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Τρία χρυσά νομίσματα
Ένα νόμισμα για να βρει την αγάπη, ένα νόμισμα για να παντρευτεί κι ένα για να επιστρέψει στη Ρώμη.
Δύο μέρες πριν η Λάρα Φόξλι πέταξε τρία χρυσά νομίσματα στη Φοντάνα Ντι Τρέβι. Σήμερα, φροντίζει έναν ιδιόρρυθμο ηλικιωμένο άντρα και ζει σε μια παραδοσιακή βίλα, στην άλλη άκρη του κόσμου από το σπίτι της και πολύ μακριά από τη στοργή της αγαπημένης της οικογένειας. Σύντομα, αρχίζει να διαφαίνεται ότι οι τρεις ευχές που έκανε στη Ρώμη μπορεί να πραγματοποιηθούν και ίσως να επουλωθεί ένα οικογενειακό δράμα, που διαρκεί εδώ και δεκαπέντε χρόνια.
Μέχρι που το παρελθόν της Λάρα απειλεί να καταστρέψει όλα όσα αγαπά…
Τα "Τρία Χρυσά Νομίσματα" είναι ένα μυθιστόρημα ύμνος στο φαγητό και στην οικογένεια, στη νίκη απέναντι στις αντιξοότητες και στην αγάπη… μια υπέροχα προβληματική ζωή.
Δύο μέρες πριν η Λάρα Φόξλι πέταξε τρία χρυσά νομίσματα στη Φοντάνα Ντι Τρέβι. Σήμερα, φροντίζει έναν ιδιόρρυθμο ηλικιωμένο άντρα και ζει σε μια παραδοσιακή βίλα, στην άλλη άκρη του κόσμου από το σπίτι της και πολύ μακριά από τη στοργή της αγαπημένης της οικογένειας. Σύντομα, αρχίζει να διαφαίνεται ότι οι τρεις ευχές που έκανε στη Ρώμη μπορεί να πραγματοποιηθούν και ίσως να επουλωθεί ένα οικογενειακό δράμα, που διαρκεί εδώ και δεκαπέντε χρόνια.
Μέχρι που το παρελθόν της Λάρα απειλεί να καταστρέψει όλα όσα αγαπά…
Τα "Τρία Χρυσά Νομίσματα" είναι ένα μυθιστόρημα ύμνος στο φαγητό και στην οικογένεια, στη νίκη απέναντι στις αντιξοότητες και στην αγάπη… μια υπέροχα προβληματική ζωή.
584 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2020
53 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Josephine Moon
13 books372 followersHello! I live in the Noosa hinterland in Australia and now have the great pleasure of writing warm-hearted, feel good, contemporary fiction books for adults and now kids too! I am published in Australia, NZ, UK, Ireland, Norway, Greece and Germany. I'm so grateful to everyone who buys and reads my books. Thank you!
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March 23, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Josephine Moon, the queen of Australian foodie fiction, is back with a glorious and completely indulgent new release. First Josephine Moon explored tea, then chocolate, next came honey and now comes one of my own favourite guilty treats… cheese! Not only does Three Gold Coins provide the reader with a gastronomic adventure, it also offers so much in terms of lessons in love, life, family, friendship, personal strength and travel.
Everyone knows when you travel to Rome, one of the icons you must visit is the Trevi Fountain. And a trip to the Trevi Fountain would not be complete without indulging in one of the known traditions attached to the fountain, tossing in three coins. One is for love, the other for marriage and the final coin represents a return visit to Rome. Lara Foxleigh is a young Australian woman on her first trip to Rome, when befriends a cranky old man, who has been abandoned at the Trevi Fountain. What ensues is a jaunt at a stunning villa, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Italy, as Lara becomes the man’s instant carer. Although it is so very different to life in Australia, Lara takes it in her stride and embraces the opportunity. Lara even throws herself into reconciling a broken family. As quickly as Lara settles into her new life in Italy, it has the potential to come crashing down in a spectacular fashion. Lara’s terrifying past in Australia, one she has tried so hard to put behind her, may threaten to ruin all that is good in her life in Italy.
I probably sound like a broken record when I say that Three Gold Coins falls into the category of one of my most anticipated reads for 2018 and yes, I have many! Anyhow, I feel blessed to be one of the first readers to introduce this gratifying read to you. To say I am fond of this book is quite the understatement, I absolutely adored Three Gold Coins! Josephine Moon has certainly excelled in impressing this reader.
There is a rich and tender heart to Three Gold Coins, which comes across very early in the piece. The main characters are genuine and just so giving. Although Samuel initially seemed quite gruff in personality, I soon saw past this facade. It wasn’t long until Samuel occupied a big place in my heart. I salute Josephine Moon for creating such a vivid character. No discussion of characterisation is complete without acknowledging the strong presence of Lara. Lara is an exceptional character and one brave young woman. I got so caught up in her journey as a character, it was sad to say goodbye to her at the end of the book. With Lara comes her equally admirable sister Sunny. Wow, just wow on Sunny as a person! I loved how Moon represented Sunny, we got to see her in full superhero mode and at her lowest, where her vulnerability was obvious. Along with Sunny, Lara’s mother, niece and nephew are all very well drawn secondary characters. The gang in Italy are simply fantastic and so well rendered too.
It’s been awhile since my trip to Italy (2009) but thankfully Three Gold Coins has filled that void and my longing to return to this slice of heaven. The atmosphere and setting depicted in Three Cold Coins is overwhelmingly authentic, realistic and culturally well placed. It is very clear that Moon has dedicated much of her energies into getting the nitty gritty details of her novel in all areas just right. I could envision the rolling hills of the Italian countryside and feel myself relaxing in the comfort of Samuel’s villa. As well as a richly textured setting, all my senses were ignited as I consumed all of Moon’s descriptions of the food featured in this novel. Food really does as act as a centrepiece for this novel, driving the main events forward and propelling many of the characters together. The wonderful romance featured in Three Gold Coins revolves around food and draws lead Lara to her love interest. I liked the approach Moon took with this aspect of her novel.
I was so impressed by the serious undertones of contained in Three Gold Coins and the way in which Moon presented a number of hard hitting themes. I do hope there is a message on domestic and emotional abuse, as well as mental illness to be taken away from reading this affective novel. My hope and I’m sure Josephine Moon is with me on this, is that her novel will perhaps give others a sense of connection who are going through similar situations or give them the courage to stand up for their rights. Three Gold Coins is hopeful and inspiring, but in the same instance, there are heartbreaking moments that I will not forget.
Josephine Moon, hats off to you for creating a book that completely monopolized my life for the time I spent with Three Gold Coins. With a robust narrative, an intriguing line of suspense, amiable characters and a scenic stage, Three Gold Coins is a winner on all fronts. It gently reminds us through the arresting narrative, just how important love, loyalty, family, friendship and food is to our way of life.
*I wish to thank Allen & Unwin for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Three Gold Coins is book #25 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
Josephine Moon, the queen of Australian foodie fiction, is back with a glorious and completely indulgent new release. First Josephine Moon explored tea, then chocolate, next came honey and now comes one of my own favourite guilty treats… cheese! Not only does Three Gold Coins provide the reader with a gastronomic adventure, it also offers so much in terms of lessons in love, life, family, friendship, personal strength and travel.
Everyone knows when you travel to Rome, one of the icons you must visit is the Trevi Fountain. And a trip to the Trevi Fountain would not be complete without indulging in one of the known traditions attached to the fountain, tossing in three coins. One is for love, the other for marriage and the final coin represents a return visit to Rome. Lara Foxleigh is a young Australian woman on her first trip to Rome, when befriends a cranky old man, who has been abandoned at the Trevi Fountain. What ensues is a jaunt at a stunning villa, nestled in the picturesque countryside of Italy, as Lara becomes the man’s instant carer. Although it is so very different to life in Australia, Lara takes it in her stride and embraces the opportunity. Lara even throws herself into reconciling a broken family. As quickly as Lara settles into her new life in Italy, it has the potential to come crashing down in a spectacular fashion. Lara’s terrifying past in Australia, one she has tried so hard to put behind her, may threaten to ruin all that is good in her life in Italy.
I probably sound like a broken record when I say that Three Gold Coins falls into the category of one of my most anticipated reads for 2018 and yes, I have many! Anyhow, I feel blessed to be one of the first readers to introduce this gratifying read to you. To say I am fond of this book is quite the understatement, I absolutely adored Three Gold Coins! Josephine Moon has certainly excelled in impressing this reader.
There is a rich and tender heart to Three Gold Coins, which comes across very early in the piece. The main characters are genuine and just so giving. Although Samuel initially seemed quite gruff in personality, I soon saw past this facade. It wasn’t long until Samuel occupied a big place in my heart. I salute Josephine Moon for creating such a vivid character. No discussion of characterisation is complete without acknowledging the strong presence of Lara. Lara is an exceptional character and one brave young woman. I got so caught up in her journey as a character, it was sad to say goodbye to her at the end of the book. With Lara comes her equally admirable sister Sunny. Wow, just wow on Sunny as a person! I loved how Moon represented Sunny, we got to see her in full superhero mode and at her lowest, where her vulnerability was obvious. Along with Sunny, Lara’s mother, niece and nephew are all very well drawn secondary characters. The gang in Italy are simply fantastic and so well rendered too.
It’s been awhile since my trip to Italy (2009) but thankfully Three Gold Coins has filled that void and my longing to return to this slice of heaven. The atmosphere and setting depicted in Three Cold Coins is overwhelmingly authentic, realistic and culturally well placed. It is very clear that Moon has dedicated much of her energies into getting the nitty gritty details of her novel in all areas just right. I could envision the rolling hills of the Italian countryside and feel myself relaxing in the comfort of Samuel’s villa. As well as a richly textured setting, all my senses were ignited as I consumed all of Moon’s descriptions of the food featured in this novel. Food really does as act as a centrepiece for this novel, driving the main events forward and propelling many of the characters together. The wonderful romance featured in Three Gold Coins revolves around food and draws lead Lara to her love interest. I liked the approach Moon took with this aspect of her novel.
I was so impressed by the serious undertones of contained in Three Gold Coins and the way in which Moon presented a number of hard hitting themes. I do hope there is a message on domestic and emotional abuse, as well as mental illness to be taken away from reading this affective novel. My hope and I’m sure Josephine Moon is with me on this, is that her novel will perhaps give others a sense of connection who are going through similar situations or give them the courage to stand up for their rights. Three Gold Coins is hopeful and inspiring, but in the same instance, there are heartbreaking moments that I will not forget.
Josephine Moon, hats off to you for creating a book that completely monopolized my life for the time I spent with Three Gold Coins. With a robust narrative, an intriguing line of suspense, amiable characters and a scenic stage, Three Gold Coins is a winner on all fronts. It gently reminds us through the arresting narrative, just how important love, loyalty, family, friendship and food is to our way of life.
*I wish to thank Allen & Unwin for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Three Gold Coins is book #25 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
April 15, 2018
“The recipes she saw in these books made her hungry. But it wasn’t just a hunger for food. It was a hunger for connection, love, family. Putting food on the table was a great act of love… Food and family went hand in hand. Bonding together over meals. She ran her palm over the matte texture of the pages in front of her. Food connected people all over the world, in every city and village and home. Samuel had lost his feasts and his family. She wanted to get them back for him, somehow.”
Three Gold Coins is the fourth novel by Australian author, Josephine Moon. Leaving both her employer and her family in the lurch, Lara Foxleigh has fled to Italy. A chance encounter at the famed Trevi Fountain in Rome on the day of her arrival sees her driving an elderly man to Tuscany, where she takes a temporary job as his carer. Cooking, helping with activities of daily living, shopping, cleaning and even gardening, yes, she can manage all that. Putting up with Samuel’s grumpy moods, fine. Milking goats? That, she had not ever in her life, expected to be doing!
Old Samuel Baker’s great-nephew, the rather gorgeous Matteo helps out where he can, although he works on a goat farm and has cheese-making to attend to. But Lara soon finds herself fairly capably tending Meg and Willow, milking them and even making cheese from their milk. She is intrigued by Samuel’s solitary existence, though. Why, except for Matteo’s visits, is he all alone?
Meanwhile, her mum, Eliza, her sister Sunny and the kids, Daisy and Hudson get by at home. They are pleased that Lara is safe and that she is coping, physically and mentally. But all is not well in Brisbane: a dangerous figure from Lara’s past seems determined to make trouble, once again.
Moon’s fourth novel gives the reader a believable plot and characters that are easy to like and care for. The story touches on several forms of mental Illness including bipolar disorder and depression, as well as the stigma attached to those and to suicide. Characters have to deal with psychological abuse and the resultant self-blame; family law surrounding custody rights, and how weak laws force people to act outside them; how pride and miscommunication can estrange family members; and survivor guilt.
But there is also a good dose of positivity: love and loyalty, friendship and forgiveness, sweet kids and cute goats. This is not a book to read on an empty stomach: Moon’s descriptions of cheeses and all that delicious Italian food will surely have readers salivating. And travel agents selling holidays to Tuscany will be grateful for the marvellous job Moon has done of selling the region’s attractions. Moon’s extensive research is apparent on every page. This is another marvellous read from a talented author. It may be Moon’s best yet.
Quote from an uncorrected proof copy won from Allen & Unwin.
Three Gold Coins is the fourth novel by Australian author, Josephine Moon. Leaving both her employer and her family in the lurch, Lara Foxleigh has fled to Italy. A chance encounter at the famed Trevi Fountain in Rome on the day of her arrival sees her driving an elderly man to Tuscany, where she takes a temporary job as his carer. Cooking, helping with activities of daily living, shopping, cleaning and even gardening, yes, she can manage all that. Putting up with Samuel’s grumpy moods, fine. Milking goats? That, she had not ever in her life, expected to be doing!
Old Samuel Baker’s great-nephew, the rather gorgeous Matteo helps out where he can, although he works on a goat farm and has cheese-making to attend to. But Lara soon finds herself fairly capably tending Meg and Willow, milking them and even making cheese from their milk. She is intrigued by Samuel’s solitary existence, though. Why, except for Matteo’s visits, is he all alone?
Meanwhile, her mum, Eliza, her sister Sunny and the kids, Daisy and Hudson get by at home. They are pleased that Lara is safe and that she is coping, physically and mentally. But all is not well in Brisbane: a dangerous figure from Lara’s past seems determined to make trouble, once again.
Moon’s fourth novel gives the reader a believable plot and characters that are easy to like and care for. The story touches on several forms of mental Illness including bipolar disorder and depression, as well as the stigma attached to those and to suicide. Characters have to deal with psychological abuse and the resultant self-blame; family law surrounding custody rights, and how weak laws force people to act outside them; how pride and miscommunication can estrange family members; and survivor guilt.
But there is also a good dose of positivity: love and loyalty, friendship and forgiveness, sweet kids and cute goats. This is not a book to read on an empty stomach: Moon’s descriptions of cheeses and all that delicious Italian food will surely have readers salivating. And travel agents selling holidays to Tuscany will be grateful for the marvellous job Moon has done of selling the region’s attractions. Moon’s extensive research is apparent on every page. This is another marvellous read from a talented author. It may be Moon’s best yet.
Quote from an uncorrected proof copy won from Allen & Unwin.
December 24, 2018
Lara Foxleigh never quite expects her life to turn out as it does. After tossing three coins in the Trevi Fountain kind hearted Lara ends up caring for Samuel, a man it seems bereft of family to look after him. One advantage of her new position is she is staying in the beautiful area of Tuscany, in a picturesque villa. As well as caring for Samuel and his needs, it included learning to milk goats. The goats are so cute (I love goats) and a critical aspect of the book. Lara is a long way away from her family in Australia, which consists of her mother Eliza, sister Sunny, and five year old twins Daisy and Hudson. Even better she is a long way away from Dave and the past that still haunts her. When that past threatens her family, crucial decisions need to be made. In the meantime, Lara hopes to help Samuel and bring help to the old man she has come to care for. She also finds herself attracted to Samuel’s great nephew Matteo, who is the only one of the family in contact with and looking out for Samuel.
Lara is a well-developed character and as a reader she was easy to empathise with and care about, as is her sister Sunny. Although initially appearing to be a grumpy old man, as the story progresses it is easy to see what effects tragic events of the past and his family’s reactions have contributed to Samuel’s outlook. All of the main characters are well drawn and I particularly liked some of the minor characters as well, especially Gilberta. Though initially this might appear to be chick lit, there are certainly darker themes like domestic abuse, and dealing with mental illness covered in this novel. Tension builds particularly towards the end.
Two things stopped me from giving this five stars. While I loved hearing about the goats, I got over the emphasis on cheese and pasta making. Neither of these are my passions, so others will probably happily devour the pages devoted to these things. I also thought the resolution of the danger to Lara and her family was a little too quickly and conveniently wrapped up. Still this was a great read about family, food and forgiveness, and another Josephine Moon novel that I would definitely recommend as well worth reading.
Lara is a well-developed character and as a reader she was easy to empathise with and care about, as is her sister Sunny. Although initially appearing to be a grumpy old man, as the story progresses it is easy to see what effects tragic events of the past and his family’s reactions have contributed to Samuel’s outlook. All of the main characters are well drawn and I particularly liked some of the minor characters as well, especially Gilberta. Though initially this might appear to be chick lit, there are certainly darker themes like domestic abuse, and dealing with mental illness covered in this novel. Tension builds particularly towards the end.
Two things stopped me from giving this five stars. While I loved hearing about the goats, I got over the emphasis on cheese and pasta making. Neither of these are my passions, so others will probably happily devour the pages devoted to these things. I also thought the resolution of the danger to Lara and her family was a little too quickly and conveniently wrapped up. Still this was a great read about family, food and forgiveness, and another Josephine Moon novel that I would definitely recommend as well worth reading.
February 16, 2018
Josephine Moon has written some great, fun reads about chocolate, honey and tea. The text is so rich and visceral that sometimes you just want to eat it!
In her most recent novel she offers up another great celebration of food, love and family by taking readers on a journey to the Fontana di Trevi or the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Like many tourists, Lara Foxleigh has tossed her three gold coins into the fountain. She has hopes and dreams about what they promise- one for love, the second for marriage and the third to return to Rome. But things are not always easy and Lara confronts a number of personal challenges along the way in what is ultimately, one rollicking read.
In her most recent novel she offers up another great celebration of food, love and family by taking readers on a journey to the Fontana di Trevi or the Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Like many tourists, Lara Foxleigh has tossed her three gold coins into the fountain. She has hopes and dreams about what they promise- one for love, the second for marriage and the third to return to Rome. But things are not always easy and Lara confronts a number of personal challenges along the way in what is ultimately, one rollicking read.
April 18, 2018
The subjects that Josephine Moon has previously based her story around have all been food related – first tea, then chocolate, next we learned about bees (honey) and now it is time for cheese to shine. Before we get to cheese though, the story opens in Rome – more specifically beside the famous Trevi Fountain. Lara has just arrived in Italy from Australia and elbows her way to the edge of the fountain to throw her three coins over her left shoulder to ensure, as the tradition goes, a return to Rome, to find true love and to get married. She spots an elderly man who seems to be in a bit of a bother as he has been abandoned by his carer, and Lara ends up assisting him to throw his single gold ring into the fountain then drive him home – to Tuscany – to a goat farm!
Despite his crabby exterior Samuel needs help, and Lara finds herself offering to be his carer until a fulltime replacement can be found. Part of the chores are to keep house for him, milk his goats, Meg and Willow, and make the cheese, not something that Lara has ever experienced – well the keep house bit she’s ok with – the goat and cheese part? Well not so much. Enter the handsome, but not perfect, hero, Samuel’s great-nephew Matteo. Matteo helps out where he can, although he can’t spend a lot of time training Lara in goat husbandry as he works on a different goat farm and has his own cheese-making to attend to. Lara soon realises that Matteo is the only family member who visits the lonely and crabby old Samuel. What on earth can cause a whole family to turn their backs on one man?
It has been a while where I fell so instantly in love with all the main characters in a book – because as well as Samuel and Matteo in Italy, back home in Australia, Lara has her mother, Eliza, her sister Sunny and Sunny’s young twins, Daisy and Hudson. Not is all roses in paradise though, back home there is also some big threat to the family unit. The three women are afraid, very afraid. Whatever this threat is, it is the reason why Lara is alone in Italy. Very slowly, with the story switching back and forth between the voices of Sunny and Lara and the present and the past, the reader get to learn all the horror that is being inflicted on Lara and her family. Eventually what is happening in Australia impacts on Lara in Italy – she has to make a decision to save both herself and her family. She also needs to sort out Samuel’s problems – is the world going to come crashing down around her?
THREE GOLD COINS is not all sightseeing, cheese making, cooking and romance – there is suspense as the back story of Lara and her family unfolds. Some gritty subjects such as domestic abuse and mental illness that are very well handled – along with a realistic look at the legal system in Australia that seems to protect the right of the abuser rather than the victim. The message that comes from THREE GOLD COINS is that it is possible to make a stand – but do it smartly. There is always hope.
Overall, the plot is believable, the characters are all believable, there is love and loyalty, humour and terror, danger and happiness, mad cow disease and goats – and food! I was googling recipes right left and centre as I read the book. There is a whole lot more to Italian cooking than Spag Bog and Pizza – like Tuscan White Bean Soup – Mm mm crunchy bread and a glass of wine! Italian wine of course.
Josephine Moon just gets better and better – this is her best book yet – and they’ve all been 5 star reads for me.
With thanks to Allen and Unwin and the author for my copy to read and review.
Despite his crabby exterior Samuel needs help, and Lara finds herself offering to be his carer until a fulltime replacement can be found. Part of the chores are to keep house for him, milk his goats, Meg and Willow, and make the cheese, not something that Lara has ever experienced – well the keep house bit she’s ok with – the goat and cheese part? Well not so much. Enter the handsome, but not perfect, hero, Samuel’s great-nephew Matteo. Matteo helps out where he can, although he can’t spend a lot of time training Lara in goat husbandry as he works on a different goat farm and has his own cheese-making to attend to. Lara soon realises that Matteo is the only family member who visits the lonely and crabby old Samuel. What on earth can cause a whole family to turn their backs on one man?
It has been a while where I fell so instantly in love with all the main characters in a book – because as well as Samuel and Matteo in Italy, back home in Australia, Lara has her mother, Eliza, her sister Sunny and Sunny’s young twins, Daisy and Hudson. Not is all roses in paradise though, back home there is also some big threat to the family unit. The three women are afraid, very afraid. Whatever this threat is, it is the reason why Lara is alone in Italy. Very slowly, with the story switching back and forth between the voices of Sunny and Lara and the present and the past, the reader get to learn all the horror that is being inflicted on Lara and her family. Eventually what is happening in Australia impacts on Lara in Italy – she has to make a decision to save both herself and her family. She also needs to sort out Samuel’s problems – is the world going to come crashing down around her?
THREE GOLD COINS is not all sightseeing, cheese making, cooking and romance – there is suspense as the back story of Lara and her family unfolds. Some gritty subjects such as domestic abuse and mental illness that are very well handled – along with a realistic look at the legal system in Australia that seems to protect the right of the abuser rather than the victim. The message that comes from THREE GOLD COINS is that it is possible to make a stand – but do it smartly. There is always hope.
Overall, the plot is believable, the characters are all believable, there is love and loyalty, humour and terror, danger and happiness, mad cow disease and goats – and food! I was googling recipes right left and centre as I read the book. There is a whole lot more to Italian cooking than Spag Bog and Pizza – like Tuscan White Bean Soup – Mm mm crunchy bread and a glass of wine! Italian wine of course.
Josephine Moon just gets better and better – this is her best book yet – and they’ve all been 5 star reads for me.
With thanks to Allen and Unwin and the author for my copy to read and review.
April 9, 2018
Three Gold Coins is a great new story by Josephine Moon set in the hillsides of Tuscany, Italy.
The story begins around the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Legend tells you that you should toss three coins into the Trevi Fountain (three Euro).
One coin for love,
one for marriage,
one to return to Rome.
What would you wish for?
This is the story of Lara; a girl who's travelled far from her homeland of Brisbane, Australia (where jacarandas bloom in Springtime and white cockatoos fly high and rest in the gum trees) to finding herself at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy where she tosses three gold coins into the fountain on a whim, not knowing where her wishes and future may take her.
It is also a taste of Italy which will capture your senses on the most amazing foodie trail; complete with delights such as orange blossom amaretti, Tuscan white bean soup, goats cheese, fresh ricotta and many varieties of home made pasta.
Picture yourself also driving through the Italian countryside in a red Alfa Romeo near the Dolomites Mountain Ranges, seeing all the different dairy cows, attending cow festivals where the cows are adorned with bells and garlands of flowers.
Taste the cheeses, enjoy the anti pesto ~ drink the grappa!
There's an Italian feast at the end to tantalise your tastebuds and senses.
Kitchens filled with hanging garlic, tables laden with fresh honeycomb, straw hats hanging on chairs as you dine outside among the olive and lemon trees in a sun-filled Tuscan garden.
Find out what Garden de Flori means other than just Garden of Flowers in this wonderful new novel, Three Gold Coins by Josephine Moon.
The story begins around the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome.
Legend tells you that you should toss three coins into the Trevi Fountain (three Euro).
One coin for love,
one for marriage,
one to return to Rome.
What would you wish for?
This is the story of Lara; a girl who's travelled far from her homeland of Brisbane, Australia (where jacarandas bloom in Springtime and white cockatoos fly high and rest in the gum trees) to finding herself at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy where she tosses three gold coins into the fountain on a whim, not knowing where her wishes and future may take her.
It is also a taste of Italy which will capture your senses on the most amazing foodie trail; complete with delights such as orange blossom amaretti, Tuscan white bean soup, goats cheese, fresh ricotta and many varieties of home made pasta.
Picture yourself also driving through the Italian countryside in a red Alfa Romeo near the Dolomites Mountain Ranges, seeing all the different dairy cows, attending cow festivals where the cows are adorned with bells and garlands of flowers.
Taste the cheeses, enjoy the anti pesto ~ drink the grappa!
There's an Italian feast at the end to tantalise your tastebuds and senses.
Kitchens filled with hanging garlic, tables laden with fresh honeycomb, straw hats hanging on chairs as you dine outside among the olive and lemon trees in a sun-filled Tuscan garden.
Find out what Garden de Flori means other than just Garden of Flowers in this wonderful new novel, Three Gold Coins by Josephine Moon.
January 24, 2019
I adore the front cover for delicious food waiting to be served and wine. With the design of the front cover and the blurb this what really made me want to read Three Gold Coins. And I must say I enjoyed all themes that author Josephine Moon has added within this story.
Lara Foxleigh in sunny Rome approached the Trevi Fountain. People at the fountain were tossing coins backwards into it. Lara threw three euro coins in and made three wishes. Will any of her wishes come true?
Lara was in total shock when she noticed that an elderly man tossed his gold ring into the fountain. I couldn't believe it myself. It made me start to think why did this old man throw his gold ring in.
The old man who had a young woman with him who was his carer disappeared and left the old man all on his own. She did a wicked thing. I couldn't believe what the carer did.
Kind hearted Lara who doesn't really know this old man takes him home to her place. Then Lara becomes his carer at his place in Chianti south of Florence.
This story has a lot to offer with many different things happening.
Lara Foxleigh in sunny Rome approached the Trevi Fountain. People at the fountain were tossing coins backwards into it. Lara threw three euro coins in and made three wishes. Will any of her wishes come true?
Lara was in total shock when she noticed that an elderly man tossed his gold ring into the fountain. I couldn't believe it myself. It made me start to think why did this old man throw his gold ring in.
The old man who had a young woman with him who was his carer disappeared and left the old man all on his own. She did a wicked thing. I couldn't believe what the carer did.
Kind hearted Lara who doesn't really know this old man takes him home to her place. Then Lara becomes his carer at his place in Chianti south of Florence.
This story has a lot to offer with many different things happening.
August 27, 2018
A warm-hearted contemporary tale set in Australia and Italy, Three Gold Coins is the first book written by Josephine Moon that I have read but it won’t be the last. I just loved the skilful twisting together of romance and suspense, chick-lit and family drama. This is a novel which celebrates family ties, food and the importance of kindness, all things which I passionately believe in.
The story begins when Australian tourist Lara Foxleigh tosses three gold coins into the Trevi Fountain in the age-old superstition: one coin for love, one coin for marriage, one coin to return to Rome. As she watches the crowd passing by, she notices a stooped old man struggling along, helped by a young woman in tight flashy gym gear. Then the old man is alone. His carer has robbed him and abandoned him, and he has no way of getting home. Lara is moved to help him, and ends up offering to drive the old man home. She does not realise Samuel lives in Tuscany, a long way from Rome, and so finds herself embarked on a much bigger adventure than she had imagined.
Before long, Lara finds herself cooking and caring for Samuel, and drawn into his family feuds. The only person to talk to him is his nephew Matteo, a handsome young man with a debilitating stutter. My heart was won at that moment. As someone who has struggled all my life with a stutter, I could not help but warm to the world’s first stuttering romantic hero!
Lara learns to milk the goats and make pasta and ricotta cheese, while slowly falling in love with Matteo.
Yet there is darkness in both Lara and Samuel’s pasts that threatens her new-found happiness. Back in Australia, Lara’s mother, Eliza, her sister Sunny and Sunny’s young twins, Daisy and Hudson, are facing a threat that Lara has tried to run from. And in Italy, Samuel’s loneliness and isolation are a problem she must try to solve.
The story moves back and forth between the voices of Lara and Sunny, and between the past and the present, slowly revealing the secrets that are overshadowing Lara’s life. Josephone Moon sensitively explores themes of depression and mental illness, psychological abuse and violence, which give her story extra gravitas and depth to balance the warmth and charm.
The story begins when Australian tourist Lara Foxleigh tosses three gold coins into the Trevi Fountain in the age-old superstition: one coin for love, one coin for marriage, one coin to return to Rome. As she watches the crowd passing by, she notices a stooped old man struggling along, helped by a young woman in tight flashy gym gear. Then the old man is alone. His carer has robbed him and abandoned him, and he has no way of getting home. Lara is moved to help him, and ends up offering to drive the old man home. She does not realise Samuel lives in Tuscany, a long way from Rome, and so finds herself embarked on a much bigger adventure than she had imagined.
Before long, Lara finds herself cooking and caring for Samuel, and drawn into his family feuds. The only person to talk to him is his nephew Matteo, a handsome young man with a debilitating stutter. My heart was won at that moment. As someone who has struggled all my life with a stutter, I could not help but warm to the world’s first stuttering romantic hero!
Lara learns to milk the goats and make pasta and ricotta cheese, while slowly falling in love with Matteo.
Yet there is darkness in both Lara and Samuel’s pasts that threatens her new-found happiness. Back in Australia, Lara’s mother, Eliza, her sister Sunny and Sunny’s young twins, Daisy and Hudson, are facing a threat that Lara has tried to run from. And in Italy, Samuel’s loneliness and isolation are a problem she must try to solve.
The story moves back and forth between the voices of Lara and Sunny, and between the past and the present, slowly revealing the secrets that are overshadowing Lara’s life. Josephone Moon sensitively explores themes of depression and mental illness, psychological abuse and violence, which give her story extra gravitas and depth to balance the warmth and charm.
March 21, 2018
I am filled to the brim with so much love for this beautiful novel that I hardly know where to begin. I’ve been a fan of Josephine Moon since the release of her first novel, The Tea Chest, not only for her storytelling, but also because she’s a really lovely person. Follow her blog and social media and subscribe to her newsletter and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Her stories all connect with food: tea (The Tea Chest), chocolate (The Chocolate Promise), honey products (The Beekeeper’s Secret), and now cheese (along with other Italian mainstays) in Three Gold Coins. What I love most about Josephine’s stories is how she learns everything about her chosen food, down to the most incredible detail, and then she weaves it seamlessly into her narrative with such precision that you end up learning so much alongside reading an incredible story.
Three Gold Coins is her best so far (and believe me, the bar was set pretty high), not only because it’s predominately about cheese and all good things Italian, but it’s absolutely soaked in atmosphere. I truly felt as though I was there, with Lara, in Tuscany and in the North Italian Alps; the setting was very special indeed and was brought to life vividly. And the food! I almost want to lobby Allen and Unwin to publish an illustrated edition, complete with recipes and cheese making processes.
Lara’s story is an extremely important one, on multiple levels. I’m not going to go into too much detail here because this novel is best approached without spoiling of any sort. Josephine has paced the story well, divulging in a timely manner and switching perspectives at the exact right time to keep the story moving rapidly. I enjoyed spending time with each of the characters equally, and while this is touted as Lara’s story, essentially, it also belongs to many other characters, not least of all Sunny, Lara’s sister, who in my opinion is a superhero like no other.
The relationships are rich within Three Gold Coins and they are built upon the structures of loyalty, love, and unwavering devotion. It’s not always easy to stand by your loved ones at the lowest of points, but Josephine highlights just how many ways it’s worth it when you do. Lara was a brave heroine, a woman to admire greatly, and I loved her personal story, even if some of it broke my heart along the way. I admire Josephine for not shying away from the dark and ugly side of Lara’s story. It’s not something everyone might like to read, but it’s something everyone should read. There are some serious problems within our society that we are just beginning to realise, much less tackle, but without awareness, all will remain broken. The sacrifice made towards the end of this novel is not one that should ever have had to occur, and yet it does, all too often, and I appreciated Josephine taking a stand and holding fast. Bravo!
Food, family, friendship, and love: this is the heart of Three Gold Coins. Before I leave you with an excerpt of one of my favourite scenes, I have one piece of advice: buy some good cheese to eat while you read. Don’t get stuck like I did with a budget slab of ‘not real brie’. And clear your schedule. Because this is one novel you won’t want to put down. I loved it, and I’ll be completely honest, I would have kept on reading for another couple of hundred pages, that’s how absorbed I became in the atmosphere and lives of the characters. Thank you Josephine, thank you so much for persevering with this novel. I know it wasn’t easy but by goodness it was worth it.
“Why don’t you blow on your coffee to cool it down?” she asked.
Matteo’s shoulders rose, startled. “Perdono?”
“Your coffee.” She could hear her voice shaking. “You hold it to your face to check the temperature.”
“Si.” A corner of his mouth drew upwards and he shook his head, ever so slightly, confused.
“Why don’t you just blow on it?”
He studied her a minute, thrown by her questions. “The coffee is sensitive, yes?”
“Um, I don’t know—I guess so, sort of.”
“Most people blow…fff ffff,” he mimicked, “…to force it to cool down, but I respect the coffee. It will be ready when it’s ready.” He shrugged. “I am happy to wait; it will be all the sweeter.”
Lara stared at him, blinking fast against a wave of delicious tears. (Pg.240—241)
Thanks is extended to Allen and Unwin for providing me with a copy of Three Gold Coins for review.
Three Gold Coins is her best so far (and believe me, the bar was set pretty high), not only because it’s predominately about cheese and all good things Italian, but it’s absolutely soaked in atmosphere. I truly felt as though I was there, with Lara, in Tuscany and in the North Italian Alps; the setting was very special indeed and was brought to life vividly. And the food! I almost want to lobby Allen and Unwin to publish an illustrated edition, complete with recipes and cheese making processes.
Lara’s story is an extremely important one, on multiple levels. I’m not going to go into too much detail here because this novel is best approached without spoiling of any sort. Josephine has paced the story well, divulging in a timely manner and switching perspectives at the exact right time to keep the story moving rapidly. I enjoyed spending time with each of the characters equally, and while this is touted as Lara’s story, essentially, it also belongs to many other characters, not least of all Sunny, Lara’s sister, who in my opinion is a superhero like no other.
The relationships are rich within Three Gold Coins and they are built upon the structures of loyalty, love, and unwavering devotion. It’s not always easy to stand by your loved ones at the lowest of points, but Josephine highlights just how many ways it’s worth it when you do. Lara was a brave heroine, a woman to admire greatly, and I loved her personal story, even if some of it broke my heart along the way. I admire Josephine for not shying away from the dark and ugly side of Lara’s story. It’s not something everyone might like to read, but it’s something everyone should read. There are some serious problems within our society that we are just beginning to realise, much less tackle, but without awareness, all will remain broken. The sacrifice made towards the end of this novel is not one that should ever have had to occur, and yet it does, all too often, and I appreciated Josephine taking a stand and holding fast. Bravo!
Food, family, friendship, and love: this is the heart of Three Gold Coins. Before I leave you with an excerpt of one of my favourite scenes, I have one piece of advice: buy some good cheese to eat while you read. Don’t get stuck like I did with a budget slab of ‘not real brie’. And clear your schedule. Because this is one novel you won’t want to put down. I loved it, and I’ll be completely honest, I would have kept on reading for another couple of hundred pages, that’s how absorbed I became in the atmosphere and lives of the characters. Thank you Josephine, thank you so much for persevering with this novel. I know it wasn’t easy but by goodness it was worth it.
“Why don’t you blow on your coffee to cool it down?” she asked.
Matteo’s shoulders rose, startled. “Perdono?”
“Your coffee.” She could hear her voice shaking. “You hold it to your face to check the temperature.”
“Si.” A corner of his mouth drew upwards and he shook his head, ever so slightly, confused.
“Why don’t you just blow on it?”
He studied her a minute, thrown by her questions. “The coffee is sensitive, yes?”
“Um, I don’t know—I guess so, sort of.”
“Most people blow…fff ffff,” he mimicked, “…to force it to cool down, but I respect the coffee. It will be ready when it’s ready.” He shrugged. “I am happy to wait; it will be all the sweeter.”
Lara stared at him, blinking fast against a wave of delicious tears. (Pg.240—241)
Thanks is extended to Allen and Unwin for providing me with a copy of Three Gold Coins for review.
November 27, 2022
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3UWr...
το podcast από την παρουσίαση του βιβλίου στο Βιβλίο της Δευτέρας
το podcast από την παρουσίαση του βιβλίου στο Βιβλίο της Δευτέρας
October 6, 2021
Η πλοκή του μυθιστορήματος οδηγεί τη Λάρα σε ένα ταξίδι στην Ιταλία, όπου εκτός από τα πανέμορφα τοπία μας ξεναγεί και σε γαστριμαργικές απολαύσεις που κυρίως περιλαμβάνουν την κατανάλωση και τον τρόπο παρασκευής διαφόρων τυριών και ζυμαρικών. Μου άρεσε ο τρόπος που η συγγραφέας μεταφέρει τις πληροφορίες για την παραγωγή των τυριών, είναι ωραία σωστά δεμένες με την πλοκή. Επίσης, περιγράφει με όμορφο τρόπο την άποψη που επικρατεί σχετικά με τις οικογενειακές σχέσεις των Ιταλών αλλά και τις συνήθειές τους, την κοινωνικότητα και τον τρόπο συμπεριφοράς τους.
Σε ό,τι αφορά την περίοδο που η Λάρα είναι στην Ιταλία, το βιβλίο είναι πράγματι ανάλαφρο, ευκολοδιάβαστο και ευχάριστο. Οι σελίδες όμως που αναφέρονται στη ζωή της πριν έρθει στην Ιταλία είναι πολύ άλλη υπόθεση. Το ίδιο και τα κεφάλαια που αφορούν τη ζωή της οικογένειάς της πίσω στην Αυστραλία το διάστημα που αυτή λείπει στην Ιταλία. Μπορώ να πω ότι η συγγραφέας λέει πολύ σημαντικά πράγματα με εξαιρετικό τρόπο, χωρίς να προσπαθεί να διδάξει, αλλά αντίθετα, μιλώντας μέσα από την καρδιά της, μεταφέροντας μάλιστα τα συναισθήματα των ηρωίδων με πολύ παραστατικό τρόπο.
Γενικά, αν πούμε ότι όλο το βιβλίο αξίζει επειδή προσφέρει στιγμές χαλάρωσης και ηρεμίας, τα συγκεκριμένα κεφάλαια θα μπορούσαν να αποτελούν παράδειγμα για το πώς πρέπει να γράφονται βιβλία που αφορούν χειριστικά άτομα και τον τρόπο που αυτά καταφέρνουν και καταστρέφουν τη ζωή και τις σκέψεις των ατόμων που βρίσκονται δίπλα τους.
https://thematofylakes.gr/
https://kiallovivlio.blogspot.com/
Σε ό,τι αφορά την περίοδο που η Λάρα είναι στην Ιταλία, το βιβλίο είναι πράγματι ανάλαφρο, ευκολοδιάβαστο και ευχάριστο. Οι σελίδες όμως που αναφέρονται στη ζωή της πριν έρθει στην Ιταλία είναι πολύ άλλη υπόθεση. Το ίδιο και τα κεφάλαια που αφορούν τη ζωή της οικογένειάς της πίσω στην Αυστραλία το διάστημα που αυτή λείπει στην Ιταλία. Μπορώ να πω ότι η συγγραφέας λέει πολύ σημαντικά πράγματα με εξαιρετικό τρόπο, χωρίς να προσπαθεί να διδάξει, αλλά αντίθετα, μιλώντας μέσα από την καρδιά της, μεταφέροντας μάλιστα τα συναισθήματα των ηρωίδων με πολύ παραστατικό τρόπο.
Γενικά, αν πούμε ότι όλο το βιβλίο αξίζει επειδή προσφέρει στιγμές χαλάρωσης και ηρεμίας, τα συγκεκριμένα κεφάλαια θα μπορούσαν να αποτελούν παράδειγμα για το πώς πρέπει να γράφονται βιβλία που αφορούν χειριστικά άτομα και τον τρόπο που αυτά καταφέρνουν και καταστρέφουν τη ζωή και τις σκέψεις των ατόμων που βρίσκονται δίπλα τους.
https://thematofylakes.gr/
https://kiallovivlio.blogspot.com/
January 29, 2018
Good reads giveaway.
Lara Foxleigh is at the Trevi Fountain and soon finds herself caring for an old man in Tuscany. Her life will change after many twists and turns. This is a great read that rolls along with plenty of surprises, fascinating characters and plenty of food and wine. The descriptions of the food particularly the making of cheese and and goat keeping add so much richness to the book.
Lara Foxleigh is at the Trevi Fountain and soon finds herself caring for an old man in Tuscany. Her life will change after many twists and turns. This is a great read that rolls along with plenty of surprises, fascinating characters and plenty of food and wine. The descriptions of the food particularly the making of cheese and and goat keeping add so much richness to the book.
November 10, 2018
For the first few chapters I thought this was a light, fluffy, somewhat slow to start story - but it soon revealed its depth and pulled me in. I loved the characters and the setting - and the descriptions of food and food-making were delightful (and made me hungry!). Great book with an important message.
May 17, 2018
A lovely book with great descriptions of Tuscany and food but with a serious side involving domestic violence and mental illness.
July 9, 2020
5 stars
I was a bit late jumping on the Josephine Moon bandwagon but I’m pleased to say that I’ve now read all of her six books and Three Gold Coins is not only just as good as her others; it’s my new favourite.
Lara has just begun a holiday in Italy. At the Trevi Fountain, she throws in three gold coins, as is the custom. One coin for love, one for marriage and one to return to Rome. Her holiday takes a twist and instead of sightseeing, she starts caring for cranky old Samual at his Tuscan villa. But with the gorgeous Matteo hanging around, it looks like the gold coins may actually be working.
But are they? Just when things are looking good for Lara and Matteo, Lara’s past has caught up with her, just as Samuel can’t escape his. Lara’s ex Dave will stop at nothing to ruin her and her immediate family. If Lara thinks she’s safe in Italy, she’s not and must return back to Australia before it’s too late.
I ravished Three Gold Coins and could not put it down. Whilst it absolutely has the food-lit plot that Moon excels at; the addition of the darker themes of mental health and domestic violence added immensely to the plot. Both of these themes really need to be spoken about more and their stigma taken away. I applaud Moon for addressing them in a sensitive manner and giving readers another avenue to start a conversation.
Having said that, I also want to be clear that this is also a beautiful book that has many lovely and happy parts. There is new love, old love, family reunions, cute animals, food and wine descriptions that will leave you salivating and the picturesque settings of Tuscany and northern Italy.
Moon’s writing, as always, is flawless and makes it so easy to imagine yourself side by side with the characters as the plot progresses. Speaking of characters, most of them are so lovely and relatable, like your favourite old comfy jumper. The only exception is Dave. You’ll love to hate him; for very good reason, and Moon has pegged him well.
Like all of Moon’s books; I highly recommend Three Gold Coins. Grab some food, a glass of wine and snuggle up with this delicious offering from the Queen of food-lit and one of Australia’s best fiction writers.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
I was a bit late jumping on the Josephine Moon bandwagon but I’m pleased to say that I’ve now read all of her six books and Three Gold Coins is not only just as good as her others; it’s my new favourite.
Lara has just begun a holiday in Italy. At the Trevi Fountain, she throws in three gold coins, as is the custom. One coin for love, one for marriage and one to return to Rome. Her holiday takes a twist and instead of sightseeing, she starts caring for cranky old Samual at his Tuscan villa. But with the gorgeous Matteo hanging around, it looks like the gold coins may actually be working.
But are they? Just when things are looking good for Lara and Matteo, Lara’s past has caught up with her, just as Samuel can’t escape his. Lara’s ex Dave will stop at nothing to ruin her and her immediate family. If Lara thinks she’s safe in Italy, she’s not and must return back to Australia before it’s too late.
I ravished Three Gold Coins and could not put it down. Whilst it absolutely has the food-lit plot that Moon excels at; the addition of the darker themes of mental health and domestic violence added immensely to the plot. Both of these themes really need to be spoken about more and their stigma taken away. I applaud Moon for addressing them in a sensitive manner and giving readers another avenue to start a conversation.
Having said that, I also want to be clear that this is also a beautiful book that has many lovely and happy parts. There is new love, old love, family reunions, cute animals, food and wine descriptions that will leave you salivating and the picturesque settings of Tuscany and northern Italy.
Moon’s writing, as always, is flawless and makes it so easy to imagine yourself side by side with the characters as the plot progresses. Speaking of characters, most of them are so lovely and relatable, like your favourite old comfy jumper. The only exception is Dave. You’ll love to hate him; for very good reason, and Moon has pegged him well.
Like all of Moon’s books; I highly recommend Three Gold Coins. Grab some food, a glass of wine and snuggle up with this delicious offering from the Queen of food-lit and one of Australia’s best fiction writers.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
January 13, 2023
"Τα τρία χρυσά νομίσματα" ήταν άλλο ένα βιβλίο που είχα βάλει καιρό στο μάτι και μου δόθηκε η ευκαιρία να το διαβάσω τελικά μέσα από τη λέσχη βιβλίου. Πριν το διαβάσω, περίμενα ένα γλυκό βιβλίο που θα με ταξιδέψει στην Τοσκάνη και τη Ρώμη.
Η αλήθεια είναι ότι το βιβλίο ικανοποίησε ως έναν βαθμό τις προσδοκίες μου. Όντως με ταξίδεψε στους λόφους της Τοσκάνης μέσα από τις περιγραφές των τοπίων, των φαγητών και των κρασιών. Υπήρχαν μάλιστα σημεία που γινόταν λεπτομερής περιγραφή για το πώς φτιάχνονται κάποια ιταλικά τυριά, που αν και τα βρήκα κάπως αχρείαστα, δε με ενόχλησαν τόσο. Υπήρχε κι ένα μικρό ρομάντζο που γλύκανε λίγο παραπάνω το βιβλίο. Ταυτόχρονα, η συγγραφέας προσπαθεί να θίξει σημαντικά ζητήματα, όπως τα θέματα ψυχικής υγείας, τις ενοχές, την κακοποίηση και τη διέξοδο από αυτήν.
Όμως, τελικά τι πήγε στραβά; Θα αφήσω στην άκρη κάποιες αχρείαστες περιγραφές των εσωτερικών χώρων, την επιλογή της συγγραφέως να πετάει ιταλικές λέξεις στην αφήγηση και κάποιες αστοχίες στην επιμέλεια του κειμένου και θα πάω σε πιο ουσιώδη πράγματα.
Εκεί που διαβάζω μια γλυκιά ιστορία που αγγίζει το στιλ του eat, pray, love, η ατμόσφαιρα του βιβλίου αλλάζει ξαφνικά και γίνεται σκοτεινή από το πουθενά. Η συγγραφέας δε με προετοίμασε κάπως για το τι έρχεται και όλα έμοιαζαν ξαφνικά και αταίριαστα. Ήταν σαν να προσπάθησε να χωρέσει σε ένα μόνο βιβλίο πολλές ιδέες, που τελικά δεν αναπτύσσονται όπως πρέπει. Από τη μια οι περιγραφές της ιταλικής υπαίθρου και του φαγητού καλύπτουν το μεγαλύτερο μέρος του βιβλίου και από την άλλη σημαντικά γεγονότα και θέματα προσπαθούν να χωρέσουν σε λιγότερες σελίδες με αποτέλεσμα η συγγραφέας να τα αγγίζει τελικά επιφανειακά.
Θεωρώ πως το βιβλίο αυτό θα ήταν πολύ καλύτερο αν είχε γίνει μια καλύτερη συμβουλευτική στη συγγραφέα από την εκδοτική ομάδα όσον αφορά τη διαχείριση της ιστορίας.
Η αλήθεια είναι ότι το βιβλίο ικανοποίησε ως έναν βαθμό τις προσδοκίες μου. Όντως με ταξίδεψε στους λόφους της Τοσκάνης μέσα από τις περιγραφές των τοπίων, των φαγητών και των κρασιών. Υπήρχαν μάλιστα σημεία που γινόταν λεπτομερής περιγραφή για το πώς φτιάχνονται κάποια ιταλικά τυριά, που αν και τα βρήκα κάπως αχρείαστα, δε με ενόχλησαν τόσο. Υπήρχε κι ένα μικρό ρομάντζο που γλύκανε λίγο παραπάνω το βιβλίο. Ταυτόχρονα, η συγγραφέας προσπαθεί να θίξει σημαντικά ζητήματα, όπως τα θέματα ψυχικής υγείας, τις ενοχές, την κακοποίηση και τη διέξοδο από αυτήν.
Όμως, τελικά τι πήγε στραβά; Θα αφήσω στην άκρη κάποιες αχρείαστες περιγραφές των εσωτερικών χώρων, την επιλογή της συγγραφέως να πετάει ιταλικές λέξεις στην αφήγηση και κάποιες αστοχίες στην επιμέλεια του κειμένου και θα πάω σε πιο ουσιώδη πράγματα.
Εκεί που διαβάζω μια γλυκιά ιστορία που αγγίζει το στιλ του eat, pray, love, η ατμόσφαιρα του βιβλίου αλλάζει ξαφνικά και γίνεται σκοτεινή από το πουθενά. Η συγγραφέας δε με προετοίμασε κάπως για το τι έρχεται και όλα έμοιαζαν ξαφνικά και αταίριαστα. Ήταν σαν να προσπάθησε να χωρέσει σε ένα μόνο βιβλίο πολλές ιδέες, που τελικά δεν αναπτύσσονται όπως πρέπει. Από τη μια οι περιγραφές της ιταλικής υπαίθρου και του φαγητού καλύπτουν το μεγαλύτερο μέρος του βιβλίου και από την άλλη σημαντικά γεγονότα και θέματα προσπαθούν να χωρέσουν σε λιγότερες σελίδες με αποτέλεσμα η συγγραφέας να τα αγγίζει τελικά επιφανειακά.
Θεωρώ πως το βιβλίο αυτό θα ήταν πολύ καλύτερο αν είχε γίνει μια καλύτερη συμβουλευτική στη συγγραφέα από την εκδοτική ομάδα όσον αφορά τη διαχείριση της ιστορίας.
April 25, 2019
This is the 4th novel I have read by Josephine and as much as I have really enjoyed them all, I loved this one the most. What I thought was going to be a very enjoyable and pleasant story based on love, food, family and survival set in Tuscany was that and so much more. Without giving too much away, it had many layers, covered several sensitive topics and twisted and turned most unexpectedly. A very cleverly told story that had me totally engrossed and emotionally involved in. However, I did feel this book wrapt up and ended a bit too quickly but in saying so it was well done. Maybe I didn't want it to end!
I highly recommend Three Gold Coins.
Bravo to you Josephine.
I highly recommend Three Gold Coins.
Bravo to you Josephine.
March 26, 2018
I sat up way too late to finish this. Way too late. In fact I’m blaming Josephine if I sleep through my early meeting tomorrow. But it will have been worth it. A fabulously textured & flavoured read.
April 4, 2018
This is the second book of Josephine that I have read, and I adored it even more than The Beekeeper's Secret. It was a touching tale following Lara, an Australian girl, who has escaped to Rome, eager to distance herself from her past. In Rome, she soon finds Samuel, an elderly and somewhat cranky man in distress and she's just what he needs, even if he doesn't yet realise it. It is not long before she unravels Samuel's own tragedy, and they both work towards overcoming and healing.
There is heartache, and romance, and plenty of foodie goodness. It was hard not to salivate on reading all the delicious Italian food that Lara was preparing and eating. The only thing that would make this book better, would be the inclusion of a few of the recipes in the back so we can try them out.
The Three Gold Coins touches on heavier topics too, among them domestic violence, stalking, and suicide, and handles them delicately and with respect. Yet, Josephine Moon still doesn't gloss over the sometimes harsh consequences of our failed systems, and that's reflected with how the story unfolds. Having had my own personal experience with a 'Dave', it was somewhat cathartic read that had me shedding a few tears towards the last couple of chapters.
Thank you Allen and Unwin for giving me the opportunity to read Three Gold Coins, it was a perfect read that I devoured in just a couple of days.
*Three Gold Coins was won in a give-away ran by Allen and Unwin.
There is heartache, and romance, and plenty of foodie goodness. It was hard not to salivate on reading all the delicious Italian food that Lara was preparing and eating. The only thing that would make this book better, would be the inclusion of a few of the recipes in the back so we can try them out.
The Three Gold Coins touches on heavier topics too, among them domestic violence, stalking, and suicide, and handles them delicately and with respect. Yet, Josephine Moon still doesn't gloss over the sometimes harsh consequences of our failed systems, and that's reflected with how the story unfolds. Having had my own personal experience with a 'Dave', it was somewhat cathartic read that had me shedding a few tears towards the last couple of chapters.
Thank you Allen and Unwin for giving me the opportunity to read Three Gold Coins, it was a perfect read that I devoured in just a couple of days.
*Three Gold Coins was won in a give-away ran by Allen and Unwin.
July 20, 2018
At the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Lara Foxleigh throws in three coins: one for love, one for marriage and one to return to Rome.
At the Trevi Fountain however she comes across an old man, Samuel, in need of help and becomes his carer, moving into his wonderful old villa and becoming friends where she also meets the handsome Matteo.
But Lara has secrets as does Samuel, secrets that both find a burden.
The beautiful countryside of Tuscany plays an important role in this book. It is a book about love, family and food and it’s a lovely read!
Being in Tuscany helps Lara heal but she realises that as much as she needs to be there, Samuel needs her just as much and the relationship that blossoms between them is so heartwarming.
Josephine handles the domestic abuse and violence brilliantly, along with the mental health issues and though that part of the story is heartbreaking, Lara comes out stronger with the support of her family and a man who shows her that men can be good and kind and love her for herself.
But can I just say ... oh my god, THE FOOD.
Having been to Italy once before I can 100% confirm that Italian food is mouthwatering and the amount of cheese mentioned in this book quite frankly made me really hungry and want to visit Italy again!
I clearly need to pick up more books by this author!
At the Trevi Fountain however she comes across an old man, Samuel, in need of help and becomes his carer, moving into his wonderful old villa and becoming friends where she also meets the handsome Matteo.
But Lara has secrets as does Samuel, secrets that both find a burden.
The beautiful countryside of Tuscany plays an important role in this book. It is a book about love, family and food and it’s a lovely read!
Being in Tuscany helps Lara heal but she realises that as much as she needs to be there, Samuel needs her just as much and the relationship that blossoms between them is so heartwarming.
Josephine handles the domestic abuse and violence brilliantly, along with the mental health issues and though that part of the story is heartbreaking, Lara comes out stronger with the support of her family and a man who shows her that men can be good and kind and love her for herself.
But can I just say ... oh my god, THE FOOD.
Having been to Italy once before I can 100% confirm that Italian food is mouthwatering and the amount of cheese mentioned in this book quite frankly made me really hungry and want to visit Italy again!
I clearly need to pick up more books by this author!
April 17, 2018
One coin for love, one for marriage, one to return to Rome......
Two days ago, Lara Foxleigh tossed three gold euros into the Trevi Fountain. Now, she is caring for a cranky old man and living in a picturesque villa, half a world away from her home and the concerns of her loving family.
Soon,it seems as if these three wishes she made in Rome just might be coming true, and she may even be able to help heal a fifteen- year-old tragedy.
Until Lara's past threatens to destroy everything she loves......
Three Gold Coins is a wonderfully written celebration of food, family, triumph over adversity, and love - a deliciously imperfect life....
Josephine Moon has written yet another story that involves her native Australia and overseas destinations. She is a natural story teller and knows how to include the reader into her stories.
Having read all of Josephine Moon's stories...I eagerly wait for another.
Two days ago, Lara Foxleigh tossed three gold euros into the Trevi Fountain. Now, she is caring for a cranky old man and living in a picturesque villa, half a world away from her home and the concerns of her loving family.
Soon,it seems as if these three wishes she made in Rome just might be coming true, and she may even be able to help heal a fifteen- year-old tragedy.
Until Lara's past threatens to destroy everything she loves......
Three Gold Coins is a wonderfully written celebration of food, family, triumph over adversity, and love - a deliciously imperfect life....
Josephine Moon has written yet another story that involves her native Australia and overseas destinations. She is a natural story teller and knows how to include the reader into her stories.
Having read all of Josephine Moon's stories...I eagerly wait for another.
August 31, 2018
I absolutely loved this story and could happily read it time and time again. The story goes ss from strength to strength with each chapter, each character. They all intertwine to create such wonder that it made me wish to travel to Italy
August 6, 2022
Loved it!!!❤❤❤
April 6, 2018
Three Gold Coins was a enjoyable read. The story flows easily and the characters are interesting. The descriptions of Italy are beautiful and makes you want to visit. I loved the quirky little side stories of goats and cheese making. I will be sharing this book with my family and friends 😊
December 7, 2021
https://dominicamat.blogspot.com/2021...
"Ένα νόμισμα για να βρει την αγάπη,
ένα νόμισμα για να παντρευτεί
κι ένα για να επιστρέψει στη Ρώμη."
Πιστεύετε στις ευχές καί κρατάτε ζωντανή μέσα σας την ελπίδα πως θα εισακουστούν καί θα πραγματοποιηθούν; Όταν βλέπετε να πέφτει ένα αστέρι,κάνετε μία ευχή,ή,το θεωρείτε ως ένα παιδικό παιχνίδι,που ως διά μαγείας,μεγαλώνοντας χάνει την ουσία του; Άν σας δινόταν η ευκαιρία να επισκεφτείτε την Ιταλία καί συγκεκριμένα την πόλη της Ρώμης,θα ρίχνατε κάποιο νόμισμα στο περίφημο σιντριβάνι,Φοντάνα ντι Τρέβι,κάνοντας κάποια ευχή,γνωρίζοντας εξ αρχής ότι οι αρμόδιες αρχές αργότερα θα μάζευαν όλα τα κέρματα που θα είχαν ρίξει οι περαστικοί μέσα; Ακόμη κι αν χανόταν καί η ευχή σας μαζί με εκείνα; Κι αν ναι,γιατί επιλέγετε να το κάνετε; Μήπως γιατί η σκέψη πως μπορεί να γίνει αλήθεια ένα ονειρό σας,ή,ακόμη κι αυτή η παιδική,αθώα κίνηση είναι πιο δυνατή από την ρεαλιστική καί πεζή καθημερινή ζωή σας; Μήπως ο ήχος του παφλασμού από την αναπήδηση του κέρματος στην επιφάνεια του νερού θα ξορκίσει το όποιο κακό κι αρνητικό συναίσθημα; Εγώ για να είμαι ειλικρινής,θα το έκανα για να ζήσω -έστω καί στιγμιαία- μέσα στο δικό μου παραμύθι...
Το φετινό καλοκαίρι έφτασε στα χέρια μου ως δώρο το βιβλίο της συγγραφέως Josephine Moon,με τίτλο ''Τρία Χρυσά Νομίσματα'',το οποίο κυκλοφορεί στη χώρα μας από τις εκδόσεις Ιβίσκος. Δεν μπορώ να σας πω με σιγουριά ποιοί ήταν οι λόγοι που με έκαναν να το αφήσω στην άκρη καί να αποφασίσω πως θα το διάβαζα προς το τέλος της χρονιάς,μα να,λοιπόν,που ήρθε η στιγμή να απλώσω το χέρι μου στο ράφι της βιβλιοθήκης καί να το επιλέξω. Ένα βιβλίο που μου εξέπεμπε,με πάσα βεβαιότητα,μία ζεστασιά καί συντροφικότητα από το πρώτο κοίταγμα. Ξεκίνησα την ανάγνωση καί δεν το άφησα από τα χέρια μου μέχρι που μπήκε η τελευταία τελεία καί γράφτηκε η λέξη ''τέλος''...
"Δύο μέρες πριν η Λάρα Φόξλι πέταξε τρία χρυσά νομίσματα στη Φοντάνα Ντι Τρέβι. Σήμερα, φροντίζει έναν ιδιόρρυθμο ηλικιωμένο άντρα και ζει σε μια παραδοσιακή βίλα, στην άλλη άκρη του κόσμου από το σπίτι της και πολύ μακριά από τη στοργή της αγαπημένης της οικογένειας. Σύντομα, αρχίζει να διαφαίνεται ότι οι τρεις ευχές που έκανε στη Ρώμη μπορεί να πραγματοποιηθούν και ίσως να επουλωθεί ένα οικογενειακό δράμα, που διαρκεί εδώ και δεκαπέντε χρόνια. Μέχρι που το παρελθόν της Λάρα απειλεί να καταστρέψει όλα όσα αγαπά…" (Περίληψη οπισθοφύλλου)
Τί είναι αυτό που οδηγεί έναν άνθρωπο να φύγει,αφήνοντας πίσω του πρόσωπα,καταστάσεις καί τόπο διαμονής; Τί είναι αυτό που μπορεί να μας ενεργοποιήσει καί να ξυπνήσουμε από την όποια ψευδαίσθηση ζούμε ως ζωή; Μπορούμε να βρούμε,άραγε,την δύναμη -ψυχική καί σωματική- ώστε να ξεφύγουμε από αρρωστημένες,βίαιες σχέσεις καί ανθρώπους; Η αλήθεια είναι πως μπορεί να φαντάζει δύσκολο,αλλά δεν είναι ακατόρθωτο,ειδικά όταν έχουμε πλάι μας ανθρώπους που μας νοιάζονται καί μας αγαπούν πραγματικά κι ανιδιοτελώς καί κυρίως όταν υπάρχει το πιο κατάλληλο κίνητρο,το οποίο διαφέρει για τον καθένα καί την καθεμία από εμάς. Η αγάπη είναι στοργή,κατανόηση,εμπιστοσύνη,φροντίδα καί προστασία από ό,τι φαντάζει άσχημο καί κακό. Η αγάπη δεν πληγώνει,δεν χειραγωγεί,δεν μας φέρνει στα όρια του γκρεμού καί πόσο μάλλον να μας οδηγήσει στην αποξένωση καί στον θάνατο.
Η συγγραφέας θα διασταυρώσει τους δρόμους δύο εκ διαμέτρου αντίθετων προσώπων,στα οποία η μοίρα έπαιξε άσχημα εις βάρος τους παιχνίδια. Ο ένας θα βρεί στην άλλη αυτό που θα τους κάνει ξεχωριστά να δουν τη ζωή με άλλο μάτι καί να διεκδικήσουν μία δεύτερη ευκαιρία στο να ατενίσουν το μέλλον με αισιοδοξία,κάνοντας μία νέα αρχή,ή,συνεχίζοντας από εκεί που είχαν αφήσει τη ζωή τους,κατά το παρελθόν,εξαιτίας κάποιου τραγικού γεγονότος. Η συγγραφέας τους προσεγγίζει καί αναδεικνύει με σεβασμό,προσοχή κι αγάπη όλες τις πτυχές των ψυχών τους κι όλα εκείνα που τους πλήγωσαν,απαλλάσσοντάς τους από τον πόνο,τον φόβο καί την μοναξιά.
Πιάνοντας στα χέρια σας το βιβλίο,ίσως αρχικά να σας τρομάξει ο σχετικά μεγάλος όγκος του (500+ σελίδες),αλλά η συγγραφέας καταφέρνει μέσα από τα μεστά,μικρά κεφάλαια,την αληθοφάνεια των προσώπων καί των διαλόγων μεταξύ των,τις γλαφυρές περιγραφές των εικόνων,την γρήγορη εναλλαγή σκηνών καί την πληθώρα συναισθημάτων που μας κατακλύζουν μαζί με τους ήρωες καί τις ηρωϊδες,να αποτυπώσει πάνω στο χαρτί ένα καλογραμμένο κι ουσιαστικό μυθιστόρημα με τα πρέποντα μηνύματα καί τις όποιες κοινωνικές προεκτάσεις που δεν θα αφήσουν κανέναν καί καμία ασυγκίνητο/η.
Εν ολίγοις,μπορούμε να πούμε πως η ζωή μας δεν είναι πάντα εύκολη,αλλά τόσο υπέροχα προβληματική,όπου έννοιες όπως οικογένεια,θαλπωρή,φαγητό,αγάπη,έρωτας καί δεύτερες ευκαιρίες,απέναντι στις όποιες αντιξοότητες που μπορεί να προκύψουν,αποκτούν πολλή μεγάλη αξία καί στέκονται σαν σταθεροί βράχοι που πάνω τους μπορούμε να στηριχθούμε. Εμένα μου άρεσε πολύ καί σας το προτείνω ανεπιφύλακτα!
Καλή ανάγνωση!
"Ένα νόμισμα για να βρει την αγάπη,
ένα νόμισμα για να παντρευτεί
κι ένα για να επιστρέψει στη Ρώμη."
Πιστεύετε στις ευχές καί κρατάτε ζωντανή μέσα σας την ελπίδα πως θα εισακουστούν καί θα πραγματοποιηθούν; Όταν βλέπετε να πέφτει ένα αστέρι,κάνετε μία ευχή,ή,το θεωρείτε ως ένα παιδικό παιχνίδι,που ως διά μαγείας,μεγαλώνοντας χάνει την ουσία του; Άν σας δινόταν η ευκαιρία να επισκεφτείτε την Ιταλία καί συγκεκριμένα την πόλη της Ρώμης,θα ρίχνατε κάποιο νόμισμα στο περίφημο σιντριβάνι,Φοντάνα ντι Τρέβι,κάνοντας κάποια ευχή,γνωρίζοντας εξ αρχής ότι οι αρμόδιες αρχές αργότερα θα μάζευαν όλα τα κέρματα που θα είχαν ρίξει οι περαστικοί μέσα; Ακόμη κι αν χανόταν καί η ευχή σας μαζί με εκείνα; Κι αν ναι,γιατί επιλέγετε να το κάνετε; Μήπως γιατί η σκέψη πως μπορεί να γίνει αλήθεια ένα ονειρό σας,ή,ακόμη κι αυτή η παιδική,αθώα κίνηση είναι πιο δυνατή από την ρεαλιστική καί πεζή καθημερινή ζωή σας; Μήπως ο ήχος του παφλασμού από την αναπήδηση του κέρματος στην επιφάνεια του νερού θα ξορκίσει το όποιο κακό κι αρνητικό συναίσθημα; Εγώ για να είμαι ειλικρινής,θα το έκανα για να ζήσω -έστω καί στιγμιαία- μέσα στο δικό μου παραμύθι...
Το φετινό καλοκαίρι έφτασε στα χέρια μου ως δώρο το βιβλίο της συγγραφέως Josephine Moon,με τίτλο ''Τρία Χρυσά Νομίσματα'',το οποίο κυκλοφορεί στη χώρα μας από τις εκδόσεις Ιβίσκος. Δεν μπορώ να σας πω με σιγουριά ποιοί ήταν οι λόγοι που με έκαναν να το αφήσω στην άκρη καί να αποφασίσω πως θα το διάβαζα προς το τέλος της χρονιάς,μα να,λοιπόν,που ήρθε η στιγμή να απλώσω το χέρι μου στο ράφι της βιβλιοθήκης καί να το επιλέξω. Ένα βιβλίο που μου εξέπεμπε,με πάσα βεβαιότητα,μία ζεστασιά καί συντροφικότητα από το πρώτο κοίταγμα. Ξεκίνησα την ανάγνωση καί δεν το άφησα από τα χέρια μου μέχρι που μπήκε η τελευταία τελεία καί γράφτηκε η λέξη ''τέλος''...
"Δύο μέρες πριν η Λάρα Φόξλι πέταξε τρία χρυσά νομίσματα στη Φοντάνα Ντι Τρέβι. Σήμερα, φροντίζει έναν ιδιόρρυθμο ηλικιωμένο άντρα και ζει σε μια παραδοσιακή βίλα, στην άλλη άκρη του κόσμου από το σπίτι της και πολύ μακριά από τη στοργή της αγαπημένης της οικογένειας. Σύντομα, αρχίζει να διαφαίνεται ότι οι τρεις ευχές που έκανε στη Ρώμη μπορεί να πραγματοποιηθούν και ίσως να επουλωθεί ένα οικογενειακό δράμα, που διαρκεί εδώ και δεκαπέντε χρόνια. Μέχρι που το παρελθόν της Λάρα απειλεί να καταστρέψει όλα όσα αγαπά…" (Περίληψη οπισθοφύλλου)
Τί είναι αυτό που οδηγεί έναν άνθρωπο να φύγει,αφήνοντας πίσω του πρόσωπα,καταστάσεις καί τόπο διαμονής; Τί είναι αυτό που μπορεί να μας ενεργοποιήσει καί να ξυπνήσουμε από την όποια ψευδαίσθηση ζούμε ως ζωή; Μπορούμε να βρούμε,άραγε,την δύναμη -ψυχική καί σωματική- ώστε να ξεφύγουμε από αρρωστημένες,βίαιες σχέσεις καί ανθρώπους; Η αλήθεια είναι πως μπορεί να φαντάζει δύσκολο,αλλά δεν είναι ακατόρθωτο,ειδικά όταν έχουμε πλάι μας ανθρώπους που μας νοιάζονται καί μας αγαπούν πραγματικά κι ανιδιοτελώς καί κυρίως όταν υπάρχει το πιο κατάλληλο κίνητρο,το οποίο διαφέρει για τον καθένα καί την καθεμία από εμάς. Η αγάπη είναι στοργή,κατανόηση,εμπιστοσύνη,φροντίδα καί προστασία από ό,τι φαντάζει άσχημο καί κακό. Η αγάπη δεν πληγώνει,δεν χειραγωγεί,δεν μας φέρνει στα όρια του γκρεμού καί πόσο μάλλον να μας οδηγήσει στην αποξένωση καί στον θάνατο.
Η συγγραφέας θα διασταυρώσει τους δρόμους δύο εκ διαμέτρου αντίθετων προσώπων,στα οποία η μοίρα έπαιξε άσχημα εις βάρος τους παιχνίδια. Ο ένας θα βρεί στην άλλη αυτό που θα τους κάνει ξεχωριστά να δουν τη ζωή με άλλο μάτι καί να διεκδικήσουν μία δεύτερη ευκαιρία στο να ατενίσουν το μέλλον με αισιοδοξία,κάνοντας μία νέα αρχή,ή,συνεχίζοντας από εκεί που είχαν αφήσει τη ζωή τους,κατά το παρελθόν,εξαιτίας κάποιου τραγικού γεγονότος. Η συγγραφέας τους προσεγγίζει καί αναδεικνύει με σεβασμό,προσοχή κι αγάπη όλες τις πτυχές των ψυχών τους κι όλα εκείνα που τους πλήγωσαν,απαλλάσσοντάς τους από τον πόνο,τον φόβο καί την μοναξιά.
Πιάνοντας στα χέρια σας το βιβλίο,ίσως αρχικά να σας τρομάξει ο σχετικά μεγάλος όγκος του (500+ σελίδες),αλλά η συγγραφέας καταφέρνει μέσα από τα μεστά,μικρά κεφάλαια,την αληθοφάνεια των προσώπων καί των διαλόγων μεταξύ των,τις γλαφυρές περιγραφές των εικόνων,την γρήγορη εναλλαγή σκηνών καί την πληθώρα συναισθημάτων που μας κατακλύζουν μαζί με τους ήρωες καί τις ηρωϊδες,να αποτυπώσει πάνω στο χαρτί ένα καλογραμμένο κι ουσιαστικό μυθιστόρημα με τα πρέποντα μηνύματα καί τις όποιες κοινωνικές προεκτάσεις που δεν θα αφήσουν κανέναν καί καμία ασυγκίνητο/η.
Εν ολίγοις,μπορούμε να πούμε πως η ζωή μας δεν είναι πάντα εύκολη,αλλά τόσο υπέροχα προβληματική,όπου έννοιες όπως οικογένεια,θαλπωρή,φαγητό,αγάπη,έρωτας καί δεύτερες ευκαιρίες,απέναντι στις όποιες αντιξοότητες που μπορεί να προκύψουν,αποκτούν πολλή μεγάλη αξία καί στέκονται σαν σταθεροί βράχοι που πάνω τους μπορούμε να στηριχθούμε. Εμένα μου άρεσε πολύ καί σας το προτείνω ανεπιφύλακτα!
Καλή ανάγνωση!
November 20, 2022
Ξεκίνησε ως ένα feel good βιβλίο, αλλά κάπου μετά τη μέση μου έλειπαν πολλά πράγματα. Περιττές λεπτομέρειες που κούρασαν, ακόμη και μετά το τέλος δεν είχα ούτε μια ένδειξη πως ήταν οι πρωταγωνιστές εξωτερικά, γεγονός που προσωπικά με δυσκόλεψε πολυ να μπω πλήρως στο σενάριο. Για τον όγκο του διαβάζεται εύκολα αλλά χωρίς πρακτικά να προσφέρει και κάτι με όλες αυτές τις περιττες πληροφορίες.
June 15, 2022
Διαβάζοντας κάποιος αυτό το βιβλίο το σίγουρο είναι ότι μετά θα θέλει να ταξιδέψει στην Ιταλία κ να δοκιμάσει το πλήθος των τυριών που αναφέρονται καθώς κ να περιηγηθεί στα τοπία που περιγράφονται. Αντιθέτως, η Αυστραλία παρουσιάζεται ως μια ερημική, βαρετή, επιπεδη κ αφιλόξενη ήπειρος.
Η πρωταγωνίστρια Λαρα ταξιδεύει στην Ιταλία προκειμένου να επουλώσει τα τραύματα μιας σχέσης που άφησε τα σημάδια της στις ζωές όλων. Σε κάποιο γύρισμα της τύχης βρίσκεται να υπηρετεί ως φροντιστής έναν ηλικιωμένο. Η ζωή της πλέον παίρνει άλλη τροπή κ αυτό έχει αντίκτυπο στον οικογενειακό της περίγυρο. Θα μείνω στην τελευταία σειρά του βιβλίου, ώστε να αποτελέσουν δίδαγμα για όλους μας: ακόμη κ οι πιο σκοτεινές μέρες κάποτε φωτίζονται ξανά.
Η πρωταγωνίστρια Λαρα ταξιδεύει στην Ιταλία προκειμένου να επουλώσει τα τραύματα μιας σχέσης που άφησε τα σημάδια της στις ζωές όλων. Σε κάποιο γύρισμα της τύχης βρίσκεται να υπηρετεί ως φροντιστής έναν ηλικιωμένο. Η ζωή της πλέον παίρνει άλλη τροπή κ αυτό έχει αντίκτυπο στον οικογενειακό της περίγυρο. Θα μείνω στην τελευταία σειρά του βιβλίου, ώστε να αποτελέσουν δίδαγμα για όλους μας: ακόμη κ οι πιο σκοτεινές μέρες κάποτε φωτίζονται ξανά.
April 4, 2018
I started this as a lazy read, vicariously enjoying Rome's Trevi Fountain, then heading to glorious sun-drenched, food-drenched Tuscany. Josephine Moon writes with heart and warmth, her main character Lara Foxleigh obviously in Italy to recover from something we still don't know about. Little clues start to drop into the book about something dark, something a bit chilling, but in the meantime, there's Tuscany, with goats and cheese-making, and a family there who need to be reunited after tragedy. And a very attractive goat farmer! I loved this, the goats, the milking, the Italian way of life, the cheese-making and oh my gosh the food. So I was totally hooked by the time it was evident that back in Australia Lara's family faced the enormous threat of domestic violence - on a massive, evilly planned scale. This is an onion layer reveal book. Slowly, slowly, you learn more about Lara and her family, and also the family she becomes part of in Italy. You care for them, and yet...they face impossible odds. You simply have to keep reading to find out what happens. I loved the acknowledgement at the end to Rosie Batty (previous Australian of the Year) and all the work she's courageously done to bring domestic violence into public/courtroom consciousness, and to change things. Fabulous read.
May 30, 2018
This book deserves more than 5 stars in my opinion, and this I believe is Jo's best book to date. I have loved all her other books but her writing just goes from strength to strength and this is what the reader wants to see. This book just was so beautiful and stunning even in the dark places. There would be some triggers for some people, but its a must read. Then we have the cheese, omg the cheese. I love cheese and now I just want to make my own. Take a deep breath, grab a cup of tea and just immerse yourself in this book, yes you will have some dark moments but there is light as well. The characters are wonderful and we all know these people in our lives. Enjoy and I hope you love this book as much as I did.
Topic Spoiler Alert
The Way that Jo deals with the issues in this book, mental health and Domestic violence is done in such a way that just works, you read a part of the book that is in Italy and its lighter and full of joy and laughter, then you read a dark bit but then you get to go back to the light, so that while your soul feels for the characters you get to have some breathing space as well. if it helps one person understant mental health a bit more, or helps one person with DV then that is wonderful.
Topic Spoiler Alert
The Way that Jo deals with the issues in this book, mental health and Domestic violence is done in such a way that just works, you read a part of the book that is in Italy and its lighter and full of joy and laughter, then you read a dark bit but then you get to go back to the light, so that while your soul feels for the characters you get to have some breathing space as well. if it helps one person understant mental health a bit more, or helps one person with DV then that is wonderful.
March 14, 2018
Three Gold Coins is an ultimately optimistic story which tackles some heavy subjects like domestic violence and mental illness. I appreciated the way the author weaved these darker issues throughout the novel creating suspense and balance. The characters were well rounded and it is primarily a female driven story. The obvious romance is nice if not somewhat hollow. I kind of place this novel into "quick vacation read" territory and so in that respect felt it was slightly long. There was a fair amount of exposition about cheese making and exploring the Italian countryside which, while nice, began to drag. They pay off for the darker subplot wasn't particularly satisfying as it felt rushed and was resolved in a very deus ex machina fashion. I think I might have been able to do without the darker plot all together as I enjoyed the quieter character moments and interaction significantly more.
Ultimately, while not something I'll be rushing to re-read Three Gold Coins is certainly a book I'll recommend to friends who are interested in women's lit.
**I received an uncorrected proof of Three Gold Coins for honest review.**
Ultimately, while not something I'll be rushing to re-read Three Gold Coins is certainly a book I'll recommend to friends who are interested in women's lit.
**I received an uncorrected proof of Three Gold Coins for honest review.**
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