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Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop #2
The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop
Love, secrets, and sorbets abound in The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop —a perfect summer read that will delight fans of food and romance.
Anna and her husband Matteo are ready to embark a delicious Italian adventure. After a year and a half running their ice cream shop on Brighton beach and raising their baby Isabella, Matteo is starting to miss Italy. A shared passion for ices means it’s easy to settle on a new business idea— they’ll open a shop in Sorrento’s cobbled square, a short walk from the sparkling blue sea. For a while, life is sweet; but then Matteo’s overbearing family get involved…
Anna’s younger sister Imogen feels like things are finally coming together—she’s living with her boyfriend Finn in a beach house in Brighton, and her photography is taking off. Then her career stalls, and the lure of Capri—and a man from her past—prove difficult to resist.
Full of mouth-watering flavors, warm sunshine, and escapist adventure, The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop will delight readers who enjoy Carole Matthews and Jenny Colgan.
Anna and her husband Matteo are ready to embark a delicious Italian adventure. After a year and a half running their ice cream shop on Brighton beach and raising their baby Isabella, Matteo is starting to miss Italy. A shared passion for ices means it’s easy to settle on a new business idea— they’ll open a shop in Sorrento’s cobbled square, a short walk from the sparkling blue sea. For a while, life is sweet; but then Matteo’s overbearing family get involved…
Anna’s younger sister Imogen feels like things are finally coming together—she’s living with her boyfriend Finn in a beach house in Brighton, and her photography is taking off. Then her career stalls, and the lure of Capri—and a man from her past—prove difficult to resist.
Full of mouth-watering flavors, warm sunshine, and escapist adventure, The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop will delight readers who enjoy Carole Matthews and Jenny Colgan.
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2015
50 people are currently reading
1522 people want to read
About the author
Abby Clements
13 books184 followersAbby Clements worked in book publishing before writing this, her first novel. Her Christmas baking skills are upper-intermediate. Her countryside-survival skills are basic to none. She lives with her boyfriend in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
July 13, 2015
Since Abby's last book was published in 2013, I really couldn't wait for her new release, as I just adore her writing - there is this incredible warmth, empathy and humour to it. In this time Abby has changed the publisher and finally, eventually, here it is, her new beautiful story with this wonderful, summery cover, "The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop". And it was truly great to catch up with Anna and Imogen - I felt as if it was yesterday that I finished "Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop", and not two years ago! The new book can be read a stand - alone novel, but I'd recommend reading both of them, if only just for a sheer pleasure.
The book isn't, of course, only about ice creams and deliciousness! Abby in a very clever, interesting way deals with family problems, and she really hit the nail on the head with the dialogues, feelings described and relationship problems. Imogen and Finn worked out together so well and I so wanted them to stay together! Then we have Anna and her ever - meddling mother - in - law, this very demanding and never happy with Anna woman, and Matteo himself, who, in the close proximity of his Mamma seemed as if cat got his tongue, and I also couldn't help but fell for Anna so much - she was in a foreign country, strange place, her family was so far away, and there are often situations that having your sister or mum close to you is so important! It was also really great to see how the girls' parents and uncle were coping after Vivien's death and that they were slowly getting back on their feet, and all this written with incredible gentleness and honesty.
The events in this story whirl and pile on top of each other to finally find a solution or answer at the end, but I didn't have the feeling that the end is too rushed or that everything was explained at the same time. It was also, in my opinion, a little more serious in tone that the previous Abby's books, but nevertheless, it has made a wonderful, easy and peaceful read, and I for one absolutely adored the pace, the events and this brilliant feeling of closeness and understanding in the girls' family. It was a book with some twists and turns but altogether, the pace was rather steady and there weren't any shocking bombs, I still found the story very interesting, and I didn't want to put it down. Abby really added more and more elements of mystery, and I loved how the jigsaws are taking shapes, because we not only have ice creams and love problems, but she has very smartly woven in elements of the very old romance between Luigi and one of the other characters (don't want to spoil it for you, so no names!), and also by adding Clarissa we could learn more about Vivien and the way she was, and even though she was not more there, she still felt as a character in the story.
This story has also incredibly rang a bell to me, as I myself have left my own family and country to move together with my (then boyfriend) now husband, so I really totally understood all the dilemmas of both Anna and Matteo. It annoyed me a little that Matteo demanded from Anna the move to Italy, although I understand how he felt, but then he forgot that Anna is also going to miss her family when she moves to Italy. He wasn't so happy in Brighton, but he probably didn't take into consideration that Anna might feel the same in Italy. In fact it is a situation that doesn't have the right solution and require from both of them sacrifice and compromises.
The chapter are told alternately about Imogen and Anna. I totally loved the fact that even when the sisters were so far away from each other, they still could count on each other, and it was so natural and honest, and this connection between them was one of the best parts in the book. The idea of moving the story partly from Brighton to Italy was a great one and it truly fantastic worked out in this book. I of course enjoyed the parts set in England, but perhaps setting the whole story there wouldn't be as colourful and vivid and travelling partly to Sorrento, it made the novel more exotic and more interesting, as well as adding more characters or emphasising some old one, that were not so strong in the first book, such as the girls' parents, or Matteo's family, especially his sister and very dominant Mamma (you know, my mum also misses her granddaughter, but she would never think of putting me under the gun. But well, she's not Italian :) ). Abby so effortlessly switches between the settings of Brighton and Sorrento, and she describes both the places with a lot of feeling and in a very vivid, realistic way, and what I would do right now to sit at the square in Sorrento right now and enjoy ice cream or two.
This was incredibly adorable and delicious read and it was worth the waiting! It's full of brilliant family relationships, empathy, very special ice creams, and fantastic settings! Abby stayed true to her writing style, which is filled with warmth, the ability to brilliantly describe places and characters and outstanding story - telling. This was really quick (because you couldn't put the book down!), light, sweet read that was so easy to get into it, and you very quickly find yourself rooting for the characters and being invariably more and more curious what's going to happen and how they're going to make lives for themselves. It was also a very realistic read, as life is not always a bed of roses, and not everything is always as you'd like it to be, and you really keep your fingers crossed for all of the characters.
"The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop" is a truly wonderful, perfect summer read, but don't forget to have an ice or two to hand! It's a book with an incredible feel - good factor to it and I can't recommend it enough!
And I might not be the biggest fan of ice cream, and absolutely not of sorbets, but after reading the book I guess I'm going to be the first one in the queue in our local ice - cream shop!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
June 28, 2018
15/20
Comme pour le premier tome, cette suite a su m’offrir un chouette moment de lecture détente et d’évasion. Je trouve cette série parfaite pour les vacances, avec une douceur que je ne cesse d’apprécier.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
Comme pour le premier tome, cette suite a su m’offrir un chouette moment de lecture détente et d’évasion. Je trouve cette série parfaite pour les vacances, avec une douceur que je ne cesse d’apprécier.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
June 22, 2018
Ce que l'auteure raconte n'est pas dénué d'intérêt, pas du tout. C'est ce qu'elle fait de ses idées qui a fait que je n'ai pas tellement accroché au roman. Bref, encore une fois il y avait de la matière, mais la sauce n'aura pas prise avec moi.
Mon avis complet : http://bloggalleane.blogspot.com/2018...
Mon avis complet : http://bloggalleane.blogspot.com/2018...
July 18, 2015
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
I've read a lot of women's fiction in the last few years. A LOT. And when you read so many novels that can be defined within the same genre it's easy for them to become predictable and kind of all muddle together into one nondescript memory of summer romances and sandy beaches. So it's a real treat when an author comes along who writes such memorable characters that even years later you remember them vividly; and that's what Abby Clements has done.
I've followed her books from the start, from Meet Me Under the Mistletoe to Amelia Grey's Fireside Dream, all the way to Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop. Each one was a delight and so I was thrilled to discover that her latest novel, The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop, announced a tasty return to Brighton (and beyond) and some very familiar characters that I had already fallen in love with in the previous novel and it was lovely to become reacquainted with them and see what happened after the happily ever after.
Because I'm a very curious person and always wonder what truly happens after I turn the final page of a delicious read and The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop provides that opportunity with sisters Anna and Imogen, and their respective loved ones, as it takes off a little while after the story's conclusion in Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop. If you haven't read the previous novel, that is not a problem either as Abby provides enough background information for new readers to instantly feel like they're already good friends with Anna and Imogen.
At the start of the novel the sisters are living in Brighton. Anna is still running their grandmother's ice cream shop, now with her partner Matteo, and Imogen is happy enough spending part of the year with her boyfriend Finn in the coastal town and part of it travelling to make her dream of being a professional photographer a reality. So far so good, but of course it wouldn't be an engrossing read if everything went according to plan. Both sisters have some tough choices to make, for themselves and their loves ones, and let's just say they don't always make the right ones...
I recognise a lot of myself in the free-spirited Imogen and rational Anna's, but in their cases it's more exaggerated and these traits really define who they are. It gives them character but it is also the cause of many of the problems that occur throughout the novel (though in Anna's case, a lot of them are courtesy of her standoffish mother-in-law) and so it's very much a journey of discovering themselves and whether they want to be defined by being that one thing and get stuck on it, or learn from past mistakes and grow as a person.
Despite the struggles that drive the story this is ultimately a heartwarming novel about family and especially the strong sisterly bond between Anna and Imogen. No matter what is happening in their lives, or what problems they're facing, they know that they will always have the support and help of the other one and that is a beautiful connection to have. The fact that there are some very handsome men around and ice cream flavours to sample, are of course definite added bonuses to the story!
Filled with sublime characters, picturesque descriptions of sunny Sorrento, and scrumptious sorbets, The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop is one read you need to pack this summer.
4.5 stars
I've read a lot of women's fiction in the last few years. A LOT. And when you read so many novels that can be defined within the same genre it's easy for them to become predictable and kind of all muddle together into one nondescript memory of summer romances and sandy beaches. So it's a real treat when an author comes along who writes such memorable characters that even years later you remember them vividly; and that's what Abby Clements has done.
I've followed her books from the start, from Meet Me Under the Mistletoe to Amelia Grey's Fireside Dream, all the way to Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop. Each one was a delight and so I was thrilled to discover that her latest novel, The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop, announced a tasty return to Brighton (and beyond) and some very familiar characters that I had already fallen in love with in the previous novel and it was lovely to become reacquainted with them and see what happened after the happily ever after.
Because I'm a very curious person and always wonder what truly happens after I turn the final page of a delicious read and The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop provides that opportunity with sisters Anna and Imogen, and their respective loved ones, as it takes off a little while after the story's conclusion in Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop. If you haven't read the previous novel, that is not a problem either as Abby provides enough background information for new readers to instantly feel like they're already good friends with Anna and Imogen.
At the start of the novel the sisters are living in Brighton. Anna is still running their grandmother's ice cream shop, now with her partner Matteo, and Imogen is happy enough spending part of the year with her boyfriend Finn in the coastal town and part of it travelling to make her dream of being a professional photographer a reality. So far so good, but of course it wouldn't be an engrossing read if everything went according to plan. Both sisters have some tough choices to make, for themselves and their loves ones, and let's just say they don't always make the right ones...
I recognise a lot of myself in the free-spirited Imogen and rational Anna's, but in their cases it's more exaggerated and these traits really define who they are. It gives them character but it is also the cause of many of the problems that occur throughout the novel (though in Anna's case, a lot of them are courtesy of her standoffish mother-in-law) and so it's very much a journey of discovering themselves and whether they want to be defined by being that one thing and get stuck on it, or learn from past mistakes and grow as a person.
Despite the struggles that drive the story this is ultimately a heartwarming novel about family and especially the strong sisterly bond between Anna and Imogen. No matter what is happening in their lives, or what problems they're facing, they know that they will always have the support and help of the other one and that is a beautiful connection to have. The fact that there are some very handsome men around and ice cream flavours to sample, are of course definite added bonuses to the story!
Filled with sublime characters, picturesque descriptions of sunny Sorrento, and scrumptious sorbets, The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop is one read you need to pack this summer.
4.5 stars
May 6, 2017
Nachdem ich vom ersten Teil der Reihe ein wenig enttäuscht war, hatte ich große Hoffnungen in die Fortsetzung gesetzt.
Der Übergang in die Geschichte ist gut gelungen und ich mochte auch hier wieder die Atmosphäre in Brighton, aber auch im sommerlichen Sorrent.
Die Geschichte ist leider auch dieses Mal sehr oberflächlich und blendet immer wieder aus, wenn es spannend oder emotional wird. Dies finde ich einfach schade, da die Geschichte wirklich Potential hat. Aber so bekommt man nie die Gelegenheit mit den Personen mitzufühlen.
Vieles wird in der Geschichte zu schnell gelöst und manche Probleme waren einfach nicht nachvollziehbar und wirkten in dem Zusammenhang zu konstruiert.
Trotz der ganzen Kritik hatte das Buch für mich einen gewissen Unterhaltungswert und ich denke schon, dass es eine unterhaltsame Strandlektüre sein kann. Ich mag seichte Geschichten, aber hier fehlte mir dann doch ein wenig Tiefgang.
Der Übergang in die Geschichte ist gut gelungen und ich mochte auch hier wieder die Atmosphäre in Brighton, aber auch im sommerlichen Sorrent.
Die Geschichte ist leider auch dieses Mal sehr oberflächlich und blendet immer wieder aus, wenn es spannend oder emotional wird. Dies finde ich einfach schade, da die Geschichte wirklich Potential hat. Aber so bekommt man nie die Gelegenheit mit den Personen mitzufühlen.
Vieles wird in der Geschichte zu schnell gelöst und manche Probleme waren einfach nicht nachvollziehbar und wirkten in dem Zusammenhang zu konstruiert.
Trotz der ganzen Kritik hatte das Buch für mich einen gewissen Unterhaltungswert und ich denke schon, dass es eine unterhaltsame Strandlektüre sein kann. Ich mag seichte Geschichten, aber hier fehlte mir dann doch ein wenig Tiefgang.
January 28, 2021
Lovely very easy read. Makes me want to visit Italy so much.
September 17, 2015
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Before reading this book, I've only read one of Ms Clements' works, but it was a short Christmas story which was not enough to convince me of her writing abilities. However, once I got the opportunity to review this book, a proper full length novel, I jumped at the chance. 'The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop' is actually the sequel of 'Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop', however it can definitely be read as a stand alone as it has enough references to the first book to keep you from getting lost. I actually have yet to read the first part, and after reading this book I'll sure try to bump it up on my reading list.
'The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop' is the perfect summer read. It's sweet and delicious, just like all the ice creams mentioned in this book. It's a wonderful, warm story about family, romance with a bit of mystery involved. In a way, it does stand out form the other chick lits and summer reads, not only cause of the gorgeous cover, but also because of the mystery element which perfectly fitted the story. Don't get me wrong, the mystery part is not something sinister and there's nothing that shocking, however for a chick lit it definitely had its impact on the story's pace.
As in the first book, the story is centered around Anna and Imogen, two sisters who've inherited their grandmother Vivien's ice cream parlour. Anna and Imogen are so different, while Anna (now a mother) is realistic and a down-to-earth person, Imogen loves her photography and traveling the world. I really loved how Ms Clements managed to portray so beautifully these two different characters, who are exact opposites yet they have such a beautiful relationship and strong bond.
I also loved Anna's relationship with her husband, Matteo and how she supports him and feels his pain for being so far from home. Moving to Italy was not easy, especially with a very demanding mother-in-law, so I think some women will easily relate to Anna and all the stuff she's going through after moving to Italy.
This book was so easy to read, I love Ms Clements easy to understand writing and the way she describes the scenery and what her characters feel and are going through. I really felt like I was involved in these characters' lives, and I was sad when I finish it and had to say good bye to them. It also helped that I could relate to both Anna and Imogen. There are times that I would definitely react like Anna, analyzing every aspect of a situation till deciding what to do, and yet sometimes I would listen to my gut and live life to the fullest just like Imogen. Even Matteo's mother who's such a pain was a nice addition to the cast. Thank god my mother-in-law is not like that, but still it was fun reading about her and some situations made me laugh out loud.
Overall, this was such a charming, delightful, delicious read. Perfect for the beach or for curling up on the sofa after a hard day at work. It reads so easy, you'll probably end up finishing it in a day or two. I wish there were more shocking revelations, however even without them the story works and keeps you turning the pages. I will definitely read more of Ms Clements' books and totally recommend this book to all chick lit and ice cream lovers.
August 9, 2015
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop was my first book by Abby. I haven’t read Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop, but I was really excited about this one. First of all only the sound of Italy is great and the blurb is wonderful.
The book starts with Matteo and Anna welcoming their beautiful daugther Isabella into their lives. They are happy in Brighton, managing Vivien’s shop, but Matteo misses Italy. They talk and yes Anna will miss her family, but they give it a try. They rent a little shop in Sorrento and decide to spend their summer there. Bella is their cute little sunhine, I loved her immediately. I also think that Matteo and Anna had something really special, a great chemistry and sweet moments. An important point I really liked about their relationship is that they talked, shared their thought and were honest with each other. In Italy they are joined by Matteo’s mother Elisa, she decides to leave Siena and help them. Her definition of help is a bit unique though and Anna really struggles with her. I was happy that she had Carolina, Matteo’s sister there. They women talked and were there with each other.
Imogen is Anna’s sister. She’s a photographer and full of passion. She loved to travel and now finally seems to settle with her boyfriend Finn. But somehow she is not happy. When the opportunity to go to Italy and visit her sister comes up, she takes it. She enjoys her time down there and when she meets an old flame her future is in question.
These two were great together, wonderful sisters with a great bond. They also had a little mystery to solve, connected to Vivien and their friend Evie and a special someone down in Italy. There was some drama going on, included in a gripping and unique way. The story talks about family, ice cream, romance and passion.
I liked that the chapters alternated in perspectives, Imogen and Anna took turns and it was great to have insight to both of them. Everything was still connected in this beautiful storyline.
Abby Clements is a wonderfully talented author, who captures feelings and the setting of a story beautifully. Her writing is gripping, full of love and sweetness. I definitely wanna read Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop now and I think we are not done here, I need to hear more about Finn & Imogen and Matteo & Anna still haven’t made a proper decision of where they wanna live.
I beautiful written story, with amazing characters and lots of heart!!!
The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop was my first book by Abby. I haven’t read Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop, but I was really excited about this one. First of all only the sound of Italy is great and the blurb is wonderful.
The book starts with Matteo and Anna welcoming their beautiful daugther Isabella into their lives. They are happy in Brighton, managing Vivien’s shop, but Matteo misses Italy. They talk and yes Anna will miss her family, but they give it a try. They rent a little shop in Sorrento and decide to spend their summer there. Bella is their cute little sunhine, I loved her immediately. I also think that Matteo and Anna had something really special, a great chemistry and sweet moments. An important point I really liked about their relationship is that they talked, shared their thought and were honest with each other. In Italy they are joined by Matteo’s mother Elisa, she decides to leave Siena and help them. Her definition of help is a bit unique though and Anna really struggles with her. I was happy that she had Carolina, Matteo’s sister there. They women talked and were there with each other.
Imogen is Anna’s sister. She’s a photographer and full of passion. She loved to travel and now finally seems to settle with her boyfriend Finn. But somehow she is not happy. When the opportunity to go to Italy and visit her sister comes up, she takes it. She enjoys her time down there and when she meets an old flame her future is in question.
These two were great together, wonderful sisters with a great bond. They also had a little mystery to solve, connected to Vivien and their friend Evie and a special someone down in Italy. There was some drama going on, included in a gripping and unique way. The story talks about family, ice cream, romance and passion.
I liked that the chapters alternated in perspectives, Imogen and Anna took turns and it was great to have insight to both of them. Everything was still connected in this beautiful storyline.
Abby Clements is a wonderfully talented author, who captures feelings and the setting of a story beautifully. Her writing is gripping, full of love and sweetness. I definitely wanna read Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop now and I think we are not done here, I need to hear more about Finn & Imogen and Matteo & Anna still haven’t made a proper decision of where they wanna live.
I beautiful written story, with amazing characters and lots of heart!!!
September 22, 2017
Abby Clements - Das Glück schmeckt nach Zitroneneis
eBook - 320 Seiten
Der Titel klang soooo vielversprechend (ich liebe Zitroneneis!!) - aber leider war dem dann doch nicht so…
Schon der Anfang zog sich irgendwie ziemlich in die Länge, man lernte viele Charaktere kennen, aber es passierte nichts.
Erst ab ca. der Hälfte des Buches nahm die Geschichte dann langsam mal an Fahrt auf.
Leider war vieles sehr klischeebehaftet, wenig überraschendes, kein Wow-Effekt.
Alles in allem denke ich, es ist ein leichte Sommerlektüre für Zwischendurch.
Wer was mit Tiefgang, Aktion, Spannung oder Romantik sucht - der sollte sich besser woanders umschauen.
* digitales Rezensionsexemplar von NetGalley & HarperCollins
eBook - 320 Seiten
Der Titel klang soooo vielversprechend (ich liebe Zitroneneis!!) - aber leider war dem dann doch nicht so…
Schon der Anfang zog sich irgendwie ziemlich in die Länge, man lernte viele Charaktere kennen, aber es passierte nichts.
Erst ab ca. der Hälfte des Buches nahm die Geschichte dann langsam mal an Fahrt auf.
Leider war vieles sehr klischeebehaftet, wenig überraschendes, kein Wow-Effekt.
Alles in allem denke ich, es ist ein leichte Sommerlektüre für Zwischendurch.
Wer was mit Tiefgang, Aktion, Spannung oder Romantik sucht - der sollte sich besser woanders umschauen.
* digitales Rezensionsexemplar von NetGalley & HarperCollins
March 17, 2018
I enjoyed this sequel as much as I enjoyed Vivien’s Heavenly Ice Cream Shop, the warmth and humour of her characters is very much centrepiece in her writing. The ongoing relationship between some of the members of the arches, Granny Vivien herself with the Amalfi Coast was something I didn’t quite see coming. I was hoping for a bit more of a comparison of cultures between the countries, or perhaps a comparison between a first-time business owner and one who has done it before but this wasn’t quite the case. At some points, I even felt the ice cream shop faded into the background a little. Another which I enjoyed while it lasted, and Abby Clements has joined the list of authors whose books I will now look out for when I go book shopping. Another 4.5 star, 4 stars on Goodreads.
June 12, 2019
This was a cute, light read. I liked the characters and the idea of the story. I haven't read the first book but this one gave enough background that I didn't feel like I was missing too much.
Whilst I did like the characters, I thought there was a bit too much going on and too many different characters to follow. It seemed like another person kept being introduced with another story to follow.
I think I would have preferred it more if the book centred around just one main character.
Overall, I liked the book. It was cute and easy to read and all the talk of the ice cream shop made me long for gelato, ice cream and sundaes!
Whilst I did like the characters, I thought there was a bit too much going on and too many different characters to follow. It seemed like another person kept being introduced with another story to follow.
I think I would have preferred it more if the book centred around just one main character.
Overall, I liked the book. It was cute and easy to read and all the talk of the ice cream shop made me long for gelato, ice cream and sundaes!
dnf
July 22, 2024It looks like this is book 2 from a series and I am not intrigued enough to buy book one, so will DNF.
I did read the first chapter, it's perfectly fine and if I had nothing better to read, I would give it a go. But I got a bazillion other books I'm excited about that will take priority.
I did read the first chapter, it's perfectly fine and if I had nothing better to read, I would give it a go. But I got a bazillion other books I'm excited about that will take priority.
July 8, 2023
This book is beyond wholesome💞🌸🥥🍦🌊
December 29, 2024
Cute read for on holiday
August 20, 2018
A nice continuation to the first book, but a slow read for me. There just was not much happening in the story to keep me reading. Finally, the story picked up towards the end of the book and I was happy with the way everything went for the characters.
June 9, 2018
For me, this was the perfect chick-lit. Although I could guess the ending, I still found myself smiling as it unfolded
October 26, 2017
Lovely easy summer read
June 27, 2015
Some books and characters need a sequel so I was ecstatic when I first read about The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop which is a sequel to Abby Clement's wonderful Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop. I was even more excited when I received a beautiful review copy. I can't believe it's been two years since Vivien's but I couldn't want to get reacquainted with Anna and Imogen.
Anna and Matteo met and fell in love in Vivien's and after a year and a half running Vivien's ice cream shop together on Brighton beach and raising their daughter Bella, Matteo is starting to miss home. Anna is scared and reluctant to leave behind her family and friends, her life, but she makes the sacrifice for Matteo and together they travel to Sorrento - a place that meant so much to Anna's grandmother Vivien - and open an ice cream shop in the town's cobbled square. Soon everything is going well, until Matteo's overbearing family (namely his mother) arrive... Matteo's mother is somewhat overbearing but at the same time you know she's probably one of those characters that will change as the story progresses.
Anna's sister Imogen meanwhile is facing a couple of troubles of her own, doubting which direction her future should be going in, and who she will be spending it with. Imogen travels to Italy to visit Anna, and hopefully to reach a decision about her future. I love the relationship Anna and Imogen have as sisters, and also how different they are. Imogen being the more carefree, laid back sister whilst Anna can at times be the more serious, grownup one of the two. Despite having never met Vivien she's a character that lives on through Anna and Imogen and I love how Anna and Matteo move to Sorrento, a place that was so special to Vivien.
Abby Clements captures her settings beautifully and effortlessly, and it's clear to see why Matteo misses his home country so much. I wanted nothing more than to sample some of the delicious ice cream described in the story and devour it walking along the Italian streets. I'm usually quite boring in my choices of ice cream (good old vanilla) but this book - and Vivien's before it - left me wanting to broaden my ice cream horizons!
I took a lot from The Heavenly Ice Cream Shop but the most overriding thing was the message of family and love, and how if you are in love, and have that one person you can spend your life with then you can overcome anything. As Anna and Imogen are about to discover. As the book nears its conclusion it really is the most wonderful ending, a story that leaves you with that warm glow you get from finishing such an enjoyable story. I have no trouble recommending this book, it really is one of the summer's must read books.
Anna and Matteo met and fell in love in Vivien's and after a year and a half running Vivien's ice cream shop together on Brighton beach and raising their daughter Bella, Matteo is starting to miss home. Anna is scared and reluctant to leave behind her family and friends, her life, but she makes the sacrifice for Matteo and together they travel to Sorrento - a place that meant so much to Anna's grandmother Vivien - and open an ice cream shop in the town's cobbled square. Soon everything is going well, until Matteo's overbearing family (namely his mother) arrive... Matteo's mother is somewhat overbearing but at the same time you know she's probably one of those characters that will change as the story progresses.
Anna's sister Imogen meanwhile is facing a couple of troubles of her own, doubting which direction her future should be going in, and who she will be spending it with. Imogen travels to Italy to visit Anna, and hopefully to reach a decision about her future. I love the relationship Anna and Imogen have as sisters, and also how different they are. Imogen being the more carefree, laid back sister whilst Anna can at times be the more serious, grownup one of the two. Despite having never met Vivien she's a character that lives on through Anna and Imogen and I love how Anna and Matteo move to Sorrento, a place that was so special to Vivien.
Abby Clements captures her settings beautifully and effortlessly, and it's clear to see why Matteo misses his home country so much. I wanted nothing more than to sample some of the delicious ice cream described in the story and devour it walking along the Italian streets. I'm usually quite boring in my choices of ice cream (good old vanilla) but this book - and Vivien's before it - left me wanting to broaden my ice cream horizons!
I took a lot from The Heavenly Ice Cream Shop but the most overriding thing was the message of family and love, and how if you are in love, and have that one person you can spend your life with then you can overcome anything. As Anna and Imogen are about to discover. As the book nears its conclusion it really is the most wonderful ending, a story that leaves you with that warm glow you get from finishing such an enjoyable story. I have no trouble recommending this book, it really is one of the summer's must read books.
July 12, 2015
Anna and Matteo are successfully running their ice cream shop in Brighton. They are making the most delicious flavors and it doesn't matter if it's summer or winter they always have a lot of customers. They have a sweet daughter, Bella. Everything is going really well, but Matteo isn't happy. He misses Italy and his family. Because of this Anna decides that it's time for them to have a new adventure. They find a great location for their Italian ice cream shop in Sorrento. They want to continue their success formula from Brighton. At first things are great, but then Matteo's mother decides to spend the summer near her son. She constantly undermines Anna and Matteo doesn't do anything against it. The pressure is starting to build. Something has to change, but what will it be?
Imogen is living in Brighton together with her boyfriend Finn. He's giving surfing lessons and wants to expand his business. Imogen is a photographer. She loves traveling and can't wait to leave Brighton behind to see the world. Only when there's no work for her abroad she's forced to stay home. She can still make a living from her photographs, but they're not the kind she wants to take. Her life is suffocating her and she isn't happy. When she has the chance to go to Italy to spend some holiday time with her sister she doesn't hesitate and books a flight. Only in Italy she runs into someone who used to be very dear to her. Will the past mess up her future?
The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop is Abby Clements's second book about Anna and Imogen. It was wonderful to read about their lives again. I love books about sisters and Anna and Imogen are fabulous. Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop is one of my all time favorite summer reads and I couldn't wait to read more about them. The books can be read as stand alones, but I highly recommend doubling the fun. These books are not something you want to miss. They're filled with warm family connections, delicious ice cream, loving characters and romance.
I love the way Abby Clements writes. When I start reading her stories I never want to stop. I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed it very much. It was great to read about both Brighton and Italy. Even though Anna and Imogen are miles apart they're still really close. Their connection is such a strong base for the story. Nothing can come between them and they tell each other everything. They are both strong and resilient, which is a quality I very much appreciate in main characters. Anna and Imogen's connection combined with with gorgeous weather, old and new love and scrumptious food talk make this book the perfect read for the summer. It's absolutely wonderful in so many ways, I can't recommend it enough
Imogen is living in Brighton together with her boyfriend Finn. He's giving surfing lessons and wants to expand his business. Imogen is a photographer. She loves traveling and can't wait to leave Brighton behind to see the world. Only when there's no work for her abroad she's forced to stay home. She can still make a living from her photographs, but they're not the kind she wants to take. Her life is suffocating her and she isn't happy. When she has the chance to go to Italy to spend some holiday time with her sister she doesn't hesitate and books a flight. Only in Italy she runs into someone who used to be very dear to her. Will the past mess up her future?
The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop is Abby Clements's second book about Anna and Imogen. It was wonderful to read about their lives again. I love books about sisters and Anna and Imogen are fabulous. Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop is one of my all time favorite summer reads and I couldn't wait to read more about them. The books can be read as stand alones, but I highly recommend doubling the fun. These books are not something you want to miss. They're filled with warm family connections, delicious ice cream, loving characters and romance.
I love the way Abby Clements writes. When I start reading her stories I never want to stop. I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed it very much. It was great to read about both Brighton and Italy. Even though Anna and Imogen are miles apart they're still really close. Their connection is such a strong base for the story. Nothing can come between them and they tell each other everything. They are both strong and resilient, which is a quality I very much appreciate in main characters. Anna and Imogen's connection combined with with gorgeous weather, old and new love and scrumptious food talk make this book the perfect read for the summer. It's absolutely wonderful in so many ways, I can't recommend it enough
August 28, 2015
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2015/0...
The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop is the sequel to Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop. Now I have a confession to make ... looking on Amazon for the blurb, I was notified that I bought Vivien's two years ago and yes, after a search, there it is on my shelf. I haven't read it (yet!) but it hasn't made any difference to my enjoyment of this sequel. There is enough back story to know the history so can be read as a stand alone novel.
The McAvoy family got under my skin (in a good way!). Imogen and her 'on the move' personality causing restlessness and no centre of balance while Anna has her own family but feels guilt that she is keeping Matteo from his family in Italy. Dad Tom coming to terms with his grief and mum Jan playing safe. I fell in love not just with them but with the secondary characters too.
It was easy to feel Matteo's pain - feeling torn between his promise to Anna but missing his country and family. Also easy to feel Anna's mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement when they first discuss a move. It's not easy when they move though, kudos to Anna keeping it together despite mother-in-law Elisa interfering and comparing. I loved that she didn't cave under the pressure of a well known Italian name in ice cream and carried on experimenting and serving those new creations.
I wanted to shake Imogen. Not that I thought she shouldn't be travelling the world with her photography projects but how she just couldn't see the emotional barrier for what it was. Finn is so solid (and hot!) they are perfectly matched.
I loved the sub plots and the intrigue too. Renovating Viven's home to create Elderberry Guest House and their long term guest Clarissa. Evie in Brighton and over in Italy Luigi. Carolina's secret and the impact she has ... oh and I loved the change in Jan too! Fabulous.
For me, The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop is all about emotion and relationships. I loved the balance between the positive and the negative, for example while Anna and Matteo are getting excited about investing in the property in Sorrento, Imogen's photography career takes a different turn and she's disappointed. Of course the gelato and experimenting is mouth watering (goes without saying really) and the settings of Brighton and Sorrento are perfect places to escape to. In fact, this is the perfect escapist read. Highly recommend!
I would like to thank the publishers for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop is the sequel to Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop. Now I have a confession to make ... looking on Amazon for the blurb, I was notified that I bought Vivien's two years ago and yes, after a search, there it is on my shelf. I haven't read it (yet!) but it hasn't made any difference to my enjoyment of this sequel. There is enough back story to know the history so can be read as a stand alone novel.
The McAvoy family got under my skin (in a good way!). Imogen and her 'on the move' personality causing restlessness and no centre of balance while Anna has her own family but feels guilt that she is keeping Matteo from his family in Italy. Dad Tom coming to terms with his grief and mum Jan playing safe. I fell in love not just with them but with the secondary characters too.
It was easy to feel Matteo's pain - feeling torn between his promise to Anna but missing his country and family. Also easy to feel Anna's mixed feelings of nervousness and excitement when they first discuss a move. It's not easy when they move though, kudos to Anna keeping it together despite mother-in-law Elisa interfering and comparing. I loved that she didn't cave under the pressure of a well known Italian name in ice cream and carried on experimenting and serving those new creations.
I wanted to shake Imogen. Not that I thought she shouldn't be travelling the world with her photography projects but how she just couldn't see the emotional barrier for what it was. Finn is so solid (and hot!) they are perfectly matched.
I loved the sub plots and the intrigue too. Renovating Viven's home to create Elderberry Guest House and their long term guest Clarissa. Evie in Brighton and over in Italy Luigi. Carolina's secret and the impact she has ... oh and I loved the change in Jan too! Fabulous.
For me, The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop is all about emotion and relationships. I loved the balance between the positive and the negative, for example while Anna and Matteo are getting excited about investing in the property in Sorrento, Imogen's photography career takes a different turn and she's disappointed. Of course the gelato and experimenting is mouth watering (goes without saying really) and the settings of Brighton and Sorrento are perfect places to escape to. In fact, this is the perfect escapist read. Highly recommend!
I would like to thank the publishers for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2018
Un deuxième opus tout aussi léger que le premier, dans lequel Anna devra braver son propre mal du pays pour le bonheur de sa famille. Une lecture légère et très agréable, avec laquelle j’ai passé un bon moment mais que je n’ai pourtant pas autant apprécié que La merveilleuse boutique de crèmes glacées de Viviane !
https://anouklibrary.wordpress.com/20...
https://anouklibrary.wordpress.com/20...
July 10, 2015
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop follows on from Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop. Although I don't think you need to read the first book, it will definitely give you more context to the story.
I really enjoyed this quick, easy read from Abby. It is so easy to get into and felt like pure escapism. It's so effortless to really get involved in the character's lives. The main characters, Anna and Imogen are sisters, but are very different and I liked the cross over between their viewpoints and what was happening in their lives. Although a light read, this still has that real life element to it with not everything being so cosy, but it just makes you resonate with the characters more and make you want everything to work out for them. I must also mention Anna's daughter Bella, she is such a sweetie pie and very much reminded me of my niece who is also called Bella.
I loved the setting of Sorrento, I have been there once myself so it really took me back and a few memories resurfaced. If you haevn't been I will be very surprised if you don't want to go after reading this. Abby effortlessly transports you there with her wonderful, warm descriptions.
There is no way you will read this and not have a serious hankering for ice cream! I wanted to try everything they made and as I live very close to Brighton where part of the novel is set, I'm seriously wishing The Heavely Ice Cream Shop was an actual place! Of course there is also the ice cream shop that Anna and Matteo take over in Italy (where ice cream of course originates from!) for the summer and could definitely understand why they had a snaking queue outside their doors.
This is a definite must read for your summer TBR pile, I am now desperate not only for ice cream (yes I know I said that already, but I am!) but also a summer holiday. If you are or aren't going away this year, I still definitely recommend this to spend some of those summer days with.
The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop follows on from Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop. Although I don't think you need to read the first book, it will definitely give you more context to the story.
I really enjoyed this quick, easy read from Abby. It is so easy to get into and felt like pure escapism. It's so effortless to really get involved in the character's lives. The main characters, Anna and Imogen are sisters, but are very different and I liked the cross over between their viewpoints and what was happening in their lives. Although a light read, this still has that real life element to it with not everything being so cosy, but it just makes you resonate with the characters more and make you want everything to work out for them. I must also mention Anna's daughter Bella, she is such a sweetie pie and very much reminded me of my niece who is also called Bella.
I loved the setting of Sorrento, I have been there once myself so it really took me back and a few memories resurfaced. If you haevn't been I will be very surprised if you don't want to go after reading this. Abby effortlessly transports you there with her wonderful, warm descriptions.
There is no way you will read this and not have a serious hankering for ice cream! I wanted to try everything they made and as I live very close to Brighton where part of the novel is set, I'm seriously wishing The Heavely Ice Cream Shop was an actual place! Of course there is also the ice cream shop that Anna and Matteo take over in Italy (where ice cream of course originates from!) for the summer and could definitely understand why they had a snaking queue outside their doors.
This is a definite must read for your summer TBR pile, I am now desperate not only for ice cream (yes I know I said that already, but I am!) but also a summer holiday. If you are or aren't going away this year, I still definitely recommend this to spend some of those summer days with.
June 15, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by Abby Clements and I loved it from the first page. The book follows Anna and Imogen, two sisters from Brighton who are polar opposites but both in their own way understand the importance of relationships and family.
After successfully running their ice cream shop for over a year, Anna, her partner Matteo and their daughter move to Italy to take over an ice cream shop on the Amalfi Coast. Things start well but soon Anna finds dealing with Matteo's demanding mother is not so easy and she must decide where her heart truly lies.
Imogen has a great boyfriend in Finn but she is scared off by the thought of commitment. A visit to her sister and the chance to visit Capri help to put things into perspective for Imogen and she must decide how she really feels.
This is a great book and full of heart-warming characters. Definitely a 5* read perfect for the summer.
Thank you Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to review this book.
This is the first book I have read by Abby Clements and I loved it from the first page. The book follows Anna and Imogen, two sisters from Brighton who are polar opposites but both in their own way understand the importance of relationships and family.
After successfully running their ice cream shop for over a year, Anna, her partner Matteo and their daughter move to Italy to take over an ice cream shop on the Amalfi Coast. Things start well but soon Anna finds dealing with Matteo's demanding mother is not so easy and she must decide where her heart truly lies.
Imogen has a great boyfriend in Finn but she is scared off by the thought of commitment. A visit to her sister and the chance to visit Capri help to put things into perspective for Imogen and she must decide how she really feels.
This is a great book and full of heart-warming characters. Definitely a 5* read perfect for the summer.
Thank you Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to review this book.
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August 7, 2015It seems we all love our ice cream at any time but during these summer months when our heads are filled with sea and sunshine its a perfect companion. In this 2nd book of the series you can almost taste the ice cream flavours! It is good that you don't have to worry if you have not read the first one but it is a lovely follow up. I knew an Italian Ice cream family I grew up with who always gave me free ice creams and I imagined Matteo to look like him. I love how some books can conjour up memories deeply forgotten. It was another heavenly read..I wonder if there will be another dessert on the menu. Wholly recommend this read.
July 8, 2016
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
16/20 - En bref, j'ai aimé retrouver la petite famille, naviguer entre Anna et Imogène qui ont toutes les deux des choses à régler pour pouvoir aller de l'avant et j'ai eu très souvent le sourire en les voyant agir pour le bien de tout le monde. L'auteur nous les rend agréables, humaines et vivantes et on ne peut qu'apprécier cette histoire qui met du baume au cœur tout en restant simple. Une histoire à vivre avec eux !
16/20 - En bref, j'ai aimé retrouver la petite famille, naviguer entre Anna et Imogène qui ont toutes les deux des choses à régler pour pouvoir aller de l'avant et j'ai eu très souvent le sourire en les voyant agir pour le bien de tout le monde. L'auteur nous les rend agréables, humaines et vivantes et on ne peut qu'apprécier cette histoire qui met du baume au cœur tout en restant simple. Une histoire à vivre avec eux !
June 17, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. At the time I hadn't realised that I'd already read the first book so it was a lovely surprise to meet the characters I loved before again. Very much enjoyed reading this light, frothy .....ice cream of a book and I'm afraid I devoured it all in one greedy gulp. Left me with a smile on my face .....and a craving for sorbet!
July 9, 2015
The story of Imogen and Anna continues in this book. This time tho Anna goes to Italy where her husband, Matteo is from. Anna has to deal with Matteo's overbearing mother and her only sanity is his sister who has her own secret.
The story is brilliantly written and you don't have to of read the first book to enjoy this one, Abby really is a charming story teller who every one will enjoy.
The story is brilliantly written and you don't have to of read the first book to enjoy this one, Abby really is a charming story teller who every one will enjoy.
July 4, 2024
This wasn't a bad book, but it felt a bit boring and predictable. Would have been a good summer holiday read. I felt the characters had no depth to them and everyone was so nice all the time, it got boring.
August 21, 2015
What a great book! Loved reading every minute of this would highly recommend it
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October 15, 2015Enjoy this light easy holiday read
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