One Summer in Italy

The Waratah Inn, Book 2

By: Lilly Mirren

Narrated by: Brigid Lohrey

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Reeda Summer is running from a troubled marriage and a truth she can't face.

When the Summer sisters discover their grandmother's journals after her death, they unlock a mystery that shakes their family to the core. Who is Charlie Jackson? Is he their grandfather? And if so, what happened to him?

Reeda leaves the Waratah Inn and returns to Sydney, her husband, and her thriving interior design business, only to find her marriage in tatters. She's lost sight of what she wants in life and can't recognize the person she's become. Instead of facing her problems, Reeda embarks on a journey to discover more about the grandfather she never knew, leaving her troubles behind her.

Her search takes her to Italy, where a trail of clues leads her across the country with few answers to satisfy her burning curiosity about the past. And instead of helping her to forget, her pilgrimage reminds her of everything she loves and what she's left behind.

Under the Italian sky, Reeda discovers that the joy she was searching for was hidden inside her, all along. And instead of running from her problems, she embraces the healing she needs to face them.

Listeners who enjoyed Inglath Cooper, Rhys Bowen, Lisa Wingate, Debbie Macomber, and Lauren K. Denton will love taking this healing journey through delightful Italy.

Praise for the book:

If you love historical mysteries and all things Italian, you’ll want to live in the pages of this book.” (Bookbub)

©2019 Black Lab Press (P)2020 Black Lab Press

Finding Home

Lilly Mirren wrote incredible imagery in One Summer in Italy. I loved how there were two stories woven together. Reeda is the primary focus of this book. She is finding her home in this book along with finding family. The connections the author writes is so good. Brigid Lohrey was wonderful bringing the characters to life. She performs great accents from Australian to Italian. I could easily hear who was speaking. I so love a great story that spans generations and countries. This book delivers both.

my review

enjoyed, read mostly because it was parr of a series, anxiousbto read last book then well see if I enjoyed it or not .

Beautiful Second Story

Reeda's story does not disappoint! I loved Reeda's journey. I have been to Italy a few times and Lilly described it well! I cannot wait for book three! I honestly did not really like Brigid Lohrey's narration in book one, but I did enjoy her narration with this book. I think is merely a preference issue and not her lack of storytelling talent. :)

I was given this review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

One Summer in Italy

Reeda Summer is suffering from discontent, especially in her marriage. After helping her two sisters renovate their Grandmother's Inn, she returns to Sydney. Her husband, Duncan, seems to be more and more distant with each day. Their unsuccessful attempts to have a child have driven them apart and Reeda isn't sure if they can salvage their marriage.

Upon the death of the sisters' Grandmother, they find out that the man they thought was their grandfather really wasn't their grandfather. Instead, their father was conceived right before WWII and their real grandfather, Charlie Jackson, was (supposedly) killed when his plane was shot down over Italy.

Reeda decides to travel to Italy, both to try to find out the truth of Charlie's demise and to figure out what to do about her life. The book follows Reeda's discoveries in Italy and also tells the story of Nan and Charlie's lives through letters and journal entries. There was quite a bit of WWII history and I was intrigued by the tales of Charlie's life during this time.

The author does a good job in describing the journeys of the characters and even though the story jumps around a lot, the times and places are well marked throughout the book. My only complaint about the book is that it ends without resolution for any of the storylines. I hope that the subsequent books will resolve the cliffhangers that this one had.

The narrator does a good job and keeps the story moving at a pleasant pace. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.

Reeda's story!

One Summer in Italy takes us away with the oldest of the Summer Sisters. Reeda is married and wants to have a baby. But things don't always come as planned, and the strain on her marriage has caused some stress. To refresh and think things through, she embarks on a trip to Italy to try and find her biological grandfather. The imagery in this story is so beautiful, it's like we are there with her, learning and enjoying the fruits of the country. The book is masterfully written in two timelines, from the diary of the Summer sisters grandmother during World War II and the current time of Reeda coming to terms with her own life. We do get back to The Waratah Inn which is like coming home. I am enjoying this series. The idea of learning your family history through the words of a family member is enticing and I love the way the girls are embracing their heritage. I can't wait for book 3!

Brigid Lohrey gives a wonderful performance, giving us all the acccents! From Aussie to Italian, she brings all the characters to life and lets us see the story in our minds., It's a great beach summer escape to listen to.

I know there is another one after this... catch up

Wow, The story keeps getting better. Definetly a page turner. love the characters and storyline. Can't wait till audible gets the next one in the series.

Love these sisters!

Reeda is back home in Sidney after a few months of helping her sisters renovate their family’s inn. She is trying to deal with feelings of discontent...her marriage seems to be failing and she’s been dealing with infertility for years. Maybe this is the perfect time to search for her biological grandfather! After reading her deceased grandmother’s diary, Reeda sets off. This journey leads her to find more than she intended...her true self. Love the HEA!!
The teaser for Bindie’s story leaves you itching for the next book! Excellent narration!
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful Story!

This is the second book in The Waratah Inn Series, a women's fiction. Reeda's story is beautifully written. She is a wonderful character. Her quest is intriguing and captivating. Brigid Lohrey did a great job with the narration. I love this heartfelt series. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series, The Summer Sisters.

Searching in Italy

Reeda is one of three sisters who inherited the Waratah Inn with their Gran died. While staying at the Inn, the women found Gran's journals and realize that Gran never told them about their grandfather who never came home from the war.
Reeda needs some time away from her life. Her marriage is on the rocks and she is tired of the monthly disappointment when she doesn't get pregnant. So she travels to Italy to see what she can learn about the last known whereabouts of her grandfather. Throughout the trip, Reeda learns more about who she is and what she wants out of life.
Along the way we hear more snapshots of Gran's life and learn bits and pieces about their family history.
After listening to this book, you will want to listen to book 3 to hear the ending of Gran's story. You won't want to miss it!
Narration was perfect for the story and easy to listen to.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.