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Golden Girls #1
A Tuscan Affair
It’s never too late to fall in love…
So the saying goes, but Anna King is not having a bar of it. Not after a holiday romance went all wrong thirty years ago. Her career, her beautiful home, and most of all her twins are all she wants and needs nowadays. Who needs a man, right? Not this well respected Auckland lawyer.
Vineyard owner Antonio Falcone has only one goal. Fly to Auckland, help his elderly father getting divorced, and zap back home in time for the harvest. That’s it. Women? No, no, amore mio, not for this charming Italian. Once bitten, twice shy.
But when the past catches up with them things unravel with lightning speed, and some nasty people raise their heads. And Tuscany? Oh, yes… Tuscany… rolling hills, azure-blue skies, full-bodied wine, delicious food, and a love that will succeed.
So the saying goes, but Anna King is not having a bar of it. Not after a holiday romance went all wrong thirty years ago. Her career, her beautiful home, and most of all her twins are all she wants and needs nowadays. Who needs a man, right? Not this well respected Auckland lawyer.
Vineyard owner Antonio Falcone has only one goal. Fly to Auckland, help his elderly father getting divorced, and zap back home in time for the harvest. That’s it. Women? No, no, amore mio, not for this charming Italian. Once bitten, twice shy.
But when the past catches up with them things unravel with lightning speed, and some nasty people raise their heads. And Tuscany? Oh, yes… Tuscany… rolling hills, azure-blue skies, full-bodied wine, delicious food, and a love that will succeed.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
292 pages, ebook
First published April 1, 2017
234 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Gudrun Frerichs
21 books67 followersAbout Gudrun
Gudrun was born on a small fishing island close to Hamburg, Germany. She immigrated thirty years ago to New Zealand with her wonderful husband and three adventurous children. She worked for 25 years in the mental health field as a trauma specialist.
Over the years, she learned that life is a bumpy ride full of highs and lows. It’s having friends and loved ones to celebrate with that makes the highs special, and knowing one isn’t the only one who struggles makes the lows tolerable.
Since retiring in 2015, she lives in Wellington, the coolest little capital in the world, with her husband, a cheeky dog, and never far from her gorgeous grandchildren.
She brings all those bumpy-ride-experiences to her books. She writes sweet romances and psychological thrillers combining romance with beautiful dreams, hopes, and unexpected twists.
Visit me at www.gudrunfrerichs.com
Gudrun was born on a small fishing island close to Hamburg, Germany. She immigrated thirty years ago to New Zealand with her wonderful husband and three adventurous children. She worked for 25 years in the mental health field as a trauma specialist.
Over the years, she learned that life is a bumpy ride full of highs and lows. It’s having friends and loved ones to celebrate with that makes the highs special, and knowing one isn’t the only one who struggles makes the lows tolerable.
Since retiring in 2015, she lives in Wellington, the coolest little capital in the world, with her husband, a cheeky dog, and never far from her gorgeous grandchildren.
She brings all those bumpy-ride-experiences to her books. She writes sweet romances and psychological thrillers combining romance with beautiful dreams, hopes, and unexpected twists.
Visit me at www.gudrunfrerichs.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 20, 2019
"You said you were losing yourself in our relationship. Maybe it's the other way around, and you're finding parts of yourself you buried a long time ago."
Anna King, a hard-charging Aucklund attorney with twin grown children never thought romance was possible . . . again. But when the long-ago Italian love-and-lover walks into her office out of the blue, a new world filled with love against a Tuscan backdrop will open up to her, if only she lets it. And unbeknownst to the dashing Antonio Falcone, this lost love has been harboring a secret for over twenty years -- one that will turn his own world into a topsy-turvy tailspin that can only mean that the moon hit his eye like a big pizza pie ~ it's amore!
Touted as a Golden Girls Series, I consider this more of a suspenseful and sweet second-chancer set in one of the most romantic settings in the world. And as much as Anna is a strong MC, Antonio is both brave and teddy-bearish, making him an utterly adorable hero.
Anna King, a hard-charging Aucklund attorney with twin grown children never thought romance was possible . . . again. But when the long-ago Italian love-and-lover walks into her office out of the blue, a new world filled with love against a Tuscan backdrop will open up to her, if only she lets it. And unbeknownst to the dashing Antonio Falcone, this lost love has been harboring a secret for over twenty years -- one that will turn his own world into a topsy-turvy tailspin that can only mean that the moon hit his eye like a big pizza pie ~ it's amore!
Touted as a Golden Girls Series, I consider this more of a suspenseful and sweet second-chancer set in one of the most romantic settings in the world. And as much as Anna is a strong MC, Antonio is both brave and teddy-bearish, making him an utterly adorable hero.
October 11, 2019
I read this book a while back and gave it a somewhat negative review. Good story, I said, but it was a poor translation into English. Recently the author contacted me. She had it re-edited, and invited me to take another look. I did, and it's 100% better. Thanks to Ms. Frerichs for the opportunity to visit once again with Anna, Tony, and their friends and family in two beautiful settings (Italy and New Zealand).
Here is the old review:
I really wanted to like this book, because I so want to read romance and mainstream fiction featuring older people. In that sense, this book has much to recommend it, in particular the attraction between the two mains, and their sexual chemistry. The setting is lovely, and the cover is beautiful...(and) a neat premise.
Here is the old review:
I really wanted to like this book, because I so want to read romance and mainstream fiction featuring older people. In that sense, this book has much to recommend it, in particular the attraction between the two mains, and their sexual chemistry. The setting is lovely, and the cover is beautiful...(and) a neat premise.
November 12, 2020
I really enjoyed the story which portrays mature romance and some suspense. Having read about Anna’s pregnancy in Falling in Love, a prequel to this Golden Girls series. I loved the characters, Anna, Kiara, Lucca and Christine and the Falcone men, Roberto, Antonio and Francesco. I loved the relationship that Kiara and Lucca share with Anna’s best friends.
The story is evenly paced with excellent descriptions of places and people. The story has family, friendship, love, drama, suspense and second chances. There is also a lot of food and wine, why not, we are in Tuscany. A little bit of editing would make it better.
Though this book is the first book in a four book series, Stories of four best friends, it can be read as a standalone. Waiting to read the next book in the series.
The story is evenly paced with excellent descriptions of places and people. The story has family, friendship, love, drama, suspense and second chances. There is also a lot of food and wine, why not, we are in Tuscany. A little bit of editing would make it better.
Though this book is the first book in a four book series, Stories of four best friends, it can be read as a standalone. Waiting to read the next book in the series.
October 27, 2020
Love the story and the characters. Amazing how fate can work even years after. Don’t want to spoil it but surprised at the ending
October 21, 2020
Women, not Stereotypes
Finally, a love story about young hearts in mature bodies. I enjoyed reading this well-written story that captured both my heart and my imagination. How nice to see older women presented as humans, not just aunties or grannies.
Finally, a love story about young hearts in mature bodies. I enjoyed reading this well-written story that captured both my heart and my imagination. How nice to see older women presented as humans, not just aunties or grannies.
September 18, 2017
What a wonderful book! A nice story line with a few surprises along the way. There's a diverse set of "stick together" friends, and more kids, expected and unexpected than you can count! What a wonderful story about the family connection in all its forms, and a believability about second chances. Thank you for allowing me to be a Goodreads winner and allowing me to review this book.
September 10, 2017
The author is a friend of a friend. So it was for this reason I persevered for as long as I could, I wanted to like it, I just couldn't keep reading. After reading the authors note I get what she was trying to do. She wanted a romance that wasn't all about youth and promise, she wanted to show that older women are sexy, valuable members of society and are not dry old hags destined for the shelf. Laudable intentions only as I got further and further into it, it was making me cringe. In the end I read chunks to see what happened and to be able to say I'd finished.
As a first novel, big ups for following your passion, sadly it didn't work for me, it felt formulaic, forced and shallow. I have read far too many, Trollope's, Berg's, Miller's and Tyler's to be able to stomach beautiful, intelligent creatures with money, status and way too much cliché. Perhaps if I hadn't just finished a sensational first novel and an amazing memoir by Susan Faludi I may have been less critical, but I think not.
As a first novel, big ups for following your passion, sadly it didn't work for me, it felt formulaic, forced and shallow. I have read far too many, Trollope's, Berg's, Miller's and Tyler's to be able to stomach beautiful, intelligent creatures with money, status and way too much cliché. Perhaps if I hadn't just finished a sensational first novel and an amazing memoir by Susan Faludi I may have been less critical, but I think not.
May 3, 2020
Italy, New Zealand and wine, what could be better than that? Throw in a second chance romance, friends, family and deceit leading to danger and you have quite the story. I loved Anna and Tony. It was sad that someone worked against them being together when they were younger. When they meet again, Anna is full of mixed emotions and there is a lot on the line. Lucca, Kyra and Roberto were wonderful and Anna's girlfriends were the kind of life long friends we all wish we could have. Louisa put a smile on my face and she had such a good heart.
The descriptions of the Tuscan region of Italy took me back there for a brief time and at one point there was a comparison between the scenery of Italy and of New Zealand. They are my two favorite countries to visit but there is definitely a different feel between the two.
So, the story, the characters and the countries were all superb in this book which made it an outstanding read.
The descriptions of the Tuscan region of Italy took me back there for a brief time and at one point there was a comparison between the scenery of Italy and of New Zealand. They are my two favorite countries to visit but there is definitely a different feel between the two.
So, the story, the characters and the countries were all superb in this book which made it an outstanding read.
October 29, 2019
A Tuscan Affair was a breath of fresh air in terms of romance books that I have read recently. Anna King is a well established middle aged woman who doesn't need a man to make her feel as if her life is complete or has meaning. She is thoroughly comfortable with her life and where it is at her age. She is a thriving lawyer with great friends and two full grown children. But you know that saying, "a ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for"? Yeah, that ship would be Anna. Comfortable is fine, but pardon the pun, sometimes you need to rock the boat a little. Enter Antonio Falcone, a man from Anna's past who happens to uproot her present. He is just the thing to sweep her off her feet and make her realize that comfortable doesn't necessarily equal good.
A Tuscan Affair is a charming second chance romance with mild drama. The descriptions of Italy, the scenery, people, food, towns etc are very detailed and wonderful. One small complaint is that the sex scenes are "fade to black", I only mention that in case that is a deal breaker for you. Overall I would recommend this book if you are looking for a sweet second chance romance.
A Tuscan Affair is a charming second chance romance with mild drama. The descriptions of Italy, the scenery, people, food, towns etc are very detailed and wonderful. One small complaint is that the sex scenes are "fade to black", I only mention that in case that is a deal breaker for you. Overall I would recommend this book if you are looking for a sweet second chance romance.
May 5, 2020
Wonderful story but many editing errors
I loved this story, my first book by this author. The author's writing drew me in right away with her lively and complete descriptions of both the characters and the scenes in Tuscany. The story line was well developed and moved along at a perfect pace. I instantly became of fan of all the lead characters and didn't want to stop reading. I wanted Anna to accept Tony and kept hoping she would come to see that he truly loved her and would make their relationship permanent. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
The only negative I have is that, even though this book was re-edited, it still has many, many errors in grammar and incorrect words, not including the Italians speaking broken English, which is expected.
I loved this story, my first book by this author. The author's writing drew me in right away with her lively and complete descriptions of both the characters and the scenes in Tuscany. The story line was well developed and moved along at a perfect pace. I instantly became of fan of all the lead characters and didn't want to stop reading. I wanted Anna to accept Tony and kept hoping she would come to see that he truly loved her and would make their relationship permanent. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
The only negative I have is that, even though this book was re-edited, it still has many, many errors in grammar and incorrect words, not including the Italians speaking broken English, which is expected.
October 26, 2021
Never too late!
Deep happy sigh! A lovely romance between a New Zealand lawyer with adult twins from a long-ago tryst in Italy. Oh my... Ohhhhh, Antonio, even 30-odd years later, there is so much passion, hope, terror, and determination. And then of course something truly awful happens...
I loved reading this book and being immersed in a large traditional vineyard in Tuscany. And of course the scary obstacle had to be overturned at just the right moment for Anna & Antonio's happy ever after. Happy sigh indeed! Now I want to find another book by this writer!! Highly recommended!
Deep happy sigh! A lovely romance between a New Zealand lawyer with adult twins from a long-ago tryst in Italy. Oh my... Ohhhhh, Antonio, even 30-odd years later, there is so much passion, hope, terror, and determination. And then of course something truly awful happens...
I loved reading this book and being immersed in a large traditional vineyard in Tuscany. And of course the scary obstacle had to be overturned at just the right moment for Anna & Antonio's happy ever after. Happy sigh indeed! Now I want to find another book by this writer!! Highly recommended!
February 26, 2020
Needs a tidy up.
Great characters, great scenery, but the story packed some finesse, a final edit or proofread would fix that.
The bones of the story is there, just needs a tidy up and polish.
Anna is a kiwi girl, a lawyer, who raised two adult children on her own...well maybe with some help from her friends.
Antonio is a blast from the past she wasn't expecting, and he opens up a Pandora box of secrets.
From the bustling city of Auckland to the vineyards of Tuscany, the story unfolds with a slow and steady pace.
Great characters, great scenery, but the story packed some finesse, a final edit or proofread would fix that.
The bones of the story is there, just needs a tidy up and polish.
Anna is a kiwi girl, a lawyer, who raised two adult children on her own...well maybe with some help from her friends.
Antonio is a blast from the past she wasn't expecting, and he opens up a Pandora box of secrets.
From the bustling city of Auckland to the vineyards of Tuscany, the story unfolds with a slow and steady pace.
July 13, 2020
A lovely romantic story set in beautiful Tuscany. Can two people meet after 30 years of being apart? ? Can our heroine forget the man who is the father of her twins? Did he leave her without a word? Living in New Zealand, and working as a successful lawyer with three close girlfriends, and suddenly she must make a choice, staying n Italy to see if he is still the man of her dreams, or else return to her old life. A hard choice? Maybe not as hard as she thinks!
A good story. Moral: it's never too late to refind love!
A good story. Moral: it's never too late to refind love!
November 19, 2019
A Tuscan Affair
They met over thirty years ago when she went to Italy as a student. Their time together was short. He left her without any way to get while of him. She went back to New Zealand but not alone. Now they meet again. She is a highly sought after legal attorney. But when he finds out that she had not one but two, twins, children of his he is in shock. This story is about a second chance but with a mix of suspense factor in.
They met over thirty years ago when she went to Italy as a student. Their time together was short. He left her without any way to get while of him. She went back to New Zealand but not alone. Now they meet again. She is a highly sought after legal attorney. But when he finds out that she had not one but two, twins, children of his he is in shock. This story is about a second chance but with a mix of suspense factor in.
May 14, 2020
A bit of everything
I enjoyed this book. It has a good story line with lots of twists and turns. It reflects on how age can change the way you respond to the same situation. It also shows that you take some things for granted but if you looked harder you would look at them very differently.
I like the way Gudrun writes and puts the story puzzle together. It is not always obvious where the story is heading which stimulates the reader.
I enjoyed this book. It has a good story line with lots of twists and turns. It reflects on how age can change the way you respond to the same situation. It also shows that you take some things for granted but if you looked harder you would look at them very differently.
I like the way Gudrun writes and puts the story puzzle together. It is not always obvious where the story is heading which stimulates the reader.
September 26, 2020
Loved This Story!! I absolutely enjoyed reading this second-chance romantic suspense story! The suspenseful storyline kept me on the edge of my seat—not wanting to put my “book” down for even a minute. You will be kept guessing as the mysteries are intriguing. You will also love the Tuscany setting that most of the story is set in. I totally look forward to reading the other stories in this series. I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2020
Frustrating beginning...
This story had a frustrating beginning as the first 2-3 chapters kept on repeating.
I do thank the writer for the premise of an older couple, but my frustration at the beginning of the story actually killed all my enthusiasm , hence the 3 stars.
This story had a frustrating beginning as the first 2-3 chapters kept on repeating.
I do thank the writer for the premise of an older couple, but my frustration at the beginning of the story actually killed all my enthusiasm , hence the 3 stars.
May 8, 2020
a suspense romance with a love affair for Tuscany. An unmarried mother of thirty year old twins meets the father of her twins. She has not seen him since the night she got pregnant. There follows a story of what happened and trying to find out how their lives can once again connect. Nice read.
September 17, 2020
Another great book from Frerichs! I love that her characters in this series are older & more mature. The settings are nice & the books are enjoyable. Looking forward to reading more from this series, as well as exploring her other works.
December 9, 2020
Tuscany
There is some beauty in this book and a bit of depth. I wish it had had more depth of characters and better proofing. It was a fast read. I was interested because of Tuscany and New Zealand. Not much was said of the latter, really.
There is some beauty in this book and a bit of depth. I wish it had had more depth of characters and better proofing. It was a fast read. I was interested because of Tuscany and New Zealand. Not much was said of the latter, really.
December 24, 2021
A Tuscan Affair
First I wasn’t to thank you for a beautifully written story. These shows that love can happen after 50 and it gives middle aged women Hope. I found this to be a perfect love story. Hope to read about her girlfriends finding love in Italy as well.
First I wasn’t to thank you for a beautifully written story. These shows that love can happen after 50 and it gives middle aged women Hope. I found this to be a perfect love story. Hope to read about her girlfriends finding love in Italy as well.
January 12, 2023
Great read. Loved the story. Only one thing that I was confused about. In the beginning it said they were both in their 20’s. Assuming early 20’s - then all of the sudden it appears that Anna is six years older.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2024
Super Read
I was so glad to read this book. As an older Lady, it felt good to read that there is still hope for romance in the latter years. I love the intriguing story line, the conflict & the suspense. I am looking forward in reading more of the Golden Girl Series.
I was so glad to read this book. As an older Lady, it felt good to read that there is still hope for romance in the latter years. I love the intriguing story line, the conflict & the suspense. I am looking forward in reading more of the Golden Girl Series.
March 24, 2020
Juvenile
Was this written for 6th graders. The conversations between people were so trite it eventually just became annoying. Sorry, that’s my opinion.
Was this written for 6th graders. The conversations between people were so trite it eventually just became annoying. Sorry, that’s my opinion.
July 20, 2020
Awesome book to read!
Engaging material
Beautiful story and well described characters. It was so addicting I could leave it for another day after starting
Engaging material
Beautiful story and well described characters. It was so addicting I could leave it for another day after starting
December 26, 2020
Enjoy
Liked it from the first sentence. There really wasn't much I did not like. Finished reading on Christmas night. A real gift.
Liked it from the first sentence. There really wasn't much I did not like. Finished reading on Christmas night. A real gift.
May 10, 2021
What a lovely story! A second chance romance with the one who got away. Beautifully detailed, I love Anna and Tony's story and proof that it is never too late.
August 9, 2021
Enjoyed
Looking for stories with mature leads isn’t easy. I was hooked by the friends and the backstory. The mystery was just enough to make it worthwhile.
Looking for stories with mature leads isn’t easy. I was hooked by the friends and the backstory. The mystery was just enough to make it worthwhile.
June 24, 2023
Interesting.
June 21, 2025
easy read romance no language and while sex is hinted at it is not described. One of several I downloaded so not sure if will look for more in this series or not
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews