Firstly, happiest of publication days to Samantha. What a gorgeous treat One Summer in Rome is. Now I really do want a holiday….even more than I usually do. In reading this I have been longing for pizza (something I’m not eating at the moment – unless I make a clean eating version) and to wander around by the Trevi Fountain amongst the street entertainers.

I adored The New Beginnings Coffee Club so when Rachel emailed regarding this blog blitz I was instantly intrigued. To be honest I don’t really know where to begin with talking about this book without spoiling anything but I shall do my best. Just like The New Beginnings Coffee Club Samantha has tackled a number of real-life issues in this feel good read. It’s been pretty hard going on me reading about cake and pizza but my willpower has changed a lot since starting my Slimming World journey.

From the off I liked Mary/Maria. I applauded her for taking a risk in leaving everything she knew. It was obviously terrifying for her but after everything that has been thrown at her in her life it’s exactly what she needed. The life she was given wasn’t her making but as she set foot on that plane her mindset changed. It was heartwarming to see her tackle each and every obstacle she was given in her new country of residence. I have heard many bloggers swooning over Dante from the off but for me it wasn’t that simple. He was quite obviously attractive but at the beginning I thought he was stuck up and rude. Dante wasn’t the only character I thought badly of. I also wasn’t a huge fan of Rocco either. This novel has so much back story and history it makes it addictive. I found myself very much invested in these characters and there were a number of oh my moments that had me turning the pages quicker and quicker.

It’s surprising as the secrets about each character you couldn’t have pinpointed bar one with Rocco. The penny dropped on one point but not on the more devastating reality. By the end of the book I saw the romance in Dante and my heart warmed to Rocco.

In a world full of madness One Summer in Rome manages to take you away from whatever crazy you’re experiencing at this point in life. It also makes you realise that everyone you come across is silently fighting their own battles and worries so be kinder. A number of the books I have read lately have had an underlying message of being grateful and living for now. Not what’s gone or what might be but right now.

Not my most favorite story. I personally couldn’t get into it as much as I wanted but it could just be me.. Keep trying!

I love this author’s books so I was delighted when I saw that this book was due out and I read it very, very soon after it landed on my Kindle – and I absolutely loved it!

The characters are great, I loved the plot, fantastic location and a brilliant story – five stars from me, the perfect summer holiday read – very highly recommended!!

A great story set in the beautiful city of Rome. Having been there attracted me to this story and it didn't disappoint. Obviously, a romance that has its ups and downs will always be a good solid read.

I remember keeping this book to read during my trip to Italy and I'm so glad I did!
This story had everything I loved in it. A soul-searching experience, a big and loving family, a brooding Hero, a sweet love story.

This was perfection! I highly recommend. Just open the book and it will transport you all the way to Rome and into the lovely Rossi family.

This book was full of great narratives, lots of detail and a bucket load of love around the family.
I enjoyed the setting very much and what a fitting end.

Thanks to Netgalley, Samantha Tonge and HQ Digital for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book is such a cosy read about a woman called Mary taking a one way journey to Rome. It was incredible to be transported to the gorgeous city, where Samantha described the cultures, traditions, architecture, food and people perfectly!

Not only did we learn so much about Mary's past, but Samantha focused on each individual character in depth and it was lovely to join them on their journey of growth and development from past experiences. Everyone was beautifully written and I fell in with them all immediately.

I also fell head over heels in love with Rome and am now desperate to get a one way ticket there myself to admire the surroundings for real and eat pizza everyday! The perfect summer read.

A lovely read set in the most amazing place... Rome. This book has really set me off, I really want to visit Rome NOW! lovely characters you just couldn't help but like. A good summer read.

A great book that really makes you visualise walking around Rome, experiencing everything and sitting at one of the cafes to watch the rest of the world go by. I've seen my daughters Rome holiday photos , so I could picture some of the story settings and feel the atmosphere fully.
Mary goes to work for a small family restaurant and we see the city through her eyes. Wonderful characters pepper this book. along with romance and the business competition. You can almost taste the food and wish you could sit down with them all

One Summer in Rome... sigh. Sometimes I wish I was Mary...

I love Mary. Fed up with her life, she buys a one way ticket to Rome, and starts a brand new adventure, throwing herself into Italian life. Delicious food, equally delicious men... what's not to love?

This is a great, fun story, perfect for reading anytime, but be warned - this book will make you want to go on holiday! Samantha Tonge's evocative descriptions of Mary's new home are beautiful; even though I've never been to Rome, I felt like I knew the place.

Not just a love story, the novel explores secrets, and heartbreak and reinvention. It's the perfect summer read.

One Summer in Rome by Samantha Tonge
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4/5 stars

Mary Smith has never done anything adventurous! Mary Smith has never stood up for herself! Mary Smith has never allowed herself to be completely vulnerable, open, and honest in a relationship! Mary Smith is going to change all of that . . . .

Rome seems like the perfect place to turn over a new leaf, to make marked changes in her life, and to finally find happiness. One, one-way plane ticket and a bit of gumption is exactly what Mary Smith needs to start living the life she has always dreamed of, so when her boyfriend dumps her, and her wretched boss has finally crossed the line, Mary Smith is on her way to a brand-new life.

Rome is everything Mary hoped it would be from the ancient ruins to the bustling night life to the warm, friendly people. With a job and living space secured, Mary is ready to carve out a new, fantastic life wholly different from the one she left behind. Unfortunately, carving takes time and Mary has a lot to learn and sort out in her new world. Her Italian is only passable, her waitressing skills aren’t quite up to par, and the chef and lead waiter both thoroughly dislike her. Determined, for the first time in her life, to stand on her own two feet and stand up for herself, Mary dives right in with improving her conversational Italian, she asks questions about improving her waitressing skills, and she makes every effort to be polite and kind to the two men who dislike her most.

Only some of that effort goes her way . . .

As if happens, Mary isn’t the only one struggling. The family-owned pizzeria she works for is in the thick of a popularity contest that often determines their income for the next year. A new pizzeria has opened and is threatening their business. With nothing but good intentions, Mary sets out to help the family shake things up and get themselves right back in the running of the competition. With her newfound confidence, Mary delights in offering suggestions, baking new items for the menu, and seeing the fruits of her labor being received favorably by the family and customers alike. On the personal side, Mary finds herself dreadfully attracted to the chef who dislikes her and feeling complete compassion for the lead waiter who finds himself in a most dangerous situation. Emotionally, Mary is on something of a roller coaster ride, but it becomes a most liberating experience which allows her to reconcile with the demons of her past and move forward towards a bright future.

The Bottom Line: As promised, One Summer in Rome is a sweet read that will leave you smiling. Mary is a kind, generous soul who has had something of a difficult life. With change on her mind and courage in her heart, Mary leaves all she has ever known for the unknown. What I particularly liked about this read is the fact that Mary’s new life isn’t a given. She has struggles to deal with, obstacles to overcome, and very real emotions to manage. In many ways, stepping into her new life is the best education Mary has ever received. She learns that being vulnerable isn’t always bad, many people who seem happy on the surface have very real internal struggles of their own, and those who are angry and bitter may be trying, in their own way to reach out and ask for help. While it may seem as if there is too much happening in this read, it really comes together quite nicely and all the loose are tied up nicely in the end. What’s more, it isn’t just Mary who finds her HEA, but multiple characters! In all, this isn’t necessarily a light, easy breezy read, but it is a quick read with engaging characters and just enough drama to keep you interested. The heat level is relatively low and totally appropriate for the characters and storyline.

This is a really lovely, modern romantic book. Mary Smith is an ordinary English girl who one day decides to change her life. Impulsively she buys an aeroplane ticket and flies to Rome. She has managed to get a job as a waitress in an Italian restaurant which includes her board and meals. Mary fits perfectly into the Italian family life and it's not long before she falls madly in love! Making for a brilliant happy story!

Milton Bene!!! Loved this book from the minute I began to read. Mary has had enough of life in dreary England and is headed to the sun where she will work as a waitress in a pizza restaurant in Rome. She hasn’t had the best life so far and fits in easily with the Rossi family who own the restaurant. Bit by bit her life comes together as she realises she can take control of her life and help others around her.

All in all a lovely read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

It always seems a little rude to say “perfect for a day on a sun lounger” about any book – but in this case, I’m writing from personal experience. I spent a lovely afternoon basking in the Yorkshire sunshine, read the book from cover to cover, and thought “what a perfect choice”!

I very much liked Mary, bravely changing her life by heading off into the unknown to work in a Rome pizzeria – her initial worries and concerns were very real, her first steps into her new life fraught with difficulty unexpected animosity from others. But I loved the way things turned around – the tentative friendships becoming real ones, the family taking her to their heart, and Mary belonging somewhere and surrounded by love for the very first time in her life.

While the book as a whole is unashamedly feel good and heartwarming, with a strong and believable romantic thread at its centre, there are also enough real issues to give it an edge – the reasons why there’s no Mama, domestic violence with a twist, disability issues, homelessness, terrorist attack and much more. But there’s also a ballroom dancing competition and the skullduggery around remaining in the list of Rome’s top ten pizzerias against fierce opposition (loved the various changes to the menu, could almost taste them!). Does it sound like it’s a bit too much? It really isn’t – the story’s very well told, all the threads really work both separately and together. And I haven’t even mentioned the one big issue and surprise that drives the story – but as it’s not mentioned in the blurb I’ll leave it for you to discover.

And I really must mention the settings – the pizzeria itself, the piazza on which it sits with its fountains and street entertainers, the night-time peacefulness while enjoying a late night mochachino – all so vividly described that when I finished the book I felt like I’d been away on holiday. A really lovely book – and if you don’t get the chance to read it while this glorious weather lasts, it really would be the most wonderful holiday read.

From the moment I picked up One Summer in Rome, I was transported to the wonderful capital city of Italy, where I was shown the true spirit of Italian life, the culture, the architecture, the people, the food and even the atmosphere was captured. I felt like I was in Rome itself! An absolutely beautifully written story, full of sunshine, emotion, warmth and romance. I loved how we learnt so much about the characters past and the way they moved forward with their own lives despite their own difficulties. Beautifully written with charming characters who you can relate too. I now want to go to Rome to eat a Pizza, sit outside and take in the atmosphere of the surroundings whilst listening to the street performers!

I would highly recommend One Summer in Rome by Samantha Tonge. A perfect read! I look forward to reading more books by Samantha Tonge.

As a fan of this author I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this book, I was not disappointed. Within the pages we have loss, love, humour and much more. I was totally drawn into the story and was desperate to see if love can indeed conquer all.

Beautiful Rome stands mighty behind every chapter in One Summer in Rome. You can sense the sounds, sights and smells of the great city. There is a real sensual side to the story partly because of one particular character,who will remain nameless. Mary travels to Rome, looking for acceptance and love which she has never really felt before. She has an interesting childhood which gives the story a contemporary feel and which makes you understand why she reacts the way she does in certain situations.

The people she meets in La Dolce Vita pizzeria are all intriguing in their own way and there is a lot going on beneath the surface as you later discover. There are some warm characters who show Mary kindness and open her eyes to a sense of belonging, which she longs to share in. Acceptance and rejection, feeling that you are not really wanted and facing up to a few home truths- these are some of the themes which you uncover along the way. It is a perfect book to relax with on a sunny afternoon.

In short: Take a Roman Holiday and escape into this italian romance.

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

Another brilliant read from this author, fantastic feel good summer read, thoroughly enjoyed.
Will look forward to the next book from Samantha

Part travelogue, part love story, part foodie heaven! This book bathes us 8n th sights, sounds, scents and tastes of Rome, the Rossi family and the unfolding relationship between Mary and Dante. This book deals in kindness, family, belonging, surprises and love. You will enjoy it

Mary has never had it easy - put into care as a young child and moved from foster family to foster family with no-one ever really wanting her - so when her boyfriend moves to Dubai without her she is at rock bottom......so what better time to take up an offer to go and work in a family pizza restaurant in Rome!

Once there Mary comes into her own - she sets herself challenges and soon gets into the swing of Italian life, and the gorgeous Dante is definitely eye candy in the kitchen! The only fly in the ointment seems to be Rocco the head waiter, what is his problem, why does he have it in for her so much?

A great summer read, the characters are lovely and there are plenty of secrets flying around.....and who wouldn't love to spend a summer in Rome!