I am delighted to share my review today for Italy Ever After by Leonie Mack. I have read a couple of this authors books before and I have thoroughly enjoyed them. So it was very easy to jump on the Blog Tour by Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources. Huge thanks to Rachel for my spot on the Tour and for my e-copy of this fab book that I read via NetGalley.

Escape to the sun and head off to Italy, with the wonderfully warm and ever-so-page-turning Leonie Mack!

TV journalist Lou feels battered and bruised after her divorce from Phil, the father of her daughter Edie. Her confidence and sense of fun have steadily been drained away, and she isn’t sure who she is any more.

When the opportunity arises to accompany Edie on a music camp in Italy for a month in the summer, Lou jumps at the chance for new adventures, new horizons and new friends. The hazy warmth of the summer sun, shining brightly over the stunning Lake Garda, slowly brings Lou back to life. 

Nick Romano, Edie’s music teacher, loves being home in Italy, but coaching his students for their concert in Milan, is bringing back difficult memories. His blossoming friendship with Lou is the perfect distraction, although a summer fling would be easier to conduct without the scrutiny of his mother Greta, not to mention the interference of his extended Italian family.

As the summer passes, full of sunshine and breath-taking scenery, gelato and delicious feasts, Lou and Nick get ever closer. But as the time for farewell creeps up on them, will they be able to say goodbye and leave their memories behind in the Italian sun, or can a summer romance last a lifetime?

Leonie Mack is back with a sizzling, sun-baked love story, perfect for all fans of Mandy Baggot, Jo Thomas and Carole Matthews.

Purchase Link – Amazon UK

My Review…

The synopsis does an absolutely fabulous job of letting you know what this book is about. Two adults, one a mother, the other a teacher, an ex-husband and a daughter. In some ways, it is the story of how the dynamics of a relationship can change over the course of time, it is also something much more special than that as well.

Lou and daughter Edie are in for a fabulous time in Italy. Lou is a parent helper for the group led by Nick, conductor for the orchestra and choir. It soon becomes apparent that there is more to Nick’s musical abilities that Lou realises. But, she is ordinary in comparison to him, untalented beside her daughter and ex-husband.

During the course of the story, I began to realise how low Lou is when it comes to her perception of herself. She compares herself to those around her and finds herself coming up short. Nick has talent to spare but keeps it hidden, instead, he focuses his energies and his love for music on the children he teaches.

To a certain extent, the story is about the adults finding themselves, or maybe finding confidence in themselves. The author definitely knows how to write chemistry between the characters, this is woven brilliantly into their stories and of those close to them.

As well as the chemistry, the music, the fun, the food there are also some gorgeous description and not just of Nick! The scenery of lakes, mountains and general area is wonderful. There is a mention in the authors note about how she achieved the descriptions during the lockdown, well worth reading by the way.

A wonderful story that is a romance but is also about finding comfort in one’s own skin, making up your mind to stop doubting and to take a risk or two. A gorgeous story that I read over a couple of sitting while sitting outside in the sun. It is one for fans of contemporary fiction and romance and one I would definitely recommend.

About the Author…

Leonie Mack is a debut novelist whose first book My Christmas Number One was published by Boldwood in September 2020. Having lived in London for many years her home is now in Germany with her husband and three children. Leonie loves train travel, medieval towns, hiking and happy endings!

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Check out the other stops on the tour…

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