Three and a half stars.

Thea's husband Marco died suddenly of a heart attack in their Cardiff restaurant. Although she tried to keep the business going after his death, Theas isn't a chef and the combination of Covid, rising costs, and mounting debts forced her to sell the restaurant and give up the family home. Now all that she and her two children have left is the cottage in Tuscany Marco bought on a whim for a song. Thea's plan is to spend the Summer in Tuscany, do up the cottage and sell it to hopefully make enough money to buy somewhere in Cardiff. After the restaurant took over their lives, and probably cost Marco his, Thea wants nothing more to do with the hospitality trade, she certainly doesn't want to work in a restaurant ever again.

When they finally arrive in the small village Thea is disheartened to see that it is practically a ghost-town filled with old people, including three argumentative Nonnas, no cafes, no restaurants and only one small shop. Then the mayor arrives and informs her that the cottage must be made habitable and either sold or occupied by Thea by the end of August, otherwise there is a balloon payment due - its a scheme to bring in investment in the village, empty houses are sold for a song but the buyer must improve them or they have to pay the full market price.

At the centre of the village is La Tavola, a community kitchen which utilises leftover perishables from the local shop to make hearty meals for the elderly residents of the village once a week which are hand delivered by volunteers and then on a Sunday there is a communal meal where all are welcome.

Against her better judgement, Thea makes a deal with Giovanni, local odd-job man and the brains behind La Tavola, he will do up her cottage if she takes over running La Tavola for him. Thea's children are thriving in Italy, finally shrugging off the grief which has overshadowed their lives, making friends with local children and gaining some independence, then a young woman arrives at the cottage looking for Marco, saying she's a 'friend' - what does this mean?

When Giovanni lets slip that La Tavola may need to close because he can't afford the rent any longer, the village pulls together and hatches an audacious plan, but it brings a surprise to the village which leads Thea to reconsider all her choices.

This was a gentle small-town, fell-good romance, what I didn't feel the need for (and it felt a bit wedged in at the last minute) was the 'surprise' and her reaction to it - I felt that could have been finessed far better, goodness knows we had enough repetition of why the restaurant in Cardiff failed, we could have handled a bit more reasoning behind what seemed like a weird decision. Being deliberately vague.

Anyway, as long as you don't mind multiple references to lasagne and red wine (I have to admit even I was feeling a bit queasy by the end) this had all the Jo Thomas hallmarks.

Perfect holiday reading.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Book Review: A Place in the Sun by Jo Thomas

Jo Thomas’s A Place in the Sun is a heartwarming and delightful story that sweeps readers away to the picturesque hills of Tuscany, blending romance, personal growth, and a sense of community in a beautifully immersive narrative. This novel is a perfect escape for anyone who has ever dreamed of starting over in an idyllic setting.

The story follows Thea, a woman grieving the recent loss of her husband, Marco. After relocating to Italy for the summer with her children, she is tasked with fixing up their holiday house, Casa Luna, which turns out to need much more work than she anticipated. The clock is ticking as she aims to fix the house and sell it in six weeks, but she soon realizes that the tight-knit Italian community is more than willing to lend a hand. In exchange for their help, Thea and her children become involved in the local community kitchen, where they work alongside Giovanni, a charming chef, and a trio of competitive nonnas.

What makes A Place in the Sun such a captivating read is the way Thomas weaves together themes of healing and belonging. Thea's journey of rediscovering herself and forming new connections in a foreign town is a beautifully emotional and uplifting experience. The dynamics between the characters, particularly her interactions with Giovanni and the nonnas, provide both humor and depth, while also showcasing the richness of Italian culture and the warmth of its people.

The setting is another standout element. Tuscany’s rolling hills, quaint towns, and vibrant local traditions come alive on every page. Jo Thomas’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the heart of Italy, making it easy to imagine the sun-kissed vineyards, the smell of homemade pasta, and the lively conversations around the community kitchen table. It’s a setting that feels like a character in itself, adding charm and atmosphere to the story.

The romance that develops between Thea and Giovanni is both tender and slow-burn, perfectly complementing the book’s themes of personal renewal. The author does a fantastic job of creating a love story that feels earned rather than rushed, capturing the way love can blossom when we open ourselves up to new possibilities.

While the plot is heartwarming, it’s not without its moments of tension, particularly with a surprise visitor who shakes things up just as Thea is beginning to feel at home. This unexpected twist adds a layer of intrigue and drama to the story, keeping readers on their toes until the very end.

*Thea’s journey of self-discovery, community, and love in A Place in the Sun is a testament to the power of starting over and finding your place in the world, no matter your age or circumstances. With its lush setting, lovable characters, and emotional depth, this novel will resonate with anyone who enjoys stories about second chances and the beauty of life’s unexpected turns.

If you're looking for a feel-good, uplifting read set in an enchanting location, A Place in the Sun is the perfect choice. It’s an emotional escape wrapped in the warmth of Italian sunshine—truly a book that will make you believe in the magic of new beginnings. Highly recommended for fans of romantic fiction and women’s fiction alike.

Absolutely brilliant. Could not stop reading. The main characters world falls apart and she escapes to Tuscany to a house her husband brought with her two children and wow.. You have amazing food, Italian Nanas , falling in love , fantastic children, secrets and a perfect ending. The lasagne part makes you laugh . A real Jo Thomas read with all the lovely food descriptions . You just escape. It is sad at times but a must read.