Such a great read! Highly recommend this one.

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

My Review
☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

The forgotten island restaurant.
Barbara Solomon Josselsohn.


Written in dual timelines.
1943-2019
A story about sisters.
Sisterly love Family and more. A time of war.
This one will bring A tear to your eye.
It's just an amazing story that captivates your attention.

Emelia, 1943
The youngest sister is sent back home from the Island. To care for Their father. But things are not what they we're expected to be. Things were far worse than anyone could ever Imagine. In 1943 .

Callie, 2019
A trip to italy, In search of some history family history, about the grandparents, where they came from, and things that happened in the past that must come to light.

I will say i've had a couple of favorite books this year, and this one just topped them all.
This has been a favorite book this year.

I would like to thank Barbara for so many wonderful stories. This one about the sisters in italy and all they went through and the story's ending.Well I absolutely loved the ending.
The ending will bring a tear to your eye.But it's a wonderful wonderful story.

Barbara Solomon Josselsohn

This is the 3rd installment in the Sisters of War series, about 3 sisters that went to Parissi Island, an island of dreamers and thinkers to find the medicine that would help cure their father, when WWII hit Italy and the island they were scattered and separated.


After Callie’s sister passed away suddenly, she discovers 2 plane tickets for the two of them to go to Italy, along with a restaurant menu and other memorabilia. She had plans for them to take cooking classes from Emilia. She knew her grandparents were from Italy and had sad memories from that time they never talked about. So she heads to Italy to learn more about her grandma’s connection to Emilia and her family.


I enjoyed this dual timeline story, which helps us learn more about Emilia’s story. It takes place during WWII, after Emilia left the island, and in the present day as Callie learns more about her grandparents and their connection to Emilia. Once again, the author writes an intriguing story, with wonderful characters. I’m always amazed at the bravery of those who lived during WWII, especially those who were trying to help others in need. I would’ve loved to learn more about Emilia’s life after she left the island and her home. I look forward to reading more from this author.


Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author of this ARC

Another great book in this series of the sisters of war. Emilia's story is compelling and I didn't want to put the book down. The dual timelines worked very well and so I enjoyed both aspects of the story and Callie's journey was just as interesting. If you enjoy the WW2 books set in Italy this one is definitely a must

The Forgotten Italian Restaurant is the conclusion to Barbara Josselsohn’s Sisters of War series. This can easily be read as a standalone story as tantalising titbits are dotted throughout as to what had happened in the previous books. So if you are new to this series you will not feel as if you have missed out but by the end you will want to go back and read Annalisa and Giuila’s stories. For the final book the youngest sister Emilia shares her story and things come full circle and everything is revealed.

I have really enjoyed this series which began with Secrets of the Italian Island where we met three sisters who have travelled to the small Italian island of Parissi in the hopes of finding a cure for their father’s illness. But in times of war no one is safe, and the sisters were forced to flee as the Germans arrived on the island. Emilia, aged only 15, went ahead back to their hometown of Caccipulia to tell their father that help was hopefully on the way. The plan was for her sisters to follow and then for the family to try and make it to America. The family are Jewish and with new laws being introduced and the Germans invading from the North they know that they are no longer safe in the beautiful village which they have called home for so long.

Throughout the book I totally forgot that Emilia was so young for the majority of the time she acted way beyond her years showing great strength, courage and fortitude but yet at other points throughout the story she was quite rash and immature. Emilia is in a waiting game for her sisters to arrive back and in the time that they have been away the situation and atmosphere in the village has changed. Unfortunately, she was too late to see her father who succumbed to his illness and now with their family home and her father’s tailor shop taken over by others she is left in a period of limbo. For she can’t forge ahead and go to America without her sisters by her side. The absence of a mother figure plays strongly on Emilia but here is where kindly neighbour Signora Jorelini and her daughter Corinna step in and offer Emilia shelter, support and sustenance while she waits. Knowing what happened in the previous books you view Emilia differently because you are aware that it’s not all plain sailing and that in fact she is being quite naïve but given she doesn’t know the full story I suppose she can’t be blamed for coming across this way.

I felt Emilia out of the three sisters was the least that I connected with. Annalisa and the first book will always have a place in my heart. I wanted to be able to reach into the book and tell Emilia everything and help her in some way but that was impossible and I had to restrain myself and see where her story would go. The book itself has a slow and meandering pace and perhaps a little more action with regards to Emilia’s side of the story would have been beneficial. She is tormented that life will no longer be the same for her family but at the same time she can’t sit by and do nothing. I thought she really stepped up to the plate when she discovers the resistance work that Signora Jorelini and Corinna engage in and it was brave of her to take part in this given she herself was Jewish. She placed herself in danger time and time again in order to help those suffering and in need and she really didn’t have to do this. It showed that she had a human and genuine side and this is highlighted even more when a tough decision needs to be made. One where love and connection are dominating but the results of which will cause heartache and misunderstanding for many decades into the future.As the Germans ever closer to the village will Emilia’s work have to stop? Will she herself become the focus of so much hatred? Will she ever be reunited with her sisters?

The story effortlessly moves back and forth between the past and the present as it has done so in the first two books. In the present day, Callie has just buried her sister Pam and no one would blame her for being a bit messed up. But there is more to Callie than meets the eye. She came across as being full of anguish and in a way bitterness. Alot of the time, especially early on in the book, I felt she as speaking in riddles. Alluding to things that perhaps the reader was meant to know about but didn’t. I found her to be quite frustrating in that she never directly came out and said what she was feeling. There was an undercurrent to her that I couldn’t quite put my finger on and I just sensed that there was something going on that she wasn’t ready to talk about and maybe she never would be. When something is revealed much later on then things made complete sense to me and my opinion of her changed. But the relationship she had with Pam was damaged as she always seemed to be running from her and the family home. What was the reason for this and how can Callie live with the regrets she has now lost that the opportunity to talk openly and whole heartedly with Pam is gone?

Callie is very much at a crossroads in her life and she is aimless with no clear sense of purpose or direction. The family history is revealed and as Pam brought her up following the death of her parents Callie feels she is all alone in the world. That she hadn’t the time to say sorry and make amends and heal what she viewed was a fractured relationship of her own making? How can she move on from this or will all the things left unsaid eat away at her? So what links Emilia and Callie’s stories? Callie discovers a box hidden away by Pam with a code to open it that only Callie would know. Inside are two plane tickets to Italy and reservations booked in a hotel to take partake in a cookery course. Said hotel is in Caccipulia. Why had Pam done this? Especially considering the precarious relationship that had existed between the sisters prior to Pam’s death and given the fact Pam hated to travel preferring to remain in the family home with her husband and young daughter. Callie is confused but also intrigued and given the family history surrounding her grandparents this only gives to more questions?

I was glad when Callie made the decision to travel to Italy and learn more about her family history for there were so many unanswered questions from that time that her grandparents had failed to answer as they refused to talk about how they came to live in America. As a reader all the clues were laid out and to be honest pretty much easy to follow but it was enjoyable to see Callie traverse in the footsteps in the past in order to try and bring about some resolution. She needed to do this in order to move on and to come to a realisation that she was being too hard and down on herself. One line towards the end of the book rung very true for life but also for all the characters in the book. It mentioned that people don’t think about suffering. They kept it to themselves and those who loved them ever know why and that is very much true for both Emilia and Callie. I felt Calle underwent a very much needed transformation in Italy. Yes, there may have been a little bit of subterfuge but it was needed and as the layers of the past are pulled back and things slowly start to make sense. You are rooting for Callie but also interested to see how the past and present will interconnect and if they do will it be successful or a disaster?

The Forgotten Italian Restaurant was an enjoyable read although not my favourite in the series. I just felt that it wasn’t as strong as the other two books but I wouldn’t have missed out on it because the story of the three sisters was fascinating and I was desperately hoping for that happy ever after ending. The epilogue was perfect and I loved how it brought everything full circle and that the series didn’t peter off without a solid conclusion. This was a story of forgiveness, acceptance, courage, secrets and of course some romance. An enjoyable read and an apt conclusion to the Sisters of War series.

I love this series and I’m happy that Emilia is finally getting her story told!! Thank you Bookouture for inviting me to be part of the Books on Tour for “The Forgotten Italian Restaurant” by Barbara Josselsohn. This story has two points of view and it goes back and forth between two eras.
Emilia, 1943 - We learn what happens to her after she returns home. I was glued to my chair as I was reading
her story as she evaded the Nazis.
Callie 2019 - Callie travels to Italy to uncover a secret that her grandparents had. She became friends with a cafe owner and together they work to unravel the past.
Barabra Josselsohn has a way of making you feel as if you were really there in the book. I am looking forward to more books by her. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheForgottenItalianRestaurant #BarbaraJosselsohn #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetInItaly

Callie travels to Caccipulia, Italy with one purpose in mind, to find out everything she can about her beloved Grandmother. Holding tight to the restaurant menu in her hand, she knows there is much to be discovered. Callie sits in a café hanging onto the old menu that holds all the answers. When Callie meets Oliver, a local café owner they have an immediate connection and Callie thinks that Oliver holds the answers to all the questions she has. The more time they spend together, she discovers that during the war there was a family that fed Jewish people that were hiding in safe houses throughout the village. She knows in her heart that her grandmother was part of that family but she can she find the truth?

The Forgotten Italian Restaurant, written by author Barbara Josselsohn is a phenomenal story of never giving up until you find the truth. This amazing time slip from present day to World War II, is an unforgettable treasure. Josselsohn is amazing at capturing the readers heart from the very first page and holding on to it until the last page is turned. The seemless transition between the past and the present made this an unputdownable novel. This wonderful story is definitely on my top 10 list for my 2023 reads. I highly recommend this ten star read. I loved it!

This emotional story flawlessly drifts between WWII in 1943 and present day. In the first two books of this Sisters of War series, both Mia’s and Giulia’s stories were told. This third book is Callie’s present day story. While visiting Caccipulia, she discovers an old restaurant menu, she soon hopes that it will in some way shine a light on her grandmother’s life during the Second World War.

Callie meets a local café owner named Oliver, and Callie gladly learns that his knowledge about the past just might lead her to the answers she desperately seeks. One thing that Callie learns is that her Nonna had very good reason for ending up in Caccipulia. The fact that her Nonna lived during the Invasion and what role it was that she played proved great significance.

While unraveling clues about her Nonna, Callie finds herself quite drawn to Oliver. As this was already quite an emotional read, the budding romance between Callie and Oliver, especially as their homes and lives were thousands of miles apart, added an extra layer to such a well-written story. The emotional connections between all of the characters have been felt throughout this touching series, As always, Barbara Josselsohn has woven an engaging and compassionate story.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I’ve really enjoyed this series and now readers find out about Emilia’s story.
Callie pretends to be her recently deceased sister Pam when she hits Italy and tries to ferret out the story.
I wasn’t crazy about her lying and thought people took it much better than I would have but it melded the story line effectively.
The split time line was necessary to anchor the story.
The best part was the heartwarming reunion at the end that was such a long time coming.

An interesting story set against the background of WW2 and modern day. The stary was a surprising quick read that held your attention. The characters are well developed, and the plot keeps you engaged. A good read. The book points to a sequel, which I look forward to reading when it is published.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Having read the other two books in the series I was looking forward to the youngest sister's story and this one did not disappoint. So well researched I feel as though I was walking amongst the characters experiencing what they have. This poignant dual timeline will have you not able to put it down while experiencing many emotions as you read. The ending was superb, the light shines through in such a beautiful way! I loved this book! Recommended for all historical fiction readers.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The series is about three sisters and I came in only for the last one dealing with Emilia, the youngest of the three. It does very well as a stand-alone.

Told in two separate time lines we are dealing with Italy under Nazi occupation,the mass persecution of Jews and life under very trying times. We move onto present day America, and Callie finding a box of unknown trivia - all talking about a restaurant in Cacciupulia, and people unknown to her. Determined to get to the bottom of this mystery she flies to Italy to unravel a mysterious and unbelievable story.

Full of historical detail, apart from the family saga which in itself was complicated and heartfelt, one is drawn into the maelstrom of what Italian society became once it was occupied. Daily life, suspicion of neighbours, the betrayal by who you thought were friends, and the hardships of the ordinary man are highlighted here. How they circumvent the rules laid down by the Germans was a highlight too.

This is a sweet, but also sad, story of life during the war, and its effect for generations to come. Callie finds some treasures when looking through her sister’s home. This leads her on a path to discover so much more about her grandparents than she ever imagined! I really enjoyed this….especially all of the personalities of the characters!

A interesting duel timeline journey taking us from occupied Italy in 1943 to present day of 1999. The story is about three sisters, their journey to not only survive but to unravel the past.
The story is full of heartbreak moments as well as heartfelt moments.
Though part of a series, this can be read as a standalone.
Recommended reading for fans of historical fiction.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

One-word review: Poignant
Emojis: 🤔🥺 🥰
Rating: 5🌟s

My Top-Five-style Review:

5. The unique tone and plot of this story have completely captivated me. It's a narrative unlike any other, with dual timelines and a character's journey from the US to Italy to uncover what happened to the youngest of the three sisters the series is based around. This approach vividly underscores the diverse impacts of WWII on individuals, keeping me intrigued throughout.

4. The setting, so idyllic, serves as the perfect foil for the WWII timeline. The contrast between the serene beauty of the setting and the harsh realities of war in the timeline creates a compelling backdrop, immersing readers in the story's world and enhancing their reading experience.

3. I highly recommend reading the series in order, so I would only read this book after reading the other two books. However, this story is so well-crafted that it can be enjoyed as a standalone without any confusion about the plot or characters.

2.The research and portrayal of the events and, more importantly, the experiences during WWII are not just phenomenal, they are enlightening. The characters in this series could easily be real people alive during that time. The authenticity is practically palpable, connecting readers to the characters and their experiences in a way that few other books can.

1. The series' themes of family, found family, and sisterhood are not just moving, they are deeply touching. They resonated with me in a way that few other series have. This story didn't just allow me to imagine, it made me truly feel the realities of that time.

This dual time line novel of Emilia in 1943 and Callie in 2019 will please fans who enjoy fiction set during WWII. Know that, as is usual, it is Emilia's story that is more interesting and that Callie's search for information might bring out some uncomfortable facts. That said, it's also a story of bravery. And it's a romance. Thanks to Netgalley for the arc. A good read.

This is the third in the Sisters of War series. Each one of these books was outstanding. They are about three Jewish sisters during World War II. This is the story of the youngest sister, Emilia, who was sent home from the island the three were on to care for their ailing father. She finds that nothing is the same on her return and can only wait for her sisters to come get her. However, the danger increases daily to the Jews and those who shelter them.

This is a dual timeline. The one is 1943 with Emilia and the other starts in 2019 with Callie. Callie discovered some items that had belonged to her grandmother that raise questions for her and she decides to go to her grandmother's home country of Italy to try to find answers. There she makes friends and meets the woman in her grandmother's photos. Getting answers to her questions isn't going to be as easy as she thought, especially after the lies she has told to those she has met.

This historical fiction was so interesting that it had me spellbound. What an engrossing read! The ending wrapped up any loose ends neatly and left me nothing but more of this author's writing.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts are my own.

This story is told in dual timelines, each one interesting.
It’s another peek into life during the war.
It has a little mystery and some romance.
Definitely recommend for all historical fiction fan

The Forgotten Italian Restaurant by Barbara Josselsohn is a dual timeline historical fiction. Going back from present day to 1943 WWII in Italy, the story unwinds. So much heartache, so much hope, yet so much misconstrued tragedy. Will the past be revealed? Will the main characters Callie and Emilia find peace with the past and peace within themselves? With an unexpected ending, this was a 5-star read for me.

Releases Aug. 21st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Reads like an italian passegiata, slow and meandering dual time line. Through the 2 passages of time intertwined and interlinked the story unravels.