What do you think?
The Italian Fiancé
'A wonderful story told with lightness, emotional insight and humour' FIVE STARS
'The backgrounds are so well described one could actually be there' FIVE STARS
'The Author took us on an unforgettable adventure. Highly recommended' FIVE STARS
It's never too late for happily ever after...
When sisters Cassie and Lisa receive a wedding invitation, the last person they expect to be getting married is Jane, their seventy-year-old aunt! Convinced that she's making a big mistake, the two put their differences aside to travel to the vibrant Tuscan city of Lucca. But there's something magical about Italy ...and this trip may just change their relationship - and their lives - forever.
Jane knows it's not just a holiday fling. After her husband of four decades passed away, Jane never thought she'd find love again. But Luciano, with his big heart and artistic flamboyance, fills her life with colour. Can she convince her nieces it's never too late for a second chance?
Perfect for fans of Nicky Pellegrino, TA Williams and Sue Moorcoft, take an unforgettable trip to sunny Tuscany with Victoria Springfield's The Italian Fiancé.
***
Readers are loving The Italian Fiancé!
'I bought this as soon as it came out and thoroughly recommend it' 5 STARS
'I have read all the author's books because they are so beautifully written' 5 STARS
'I loved the characters, they truly came to life in Tuscany' 5 STARS
This author gets better with each book' 5 STARS
'It's one of those books that you can lose yourself in' 5 STARS
'The backgrounds are so well described one could actually be there' FIVE STARS
'The Author took us on an unforgettable adventure. Highly recommended' FIVE STARS
It's never too late for happily ever after...
When sisters Cassie and Lisa receive a wedding invitation, the last person they expect to be getting married is Jane, their seventy-year-old aunt! Convinced that she's making a big mistake, the two put their differences aside to travel to the vibrant Tuscan city of Lucca. But there's something magical about Italy ...and this trip may just change their relationship - and their lives - forever.
Jane knows it's not just a holiday fling. After her husband of four decades passed away, Jane never thought she'd find love again. But Luciano, with his big heart and artistic flamboyance, fills her life with colour. Can she convince her nieces it's never too late for a second chance?
Perfect for fans of Nicky Pellegrino, TA Williams and Sue Moorcoft, take an unforgettable trip to sunny Tuscany with Victoria Springfield's The Italian Fiancé.
***
Readers are loving The Italian Fiancé!
'I bought this as soon as it came out and thoroughly recommend it' 5 STARS
'I have read all the author's books because they are so beautifully written' 5 STARS
'I loved the characters, they truly came to life in Tuscany' 5 STARS
This author gets better with each book' 5 STARS
'It's one of those books that you can lose yourself in' 5 STARS
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 26, 2022
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
I made it to at least one-third of the book without any grasp of who anyone was nor if the plot was happening. The whole “Italian Fiancé” aspect was barely looked at despite it being the title. Even throughout the book, I didn’t find it that interesting or as mysterious as the title and synopsis implied it would be.
Take my review with a grain of salt, there are so many positive reviews for this story.
However, it was the glimpses into the Italian culture and scenery that kept me going. As someone slowly learning Italian as an L3, I loved seeing the snippets of Italian dialogue.
I made it to at least one-third of the book without any grasp of who anyone was nor if the plot was happening. The whole “Italian Fiancé” aspect was barely looked at despite it being the title. Even throughout the book, I didn’t find it that interesting or as mysterious as the title and synopsis implied it would be.
Take my review with a grain of salt, there are so many positive reviews for this story.
However, it was the glimpses into the Italian culture and scenery that kept me going. As someone slowly learning Italian as an L3, I loved seeing the snippets of Italian dialogue.
April 11, 2024
I’m sorry but I had to DNF.. I couldn’t connect at all with the characters.. it’s just 2 whiny sisters who basically fly to Italy to convince their aunt not to marry this Luciano man.. your aunts a grown ass lady who can do what she wants.. the story was building way to fast that I felt no connection at all to anyone..
August 31, 2022
This really was the loveliest read. I’m always a total pushover for books set in Italy, especially beautiful Tuscany, but I’m not sure I’ve spent time in Lucca before – either in person or though the many opportunities for armchair travel we’ve all been so grateful for over the last couple of years. The birthplace of Puccini – the author builds some very appropriate musical references into the story – and I loved all the small detail about the cathedral and churches, the central piazza, the promenade along the ramparts, the clock tower, the tree-topped Guinigi tower with its wonderful views. The author’s descriptions are excellent, and Lucca’s somewhere I’ll definitely look at more closely as a base for a future visit. She conveys the whole atmosphere of the place particularly well too, the vibrancy of its people, along with the many eating opportunities – by the time I reached the end of this book I felt like I’d been taken on a rather lovely holiday.
But it’s also an excellent story. Seventy-year-old Aunt Jane appears to have taken leave of her senses, planning to stay in Lucca to marry Luciano, an artist none of her family have yet met. Cassie is horrified – she lives a carefully controlled life with rather unexciting husband Paul, spending their time planning their new (and eye-wateringly expensive) kitchen extension – and plans to travel to Italy to put a stop to it. Her sister Lisa is rather more laid back – she thinks Jane really deserves some happiness after struggling with loneliness since the loss of her husband ten years ago – but decides she must accompany her, if only to stop Cassie wreaking havoc.
Luciano proves to be a larger-than-life and particularly charismatic character – he might have some secrets, but the sisters can easily see that their aunt really has found love and seems to be heading for a happy future. But the story also focuses on the sisters themselves – their often difficult relationship, Lisa’s resolve not to get entangled in a long-term relationship (especially with a man who reminds her of their feckless father), and Cassie’s gradual discovery that she might just enjoy a little more excitement in her life. But there’s a fascinating parallel story too – at home in Naples, Pia discovers some secrets from her family’s complicated past, and sets out to find her real grandfather. He drew her grandmother’s portrait, drawn in distinctive blue pastel and signed only with initials, before disappearing and breaking her heart, leaving her expecting his child. And when the stories draw together, it seems that there might be a few more secrets about to be uncovered.
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this one – and the characterisation is particularly excellent. Jane herself is a wholly authentic and totally sympathetic mature character (extremely likeable too – I was really happy for her…) – sometimes authors can struggle with older characters, but I thought she got her absolutely right. Cassie’s a bit of a horror at first – when Lisa rolls her eyes, so does the reader – but through the book she undergoes quite a transformation. After some excruciatingly embarrassing moments – and you really feel for her – she begins to realise that there might just be more to life than her Egyptian Nights floor tiles. I loved Lisa from the very start – she’s feisty and funny and has her feet firmly on the ground, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be knocked off kilter when she meets a man who makes her question her decision to eschew relationships (and it really is a rather lovely romance, but with plenty of obstacles in its way). And every single person in the supporting cast is equally wonderfully drawn – I think I might just have fallen for Luciano too (I always rather like a man with an appetite, don’t you?!), and there are some excellent characters associated with the art gallery, as well as Lisa’s particularly gorgeous love interest.
And the whole story really is exceptionally well told. I really enjoyed the author’s writing – a lightness that makes it easy to read and lose yourself in the world of her creation, lots of lovely gentle humour, but with plenty of emotional depth when it’s needed. I read this book in a single sitting – and, when I finished (and the ending’s just perfect), I was quite surprised by the absence of sunshine outside when I felt I’d only just left my seat on a bench high on the ramparts. A lovely read, and one I’d recommend really highly – I’ll be looking forward to seeing what the author does next.
But it’s also an excellent story. Seventy-year-old Aunt Jane appears to have taken leave of her senses, planning to stay in Lucca to marry Luciano, an artist none of her family have yet met. Cassie is horrified – she lives a carefully controlled life with rather unexciting husband Paul, spending their time planning their new (and eye-wateringly expensive) kitchen extension – and plans to travel to Italy to put a stop to it. Her sister Lisa is rather more laid back – she thinks Jane really deserves some happiness after struggling with loneliness since the loss of her husband ten years ago – but decides she must accompany her, if only to stop Cassie wreaking havoc.
Luciano proves to be a larger-than-life and particularly charismatic character – he might have some secrets, but the sisters can easily see that their aunt really has found love and seems to be heading for a happy future. But the story also focuses on the sisters themselves – their often difficult relationship, Lisa’s resolve not to get entangled in a long-term relationship (especially with a man who reminds her of their feckless father), and Cassie’s gradual discovery that she might just enjoy a little more excitement in her life. But there’s a fascinating parallel story too – at home in Naples, Pia discovers some secrets from her family’s complicated past, and sets out to find her real grandfather. He drew her grandmother’s portrait, drawn in distinctive blue pastel and signed only with initials, before disappearing and breaking her heart, leaving her expecting his child. And when the stories draw together, it seems that there might be a few more secrets about to be uncovered.
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this one – and the characterisation is particularly excellent. Jane herself is a wholly authentic and totally sympathetic mature character (extremely likeable too – I was really happy for her…) – sometimes authors can struggle with older characters, but I thought she got her absolutely right. Cassie’s a bit of a horror at first – when Lisa rolls her eyes, so does the reader – but through the book she undergoes quite a transformation. After some excruciatingly embarrassing moments – and you really feel for her – she begins to realise that there might just be more to life than her Egyptian Nights floor tiles. I loved Lisa from the very start – she’s feisty and funny and has her feet firmly on the ground, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be knocked off kilter when she meets a man who makes her question her decision to eschew relationships (and it really is a rather lovely romance, but with plenty of obstacles in its way). And every single person in the supporting cast is equally wonderfully drawn – I think I might just have fallen for Luciano too (I always rather like a man with an appetite, don’t you?!), and there are some excellent characters associated with the art gallery, as well as Lisa’s particularly gorgeous love interest.
And the whole story really is exceptionally well told. I really enjoyed the author’s writing – a lightness that makes it easy to read and lose yourself in the world of her creation, lots of lovely gentle humour, but with plenty of emotional depth when it’s needed. I read this book in a single sitting – and, when I finished (and the ending’s just perfect), I was quite surprised by the absence of sunshine outside when I felt I’d only just left my seat on a bench high on the ramparts. A lovely read, and one I’d recommend really highly – I’ll be looking forward to seeing what the author does next.
August 9, 2022
Such a lovely story and likable characters (apart from Cassie at the beginning of the book) I really enjoyed how the story played out from the start to the end.
Cassie and Lisa go to Italy to check out the man their 70 year old aunt is marrying because they have a feeling something is off. During the week they get to know their aunt Jane's fiance Luciano and the wonderful characters in the lovely Italian town of Lucca and they see Luciano is perfect until someone comes looking for Luciano and they aren't so sure anymore...
I enjoyed the writing style and the descriptions of the sights in Italy. All of the dialogue felt natural and true to the characters nature.
Overall an enjoyable read
Thank you NetGalley & Victoria Springfield for the eARC.
Cassie and Lisa go to Italy to check out the man their 70 year old aunt is marrying because they have a feeling something is off. During the week they get to know their aunt Jane's fiance Luciano and the wonderful characters in the lovely Italian town of Lucca and they see Luciano is perfect until someone comes looking for Luciano and they aren't so sure anymore...
I enjoyed the writing style and the descriptions of the sights in Italy. All of the dialogue felt natural and true to the characters nature.
Overall an enjoyable read
Thank you NetGalley & Victoria Springfield for the eARC.
September 15, 2022
A fabulous premise, great setting and engaging characters who capture one’s interest as they embark on a journey to a happy ending.
Cassie and Lisa are sisters, whose 70 year old Aunt Jane suddenly announces her plans to marry Luciano (an artist) in Italy.
Initially, Cassie shows herself to be a rather unlikeable character, and the sisters clearly have a difficult relationship. Lisa flits from relationship to relationship because she doesn’t trust men after the terrible way her father treated their mother.
They set off to visit their Aunt Jane. Lisa simply wants to get to meet Luciano and enjoy the holiday and possibly a holiday romance with Matteo.
Cassie us determined to end the relationship which she suspects is one of a gigolo misleading their aunt. She is incredibly smug about her marriage and lifestyle and is horrified when she finds herself attracted to one of her Aunt’s young Italian friends.
Meanwhile Jane and Luciano are planning their wedding unaware of the drama about to enfold them as a young Italian woman embarks on a search.
Cassie’s husband and the two young Italian men - plus various other characters result in a complex cast of characters who could have become overwhelming except for VS’s skilful execution of the plotting. (I loved Mattel’s sister! )
I really enjoyed this Italian escapade and delighted in how VS conducted the resolution of all the problems that the couples encountered. A fabulously entertaining and emotionally satisfying read.
Cassie and Lisa are sisters, whose 70 year old Aunt Jane suddenly announces her plans to marry Luciano (an artist) in Italy.
Initially, Cassie shows herself to be a rather unlikeable character, and the sisters clearly have a difficult relationship. Lisa flits from relationship to relationship because she doesn’t trust men after the terrible way her father treated their mother.
They set off to visit their Aunt Jane. Lisa simply wants to get to meet Luciano and enjoy the holiday and possibly a holiday romance with Matteo.
Cassie us determined to end the relationship which she suspects is one of a gigolo misleading their aunt. She is incredibly smug about her marriage and lifestyle and is horrified when she finds herself attracted to one of her Aunt’s young Italian friends.
Meanwhile Jane and Luciano are planning their wedding unaware of the drama about to enfold them as a young Italian woman embarks on a search.
Cassie’s husband and the two young Italian men - plus various other characters result in a complex cast of characters who could have become overwhelming except for VS’s skilful execution of the plotting. (I loved Mattel’s sister! )
I really enjoyed this Italian escapade and delighted in how VS conducted the resolution of all the problems that the couples encountered. A fabulously entertaining and emotionally satisfying read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2022
The Italian Fiancé by Victoria Springfield.
When sisters Cassie and Lisa receive a wedding invitation, the last person they expect to be getting married is Jane, their seventy-year-old aunt! Convinced that she's making a big mistake, the two put their differences aside to travel to the vibrant Tuscan city of Lucca. But there's something magical about Italy ...and this trip may just change their relationship - and their lives - forever. Jane knows it's not just a holiday fling. After her husband of four decades passed away, Jane never thought she'd find love again. But Luciano, with his big heart and artistic flamboyance, fills her life with colour. Can she convince her nieces it's never too late for a second chance?
A good read with good characters. I liked the cover. 4*.
When sisters Cassie and Lisa receive a wedding invitation, the last person they expect to be getting married is Jane, their seventy-year-old aunt! Convinced that she's making a big mistake, the two put their differences aside to travel to the vibrant Tuscan city of Lucca. But there's something magical about Italy ...and this trip may just change their relationship - and their lives - forever. Jane knows it's not just a holiday fling. After her husband of four decades passed away, Jane never thought she'd find love again. But Luciano, with his big heart and artistic flamboyance, fills her life with colour. Can she convince her nieces it's never too late for a second chance?
A good read with good characters. I liked the cover. 4*.
October 24, 2022
I really liked this book. Being set in Italy, with beautiful descriptions of the area was an extra boost. I especially liked that Jane was older, but brave enough to upend her life for love. The sisters, Lisa and Cassie ,were pretty much opposites in lifestyles, but both handling the absence of the father in their own way. Yet sisters have deep bonding, and as the story progressed they tried to remember their love for each other. They all questioned their life choices, and opened themselves up to new possibilities. Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC.
I will be reading more from this author. Definitely recommend!
I will be reading more from this author. Definitely recommend!
September 7, 2022
I'm Italian born and bread and always read rom com set in Italy as a sort of fantasy world. They're my guilty pleasure and always enjoy them even when I found the plot a bit too fantasy like.
That side I enjoyed this story but I found Cassie and Lisa a bit unlikeable and nasty. Jane is a well rounded and interesting characters and I liked her.
The plot kept me reading and is well developed.
It was a lot of fun to read this story and I recommend it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
That side I enjoyed this story but I found Cassie and Lisa a bit unlikeable and nasty. Jane is a well rounded and interesting characters and I liked her.
The plot kept me reading and is well developed.
It was a lot of fun to read this story and I recommend it.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 14, 2022
Loved this book; who said managing emotions was easy? Exciting and rewarding and set in romantic Tuscany - story telling at its best.
July 30, 2025
Good story
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews