The Little Italian Hotel

By: Phaedra Patrick

Narrated by: Claire Calverley

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

When a relationship expert’s own marriage falls apart, she invites four strangers to Italy for a vacation of healing and second chances in this uplifting new novel from the author of The Messy Lives of Book People.

Ginny Splinter, acclaimed radio host and advice expert, prides herself on knowing what’s best for others. So she’s sure her husband, Adrian, will love the special trip to Italy she’s planned for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. But when Ginny presents the gift to Adrian, he surprises her with his own very different plan—a divorce. Beside herself with heartache, Ginny impulsively invites four heartbroken listeners to join her in Italy instead while live on air. From hiking the hills of Bologna to riding a gondola in Venice to sharing stories around the dining table of the little Italian hotel, Ginny and her newfound company embark on a vacation of healing.

However, when Adrian starts to rethink their relationship, Ginny must decide whether to commit to her marriage or start afresh, alone. And an unexpected stranger may hold the key to a very different future… Sunny, tender and brimming with charm, The Little Italian Hotel explores marriage, identity and reclaiming the present moment—even if it means leaving the past behind.

Look for Phaedra Patrick’s previous charming bestsellers!

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper

Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone

The Library of Lost and Found

The Secrets of Love Story Bridge

The Messy Lives of Book People

©2023 Phaedra Patrick (P)2023 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Quaint little story

I loved how the story unfolds to an ending that you didn’t quite expect. I loved how each character has a story that could very much be a real story and how they are all woven together nicely.

Just...ok

I've enjoyed her other books more. For me personally, the dialect of the narrator and therefore the main character, made it difficult for me to take her story seriously. Perhaps the author wanted that dialect for authenticity, but for some reason it lacked any gravitas. I know it's not supposed to be a heavy book, but it almost seemed phony. It was hard for me to care.

Cute story but narrator ruined it

Intrigued about the storyline but wasnt transported as i would like nor felt connection with characters. I think the narrator changing the voices with weird accents didnt help to like the characters. I think if I would have read the book i would have enjoyed it much more.

A nice, easy listen

This was a sweet story about moving on and healing in a variety of ways. Not a ton of character development but a comfortable, easy to follow story. Narrator did some voices better than others (struggled on some male voices) but was generally pleasant to listen to.

Cozy as a warm blanket

I read/listen to Phaedra Patrick's books because sometimes I just need to feel good and I know she'll deliver. She does it again here. This is a touching story about real problems faced by real people overcoming them in real ways. You won't regret it.

Lovely story of love, loss and positive change

The story reads like a really good movie - I can picture is well. Read very well by narrator. Also loved that the author addressed sorrow of many kinds - old age, fleeting youth, and especially a protagonist who addresses a failed partnership and putting the work into her relationship.

Sweet story

This is an interesting book. Some reviews say it’s a romance but I disagree. It’s a story about a woman who realizes that the life she thought was perfect was actually empty and unfulfilled. Everyone could learn something from the story. I agree with most that the narrator could be better and she really butchered the Italian. Overall it is still definitely worth listening to, but if you speak or understand Italian credibly then try not to wince too much.

Disappointing

The strength of this story is its characters. They are domination and relatable and almost fully realized. Almost. Only one storyline is resolved, and it’s not the main one. The ending is meandering, then ends suddenly and in the most unsatisfying way. I found myself wondering aloud, “Is that it?” Evidently. I feel I wasted my time and energy investing in this story.

Such a cute story

Loved the story but the narration was awful. Her attempt at male voices was terrible. Several times I was going to give up listening and just buy the book to read. Would not listen to another book performed by this narrator.

I love this book!

This book is so relatable! I love that the main Character Ginny spent time making new friends and learning herself again. Just beautiful! This book gets 5 stars from me!!!