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What the Focaccia?
Escape to Italy with the brand-new foodie romcom from the author of You Had Me at Halloumi.
Ginger Jones is back with her next laugh-out-loud, mouth-watering tale from the rolling fields of sun-drenched Tuscany.
Add a dash of romance to your life with a spicy tale that's sure to satisfy your appetite . . .
Ginger Jones is back with her next laugh-out-loud, mouth-watering tale from the rolling fields of sun-drenched Tuscany.
Add a dash of romance to your life with a spicy tale that's sure to satisfy your appetite . . .
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2023
9 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 1, 2023
Fun and fabulously entertaining, Ginger Jones’ newest Rom-com was a fashion filled and sun drenched, summer delight— full of chaotic humour, body positivity and a sizzlingly slow burn romance that I genuinely couldn’t get enough of!
It follows aspiring designer Ramona, who dreams of finding success with her plus sized (and all inclusive) fashion line, curvaliscious.
But, after facing another career setback Ramona decides to head off the Milan for some haute couture inspo and maybe some local delicacies… only to find herself blown off course in a picturesque Tuscan village and birthplace of one of Italy’s most celebrated milliners.
Having really enjoyed Ginger Jones’ previous book, You Had Me At Halloumi (which does get a cheeky, blink and you’ll miss it mention by our protagonist Ramona) last year I literally jumped at the chance to review her latest novel, What The Focaccia and have to say— I loved it even more than her first!
Ramona was such an incredibly endearing character who I loved almost immediately. As a plus sized woman myself, Ramona’s struggles with the lack of fashionable plus size clothing and her own insecurities really resonated with me and definitely had me rooting for her to thrive (and show her naysayers just how wrong they were.)
I also thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the quirky cast of characters we meet along the way— Fabrice and his alter ego Polly Darton were an especially delightful highlight and injected a much needed dose of glamour and chaotic energy that I found utterly compelling.
The romance is a bit of a slow burn, but the chemistry between Ramona and her love interest Marco was wonderful, though does revolve around some miscommunication between the pair, so do bare in mind if that’s a trope you usually don’t enjoy. However, I did think it was quite subtly done and didn’t detract from the overall story all that much.
So, if you’re looking for a fairly quick, entertaining romcom with a lovable protagonist to read poolside this summer, then I highly recommend checking this out (especially if you’re heading to Italy.)
Also, a huge thank you to Beth over at Bonnier Zaffre for the physical copy and my spot on the upcoming blog tour
It follows aspiring designer Ramona, who dreams of finding success with her plus sized (and all inclusive) fashion line, curvaliscious.
But, after facing another career setback Ramona decides to head off the Milan for some haute couture inspo and maybe some local delicacies… only to find herself blown off course in a picturesque Tuscan village and birthplace of one of Italy’s most celebrated milliners.
Having really enjoyed Ginger Jones’ previous book, You Had Me At Halloumi (which does get a cheeky, blink and you’ll miss it mention by our protagonist Ramona) last year I literally jumped at the chance to review her latest novel, What The Focaccia and have to say— I loved it even more than her first!
Ramona was such an incredibly endearing character who I loved almost immediately. As a plus sized woman myself, Ramona’s struggles with the lack of fashionable plus size clothing and her own insecurities really resonated with me and definitely had me rooting for her to thrive (and show her naysayers just how wrong they were.)
I also thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the quirky cast of characters we meet along the way— Fabrice and his alter ego Polly Darton were an especially delightful highlight and injected a much needed dose of glamour and chaotic energy that I found utterly compelling.
The romance is a bit of a slow burn, but the chemistry between Ramona and her love interest Marco was wonderful, though does revolve around some miscommunication between the pair, so do bare in mind if that’s a trope you usually don’t enjoy. However, I did think it was quite subtly done and didn’t detract from the overall story all that much.
So, if you’re looking for a fairly quick, entertaining romcom with a lovable protagonist to read poolside this summer, then I highly recommend checking this out (especially if you’re heading to Italy.)
Also, a huge thank you to Beth over at Bonnier Zaffre for the physical copy and my spot on the upcoming blog tour
May 17, 2023
I loved the first 35% and then the book got pretty silly. This could have become a new favourite romance but I didn't like the direction of the plot. Alas, you win some, you lose some.
Thanks NetGalley for an e-arc.
Thanks NetGalley for an e-arc.
June 20, 2023
Ramona is a fashion designer trying to launch her new size inclusive clothing range, but her current employer don't want to know, so off she flies to Milan to showcase her wares to the big fashion houses.
Things don't all work out and she runs off to the hills of a tiny village and trusts the wrong person, but could she also find her new path?
This was a fun read about community, finding your calling and helping each other. I found it a bit too fashion heavy in places, but the cast of characters was fun and it was an easy and for the most parts light read.
Things don't all work out and she runs off to the hills of a tiny village and trusts the wrong person, but could she also find her new path?
This was a fun read about community, finding your calling and helping each other. I found it a bit too fashion heavy in places, but the cast of characters was fun and it was an easy and for the most parts light read.
June 29, 2025
2.5
The overall story was fun and a nice idea. The writing felt very basic and a little forced/cringey at times. Lots of British and time specific references and it also seemed written by someone that doesn't know fashion. I could be wrong as I don't know fashion at all but often it was just generic lists of material, styles and even food. Almost like she'd done a quick Google search and just copied the terms into a paragraph.
Also mentioning your 1st book in your 2nd is a bit on the nose 😂 had to look it up as I didn't recognise the title.... turns out it's her only other book.
If you want a fun, easy, slightly predictable read then it's still worth it!
The overall story was fun and a nice idea. The writing felt very basic and a little forced/cringey at times. Lots of British and time specific references and it also seemed written by someone that doesn't know fashion. I could be wrong as I don't know fashion at all but often it was just generic lists of material, styles and even food. Almost like she'd done a quick Google search and just copied the terms into a paragraph.
Also mentioning your 1st book in your 2nd is a bit on the nose 😂 had to look it up as I didn't recognise the title.... turns out it's her only other book.
If you want a fun, easy, slightly predictable read then it's still worth it!
July 12, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
January 28, 2025
“A snog and a biscuit?” - genuinely my favourite line from the book.
May 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book ! I'm super happy I picked it up at the bookstore the other day . This book was well written and definitely had me belly laughing .
I'm a little sad with how slow it a few chapters near the end, but it was good either way
I'm a little sad with how slow it a few chapters near the end, but it was good either way
July 22, 2025
There’s a reason this book was only $4.99 at Half Price. Not really charming or wholesome and took longer to read than I wanted it to.
August 21, 2025
A fun and quirky book. A bit drawn out and over detailed at some points.
October 15, 2025
Another example of a time I wanted to give 3.5 stars but couldn’t. I rounded up because it was really cute and I loved the setting in Italy. It reads very much like a Hallmark movie in a book, and some parts got a little too predictable, but all in all a fun read with some pretty lovable characters. If it was a Hallmark movie, it would be one of the better ones!
May 6, 2023
Ramona, is fabulously talented, chronically overlooked and her ideas for inclusive sizing are ridiculed. When her so-called colleague stabs her in the back she is determined to get someone at the top to see the potential for her line of clothing.
On her flight to Milan she meets Raffa, handsome Italian-Aussie, who is returning for his grans funeral. When her fashionista dreams go up in flames once more Romano takes Raffa up on his recommendations and decides to do some touring in his small town. But believe it or not this is only the start of her drama!!!
(I completely missed the first book by this author - You Had Me At Halloumi - which I've suitably chastised myself over and added it to my TBR. I love reading romances set in Greece - my fave place in the world)
Ramona is just so endearing. She loves her family, her selective group of friends and fashion. Her friends are wild, diverse and oh so determined that she is going to make it in the fashion world. I loved meeting the Drag Queens and the way that it's nothing out of the ordinary to have a 6ft Dolly Parton-esque Queen as one of your besties!
All Ramona's troubles and insecurities resounded so much with me as a fellow non-standard sized woman. The feeling of being weirdly highly visible and invisible at the same time.
There are a range of quirky characters and the charismatic Raffa - such a dark horse! Ramona just seemed to be made for Italy and I loved the way the village just kind of accepted her into their fold. She cemented herself as a favourite so quickly. The laughs increased once her crew arrived too and wedding drama unfolded.
The Ramona-Raffa-Marco storyline was well paced but weirdly could have been so easily resolved so quickly if Ramona had pulled her head out of the sand and asked some questions! If you are not a lover of miscommunication tropes this is not for you.
Perfect beach/summer read. Quickly paced, engaging characters, beautiful setting and strong friendships to ground our FMC.
On her flight to Milan she meets Raffa, handsome Italian-Aussie, who is returning for his grans funeral. When her fashionista dreams go up in flames once more Romano takes Raffa up on his recommendations and decides to do some touring in his small town. But believe it or not this is only the start of her drama!!!
(I completely missed the first book by this author - You Had Me At Halloumi - which I've suitably chastised myself over and added it to my TBR. I love reading romances set in Greece - my fave place in the world)
Ramona is just so endearing. She loves her family, her selective group of friends and fashion. Her friends are wild, diverse and oh so determined that she is going to make it in the fashion world. I loved meeting the Drag Queens and the way that it's nothing out of the ordinary to have a 6ft Dolly Parton-esque Queen as one of your besties!
All Ramona's troubles and insecurities resounded so much with me as a fellow non-standard sized woman. The feeling of being weirdly highly visible and invisible at the same time.
There are a range of quirky characters and the charismatic Raffa - such a dark horse! Ramona just seemed to be made for Italy and I loved the way the village just kind of accepted her into their fold. She cemented herself as a favourite so quickly. The laughs increased once her crew arrived too and wedding drama unfolded.
The Ramona-Raffa-Marco storyline was well paced but weirdly could have been so easily resolved so quickly if Ramona had pulled her head out of the sand and asked some questions! If you are not a lover of miscommunication tropes this is not for you.
Perfect beach/summer read. Quickly paced, engaging characters, beautiful setting and strong friendships to ground our FMC.
December 29, 2023
Oh this was just brilliant,
Right from the start I was rooting for Ramona and for her pitch for Curvalicious to go well, as it is such a great concept for a fashion label.
Unfortunately haute couture companies aren't into size inclusivity, and Ramona on the verge of giving up ends up in Tuscany.
Where she becomes key in various aspects of village life, and also learns all about an inspirational milliner too.
I also loved her best friend Fabrice, who doubles as Polly Darton, and I am a lover or a drag queen! And Polly in her act is formidable.
Admidst some fabulous Italian food and climate, we have a fabulous story about body positivity and the fight curvy larger than sick figure girls have to get clothes that not only fit but also that they feel good in. And given I'm in that size range too, I was intrigued and excited by Ramona's designs.
I absolutely loved every moment of this book and once again I'm keen to read more from Ginger Jones.
Thank you to Zaffre and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Right from the start I was rooting for Ramona and for her pitch for Curvalicious to go well, as it is such a great concept for a fashion label.
Unfortunately haute couture companies aren't into size inclusivity, and Ramona on the verge of giving up ends up in Tuscany.
Where she becomes key in various aspects of village life, and also learns all about an inspirational milliner too.
I also loved her best friend Fabrice, who doubles as Polly Darton, and I am a lover or a drag queen! And Polly in her act is formidable.
Admidst some fabulous Italian food and climate, we have a fabulous story about body positivity and the fight curvy larger than sick figure girls have to get clothes that not only fit but also that they feel good in. And given I'm in that size range too, I was intrigued and excited by Ramona's designs.
I absolutely loved every moment of this book and once again I'm keen to read more from Ginger Jones.
Thank you to Zaffre and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 29, 2026
What the Focaccia by Ginger Jones
⭐️⭐️½ (2.5 stars)
I’m not sure this was the right book for me at the right time. Ramona is an aspiring plus-size fashion designer stuck in a cutthroat in-house competition that turns ugly, and she’s ultimately passed over for the position she’s worked toward. In response, she impulsively flies to Italy, hoping a change of scenery will help her finally chase her dream.
The setbacks don’t stop there. Professional disappointments and personal frustrations continue to pile up until a small Italian town becomes an unexpected source of inspiration. The story blends food, fashion, romance, and self-discovery as Ramona tries to figure out what she truly wants.
For me, the execution fell short. There are so many parallel storylines that the main narrative often gets lost, and I found myself skimming just to reconnect with the core of the story. While the premise had charm and promise, it never fully came together in a way that held my attention.
⭐️⭐️½ (2.5 stars)
I’m not sure this was the right book for me at the right time. Ramona is an aspiring plus-size fashion designer stuck in a cutthroat in-house competition that turns ugly, and she’s ultimately passed over for the position she’s worked toward. In response, she impulsively flies to Italy, hoping a change of scenery will help her finally chase her dream.
The setbacks don’t stop there. Professional disappointments and personal frustrations continue to pile up until a small Italian town becomes an unexpected source of inspiration. The story blends food, fashion, romance, and self-discovery as Ramona tries to figure out what she truly wants.
For me, the execution fell short. There are so many parallel storylines that the main narrative often gets lost, and I found myself skimming just to reconnect with the core of the story. While the premise had charm and promise, it never fully came together in a way that held my attention.
February 2, 2026
What a sweet book! So many beautiful descriptions making me want to travel to italy even more. inspiring and well thought out i appreciate that this wasn't just about the romance but about a girly trying to find her way and chase her dreams!! there were so many characters with complexities and they helped make the story just as much. everything wrapped up soso well it made me so happy! i felt sad when i finished it in a good way because i really enjoyed reading it as a transportation to italy! twists and turns all throughout and there were aspects of ramona i really resonated with. she was real and frustrating (lol wtf girly is blind when someone loves her but in a loveable way) and inspiring and cool and badass!! ill miss this book and the entire time i read it i kept thinking how i would love to see it as a movie!!!! also loved all the nods to food and all the descriptive fashion!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2023
Thank you Vicky at Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for the ARC, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
I didn't hesitate when given the chance to read Ginger Jones' latest book. But I ended up disappointed.
What the Focaccia mostly contains Ramona’s thoughts and actions, conversations were in the minority. I could never quite connect with her, the continual comments about her size was unnecessary, we readers don't need so many reminders about the physical characteristics of the main character.
Probably because I was comparing this to the author's previous book which was happy and amusing, almost as good as a holiday, this seemed a little false and found myself jumping sections just to get to the end.
If you're mad on fashion and follow all the trends, just ignore my comments, this might be a good choice for you.
I didn't hesitate when given the chance to read Ginger Jones' latest book. But I ended up disappointed.
What the Focaccia mostly contains Ramona’s thoughts and actions, conversations were in the minority. I could never quite connect with her, the continual comments about her size was unnecessary, we readers don't need so many reminders about the physical characteristics of the main character.
Probably because I was comparing this to the author's previous book which was happy and amusing, almost as good as a holiday, this seemed a little false and found myself jumping sections just to get to the end.
If you're mad on fashion and follow all the trends, just ignore my comments, this might be a good choice for you.
July 15, 2023
What the Focaccia by Ginger Jones
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Zaffre and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Escape to Italy with the brand-new foodie romcom from the author of You Had Me at Halloumi.
Ginger Jones is back with her next laugh-out-loud, mouth-watering tale from the rolling fields of sun-drenched Tuscany.
Add a dash of romance to your life with a spicy tale that's sure to satisfy your appetite . . .
My Opinion
This is a fabulously entertaining rom-com from Ginger Jones. It was full of chaos, but I loved the determination that Ramona had to bring to life her inclusive clothing range. This will make for a lovely, entertaining holiday read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Zaffre and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Escape to Italy with the brand-new foodie romcom from the author of You Had Me at Halloumi.
Ginger Jones is back with her next laugh-out-loud, mouth-watering tale from the rolling fields of sun-drenched Tuscany.
Add a dash of romance to your life with a spicy tale that's sure to satisfy your appetite . . .
My Opinion
This is a fabulously entertaining rom-com from Ginger Jones. It was full of chaos, but I loved the determination that Ramona had to bring to life her inclusive clothing range. This will make for a lovely, entertaining holiday read.
Rating 4/5
August 5, 2024
Tries to be a bit more as it is. Uses words that (ok, I'm not a native English speaker but have more than 10 years behind me reading in English.) I had to look up. In a lighthearted chick-lit I found them too much.
Apart of missing the gastronomy part (love books based in Tuscany and always looking for the food elements too) it is a lovely, funny not fully predictable book.
I liked the characters, especially the drag queen best friend and loved the town people who all brought a different spice to the mixture while completely being all for one one for all.
Sweet summer read based in a magical place. (Zero smut though.)
Apart of missing the gastronomy part (love books based in Tuscany and always looking for the food elements too) it is a lovely, funny not fully predictable book.
I liked the characters, especially the drag queen best friend and loved the town people who all brought a different spice to the mixture while completely being all for one one for all.
Sweet summer read based in a magical place. (Zero smut though.)
September 4, 2024
Alternately silly and boring, confused and transparent. I did finish, however, because the plot picked up at the end, but it turned out completely slapstick comedy. Written in a weird kind of first person narrative which somehow manages to say things like “Two days later I am…” Also, anyone who has been to Italy should know Tuscans are not eating arancini or drinking “mochachinos.” I suspect anyone who knows anything about fashion designing would have found the descriptions of clothing and the finale even more unlikely than I did.
May 25, 2023
This was such a great read it literally had me laughing out loud a number of times.
I loved the Tuscany setting it totally makes me want to visit there.
Ramona was a great character I loved her and I was definitely rooting for her with her clothing range.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I’ll definitely be reading the previous book You Had Me At Halloumi.
Thank you to the publisher for having me on the tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
I loved the Tuscany setting it totally makes me want to visit there.
Ramona was a great character I loved her and I was definitely rooting for her with her clothing range.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I’ll definitely be reading the previous book You Had Me At Halloumi.
Thank you to the publisher for having me on the tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
August 17, 2023
This book was ok. Tbh I would’ve liked it to talk more about her making plus sized apparel and her journey to getting a shop rather than her making clothes for a wedding party and suddenly getting fame for dressing a drag Queen. The story line was just not linear enough to a character development. And the guy who likes her was just so out of no where but they were still cute. I liked the setting but the storyline could have been better. 3 stars
August 8, 2024
Dreaming of launching her own size-inclusive line of clothing, Ramona moves to Italy to achieve her goals and prove her colleagues wrong. However, throughout her journey, Ramona places her trust in the wrong man and ends up a straying from her original plan. Nonetheless, with the help of her supportive friends and a handsome landlord, Marco, Ramona succeeds with her fashion line as the small Italian town welcome her into the community.
Jones' book is a classic humorous chick lit whilst also being a reflective and heart-warming read. The relationship between Marco and Ramona is a very slow burn and if you do not like the 'miscommunication trope' then I would not reccomend this book. From a critical standpoint, I found the novel slow/ boring in some places and the protagonists' lack of common sense regarding Raffa in their initial encounter on the plane was very unrealistic.
Jones' book is a classic humorous chick lit whilst also being a reflective and heart-warming read. The relationship between Marco and Ramona is a very slow burn and if you do not like the 'miscommunication trope' then I would not reccomend this book. From a critical standpoint, I found the novel slow/ boring in some places and the protagonists' lack of common sense regarding Raffa in their initial encounter on the plane was very unrealistic.
February 20, 2025
Listened to audio book
I enjoyed this easy read and it felt as though I was in Italy with Ramona, however there were parts I found frustrating (miscommunication) and just unnecessary?
While Romonas thoughts throughout about Marco are I guess justified? It was giving me the ick when she thought he was going to be a father.
I enjoyed the range of characters though, especially Ramonas friend Polly Darton!
I enjoyed this easy read and it felt as though I was in Italy with Ramona, however there were parts I found frustrating (miscommunication) and just unnecessary?
While Romonas thoughts throughout about Marco are I guess justified? It was giving me the ick when she thought he was going to be a father.
I enjoyed the range of characters though, especially Ramonas friend Polly Darton!
December 25, 2023
Wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book quite as much as I did. Light hearted and fun, it’s a bit of a silly read with a serious theme. The fashion industry could have been made more of in its desire to make everyone fit a size 6. However, dressing a drag queen didn’t really get to the heart of larger women wanting lovely outfits that fit from regular stores. Great fun though.
January 7, 2025
This book is adorable. After being rejected by fashion houses in London, Ramona heads to Milan to pitch her plus size fashion line. If you love stories set in Italy, this one is for you. Charming small town, eccentric locals, and of course endless descriptions of food. There’s no spice in this romance, so if that’s a must for you, skip this one.
February 5, 2025
This was a lovely, fun but also serious message rom com. I was rooting for the main character, Ramona, the whole way through. She was likeable, relatable and had a core of inner strength that it was fun to watch her work out. The romance was gentle and realistic too which was great. I want to start a new life in Italy now myself!
May 23, 2025
This book was boring. Only one star because it was body positive and the MC was plus-sized. I remained on the verge of DNF'ing this book the entire way through but ended up finishing up out of boredom. As someone who is also body positive and plus-sized; and who loved The Devil Wears Prada, I was really hoping this book would be just as enjoyable, but it was ruined with a romance trope. Yuck.
April 6, 2023
I adore the name of this book. I love the settingof this book. I mean who doesn't love Italy. I also thought the characters where just really fun. I thought there were some great laugh out loud moments in the book as well and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
May 10, 2023
After things going wrong at work, Ramona is in Italy, in a small town following a chance encounter with a man on the plane. There she meets Marco - there is more to him than meets the eye so will she give him a chance?
August 2, 2023
How on earth does this book not have over 4 stars? Wonderful, humorous book about real-life problems of a lot of women! A book about fashion, life, love... I laughed my focaccia off and this book will be my highlight of this year.
July 13, 2025
Easy summer read. This is the perfect read for me when I’ve just finished a hard or emotional read. Funny and a bit predictable, but kept me engaged to the end. Read it in an afternoon. I will definitely look up others by this author as overall I really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews