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A Taste of Italian Sunshine
Jenn has always prided herself on being a city girl – she insists on easy access to good coffee, great food from around the globe, not to mention an easy commute. So, when her job takes her to one of the most famous Italian wine regions in search of the perfect Prosecco, travelling to meetings on a tractor is a bit of a culture shock. Tiziano hates the city. He was made for the mountains and vineyards of Veneto, and generations of his family have earnt their living from the land. But times are changing even in the Italian countryside, and the arrival of Jenn at his grandmother’s B&B opens up a window on a different world. Jenn has two months to persuade the Prosecco producers to trust her with their business, and Tiziano has one summer to persuade Jenn that there’s more to life than the rat race. But can a city girl and a country boy ever find enough in common to see a future beyond one long summer of sun… Let Leonie Mack magic you away to the vineyards of Veneto for one hot summer in Italy. Perfect for fans of Mandy Baggot, Jo Thomas and Sarah Morgan. ‘This book was very heartwarming, with a great set of characters, all taking place in a wonderful setting - what more could you want from a book…’ ‘This is one of those books where you want to get to the end but you also don't want it to end because you know you're going to miss it when it's done. A great read.’ ‘Ah the romance – I really loved every moment, as the two main characters I’d really taken to my heart fought that magnetic pull between them when you really, really wanted them to have their happy ending. This was one of those perfect summer reads, but with a depth and emotion that was particularly satisfying – most definitely one I’d recommend to others.’ ‘A burst of pure joy… It has all the feel good elements needed for an irresistible romance you can’t help but root for, even though you know the odds aren’t in their favour! 'Beautifully written, this is a great take on the opposites attract theme.'
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2023
676 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
Leonie Mack
22 books221 followersAfter leaving Australia ‘for a year’, Leonie never went home and now travels across Europe jotting down love stories wherever she goes. She has a degree in languages and is an expert at taking public transport and travelling under her own steam on foot or by bike. ‘Home’ is now in central Germany, in the vineyards along the Main river, where she spends her time writing happy endings in English and speaking German with bad grammar.
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arc-reviewed
May 10, 2023🗓️ 𝓜𝓪𝔂 ⓬
ARC alert! The Italian countryside, vineyards, and opposites attract — sounds like a nice little comfort read!
Excited to be buddy reading this with my sweet angel Cara!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Leonie Mack for the gifted ARC.
ARC alert! The Italian countryside, vineyards, and opposites attract — sounds like a nice little comfort read!
Excited to be buddy reading this with my sweet angel Cara!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Leonie Mack for the gifted ARC.
April 26, 2023
This was a fantastic read! That’s quite something coming from someone who has a difficult time appreciating rom-coms and men with body-piercing! Leonie Mack writes to have even the most reluctant of romance readers ‘eating out of her hand’.
I think what pulls me into her stories is the location. What’s not to love about Italy?! Right? Mack brings the gorgeous landscape of Veneto alive, invites readers into the vineyards, and pours a chilled prosecco for them to enjoy as she tantalizes them with her humorous prose, intriguing plot, and well-crafted characters. I loved her authentic representation of Veneto and the slow-paced life experienced here as much as I loved her ability to tap into readers’ emotions.
Mack’s characters were unique! Let’s talk about the swoon-worthy male main character. Once I got past the ick of his piercings, I really liked Tiziano…from his funny jokes (call me ‘Tits’) to his tough exterior created by his past. Readers will crush on this big-hearted farm boy who hides secrets in an attempt to maintain his image.
The female main character, Jenn, is also hiding secrets. Although I didn’t connect with her as much as Tiziano, I appreciated her work ethic and her struggle to fit in and ask for help. She’s a unique character, too, both in her person and in her abilities. I loved having a front-row seat to their growth.
I appreciated the message about remaining true to yourself and waiting for the right person to come along. This is paralleled in business dealings as well as romance.
My fourth read, each a five-star, by this author, this is one you’ll want to add to your TBR list…ASAP.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I think what pulls me into her stories is the location. What’s not to love about Italy?! Right? Mack brings the gorgeous landscape of Veneto alive, invites readers into the vineyards, and pours a chilled prosecco for them to enjoy as she tantalizes them with her humorous prose, intriguing plot, and well-crafted characters. I loved her authentic representation of Veneto and the slow-paced life experienced here as much as I loved her ability to tap into readers’ emotions.
Mack’s characters were unique! Let’s talk about the swoon-worthy male main character. Once I got past the ick of his piercings, I really liked Tiziano…from his funny jokes (call me ‘Tits’) to his tough exterior created by his past. Readers will crush on this big-hearted farm boy who hides secrets in an attempt to maintain his image.
The female main character, Jenn, is also hiding secrets. Although I didn’t connect with her as much as Tiziano, I appreciated her work ethic and her struggle to fit in and ask for help. She’s a unique character, too, both in her person and in her abilities. I loved having a front-row seat to their growth.
I appreciated the message about remaining true to yourself and waiting for the right person to come along. This is paralleled in business dealings as well as romance.
My fourth read, each a five-star, by this author, this is one you’ll want to add to your TBR list…ASAP.
I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 19, 2023
At first look, Jenn and Tiziano could not seem more different. She’s a closed off and career driven. He’s laid back without a plan or care for the future. Different lifestyles, different cultures and goals. But I felt the mounting chemistry between them until I couldn’t see anything other than the two of them together forever.
This is the fourth book I’ve read by Leonie Mack, and it absolutely cements her as a “must read” for me. She has a gift for immersing readers in each setting of her stories. She elicits all the laughter and angst you expect from a good romance. I loved this glimpse into the Italian country living and the world of prosecco.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the fourth book I’ve read by Leonie Mack, and it absolutely cements her as a “must read” for me. She has a gift for immersing readers in each setting of her stories. She elicits all the laughter and angst you expect from a good romance. I loved this glimpse into the Italian country living and the world of prosecco.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 21, 2025
Depressing, cross-cultural, interracial romance set in Italy
The FMC, Jenn, is a 20-something, second-generation, Korean-British citizen who lives in London, adores city life, and has no desire to ever live anywhere else. The MMC, Tiziano, is a 26-year-old, white, Italian man who owns and operates a vineyard in Northern Italy, in a scenic, mountainous area of the region of Veneto. He has no desire to ever live anywhere else. This story is told from the alternating POV of both of them.
Jenn is a "master of wine" (a professional certificate that takes 3 years of training to acquire), who has an innate talent for smelling the bouquet of any given wine and identifying it by scent alone. The main plot of this story involves her journey, as a buyer for her wine-merchant employer, to Northern Italy, to seek out the highest quality she can locate of prosecco, a sweet, sparkling wine. In the process, she ends up at Tiziano's vineyard. She hates every minute of being in the countryside, and her thoughts are constantly filled with complaints about her situation during a large chunk of the first half of the novel. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to feel sorry for her because, first of all, her complaints are boringly redundant, and secondly, because she has made no effort to fit into her surroundings. She is dressed in formal, urban, business attire, including high heels, and she looks ridiculously out of place. On top of that, her clothing makes her much more uncomfortable than necessary in the stifling summer heat, which is not alleviated, whatsoever, with any indoor air conditioning.
If you are interested in Italian cuisine, grappa (Italian brandy), and lots and lots of highly technical discussions of wine, you might enjoy this book, because that comprises the vast majority of page space in this novel. Most of the remaining space in the story is dedicated to Jenn's personal and professional insecurities and, in the margins, there is an improbably viable, cross-cultural, interracial romance. Jenn and Tiziano are such a terrible match for each other, it was a real slog for me to read the romance portion of the novel.
It was clear, from the first moment that these two meet, that the only way they can possibly end up together for an HEA is for one of them to sacrifice everything that matters to them, and for the other to sacrifice nothing at all, other than deciding, with a negative motivation, to get over their prior resistance to marriage. Disappointingly, it was no surprise to me as to who makes the big sacrifice. In addition, it was quite jarring to me, though the entire tone of this novel is melodramatically dark and depressing, that the story ends with a weirdly sunny resolution of the romance--a cliche, romcom, embarrassing, public declaration of love.
Finally, though there are a few sentences within this novel that briefly touch on the patronizing mistreatment that Jenn has faced in a male-dominated business world, there is very little effort given to describing the particular, soul-sucking type of sexual harassment that a short, slender, lovely, young, Asian woman like Jenn would have routinely encountered from countless arrogant, misogynistic white men. In particular, those who have bought into the geisha stereotype, a demeaning attitude that all Asian women are supposedly compliant in nature and happily subservient to men. (I have personally witnessed Japanese and Korean female acquaintances being subjected to this type of treatment, and it is really painful for them.) Basically, Jenn's being Asian comes off as just another case of colorblind casting, rather than an authentic portrayal of the experiences of a female member of a minority ethnic group. Given the fact that this story is 95% melodrama, such an inclusion certainly would not have been a violation of the overall tone of the story, and it would have given Jenn something more meaningful to be unhappy about than the weather and an agricultural lifestyle.
The FMC, Jenn, is a 20-something, second-generation, Korean-British citizen who lives in London, adores city life, and has no desire to ever live anywhere else. The MMC, Tiziano, is a 26-year-old, white, Italian man who owns and operates a vineyard in Northern Italy, in a scenic, mountainous area of the region of Veneto. He has no desire to ever live anywhere else. This story is told from the alternating POV of both of them.
Jenn is a "master of wine" (a professional certificate that takes 3 years of training to acquire), who has an innate talent for smelling the bouquet of any given wine and identifying it by scent alone. The main plot of this story involves her journey, as a buyer for her wine-merchant employer, to Northern Italy, to seek out the highest quality she can locate of prosecco, a sweet, sparkling wine. In the process, she ends up at Tiziano's vineyard. She hates every minute of being in the countryside, and her thoughts are constantly filled with complaints about her situation during a large chunk of the first half of the novel. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to feel sorry for her because, first of all, her complaints are boringly redundant, and secondly, because she has made no effort to fit into her surroundings. She is dressed in formal, urban, business attire, including high heels, and she looks ridiculously out of place. On top of that, her clothing makes her much more uncomfortable than necessary in the stifling summer heat, which is not alleviated, whatsoever, with any indoor air conditioning.
If you are interested in Italian cuisine, grappa (Italian brandy), and lots and lots of highly technical discussions of wine, you might enjoy this book, because that comprises the vast majority of page space in this novel. Most of the remaining space in the story is dedicated to Jenn's personal and professional insecurities and, in the margins, there is an improbably viable, cross-cultural, interracial romance. Jenn and Tiziano are such a terrible match for each other, it was a real slog for me to read the romance portion of the novel.
It was clear, from the first moment that these two meet, that the only way they can possibly end up together for an HEA is for one of them to sacrifice everything that matters to them, and for the other to sacrifice nothing at all, other than deciding, with a negative motivation, to get over their prior resistance to marriage. Disappointingly, it was no surprise to me as to who makes the big sacrifice. In addition, it was quite jarring to me, though the entire tone of this novel is melodramatically dark and depressing, that the story ends with a weirdly sunny resolution of the romance--a cliche, romcom, embarrassing, public declaration of love.
Finally, though there are a few sentences within this novel that briefly touch on the patronizing mistreatment that Jenn has faced in a male-dominated business world, there is very little effort given to describing the particular, soul-sucking type of sexual harassment that a short, slender, lovely, young, Asian woman like Jenn would have routinely encountered from countless arrogant, misogynistic white men. In particular, those who have bought into the geisha stereotype, a demeaning attitude that all Asian women are supposedly compliant in nature and happily subservient to men. (I have personally witnessed Japanese and Korean female acquaintances being subjected to this type of treatment, and it is really painful for them.) Basically, Jenn's being Asian comes off as just another case of colorblind casting, rather than an authentic portrayal of the experiences of a female member of a minority ethnic group. Given the fact that this story is 95% melodrama, such an inclusion certainly would not have been a violation of the overall tone of the story, and it would have given Jenn something more meaningful to be unhappy about than the weather and an agricultural lifestyle.
May 23, 2023
I didn't like anything from this book besides the scenic beauty of rural Italy. That's the only reason it got 1 star from me.
Otherwise this book isn't for me.
Otherwise this book isn't for me.
May 17, 2023
What a great book to read in the sunshine on holiday.
I loved this story, it had the perfect setting in the countryside in Italy. Two fab characters, that I was routing for the whole time that had such easy banter together and amazing chemistry.
I was curious what Tiziano had been thought to close him off to certain things and liked getting to know him. I also really adored his Italian family, I especially loved their way of life and the community spirit they had.
I thought Jenn was really likeable and loved seeing her grow, enjoy the Italian way of living and make friends.
I also loved the way the food was described, with it all sounded so delicious. Took me right back to all the times I’ve been Italy and loved it.
This was such an heartwarming, lovely and endearing book to get lost in.
However it did just make me just wanna drink Prosecco the whole time reading it! Not that I was complaining.
Sorry it’s a day late….I am currently on holiday in Portugal and lost my days and dates🙈
I loved this story, it had the perfect setting in the countryside in Italy. Two fab characters, that I was routing for the whole time that had such easy banter together and amazing chemistry.
I was curious what Tiziano had been thought to close him off to certain things and liked getting to know him. I also really adored his Italian family, I especially loved their way of life and the community spirit they had.
I thought Jenn was really likeable and loved seeing her grow, enjoy the Italian way of living and make friends.
I also loved the way the food was described, with it all sounded so delicious. Took me right back to all the times I’ve been Italy and loved it.
This was such an heartwarming, lovely and endearing book to get lost in.
However it did just make me just wanna drink Prosecco the whole time reading it! Not that I was complaining.
Sorry it’s a day late….I am currently on holiday in Portugal and lost my days and dates🙈
May 16, 2023
A Taste Of Italian Sunshine by Leonie Mack was just what I had been looking for, made a rainy miserable weekend bright and warm, I’m so glad to say that this is as good as Leonie’s previous books , if not better and it has one of the countries I’d love to visit but haven’t quite made it there yet, Italy. I was so excited to read this beautiful story and Leonie didn’t let me down at all, I hooked from the very beginning, I adore Leonie’s writing so much and her characters are just so relatable, I just connect with them so easily, it’s like making new friends or catching up with old ones.
Jenn is an interesting character, one who at first I wasn’t sure I would like but as we learn about her, I felt empathy for her and bit by bit I grew to love her, but it’s Tiz who stole my heart. Tiziano is not your typical lead character in a lot of romances it’s tall, dark and gorgeous, but with Tiz he’s wiry, tattooed, pierced and interesting, he is so full of charm and real character I loved him so much (and his family).
I loved the fact that their relationship grew with the story, I do love a slow burn, but that they are adults, there’s no miscommunication drama, no pettiness or childish behaviour, it was lovely to read. Leonie Mack manages to create and impress on you the perfect Italian summer, although I’ve never been I felt like I was there as I read her vivid and beautiful descriptions. If you need a romantic getaway this summer, I don’t think you’ll get better than A Taste of Italian Sunshine.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jenn is an interesting character, one who at first I wasn’t sure I would like but as we learn about her, I felt empathy for her and bit by bit I grew to love her, but it’s Tiz who stole my heart. Tiziano is not your typical lead character in a lot of romances it’s tall, dark and gorgeous, but with Tiz he’s wiry, tattooed, pierced and interesting, he is so full of charm and real character I loved him so much (and his family).
I loved the fact that their relationship grew with the story, I do love a slow burn, but that they are adults, there’s no miscommunication drama, no pettiness or childish behaviour, it was lovely to read. Leonie Mack manages to create and impress on you the perfect Italian summer, although I’ve never been I felt like I was there as I read her vivid and beautiful descriptions. If you need a romantic getaway this summer, I don’t think you’ll get better than A Taste of Italian Sunshine.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 7, 2023
fabulous! loved the Venetian dialect
My first Leonie Mack book and it won’t be my last. Loved the characterisation, the setting, the language, learning about Prosecco. Also dealt with a serious topic. Sympathetically handled. Loved it! More, please!
My first Leonie Mack book and it won’t be my last. Loved the characterisation, the setting, the language, learning about Prosecco. Also dealt with a serious topic. Sympathetically handled. Loved it! More, please!
May 12, 2023
My goodness, what a wonderfully drawn setting – Jenn might have been a bit of a fish out of water, a wine expert staying at an unexpectedly rural agriturismo among the vineyards of Veneto, trying to overcome her aversion to prosecco’s bubbles and secure the contracts to supply the hotel chain she works for, but I loved every moment of my stay. The author’s research really shines through – the community whose living is provided by the land, the detail about production, an introduction to grappa, the wine notes that punctuate the story – and the whole book had the feel of sun on your back and the many attractions of a simpler way of life.
And the book’s main characters and the relationship central to this lovely story were perfectly handled too. It’s difficult to like Jenn at first, very much the city girl – the loss of her driving licence means she’s dependent on unreliable public transport to get around, but that’s sometimes preferable to being perched in the cab of Tiziano’s tractor (even if it is a Lamborghini…). And she finds his proximity a little unsettling – his happy-go-lucky approach to life, the jokes and banter (so well written), his piercings and tattoos. But there’s a lot more to him than the carefree country boy with no responsibilities – and the author allows us to gradually find out his story, as we also see Jenn loosening up a little and revealing some of her own back story.
This book has some of the best use of dual point-of-view I’ve come across, along with some excellent character development. Unsympathetic – even dislikable – at first, knowing more about Jenn’s background and seeing her relax into the experience made her a much more nuanced character than she at first appeared. Tiziano, of course, is always likeable – a bit labrador puppy at times, but certainly hot and fanciable – but he has depth to his character and layers of sadness in his past that are largely unexpected.
Their developing relationship is something very special indeed – through all their exchanges, you can really feel the growing attraction, and their romance was one I entirely believed in. And that’s really helped by that dual point-of-view – sharing their separate thoughts and insecurities, creating so much engagement with them both, and building hopes for an unlikely happy ending. And do they have one? Well, all I can say is that my heart was in my mouth at the book’s climax – and that ending couldn’t have been more emotional and perfectly judged if I’d written it myself.
The wider characterisation is excellent too – Jenn’s boss, the man of her dreams, might prove to be something of a disappointment, but Nonna who runs the agroturismo totally won my heart, and the whole wider wine-growing community with their shared heritage and continuity of the seasons was just superbly drawn. The small Italian touches are lovely – yes, of course, all the food and drink, the special tastes and smells, the vistas across the vineyards, but one specific I really loved was the whole concept of “magari” (hope and fear and lots of…maybe) in its various contexts. And the writing, excellent throughout, is sometimes quite beautiful – at one point Jenn says Tiziano “smelled like the opposite of loneliness”, and it honestly brought a tear to my eye.
I’ve enjoyed every book the author has written – but this one really was particularly special. If you enjoy the same books that I do, it’s a romance to remember that I’d highly recommend you add to your summer reading list, and promise you won’t be disappointed.
And the book’s main characters and the relationship central to this lovely story were perfectly handled too. It’s difficult to like Jenn at first, very much the city girl – the loss of her driving licence means she’s dependent on unreliable public transport to get around, but that’s sometimes preferable to being perched in the cab of Tiziano’s tractor (even if it is a Lamborghini…). And she finds his proximity a little unsettling – his happy-go-lucky approach to life, the jokes and banter (so well written), his piercings and tattoos. But there’s a lot more to him than the carefree country boy with no responsibilities – and the author allows us to gradually find out his story, as we also see Jenn loosening up a little and revealing some of her own back story.
This book has some of the best use of dual point-of-view I’ve come across, along with some excellent character development. Unsympathetic – even dislikable – at first, knowing more about Jenn’s background and seeing her relax into the experience made her a much more nuanced character than she at first appeared. Tiziano, of course, is always likeable – a bit labrador puppy at times, but certainly hot and fanciable – but he has depth to his character and layers of sadness in his past that are largely unexpected.
Their developing relationship is something very special indeed – through all their exchanges, you can really feel the growing attraction, and their romance was one I entirely believed in. And that’s really helped by that dual point-of-view – sharing their separate thoughts and insecurities, creating so much engagement with them both, and building hopes for an unlikely happy ending. And do they have one? Well, all I can say is that my heart was in my mouth at the book’s climax – and that ending couldn’t have been more emotional and perfectly judged if I’d written it myself.
The wider characterisation is excellent too – Jenn’s boss, the man of her dreams, might prove to be something of a disappointment, but Nonna who runs the agroturismo totally won my heart, and the whole wider wine-growing community with their shared heritage and continuity of the seasons was just superbly drawn. The small Italian touches are lovely – yes, of course, all the food and drink, the special tastes and smells, the vistas across the vineyards, but one specific I really loved was the whole concept of “magari” (hope and fear and lots of…maybe) in its various contexts. And the writing, excellent throughout, is sometimes quite beautiful – at one point Jenn says Tiziano “smelled like the opposite of loneliness”, and it honestly brought a tear to my eye.
I’ve enjoyed every book the author has written – but this one really was particularly special. If you enjoy the same books that I do, it’s a romance to remember that I’d highly recommend you add to your summer reading list, and promise you won’t be disappointed.
May 15, 2023
Jenn is a city girl. Tiziano is a country boy. When Jenn travels to Italy for work, she doesn’t expect to fall in love - with the Italian countryside or an Italian boy.
Leonie Mack does it again - she has such a beautiful way with words, with drawing you into the story, with making you fall in love with the characters.
This was such a beautiful & comforting story - finding where you belong, finding a love you didn’t expect, and healing.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Leonie Mack does it again - she has such a beautiful way with words, with drawing you into the story, with making you fall in love with the characters.
This was such a beautiful & comforting story - finding where you belong, finding a love you didn’t expect, and healing.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2023
This was such a great, easy, and comforting read, one that made me want to pack my bags and immediately fly to Milan and wait for a bus to take me to Veneto.
I absolutely loved the mistranslations the characters said, and how sometimes the mistranslation was even more fitting than if the character had said the correct word, Nonna was especially cute with hers.
I love how Tiziano was like a familiar song to Jenn, how she couldn't resist him and loosened up around him and the absolute raw magnetism between Jenn and Tiziano just made the story perfect, her formal, prideful persona vs his relaxed, easy going one, you really couldn't get more opposite to each other. But the way they just brought out the best in each other and opened new world's and sides to themselves, they either previously ignored or didn't know was there.
The character growth of Jenn, her quite staunch upbringing, made her who she was, but Tiziano, her polar opposite, showed her what she didn't know she needed in her life.
Leonie's words create such a sensory explosion, with the vivid descriptions of sights, scents, and flavours that take you right into the story. The ending gave me goosebumps, and I really didn't want to leave Tiziano and Jenn. I think this was my favourite book by Leonie.
I absolutely loved the mistranslations the characters said, and how sometimes the mistranslation was even more fitting than if the character had said the correct word, Nonna was especially cute with hers.
I love how Tiziano was like a familiar song to Jenn, how she couldn't resist him and loosened up around him and the absolute raw magnetism between Jenn and Tiziano just made the story perfect, her formal, prideful persona vs his relaxed, easy going one, you really couldn't get more opposite to each other. But the way they just brought out the best in each other and opened new world's and sides to themselves, they either previously ignored or didn't know was there.
The character growth of Jenn, her quite staunch upbringing, made her who she was, but Tiziano, her polar opposite, showed her what she didn't know she needed in her life.
Leonie's words create such a sensory explosion, with the vivid descriptions of sights, scents, and flavours that take you right into the story. The ending gave me goosebumps, and I really didn't want to leave Tiziano and Jenn. I think this was my favourite book by Leonie.
January 24, 2024
Wasn’t a great book (2.5 ⭐️) just really wanted to get it off my half read list of books. Have read much better holiday romance chick flicks. Also I don’t know Italian and they kept speaking in Italian with no translation which is a bit annoying.
February 10, 2025
4,5
i was rather entertained, and it was a different story than the ones i usually expect within this genre. it was quite refreshing 🙂↕️
i was rather entertained, and it was a different story than the ones i usually expect within this genre. it was quite refreshing 🙂↕️
June 5, 2025
A lovely easygoing romantic story
April 6, 2023
Jenn is a woman on a mission. Having landed in Italy, she must prove to her boss (and crush) that she has a wealth of knowledge and 'the nose' to root out the perfect prosecco for the hotel chain she is working for.
There are several issues, though, including where she has to stay and that her 'nose' isn't all that friendly with bubbles.
Oh, and there is a moody farmer, Tiziano, who keeps. popping up wherever she is. A farmer with his own deep-rooted secrets and nightmares.
I loved our Korean heroine, fighting to balance her mother's expectations for her life and career, as well as navigating certain cultural expectations that kept on popping into her mind at inopportune moments, with her true desires for her life and future, that became clearer as she spent the summer in Veneto, among the farming community and in the bosom of Tiziano's family.
Lovely arcs for both main characters and fun to read!
I enjoyed this and read it pretty much in one sitting!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
There are several issues, though, including where she has to stay and that her 'nose' isn't all that friendly with bubbles.
Oh, and there is a moody farmer, Tiziano, who keeps. popping up wherever she is. A farmer with his own deep-rooted secrets and nightmares.
I loved our Korean heroine, fighting to balance her mother's expectations for her life and career, as well as navigating certain cultural expectations that kept on popping into her mind at inopportune moments, with her true desires for her life and future, that became clearer as she spent the summer in Veneto, among the farming community and in the bosom of Tiziano's family.
Lovely arcs for both main characters and fun to read!
I enjoyed this and read it pretty much in one sitting!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
July 30, 2023
Cute summery love story 🥰
August 22, 2025
I almost stopped reading the book because I actually thought he had taken advantage of her. I did not appreciate that the lines were so blurred.
Look, I did root for them in the end. But woman based in London is stressed and finds tranquility, has been seen before, and unfortunately this was nothing new. Some of the fights seemed childish, and the end scene were overly romantic.
With that being said romance books is not my thing, so I might be harsh.
Look, I did root for them in the end. But woman based in London is stressed and finds tranquility, has been seen before, and unfortunately this was nothing new. Some of the fights seemed childish, and the end scene were overly romantic.
With that being said romance books is not my thing, so I might be harsh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
A couple of problematic or uncomfortable things here but overall a good read. Not much romance mostly arguing, being petulant, and then some sex. Enjoyed the agriturismo parts the best. Nonna should have had more scenes.
August 26, 2024
Absolute sunshine in a book.
CW: There is talk of the death of a child.
CW: There is talk of the death of a child.
April 4, 2023
I can’t resist books in an Italian setting, and I immediately pounced on this one. I struggled with Jenn’s lack of personality for most of the book, but I enjoyed the ending that focused more on family and friendships, and less on her social anxiety. There was some growth of Jenn’s character towards the end, and she did make some friendships along the way, so I was feeling better about the book by the time I finished. The wine tasting descriptions made each one sound so beautiful, and I enjoyed them even though I’m not a wine drinker.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
May 11, 2023
Such a fantastic fun fizzy story that captured my imagination and made me long to be in the Italian sunshine with the characters! I adore travel type romance books and this one really did transport me to Italy and the gorgeous rural community it was set in.
Jenn was an interesting character, I soon found myself attached to her, and was willing her on with her project.
Tiziano was a bit of a man of mystery to start with, his laid back personality was the opposite to Jenn but they made a lovely couple and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow as they kept being thrown into each other’s company.
Beautiful setting and a gorgeous community, it really was a slice of sunshine to read this delightful (and delicious) story.
The only downside to reading this was the urge to pop open the Prosecco as I read it! 🍾
Jenn was an interesting character, I soon found myself attached to her, and was willing her on with her project.
Tiziano was a bit of a man of mystery to start with, his laid back personality was the opposite to Jenn but they made a lovely couple and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow as they kept being thrown into each other’s company.
Beautiful setting and a gorgeous community, it really was a slice of sunshine to read this delightful (and delicious) story.
The only downside to reading this was the urge to pop open the Prosecco as I read it! 🍾
September 5, 2023
I received a ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
The author has such a fabulous ability to create characters who are so real, one can actually almost touch them. In addition, she can evoke the landscape and culture of whichever area she decides to set her characters to work. I really want to go and visit the places she describes in all her books - they become so very real and vivid.
I loved this story, despite starting off thinking I was going to struggle with Jenn. Such a closed down, miserable woman who made her disdain for the Italians she met - very, very obvious. But of course the skill of the author makes us understand her and empathise even though a lot of things she does and says are really ridiculous. Having a crush of her boss, still being controlled by her mother and generally living a miserable life! But then she meets Tiziano who is one of this writer’s most delightful and fascinating heroes. I totally loved him - flaws and all. I loved the journey that the author took them on and the final resolution made me want to laugh and cry at the same time.
I highly recommend this book. - The it is so fabulous.
The author has such a fabulous ability to create characters who are so real, one can actually almost touch them. In addition, she can evoke the landscape and culture of whichever area she decides to set her characters to work. I really want to go and visit the places she describes in all her books - they become so very real and vivid.
I loved this story, despite starting off thinking I was going to struggle with Jenn. Such a closed down, miserable woman who made her disdain for the Italians she met - very, very obvious. But of course the skill of the author makes us understand her and empathise even though a lot of things she does and says are really ridiculous. Having a crush of her boss, still being controlled by her mother and generally living a miserable life! But then she meets Tiziano who is one of this writer’s most delightful and fascinating heroes. I totally loved him - flaws and all. I loved the journey that the author took them on and the final resolution made me want to laugh and cry at the same time.
I highly recommend this book. - The it is so fabulous.
February 12, 2024
(2.5) Buongiorno! I am writing this review while visiting Italy myself. This book is about a professional wine expert who turns her nose up at the rural setting of an Italian vineyard, where she is sent on business. What gives this story depth beyond a “fish out of water” romance are explorations of family and belonging, but it takes an incredibly long time to get to the substantial parts of this book.
I really appreciated seeing an mc with Korean heritage in a setting that does not typically feature much AAPI diversity. It is not perfect — for example, it feels odd to describe standard Korean writing as "calligraphy" when it would be more appropriate to just call them regular "letters" or "characters" (actual Korean or Chinese calligraphy is something other than what is described in the book) — but overall a good effort.
I really appreciated seeing an mc with Korean heritage in a setting that does not typically feature much AAPI diversity. It is not perfect — for example, it feels odd to describe standard Korean writing as "calligraphy" when it would be more appropriate to just call them regular "letters" or "characters" (actual Korean or Chinese calligraphy is something other than what is described in the book) — but overall a good effort.
May 20, 2023
MY REVIEW:
Summer, sun and romance! What is not to like! This an engaging story about two people who forge a deep meaningful connection with each other and don’t even realise that they are both searching for it.
Jenn is a prosecco taster and has been promoted to buyer which is why she is sent by her employer to Combai, perched on the prosecco hills to source the best wines at the best prices. Her naivety, inexperience and unworldliness in matters of the heart give her vulnerability which is an endearing character trait Coming from a 24/7 bustling city like London, the rural village life she encounters and speaking little of the language is a complete culture shock. She has booked accommodation at a local Agriturismo and for anyone who is not familiar with the term, it is rustic farmhouse accommodation and serves locally grown or reared food. The author’s knowledge of Italian life captures this with subtle humour.
‘Morning! Where is Filomena, the B&B owner?’ Jenn asked.
‘She gets the eggs’ replied Tiziano.
‘Oh, really? Does she have to go far?’ Jenn imagined the old woman shuffling down to the village and thought about calling the emergency services.
‘From the chickens. Behind the house!’
The love interest comes from the owner’s grandson, a swarthy farm labourer who has a rather secretive past. He also makes illicit grappa! Although he finds Jenn prickly and closed at first, he finds himself strangely attracted to her. As you might imagine, she rejects his initial flirtatious behaviour even though, she finds him ‘kind of cute’. However, in true Bridget Jones style, she discards her inner carnal thoughts. After all,
‘She was here to select wines, not make friends with farmers’.
Through a series of adventures and misadventures, Jenn and Tiziano begin a relationship. Again, the wit and comedy are brilliantly executed. Just when Jenn thinks she will be fired after being caught having sex in her hotel bedroom by her boss Filippo, who suddenly arrives in Italy, she is completely floored by his response.
‘I’m so sorry. Nothing happened on company time.’
‘Calm down Jenn. It’s fine. It’s good to see you are hot-blooded like the rest of us!’
I love how the author introduces a particular wine to the reader at the beginning of the chapters. Italians have a firm sense of identity that is rooted in their home province and their wine, so the author adds such authenticity to this story. Wine lovers will know that the notes of any wine mean the aromas and flavours which make up the wine’s profile and the significance of pairing wines with food.
The author explains that Jenn has a low tolerance for alcohol but that makes her palate and olfactory senses more sensitive and more acute. The detail in the story about aromas of food, life and nature really captivates the essence of Italy.
‘A bustling weekly market filled the piazza, giant tubs of plump tomatoes, peaches and red currants, fresh beetroot, and packs of zucchini flowers tied up with string. A trailer with a chilled counter offered fresh meat from sausages to skinned rabbits.
Why I recommend this book.
It is gloriously escapist yet as an expat living the dream, it’s true! The reader is transported to a country of beauty, culture, style, and romance. It is uplifting. It is captivating and charming with characters who are full and believable, endearing and sweet. Jenn sees herself as an outsider yet when she immerses herself in Italian life, she experiences a unique harmony, enjoyment and peace of soul that we all need. Italy is a country that endows people with its beauty and welcoming nature. The author very cleverly uses wine to unite her characters and to show that a love of life and passion for food should be experienced to the fullest. As Jenn delivers her final presentation
‘Drinking prosecco is not an exclusive wine experience but an inclusive one. Tonight, I want to share my notes on flavour but also to share the way of life of a small place where family and community come first. Where time is taken to grow food and there is always an extra seat at the table for guests.’
'A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world'
Louis Pasteur
Summer, sun and romance! What is not to like! This an engaging story about two people who forge a deep meaningful connection with each other and don’t even realise that they are both searching for it.
Jenn is a prosecco taster and has been promoted to buyer which is why she is sent by her employer to Combai, perched on the prosecco hills to source the best wines at the best prices. Her naivety, inexperience and unworldliness in matters of the heart give her vulnerability which is an endearing character trait Coming from a 24/7 bustling city like London, the rural village life she encounters and speaking little of the language is a complete culture shock. She has booked accommodation at a local Agriturismo and for anyone who is not familiar with the term, it is rustic farmhouse accommodation and serves locally grown or reared food. The author’s knowledge of Italian life captures this with subtle humour.
‘Morning! Where is Filomena, the B&B owner?’ Jenn asked.
‘She gets the eggs’ replied Tiziano.
‘Oh, really? Does she have to go far?’ Jenn imagined the old woman shuffling down to the village and thought about calling the emergency services.
‘From the chickens. Behind the house!’
The love interest comes from the owner’s grandson, a swarthy farm labourer who has a rather secretive past. He also makes illicit grappa! Although he finds Jenn prickly and closed at first, he finds himself strangely attracted to her. As you might imagine, she rejects his initial flirtatious behaviour even though, she finds him ‘kind of cute’. However, in true Bridget Jones style, she discards her inner carnal thoughts. After all,
‘She was here to select wines, not make friends with farmers’.
Through a series of adventures and misadventures, Jenn and Tiziano begin a relationship. Again, the wit and comedy are brilliantly executed. Just when Jenn thinks she will be fired after being caught having sex in her hotel bedroom by her boss Filippo, who suddenly arrives in Italy, she is completely floored by his response.
‘I’m so sorry. Nothing happened on company time.’
‘Calm down Jenn. It’s fine. It’s good to see you are hot-blooded like the rest of us!’
I love how the author introduces a particular wine to the reader at the beginning of the chapters. Italians have a firm sense of identity that is rooted in their home province and their wine, so the author adds such authenticity to this story. Wine lovers will know that the notes of any wine mean the aromas and flavours which make up the wine’s profile and the significance of pairing wines with food.
The author explains that Jenn has a low tolerance for alcohol but that makes her palate and olfactory senses more sensitive and more acute. The detail in the story about aromas of food, life and nature really captivates the essence of Italy.
‘A bustling weekly market filled the piazza, giant tubs of plump tomatoes, peaches and red currants, fresh beetroot, and packs of zucchini flowers tied up with string. A trailer with a chilled counter offered fresh meat from sausages to skinned rabbits.
Why I recommend this book.
It is gloriously escapist yet as an expat living the dream, it’s true! The reader is transported to a country of beauty, culture, style, and romance. It is uplifting. It is captivating and charming with characters who are full and believable, endearing and sweet. Jenn sees herself as an outsider yet when she immerses herself in Italian life, she experiences a unique harmony, enjoyment and peace of soul that we all need. Italy is a country that endows people with its beauty and welcoming nature. The author very cleverly uses wine to unite her characters and to show that a love of life and passion for food should be experienced to the fullest. As Jenn delivers her final presentation
‘Drinking prosecco is not an exclusive wine experience but an inclusive one. Tonight, I want to share my notes on flavour but also to share the way of life of a small place where family and community come first. Where time is taken to grow food and there is always an extra seat at the table for guests.’
'A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world'
Louis Pasteur
May 13, 2023
Jim is in Italy looking for the perfect Prosecco and has two months to convince a small Prosecco winery to sign a contract with the hotel group she is with on her first day in the little village a cute farmer rides up on his tractor asking Jen if she needs a ride. Jen is walking because she lost her license and so therefore couldn’t get a Rent-A-Car and cannot find public transportation so down the highway with her big suitcase she goes in win the farmer whose name is Tiziano offers her a ride with distain in her tone she declines so when she arrives at the farm house where she’ll be staying happens to also be where he lives she is embarrassed. You see Jim isn’t the confidence city girl she pretends to be but she is a great connoisseur of wine and has a magic nose she has the ability to pick out the smallest cents but this doesn’t just stop with wine and can also be quite overpowering at times. With no transportation in many wineries to visit she first sets out to catch the bus but Tiziano seems to always be around to give her a ride and not always on the tractor sometimes on a quad sometimes on a bicycle built for two it all depends which job he is doing that day. Jen is also in love with her boss but the longer she is in Italy the more what she secretly wants comes to the forefront and on a night when she overindulge us which is a glass and a half of wine for poor Jen she divulges everything to Tiziano and he may or may not have kissed her. Jen grew up alone and never knew the love of a big family until her fondest wish is to have children and the big family she feels cheated out of, Tiziano has a big family and would love to share it with Jen but can gin get over her school girl cross for her boss and prove herself as a great chooser of Prosecco or will her life stay the same and she remain a big city girl. Tiziano his secrets and heartbreaks of his own something his family is very protective over can Jen be the catalyst for Tiziano serial dating? This book was so good I love this book love this book love this book I thought it was going to be the same old same old but leave it to the author to write something similar to all the tropes but with that great original spin only she has I love this book and highly recommend it if you love clean sweet romance that’s bilingual then you love A Taste Of Italian Sunshine usually I love Romances because of how the ending makes me feel but with this author I’m sad when it ends as the whole book is good with sweet moments NLOL events that keeps you turning the pages. I received this book from NetGalley and Boldwood books but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
May 17, 2023
Everyone loves a fish out of water story, don’t they? And there is the perfect set up here when city girl, Jenn, is stranded in a rural Italy without a pair of sensible shoes or a tractor-chic item of clothing in sight. Throw in gorgeous scenery, fabulous food, a gawky-but-attractive signor, a language barrier and all the Prosecco you could possibly drink (which would be A LOT in my case) and you have the recipe for a really tasty novel. But we all know, the success of any recipe is in the execution. Is this book as delicious as it sounds when it comes to the sampling?
Of course it is, Leonie has never let us down yet and she isn’t about to do so now. This book contains all the elements her readers have come to look forward to in her books – feisty heroines, attractive but unconventional men, flirtiness, fun and, of course, fantastic settings. Leonie really brings the reader to the heart of the Prosecco-producing region and dives in to the history of Prosecco production and what it means to the generations of families who are involved in its making. I love learning new things from books so, if you can learn a little bit about the making of Prosecco whilst indulging in a fun, romance story at the same time, why wouldn’t you?
I really loved the character of Jenn, her fierce independence and ambition contrasted against her insecurities makes for an interesting character. Leonie always gives her characters a fully rounded persona and a compelling back story and motivation for their behaviour, so the reader can really relate to them and understand where they are coming from, which makes us more invested in the story. The same is true of Tiziano, who is not the conventionally buff romantic lead and I love that about him. He also has his own demons, but is so easy to fall in love with, there was never any way that Jenn would be able to resist him for long!
As with every other book I have read of Leonie’s, it makes you immediately want to pack a bag and head off to explore the setting of the novel for yourself. You can tell she has a real love for the North East region of Italy, it oozes from the pages of her novels and infuses all of her prose and she sells it really well to the reader. She gives it a real sense of place through the people she peppers through the book and the community she creates. The readers falls in love with the place as much as Jenn does, and a lot quicker!
I really loved this book by Leonie. It took me to a place I am not familiar with, brought it to life and made me fall in love with it and her characters. This is the perfect summer book and you will do yourself a disservice if you don’t slip it in your beach bag when you do your holiday packing.
Of course it is, Leonie has never let us down yet and she isn’t about to do so now. This book contains all the elements her readers have come to look forward to in her books – feisty heroines, attractive but unconventional men, flirtiness, fun and, of course, fantastic settings. Leonie really brings the reader to the heart of the Prosecco-producing region and dives in to the history of Prosecco production and what it means to the generations of families who are involved in its making. I love learning new things from books so, if you can learn a little bit about the making of Prosecco whilst indulging in a fun, romance story at the same time, why wouldn’t you?
I really loved the character of Jenn, her fierce independence and ambition contrasted against her insecurities makes for an interesting character. Leonie always gives her characters a fully rounded persona and a compelling back story and motivation for their behaviour, so the reader can really relate to them and understand where they are coming from, which makes us more invested in the story. The same is true of Tiziano, who is not the conventionally buff romantic lead and I love that about him. He also has his own demons, but is so easy to fall in love with, there was never any way that Jenn would be able to resist him for long!
As with every other book I have read of Leonie’s, it makes you immediately want to pack a bag and head off to explore the setting of the novel for yourself. You can tell she has a real love for the North East region of Italy, it oozes from the pages of her novels and infuses all of her prose and she sells it really well to the reader. She gives it a real sense of place through the people she peppers through the book and the community she creates. The readers falls in love with the place as much as Jenn does, and a lot quicker!
I really loved this book by Leonie. It took me to a place I am not familiar with, brought it to life and made me fall in love with it and her characters. This is the perfect summer book and you will do yourself a disservice if you don’t slip it in your beach bag when you do your holiday packing.
May 3, 2023
Leonie Mack is a new-to-me author.
The synopsis sounded very fun. And there were some fun, and even funny parts in the book. Two characters who are completely different from each other. I found Jenn hard to like. I spent most of the book trying to decide if the part of her that didn't like the taste of wine or "bubbles" in drinks was a quirky trait or a silly one, given her job and how glamorousit was made to sound. I was even annoyed by her at times as she seemed childish.
Tiziano was an original character and I thought he really tried to do the best he could for Jenn. He was fun, and hillarious at times and a gentleman at others.
The descriptions of the Italian countryside, food, wine and scenery were amazing and these and Tiziano made the book for me. Nonna was charming and I wanted more scenes with her.
I liked the snippets of infomation about wines in between chapters: they were a unique addition to the plot, and a good way to learn more about wine. I like white wine but only very very occasionally. This as well as the scenery and customs made the book immersive.
I did feel pulled out of the story by Jenn often. But then I was pulled back by Tiziano, Nonna and the scenery and atmosphere.
I wanted to like this so much more, but the writing style was very wordy at times. Despite this, it had quick pacing.
Some of the jokes, like the lady from northern England whose name is Carmen or Carmel, got tired pretty quickly and wasn't funny, at least I didn't find it funny. If someone had spent time in the UK like Jenn had then they would understand it.
I found the repitition of Jenn's backstory chapters into the story unneccesary.
I had hoped to see more character growth in Jenn than I did. I wished throughout the book that she were more grateful and enthusiastic about the opportunity to go to Italy that was given to her, and not so judgemwntal and fussy about everything and everyone.
Maybe someone acting like this would be fun and funny to some people, but it isn't to me, and made Jenny seem even more petulant.
I have to say, this part of her almost put me off wanting to continue the book.
I'm glad I did, though, and I did because of all the things mention in this review that I thought were good about it.
Thanks to Leonie Mack, Boldwod Books and Rachel's Random Resources for an eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
3 stars
The synopsis sounded very fun. And there were some fun, and even funny parts in the book. Two characters who are completely different from each other. I found Jenn hard to like. I spent most of the book trying to decide if the part of her that didn't like the taste of wine or "bubbles" in drinks was a quirky trait or a silly one, given her job and how glamorousit was made to sound. I was even annoyed by her at times as she seemed childish.
Tiziano was an original character and I thought he really tried to do the best he could for Jenn. He was fun, and hillarious at times and a gentleman at others.
The descriptions of the Italian countryside, food, wine and scenery were amazing and these and Tiziano made the book for me. Nonna was charming and I wanted more scenes with her.
I liked the snippets of infomation about wines in between chapters: they were a unique addition to the plot, and a good way to learn more about wine. I like white wine but only very very occasionally. This as well as the scenery and customs made the book immersive.
I did feel pulled out of the story by Jenn often. But then I was pulled back by Tiziano, Nonna and the scenery and atmosphere.
I wanted to like this so much more, but the writing style was very wordy at times. Despite this, it had quick pacing.
Some of the jokes, like the lady from northern England whose name is Carmen or Carmel, got tired pretty quickly and wasn't funny, at least I didn't find it funny. If someone had spent time in the UK like Jenn had then they would understand it.
I found the repitition of Jenn's backstory chapters into the story unneccesary.
I had hoped to see more character growth in Jenn than I did. I wished throughout the book that she were more grateful and enthusiastic about the opportunity to go to Italy that was given to her, and not so judgemwntal and fussy about everything and everyone.
Maybe someone acting like this would be fun and funny to some people, but it isn't to me, and made Jenny seem even more petulant.
I have to say, this part of her almost put me off wanting to continue the book.
I'm glad I did, though, and I did because of all the things mention in this review that I thought were good about it.
Thanks to Leonie Mack, Boldwod Books and Rachel's Random Resources for an eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
3 stars
May 18, 2023
🎵IT'S ME, HI, I'M THE PROBLEM, IT'S ME🎵!!!!! A Taste Of Italian Sunshine written by Leonie Mack was NOT for me. I'm so sad to say I didn't love this book, which is disappointing because it takes place in my favorite country, I was so excited to get my hands on this beautiful book, the cover is so cute, but it just didn't work for me. The story was slow, I wasn't really getting hooked on the author's writing style, I felt no connection to any of the characters, nothing really happened until the end of the book when one of the characters started growing out of her shell. I'm not really sure how to share my thoughts for this book, so just bear with me. Every time I felt myself drifting off to sleep, I put the book down for a while, but when I went to pick it back up, it was like drifting off to sleep all over again. This book COULD HAVE had potential, but it wasn't there for me. The chapters weren't even that long, but it took me over an hour sometimes to get through twelve pages, which is a bummer because I thought I was going to love this book. Before picking up this book, I saw so many bright and wonderful reviews, I don't know maybe I should have went in with lower expectations. Don't let this review stop you from picking up this book, but it just wasn't for me.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOLDWOOD BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
First off, I'd like to thank my gorgeous BBB, Cecelia for buddy reading A Taste Of Italian Sunshine with me, I'm sorry we didn't love this book as much as we planned to😭. Love you too pieces💓.
Jenn and Tiziano are so different from each other, but you know what they say, opposites attract. Jenn has always insisted on being a city girl, she wants easy access to good coffee, great food from around the world, not to mention an easy commute. Jenn's job takes her to one of the most famous Italian wine regions in search of the perfect Prosecco. Jenn is so not ready to travel to meetings on a tractor, it's a complete shock for her. When Jenn arrives in Italy she has no clue what to do, she won't talk to anyone because she's too shy, she freaks out when there's no WIFI where she's staying. Let me just say one thing, Tiziano made me laugh so much, he was so hot, like this man had a tongue piercing, WOWZERS! Tiziano absolutely hates the city, he was made for the mountains and wine yards of Veneto. Generations of his family have earned their living from the land. The way Tiziano introduced himself to Jenn had me cackling. A Taste Of Italian Sunshine was okay, but I didn't love it. I feel like Jenn spent too much time hiding in her shell when everyone else wanted to get to know her, but she started growing more towards the end, but by that time it was too late to fall in love with this book.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOLDWOOD BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
First off, I'd like to thank my gorgeous BBB, Cecelia for buddy reading A Taste Of Italian Sunshine with me, I'm sorry we didn't love this book as much as we planned to😭. Love you too pieces💓.
Jenn and Tiziano are so different from each other, but you know what they say, opposites attract. Jenn has always insisted on being a city girl, she wants easy access to good coffee, great food from around the world, not to mention an easy commute. Jenn's job takes her to one of the most famous Italian wine regions in search of the perfect Prosecco. Jenn is so not ready to travel to meetings on a tractor, it's a complete shock for her. When Jenn arrives in Italy she has no clue what to do, she won't talk to anyone because she's too shy, she freaks out when there's no WIFI where she's staying. Let me just say one thing, Tiziano made me laugh so much, he was so hot, like this man had a tongue piercing, WOWZERS! Tiziano absolutely hates the city, he was made for the mountains and wine yards of Veneto. Generations of his family have earned their living from the land. The way Tiziano introduced himself to Jenn had me cackling. A Taste Of Italian Sunshine was okay, but I didn't love it. I feel like Jenn spent too much time hiding in her shell when everyone else wanted to get to know her, but she started growing more towards the end, but by that time it was too late to fall in love with this book.
July 29, 2023
This is actually a 3.5.
Here's what I enjoyed: Jenn has a nose for wine. She is sent as a buyer to find a perfect Prosecco. While her nose makes her an expert at sussing out flavor notes and nuances, she can't drink alcohol and the fizzy bubbles in Prosecco make her sneeze. Fun fact from the book--the carbonated bubbles send a danger signal to the brain, making fizzy drinks so appealing. She considers herself sophisticated, lives in London, and is poised for a catapult to her career. She also has harbored a long-time crush on her sophisticated boss, although as the novel progresses his superior side becomes off-putting.
Tiziano is a country boy who lives and work with the grapes and makes wine--and grappa, in a way that has been handed to him generationally. He has a wide love for the land that includes his extended family. Jenn and he could be more different.
Jenn, of Korean heritage, raised in California, by a single mother, has been programmed to work at her successful. A variation on her mother's message is that "Asian women have to work twice as hard and career above all else." At 34, Jenn is lonely and is beginning to wonder about her career. She also wants a family.
Tiziano, full of piercings and tattoos, including a nipple piercing, seems to be a wayward, country bad boy--an image he seeks to cultivate. However, he uses this facade to hide a loss suffered in his early twenties.
I loved the Prosecco asides and all the information about wine. I also loved the way Jenn expressed herself to Tiziano through her wine review. That was so clever and well done. I also loved how candid and forthright Jenn was in asking for what she wanted, as well as stating questions or comments, even difficult ones, without a lot of dithering.
What dropped it 1/2 star for me is Tiziano. Jenn berates herself for not seeing something in Tiziano and holds herself accountable. However, in a very vulnerable moment, Tiziano withholds critical information from Jenn that unfairly balances the power. I understand why Mack did that, for the sake of the ending, and again this is tied that to the wine review, which was great--but I felt he could have been more transparent.
Here's what I enjoyed: Jenn has a nose for wine. She is sent as a buyer to find a perfect Prosecco. While her nose makes her an expert at sussing out flavor notes and nuances, she can't drink alcohol and the fizzy bubbles in Prosecco make her sneeze. Fun fact from the book--the carbonated bubbles send a danger signal to the brain, making fizzy drinks so appealing. She considers herself sophisticated, lives in London, and is poised for a catapult to her career. She also has harbored a long-time crush on her sophisticated boss, although as the novel progresses his superior side becomes off-putting.
Tiziano is a country boy who lives and work with the grapes and makes wine--and grappa, in a way that has been handed to him generationally. He has a wide love for the land that includes his extended family. Jenn and he could be more different.
Jenn, of Korean heritage, raised in California, by a single mother, has been programmed to work at her successful. A variation on her mother's message is that "Asian women have to work twice as hard and career above all else." At 34, Jenn is lonely and is beginning to wonder about her career. She also wants a family.
Tiziano, full of piercings and tattoos, including a nipple piercing, seems to be a wayward, country bad boy--an image he seeks to cultivate. However, he uses this facade to hide a loss suffered in his early twenties.
I loved the Prosecco asides and all the information about wine. I also loved the way Jenn expressed herself to Tiziano through her wine review. That was so clever and well done. I also loved how candid and forthright Jenn was in asking for what she wanted, as well as stating questions or comments, even difficult ones, without a lot of dithering.
What dropped it 1/2 star for me is Tiziano. Jenn berates herself for not seeing something in Tiziano and holds herself accountable. However, in a very vulnerable moment, Tiziano withholds critical information from Jenn that unfairly balances the power. I understand why Mack did that, for the sake of the ending, and again this is tied that to the wine review, which was great--but I felt he could have been more transparent.
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