Author: Vanessa Carnevale

Genres: Fiction, Romance

Publisher: Bookouture

Page Count: 266

ISBN: B08ZYTKP64

Goodreads Rating: 4.17

When I go to sleep at night, all I see is your face. All that matters to me is your happiness. I’d do anything for you. But don’t expect me not to fight for you. I’m prepared to lose you, but not like this. Mia Moretti has always dreamed of becoming an artist. But after a fierce battle with a devastating illness that she is terrified will return, Mia is heartbroken to find herself unable to paint like she used to, and is forced to give up her place at art school. So when an opportunity to spend the summer in Italy presents itself, Mia jumps at the chance for a fresh start. She hopes that by travelling to the sun-drenched streets of Florence, surrounded by art and Tuscany’s rich green vineyards and sweeping hills, she will finally be able to heal. What Mia doesn't count on is meeting handsome local mechanic, Luca Bonnici. With his easy smile, endless warmth and irresistible joie de vivre, Mia can’t help but fall for him. And, as she slowly lets down her walls and opens her heart to Luca, Mia starts to fall in love with life again too. But just when she is ready to let go of her past, tragedy strikes. Will Mia’s strength and her love for Luca be enough to save them both, or is it already too late? Lose yourself in the blue skies and sun-kissed streets of Florence with this gorgeous, heart-wrenching story about love and second chances. Perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Santa Montefiore and That Month in Tuscany.

When I first saw this beautiful cover on a Twitter post, I was immediately intrigued and wanted to know more about this book. After reading the book description I requested to read it on Netgalley, and was over the moon when I received the email telling me I was approved to read it. Luckily for me, it was a beautiful sunny weekend when I was able to start reading this gorgeous book.

‘Her Tuscan Summer’ is the story of Mia, an Australian woman who has battled cancer. All Mia ever wanted to do was becoming an artist, but after her battle with cancer she finds herself unable to do what she loves most: paint. When she gets the opportunity to spend her summer in Italy, she doesn’t hesitate long. What is a better place to find herself again then the gorgeous streets of Florence?

This book is definitely a much ‘cleaner’ romance novel than I’ve been reading recently. But it had this magical feeling to it, from the moment I started reading till the very last page. I was able to read a lot of this book while sitting outside with the sun shining bright, birds chirping happily and this Italian music in my head. And I felt so excited and peaceful. And this book definitely was a very fun relaxing read to it.

The romance between Mia and Luca, wasn’t something I could really connect to or feel. I missed the chemistry between them and I honestly thought there was something a little off about Luca. Mia’s character was one I also had some trouble with. Mostly because she just seemed a little immature to me at times. And I found her age a bit confusing. She is supposed to be the age of an woman starting college after high school, but at times I thought she was much older.. and then she would react a certain way and I would think she was this teenager again. But fortunately, the writing and the story was nice enough to keep me hooked, and I enjoyed going on these trips through Italy with them.

The best thing about ‘Her Tuscan Summer’ to me was definitely the setting in Italy, and these little moments the author gives us inside the mind of an artist. I loved reading how Mia would have these feelings and she was able to paint them. I would have loved to see her paintings in real life.

I’ve only been to Italy once. And it was a work trip to Milan, so I’m sure I haven’t seen the real Italy yet. But after reading this book I’m even more determined to visit there someday soon. ‘Her Tuscan Summer’ was definitely a fun read that gives you a holiday feeling.

Available at (*affiliate):

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Vanessa Carnevale is an Australian author of women’s fiction. She is also the host of Your Beautiful Writing Life retreats held in Tuscany and Australia. Vanessa loves to travel, and spent several years living in Florence, Italy, a place she considers her second home. She lives in Australia with her husband and two children. Her previous novels, THE MEMORIES OF US and THE FLORENTINE BRIDGE are published by HarperCollins and have been translated into German and Slovenian. Vanessa’s third novel, MY LIFE FOR YOURS will be published by Bookouture in August 2020.

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I received this book by the publisher in exhange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

Maureen Bakker

Maureen is a mom, wife, nurse, and Ravenclaw living in the Netherlands. She spends her days juggling mom-life, reading, blogging, planning date nights with her husband and working as a nurse. Maureen also is a big Anglophile, loves cooking, Gilmore Girls, Bridgerton and Harry Potter.. Always!  Facebook | Instagram