An Italian Island Summer by Sue Moorcroft: Book Review

An Italian Island Summer features a woman who looks to start her life over on a beautiful island off the coast of Sicily. A lovely escape read!

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

Will one summer in Sicily change her life for ever? After her marriage falls apart, Ursula Quinn is offered the chance to spend the summer working at a hotel on a beautiful island off the coast of Sicily, Italy. Excited by a new adventure, she sets off at once. At Residenza dei Tringali, Ursula receives a warm welcome from everyone except Alfio , son of the Tringali family. He gave up his life in Barcelona to help his mother Agata with the ailing business, and is frustrated with Ursula’s interference – and she in turn is less than impressed with his attitude. As they spend more time together, though, they begin to see each other in a different light. But what with Ursula’s ex-husband on her tail, family secrets surfacing and an unexpected offer that makes Alfio question his whole life, there’s plenty to distract them from one another. Can she face her past and he his future, and together make the most of their Sicilian summer?

My Thoughts:

I love a good story about a woman reinventing herself after a loss and An Italian Island Summer does just that. Ursula Quinn has recently experienced a traumatic event and then the loss of her marriage. Looking to escape the memories and revisit her artistic future, she accepts a job helping a family in their hotel off the coast of Sicily.

Working each morning and learning the craft of painting ceramics each afternoon with an island artisan, Ursula feels herself healing. Although the position at the hotel is only for the summer, she can see herself staying on the island afterwards. When she meets the hotel owner’s son Alfio who has left his position and girlfriend in Barcelona, she has just one more reason to want to stay on.

The book is as much about change and the importance of family as it is about romance and the author does a great job of combining these two. The descriptions of family love and the beauty and food of this island make this a lovely escape read.

I appreciate the key message that life isn’t just about making more money. It’s about being true to yourself and what brings you joy and being there for your family when it’s needed. I enjoyed the backstories and character development of Ursula and Alfio – two highly likeable protagonists.

I recommend this book to those readers who enjoy Romance or Women’s Fiction.

What I Liked:

• The family love that is evident throughout the book
• The sense of escape when reading the book
• The messaging of making choices in life that bring you joy

Other Books I’ve Reviewed by Sue Moorcroft:

Christmas Wishes

A White Christmas on Winter Street