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Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jul 26Escape to Italy with the heart-warming new novel from the million-copy and Sunday Times best-selling author Sue Moorcroft. Available to pre-order now!
Two sisters she's never met
A first love who's impossible to forget...
For Jade, life in Lake Como is la dolce vita. Until her beloved grandmother passes, leaving Jade not just the family's bustling guesthouse to run, but two life-changing secrets to confront...
The pensione hasn't just been left to Jade, it's also been inherited by her sisters - who she had no idea existed. As Erin and Rosalie arrive in Italy, Jade is forced to face the heart-wrenching prospect of sharing her last remaining tie to the woman who raised her.
Jade is desperately trying to hold on to the past, but there's one person she would prefer to leave firmly her first love, Leo. He's back in the city that is filled with the memories they once made together. But as Jade fights to take control of her future and her heart, why do all cobbled roads lead back to Leo?
Lose yourself in the first, utterly romantic novel in a brand-new trilogy, filled with new beginnings and second chances. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Milly Johnson.
Two sisters she's never met
A first love who's impossible to forget...
For Jade, life in Lake Como is la dolce vita. Until her beloved grandmother passes, leaving Jade not just the family's bustling guesthouse to run, but two life-changing secrets to confront...
The pensione hasn't just been left to Jade, it's also been inherited by her sisters - who she had no idea existed. As Erin and Rosalie arrive in Italy, Jade is forced to face the heart-wrenching prospect of sharing her last remaining tie to the woman who raised her.
Jade is desperately trying to hold on to the past, but there's one person she would prefer to leave firmly her first love, Leo. He's back in the city that is filled with the memories they once made together. But as Jade fights to take control of her future and her heart, why do all cobbled roads lead back to Leo?
Lose yourself in the first, utterly romantic novel in a brand-new trilogy, filled with new beginnings and second chances. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Milly Johnson.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 2, 2026
About the author
Sue Moorcroft
59 books1,016 followersSue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, the Readers Best Romantic Read Award, two HOLT medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She writes contemporary fiction of life and love.
She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.
An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.
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Website: www.suemoorcroft.com
Twitter: @suemoorcroft
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse is the kind of novel that sweeps you straight into its sun‑drenched world and refuses to let you go. From the moment Jade steps back into her life on Lake Como, you can feel the weight of grief sitting beside her—the ache of losing her grandmother, the woman who shaped her, and the fear that everything familiar is slipping through her fingers.
The guesthouse is more than a setting; it’s a living, breathing piece of Jade’s history. So when she discovers she must share it with two sisters she never knew existed, the story blooms into something tender and complicated. Erin and Rosalie arrive with their own wounds and expectations, and watching the three women circle each other—hesitant, hopeful, unsure—is one of the novel’s quiet joys. Their dynamic feels beautifully real: messy, emotional, and full of the possibility of something new.
And then there’s Leo. Jade’s first love, the one she’s tried so hard to leave in the past, suddenly back in the very place where their story began. Their reunion is threaded with nostalgia and unfinished business, the kind of chemistry that lingers in the air like heat rising off cobblestones. Every encounter between them feels like a tug between who they were and who they might still become.
Set against the shimmering backdrop of Lake Como, this novel is all about second chances—at love, at family, at choosing a future that feels like your own. It’s romantic, heartfelt, and wonderfully escapist, the perfect beginning to a trilogy that promises even more emotion and charm.
Fans of Sarah Morgan and Milly Johnson will feel right at home here.
With thanks to Sue Moorcroft, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The guesthouse is more than a setting; it’s a living, breathing piece of Jade’s history. So when she discovers she must share it with two sisters she never knew existed, the story blooms into something tender and complicated. Erin and Rosalie arrive with their own wounds and expectations, and watching the three women circle each other—hesitant, hopeful, unsure—is one of the novel’s quiet joys. Their dynamic feels beautifully real: messy, emotional, and full of the possibility of something new.
And then there’s Leo. Jade’s first love, the one she’s tried so hard to leave in the past, suddenly back in the very place where their story began. Their reunion is threaded with nostalgia and unfinished business, the kind of chemistry that lingers in the air like heat rising off cobblestones. Every encounter between them feels like a tug between who they were and who they might still become.
Set against the shimmering backdrop of Lake Como, this novel is all about second chances—at love, at family, at choosing a future that feels like your own. It’s romantic, heartfelt, and wonderfully escapist, the perfect beginning to a trilogy that promises even more emotion and charm.
Fans of Sarah Morgan and Milly Johnson will feel right at home here.
With thanks to Sue Moorcroft, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🩵 Blurb-
Two sisters she's never met
A first love who's impossible to forget...
For Jade, life in Lake Como is la dolce vita. Until her beloved grandmother passes, leaving Jade not just the family's bustling guesthouse to run, but two life-changing secrets to confront...
The pensione hasn't just been left to Jade, it's also been inherited by her sisters - who she had no idea existed. As Erin and Rosalie arrive in Italy, Jade is forced to face the heart-wrenching prospect of sharing her last remaining tie to the woman who raised her.
Jade is desperately trying to hold on to the past, but there's one person she would prefer to leave firmly her first love, Leo. He's back in the city that is filled with the memories they once made together. But as Jade fights to take control of her future and her heart, why do all cobbled roads lead back to Leo?
🩷 Review -
I have enjoyed other books by the author and Secrets Of The Italian Guest House certainly didn't disappoint. The author's writing is brilliant and the pacing was just right. I sometimes forgot that I was reading and I felt swept away in the story with the characters. There was a great mix of characters and the place settings sounded beautiful. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author, Sue Moorcroft, the publisher and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Two sisters she's never met
A first love who's impossible to forget...
For Jade, life in Lake Como is la dolce vita. Until her beloved grandmother passes, leaving Jade not just the family's bustling guesthouse to run, but two life-changing secrets to confront...
The pensione hasn't just been left to Jade, it's also been inherited by her sisters - who she had no idea existed. As Erin and Rosalie arrive in Italy, Jade is forced to face the heart-wrenching prospect of sharing her last remaining tie to the woman who raised her.
Jade is desperately trying to hold on to the past, but there's one person she would prefer to leave firmly her first love, Leo. He's back in the city that is filled with the memories they once made together. But as Jade fights to take control of her future and her heart, why do all cobbled roads lead back to Leo?
🩷 Review -
I have enjoyed other books by the author and Secrets Of The Italian Guest House certainly didn't disappoint. The author's writing is brilliant and the pacing was just right. I sometimes forgot that I was reading and I felt swept away in the story with the characters. There was a great mix of characters and the place settings sounded beautiful. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to the author, Sue Moorcroft, the publisher and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2026
I do love a Sue Moorcroft book and Secrets of the Italian guesthouse is a delightfully enjoyable read, based in Italy around lake Como, with breathtaking scenery, gorgeous food and wonderfully described accommodation, it’s hard not to fall in love with the place and its characters.
Jade lives at pensione three sisters with her grandmother who has raised her since a baby as her parents decided child rearing wasn’t for them! They work well as a team running the business, enjoying each other’s company and socialising with friends and neighbours.
When Jades beloved grandmother dies her will sends a massive shock through Jades existence, which totally makes her question everything that has gone before and the secrets of the past that were kept from her, however with time, maturity and forgiveness jade accepts her new life and the additional family members that she has acquired and in doing so becomes happier more fulfilled and ready to take the next steps for the business and her own love life with the deliciously described Leo an old flame from the past!
Such a lovely read full of love forgiveness and second chance’s, one I would highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
Jade lives at pensione three sisters with her grandmother who has raised her since a baby as her parents decided child rearing wasn’t for them! They work well as a team running the business, enjoying each other’s company and socialising with friends and neighbours.
When Jades beloved grandmother dies her will sends a massive shock through Jades existence, which totally makes her question everything that has gone before and the secrets of the past that were kept from her, however with time, maturity and forgiveness jade accepts her new life and the additional family members that she has acquired and in doing so becomes happier more fulfilled and ready to take the next steps for the business and her own love life with the deliciously described Leo an old flame from the past!
Such a lovely read full of love forgiveness and second chance’s, one I would highly recommend
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse by Sue Moorcroft is an incredibly heartwarming novel about starting afresh and finding love at the stunning Lake Como. The moment I opened the book, the beautiful Italian surroundings took me right away with the wonderful guesthouse, its cobblestone streets, and the family revelations that were to be made.
The main character, Jade, is someone that I could relate to emotionally since she is dealing with her grief while at the same time realizing that she has two more sisters that she never knew existed. Seeing how the three sisters deal with this complicated new situation was quite realistic and moving, and there were many heartwarming moments throughout the book.
As for the romantic aspect, there were many moments in Leo and Jade’s second-chance story that touched me and made me wish for their happiness. The author skillfully combines romance and emotional growth, creating a novel that makes you feel better without compromising on emotions.
This is the ideal mix of romance, self-discovery, sisterhood, and Italy. For anyone who enjoys an atmospheric setting, family drama, and second chance romance, this book will be one to put on your TBR list. Can’t wait for the next book!
The main character, Jade, is someone that I could relate to emotionally since she is dealing with her grief while at the same time realizing that she has two more sisters that she never knew existed. Seeing how the three sisters deal with this complicated new situation was quite realistic and moving, and there were many heartwarming moments throughout the book.
As for the romantic aspect, there were many moments in Leo and Jade’s second-chance story that touched me and made me wish for their happiness. The author skillfully combines romance and emotional growth, creating a novel that makes you feel better without compromising on emotions.
This is the ideal mix of romance, self-discovery, sisterhood, and Italy. For anyone who enjoys an atmospheric setting, family drama, and second chance romance, this book will be one to put on your TBR list. Can’t wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a fabulous start to a new contemporary series by Sue Moorcroft! I was instantly whisked away to a wonderful destination I’ve never visited but now long to experience. The guest house itself sounded like the perfect place to spend a holiday – full of charm, small enough to be cozy, yet elegant and with a historical feel to it. Definitely my favourite kind of hotel. I found the heroine Jade to be an extremely sympathetic character and immediately empathised with her situation. She’s so strong coping with everything life throws at her while the reader is hoping she’ll get the help and support she deserves. Finding out you have two half-sisters you didn’t know existed, while simultaneously dealing with devastating grief, that would be a tremendous shock for anyone. Then to realise that you have to share your inheritance with these unknown sisters as well – that’s not an easy thing to handle. As for the hero Leo – well what’s not to like about tall, dark, handsome and half Italian? And he can cook! I absolutely loved this story and I’m now looking forward to finding out what happens to the other sisters. Really can’t wait for the next instalment!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Free courtesy of Netgalley
OMG I love a Sue Moorcroft book and jumped at the chance to read this one. I also love a book that sets the scene so we'll that you want to go to the location it is set. I definitely looked at the price for a short break in Como.
The book is set in a small hotel run by Jade and her Grandmother. After she was abandoned by her dad first and then her mother, her grandparents chose to raise her. Even though her gran tried to get her to make the first move to get to know her dad, Joey she had no inclination to do so.
Then her gran died and she found out that the hotel was split 3 ways between her and Joey's two daughters she did not know about. Her world turns upside down with the loss of her beloved gran, gaining 2 half sisters and her first love has returned home to Como to kick his wounds after he split with his girlfriend.
I loved this book, the characters are well written, the location is divine and the story is great. I can't wait to read the next installment of this series. This book should definitely be on your holiday to be read pile.
OMG I love a Sue Moorcroft book and jumped at the chance to read this one. I also love a book that sets the scene so we'll that you want to go to the location it is set. I definitely looked at the price for a short break in Como.
The book is set in a small hotel run by Jade and her Grandmother. After she was abandoned by her dad first and then her mother, her grandparents chose to raise her. Even though her gran tried to get her to make the first move to get to know her dad, Joey she had no inclination to do so.
Then her gran died and she found out that the hotel was split 3 ways between her and Joey's two daughters she did not know about. Her world turns upside down with the loss of her beloved gran, gaining 2 half sisters and her first love has returned home to Como to kick his wounds after he split with his girlfriend.
I loved this book, the characters are well written, the location is divine and the story is great. I can't wait to read the next installment of this series. This book should definitely be on your holiday to be read pile.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Whenever I read a book by Sue Moorcroft I am instantly drawn into the world that she creates, and never want to leave. She has a wonderful talent for descriptive, vivid background, and extremely likeable characters who come to life during the course of the story. She’s also not afraid to tackle darker issues, which I love. Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse is set on the shores of Lake Como and is about Jade Beretta and the Three Sisters Pensione, a lovely guesthouse. Jade has had an unconventional upbringing, being raised by her grandparents, and not knowing her parents. As the story unfolds, many secrets come to light, directly affecting Jade and her lovely life in Como. I was thoroughly absorbed by this lovely book, just couldn’t put it down, and it really touched my heart. I loved the whole concept of the book, and can’t wait for the next one! A beautiful splash of summer sun! Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🛎️ 💖 NetGalley ARC review of Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse 💖 🛎️
Reading this book made me want to book a flight to Lake Como 💖
When Jade’s grandmother dies, she discovers two life changing secrets. The guesthouse she thought was to be left to her, is actually to be shared between her and her two sisters. Sisters, Jade had no idea existed.
Whilst her heart is trying to recover from the loss of her grandmother, and discovering she has two sisters, the universe decides she needs something else to contend with... Enter Leo, her first love who is back in Como for a while as he rebuilds his life.
Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse delves into both Jade and Leo’s life as they find their way through the trials and tribulations that come their way. And as they find their way, it often leads them to each other again.
Sue has created all the feels with this heart warming love story about new beginnings and second chances.
Reading this book made me want to book a flight to Lake Como 💖
When Jade’s grandmother dies, she discovers two life changing secrets. The guesthouse she thought was to be left to her, is actually to be shared between her and her two sisters. Sisters, Jade had no idea existed.
Whilst her heart is trying to recover from the loss of her grandmother, and discovering she has two sisters, the universe decides she needs something else to contend with... Enter Leo, her first love who is back in Como for a while as he rebuilds his life.
Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse delves into both Jade and Leo’s life as they find their way through the trials and tribulations that come their way. And as they find their way, it often leads them to each other again.
Sue has created all the feels with this heart warming love story about new beginnings and second chances.
March 23, 2026
This is the first book of a trilogy set in beautiful Lake Como.
Jade is running the family business with her beloved grandmother until her gran passes away leaving jade to run the b&b alone. She then unexpectedly finds out she has 2 sisters who have inherited the guest house with her.
The story follows the three sisters are they learn to navigate their new normal.
The setting was beautiful and I really felt for jade and the upheaval she had to face. The characters in the book were well written and relatable and the story just flowed.
An excellent read and I can’t with for the next book in this trilogy which hopefully will give more details on the other sisters upbringings.
Thanks to NetGalley, Sue Moorcroft and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Jade is running the family business with her beloved grandmother until her gran passes away leaving jade to run the b&b alone. She then unexpectedly finds out she has 2 sisters who have inherited the guest house with her.
The story follows the three sisters are they learn to navigate their new normal.
The setting was beautiful and I really felt for jade and the upheaval she had to face. The characters in the book were well written and relatable and the story just flowed.
An excellent read and I can’t with for the next book in this trilogy which hopefully will give more details on the other sisters upbringings.
Thanks to NetGalley, Sue Moorcroft and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A brilliant start to a new series from Sue Moorcroft.
This book is full to the brim of secrets and it sends Jade on a topsy-turvy ride about family, friendship, and trust.
The author really puts Jade through the wringer in this story, as it seems just as she is adjusting to one life change, another one is hot on its heels.
This was compelling reading at its finest. I was hooked from the first few pages, and was still astounded by the end.
I loved getting to know Jade and Leo, who are both really lovely people.
There is a lot going on, and I was totally there for every second of it
I am already very eager to read the rest of this trilogy. Bring it on!
Thank you to Renegade Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This book is full to the brim of secrets and it sends Jade on a topsy-turvy ride about family, friendship, and trust.
The author really puts Jade through the wringer in this story, as it seems just as she is adjusting to one life change, another one is hot on its heels.
This was compelling reading at its finest. I was hooked from the first few pages, and was still astounded by the end.
I loved getting to know Jade and Leo, who are both really lovely people.
There is a lot going on, and I was totally there for every second of it
I am already very eager to read the rest of this trilogy. Bring it on!
Thank you to Renegade Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 16, 2026
This delightful story is set in the gorgeous location of Lake Como in Italy. Jade lives here with her Grandmother who raised her as Jades parents did not want to raise a child. They run a successful B&B business called Pensione Three Sisters.
When Jades Grandmother passes she is naturally devastated but a bombshell hits her when she discovers that not only has she two other sisters but they are to have equal shares in the guesthouse.
This is an interesting story of how the sisters bond and sharing their lives.
My thanks to Net Galley and publishers for the advanced e copy of this lovely summer read.
When Jades Grandmother passes she is naturally devastated but a bombshell hits her when she discovers that not only has she two other sisters but they are to have equal shares in the guesthouse.
This is an interesting story of how the sisters bond and sharing their lives.
My thanks to Net Galley and publishers for the advanced e copy of this lovely summer read.
April 12, 2026
Jade is living the Italian dream at the guesthouse her gran owns until her vivacious gran dies and at the Will reading she gets a shock and finds out she has two sister siblings.
They each get a third of the guesthouse. They each have a letter left too.
Jade struggles to let them in and this makes life fractious. Then events happen that make her soften her views on letting people into her life including her first love who is back in the area. This is a beautiful book filled with gorgeous scenery and food. The friendships are amazing and I loved this book.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
They each get a third of the guesthouse. They each have a letter left too.
Jade struggles to let them in and this makes life fractious. Then events happen that make her soften her views on letting people into her life including her first love who is back in the area. This is a beautiful book filled with gorgeous scenery and food. The friendships are amazing and I loved this book.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
After reading this book I really need to visit Lake Como. The author paints a beautiful picture of this Italian holiday destination.
The story covers lots of secrets which have been kept by a loving grandma for many years but, after her death become common knowledge and literally change the lives of three siblings who had no idea each other existed.
Lots of twists to keep you turning the pages. A fantastic summer read.
The story covers lots of secrets which have been kept by a loving grandma for many years but, after her death become common knowledge and literally change the lives of three siblings who had no idea each other existed.
Lots of twists to keep you turning the pages. A fantastic summer read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Jade's Grandmother passes away, her life is completely shaken up as unknown family members suddenly become apparent. Set in Como, in Italy, the story has a gorgeous setting and excellent characters/character dynamics.
I enjoy an escapist read and this is exactly that; the characters are well formed and believable. They're likeable and you quickly feel like you've known them a long time. It's got love, lust and lots of twists! An enjoyable read and easy read.
I enjoy an escapist read and this is exactly that; the characters are well formed and believable. They're likeable and you quickly feel like you've known them a long time. It's got love, lust and lots of twists! An enjoyable read and easy read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sunshine, secrets, lost love and hearbreak are all in this enchanting story set in beautiful Lake Como. I was immersed in it immediately and didn't want to put it down. The heartwarming ending was satisying but intriguing. I can't wait to read the next book.
March 26, 2026
What a lovey read.
Set by Lake Como. Jade runs a small hotel with her gran who brought her up.
Then when her Gran passes away things come out of the woodwork that Jade knew nothing about.
Lots of twists with this book and what will happen next.
Easy to read
Lovely setting
Great holiday read
Set by Lake Como. Jade runs a small hotel with her gran who brought her up.
Then when her Gran passes away things come out of the woodwork that Jade knew nothing about.
Lots of twists with this book and what will happen next.
Easy to read
Lovely setting
Great holiday read
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow. What a book. I love books that are set in Europe but I find some do so, so loosely and not provide a big enough taste of being there. This one was perfect with enough locations, foods, and use of the Italian language so that every time I put the book down, I found myself not being able to wait to geh back to Lake Como.
Absolutely loved this story!
Absolutely loved this story!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgally for the ARC.
Set in the Idyllic place of Lake Como, Sue's detail is so emersive you can close your eyes and feel like your there. Even the food descriptions, I actually made the tomato salad and risotto!
This follows the journey of Jade, her grandmother and the guest house they run, alongside the love if her life Leo, who left to
Set in the Idyllic place of Lake Como, Sue's detail is so emersive you can close your eyes and feel like your there. Even the food descriptions, I actually made the tomato salad and risotto!
This follows the journey of Jade, her grandmother and the guest house they run, alongside the love if her life Leo, who left to
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sunshine, secrets, lost love and hearbreak are all in this enchanting story set in beautiful Lake Como. I was immersed in it immediately and didn't want to put it down. The heartwarming ending was satisying but intriguing. I can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews