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The Italian Escape
Sparkling sea, sun, delicious food and Aperol Spritz - escape to Italy with the perfect summer romance . . .
Niamh Kelly's life hasn't turned out quite as she'd expected. She's thirty-three, still living at home and was recently dumped . . . by her boss. So when her sister invites her to tag along on a work trip to the sun-drenched Italian coast, Niamh jumps at the chance, eager to escape into a world of sparkling prosecco, delicious food, and breath-taking beaches.
Upon her arrival, Niamh immediately falls in love with the beautiful Italian town they're staying in and realises she never wants to leave, deciding instead to stay and open up a quaint coffee shop nestled in charming old town streets - even if she has no idea what she's doing. But when a family tragedy and a tricky tourist season threaten her new business, Niamh isn't so sure she can stick it out.
With help from her new-found Italian friends - and the possibility of romance on the horizon - can she make her new life in the sun a success?
A glorious and uplifting escapist novel set against the stunning backdrop of the Italian coast.
Niamh Kelly's life hasn't turned out quite as she'd expected. She's thirty-three, still living at home and was recently dumped . . . by her boss. So when her sister invites her to tag along on a work trip to the sun-drenched Italian coast, Niamh jumps at the chance, eager to escape into a world of sparkling prosecco, delicious food, and breath-taking beaches.
Upon her arrival, Niamh immediately falls in love with the beautiful Italian town they're staying in and realises she never wants to leave, deciding instead to stay and open up a quaint coffee shop nestled in charming old town streets - even if she has no idea what she's doing. But when a family tragedy and a tricky tourist season threaten her new business, Niamh isn't so sure she can stick it out.
With help from her new-found Italian friends - and the possibility of romance on the horizon - can she make her new life in the sun a success?
A glorious and uplifting escapist novel set against the stunning backdrop of the Italian coast.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2021
314 people are currently reading
1400 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 26, 2022
The Italian Escape is a charming if predictable 2021 novel about a young Irishwoman reinventing herself in a gorgeous Italian fishing village. It’s not my usual genre but I’ve been in the mood for warmth and comedy after too many nasty thrillers so this was a pick from my Book Club shelf. It’s an easy feelgood holiday read, and while I would’ve enjoyed it more without the formulaic romance, and with more humour, I mostly liked it, with a few reservations.
Dubliner Niamh Kelly is back living with her parents, after being dumped by her self-absorbed boyfriend of four years, who is also her boss. To cheer her up, her sister Grace invites Niamh to join her on a conference trip to Northwestern Italy. After a wonderful holiday and too much champagne, and having discovered a run-down old cafe, Niamh decides she’s ready for a new life and is not going home…
This book will certainly leave you longing for sun filled terraces, fresh seafood & pasta, and Aperol Spritzes. It turns out Camogli is a real place - I had a very different impression of what it would look like compared to what I found on Google Images. You need to suspend disbelief for much of the plot but that’s fairly normal for this kind of story. Certain plot lines and characters are introduced then not mentioned again, and there are way too many coincidences - but this is a first novel.
What I disliked was the apparent normalisation of Niamh & Grace’s fairly significant alcohol dependence without it ever being mentioned as an issue. They appear to each drink a bottle of wine a night ordinarily - and much more than this every night on holiday, drinking themselves stupid, ruing their hangovers in the morning, then starting over again at lunch. Emily is almost as bad. Then there’s Niamh’s obsession with her weight - observing/complaining about being too heavy then stuffing her face with pasta at every opportunity. Eat what you want, or watch your diet, but don’t over-indulge nonstop then whine about the consequences…
I did like the focus on the friendships that Niamh makes, even if it all seems to happen too easily for her, until it doesn’t - and the way she grows up and bounces back from setbacks and tragedy.
3.5 rounded down.
Dubliner Niamh Kelly is back living with her parents, after being dumped by her self-absorbed boyfriend of four years, who is also her boss. To cheer her up, her sister Grace invites Niamh to join her on a conference trip to Northwestern Italy. After a wonderful holiday and too much champagne, and having discovered a run-down old cafe, Niamh decides she’s ready for a new life and is not going home…
This book will certainly leave you longing for sun filled terraces, fresh seafood & pasta, and Aperol Spritzes. It turns out Camogli is a real place - I had a very different impression of what it would look like compared to what I found on Google Images. You need to suspend disbelief for much of the plot but that’s fairly normal for this kind of story. Certain plot lines and characters are introduced then not mentioned again, and there are way too many coincidences - but this is a first novel.
What I disliked was the apparent normalisation of Niamh & Grace’s fairly significant alcohol dependence without it ever being mentioned as an issue. They appear to each drink a bottle of wine a night ordinarily - and much more than this every night on holiday, drinking themselves stupid, ruing their hangovers in the morning, then starting over again at lunch. Emily is almost as bad. Then there’s Niamh’s obsession with her weight - observing/complaining about being too heavy then stuffing her face with pasta at every opportunity. Eat what you want, or watch your diet, but don’t over-indulge nonstop then whine about the consequences…
I did like the focus on the friendships that Niamh makes, even if it all seems to happen too easily for her, until it doesn’t - and the way she grows up and bounces back from setbacks and tragedy.
3.5 rounded down.
April 2, 2021
A really encouraging and solid debut that transported me to the Liguria region of Italy, via Ireland.
Oh I do love Irish Womens Fiction authors, and I think Catherine Mangan could be one to watch as she develops.
I found myself wondering after the first few chapters whether I was going to be able to get on with Niamb as a main character, as she seemed so miserable, and wasn't really displaying much personality at all, but once her sister Grace offers her the chance to go to Italy with her, and we get to Italy the book picks up.
From then I was really rooting for Niamh, and really enjoying the person that she starts to become. I loved seeing places like Portofino through her eyes, and it was all really well described.
And then Niamh makes a brave rather out of character decision at which point I was hooked and couldn't get enough of the book, and all the first bit of the book, really made sense, as without it the contrast just would be there.
There are elements of life in a small Italian town that were so interesting and I loved all the new friends Niamb made, her attempts at communicating, and I honestly at one point wasn't completely positive who the love interest was going to be, although I'm very happy with the ending!
This I feel would make great garden reading while wanting be transported away from your own life for a while, and I'm very curious as to what the author will write next.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Oh I do love Irish Womens Fiction authors, and I think Catherine Mangan could be one to watch as she develops.
I found myself wondering after the first few chapters whether I was going to be able to get on with Niamb as a main character, as she seemed so miserable, and wasn't really displaying much personality at all, but once her sister Grace offers her the chance to go to Italy with her, and we get to Italy the book picks up.
From then I was really rooting for Niamh, and really enjoying the person that she starts to become. I loved seeing places like Portofino through her eyes, and it was all really well described.
And then Niamh makes a brave rather out of character decision at which point I was hooked and couldn't get enough of the book, and all the first bit of the book, really made sense, as without it the contrast just would be there.
There are elements of life in a small Italian town that were so interesting and I loved all the new friends Niamb made, her attempts at communicating, and I honestly at one point wasn't completely positive who the love interest was going to be, although I'm very happy with the ending!
This I feel would make great garden reading while wanting be transported away from your own life for a while, and I'm very curious as to what the author will write next.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
September 12, 2020
Heerlijk feelgoodverhaal. Je proeft het Italiaans sfeertje. Leuke personages
April 16, 2021
My Rating ~ 3.5*
The Italian Escape, the debut novel from Irish writer Catherine Mangan, will be published April 29th with Sphere and is described as ‘a feel-good holiday romance set in Italy – the PERFECT beach read for summer 2021.’ Considering the restrictions of the last twelve months, and the fact that the last holiday we were supposed to take was to Sardinia in June 2020, I really needed an injection of pure escapism right now and this sounded just perfect.
When Catherine Mangan was flicking through a magazine she had her first encounter with the small village of Camogli, on Italy’s Ligurian Coast. It was love at first sight for Catherine and after a few years she made her first of many trips there providing her with the inspiration for this, her debut novel.
‘The sight of this magical spot, off the tourist-beaten track and encompassing every wonderful thing about Italy (local food and wine, jaw dropping coastal views and decadent sunsets that never failed to delight for Aperol Spritz o’clock on the terrace) made me catch my breath in awe, and caught my imagination in ways I couldn’t then understand. I’ve managed to return almost every summer since, shunning the idea of exploring new countries in exchange for the guaranteed magic of a week on the Ligurian Coast. On one recent trip I found myself fantasizing about the temptation of not going back to reality, but instead irresponsibly but resolutely shrugging off the shackles of everyday life and deciding to stay. The seed for The Italian Escape was sown!'– Catherine Mangan
Niamh Kelly’s life has collapsed. Her boyfriend of four years, who also happens to be her employer, has dumped her. Distraught, Niamh’s plans for her future are in bits. Sitting at home with her parents every night Niamh is depressed losing complete interest in all her surroundings. Her sister makes an attempt to cheer her up by suggesting Niamh accompany her to Italy on a business conference. Niamh is initially sceptical but decides to give it a shot. Wallowing in self pity is not going to help her in any way so, following some much-needed grooming and retail therapy, she sets off on a journey that will ultimately change her life forever.
When arriving in Italy the smells and sounds are just something magical to experience. There is nothing quite like waking up in Italy with a view of the glorious sunshine sparkling off the sea or sitting on a waterside bar with a pastry and a caffè while watching the world go by, or relaxing of an evening sipping an Aperol Spritz or a Limoncello and thinking about the possibility of a different life. Catherine Mangan had all these thoughts and decided that she would make that escape from reality through fiction and through the adventures of the gutsy Niamh Kelly.
While Grace is attending meetings, Niamh wanders the local villages and towns, one of which is Camogli, and she is immediately smitten by the beauty of this place. Less crowded than other locations on the Ligurian Coast, Niamh feels at peace here and returns with Grace on a separate occasion to show her around. It is then that Niamh spots a premises empty, looking forlorn and in need of some attention. Niamh makes a spontaneous decision that perhaps a more committed Italian escape might just be the rescue from her life that she needs.
Niamh is very lucky to encounter a few locals who are very supportive of her planned adventure and willing to assist her but there are numerous obstacles in her way, one of course being the language. But Niamh has never felt more determined in all her life and waves Grace off on the return plane to Ireland with a sense of optimism and hope. As the weeks pass Niamh is exhausted but happy to be in this most beautiful place but then tragedy strikes and Niamh has some serious decisions to make. Can she continue to live the dream or is it time for Niamh to pack her bags and go home?
‘Having lived and worked in six foreign countries, I know first hand how the initial excitement and enthusiasm can fray at the edges when the frustrating realities of getting your new life in order set in. I also had a whole host of ‘did that actually happen’ anecdotes to tap into from my own misadventures abroad. So, as the word count stacked up and the unwitting, reluctant protagonist set off on her journey in search of a new life in Italy, I knew just how insecure and uncertain she might feel and how she’d second guess her decision on a daily basis but refuse to give up.'
– Catherine Mangan
The Italian Escape is exactly as its name implies. It is an escape for every reader to a place of such incredible beauty, where the warmth of the sun and the fresh smell of coffee and lemons assail the senses. Niamh Kelly is the person we would all love to be, the adventurer, the risk-taker, the dream grabber. In reality much of what happens to Niamh is very much fictional but wouldn’t it be wonderful? To just go?
Catherine Mangan writes with a real natural wit and a warmth that filters through the pages. The sense of location is very strong really positioning the reader on the coast of Italy. The Italian Escape is a sweet and charming read, a delightful piece of pure escapism that was a pleasure to get lost in. The Italian Escape really is the perfect companion by the pool, on the beach or, more realistically, in your own back garden!
The Italian Escape, the debut novel from Irish writer Catherine Mangan, will be published April 29th with Sphere and is described as ‘a feel-good holiday romance set in Italy – the PERFECT beach read for summer 2021.’ Considering the restrictions of the last twelve months, and the fact that the last holiday we were supposed to take was to Sardinia in June 2020, I really needed an injection of pure escapism right now and this sounded just perfect.
When Catherine Mangan was flicking through a magazine she had her first encounter with the small village of Camogli, on Italy’s Ligurian Coast. It was love at first sight for Catherine and after a few years she made her first of many trips there providing her with the inspiration for this, her debut novel.
‘The sight of this magical spot, off the tourist-beaten track and encompassing every wonderful thing about Italy (local food and wine, jaw dropping coastal views and decadent sunsets that never failed to delight for Aperol Spritz o’clock on the terrace) made me catch my breath in awe, and caught my imagination in ways I couldn’t then understand. I’ve managed to return almost every summer since, shunning the idea of exploring new countries in exchange for the guaranteed magic of a week on the Ligurian Coast. On one recent trip I found myself fantasizing about the temptation of not going back to reality, but instead irresponsibly but resolutely shrugging off the shackles of everyday life and deciding to stay. The seed for The Italian Escape was sown!'– Catherine Mangan
Niamh Kelly’s life has collapsed. Her boyfriend of four years, who also happens to be her employer, has dumped her. Distraught, Niamh’s plans for her future are in bits. Sitting at home with her parents every night Niamh is depressed losing complete interest in all her surroundings. Her sister makes an attempt to cheer her up by suggesting Niamh accompany her to Italy on a business conference. Niamh is initially sceptical but decides to give it a shot. Wallowing in self pity is not going to help her in any way so, following some much-needed grooming and retail therapy, she sets off on a journey that will ultimately change her life forever.
When arriving in Italy the smells and sounds are just something magical to experience. There is nothing quite like waking up in Italy with a view of the glorious sunshine sparkling off the sea or sitting on a waterside bar with a pastry and a caffè while watching the world go by, or relaxing of an evening sipping an Aperol Spritz or a Limoncello and thinking about the possibility of a different life. Catherine Mangan had all these thoughts and decided that she would make that escape from reality through fiction and through the adventures of the gutsy Niamh Kelly.
While Grace is attending meetings, Niamh wanders the local villages and towns, one of which is Camogli, and she is immediately smitten by the beauty of this place. Less crowded than other locations on the Ligurian Coast, Niamh feels at peace here and returns with Grace on a separate occasion to show her around. It is then that Niamh spots a premises empty, looking forlorn and in need of some attention. Niamh makes a spontaneous decision that perhaps a more committed Italian escape might just be the rescue from her life that she needs.
Niamh is very lucky to encounter a few locals who are very supportive of her planned adventure and willing to assist her but there are numerous obstacles in her way, one of course being the language. But Niamh has never felt more determined in all her life and waves Grace off on the return plane to Ireland with a sense of optimism and hope. As the weeks pass Niamh is exhausted but happy to be in this most beautiful place but then tragedy strikes and Niamh has some serious decisions to make. Can she continue to live the dream or is it time for Niamh to pack her bags and go home?
‘Having lived and worked in six foreign countries, I know first hand how the initial excitement and enthusiasm can fray at the edges when the frustrating realities of getting your new life in order set in. I also had a whole host of ‘did that actually happen’ anecdotes to tap into from my own misadventures abroad. So, as the word count stacked up and the unwitting, reluctant protagonist set off on her journey in search of a new life in Italy, I knew just how insecure and uncertain she might feel and how she’d second guess her decision on a daily basis but refuse to give up.'
– Catherine Mangan
The Italian Escape is exactly as its name implies. It is an escape for every reader to a place of such incredible beauty, where the warmth of the sun and the fresh smell of coffee and lemons assail the senses. Niamh Kelly is the person we would all love to be, the adventurer, the risk-taker, the dream grabber. In reality much of what happens to Niamh is very much fictional but wouldn’t it be wonderful? To just go?
Catherine Mangan writes with a real natural wit and a warmth that filters through the pages. The sense of location is very strong really positioning the reader on the coast of Italy. The Italian Escape is a sweet and charming read, a delightful piece of pure escapism that was a pleasure to get lost in. The Italian Escape really is the perfect companion by the pool, on the beach or, more realistically, in your own back garden!
June 6, 2023
I was planning a trip to Italy and wanted to read a fun escape to Italy specifically Amalfi coast type of book. This was it!! I had so much fun reading this book and Niamh was a funny character whom laughs at herself. You are never too old and it is never too late to meet people whom are destined to be great friends with you both romantic and platonic. Have fun reading this book!
July 26, 2024
Echt een super leuk zomers boek waarin veel gebeurd. Zeker een aanrader!
April 29, 2021
Three and a half stars.
After being dumped by her boyfriend (and boss) after four years, Niamh Kelly is down in the dumps, especially because at 33 years old she's back living with her parents. So when her impossibly glamorous and successful older sister invites her to Italy for a week while she attends a conference on the Ligurian coast Niamh has nothing to lose.
Niamh falls in love with the Italian coastline, especially the small town of Camogli, and she quickly makes friends with two locals, a lawyer called Giorgio who she spills Aperol Spritz over at a cocktail party, and a glamorous, wealthy, Englishwoman called Emily.
At the end of her break Niamh decides she isn't going back to Dublin, instead she is going to open a salad and sandwich café in an old derelict building which belongs to Giorgio's brother. But when tragedy strikes in Dublin and her old life beckons what will Niamh choose?
I really enjoyed this book until close to the end, where I felt that Catherine Mangan ran out of pages, or steam, or something. There was a plot by unknown persons which fizzled away (being deliberately vague to avoid spoilers), followed by a counterplot and then a third solution. It was as though there was one too many sub-plots and so they didn't get sufficient attention. Also, there were too many coincidences. So overall, I knocked off half a star because it all ended so abruptly and felt like a bit of a rush. But I would definitely read another book by this author.
Recommended holiday reading, or just if you want to imagine you are on holiday.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
After being dumped by her boyfriend (and boss) after four years, Niamh Kelly is down in the dumps, especially because at 33 years old she's back living with her parents. So when her impossibly glamorous and successful older sister invites her to Italy for a week while she attends a conference on the Ligurian coast Niamh has nothing to lose.
Niamh falls in love with the Italian coastline, especially the small town of Camogli, and she quickly makes friends with two locals, a lawyer called Giorgio who she spills Aperol Spritz over at a cocktail party, and a glamorous, wealthy, Englishwoman called Emily.
At the end of her break Niamh decides she isn't going back to Dublin, instead she is going to open a salad and sandwich café in an old derelict building which belongs to Giorgio's brother. But when tragedy strikes in Dublin and her old life beckons what will Niamh choose?
I really enjoyed this book until close to the end, where I felt that Catherine Mangan ran out of pages, or steam, or something. There was a plot by unknown persons which fizzled away (being deliberately vague to avoid spoilers), followed by a counterplot and then a third solution. It was as though there was one too many sub-plots and so they didn't get sufficient attention. Also, there were too many coincidences. So overall, I knocked off half a star because it all ended so abruptly and felt like a bit of a rush. But I would definitely read another book by this author.
Recommended holiday reading, or just if you want to imagine you are on holiday.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
February 10, 2022
Pack Your Bags and Let’s Go!
When I finished this book, I immediately wanted to book a trip to Italy and hang out with these characters. They are generous and caring with a sense of humor and a charm that draws you to them. Along with the beautiful description s of the Northern Italian countryside, you feel like you’re living la dolce vita just reading this book. A true getaway for a cold winter’s day.
When I finished this book, I immediately wanted to book a trip to Italy and hang out with these characters. They are generous and caring with a sense of humor and a charm that draws you to them. Along with the beautiful description s of the Northern Italian countryside, you feel like you’re living la dolce vita just reading this book. A true getaway for a cold winter’s day.
June 4, 2023
Heerlijke feelgood roman
June 18, 2024
Ja love Italië, dus daar kan weinig fout aan zijn
July 22, 2025
El ritmo del libro es muy lento, y luego pasan algunas cosas muy rápido. Demasiadas referencias a tener que estar delgada y no comer, se mete con los cuerpos y con las operaciones estéticas.
August 31, 2025
Sinopsis (sin spoilers)
Niamh Kelly, una irlandesa de 33 años, vuelve a vivir con sus padres luego de que su pareja —y jefe— la abandona. Para levantarle el ánimo, su hermana Grace la invita a acompañarla a un viaje de trabajo por la costa italiana, en la encantadora localidad de Camogli, en Liguria. Allí, enamorada del lugar, Niamh decide quedarse y abrir un café en un edificio antiguo. Sin embargo, enfrenta dificultades cuando una tragedia familiar y una temporada turística complicada amenazan su nuevo emprendimiento.
La autora logra transportar al lector a la costa italiana con descripciones llenas de luz, mar, comida deliciosa y el ambiente relajado del verano europeo. Ideal para quienes buscan una lectura fresca y visual.
La ambientación es sumamente atractiva, tiene paisajes, sabores y atmósfera italiana que revitalizan la lectura.
Es perfecto para leer en verano, en la playa o con una bebida refrescante a mano. Es entretenido y ligero, una historia de autodescubrimiento, amistad y romance con buen ritmo.
Es un romance veraniego ideal si buscás relajarte con vistas al mar, una protagonista que se reinventa y un entorno encantador. Aunque no rompe moldes en trama, cumple con su objetivo: transportarte y hacerte suspirar por una vida distinta, llena de café, camaradería y la magia de Italia.
Niamh Kelly, una irlandesa de 33 años, vuelve a vivir con sus padres luego de que su pareja —y jefe— la abandona. Para levantarle el ánimo, su hermana Grace la invita a acompañarla a un viaje de trabajo por la costa italiana, en la encantadora localidad de Camogli, en Liguria. Allí, enamorada del lugar, Niamh decide quedarse y abrir un café en un edificio antiguo. Sin embargo, enfrenta dificultades cuando una tragedia familiar y una temporada turística complicada amenazan su nuevo emprendimiento.
La autora logra transportar al lector a la costa italiana con descripciones llenas de luz, mar, comida deliciosa y el ambiente relajado del verano europeo. Ideal para quienes buscan una lectura fresca y visual.
La ambientación es sumamente atractiva, tiene paisajes, sabores y atmósfera italiana que revitalizan la lectura.
Es perfecto para leer en verano, en la playa o con una bebida refrescante a mano. Es entretenido y ligero, una historia de autodescubrimiento, amistad y romance con buen ritmo.
Es un romance veraniego ideal si buscás relajarte con vistas al mar, una protagonista que se reinventa y un entorno encantador. Aunque no rompe moldes en trama, cumple con su objetivo: transportarte y hacerte suspirar por una vida distinta, llena de café, camaradería y la magia de Italia.
July 14, 2022
Niamh Kelly's personal and professional life has fallen apart so when her older sister invites her to travel to Italy with her, Niamh jumps at the chance of getting away from all her worries. The beautiful Italian town of Santa Margarita is everything that her home town isn't and Niamh, reluctant to go back to Ireland decides to stay in Italy and opens a quirky coffee shop in the town, however, as she discovers, things don't work out in the way she expected them too.
Niamh discovers that her time in Italy is filled with obstacles especially as she doesn't have a grip on the language but her way forward is interesting and with strength of spirit, and a few good friends, Niamh does her best to keep going despite the setbacks which inevitably come her way.
The author writes well and brings time, place and people alive in the imagination and with a nice romantic edge there is more than enough to keep turning the pages to see what happens next for Niamh on her fascinating Italian escape.
The Italian Escape is a lovely immersive story which has all the right ingredients for an escapist summer/holiday read and I can imagine that this story will go really well if you are lounging by the pool or just sitting in your favourite chair in the garden.
August 26, 2024
Excellent!
The setting and described scenery was fantastic. The story, also, had a great pace in that it was realistic and not too fast. I was surprised in a few parts the way the story flowed and it was all good. My first read by this author and I will look into other stories by Catherine Mangan. Sometimes the culture or presentation of the personalities of the Italian and Irish and English was different and I assume it is because I am an American, but taking the authors words to heart, it was refreshing to read the different perspectives. Reading this book felt like a travel/journey in itself and was wonderful to read over a weekend. When I finished I felt like I’d “been away.” I give it more credit than being simply a beach read. This is a cozy up by the fire read also!!
The setting and described scenery was fantastic. The story, also, had a great pace in that it was realistic and not too fast. I was surprised in a few parts the way the story flowed and it was all good. My first read by this author and I will look into other stories by Catherine Mangan. Sometimes the culture or presentation of the personalities of the Italian and Irish and English was different and I assume it is because I am an American, but taking the authors words to heart, it was refreshing to read the different perspectives. Reading this book felt like a travel/journey in itself and was wonderful to read over a weekend. When I finished I felt like I’d “been away.” I give it more credit than being simply a beach read. This is a cozy up by the fire read also!!
December 28, 2025
I had high hopes for this book but sadly it was just a bit meh. The main character was insufferable, and her family not very supportive. This all annoyed me. The usual ‘woman’s life falls apart so she moves away and starts a new life where everything falls into place’ was not quite the vibe here. Multiple things fall apart in the process which is realistic, however far too many plot lines were opened and not fully closed. The unexpected death of her mother was a shock, and as someone who unexpectedly lost her mother this kind of hit me where I didn’t want it to. I chose to read this as a light sugary travel romance and didn’t really want to cry but hey ho my triggers are no one else’s responsibility.
And let’s not even go there with the mild alcoholism.
All in all this book was frustrating and a let down. Would not recommend
And let’s not even go there with the mild alcoholism.
All in all this book was frustrating and a let down. Would not recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
Hopeful, encouraging, delightfully charming, this story sweeps the reader off to the small town of Camogli, Italy for the adventure of a lifetime. The reader follows Niamh Kelly as she rebuilds her life after being dumped by her boyfriend/boss. Along the way, Niamh grows as a person, surprising herself and maybe even her family. She starts up a business from nothing…not once but twice. And she learns to trust herself and take advice from her new friends. And along the way she finds someone who loves her just the way she is.
While this is a romance, it focuses more on Niamh and the obstacles she has to overcome as she turns away from her old life and takes charge of her new one. A wonderful ‘feel good’ read.
Hopeful, encouraging, delightfully charming, this story sweeps the reader off to the small town of Camogli, Italy for the adventure of a lifetime. The reader follows Niamh Kelly as she rebuilds her life after being dumped by her boyfriend/boss. Along the way, Niamh grows as a person, surprising herself and maybe even her family. She starts up a business from nothing…not once but twice. And she learns to trust herself and take advice from her new friends. And along the way she finds someone who loves her just the way she is.
While this is a romance, it focuses more on Niamh and the obstacles she has to overcome as she turns away from her old life and takes charge of her new one. A wonderful ‘feel good’ read.
March 1, 2022
When I started this book I really wanted to enjoy it, but I gradually grew disappointed. There were a few things I couldn't overlook after a while: Italians can't pronounce Naimh [Neev-uh], but they can say via [vee-uh]? Naimh, her sister and friends drink two bottles of wine each nightly, wake up with horrible hangovers the next morning and don't think it might be a problem? Sister Grace's husband travels constantly, which angers her, and Naimh doesn't seem to worry about this? Oh, and a woman who has been depicted as knowing a little about wine is suddenly on her way to being an expert?
Throw in a obviously false crisis and the perfect happy ending. I chose this because it seemed to be a sweet, mindless fluff of a story but it just ended up irking me. Sorry.
Throw in a obviously false crisis and the perfect happy ending. I chose this because it seemed to be a sweet, mindless fluff of a story but it just ended up irking me. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2021
Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways for this book! I totally judged a book by its cover when I registered for this one because there was no blurb about what it was about. Who wouldn't love an escape to Italy?! I had no problem imagining myself on the Italian coast so that was lovely! But I found the pace of the book a little off. Some sections seemed a little slow, while I felt that some parts of the plot were a little rushed and thrown together just to get from one point to another. (As a side note: I was also a little bothered by how many times the characters mentioned someone's weight when it really did nothing for the plot.)
May 27, 2022
This is a well written and interesting book, so why only 2 stars. The language!!
I hate the "F word" at any time, but this author uses it constantly and it is sickening to me for a beautiful young woman to have such a potty mouth. Not only that, but the heroine is well on her way to being an alcoholic. I don't see how two girls in one evening can down a couple of glasses of champagne, then demolish two bottles of white wine, and finish up with a couple of limoncellos.
Poor heroine. Her liver will be gone by the time she is 40 for sure. Otherwise, if you can put up with all that nonsense, it is a good story.
I hate the "F word" at any time, but this author uses it constantly and it is sickening to me for a beautiful young woman to have such a potty mouth. Not only that, but the heroine is well on her way to being an alcoholic. I don't see how two girls in one evening can down a couple of glasses of champagne, then demolish two bottles of white wine, and finish up with a couple of limoncellos.
Poor heroine. Her liver will be gone by the time she is 40 for sure. Otherwise, if you can put up with all that nonsense, it is a good story.
August 5, 2023
This book would have received 5 stars because of the excellent writings describing the foods, the sites, the people💕💕💕💕💕💕
However the is a very offensive, politically incorrect description using “an epileptic fit” to describe someone who was upset. This is 2033! How would you NOT know that is not ok!
I was shocked!!!!!
Also the swearing that the main character used tome after time, over and over- the F word. It added nothing and was just so not needed.
I really wish these would have been dealt with swiftly because there were so many things I loved about this book!
Do I dare waste time starting another book by her?
However the is a very offensive, politically incorrect description using “an epileptic fit” to describe someone who was upset. This is 2033! How would you NOT know that is not ok!
I was shocked!!!!!
Also the swearing that the main character used tome after time, over and over- the F word. It added nothing and was just so not needed.
I really wish these would have been dealt with swiftly because there were so many things I loved about this book!
Do I dare waste time starting another book by her?
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June 6, 2024Waste of 200 pages
I've always wanted to be a proofreader ... I am very meticulous about the writing in books... This book was a waste of my time. STARTING with the awful Italian writing and translations.
Talking about 2 women and they write 'SIGNORE'... God almighty!!! Who translated this??? Also... the girls are young... They should be called 'Signorina'... And the kicker... THE SAME EXPLANATIONS OVER AND OVER AGAIN... The mother was talking to the girl for 12 pages, when she was dying in a hospital!!! IT WAS HORRIBLE... Waste of time!!!! I will never again read something from this author!!!
I've always wanted to be a proofreader ... I am very meticulous about the writing in books... This book was a waste of my time. STARTING with the awful Italian writing and translations.
Talking about 2 women and they write 'SIGNORE'... God almighty!!! Who translated this??? Also... the girls are young... They should be called 'Signorina'... And the kicker... THE SAME EXPLANATIONS OVER AND OVER AGAIN... The mother was talking to the girl for 12 pages, when she was dying in a hospital!!! IT WAS HORRIBLE... Waste of time!!!! I will never again read something from this author!!!
August 22, 2025
A romance that is almost sneaky.
A improbable story but one to keep you interested enough to finish the story. Italy was the perfect backdrop for romance. By reading this you learn about the food and wine of Italy. The characters are believable and you begin to value the friendships being made. Made me wonder what happened to Jeffery in all of this going on around a small town in Italy. Really a fun read and it has the potential to help people learn about love and kindness from others. Other than a few typos the writing was great. Again a really good story with life lessons.
A improbable story but one to keep you interested enough to finish the story. Italy was the perfect backdrop for romance. By reading this you learn about the food and wine of Italy. The characters are believable and you begin to value the friendships being made. Made me wonder what happened to Jeffery in all of this going on around a small town in Italy. Really a fun read and it has the potential to help people learn about love and kindness from others. Other than a few typos the writing was great. Again a really good story with life lessons.
July 24, 2024
2.5
This book transports you to the heart of Italy, evoking images of sipping Aperol Spritz and savoring wine and eating pasta.
However, Niamh's constant preoccupation with her weight was off-putting. Her frequent comments about the weight and appearance of other women, along with the notion that pasta is off-limits for maintaining a slim figure, became tiresome.
Despite this, the story is a pleasant beach or summer read, though it tends to be quite predictable.
This book transports you to the heart of Italy, evoking images of sipping Aperol Spritz and savoring wine and eating pasta.
However, Niamh's constant preoccupation with her weight was off-putting. Her frequent comments about the weight and appearance of other women, along with the notion that pasta is off-limits for maintaining a slim figure, became tiresome.
Despite this, the story is a pleasant beach or summer read, though it tends to be quite predictable.
February 21, 2023
My husband found this book in our hotel while we were on holiday and really enjoyed it, which was a huge surprise as he is addicted to crime novels! However, he brought it back for me to read and as holiday reads go it was very average and left me wanting something to happen and it never really did!
Total chick lit - not for me - sorry!
Total chick lit - not for me - sorry!
September 28, 2023
Enjoyable Read
The story was great, and the friendships established were awesome. It's a shame they were a bit unbelievable. And the amount of alcohol they could consume and still walk was ridiculous! But the story was fun, and I enjoyed the over simplified experience of an Irish girl moving to Italy for a new life, even if it was unbelievable!
The story was great, and the friendships established were awesome. It's a shame they were a bit unbelievable. And the amount of alcohol they could consume and still walk was ridiculous! But the story was fun, and I enjoyed the over simplified experience of an Irish girl moving to Italy for a new life, even if it was unbelievable!
July 31, 2024
I’d go 3.5 stars. I loved the setting - I’ll be seeing this same area in October, so reading about it in any small way was fun. I learned how to pronounce Niamh, so that’s fun. I learned that I would like to have a friend like Emily.
This is a quick, easy read. A good book to read while on vacation.
This is a quick, easy read. A good book to read while on vacation.
March 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Italian Escape was an engaging and enjoyable read, filled with compelling characters and a story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing was immersive, and I loved the way it made me feel completely transported into its world!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Italian Escape was an engaging and enjoyable read, filled with compelling characters and a story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing was immersive, and I loved the way it made me feel completely transported into its world!
August 24, 2021
Thank you Goodreads and Catherine Mangan I won this book on a giveaway.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters kept me engrossed and entertained.
I like how descriptive it is to where you almost believe you are actually there in Italy.
I would recommend this book. Thanks again.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters kept me engrossed and entertained.
I like how descriptive it is to where you almost believe you are actually there in Italy.
I would recommend this book. Thanks again.
September 18, 2021
This is a fun and easy read about an Irish woman who goes on vacation to the Ligurian coast. When the week is up she decides to stay and start her life over. Filled with Italian food, wine and adventure, I enjoyed it a lot
March 12, 2022
Loved this book. Truly was an escape from the tensions of life and the madness we find in our world today. A light romantic, feel good read about an Irish woman who discovers her inner strength and new love in a beautiful fishing village, Camogli, Italy. Love, love loved it!
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