Customer reviews

Lucia has reached the point where she knows things need to change in her life, and when she visits her grandparents in their small Italian hometown she begins to feel that this is where she’s meant to be.
This story is mostly centred around the family owned pizza restaurant and how they need to find a balance between moving with the times while also appreciating and respecting the local culture. The town definitely has some old fashioned views, especially where women are concerned, and I loved seeing Lucia fight for the respect she deserved, despite being a woman in the restaurant.

There are some wonderful characters in this book, my favourite being Lucia’s grandparents - especially her nonna! It highlights the amazing things that can happen when women encourage other women.

The reason I gave 3 stars is mostly because I didn’t connect with Lucia very much and honestly found her a bit annoying! In the beginning she kept saying “when I get the promotion” over and over again, and I know the author most likely did this to prove a point, but it was just a bit too excessive. She also kept blaming everything on Giacomo without taking any responsibility herself in some situations. She’d fly off the handle without allowing him to respond, which is something that always bothers me in books!

So although Lucia wasn’t the best, it was still a lovely story and very entertaining. The descriptions of the food and the ingredients used were so incredibly detailed. I specifically remember Lucia trying fresh mozzarella while visiting a buffalo farm and thinking the description of her experience was perfectly spot on!

ColinB

Escape to the sun

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 10, 2021

Verified Purchase

Lucia, a business lawyer living in Wales, goes on holiday to stay with her grandparents who run a pizza restaurant in a small town in Italy. They're she heard some unexpected news both there and at home which makes her reconsider her career going forward.
The setting sounds idyllic, both the setting and pizzas - the latter had my mouth watering at many points in the book. There is definitely an eclectic cast of characters, from her grandparents, her ex-husband, a lady of the night amongst others. It also brings to life the downside of living in a small community, especially from the story one in Italy which sounds very old fashioned.
Overall a book ideal for escapism and to bring some sunshine into our lives during these troubling times. Now where can I get some decent pizza hre in the UK......
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book and I subsequently purchased it on release

Joan Leal

Book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 23, 2022

Verified Purchase

Enjoyable read

So Many Books

Dreaming of Italy.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 12, 2021

Verified Purchase

If there is one thing you’re guaranteed of when starting a Jo Thomas book, it’s instant transportation to the destination in question.
This time we are taken to Italy with Lucia, born in Wales to Italian parents she takes her annual holiday to visit her grandparents and help out in her Nonno’s pizzeria. There she discovers past love and a new found realisation of where she really wants to be in her life. But will fusty old beliefs really stop her from being right where she should be?

Now, having been through over a year of Covid restrictions, this book will have you dreaming of a glass of good wine while sitting in the warm sunshine watching the world go by. All I can think of is sitting in Nonno’s pizzeria, surrounded by lemon trees waiting for my pizza, full of garlicky tomato sauce, bubbling mozzarella and a good tiramisu to follow. Lucia’s story is fabulous but the descriptive powers of Jo Thomas will have you longing for the days we can board a plane and head off for one more slice of paradise.

I look forward to Jo’s next destination of choice.

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