Review: First I would like to thank Sue Moorcroft and Avon for letting me be apart of the blog tour for One Summer in Italy and what a perfect escape it was. On closing the last page of this book it was like returning from a holiday. I could feel the warm rays of the sun and taste the Italian food. 

In the beautiful setting of the Italian mountains we meet Sofia and Amy who are looking for a fresh start. Sofia has been caring for her father for some time and Amy had some upsetting news about her father, they discover each of in Italy and hope a fresh start is what they need, but amongst the mountains there are family secrets and a certain handsome man.

Perfect read for the summer. Written so well the pages keep on turning, I am a big fan of Sue Moorcroft's storytelling. I cannot wait until her next book.

This is one summer in Italy that you won't forget in a hurry, at least if you are Sofia, Levi or Amy who are the main characters in this rather lovely book.

If you want a book that features two women moving to Umbria for the summer, to work as waitresses, while trying to get their heads around big family news, then this is definitely the book for you. The two women in question are Sofia and Amy. Sofia has family she has never met in this Umbrian town, and it was her father's last wish that she meet her uncle.

Whereas Amy is 18, and a young 18 at that, who is struggling with her decision to run off from her family, and try to work in Italy for the summer and latches onto Sofia as a guiding figure. The two girls come from different places but find common ground, and its lovely to see how the bond between them comes into play, as they deal with a boss who has far too many rules and a tendency to try to fire people regularly.

Levi is the kind stranger that steps in to help save Amy's job in her first week, and seems to have an eye on both women, the reasons for which became clear quite early on.

There are certainly secrets to be discovered, some of which came as less of a surprise to me than others, but all really good and kept the interest levels up as you wanted to find out various bits of information.

This is an enjoyable book that transported me to a warmer place than I was reading it, and I really enjoyed all the characters, even the ones you weren't meant to like, kept me entertained.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

When Sofia's father Aldo dies she decides that she must go back to the Umbrian village where he grew up to spend some time there, go to her grandparents' grave and hopefully mend things with her uncle.

But it isn't just Sofia who is going through a difficult time grieving with her father. Amy is also a waitress at the hotel where Sofia finds a job. She has run away from her family in Germany because of some news that she received recently.

Then Levi turns up and the story gets even more interesting.

This is the first Sue Moorcroft book that I have read and I will be reading more as I absolutely adored this story. I love a book set in Italy and this definitely didn't disappoint.

This book which I received from Netgalley would make the perfect summer holiday read. Sue Moorcroft really brings Italy alive for the reader and, for a chick lit type story the characters are very well rounded and they and their relationships are pretty believable.

I did feel that it was overly long though and about two thirds in I did entertain the idea of giving up as I felt the story was not progressing but I rarely feel able to do that with a book and I am so glad I stuck with it as within a few pages the plot really picked up speed and became compelling once again.

Overall a lovely read with, thankfully, a credible ending.

Sophie nurses her Italian father until his death and in his final months he makes her agree to go his native Italy to Umbria to discover the family he left behind. As she works in a local hotel she encounters Amy who has run away from her family. How a motor biking Englishman comes into both their lives is retold in this lovely novel which is about family, trust and love. A good novel to enjoy which brings Umbria to life.

What a fantastic summer read. I loved this book, full of interesting characters and the description of this part of Italy made me think of summer holidays and Italian food. Sophia has been a carer for her father since being a teenager. Before he dies she makes some promises to him and these promises thread through the story beautifully. While working in a small town in Italy, where her father was born and his brother still lives, she becomes friends with Amy, a young girl who has left her family behind after a bitter argument. Levi is staying at the hotel where both girls work and he is a man with a secret. As well as being attracted to Levi Sophia is drawn into keeping his secret. Pack this book in your suitcase this summer, you won't be disappointed.

Loved it. Lots of intermingled relationships set amongst a gorgeous Italian back drop so well described I could feel the sun on my face walking down the old streets. What the writer did really well was avoid the 'cringe' factor. Each relationship dilemna was well thought out, and the old "do I say something or nothing" that is usually so obvious, was made more like real life. Enjoyed very much, would recommend.

A great book which makes you want to go on holiday to Italy to taste the food, see the sights and become immersed in the culture.
Family fallouts, new friendships and dying promises set amidst the Umbrian countryside. What else is needed for a great escape? Well maybe a hunky hero and some captivating writing – it’s all here enjoy!

I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did as I find that most books like this all sound a bit samey - but I thought it was fabulous. The beginning was absolutely heart-wrenching and I was close to tears. You could just see how close Sofia was to her father and to see that just disappear was so emotional.

The cover is absolutely stunning. I love the greens and the blues, and of course the beautiful town opposite the sea. As I mentioned above, it started rather emotionally but after that, we then appear to be reading about Sofia working in a hotel in Italy, which has a rather dramatic event take place as soon as we start reading this part of the story. I liked the guy who showed up in this motorbike gear and helped them out. It was touching.

As well as learning about Sofia and her long-lost relationship with her family, we also learn about Amy - who has flew to Italy after finding out her dad isn't her real dad. I love the relationship that blossoms between Sofia and Amy, I found that Sofia was really caring and took Amy under her wing in order to help her out.

I ended up really enjoying this novel, despite my hesitations in the beginning. I would recommend you giving it a go if you feel the same way because you won't be disappointed. It is set in a beautiful little Italian village that I definitely wouldn't hesitate to go to! Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book which I thoroughly enjoyed! It is a very easy, fun and entertaining summer read that tells the story of Sofia and her long lost Italian family following the death of her beloved father Aldo.

Sofia goes to Italy to try and find out all about her extended family and why the rift had occurred. At the same time as Sofia's story, we meet Amy, a troubled young girl who has fled the family home after finding out that her 'dad' was not her real dad. Sofia and Amy form a lovely 'big sister / little sister' relationship helping each other to deal with their respective issues.

The story then adds a third strand with the handsome and mysterious Levi and there follows a love story, mad dash across the continent, new relationships, renewed relationships and a thoroughly lovely, if not a little predictable ending.

I loved that this was set in Italy and could really imagine all the scenes vividly - from the trees and mountains to the little village streets. This is a great little summer holiday read that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend!

Great summer/beach read - lovely story, good characters and you wanted a happy ending!

As a long time follower of the novels of Ms. Moorcroft, I’ve been on tenterhooks for quite a while awaiting this story, the follow-up to the wonderful ‘Just For The Holidays’ and the Christmas smash, ‘The Christmas Promise’. Was the wait worthwhile?

With the death of her beloved father Aldo, his devoted daughter Sofia, proceeds to fulfil the promises she made him before he died specifically, to be happy and to start living her life. So, she decides to take a summer job in an Italian hotel, at the same time hoping to make contact with her local relations that she’s never met. Of course, life is never that straight forward and run-ins with her estranged family make her question the wisdom of her decision. Things are complicated even prior to the first disastrous meeting with her uncle, when she comes to the aid of Amy, a young lady she soon learns has run off to escape family problems and whom she feels a compulsion to protect, from being sacked from her waitress job by the hotel owner. Sofia is aided in this intervention by a handsome guest, Levi, who she soon learns is not there by accident.

This is a story about following and trusting what your heart tells you, no matter the obstacles that life sets in your path. That’s all I’m going to tell you about the plot which, if you’ve read my previous reviews, you’ll know is my style. There are plenty of other reviews that will give away what happens, but you’d be far best served to purchase this book. If you’re familiar with this author’s previous novels, then are you in for the summer treat of your reading life.

The books multiple story threads are woven seamlessly so that you never feel lost. You’ll meet more marvellous characters, other than Sofia, Levi and Amy, as the story unfolds. Some you’ll warm to, one or two, less so. But that’s fine, as why should you love every character? Even in a romance. As I’ve come to learn, Ms. Moorcroft is a master (she’ll kill me if I use the feminine, ‘mistress’!) story teller who is well worth the praise and exposure she is receiving.

So, to answer my earlier question as to whether the wait for this latest novel from Ms. Moorcroft was worth the wait…too right it was! Of course, that only brings one problem; the wait has now begun for this author’s Christmas book! Life is so unfair. Ah well, I’ll just have to fall back on her back catalogue until then. Happy reading folks!

My thanks to all at @AvonBooksUK and Netgalley for allowing me to read ‘One Summer in Italy’ prior to its release, this is very much appreciated.

A lovely, light hearted holiday read. This book just oozes sunshine. Great characters and an interesting underlying story of family. Brilliant.

I’ve just finished a great contemporary novel called “One Summer In Italy” by Sue Moorcroft. It releases 17th May 2018.

4.5 Stars!

“One Summer In Italy” is a contemporary story that revolves around our main character, Sofia who’s lost her father in the prologue of the book. The main story takes place a year later when Sofia is in Montelibertà, a small town in Italy to find her father’s brother. Sofia has a job in an Italian hotel, where she stays for the majority of the novel, as a waitress. She has friends who she sticks up for throughout the story, as well as one of the sweetest romances I’ve read. What Sofia has to work out in the novel is what’s the best choice for her in a lot of things.

I originally requested “One Summer In Italy” because I have a fascination with Italy, and although I haven’t been (yet), this novel certainly didn’t put me off wanting to go. The Italian places are described beautifully, and there’s some Italian text, which I could translate, too! I therefore read “One Summer In Italy” for the “A book set in a country that fascinates you” for the Popsugar Challenge 2018.

NOTE: I would say “One Summer In Italy” is an adult romance just because our lead characters are in their 30’s. There isn’t anything explicit.

Spoilers Below...

“Aldo had a beautiful, mischievious smile, spoiled now by the odd colour of his lips as his heart failed”

This is revealed on the first page so it’s not a spoiler that Sophia’s dad is dying but this starts the story so I feel is necessary to put here. What Aldo wants Sofia to do is to complete a checklist of things that she hasn’t been able to do because she was looking after him. These things include: visiting Montelibertà, drinking Orvieto Classico the way it’s meant to be drunk, laying flowers on her Grandparent’s graves, if she meets her uncle Gianni to apologise to him for her dad and to be happy. Sofia promises to do these things, and that’s where “One Summer In Italy” begins...

Sofia is in Italy working at a hotel called Casa Felice at the beginning of “One Italian Summer”. In the first chapter, a character called Davide picks on one of Sofia’s friends, Amy.
“Davide’s being a creep”
“He certainly is. I’m just checking you’re aware he’s Benadetta’s son–”
“Don’t care. I’m not putting up with him rubbing his yucky “bits” on my bum”

This shows how Amy, Sofia’s closest friend at Casa Felice, is being bullied by the head of the hotel’s son. When Levi, a biker and our lead male character comes into the story, he stands up for Amy. I thought this was slightly strange to begin with, an older stranger standing up for a 20 year old girl but Levi is Amy’s father, it gets revealed later on in the book. After this is revealed, it’s easy to understand why Levi has Amy’s back.

Amy grew up in Germany with her mother and who she thought was her father. Her mother had a one night stand with Levi, on a friend’s hen night. Amy’s mum isn’t at all a main character, she’s just in the background of the novel.

“They later had two more children, both boys, and moved to Germany with Stephen’s job in a lab in Munich”

This happens about a third of the way through “One Summer In Italy” when Levi is explaining to Sofia about him being Amy’s father and making her understand why he doesn’t want to tell Amy the truth just yet. He doesn’t want Amy to hate him as well as her mother.

“And now that I know Amy...how could I feel sorry for myself that I helped make her”

is what Levi says to Sofia after he’s told her his biggest secret. Levi is a sweet and caring character who only wants what’s best for the people he cares about. This is demonstrated also when he gently asks Sofia to go to another hotel with him for a night before he leaves Italy, to return home to England. He doesn’t want to get Sofia into trouble with her boss for sleeping with a guest, even though it’s clear to us, the reader, that Sofia and Levi are clearly more than just employee and guest by this point, near the end of “One Summer In Italy” .

Levi has a tech company that he owns with a friend, Wes. This was honestly the only thing that I didn’t like about “One Summer In Italy”. Wes annoyed me by how sulky he got when Levi was just checking in on the business by phone as Wes was in England and Levi was in Italy. Also, I think there’s a weird romance between Wes and a girl that Levi met before this novel starts. It’s almost as if Wes is jealous of Levi, which doesn’t really make sense because he’s with Sofia for the majority of the book...

Does Sofia find her family? Do she and Levi make a go if it? Does Amy find out about her parentage? You’ll need to read to find out.

What did I like about “One Summer In Italy”?

I LOVED the romance element this novel had! It carried on as a main theme throughout too, which was nice to see.

I loved our main characters. I could see a lot of myself in Sofia, and I loved how caring Levi was to everyone. He’s the sort of male character that I love to read about.
I liked how the settings were described. The author made Italy sound so tranquil.

I liked the funny parts to “One Summer In Italy”. I found myself laughing at quite a few points in the book.

I liked that friendship was a major part of “One Summer In Italy”, along with the romance. In some books we only get one of these elements or if we do get both, they’re not both done to the same extent. In “One Summer In Italy”, I felt they were both done well.
What didn’t I like about “One Summer In Italy”?

I didn’t love the parts that were to do with Levi’s tech company. I didn’t understand everything, there. Every time that the name Wes was mentioned, I zoned out. It wasn’t too many times, but enough to note.

Overall, there were sooo many parts to this book that I loved. I honestly think the only part that let the story down was the part about Levi’s technology company. I also would like to see a book 2, following the characters on from “One Summer In Italy” but I think the author only writes standalones. That’s why I’m giving “One Summer In Italy” 4.5 Stars! If you want a feel good summer romance, then I think you’ll like this!!

Love this book. Enjoyed the characters and I like the fact that things happen quite quickly with no unnecessary filling in of gaps! It is a really enjoyable read and I already have the next n the series so looking forward to that too. I love Italy and especially Rome so I enjoy being able to recognise places that i have been too; think most people secretly like doing this too!

Such a lovely read, another wonderful book from Sue Moorcroft. I loved the setting and was instantly transported to warm, sunny days and glorious surroundings of Italy. As always, Sue Moorcroft's heroes are so easy to fall in love with and I really connected with the Sofia the main character, she was caring and strong, without being a ball-breaker! Thoroughly enjoyed the story and the underlying theme of family and happiness.

I approached One Summer in Italy cautiously, fearing it might be another fairly slight romance with an unbelievably happy ending. However, I was quickly drawn into the lives of the three main characters and I read on quickly wondering how Sue Moorcroft would resolve her plot. The individual stories of Sofia, Levi and Amy are well told and they meet and build friendships believably. Yes, some parts of the plot are transparent and the ending is happy-ever-after. But it's an enjoyable and satisfying read. Although the novel begins and ends in a sun-drenched Italy, in between there's a sojourn in not so idyllic England. And actually that helps the novel tremendously and gives it a realistic edge.

Great holiday read from Sue Moorcroft, this time with an Italian setting. Although it is obvious very early on who will become a couple, there are enough plot twists to keep the story interesting. Take this one away with you and read on the beach / by the pool or just read at home and wish you were there.

One Summer in Italy,  Sue Moorcroft

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction (Adult)

A book set mainly in Italy and so well described I felt I was there, out in the sun, enjoying the countryside, having coffee in the gardens of the hotel.
Sofia has come there after her father dies. She's been his carer for many years, he left Italy when he married her mum and never returned though he talked of home with such love, and she promised him she'd live her own life after he died, and delivering a family message gave her Italy as a start to that.
She's spending time there, so takes a live in position as waitress and befriends Amy. She's another young waitress, left home after a family fallout and Sofia feels protective of her. She's concerned at the attention one of the guests, who is much older than Amy, is paying to her.
Its one of those stories that starts simply, Sophia going to Italy as her father wanted, but quickly involves others and their lives and actions become entwined in the story. There are lots of surprises, some deliciously heated romance, and some hard decisions for Sophia to make. It looks like a simple read, but like Sue's other stories its far more complex than it appears, having multi-layered plots that spread and encompass many characters. I loved Sophia and Levi, though like her I wondered why he was so interested in Amy. Amy was a typical older teen, dramatic and thinks everything revolves around her, but she's a naive girl, good hearted and hard working even if she has run away from home in a hissy fit. She did have some particularly shocking revelations thrown at her.
I enjoyed this story, its not heart stopping drama, a can't-put-down read, but one that's fun for a summer's day in the hammock, or to take on holiday, to the beach, and get lost in Italy along with the characters. I don't think its one I'd re-read, but it is one I really enjoyed.

Stars: Five, a great fun read, perfect to take on holiday or to lose yourself for a few hours.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

A lovely romance story mainly set in the gorgeous Umbrian region in Italy.

Sofia Bianchi is set a series of promises while caring for her beloved dying Father Aldo. When he passes Sofia begins a new life on her own and is determined to keep them and travels to Italy and discovers more than her Fathers family.

Throughout the book Sofia’s kind, generous and loving nature shines through. She has the knack protecting the vulnerable and offer friendship when needed. A lovely romance ensues amid family turmoil and tribulations.

My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC digital copy – this is my own opinion of One Summer In Italy.