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An Italian Island Summer
Will one summer in Sicily change her life for ever? After her marriage falls apart, Ursula Quinn is offered the chance to spend the summer working at a hotel on a beautiful island off the coast of Sicily, Italy. Excited by a new adventure, she sets off at once. At Residenza dei Tringali, Ursula receives a warm welcome from everyone except Alfio , son of the Tringali family. He gave up his life in Barcelona to help his mother Agata with the ailing business, and is frustrated with Ursula’s interference – and she in turn is less than impressed with his attitude. As they spend more time together, though, they begin to see each other in a different light. But what with Ursula’s ex-husband on her tail, family secrets surfacing and an unexpected offer that makes Alfio question his whole life, there’s plenty to distract them from one another. Can she face her past and he his future, and together make the most of their Sicilian summer?
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2023
381 people are currently reading
953 people want to read
About the author
Sue Moorcroft
65 books1,004 followersSue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's won the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award, the Readers Best Romantic Read Award, two HOLT medallions and the Katie Fforde Bursary. She writes contemporary fiction of life and love.
She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.
An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.
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Website: www.suemoorcroft.com
Twitter: @suemoorcroft
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
May 11, 2023
An absolutely perfect summer beach read!!
Now I am going to Sicily this summer so there may be a bit of excited bias, but I really felt as if I was in the beautiful town of Ortigia, watching the hot sun set from a rooftop balcony.
Ursula is a fantastic lead character and I really wanted her to find happiness, away from her manipulative ex.
I loved everything about this, thank you for my review copy.
Now I am going to Sicily this summer so there may be a bit of excited bias, but I really felt as if I was in the beautiful town of Ortigia, watching the hot sun set from a rooftop balcony.
Ursula is a fantastic lead character and I really wanted her to find happiness, away from her manipulative ex.
I loved everything about this, thank you for my review copy.
May 25, 2023
This was my first Sue Moorcroft novel and it certainly will not be my last. The story kept me turning the pages and enthralled me right to the very satisfying end. The characters are well drawn and I felt I knew every one of them. I particularly warmed to both Ursula and Alfio. I love the way the author depicts two very close but very different families, Ursula’s back in Ireland and Alfio’s in Sicily. There is a strong sense of place and it was good to be transported to Ortigia, making me long to travel to the beautiful island of Sicily again. I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for an ARC.
June 15, 2023
A warm and picturesque little island off the coast of Sicily is the destination for an Irish woman needing the chance to take stock of her life after a recent spate of difficult, live-changing circumstances. Sue Moorcroft is a new to me author of British Chicklit who specializes in warm feelgoods in a holiday setting. I love following characters who start out low and come into their own so I settled in to venture across the seas to travel to sunny Sicily right from my comfy chair.
Starting slow and setting up Ursula Quinn’s complicated background of a trauma experienced in her youth, a recent mental health crisis after the difficult end of her marriage and divorce, her parents long-time volatile marriage, her boss selling up and closing down, and now a chance to launch her life into a new direction studying ceramic art which has long-been an interest through all the tattoo shop years that wasn’t the exciting job people make it out to be. Her uncle nudges her to take up work for a small family-owned Sicilian hotel where she can work part-time and study from a true ceramics artist in a nearby town for the rest of the time.
Alfio comes home from Barcelona minus his girlfriend and his excellent job to do his duty toward his mother, sister, and the family hotel only to find Ursula already installed and doing what he thought to be his responsibility. They get off to a rough start as a result, but soon learn to work together and even feel some attraction though neither are really in a place to jump into a new relationship. The hits just keep coming to their fledgling chance together when Ursula’s ex shows up and family secrets pop up, too.
The drama was there and so were the emotions, but this was also very much a holiday vacation atmosphere destination story with Sicily just as big a star character as Ursula or Alfio. I felt the balance of food, art, and Sicilian landscape and sea with slow burn romance, character growth and family conflict needing sorting was done well. My heart went out to Ursula and Alfio when the secrets from their family came out. I suspected about some of it and I was right.
I learned afterward that this is something of a standalone sequel with Ursula’s best friend Zia having had her story in a previous book, Under the Italian Sun. More fun in the Italian sun, it seems to me.
All in all, I enjoyed Sue Moorcroft’s writing and the story. Chicklit is not generally my go-to genre, but for some reason I am most drawn to it in the summer and when a travel destination is involved. I can definitely recommend An Italian Island Summer for your beach bag or armchair travel stack.
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on May 24th.
Starting slow and setting up Ursula Quinn’s complicated background of a trauma experienced in her youth, a recent mental health crisis after the difficult end of her marriage and divorce, her parents long-time volatile marriage, her boss selling up and closing down, and now a chance to launch her life into a new direction studying ceramic art which has long-been an interest through all the tattoo shop years that wasn’t the exciting job people make it out to be. Her uncle nudges her to take up work for a small family-owned Sicilian hotel where she can work part-time and study from a true ceramics artist in a nearby town for the rest of the time.
Alfio comes home from Barcelona minus his girlfriend and his excellent job to do his duty toward his mother, sister, and the family hotel only to find Ursula already installed and doing what he thought to be his responsibility. They get off to a rough start as a result, but soon learn to work together and even feel some attraction though neither are really in a place to jump into a new relationship. The hits just keep coming to their fledgling chance together when Ursula’s ex shows up and family secrets pop up, too.
The drama was there and so were the emotions, but this was also very much a holiday vacation atmosphere destination story with Sicily just as big a star character as Ursula or Alfio. I felt the balance of food, art, and Sicilian landscape and sea with slow burn romance, character growth and family conflict needing sorting was done well. My heart went out to Ursula and Alfio when the secrets from their family came out. I suspected about some of it and I was right.
I learned afterward that this is something of a standalone sequel with Ursula’s best friend Zia having had her story in a previous book, Under the Italian Sun. More fun in the Italian sun, it seems to me.
All in all, I enjoyed Sue Moorcroft’s writing and the story. Chicklit is not generally my go-to genre, but for some reason I am most drawn to it in the summer and when a travel destination is involved. I can definitely recommend An Italian Island Summer for your beach bag or armchair travel stack.
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on May 24th.
April 2, 2023
Every time I start a new Sue Moorcroft book I feel a thrill of anticipation. I know the settings are going to be wonderfully evocative and the characters are going to become my friends. In this book, the main character is someone we have met in a previous book which is lovely to revisit her and her best friend, but isn't integral to the story if you haven't read the previous book.
The story is of Ursula, a lovely Irish girl, who has gone home to Ireland from Brighton, to try and get over an awful marriage break up. Her parents are trying to give their marriage another try, having previously split up for an extended period. Living at home becomes too difficult for Ursula and she is soon pining to get away, but far enough from her controlling ex husband that he won't find her. She thinks she will return to Italy, where her best friend lives, and find a good ceramics tutor. Her uncle intervenes and gets her a job in a quaint hotel that needs extra help in the mornings with the breakfasts and so on, in return for free board and food and a chance to learn ceramics in the afternoons. She initially falls foul of the son of the hotel owner Alfio, who has left a good job in Barcelona, and a girlfriend, in order to rush back to Italy to help to find he isn't needed. (Not spoilers as this is all at the very beginning).
The story is well written, in classic Ms Moorcroft style, with beautifully written descriptions of Sicily, and the two families involved. I immediately wanted to jump on a plane and fly out to Sicily and taste the fabulous gelato. There is an unusual twist so that the story isn't predictable, and I couldn't put it down.
The story is of Ursula, a lovely Irish girl, who has gone home to Ireland from Brighton, to try and get over an awful marriage break up. Her parents are trying to give their marriage another try, having previously split up for an extended period. Living at home becomes too difficult for Ursula and she is soon pining to get away, but far enough from her controlling ex husband that he won't find her. She thinks she will return to Italy, where her best friend lives, and find a good ceramics tutor. Her uncle intervenes and gets her a job in a quaint hotel that needs extra help in the mornings with the breakfasts and so on, in return for free board and food and a chance to learn ceramics in the afternoons. She initially falls foul of the son of the hotel owner Alfio, who has left a good job in Barcelona, and a girlfriend, in order to rush back to Italy to help to find he isn't needed. (Not spoilers as this is all at the very beginning).
The story is well written, in classic Ms Moorcroft style, with beautifully written descriptions of Sicily, and the two families involved. I immediately wanted to jump on a plane and fly out to Sicily and taste the fabulous gelato. There is an unusual twist so that the story isn't predictable, and I couldn't put it down.
May 30, 2023
When we first met Ursula in Under the Italian Sun, she was escaping from her marriage problems for a while on a break with best friend Zia – and I was delighted that this book picked up her story, at the point where she has some big decisions to make about her future.
Licking her wounds while staying with her family in Ireland (although her parents do have a few issues and challenges of their own) – her troubled marriage ended in divorce, the tattoo parlour where she works is closing, and the tenancy on her flat isn’t being renewed – Ursula’s thinking of a fresh start and a total change of direction, living in Italy for a while, learning more about ceramics. And, through some family connections, she has the chance to help out at a small hotel in Ortigia – the historical island city of Siracusa, linked by bridge to the Sicilian mainland – and learn her craft with a ceramicist in the afternoons.
The hotel is run by Agata – currently in poor health – and her daughter Nanda, not without their daily struggles to keep the business going. And that’s what brings Agata’s son Alfio home from Barcelona – leaving his rising career and English girlfriend behind to offer support to his family. He’s none too pleased at first to find Ursula doing all the work he thought he was needed for – but as they grow closer, he discovers what a troubled soul she is, and their growing friendship begins to develop into something more. Until… well, perhaps enough to say that an ex-husband who refuses to let go and a few distinctly unexpected family complications begin to make life rather difficult.
The characters in this book are – as you’d only expect from the author – quite wonderfully drawn. Ursula has been through a lot and certainly bears the mental scars, but it’s a joy to see her unwind and find a place she can call home, even think about a happier future – until her new life is impacted by some secrets it proves difficult to move beyond. Alfio is a character I really warmed to – caring and supportive, definitely one of the good guys – which made it quite difficult to take sides when things began to go awry. I really liked the realistic family relationships, and the friendships – and it was especially good to see Zia and Piero again, but worry not, their brief inclusion won’t be an issue if you’ve never had the pleasure of meeting them before.
I really must say a word or two about the book’s setting – immaculately researched and recreated in a way that made me feel I was there in the Sicilian sunshine, sharing Ursula’s walk to the ceramics studio or sitting on her small attic balcony. The buildings, the marina, the bridges – when I was able to tear myself away from the story and its superb descriptions, I lost a whole evening doing my own reading about beautiful Ortigia as a holiday destination (and it’s just teeming with small hotels just like Agata’s Residenza dei Tringali… so maybe next year!).
The story? Well, it’s just excellent – and beautifully told, as you really hope (but severely doubt at times…) that Ursula and Alfio might find happiness together. There are a few touches of darkness, especially in Ursula’s troubled past – a few tears too, but every issue is handled with the author’s unfailing sensitivity. And there’s also a great deal of joy – the whole book filled with warmth (and not only from the sunshine) and the promise of healing.
I always so enjoy the author’s books, but this might just be my new favourite – and it might just be yours too. One I’d recommend really highly for your summer reading list – I loved it.
Licking her wounds while staying with her family in Ireland (although her parents do have a few issues and challenges of their own) – her troubled marriage ended in divorce, the tattoo parlour where she works is closing, and the tenancy on her flat isn’t being renewed – Ursula’s thinking of a fresh start and a total change of direction, living in Italy for a while, learning more about ceramics. And, through some family connections, she has the chance to help out at a small hotel in Ortigia – the historical island city of Siracusa, linked by bridge to the Sicilian mainland – and learn her craft with a ceramicist in the afternoons.
The hotel is run by Agata – currently in poor health – and her daughter Nanda, not without their daily struggles to keep the business going. And that’s what brings Agata’s son Alfio home from Barcelona – leaving his rising career and English girlfriend behind to offer support to his family. He’s none too pleased at first to find Ursula doing all the work he thought he was needed for – but as they grow closer, he discovers what a troubled soul she is, and their growing friendship begins to develop into something more. Until… well, perhaps enough to say that an ex-husband who refuses to let go and a few distinctly unexpected family complications begin to make life rather difficult.
The characters in this book are – as you’d only expect from the author – quite wonderfully drawn. Ursula has been through a lot and certainly bears the mental scars, but it’s a joy to see her unwind and find a place she can call home, even think about a happier future – until her new life is impacted by some secrets it proves difficult to move beyond. Alfio is a character I really warmed to – caring and supportive, definitely one of the good guys – which made it quite difficult to take sides when things began to go awry. I really liked the realistic family relationships, and the friendships – and it was especially good to see Zia and Piero again, but worry not, their brief inclusion won’t be an issue if you’ve never had the pleasure of meeting them before.
I really must say a word or two about the book’s setting – immaculately researched and recreated in a way that made me feel I was there in the Sicilian sunshine, sharing Ursula’s walk to the ceramics studio or sitting on her small attic balcony. The buildings, the marina, the bridges – when I was able to tear myself away from the story and its superb descriptions, I lost a whole evening doing my own reading about beautiful Ortigia as a holiday destination (and it’s just teeming with small hotels just like Agata’s Residenza dei Tringali… so maybe next year!).
The story? Well, it’s just excellent – and beautifully told, as you really hope (but severely doubt at times…) that Ursula and Alfio might find happiness together. There are a few touches of darkness, especially in Ursula’s troubled past – a few tears too, but every issue is handled with the author’s unfailing sensitivity. And there’s also a great deal of joy – the whole book filled with warmth (and not only from the sunshine) and the promise of healing.
I always so enjoy the author’s books, but this might just be my new favourite – and it might just be yours too. One I’d recommend really highly for your summer reading list – I loved it.
May 31, 2023
Ursula Quinn needs a change. She has endured a divorce, her parent have split up and now her employer is closing down. But she is done with being a tattoo artist. Her heart is calling her to go to Italy to learn more about traditional ceramics. Luckily her uncle has some connections and so it is that she finds herself working at the small family hotel that is owned by the Tringali family. Little does she know the connection is a little complicated, something that will blow up badly later in the book
In exchange for working in the morning helping guests with breakfast, Ursula gets to stay in a small attic room with a balcony, and in the afternoon she is free to learn all she can from Fabio, a local ceramic artisan.
When Alfio Tringali has a foreboding dream, he makes the sudden decision to return from Barcelona to his family hotel. His mother has recently had surgery and still doesn’t seem herself, and his sister’s husband deserted her when she was pregnant and now her small baby also requires surgery, all while trying to run the hotel. He asks his English girlfriend to come home with him and is quite surprised by her negative response.
When he returns he is somewhat miffed to find that not only is his family coping well enough, thanks in no small part to Ursula’s assistance, but the Irish woman is staying in the room he thought would be his for the duration of his stay.
Gradually though, as they are forced to spend time together, Ursula and Alfio begin to feel a growing connection, but both of them have complications. Neither of them know what their future hold. Ursula is in Sicily for the summer, and Alfio doesn’t know where he will be living in the future. And then there is Ursula’s possessive ex husband who is being a nuisance, contacting her friends and family in order to try and find out where she is. And now Alfio’s ex girlfriend is wondering if she was too hasty in saying no to him.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2023...
In exchange for working in the morning helping guests with breakfast, Ursula gets to stay in a small attic room with a balcony, and in the afternoon she is free to learn all she can from Fabio, a local ceramic artisan.
When Alfio Tringali has a foreboding dream, he makes the sudden decision to return from Barcelona to his family hotel. His mother has recently had surgery and still doesn’t seem herself, and his sister’s husband deserted her when she was pregnant and now her small baby also requires surgery, all while trying to run the hotel. He asks his English girlfriend to come home with him and is quite surprised by her negative response.
When he returns he is somewhat miffed to find that not only is his family coping well enough, thanks in no small part to Ursula’s assistance, but the Irish woman is staying in the room he thought would be his for the duration of his stay.
Gradually though, as they are forced to spend time together, Ursula and Alfio begin to feel a growing connection, but both of them have complications. Neither of them know what their future hold. Ursula is in Sicily for the summer, and Alfio doesn’t know where he will be living in the future. And then there is Ursula’s possessive ex husband who is being a nuisance, contacting her friends and family in order to try and find out where she is. And now Alfio’s ex girlfriend is wondering if she was too hasty in saying no to him.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2023...
March 28, 2023
When I pick up a Sue Moorcroft book, I always know I’m in for a treat. An Italian Island Summer whisked me away to sunny Sicily, a place I now long to visit. Sun and sea, a beautiful old town, ancient ruins, Italian food and gelato – it all sounded blissful! The heroine Ursula has had a lot of upheaval in her life recently – her marriage failed, her boss at the tattoo parlour where she worked decided to close, and the lease on her flat in Brighton is about to expire. Tired of it all, she takes a chance on a summer job in Sicily. In exchange for room and board, she works in a boutique hotel in the mornings, while in the afternoons she is free to learn about painting ceramics. It seems like an ideal set-up, and she is happy and gets on really well with the family who owns the hotel … all except the son, Alfio.
He's given up a cushy job and his life in Barcelona in order to help his mother, who has just gone through a tough operation. His sister, who is a single parent with a sick child, also needs his help. Or so he thinks. However, when he arrives, he finds Ursula doing all the tasks he’d thought he was needed for, which irritates him no end. She, of course, is not impressed with his grumpy attitude. But slowly they get to know each other better and start to see things differently. I loved the slow-burn romance between these two – the chemistry is delicious!
But there are misunderstandings and secrets just waiting to come to light, so all is not plain sailing. Alfio has some tough decisions to make, while Ursula needs to learn to trust again, as well as to stand up for herself. The story is as warm and wonderful as an Italian summer night and I stayed up way too late in order to finish it. Loved every moment!
He's given up a cushy job and his life in Barcelona in order to help his mother, who has just gone through a tough operation. His sister, who is a single parent with a sick child, also needs his help. Or so he thinks. However, when he arrives, he finds Ursula doing all the tasks he’d thought he was needed for, which irritates him no end. She, of course, is not impressed with his grumpy attitude. But slowly they get to know each other better and start to see things differently. I loved the slow-burn romance between these two – the chemistry is delicious!
But there are misunderstandings and secrets just waiting to come to light, so all is not plain sailing. Alfio has some tough decisions to make, while Ursula needs to learn to trust again, as well as to stand up for herself. The story is as warm and wonderful as an Italian summer night and I stayed up way too late in order to finish it. Loved every moment!
May 25, 2023
A new book by Sue is always welcome and this time we see the return of a character, Ursula, who played a role in one of her earlier novels. As always, there are plenty of twists and turns as we follow the story of Alfio and Ursula and part of the fun is watching the blocks put into their path and how they might get around.
Told with Sue's usual sure-hand skill, the book moves at a good pace and is filled with characters who burst into life from the page. Family life, in all its forms, is well represented, there's a lovely and lovable cat and the antagonists are realistically horrible. With a well realised - and used - central location, a lovely atmosphere that is well maintained and some great writing, this is another winner!
Told with Sue's usual sure-hand skill, the book moves at a good pace and is filled with characters who burst into life from the page. Family life, in all its forms, is well represented, there's a lovely and lovable cat and the antagonists are realistically horrible. With a well realised - and used - central location, a lovely atmosphere that is well maintained and some great writing, this is another winner!
June 2, 2023
Whether you're going on holiday, to the beach, or just sitting in the back garden with your feet in the padding pool...This is the read you need!
Whisked away to Sicily we head to the Residenza dei Tringali, where we meet Ursula Quinn. Ursula's marriage has broken down, so she's come to sunny Sicily to spend the summer working at Hotel Tringali. Would anyone actually turn an offer like that down?
Moorcroft writes wonderful heartwarming, feel-good fiction. Her characters feel like friends and there's always a happy ending instore for us.
An Italian Island Summer is thoroughly enjoyable, easy to read and everything wonderful.
Whisked away to Sicily we head to the Residenza dei Tringali, where we meet Ursula Quinn. Ursula's marriage has broken down, so she's come to sunny Sicily to spend the summer working at Hotel Tringali. Would anyone actually turn an offer like that down?
Moorcroft writes wonderful heartwarming, feel-good fiction. Her characters feel like friends and there's always a happy ending instore for us.
An Italian Island Summer is thoroughly enjoyable, easy to read and everything wonderful.
May 25, 2023
Sue Moorcroft really is the Queen of summer sunshine stories! I always look forward to my travels in her gorgeous books, and so I was absolutely delighted to see that this time we were heading off to stunning Sicily, a destination that I would love to visit!
Straight away I was immersed into the beautiful location, and I had instantly warmed to Ursula, and her ambition to try a new creative career. The opportunity to travel for the summer was incredibly serendipitous, and I enjoyed watching her progress in Italy.
Alfio’s own story was also very interesting, his desire to come home to support his family was admirable and I loved seeing him reconnect with his former life and to allow himself to re think his own life too.
Such an uplifting story, some awesome twists too, this fantastic story kept me avidly occupied and longing to go over to Sicily to experience the sunshine ☀️ and wonderful communities described so vividly in this perfect holiday read.
Straight away I was immersed into the beautiful location, and I had instantly warmed to Ursula, and her ambition to try a new creative career. The opportunity to travel for the summer was incredibly serendipitous, and I enjoyed watching her progress in Italy.
Alfio’s own story was also very interesting, his desire to come home to support his family was admirable and I loved seeing him reconnect with his former life and to allow himself to re think his own life too.
Such an uplifting story, some awesome twists too, this fantastic story kept me avidly occupied and longing to go over to Sicily to experience the sunshine ☀️ and wonderful communities described so vividly in this perfect holiday read.
August 16, 2023
It took me a good while to read this one, so I've been dipping into Ursula's story now for a good month.
It is a simple yet effective story, very easy to read and a typical holiday book. The plot of course is very predictable - I could have guessed the ending within the first chapter or so. However there is the odd twist and Ursula as a character did have a slight edge to her.
It is a simple yet effective story, very easy to read and a typical holiday book. The plot of course is very predictable - I could have guessed the ending within the first chapter or so. However there is the odd twist and Ursula as a character did have a slight edge to her.
May 27, 2023
An Italian Summer Island is a standalone although if you’re a fellow fan of Sue’s writing, you might recognise one or two characters. Ursula Quinn, last appeared in a supporting role in Under the Italian Sun. This time she has a starring role in her own story.
The story is mainly set on the island of Ortigia, Sicily, with short visits to Ireland. Having left Brighton after massive life changes, tattoo artist Ursula returns to the family home in Ireland and through some family machinations ends up in Italy assisting an Italian family at their hotel, Residenza dei Tringali. Agata Tringali the mother and her daughter Nanda are in desperate need of help following personal and health issues and Ursula also takes the chance to follow her dream to retrain as a ceramics maker, (another connection to Under the Italian Sun). Her arrival doesn’t please everyone however and the son of the family, Alfio, is rather put out after changing his own living arrangements in Barcelona to find that Ursula has made him surplus to requirements.
This is the cue for some drama, misunderstandings and romance that you would expect. Despite her happiness, life does not go smoothly for Ursula, her family is rather complicated and when secrets come to light, it threatens to destroy everything she has worked for. I did feel for Ursula, trying to put her past life behind her wasn’t easy as she had trust issues and it felt as though everyone she relied on let her down.
As ever with a Sue Moorcroft book, this isn’t just straightforward romantic fiction. There are other more concerning issues involved which give it depth and relevance. I love books set in Italy and although I’ve been to Sicily I haven’t been to this part and the location of Ortigia sounded wonderful with its harbour, cobbled streets, outdoor restaurants and cafés – and of course the food! One or two characters from the earlier book also make brief appearances and although you don’t need any prior knowledge to enjoy this one, I always welcome the chance to catch up with much loved characters.
A picturesque setting, engaging characters with a slow burn hot sizzling chemistry all make for a lovely story. Sue Moorcroft never disappoints and An Italian Summer Island was another thoroughly enjoyable read.
The story is mainly set on the island of Ortigia, Sicily, with short visits to Ireland. Having left Brighton after massive life changes, tattoo artist Ursula returns to the family home in Ireland and through some family machinations ends up in Italy assisting an Italian family at their hotel, Residenza dei Tringali. Agata Tringali the mother and her daughter Nanda are in desperate need of help following personal and health issues and Ursula also takes the chance to follow her dream to retrain as a ceramics maker, (another connection to Under the Italian Sun). Her arrival doesn’t please everyone however and the son of the family, Alfio, is rather put out after changing his own living arrangements in Barcelona to find that Ursula has made him surplus to requirements.
This is the cue for some drama, misunderstandings and romance that you would expect. Despite her happiness, life does not go smoothly for Ursula, her family is rather complicated and when secrets come to light, it threatens to destroy everything she has worked for. I did feel for Ursula, trying to put her past life behind her wasn’t easy as she had trust issues and it felt as though everyone she relied on let her down.
As ever with a Sue Moorcroft book, this isn’t just straightforward romantic fiction. There are other more concerning issues involved which give it depth and relevance. I love books set in Italy and although I’ve been to Sicily I haven’t been to this part and the location of Ortigia sounded wonderful with its harbour, cobbled streets, outdoor restaurants and cafés – and of course the food! One or two characters from the earlier book also make brief appearances and although you don’t need any prior knowledge to enjoy this one, I always welcome the chance to catch up with much loved characters.
A picturesque setting, engaging characters with a slow burn hot sizzling chemistry all make for a lovely story. Sue Moorcroft never disappoints and An Italian Summer Island was another thoroughly enjoyable read.
June 5, 2023
I absolutely loved this beautiful summer story, which is set in Italy. The main character is Ursula, who goes back to Ireland to help her get over the end of her marriage. She wants to go to Italy, to practice her ceramics, when her uncle gives her the opportunity to go there to help an italian family who have a hotel there. She travels there and meets Alfio and his family, and they all get on well together. However, will this last, since there seems to be something brewing that could cause trouble.
I really loved the setting of this book, the atmosphere, the characters, and the story. I recommend this book highly, as it is just amazing, and it is the perfect holiday read!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
I really loved the setting of this book, the atmosphere, the characters, and the story. I recommend this book highly, as it is just amazing, and it is the perfect holiday read!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
June 3, 2023
What a really fabulous summer story this is. Set in a family-run hotel in Sicily, Ursula is escaping an unhappy past and looking forward to spending the summer studying ceramic painting with a Sicilian master. Love isn’t part of the equation at all, but since when did anything go to plan in a holiday romance novel?
Sue Moorcroft has woven a beautifully tangled web of two families here, one Irish and one Sicilian, a combination which was always going to end in fireworks and, as usual, is not afraid to explore some difficult and emotive topics in her writing, but always done with a light and deft touch. It’s a difficult combination to get right when you are trying to do justice to a tough topic but deliver the kind of easy reading people are looking for in a summer book. Sue is an experienced master herself at this, though, as her regular readers will know and her latest book doesn’t disappoint in this regard.
I really enjoyed getting to know Ursula, who we have met as a supporting character in a previous novel, better and her getting her own love story. She is a woman who has been hurt and has thrown up a protective shell around her heart, but it is easy to warm to her regardless because her true kindness is shown in her interactions with the people around her who aren’t potential partners in a romantic sense. And the cat, of course! She is a little bit unconventional and I found that very appealing.
Alfio was always going to be an attractive proposition, just by dint of being Italian, but Sue gives him much more depth than that. There is just as much exploration of the story from his perspective, so we learn all of his motivations and emotions just as deeply as Ursula’s. It is a real story of equal and I was fully invested in their relationship.
Everything about this story was exactly what I look for in a holiday romance. An exploration of a beautiful part of the world and its customs and history. Well-rounded and compelling characters. Drama and emotion and a dive into relationships of all kinds, not just romantic. And, above all, an entertaining story. Sue Moorcroft has knocked it out of the park again and I have no hesitation in recommending this as the perfect beach read for this summer.
Sue Moorcroft has woven a beautifully tangled web of two families here, one Irish and one Sicilian, a combination which was always going to end in fireworks and, as usual, is not afraid to explore some difficult and emotive topics in her writing, but always done with a light and deft touch. It’s a difficult combination to get right when you are trying to do justice to a tough topic but deliver the kind of easy reading people are looking for in a summer book. Sue is an experienced master herself at this, though, as her regular readers will know and her latest book doesn’t disappoint in this regard.
I really enjoyed getting to know Ursula, who we have met as a supporting character in a previous novel, better and her getting her own love story. She is a woman who has been hurt and has thrown up a protective shell around her heart, but it is easy to warm to her regardless because her true kindness is shown in her interactions with the people around her who aren’t potential partners in a romantic sense. And the cat, of course! She is a little bit unconventional and I found that very appealing.
Alfio was always going to be an attractive proposition, just by dint of being Italian, but Sue gives him much more depth than that. There is just as much exploration of the story from his perspective, so we learn all of his motivations and emotions just as deeply as Ursula’s. It is a real story of equal and I was fully invested in their relationship.
Everything about this story was exactly what I look for in a holiday romance. An exploration of a beautiful part of the world and its customs and history. Well-rounded and compelling characters. Drama and emotion and a dive into relationships of all kinds, not just romantic. And, above all, an entertaining story. Sue Moorcroft has knocked it out of the park again and I have no hesitation in recommending this as the perfect beach read for this summer.
July 6, 2023
Really enjoyed this book set between Sicilia, Umbria, and Ireland. It's a really easy read under glorious sunshine... in Italy, at least! The story primarily revolves around Ursula, post-divorce, and dealing with the fall-out from a traumatic experience. She moves to Sicily to follow her dream of changing her tattoo artistry skills into a ceramic artist. She leaves behind a close-knit family in Ireland and is lovingly welcomed by a close-knit Italian family, a family she believes she has no connection to. As she finds her feet, finds her passion, and finds true love, you can't help but go on the emotional journey with her. There were a number of issues with the Kindle version, unfortunately, and I do think the conversations and interactions between Ursula and her best friend Zia were not really reflective of long-term best friends. The author often wrote things like "she said this because they'd been best friends so long," for example, to explain which shouldn't really be necessary. Their relationship was just a bit of a letdown. Maybe that's because one of the last books I'd finished was excellent and so realistic at describing a long-term best friends relationship. Only after finishing the book and reading the authors page at the end did I find out there is a separate book that went before this one that follows the relationship and lives of Ursula and Zia before both moving to Italy! That would have been helpful to know before reading this, and I would advise anyone to read them in the correct order! Whether I'll read the other one now, I'm not sure.
June 1, 2023
I love how Sue Moorcroft transports you to idyllic locations and Sicily was a fantastic choice. Ursula is on Sicily because she’s on her own after a difficult divorce and she’s lost her job. Alfio is a caring son who has come home to help his family who have taken to Ursula but Alfio is not sure about her! From the first chapter I was hooked on the storyline and I read this book in a day as I was so invested in the characters and their families. A treat of a book, perfect for a holiday read.
May 27, 2023
I’ve loved my time in Sicily with Ursula. The descriptions of the Italian island were beautiful and brought back some lovely memories of my time in Italy.
Ursula is such a great character - brave and stronger than she thinks, she is so warm-hearted. The support from her family was lovely to read about and as we follow her to Sicily you just see her confidence grow as she fuflfils her dreams as an artist.
I thought the romance within the story was beautiful but also really enjoyed seeing Ursula enjoy her time at the hotel and build wonderful friendships. I’m a huge fan of Sue Moorcroft’s writing and loved this trip to Italy.
July 19, 2024
Another fabulous book by Sue Moorcroft. Set in Sicily, tells the story of Ursula Quinn and the Tringali family. Lots of twists and turns. Would recommend, and Sue's books never disappoint
September 19, 2024
cute love story
A fun European romance with family drama and secrets. Likeable characters and predictable but enjoyable plot. Captures a sense of place.
A fun European romance with family drama and secrets. Likeable characters and predictable but enjoyable plot. Captures a sense of place.
March 24, 2024
I love reading small town romances and in this case the story is set in a small island in Sicily. I didn't like how the author was repeating and overexplaining minor details. The romance starts at around 40%-50% of the book and even then there's still too much family drama that was going on that I didn't feel was necessary overall. I did love the ending though.
August 14, 2023
Ah bring back the sunshine! It’s been absolutely miserable here so it was great to escape to sunny Sicily with Ursula and the Tringalis. I’ve always wanted to visit Italy but books like this just fuel the desire even more, especially with the late night walks and little streets to get lost in.
I really liked seeing how things progressed between Ursula and Alfio, despite the tensions when they first met you could just feel something bubbling away - although there’s always that moment when secrets are being kept where you’re just waiting for it to go wrong 🫣
There were a few hiccups along the way which added to the tension and just made you want to keep on reading to see if everyone would be able to put the past into the past and move onto a happier and brighter future.
A lovely read that bought some sunshine to some grey and miserable days!
I really liked seeing how things progressed between Ursula and Alfio, despite the tensions when they first met you could just feel something bubbling away - although there’s always that moment when secrets are being kept where you’re just waiting for it to go wrong 🫣
There were a few hiccups along the way which added to the tension and just made you want to keep on reading to see if everyone would be able to put the past into the past and move onto a happier and brighter future.
A lovely read that bought some sunshine to some grey and miserable days!
February 16, 2023
I received a free copy of, An Italian Island Summer, by Sue Moorcraft, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Ursula, which is a name you do not hear everyday, is working in Sicily, importunately not everyone is happy about that. Alfio does not consider Ursula to be wanted or needed. This book started off really good but when Ursula father turned up it went downhill fast.
June 4, 2023
Ursula took the opportunity to get away from the effects of a broken relationship and head to work in a hotel on a beautiful island off the coast of Sicily. In return for working at Residenza dei Tringali, she got bed and board and in her spare time she pursued a new passion of painting on ceramics. She also had a good relationship with the widowed Mrs Tingali and her daughter, a new mom.
When the Alfio Tringali, moved back to the island, he was initially very standoffish with Ursula but slowly they warmed to each other and began to spend more time together. That was until, Ursula got the terrible shock of seeing her father, newly separted from her Mum, land at Residenza dei Tringali. She realized that there were things happening around her that she had no clue about.
How she copes with this information and how her relationship not just with the Tringalis but with her own family undergoes a whole new perspective forms a part of this story. There’s also choices and decisions that Alfio and his family must make with regard to the hotel and their futures. This throws up a lot of questions about values – family, wealth, interpendence, relationships – dealt with a lot of insight by the author.
A riveting story about a woman finding and reinventing herself and in the process finding love and redefining family.
When the Alfio Tringali, moved back to the island, he was initially very standoffish with Ursula but slowly they warmed to each other and began to spend more time together. That was until, Ursula got the terrible shock of seeing her father, newly separted from her Mum, land at Residenza dei Tringali. She realized that there were things happening around her that she had no clue about.
How she copes with this information and how her relationship not just with the Tringalis but with her own family undergoes a whole new perspective forms a part of this story. There’s also choices and decisions that Alfio and his family must make with regard to the hotel and their futures. This throws up a lot of questions about values – family, wealth, interpendence, relationships – dealt with a lot of insight by the author.
A riveting story about a woman finding and reinventing herself and in the process finding love and redefining family.
June 18, 2023
This story is full of warmth. I couldn’t help but love multiple characters for their kindness, strength, understanding and acceptance of flaws. I felt like one of the family members. And the setting made me want to book a ticket to Sicily right now!
April 6, 2024
The setting of this story is perfect and every time I read a book set in Italy; it makes me want to go back there ASAP! The plot revolves around Ursula and Alfio, two people who unexpectedly meet while dealing with past trauma and heartache. As much as I wanted to root for them, I just didn’t feel the chemistry with this couple.
This isn’t a long book, but I found myself losing interest quickly and it took a lot of willpower to finish it. There are several difficult topics covered, but often, all the convoluted side stories made the plot confusing. Rather than centering on Alfio and Ursula’s love story, there was just too much emphasis on a variety of different subplots.
This was my first book by this author so I didn’t know what to expect, but if you’ve read her other books and have enjoyed them, you may really like this one. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be picking up any of her other books anytime soon.
This isn’t a long book, but I found myself losing interest quickly and it took a lot of willpower to finish it. There are several difficult topics covered, but often, all the convoluted side stories made the plot confusing. Rather than centering on Alfio and Ursula’s love story, there was just too much emphasis on a variety of different subplots.
This was my first book by this author so I didn’t know what to expect, but if you’ve read her other books and have enjoyed them, you may really like this one. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be picking up any of her other books anytime soon.
June 1, 2023
The main character of the book, tattoo artist and would be ceramics artist Ursula, comes across as a bit brusque and abrupt at first. She is very focussed on her ceramics work, a really dedicated artist. She likes to be in control of her own decisions to an extent which seems over-the-top at first but you come to understand why she is like that and she becomes a much more sympathetic character.
Alfio is the love interest and I certainly fell for his Italian charm! Recently out of a relationship, he came back home with the intention of helping his family with their hotel business, only to find he wasn’t needed. His nose is really out of joint and a result, his initial encounters with Ursula were rather frosty. Would the Italian heat melt the hearts of these two?
Unknown to Ursula, she had a connection to Alfio’s family, a connection that he knew about. I was dreading what would happen when this was revealed as inevitably it would be!
As ever, Sue Moorcroft writes about realistic characters with modern problems. She delves into more serious issues than your more light-hearted romance. This doesn’t mean it is heavy going, far from it. Once I had learned who all the characters were and their backgrounds I was eager to read more and find out what would happen.
The Sicilian setting was fabulous! I felt like I’d had a virtual tour of Ortigia. I could almost imagine walking its streets myself, through the tourist areas and into the places frequented by locals. I could envisage the colours of the shops selling ceramics, the wonderful smells of garlic and herbs emanating from the restaurants, the glint of the sea glimpsed down a narrow street. Sue Moorcroft really brought the town and the island to life for me. Her description of one risotto dish alone had me salivating and planning a meal including tomato, fresh basil, chicken, mushrooms, cream and parmesan. I might need that recipe Sue!
An Italian Island Summer is a romantic, escapist read to accompany you on your own travels, to enjoy reading outside in the sunshine or – given the usual British summer weather – to read whilst you imagine better weather!
Alfio is the love interest and I certainly fell for his Italian charm! Recently out of a relationship, he came back home with the intention of helping his family with their hotel business, only to find he wasn’t needed. His nose is really out of joint and a result, his initial encounters with Ursula were rather frosty. Would the Italian heat melt the hearts of these two?
Unknown to Ursula, she had a connection to Alfio’s family, a connection that he knew about. I was dreading what would happen when this was revealed as inevitably it would be!
As ever, Sue Moorcroft writes about realistic characters with modern problems. She delves into more serious issues than your more light-hearted romance. This doesn’t mean it is heavy going, far from it. Once I had learned who all the characters were and their backgrounds I was eager to read more and find out what would happen.
The Sicilian setting was fabulous! I felt like I’d had a virtual tour of Ortigia. I could almost imagine walking its streets myself, through the tourist areas and into the places frequented by locals. I could envisage the colours of the shops selling ceramics, the wonderful smells of garlic and herbs emanating from the restaurants, the glint of the sea glimpsed down a narrow street. Sue Moorcroft really brought the town and the island to life for me. Her description of one risotto dish alone had me salivating and planning a meal including tomato, fresh basil, chicken, mushrooms, cream and parmesan. I might need that recipe Sue!
An Italian Island Summer is a romantic, escapist read to accompany you on your own travels, to enjoy reading outside in the sunshine or – given the usual British summer weather – to read whilst you imagine better weather!
December 8, 2023
Ursula Quinn is in dire need of a fresh start. Her marriage has fallen apart and she is craving adventure and excitement, so when she is offered the chance of a summer working at a beautiful hotel on a picturesque island off the coast of Sicily, Ursula jumps at the opportunity. Setting off to the majestic Italian island almost immediately, Ursula is determined to make the most of this unexpected stroke of luck, however, little does she realise that this summer at the Residenza dei Tringali is going to be memorable for all sorts of reasons…
Ursula is welcomed with open arms by everyone at the hotel – everybody except for Alfio, the son of the Tringali family. Alfio is arrogant, aloof and always ready to shoot down any suggestion which Ursula makes to improve the hotel – which is not exactly flourishing at the moment. Ursula soon learns that Alfio had been forced to give up his life in Barcelona to help his mother Agata with the business. Could this be the reason for his surly attitude? Could Alfio have hidden depths Ursula simply isn’t seeing? And will spending more time with him help Ursula to see Alfio in a completely different light?
Ursula’s new beginning is hampered by an ex-husband she simply cannot shake off, shocking family secrets that come to terrifying light and an unexpected offer Alfio receives that has him revaluating his entire life. Ursula hasn’t been this happy in years, but will the Residenza dei Tringali ever be a place she can call home? Or will everything she has come to care about be snatched away just when she had found somewhere she belongs?
Sue Moorcroft hits the jackpot yet again with a terrific slice of sun-soaked summertime escapism that will leave readers everywhere with a huge smile on their face. Warm-hearted, charming, witty and wonderfully romantic, An Italian Island Summer is a brilliant read about taking chances, steeping out of the shadows and falling in love that will keep readers glued to its pages.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ursula is welcomed with open arms by everyone at the hotel – everybody except for Alfio, the son of the Tringali family. Alfio is arrogant, aloof and always ready to shoot down any suggestion which Ursula makes to improve the hotel – which is not exactly flourishing at the moment. Ursula soon learns that Alfio had been forced to give up his life in Barcelona to help his mother Agata with the business. Could this be the reason for his surly attitude? Could Alfio have hidden depths Ursula simply isn’t seeing? And will spending more time with him help Ursula to see Alfio in a completely different light?
Ursula’s new beginning is hampered by an ex-husband she simply cannot shake off, shocking family secrets that come to terrifying light and an unexpected offer Alfio receives that has him revaluating his entire life. Ursula hasn’t been this happy in years, but will the Residenza dei Tringali ever be a place she can call home? Or will everything she has come to care about be snatched away just when she had found somewhere she belongs?
Sue Moorcroft hits the jackpot yet again with a terrific slice of sun-soaked summertime escapism that will leave readers everywhere with a huge smile on their face. Warm-hearted, charming, witty and wonderfully romantic, An Italian Island Summer is a brilliant read about taking chances, steeping out of the shadows and falling in love that will keep readers glued to its pages.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 5, 2023
When I read a Sue Moorcroft book, I never fail to be transported to the setting of the book I'm reading. An Italian Island Summer did exactly that.
I was in Sicily with Ursula, after her marriage falls apart, her job in a tattoo shop has been lost after her boss decides to shut up shop and the final straw is the lease on her flat is due to end. She makes the brave decision to go to Sicily and work in a boutique hotel every morning in exchange for her bed and board. During the afternoons, she spends her time learning how to paint ceramics. She is happy with the arrangement and gets on well with the owners of the hotel, too. Alfio is the owners son who has given up so much to return and help his mother with the hotel. When he discovers Ursula is doing everything, he isn't overly pleased. Ursula isn't keen on Alfio's attitude either, but as the story develops, we see something change, and romance begins to spark.
Sue Moorcroft certainly knows how to write a story with characters that have you invested from the start. Her settings are so detailed and vivid that I can see them in my minds eye so easily. This book made me feel like I was on a summer holiday, too. In fact, I could almost feel the sun beating down as I read.
The varying story threads that have been woven so intricately together create one heck of an atmospheric summer read. The characters all have a little piece of my heart. The drama and emotions that come with a slow burn romance are all there, in spades.
It is an entertaining, beautiful book that I read in one sitting as I always do with this author's books. I was gutted to leave Sicily and all the characters that had populated my imagination from the minute I began to read! I am looking forward to Sue Moorcroft's next book with such eagerness! A highly recommended summer read.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Sue Moorcroft.
I was in Sicily with Ursula, after her marriage falls apart, her job in a tattoo shop has been lost after her boss decides to shut up shop and the final straw is the lease on her flat is due to end. She makes the brave decision to go to Sicily and work in a boutique hotel every morning in exchange for her bed and board. During the afternoons, she spends her time learning how to paint ceramics. She is happy with the arrangement and gets on well with the owners of the hotel, too. Alfio is the owners son who has given up so much to return and help his mother with the hotel. When he discovers Ursula is doing everything, he isn't overly pleased. Ursula isn't keen on Alfio's attitude either, but as the story develops, we see something change, and romance begins to spark.
Sue Moorcroft certainly knows how to write a story with characters that have you invested from the start. Her settings are so detailed and vivid that I can see them in my minds eye so easily. This book made me feel like I was on a summer holiday, too. In fact, I could almost feel the sun beating down as I read.
The varying story threads that have been woven so intricately together create one heck of an atmospheric summer read. The characters all have a little piece of my heart. The drama and emotions that come with a slow burn romance are all there, in spades.
It is an entertaining, beautiful book that I read in one sitting as I always do with this author's books. I was gutted to leave Sicily and all the characters that had populated my imagination from the minute I began to read! I am looking forward to Sue Moorcroft's next book with such eagerness! A highly recommended summer read.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Sue Moorcroft.
June 4, 2023
An Italian Island Summer by Sue Moorcroft
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Will one summer in Sicily change her life for ever? After her marriage falls apart, Ursula Quinn is offered the chance to spend the summer working at a hotel on a beautiful island off the coast of Sicily, Italy. Excited by a new adventure, she sets off at once. At Residenza dei Tringali, Ursula receives a warm welcome from everyone except Alfio , son of the Tringali family. He gave up his life in Barcelona to help his mother Agata with the ailing business, and is frustrated with Ursula’s interference – and she in turn is less than impressed with his attitude. As they spend more time together, though, they begin to see each other in a different light. But what with Ursula’s ex-husband on her tail, family secrets surfacing and an unexpected offer that makes Alfio question his whole life, there’s plenty to distract them from one another. Can she face her past and he his future, and together make the most of their Sicilian summer?
My Opinion
Ursula has lost her job and flat in quick succession due to no fault of her own, so she decided that it is time for a change. In exchange for working in the B&B, she has been offered free accommodation on the island of Sicily. Whilst staying in Sicily, Ursula has the opportunity to learn more about ceramics. Can her summer in Sicily lead to the changes she is looking for?
This was such a lovely read that whisks you away to Italy. This is going to make for a great holiday read. If you have read any previous books by Sue Moorcroft then you will know what to expect from this book.
Rating: 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Will one summer in Sicily change her life for ever? After her marriage falls apart, Ursula Quinn is offered the chance to spend the summer working at a hotel on a beautiful island off the coast of Sicily, Italy. Excited by a new adventure, she sets off at once. At Residenza dei Tringali, Ursula receives a warm welcome from everyone except Alfio , son of the Tringali family. He gave up his life in Barcelona to help his mother Agata with the ailing business, and is frustrated with Ursula’s interference – and she in turn is less than impressed with his attitude. As they spend more time together, though, they begin to see each other in a different light. But what with Ursula’s ex-husband on her tail, family secrets surfacing and an unexpected offer that makes Alfio question his whole life, there’s plenty to distract them from one another. Can she face her past and he his future, and together make the most of their Sicilian summer?
My Opinion
Ursula has lost her job and flat in quick succession due to no fault of her own, so she decided that it is time for a change. In exchange for working in the B&B, she has been offered free accommodation on the island of Sicily. Whilst staying in Sicily, Ursula has the opportunity to learn more about ceramics. Can her summer in Sicily lead to the changes she is looking for?
This was such a lovely read that whisks you away to Italy. This is going to make for a great holiday read. If you have read any previous books by Sue Moorcroft then you will know what to expect from this book.
Rating: 4/5
June 6, 2023
An Italian Island Summer by Sue Moorcroft
I always enjoy a good Sue Moorcroft book and this one is no exception, I loved it!
We meet Ursula Quinn, who is 32, divorced and originally from Dublin, but now living in Brighton, England. The family is gathered in Dublin, so we meet Ursula’s siblings Finola, Sorcha and Caden and their parents Stanley and Colleen.
Meanwhile in Italy, we meet Alfio who is 38. After his father died when Alfio was eighteen, his mother Agata and sister Nanda (a single mum to baby daughter Marilu) have been running the family hotel – the Residenza dei Tringali in Sicily, Italy.
Ursula wants to study ceramics in Italy and ends up working at the hotel.
I’m not going to tell you anything else about the plot, because I want you to read it yourself, but it’s much more than just a romantic novel. There are fascinating family dynamics going on, ex-partners to deal with, a whole load of secrets and a gorgeous stray cat called Camocat.
I’m not keen on books that are set in glamorous locations with rich characters who don’t seen real. But this book isn’t like that at all. Yes, it’s set in a beautiful part of Italy and I enjoyed my literary trip there through this book, but the characters are all authentic, with health issues and relationship problems. I’d love to meet both families and have a good old chat with them, I loved them all.
The ceramics lessons reminded me of The Great Pottery Throw Down, which is one of my favourite programmes, so I really enjoyed that too.
Overall, it was an absolute joy to read – easy to get into, great characters, a beautiful setting, lots going on and it was a book I read in a couple of days, which shows how much I enjoyed it. Here’s to the next Sue Moorcroft triumph!
I always enjoy a good Sue Moorcroft book and this one is no exception, I loved it!
We meet Ursula Quinn, who is 32, divorced and originally from Dublin, but now living in Brighton, England. The family is gathered in Dublin, so we meet Ursula’s siblings Finola, Sorcha and Caden and their parents Stanley and Colleen.
Meanwhile in Italy, we meet Alfio who is 38. After his father died when Alfio was eighteen, his mother Agata and sister Nanda (a single mum to baby daughter Marilu) have been running the family hotel – the Residenza dei Tringali in Sicily, Italy.
Ursula wants to study ceramics in Italy and ends up working at the hotel.
I’m not going to tell you anything else about the plot, because I want you to read it yourself, but it’s much more than just a romantic novel. There are fascinating family dynamics going on, ex-partners to deal with, a whole load of secrets and a gorgeous stray cat called Camocat.
I’m not keen on books that are set in glamorous locations with rich characters who don’t seen real. But this book isn’t like that at all. Yes, it’s set in a beautiful part of Italy and I enjoyed my literary trip there through this book, but the characters are all authentic, with health issues and relationship problems. I’d love to meet both families and have a good old chat with them, I loved them all.
The ceramics lessons reminded me of The Great Pottery Throw Down, which is one of my favourite programmes, so I really enjoyed that too.
Overall, it was an absolute joy to read – easy to get into, great characters, a beautiful setting, lots going on and it was a book I read in a couple of days, which shows how much I enjoyed it. Here’s to the next Sue Moorcroft triumph!
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