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A Rosie Life In Italy 4: Potatoes, Pizza and Poteen
Having three generations of her family living under the same roof was once part of the Italian dream for Rosie. But when her party-loving, whiskey-drinking, poker-playing 85-year-old mother moves over from Ireland to Italy, Rosie’s longed for dolce vita in Umbria is anything but sweet.
With a preference for bland boiled potatoes to her daughter’s Italian cooking and an aversion towards housework, Rosie’s mother’s requirements to feel at home in the Sighing House–including a smelly deep fat-frier, lots of clutter, parties and a new pup–are very different to Rosie’s vision.
However, the most urgent thing on Rosie’s to-do list is not dealing with the needs of her artist mother, nor the ongoing renovation ‘what now?’ moments—such as electric wires in the chimney. Rosie has the more pressing issue of a backlog of twenty summer weddings to be planned now that Covid restrictions are lifted. But with vendors going bust, and demands of couples going extreme, Rosie needs to find a way to get through the hottest Italian summer on record without burning out or having a gelato-mountain sized melt down.
Includes 10 delicious and simple recipes including Strangled Priest and White Walnut Pasta.
‘Under The Tuscan Sun’ meets ‘Escape To The Chateau’ with a dash of ‘Eat Pray Love’ in this hilarious Italian villa renovation memoir.
With a preference for bland boiled potatoes to her daughter’s Italian cooking and an aversion towards housework, Rosie’s mother’s requirements to feel at home in the Sighing House–including a smelly deep fat-frier, lots of clutter, parties and a new pup–are very different to Rosie’s vision.
However, the most urgent thing on Rosie’s to-do list is not dealing with the needs of her artist mother, nor the ongoing renovation ‘what now?’ moments—such as electric wires in the chimney. Rosie has the more pressing issue of a backlog of twenty summer weddings to be planned now that Covid restrictions are lifted. But with vendors going bust, and demands of couples going extreme, Rosie needs to find a way to get through the hottest Italian summer on record without burning out or having a gelato-mountain sized melt down.
Includes 10 delicious and simple recipes including Strangled Priest and White Walnut Pasta.
‘Under The Tuscan Sun’ meets ‘Escape To The Chateau’ with a dash of ‘Eat Pray Love’ in this hilarious Italian villa renovation memoir.
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Published December 10, 2022
241 people are currently reading
154 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
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December 6, 2022I got the blurb finished for the book 4 in the series. I'm really happy with how book 4 turned out so I can't wait to share it! I'm hoping to have it ready for launch the first week of December.
A Rosie Life In Italy 4 Blurb:
Having three generations of her family living under the same roof was once part of the Italian dream for Rosie. But when her party-loving, whiskey-drinking, poker-playing 85-year-old mother moves over from Ireland to Italy, Rosie’s longed for dolce vita in Umbria is anything but sweet.
With a preference for bland boiled potatoes to her daughter’s Italian cooking and an aversion towards housework, Rosie’s mother’s requirements to feel at home in the Sighing House–including a smelly deep fat-frier, lots of clutter, parties and a new pup–are very different to Rosie’s vision.
However, the most urgent thing on Rosie’s to-do list is not dealing with the needs of her artist mother, nor the ongoing renovation ‘what now?’ moments—such as electric wires in the chimney. Rosie has the more pressing issue of a backlog of twenty summer weddings to be planned now that Covid restrictions are lifted. But with vendors going bust, and demands of couples going extreme, Rosie needs to find a way to get through the hottest Italian summer on record without burning out or having a gelato-mountain sized melt down.
Includes 10 delicious and simple recipes including Strangled Priest and White Walnut Pasta.
‘Under The Tuscan Sun’ meets ‘Escape To The Chateau’ with a dash of ‘Eat Pray Love’ in this hilarious Italian villa renovation memoir.
A Rosie Life In Italy 4 Blurb:
Having three generations of her family living under the same roof was once part of the Italian dream for Rosie. But when her party-loving, whiskey-drinking, poker-playing 85-year-old mother moves over from Ireland to Italy, Rosie’s longed for dolce vita in Umbria is anything but sweet.
With a preference for bland boiled potatoes to her daughter’s Italian cooking and an aversion towards housework, Rosie’s mother’s requirements to feel at home in the Sighing House–including a smelly deep fat-frier, lots of clutter, parties and a new pup–are very different to Rosie’s vision.
However, the most urgent thing on Rosie’s to-do list is not dealing with the needs of her artist mother, nor the ongoing renovation ‘what now?’ moments—such as electric wires in the chimney. Rosie has the more pressing issue of a backlog of twenty summer weddings to be planned now that Covid restrictions are lifted. But with vendors going bust, and demands of couples going extreme, Rosie needs to find a way to get through the hottest Italian summer on record without burning out or having a gelato-mountain sized melt down.
Includes 10 delicious and simple recipes including Strangled Priest and White Walnut Pasta.
‘Under The Tuscan Sun’ meets ‘Escape To The Chateau’ with a dash of ‘Eat Pray Love’ in this hilarious Italian villa renovation memoir.
January 29, 2023
Nooooo! I've come to the end of the series, and I have to wait for the next one to be published! I loved this fourth book just as much as the previous three. Rosie's dream has come true, and she now has three generations of family under her (rather expensive) roof. But is is the dream she expected, or a nightmare waiting to happen? Along with her career as a wedding planner, she's trying to write books, and keep her family happy. It's the usual well-written story, with lots of humor. Still battling with bureaucracy and builders, Rosie makes what must be very frustrating incidents into a hugely entertaining story. I've already preordered book 5.....
February 4, 2023
All year long I waited for A Rosie Life in Italy book 4 to come out, contemplating the soon to be new addition of a family member to an already complex life. I was delighted to learn it was available early and within minutes I purchased the book. And then… I didn’t read it. You see, I knew that once started it would not last long and then there would be another long wait. But when I couldn’t wait any longer I got stuck in, laughing hysterically and commiserating where necessary. If you like to laugh at the mishaps of life and be inspired that, though messy, the love of family is worth it, you will surely enjoy this gripping read. Fans of Victoria Twead and Sharon Hayhurst will also love this book.
December 7, 2022
Fabulous
The problem w Rosie’s books is that they go too fast, I couldn’t put it down. There were so many laugh out loud moments. Just loved it.
i need more!!! Great work Rosie.
The problem w Rosie’s books is that they go too fast, I couldn’t put it down. There were so many laugh out loud moments. Just loved it.
i need more!!! Great work Rosie.
June 15, 2024
Incredibly entertaining easy read. I found myself laughing out loud at some of their experiences and particularly of Mam. I think I liked this one better than previous installments.
April 14, 2024
QUINTESSENTIALLY ROSIE
Just like Rosie 1-3, this book is a rollicking good read - sometimes sad and often funny, but always real. Such a host of characters centred in the whirlwind of Rosie's life by an old house in an Italian village. My favourite part is where the cake announcing the cover of this book is carried in and Rosie says, "I immediately want to hide it ... half the people here don't know I write and are in the book!"
Just like Rosie 1-3, this book is a rollicking good read - sometimes sad and often funny, but always real. Such a host of characters centred in the whirlwind of Rosie's life by an old house in an Italian village. My favourite part is where the cake announcing the cover of this book is carried in and Rosie says, "I immediately want to hide it ... half the people here don't know I write and are in the book!"
January 8, 2023
First of all, Rosie’s writing is incredibly engaging and captivating and these books are super easy to binge. The stories she shares about her experiences in Italy and with life are fascinating and it never seems like anything is held back. You get the full experience of her experience, both the good and the bad, which is part of what makes them so relatable. The only downside with this book is it feels like the editors are proofreaders also got caught up in the whirlwind of the story and missed things. Most are just little spelling or wording things but there were a couple of odd transitions that I got lost on. Still, fantastic book and enjoyable series.
January 10, 2023
I love reading this series. Last week I realized I was behind and finished numbers 3 & 4 last night. As an immigrant to a new country I can really appreciate just how maddening and lonely it can be and it's nice to be able to have a laugh about it while reading what Rosie and her family get up to. I find the reads incredibly quick because it's like being in a conversation with the author and time just flies by until, before you know it, it's done. I'm looking forward to book number 5 and wish I hadn't read the last two so quickly and now have to wait nine whole months for our next "chat".
December 16, 2022
The latest instalment of Rosie, Ronin and co...
A timely release date to get us in the mood for the festive season which is where book begins... before it proceeds to rekindlle embers of escapist dreams of moving to a foreign country to restore a renovators delight. The narrative carries on in casual style much as it does in the first three books, each chapter rolling out like a letter from a friend.
A timely release date to get us in the mood for the festive season which is where book begins... before it proceeds to rekindlle embers of escapist dreams of moving to a foreign country to restore a renovators delight. The narrative carries on in casual style much as it does in the first three books, each chapter rolling out like a letter from a friend.
April 21, 2023
It’s a book that will make you:
- feel sad (“Everyone is oblivious that I was standing beside a grave the day before”),
- then laugh (countless time, but especially at the new sofa episode and Paddy’s wet wipes),
- then feel queasy (blood was shed!),
- then feel happy (“we did it out of love, and love is never wasted. Good experiences are never wasted. They are banked.”)
What a rollercoaster!
I’ve already preordered book 5 - need I say more about how much I’m enjoying this series?
- feel sad (“Everyone is oblivious that I was standing beside a grave the day before”),
- then laugh (countless time, but especially at the new sofa episode and Paddy’s wet wipes),
- then feel queasy (blood was shed!),
- then feel happy (“we did it out of love, and love is never wasted. Good experiences are never wasted. They are banked.”)
What a rollercoaster!
I’ve already preordered book 5 - need I say more about how much I’m enjoying this series?
March 28, 2025
Rosie finally has her mum living with them in Italy, but it is a difficult transition and changed relationship. Many of us would have snapped, but Rosie was extremely kind in the face of incessant nagging and put downs. On top of that the house renovations continue and weddings postponed during the Covid years are resuming, so Rosie and Ronan are super busy. Many challenges, including the ever-present lack of Italian language skills, pile on and would have broken the spirit of many.
December 11, 2022
Another excellent read
I like this book as much as the others in this
series, the author has done a great job of making her mam's personality shine through. The only thing missing for me is an actual floor plan of the house, I will be going on insta to find some images! The author has a lovely style of writing that is easy to read.
I like this book as much as the others in this
series, the author has done a great job of making her mam's personality shine through. The only thing missing for me is an actual floor plan of the house, I will be going on insta to find some images! The author has a lovely style of writing that is easy to read.
December 18, 2022
I have enjoyed these books - however I was getting to the point that I wanted to strangle Rosie's mother. Rosie has more patience than I would have under the circumstances. I realize Mam lost her husband and was living in a different country, but I have never experienced one so contrary. Glad she went back home.
January 2, 2023
Absolutely love this series -humour, pathos, a sense of the goodness of people running throughout the books as Rosie and Ronan forge a life in Covid restricted and bureaucratically confusing Italy.
Will make you laugh, cry and be inspired to travel and spend time with loved ones.
Do read the series.
Will make you laugh, cry and be inspired to travel and spend time with loved ones.
Do read the series.
January 5, 2023
*****
Rosie in Italy books are fantastic. There's just enough grit and grime to keep them from being gushy love stories about Italy, yet enough charm and grace to keep them warm and familiar. Her mother drove me crazy in this book, until I realized her mom is the same age as mine and I'm the same age as Rosie....ahhh, there's the ticket....an abundance of empathy.
Rosie in Italy books are fantastic. There's just enough grit and grime to keep them from being gushy love stories about Italy, yet enough charm and grace to keep them warm and familiar. Her mother drove me crazy in this book, until I realized her mom is the same age as mine and I'm the same age as Rosie....ahhh, there's the ticket....an abundance of empathy.
April 4, 2023
Enjoyed the series!
Very good read, everyone would love to visit Italy one day…
Just living through the pandemic anywhere was awful but from this book you see just how difficult it was being in another country and not being able to communicate like you want to would make even the nicest person crazy!
Very good read, everyone would love to visit Italy one day…
Just living through the pandemic anywhere was awful but from this book you see just how difficult it was being in another country and not being able to communicate like you want to would make even the nicest person crazy!
August 24, 2023
I’ve really enjoyed this series, and believe there is another book in the works. Rosie and Ronan have finally settled into the house. Her widowed mother has joined them, and Luca is there also…3 generations in the one house, just as she imagined. Also, as Covid is winding down, her wedding planning business is winding back up, so it’s all systems go.
November 7, 2023
Life moves on
Luca and Izzy are making their lives in Ireland and London. Rosie's mother is going to spend the summer in Ireland. Rosie is turning over the wedding planning business to someone else. Now she has time to spend with Ronan, her husband and to devote to her writing, at home in Italy.
Luca and Izzy are making their lives in Ireland and London. Rosie's mother is going to spend the summer in Ireland. Rosie is turning over the wedding planning business to someone else. Now she has time to spend with Ronan, her husband and to devote to her writing, at home in Italy.
April 19, 2025
becoming attached
Each book is either a bit better or I am just getting to know the cast better, and so feel more love for them. Mam makes me feel a smidgen better about my mother’s boyfriend who I find annoying,but she isn’t living with me so…
Not that I don’t love Mam, (Rosie’s or mine) but it gets old, being responsible for your mom.
Each book is either a bit better or I am just getting to know the cast better, and so feel more love for them. Mam makes me feel a smidgen better about my mother’s boyfriend who I find annoying,but she isn’t living with me so…
Not that I don’t love Mam, (Rosie’s or mine) but it gets old, being responsible for your mom.
January 6, 2023
Fantastic
I have read all of the books in this series & loved them.
Can't wait for number 5. Her descriptions & characters are very entertaining. Hate having to wait until April for next one.
I have read all of the books in this series & loved them.
Can't wait for number 5. Her descriptions & characters are very entertaining. Hate having to wait until April for next one.
January 13, 2023
So nice. Like coming home.
Rosie's books are funny and always leave me happy inside. I wish I could live in Italy. She is so lucky and I wish here many many more happy years in her beloved house surrounded by family and friends.
Rosie's books are funny and always leave me happy inside. I wish I could live in Italy. She is so lucky and I wish here many many more happy years in her beloved house surrounded by family and friends.
March 5, 2023
Each book is a great continuation of the previous - all of which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Rosie's style of writing is fun and makes me feel that I'm right there with her. Now I need to try her other writings, waiting for #5 to come. Keep it up, Rosie!
September 16, 2023
Charming, delightful story
An easy, pleasant read. Relatable if one has dreams of making an international move. No bad guys here… just charming errors mostly caused by language issues. Lightweight but fun.
An easy, pleasant read. Relatable if one has dreams of making an international move. No bad guys here… just charming errors mostly caused by language issues. Lightweight but fun.
November 28, 2023
Was not sure at the beginning of the book whether it was going to be as good as previous books 1,2,3, was there really anything left to Rosie's story! There is! Simple review, worth your time, especially close to the end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
Another Rosie adventure in Italy
Rosie has come to love her life in Italy. Now her mom has come to live with them.
Very comical interactions between Rosie and her mom, who is highly
R
Critical of everything Rosie does.
Rosie has come to love her life in Italy. Now her mom has come to live with them.
Very comical interactions between Rosie and her mom, who is highly
R
Critical of everything Rosie does.
December 29, 2022
Oh my goodness I can’t put this down, just like the other 3! Rosie’s books are legendary and she is living all of our dreams in Italy. Can’t wait for #5
January 2, 2023
continuing shenanigans
Total lived up to the expectations set in earlier books. Who else has an octogenarian mom setting up a still in their house!!!
Total lived up to the expectations set in earlier books. Who else has an octogenarian mom setting up a still in their house!!!
January 5, 2023
It's not all roses..
Love this series of books, following the real life adventures of an Irish family, who have partially moved to Italy.
Love this series of books, following the real life adventures of an Irish family, who have partially moved to Italy.
January 26, 2023
Excellent
Rosie,I have enjoyed all four books the way you tell your experiences living in Italy remodeling of the house makes the reader to look forward book # 5
Rosie,I have enjoyed all four books the way you tell your experiences living in Italy remodeling of the house makes the reader to look forward book # 5
April 10, 2023
Entertaining
I loved her book and want to read more. I especially enjoy her sense of humor and learning about the Italian culture.
I loved her book and want to read more. I especially enjoy her sense of humor and learning about the Italian culture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews