'Three Days in Florence' is a fantastic holiday read (whether you're on holiday or wishing to go on holiday) which is a sure-fire win of a book!

You wanted the main character to get away from the relationship she was in at the beginning. It was easy to read, made me want to go to Florence and fun.

First time for me to read a book by Chrissie Manby and I am so glad I did! What a nice book taking place in beautiful Florence, Italy! Kathy, the main character fly from London to Florence to attend a family wedding with her very busy and never happy boyfriend and his three spoiled kids. During the wedding something will happen that will take Kathy by surprise and she is not sure if she likes this suprise or not. Then the next day, when they are all due to fly back to London, there has been a mixup in Kathy's flight ticket and while everybody else fly back home she is forced to stay three more days in Florence by herself. Those 3 days waiting for her will be packed up with different events that will make her think about her life and will make her cross her path with wonderful people.
I really loved this book, it's very well written and it's a page-turner! I highly recommand you to read it!!!!

I love reading Chris manby books.
Always make me smile.
Bit fun , romance, you name it. It's all in there

I have a rather embarrassing confession to make. Yes yet another one. Although I have several of Chrissie's books on my 'to be read' mountain, 'Three Days In Florence' is the first one I have sat and read. Judging by how much I enjoyed 'Three Days In Florence', her other books will not be on the 'TBR' mountain for very much longer. I absolutely loved 'Three Days In Florence' but more about that in a bit.
I couldn't help but take to Kathy Courage from the first moment that I met her and by the time I got to the end of the first chapter, I had begun to think of her as a friend and I wanted to jump in the book and stick up for her. Kathy is a young woman, who is in a 'relationship' with Neil. Neil is divorced from his wife and they share custody of their three children, who spend all day glued to their mobile phones. To be perfectly honest, Neil is a right pain in the arse, who does nothing but constantly whinge about how stressed he is, how he doesn't want to go to his brother's wedding, how mosquitoes seem to target him, how the music isn't to his taste and how certain activities shouldn't be allowed and so on and so forth. I think you get the picture. Neil and his kids treat Kathy like muck, they treat her like a skivvy and they walk all over her. At this point, I was wanting to jump inside the pages to give the children what for and to slap Neil in the face with a wet flip flop. Kathy has been that busy making sure that Neil and his kids are ok, that she has neglected her own self care. Slowly but surely, whilst Kathy is in Florence she starts to discover herself again and she makes herself a priority which makes a nice change. Kathy rediscovers just what it is that makes her happy and the activities that she enjoyed in the past. Kathy and Neil are not exactly well matched and the signs were there that all was not well in the relationship from the fact that he was seeing three women at once, before he graciously decided that Kathy was the one for him. More like he knew that she was the only one that was going to let him get away with murder and he could comfortably use her as a doormat. Kathy is kind, considerate, helpful, compassionate, sensitive, funny, friendly and just the kind of person you would want to have as a friend. I think that Kathy is a bit lacking in self confidence, which isn't surprising given how she is being treated. I was keeping everything crossed that she would dump Neil and his family, she would find a life for herself and that she would find the happiness that she so deserved. Does this happen? Well for the answer to that question and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I was mesmerised by this lovely book from the moment I picked the book up and I was under the book's spell until the moment I closed the back cover. As soon as I began to read, I knew it was the right book for me and that it would prove to be addictive reading. I was right on both counts. It didn't take me long at all to become totally wrapped up in the story, which is in part due to the fabulous writing, a fabulous lead character and great storylines. I was simply unable to put the book down. It wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it went everywhere with me. It was as if I feared breaking the hold that the book seemed to have over me and I didn't want to miss a single word of Kathy's story. The pages of the book turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story concluded grew. All too soon, I reached the end of the story which I was so disappointed about. I don't mean that in a negative sense- far from it. I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters, the storylines and I loved the fact that the book was mainly set in Italy. I can honestly say that there wasn't one thing that I disliked about the book.
'Three Days In Florence' is superbly written. Chrissie certainly knows how to draw you into the story from the first word onwards and she keeps your attention all the way through the book. Reading this book felt more like a discussion between friends. Chrissie describes the places so realistically that if I closed my eyes, I could easily imagine that I was in Italy myself. Chrissie certainly made me feel as though I was part of the story myself. For me, the sign of a fantastically written book is when I begin to interact with the book. Now I know that sounds silly because a book is an object that can't talk, but I find that if I enjoy a book, I tend to 'live' the story as if it were real and I begin 'talking' to it. On occasions, I found myself arguing with the book or trying to give certain characters what for as if they could hear me. 'Three Days In Florence' is one of those books that I loved and interacted with.
In short, 'Three Days In Florence' is fantastically written. The author has to be one of my favourite author finds so far this year. I can't wait to read what Chrissie comes up with next. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. Whilst I am waiting, I will definitely be reading her other books. I just know that I am going to enjoy reading them just as much as I enjoyed 'Three Days In Florence'. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

Kathy Courage has always had a life-long dream to visit Florence, a place she'd heard so much about from her parents who went there on their honeymoon and loved it so much that they decided to give her Florence as a middle name. But it looks like fate might finally have stepped in as her partner Neil's brother and his fiancee have decided that they're going to get married in Tuscany and have invited their whole families to come along and join in the celebrations, she'll just have to put up with his disapproving mother and teenage children as well.

When we first meet Kathy it's like she's a woman without her own voice, she's been on her own for so long that it's almost as if she'll do anything to keep Neil happy even putting up with his annoying nickname of 'Chicken Licken' because of her unfortunate initials KFC and the way he and his children treat her. Neil is determined to spend as little time out of the country as possible, despite knowing how much Kathy wants to explore Italy and in particular Florence, so his PA makes all their travel arrangements to arrive as late as possible before the pre-wedding dinner and to fly home the morning after the wedding but this actually turns out to be a blessing in disguise.

From the moment they arrive nothing goes quite too plan and there's always something for Neil and his daughters Sophie and Amelie to moan about, with Kathy taking the brunt of it, but least his son Oscar is happy so long as he's got his phone for company. If Kathy had hoped that Tuscany would work its magic on the family then it looks like she might be waiting a long time! Missing out on a shopping trip Kathy finally gets some time to herself and can relax and explore her surroundings before the group and the mayhem continues.

If the first two days of the trip didn't turn out as planned, then Kathy is in for an even bigger surprise when Neil steps into the spotlight at the wedding and proposes which leaves her stunned, so much so that she didn't even get a chance to give her response before the ring is placed on her finger. But it looks like there might be an angel on her side after all as a mix-up with the flights means that Kathy has been booked onto a flight 3 days later than the rest of the family. Neil orders her to stay at the airport and try and make alternative arrangements but when nothing is forthcoming she decides to make the most of her time and perhaps spend the next 3 days on her own exploring Florence.

It was at this point that I was cheering Kathy on, for getting the courage 'pun intended' to do something for herself instead of trying to please everyone else in particular Neil who she's always adapting her plans to do whatever suits him. This trip to Florence turns out to a journey of self-discovery, a chance to take some much needed time out for herself and the perfect opportunity to think about what she really wants her future to look like.

It's also when the story comes alive for me as even though Kathy experiences something that would be every tourists dread, it's also when a chance encounter introduces her to a wonderful family who welcome her with open arms. She finally has the freedom to be herself and explore the place that has always had a special place in her heart.

I've never been to Italy but yet through the vivid descriptions of the sights and sounds that Kathy encounters, and the tantalising foods that she gets to taste, Chrissie Manby really has made Florence come to life and as a reader it felt like I was experiencing everything through Kathy's eyes. It truly sounds like a magical place to visit, not just the tourist hotspots, but also the streets off the beaten track.

If you're looking for a feel-good read this Summer then make sure to add Three Days in Florence to your reading list and you won't be disappointed, with its gorgeous setting and characters that you'll fall in love with, well most of them, what more could you ask for.

Kathy Courage’s second name is Florence, in honour of the Italian city where her parents went for their honeymoon. She’s been dreaming to visit the city since she was a child, when her parents told her the story and showed her pictures of the trip, but she’s been waiting for someone special with whom to share the experience. When her partner’s brother announces his wedding in a castle in Tuscany, Kathy has finally the chance to visit the city, but her boyfriend Neil can’t wait to go back to London and to his job. But things don’t go as planned… Call it fate, call it inefficiency of the world’s most perfect personal assistant, but Kathy is forced to spend three more days in Florence without Neil. Luckily, she won’t be alone, but in the company of the Innocenti family…

I devoured this book. The descriptions are so beautiful and detailed that it was like being there myself together with Jean while she visited Palazzo degli Uffizzi, Ponte Vecchio, and the Cathedral of Florence. The story is entertaining, romantic, and funny. The characters are realistic and mostly likable. The only characters I didn’t like are Kathy’s insufferable and selfish boyfriend Neil and his three spoiled teenage children. I couldn’t stand how Neil tried to control her and how he often put her down. But then comes Henry Innocenti, a pianist, half-English, half-Italian handsome, funny, and caring. I mean, there is no competition. Kathy’s submission to Neil’s wishes infuriated me, how she always tried to make everything easy for him. When she is finally alone, she blossoms and she becomes more alive and engaging. For Kathy the trip to Florence is a journey of self-discovery, a chance to figure out what she really wants from her life.

If you are looking for an heart-warming and brilliant story about friendship and love that will take you in one of the most beautiful city in the world, then THREE DAYS IN FLORENCE to not miss!

Will a mix up in flights be just the ticket for Kathy when stranded alone in Florence? The Tuscan sunshine awaits when she decides to throw caution to the wind and stay on in the beautiful city. Engaging storyline, credible and colourful characterisation - a little predictable, perhaps, but really none the worse for that - this is perfect Summer holiday reading from your reading nook or otherwise.

I loved this so much, it was like being on holiday, the descriptions are just so vivid. A wonderful summer read, full of romance, humour and just a little drama. Always a magical read from Chrissie.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Picking up a new Chrissie Manby book is like meeting up with a really good friend that you haven’t seen for ages. You know pretty much all of their best stories but its still an absolute pleasure.

Kathy Courage is in Italy for her boyfriend’s brother’s wedding. Neil is being his usual ebullient and rather rude self and paying little or no attention to what Kathy wants. She is within spitting distance of visiting the city she has dreamt of all her life – her middle name is Florence. Naturally it is a tense and anxious time travelling with Neil’s selfish and grumpy teenage children but Kathy spends her time smoothing things over and giving up on what she wants.

When a flight mix up by Neil’s PA leaves Kathy alone in Florence for a couple of days it is the perfect time to realise her dreams and see all the beautiful art and architecture that she has been missing out on. As fate would have it she starts to realise that she has been missing out on a whole lot more and has just been “settling” for Neil because he was steady and dependable despite all his other atrocious qualities.

Manby’s descriptions of Florence and its inhabitants makes you want to book a flight on the next plane out there. You get a real sense of the history, the architecture and even the feel of the sunlight on the old stone. Truly beautiful.


Three Days in Florence is a perfect holiday read – a feel good story with an amazing setting and interesting characters. Give it a go – you’ll meet a new friend!

Supplied by Net Galley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for an honest review.

#ThreeDaysInFlorence #NetGalley

I have wanted to visit Italy for so long and this book has only made the longing stronger! Chrissie has captured the beauty of Florence perfectly and it’s a shame the Casa Innocenti isn’t a real hotel you can stay in.

Kathy is a very believable character, although why on earth she’s still dating Neil, I don’t know. He’s a self centred, rude man and I took an instant dislike to him. I especially hated when he called Kathy ‘Chicken Licken.’ His children are just as bad too. If I was Kathy, I would’ve fled to Florence long before.

The story shows how some kindness can change your life and the Innocenti family welcomed Kathy like she was a long lost relation, not a total stranger.

I loved the way that Kathy got braver and pushed herself to do things that she didn’t think she could. Maybe more of us should try things out of our comfort zone…

This would make a perfect summer holiday read. If you’re spending it abroad, on the beach, or just enjoying some peace and quiet in your garden, get it ordered now.

A lovely light summer read which introduces the reader to Florence and a little bit of the Italian. culture. It is obvious from the start that the story will have a twist, but I was not expecting all the revelations. If you enjoy romance, seeing a character find happiness and enjoy trying to guess where the next twist will come, you will love this. Perfect for those off to Tuscany or those sat at home having a lazy Sunday read x.

I've always loved Chrissie Manby's books, so I couldn't resist downloading Three Days in Florence - particularly as I'd just returned from spending three days in Florence! The book wasn't quite what I was expecting - it's more behind-the-scenes rather than touristy - but I enjoyed it very much!

Florence has always been a bit of a legend in the Courage family. Kathy's parents spent their honeymoon there and always promised to take her back, but it never happened and now her father has died. When Kathy and her boyfriend are invited to Florence to attend a family wedding, Kathy is thrilled - but it doesn't turn out the way she's expecting and it's a disappointing trip. Then a mix-up with the flight home means Kathy is unexpectedly stranded alone for three more days. Will she hole-up at an airport hotel? Or head out to discover if Florence really is the city of her dreams?

Although we don't see Kathy tick off visits to all the tourist hotspots in Florence, we get to see the 'real' city as she's adopted by an adorable Italian family (I LOVED Manu, Henry and Faustino!) and she ends up literally having to sing for her supper. There is a sweet romance and humour - little Manu's attempts to teach Kathy Italian don't go quite the way she is expecting, and Kathy rediscovers the person she was always meant to be.

I loved Three Days in Florence. It's the perfect holiday romcom and one of my favourite reads this year. I wish the Innocenti family would adopt me! Oh, and I love that cover!


Thank you to Chrissie Manby and Hodder & Stoughton for my copy of this book, which I requested via NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

I loved Kathy from the start a lady just looking for stability in love! I hated Neil and his awful rude children! This book tells the story of Kathy how she met Neil and and her dream of visiting Florence like her parents did as she has lost her dad. She’s given up her dreams to stay close to her mum. When herself Neil and the kids are invited to a wedding in Italy, Kathy is so excited but Neil and the relatives from hell who constantly belittle her make it not quite the weekend she’d hope for! A mistake with flights means she gets to stay longer but I don’t want to give away the whole story she meets Henry and his family who are lovely I especially liked manu he’s a cheeky chappie! You will have to see if Kathy gets her happy ending but I did love the family bonds especially towards the end when Kathy’s mum reads a letter from her dad

This is the perfect summer read! Pure escapism! I was so excited to read this book and it did not let me down. It made me want to book myself a holiday to Florence. Just fabulous.

Enjoyable summer read. Frustrating though that Kathy put up with Neil and his rude children for as long as she did!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

I haven't read too much by this author before, but when I saw the synopsis I was completely drawn in and I knew I had to read this book. I loved where it was set and was completely intrigued by Kathy's character. I also really like the cover, it's quite sophisticated and overall quite pretty. The first thing I noticed when I started reading this novel was Chrissie's style of writing, it seemed more elegant somehow, but it was well written and made the novel really enjoyable.

Straight from the start I started feeling sorry for Kathy, it seemed like she was being walked over left, right and centre! Her parter Neil sounded like a horrible, stuck up man and his two teenager daughters seemed no different. I was glad for Kathy when she had a chance to explore the country she had been longing to visit on her own. It was simply magical and I got lost in Kathy's story.

Another thing I really liked about this novel was getting to read about the Innocenti family, they were all really different in their own way but it was enjoyable reading about them and sensing their close family relationship. This was a marvellous story that I fell in love with. It was heartwarming with some humour in parts. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

I absolutely love Chrissie Manby's books, so I was delighted to receive an ARC from Netgalley and the publishers.
Florence in Italy, is the main setting for this book. The main protagonist is Kathy Courage, who has always wanted to visit Florence, after her parents visited before she was born. Her boyfriend's brother is getting married in Florence, and a mix up with flights sees her stranded in Italy. As she finally has the opportunity to explore the city, she questions her relationship with her boyfriend Neil, especially A she keeps having chance encounters with musician, Henry.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a little predictable, as some romantic novels can be, but it has a fantastic storyline. The characterisation is excellent, and there is a lot of chemistry between Cathy and Henry. This is a wonderful and magical read.

I simply adored every moment of this book, Kelly Courage is one fabulous main character, but more on her in a moment,

I firstly want to say how much I utterly despised and hated Neil, her boyfriend and his family. What a self-centred, confidence stripping, uncaring group of people. I had great glee in my hatred of him, and I'm really not sure he had any redeeming qualities at all. The question of course for most of the book was whether Kathy would every notice his true colours, that really were rather obvious!

Kathy though is fabulous, especially once thrown slightly outside of her comfort zone and having to spending extra time in Florence alone. You could feel her excitement, and then her fear, and relief, basically every emotion under the sun so closely, as she adjusted to what needed to be done.

I loved the whole of the Innocenti family, from the mischievous Manu, smelly Faustino, gorgeous Henry, kind hearted Carla and the others as they really helped Kathy out. Although she also proved very helpful too, toward the family.

We don't see much of the typical touristy bits of Florence, as although the setting is key, this was far more about Kathy's dreams of the city, and integrating with a local family, so we see things from a different perspective which was refreshing.

Chrissie Manby's observations were spot on as always, especially during the first bit of the book with how Neil's family behaved in the run up to a wedding, and how one teen at at least was completely oblivious to everything as he was attached to his phone.

There are plenty of laughs and drama in this marvellous book that I adored every single second of and read with a big grin on my face. Another triumph for one of my all time favourite, and must read authors.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

No-one does lighthearted romances like Chrissie Manby and this book lived up to all my expectations. As well as the gorgeous descriptions of Florence it has a full cast of characters including bad tempered chefs (why are chefs always bad tempered?) mischievous little boys and flatulent dogs. Not forgetting, of course, a couple who are destined to be together. Now I just need to book my flight to Italy.

Review posted on Goodreads and Amazon