One Euro Summer

by Sage Parker

Genres: Fiction

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Susan]

After a divorce, some women burn their ex-husband's clothes. Others buy a crumbling townhouse in Tuscany for one euro.

It seemed like a brilliant idea to Christine at the time. Now she's standing in the village square of Santa Lucia, starting over at 55 with a broken suitcase, a best friend who refuses to learn Italian, and a pair of runaway underwear tangled on the steps of the local cathedral. Not exactly the fresh start she'd imagined.

But Santa Lucia has a way of surprising her. There's a hidden cookbook tucked inside the walls of her new home, filled with mysterious love notes from a woman who vanished decades ago. There's a village full of warm, wonderfully nosy neighbors who seem determined to adopt her. And there's Marco: patient, kind, and far too handsome for Christine's peace of mind.

She escaped to Italy to rebuild her sense of wonder and adventure. She didn't expect to fall in love with it.

This contemporary small-town, clean and wholesome, warm, witty, heartfelt second-chance starting over romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building, in Santa Lucia, with magnificent sunrises and sunsets that are majestically painted across the sky in vibrant hues, and characters who are resilient, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with one Euro summer, second chances, secret histories, the courage it takes to start over, one imperfect, beautiful day at a time, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with one Euro summer and a contemporary small-town, clean and wholesome, warm, witty, heartfelt second-chance starting over romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is immensely heartfelt/emotional, intriguing, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine is starting over after a 20 year marriage to Harold who treated her terribly and now is sure that he didn't even love her. She and her friend Nancy head to Santa Lucia to start over. Christine has had a dream of opening a pie bakery and has tried but there is always an obstacle in her way. Christine has met a handsome Italian named Marco that is very much interested in her and has no problem showing his feelings to her. Marco was married to Lucianna and she will stop at nothing to interfere with Christine's dream of a bake shop becoming a reality. It could be because she could be jealous of Marco and Christine or that there was also a bakeshop in the house that she has bought. The house has been empty for many years now, and Christine and Nancy are fixing it up to live in. Christine and Marco go into a booth at the festival and she sells out of the 20 pies that she makes! Marco and Christine dance at the festival and Sophia comes running towards them to let them k!now that her pie shop was rejected by the town, and that is all Lucianna's doing, she has it out for Christine for some reason. The town gives Christine the support she needs to win this. I can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Delightful!

New author and new series for me,but I am so very happy that I discovered both. I was hooked from the first paragraph! The storyline was both entertaining and intriguing, likable realistic and finely drawn characters, witty dual cue and laugh out loud moments. Christine newly divorced and seeking change has moved all the way across the continent to a small village in Italy along with her best friend who is also her best cheer leader and encourager. Polar opposites in personality but best friends since grade school they balance each other perfectly.

Following them as they try to acclimate to a new culture, environment and language is enjoyable and entertaining. A mystery in connection to the previous owner, a jealous bitter female and a possible romance all make for enjoyable reading.

I am looking forward to books two and three which I have already downloaded to my kindle. I am anxious to find out more about Isabella who disappeared without a trace, how Christine will manage to get her dream job of pie baker established, and if my suspicion about the man helping with the rehabilitation of the house she purchased for one Euro are correct. Spoiler: I don't think he's strange, I feel that he is mute. Highly recommend.. You won't be disappointed!

[Shelly C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newly divorced Christine makes an impulse decision to buy a home in Santa Lucia for one euro, taking her best friend Nancy along with her. The home has been unlived in for quite some time, but the ladies jump in to renovating the home. While most of the villagers are wary of the Americans, single neighbor Marco is very interested in Christine and helps not only get the house livable, but also encourages her to start her dream pie bakery. However, Marco's ex-wife tries everything possible to stop Christine before she gets started. Meanwhile, Christine has discovered a hidden cookbook in her house - complete with a secret diary journaled throughout. It was written by Isabella, who lived in the house 40 years ago before disappearing. Where did she go and what happened to her? No one who remembers her is willing to talk...some secrets are better left alone, but Chrisine & Nancy are determined to solve this mystery. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Euro Summer, Book 1, is the introduction to Christine's process of starting over again after a divorce from her husband of twenty years. She purchases a one euro house in the village of Santa Lucia in Italy with the intention of opening up a bakery specializing in pies with her best friend Nancy. Not long after arriving in the village, Christine meets Marco, the owner of the village's gelato shop. But she runs into a few problems with the move including poor language skills, a house which has been unoccupied for 40 years, and the jealous ex-wife of Marco. This first book of the series has well developed primary and secondary characters, culture shock, humorous situations, secrets, mystery, and a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“One Euro Summer” by Sage Parker

- This is book 1 of a series of 3 books that I received a free copy. I am freely sharing my honest thoughts. Christine moves to a small village in Italy after her divorce, hoping to start fresh and open a bakery with her best friend, Nancy.
When she meets Marco and discovers a recipe book uncovering old secrets.
The Italian setting is charming, and the story blends friendship, romance, mystery, and new beginnings. A warm and heartfelt read about taking chances, finding community, and building a new life amidst uncertainty. The story ends on a cliffhanger leaving the reader wanting more.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 of 3 in this series and introduces Christine who is getting over her divorce and hoping to fulfil a dream of hers, and her best friend and partner in crime Nancy, who is her totally supportive friend who marches to the beat of her own drum, the love between these two shines and you know that they will be there for each other no matter what.

In this book there a mysteries to discover, people to win over, a second language to learn, a potential romance to explore and a councilwoman to battle, I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I am going to love this series, especially the fact that it is set in one of my most favourite places in the world, Italy. Christine moves to Italy to start over after her divorce and there she finds a possible new love but also stumbles upon a mystery disappearance and a very grumpy ex wife of Marco, Christine’s new friend. I enjoyed everything about this first book and the fact that there is a mystery is also alluring. I am so excited for the next book and the possible new revelations as Christine starts to settle in her new home.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine has been divorced for 2 years and feeling defeated she bought a house in Italy and has a dream of owning a bakery. Her best friend Nancy moves with her. She meets Marco and he owns a gelato shop. Then she finds a recipe book from the previous owner. Who happens to be Marco’s ex wife Luciana and Isabella’s friend who’s been missing for 40 years & previous owner of Christine’s house. She very vindictive and every time a window o-ens for Christine she’s there to close it. Why?

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I love that Christine's story takes place in Italy. Second, I love the close sister like friendship between Christine and Nancy. Third, Marco is dreamy, last, what is a story without drama and an evil ex...Will Christine and Nancy discover what really happened to Isabella and will Marco and Enzo to help? Sophia is a sweetheart and I am glad that she is on Christine's side. My heart broke for Nancy and Christine when Nancy's mom passed. Losing a parent is never easy regardless of age. I am loving this story very much. I cannot wait for book two!.

[Barb Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine and her friend Nancy move to a small town in Italy after her divorce. She has a dream to open a pie bakery. She buys a house for 1 euro and while it needs a lot of work, it may be just right.
Shortly after moving there, she meets Marco and they become friends. Marco's ex-wife Luciana is determined to stop Christine from succeeding in her plan. The council is reviewing her license while the townspeople enjoy her goods. Will she be able to make her dream become reality? I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Booksprout, and this is my honest review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

European classic cozy!

This is a fantastic first book in what will be another superb series by Sage Parker.  Crazy, zany and filled with both hilarious and emotional events as Christine and Nancy are determined to integrate into a small Italian community and live life to the fullest.  I highly recommend this book series and author to others.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Euro Summer is the first book in a new series Pies & Prosecco by Sage Parker.
Christine moves to Italy and takes her friend Nancy with her. Christine wants to open a bakery. The road to this venture is filled with so many things that kept me turning the pages and the end has me wanting the next book as soon as possible. I love Sage Parker’s ability to hold my attention with her writing style.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Love and a hidden treasure make this a very entertaining read. Like the main characters and I like the setting in the background of the story. And it's interesting when you get your secondary characters that like to help and meddle in your business because it is fun to read. Italy is a great setting. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delaney and Nova's suitcases, purses, and cell phones were stolen from the cabin. Everything was GONE!!! Credit cards, cash, EVERYTHING.
What are they going to do. Can Milo and Maveryk help them out?
Good one Grace. Get me to #4.
I received an ARC and are sharing my honest thoughts.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

courage and obstacles
I admired Christine for her courage to start over, isn´t it just sad that there always seems to be somebody who finds joy in putting obstacles in your way?
I was happy for Christine to find support from her friend Nancy, the townspeople and Marco and I can´t wait to read how their story continues in book 2.

[Arabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this new book; Christine buys a Tuscan Village after her divorce and with her best friend they buy a one-way ticket to Tuscan Village. She is looking to find herself again after being marries for 20 years.
This book is funny, Nancy is a character and Christine is the voice of reason.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chriatine moves to Italy to a remote village.She doesn't know the culture or the language. How will she survive?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Sage Parker; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the first book in the Pies & Prosecco Series; it is the beginning of a three-book series. The story continues in the next book & needs to be read in order.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine is starting over again in Santa Lucia. She buys a home for one Euro. She finds a cookbook in the wall. She is accepted by the living people. I am loving this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Beginning

This was a great beginning to a new series. It has a little bit of mystery, humor, death and love. Great characters and a great place to start over. Looking forward to reading the next book

[Mrs Irfan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect when you want to relax .author did amazing work highly recommended to everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pdt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this whole series! A little mystery, a little romance and a heap of starting over.

[Julie's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this first book of the series from beginning to end. I loved the characters and the plot as well. Can't wait for book 2.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only One Life

Fun story about a woman who has the courage to follow her dreams right into risk. Or prosperity of the soul. Or love. On to the continuation...

[Lisa Marie]

I usually really love the stories by Sage Parker so I'm stunned that I got bored and lost interest.