Roman Mornings: A novel of mysterious beauty that you will want to revisit time and time again

by Matson Taylor

'Rome is both healer and magician in this enchanting novel of homecoming and belonging, and of the transformational power of friendship. Delizioso' Sarah Winman, author of Still Life

‘An uplifting joy of a story that brings the exuberance of Rome to life on every page. I felt the heat of the sun, heard the hustle and bustle, could even taste the food’ Frances Quinn, author of The Scandalous Ladies Football Club

A glorious novel of hope and healing for fans of Armistead Maupin, Fredrik Backman and Kate Atkinson.

1952, Trastevere, Rome. An idyllic maze crammed full of narrow streets and eccentric characters. A young English woman, Clementine Severs, arrives armed with a teaching certificate and enough idealism to fill a host of Grecian urns.

By 1976, she finds herself wilting, her youthful dreams squashed by time and tide. A chance encounter between an angel and a speeding mint green Vespa brings her into contact with a troubled young carpenter called Montgomery Marsh. Clemmie and Monty forge an unlikely friendship that takes them on a magical ride through the Eternal City in search of fresh hope and a new way of living.

Fun, spirited and full of heart, Roman Mornings, like the city of Rome itself, is a novel of mysterious beauty that you will want to revisit time and time again.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2026

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman Mornings begins with young teacher Clemmie arriving in Rome in 1952 full of hopes and dreams., looking forward to living la dolce vita. Fast forward to 1976 and she still loves Rome but is a little disillusioned that her hopes and dreams haven’t quite come to fruition. When her septuagenarian friend Floss buys her a mint green Vespa – to own one had been one of Clemmie’s greatest desires – an accident brings Monty Marsh into their lives, which bring changes for everyone.

There’s a fantastic cast of characters in the book who can only be described as quirky! As well as Clemmie, Floss and Monty, there are plenty of nuns like Sister Geraldine and Sister Tomasina who may not be what you might expect Italian nuns to be like, there’s builder Bob travelling around Europe in his decommissioned ice-cream van, there are many angelic statutes in Rome who play a part and there is Octavian the cat who most definitely can’t be forgotten!

Then of course there is the wonderful setting of Rome itself. I defy anyone to read this book and not immediately want to book a holiday there exploring the cobbled streets and many piazzas as well as longing for the wonderful Italian food, wine and coffee.

I adored this book. It’s funny, warm and so engaging. There are some darker moments but they are handled beautifully and the power of unexpected friendship is a strong theme. I really liked the way the prologue and epilogue book-ended the story so neatly and I have to say, really took me by surprise. Roman Mornings is another fantastic read from Matson Taylor, heart-warming, uplifting and full of Italian gioia di vivere!

[Karen Kingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Evie Epworth books (if you haven’t read them – please do) and I’m pleased to say that I loved reading this book too. Matson has created some excellent characters who you will quickly be cheering on, a great location, some hints of magic, a large cat with attitude, and many humorous moments. Also many emotional moments.

This is a great book to escape into although it will leave you craving Italian food and also fish & chips!

[what.heather.loves · Rating 5 out of 5]

1976 Rome and 'piccolo palazzo' is inhabited by eccentric and joyous and Floss and Yorkshire lass and translator, Clemmie. Out of the blue, their lives are changed forever after an unexpected accident that brings Londoner and carpenter Monty into their lives. We also meet Sisters Tomasina and Beatles fan, Geraldine and later on, builder Bob and his former icecream van home. With the magic touch from some of Rome's art and ecclesiastical statues we learn their secrets, theirs pasts and how they bring joy to one another, to the 'piccolo palazzo' and of course, to the reader! We also learn about the history or Rome and some of it's glorious architecture. Humour, astute observations of human nature and poignancy make this classic Matson.

[Fran McBookface · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely inhaled this one. It was such a breath of fresh air.

There’s the gorgeous Roman setting , the fabulous and often eccentric characters whom you just can’t fail to fall for and the gorgeous whimsy and wholesomeness of the story.

There are some dark patches here and every character has their past, but the power of friendship and the vagaries of fate that bring them altogether to a beautiful Italian apartment changes their lives.

An enjoyable, whimsical read that'll leave you hopeful and smiling. Just what I needed and I absolutely recommend picking it up.

I definitely think its a book I’ll go back to so I’ll be picking up a copy when it’s published in July

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matson Taylor has created a delightful story about loss, love and found family. The book is set in 1970’s Rome where young Monty meets middle aged Clemmie. This ‘chance’ meeting changes both of their lives and several others as well. There is a supporting cast of characters in the book that make it sing with magic. From the Beatles loving nun Sister Thomasina to septuagenarian Floss to Octavian a talking cat, they are just a few that help tell the story. For anyone who’s been to Rome or has thought about visiting Rome, Taylor brings the magic of Rome alive with real magic. Roman Mornings made me laugh and cry. What more can you ask for from a novel?

[A J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friendship prevails!

A beautiful, sensitive novel with depth and passion at its heart. Matson writes wonderful prose and deals with the themes of love, family, inter generational friendship and homosexuality in the 70s against a backdrop of Roman treasures. An absolute delight to read.

[Erin | snappshelfbooks]

ALC for educators from Libro.fm

I’ll be honest that my first couple hours listening were during a long run and may have not had my full attention. But I have no idea what this book was about. There are nuns? Angels? Talking cats? Occasional time changes? I’m so confused. I’m glad Monty got his mostly happy ending though.

[Rachel Postma-Drenthen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this while in Italy, though I was not actually in Rome, it certainly gave off the same vibes as the island break I was on! It was good fun. Did need to finish it back home, but with the good weather down here too that wasn’t an issue.

[Becca McCracken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad. We'll written and excellent character development. Not really sure why there needed to be personification and a fantasy talking cat, but otherwise a fun read.

[Antonia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and heart-warming tale of lost souls coming together and becoming a family. I loved this!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely lovely lovely! I started and finished this on a trip to Rome. I loved being immersed in these sweet characters lives. This is a story about several different generations of ex-pats coming together to form a found family in 1970s Rome. And, what fun were the all-knowing (and talking) cat and statues ?!?

[Leah Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

wanted more Rome

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come soon! 💖💖💖