thebooktrail88's review
5.0
For the rip roaring ride and literary locations - : Booktrail of From Italy with Love
A trail in a car leaving from the channel tunnel and then going all the way across France, Switzerland and finally to Italy seems like a great way to travel.
Having a preplanned journey with the task of sending a postcard from each one sounds like fun and they’re soon off travelling but at first the journey is not an easy one – with two such very different personalities in the car, the ride is bumpy from the start.
This is a journey with a difference and there are many surprises along the way – think road trip mixed with a treasure hunt of sorts and a few candid camera moments and your picture is almost complete. Laurie and Cam change quite a lot from the beginning and Laurie especially, as she gets further away from her home in Leighton Buzzard and her old life.
From the Channel tunnel, they head to Honfleur , Le Mans, Orleans and to the delights of the Loire Valley and the stunning castles there. Then off to Chaumont, Bresancon, Basle, Zurich, Monstein, Bormio and Maranello
But the real challenge is the Stelvio Pass – the journey from Switzerland to Italy and all the way to the home of Formula One – Maranello
For all car enthusiasts, this will cause extreme envy – visiting Bormio and Maranello. In a Ferrari!
No spoilers as to what happens to the car and those in it, but it’s been a rip roaring ride of surprises and romance set against a real life adventure trail and pilgrimage for Ferrari fans everywhere.
Well that was an interesting journey! I could feel the wind in my hair, the roar of the engine and the scenery of various countries and places whizzing by. Such a fun ride and as many twists and turns both in the story and on the road. Never been in a Ferrari but I really want to go in a real one now!
The idea that your uncle had only left you a Ferrari if you drove it half way across Europe appealed to me. Knowing nothing about the world of Ferraris. I now know a little of that buzz world and the places people go on car pilgrimages. Quite an eye opener!
All in all a fun ride and a charming story. It’s a romantic comedy and there were more than one Bridget Jones moments with Laurie! She’d be great to travel with. Laughs all the way.
A fun read with an amazing backdrop across Europe!
A trail in a car leaving from the channel tunnel and then going all the way across France, Switzerland and finally to Italy seems like a great way to travel.
Having a preplanned journey with the task of sending a postcard from each one sounds like fun and they’re soon off travelling but at first the journey is not an easy one – with two such very different personalities in the car, the ride is bumpy from the start.
This is a journey with a difference and there are many surprises along the way – think road trip mixed with a treasure hunt of sorts and a few candid camera moments and your picture is almost complete. Laurie and Cam change quite a lot from the beginning and Laurie especially, as she gets further away from her home in Leighton Buzzard and her old life.
From the Channel tunnel, they head to Honfleur , Le Mans, Orleans and to the delights of the Loire Valley and the stunning castles there. Then off to Chaumont, Bresancon, Basle, Zurich, Monstein, Bormio and Maranello
But the real challenge is the Stelvio Pass – the journey from Switzerland to Italy and all the way to the home of Formula One – Maranello
For all car enthusiasts, this will cause extreme envy – visiting Bormio and Maranello. In a Ferrari!
No spoilers as to what happens to the car and those in it, but it’s been a rip roaring ride of surprises and romance set against a real life adventure trail and pilgrimage for Ferrari fans everywhere.
Well that was an interesting journey! I could feel the wind in my hair, the roar of the engine and the scenery of various countries and places whizzing by. Such a fun ride and as many twists and turns both in the story and on the road. Never been in a Ferrari but I really want to go in a real one now!
The idea that your uncle had only left you a Ferrari if you drove it half way across Europe appealed to me. Knowing nothing about the world of Ferraris. I now know a little of that buzz world and the places people go on car pilgrimages. Quite an eye opener!
All in all a fun ride and a charming story. It’s a romantic comedy and there were more than one Bridget Jones moments with Laurie! She’d be great to travel with. Laughs all the way.
A fun read with an amazing backdrop across Europe!
sarahs_bookish_life's review
3.0
3.5 stars
From Italy With Love is your predictable romance story. What does make this one slightly different though is the fabulous descriptions of the surrounding scenery and a wonderful classic car.
I have to say reading of Cam and Laurie as they make their way to Italy really made me wish that I had the time and money to be able to take the same route as they did. The places they go to and the scenery just sounded so idyllic and was definitely very envious.
The whole storyline was quite obvious but this novel is still very much an enjoyable read and would certainly read more books by the author.
From Italy With Love is your predictable romance story. What does make this one slightly different though is the fabulous descriptions of the surrounding scenery and a wonderful classic car.
I have to say reading of Cam and Laurie as they make their way to Italy really made me wish that I had the time and money to be able to take the same route as they did. The places they go to and the scenery just sounded so idyllic and was definitely very envious.
The whole storyline was quite obvious but this novel is still very much an enjoyable read and would certainly read more books by the author.
asquared92's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book immensely. I did struggle getting into this book in the beginning, but once I hit my stride I couldn’t put the book down. The characters were well written for the most part. I felt for and root for Laurie and loved her journey for self-discovery. Cam was messy and complicated and charming to read. The journey they took and the scenery was described in such rich detail. I felt like I was there with them. The ending was sweet and fit the story. I just wished for a few more pages.
maddiewheeler's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
annawojo's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
joliendelandsheer's review
4.0
Original review on The Fictional Reader
Review
When I requested this book from Netgalley, I did so because I liked the synopsis and it had been a while since I had read a adult romance. I hadn’t heard of the author before, and I –for some reason– was not expecting great things. I am so happy to be proven wrong! I highly enjoyed this story, and there’s really only one reason I deducted a half star.
Story
How could you not love this story? It takes you across the UK, France and Italy. In a beautiful classic Ferrari. HELLO! Count me in. I enjoyed the story, although I wish we would have gotten to know more about the places they visited. Adult romances are often mostly about the characters though, so I understand. It all starts with Miles’ funeral, which is not a sad affair, but one of laughter and colorful clothing, as he wanted it. The story here revolves entirely around Laurie. It’s a story about rediscovering who you are, understanding that a safe and secure life does not always mean a happy life. I feel as if the message is very dear to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bored with my life. But I often wonder whether I will be. Whether one day, I will just realize that I haven’t done anything I’m passionate about for months. It scares me to live a life like that and not even realizing it. This is a story about discovering what you want, and having the courage to choose it over another option that might be more stable and secure.
Characters
First off, there is Laurie. At first, I was a bit annoyed as I felt like she was a bit of a doormat. I quickly realized that that is not true, although she should have voiced her opinion more. I really liked Laurie, she seemed quite relatable. I especially enjoyed how she evolved during the journey. How she learned to voice her opinion more, to feel beautiful instead of less than others and to enjoy everything around her. The only thing I did not like in this book -which is why I didn’t give it 5 stars- is the cheating. I despise cheating. If you are not happy with your partner, then either try to make it work or split up. There is no other right choice here. Although the boyfriend was such a terrible person, I may have actually forgiven the cheating a bit.
Then there is Cam. I did really like him -although I sincerely dislike what he was trying to do in order for her to sell the car. Really, sabotaging it? That’s ridiculous. You could have just explained your reasons for wanting it. Am I the only person who believes that actually talking to someone works better than deceiving them? Anyway. I liked that he was a good guy –which I know contrasts what I just said. I loved reading about his relationship with Miles, and how he slowly got to know Laurie –and vice versa. I wouldn’t mind finding my own Cam one day.
I can’t not talk about Miles, okay. Yes, he has already passed away at the beginning of the story –otherwise that funeral would have been quite morbid, no? But he is such an important character in this story! He is the glue that keeps the family and estate together, the one that tries to give each and every person he loved the best. I adore this guy. Even though his method may not have been the best, he knew Laurie needed to break out of her security-shell. Well done, Miles.
Lastly, Robert. I don’t even want to talk about this person, as he is a horrid human being. The only thing he cares about is money. He finds out that the family Laurie has lost is rich and immediately wants to marry her. Then he finds out about the car. He doesn’t even ask Laurie whether she wants it as a reminder to her uncle. No, he immediately looks up how much he can profit from it. And then when Laurie said she didn’t want to marry immediately, he just completely ignored that and phoned the wedding registry -or something like that. HELLO? WHAT? Anyway, you are a terrible person.
Conclusion
I highly enjoyed From Italy With Love. It’s a romance novel that will surprise you. It showed me how important it is to never let go of your passions, no matter what your financial situation or job is. To never settle for anything, because if you want to, you can achieve things you never thought possible. It did all that for me, even though it was such a light and quick read. I would definitely recommend it to fans of the genre.
★★★★ ½
Review
When I requested this book from Netgalley, I did so because I liked the synopsis and it had been a while since I had read a adult romance. I hadn’t heard of the author before, and I –for some reason– was not expecting great things. I am so happy to be proven wrong! I highly enjoyed this story, and there’s really only one reason I deducted a half star.
Story
How could you not love this story? It takes you across the UK, France and Italy. In a beautiful classic Ferrari. HELLO! Count me in. I enjoyed the story, although I wish we would have gotten to know more about the places they visited. Adult romances are often mostly about the characters though, so I understand. It all starts with Miles’ funeral, which is not a sad affair, but one of laughter and colorful clothing, as he wanted it. The story here revolves entirely around Laurie. It’s a story about rediscovering who you are, understanding that a safe and secure life does not always mean a happy life. I feel as if the message is very dear to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bored with my life. But I often wonder whether I will be. Whether one day, I will just realize that I haven’t done anything I’m passionate about for months. It scares me to live a life like that and not even realizing it. This is a story about discovering what you want, and having the courage to choose it over another option that might be more stable and secure.
Characters
First off, there is Laurie. At first, I was a bit annoyed as I felt like she was a bit of a doormat. I quickly realized that that is not true, although she should have voiced her opinion more. I really liked Laurie, she seemed quite relatable. I especially enjoyed how she evolved during the journey. How she learned to voice her opinion more, to feel beautiful instead of less than others and to enjoy everything around her. The only thing I did not like in this book -which is why I didn’t give it 5 stars- is the cheating. I despise cheating. If you are not happy with your partner, then either try to make it work or split up. There is no other right choice here. Although the boyfriend was such a terrible person, I may have actually forgiven the cheating a bit.
Then there is Cam. I did really like him -although I sincerely dislike what he was trying to do in order for her to sell the car. Really, sabotaging it? That’s ridiculous. You could have just explained your reasons for wanting it. Am I the only person who believes that actually talking to someone works better than deceiving them? Anyway. I liked that he was a good guy –which I know contrasts what I just said. I loved reading about his relationship with Miles, and how he slowly got to know Laurie –and vice versa. I wouldn’t mind finding my own Cam one day.
I can’t not talk about Miles, okay. Yes, he has already passed away at the beginning of the story –otherwise that funeral would have been quite morbid, no? But he is such an important character in this story! He is the glue that keeps the family and estate together, the one that tries to give each and every person he loved the best. I adore this guy. Even though his method may not have been the best, he knew Laurie needed to break out of her security-shell. Well done, Miles.
Lastly, Robert. I don’t even want to talk about this person, as he is a horrid human being. The only thing he cares about is money. He finds out that the family Laurie has lost is rich and immediately wants to marry her. Then he finds out about the car. He doesn’t even ask Laurie whether she wants it as a reminder to her uncle. No, he immediately looks up how much he can profit from it. And then when Laurie said she didn’t want to marry immediately, he just completely ignored that and phoned the wedding registry -or something like that. HELLO? WHAT? Anyway, you are a terrible person.
Conclusion
I highly enjoyed From Italy With Love. It’s a romance novel that will surprise you. It showed me how important it is to never let go of your passions, no matter what your financial situation or job is. To never settle for anything, because if you want to, you can achieve things you never thought possible. It did all that for me, even though it was such a light and quick read. I would definitely recommend it to fans of the genre.
★★★★ ½
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