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Chasing the Italian Dream
From the bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse comes a deliciously feel-good story about making your dreams come true, set in sun-kissed southern Italy. Pre-order your perfect slice of escapism now! ----- A summer escape she'll never forget . . . Lucia has worked hard as a lawyer in Wales, aiming for a big promotion she hopes will shortly come her way. Finally taking a well-earned break at her grandparents' house in southern Italy, the sunshine, lemon trees and her nonna's mouth-watering cooking make her instantly feel at home. But she's shocked to learn that her grandfather is retiring from the beloved family pizzeria and will need to sell. Lucia can't bear the thought of the place changing hands - especially when she discovers her not-quite-ex-husband Giacomo wants to take it over! Then bad news from home forces Lucia to re-evaluate what she wants from life. Is this her chance to carry on the family tradition and finally follow her dreams? Perfect escapism from the author of Escape to the French Farmhouse and The Honey Farm on the Hill.
339 pages, Paperback
Published September 10, 2021
218 people are currently reading
1502 people want to read
About the author
Jo Thomas
61 books537 followershttps://www.facebook.com/pg/JoThomasA...
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
Hello, I’m Jo Thomas. I write romances about food, love, family and fun and believe every story should have a happy ending. Welcome to my world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
July 20, 2021
I was looking forward to an easy fun summer escape read when I picked this up, and I'm sure a lot of people would say that it is. Unfortunately I found it disappointing.
The story was pretty predictable and there was way too much repetition for my liking. The constant "I can do this / I can't do this" was annoying and I got so tired of the protagonist jumping to conclusions before knowing all the facts
What I did enjoy were the descriptions of the food and the family feel the story evoked around Nonna and Nonno, who were just adorable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
The story was pretty predictable and there was way too much repetition for my liking. The constant "I can do this / I can't do this" was annoying and I got so tired of the protagonist jumping to conclusions before knowing all the facts
What I did enjoy were the descriptions of the food and the family feel the story evoked around Nonna and Nonno, who were just adorable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
May 29, 2022
An easy and light hearted read with lots of beautiful scenery and apt descriptions of food, that literally transports you to Italy as you read along.
The book through Lucia portrays a message to the readers to always do what you love and enjoy doing!
Thank You NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for this ARC!
The book through Lucia portrays a message to the readers to always do what you love and enjoy doing!
Thank You NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for this ARC!
February 2, 2021
My word I always have enjoyed Jo’s books but this one was so amazing from the first page I was hooked and couldn’t put the book down at all. The characters were amazing and the plot to the story was brilliant and of course set in Italy which is even better didn’t disappoint you at all. It’s full of families romance and learning about mistakes made in the past and correcting them and learning what you do want. You have to face up to people you weren’t thinking you would and plenty about pizzas to so makes you hungry. Fantastic read.
Lucia has a high powered job and is expecting a promotion and really wants it as well but she’s due to go back home to Italy to spend time with her grandparents. She makes it home to them and enjoys time with them and helping out in the family pizza restaurant. Her grandfather is deciding to sell the shop as know one in the family will take it over but Lucia doesn’t want this so says she will run it but from England but her grandfather says he has a solution and she wonders what it is and when she arrives in the shop to find her husband in the kitchen and she struggles with this as she left him 7 years ago to live the dream job but seeing him makes her wonder if she did the right thing and now wants to run the restaurant. Her grandfather sets them both a challenge that they run the restaurant together but Lucia sells the pizzas her grandfather has always sold and her ex sells what he wants and after a time who ever has sold the most can run the restaurant. Problem is everything for Lucia seems to go wrong and she has her friends helping her and her grandmother and secrets come out and in the end who will sell the most and who will get the shop or will it all go wrong and neither of them get the shop. Lucia also learns she didn’t get the promotion which makes her even more realise it wasn’t the dream job and staying in Italy will be but will her dream come true or not and will she find love in someone she didn’t expect to.
Worth far more than five stars as so amazingly well written.
Lucia has a high powered job and is expecting a promotion and really wants it as well but she’s due to go back home to Italy to spend time with her grandparents. She makes it home to them and enjoys time with them and helping out in the family pizza restaurant. Her grandfather is deciding to sell the shop as know one in the family will take it over but Lucia doesn’t want this so says she will run it but from England but her grandfather says he has a solution and she wonders what it is and when she arrives in the shop to find her husband in the kitchen and she struggles with this as she left him 7 years ago to live the dream job but seeing him makes her wonder if she did the right thing and now wants to run the restaurant. Her grandfather sets them both a challenge that they run the restaurant together but Lucia sells the pizzas her grandfather has always sold and her ex sells what he wants and after a time who ever has sold the most can run the restaurant. Problem is everything for Lucia seems to go wrong and she has her friends helping her and her grandmother and secrets come out and in the end who will sell the most and who will get the shop or will it all go wrong and neither of them get the shop. Lucia also learns she didn’t get the promotion which makes her even more realise it wasn’t the dream job and staying in Italy will be but will her dream come true or not and will she find love in someone she didn’t expect to.
Worth far more than five stars as so amazingly well written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2021
Imagine the scents and cosiness from your favourite family run Italian restaurant, the garlic, the pizza dough, the warmth and love, the top quality ingredients, and the knowledge you are about to get a good meal.
Well with Chasing The Italian Dream I had the feeling throughout the book, but with the anticipation of a good story instead of a meal.
For this story is homemade, traditional style pizza on a plate, combined with a story that is fighting against the traditions of a small town in Southern Italy, the contrasts between that traditional pizza making processes and also the future - I mean there is a mention of a deconstructed pizza!
It's about the network of Nonna's that are clearly the hearts and brains of their families finally trying to gain some recognition, whereas its normally the men that get the credit.
This is Jo Thomas at her very best, I felt transported to Nonno's restaurant, I could picture it so clearly, and the pull in directions between Giacomo and Lucia, both fighting to be allowed to take over the restaurant once Nonno retires. I could smell the food coming off the pages of my kindle, I felt transported to places I've not been for ages due to this pandemic.
I feel as though I have spent the past day or so in Southern Italy as I was that absorbed in the story and transported between the pages of the book. It's another masterclass of food and travel armchair escapism from one of the best, Jo Thomas! A wonderful book and perfect to escape the misery of lockdown and vaccine side effects.
Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily
Well with Chasing The Italian Dream I had the feeling throughout the book, but with the anticipation of a good story instead of a meal.
For this story is homemade, traditional style pizza on a plate, combined with a story that is fighting against the traditions of a small town in Southern Italy, the contrasts between that traditional pizza making processes and also the future - I mean there is a mention of a deconstructed pizza!
It's about the network of Nonna's that are clearly the hearts and brains of their families finally trying to gain some recognition, whereas its normally the men that get the credit.
This is Jo Thomas at her very best, I felt transported to Nonno's restaurant, I could picture it so clearly, and the pull in directions between Giacomo and Lucia, both fighting to be allowed to take over the restaurant once Nonno retires. I could smell the food coming off the pages of my kindle, I felt transported to places I've not been for ages due to this pandemic.
I feel as though I have spent the past day or so in Southern Italy as I was that absorbed in the story and transported between the pages of the book. It's another masterclass of food and travel armchair escapism from one of the best, Jo Thomas! A wonderful book and perfect to escape the misery of lockdown and vaccine side effects.
Thank you to Transworld and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily
May 1, 2021
This book captured me from the first page and then transported me to Italy. I loved all the characters, especially the Nonnas! This was a delightful read and I can guarantee that after reading this book you will be craving a pizza. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Jo Thomas and Pigeonhole for this lovely read.
Thanks to Jo Thomas and Pigeonhole for this lovely read.
July 1, 2024
Когато стане дума за книга с италиански сюжет, то по презумпция нещата отиват към храна, вино, колоритни места с изглед и много страсти. Веднъж като излезе име на нещо, върви, че го промени ...
Така е и в Chasing the Italian Dream. Малко градче, семейна пицария, традиции, които трябва да бъдат предадени нататък, баба и дядо с изпълнени с любов сърца, но с години, които безмилостно натежават, паста и вино.... И една нова нотка - фокусът на вниманието се насочва към мястото на жените в семейството и правото им на самореализация, на следване на мечтите и необходимостта да се чувстват видени и оценени. Не само като готвачки в семейството, не само като майки на децата и поддръжници на реда у дома, а и като работещи и обществено ангажилани личности. Явно и днес има места, където предрасъдъците си виреят на плодородна почва ! И всяко ново начинание, особено предприето от жена, трябва да бъде одобрено от патриархата на мястото и да бъде благословено от старейшината на семейството. В противен случай единственото, което остава на една млада жена, е да си стегне куфара и да си резервира полет до място, където на новото не се гледа като на бясно куче. С цената на самота, отдалечен живот, разделена от родители, любими и дом.
А онази " най - мила " на сърцето ми фраза : " Какво ще си помислят хората " , се беше намърдала в книга на Jo Thomas и постоянно хвърляше сянката си върху и без друго обърканите желания на героинята.
Ако някой толкова се вълнува какво ще си помислят хората, нека знае, че мислещите хора отдавна са дали шанс на половете да разкрият таланти и умения!
* “what people think”, that has stopped young women being happy for a long time.’
Така е и в Chasing the Italian Dream. Малко градче, семейна пицария, традиции, които трябва да бъдат предадени нататък, баба и дядо с изпълнени с любов сърца, но с години, които безмилостно натежават, паста и вино.... И една нова нотка - фокусът на вниманието се насочва към мястото на жените в семейството и правото им на самореализация, на следване на мечтите и необходимостта да се чувстват видени и оценени. Не само като готвачки в семейството, не само като майки на децата и поддръжници на реда у дома, а и като работещи и обществено ангажилани личности. Явно и днес има места, където предрасъдъците си виреят на плодородна почва ! И всяко ново начинание, особено предприето от жена, трябва да бъде одобрено от патриархата на мястото и да бъде благословено от старейшината на семейството. В противен случай единственото, което остава на една млада жена, е да си стегне куфара и да си резервира полет до място, където на новото не се гледа като на бясно куче. С цената на самота, отдалечен живот, разделена от родители, любими и дом.
А онази " най - мила " на сърцето ми фраза : " Какво ще си помислят хората " , се беше намърдала в книга на Jo Thomas и постоянно хвърляше сянката си върху и без друго обърканите желания на героинята.
Ако някой толкова се вълнува какво ще си помислят хората, нека знае, че мислещите хора отдавна са дали шанс на половете да разкрият таланти и умения!
* “what people think”, that has stopped young women being happy for a long time.’
May 3, 2021
This is a romantic, escape the grey skies, and feast your reading senses with sights and smells of Italy, kind of book.
It is a pleasant, undemanding read with a predictable plot which will charm and delight Jo Thomas fans and readers of this type of feel good, holidaying-without-leaving-your-armchair story.
Lucia has Italian parents but grew up in Wales. Giacomo is a piazzaolo and has been earmarked to take over Nonno's restaurant. Lucia can't do it because she is a hard working lawyer, her father died young and her brother is too busy with his own business, so although the pizza restaurant won't be going to blood relatives it will sort of still be in the family. For once upon a time Luce and Giac were married. In fact they still are.
In a turn of events which sees Lucia staying in Italy she becomes caught up in a competition to win the running of the restaurant. It is her or Giac.
With plenty of references to ingredients, tasty dishes and a terrific consumption of alcohol, join Lucia and her friends in an all women kitchen as together they fight for the female right to be recognised for their culinary skills. Add in a romantic topping of the should we, will we, misunderstanding each other type of scenario and you are ready for the Italisn Dream.
On a completely personal level, not only was the plot too predictable for my taste buds, the plot was over seasoned with a liberal amount of and repetitive commentary on the food, the breakdown of Giac and Luce's marriage and why women should be top pizza chefs. I understood the first time around and didn't feel the need to labour these points endlessly.
In fairness, no doubt I will be in a minority but in exchange for reading this book via Pigeonhole, we are asked for an honest review and I have tried to be fair but true to my reading experience.
It is a pleasant, undemanding read with a predictable plot which will charm and delight Jo Thomas fans and readers of this type of feel good, holidaying-without-leaving-your-armchair story.
Lucia has Italian parents but grew up in Wales. Giacomo is a piazzaolo and has been earmarked to take over Nonno's restaurant. Lucia can't do it because she is a hard working lawyer, her father died young and her brother is too busy with his own business, so although the pizza restaurant won't be going to blood relatives it will sort of still be in the family. For once upon a time Luce and Giac were married. In fact they still are.
In a turn of events which sees Lucia staying in Italy she becomes caught up in a competition to win the running of the restaurant. It is her or Giac.
With plenty of references to ingredients, tasty dishes and a terrific consumption of alcohol, join Lucia and her friends in an all women kitchen as together they fight for the female right to be recognised for their culinary skills. Add in a romantic topping of the should we, will we, misunderstanding each other type of scenario and you are ready for the Italisn Dream.
On a completely personal level, not only was the plot too predictable for my taste buds, the plot was over seasoned with a liberal amount of and repetitive commentary on the food, the breakdown of Giac and Luce's marriage and why women should be top pizza chefs. I understood the first time around and didn't feel the need to labour these points endlessly.
In fairness, no doubt I will be in a minority but in exchange for reading this book via Pigeonhole, we are asked for an honest review and I have tried to be fair but true to my reading experience.
March 26, 2021
While I did enjoy certain aspects of this book, I couldn't get over the writing style; it felt too basic and there was way too much repetition.
What I did liked: The descriptions of the food. This always made me hungry and yearn for some home cooked food, especially pizza! I thought Nonna and Nonna were adorable and the cover is gorgeous.
What I didn't like: Our main character, Lucia was an annoying character to say the least. I found myself tiring over the repetition and wishy washy self-doubt/perseverance "I give up" "I can do this!" "No I can't" "I'm empowered!" "Oh knocked down again" "I'll show them", it was exhausting.
It was predictable and the writing was basic. Not for me but maybe good for a reader who doesn't pay too much attention to quality of writing and just wants an escape.
What I did liked: The descriptions of the food. This always made me hungry and yearn for some home cooked food, especially pizza! I thought Nonna and Nonna were adorable and the cover is gorgeous.
What I didn't like: Our main character, Lucia was an annoying character to say the least. I found myself tiring over the repetition and wishy washy self-doubt/perseverance "I give up" "I can do this!" "No I can't" "I'm empowered!" "Oh knocked down again" "I'll show them", it was exhausting.
It was predictable and the writing was basic. Not for me but maybe good for a reader who doesn't pay too much attention to quality of writing and just wants an escape.
June 11, 2021
Although I enjoyed this book it felt a little predictable and I guessed quite quickly what would happen in the end. A perfect holiday read . My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
March 14, 2021
A lovely, light, gentle read . Transported to Italy and given lots of pizza during lockdown - perfect.
Very readable and a real tonic - felt warmer for reading this.
Very readable and a real tonic - felt warmer for reading this.
March 30, 2023
This is the perfect, transport me to sunnier climes from my arm chair book. The author Jo Thomas always manages to let you experience the sounds and smells of the place she is writing about.
We follow Lucia from a cold and grey Wales in the UK, as she takes her annual trip, from her stressful job as a lawyer. She goes to stay with her grandparents in Italy. Her Nonna's are aging and want to retire from their very busy pizzeria and Lucia is torn between the two worlds. She worked really hard to become a lawyer and gave a lot up to succeed, but she also want to keep the restaurant in the family as it has been for many years. Her Nonna thinks he has found the perfect solution and has someone who can take over. Here we are introduced to Giacomo, who just happens to be Lucia's ex husband. Who it happens is still her husband as she never actually got around to sorting out the divorce.
This is quite a predictable story but filled with lovely characters, and amazing descriptions of food and pizza, so much so I was constantly hungry reading the book. It is a perfect way to chase away those winter blues. and I love the cover!
We follow Lucia from a cold and grey Wales in the UK, as she takes her annual trip, from her stressful job as a lawyer. She goes to stay with her grandparents in Italy. Her Nonna's are aging and want to retire from their very busy pizzeria and Lucia is torn between the two worlds. She worked really hard to become a lawyer and gave a lot up to succeed, but she also want to keep the restaurant in the family as it has been for many years. Her Nonna thinks he has found the perfect solution and has someone who can take over. Here we are introduced to Giacomo, who just happens to be Lucia's ex husband. Who it happens is still her husband as she never actually got around to sorting out the divorce.
This is quite a predictable story but filled with lovely characters, and amazing descriptions of food and pizza, so much so I was constantly hungry reading the book. It is a perfect way to chase away those winter blues. and I love the cover!
April 6, 2021
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is one I just could not put down.
It was so good I felt I was in Italy and could smell the wood burners for the Pizza.
Brilliant story and great characters make this a wonderful holiday read.
This is one I just could not put down.
It was so good I felt I was in Italy and could smell the wood burners for the Pizza.
Brilliant story and great characters make this a wonderful holiday read.
December 1, 2025
Nice easy read love story
August 29, 2023
Two stars. One because I finished it and another one because it was bad enough to make me write my first good reads review.
I was looking forward to a fun romance novel. While it is indeed romance it was not very fun. The protagonist was so annoying, jumping to conclusions right away, being offensive to the male lead up to the point where I was like “how the HECK can he be in love with her?”
I enjoyed the feminist undertones of the book but at some point it was not well enough thought out in order to be of beneficial to the plot. If the book had set out to question and challenge gender roles in the Italian cuisine as a main objective, and the romance would unfold next to it, it would’ve been more realistic and actually engaging to read. This way, however, it leaves an unpleasant aftertaste of tokenism and tries to surf as many hashtag worthy waves as possible.
I was looking forward to a fun romance novel. While it is indeed romance it was not very fun. The protagonist was so annoying, jumping to conclusions right away, being offensive to the male lead up to the point where I was like “how the HECK can he be in love with her?”
I enjoyed the feminist undertones of the book but at some point it was not well enough thought out in order to be of beneficial to the plot. If the book had set out to question and challenge gender roles in the Italian cuisine as a main objective, and the romance would unfold next to it, it would’ve been more realistic and actually engaging to read. This way, however, it leaves an unpleasant aftertaste of tokenism and tries to surf as many hashtag worthy waves as possible.
May 1, 2021
Hungry? You will be whilst reading this book.
The perfect combination of romance, beautiful scenery and food makes for a delightfully easy read that will warm your heart.
The perfect combination of romance, beautiful scenery and food makes for a delightfully easy read that will warm your heart.
May 30, 2022
I feel like this book runs deeper than a simple summer story. It’s about the stigmatism of women in the working field. More specifically as a chef in a traditional Italian kitchen. And I have to admit, I love that.
Part of the story is so very predictable and the writing feels rather simple to me. So if you’re going into this expecting an intricately written tail, you’ll be dissapointed. The main male romantic interest, Giacomo, didn’t do it for me. Our main girl, Lucia, however really did. You go girl, prove ‘em wrong.
All in all, it wasn’t bad but all it left me with was a craving for pizza. 🍕
Part of the story is so very predictable and the writing feels rather simple to me. So if you’re going into this expecting an intricately written tail, you’ll be dissapointed. The main male romantic interest, Giacomo, didn’t do it for me. Our main girl, Lucia, however really did. You go girl, prove ‘em wrong.
All in all, it wasn’t bad but all it left me with was a craving for pizza. 🍕
June 10, 2021
What a lovely uplifting story this is! I fell in love with Italy, the pizzeria and Lucia’s family. Lucia had never really felt Italian, being raised in Wales, but never felt welch either, having Italian parents. Wherever she was, she felt like an outsider. Lucia had married Giacomo, whose family also had a pizzeria in the next town. Wow, did he make me weak at the knees! This man just made me smile on every page.
By birthright, the pizzeria should have been handed down to Lucia’s father, but he had tragically died and has it was only men that cooked the pizzas, her grandfather said he would have to sell his restaurant. Lucia was holidaying at her grandparents when her not yet divorced husband turned up wanting to take the restaurant over. Lucia stepped in with an unthinkable solution. Now, the kitchen would heat up!
I am smiling from ear to ear while writing this review, what a lovely warm and truly delicious story this is. I liked getting to know the extended community, especially the women, but nonna was extra special. Nonna had a sparkle in her that kept her young with a sprinkle of mischief thrown in. Nonna was one of my top characters in the story.
It is a story of tradition, honour, family and love, and it is beautiful. I like a book that can give me butterflies, and this story did just that. A lovely ending with a contented smile and sigh from me. Pure joy!
I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
By birthright, the pizzeria should have been handed down to Lucia’s father, but he had tragically died and has it was only men that cooked the pizzas, her grandfather said he would have to sell his restaurant. Lucia was holidaying at her grandparents when her not yet divorced husband turned up wanting to take the restaurant over. Lucia stepped in with an unthinkable solution. Now, the kitchen would heat up!
I am smiling from ear to ear while writing this review, what a lovely warm and truly delicious story this is. I liked getting to know the extended community, especially the women, but nonna was extra special. Nonna had a sparkle in her that kept her young with a sprinkle of mischief thrown in. Nonna was one of my top characters in the story.
It is a story of tradition, honour, family and love, and it is beautiful. I like a book that can give me butterflies, and this story did just that. A lovely ending with a contented smile and sigh from me. Pure joy!
I wish to thank the publisher and Net Galley for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
May 25, 2024
I wanted to read something that took place in Italy before my trip, but I just couldn’t stomach this.
May 1, 2021
I love a Jo Thomas book they transport you to a wonderful place that has a real feel good factor.
Lucia heads to Italy for her two week annual holiday with her grandparents after working hard as a lawyer in Wales.
When she arrives there are a couple of shocks in store. Nonno wants to retire and sell the pizzeria and her estranged husband Giacomo wants to take it over.
After receiving bad news from work Lucia decides to re evaluate her life.
I loved the descriptions from the smell of the lemon trees to the aromas of the pizzas cooking in the forno. I could imagine myself in the restaurant eating pepperoni pizza and a glass of prosecco, the sun going down after the heat of the day. Perfect.
Lucia heads to Italy for her two week annual holiday with her grandparents after working hard as a lawyer in Wales.
When she arrives there are a couple of shocks in store. Nonno wants to retire and sell the pizzeria and her estranged husband Giacomo wants to take it over.
After receiving bad news from work Lucia decides to re evaluate her life.
I loved the descriptions from the smell of the lemon trees to the aromas of the pizzas cooking in the forno. I could imagine myself in the restaurant eating pepperoni pizza and a glass of prosecco, the sun going down after the heat of the day. Perfect.
June 15, 2021
The book follows Lucia who is visiting her Nonna & No no in Italy for her annual summer holiday.
The setting was lovely but unfortunately I found the storyline a little predictable and not as good as previous books I have read by this author.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this read.
The setting was lovely but unfortunately I found the storyline a little predictable and not as good as previous books I have read by this author.
Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for this read.
November 6, 2022
Repetitive Repetitive Repetitive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2021
Jo Thomas is queen of the travel novel, and this time she effectively whisked me from my armchair and straight to the heart of an Italian village near Naples where the air is fragrant with the scent of flowers, lemons…. and pizza! Workaholic Lucia is taking her annual holiday with her grandparents in Italy, while she waits to hear about a big promotion at her law firm back in Wales. However, she finds that her stable world in Italy is about to change when her Nonno retires from the family’s generations-old pizza restaurant, and passes it on to her estranged ex-husband of all people. Lucia begins to wonder is her future lies in law, and in Wales, at all.
Jo has created a wonderful mix of characters here. Lucia is a modern woman to whom we can all relate. Independent, feisty and not prepared to take no for an answer when she wants something, but at the same time generous and caring in the way she deals with other people. The relationship between Lucia and her grandparents is heart-warming and honest and I really loved watching it being explored on the page. The friendships she has in Italy, and the way the women all help each other out, is a fabulous dynamic to explore and I absolutely loved the theme of women’s lib playing out in a small, Italian pizzeria. I was cheering them on all the way!
At the same time, what is a holiday novel without a holiday romance, although in this story it is with a bit of a twist because Lucia and Giacomo have a long and tangled history, so they are not just getting to know each other. I found this a refreshing twist on the overseas romance novel, and enjoyed the way their past played into the story and caused the tension in the events unfolding on the page. There was definitely heat between the two of them coming off the page, and it wasn’t just from the hot Italian sun or the forno!
The star of the show, and the reason we all pick up a Jo Thomas novel, is, of course, the setting. It is a holiday in book form. Jo is the mistress of actually bringing her settings to life on the page so you are actually THERE as you read. Her books are a feast for every sense, with all of the sights, sounds, scents, textures, and particularly tastes, described in detail. You can feel the sun warming your shoulders, hear the waiter singing, feel the stone of the piazza under your flip flops, smell the earthy tomatoes and the zesty lemons, and taste the food.
Oh the food, the food, the food. Anyone who has read her books or follows Jo on Twitter will know how much she loves to describe food, and she does so in such a way that you can actually taste it. It instantly makes you want to eat whatever she is describing, and here it is one of my favourite cuisines… Italian. You can virtually enjoy the soft dough, the tangy tomato sauce, the melting mozzarella and the earthy basil. The gelato. The pasta, the vegetables. I’ve made myself hungry again just thinking about it, just as Jo did all the way through the book. If you love to read about food, you have to read this book.
The book was everything I wanted in a travel romance. I spent a day (which is all the time it took me to read this, I couldn’t put it down) in the sun-drenched Italian countryside with some lovely people eating pizza, drinking wine and enjoying the family drama. What more do you want? Can’t wait to get the paperback to slide on to my bookshelf next to Jo’s other books, ready for the next time I want to be whisked away to Italy.
Jo has created a wonderful mix of characters here. Lucia is a modern woman to whom we can all relate. Independent, feisty and not prepared to take no for an answer when she wants something, but at the same time generous and caring in the way she deals with other people. The relationship between Lucia and her grandparents is heart-warming and honest and I really loved watching it being explored on the page. The friendships she has in Italy, and the way the women all help each other out, is a fabulous dynamic to explore and I absolutely loved the theme of women’s lib playing out in a small, Italian pizzeria. I was cheering them on all the way!
At the same time, what is a holiday novel without a holiday romance, although in this story it is with a bit of a twist because Lucia and Giacomo have a long and tangled history, so they are not just getting to know each other. I found this a refreshing twist on the overseas romance novel, and enjoyed the way their past played into the story and caused the tension in the events unfolding on the page. There was definitely heat between the two of them coming off the page, and it wasn’t just from the hot Italian sun or the forno!
The star of the show, and the reason we all pick up a Jo Thomas novel, is, of course, the setting. It is a holiday in book form. Jo is the mistress of actually bringing her settings to life on the page so you are actually THERE as you read. Her books are a feast for every sense, with all of the sights, sounds, scents, textures, and particularly tastes, described in detail. You can feel the sun warming your shoulders, hear the waiter singing, feel the stone of the piazza under your flip flops, smell the earthy tomatoes and the zesty lemons, and taste the food.
Oh the food, the food, the food. Anyone who has read her books or follows Jo on Twitter will know how much she loves to describe food, and she does so in such a way that you can actually taste it. It instantly makes you want to eat whatever she is describing, and here it is one of my favourite cuisines… Italian. You can virtually enjoy the soft dough, the tangy tomato sauce, the melting mozzarella and the earthy basil. The gelato. The pasta, the vegetables. I’ve made myself hungry again just thinking about it, just as Jo did all the way through the book. If you love to read about food, you have to read this book.
The book was everything I wanted in a travel romance. I spent a day (which is all the time it took me to read this, I couldn’t put it down) in the sun-drenched Italian countryside with some lovely people eating pizza, drinking wine and enjoying the family drama. What more do you want? Can’t wait to get the paperback to slide on to my bookshelf next to Jo’s other books, ready for the next time I want to be whisked away to Italy.
May 31, 2021
‘Pizzas, made for sharing, with the simplest of ingredients, cooked and served with love. That’s what counts.’
Every now and again you just need that ‘breather’ of a book. You know the type .... one that whisks you away where the sun is shining, people support each other and new ventures are undertaken. Chasing the Italian Dream is just the fresh air I was searching for.
‘Now it’s my turn to be brave. Do what I love. I need to live to work, not the other way round. I need to see that what I’m doing means something.’
If you enjoy books set in Italy, rural Italy with loads of sumptuous food, then this really is the book for you. You will find yourself seated in the piazza, eating antipasto or pizza and with a vino of course! The range of characters are good - I particularly enjoyed the author's social commentary on the inherent patriarchal society prevalent in these older Italian communities - you know, women at home being wife and mother and not considered capable or appropriate to be a pizzaiola or restaurant owner. Credit to Jo for making one of the central themes of this book all about the role of women in conjunction with the contributions of all the ‘Nonna’s’!
‘... it made me see that life’s too short not to do the thing you love. Not to follow your heart, to feel like you belong.’
If you are after some pure escapism, especially as trips to the Italian countryside can only be via your armchair presently, then let Jo bring a little Italy to you. Visit Nonno’s Pizzeria and bask in the sun, eating and drinking to while away a few hours immersed in good Italian cuisine.
‘Pizza-making is about tradition, the terrain and the craft,’ I say, repeating my grandfather’s words. ‘It should not be about what sex you are or where you��ve come from. It’s about you putting your story on the plate, wherever you’ve come from.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Every now and again you just need that ‘breather’ of a book. You know the type .... one that whisks you away where the sun is shining, people support each other and new ventures are undertaken. Chasing the Italian Dream is just the fresh air I was searching for.
‘Now it’s my turn to be brave. Do what I love. I need to live to work, not the other way round. I need to see that what I’m doing means something.’
If you enjoy books set in Italy, rural Italy with loads of sumptuous food, then this really is the book for you. You will find yourself seated in the piazza, eating antipasto or pizza and with a vino of course! The range of characters are good - I particularly enjoyed the author's social commentary on the inherent patriarchal society prevalent in these older Italian communities - you know, women at home being wife and mother and not considered capable or appropriate to be a pizzaiola or restaurant owner. Credit to Jo for making one of the central themes of this book all about the role of women in conjunction with the contributions of all the ‘Nonna’s’!
‘... it made me see that life’s too short not to do the thing you love. Not to follow your heart, to feel like you belong.’
If you are after some pure escapism, especially as trips to the Italian countryside can only be via your armchair presently, then let Jo bring a little Italy to you. Visit Nonno’s Pizzeria and bask in the sun, eating and drinking to while away a few hours immersed in good Italian cuisine.
‘Pizza-making is about tradition, the terrain and the craft,’ I say, repeating my grandfather’s words. ‘It should not be about what sex you are or where you��ve come from. It’s about you putting your story on the plate, wherever you’ve come from.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
April 16, 2021
Ok, first off I don’t think I’ve ever fancied a proper pizza more than I did when I was reading this! Jo just transports you to Nonno’s and I could just imagine tucking into a slice of authentic pizza.
I absolutely loved Lucia and I actually warmed to Giac quite quickly, you could just tell that there was more to the story than first impressions and I really wanted the two of them to click together.
The whole spirit of the book is so powerful, how true it is to really be yourself and not be afraid of putting yourself out there even when everyone’s telling you shouldn’t. Just because society says you can’t do something doesn’t mean that you have to stick with traditional and some times out of date opinions.
This was actually my first book by Jo but I think I’ve been majorly missing out and need to read more now!! And a trip to Italy of course…
I absolutely loved Lucia and I actually warmed to Giac quite quickly, you could just tell that there was more to the story than first impressions and I really wanted the two of them to click together.
The whole spirit of the book is so powerful, how true it is to really be yourself and not be afraid of putting yourself out there even when everyone’s telling you shouldn’t. Just because society says you can’t do something doesn’t mean that you have to stick with traditional and some times out of date opinions.
This was actually my first book by Jo but I think I’ve been majorly missing out and need to read more now!! And a trip to Italy of course…
May 2, 2021
Aah. What a lovely book. Like getting a big hug. Lucia is half-Italian and half Welsh. After working hard at her legal firm in Wales in order to hopefully secure a promotion, she goes to spend her summer with her grandparents in Italy.
On arrival she finds that her Nonno wishes to retire from his pizza restaurant and has a plan to pass it to Luce’s ex-husband. Luce believes that she could take over, and so a competition ensues to see who will take on the running of the restaurant. Can Luce work with her ex, Giacometti, or will it all end in tears?
No big surprises in this book, but it’s got a cast of lovely characters, the food descriptions make your mouth water and after more than a year of COVID restrictions it was lovely to be transported to a foreign country.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
On arrival she finds that her Nonno wishes to retire from his pizza restaurant and has a plan to pass it to Luce’s ex-husband. Luce believes that she could take over, and so a competition ensues to see who will take on the running of the restaurant. Can Luce work with her ex, Giacometti, or will it all end in tears?
No big surprises in this book, but it’s got a cast of lovely characters, the food descriptions make your mouth water and after more than a year of COVID restrictions it was lovely to be transported to a foreign country.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
May 4, 2021
MY THOUGHTS 💭
Oh my word!!! Where do I even start?! This is such a beautiful book!!! If I can devour a book in two evenings, then you know it’s bloody good!!
I was hooked on the story from the start and fell in love with the location and all of the characters!!
Jo’s writing is so descriptive and beautiful that I honestly felt as though I was in Italy!! Coming from an Italian family, this felt like my summer holidays when we used to stay with family in their beautiful picturesque home!
Lucia is such a fabulous and fiery character and her Nonna is gorgeous!!
Giacomo is a lovely man and I love how passionate he is about becoming a pizzaiolo 🍕
I can’t even form words properly, other than this book is stunning and is written so so beautifully, capturing Italian culture perfectly!!
Jo Thomas has cemented herself as one of my favourite authors for sure!!
Oh my word!!! Where do I even start?! This is such a beautiful book!!! If I can devour a book in two evenings, then you know it’s bloody good!!
I was hooked on the story from the start and fell in love with the location and all of the characters!!
Jo’s writing is so descriptive and beautiful that I honestly felt as though I was in Italy!! Coming from an Italian family, this felt like my summer holidays when we used to stay with family in their beautiful picturesque home!
Lucia is such a fabulous and fiery character and her Nonna is gorgeous!!
Giacomo is a lovely man and I love how passionate he is about becoming a pizzaiolo 🍕
I can’t even form words properly, other than this book is stunning and is written so so beautifully, capturing Italian culture perfectly!!
Jo Thomas has cemented herself as one of my favourite authors for sure!!
March 22, 2021
A perfect lighthearted read with characters that are easy to love.
The story follows Lucia, who is a hardworking Lawyer, that takes a much needed holiday to Italy where she plans to stay with her Grandparents and have a break.
Upon her arrival she finds out that her Nonno is wanting to retire from the family pizza restaurant and will need to sell as there is no family members that are wanting to take it over.
Lucia is upset that her Nonno is going to have to sell and even more upset when she finds out that her Nonno has lined up for her ex-husband Giacomo to take over the business!
Another great read from Jo Thomas. Her books never fail to disappoint.
Thank you to Netgalley & Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Lucia, who is a hardworking Lawyer, that takes a much needed holiday to Italy where she plans to stay with her Grandparents and have a break.
Upon her arrival she finds out that her Nonno is wanting to retire from the family pizza restaurant and will need to sell as there is no family members that are wanting to take it over.
Lucia is upset that her Nonno is going to have to sell and even more upset when she finds out that her Nonno has lined up for her ex-husband Giacomo to take over the business!
Another great read from Jo Thomas. Her books never fail to disappoint.
Thank you to Netgalley & Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2021
This book is like summer on a page or the perfect pizza on a plate.
Lucia takes her annual vacation to visit her grandparents in Italy, but when she gets there she finds out that her grandfather is planning to retire and sell the family pizzeria….to her ex-husband. Rather than being the usual relaxing weeks away her trip normally are, Lucia finds herself questioning what it is she want from life.
Reading this book by Jo Thomas, you are transported to the sunny streets of Italy, I felt that I was part of the Lucia’s family, sitting at the table being served nonna’s delicious food. The writing in this book makes you feel like you are there in Italy with Lucia.
Not only is the setting gorgeous, so are the group of characters. Lucia is the lead character and we meet her grandparents as well as her ex-husband, Giacomo, as well as her friends. Nonna and Nonno are what you imagine the elder generation of Italian’s to be and you feel reading this as if they are welcoming you in as the reader with open arms. Giacomo, seems as unsure with life as Lucia does, and they both end up re-evaluating what it is they want from life now.
This story shows the passion for local community, especially with the nonna network, everyone pulling together to help one person, Lucia, achieve their dream.
This is the second book I have read by Jo and what this does, as did the other, is pull you in from the very first page and transport you into the pages of the books.
This book makes you smile, and I can’t wait to read more from Jo.
Lucia takes her annual vacation to visit her grandparents in Italy, but when she gets there she finds out that her grandfather is planning to retire and sell the family pizzeria….to her ex-husband. Rather than being the usual relaxing weeks away her trip normally are, Lucia finds herself questioning what it is she want from life.
Reading this book by Jo Thomas, you are transported to the sunny streets of Italy, I felt that I was part of the Lucia’s family, sitting at the table being served nonna’s delicious food. The writing in this book makes you feel like you are there in Italy with Lucia.
Not only is the setting gorgeous, so are the group of characters. Lucia is the lead character and we meet her grandparents as well as her ex-husband, Giacomo, as well as her friends. Nonna and Nonno are what you imagine the elder generation of Italian’s to be and you feel reading this as if they are welcoming you in as the reader with open arms. Giacomo, seems as unsure with life as Lucia does, and they both end up re-evaluating what it is they want from life now.
This story shows the passion for local community, especially with the nonna network, everyone pulling together to help one person, Lucia, achieve their dream.
This is the second book I have read by Jo and what this does, as did the other, is pull you in from the very first page and transport you into the pages of the books.
This book makes you smile, and I can’t wait to read more from Jo.
December 13, 2021
This was a one-sitting read for me. A book about a second-chance romance with family thrown in, and a dash of women empowerment as an added bonus.
I started it thinking I would pause at some point, but apart from one meal, I kept reading till I (virtually) turned the last page. Our leading lady is our standard harried, overworked lawyer Lucia. The difference here is that she is to set out on her annual family vacation when our story begins. This lets us take a step back and wallow in the descriptions of Lucia's small home town, her grandfathers Pizzeria and her Grandmothers overflowing kitchen. The physical and mental unwinding for Lucia is almost immediate. You can see it happen, but that peace is not set to last. There are many hurdles to cross before the happily ever after shows any signs of appearing.
The Pizzeria is up for sale, and Lucia does not like where the suggestions are going. She has grown in the last few years as she worked, but she might be looking at her past with coloured glasses. There is more room for her to grow and learn, something we get to watch.
The book is filled with strong women, some fun scenes and some emotional ones. They are all tethered together with some evocative writing that was deep enough to make the reading experience that much better.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
I started it thinking I would pause at some point, but apart from one meal, I kept reading till I (virtually) turned the last page. Our leading lady is our standard harried, overworked lawyer Lucia. The difference here is that she is to set out on her annual family vacation when our story begins. This lets us take a step back and wallow in the descriptions of Lucia's small home town, her grandfathers Pizzeria and her Grandmothers overflowing kitchen. The physical and mental unwinding for Lucia is almost immediate. You can see it happen, but that peace is not set to last. There are many hurdles to cross before the happily ever after shows any signs of appearing.
The Pizzeria is up for sale, and Lucia does not like where the suggestions are going. She has grown in the last few years as she worked, but she might be looking at her past with coloured glasses. There is more room for her to grow and learn, something we get to watch.
The book is filled with strong women, some fun scenes and some emotional ones. They are all tethered together with some evocative writing that was deep enough to make the reading experience that much better.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
February 27, 2022
Chasing the Italian Dream is a beautiful story of going back to your roots and finding love along with the life you had always wanted.
I liked the ambiance created in the book. I could be easily transported to Italy with the aroma that the words carried. It was a good bit of escape reading where the topics covered were relevant to life, but strung in lines that were easy to read.
Some sections felt slow and repetitive. I didn't need so many comparisons to food.
Overall, an okay read.
I liked the ambiance created in the book. I could be easily transported to Italy with the aroma that the words carried. It was a good bit of escape reading where the topics covered were relevant to life, but strung in lines that were easy to read.
Some sections felt slow and repetitive. I didn't need so many comparisons to food.
Overall, an okay read.
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