En sommer i Italien

by Sue Moorcroft

Sofia Bianchi har plejet sin syge far Aldo i mange år, og da han dør, erkender hun trods sin store sorg, at hun selv har livet foran sig.

Omsider får hun mulighed for at rejse ud i verden – noget hun har drømt om i mange år – og at opfylde de løfter, hun gav Aldo i hans sidste dage: blandt dem at besøge hans fødeby, at drikke hans yndlingsvin, at more sig og at finde lykken. Så Sofia drager til Italiens umbriske bjerge, hvor der, gemt væk i en søvnig italiensk landsby, ligger mange familiehemmeligheder og venter på at blive opdaget. '

Hun får sommerjob som servitrice på hotel Casa Felice, hvor også 18-årige Amy arbejder. Amy er stukket af hjemmefra, da hun uventet har opdaget, at hendes far ikke er hendes biologiske far.

Sofia beslutter at hjælpe Amy gennem denne svære tid, samtidig med at hun begynder at udforske landsbyen og lære Aldos mystiske familie at kende.

Men det er den flotte Levi, der viser sig at være den største distraktion for Sofia, da hendes nye liv begynder …

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Italy, Contemporary, Summer, Audiobook

410 pages

Published November 1, 2019

About the author

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, the Readers Best Romantic Read Award, two HOLT medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She writes contemporary fiction of life and love.

She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.

An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.

Newsletter sign-up: https://signup.harpercollins.co.uk/jo...

Website: www.suemoorcroft.com
Twitter: @suemoorcroft
Facebook: SueMoorcroftAuthor
Instagram: suemoorcroftauthor

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ Prepare to be charmed by this utterly enchanting tale!

One Summer in Italy is a gorgeous Heartwarming read, that I simply fell in love with. I can't recommend it enough.

When Sofia's father passes away, he urges her to visit their family in Montelibertà Italy.

You see Sofia's father left Italy with Sofia's Mum before she was born.
Her mother passed away when she was young, and for some reason her father never went back.
Her never wanted to discuss why.
But on his death bed, he asks Sofia to promise to do several thing's....

1. Go to Montelibertà
2. Live her life, travel, have fun, experience love and romance.
3. Put flowers on her grandparents grave.
4. Visit her Uncle Gianni and say Sorry
5. Go to Montelibertà and drink Orvieto Classico as it’s meant to be drunk

So Sofia sets off to Montelibertà to fulfil her father's wishes.

It's here she finds a job at Il Giardino restaurant and hotel. Where she befriends Amy.

Sofia's and Amy's friendship was so lovely to watch. Amy really looked up Sofia especially when she helps save her job.

I simply adored watching Sofia become a lovely, strong, independent young women.
It melted my heart watching her discover her family and her father's past.

I thoroughly adored reading this deliciously heart-warming book.
It was a tender & inspiring read.
This vivid rich tale has absolutely stolen my heart.

There was a sprinkle of mystery, a good dash of romance, beautiful friendships, plenty of witty humour and a beautiful location.
The characters are strong, relatable and unique where you just can't help routing for them to suceed.

Prepare to be charmed by this utterly enchanting tale.
A Summer must read. Perfect piece of escapism. Enjoy!!

Thank you to Avon Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my Blog Website:

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...

[Theresa Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute, sweet story, but like I find with too many contemporary romances, there is too much telling (instead of SHOWING) us of how the characters feel and therefore how we, the readers are supposed to feel, and there wasn’t that much to keep me turning the pages. The author sometimes made poor word choices, like “hissed,” when she didn’t mean a negative connotation, so something like “whispered” would have been more appropriate. Also, using the word “slithered” when another verb would have been much better.

This is a fun book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can always rely on a summer read by Sue Moorcroft to put you in the holiday mood. An uplifting romantic story with gorgeous locations – take me there!

Sofia Bianchi hasn’t had much of a life. Looking after her ailing but adored father Aldo for many years until his death had meant that her options were limited. Before he died he made her promise certain things. One was to pass a message to his estranged brother Gianni and the most important one was to be happy.

Sofia sells up and decides to travel to her father’s birth town of Monteliberta in Italy, with the intention of spending a couple of years travelling. She finds work as a waitress at a hotel, Casa Felice. Sofia enjoys the work but finds herself clashing with the unpredictable owner.

Also working at the hotel is Amy, an 18 year old who has run away from her home in Germany following a dramatic family fallout. Amy is a very young 18 year old (and in my opinion quite selfish and a bit brattish) and Sofia, being older, wiser and a fluent Italian speaker, takes her under her wing however she can have no idea of how much her life will become intertwined with Amy’s.

I’ve said it before – I adore Italy. I could quite happily spend all my holidays there and Moorcroft’s evocative descriptions of the gorgeous setting of this traditional Italian village gives a wonderful sense of place. The terrace at the hotel’s Il Giardino sounds divine and what I wouldn’t give to be sitting there in the hot Italian summer sunshine sipping (or maybe guzzling!) a glass of Orvieto Classico!

As ever there is always a gorgeous romantic lead in her books. Levi Gunn, whose first appearance was in his biker gear, arrives just in time to play the hero. Levi is a successful internet entrepreneur, enjoying painting as a hobby. It’s not just the fabulous views of the Italian countryside that inspire him, if you get my meaning! There is however another reason for his stay and this is soon revealed in the story.

I very much enjoyed One Summer in Italy as I knew I would. The romance element is lovely but there is also depth to the characters as the situations and dramas they face are slowly revealed. Family feuds, the catch 22 situation facing homeless people, relationships – they are all dealt with in a sympathetic way. There was a large cast of characters but Sofia and Levi were the stars of the story for me and I was so wishing they would each find their own happiness.

Definitely recommended as a summer read – or actually a read at any time!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one summer in Italy that you won't forget in a hurry, at least if you are Sofia, Levi or Amy who are the main characters in this rather lovely book.

If you want a book that features two women moving to Umbria for the summer, to work as waitresses, while trying to get their heads around big family news, then this is definitely the book for you. The two women in question are Sofia and Amy. Sofia has family she has never met in this Umbrian town, and it was her father's last wish that she meet her uncle.

Whereas Amy is 18, and a young 18 at that, who is struggling with her decision to run off from her family, and try to work in Italy for the summer and latches onto Sofia as a guiding figure. The two girls come from different places but find common ground, and its lovely to see how the bond between them comes into play, as they deal with a boss who has far too many rules and a tendency to try to fire people regularly.

Levi is the kind stranger that steps in to help save Amy's job in her first week, and seems to have an eye on both women, the reasons for which became clear quite early on.

There are certainly secrets to be discovered, some of which came as less of a surprise to me than others, but all really good and kept the interest levels up as you wanted to find out various bits of information.

This is an enjoyable book that transported me to a warmer place than I was reading it, and I really enjoyed all the characters, even the ones you weren't meant to like, kept me entertained.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Daniella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Останах доста приятно изненадана от книгата, въпреки че в началото като я почнах някак ми беше разхвърляна. С напредването на историята, нещата се оправиха, започнах да усещам приятна атмосфера на Италия. Успях да се принеса до всички кътчета, които се описваха в книгата и на мен ми се прииска да отида. Героите - странно, но заобичах всички и успях да ги разбера, баха много добре изградени и до края всеки успя да покаже максимума от себе си. София ми стана любимка! Толкова сърцата и мила, дружелюбна, на моменти леко наивна, но просто в това й е чарът. Има една такава грация, която определено не остава незабелязана, успява да накара хората да имат доверие в нея. Затова толкова бързо приобщи Еми и успяваше да й повлиява в голяма част от решенията, който взимаше младата тийнейджърка. На моменти Еми ме напрягаше лекичко, все пак е млада и неопитна, това доста й личеше. Действаше буйно, не се замисляше, разбирах я, че беше наранена от най-близките си, но можеше да действа една идея по-обрано и пак казвам хубавото беше, че София успяваше да повлияе на решенията й и да я вразумява. По-нататък в историята малката Еми успя да порасне и показа една друга светлина, който ми хареса много повече. Ливай! Ах, този Ливай! ♥ Мисля, че го харесах още щом се появи, в началото обаче бях резервирана за него, докато не разбрах тайната му, после всичко си дойде на мястото и се влюбих. Няма как да не ги харесам и със София като двойка, бяха прекрасни! Имаше на моменти в сюжета, които се разбираха още преди героите да си кажа какво ги мъчи, но това не ми беше такава голяма драма, не развали удоволствието от четенето. Краят - много емоционален, стана ми много мило и приятно за всички. Една доста разпускаща книга, която е много подходяща за всеки един момент. Аз се насладих на историята, на слънчевата Италия и се влюбих още повече в нея.

[Els · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story

[Julie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely romance story mainly set in the gorgeous Umbrian region in Italy.

Sofia Bianchi is set a series of promises while caring for her beloved dying Father Aldo. When he passes Sofia begins a new life on her own and is determined to keep them and travels to Italy and discovers more than her Fathers family.

Throughout the book Sofia’s kind, generous and loving nature shines through. She has the knack protecting the vulnerable and offer friendship when needed. A lovely romance ensues amid family turmoil and tribulations.

My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC digital copy – this is my own opinion of One Summer In Italy.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well written book by Sue I always look forward to her books and she never disappoints. It gets you thinking for certain and if you love Italy you will love this book. All about families and starting to think about yourself and living out promises that were made before someone close passed away.
Sofia has been looking after her father for years as a carer but once he dies she starts to think about her own life and thinks she wants to make out promises she made to her father before he passed. She escapes to Italy but while she's tucked away in a tiny village family secrets are waiting to be discovered. She makes friends with another girl Amy who is trying to find her way after she discovers her dad isn't really her dad.
Can both girls discover who they are and be happy and will a certain someone stand in their way and will they find love of not.
This is a must read as so enjoyable and makes it think of summer.

[Rhoda Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, loved this book. I was wanting something summery and fun to read and it totally hit the spot.
After spending her twenties caring for her father, Sofia is taking a well earned break, travelling and learning to spread her wings. She starts her journey in Italy, in her father's hometown.
Levi has... secrets... which bring him to Monteliberta. He falls in love with Sofia early on and has to do a bit of work in order to be with her. And Amy is a teenager running away from things (a lot of things).

There's a lot going on in this book. The main thing that caught me was the setting and the atmosphere. I felt like I'd been transported to Italy and spent the whole time craving a cold glass of something on the terrace.
I received a review copy through Netgalley.
This is a wonderfully evocative holiday read.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful summer read which took me from my home to the landscapes of Italy. Sue Moorcroft's books always makes me smile and feel happy.
I have read this author's books previously and I always read her books when I need a little pick-me-up, the credit goes to her writing.
The story follows the travels of Sofia and Amy as they go about uncovering the mystery and secrets and Amy's unknown relatives.
It is the characters which can take the book to higher level after the plot, and these characters are absolutely a delight to read.
On the whole a great read on a cozy afternoon.

[Mackey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sue Moorcroft is one my favorite authors for holiday themed fiction, in fact, I make it a point to read her holiday stories every year without fail. However, as much as I wanted to love One Summer in Italy it just didn't work for me. Let me add with a huge NOTE that I generally don't read romcoms and so this more my problem than anything missing from the book itself. Please, if you like lite romances, give this a read. Moorcroft is a terrific author!

[Máiréad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was surprisingly enjoyable

[Juliet Bookliterati · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Summer in Italy is one of those books that you just know will bring a smile to your face.  Sofia has cared for her father for half her life and after his death, she has to fulfil her promise to him and live her life and do the things she never had a chance to do.  For the main part the book is set in the beautiful Umbrian mountains of Italy.  There she meets Amy, who has run away after a family argument and the mysterious and handsome Levi.    Italy, romance and a bit if trouble make the perfect summer romance for your holidays.

I really enjoyed Sue Moorcroft's characterisation, she shows a great understanding of the human psyche and relationships.  Sofia, has spent most of her life carrying for her father, giving up on the life most young women lead.  Now, at the age of thirty, she has the chance to travel, go out, maybe consider going to university and find love.  Caring is obviously in her nature, and not an easy quality to escape from, and she soon finds herself taking Amy under her wing, like a surrogate older sister; she even puts her plans on hold to be there for Amy.  Amy has run away from home after a shocking revelation from her mother.  I really admired her tenacity at traveling to Italy, taking a job and trying to stand on her own two feet.  However, she still has many of the traits of a typical teenager; moody, stubborn, selfish at times, impulsive and not always thinking of others. Levi brings out a passionate side to the caring Sofia, she is willing to break the rules for him; you can almost feel the electricity between these two.

The Italian setting is beautiful, and Sue Moorcroft really brings the beauty of Umbria to life; the heat of the sun, the beautiful mountains; the smell of the flowers, especially the lavender and the wonderful food and drink.  This backdrop is the stage for Sofia's journey of self discovery, and the search for her father's family as she deals with the past and her future.

One Summer in Italy is pure escapism.  The character's and their problems will draw you in, the setting is a feast for the senses, and the story is fabulous; not everything is life is wonderful in the sun.   A fabulous read, perfect for those lazy days in the sun.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve written before about how superb Sue Moorcroft is at creating a location – but instead of Middledip (which I now know like the back of my hand, and will never tire of), this time it’s Montelibertà. If you’re struggling to fit in a holiday this year, just read this book, and you’ll feel like you’ve spent a few weeks under the Italian sun. The Umbrian mountain scenery is beautifully described (and captured by Levi in his watercolours), the two piazzas, the long and steep hill leading to the Casa Felice hotel with its beautiful terrace (out of bounds to staff, of course), the black iron tables of Il Giardino, the staff quarters almost submerged beneath the overgrown foliage. And you really can’t visit Italy without trying the food – or sharing a bottle (or two) of Orvieto Classico.

This is an excellent story, full of exceptionally well-drawn characters. Sofia is an absolute joy, sadness lingering after the death of her father, moving on to fulfil her promises and live the life of a single woman. She has a ready smile to calm the most troubled waters and a real warmth to her personality – she also has the patience of a saint and the diplomatic skills of a UN negotiator, both attributes much needed as she tackles the obstacles life throws in her path. I’ll admit to being a tad less enamoured with Amy – again well drawn, but I did find it difficult to empathise with a sulky and self-obsessed late teen, however challenging her back story. But Levi really did win my heart – such a lovely man, strong and gentle, and I also enjoyed the fascinating thread about his IT business with all its twists and turns. There are some excellent subsidiary characters too – with special mentions for horrendous hotel owner Benedetta and her son, the slimy Davide.

The story really keeps you turning the pages – it’s a strong one, full of families and fathers, reconciliation and forgiveness, coming to terms with the past, secrets and whether it’s best to keep them – the threads expertly knotted, sorted out, then untangled. And the author’s writing remains a personal favourite, accomplished story-telling balanced by the smooth readability and sparky dialogue I always love.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sofia is thirty-one and has spent half her life caring for her Italian father Aldo. He makes her promise that, once he’s gone, she will go out and enjoy herself and, after his death, she does. Travelling to the town in Italy he grew up in, she determines to meet up with his estranged brother to find out why Aldo came to England but she also wants to live life to the full. Quickly settling in to work at a restaurant, she befriends young Amy and Levi, a hunky guest who appears to have designs on Amy as well.
Another cracking novel from Sue, this is a beautiful little capsule of romance, betrayal, false identity and family ties, all played out under a sweltering Italian sun. Sofia is a terrific character, feisty and determined, a typical Moorcroft heroine in fact while Amy, the teenager who’s run away from home, is well portrayed if a little teen-trying occasionally and Levi works well, his bravado hiding his character until Sofia teases it out. This is a terrific novel, with strong characters, a great sense of place and told at a cracking pace. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

[Liina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sofia’s father dies, she decides to go to Italy as it’s her father’s wish. Sofia is going to fulfill the promises she made to her father in his final days. In Italy she finds a job in a restaurant, where she becomes friends with Amy, who looks up to her as to a bigger sister. They both have family aspects to figure out and as they support each other, they grow better friends in time. While the girls work and try to figure their life out, Sofia meets Levi and there’s a romance sparking between them.

It was a wonderful book with strong characters and great setting. It’s a lovely book to read during the summer and I’d highly recommend it.

[Диана · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

[Grass monster]

Review to follow

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half (it's all my own fault) stars.

Sofia Bianchi has led a sheltered life. Her mother died when Sofia was very young and ever since then it has just been Sofia and her father, Aldo. Aldo got sick when Sofia was just fifteen and she was his primary carer from then until his death. Now, aged 30, she is heeding her father's advice to live a little, and where better to start than her father's home town of Monteliberta in Italy? But Sofia finds that her dreams of romance and independence whilst waitressing in the natural beauty of Umbria are subordinated by family secrets and feuds, mercurial bosses, charming guests and young waitresses who need mothering after discovering their own family secrets.

The teenage waitress Amy was a typical 19 year old girl, whining and sulking and crying when things don't go her way. She has run away from home after discovering that the man she called Dad her entire life was no such thing! Despite her sheltered life, Sofia had a lot of wisdom to impart to Amy (although selfishly I did wish she would just tell Amy to grow up and stop being such a teenage drama queen - no sympathy me). When Amy gets into an altercation with another waiter Sofia jumps in to defend her, assisted by a handsome man on a motorbike who turns out to be a guest at the hotel where Amy and Sofia wait tables.

If you enjoy romances set in exotic locations, such as Italy, I am sure you will adore this book, the glorious landscapes, the foreign languages, the holiday atmosphere, the exotic food and drink. It's just not my cup of tea. It's not just this book, it's generally all romances set abroad - not sure why.

I liked it, but I didn't love it, but I think that is because of the setting and not the plot.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Bumped for release.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful novel and I absolutely loved it! I stayed up till 3am to finish it, just couldn’t bear to stop reading until I’d reached the end. The reader can’t help but roof for the caring and unselfish heroine, Sofia, wanting her to finally have the life she’s been longing for while caring for her sick father for years. And the hero Levi – wow! He’s everything you could want, and he’s been put in a position there is seemingly no way out of. I couldn’t wait to find out how it was all sorted! As for the setting, I am now yearning to go to Italy – after reading this, I simply have to one day!

[MRS LISA M GALE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

This was an okay light read but if I’m honest I found the story extremely slow and struggled to read it to the end. When Octavia was introduced I did have a glimmer of hope that the storyline was about to get a lot more interesting but my hopes were dashed when some silly explanation was given as to her part played in the storyline. Would only recommend to anyone who really didn’t want to have to try too hard with a story

[Vicki Bowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I loved this book. Lovely descriptive writing, immersing the reader in the Italian surroundings. Great characterisation too; not just for the major characters but also for the supporting cast. The perfect holiday (or whenever!) read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful romantic summer read. I loved the Italian setting and the book flowed easily for me, leaving a smile on my face. Really enjoyed it. Perfect setting, and lovely engaging characters. The cover is lovely too!

[Shenna McClean · Rating 2 out of 5]

So slow and repetitive. Extra points because I read it in Italy

[Ronnie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Sofia Bianchi, life revolves round working to makes ends meet and caring for her beloved father Aldo, who grows weaker by the day. Sofia wants to explore the world and examine new possibilities but she can't risk losing even a single moment with Aldo. Time is precious. And their time is running out. They spend each day savouring one another's company, sharing stories and memories. Before Aldo passes away he asks Sofia to make him six promises in a bid to help her find a new path in life once he is gone. Six promises the following year Sofia is determined to keep. Taking life by the reigns she travels to a small village in Italy where her father grew up. With its rich, breathtaking views and slow-pace of life, Sofia finds herself slotting into a new rhythm. Working as a waitress at Il Giardino gifts her an insight into what life was like for her father in this part of the world and it also allows friendship to blossom between her and a young girl called Amy. But when Sofia meets an old Bianchi family friend, she discovers the troubled past her father has kept secret for years.



Sofia loved, admired and looked up to her father Aldo. They shared a passion for music, food, Italy and nearly always spoke to on another in his native tongue. The bond they shared cemented a strength that kept them close through the years and kept them laughing even through the days of his illness. Sofia's love for Aldo was very touching. Sue Moorcroft kept a constant stream of emotion coursing through the book. And coupled with her glorious descriptions of Italy, I think I want to visit even more now than when I started reading this book.



As Sofia starts to settle into life in Montelibertà, her friendship with eighteen-year-old Amy soon reveals why the young girl is so far from her home. After making a discovery that turned her world upside down, Amy fled from her family to come to terms with it. Now, Sofia is the friend she leans on for support and advice. And Sofia is glad to help. When a handsome tourist checks into the hotel, Sofia is drawn to his wit and charm but is a relationship what she needs? And with someone who is obviously keeping something close to his chest. As the two relationships unfold, emotions run high and threaten to change the life of discovery and adventure Sofia had set her sights on.



One Summer in Italy is a fabulous new novel from Sue Moorcroft, brimming with evocative descriptions and characters who will draw you into a story of love, friendship and Italy. I really enjoyed it! A gorgeous read about self-discovery and second chances - one you won't want to end!



Warm. Evocative. Joyous!

[Nicola Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bestselling author, Katie Fforde, says that she "loves all of Sue Moorcroft's books". High praise indeed and I can't echo her sentiment, purely because this is my first Moorcroft. However, I really can't see it being my last so maybe at some point I will be able to say something along the same lines. I've heard so many good things about this author that I jumped at the chance to read One Summer in Italy, especially as Italy is one of my very favourite places. I was, as they say, sold!

Sofia Bianchi is a woman in her thirties who has never had much of a life. She spent over half her life caring for her Italian father who had a weak heart. Her English mother had passed away when she was only 5 and she was unaware of any family left in Italy until just before her father died. This prompts her to go to his home village in Umbria, and to get a job working in a hotel for the summer.

She meets Amy, an 18 year old running away from upsetting news at home, and also Levi, a guest who sticks up for Amy and most definitely catches Sofia's eye.

I thought One Summer in Italy was a charming read. I loved Sofia, level-headed, calm in the face of all kinds of adversity and a steadying influence on the volatile and immature Amy, who I didn't take to quite as much. I recognise that she had to be immature and selfish for the storyline to work though. Now Levi, well, I did take to him. He's such a lovely character and I loved the way he behaved around Sofia.

Also, I can't not mention the setting. As I said, Italy is somewhere I love and I so enjoyed reading the descriptions of the area and the views. I could just imagine myself there, sipping a glass of Orvieto Classico or even limoncello (which I did actually have a drink of whilst I was reading this book, just for an authentic reading experience, you understand).

I found One Summer in Italy to be a really enjoyable, light read and yet it did address some deeper issues. The perfect combination, perhaps. It's a story with lots of ups and downs and all I wanted for the characters was a happy ending. You'll have to read it yourself to see if that's what they got. I'd definitely recommend it for your summer reading pile.

[Theresa Derwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Summer in Italy
Author: Sue Moorcroft
Publisher: Avon Books
Page count: 368pp
Release date: 17th May 2018
Reviewer: Theresa Derwin

Sofia, in her early thirties, has spent her adult life looking after her Italian father Aldo.
That is until he passes away, and begs her to ‘live like a young person’, to travel to his hometown of Monteliberta, and meet her Italian family.
She doesn’t know much about that side of her family, only what she hears from her Dad, after her British mother Dawn passed away when she was young.
So, packing her bag, she heads off to the tourist resort, working beside young Amy, a lost English girl, on the run from her family who live in Germany, after she finds out the man she knew as her Dad, isn’t biologically related to her.
She seeks comfort from Sofia who she sees almost as an older sister figure; the comfort she needs to deal with her new found knowledge and the advances of amorous hotel part-owner Davide. In effect, her employer though he only holds the status as waiter. Both women work at the hotel Casa Felice, ran by Bernedetta.
She also finds support from tourist Levi, a thirty year old English guy, who defends her when Davide is up to his old tricks.
Levi however, has no romantic interest in the young girl. Instead, his affections are held by Sofia - a one night stand who comes to mean much more to him.
Set predominantly in picturesque Italy, close to area I’ve been to a few times, this book includes levels of Comedy akin to ‘Much Ado about Nothing’, with mistakes, misinterpreted circumstances and friendships blooming, plus more.
Moorcroft eloquently captures the mystique of Italy; the beauty, the magic, the power to change a person’s life.
In avoiding spoilers here, I can’t say much about the book develops, but I can say the characters are all fully fledged, some of them unfortunately too real.
There’s also a wonderful aspect of this novel, where the narrator, through Amy’s eyes, questions how the homeless are perceived, and how easy it is to lost your place in life.
Brilliant and moving.

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

After her father, Aldo passes away, Sofia keeps the promise she made to him to go back to their homeland of Italy he'd abandoned years ago in order to marry his wife Dawn until she was taken when Sofia was five in a car accident. He'd left his parents and brother Gianni behind fleeing his old life.



Working at Casa Felice, Sofia meets and sticks up for Amy a young waitress when trouble starts with the boss's son and nearly gets her fired. It's also then that she meets Levi for the first time.



Amy's story of how she wound up in Italy is due to learning about her true father and as she crosses paths with Levi, Sofia keeps an eye on her worried about his intentions towards the young girl until she uncovers a huge secret he holds.



As their lives cross paths during the novel and spiralling events from being fired to re hired and Sofia finally meeting her remaining family members living in Italy to Amy taking charge of discovering her father herself and flying to England on a whim of fronting out why he didn't want to see her, many shocks occur and the drama is constant!



This was a thrilling read! I truly loved and was hooked on the story as so much happened as well as taking it all in I felt transported to Italy myself! I loved how Sofia was a motherly figure there for Amy and despite being vulnerable, Amy was very strong willed and brave in her actions. Levi was in a situation with a stalker too and so I felt sorry for him as he had so much happening he needed to take care of. You won't be disappointed in this book if you're a fan of Trisha Ashley or Heidi Swain especially.



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

[Kat Mitcheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling travelling adventure mixed with love and happiness and family secrets. sue moorcroft has wrote a brilliant book.
if you like to read stories about italy or just travelling and how people come together and they are all connected... this is your book.
Sophia is English and lives in the UK and has cared for her dying Italian father but on his death bed Sophia had to promise him to do certain things... be happy.. . visit his Italian family.... leave flowers on her grandparents graves etc. Sophia get a job in a small town of Italy working as a waitress along with other international students but she becomes really good friends with amy.
Sophia begins to unravel who her Italian family are and some of them aren't as accepting as shed enjoy. she is going against the rules of the hotel and her boss isn't happy.
a man named Levi is travelling and stays in this little hotel watching over Amy... but Why? there's family twists but not with the characters you think. there's a twist with the members of staff visits and workers.
well written and such a happy read. I really enjoyed Sophia she was so sweet and loved Amy and I loved how it ended because Sophia deserved to be loved
brilliant book must read.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visit the locations in the novel



Well this is a sunny read! Starts off sad as Sophia knows her father is dying. But she’s determined to ensure she makes good on her promises to him. So, off she goes to Umbria in Italy but ends up having quite the adventure. Her father did tell her she should start living after caring for him so much, and now she does her best to do that. Even though the very pretty village of Monteliberta might be fictional, it’s the ideal place to start over!

The descriptions of the setting, the italian way of life, the scent of lavender and the promise she’s made her father to “drink Orvieto Classico as it’s meant to be drunk”

She even ends up helping someone else having problems and meets a man called Levi. That’s when things get very interesting. A nice singsong summery story to enjoy with an ice-cream in your hand and sunhat on your head. And keep peeking over your sunglasses incase a real life Levi wanders past.