me long after the end. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 17, 2026
An idyllic Italian village reunites old love, ignites new love and heals old family wounds
I absolutely loved this book from the first page….a family mystery and broken heart from the loss of her treasured grandfather starts a journey of discovery for a young woman; while an older woman’s second chance at happiness takes an unexpected turn that will forever change her life. A beautiful Italian village is the center of loves lost and found, new loves discovered, healing of a decades long family feuds and the revealing of a wartime mystery that brings the entire village together!!
I absolutely loved this book from the first page….a family mystery and broken heart from the loss of her treasured grandfather starts a journey of discovery for a young woman; while an older woman’s second chance at happiness takes an unexpected turn that will forever change her life. A beautiful Italian village is the center of loves lost and found, new loves discovered, healing of a decades long family feuds and the revealing of a wartime mystery that brings the entire village together!!
January 5, 2026
This was a lovely read, friendships, family and secrets. Stella doesn’t want to go back to Italy, but her partner does for her birthday. She bumps into her family in the village she grew up in and ends up working in her Uncles shop after he deals. Amy is longing to go back to an Italy to find her grandfathers family and try to connect. It’s a lovely story of family ties and secrets. It’s heartwarming and really makes you want to go to Italy. 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a charming and delightful read.
The most gorgeous setting, we join two women who are discovering things about themselves and their families.
Amy is visiting her beloved grandpa’s childhood home, wanting to find out the story behind some items left in her possession. I enjoyed watching her connect with the locals and find a new purpose for her life.
Stella is also revisiting her past, at first she regrets arriving but gradually she too discovers some unexpected family revelations.
I really loved how the two stories collided together, and was utterly entranced by the revelations that were gradually revealed. Romance, second chance love and travel - all things that I relish reading about!
The most perfect uplifting story filled with sunshine and warmth - an excellent way to start my new year.
The most gorgeous setting, we join two women who are discovering things about themselves and their families.
Amy is visiting her beloved grandpa’s childhood home, wanting to find out the story behind some items left in her possession. I enjoyed watching her connect with the locals and find a new purpose for her life.
Stella is also revisiting her past, at first she regrets arriving but gradually she too discovers some unexpected family revelations.
I really loved how the two stories collided together, and was utterly entranced by the revelations that were gradually revealed. Romance, second chance love and travel - all things that I relish reading about!
The most perfect uplifting story filled with sunshine and warmth - an excellent way to start my new year.
January 19, 2026
The cover depicts what I imagine an Italian village to be, then the book and the writing really has me wanting to escape to Italy ❤️
The story itself is a beautiful journey of discovering lost family and secrets with the characters bringing to story to life and the rebuilding of friendships all set in a gorgeous village, it was also to nice to read of the historical past that had occurred it blended so well with within the story.
Great writing made this a story both easy to get lost in and a really enjoyable read.
The story itself is a beautiful journey of discovering lost family and secrets with the characters bringing to story to life and the rebuilding of friendships all set in a gorgeous village, it was also to nice to read of the historical past that had occurred it blended so well with within the story.
Great writing made this a story both easy to get lost in and a really enjoyable read.
January 21, 2026
The Italian Village in the Hills is a sweet story of self-discovery, family, and the past, present, and future of 2 women who don’t know each other who find themselves in the same Italian village. The character development was fantastic, and I found myself invested in Stella and Amy and the things happening in their lives. Break-ups, new loves, old loves, grieving the loss of a beloved grandpa. And I thought that the switching back and forth between Stella’s story and Amy’s story was done really well. This is truly such a great read. 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend
January 26, 2026
Stella is going home, not by her own choice. Her fiance has surprised her with a trip for Stella's upcoming 60th birthday. Meanwhile, Amy just lost her grandfather and is dealing with the fresh grief. When she is left a coin on a chain and 2 postcards she decides to try and see what these items meant. They both meet up in Stella's hometown, a small village. Secrets and regrets abound in the village. Some going back to the 2nd World War. Will they all be able to make peace and learn to start anew. What a wonderful read, lots of heart and plenty of drama. This was hard to put down.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A story revolving around a small Italian village and two families who've lived there for generations. The split during WWII continues to impact them through many generations. I enjoyed the way the story was woven together, though a twist toward the end was rough handed compared to the rest. Still an enjoyable read.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2026
I have mixed feelings about this one, for one I enjoyed the story and subplot mystery. However, as much as I love audiobooks, I think this is a book I would have enjoyed more if I would have read a physical copy. The story is heartwarming and definitely transports you to Italy. I think it’s a great book for when on vacation, or in between heavier reads.
Thank you to @libro.fm for the gifted copy!
Thank you to @libro.fm for the gifted copy!
May 3, 2026
Sit back and enjoy the story
Once the characters were straight in my head, I really began to enjoy the story. Unless I missed it, we never found out who Amy's last phone call (or text) was from. (I expected it to be from her ex-boyfriend). I really liked the writing, characters, storyline, the idea of new beginnings and resolved misunderstandings. Kudos to author Victoria Springfield!
Once the characters were straight in my head, I really began to enjoy the story. Unless I missed it, we never found out who Amy's last phone call (or text) was from. (I expected it to be from her ex-boyfriend). I really liked the writing, characters, storyline, the idea of new beginnings and resolved misunderstandings. Kudos to author Victoria Springfield!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Victoria Springfield writes reliably good novels set in Italy and The Italian Village in the Hills is no exception. I really enjoyed this novel about connections, family secrets and clearing up generational misunderstandings that is scheduled to be published on January 19, 2026.
If you are a fan of Victoria Springfield, some of the themes of this novel are familiar. However, what I particularly like about her is that she manages to make each novel distinct and unique even though they may have similar settings and themes. As usual, the sense of place is very clear. I always feel like I am in Italy when reading one of her books. The descriptions of the landscape and the food is very vivid and precise. Also, the use of Italian in the narrative helps to set the scene without being annoying.
I appreciated a new twist on a WWII story in the past timeline, and would definitely read another book with these characters. I did think that the resolution was too sudden and some events that took chapters to lead up to were concluded with one sentence. I would have liked at least another chapter.
Thank you very much to Boldwood Books for providing a digital advanced reader copy via NetGalley for possible review. All opinions are my own.
If you are a fan of Victoria Springfield, some of the themes of this novel are familiar. However, what I particularly like about her is that she manages to make each novel distinct and unique even though they may have similar settings and themes. As usual, the sense of place is very clear. I always feel like I am in Italy when reading one of her books. The descriptions of the landscape and the food is very vivid and precise. Also, the use of Italian in the narrative helps to set the scene without being annoying.
I appreciated a new twist on a WWII story in the past timeline, and would definitely read another book with these characters. I did think that the resolution was too sudden and some events that took chapters to lead up to were concluded with one sentence. I would have liked at least another chapter.
Thank you very much to Boldwood Books for providing a digital advanced reader copy via NetGalley for possible review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC.
We follow Stella who left the village years before and has to return because her fiance has booked a holiday there as a surprise.
We also follow Amy who is drawn there after her Grandfather dies.
Beautiful descriptions of the countryside and likeable characters.
I felt I was there.
Enjoyable read.
We follow Stella who left the village years before and has to return because her fiance has booked a holiday there as a surprise.
We also follow Amy who is drawn there after her Grandfather dies.
Beautiful descriptions of the countryside and likeable characters.
I felt I was there.
Enjoyable read.
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