Lost in Tuscany

I absolutely loved this book. The characters were well-defined. The plot was interesting and realistic as possible. It was just the right length for the plot.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sophie Sinclair for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Lost in Tuscany coming out June 14, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. The summary seemed right up my alley. I’m obsessed with books about Italy and I could definitely relate to Summer’s situation. Growing up, I was obsessed with Under the Tuscan Sun as well, so I thought it was really funny Summer kept referencing that. I also fulfilled my lifelong dream of going to Italy last year, so it brought back some memories. I thought the story didn’t spend much time on the bike trip, but I loved it. The situation with the mom was definitely tiring. I felt bad for their strained relationship. But overall, the book was sweet and spicy. I loved it! I would definitely check out more books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary travel romances!

If you’ve seen and loved the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, you need to buy this book. Summer Andrew’s, a usually responsible 36 year old single woman, drunkenly buys into a Tuscan bike trip while under the influence of alcohol and the movie. What follows is a very humorous and romantic adventure in Italy.

I loved the humor, descriptions of Tuscany, the romance, and Summer’s backstory which includes dealing with an alcoholic mother. The author successfully integrates the lighthearted adventure with the more serious subject matter. For me, the development of the more serious plot line enhanced the reading experience..

The ending is wonderfully satisfying and is a love letter to family and Italy. A very enjoyable read!

This was such a fun story to read, and now has me tempted to upend my own life!

I really enjoyed Summer and Ren getting to know each other, and trying to fool themselves into doing nothing.

The Barbara storyline had me very apprehensive. For anyone who’s read Abby Jimenez’s 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳, this smacked of many Amber parallels. I’m glad the whole scenario wasn’t a parallel!

I know this won’t do much this close to publishing date, but I’m going to mention these two errors that glared at me, anyway. Maybe they’re fixed in the final copy, I don’t know:

Chapter 14, end of first paragraph:
“It's like he imprinted on me that night and now I can't think of anything else.”
This is backwards. SHE (in simile) imprinted on HIM, thus her obsession with him.

A page or two later:
"Don't worry, that donkey was spoiled rotten by Nonno Rossi and did not die tragically walking in circles here. He was retired out to the pastures where he lived out many years under the blue Tuscan skies. 𝘞𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘱𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘬."
You mean 𝘿𝙀𝙎𝘾𝙀𝙉𝘿𝘼𝙉𝙏𝙎.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴𝘎𝘰𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌

Lost in Tuscany : Sophie Sinclair

Format: eBook (NetGalley)
Publisher: BooksGoSocial
Publication Date: June 13, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Summer Andrews is a 36 year old graphic artist who has been very unlucky in love. One night she goes on a date with a guy from a dating app, and this date is horrible. She leaves the date, and goes home to wallow. She drinks a bottle and a half of wine and eats a bunch of cookie dough. She also watches her favorite movie, Under the Tuscan Sun. In her drunken stupor, she books a singles-only bike tour in Tuscany.

She wakes up the next morning to emails about the tour and she has no recollection of booking it. She tries to get out of it, but turns out drunken trip booking isn’t a reason for a refund. She decides to go on the trip in hopes that she will find herself and love along the way.

During the tour, she ends up in an accident and fractures her thumb. This renders her unable to finish the tour, but she really doesn’t want to leave Italy. Her accident leads her to Rossi Olive Farm where she meets Lorenzo Rossi. He’s a hot Italian man, and just what Summer needs. Will this end in true love or heartbreak?

Sophie Sinclair does a great job writing Summer’s story. She throws in humor, sadness, and lots of love.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sophie Sinclair for this ARC! I highly recommend getting this book when it releases on June 13th!

#LostInTuscany #SophieSinclair #NetGalley #OliveFarm #Bookstagram #RomanceReader #BookNerd

This is how I WISH my 3 months in Italy went. I can’t be mad because there’s a “smoking hot Daniella” character so I’ll take what I can get. I really enjoyed how the author didn’t drag anything out— love, arguments, miscommunications— it was all reasonable and not frustrating. I loved practicing my Italian throughout the story but thank goodness for the translations to double check. I am a Nonna Rossi stand.

This story was an emotional rollercoaster, not in a bad way.

In her drunken stupor, she purchased tickets for Tuscany. Why not go?

Synopsis: If Under The Tuscan Sun and Eat Pray Love had a baby it would be this book which sees the main character move to Italy to find love, and herself.
Pros and cons: Was this predictable? Yes. Did I love it anyways? Yes! I loved the imagery of this story, the Tuscany backdrop, and all of the Italian influences. It was a great escape and a portal to another world- everything a good book should be.
If you’re looking for a light romance with a bit of spice, definitely check out Lost In Tuscany! Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy- it comes out this week!

A charming Italian romance. A sweet family story along with issues. No bike riding or drinking olive oil for me, but gelato would be wonderful. I did skip over the intimate scenes. Fun to see my name, even if she wasn't a good person. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

This was cute and it made you really feel immersed in Italy! I think we’ve all had situations in life where we needed something different, and a trip to Tuscany sounds like the perfect thing. Spontaneity is exactly what’s needed sometimes, and I feel like this shows that.

After the worst date in the world and a bottle and a half of wine, Summer wakes up to find herself booked for a trip to Italy, a bike tour of Tuscany. Unable to cancel, she flies there for a two week holiday and finds herself in the hospital after a nasty bike spill. Fate intervenes and she begins working/renting out a place on an olive farm and meets an incredible family and incredibly handsome single Italian man, Lorenzo. Two weeks turn into months and she realizes she found what she has always wanted, if her life back home wouldn’t get in the way.

This romcom was cute - I adore ex-pat protagonists finding themselves in another place and Sinclair does a great job of setting the scene in Italy. There’s plenty of Italian language, food, and family mythos, and their romance is very, very sweet. I found the steamy scenes to be a bit mechanical, but they definitely weren’t the point of the book. She also deals with family trauma and addiction in a way where it is given weight but it doesn’t drag the story down with it. This is one of those books where you pretty much know how it will work out, but you are still good with it - it’s a lovely journey to get there - and it’s all about the location and the falling in love. It feels like a perfect summertime read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Attention dreamers and wanderers:

If you dream of exploring the Italian countryside, and/or falling in love in Italy, then this sweet summer romance read that comes out June 14th is perfect for you!

Lost in Tuscany is about our main gal, Summer Andrews. Summer accidentally books herself a non-refundable trip to the Italian countryside. While on her trip, Summer decides that she doesn’t want to return to her life back home. Summer ends up working for the Rossi Olive Farm, and meeting the handsome and dreamy Lorenzo Rossi.

This book was giving “Letters to Juliet” and “Under the Tuscan Sun” vibes. I thought the love story was so so sweet. I cried twice (it’s hard for a book to make me cry). I did skip over most of the spicy scenes, but that’s just a personal preference.

If you love found family, enemies to lovers, and adventure, then you should add this sweet read to your summer TBR.

Check the trigger warnings before reading the book, as the book does explore alcoholism and addiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital ARC of “Lost in Tuscany” in exchange for my honest review.

“There’s something about Italy that’s magical. The people are so friendly, the views are spectacular. It’s like real-world problems don’t exist here.”

Lost in Tuscany was an amazing weekend read for me.

The novel covers the Life of Summer a graphic designer by profession in California and how one drunk evening watching her favorite movie under the Tuscan sun makes her accidentally book a bike tour in Tuscany, Italy. It was too late for her to ask refund for this serendipity eventually leading her to go on this single bike tour to Italy. Apparently, she did meet an amazing soul in Harrison, a decade younger than Summer, during the trip. I liked his character because he was the one who nudged her to extend her trip to Italy and explore the whole of Italy.

The novel follows Summer meeting the Rosso family and the hothead and handsome Lorenzo who she hooks up with & falls for and has an amazing bond with his entire family.

I like the description of Italian houses &Villas and most importantly the pizzas and gelato without which the trip to Italy is an utter waste. I loved summer's bond with Lorenzo’s Nonna(grandmother in Italian) his mother Stella& his sister Fiore, who was very sweet and easygoing. Also, she had a great friend in Clara & Damian. I envied Summer for having friends who constantly looked out for her.

I also enjoyed reading about the process of making olive oil at The Rosso family-owned olive farms,& Cafe that had a garden theme with a stunning view of Olive orchard. The major part of the book descriptively mentions the Italian food, the breathtaking and mesmerizing architecture and not to forget the detectable Italian cuisines. I drooled 🤤 at the mention of hazelnut gelato & Strawberry 🍓 shortcake 🍰 prepared by Fiore. She was an amazing chef.

What I didn't like about the novel was how it took so long for Lorenzo to realize he loved summer but was reluctant because he had a bitter past with Gabriella his ex-fiance. Also, I didn't like the character of Barbara as she was a terrible mother to Summer but later revealed how she was depressed when she had her at 16 & things get better between the mother and daughter.

I love the mention of the Italian language in multiple instances in this book. In a way it was quite educational and had a lot of information on Italy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and did feel that I accompanied Summer to Italy 😅. The book walks us through Italian culture.

Overall I loved it. It was very different from the novels I read in the past. The character development of Summer was well written and gives us a lesson that we should explore things and not hold ourselves from the Joy we deserve. An impromptu trip taught her a lot about life and people.

If you are looking for a vacation or weekend read, this book is perfect for you, and would recommend it to the ones who fancy Italy and Italian cuisines.
All in all a fulfilling read.

Thanks, Net galley BooksGoSocial & sophie Sinclair for the ARC.

P.S. Beware of Italian Men as Lorenzo advises & Italian Drivers as suggested by Fiore.😂

Who doesn’t want to drunk book a trip to Italy and have it be non refundable and have the trip of a life time?!? Me!!! Or well Summer in this book! This books made me SQUEEE so hard!

This book was such a fun read! I love Summer and her struggle to find the right balance in her life. And to be brave and go to Italy and open to fall in love because she knows something is missing in her life. I didn’t even care that this one was single pov because urgh i can feel Renzo’s intensity and want for Summer right off the pages!

Ohh maaannn!!!! Summer and Renzo are soooo cute! GAWD! Who doesn’t want an Italian Stallion who’s a romantic and tells you how beautiful you are every day, and he can’t stop thinking about you, and stares at you like you’re the best olive in the whole world? Yes olive 😅🫒. And all the wants to do is touch you, and be with you, and is always looking for you…. - (ok IRL, it sounds sort of creepy and stalker-y, but i swear in the book these are not the vibes! 😂😅)

Urgh now I want to go back to Tuscany and eat pasta and walk through olive tree groves and be swept up in the romance of it all…..

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸…
🍝Enemies to Friends to Loves
🍝Found Family
🍝Cinnamon Roll MMC
🍝Self Discovery
🍝Alcoholic Parent
🍝Single POV
🍝Open door

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

This book was an absolute delight, a perfect blend of humor, heart, and the breathtaking scenery of the Italian countryside. This book had me laughing out loud from start to finish, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my journey to Italy. The vivid descriptions of the lush landscapes, olive groves, and quaint villages are so immersive that I often felt like I was right there in Italy, soaking in the warm sun and the rich aroma of olives.

What truly stands out in this novel is the heartwarming dynamic between Summer and Lorenzo's family. The Rossis are a vibrant and loving bunch, each member bursting with unique personality traits. They embrace Summer with open arms, making her feel like a cherished family member from the very beginning. This sense of belonging and community is beautifully portrayed, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is hard to resist.

The humor in Lost in Tuscany is another highlight. The author masterfully weaves in comedic elements through clever dialogue, amusing situations, and Summer's endearing inner monologues. There were numerous moments that had me laughing out loud. It's this lightheartedness that makes the book such a joy to read.

What a charming book! I loved the setting. The author does a fantastic job of making you feel like you're there, basking in the romantic glow of the Italian countryside. It was a great blend of humor, romance and steam. I adored the message of found family. It was a delight to read.

A Charming and Romantic Adventure in Tuscany

Sophie Sinclair’s "Lost in Tuscany" is a delightful romantic comedy that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, unexpected romance, and the allure of the Italian countryside. Filled with humor, heart, and a touch of adventure, this novel captures the essence of embracing new experiences and finding love in unexpected places.

Plot Summary:
Summer Andrews, a predictable and somewhat reserved thirty-six-year-old, finds herself in an unexpected predicament after drunkenly booking a non-refundable singles-only bike tour through Tuscany. Determined not to waste her investment and eager to escape her impetuous mother, Summer embarks on the bike tour despite her lack of recent cycling experience and limited Italian language skills. However, her dream of leisurely rides through scenic hills with a potential love interest like Fabio is shattered when she finds herself among competitive cyclists in bedazzled bike jerseys. After a mishap forces her off the tour, Summer stumbles upon Rossi Olive Farm and meets Lorenzo Rossi, a charming and enigmatic Italian. What begins as a summer fling soon blossoms into a deeper connection, prompting Summer to confront her newfound confidence and desires. However, as trouble brews back home, Summer faces a difficult choice between loyalty to her responsibilities and following her heart’s newfound passions in Tuscany.

Character Development:
Sinclair excels in creating a relatable and endearing protagonist in Summer Andrews. Throughout the novel, Summer undergoes a transformation from a cautious and predictable woman to a bold and adventurous spirit, influenced by her experiences in Tuscany and her burgeoning relationship with Lorenzo. Her journey of self-discovery is portrayed with sensitivity and humor, allowing readers to empathize with her personal growth and newfound sense of liberation. Lorenzo Rossi emerges as a charismatic and charming love interest, adding depth to the romantic storyline with his enigmatic persona and cultural backdrop. The supporting characters, including quirky tour participants and the inhabitants of Rossi Olive Farm, enrich the narrative with humor and warmth, creating a vibrant tapestry of relationships and interactions.

Themes:
At its heart, "Lost in Tuscany" explores themes of self-discovery, courage, and the transformative power of travel and romance. Sinclair’s narrative celebrates the beauty of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing new experiences, whether it’s navigating the Italian countryside on a bicycle or opening oneself to unexpected love. The novel also touches on the complexities of balancing personal desires with familial and societal expectations, as Summer grapples with the pull of responsibility versus the allure of freedom and romance. Through Summer’s journey, Sinclair underscores the importance of following one’s heart and finding the courage to pursue happiness, even in the face of uncertainty.

Writing Style:
Sophie Sinclair’s writing is engaging and infused with wit, capturing the charm and allure of Tuscany’s landscapes and culture. The narrative unfolds at a lively pace, filled with humorous anecdotes, romantic tension, and poignant moments of self-reflection. Sinclair’s descriptive prose vividly brings the settings to life, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the rustic charm of Rossi Olive Farm, creating an immersive reading experience that transports readers to the heart of Italy. The dialogue is natural and authentic, reflecting the diverse personalities and cultural clashes that Summer encounters during her journey.

Strengths:
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its ability to blend humor with heartfelt romance, offering a story that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. Sinclair’s portrayal of Summer’s personal growth and newfound confidence is empowering, highlighting the transformative impact of travel and love on her character. The romantic chemistry between Summer and Lorenzo is palpable, unfolding with tenderness and passion against the backdrop of Tuscany’s picturesque scenery. "Lost in Tuscany" is a testament to the joys of embracing spontaneity, discovering oneself, and finding love in unexpected places.

Weaknesses:
While "Lost in Tuscany" is a charming and engaging read, some readers may find certain plot developments predictable or wish for more depth in exploring secondary characters’ backgrounds. Additionally, the resolution of conflicts towards the novel’s conclusion may feel somewhat rushed for those seeking a more nuanced exploration of Summer’s emotional journey. However, these minor drawbacks do not detract significantly from the novel’s overall charm and the heartfelt exploration of its central themes.

Conclusion:
"Lost in Tuscany" is a delightful romantic comedy that transports readers to the enchanting landscapes of Italy, where love, adventure, and self-discovery intertwine. Sophie Sinclair’s skillful storytelling and endearing characters make this novel a perfect escape for fans of contemporary romance and travel fiction. Whether you’re captivated by tales of unexpected romance, inspired by journeys of personal growth, or simply yearning for a virtual vacation to Tuscany, "Lost in Tuscany" offers a captivating blend of humor, heart, and romantic intrigue.

Recommended for:
Fans of romantic comedies with strong character development and vivid settings, readers looking for a feel-good story set in an idyllic locale, and anyone who enjoys novels that celebrate the transformative power of travel and love. Sophie Sinclair’s "Lost in Tuscany" is a charming escapade that will leave you dreaming of Italian sunsets, romantic bike rides, and the possibility of finding love when you least expect it.

Never thought I would want to move to the Italian Countryside but here I am. This was such an easy, happy, read. I have never read a book by this author but when I read the description I knew I had to. It was a nice change to read about an “older” FMC vs. the college/mid-20s range. Summer is a 36-year old woman who wakes up after a terrible date and two bottles of wine to see she has booked a non-refundable trip and ends up having a summer that changes her life. Lorenzo, 34 year old who recently took over the family business, had plans, plans that are blown up by the stars. Nonna Rossi is going to make you laugh with her meddling and some slight scheming.

I could keep listing all the characters and how they all impact the book and the storyline but just know that with this book you are getting some spicy (maybe 🌶️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️) enemies to lovers, found family, and so much more!

I loved the Italian dialogue throughout the book but now feel it’s time for me to learn Italian but it allowed me to put myself in Summer’s shoes with not understanding what’s being said.

Check the trigger warnings before reading the book, as the book does explore alcoholism and addiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital ARC of "Lost in Tuscany" in exchange for my honest review.

This was the first book I have read from this author and it won’t be the last! I absolutely ADORED this book. I can’t be the only one who wants to sign up for a bike tour in Italy now, right?! Thank you for the opportunity to read this book!

A trip to Italy, complete with lots of pasta, gelato, and an Italian love interest?!? YES, PLEASE!

“Lost in Tuscany” was laugh-out-loud funny, steamy, and deeply emotional all in one! I had a hard time putting this book down! I’ve never been to Italy, but I felt like I was there as I read. If I didn’t already have a trip to Italy booked, I would be buying a plane ticket after reading this! I gave this book 4.5 ⭐️!

(Thanks Net Galley and publishers for an advanced copy!)

Review:
Lost in Tuscany is a delightful escape into the heart of Italy, filled with humor, romance, and self-discovery. Sophie Sinclair masterfully captures the essence of Tuscany with vivid descriptions that transport readers to its rolling hills, olive farms, and charming villages. The author's engaging prose and well-paced narrative make for an enjoyable and immersive reading experience.

Summer Andrews is a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her journey from a predictable, duty-bound woman to someone who embraces adventure and self-confidence is both inspiring and heartwarming. Lorenzo Rossi, with his enigmatic charm and deep connection to his family's olive farm, is the perfect romantic counterpart to Summer. Their chemistry is palpable, and their relationship unfolds naturally and beautifully.

The secondary characters, including the quirky cyclists and Summer's overbearing mother, add depth and humor to the story. The mishaps and adventures that Summer encounters on her bike tour provide plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, balancing the more emotional and romantic aspects of the narrative.

One of the standout themes in the book is the idea of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing life's unpredictability. Summer's transformation and the choices she faces resonate with anyone who has ever felt torn between duty and desire. Sinclair's portrayal of Tuscany as a place of beauty, romance, and self-discovery is both captivating and evocative.

Final Thoughts:
Lost in Tuscany is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of romance and women's fiction. Sophie Sinclair's ability to blend humor, romance, and self-discovery into a compelling story makes this book a standout. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone who dreams of exploring new places, this novel offers a perfect escape to the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you're looking for a heartwarming and humorous romance set against the stunning backdrop of Tuscany, Lost in Tuscany by Sophie Sinclair is a must-read. Get ready to fall in love with Summer and Lorenzo's enchanting story!

Thank you Sophie Sinclair and @netgalley for the advanced copy!
Summer accidentally purchased a bike tour in Italy after a horrible first date and a few bottles of wine…which results in several new adventures and the most heartfelt romance with an Italian man. I loved the characters and the family dynamics that were touched in this novel. I feel like I want to sign up for a tour in Italy after this…but maybe with an electronic bike.

Definitely a cute must read #newromancebook 🥰

This checked off everything I look for in a book. Was not disappointed. Really enjoyed this book. I will read more from this author. Must read

Summer Andrews starts her adventures in Tuscany on a group bicycle trip that comes to an end when she injures her hand in an accident. Not ready to go home, she finds a job and housing at an olive farm. While Summer started her trip trying to escape from her life, she ends up finding love, family and happiness. I liked experiencing Tuscany through Summer's experiences and found myself rooting for her. This is a perfect summer read.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Lost in Tuscany is such a lovely book. Thirty-six year old Summer Andrews is stuck in a monotonous life and has been unlucky in love. She drunkenly books a bike tour in Italy and finds it to be nonrefundable in the sober light of day. She decides she needs an adventure hoping to meet the love of her life much like the heroine in her favorite movie. During the tour, Summer decides to prolong her stay in Italy for the summer, and lands herself on the doorstep of the Rossi Olive Farm for a job and lodging. Lorenzo Rossi is the son who is running the Italian side of the olive business. Summer must decide if her fate is to remain in Italy at Lorenzo's side.
Sophie Sinclair wrote a really heartwarming story, I found myself laughing at parts and smiling through the book. It is told only through Summer's point of view. The reader really gets to know her better and her developing relationship with the Rossi family. The setting of this small town in Tuscany was brought to life in my mind and I found myself wishing I could go visit with Nonna and to eat Lorenzo's sister's food. Summer's romantic adventure had me hooked from the start. This was my first book by this author, but will not be my last. Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC of this book. All opinions are mine alone.