Member Reviews

This book has it all: gorgeous scenery, heartwarming friendships, secrets, twists and turns and a scorching romance. I really enjoyed Zia’s story set in beautiful Italy (I want to go there NOW!) and following her journey as she starts to unravel her family secrets. Sue expertly crafts a page-turning plot while weaving in a very important issue – postpartum depression – in a sympathetic and credible way. The relationship between her and Piero positively sizzles. Highly recommended.

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I received this book via NetGalley and give it my honest opinion

Wow, wow, wow!!! I haven't read a book by Sue Moorcroft for a while and what can I say! This was such an enjoyable read, just what we all need in this current lockdown. Italian sunshine at its best, the 'pick me up' I needed. When you can’t go on holiday this book will give you the escapism that transports you to sun, romance, wine and family secrets that need to be unearthed!

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I challenge you to read the first chapter of this book and not instantly be hooked in wanting a whole variety of answers, and a burning desire to read more.

For that is exactly what happened to me, so in retrospect starting this just before I went to bed may not have been the smartest idea but at least it meant I knew the next day I was in for a treat of a book.

And I was! I actually can't believe just how much has been jam packed into this story, there are so many threads, much is all interlinked and so many different topics covered. It's probably Sue Moorcroft's most ambitious book to date.

In fact I really don't know how on earth I can possibly talk about this book without potentially spoiling anything key, especially given the sheer quantity of secrets involved in this book, plus betrayals, back stabbing, friendship and potentially unexpected consequences.

It is a story of Zia discovering the truth about herself, of Piero trying his hardest to save his home while keeping his own family happy. It's a story of Ursula and Stefan's relationship and whether it is possible for it to be back on track. It's a story that at times had me smiling and cheering with joy, but others were so emotional that I could feel an occasional tear trying to get out.

And for the most part it is set in Umbria, to a fabulous Italian backdrop. I couldn't' help but notice it was bang up to date and clearly set in a post Brexit world, with regards the new restrictions on how long you can stay in a EU country. Despite that level of real worldliness, I'm also delighted to say that as this is fiction there were no mentions of Covid anywhere which heightened my enjoyment and allowed me to escape properly into the pages!

I absolutely adored my trip to Umbria in this story and everything to do with Zia's search for truth gripped me entirely. I loved all elements of this book and had to keep reading to see just what would happen next as it really kept me on my toes.

Just wonderful escapist reading!

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

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A delightful book, perfect for brightening up a dark winter’s day. The characters were very likeable and the storyline good. Descriptions of Italy made me almost feel as if I was there, well written without being like a tourist guide.

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Another stunner from the High Priestess of romantic fiction. Moorcroft has created a new life for Zia from the dregs of the old, which included a dead mother and a cheating ex. In Italy she finds far more than her father. Wonderful excapism fiction.

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Omgosh I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars its brilliant.
I so did not want it to end.
So glad Zia went back to Italy with her man and was excepted by the family.
The best bit for me was when she told her ex where to go very loudly.
Had a smile on my face all the way through. I love sue moorcrofts books she writes like a dream. They all make me fall in love with all the main characters this one didnt fail even made me fall in love with italy.

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Lovely Italian scenery, a girl on a mission, new friends and a hunky man next door. What's not to love? I really enjoyed Zia's story as she walked away from a cheating ex, went in search of the father she has never known and uncovered the truth about her early life. Recommended.

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I really loved this book. I liked the main characters and the supporting characters - especially Ursula snd Lucia. If I was being picky I would say it took me a while to get into the book just because of the names (especially Tori and Victoria amd remembering which was which) and the smattering of Italian which interrupted the flow at first. However once I was into the book i didn’t want to put it down!

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Another brilliant book by the fantastic Sue Moorcroft. It made me want to jump on a plane to Italy (if I could with the Covid-19 pandemic obviously).
Set in Italy Zia sets out to find her Italian father after the death of her mother and finds sooo much more than that but can she learn to trust when so many secrets have been kept from her and her ex is determined to mess up her life?
A brilliant book that had me hooked from day one like all Sue Moorcroft's books tend to. I do wonder though if the name should be "Under the Italian Stars" but that's just me being picky! I'll certainly be buying a paperback copy of this when its released. Thank you Netgalley for letting me review it. I may even be tempted to learn Italian as it seems like such a beautiful language.

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Sue Moorcroft always delivers and this is no exception. a girl goes to italy to try and find out the truth about her family. the poor thing has got some secrets to unravel Some families hey! The countryside is stunning but the story is filled with shadows and serious moments as the main character tries to find out the truth and see what her past contains and her future might hold.

Recommended!

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Zia is in Italy to try and find the father she has never met, but family secrets unravel as she finds out more.
along the way she meets neighbour Piero, but will she be more to him than just a tourist to have a fling with?

I liked the setting of the book and how it is told from both their points of view.

I would love to find out ursula's story next and see her finding happiness too

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I always revel in Sue Moorcroft's books, so much to read and enjoy within them. This is no exception, and is set in my favourite country, Italy.
Zia Lucia , having found some worrying documents, is searching for her true background and family, and is sure it lies within a family run vineyard in Italy. With her friend , she goes for a holiday, and finds that most of her suppositions were right. There are some slightly misleading twists with the same Christian names used with in the family. All is sorted out and it's pleasant to see how family relationships grow. Lovley descriptions of the older characters in the story.
Thank you for a chance to read and revie this book. I enjoyed it.

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Enjoyable read.
When Zia-Lucia finds paperwork in her deceased grandparents belongings, she starts her search to find out the truth about her past. Leaving behind a cheating boyfriend she sets off to Italy with her best friend Ursula. In Italy she finds family she never knew existed and the opportunity to put down the roots she craved.
Under the Italian sun is a lovely read. Full of twists and turns you are drawn into Zia’s hopes and dreams. The description of the Umbrian region makes you long to travel, you can practically taste the wine and the food. Another great book from Sue Moorcroft. I would highly recommend it.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in return for my honest review.
#UnderTheItalianSun #Avon

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Well, Sue Moorcroft does it again!! This book simply sizzles with Italian sunshine, tantalising twists to the story, and a VERY hot hero!! The description in this book is so vivid - I felt like I’d stepped off the plane and was instantly enveloped in the Italian sun - like I was actually there, living the story.!! The story flowed beautifully, drawing me in and making me want to read on. The characters were so well drawn that I could actually see and hear them!! The story itself captivated me from beginning to end, and I was sorry when I reached the last page, because I wanted to stay in Italy!! Under the Italian Sun is a holiday in a book, hot, steamy and full of romance, but with a mystery running through it that I found to be very intriguing.
I loved it, and wish there were more than 5 stars, as it’s a 10 from me!!

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Escape to Italy and all the beauty and serenity it provides, as well as the brilliant food, wine and ice cream!

Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers' has always wondered why she had such a long name. Eventually dealing with letters from the past unlocks more unanswered questions she must find out the answers to.

Travelling to Italy along with her friend, she uncovers the family she has never known and finds out that some secrets are best left as they are. Staying next door to the vineyard owner, Piero opens up even more confused feelings as her past and present are sent into turmoil - add in a disgruntled ex and this novel will make you laugh and cry.

So set your sights on Italy, sit back, be transported and enjoy yet another of Sue Moorcroft's novels which is amusing, evocative and emotional and find out what happens to Zia-Lucia under the Italian sun.

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Another beautiful book fom Sue Moorcroft.
Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers finds suprising & confusing information whilst sorting out old paper work fom her late grandparents home. This sends her on a path with her friend Ursula to Italy, to try & assemble some sense of her past.
After reading everyone of Sue Moorcoft's books, I want to travel to the country & find the places she is writing about. So much detail about the areas entices you in & you want the joy of feeling those places too. Her characters are always likeable, relatable & believable. Yes, there is always a happy ending & yes, love always wins the day but the journey to the end is one you want to follow. Looking forwad to her next book.
Highly ecommended!

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This book allowed me to pretend I was on holiday in Italy and could imagine the scenery, the sun and being able to be anywhere but my own four walls. The story unfolded beautifully and you wanted only the best for Zia. Lovely book.

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I received a copy of this novel as an ARC from NetGalley. This is a feel good love and travel novel that would make anyone want to travel to Italy. Although she has led a rough life, the heroine Zia is spirited and loving and the cast of characters she surrounds herself with are delightful. The setting is amazing, picture perfect! Great escapist fiction.

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I received an advance copy of, Under the Italian Sun, by Sue Moorcroft. This was a good book, a good beach read. Nice characters and setting. Finding out who you are, and where you are going.

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I love Sue Moorcroft’s books - she transports the reader to sunny Italy in this, her latest book. Zia-Lucia is an orphan looking for her Italian roots - including her father who wanted nothing to do with the baby when his English girlfriend became pregnant. So Zia sets off with her best friend Ursula, who is nursing a broken heart, to Italy. Here Zia uncovers her roots as well as falling for Piero, the handsome vineyard owner next door. The book certainly made me want to jump on a plane and visit Italy, so beautifully described by Sue - I could feel the heat of the sun, smell the delicious food and taste the local wine - fabulous! The perfect escape from cold, wet English weather and lockdown blues! Enjoy 😊

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