There’s little I enjoy more than a romantic escape, but this book really wasn’t what I was expecting – it was so much better than that. Didi is far from the usual idea of a romantic heroine, suited and booted and carrying her briefcase, immune from the romance of Venice at the approach of winter, intent on tracking down celebrated glass artist Piero Zanetti on the island of Murano with a commission to design a centrepiece for the Christmas window at the department store where she works. At first, the sparks really fly between them (and not from the glassblowing furnace – that hasn’t been used to create one of his works of art for some time) – he might be rather gorgeous, but he’s also a tad obnoxious, and it really looks as if she’ll be going home empty-handed. But he’s also in search of a muse, and he thinks he might just have unexpectedly found one in Didi – so she returns to Venice to stay a little longer at his expense, unsure of her role, and their friendship (and rather more) starts to grow.

I will admit that I found this book a bit of a struggle to engage with for the first few chapters – but all I can say is stick with it, because I found the romance that developed between the unlikely couple entirely wonderful and all-consuming. The setting helps, of course – it was magical to visit Venice without the hordes of tourists, to wander the alleys and gaze at the shop windows with Didi. I was surprised to see that the author wrote this one during lockdown, using the internet for her research – she brings it so vividly to life, all the small detail along with the romance and the seediness, and by the end I felt I’d been on an extended visit myself, shown around by the most expert of local guides.

And I most certainly warmed to the characters, who certainly have considerably more depth and personal issues than it at first appears. There’s a particularly strong focus on family – Didi’s relationship with her sister and her difficult mother, Piero’s with his father and the way its fracture has impacted him. As the friendship between them grows, we also see the repairing of some of the rifts – and I really enjoyed the additional depth that gave to the story. And then there’s the whole world of glassblowing – the community that Piero has become estranged from, the fascinating process of creating the art (we certainly get to feel the heat from that furnace).

Something I really loved about this book was the dialogue, particularly the crackle and fizz of the exchanges between Didi and Piero – despite being so buttoned-up at the start, she certainly gives as good as she gets, and I liked her more and more as the pages turned. And I really must mention the romance once more, because it absolutely blew me away – I really hadn’t expected to care so deeply for a tortured artist and a woman who declares she doesn’t have dreams, only achievable goals, and so very unlikely to bring him inspiration.

I entirely loved this book. Don’t read it expecting something too Christmassy – although it’s set at that time of year, the initial trip driven by the need for a Christmas window display, and features a (rather difficult) Christmas dinner. It’s more of a winter read, but with plenty to warm the cockles of your heart – although I honestly think I’d have enjoyed it every bit as much if I’d read it in the middle of summer. I just love Leonie Mack’s writing – and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. Recommended really highly – this was the loveliest read.

I struggled a little with the flow of the plot. I felt like some things took awhile to develop where some things developed to fast to be realistic. There were a few plot explanations that didn't seem to follow through or cam out of nowhere but over all this was great read for the holiday season. I enjoyed the characters and the way they developed together even if I didn't love their individual development.

I would recommend this 3 star read to anyone looking for a fun holiday read, pretty clean and a great setting.

Thank you Leonnie Mack, Netgalley, and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy in Exchange for my honest opinion.

A Match Made in Venice - Leonie Mack

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily

When pragmatic, sensible and resolutely single Deirdre York (Didi to her friends) is sent to Venice for work she is determined not to be taken in by the romantic clichés. Winter in the floating city may be breathtakingly beautiful, but she’s here with a clear purpose and will not let the magic of Venice distract her.

Piero Zanetti is the epitome of the handsome yet tortured artist. Heart-broken by the end of his love affair with a glamorous opera singer, he has lost his ability to work, and his inspiration has drained away, along with his zest for life.

This is a sweet and engaging book to read, full of descriptions that will transport you to Venice. The only issue I had with this book was that the cover suggests that the book is more festive than it is - it is set around the holidays but the book does not focus on them.

Overall, this is a heart-warming and feel-good book about love and family. It is a charming read and will leave you with the feeling that you have just been hugged by a book.

Rating: 4/5

I’m ashamed to admit that I was drawn to this book by its gorgeous cover and the blurb. I thought it promised a wonderful festive romance but it fell flat.
The story is about Didi who heads off to Venice and Murano in search of glass sculpter Pierro to commission him to make a Christmas store front for a big retail brand in London. There seems to be an attraction between them but their personalities and feelings get in their way.
Unfortunately this story for me was very bland. I couldn’t connect with the characters at all. Didi was quite annoying and frustrating and I found everything that happened with Pierro was very repetitive.
I did like the backdrop of Venice and the descriptiveness of the location. It did make me want to return as soon as I can.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for my advanced digital copy in return for an honest review

This book was read thanks to NetGalley.


This is a book that had not right being so good, they seems like a cliche after cliche, she don't wanting to fall in love, he is a tortured artist going through an artist block and they have to work together, and then they became friends but the more time they spend together he is less tortured and she is more into the city, the lines kind of blurry, is a good story ideal for Christmas!!! It's really good the book delivers and serves what has to be served and hit you in the feels!!!.

My first festive read of the year!

Or so I thought, but the cover of the book and the blurb are a little bit deceptive in this regard, because this isn’t really a Christmas book in the traditional sense of being set at, or revolving entirely around, Christmas. It begins shortly before the festive season and briefly touches on Christmas, and the design of Christmas window display is the hook that unites the male and female protagonists, but Christmas is not the main theme. This didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book, but don’t go into this book thinking you are settling down for a Christmas read.

The book is set in Venice mainly in the winter months either side of Christmas and, for me, exploring Venice at this time of year was one of the big positives of the book. Venice is a place I have only visited and read about and seen in movies in the summer time, so to read the descriptions of how it is in winter, when the streets are not rammed with tourists and the city takes on a completely different mantle, was fascinating. Also, we are guided around the city by Piero, a native Venetian, and we get to see the city as Didi does, through the eyes of an English girl exploring with a local guide. Leonie really brings the city to life, and the book is filled with evocative detail that immediately transports you to Italy, Venice and all the romance it promises. This is a place I am hoping myself to revisit soon (I have been dropping more than enough hints to The Irishman about where I’d like to go for my 50th birthday this year) so having this sneak, better-be-a-preview-or-someone-will-be-in-trouble was a real pleasure.

The characters in this book were easy to warm to immediately. Piero does sterling work as the handsome-but-tortured Italian artist that you would be disappointed not to have as the romantic interest. However, I found Didi, unconventional and down-to-earth, a refreshing protagonist. She did not come across as the typical heroine and I found her all the more charming for it. Both of them have troubled family dynamics that are played out in the book and which draw them together, and I found their relationship completely believable and utterly charming. I was carried along by their growing closeness from beginning to end and was left with a warm glow by the end of the novel, as much as I could possibly wish for in such a novel.

A Match Made in Venice is the perfect book to snuggle up with in these autumn months when the nights are drawing in and the temperature is dropping. You will be transported to Venice, with all its romance and beauty, and be warmed by the developing romance between Didi and Piero amongst its shimmering lights. Totally delightful in every respect, just not a Christmas book.

I have been a fan of Leonie’s work for a little while now. I read and loved her previous two books and so when I heard that she was due to release a third book, I knew that I had to read it as soon as I could get my hands on a copy. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because Leonie’s third book called ‘A Match Made In Venice’ was released on 9th November 2021. It’s another corker of a read, which I enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
I have to be honest and say that it took me a little while to get into this story. Part of the problem was the fact that to begin with I couldn’t stand Piero, who is one of the main characters. He was just rude and I kept wanting to slap him with a wet flip flop a few times, but as time went on, I got to know him a bit more and got used to his rather blunt manner. Once I got used to him that was it and I was away so to speak. This wasn’t a book that I could read in one go but I did manage to binge read it over the course of a few days. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would lose track of both time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I got to the end of the story and Io say farewell to Piero and Didi, who is the other main character in the story.
‘A Match Made In Venice’ is well written. Leonie has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of Leonie’s books feels more like a chat between friends rather than an actual book. I hope that makes sense. Leonie clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she talks about them. She makes her characters seem so realistic that they seem just as real as you and I. I loved the very vivid way in which Leonie describes Venice. If I was to close my eyes, it would be easy for me to imagine that I was in Venice with the sun beating down onto my face rather than where I actually am which is a dull and cloudy North East of England. I love the way in which Leonie makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I did enjoy reading ‘A Match Made In Venice’ and I would recommend this book to other readers. I will be reading more of Leonie’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek bord is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.

Brief Summary: When pragmatic, sensible and resolutely single Deirdre York (Didi to her friends) is sent to Venice for work she is determined not to be taken in by the romantic clichés. Winter in the floating city may be breathtakingly beautiful, but she’s here with a clear purpose and will not let the magic of Venice distract her.

Piero Zanetti is the epitome of the handsome yet tortured artist. Heart-broken by the end of his love affair with a glamorous opera singer, he has lost his ability to work, and his inspiration has drained away, along with his zest for life.

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book! It was cute. I wasn't really attached to any of the characters, but I do LOVE Venice so that kept me reading. It's a cute little romance and it's set partially around Christmas so it's a great time to give it a read. This is the kind of book I particularly like to excape in right now and I believe there is going to be a follow up book focusing on a different character and I look forward to reading that one as well (hopefully it is set somewhere as charming). Thank you to Leonie Mack, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC which did not influence my review.

I can’t believe that this is my first book by Leonie Mack, I must walk around my eyes shut to have missed out on this author’s wonderfully feel-good books, it certainly won’t be my last, I can’t wait to read more from her.

A Match Made in Venice is wonderfully cute and romantic, the romance isn’t ‘get me the smelling salts’ type of romance which is swooningly intense, but it is full of sizzling chemistry and heated glances, it a romance which you know if it were in the real world it would last the test of time – which is the best kind of romance if you ask me.

It’s clear how much research the author has put into that aspect of the story, I didn’t know the intricate details of the skill of glass blowing and I thoroughly enjoyed those scenes, I was fascinated by it. I especially loved Piero’s love and passion for his family’s business. It’s not just a job for him, it’s a vocation, a true passion that surges through his veins.

I loved the descriptions of Venice, it’s a beautiful city and one I have always wanted to visit, I doubt I ever will so it was wonderful to see it in all its glory from the comfort of my armchair. I felt as though I was transported there and walking right beside Didi as she learnt to open her heart and allow a little love and romance into her heart.

A Match Made in Venice isn’t just about romance and love, it’s got family drama at its heart. There is a lot of personal discoveries for both of our lead character,s, it’s about the journey to peace and happiness and how to move past struggles and misunderstandings. That aspect of the story really spoke to me and I became completely invested in the characters and their journey.

My only niggle with this is not the writing or the story, it’s the cover – yes, it’s very pretty and cute and so romantic but I have to take issue with that I don’t think the story is as festive as the cover likes to make us think it is. It is a little misleading. It is set around designing a Christmas window display and Christmas is hovering in the background, but I wouldn’t call this a Christmas book, it hints but the story is all about romance and family.

That’s enough negativity!

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this, it’s a heart-warming and incredibly feel-good book of love and family, A Match Made in Venice is so charming and lovely, it leaves you feeling as though you have been wrapped in a warm hug by a gorgeous Venetian.

Book Review “A Match made in Venice” by Leonie Mack
NOVEMBER 12, 2021 ~ NIKIPRESTON

A Match Made in Venice

Escape to the breath-taking beauty of Venice – The City of Love.
When pragmatic, sensible and resolutely single Deirdre York (Didi to her friends) is sent to Venice for work she is determined not to be taken in by the romantic clichés. Winter in the floating city may be breathtakingly beautiful, but she’s here with a clear purpose and will not let the magic of Venice distract her.

Piero Zanetti is the epitome of the handsome yet tortured artist. Heart-broken by the end of his love affair with a glamorous opera singer, he has lost his ability to work, and his inspiration has drained away, along with his zest for life.

But Didi needs Piero working – she has been tasked with commissioning him to do a glass centrepiece for a luxury department store Christmas display – some how Didi has to cheer Piero up or at least find him a new muse…

As Didi and Piero slowly become friends, and as Venice starts to melt Didi’s heart and gently nudge Piero out of the blues, something special begins to happen. Can Venice – the City of Love – work a Christmas miracle and help Didi and Piero to find their happiness at last…

Leonie Mack is back with the most gloriously romantic escape, perfect for all fans of Mandy Baggot, Jo Thomas and Carole Matthews.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3DPYqc8

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

A Wonderful setting for a romantic adventure between Didi and Piero. The style of writing is so creative that it conjures up exquisite pictures of Venice and the surrounding areas. Its definitely the place to open your heart to love and embrace a whole new world, which Didi tries to do despite Piero being somewhat grumpy with a tendency to artistic temper tantrums.

If you love travel then this book would be a great choice. Leonie Mack has the ability to transport you straight to Venice and the contrast between it and drab, miserable London serves to highlight the beauty and escapism that is all things Venice.

The budding friendship between the two main characters is brilliantly done. A few mishaps along the way, as with most friendships but can this really into the love that Didi is looking for? Is she really looking for love? She only went to Venice to try and get a bespoke Christmas display, not to find love and friendship. It just goes to show that you never really know what is around the corner and sometimes the best thing to do is throw caution to the wind and just go with it.

AUTHOR BIO


Leonie Mack is an author of romantic comedies with great international locations. Having lived in London for many years her home is now in Germany with her husband and three children. Leonie loves train travel, medieval towns, hiking and happy endings!

Social Media Links –

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LeonieJMack/

Twitter https://twitter.com/LeonieMAuthor

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/leoniejmack/

Newsletter Sign Up Link https://bit.ly/LeonieMackNewsletter

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/leonie-mack


With Thanks for an advance copy to…

Boldwood Books

Rachel’s Random Resources

A cute rom-com set in Venice. After my own trip to Venice about a decade ago, I feel in love with the city and will read pretty much any book set there. The back cover blurb caught my attention and I was excited to read it.

Didi has been given the nearly impossible job of getting famous glass artist Piero Zanetti to create a sculpture for her department store Christmas window display. Since he has no phone, email, or social media, she has no choice but to travel to Venice to talk to him. But Piero is done working with glass, much to Didi's dismay. Ever since his bad breakup, Piero no longer feels any joy in creating his pieces, until Didi comes along.

A quintessential meet-cute tale of angsty boy meets life-changing girl. It had all the hallmarks of a good Christmas movie, even if it was a little on the long side for a romance book. It was clean and adorable, but didn't totally blow me away. I liked Piero, he had a good character arc from complete ass to prince charming, and Didi was very determined, even taking a lot more crap from Piero than she deserved.

Overall, a good read.

This was a very cute adorable sweet romance comedy that I thoroughly enjoyed I thought this was very well thought out the characters were detailed and had depth to them I thought that the book as a whole was very wholesome and I enjoy it the book altogether I thought the painting was great and I felt immersed in the book which made me feel happy like I was one of the characters and very well detailed as I wasn’t over consumed with detail but I wasn’t lacking anything that I needed to know or that was important

Didi York has been tasked with getting famous glass artist Piero Zanetti to fashion a piece for her department store next Christmas. He is totally unreachable by phone, email, or social media, so she travels to Venice to meet him. Little does she know that he's lost his muse and hasn't finished a piece in months. But shortly after meeting Didi, the creativity starts to flow again. Afraid to admit that she's the inspiration for his new work, he hires her as an assistant for the month. But soon her feelings of friendship turn to love for the complicated artist and his city.
Venice in winter sounds absolutely beautiful. The descriptions of the floating city were so wonderful, it was like I was walking along beside Piero and Didi. I loved their sarcastic banter and Piero's fun-loving happy attitude when he wasn't concentrating in his art.
I received an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

This is a delightful, contemporary romance
Where two strangers inspire each other and take a chance.
It is a story where two different family dramas show
How love can help heal rifts when you give it a go.

Deirdre York is an Oxford Street window set designer who
Is sent to Venice with a very special job to do.
She's to convince a well known glass blower to make
A superb glass centrepiece - just what will it take?

Piero Zanetti has lost his thrill
For glass blowing and making anything still
He's heartbroken, his muse has gone and so
He breaks everything when he has another go.

When Deirdre inspires him, he has a new plan
To keep her in Venice whilst ever he can.
As the two slowly become friends will they both find
A new romance in which love can be kind?

With a display for Christmas being what she needs
Can Piero overcome his angst and help her succeed?
As they explore Venice, through the winter season
Will love change them both and give them new reason?

Set in the city of love, this is just what you need
If you're looking for a gorgeous, fun read.
A great story to escape into, I hope you'll agree
With plenty of drama, this is a 5* read for me.

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.

What an enjoyable read. Didi goes to Venice to get a famous glassblower to do a display for her employer. Didi doesn't want to believe in romance because of the example her mother set. You know that Didi and Piero are going to fall in love. The last portion of the book with how Piero expressed his love for Didi was so good. Looking forward to reading Norah's story!

I enjoyed the set up of this book. It was an interesting way to bring these two people together.

I also really want to go to Venice now. It sounded so dreamy and wonderful

But Piero frustrated me a lot. And I felt bad for Didi. I wasn’t sure he deserved her. I understand he was messed up and confused, but I felt bad for Didi.

But it did have a cute HEA!

This book took me by surprise. For someone who's been to Venice twice I loved revisiting the place again as its one of my favourite places to visit.

I couldn’t put this book down once I started it. It was such a sweet book and I loved the characters.

#AMatchMadeinVenice #NetGalley

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was descriptive, heartwarming, sweet and funny. It held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and would read others by this author.

This book is like a delicate glass figurine - romantic, artistic and carefully designed in every detail.

I liked that the characters are not perfect: a diabetic woman with troubled family background, a not very tidy man who cannot cook. This made the whole story believable and easy to relate to.

Gloomy London offers perfect contrast to azure Venice, and the true description of palaces, cathedrals and bridges, not to mention the food scenes, prompts you to book a trip to Italy right now!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an Advance Review Copy.

📖⭐️HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY 📖⭐️

Book: A Match Made In Venice
Author: Leonie Mack
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: November 9th ‘21

This was an absolutely adorable romance novel that was cute, engaging and really interesting! I’ve never been to Venice or in fact Italy in general but I would absolutely love to go there after reading this and Mack’s stunning descriptions of the city.

Deirdre works in a department store in London and is on a mission to get the perfect display window for Christmas next year! The perfect display window requires a glass sculpture made by the famous Piero Zanetti so off Didi goes to the amazing Venice to try and track him down!! We follow Didi on her mission to get what she needs while exploring the beautiful Venice and some romance along the way!!

I fell in love with the characters in this book! The setting was so vivid, wonderful and romantic and there was some extremely powerful messages about embracing love and following your heart throughout the story!! This was for sure a winner for me and it won’t be the last book I will read by the wonderful author Leonie Mack!

Thanks so much to @netgalley and @boldwoodbooks for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of A Match Made In Venice in exchange for an honest review!!