What do you think?
Rate this book
Love at the Italian Lake
On the shores of Lake Garda, a beautiful romance unfolds. But is it only for summer? Don’t miss this gorgeous, heart-warming novel from Darcie Boleyn, bestselling author of 2017 smash-hit Summer at Conwenna Cove.
Sophia Bertoni discovers her boyfriend in bed with another woman, and realizes her life is going nowhere. Leaving her high-pressure job, she travels to Italy to stay with her grandmother while she figures out her next move.
When Sophia – quite literally – bumps into devastatingly handsome Joe Lancaster her plans are turned upside down. As the two realize they’re both spending the summer in the same town, a love affair seems on the cards.
But Sophia and Joe are both burdened by family secrets. Despite their attraction, will the sun set on Sophia and Joe’s romance – or will they find love at the Italian lake?
Praise for Darcie Boleyn‘There were tears and smiles and out-loud giggles all the way through. A wonderful holiday read!’ Jenny Hale
‘I just loved this book, every single page of it!’ My Chestnut Reading Tree
‘A truly spectacular read and I loved every minute of it.’ Whispering Stories
‘Another enchanting book from the talented Darcie Boleyn.’ Rachel’s Random Reads
‘It's always a treat to read a book written by Darcie Boleyn… Utterly brilliant.’ The Quiet Knitter
‘Filled my heart with joy… Darcie Boleyn has a wonderful way with words.’ With Love For Books
Sophia Bertoni discovers her boyfriend in bed with another woman, and realizes her life is going nowhere. Leaving her high-pressure job, she travels to Italy to stay with her grandmother while she figures out her next move.
When Sophia – quite literally – bumps into devastatingly handsome Joe Lancaster her plans are turned upside down. As the two realize they’re both spending the summer in the same town, a love affair seems on the cards.
But Sophia and Joe are both burdened by family secrets. Despite their attraction, will the sun set on Sophia and Joe’s romance – or will they find love at the Italian lake?
Praise for Darcie Boleyn‘There were tears and smiles and out-loud giggles all the way through. A wonderful holiday read!’ Jenny Hale
‘I just loved this book, every single page of it!’ My Chestnut Reading Tree
‘A truly spectacular read and I loved every minute of it.’ Whispering Stories
‘Another enchanting book from the talented Darcie Boleyn.’ Rachel’s Random Reads
‘It's always a treat to read a book written by Darcie Boleyn… Utterly brilliant.’ The Quiet Knitter
‘Filled my heart with joy… Darcie Boleyn has a wonderful way with words.’ With Love For Books
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2017
80 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Darcie Boleyn
33 books196 followersDarcie Boleyn has a huge heart and is a real softy. She never fails to cry at books and movies, whether the ending is happy or not. Darcie is in possession of an overactive imagination that often keeps her awake at night. Her childhood dream was to become a Jedi but she hasn’t yet found suitable transport to take her to a galaxy far, far away. She also has reservations about how she’d look in a gold bikini, as she rather enjoys red wine, cheese and loves anything with ginger or cherries in it – especially chocolate. Darcie fell in love in New York, got married in the snow, rescues uncoordinated greyhounds and can usually be found reading or typing away on her laptop.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 9, 2017
After discovering her boyfriend in their bed with another woman, Sophia decides that she needs a break, but her work won’t give her the time off, so she goes the whole hog and jacks that in too.
She sets off to stay with her Nonna (Grandmother), who lives in Italy, but doesn’t get the welcome she was hoping when she lands at the airport. She is bumped into and sent flying over her suitcase, splitting her lip and leaving her with an ‘egg’ on her head.
Joe Lancaster seems to have an issue with Sophia, as he literally keeps on bumping into her. He is staying with his uncle, helping out in his hotel by Lake Garda for the summer.
The two find comfort in one another, but neither are looking for love, but maybe love is looking for them?
Love at the Italian Lake, is a beautiful chick lit novel. It is as gorgeous on the inside, as it is on the out.
Sophia is a lovely young woman who worked all the hours she could to do well for herself, but that all came crashing down in a matter of minutes when she arrived home early. Just when she is down on her luck, she finds herself in a scenic little village by Lake Garda, Italy, with her Nonna, and the gorgeous Joe just down the road.
However, not everything is that simple. A hidden family secret is revealed, leaving Sophia not knowing what to do to for the best. Does she let the people concerned know?
Joe also has a lot of personal issues going on in his life too, especially with his parents. His dad has dementia and his mum is sticking her head in the sand about it, and won’t take an offer of help.
Lake Garda is a place of beauty. The sparkling water glimmering in the sun, the scent of the Italian baked goods at the market, and the friendly locals. It is a definite, wish you were there novel.
This is a charming story with a lot of heart. It was a joy to read, and I found myself transported to Italy every time I picked the book up, taking me away from the miserable rainy city I was actually in.
There are plenty of warm, inviting characters to get to know, and a flawless plot to lose yourself in. Ms. Boleyn always manages to put a smile on my face with her entertaining, warm novels and this one is her best yet.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
She sets off to stay with her Nonna (Grandmother), who lives in Italy, but doesn’t get the welcome she was hoping when she lands at the airport. She is bumped into and sent flying over her suitcase, splitting her lip and leaving her with an ‘egg’ on her head.
Joe Lancaster seems to have an issue with Sophia, as he literally keeps on bumping into her. He is staying with his uncle, helping out in his hotel by Lake Garda for the summer.
The two find comfort in one another, but neither are looking for love, but maybe love is looking for them?
Love at the Italian Lake, is a beautiful chick lit novel. It is as gorgeous on the inside, as it is on the out.
Sophia is a lovely young woman who worked all the hours she could to do well for herself, but that all came crashing down in a matter of minutes when she arrived home early. Just when she is down on her luck, she finds herself in a scenic little village by Lake Garda, Italy, with her Nonna, and the gorgeous Joe just down the road.
However, not everything is that simple. A hidden family secret is revealed, leaving Sophia not knowing what to do to for the best. Does she let the people concerned know?
Joe also has a lot of personal issues going on in his life too, especially with his parents. His dad has dementia and his mum is sticking her head in the sand about it, and won’t take an offer of help.
Lake Garda is a place of beauty. The sparkling water glimmering in the sun, the scent of the Italian baked goods at the market, and the friendly locals. It is a definite, wish you were there novel.
This is a charming story with a lot of heart. It was a joy to read, and I found myself transported to Italy every time I picked the book up, taking me away from the miserable rainy city I was actually in.
There are plenty of warm, inviting characters to get to know, and a flawless plot to lose yourself in. Ms. Boleyn always manages to put a smile on my face with her entertaining, warm novels and this one is her best yet.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
August 2, 2017
I think I am on a kind of romantic streak. Hey it is summer. Sun is shining unless you live in the UK then it is defiantly raining. This will at least put the sunshine in to head. It is the first book I have read by this author and she has a generous writing style that allows you to slip in to the story unnoticed.
It 's set on the beautiful Lake Garda. I have been there and I admit it is a beautiful setting. For my American friends think Lake Tahoe. Yeah you got it :).
Ok so Sophia comes home to find her boyfriend in bed with another woman. So she decides she needs to change her life so takes herself off to Lake Garda. She meets Joe by him literally knocking her off her feet and yes she face plants. The book is riddled with funny moments. They are both staying in a local village with their respective family members and seem to have some chemistry.
Just a warning!!? If you are on a diet please skip the market scene where all the Italian pastries are described. I assure you of saliva dripping from your mouth and your real need to find a bakery. You can actually smell them :).
Together they explore where they are, visit the opera, and divulge family secrets. All in all it is a good read. My advise it buy it, stock up on Italian pastries and find a lake and sit and read. It is an enjoyable romance with laughs along the way. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
It 's set on the beautiful Lake Garda. I have been there and I admit it is a beautiful setting. For my American friends think Lake Tahoe. Yeah you got it :).
Ok so Sophia comes home to find her boyfriend in bed with another woman. So she decides she needs to change her life so takes herself off to Lake Garda. She meets Joe by him literally knocking her off her feet and yes she face plants. The book is riddled with funny moments. They are both staying in a local village with their respective family members and seem to have some chemistry.
Just a warning!!? If you are on a diet please skip the market scene where all the Italian pastries are described. I assure you of saliva dripping from your mouth and your real need to find a bakery. You can actually smell them :).
Together they explore where they are, visit the opera, and divulge family secrets. All in all it is a good read. My advise it buy it, stock up on Italian pastries and find a lake and sit and read. It is an enjoyable romance with laughs along the way. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
July 28, 2017
If you enjoy beautifully written, heartwarming romances where turmoil leads to exploring life choices and new beginnings in spectacular settings, with laugh out loud moments, too, look no further than this highly talented author! This is another superb story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading from start to finish!
Joe literally bumps into Sophie, knocking her to the ground face first! After such a dramatic introduction, they discover they are both staying in the same Italian town by Lake Garda - he's staying with his Uncle and she's staying with her Nonna. Both have travelled there to consider what they want to do next with their lives - and both are (reluctantly) very attracted to each other. As family secrets and dramas add extra turmoil to their Italian escape, this develops into an enthralling read I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into.
There are many laugh out loud moment, like when Sophia tries out the sunscreen recommended by her sister-in-law . . . with dramatic consequences! Explore the area, visit the castle, the Opera, go shopping and meet the locals - Darcie paints vivid pictures of the people, places and events, bringing them to life in the imagination of her readers. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys their romance with family dramas in beautiful locations, ending with an enchanting epilogue!
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
Joe literally bumps into Sophie, knocking her to the ground face first! After such a dramatic introduction, they discover they are both staying in the same Italian town by Lake Garda - he's staying with his Uncle and she's staying with her Nonna. Both have travelled there to consider what they want to do next with their lives - and both are (reluctantly) very attracted to each other. As family secrets and dramas add extra turmoil to their Italian escape, this develops into an enthralling read I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into.
There are many laugh out loud moment, like when Sophia tries out the sunscreen recommended by her sister-in-law . . . with dramatic consequences! Explore the area, visit the castle, the Opera, go shopping and meet the locals - Darcie paints vivid pictures of the people, places and events, bringing them to life in the imagination of her readers. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys their romance with family dramas in beautiful locations, ending with an enchanting epilogue!
I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.
July 9, 2017
I'll freely admit that it was the cover that completely seduced me into reading this book, its simply gorgeous and makes me feel as though I am on the shore of an Italian Lake. Well its a good thing the cover had that effect as the book is set in Lake Garda, in summer and the story is every bit as lovely as the cover.
The book opens on a bit of a cliche, although Sophia's reactions aren't as passionate as you may have thought, and she uses it as an opportunity to change her life a bit. Which is why a while later, she decides to visit her Nonna in at small town in Lake Garda to reevaluate her life.
All of Joe and Sophia's early meetings are really enjoyable, especially as they seem to spark off accident proneness in each other, which leads to some quite funny situations. Initially I wasn't sure if the leads had much chemistry but towards the end I was really rooting for them.
Both are only planning to stay in Italy for the summer, and over the course of the summer there are family secrets to be revealed, sight seeing to be done and potential new friendships and of course Italian Food! One of my favourite scenes was the descriptions of the various types of Italian pastries at a market stall, which just made my mouth water.
Love at the Italian Lake is exactly what is says in the title, a love story set around Lake Garda, which was really enjoyable to read.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
The book opens on a bit of a cliche, although Sophia's reactions aren't as passionate as you may have thought, and she uses it as an opportunity to change her life a bit. Which is why a while later, she decides to visit her Nonna in at small town in Lake Garda to reevaluate her life.
All of Joe and Sophia's early meetings are really enjoyable, especially as they seem to spark off accident proneness in each other, which leads to some quite funny situations. Initially I wasn't sure if the leads had much chemistry but towards the end I was really rooting for them.
Both are only planning to stay in Italy for the summer, and over the course of the summer there are family secrets to be revealed, sight seeing to be done and potential new friendships and of course Italian Food! One of my favourite scenes was the descriptions of the various types of Italian pastries at a market stall, which just made my mouth water.
Love at the Italian Lake is exactly what is says in the title, a love story set around Lake Garda, which was really enjoyable to read.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 16, 2017
Love at the Italian Lake has everything you want in a summer romance book.
Sophia and Joes relationship captures your from the minute they meet you know they are destined to be together. Both have difficult pasts and hidden secrets, and they are both at a place in their life where new doors of opportunities are opening for them and theyve to decide whats next for them.
I really loved the setting of this book and felt like I was being whisked away to beautiful Italy. The descriptions in the book made it so easy to picture the scenes and I just found it so easy and enjoyable to read.
Sophia and Joes relationship captures your from the minute they meet you know they are destined to be together. Both have difficult pasts and hidden secrets, and they are both at a place in their life where new doors of opportunities are opening for them and theyve to decide whats next for them.
I really loved the setting of this book and felt like I was being whisked away to beautiful Italy. The descriptions in the book made it so easy to picture the scenes and I just found it so easy and enjoyable to read.
August 11, 2017
Darcie Boleyn has to be one of my favourite authors of all things romantic! She instinctively knows exactly what I want from her books and she delivers every single time. I need to know when I pick up this genre that it’s going to do exactly what it promises to do. I want to WANT the characters to be together and have their happy ever after! And I always sign deeply after finishing Darcies books as she gets it right every single time, with realistic characters that I’ve come to deeply care about as they have reached the right time in their lives to finally let that perfect person for them in.
I have to admit that I was rather jealous of Sophia here. I have never been to Italy as it’s one of my dream destinations for a holiday that always seems to get jinxed! I’m a HUGE fan of everything Italian especially the food (if you’re ever up my way I MUST take you to Don Alberto’s which is the most wonderful Italian restaurant in my village!) which leads me to say that if you’re not hungry when you start this book, you soon will be! The descriptions of all the fabulous pastries, pizza and pasta dishes made my stomach rumble out loud at one point! And to be surrounded by not only the food but the most beautiful Italian Lake setting seemed like heaven on earth to me. When Sophia meets Joe Lancaster the sparks do fly (as does Sophia!) but it’s much more in-depth than that. Neither of them have the inclination to play games anymore but you just know that secrets are still being hidden and misunderstandings will take place before their hearts lead back to where they are destined to be. I adored Nonna, she’s definitely the type of grandmother I aspire to be, aging gracefully but really coming back to life again once she has had family round her again.
I spent a very chilled afternoon in the garden with a glass or two of prosecco and a bowl of fat green olives becoming entwined with the lives of Sophia and Joe. I felt their connection boost my own internal battery leaving me with a warm and fuzzy glow and the strength to face those everyday stresses of real life once again. Darcie Boleyn writes like a dream and anyone who’s never read her books before is really missing out on some good old fashioned romance, brought to life with a spark of humour and an often bittersweet edge. Just try them and see-you won’t be disappointed!
Highly recommended by me!
I have to admit that I was rather jealous of Sophia here. I have never been to Italy as it’s one of my dream destinations for a holiday that always seems to get jinxed! I’m a HUGE fan of everything Italian especially the food (if you’re ever up my way I MUST take you to Don Alberto’s which is the most wonderful Italian restaurant in my village!) which leads me to say that if you’re not hungry when you start this book, you soon will be! The descriptions of all the fabulous pastries, pizza and pasta dishes made my stomach rumble out loud at one point! And to be surrounded by not only the food but the most beautiful Italian Lake setting seemed like heaven on earth to me. When Sophia meets Joe Lancaster the sparks do fly (as does Sophia!) but it’s much more in-depth than that. Neither of them have the inclination to play games anymore but you just know that secrets are still being hidden and misunderstandings will take place before their hearts lead back to where they are destined to be. I adored Nonna, she’s definitely the type of grandmother I aspire to be, aging gracefully but really coming back to life again once she has had family round her again.
I spent a very chilled afternoon in the garden with a glass or two of prosecco and a bowl of fat green olives becoming entwined with the lives of Sophia and Joe. I felt their connection boost my own internal battery leaving me with a warm and fuzzy glow and the strength to face those everyday stresses of real life once again. Darcie Boleyn writes like a dream and anyone who’s never read her books before is really missing out on some good old fashioned romance, brought to life with a spark of humour and an often bittersweet edge. Just try them and see-you won’t be disappointed!
Highly recommended by me!
August 12, 2017
Romance novel set on Lake Garda, at MALCESINE
(By the way...Malcesine is pronounced: Mal – chez – eenay… I had been wondering!)
This is a lovely, heartwarming novel set in Malcesine on the shores of Lake Garda. It is also a perfect choice for TripFiction because Italy and the little town are beautifully brought to life for the reader within an enjoyable story.
Sophia Bertoni is in dire need of a break. Lee, her boyfriend is a cheat. Enough is enough, and Sophia is soon persuaded to go and stay with her Grandmother – Nonna Katherine Spinoli – in Malcesine, on the shores of Lake Garda. As she arrives in the airport she literally gets knocked sideways at the airport in Verona (physically, but maybe also emotionally, let’s wait and see!) by Joe Lancaster, who as it transpires, is also spending the Summer on the same Lake, in the same town.
Sophia’s Mother and her grandmother have never really been close and it is whilst Sophia is staying in Malcesine that she stumbles upon a family secret which needs quite some emotional processing.
This novel has all the ingredients (and I haven’t even got to the foodie bits yet!) for a wonderful summer read, with a bit of romance and beautiful scenery thrown in. The markets are redolent of Italian groceries and colour – you can almost see them in your mind’s eye. Just how do you choose between all the cakes, whether it is cannoli or zeppole. Or all those vegetables just oozing colour and flavour. Or accompany Joe on the cycle route from Navena to Castelletto di Brenzone; or with Sophia from the harbour to Castello Scaligero. As readers we are taken with exuberance to this beautiful part of the world. Just sit down with a good Espresso and enjoy.
(By the way...Malcesine is pronounced: Mal – chez – eenay… I had been wondering!)
This is a lovely, heartwarming novel set in Malcesine on the shores of Lake Garda. It is also a perfect choice for TripFiction because Italy and the little town are beautifully brought to life for the reader within an enjoyable story.
Sophia Bertoni is in dire need of a break. Lee, her boyfriend is a cheat. Enough is enough, and Sophia is soon persuaded to go and stay with her Grandmother – Nonna Katherine Spinoli – in Malcesine, on the shores of Lake Garda. As she arrives in the airport she literally gets knocked sideways at the airport in Verona (physically, but maybe also emotionally, let’s wait and see!) by Joe Lancaster, who as it transpires, is also spending the Summer on the same Lake, in the same town.
Sophia’s Mother and her grandmother have never really been close and it is whilst Sophia is staying in Malcesine that she stumbles upon a family secret which needs quite some emotional processing.
This novel has all the ingredients (and I haven’t even got to the foodie bits yet!) for a wonderful summer read, with a bit of romance and beautiful scenery thrown in. The markets are redolent of Italian groceries and colour – you can almost see them in your mind’s eye. Just how do you choose between all the cakes, whether it is cannoli or zeppole. Or all those vegetables just oozing colour and flavour. Or accompany Joe on the cycle route from Navena to Castelletto di Brenzone; or with Sophia from the harbour to Castello Scaligero. As readers we are taken with exuberance to this beautiful part of the world. Just sit down with a good Espresso and enjoy.
September 10, 2017
I love Darcie Boleyn's books and the gorgeous setting for this one really made me want to book a trip to Lake Garda. I easily lost myself in the descriptions of this beautiful place and the characters are so well drawn that you feel instantly close to them.
Sophia is escaping to Italy to get away from a broken relationship. She bumps into Joe at the airport and this starts a great relationship between the two. She is staying with her grandmother and it's so sweet to see them bonding after a lengthy absence.
There are hints of secrets that could upset everything and they are dealt with very sensitively.
I absolutely adored everything about this book.
Sophia is escaping to Italy to get away from a broken relationship. She bumps into Joe at the airport and this starts a great relationship between the two. She is staying with her grandmother and it's so sweet to see them bonding after a lengthy absence.
There are hints of secrets that could upset everything and they are dealt with very sensitively.
I absolutely adored everything about this book.
September 11, 2017
What an absolute delight of a read, perfect for Summer. I loved my visit to Italy, really did feel like I was there for real, as the setting and locations were so well described and well written and as for the Italian food, oh just heaven.
The story plot was lovely, a very nice easy read. Loved the characters, getting to know Sophia and Joe, and seeing how things progress and develop with them both throughout the story.
I'll definitely be looking forward to reading other books by this author in the future.
The story plot was lovely, a very nice easy read. Loved the characters, getting to know Sophia and Joe, and seeing how things progress and develop with them both throughout the story.
I'll definitely be looking forward to reading other books by this author in the future.
July 12, 2017
I found this fun summer read to capture an Italian summer that I could see. It was a realistic story with the main characters both being unsure at times and I found it to be a great story. I enjoyed that Sophia was not always confident and could be awkward at times.
August 6, 2017
First up a warning, do not read this book if you are hungry because all you’ll be thinking about is the delicious Italian food that is described throughout this book – nom nom!
Darcie Boleyn is one of my favourite authors, I know that when I pick up one of her books I will be transported to somewhere fabulous. The last time it was the gorgeous Cornwall coast in Summer at Conwenna Cove and Love at the Italian Lake does not disappoint – that cover just says it all!
Love at the Italian Lake opens with Sophia finding out that her live-in boyfriend is a lying, cheating scumbag. Now, Sophia dealt with it with more decorum than I would have done but think it comes across that she knows he wasn’t the love of her life. Sophia also has a high-powered, pressurised job so decides now is the time to take some time away to work out what she actually wants from life so heads off to the town of Malcesine to visit her Nonna…..what Sophia doesn’t expect is the bumping into (literally) of the lovely Joe Lancaster who is also visiting Lake Garda and helping out at his Uncle’s hotel.
This is the perfect holiday read (especially if you’re enjoying a British staycation in the rain – this is the perfect escape!), it is an easy read with Boleyn’s wonderful, friendly writing style which draws you in with the likeable Sophia and the descriptions of the amazing Italian landscape and food! Of course, you also have a front row seat for the blossoming relationship between Sophia and Joe – who are more alike than either of them realise, both holding back because of their past (which at times made me want to bang their heads together as they are perfect for one another!).
One of the many things I love about the author’s writing is her ability to create well-rounded likeable characters that you can, in some way or another, relate to. They all start to feel like friends and family – especially Nonna, I have definitely needed a grandmother like that at times during my life – and not just for the Italian dishes!
Another winning romance from Darcie Boleyn – and I’ve just seen on social media that she’s submitted her Christmas book, cannot wait for that as I loved last year’s festive read – A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas
Darcie Boleyn is one of my favourite authors, I know that when I pick up one of her books I will be transported to somewhere fabulous. The last time it was the gorgeous Cornwall coast in Summer at Conwenna Cove and Love at the Italian Lake does not disappoint – that cover just says it all!
Love at the Italian Lake opens with Sophia finding out that her live-in boyfriend is a lying, cheating scumbag. Now, Sophia dealt with it with more decorum than I would have done but think it comes across that she knows he wasn’t the love of her life. Sophia also has a high-powered, pressurised job so decides now is the time to take some time away to work out what she actually wants from life so heads off to the town of Malcesine to visit her Nonna…..what Sophia doesn’t expect is the bumping into (literally) of the lovely Joe Lancaster who is also visiting Lake Garda and helping out at his Uncle’s hotel.
This is the perfect holiday read (especially if you’re enjoying a British staycation in the rain – this is the perfect escape!), it is an easy read with Boleyn’s wonderful, friendly writing style which draws you in with the likeable Sophia and the descriptions of the amazing Italian landscape and food! Of course, you also have a front row seat for the blossoming relationship between Sophia and Joe – who are more alike than either of them realise, both holding back because of their past (which at times made me want to bang their heads together as they are perfect for one another!).
One of the many things I love about the author’s writing is her ability to create well-rounded likeable characters that you can, in some way or another, relate to. They all start to feel like friends and family – especially Nonna, I have definitely needed a grandmother like that at times during my life – and not just for the Italian dishes!
Another winning romance from Darcie Boleyn – and I’ve just seen on social media that she’s submitted her Christmas book, cannot wait for that as I loved last year’s festive read – A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas
September 25, 2017
Sophia has a complete shock at the start of this book but it actually serves as a wake up call. She realises how she has just been drifting through life and decides to make some changes. Sophia is a warm and caring person who you can't help but hope get's her happy ever after. I completely got caught up in Sophia's trip to Italy as she experiences new foods, reconnects with her Nonna and meets Joe. Although their first meeting is a disaster it is memorable and I loved how they began their tentative friendship. He is sweet and very loveable, I think I fell for him a little myself. The fact that he is a Chris Hemsworth lookalike has no bearing on that either, honest! Then the story takes a turn as Sophia discovers a family secret and you get a depth to the story as you see the repercussions of hiding the truth.
Darcie Boleyn always creates not only wonderful characters but a story that you can just feel so at home with reading. The fact that the story is written from both Sophia and Joe's point of view is a hit with me, it always feels more personal to see both sides of the story.
With a truly wonderful location which was described beautifully, it really sounds like the perfect getaway. I love the feeling you get of being transported to another place and this book is a great example of this. Then add in some gorgeous food and I was hooked. Everyone who knows me will agree that I have a sweet tooth so it's safe to say I was nearly drooling over the descriptions of Cannoli, Zeppole and Pignolata. I'm actually getting hungry just writing this review! Heartwarming and perfect at showing the power of new beginnings and then mix in a beautiful romance it really makes the most delightful summer story.
There is a certain magical charm about Love at the Italian Lake that made me fall under it's spell!
With thanks to Ellie & Canelo for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Darcie Boleyn always creates not only wonderful characters but a story that you can just feel so at home with reading. The fact that the story is written from both Sophia and Joe's point of view is a hit with me, it always feels more personal to see both sides of the story.
With a truly wonderful location which was described beautifully, it really sounds like the perfect getaway. I love the feeling you get of being transported to another place and this book is a great example of this. Then add in some gorgeous food and I was hooked. Everyone who knows me will agree that I have a sweet tooth so it's safe to say I was nearly drooling over the descriptions of Cannoli, Zeppole and Pignolata. I'm actually getting hungry just writing this review! Heartwarming and perfect at showing the power of new beginnings and then mix in a beautiful romance it really makes the most delightful summer story.
There is a certain magical charm about Love at the Italian Lake that made me fall under it's spell!
With thanks to Ellie & Canelo for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
August 3, 2017
I always love losing myself in a book written by Darcie Boleyn because you know in advance it is going to be such a pleasant experience. She writes with a unique charm that is incredibly gentle, you get a sense that she sees the best in all her characters no matter what they have done.
This time we travel to Italy .. Love at the Italian Lake is set near the wonderful Lake Garda. Sophia goes to stay with her Nonna after discovering her cheating boyfriend in a compromising position. Maybe it was the nudge she needed though to have a drastic change in lifestyle.
Arriving at the airport, stepping out into the sudden heat (gosh I felt that) Sophia is literally knocked off her feet by a hunky man. As soon as they meet it becomes apparent that her and Joe will have some kind of chemistry but that’s the beauty of a romance book, you know what you are likely to get.
Sophia and Joe are both nice believable characters, both harbouring secrets and difficulties with a distinct lack of trust but they become friends.
There are some very cute humorous moments .. I really felt for Sophia in the boat and sun-cream incident but also giggled, it was so expertly portrayed. I was urging this couple to just give each other a chance. They are in a stunning setting, it’s summer, romance should be in the air.
I adored Nonna, we could all do with a sprightly Grandma like her who could just wrap us up in a hug and make everything ok. This book is just perfect for a leisurely read, preferably on a sunbed somewhere but if that fails it will whisk you away to the balmy destination in your dreams anyway.
Another winner from Darcie .. thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This time we travel to Italy .. Love at the Italian Lake is set near the wonderful Lake Garda. Sophia goes to stay with her Nonna after discovering her cheating boyfriend in a compromising position. Maybe it was the nudge she needed though to have a drastic change in lifestyle.
Arriving at the airport, stepping out into the sudden heat (gosh I felt that) Sophia is literally knocked off her feet by a hunky man. As soon as they meet it becomes apparent that her and Joe will have some kind of chemistry but that’s the beauty of a romance book, you know what you are likely to get.
Sophia and Joe are both nice believable characters, both harbouring secrets and difficulties with a distinct lack of trust but they become friends.
There are some very cute humorous moments .. I really felt for Sophia in the boat and sun-cream incident but also giggled, it was so expertly portrayed. I was urging this couple to just give each other a chance. They are in a stunning setting, it’s summer, romance should be in the air.
I adored Nonna, we could all do with a sprightly Grandma like her who could just wrap us up in a hug and make everything ok. This book is just perfect for a leisurely read, preferably on a sunbed somewhere but if that fails it will whisk you away to the balmy destination in your dreams anyway.
Another winner from Darcie .. thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
July 16, 2017
I love this time of year as I get to read books like this one - an easy to read story with romance, hot men and gorgeous scenery to dream about as I read.
Sophia and Joe are both single and find themselves bumping into each other, literally, en route to Lake Garda. Both of them have issues with love and trusting members of the opposite sex. With the gorgeous setting of an Italian lake, can this pair find any common ground?
Having read a few of the author's stories before I knew what to expect. But that didn't take away the joy of reading her words, and in particular her ability to use descriptive language to all but transport me to the scenes in the book.
A great summer read. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
Sophia and Joe are both single and find themselves bumping into each other, literally, en route to Lake Garda. Both of them have issues with love and trusting members of the opposite sex. With the gorgeous setting of an Italian lake, can this pair find any common ground?
Having read a few of the author's stories before I knew what to expect. But that didn't take away the joy of reading her words, and in particular her ability to use descriptive language to all but transport me to the scenes in the book.
A great summer read. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.
July 24, 2017
Love at the Italian Lake a tale of moving on, new beginnings, taking risks. I really enjoyed this book, it was easy to pick up and put down. As the story unfolds you get to know Sophie, and Joe. Both have a past. Sophie is in Italy to rethink her life. Although she is only there for the Summer, little does she realise her life is to unfurl a whole lot more than she ever imagined. Enter Joe, who he too is in Italy for the Summer, where he needs time to rethink his own life and where it is going. I found this a delightful romance, where we can just imagine the setting, and the events as they unfolded. Each character, not only finding themselves, but finding each other in a way who would ever imagined. Another delightful read from Darcie Boleyn
February 11, 2018
I enjoyed this book, set in Italy, lovely easy read
August 22, 2017
As published in
light up the shining night stars
When I read the synopsis, I guessed that this book would have the usual elements as other similar romance books I’ve read. And I was right.
The Plot
Sophia has been leading a boring and exhausting life. She catches her boyfriend cheating and takes this change to change her life completely, meaning she quits her job as well. All she wants is to be happy. She splurges on good clothes (for once) with help from her mom and sister-in-law and heads to Italy on a holiday/visit to her grandmother’s. She’s taking it as a time out to figure out what to do next.
Italy? ✓
Pizza? ✓
Gelato? ✓
Handsome man who bumped into you? ✓
A family secret? ✓
Absolutely no clue what to do in life? ✓✓✓✓
I was excited for this book because it’s set in Italy, and I love Italy because of Love and Gelato. I have to say, though, the highlights on the city wasn’t as much. And the pizza and gelato was mentioned only once each. I’m a foodie lover, so I’m a disappointed about that.
What I liked:
--The pace of the relationship. Sophia and Joe took time to grow closer and there was no rush. It’s very believable. And practical.
--People in their 30s being clueless about life. Finally one book where adults don’t have their careers and futures completely planned out. We can change directions later. It’s totally cool and we don’t have to figure everything out at our “prime” (And it made me feel better about myself.)
What I didn’t like:
This is going to be a bigger list, so brace yourselves.
--The “family issue” on Sophia’s side was way overdone. I get that the secret is life changing, but it doesn’t affect Sophia so much for her to react that bad. She literally cried! I was totally put off by the way the problem was exaggerated and I didn’t like Sophia’s reaction to it, mostly.
--Joe was too perfect. Please tell me, would you not be suspicious if a guy you’re on a “summer fling” with offers to go shopping with you and says “we can do whatever you want, we’ll go wherever you want, I’ll come with you”. He’s kind, charming, really good looking, very thoughtful and so much more. I never saw anything to his personality except his love for photography. Speaking of..
You’re not alone in that.
--Now that I think of it, I didn’t get Sophia’s and Joe’s personalities much. The small likes and dislikes, quirks etc that make up a person? I didn’t notice any of that.
--Joe had only one flaw, and that was putting off communication. Sophia spoke to him very freely and he listens. But when she offers to listen, he simply says “let’s not ruin the good time we’re having”. Probably never would be a good time, if you see that way. Even after the 50% mark of the book, his life/past was still vague. I hardly knew anything about him. And this is even though the book is in dual POV, so we can’t blame it on the fact that we were clueless because Sophia was clueless. This irritated me so much, because I didn’t at all know Joe!
--Also the “secret” on Joe’s side was very predictable once we were given two sentences on it. The amount of hush hush on that was exaggerated because, hello, we live in the 21st century. And they’re in their 30s i.e. they’re matured enough. Why was he so afraid of telling Sophia earlier, I don’t know.
--Oh and Sophia’s decision to never get into another relationship because she got cheated on by her ex-boyfriend? Whom she didn’t even love or have a connection with or honestly care about? She declares no-love-zone for that? *sigh* No.
--Also, for as much as Sophia and Joe decided to “see where this goes” i.e. have a summer fling, they didn’t sleep together? They simply went on dates and that’s basically dating?? (Oh yeah, speaking of, there are no sexually explicit scenes in the book. So if you want a book like that, here’s one)
--The first kiss was so abrupt and out of place? I sat there with an indifferent expression through it. I felt nothing.
Overall
I didn’t like the book. It’s a normal love story with nothing very special. It was just okay. I didn’t hate it, but I wasn’t enamoured by it either.
When I read the synopsis, I guessed that this book would have the usual elements as other similar romance books I’ve read. And I was right.
The Plot
Sophia has been leading a boring and exhausting life. She catches her boyfriend cheating and takes this change to change her life completely, meaning she quits her job as well. All she wants is to be happy. She splurges on good clothes (for once) with help from her mom and sister-in-law and heads to Italy on a holiday/visit to her grandmother’s. She’s taking it as a time out to figure out what to do next.
Italy? ✓
Pizza? ✓
Gelato? ✓
Handsome man who bumped into you? ✓
A family secret? ✓
Absolutely no clue what to do in life? ✓✓✓✓
I was excited for this book because it’s set in Italy, and I love Italy because of Love and Gelato. I have to say, though, the highlights on the city wasn’t as much. And the pizza and gelato was mentioned only once each. I’m a foodie lover, so I’m a disappointed about that.
What I liked:
--The pace of the relationship. Sophia and Joe took time to grow closer and there was no rush. It’s very believable. And practical.
--People in their 30s being clueless about life. Finally one book where adults don’t have their careers and futures completely planned out. We can change directions later. It’s totally cool and we don’t have to figure everything out at our “prime” (And it made me feel better about myself.)
What I didn’t like:
This is going to be a bigger list, so brace yourselves.
--The “family issue” on Sophia’s side was way overdone. I get that the secret is life changing, but it doesn’t affect Sophia so much for her to react that bad. She literally cried! I was totally put off by the way the problem was exaggerated and I didn’t like Sophia’s reaction to it, mostly.
--Joe was too perfect. Please tell me, would you not be suspicious if a guy you’re on a “summer fling” with offers to go shopping with you and says “we can do whatever you want, we’ll go wherever you want, I’ll come with you”. He’s kind, charming, really good looking, very thoughtful and so much more. I never saw anything to his personality except his love for photography. Speaking of..
Sophia wondered how he was so perfectly thoughtful.
You’re not alone in that.
--Now that I think of it, I didn’t get Sophia’s and Joe’s personalities much. The small likes and dislikes, quirks etc that make up a person? I didn’t notice any of that.
--Joe had only one flaw, and that was putting off communication. Sophia spoke to him very freely and he listens. But when she offers to listen, he simply says “let’s not ruin the good time we’re having”. Probably never would be a good time, if you see that way. Even after the 50% mark of the book, his life/past was still vague. I hardly knew anything about him. And this is even though the book is in dual POV, so we can’t blame it on the fact that we were clueless because Sophia was clueless. This irritated me so much, because I didn’t at all know Joe!
--Also the “secret” on Joe’s side was very predictable once we were given two sentences on it. The amount of hush hush on that was exaggerated because, hello, we live in the 21st century. And they’re in their 30s i.e. they’re matured enough. Why was he so afraid of telling Sophia earlier, I don’t know.
--Oh and Sophia’s decision to never get into another relationship because she got cheated on by her ex-boyfriend? Whom she didn’t even love or have a connection with or honestly care about? She declares no-love-zone for that? *sigh* No.
--Also, for as much as Sophia and Joe decided to “see where this goes” i.e. have a summer fling, they didn’t sleep together? They simply went on dates and that’s basically dating?? (Oh yeah, speaking of, there are no sexually explicit scenes in the book. So if you want a book like that, here’s one)
--The first kiss was so abrupt and out of place? I sat there with an indifferent expression through it. I felt nothing.
Overall
I didn’t like the book. It’s a normal love story with nothing very special. It was just okay. I didn’t hate it, but I wasn’t enamoured by it either.
April 11, 2018
So this totally was not the book to read early April, with the UK’s gloomy, misty skies, the non-stop pouring rain and the coldness bitterly freezing our hands to death – because it made me seriously jealous of Sophia and in need of a long-time coming holiday away to the most exotic place I could think of!
Sophia is a business woman purely focused around work in the bustling city of London. Her boyfriend moved in one day without her permission and stayed for three excruciatingly long years, rent free and no intentions to help Sophia do anything related to housework. Sophia knew the love was no longer there between them, if there was ever love there in the first place, however she let him stay anyway as she has a heart of gold and would never want to see him without. That is, until she walks in to her bedroom – her safe place – and see’s him in her bed with a blonde covered in whipped cream. Her life takes a 360 turn when she finally see’s him for the man he is, the man she allowed to live in her home all these years and with this final push, she now had a reason to end the relationship once and for all.
Sophia sells her apartment to a work colleague and jet’s off to the sunny skies and crystal clear blue seas of Italy, on a mission to explore new life choices, her family’s past and possibly a new romance?
Sophia is knocked off of her feet – literally – when the handsome Joe Lancaster runs in to her at the airport, leaving her with a bust lip and a lump on her head that you could see from a mile away. From this instant, Sophia can never stop thinking about the man who caused her multiple injuries on their first meeting and quite frankly, with the way Darcie describes Joe, I would be thinking about him on a daily basis as well.
Before Sophia can develop any feelings for this new handsome stranger, she finds a letter in a photo box at her grandmother’s place, that could possibly ruin her families dynamics and her mother/nonna’s relationship.
Join Sophia and Joe on their journey to love, with some laugh-out-loud moments and many more awkward bump-in’s along the way. Darcie takes us on a journey of exploring the town, visiting the castle and the opera, alongside meeting many wonderful characters. Darcie’s description of everything – from the places Sophia visits, the people Sophia meets to the events occurring throughout the book, she describes it all so vividly that I genuinely could use my imagination so clearly and feel like I was in this story with Sophia.
Sophia and Joe were such fascinating characters to follow, however with each of them dealing with different and difficult family situations, their journey to love isn’t an easy ride and you can’t help but scream in your head for them to just lay all of their secrets out on the table so they no longer had to find reasons to not be together. If you are a romantic person, this book will definitely have you swooning and more ready than ever to pursue your very own holiday romance, as passionate as this one.
Sophia is a business woman purely focused around work in the bustling city of London. Her boyfriend moved in one day without her permission and stayed for three excruciatingly long years, rent free and no intentions to help Sophia do anything related to housework. Sophia knew the love was no longer there between them, if there was ever love there in the first place, however she let him stay anyway as she has a heart of gold and would never want to see him without. That is, until she walks in to her bedroom – her safe place – and see’s him in her bed with a blonde covered in whipped cream. Her life takes a 360 turn when she finally see’s him for the man he is, the man she allowed to live in her home all these years and with this final push, she now had a reason to end the relationship once and for all.
Sophia sells her apartment to a work colleague and jet’s off to the sunny skies and crystal clear blue seas of Italy, on a mission to explore new life choices, her family’s past and possibly a new romance?
Sophia is knocked off of her feet – literally – when the handsome Joe Lancaster runs in to her at the airport, leaving her with a bust lip and a lump on her head that you could see from a mile away. From this instant, Sophia can never stop thinking about the man who caused her multiple injuries on their first meeting and quite frankly, with the way Darcie describes Joe, I would be thinking about him on a daily basis as well.
Before Sophia can develop any feelings for this new handsome stranger, she finds a letter in a photo box at her grandmother’s place, that could possibly ruin her families dynamics and her mother/nonna’s relationship.
Join Sophia and Joe on their journey to love, with some laugh-out-loud moments and many more awkward bump-in’s along the way. Darcie takes us on a journey of exploring the town, visiting the castle and the opera, alongside meeting many wonderful characters. Darcie’s description of everything – from the places Sophia visits, the people Sophia meets to the events occurring throughout the book, she describes it all so vividly that I genuinely could use my imagination so clearly and feel like I was in this story with Sophia.
Sophia and Joe were such fascinating characters to follow, however with each of them dealing with different and difficult family situations, their journey to love isn’t an easy ride and you can’t help but scream in your head for them to just lay all of their secrets out on the table so they no longer had to find reasons to not be together. If you are a romantic person, this book will definitely have you swooning and more ready than ever to pursue your very own holiday romance, as passionate as this one.
August 21, 2017
Sophia and her boyfriend Lee don't have an equal relationship. Sophia earns the money and has a high-end job while Lee likes spending what she makes. Lee doesn't mind living an easy and carefree life and Sophia keeps enabling it. When she finds him in bed with another woman Sophia knows it's time to make some drastic changes. Her sole purpose in life is doing her work as well as she can and she used to be prepared to give up everything for it, what if being a successful businesswoman isn't enough any longer?
To give herself time to think Sophia quits her job and travels to Italy to stay with her grandmother for a while. In Italy she meets Joe. Joe is at a crossroads in his life as well. They like each other, but they are both in Italy for a short time, however they have the summer. Will they have a chance to find some happiness, even if it's just for a short while, or will family secrets and problems at home make it difficult for them to enjoy their time together?
Love at the Italian Lake is a wonderful story. Sophia is driven, but insecure. She doesn't know how beautiful she is, both inside and out. Her stay in Italy makes her discover a lot about herself and her family, which was really fascinating. It was fabulous to see her grow and find herself. Joe is a good friend and he has a trustworthy personality and natural charm that make him accessible. He's a kind and talented man, but he's also troubled. Sophia and Joe are great together, but they both have baggage. I was curious to find out their family secrets and couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to discover if Sophia and Joe would have a chance together. I liked their easy and sparkling friendship. They're perfect main characters for a feelgood romantic story.
Darcie Boleyn has a heartwarming writing style. Her way with words is clever and her stories are laced with humor. Love at the Italian Lake is about people who have to deal with change and I loved the complete way she explores the many emotional layers of this recognizable theme. She combines this with a stunning setting that kept mesmerizing me. I enjoyed reading about Italy and the abundance of deliciousness and beauty it has to offer. I liked this gorgeous captivating story very much and thinking about it keeps putting a big smile on my face.
To give herself time to think Sophia quits her job and travels to Italy to stay with her grandmother for a while. In Italy she meets Joe. Joe is at a crossroads in his life as well. They like each other, but they are both in Italy for a short time, however they have the summer. Will they have a chance to find some happiness, even if it's just for a short while, or will family secrets and problems at home make it difficult for them to enjoy their time together?
Love at the Italian Lake is a wonderful story. Sophia is driven, but insecure. She doesn't know how beautiful she is, both inside and out. Her stay in Italy makes her discover a lot about herself and her family, which was really fascinating. It was fabulous to see her grow and find herself. Joe is a good friend and he has a trustworthy personality and natural charm that make him accessible. He's a kind and talented man, but he's also troubled. Sophia and Joe are great together, but they both have baggage. I was curious to find out their family secrets and couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to discover if Sophia and Joe would have a chance together. I liked their easy and sparkling friendship. They're perfect main characters for a feelgood romantic story.
Darcie Boleyn has a heartwarming writing style. Her way with words is clever and her stories are laced with humor. Love at the Italian Lake is about people who have to deal with change and I loved the complete way she explores the many emotional layers of this recognizable theme. She combines this with a stunning setting that kept mesmerizing me. I enjoyed reading about Italy and the abundance of deliciousness and beauty it has to offer. I liked this gorgeous captivating story very much and thinking about it keeps putting a big smile on my face.
August 10, 2017
Fortunately, Canelo is one of the publishers I'm autoproved for on NetGalley, so I was able to access a copy of this right away. I love chick lit and romances set in either Italy or Spain. The setting made me want to go to Italy, as Darcie Boleyn's descriptions were so vivd. I was pleased to recieve an ARC of Love at The Italian Lake via NetGalley. Thanks so much to Darcie Boleyn, Canelo publishers and NetGalley for my opportunity to read Love at the Italian Lake and also participate in the blog tour for Love at the Italian Lake.
The title grabbed me, and I thought "oh, that sounds so romantic!" I wasn't wrong.
Sophia Bertoli lives in London and comes from a wealthy Italian family. In love with Lee, hard working and ambitious, one day her whole life changes when he cheats on her. To make matters worse, she isn't really happy with the job she has had since she graduated from Cambridge and decides she needs to make a change in her life. This leads her to resign on a whim and pack her bags for Italy where she plans to stay with her grandmother who she hasn't seen in a decade.
There, she meets Joe who is there to visit his uncle, and they begin to get on..... My My first impressions of Joe was that he was a little clumsy, but sweet with it. He turned out to be well-meaning and likeable though.
This is the third book I have read by Darcie Boleyn, after A Very Manhattan Christmas and Summer at Conwenna Cove, and is the second NetGalley ARC after Summer at Conwenna Cove. Boleyn has an uncanny ability to take simple plots and make them into romantic and unforgettable stories.
In Love at the Italian Lake, I was drawn in by Sophia's personality and by her family's and grandmother's warmth. The descriptions of Italy and its customs made me really feel I was there although I have never been.
If you are looking for a summer read, try this! The book is so emotional, so romantic and filled with emotions, love and sadness, that I had to fight back tears at more than one point. Love at the Italian Lake has loveable characters, and by the end I wanted to read it again and was rooting for Joe and Sophia. I was very happy with the ending. I'd love a sequel to this!
The title grabbed me, and I thought "oh, that sounds so romantic!" I wasn't wrong.
Sophia Bertoli lives in London and comes from a wealthy Italian family. In love with Lee, hard working and ambitious, one day her whole life changes when he cheats on her. To make matters worse, she isn't really happy with the job she has had since she graduated from Cambridge and decides she needs to make a change in her life. This leads her to resign on a whim and pack her bags for Italy where she plans to stay with her grandmother who she hasn't seen in a decade.
There, she meets Joe who is there to visit his uncle, and they begin to get on..... My My first impressions of Joe was that he was a little clumsy, but sweet with it. He turned out to be well-meaning and likeable though.
This is the third book I have read by Darcie Boleyn, after A Very Manhattan Christmas and Summer at Conwenna Cove, and is the second NetGalley ARC after Summer at Conwenna Cove. Boleyn has an uncanny ability to take simple plots and make them into romantic and unforgettable stories.
In Love at the Italian Lake, I was drawn in by Sophia's personality and by her family's and grandmother's warmth. The descriptions of Italy and its customs made me really feel I was there although I have never been.
If you are looking for a summer read, try this! The book is so emotional, so romantic and filled with emotions, love and sadness, that I had to fight back tears at more than one point. Love at the Italian Lake has loveable characters, and by the end I wanted to read it again and was rooting for Joe and Sophia. I was very happy with the ending. I'd love a sequel to this!
August 9, 2017
Darcie Boleyn is fast becoming a favourite author of mine, its not been long since I read her last novel - Summer at Conwenna Cove - yet she is back already with another summer novel filled with romance.
As with Summer at Conwenna Cove being set in Cornwall, Darcie remains bang on trend with Love on the Italian Lake as this years holiday destination for books seems to be set in and round the idyllic location of Lake Garda - yes I have immediately added the small town of Malcesine to my bucket list!
Love at the Italian Lake features Sophia and Joe as the main characters.
Sophia has fled to Italy to spend some time with her Grandmother after her world is turned upside down due to a cheating boyfriend and lack of job satisfaction causing her to quit - despite the healthy bank balance it has provided her with.
Her break away however gets off to to a flying start - quite literally, as she is knocked right off her feet by the ever so handsome Joe. Despite their being some instant attraction, Sophia decline's his offer to take her to where she is staying and Sophia opts for the long and uncomfortable coach journey to her Nonna's house.
The last thing she expects when spending time with her Nonna is to bump in to Joe again!
Sophia is loving finding herself, the weather, the coffee and the Italian food but after looking though some old photographs with her Nonna - something she discovers is troubling her and it is Joe that she opens up to.
Sophia and Joe get closer and closer and although she has opened up, Joe seems to be holding back despite his clear feelings for Sophia.
As time goes on and new opportunities arrive, I was sure Sophia and Joe were headed for the happy ever after that Darcie writes so well... and don't get me wrong, we got there eventually but once again Darcie has stepped up her writing abilities with lots of twists and turns in the sub plots.
With great characters, beautiful settings, hidden secrets and warm romantic moments, Love at the Italian Lake is another brilliant novel from Darcie that guarantees you will be unable to put down.
As with Summer at Conwenna Cove being set in Cornwall, Darcie remains bang on trend with Love on the Italian Lake as this years holiday destination for books seems to be set in and round the idyllic location of Lake Garda - yes I have immediately added the small town of Malcesine to my bucket list!
Love at the Italian Lake features Sophia and Joe as the main characters.
Sophia has fled to Italy to spend some time with her Grandmother after her world is turned upside down due to a cheating boyfriend and lack of job satisfaction causing her to quit - despite the healthy bank balance it has provided her with.
Her break away however gets off to to a flying start - quite literally, as she is knocked right off her feet by the ever so handsome Joe. Despite their being some instant attraction, Sophia decline's his offer to take her to where she is staying and Sophia opts for the long and uncomfortable coach journey to her Nonna's house.
The last thing she expects when spending time with her Nonna is to bump in to Joe again!
Sophia is loving finding herself, the weather, the coffee and the Italian food but after looking though some old photographs with her Nonna - something she discovers is troubling her and it is Joe that she opens up to.
Sophia and Joe get closer and closer and although she has opened up, Joe seems to be holding back despite his clear feelings for Sophia.
As time goes on and new opportunities arrive, I was sure Sophia and Joe were headed for the happy ever after that Darcie writes so well... and don't get me wrong, we got there eventually but once again Darcie has stepped up her writing abilities with lots of twists and turns in the sub plots.
With great characters, beautiful settings, hidden secrets and warm romantic moments, Love at the Italian Lake is another brilliant novel from Darcie that guarantees you will be unable to put down.
August 18, 2017
A glorious sun-drenched romance set in the Italian Lakes. Once again Darcie Boleyn has taken me on a journey; a journey of emotions with the characters and a journey around the beautiful, picturesque setting of the Italian Lakes.
Sophia Bertoni makes a startling discovery and realises she isn’t quite effected by the discovery as she ought to be. Sophia has been living the same daily ritual for a good while; concentrating on her career her personal life has taken a back step. This discovery makes her think twice about her life and she decides to get away from it all and visit her Nonna in Italy. Leaving her high pressured job and ex behind looking for rest for her heart, mind and body and hoping for inspiration.
Sophia’s mind was definitely ‘off’ men until she stumbles across Joe Lancaster. Joe Lancaster, a fellow Brit, who is staying in the same village as Sophia’s Nonna. Joe is also inbetween jobs and with complications at home and heartbreak in his past he’s also looking for a light or a sign regarding his future. His sign and light comes from the connection he felt when his eyes met Sophia’s dark eyes. Sophia also felt an instant attraction with the depths of Joe’s emerald eyes drawing her in to a handsome face and she couldn’t shy away from his kind demeanour.
A friendship developed between the pair however, Sophia and Joe were soon quarrelling with their own conscience over the ever growing emotions they were feeling for each other. Should they enjoy the here and now and not worry about what the future may hold?
Whilst Sophia is staying with her Nonna she unearths a secret that will send repercussions through her family heritage and could break her family apart.
A wonderful journey of self-discovery, a journey of new beginnings, a journey of discovering new beauties all around the Italian Lakes.
Sophia Bertoni makes a startling discovery and realises she isn’t quite effected by the discovery as she ought to be. Sophia has been living the same daily ritual for a good while; concentrating on her career her personal life has taken a back step. This discovery makes her think twice about her life and she decides to get away from it all and visit her Nonna in Italy. Leaving her high pressured job and ex behind looking for rest for her heart, mind and body and hoping for inspiration.
Sophia’s mind was definitely ‘off’ men until she stumbles across Joe Lancaster. Joe Lancaster, a fellow Brit, who is staying in the same village as Sophia’s Nonna. Joe is also inbetween jobs and with complications at home and heartbreak in his past he’s also looking for a light or a sign regarding his future. His sign and light comes from the connection he felt when his eyes met Sophia’s dark eyes. Sophia also felt an instant attraction with the depths of Joe’s emerald eyes drawing her in to a handsome face and she couldn’t shy away from his kind demeanour.
A friendship developed between the pair however, Sophia and Joe were soon quarrelling with their own conscience over the ever growing emotions they were feeling for each other. Should they enjoy the here and now and not worry about what the future may hold?
Whilst Sophia is staying with her Nonna she unearths a secret that will send repercussions through her family heritage and could break her family apart.
A wonderful journey of self-discovery, a journey of new beginnings, a journey of discovering new beauties all around the Italian Lakes.
November 14, 2017
So having recently read Christmas at Conwenna Cove, I decided to dive in with Darcie Boleyn's Love at the Italian Lake, and I'm rather glad I did! Firstly I love novels set in Europe. I love reading about the vibrancy of those European towns, the beautiful culture and the stunning scenery. Darcie Boleyn did not disappoint with this novel.
When Sophia finds herself at a crossroads in her life she decides to travel to Italy to spend time with her grandmother while she considers what path she will take. What she finds is a new relaxing way of life, a closer relationship with her Italian grandmother and some unexpected attraction to the ridiculously attractive Joe!
Whilst the setting of this novel is a major plus for me, the story didn't disappoint either. There are life decisions to be made, family dramas to overcome and a sizzling romance thrown in for good measure. If I was to make any criticism it would just be that despite quitting her job Sophia does not seem to have any financial worries - she's dressed in designer gear and not particularly worried about paying her mortgage. This is certainly not something that has ever happened to me, but then again the reason I love fiction so much is for the escapism from reality, so it's not really an issue!
I really enjoyed this novel, it was a perfect summer romance and just what I needed as the weather turns colder. I definitely want to book myself a trip to Italy and find myself a hunky man to enjoy the trip with (but shhh, don't tell my husband!). I recommend you go out and get yourself a copy of this lovely novel. Let me know what you think once you've read it!
When Sophia finds herself at a crossroads in her life she decides to travel to Italy to spend time with her grandmother while she considers what path she will take. What she finds is a new relaxing way of life, a closer relationship with her Italian grandmother and some unexpected attraction to the ridiculously attractive Joe!
Whilst the setting of this novel is a major plus for me, the story didn't disappoint either. There are life decisions to be made, family dramas to overcome and a sizzling romance thrown in for good measure. If I was to make any criticism it would just be that despite quitting her job Sophia does not seem to have any financial worries - she's dressed in designer gear and not particularly worried about paying her mortgage. This is certainly not something that has ever happened to me, but then again the reason I love fiction so much is for the escapism from reality, so it's not really an issue!
I really enjoyed this novel, it was a perfect summer romance and just what I needed as the weather turns colder. I definitely want to book myself a trip to Italy and find myself a hunky man to enjoy the trip with (but shhh, don't tell my husband!). I recommend you go out and get yourself a copy of this lovely novel. Let me know what you think once you've read it!
July 25, 2017
This is such a happy read! A glorious setting, well developed characters with a bit of 'history', family secrets, a main story with several threads attached all brought together by beautiful writing - what's not to love?
Sophia's career and romance grind to a halt simultaneously and, finding herself rudderless, she heads off to visit her Italian grandmother who lives alongside Lake Garda (lucky woman!). This allows us a peek at how true Italians live - and not just the usual tourist route. Always a loner, Sophia begins to relax, believe in herself and even makes a friend or two. From here the story develops and continues and no, I'm not going to tell you what happens!
This is a real feel-good read, warm, witty and with some real laugh-out-loud moments. I finished reading in bed last night and slept really well which shows that all the ends were neatly tied up. I love it when I don't have to fret about something or someone, lol. Things I've learned from this one? Don't get involved in investment banking if you want to have any kind of personal life and make time to check out your ancestry and see if you can find an Italian nonna somewhere - preferably one who lives in such a similar spectacular setting!
I received an arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Sophia's career and romance grind to a halt simultaneously and, finding herself rudderless, she heads off to visit her Italian grandmother who lives alongside Lake Garda (lucky woman!). This allows us a peek at how true Italians live - and not just the usual tourist route. Always a loner, Sophia begins to relax, believe in herself and even makes a friend or two. From here the story develops and continues and no, I'm not going to tell you what happens!
This is a real feel-good read, warm, witty and with some real laugh-out-loud moments. I finished reading in bed last night and slept really well which shows that all the ends were neatly tied up. I love it when I don't have to fret about something or someone, lol. Things I've learned from this one? Don't get involved in investment banking if you want to have any kind of personal life and make time to check out your ancestry and see if you can find an Italian nonna somewhere - preferably one who lives in such a similar spectacular setting!
I received an arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
August 5, 2017
I am quite partial to a bit of romantic chick-lit, and so from the outset Love at the Italian Lake ticked all the boxes for me. Sophia goes to stay with family and Italy, and bumps into a handsome Englishman, Joe, who is also staying in Italy with family. A number of cliched interactions follow, and Sophia and Joe fall in love. I found it difficult to get on with at first, as the plot was slow to get into, and the three coincidental meetings for Sophia and Joe irked me a little. Bumping into someone once, of course, it happens. But a further two times? Now how likely is that really?! I do like a romance, but I like my romance fiction to be as realistic and believable as possible.
The writing was okay - nothing particularly special to be honest. I like books that challenge my vocabulary and teach me at least a few words here and there, but this was a very easy read. Of course this can also be a good thing, as this book is very easy to get absorbed into without much thought. However, this romance didn't offer anything different to other romance fiction novels I've read lately. Nothing made it stand out amongst other such similar books within the genre. I'd definitely recommend this book in terms of ease of read and feel-good ending, but personally I feel there are others with a little more excitement.
(Thanks to NetGalley for this copy).
The writing was okay - nothing particularly special to be honest. I like books that challenge my vocabulary and teach me at least a few words here and there, but this was a very easy read. Of course this can also be a good thing, as this book is very easy to get absorbed into without much thought. However, this romance didn't offer anything different to other romance fiction novels I've read lately. Nothing made it stand out amongst other such similar books within the genre. I'd definitely recommend this book in terms of ease of read and feel-good ending, but personally I feel there are others with a little more excitement.
(Thanks to NetGalley for this copy).
August 21, 2017
I enjoyed this book and wanted to know what happened to the two main characters- Sophia and Joe as I soon had empathy for them. It was lovely to read a book about summer,sunshine and the beautiful Lake Garda.
Sophia goes to live with her Nonna in the beautiful Lake Garda town of Malcesine after a breakup with her disastrous boyfriend Lee. On arrival in Italy, at the airport, she is literally knocked off her feet by the good looking Joe and it was interesting to see the romance progressing from both Sophia and Joe's point of view. There are plenty of sparks of attraction and the relationship between the two of them develops day by day. Both have difficult pasts and there are secrets and misunderstandings all around but they can see new opportunities in the everyday life in the pretty town of Malcesine.
The book is heartwarming and well written and after reading this book I definitely want to visit the Lake Garda area as the descriptions of the food and the towns in the area are easy and enjoyable to read. The plot is a good old fashioned romance and would make a great holiday read.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it
Sophia goes to live with her Nonna in the beautiful Lake Garda town of Malcesine after a breakup with her disastrous boyfriend Lee. On arrival in Italy, at the airport, she is literally knocked off her feet by the good looking Joe and it was interesting to see the romance progressing from both Sophia and Joe's point of view. There are plenty of sparks of attraction and the relationship between the two of them develops day by day. Both have difficult pasts and there are secrets and misunderstandings all around but they can see new opportunities in the everyday life in the pretty town of Malcesine.
The book is heartwarming and well written and after reading this book I definitely want to visit the Lake Garda area as the descriptions of the food and the towns in the area are easy and enjoyable to read. The plot is a good old fashioned romance and would make a great holiday read.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it
August 23, 2017
When Sophia arrives home to find her boyfriend in bed with another woman she realises that her life needs to change and drastically. She has spent her whole life working all hours to get on in the rat race in London and when her request for leave is turned down she quits!
Sophia's grandmother lives in Italy by Lake Garda and what better opportunity to go and visit her, but things do not start well when she collides with a man at the airport and ends up with a split lip and egg size lump on her head - he was rather handsome though!
Joe is staying at Lake Garda for the summer helping out at his uncle's hotel, although he feels that he should be in England helping his mother as his father has the early stages of dementia, but his mother is burying her head in the sand and refusing to believe anything is wrong. When he bumps into Sophia at the airport he is instantly attracted but he has too many other problems to cope with love at the moment....doesn't he!
A lovely summer read perfect for the beach - easy reading but with good likeable characters and definitely a beautiful setting that will make anyone want to hop on plane and get out there!
Sophia's grandmother lives in Italy by Lake Garda and what better opportunity to go and visit her, but things do not start well when she collides with a man at the airport and ends up with a split lip and egg size lump on her head - he was rather handsome though!
Joe is staying at Lake Garda for the summer helping out at his uncle's hotel, although he feels that he should be in England helping his mother as his father has the early stages of dementia, but his mother is burying her head in the sand and refusing to believe anything is wrong. When he bumps into Sophia at the airport he is instantly attracted but he has too many other problems to cope with love at the moment....doesn't he!
A lovely summer read perfect for the beach - easy reading but with good likeable characters and definitely a beautiful setting that will make anyone want to hop on plane and get out there!
August 10, 2017
This novel opens in London but you are soon transported to beautiful Lake Garda to follow Sophia as she finds out some family secrets and tries to decide what to do with her future. It has all the ingredients of a holiday read- gorgeous setting, romance and the odd obstacle in her heroine's path. I flew through the book and particularly enjoyed the descriptions of life near Lake Garda with the odd trip to Verona, thrown in.
Reading this book was like looking through a book of black and white photographs when Sophia was in London and then suddenly turning the page and being presented with the brilliant Italian sunshine. Life there seemed larger than life. Sophia's Nonna was a delightful character with her own huge secret but her kindness shone through. Another feature which I loved was hearing from Joe and getting to find out what he was thinking. Shifting occasionally to his viewpoint was a refreshing change.
Thanks to Darcie Boleyn, Ellie Pilcher and Canelo for a copy of the book
In short: warm and life affirming
Reading this book was like looking through a book of black and white photographs when Sophia was in London and then suddenly turning the page and being presented with the brilliant Italian sunshine. Life there seemed larger than life. Sophia's Nonna was a delightful character with her own huge secret but her kindness shone through. Another feature which I loved was hearing from Joe and getting to find out what he was thinking. Shifting occasionally to his viewpoint was a refreshing change.
Thanks to Darcie Boleyn, Ellie Pilcher and Canelo for a copy of the book
In short: warm and life affirming
February 5, 2022
Loved it- thoroughly enjoyable.
Having visited Lake Garda myself 5 years ago, the setting of this story, brought back many memories for me, with a yearning to revisit it, which I will now do.
It's a beautiful place and the story enabled me to escape back to it.
I loved the characters as I always do with Darcies books as she has a great way of making them very human but loveable ( if that makes sense).
A full 5/5 stars for me, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you Darcie for a great story to read.
Having visited Lake Garda myself 5 years ago, the setting of this story, brought back many memories for me, with a yearning to revisit it, which I will now do.
It's a beautiful place and the story enabled me to escape back to it.
I loved the characters as I always do with Darcies books as she has a great way of making them very human but loveable ( if that makes sense).
A full 5/5 stars for me, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you Darcie for a great story to read.
July 29, 2018
Italian woman
This woman, who was so educated and formerly hard working, seemed to have difficulty trusting herself or any one else. Both main characters didn't have any idea of how to adjust to another person's needs or goals. The lake district of Italy is depicted well, as it is supposed to be extremely beautiful.
This woman, who was so educated and formerly hard working, seemed to have difficulty trusting herself or any one else. Both main characters didn't have any idea of how to adjust to another person's needs or goals. The lake district of Italy is depicted well, as it is supposed to be extremely beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews