Erika Germoglio seems to have her whole life figured out – she is a successful businesswoman and lives in NYC with her boyfriend, Craig Bernhardt, whom she plans to marry soon. Suddenly, she learns that her grandfather, whom she never got to meet left her two estates and a winery in Tuscany. Erika decides to go to Italy to appraise and sell both properties, but she quickly learns that her inheritance comes with one condition - she must stay in Tuscany for five months to learn more about Casalvento and Livernano, as well as the local culture, people, food, and her grandfather.
I loved the wonderful cast of side characters, including Doris, Santo, Mirella, Todd, and James. Paolo de Alberi, estate manager and Erika’s new love interest was also a likable character – passionate, handsome, hardworking, and compassionate. Even though I found Erika to be very hard to like at first, it was still inspiring to see her change and learn to enjoy life, and all the amazing food (oh, and wine, a lot of wine). I wish there was stronger chemistry between Erika and Paolo, but in a way, it makes sense as Paolo was a bit emotionally guarded at first because of his past experiences.
The writing is beautiful, and the vivid descriptions of the Italian countryside immediately drew me into the story! It was wonderful to learn that Casalvento and Livernano are real places, and the author beautifully incorporated her personal experiences of living and owning a winery in Tuscany.
Erika’s genuine effort to learn more about her grandfather was truly touching and beautiful, and I loved the little glimpses into Umberto’s life that we get through the letters he left for Erika. Even though they never got a chance to meet in person, their connection felt real and genuine.
“Her grandfather had helped her to see life in a totally different way. She could smell the roses now. She could see the different colors that made up the beautiful landscape, and she could hear the music in the wind. And she had learned what love and happiness felt like.”
My mom’s side of the family is from Croatia, and we would often prepare pasta e fagioli (pašta fažol). Umberto’s secret ingredient – a splash of vinegar was a fantastic tip! I loved all the other recipes at the end of the book too.
This is a beautiful and inspiring story that celebrates love in various forms - love for family, community, nature, and oneself. It was a bit predictable at times, but it’s still an enjoyable read. The ending wraps things up nicely, and there’s even a big twist that I didn’t see coming. This book is the perfect summer read, and it pairs well with a glass of fine vino! I highly recommend it!
The cover is beautiful and eye-catching – it would definitely grab my attention if I were browsing through books at my local bookstore!
Thank you, BookishFirst, Netgalley, the publisher Greenleaf Book Group Press, and author Gudrun Cuillo for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I loved the wonderful cast of side characters, including Doris, Santo, Mirella, Todd, and James. Paolo de Alberi, estate manager and Erika’s new love interest was also a likable character – passionate, handsome, hardworking, and compassionate. Even though I found Erika to be very hard to like at first, it was still inspiring to see her change and learn to enjoy life, and all the amazing food (oh, and wine, a lot of wine). I wish there was stronger chemistry between Erika and Paolo, but in a way, it makes sense as Paolo was a bit emotionally guarded at first because of his past experiences.
The writing is beautiful, and the vivid descriptions of the Italian countryside immediately drew me into the story! It was wonderful to learn that Casalvento and Livernano are real places, and the author beautifully incorporated her personal experiences of living and owning a winery in Tuscany.
Erika’s genuine effort to learn more about her grandfather was truly touching and beautiful, and I loved the little glimpses into Umberto’s life that we get through the letters he left for Erika. Even though they never got a chance to meet in person, their connection felt real and genuine.
“Her grandfather had helped her to see life in a totally different way. She could smell the roses now. She could see the different colors that made up the beautiful landscape, and she could hear the music in the wind. And she had learned what love and happiness felt like.”
My mom’s side of the family is from Croatia, and we would often prepare pasta e fagioli (pašta fažol). Umberto’s secret ingredient – a splash of vinegar was a fantastic tip! I loved all the other recipes at the end of the book too.
This is a beautiful and inspiring story that celebrates love in various forms - love for family, community, nature, and oneself. It was a bit predictable at times, but it’s still an enjoyable read. The ending wraps things up nicely, and there’s even a big twist that I didn’t see coming. This book is the perfect summer read, and it pairs well with a glass of fine vino! I highly recommend it!
The cover is beautiful and eye-catching – it would definitely grab my attention if I were browsing through books at my local bookstore!
Thank you, BookishFirst, Netgalley, the publisher Greenleaf Book Group Press, and author Gudrun Cuillo for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!