Jenn and Tizano go together like oil and vinegar... but there's a reason those two always end up on the salad!

I felt for Jenn. She was having a tough time of things and the fact that she couldn't gain the upper hand on pretty much anything, just lended a more human aspect to her. She may be a nose in then wine industry, but she has struggles like the rest of us. Some of those newer one are more annoying (and handsome!) than others, but she's got a job to do and she's sticking to her proverbial guns. If only those she needed to impress were playing along the same lines!

Tizano is...a lot to handle! From his "Italian ferarri" to his inclination to stick his nose in where it doesn't belong, he's a force to be reckoned with, and he's hiding something...or from something, more precisely. The thing is it wouldn't matter if his heart took a holiday as well, but the more these two work together, the more is less about work and more about the company you keep. When feelings are caught, secrets come to light, but whether they simply add color to their growing story or serve to sever the ties altogether depends on BOTH of them...

She's a hard nut to crack, but he has his quirks too, which just goes to show you that no one is perfect, and that's what adds the spice to life! Who wants bland and boring? As with wine, you usually look for something with a full body and hidden notes of things you love... the same can be said about finding your match! Liking the same things gets you far, but having someone that complements you, someone who'll be there for the highs and lows, someone who has a past, but looks forward to a future with you counts for so much more! Jenn learns that it's not about the wine, but about the people, the environment, and the mood of the moment that makes one wine a better fit than another. Tizano learns that locking up your heart isn't the answer to heartache, but finding a new start can work miracles.

A great summer escape without ever having to leave your home and a wonderful addition to women's fiction and contemporary fiction fans must read lists!

I'll begin my review by saying... The dual POV in this story is exquisite. It gives you enough of a perspective for the story to progress but not so much that you know both Jenn and Tiziano's secrets, leaving you enough mystery that you want to read more. I also adored the "she is disgusted by me" train of thought that Tiziano has throughout when in reality you know Jenn's attracted to him.

I also adored the setting, the wine, and the food. Like please can I have Tiziano's pasta? Please? The way it was described made it sound absolutely delicious. And the vineyards? Fluffy bushes, crumbly soil, and beating sunshine. What's not to love?

Another thing I loved about this book was the banter. Tiziano's banter game was on point, with him ripping into Jenn just the right amount for her to know he's playing. It was thoroughly enjoyable. I will definitely be checking out Leonie's other work bc I adored this and need moreeeee<3

Tiziano and Jenn meet when she is in rural Italy. She is a city girl and he loves the open countryside - combined with a tragedy from his past, will this keep them from having a future together? Makes you want to run off to Italy yourself!

This was such a beautiful book, and the characters prove that opposites attract. The will they won't they trope isn't always my thing but Leonie Mack and her style of writing had me flying through the pages. The setting of this pure paradise, the descriptions were wonderful and I could picture myself there as I read.

I really wanted to like this…

Being Italian I was really excited to read this one. It’s set in Vento, Italy famous for its wine and cuisine. It really had great potential…a British wine buyer and an Italian Farmer falling in love. That sounded amazing. Though I loved the setting and all the cultural elements in this the actually story itself between the two MC’s was lackluster. I had a.hard time connecting with either MC, and the story ENDLESSLY dragged on for me. I kept putting this down out of boredom and because of that I really struggled finishing it. There was nothing exciting enough happening to hold my attention, and every scene seemed like it dragged on and on forever and then some.

Another issue I had was a lot of Italian is used in this and for those that don’t understand the language it may be a struggle reading and comprehending the story line. I even gave the audio a try out of sheer desperation (again, I really wanted to love this), but that was no better. A British speaking narrator that doesn’t speak the Italian language well just doesn’t work for me. It was actually painful to listen to certain pronunciations (considering Italian is my first language).

Finally, my last issue is a BIG no for me. The MMC is Married, yet he’s having a physical relationship with the FMC like it’s no big deal!!!!. When did we start normalizing this??? This is the second book I’ve read this month where a non divorced man is having relations. There is nothing romantic about being with a man that’s not yet divorced.

Thank you to netgalley for my copy for my honest review, but this one just was a BIG no for me.

This was a lovely trip to the Prosecco hills in Italy!

I think most of Leonie's stories have main characters that are dealing with something, whether it is a physical or mental something or a difficult past or.... something that makes them a little different, but also more real. No one comes with a blank slate or are 100% without bagage.

I liked the characters in this story, but I did not love them and feel completely invested in them and their story until the last quarter of the book. The problem could be that I don't like wine of any kind, but I also think it was not entirely down to the book or the story, just timing as I was reading this book just after getting a puppy so my head was elsewhere. Sorry Leonie!

I think Leonie has a gift for writing and telling stories, so although this was not my favorite story I ended up loving it and I have a feeling others will love it right from the start!

What a great book to read in the sunshine on holiday.

I loved this story, it had the perfect setting in the countryside in Italy. Two fab characters, that I was routing for the whole time that had such easy banter together and amazing chemistry.

I was curious what Tiziano had been thought to close him off to certain things and liked getting to know him. I also really adored his Italian family, I especially loved their way of life and the community spirit they had.

I thought Jenn was really likeable and loved seeing her grow, enjoy the Italian way of living and make friends.

I also loved the way the food was described, with it all sounded so delicious. Took me right back to all the times I’ve been Italy and loved it.

This was such an heartwarming, lovely and endearing book to get lost in.
However it did just make me just wanna drink Prosecco the whole time reading it! Not that I was complaining.

Sorry it’s a day late….I am currently on holiday in Portugal and lost my days and dates🙈

Jenn is sent to Italy to find the perfect prosecco, but her usual style changes when she arrives at her business meeting on a tractor. Tiziano prefers country life and his family.

But these two opposites will send each other on a journey to finding what they really want and also maybe finding each other.
I adored both of these characters, the way they were opposites and how they both had growth throughout the novel. Mack always knows how to set the scene and location, pulling you into the narrative. This was another great read by Mack

Everyone loves a fish out of water story, don’t they? And there is the perfect set up here when city girl, Jenn, is stranded in a rural Italy without a pair of sensible shoes or a tractor-chic item of clothing in sight. Throw in gorgeous scenery, fabulous food, a gawky-but-attractive signor, a language barrier and all the Prosecco you could possibly drink (which would be A LOT in my case) and you have the recipe for a really tasty novel. But we all know, the success of any recipe is in the execution. Is this book as delicious as it sounds when it comes to the sampling?

Of course it is, Leonie has never let us down yet and she isn’t about to do so now. This book contains all the elements her readers have come to look forward to in her books – feisty heroines, attractive but unconventional men, flirtiness, fun and, of course, fantastic settings. Leonie really brings the reader to the heart of the Prosecco-producing region and dives in to the history of Prosecco production and what it means to the generations of families who are involved in its making. I love learning new things from books so, if you can learn a little bit about the making of Prosecco whilst indulging in a fun, romance story at the same time, why wouldn’t you?

I really loved the character of Jenn, her fierce independence and ambition contrasted against her insecurities makes for an interesting character. Leonie always gives her characters a fully rounded persona and a compelling back story and motivation for their behaviour, so the reader can really relate to them and understand where they are coming from, which makes us more invested in the story. The same is true of Tiziano, who is not the conventionally buff romantic lead and I love that about him. He also has his own demons, but is so easy to fall in love with, there was never any way that Jenn would be able to resist him for long!

As with every other book I have read of Leonie’s, it makes you immediately want to pack a bag and head off to explore the setting of the novel for yourself. You can tell she has a real love for the North East region of Italy, it oozes from the pages of her novels and infuses all of her prose and she sells it really well to the reader. She gives it a real sense of place through the people she peppers through the book and the community she creates. The readers falls in love with the place as much as Jenn does, and a lot quicker!

I really loved this book by Leonie. It took me to a place I am not familiar with, brought it to life and made me fall in love with it and her characters. This is the perfect summer book and you will do yourself a disservice if you don’t slip it in your beach bag when you do your holiday packing.

A Taste Of Italian Sunshine by Leonie Mack was just what I had been looking for, made a rainy miserable weekend bright and warm, I’m so glad to say that this is as good as Leonie’s previous books , if not better and it has one of the countries I’d love to visit but haven’t quite made it there yet, Italy. I was so excited to read this beautiful story and Leonie didn’t let me down at all, I hooked from the very beginning, I adore Leonie’s writing so much and her characters are just so relatable, I just connect with them so easily, it’s like making new friends or catching up with old ones.

Jenn is an interesting character, one who at first I wasn’t sure I would like but as we learn about her, I felt empathy for her and bit by bit I grew to love her, but it’s Tiz who stole my heart. Tiziano is not your typical lead character in a lot of romances it’s tall, dark and gorgeous, but with Tiz he’s wiry, tattooed, pierced and interesting, he is so full of charm and real character I loved him so much (and his family).

I loved the fact that their relationship grew with the story, I do love a slow burn, but that they are adults, there’s no miscommunication drama, no pettiness or childish behaviour, it was lovely to read. Leonie Mack manages to create and impress on you the perfect Italian summer, although I’ve never been I felt like I was there as I read her vivid and beautiful descriptions. If you need a romantic getaway this summer, I don’t think you’ll get better than A Taste of Italian Sunshine.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#blogtour

Having a very sensitive nose
Can be a benefit thought problems it'll also pose!
For Jenn it helps her detect flavours in wines and know
With what each should be paired and which should go.

However, it also causes problems with wines that sparkle
Making her sneeze - what a dreadful debacle!
She also can't have much alcohol without getting drunk
So drinking more than a glass will have her sunk!

She's been sent to procure the perfect Prosecco
But can't drive so how will the travelling go?
She has two months to convince the producers to sell
How it will go, no one can foretell...

Jenn is staying in a countryside B&B whilst she's there,
Using public transport - and tractors - with great care.
But what she didn't expect to find
Is Tiziano, who is hard working and kind.

As attraction builds between these two,
What are they supposed to do?
Their lives are so different so right from the start
Neither wishes to risk their heart.

There are surprises and twists as well as wine to savour
In this delightful community where Jenn wins their favour.
Harvesting, families, so much to discover
As Jenn learns there's more than the rat race for each other.

I really enjoyed this beautiful, summery read
And hope it proves to be a book that you need.
With a journey of self discovery for these two
I hope you'll find you enjoy escaping into it, too!

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review..

Just what I needed a great book to get snuggled up to and start my day in the garden under the sun. A Taste of Italian Sunshine by Leonie Mack was a beautifully written book set in beautiful Italy and a lovely quick read. Once you start to read this book you will want to go to on holiday especially to Italy. Leonie Mack has a fantastic ability to create characters who are so real and believable. She made her book come alive and an enjoyable read.

I highly recommend this book. Its a beautiful read form the start till the end! I loved it and will be reading more from this author.

Big thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Jenn is a city girl. Tiziano is a country boy. When Jenn travels to Italy for work, she doesn’t expect to fall in love - with the Italian countryside or an Italian boy.

Leonie Mack does it again - she has such a beautiful way with words, with drawing you into the story, with making you fall in love with the characters.

This was such a beautiful & comforting story - finding where you belong, finding a love you didn’t expect, and healing.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.

Well now I want a glass— or 2 — of Prosecco. I loved reading about Jenn’s adventures in Italy. And I could feel the Italian sunshine as I read the book. The romance is a little sparse in this book — but it was worth the wait. All of the information about the Italian countryside and Prosecco made this a hugely enjoyable read. And the romance was the icing on the cake.

Such a fantastic fun fizzy story that captured my imagination and made me long to be in the Italian sunshine with the characters! I adore travel type romance books and this one really did transport me to Italy and the gorgeous rural community it was set in.
Jenn was an interesting character, I soon found myself attached to her, and was willing her on with her project.
Tiziano was a bit of a man of mystery to start with, his laid back personality was the opposite to Jenn but they made a lovely couple and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow as they kept being thrown into each other’s company.
Beautiful setting and a gorgeous community, it really was a slice of sunshine to read this delightful (and delicious) story.
The only downside to reading this was the urge to pop open the Prosecco as I read it! 🍾

„A BRAND NEW perfect uplifting Italian summer romance from Leonie Mack for 2023“ sagt der Verlag, und da mich letztes Jahr schon die „21 Nights in Paris“ von der Autorin mitgerissen haben, war ich neugierig und musste zugreifen. Und nun eine Lovestory unter italienischem Sommerhimmel – ich war gespannt. Und ich sag es vorab: es war wieder toll. Großes Thema: Opposites attract, also Gegensätze ziehen sich an, und das verpackt in eine emotionale, tiefgründige, trotzdem spritzige Geschichte mit einem wunderbaren Setting.
Also, hierum geht es auf Deutsch: wir sind im ländlichem italienischem Veneto, inmitten eines Weinanbaugebietes. Und nicht in irgendeinem Weinberg, sondern da, wo der Beste aller Proseccos produziert wird. Und hier landet Jenn, ihres Zeichens aufstrebender Star unter den Weinverkostern und die Entsandte einer internationalen Hotelkette. Ihr Job: Sie soll für ihr Haus die lokalen Winzer kennenlernen und Proseccos einkaufen. Jenn ist gebürtige Koreanerin, Kosmopolitin, stylish und smart – und auch schüchtern. Sie logiert ungewollt rustikal in einem Bed & Breakfast eines Winzers und ist alles andere als begeistert von ihrem Auftrag. Abgesehen von logistischen Problemen (WLAN gibt ihre Herberge nur sehr bedingt her) fühlt sie sich als Stadtmensch im italienischem Dorfleben leicht fehl am Platz. Abhilfe schafft hier Tiziano: der Enkel ihrer Gastgeberin, der Jenn vom ersten Augenblick an sehr anziehend findet…… Tiziano ist das genaue Gegenteil von Jenn, auf dem Land aufgewachsen, verwurzelt in der Gegend, zutiefst heimisch in der Familie und Community. City Girl trifft auf Country Boy, sagt der Klappentext, und das sorgt natürlich für jede Menge witzige Momente (ich sag nur: Traktorfahrten als Taxiersatz 😊), aber auch für spannende Gespräche, eben weil die beiden so unterschiedlich ticken. Plus nochmal die großen kulturellen Unterschiede: Italien trifft Korea, das ist auch noch mal spannend. Und natürlich hat jeder auch noch so seine ganz persönlichen Päckchen zu tragen, und da greift die Autorin teils echt tief in die emotionale Kiste – das hier ist nicht nur RomCom, sondern tatsächlich eher eine tiefgründigere Geschichte.
Mich hat der Roman völlig abgeholt. Die Autorin kann bildhaft, flüssig und spannend schreiben, und hat für mich stimmig die Atmosphäre eines italienischen Sommers auf dem Lande entstehen lassen. Ich mochte alle Charaktere, für mich hat die komplette Cast gestimmt. Und vor allem haben es mir die beiden Hauptakteure angetan: die waren beide für mich so wunderbar ehrlich und authentisch. Das war jetzt mal eine Lovestory mit erwachsenen Protagonisten: kein überflüssiges Gezicke, keine Spielchen, keine dubiosen Irrungen und Wirrungen. Na klar, sie haben einen Moment gebraucht, um zueinander zu finden, und auf 336 Seiten passiert durchaus so einiges, aber ich fand die Story trotzdem recht geradlinig, und das hat mir gefallen. Und das Ende war soooo romantisch 😊. Zum Dahinschmelzen. Also, an alle Romantikerinnen und Italienliebhaberinnen: muss man lesen!!!
Herzlichen Dank an den Verlag und an Netgalley für das Rezensionsexemplar!

A cute fun romance novel. I really enjoying reading this.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this review copy

I immediately took to Jenn’s character. She seemed incredibly complex, but it took very little time to discover that she was living the best life that she thought she could have, rather than the one that she dreamed of. That was her first mistake. Being an aficionado of a glass of fizz, it was difficult to imagine how someone who knew wine so thoroughly could have an issue with the golden bubbles, but there we are. Dig a little deeper and you can learn a lot more about the varieties and secrets of the beautiful drink.
My first discovery was that, like Champagne, Prosecco comes from a specific region of Italy. Once again, I was on the outskirts of Venice. This time, up in the rustic hill country that seems a million miles away from the glamour and wealth of the canals and gondolas. The setting was perfect and much closer to my comfort zone. Valdobbiadene is the region that is the setting for this book and provides the dramatic scenery that added breathtaking imagery to the story.
Whilst Jenn has travelled to Italy, she takes a journey that helps her to discover who she really wants to be. When we first meet her, she is buttoned up and reliant on her statement wardrobe. She has an unrequited crush on her boss and has no understanding of how to empathise with the people that she’s hoping to do business with. Of course, it’s not a spoiler to suggest that she learns how to love the people and the region, even if she never fully discovers the joy of a glass of prosecco.
Tiziano is the perfect anti-hero. He is set in his ways and not even vaguely attracted to the glitzy lifestyle that he could easily afford. He loves his rural lifestyle and driving his tractor. Ok, so it was this book that taught me that Lamborghini make tractors!
This is an ensemble piece, and we soon learn that there is truth in the saying about it taking a village to raise a child. Jenn is no longer a child, but she needs the support of the whole village to teach her to love life and what her life could be.
This was a wonderful escape and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

A Taste of Italian Sunshine by Leonie Mack

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

Blurb

Jenn has always prided herself on being a city girl – she insists on easy access to good coffee, great food from around the globe, not to mention an easy commute. So, when her job takes her to one of the most famous Italian wine regions in search of the perfect Prosecco, travelling to meetings on a tractor is a bit of a culture shock. Tiziano hates the city.  He was made for the mountains and vineyards of Veneto, and generations of his family have earnt their living from the land. But times are changing even in the Italian countryside, and the arrival of Jenn at his grandmother’s B&B opens up a window on a different world. Jenn has two months to persuade the Prosecco producers to trust her with their business, and Tiziano has one summer to persuade Jenn that there’s more to life than the rat race. But can a city girl and a country boy ever find enough in common to see a future beyond one long summer of sun…

My Opinion

Jenn is a wine expert, except when it comes to Prosecco. It was such a lovely and relaxing book to read, ideal for when the weather is a bit miserable as this will whisk you away to Italian vineyards. This is a book that you really must add to your summer reading list.

Leonie Mack always writes gorgeous books - this is the fourth book I have read and I have not been disappointed. When I started this book I thought that I was going to struggle with Jenn being the main character - however she soon grew on me. Another delightful book from Leonie Mack.

Rating: 4/5

I came for the wine and stayed for the romance.

Jenn has traveled to Italy in search of the perfect prosecco. When she sees the rustic environment where she is staying, she is less than thrilled. She speaks very little Italian and has no internet.

She meets Tiziano, a farmer whose main transport is a tractor. His laid back personality is the true oposite of hers...and yet she's drawn to him. And she is intrigued by the tattoos and piercing...

Add in the adorable Nonna, Tiziano's grandmother, with whom Jenn is staying, and the story escalates to fabulous.

The descriptions of the Italian countryside are so detailed, I felt like I was there. Wonderful story!