I have previously read and enjoyed a couple of books by this author and I found that this book was what I would describe as a pleasant read.

It was inoffensive, descriptive and nice. I just wished it had a bit more action and fast pace to it. It would be a good holiday read.

After loving a previous title from the author I really wanted to enjoy this and while it opened really strong, I found the story really slow and that really hampered my enjoyment of it.

Belle and Enrico connect via an online forum, friends as they process dealing with their loved ones and dementia. Years later she accepts his offer to visit him in Italy, will it be a second chance at love for them?

It took me a while to fully get into this story. We are treated to an opening chapter of Belle arriving in Italy, and meeting Enrico and his whole family for the first time. So we get to know their connections and how everyone is related. But then we get quite a few chapters which is the how and why Belle came to be in Italy, and how she met Enrico.

I loved these chapters, and it really set the scene but I found that once the action moved to the present again, it took me ages to work out how everyone was related as I had forgotten the info and character dump as such from that first chapter.

However once got past that, I was absorbed in the story, in the Palazzo that Belle is staying in and the life of all of Enrico's family. I loved the various characters, and the interesting family dynamics at play.

I loved both setting of Italy but also the chapters set in New Zealand, which was a nice contrast. And I really did enjoy both character's back stories, and the sensitive way their common bond was dealt with.

It was a really enjoyable story, and as I have come to expect from this authors books I had a real taste of Italy from the story.

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

It is such a long time since I have read a book by Nicky Pellegrino'. I was delighted to receive an early preview copy of this book.
Nicky Pellegrino writes so well and is very descriptive. Her stories are very evocative and idyllic. This one is a lovely easygoing romantic read. I really enjoyed reading it and would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

It seems like too long since I had a new Nicky Pellegrino book to read and review but it was worth the wait. How lovely to have a central character of a certain age! A tale of love, friendship, hoes and dreams and second chances. The perfect antidote to a cold, grey winter. Highly recommended.

I could actually feel myself in Italy somewhere that I absolutely love. I could smell the fresh pasta, feel the sunshine, smell the sea breeze and feel my worries wash away. It was lovely to stumble down the cobbled paths and stroll along the beautiful scenery. I definitely felt like I was in Italy even though I had to stay where I was. The book is feel good romantic and lovely.