It Was Always You

by Georgie Capron

Libby has been drifting through life for too long and, now in her early 30's, it's time to grow up. She decides to have one last summer of fun before buckling down, so heads off to beautiful Positano in Italy.

There, despite all her good intentions, she can't help but fall a little in love with the very handsome, but rather naughty, Luca and, as the summer draws to a close, Libby has some big decisions to make.

Should she head back home and face up to her responsibilities? Is Luca really the right man to start a family with, or has the perfect man been right in front of her eyes all this time?

And, when it comes to affairs of the heart, is it really better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?

Genres: Romance, Italy, Contemporary

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2017

About the author

Georgie Capron is a British author of contemporary women's fiction.  She writes stories about real life with themes exploring love, relationships, family, community and friendship.  She lives in South-West London with her husband and three children.  Her first three novels are published by Aria Fiction, an imprint of Head of Zeus: Just the Two of Us, One Summer in Positano (previously published as It Was Always You) and The Distance Between Us. To find out more find her on X (@georgiecapron), Instagram (@georgiecapronauthor), Facebook (Georgie Capron Author) or www.georgiecapron.com

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ A journey of self discovery, love, relationships, New Beginnings.

It was always you is a beautifully written story about self discovery, finding love, trust, friendships, tough decisions, family

Libby is nearly 30, her friends have settled down and have commitments.
However Libby knows come September she is going to have to knuckle down if she wants to make it in the world of Law.

So when Libby decides to inject some fun into her life before her life becomes serious she heads off to Positano in Italy, for the Summer where she will be working  in a b&b

It's here Libby meets Luca her Italian Hunk.
Libby quickly falls for Luca, the sparks between them hot, but can Luca be trusted!
 Can she leave him to go back home?
Is Luca really the right man for her, after all he is known to have a bit of a bad boy rep!

When Libby received some bad news she has no choice but to return back home!

Libby is a likeable character, im not too sure how many 30ish year olds jet off into the sunset to have fun before getting serious but it makes for a great character read, and I really liked her.

This is a fun Summer Read with a serious side to it too. A twist you might not see coming.
 Overall a great holiday read.
Just also want to mention if you are looking to be transported to Italy then you will really adore this book, Georgie literally had me envisioning all the sights, smells, Food, scenery. I literally felt like I was right there.

Great read for those who love Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, Romance.

I received this book from the Publisher for free via Netgalley, in which I voluntarily reviewed.

My Review is also on my blog website:
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/09...

[Karlita | Tale Out Loud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars

“Life doesn’t always have to happen in the order you would expect.”

At her early 30's, Libby finally decided to get serious with her life and having some kind of direction. But before facing the reality and making sense of what she really wanted out of life, she head on to Italy to have her one last adventure and enjoying the serene beach life at Positano. There she met Luca who is armed by his good looks and melted anyone with his charm.

Knowing that Luca doesn't​' believe in monogamy which he described has its own recipe for disaster, Libby found him as a perfect holiday fling with absolutely no strings attached. But what if Luca change? Will Libby finally be able to see the truth or she will fell trapped that neither of them see it coming?

Georgie Capron was able to capture the rawness of every character, what has been missing in their lives or what's the true nature of their desires. The story will show you that everything that is happening, may it be good or bad, does happen not because it is bound to be but it has to be.

As much as I wanted to like Luca, his good charms felt out of place. I'm not sure how the author gave me that kind of impression over him but from the very beginning I know Luca is up to know good. I was too expectant that there will be another man that will capture Libby's heart or someone who's more deserving to have her instead of Luca.

Helen, Libby's sister has the most depressing personality for wanting to have her own family yet it felt like Libby has got all what she wanted. While Angus, her best friend, yet married to Jules, has been longing for a child of his own. But again Libby got what he wanted.

And it's as clear as day that Luca will going to be who he is from how he was described from the first few chapters of the story. Though I was very disappointed on how he and Jules act on their feelings, I am more relieved that both Libby and Angus would finally be able to have their own happily ever after.

I love Libby's character the most. It's very relatable. She maybe hurt at first but she was able to used that single moment of her life to be able to finally realized her dreams.

Overtime, I see how the characters evolved in the story. Not all but most. And though I had enough clue whilst reading between lines on what is going to happen, it didn't came as a surprise on how the story will progress. Though the ending felt a little too rushed, I still love how everything came together just the way I wanted it to be.

It Was Always You is a story about how everything in life happen for a reason and sometimes that reason is all along right in front of you. They don't happen everytime so you have to learn to pick yourself up to see the second chances around.

“She couldn’t believe she hadn’t realised what was there, right in front of her, for all those years.

**"Thank you Yasemin Turan of Aria Fiction for including me on this blog tour, to Netgalley and Georgie Capron for providing me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review! 

Links to buy:
Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play

About the Author:

Georgie Capron lives in South West London with her husband. She works as a primary school teacher, and writes during the holidays. She studied Italian and History of Art at the University of Edinburgh, and loves travelling, yoga and all sorts of arts and crafts. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Libby takes herself off for a few months to work abroad before settling down to 'serious life and a serious job', she didn't have any expectations, just to have fun and enjoy herself while working temporarily.

I learnt early on that Luca would figure in her life big time as he became a primary male figure within the chapters.

The hip churning, heart pumpling Luca wasn't someone Libby could brush off easily, he was good on the eye and kind too.

The 'no I shouldn't, the 'yes I should' moments came over Libby quite often. She couldn't ignore them or him.

It became all to clear to me where this was leading.

Luca's is not future husband material, he tells her early on he loves the one he's with, but that's for as long as hes with them.

H doesn't believe in one woman one man.

So will she succumb to his charms?
Is Libby the one to change him or is she heading for heartbreak?

Its not your usual run of the mill romantic stories, it has depth, pitch, power and pace a plenty.
Emotions and rage.

The ending was well thought out.

A really enjoyable read.

Thank you to Aria via Net Galley for my copy

[Priyanka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out http://abooklionshideaway.blogspot.in/ for more reviews.
Rating - 3.5/5

Libby is our main protagonist. She is in her thirties and wants to go on a proper vacation before settling down and becoming serious. She chooses to go to Italy. She goes to Positano and lives and works there. She meets this gorgeous male Luca, whom I didn't like from the beginning only despite his charming self.

This story is more about what characters are going through and how they are dealing with various aspects of their lives and problems. I like the way everyone's life was described and the raw nature of it. I liked Libby and her journey. I also liked Angus a lot. He has such a big heart!

The story is a bit complicated after Libby's vacation. I wanted to like it but I couldn't keep up and there were things that made me happy to read and some did not. I kept on reading to find out more about the company which some of the characters start together. I liked Libby because she didn't give up and she did what she wanted in the end. And liked Angus for supporting her.

You see a lot of other characters through Libby too. Like her sister Helen. I liked reading about her part too. Angus was a surprise and I really liked that. The ending was a bit too sudden. But nevertheless, I liked it and the epilogue too.

*An ebook copy was provided via the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby spends the summer in Positano in Italy before coming back to complete her legal training. Despite warnings she falls for local bad boy Luca, who openly admits that he moves on from relationships freely. She faces some big decisions about her future and whether her new job is for her.
The book offers romance, family relationships and friendships along with some life hurdles and upset along with dreams for the future.
This was a 3.5 star read for me I think.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby is the main protagonist in the book and I loved her. Being in my late thirties and not fitting into other peoples perception of where I should be in life. Libby is awesome, I love that she goes to Italy for a last hoorah before she has to join the rat race of becoming a lawyer.

Georgie Capron really captures the heart of Italy. The passion for life and the wonderful souls of the life loving Italians. In my chilly Edinburgh bedroom, I was transported to Positano with the sun shining on my face and going on adventures with Libby.

The book has a great pace and I did not find it predictable. It's the perfect gift for a friends Birthday or even Christmas. Great for your holiday read too.

[Simona · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

I really loved the sound of this book and a book set in Italy always makes me feel at home.

That’s probably why I liked the first part best. Libby decides to spend the summer in Italy, working at a hostel and enjoying beautiful Positano, before starting as a trainee at a law firm. She works down there, explores the lovely area and gets to know Luca. She soon falls in love with him and some shocking news change her life forever. I loved exploring Italy with Libby and Luca, Gergie Capron’s writing is very detailed and lovely.

Back in England she starts her new job and deals with the news. There is also her sister, who is struggling with life, her mum and her best friends Libby and Angus, who are married. The news is a surprise for everyone and everyone reacts differently. Things move on and it gets more complicated. The storyline jumped a lot here and some jumps, didn’t really make sense for me. There was no transition between parts and some things, like ages or birthdays didn’t make sense. I also struggled to relate to Libby. My favourite characters was Angus, because he is full of passion and his a big heart.

Anyway, things in the storyline get heated, complicated and it’s full on drama. It’s about Luca and Libby’s trust to him, but on top of that there is much more. I’m not mentioning anything here, because it would give too much away.

I really wanted to know what happens to Libby, Luca, Angus and co. and that’s why I kept on reading the story, even though I struggled at times. Looking at the title, I figured out the ending pretty fast, but it actually took a really long time to get there. The structure of the book is not ideal, but I like the idea behind it. Sometimes things seemed too be a bit too nice, easy and work out too well, which made it hard for me to found a connection to the story. I also didn’t really like the epilogue, I like the idea of it, but not who it was written down.

I really wanted to like this book more and there were times I had a simile on my face. It is a cute and sweet story, but certain things didn’t appeal to me. All in all, it’s a good 3* star book, including a great setting.

[Gaele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a back-and-forth impression here from me: initially the heroine, Libby, was immature, unfocused and more than a bit spoilt child. Nearing 30, she really needed to find a direction after an ‘adult’ life spent travelling, temping and ‘finding herself’. Personally, these are the most difficult characters for me to connect with – as they are just in that endless loop of self-indulgence. Even Libby’s best friends since childhood have moved on and grown up- and have little expectation that she will be anything more than what she is.

And then things change: from her ‘last’ summer of indulgence spent in Positano, she meets and decides on a ‘summer fling’ with the bartender at the small guesthouse she is working for in a combined attempt to enjoy her life and polish her Italian in preparation for her contract to work in a law firm come September. But, for me, just as the “always you’ romantic entanglement hinted at in the title was obvious, the relationship with Luca, and it’s eventual shatter were easy to see coming: for everyone BUT Libby. Don’t get me wrong, this was an easy and enjoyable read, but there were no real surprises here: from the betrayals to her protracted growing curve, Libby does manage to be engaging and show that she understands the need to grow up – for herself.

A novel that is best described as a long-overdue self-discovery for Libby: deciding what she can and cannot live with, how she will support herself and still manage to wake each day excited to continue, and just where her abilities, talent and attention span will prove to be an asset rather than keeping her in the constant state of flux. Capron has an easygoing writing style: points of view are clear and well voiced, descriptions are lovely, and there was a solid sense of Libby’s struggles with her own self-definition. And this is a feel-good, everything works out sort of story, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Ionia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will give you all the feels. I laughed and fell in love and cried and wished I could be seeing the sights that the main characters saw during her time in Italy. You want to eat before you read this because it will also make you hungry if you don't.

I liked the main character, Libby, from the beginning. She starts out the book mostly carefree as she takes a final trip for herself before embarking on a serious career. I liked the way the author used such beautiful descriptions to enhance the reader's experience and make it feel like you were right there alongside her characters. I also thought she did a stellar job of showing how we can get our hearts involved in a relationship without letting our brains control us, even when we should know better.

As the book progressed, I felt even closer to the main character as her future goals were basically the same as mine. I loved the emerging relationship that the author describes in the second half of the book and couldn't wait to see where things led. If you are looking for a novel that you can throw your heart into, this would be a good one to choose.

With many different themes in this novel, including betrayal, forgiveness, family, friendships, new beginnings and more, there is sure to be something in these pages to satisfy anyone. I loved this novel.

I'm looking forward to further books from this talented author.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Bharti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Georgie's stories are so resonant with life in a way that many of us have that one exciting, adventurous relationship in out life. A relationship which sometimes works for keeps but mostly ends up in broken, shaken hearts; untill you find the anchor which mends and makes your heart whole again.
Like her debut, this story of Libby sees her floundering in life and having the too good to be true love affair with Luca, the hot Italian. Of course, life soon interferes and leaves Libby broken hearted but not completely broken as she gets Izzy, her beautiful baby girl out of it. And the path to being whole again with a man she's always had around as she slowly falls in love with him again.

[Sally Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby knows that it is time to grow up and she is starting as a trainee in a law firm but she wants one last summer of fun and so she decides to go to Positano in Italy......and here she meets the gorgeous Luca.....will he be enough to stop her plans!

Life gets in the way however and after some bad news she returns to England to deal with it but is her heart still in Italy with Luca?

A lovely summer read - enjoyed all of the different characters and loved the descriptions of Italy....it definitely transports you there!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is tricky to review because of fear of revealing spoilers. So many things happen in this novel that I can’t discuss, so bear with me. I initially loved Libby, but as I watched her grow and mature throughout the novel I came to realize how immature she was in the beginning. For a woman in her early 30’s, she was traveling around and enjoying Positano for the summer without much responsibility.

I liked Luca at first and then fell in love with him. He was sexy, charming, sweet, loving, and so on. Did I love him the entire novel? No, I didn’t, but I didn’t hate him either.

Angus and Jules flip-flopped for me. I hated him initially and loved her. Then that all changed. Regardless, I felt that most characters were well-developed and not overly simple or overly complex. Libby’s sister Helen aggravated me to no end. She broke up with a guy, returned to her typical state of depression, moved to another country, continued to be depressed, came home. What was at the center of all this depression? her desire to have a man and a baby. Helen just seemed very shallow and uninteresting to me as she was completely unable to find any happiness without a man.

There are so many subplots and underlying themes to this novel, but to me, it mostly embodies love, trust, taking risks, and moving on from disappointment and hurt. Libby went through a lot of things in this novel, some that were devastating. However, she picked herself up and created a new life that gave her happiness. Like her sister, I felt that she was a little too man-dependent, although she frequently reminded herself not to be. But I’ve tried to look at it in more of a romantic, soulmates way, rather than her needing a man to be happy.

It Was Always You is my second time reading Georgie Capron and I admit that I am addicted to her stories and her writing. This novel did not turn out at all as I thought it would, but I adored the story, especially all of the surprises and twists. With her descriptions of Italy, prepare to have severe wanderlust after reading this one. Lover’s of women’s fiction and romance, this should go on your TBR!

*Thanks to NetGalley and Aria for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

PRE-ORDER IT WAS ALWAYS YOU ON AMAZON!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Aria and the author Georgie for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly as this book is half set in Italy. it was already a winner. Georgie's descriptions of the locations, the culture and most importantly the food was spot on.

I liked the storyline and I think anyone wanting an easy read to take to the beach with them this summer will definitely not be disappointed!

One of the twists in this book I did not see coming at all, so I was completely thrown by it..... especially as I had really fallen in love with the character too!

All in all, a good read and i have found an author i will definitely read more of too!

[Lovely Loveday · Rating 3 out of 5]

IT WAS ALWAYS YOU is the perfect summer read. Capron writes so vividly that it is easy to get swept away to another place and time. I find this book hard to review without giving away too many spoilers. The main character, Libby, is easy to relate to. She is a thirty something that has never had a relationship that as worked out, is moving from one job to another and never able or ready to settle down. There really is not much drama just one major decision that will change her life forever. I felt like I was talking to a friend who is retelling me a story. Overall, I found this to be a light summer beach read but did not find it to be a book I would read again.

[Prachiti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This dreamy book is perfect for a lazy day in... It has a beautiful, flawed heroine... gorgeous settings *read* Italy!
Cracking supporting characters and... sigh Luca…
It carefully treads on relationships, family , and other sensitive topics without being too preachy or angsty which makes it perfectly balanced…
Recommended for readers who love holiday romances sprinkled with family and love.
The GORGEOUS cover deserves a special mention and an entire star is reserved just for that!
4 sparkly, cozy stars!
Kudos Ms Capron!
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Aria for my ARC!

[Charli333 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feel good and enjoyable summer read!

Perfect for by the beach, relaxing in the garden, or curling up on the sofa with, this is a rom com with an unusual twist for similar usual stories of this genre. It was well written with exceptional, delightful and at times mouth-watering detail, particularly of the main character's time in Italy, and the delicious food she ate!

I particularly liked that this book had several main settings: London, Italy and Devon, which essentially splits the book into three main stories and parts. So, whilst this is a relaxing read, it's still exciting!

A must-read for the summer!

[a_booktrovert_bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you want a light summer-y beachy read, then Georgie Capron's IT WAS ALWAYS YOU won't disappoint you. Its a perfect book for your beach-cation, to curl up with while lounging under the sun and listening to the ocean.

Libby's a 30 something woman who's yet to find her footing, takes on a summer excursion to Italy. There she meets Luca, the handsome Italian and the sparks fly. What I felt was it was a bit predictable, otherwise its a fun light read full of adventure and sightings.

What I loved most was the picturesque town of Italy, make me wants to grab my passport and hop on a plane to Italy.

For more teaser update give a shout out to my Instagram account 👇👇 https://www.instagram.com/crazy_booka...

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this summer read for the most part. Although, I found it very strange to read in the third person. Usually I read books that are written in the first person and this just made it seem like I wasn't in the story. It felt more like someone was relaying the story back to me. I did think it was predictable, but for a light summer read it was good.

[Helen Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ebook was kindly provided by the author, publisher and Netgalley prior to release date in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Georgie Capron's friendly writing style meant I got into this story very quickly. I loved the descriptions of Italy - the places Libby visited were brought alive for me. I also really warmed to the main character, Libby. Libby is someone who I think people can relate to, 30 something, relationships never working out, drifting from one job to another, never able to settle down. Something life-changing happens to her whilst she's working abroad, and we see how she copes with it.

This is a nice story - possibly a bit too nice. There aren't many points of conflict, and the main one seems to be glossed over a bit too quickly. Perhaps we could have had some more thoughts and feelings from Libby at this time - some more angst. And other plot points seem to be resolved all too easily. I guessed what was going to happen romance-wise early on, so it was predictable. Occasionally I noticed Capron seems to list what happens, rather than bringing it alive - a case of more telling rather than showing, but there's not too much of that. I would have liked to have found out more about Libby's sister, Helen.

Overall this is a lovely story, perfect as a summer read.

[Pippa · Rating 2 out of 5]

With Covid-19 complicating holiday plans “One Summer in Positano (It Was Always You)” seemed the perfect addition to the selection of books set in Italy and France which I have read this year in lieu of a trip abroad. This is my first by Georgie Capron and almost certainly my last. I don’t hate it, it is typical of the type of book I would finish if I had nothing better to read however, thanks to e-books an alternative is only ever seconds away.

I am surprised this got so many good reviews, I found Libby at 32 to be ridiculously immature, especially for one who has done so many different jobs in so many different places. Then there is the writing style, it is simplistic and amateur, the sort of thing I would expect from a young novice author or from a self-published work. DNF at page 80, better books await me.

[Mel Anie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4

I've received thid eArc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion

It Was Always You is a beautiful story of discovering who we are and what we want from life. The main character, Libby, is 30 years old woman who decides to spend her holidays in Italy. There she meets charming player, Luca. She gets attracted to him despite her better judgment.

This book was really realistic in fact. We get this impression from this book like we are next to our protagonist. This book doesn't focus only on a relationship, but also on every other aspect of life like job, life choices, friendship, and family.

If you are looking for an easy yet capturing read, this book should provide it!

[Melenareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a difficult time finishing this book.

I really liked the first third of the book or so. I have been to Southern Italy and I loved the descriptions of the beautiful area and how much Libby enjoyed it.

It was difficult, though, to connect with Libby. Even moreso when she returned to England. I think if it had been first person narration I would have liked it better.

The resolution at the end felt rushed, too, and I wished there had been a bit more to it. The epilogue was well done and sweet.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libby has been drifted no through life for far too long now. Now that she is in her 30s she believes it is time to grow up. She decides to have a summer of fun and so heads of to Italy. There she falls in love with Luca. Suddenly Libby is faced with a big decision. Should she stay in Italy or return home? Is Luca the right man to settle down with? Or has the right man been in front of Libby this whole time.

This is a very sweet read perfect for sunny days on the beach. The characters are lovely and it will leave you with a big smile on your face.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This ARC was provided to me by NetGalley for an honest review (Thanks!)

This is a good summer read. Nothing complicated. Simple text nothing crazy going on. It is the story about a 30 something year old woman looking for her purpose in life. None of the story gets too much into detail about anything really. It is a lighthearted story. I only gave it gave it three stars because the story was cute not necessarily exceptional. Its a beach book :)

[Emma McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never warmed to a character quite as quickly as I warmed to Libby. Affable, outgoing but never quite making the right decision- if you aren't a Libby, the likelihood is that one of your best mates is. Add to that a host of interesting but equally real family members, best friends and lovers, as well as the backdrop of the stunning Amalfi coast and you have yourself the perfect summer read....

[Emma Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big fan of Georgie Capron ('Just the Two of Us' and 'The Distance Between Us'), I couldn't wait to read this one. I was hooked from the first page and loved every moment. The characters were so relatable and the setting was beautifully portrayed. Look forward to reading this wonderful author's next book. Highly recommend.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this quite as much as Just the Two of Us, but still thoroughly enjoyed it. I really liked Libby and Angus as characters. I also appreciate how the author has relationships develop over time rather than everything happening in the span of a few weeks.

[G. McGavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

I loved this book, the characters were so real and just loved the descriptions of Italy. It was such a good romance and the story has so many twists and turns but loved how recall turned our. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it.

[Sharron Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

It was exactly the ending I hoped for, the story was every bit enjoyable. It made me want to see everything described. I loved the twist and turns and how and downs. Every character was described and you really thought you knew them inside and out. Great read thank you

[Katharine Wiltshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Read

Sweet little book, a tad predictable, but made a nice change. I would recommend as a light holiday read. Romance.