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A Rosie Life In Italy 3: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
With a new roof and working electrics in place, Rosie is ready for the next phase of turning the 22-roomed derelict Italian villa into a home. It needs to be ready in time for her elderly Irish parents to move in, and her daughter to finally visit after being separated for so long.
However, with renovation disasters, endless negotiations with the Shouty Woman at the bank, and the several shades of suffocating mould in every room, it seems like the house will never be a home for Rosie and her family, let alone her octogenarian parents from Ireland.
The over-enthusiastic tradesmen who put water in the electrics and leave unexpected bills in the letterbox, strengthen the thought that perhaps it would be easier to leave the villa in Italy dream behind and just pack up and move back to Ireland…Some reviews of books in this "The best book I read this year. Comic genius.""Totally hooked. Enjoyed it from the first page to the last.""This book is now on my shortlist of favourite books EVER!"
However, with renovation disasters, endless negotiations with the Shouty Woman at the bank, and the several shades of suffocating mould in every room, it seems like the house will never be a home for Rosie and her family, let alone her octogenarian parents from Ireland.
The over-enthusiastic tradesmen who put water in the electrics and leave unexpected bills in the letterbox, strengthen the thought that perhaps it would be easier to leave the villa in Italy dream behind and just pack up and move back to Ireland…Some reviews of books in this "The best book I read this year. Comic genius.""Totally hooked. Enjoyed it from the first page to the last.""This book is now on my shortlist of favourite books EVER!"
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2022
251 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Meleady
24 books94 followersIrish author Rosie Meleady, has been a magazine publisher and editor since 1994. She won the International Women in Publishing Award 1996 at the ripe old age of 24. She couldn't attend the award ceremony in London as she decided it would also be a good day to give birth.
In her 'A Rosie Life In Italy' series, Rosie writes about buying a 22 roomed derelict villa in Italy by accident, renovating it and existing in Italy.
Her favourite board game growing up was Cluedo, and as an adult she started a Missing Persons Agency. Her love of solving mysteries led her to start writing her 'Deadly Wedding Cozy Mystery' series.
She now lives happily ever after in Italy while renovating the villa and writing long into the night.
Follow Rosie on social media to say hello, see photos of life in Italy and her renovation project.
http://www.facebook.com/rosiemeleadya...
http://www.instagram.com/arosielifein...
Follow Rosie's blog on www.rosiemeleady.com
In her 'A Rosie Life In Italy' series, Rosie writes about buying a 22 roomed derelict villa in Italy by accident, renovating it and existing in Italy.
Her favourite board game growing up was Cluedo, and as an adult she started a Missing Persons Agency. Her love of solving mysteries led her to start writing her 'Deadly Wedding Cozy Mystery' series.
She now lives happily ever after in Italy while renovating the villa and writing long into the night.
Follow Rosie on social media to say hello, see photos of life in Italy and her renovation project.
http://www.facebook.com/rosiemeleadya...
http://www.instagram.com/arosielifein...
Follow Rosie's blog on www.rosiemeleady.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 25, 2023
Rosie Life Conflicts
I'm loving this series by Rosie. I'm one book and downloading the next. She's a wonderful author, and draws you in to her life. Covid is still causing lockdown problems, the renovation of the house is not going quite as planned, and she still isn't fluent in Italian. Has she made a big mistake, and should they move back to Ireland? Well I'm obviously not going to spoil the book, but oh, how I enjoyed the ride. Rosie has such a talent for making everyday life more amusing, more vibrant. She describes the characters so well, you feel that you know them. I can't recommend this series enough. I'm off to read book four. See you on the other side.
I'm loving this series by Rosie. I'm one book and downloading the next. She's a wonderful author, and draws you in to her life. Covid is still causing lockdown problems, the renovation of the house is not going quite as planned, and she still isn't fluent in Italian. Has she made a big mistake, and should they move back to Ireland? Well I'm obviously not going to spoil the book, but oh, how I enjoyed the ride. Rosie has such a talent for making everyday life more amusing, more vibrant. She describes the characters so well, you feel that you know them. I can't recommend this series enough. I'm off to read book four. See you on the other side.
August 5, 2025
I am zooming through this series. Rosie's writing is so easy to read and enjoyable. It feels like a unique experience to follow an author's real life in such detail. The cosy, renovation and family story is a tonic. The books have been giving me great comfort during a tumultuous period.
April 12, 2023
This third book in the series I found very frustrating and wanting to tear my hair out when Rosie is just not assertive enough with the wretched Mick and Anto and the 2 idiot labourers who were brought in and stole the stapler and so on. Gaaah! Why did she let it get so bad and put up with them all for so long?? Also, dealing with the bureaucracy went on too long, all the awful shouting woman business, we were supposed to find entertaining but it was just annoying. The end was good, which I gave the second star for. I have started the 4th book (bought them all on the strength of the first one, more fool me). So far so good, she has brought her mother back to Italy, so could be good. Having said all this, I am sure Rosie is a scream to know, and she does write well, but I think churning the books out so quickly maybe is not such a good idea. Oh and I can’t possibly know the exact date I started and finished the books.
June 5, 2022
I've been torn about reviewing this one but it comes down to I just didn't enjoy it as much as the first two books. The parts about the actual house renovation were the most entertaining. But there was far too much about Covid and how it affected Rosie's life that I ended up skipping over those parts (and there were a lot). We all went through this for the past 2 years and, other than different countries (Switzerland and US) my story parallels hers right down to the ending but I don't want to read about it. I've already ordered Book. No. 4 and I am hoping that it is more like the first two instalments of this otherwise enchanting (and brave) story.
June 16, 2022
“Born with a pencil in her hand”
Once again A Rosie Life in Italy has touched on so many emotions and reignited the feeling that I’ve known Rosie forever, instead of only knowing her through Facebook since the first covid lockdown. She’s a natural storyteller. Her mam says in the book that she was born with a pencil in her hand and that much is true. She draws her readers in, telling her tales in such a real and authentic way that it feels like sitting down for a cuppa, having a chat, a laugh and a cry, with a good friend.
While reading Books 1 and 2 in the series I was at home in Ireland, dreaming about our own move to Italy. For book 3, I’m here and so much resonates!
I could read her stories all day - already looking forward to book 4!
If you love Italy, love reading of people with grit and determination, would like a little inspiration on making your own dreams come true or if you simply want to fill your days with a little Italian sunshine and a lot of Irish warmth, you’ll love this book as much as I did.
Once again A Rosie Life in Italy has touched on so many emotions and reignited the feeling that I’ve known Rosie forever, instead of only knowing her through Facebook since the first covid lockdown. She’s a natural storyteller. Her mam says in the book that she was born with a pencil in her hand and that much is true. She draws her readers in, telling her tales in such a real and authentic way that it feels like sitting down for a cuppa, having a chat, a laugh and a cry, with a good friend.
While reading Books 1 and 2 in the series I was at home in Ireland, dreaming about our own move to Italy. For book 3, I’m here and so much resonates!
I could read her stories all day - already looking forward to book 4!
If you love Italy, love reading of people with grit and determination, would like a little inspiration on making your own dreams come true or if you simply want to fill your days with a little Italian sunshine and a lot of Irish warmth, you’ll love this book as much as I did.
June 13, 2022
I feel bad for giving this just 3 stars as I really like Rosie, and enjoyed her other 2 books about life in Italy. But this third book was just doom and gloom. I understand covid interfered with her Italian dream, and I am glad I didn't spend it there. We are planning on moving to Italy and I am trying to get my hands on all books on this subject. I have lived in Spain and Costa Rica, so I understand about the difficulties that settling in a foreign country bring, such as mind boggling bureaucracy and language barriers. However, it would have been nice if there had been some more positive paragraphs in the book, to offset all the negativity. This book just made me feel down..
December 23, 2022
I loved this book and the series. I’m very happy that I didn’t find the series until the forth book was just being released as it allowed me to go immediately into the next book. I think I would have been too anxious waiting for the next - as I am now for book five!
If you have always dreamed of moving abroad, or to Italy more specifically, I highly recommend this series. Rosie’s writing is so real and raw, she gives the dirty details and doesn’t slather it all in false positivity. She gives you the good, the bad, and the ugly. I plowed through this series in less than a week and just couldn’t tear myself away.
If you have always dreamed of moving abroad, or to Italy more specifically, I highly recommend this series. Rosie’s writing is so real and raw, she gives the dirty details and doesn’t slather it all in false positivity. She gives you the good, the bad, and the ugly. I plowed through this series in less than a week and just couldn’t tear myself away.
June 28, 2022
I appreciate Rosie’s honesty. This book contains much of Rosie’s suffering through the pandemic, this is her life, and to avoid writing about this time would not be honest. The builders, ugh! You put up with more than many of us would have, however, I see this as your generous heart, trying to see the best in everyone. Your love of family and trying to do what is best for everyone is so evident. Rosie, I laughed, cried and felt your frustrations, keep writing and I will keep reading, love your story.
September 19, 2022
The third volume of Rosie Meleady's memoir about restoring a derelict house in Italy is darker in tone than the first two books. When she first decided to move to Italy, she'd envisioned eating wonderful restaurant meals with new Italian friends, celebrating at local festivals, and exploring other parts of the country. The covid-19 pandemic changed everything. It disrupted her home renovations, her business, and her family plans. It delayed her ability to make friends and to travel. It kept her away from being reunited with her parents in Ireland and her daughter in London. And it left her wondering if she was crazy to move here in the first place. Her Italian language skills are still rudimentary. The house is still a mess; the contractors work on their own schedules and send surprise bills she can't pay. And the byzantine regulations of the Italian bureaucracy make everything take months longer than it should.
But bad luck and difficult times can't keep Rosie and her family down. Despite everything, this is a very funny book. Her stories about such colorful characters as the incompetent construction crew and the Shouting Woman at the bank inject a lot of humor.
I look forward to the fourth installment.
But bad luck and difficult times can't keep Rosie and her family down. Despite everything, this is a very funny book. Her stories about such colorful characters as the incompetent construction crew and the Shouting Woman at the bank inject a lot of humor.
I look forward to the fourth installment.
November 16, 2023
What fun!
I have fallen in love with Rosie, Ronan and the entire family. Reading her books are like talking with a friend. I was lucky enough to visit Italy in 2022, and much of what Rosie writes about takes me right back to the beauty and magic of that trip... along with the global experience we all shared through the pandemic and coming out the other side. I can't wait to start reading the 4th book in this series, and will start on her cozy mystery books as soon as I finish that one. Thank you, Rosie! ❤️
I have fallen in love with Rosie, Ronan and the entire family. Reading her books are like talking with a friend. I was lucky enough to visit Italy in 2022, and much of what Rosie writes about takes me right back to the beauty and magic of that trip... along with the global experience we all shared through the pandemic and coming out the other side. I can't wait to start reading the 4th book in this series, and will start on her cozy mystery books as soon as I finish that one. Thank you, Rosie! ❤️
March 27, 2025
Rosie and Ronan continue to have emotional roller coaster rides with their life in Italy. The Italian bureaucracy is unbelievable; I would have been raving screaming mad, probably after learning all of the bad words. So-called builders who do bad work and charge unexpectedly live everywhere and sadly, take advantage of many people. Heartbreaking and challenging years during Covid make Rosie stronger, even when she doesn't realize it.
These books are so well written and flow together, it's easy to just keep reading them all.
These books are so well written and flow together, it's easy to just keep reading them all.
June 1, 2022
Just as good as the others
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, to know how the renovations were getting on, I know the author has an insta account, but I don't want to look at it for fear of spoilers! I'm also enjoying the covid stuff from a different country, the world has experienced it but lockdown made things different for everyone so I am happy to be reading how others coped. It's a real author who shares the bad stuff along the way. Can't wait for the next installment!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, to know how the renovations were getting on, I know the author has an insta account, but I don't want to look at it for fear of spoilers! I'm also enjoying the covid stuff from a different country, the world has experienced it but lockdown made things different for everyone so I am happy to be reading how others coped. It's a real author who shares the bad stuff along the way. Can't wait for the next installment!
August 12, 2022
Once again Rosie has given us a great read
After the first 2 books I really wanted to know what came next. The ups and downs of negotiating the renovation of her house and negotiating the ins and outs of Italian life, not that easy to do, have made me smile. As a fellow Umbrian Alien, I have experienced most of it myself. There is sadness and joy in this book. Looking forward to reading the next.
After the first 2 books I really wanted to know what came next. The ups and downs of negotiating the renovation of her house and negotiating the ins and outs of Italian life, not that easy to do, have made me smile. As a fellow Umbrian Alien, I have experienced most of it myself. There is sadness and joy in this book. Looking forward to reading the next.
January 17, 2023
Once again Rosie has taken us through the epic house renovation as well as the bureaucracy which is the Italian way. I’ve laughed and cried in equal measure as each trial has been met and eventually overcome. Just love this series of books. I don’t want to live in Italy I just love reading about people who have taken a chance in life and are making it happen for them and their families. Thank you for taking us along with you Rosie.
January 7, 2025
This series really struck a familiar note for me since we were also living abroad (in Spain instead of Italy) during the pandemic. Fortunately we chose to rent an apartment instead of buying an old house to remodel, so we were spared a lot of the trauma this couple experienced. The author (who is Irish) has a delightful sense of humor which adds a lot to the story. I am working my way through this series and enjoying it a lot.
May 30, 2022
Loved Book 3
Rosie, you are a spectacular writer. I loved it so much that I just couldn’t put it down. I kept wondering if you would finally go or eventually stay. As in the first 2 books, it all just fell into place beautifully. Pls keep writing about your adventures in Italy. Bravo
Rosie, you are a spectacular writer. I loved it so much that I just couldn’t put it down. I kept wondering if you would finally go or eventually stay. As in the first 2 books, it all just fell into place beautifully. Pls keep writing about your adventures in Italy. Bravo
June 8, 2022
Another engaging instalment.
I admire Rosie Meleady for turning her life into a book series. It's been great to read about her adventures in Italy and what expat living is like in the of midst of challenges of a pandemic and house renovations. She shares so generously. Book 3 felt a bit rushed; some of the phrasing and editing especially at the beginning could've done with additional polish.
I admire Rosie Meleady for turning her life into a book series. It's been great to read about her adventures in Italy and what expat living is like in the of midst of challenges of a pandemic and house renovations. She shares so generously. Book 3 felt a bit rushed; some of the phrasing and editing especially at the beginning could've done with additional polish.
February 1, 2023
What a dilema!
Worthy of 5 stars. This book has everything, funny, sad and informative. You have more patience than me. As if moving house and renovating is not stressful enough you have had to deal with a different language and covid. If this was not enough, you have had to cope with the loss of a parent. Hats off to you.
Worthy of 5 stars. This book has everything, funny, sad and informative. You have more patience than me. As if moving house and renovating is not stressful enough you have had to deal with a different language and covid. If this was not enough, you have had to cope with the loss of a parent. Hats off to you.
November 4, 2023
Changes, and plans often need revising
Having just finished book 3 of 5, I feel like I know Rosie and Ronan, like close friends. They survived Covid in Italy and now their future is looking much brighter. This series is like a much loved soap opera! Cannot wait to see what is next!
Having just finished book 3 of 5, I feel like I know Rosie and Ronan, like close friends. They survived Covid in Italy and now their future is looking much brighter. This series is like a much loved soap opera! Cannot wait to see what is next!
April 15, 2025
each is a bit better
I am looking forward to Italy with Mam!
I appreciated the agony of things going sideways and wondering if you have made a horrid mistake. For me it was a forest fire, rather than Covid. But I get it. Plus my mom is also a bit challenging. I told my daughter I’m sorry for how annoying I will be in 20 years.
I am looking forward to Italy with Mam!
I appreciated the agony of things going sideways and wondering if you have made a horrid mistake. For me it was a forest fire, rather than Covid. But I get it. Plus my mom is also a bit challenging. I told my daughter I’m sorry for how annoying I will be in 20 years.
October 7, 2025
First I laugh
I am enjoying “The Rosie Life in Italy” series so much! First I laugh and then I cry!
These books are so therapeutic to me! It is encouraging to hear someone else’s troubles and realize that I am not the only one that struggles to figure things out! Thank you Rosie!
I am enjoying “The Rosie Life in Italy” series so much! First I laugh and then I cry!
These books are so therapeutic to me! It is encouraging to hear someone else’s troubles and realize that I am not the only one that struggles to figure things out! Thank you Rosie!
May 29, 2022
what a fantastic book!
Have absolutely enjoyed travelling along Rosies journey with her families relocation to italy in these tough covid times, such an honest, moving story, tk u for sharing Rosie
Have absolutely enjoyed travelling along Rosies journey with her families relocation to italy in these tough covid times, such an honest, moving story, tk u for sharing Rosie
May 30, 2022
So Worth Waiting For
Lots of laugh out loud moments, some very teary eyed moments and definitely several “I want to kick that bank wench to the curb”moments. My God, that renovation crew! Horrifying!
Lots of laugh out loud moments, some very teary eyed moments and definitely several “I want to kick that bank wench to the curb”moments. My God, that renovation crew! Horrifying!
June 9, 2022
you feel for her
I really like 5e way the story develops and the way Rosie writes with her kwerky phrases and sense of humour.
I lived through the whole book vicariously and could hardly put it down!
Can’t wait for the next installment
I really like 5e way the story develops and the way Rosie writes with her kwerky phrases and sense of humour.
I lived through the whole book vicariously and could hardly put it down!
Can’t wait for the next installment
September 29, 2022
I love Rosie and her adventures!
I have followed Rosie’s adventures from Ireland to Italy and absolutely adore her stories. Well written and laugh out loud funny! Looking forward to part Four. Brilliant !
I have followed Rosie’s adventures from Ireland to Italy and absolutely adore her stories. Well written and laugh out loud funny! Looking forward to part Four. Brilliant !
January 1, 2023
Excellent addition to the series - so easy to read - a great style and mixes humour and sadness.
Captures the complexities of moving to a new country in the midst of Covid restrictions
Superb writing
Captures the complexities of moving to a new country in the midst of Covid restrictions
Superb writing
January 10, 2023
Dear Rosie
Sending condolences after losing your Dad. You are very brave, good luck with looking after your mum. Lots of patience needed, mine drives me mad sometimes, but it's worse being without them.Can't wait to start book 4. Keep up the good work.
Sending condolences after losing your Dad. You are very brave, good luck with looking after your mum. Lots of patience needed, mine drives me mad sometimes, but it's worse being without them.Can't wait to start book 4. Keep up the good work.
March 26, 2023
Another chapter in this Italian Adventure
I really enjoy this series. Rosie’s adventures are entertaining but also have inspired me to get going on things I said I would do “some day”. I look forward to reading about the continued Italian adventure.
I really enjoy this series. Rosie’s adventures are entertaining but also have inspired me to get going on things I said I would do “some day”. I look forward to reading about the continued Italian adventure.
June 19, 2023
fun read!
I feel like I know Rosie! It’s been fun reading about the Reno and all the problems. So wonderful they found Al the Albanian! To cope with Covid, delays and language problems is unbelievable. I’m thinking how brave she and Ronan are. Can’t wait for book 4!
I feel like I know Rosie! It’s been fun reading about the Reno and all the problems. So wonderful they found Al the Albanian! To cope with Covid, delays and language problems is unbelievable. I’m thinking how brave she and Ronan are. Can’t wait for book 4!
August 13, 2023
I’m enjoying this series about Rosie and her family trying to renovate a home in Italy. Unfortunately, Covid is causing lots of problems for them, as well as dodgy builders and dwindling funds because they can’t work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews