This was such a lovely story, another top read from Patrick. I could not get enough of this story and loved being vividly transported to the Italian countryside as five strangers come together to recover from heartbreak.

Ginny’s life irrevocably changes forever when her husband walks out on her, right on the cusp of them celebrating their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. She pretty much has a melt-down at work whilst hosting her talk show on the radio, ending up offering tickets to the romantic getaway she had planned with her husband. Without pausing to think too much, Ginny takes four strangers away with her who have also experienced some sort of heartbreak, intending to heal her broken heart and leave the overwhelming sadness behind her.

Patrick does not give away all the character backgrounds immediately. I loved being able to get to know the different people whilst they are on holiday, before starting to delve into their pasts. Each character has experienced a contrasting types of sadness and Patrick does not allow readers to cast judgement whether a heartbreak is more meaningful than someone else’s. Furthermore, the revelations about the characters are all completely unexpected, showing that even if someone seems to be coping on the outside, the inside (and the reality) can be far from different.

The hotel that Ginny stays at sounds rustic and perfect for escaping. I felt like I was with the characters as they roamed the countryside and explored the local area. From visiting Venice to trekking up a hill, the holiday is varied and reaches out to the characters in different ways, allowing the heartbreak to start healing. It is not always easy and the setbacks that occur in the novel just reflect the complexities of human emotions.

Nico and his daughter, Lorretta, are wonderful hosts but they don’t always agree on how the hotel should be run. The story not only focuses on Ginny, but also this Italian family and I liked watching how the strangers have an impact on this father-daughter relationship. Although both Lorretta and Nico turn to Ginny for advice, I enjoyed seeing how all the characters learned from one another to help become better people and remain true to themselves.

This book was gentle, heartfelt and unpredictable. I experienced a rush of emotions throughout the story and found joy in the pages – pretty much like the characters start to do as well. This was a a well-written novel that shows how heartbreak can be a defining moment in life, but also provides the opportunity to stop, reset and relax.

With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a joyful book despite some of the poignant and at times sad sections of the book. There was also humour and happiness which lightened the mood.
Ginny is an agony aunt who solves others problems on the radio. When her own life starts to unravel after her husband of 25 years moves out to think of divorcing, Ginny takes a leave of absence from her show.
The trip to Italy which she had booked to celebrate their anniversary cannot be cancelled and so she decides to go alone and share her time with 5 strangers who have all suffered heartbreak.
Arriving in Italy with an assorted cast of characters, Ginny gradually gets to know their back stories whilst trying to help them feel better- after all who can feel miserable in the beautiful Italian sunshine with such amazing views.
Nico, the hotelier also has his own problems bringing up a teenage daughter alone and gradually he and Ginny start to form a bond.
This is a heartwarming story about several different characters who are suffering from various problems- all of whom I liked. I also loved the descriptions of Italy with its beautiful countryside -in fact I would go as far as to say that the book actually transported me there.
This was definitely an easy novel to read and would particularly appeal to a female audience. If you want to read something on holiday I would definitely recommend “The Little Italian Hotel”
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This is the story of Ginny who is a radio host, married for 25 years and looking forward to their trip to Italy.

But, her husband informs her that he doesn’t wish to ho to Italy with her, and he no longer wishes to be married to her .

Ginny is shocked, and slowly things start to fall apart. She decides to go to Italy by herself. On reaching the hotel, she makes friends with the other guests, and begins to think about what she wants to do now.

I loved the characters and the setting.

I recommend this book.

The Little Italian Hotel is a charming story about love, friendship, and healing broken hearts. We are transported to the sunny climes of Italy as radio relationship expert Ginny Splinter travels to Hotel Splendido with four other heartbroken strangers to try and heal her heart after the sudden demise of her twenty-five year marriage. As the group spend the next few weeks hiking in the hills, exploring the beauty of the surrounding scenery, and dance the night away, they forge unlikely friendships and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

Full of heart, hope, and laughter, this uplifting story ticks all the boxes for the ideal summer read. Phaedra Patrick transported me to Italy so vividly that I could feel the sun on my skin and taste the olive oil. But it is the characters who are its essence. Each of them are multilayered and compelling, with even the hotel owner and his daughter needing secret heartaches healed. I wanted to know more about them all and enjoyed slowly peeling away the layers of each character to discover the secrets hiding underneath. I had a particular soft spot for Edna, the curmudgeonly old lady with a heart-rending backstory and oodles of character that leapt from the pages. They really were an eclectic bunch, but it was great to watch as their differences melted away, friendships grew. and they began to open up to one another, allowing them to start rediscovering the joy that life still has to offer.

Sunny, lighthearted, moving and hopeful, this is the perfect escapist book to read in your back garden or by the pool this summer.

A delightful summer read. I was thoroughly drawn in by the characters. I'd highly recommend this book ti anyone who wants to escape from reality into the beautiful world created.

Ginny is a radio host and has been married for 25yrs.
Her husband announces they can’t go to Italy for their anniversary due to work and in fact he doesn’t actually want to be married.
Her world starts falling apart
She goes to Italy on her own and makes new friends at the hotel.
The characters and friendships formed are lovely and I enjoyed this.

“The Little Italian Hotel” is a delightful story. It is the tale of one woman’s escape as her nest empties & life begins to change, to find her true self, peace and happiness whilst helping four strangers to do the same.

Ginny is a radio agony aunt, she has spent her life solving other people’s problems. Until one day a crank caller suggests she should start looking at her own not so perfect life before dolling out advice. Ginny is sent into a whirl of emotions after this when she notices little signs that things may not be rosy. Her husband states they can’t go away to Italy to celebrate their 25th anniversary because of work and he states that he actually wants a divorce. Heartbroken Ginny rashly decides to go on holiday anyway and announces on air that she will pay for four people that are trying to heal after a heartbreak, to go with her.

A wonderful mish mash of characters embark upon the holiday, each person bringing their own burdens and grief to the little hotel. Ginny takes her time to heal and also to understand her fellow travellers. The variety of problems, ages and personalities was dealt with in such an understanding way as they all undertook activities together. Even the hotelier had problems that having Ginny and her motley crew visiting helped to resolve. The layers of grief and hidden anxieties unpeeled under the caring influence of Ginny, who also opened her own heart to others. The setting is glorious and it made me want to travel to find the little hotel myself. I loved reading the book and found it to be very inspiring, emotional and entertaining.

I found myself a little underwhelmed by this story. It was good, but there was something missing. I loved the concept of the heartbreak hotel, I loved the setting, and the different guests and their stories were interesting. I liked the fact Ginny took the time to find out what she wanted, and yet I do wish the ending was more conclusive. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My first time reading @PhaedraPatrick and won’t be my last. I really enjoyed #TheLittleItalianHotel. It’s a lovely easy charming read about friendship, healing and new beginnings.
I really liked the Italian setting, the descriptive writing bringing the location and its beauty to life within the pages. I loved the wide variety of characters, all well developed and likeable, my favourite being Edna.
It’s an engaging and heartwarming story I definitely recommend reading.
Thanks to #NetGallery @HQ for an eARC of #TheLittleItalianHotel in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 20 July 2023

Ginny Splinter, acclaimed radio host and advice expert, pride herself on knowing what's best for others. She sure her husband Adrian will love the special trip to Italy that she's planned for their twenty fifth wedding anniversary. But when Ginny presents the gift to Adrian, he surprises her with his own very different plan = a divorce. Beside herself with heartache, Ginny impulsively invites four heartbroken listeners to join her in Italy instead while live on air. From hiking the hills of Bologna to riding a gondola in Venice to sharing stories around the dining table of the little Italian hotel, Ginny and her newfound company embark on a vacation of healing.

Five strangers vacation together in Italy. They all have one thing in common - heartbreak. This is a thought provoking read that explores different types of grief. The characters were well developed, and they each had different problems. Ginny is completely blindsided by her husband. The holiday makes her realise that some of the problems they had might be her fault. My favourite character was octogenarian Edna, she had so much knowledge.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #PhaedraPatrick for my ARC of #TheLittleItalianHotel in exchange for an honest review.

Ginny is a radio agony aunt. When she gets a new producer who wants to do live calls her life starts to untangle. When Ginny presents her husband Adrian with a holiday to celebrate 25 years of marriage, he doesn't have the reaction she expected. The holiday she had brought will go to waste unless she finds a solution. She does. Accompanied by 4 other heartbroken listeners she heads to Tuscany for a three week holiday.
Friendships are forged and the food appreciated. They each open up about their reasons for coming on the holiday and how they are feeling now.
The a huge spanner in the works occurs and Ginny realises that doling out the advice isn't the same as dealing with your problems.
I enjoyed this book immensely. I love Italy, but loved this story.

#TheLittleItalianHotel #NetGalley. A lovely, feel good summer reading book. The characters were likeable and the fact that there were so many different stories relating to all the guests made the book all the more enjoyable. And the bonus was the lovely descriptions of the Italian countryside.

This is a lovely story with very likeable characters and great descriptions of the lovely Italian countryside. Very engaging and keeps you interested throughout. The ending was a little bit different from your average summer read but not disappointing. Also very much enjoyed The Book Share from the same author.

This is a feel-good novel certain to accumulate a large readership. The novel is centred on Ginny, a radio relationship coach who is less good at averting interpersonal challenges in her own life. Ginny has planned a surprise trip to Italy as a twenty-fifth wedding anniversary gift for her husband Adrian and herself. His rejection of her, and of their marriage, comes completely out of the blue. But far from defeated, Ginny decides instead to take four callers from her radio show with her instead. What unites these disparate individuals and Ginny is that they have all lost something: Heather has lost her mother, Enda a daughter and husband, Eric his dog and Curtis his purpose in life. And Ginny? In the long run, has she actually lost anything or has she in fact gained some tremendous life experience and several new friends?

With its superb characterisation, affable writing style and sympathetically-drawn characters displayed against a beautiful Italian landscape, this book offers a highly satisfying read. I am grateful to the publishers and to NetGalley for the free ARC that allowed me to familiarise myself with this writer's work and to review 'The Little Italian Hotel'.

A very heart warming book.
Ginny is a self help radio host who`s booked a holiday to Italy for her anniversary, then her husband announces he wants a divorce. So when she`s on air Ginny asks 4 strangers to go with her, as she can change her booking to a lower grade hotel instead of for 2 in a five star hotel.
The hotel is small and quaint and the scenery is great.
Each of them had plans what to do and they all joined in.
They all start to open up with each other and start to bond and friendships are made
A brilliant book that brings tears to your eyes.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC
Posted to Goodreads

The uplifting, feel-good summer read I’ve been wanting! And a beautiful love note to Italy. ♥️🇮🇹🏨

Ginny is the catalyst to the heart achingly beautiful adventure we go on with a group of very different people.
This delightful bunch of strangers are fascinating, unique and come with their own heartache.
We meet Edna, Curtis, Heather and Eric. And along with Ginny, we go on their journeys through pain and loss to acceptance & growth in a tender, heartwarming way.

The setting is stunning as well! From the scenic location to the quaint little hotel owned by the amazing (and adorable), Nico & his teenage daughter, Loretta. I fell in love with everything.
Oh, and I loved that we also learn about Nico & his hidden heartache. A truly magnificent touch.

Ginny is my favourite. Don’t get me wrong, I do love ALL the gorgeous characters, I just felt a connection to Ginny. She is “Splendido”. 🥰

My only regret is not being able to read it while sunning myself on a beach in Italy.

I loved The Book Share by Phaedra Patrick, but this has surpassed that. Thank you, Phaedra, for giving my heart the boost it so desperately needed.

A must read full of fun, laughter, tears and joy.

P.S I was a little worried that the Ginny & Nico situation might turn into a Shirley Valentine one, but thankfully it didn’t! 😂 x

A beautiful, easy read but with a lovely story full of love, warmth and friendships as well as touching on heartache, a perfect summer read

The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick is the most delightful contemporary novel that will warm your heart and make you smile.
The little Italian hotel is a place where strangers go to heal and leave as friends. It is a place to rediscover the little things that make you smile and bring you joy. And it is a place where friends encourage each other to face their darkest hurts.
Everyone has things that hurt us – from bereavement to illness to relationship breakdowns. Everyone experiences pain differently and everyone heals differently.
We meet a group of five strangers plus the two who run the hotel. The pain of loss is tangible. “Without Daisy in her life, Edna’s loneliness felt like an unwelcome house guest that wouldn’t leave.” Loss consumes, threatening to drag us down into the depths. We need to find a reason to smile again. “Losing her was like an eclipse of the sun.” The days feel so dark. We need others to help to lift us up. Sometimes we just need someone to sit in the silence beside us.
If we are not careful, we are so busy caring for others that we forget the face in the mirror. We need self-care too.
I loved the fact that “everyone needs kindness.” Kindness is very attractive and helps give us a reason to get up in the morning.
Each of the characters faced a different sort of loss. You will identify more with one character than others. I felt a deep connection with Eric who had lost his faithful companion, a little dog. I understood the pain of loss as we also lost four of our five cats to cancer over a period of seventeen months (two were literally ten days apart in Nov 2020 and Dec 2020). The house feels very empty without them. There are definitely four cat-shaped holes in my heart.
All the characters were realistic, likable and sprang to life under Phaedra Patrick’s artistic pen. The love and care radiated from the pages. Likewise, the scenery came to life too.
I adored The Little Italian Hotel and cannot wait for more from Phaedra Patrick. I shall let the author have the final words:
“I can choose to see … darkness setting in at night, or I can focus on the stars in the sky. The more you look for them, the more you see.”
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

This book is a charming, heartwarming read that has a beautiful Italian setting. It was thought provoking, explored many types of grief and was definitely the book I needed atm whilst I’m dealing with grief myself.

Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I enjoyed reading the book. I’ll be sharing a review on the blog tour soon