Хиляди късчета дъга

by Isabelle Broom, Изабел Брум

Люси е преживяла множество разочарования от несполучливи любовни връзки. Но сега в живота ѝ присъства Пит. Най-накрая тя е срещнала мъж, с когото си струва да сподели любимото си място – езерото Комо. Всичко е чудесно... освен бившите му гаджета и мистериозните телефонни обаждания.

Разсейване е точно това, което Агата желае в момента. Тя иска да забрави тъгата и да се отдаде изцяло на почивката си. А привлекателният Марко е последното, от което има нужда.

Люси и Агата не знаят, но са свързани по необичаен начин и скоро пътищата им ще се пресекат. И може би всяка от тях ще открие това, за което мечтае. Или пък това, от което се нуждае...

Изабел Брум създава изключително вълнуваща и сърдечна история, потапяйки ни в несравнимата атмосфера на езерото Комо. Тя обожава пътешествията и непрестанно изследва нови локации в търсене на вдъхновяващо място, на което да се развият сюжетите на книгите й.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Christmas, Italy, Drama, Contemporary Romance

328 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Isabelle Broom also writes as Izzy Broom. She is the award-winning author of 13 novels and is published in 14 overseas territories. Having left heat magazine in 2018, where she’d spent over five years as book reviews editor, she began writing full-time alongside continued freelance work. She lives in Suffolk, surrounded by books, family, unruly dogs, and a rooster from the farm next door, which has inexplicably fallen in love with her. Her upcoming novel, The House Of Hidden Letters, is arriving on 12 November in ebook and audio and 26 March in paperback (UK). The book will arrive in the US on March 17.

You can follow Izzy on Instagram/Threads @Isabelle_Broom or find her on Facebook under Isabelle Broom Author.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really felt in the need for something light to read, and this novel by Isabelle Broom fit the bill. Taggie and Lucy are women for whom Lake Como in Italy holds a special place in their heart, they spent time there as children. Taggie has returned to live there, a friend of her grandmother's, Elsie lives in Bellagio with her three little dogs, all named after her husbands! Taggie has found employment at the Casa Alto hotel, organising and leading tourist trips around the area. Lucy is a nurse, in a relationship with Peter Samuels, who wants to introduce Pete to the wonder of Lake Como. The two of them come for a holiday break. The real star of this book is the detailed descriptions, and the feel and atmosphere of Lake Como, an area that the author obviously knows well. It is the festive period, and Taggie wants to impress her boss, Sal, by organising the best New Year's Eve party at the hotel, she has her eye on being promoted to Events Manager.

Taggie is a broken woman, whose last relationship ended badly leaving her hostile to the idea of getting involved with any man whatsoever. Her friend, Shelley, keeps pushing Marco, a good looking man, at Taggie, but Taggie sees him as a womaniser who is only interested in her because she is not open to his charm. Lucy is feeling vulnerable and full of insecurities regarding Pete, and willing to overlook anything to ensure that Pete stays with her. They have been together for five months, but she is jealous of his beautiful ex-girlfriend when she sees a photograph of her. She has low self esteem, fails to see how attractive she is, and carries baggage from a lifetime of relationship mishaps. She knows all is not right with the way she panders to Pete in their relationship, letting him get away with lies and secrets, but she is terrified of rocking the boat. We learn that there are connections between Lucy and Taggie, a backstory of emotional pain, bitterness, resentment and anger.

Broom provides the awe inspiring background of Lake Como, making it come alive in the reader's mind, where Taggie and Lucy find the past cannot be swept under the carpet and relationship problems have to addressed. The road to a fulfilling relationship is strewn with numerous obstacles and a lifetime of pain. Their search for an identity that allows them to cope and grow as women is a rewarding experience to read about in the hands of the skillful Broom. If you are looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read, then I recommend this book. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it just as much as A Year and a Day which was set in Prague (note both are standalone books).
Like the other book this is set in a fabulous location, Lake Como in Italy. The book revolves around two characters, the first, Taggie (Agatha) who has fled London after a bad relationship to work at a hotel in a location where she enjoyed family holidays as a child. She is trying to move on with her life but cannot get over what happened to her which appears to be more than a bad break up.
The other character is Lucy, who is a nurse bringing her still new boyfriend Peter on a holiday to her favourite place.
As the story progresses it becomes apparent that Lucy and Taggie's paths are set on a collision course and that it won't be pretty.
A very enjoyable and well written book that I am happy to recommend.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beautiful, evocative settings in this novel are the highlight for me. The author obviously knows the area around Lake Como in Italy very well and brings it all to light in the readers’ imagination with her superb descriptions as we explore the area with the two female leading characters, Taggie and Lucy, both of whom have returned to the area which they’d loved as children though with very different reasons.

Wanting to escape from heartbreak and tragedy, Taggie has gone to visit her family friend, Elsie, and to work in a local hotel as a tour guide. Still struggling to accept what happened, she’s reluctant to consider the possibility of forming a new relationship, though the handsome, infuriating Marco keeps turning up, like a bad penny! She’s too busy and too damaged by the past to risk her heart again . . . .

Lucy, however, has a poor history with men but hopes the burgeoning relationship with Pete will prove more long lasting - that’s why she’s brought him on holiday with her to celebrate the New Year in her favourite place, Lake Como. However, there’s an unsettling number of phone calls, photographs of his ex-girlfriend and other worries to keep this quiet nurse unsure of what will happen in their relationship.

As the old year ends, festivities are planned that will end with fireworks to start the New Year. Will they be the start of a sparkling future or an explosive demise for romance?

This story started slowly and it isn’t until the two story threads combine that they weave together to create the bigger, intriguing picture. It is a story filled with uncertainty - you don’t learn the main backstory until some significant way into the story. It keeps you guessing and turning the pages, just hoping that someone will find their HEA but never certain that’s a possibility!

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Danielle's · Rating 5 out of 5]

The place we met is the 3rd Isabelle Broom book I have read, and it's safe to say I'm a fan. Her books are always set in beautiful landscapes and tell an intertwined story.

The place we met is set in Italy and tells the story of two women.

Taggie has moved to Lake Como and works in a hotel. She organises and runs events for the hotel guests. She isn't looking for Prince Charming but keeps playing the role of the damsel. Marco is a tall handsome Italian man. He plays Taggie's rescuer whether she likes it or not. She needs a friend and Marco is slowly growing on her. Most women fall at his feet but she refuses to be one of those women.

Lucy is unlucky in love. She wants to find a man to sweep her off her feet. She has been dating Pete for 5 months now. Everything is still new but seems to be going well. Lucy works in a busy hospital and doesn't get much time off. She decides to book a romantic holiday to Lake Como. She hopes they will have the opportunity to spend some quality time together instead of short stints.

The location is a childhood happy memory for both leading ladies. This is a bittersweet story about finding peace.

5 stars out of 5.

*ARC received in exchange for a fair review*

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lake Como at around Christmas and the New Year is the setting for this book. The story alternates between two rather different women, and my feelings towards both of them changed regularly as the story progressed.

I did though find the book felt a bit slow to start, and it took for the two stories to merge to really hold my attention at which point I really did want to know what was going to happen next.

Taggie is working as a tour guide in her beloved Lake Como having escaped misery back in England. It is not clear for a long while exactly why she is in Italy, but I found myself drawn into her life there anyway I loved the various towns that are visited and all the various Christmassy activities that are happening in the area.

Lucy decides to take her new boyfriend Pete on holiday to Lake Como, a place she loved as a child. I loved their initial sight seeing, especially the Christmas market. Yet Lucy is a very insecure woman and is convinced that Pete is hiding things in his past, little does she know yet what it is.

I found though that I struggled to really like or connect with any of the main characters, in fact Elsie, Taggie's friend was probably one of my favourite characters and she wasn't even in the book that much.

As much as I tend to love Isabelle Bloom's books, this one just left me slightly flat, and to me although is still a very good book, is missing the brilliance of her other work.

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

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story follows to women Lucy and Taggie. Lucy is a nurse and she's brilliant at the job, she's great with hurting people. Taggie wants to be an events manager currently working as a tour guide. The two women are very different but I quite like them both. Lucy slightly more at the start but Taggie grew on me.

The two men of the story Marco and Pete. I love Marco he's the best character in the story for me. There's so much to like about him for me. As for Pete the least said about him the better. Even when I should have felt sorry for him he was an arsehole to me. I felt like he didn't know either of the two girls well. The Worst for me was he was asking if Lucy would ever consider working private? It's not about the money to her it's about loving her job. I get he'd want holidays with her but I just found him so annoying.

The place we met is such a fitting title and the story kept me guessing with how Taggie and Lucy had met previously.

I really liked Taggies end to the story she deserves some happiness. As for Lucy I wanted more that I miss you with Pete. I found them both way too good for him. Lucy to me for a while at least would be better on her own.

An interesting read but I preferred One Thousand Stars And You.

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taggie, Pete and Lucy can’t imagine how a stay at Lake Como can affect their lives.

Oh my heavens I enjoyed The Place We Met. I thought it was absolutely wonderful. Even when the emotions the characters feel are negative ones I experienced sheer joy in reading The Place We Met. It had everything I adore in fiction, from a setting so vivid it feels as if I’m actually there, through wonderfully depicted characters that are living, breathing humans, to a narrative that draws in the reader so thoroughly that they are completely absorbed in, and almost part of, the story.

I have no idea if the authorities in Lake Como are aware of The Place We Met, but they should be giving Isabelle Broom an Order of Merit for her portrayal of this area of Italy. I feel utterly compelled to be there, preferably in the winter. There’s a magic to the descriptive writing that sparkles and dances until my heart ached with the need to see the same sights as Taggie, Pete and Lucy.

The narrative occurs over Christmas and the New Year, but reading this story would be perfect at any time. Isabelle Broom explores themes of love, relationships and, most importantly, being ourselves when we so often lose sight of who we are, so beautifully that I found reading The Place We Met achingly emotional. I was swept away in the romance, the emotions and the sheer gorgeousness of the writing so that I didn’t want the experience of reading this book to end. I know it will become a book I return to frequently.

I think what Isabelle Broom does so outstandingly when she writes is to keep a relatively small pool of characters so that each one is entirely realistic. I found Pete a complex individual and now I’ve finished reading the book I still feel I’d like to meet him in person and look him in the eye to make my final judgement, but I was in love with Marco from the moment he was introduced. However, it was Lucy and Taggie who made the book so perfect for me. Taggie’s heartbreak is uncovered with consummate skill and Lucy’s insecurity is a trait so many can identify with. I felt I wanted to gather them both into my arms and reassure them of their worth and future happiness.

Whether I’m thinking about plot, setting, character, style or theme, I thought The Place We Met was unmitigated perfection and I loved it. I was transported by reading it and feel blessed to have had it in my life. Just wonderful.

https://lindasbookbag.com/2018/01/02/...

[Helena Wildsmith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say that I was really disappointed by this book. The setting was absolutely beautiful and I'm definitely reserving Lake Como as a future holiday plan! - but neither the characters or the story did anything for me. I actually found the two main characters quite irritating and so struggled to really care about what happened to them. The story was all far too coincidental and predictable, not to mention the ridiculously unbelievable ending. It's a shame but I don't think I'll bother reading any more books by this author.

[Marloes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Na een nare relatiebreuk is de sterke, onafhankelijke Taggie gevlucht naar het Comomeer, een plaats die een speciale plek in haar hart heeft omdat ze er in haar jeugd veel gelukkige momenten geeft beleefd. Ze werkt er als gids voor de hotelgasten van Casa Alta en organiseert evenementen, ze heeft steun aan een familievriendin en ze heeft nieuwe vrienden gemaakt, maar voor de liefde heeft ze geen ruimte meer in haar hart. De muur die ze hoog heeft opgetrokken is lastig af te breken, maar om verder te kunnen met haar leven zal ze toch de confrontatie aan moeten gaan met haar onverwerkte verdriet.

Verpleegkundige Lucy heeft haar vriend Pete verrast met een tripje naar het Comomeer, om daar de jaarwisseling te vieren en hun liefde verder te laten opbloeien. Ze is erg onzeker en al vaak gekwetst in de liefde, maar ze wil dat deze relatie werkt, ook al lijkt Pete van alles voor haar te verbergen. Ze blijft zichzelf vergelijken met zijn ex-vriendin, is jaloers en vraagt zich af of hij wel helemaal voor haar wil gaan. Of ziet ze dingen die er niet zijn?

Terwijl de sprankelende beschrijvingen van de omgeving ervoor zorgen dat je meteen wilt afreizen naar deze betoverende bestemming en de winterse sfeer helemaal tot leven komt, leer je deze personages in afwisselende perspectieven beter kennen. Het duurt even voordat het verhaal écht op gang komt, want hoewel beide vrouwen heel wat bagage met zich meedragen, houdt de auteur hun achtergrondverhalen een tijd geheimzinnig, waardoor je wilt doorlezen omdat je benieuwd bent wat zij hebben meegemaakt, maar dit er ook voor zorgt dat je hun handelingen niet altijd volledig kunt plaatsen. Ze zijn levensechte karakters die hun gebreken hebben en wel wéten dat hun gedrag en ingesleten gedachten hen niet altijd verder brengen, maar het is soms lastig om een bepaald patroon te doorbreken.

Hoewel ze totaal verschillend lijken, wordt ongeveer halverwege duidelijk wat deze personages met elkaar gemeen hebben, en vanaf dat moment komt er meer tempo in het verhaal en lopen de perspectieven vloeiender in elkaar over. Uiteindelijk snap je beide vrouwen beter en ga je steeds meer met hen meeleven, wens je dat ze vrede krijgen met hun verleden en vooruit kunnen kijken en hoop je op een gelukkig einde. Verwacht geen fluffy feelgood, dit is een bitterzoete roman over verdriet, vriendschap, liefde, verwerking, persoonlijke groei, geheimen, vertrouwen, acceptatie, afsluiting en een nieuw begin die zéker het lezen waard is. De prettige schrijfstijl, voelbare emoties, prachtige setting en de leuke bijpersonages die het geheel wat lichter maken dragen bij aan een warm, hoopvol verhaal dat je fijne leesuren zal bezorgen. Ideaal voor deze tijd van het jaar!

3.5-4⭐️

[Антоанета · Rating 3 out of 5]

Това е една книга за две жени, обединени единствено около познанството си с един мъж. Но не, не е любовен триъгълник.
Едната е в миналото на въпросния мъж, а другата в неговото настояще и може би бъдеще. Едната е самоуверена и вечно контролираща и затова е останала в миналото, другата е прекалено комплексирана и несигурна и не знае дали ще го задържи. Това, което двете не очакват е, че ще се срещнат при случайни обстоятелства и тази среща ще породи много съмнения, ще събуди отдавна приспана мъка и ще създаде много въпросителни.
Очарователното в тази книга е мястото, на което се развива действието, а именно Италия и езерото Комо по време на коледните и новогодишните празници. И докато Люси и Пит се опитват да съградят своето бъдеще, то Агата се опитва да забрави миналото и да намери сили да продължи напред. Това, което тя не е очаквала е появата на един чаровен италианец, който ще я накара отново да се почуства желана.
Нещото, което не ми хареса е несигурността на Люси и непрекъснатото изтъкване на комплексите ѝ. Да, тя си има причини да се държи така, но това беше наистина прекалено и ужасно дразнещо - тя нямаше никакво самочувствие и постоянно се сравняваше с бившата.
3*

[Simona · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Isabelle Broom has fast become one of my fave authors. I adore her books and was obviously very excited for this book. The fact that it is set at the Lake of Como just added to it.

The story follows two women: Lucy and Taggie. Taggie moved to Como to heal her broken heart. Lucy decides to take her boyfriend Pete to her beloved Como. Their lives collide and they actually have something in common.

I loved following both storylines and when they come together it gets of course more interesting. Taggie is also surrounded by a nice Italian man called Marco. Both women have their mysteries and secrets in the plot and some unexpected twists make this story unputdownable.

The highlight for me was the setting, because I knew all the places and I think Isabelle Broom captured it beautifully.

The characters are great and very authentic. A heart-warming and romantic read!


4.5/5

[Laura Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite Isabelle Broom book yet! Her characters are so well drawn they feel familiar and human and the twist half-way is just brilliant - as is the setting. Take me to Como!

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Isabelle Broom's newest release "The Place We Met" we are introduced to two main characters. Taggie works as a tour guide in Lake Como after escaping London and a heart - break. Lucy loved Lake Como as a child and decides to take her new boyfriend Pete there for Christmas and New Year. The two, at first sight, different women that don't know each other do share something in common and they don't know that their lives are going to change soon.

I, of course, loved the setting of Lake Como at around Christmas and New Year, the author is already known for gorgeous places she's choosing for her stories but I think she could work on creating her characters better, more developed, more interesting - settling for the characters took me a little longer - probably because it took long for the two different characters and two different stories told alternatively to eventually overlap and find something in common.

But again, Isabelle Broom is perfect when it comes to the settings and describing the places, with all the gorgeous little details, places known only to the insiders, things to discover, but when it comes to action the books start to slow down and feel flat - with the exception of Isabelle's debut novel, "My Map of You", which I incredibly loved and which stays currently my favourite book by this author. "The Place we Met" felt mostly very slow, concentrating hard on the setting and bringing the beauty of Lake Como at Christmas to life - which, BTW, the author has effortlessly brought to life - but it lacked on pace and more complex plot. I also had some problems with the plot being build up to something much bigger and shocking than what Taggie's secret turned out to be. However, there was much warmth to the story and in the end I found myself surprised how much I enjoyed reading the book, and it left me with a smile on my lips.

Altogether, it was a bitter - sweet story about finding peace with your past, about love and hope, and I think it is Isabelle's second - best, after "My Map of You" of course. The writing here is lovely, full of emotions, evocative. The plot is tad predictable and I would love it to be more complex and more mature but I am sure that soon I'm going to get it from this author. In the meantime I can only heartily recommend this book to you all, guys.

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Place we met by Isabelle Broom a fabulous five-star read. This is my first read by this author and I really hope to read more; the writing was great and I know this is a read I will be giving to many of my relatives who like a good read. It’s a beautiful and captivating read that many will enjoy as there is something for everyone in this read. It won’t disappoint you, I adored the backdrop of Lake Como and both of the leading ladies have their own unique story to tell. I won’t reveal more as its their story to tell and you need to read the story to find out.

[Eti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Реална оценка 3.5★
Харесвам историите на Изабел Брум - много истински и човешки са. Много бързо и лесно започваш да съчувстваш на героите. Никой не е лош, никой не е съвършен. Героите са реалистични и много близки 🧡

[Damelapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll be travelling when reading this book, and wanting to visit these beautiful places discribed in the book

[LindyLouMac · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 'The Place We Met', Isabelle Broom has continued with her previous successful formula of setting her love stories in wonderful locations, that come alive as one reads.

This time we are transported to Lake Como in Italy in the winter season. I have visited this area at various times of the year and her seasonal descriptions are certainly evocative of the region.

With this author I seem to be finding that it is the locations that elevate her novels to more than just another light romance.

Her novels so far have all been a pleasure to read and this was no exception. The two female protagonists both regard Lake Como as a very special place and previously unknown to each other, it is a shock to them both when their lives cross rather unexpectedly!

Recommended to anyone that enjoys a light romance and especially if they are also an Italophile.

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book obviously has a wonderful setting and so you'll be sucked right into Italy as soon as you pick this up. The book follows two characters and so we have a dual narrative structure that I love. Both characters have skeletons hiding in their closet that we don't know about and all is revealed as the book continues. Despite the fact that I really wanted to find out what each of these women were hiding I did find the pace of the book a little slow and struggled to bond with the characters initially because I knew they were hiding something, nevertheless I wanted to know what that is and I enjoyed reading about the Italian food and the Italian landscape.



The characters were really quite different and so I can see why this author chose to have their stories come together in this way. I really liked Taggie and respected the way she composed herself and her reasons behind being in Lake Como before and after finding out what they were. I didn't like Lucy as much. I found that I really didn't get along with the way she had so many doubts about things but she didn't follow up on them. She was a little indecisive and it really began to grate on me. Later on in the novel she definitely finds a little more back bone but I wasn't entirely happy with the ending that she got.



The secrets that both these women have and even those they don't fully appreciate are what kept me reading through this book and the structure definitely made me keep turning the pages. Because I struggled to identify with one of the characters I think I struggled to keep up the pace during her sections of the story. Overall though this was a good read and I really enjoyed spending time in Lake Como.

[Jess Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book I’ve read by the wonderful Isabelle Broom. My Map of You still takes the cake for me unfortunately, but this one is definitely fantastic.

It took me a really long time to get into this book, I felt like there wasn’t much going on within Taggie and Lucy’s parts to begin with but after it gets going you really do understand why.

I really didn’t like Taggie at first, but I think she became my favourite character towards the end, she’s so strong and completely relatable.

I’m really pleased with the ending of this book too, I think it’s a really great way to finish it off. I’m so glad that Pete and Taggie could be friends and have that final conversation together, it’s a really fantastic part of the book as I’m sure it’s something a lot of people would really like when their relationship ends - I know I would have liked it with my last relationship 😂. It all felt very The Break-Upesque to me, but I enjoyed it.

I’m in love with Marco, at first I thought he was a bit of a strange character, but I love how he was the person who made Taggie feel loved again as it’s something that she really needed in order to heal. I also loved how he allowed everything to be on her terms as he clearly knew something was wrong and didn’t pry and just let her be and feel comfortable in her own time. You really have painted an ideal man Izzy! 😂

I love Elsie and her dogs, she just makes me laugh! Such a great character to include.

Overall, I’m really glad I read this book as it’s one I didn’t think I was going to love until about 150 pages in. I’m glad for my obsessiveness of “must finish book regardless of whether I like it or not because I need to know what happens” as I did really enjoy this book and I’m really looking forward to the next one! 💘

[Justkeepreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabelle's books always have beautiful settings and this book is no expectation. Set in both London and lake como. This book will have you wishing for a holiday in the sun for yourself.

Isabelle's books never fail to make me laugh, cry, smile and weave their tale of love, life, loss and heartbreak right into my heart. I could not recommend Isabelle's books highly enough. An author that is high up my list of favourite authors. If you haven't read a book by her yet. I highly recommend. Simply wonderful.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a relatively new author, Isabelle Broom can place her feet firmly under the table and be assured that she's found the winning formula. Her books are magical, the reader is transported to her wonderfully described locations, accompanied by her vivid and colourful characters, and taken on a journey that is just quite perfect.

The Place We Met is based in Lake Como, Italy, around Christmas and New Year and is the perfect read for this time of year. Banish those dark dreary evenings and damp foggy days and delight in this delicious tale of romance, hidden secrets, unravelling pasts and plenty of crisp snow and mouth watering food.

Taggie and Lucy are both British and both in Lake Como. They are there for very different reasons. Taggie is working, and trying to forget, whilst Lucy is showing new boyfriend Pete, the place where she spent many happy childhood holidays.
Two very different women, with nothing in common; or so it would seem. When their paths cross, their lives collide and it soon becomes clear that there's quite a tangle to unweave.

Isabelle Broom writes like a dream. Within a couple of pages I was totally hooked; a little in love with the characters and planning a trip to Lake Como!

The Place We Met is such a warm and wonderful story, it's poignant, tugs at the heartstrings and I had to gulp back a few tears. Heartfelt and heartwarming; the perfect seasonal read. I loved it
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[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabel Broom’s novels are like a bug in a book. The wonderfully descriptive prose transports you to a beautiful location - this time Lake Como - and takes you on a heartwarming journey with the characters.

In The Place We Met, we meet Taggie and Lucy. Taggie is working at the Casa Alta hotel as a tour guide. She’s rushed off her feet but finds this is the distraction she needs from the life she left behind in England. Meanwhile Lucy has just arrived in Lake Como with Pete, her perfect new boyfriend. Everything about Pete feels right to Lucy and that life is about to start for her, but with New Years Eve approaching, Taggie and Lucy meet by chance and it seems that Lake Como isn’t the place for new beginnings.

I’ve read all of Isabelle’s novels and they just keep getting better. From the first few chapters you feel such an affiliation with both Taggie and Lucy and the story unfolds beautifully. The descriptions of Lake Como are breathtaking and you can easily imagine yourself there waking in their footsteps. Plus the addition of an Italian stallion never goes amiss :-)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone. Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin UK Michael Joseph and the author for the chance to review.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous book :) 9/10. Pop over to the blog for my review :) candysbookcase.wordpress.com

[Ралица Нейчева · Rating 4 out of 5]

Някак мудна ми беше самата книга. В началото определено губех интерес. Може би след средата и достигането на събирателната картина на двата образа, от които се разказва историята придобих някакъв интерес.

[Jess Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabelle Broom never misses 🫶 she's my comfort author! All of her books are lovely reads that transport you immediately to a different place! This one (set in Lake Como, Italy) is no exception!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect long weekend read. Beautiful images and descriptions of Lake Como. Can’t wait for Isabelle’s next book the teaser already has me hooked.

[Nicki Southwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT

This is a story with two paralell plots.

Taggie is working at Casa Alta in Como as a tour guide with aspirations to be promoted to events manager.

She has come out of a relationship but with whom not apparent until near the end. Marco takes a fancy to her and she plans to plough money from her flat sale, into his new business.

Lucy is a nurse working in a busy A & E department in London. New boyfriend Pete is bringing out her usual insecurities, as in all relationships. She hopes he is the one and books a holiday in Lake Como as a Christmas present. He is delighted.

Lucy & Taggie both visited Lake Como as children and it is a special place for them both. They meet a on holiday and everything changes. Pete's reaction to Taggie is extreme and Lucy is determined to find out why. He is not willing to talk to being with.

I cannot say more but you will not regret buying this book.

There are beautiful descriptions of Lake Como, as in her book A Year and A Day. It sounds so lovely and she has spiked my interest to visit.

The characters are very likeable, even the dreadful Pete. It comes together well at the end.

I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.

[Noemi Proietti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Taggie and Lucy used to visit Lake Como in Italy when they were children and now they are back, but for different reasons. After five years together, Taggie’s boyfriend has announced that he doesn’t love her anymore, so a heart-broken Taggie leaves behind London and her PR job to move to the place she has been the happiest. In Como, she finds a new job, new friends, and a possible new love in the shape of charming Marco.

Meanwhile, Lucy has organised her first holiday with her new boyfriend Pete and they are going to celebrate the New Year in Como. Lucy hopes that this holiday will bring them closer and overcome her jealousies and fears about their relationship. But when Taggie and Lucy meet, it is not only a childhood in the lake that they have in common.

This enjoyable and charming novel has everything: well-crafted characters, an intriguing plot, and a beautiful setting. The main characters are two different women: Lucy is insecure and paranoid, while Taggie is determined and obstinate. I enjoyed how the author developed their characters and how both women come out stronger and more mature by the end of the novel. The setting of Lake Como during Christmas time is atmospheric and romantic. A novel about second chances and going after your dreams, this is my first Isabelle Broom’s novel and I am planning to read all her previous novels.

[Charlotte (Escapades of a Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So to briefly sum up, this is another captivating read by Isabella Broom. The Place We Met manages to sweep the reader of their feet and land them in a tale that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, while also being delicious enough to curl with a hot chocolate.

The Place We Met is a tale of two women – Taggie who is determined to forget about the past and focus on her skills on organising big events. And Lucy who just wants the perfect relationship with her boyfriend. Both women are led to Lake Como – a place that holds special meaning from their childhoods.

This book is pretty close to perfect, especially as the setting is so idyllic (Italy is one of my favourite places to visit). And we are set in Christmas time, which means Snow and fun Chrissmassy things which makes me very happy.

But for all the light and funny moments in this tale, there is a lot of dark moments. And my heart nearly broke at the end. When everything was revealed. The Place We Met shows the art of deception. Because how the book started to how it ended, I really was not expecting that.

This is a story about love, loss and heartbreak. But it is also a book about accepting yourselves and allowing yourself to heal. This is a beautiful read and one that I cannot wait to read again.

Reviews can also be found on my blog Escapades of a Bookworm

[Kat Mitcheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a fantatsic read, this is my second book by this author and i have been left feeling so happy.... she writes with the readers following her and feels like you are there in the spotlight and thats what makes her brilliant. The setting is out of this world in Lake Como, Italy for the whole of the festival time of year this christmas and new year.
It took me a little longer than normal to get 'into' the book but once i was there, it was flowing quickly... so stick with it because the stories are merged together and make complete sense.
Taggie leaves England for whatever reason to work as a tour guide in Lake como....she takes people all over the area and to christmas towns and does chrismasy activities... sounds like bliss doesnt it?
Then we have ;Lucy who takes her boyfriend to her favourite place she used to visit. Lucy is insecure and then feels Pete is holding a secret from her.......
Taggie meet Lucy by chance and believe me it is not the place to make new memories.
Brilliantly written, the story opens up as you get into it, the scenes are breathtaking and we all love an italian man to appear in our novels, even to keep us thinking on our toes.