Reviews

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

sarahconley's review against another edition

3.0

Cute short read, emotional book about losing her mother and learning about herself. Sortof wish they’d done more to redeem her husband at the end but oh well.

jaclyncrupi's review against another edition

3.0

Serle is the master of the tear jerker. So much is so silly with this book when you think about it but in the moment of reading she sweeps you away completely. I cried a bit. Big ugly crying. The grief depicted in this book felt so raw and real. The Italy depicted is idyllic and not at all real. The plot is truly ridiculous. But who even cares. Turn your critical brain off and just enjoy.

hanhoffie's review

adventurous emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

cindyshirld's review

3.0

At first, I was jealous of the close relationship Katy had with her mother but eventually, it felt eye-rolling because it was borderline obsession. Sure, you had a great relationship with your mother but you're a grown married woman. And you're telling me you didn't feel your mother had a single flaw? Anyway, I liked how Positano was described, enough to make me want to go there and experience it myself.

Didn't understand why the author made her have an affair even if it occurred whenever it time before she realized she wanted to be with her husband?

missuec's review against another edition

Female main character was sad about her mother passing away and I wasn’t in the right mindset to read it. 

jenhfultz's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

3.25

sreynaud's review against another edition

adventurous emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

baconbre's review against another edition

2.0

I loved the first half of the book. Once the “twists” came out about how the whole time she was in 1992. Hence why Adam was reading Jurassic Park. To be fair people are very much stuck in 90s media I didn’t pick up it was in the past. I felt like this was a cope out. She clearly liked Adam. She didn’t even tell the husband about her sleeping with someone else and it being the best she ever had. “One summer doesn’t define you. My mother was a flawed woman just like I am.” …. That’s all the book has to say about that. I hate how they act like it’s no big deal that Italy is just where shit happens. I don’t think she even should be with the husband she at least needs to be alone. The whole book she complains about wishing she didn’t marry him. Then poof. She’s happy just cause it’s time for the book to end. I hated they never gave much of an explanation for why Carol left home. They say they aren’t rich, but she’s been there for weeks. How can you just randomly go to Italy because you don’t want to deal with having a kid. Then they say she was “the most instant connection with a baby I’ve ever seen.” Then act like it’s normal who does that?!? Also I hate Katy’s husband. They act like he’s a bad husband cause he lets her go on this trip that was ment for her and her late mother alone. Then randomly pops up on her when she said she wanted space….Yes she’s happy to see him, but he doesn’t know that until he’s there. When she’s literally on the phone with her dad he takes it from her puts it down on a table (never says if he hanged up) and starts being romantic with Katy. Sir she was just talking to someone wtf. Then she says things are gonna change, but her husband is sleeping late and not doing anything to shows he’s willing to be more outgoing. Also Katy’s husband says that her mom most annoy her dad with all her annoying talking and habits. They were the ones helpless in the kitchen not knowing how to act without the mom there. Don’t get me started on Katy saving the day with the hotel by telling the manager to buy Apple and Starbucks stocks. HATED IT!!! Loved the beginning. Had so much potential.

getbookedwithjessica's review against another edition

3.0

This book was just an ok read for me. When I read the synopsis I said to myself I’ll love this because it takes place in Positano and it’s on my bucket list.

The premise was interesting, but it just didn't work for me. I enjoyed the descriptions of Italy and the surrounding areas, the water, the boats, the food...but the storyline and content was lacking.

I could never quite figure out what was going on in real time, dream, fantasy, wishful thinking - and the connections between characters.

kaylakjc's review against another edition

4.0

"One Italian Summer" by Rebecca Serle is a delightful journey through the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery. Serle masterfully weaves together various facets and book tropes, creating a narrative that is both heartwarming and captivating.

At the core of the story lies the theme of love, not just in the romantic sense, but also in the profound bond between a daughter and her late mother. Katy's journey back in time to the Italian city where her mother once lived adds a unique twist, offering readers a glimpse into the power of familial love and the longing for closure after loss.

What makes this novel particularly endearing is the realization that, ultimately, the answers we seek are often found within ourselves. Through Katy's experiences, readers are reminded that while seeking guidance from loved ones is natural, true understanding and resolution come from introspection and self-discovery.

Serle's prose is enchanting, effortlessly drawing readers into the picturesque setting of Italy and the emotional depths of the characters' journeys. As someone who has enjoyed Serle's previous works, I can attest to her ability to craft stories that resonate long after the final page is turned.

"One Italian Summer" is not only a quick and enjoyable read but also serves as a much-needed escape from the rigors of daily life. It's the perfect remedy for a reading lull, offering a refreshing break while still providing moments of profound insight and warmth.

I wholeheartedly recommend "One Italian Summer" to anyone in search of a touching story filled with love, longing, and the power of self-discovery.