I had heard so many (so so many) people talking about Lucy Coleman but nothing could have prepared me for how quickly I fell in love with this story of a writer (yay!) whose birthday is Valentine’s day (double yay!) and who lives in a ‘quirky five bedroom cottage in the Forest of Dean.’ (Falls over!)

Despite the ample property space and romantic birthday, it’s just her, which is fine, except for an author of erotic fiction who believes totally and absolutely in love and who is obsessed with all things romance, including Jude Law, well, she doesn’t believe it is. Feeling like she’s in a rut, she barricades herself in her lovely cottage and is soon the subject of an intervention which aids in sending her to Italy to work alongside an author who gives amazing courses (truly, as in I really wanted to go to take part in the writing retreat, it covered a lot of things I myself need and would love to work on!) I thought this would be more about the people on the retreat (which would have been very much up my street) but actually this is a very soft spoken, spell binding story of how whirlwind romances can occur when people are actually just looking to find themselves and where they fit. I loved Brie and Arran, swooned at the drama, romance, settings and above all all the writerly bookish parts (in particular Brie defending her genre and her writing, which as an Irish chick lit writer is something I have to do all the time!) Very much recommended and I now have Ms. Coleman bookmarked as an author to watch. Thanks so much to Aria for the book in return for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria, for the read of Lucy Coleman’s, Summer on the Italian Lakes.

This is the first book of Lucy Coleman’s that I’ve read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I now, most definitely, have to read all her work.

Successful writer Brianna, is in a professional rut. As well, she is slumped into a personal bit of a nosedive, having recently gone through a break up with her famous rock star boyfriend. Brianna’s confidence, and esteem are hurting. She pretty much throws herself into her own pity party. Until her family and friends hold a loving intervention to pull her up and out of it.

With a gentle kick in the pants, and best friend Mel support, Brianna starts to get her groove back. When Carrie, her editor-friend, proposes an opportunity for Brianna to be a fill-in for a writer retreat in Italy, Brianna soon finds herself in a villa, in a room with a beautiful view, overlooking Lake Garda.

Arran is a published and successful author, who owns the villa and runs the writer retreat every summer. He welcomes Brianna a little reservedly, but quickly comes to respect her professional expertise.

Can Brianna get under Arran’s reserved skin and get him to open up? Does she want to? A lovely connection begins between the two of them…a softening up of hearts that were hurting.

Lucy Coleman takes you right to the sunshine warmth of Italy. I could smell the sweet flowers; see the beautiful lake as I sat on the balcony looking out at the incredible views. I felt like I knew my way around the villa, and I definitely wanted to join the lively group for dinner, or just as they strolled to town for evening walkabouts.

There is healing, acceptance, breaking down of emotional walls, taking chances, joy and romance. Summer on the Italian Lakes has all the feel-goods. It is a gem of a read.

I loved the book. Anyone who reads it will too. Highly recommend it.

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Aria through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in my review are my very own.

Summer on the Italian Lakes has to be my favourite Lucy Coleman novel so far. I have to confess to being somewhat biased as the setting for this novel is on Lake Garda, a favourite holiday destination of mine. Having said that, I really enjoyed the read.
Poor Brie, we meet her during a very low period of her life. A recent split from her rock star boyfriend, bullied by on line trolls and the subject of unkind shots from the paparazzi she turns to food for comfort. It takes friends Mel and Carrie (her agent) plus her parents to turn her around. But they can’t cure one of the most fundamental issues in her life – writer’s block.
Agent Carrie asks here if she would be interested in a month on Lake Garda assisting well known historian and writer of military fiction, Arran Jamieson. He runs an annual writer’s workshop from his home Villa Monteverdi and his usual assistant has a broken ankle. Could this be what she needs to help her kick start her writing once more? Particularly the new novel she’s keen to write, one very far removed from her signature hot hero romances. Carrie also asks if she could assist Arran with a novel he’s currently writing. It’s a complete change from norm, a World War II romance based on a true story.
Despite a difficult start – Brie finds him arrogant - these two characters have a lot in common. Both have gone through traumatic experiences with their partners. Both want to write something different.
Besides the amazing backdrop – both the lake and the villa, I loved the way Brie and Arran’s relationship developed. Both characters were written with great depth which had me wanting things to work out. Arran’s ex-wife Harriet was a real horror and there were moments when I wondered what the outcome would be for both of them.
A lovely romantic read with great characters.
Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for an ARC copy of Summer on the Italian Lakes in exchange for an honest review.

This fabulous author has done it again! Here’s yet another wonderfully entertaining novel that shares Lucy Coleman’s hallmark energy, humour, romance and liveliness with her other stories, but that’s all because each of her books is totally original and distinctive. You never know what enjoyable tale she’ll serve up next, or who she’ll create for us to meet.
Here we have Brianna who’s at a personal and creative low. Since she failed to quite fit in with her rock star boyfriend’s brand image, he dumped her and poor Brie wallowed for a while. She’d still be wallowing if loving friends, family and publisher hadn’t given her a kind but stern talking to and made her grab hold of herself by the scruff of the neck and shake herself back into shape. Part of that process is a season at a writing retreat in Italy. I think it’s fair to say that the healing process goes extremely well… apart from a few little hitches on the way! But the course of true love never did run smooth…
The setting is truly idyllic, and you can feel the warmth and smell the flowers at the villa. Italy is essential to the story as this story simply couldn’t take place anywhere else. The characters we meet are fascinating and intriguing – even the unlikeable ones! – and make for great company for our heroine. She’s utterly sympathetic and charming, and always dignified, even when life serves up lemons. You’d love to have her as your best friend.
I adored this book, and I’m sure you will too. It makes for perfect summer reading, and spring, summer and autumn too!

Now that’s AMORE!

A sweet love story that will make you want to visit Italy, write a book, and fall in love! This really is the perfect romance for any book lover... A delightful romantic story peppered with inside information on publishing and writing... I have no aspirations of being an author, but there were times during this book I thought I should give it a go, but no worries I change my mind! I strategically avoided all papers or as many as possible while I was in college, an English major I am not!

Brie is a romance writer who leans more towards the steamier side of things... unfortunately her own life isn’t quite as romantic or steamy as those in her books... after a bad and fairly public break up Brie hits rock-bottom, her friends and family are so concerned if they stage an intervention... soon after Brie finds herself heading to Italy to teach at a writers retreat... there she meets academic writer and host Arran, a man who Brie believes does not have a romantic bone in his body..... but with time and as these two get to know each other better, she finds out that romance comes in all shapes and forms... she also finds out that love is never simple... so will these to be able to overcome love’s messiness? You’ll need to read this book to find out!

Brie was such a fun real and relatable character! I thinkt her insecurities and doubts will resonate with many readers as well as her dreams and romantic hopes... likewise Arran was a relatable character he was loving but not necessarily “romantic“.... their Romance was so sweet although a bit speedy... something else I really found fascinating about this book was all the writing and publishing tidbits, I admire author so much and it was interesting to see how their minds work....

A lovely story full of wonderful characters, a Beautiful setting, and Un sacco di amore! Recommend!

🎵🎵🎵 song running through my head!

<i>(In Napoli where love is king
When boy meets girl here's what they say)
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie
That's amore
When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine
That's amore
Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling, ting-a-ling-a-ling
And you'll sing "Vita bella"
Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay, tippy-tippy-tay
Like a gay tarantella
When the stars make you drool just like a pasta e fasul
That's amore
When you dance down the street with a cloud at your feet
You're in love
When you walk in a dream but you know you're not
Dreaming signore
Scuzzi me, but you see, back in old Napoli
That's amore
When the moon hits you eye like a big pizza pie
That's amore
When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine
That's amore
Bells will…</i>

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OnFlx2Lnr9Q

*** A huge thank you to Aria for my copy of this book ***

Lucy Coleman is the undisputed queen of feel-good women’s fiction. Her novels are escapist, enjoyable and engrossing and they never fail to sweep readers away into a world that sparkles with glamour, charm, warmth, heart and emotion and she is on top form once again with her latest novel, Summer on the Italian Lakes.

Briana Middleton is a best-selling romance writer with a legion of devoted readers who have fallen head over heels in love with her steamy and sensuous sweeping romances. Briana might be the undisputed queen of fictional happy ever afters, but what she knows about real life romance could be written on the back of a postage stamp. Fictional romance writer Briana is not exactly an expert when it comes to relationships in the real world. Briana is struggling with her relationships and her work. She needs help and it looks like she might just have found the perfect place to get her mojo back – and the love that has eluded her for so long…

When Brie is offered the opportunity to teach creative writing in a stunning villa in Lake Como, she is not initially keen. However, realising that such opportunities do not come along every day, she accepts the job and soon heads off to Italy where she is immediately bowled over by her idyllic surroundings. The villa she will be staying in over the summer is absolutely breathtaking and she is soon inspired to power through the writers block that has hampered her for so long. However, it is not just her writing that is reenergized because she soon finds herself getting up close and personal with the villa’s owner, superstar author Arran Jamieson…

This summer on the Italian lakes looks set to be Brie’s best one yet. Will she finally manage to find the happiness which she has been searching for for so long? Or will she end up going back home disappointed and full of regret?

Summer on the Italian Lakes is a wonderful story that kept me engrossed and enthralled from beginning to end. Lucy Coleman couldn’t write a bad book if she tried and she has once again penned a heartwarming, joyous and uplifting tale of fresh starts, second chances and finding the courage to chase after your dreams that I simply couldn’t put down. Packed with characters you cannot help but love, wonderfully described settings, nail-biting emotional drama, poignant romance and delicious humour, Summer on the Italian Lakes is just the thing to brighten up even the dullest and most dismal winter days!

A fabulous read from a writer who never fails to tick all the right boxes and deliver an outstanding romantic tale, Summer on the Italian Lakes is another winner by Lucy Coleman.

I really like this author and have read a few of her books and this one did not disappoint at all. This is the story of Brie who heads to Italy to a writing retreat. Real heart warming read. Would recommend.

Favorite Quotes:

I hang my head, bringing up the rear like some wayward child as everyone files into the sitting room. It looks like there has been an explosion and most of it is snack related.

Where were you when he proposed?
Oh, sitting opposite him in the kitchen watching him chopping garlic.
Did he get down on one knee?
No, but he did stop chopping for a moment.

Sometimes a hero doesn’t arrive on a white charger or knock on your door with his arms full of flowers. Often, he makes you laugh when you least expect to – like when you are staring at a photo of you both naked on the internet and your mother comes up behind you.

‘That’s easy for you to say as it isn’t your naked rear that keeps popping up on the internet.’ The smile he’d given me was wicked. ‘Yes, but you look good, so don’t knock it… and when you’re eighty years old I bet you’ll get a little thrill when you remember that moment. I know I always will.’

It’s officially wine o’clock, and this glass has your name on it.


My Review:


This was a slowly developing story written in the first person POV of Brie, a best-selling romance writer who was initially suffering from writer’s block. The vast majority of the narrative consisted of Brie’s inner musings and observations, which were often lushly detailed from floor to ceiling. Each vista, meal, person, and room was lavishly and colorfully described while bringing each character to life fully formed in my mind’s eye. Brie was a hopeless romantic who was still waiting for “The One” to make his appearance in her life but by age thirty, he continued to remain elusive. She was sent as a last minute replacement to assist with a writers’ retreat to a lovely Italian villa, hosted by Arran, a handsome yet complicated man who primarily did not appear impressed with her romantic ideals and successful backlist, but of course that quickly changed and the sheets were scorched. The storylines were pleasantly engaging although the writing style was quite verbose and took a slow and somewhat complicated route to arrive at that oh-so-satisfying HEA. And bonus - in addition to amusing entertainment, I actually learned a lot about the process of writing fiction during their interesting and thoughtful lessons and workshop discussions.

This story didn’t draw me in immediately, the tone was so negative. Since this author is known for her positivity, I decided to read on. After the first chapter, I realised the reader is in the main character’s head, and she is in a bad place. So don’t be put off, read on.

There is a lot to like in the remainder of the story, a stunning setting, which I love. Having visited the Lake Garda region in 2004, I can confirm that the author’s description really does capture the essence of this lovely region. The writers’ retreat is also interesting, interspersed with writing and publishing tips, this gives the story its authenticity.

Brie’s life is nothing like her public persona and she begins to wonder if romance exists beyond the passionate words she creates in her sexy novels. When she meets Arran, there is chemistry but also conflict. They are both emotionally raw and have seemingly incompatible personality traits.

I liked the realistic nature of their relationship, with two characters that get under your skin, until you really want them to have their happy ending.

An enjoyable romance, full of vivid imagery and believable characters, and for the most part is positive and heartwarming.

I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I unfortunately wasn't able to get through this book. While I enjoyed the premise and the main character's struggle with her break up was relatable, I couldn't get into the writing style. The dialogue felt very unrealistic and long. The plot has so much promise and if it were a little easier to read, I probably would have really loved this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read this!

I received an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Brianna is a successful Contemporary Romantic Novel writer. She is suffering from writers block after a failed romance with a famous rockstar. She has been the victim of online trolling and her confidence is badly dented.
Arran is a successful history writer, but his new novel requires romantic scenes. He is struggling to write them, as an acrimonious divorce has left him feeling anything but romantic. Both of them have defined looming, and their Agent Carrie suggested that Brianna helps Arran to run his writers workshop in Italy, and to work on his Romantic scenes.
As someone who has always dreamed about writing a novel, I absolutely loved reading about the process of writing a book and getting it published. I thought that the Writers worship was fascinating too, and made me want to sign up for a writers retreat.
The setting of Lake Garda in Italy was stunning, although I would have liked more scenes to be set in the local area, rather than mainly at the villa.
The two protagonists were likeable, once you got to know them better. The storyline moved at a good pace until near the end, once Brianna returns home, but it picks up speed again.
I recommend this book, it was well written and enjoyable.

Do you love the sun? Would you like to know a bit more about how books are ‘born’? Do you like romance? If you tick all these boxes, you will enjoy this story as much as I did.

Being famous opens a lot of doors and social media are a perfect way to talk to people, but those doors are also open to trolls and not so well wishers or people wanting something for themselves by harming someone else.

But when you find that one special person, you can conquer whatever comes to you. Even if people are not supportive, together you are strong and you know that the most important one is having your back. And when others are starting to see what you see, you can relax and focus on your happy ever after.

A lovely and warm story with a bit of Italian history and a look behind the screens of the world of books.

Thank you, Lucy Coleman and Rachels Random Rescources.

Book received courtesy of publisher/author.

Winsome, engaging, and lush!

Summer on the Italian Lakes is the uplifting, humorous story of Brie, a young romance writer who heads to Lake Garda to help out at a writing retreat even though her own heart, focus, and self-confidence are in tatters after a recent, public breakup.

The writing is beautiful and vivid. The characters are endearing, intriguing, and authentic. And the plot is a wonderful mix of life, love, family, friendship, light drama, self-discovery, romance, and all the ins and outs of writing a novel.

Overall, Summer on the Italian Lakes is another sophisticated, tender, intriguing tale by Coleman that once again highlights her phenomenal ability to sweep you away to another place through her passion and knowledge for its food, landscape, and culture.

Brianna Middleton is a successful writer but struggling to find her mojo to finish her current work-in-progress. She's also single and lacking confidence after her previous relationship severely dented her confidence. When her agent asks her to stand in for another writer on a four-week assignment in Italy to assist on a writing retreat, she's sceptical but accepts the challenge. Her first impressions of her host are strained, but with a stunning backdrop against Lake Garda, the trip not only triggers her creativity but opens her mind and heart to find love.

Although the main focus is on Brie and Arran, I devoured all the information surrounding the writing retreat classes. If you, like me have sat down to write, you'll love all the details about the writing process the author poured into this part of the narrative. It's unexpected, yet played a huge part in my overall enjoyment along with the antics of the protagonists and their guests.

I enjoyed how Brie took stock of her life and let go of her inhibitions to explore the opportunities presented to her, including Arran. As the hero, I always appreciate getting to know ones perceived as difficult, until we learn more about them. It's exciting when the attraction becomes more than a furtive glance and a slight touch. Complimenting the tentative relationship is the stunning Italian Lakes backdrop and the tantalising descriptions of the sights, sounds and smells of the area.

Around the 75-80% mark, the narrative dragged on and ran out of steam. Until this point, I adored the time the protagonists were in Italy and remained invested in them after the plot shifted back to the UK. However, the additional plot-lines concentrating on secondary characters took away the focus from Brie and Arran in what I can only think is a way of building interest for a future novel? If this is the case, it didn't work for me as I didn't connect sufficiently to those characters and it cast a shadow over what had been until that point a fabulous read.

Overall, many high points make this a lovely, fascinating romance; two very different authors finding a common ground between them, the inclusion of the writing retreat class information and lastly, Lake Garda's beauty and culture. This combination works perfectly and anything else for me was surplus to requirement.

3.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Aria via NetGalley***

What better way to blow away the cold February cobwebs than to escape to the Italian Lakes! Author, Brianna Middleton is struggling with her work. Not only does she have writer’s block, but the steamy romance that she writes about is the only romance that features in her life at the moment! When the opportunity to spend the summer teaching at a writers retreat arises in Italy, Brianna realises this could be just the thing she needs to add the spark back into, not just her writing but her own love-life!

Obviously the first thing that attracted me to this book was the word “Summer”!! Freezing cold Britain is all that is realistically on offer to me at the moment, so a little bit of escapism over to the warm sun of the Italian Lakes was just what the doctor ordered! The cover was also very tempting with blue skies and the equally blue water of Lake Garda. The fact that it was also Lucy Coleman who was writing was also another big plus!! (For those of you who aren’t in the know though, Lucy Coleman is the pen name for author Linn B. Halton, and if you’ve not tried any of her books then I highly recommend you do!)

I really liked Brianna’s character. She’s obviously a very talented author but can’t quite add the same level of romance into her own life as what she does with her novels. She also seems to be suffering from very low self-esteem which doesn’t really help with her writing mojo! The storyline does seem to give the impression that an author’s life, particularly Brianna’s life, can be a very lonely one, hidden away for long periods of time to write a book which makes a lot of people happy….just not the author herself! I did feel quite sorry for Brianna and kept everything crossed that the author gave her a happy ending!

Heading over to the writing retreat based at Lake Garda gave Brianna the opportunity to meet fellow author, Arran Jamieson who also appears to have problems of his own in the romance department. I loved how the relationship between the two of them developed and the hope that Brianna finds some happiness had me turning the pages furiously to reach the end!! The setting in the Italian Lakes was just absolutely perfect and so well described, to the point that I could just imagine myself lounging by the lakes with a good book and a large Campari Spritz!

Not being an author myself (and never attempted to write anything other than a review!), I loved the detail that went into describing the authors retreat! It gave great information and inspiration to aspiring authors, obviously only which an established author could have done! This book was a lovely heart-warming read of friendship and love. It is absolutely perfect for a cold winter’s day or ideal for a summer holiday read. Either way, I’m sure anyone that reads it will love it as much as I did! Highly recommended!

Oh, my goodness me, I don’t know how she does it? Lucy Coleman is just the most fantastic wizard with words, and here, like our beloved Jane Austen she weaves the stories of ‘3 or 4 families’ into one romantic heart-warming whirlwind of a story. Like a wonderful stack of Russian dolls, Lucy manages to dovetail stories within stories. If ‘life is like a box of chocolates’ then you can enjoy a pick and mix of different tales all at the same time in this easy to read, friend of a book.
One of the most beguiling characters is the wonderful scenery of Lake Garda itself, so far, I have never been there, but Lucy took me there in an instant. I could see the water shimmering and feel the peace of the calming expanse spread out before our readerly eyes. I immediately settled back and settled in, feeling the lovely relaxing power of the story reaching all around me, to the very tips of my toes.
I so enjoyed getting to know Brie – she is so relatable, and I loved the scenes where we get to see her innermost thoughts – she is a true kick-ass, bad-ass – all that I aspire to be on my best days. Like her I have discovered the power of the realisation that I am in charge of my choices and I loved watching Brie set out on her journey. Not only does she speak the language of the modern woman today – but she very much reminds us that a little pampering – a little self-compassion, a mini make-over every now and again, does us good. Even the smallest of ways that we can attempt this can make us feel epic and re-booted.
Brie has a passion for living – it gets covered in a little dust for a while, but she truly believes that we have to start by being honest with ourselves. Life is for living and the saddest part is when we are just existing. This book is like a much-needed shot in the arm, a boost to the morale. It is full of hope – that if you surround your own heart with your own values, goals and way of being – then you will move forward and better still – you will know what you want out of life and reveal the power within you to reach out and welcome it in.
Finding something that you love doing and working at it is Brie’s motto. Being grateful for what you do have is her bottom line. She is not afraid of hard work, but more than that, she is brave – and she refuses to let the blighters get her down – she learns – she grows – she adapts. Brie does more than survive – she thrives. She is blessed with an understanding that all we have is NOW and we have to pluck happiness from the path around us even if that path is full of weeds, rocks and stones at times.
We have all had lessons that have ‘scarred the heart’ but this lovely little book lets the sunshine in, it lets the warmth onto your face and sends a zing of energy through to your soul. A particular line in the story rang true to me, it reminded me of the glorious feeling of empowerment that truly being yourself brings, you know, that moment when you stick out your chin, and grin and say to the world around you ‘enough, we’re doing this so get over it! It’s the perfect boost for this season – a way to set our sights a little higher and to put a little more spring into our step. Summer on the Italian Lakes simply made me feel happy – and that’s a brilliant way to spend a few hours. It set me up for the week ahead and then some. This is such a brilliant ‘feel good, reaffirming story with a moral or two woven into the pages’, Brie herself, would be really proud of Lucy for sharing it with us.
Coffee Cup Conversations and Teapot Talking Points:
If you and I dear reader were sitting down together today, perhaps in Arran’s lovely lake side garden, having both read the book, here are a few of the points we could mull over together.
Have you ever been to the Italian Lakes?
I loved the descriptions of this beautiful part of the world. I loved the references to architecture, the landscape, the history and culture and most of all of the people who live there. It made me want to watch ‘Letters to Juliet’ again and ‘Eat, Pray, Love’. Is there anything more magical than when a book takes you physically away to another place. I reckon this story will have us all booking a summer holiday.
Would you ever go on a writing retreat?
I have to admit that as an aspiring writer I was transfixed by all the exercises, hints, tips and advice that Brie and Arran give us about writing. I have them all saved, highlighted and noted. I would love to go on such a writing retreat. (I have often thought about signing up for a cookery, yoga or painting one too). I am eternally grateful for the writing and publishing advice that I gleaned from this book– and I will be trying it all out.
What is your dream home like in your head?
Lucy describes Brie’s beautiful cottage as well as Arran’s mind-blowing hillside home with such detail that you feel that you can reach out and touch the sofa, throw a log into the wood burner or switch on the fab sound system. Both of the locations are idyllic and represent places we would all love to call home. Have you ever thought about your dream house? I must admit, although our house is quite modest and nothing particularly modern/historic/unique, (I would love to develop it more) the view from my sofa out through the double French doors to our patio is my happy place. I go back there in my mind when I want to chill out. The vistas and panoramas that Lucy brings to life have the same effect.

Summer on the Italian Lakes is the captivating story of Brie, a successful novelist who embarks on a summer of teaching in the idyllic location of Lake Garda.

It was fascinating to read about the highs and lows of a novelist, both from a personal and professional perspective. I really felt for Brie, trying to produce another bestselling romance, when her heart was broken. I found it a really interesting insight into the life of an author.

The story comes alive when Brie travels to Italy and meets up with fellow author Arran. With a beautiful sunny climate, like-minded company and romantic location, will fiction finally become reality?

This is the second novel I have read and reviewed by Lucy Coleman and I adored both equally. A highly recommended read.

The art of the written word takes on a character of its own in this dream of a book. It's like a masterclass in writing cleverly wrapped up in a compelling story and I couldn't take my eyes off the page.

Predominantly set in Italy with a backdrop featuring Lake Garda the romance plays out when Brie stands in for a teaching role at a writing retreat. Brie is an instantly likeable character and the aftermath of a prolific public breakup is where we are first introduced and my heart went out to her. But what I loved is the true grit and determination that she showed and the willingness to bounce back from the face of adversity. I mean what a character to have at the helm of this wonderful story.

Now you can't have an Italian setting with no tales of romance, so fear not this book delivers on all fronts. Cue the dashingly handsome and swoon worthy Arran. Witnessing Brie and Arran's relationship kindle and grow in heat created a reading frenzy ensuring that I couldn't put the book down for even a moment. In fact I devoured it all in one day.

Summer on the Italian Lakes is a true joy. This book gives you an abundance of treats to feast your eyes on and I loved every single moment. So download your copy today and spend some time on Lake Garda at the writing retreat....you won't be disappointed.

The thought of heading of to Lake Garda for writing retreat is heaven to me. I have a bit of a love affair with Italy, and having spent a day in Sirmione, during a holiday in Venice, I would love to explore the other towns and villages surrounding the lake. The descriptions of the Villa Monteverdi and the views over the lake took me right back to my various trips to Italy, and had me heading straight to the internet to try and decide where to visit next.

It was impossible not to fall for the charms of Arran Jamieson, and it was easy to see why Brie found herself for falling for him so quickly (no spoilers there, I am sure. It was obviously always going to go this way). I would have liked to have got to know more about the characters attending the retreat, and it was a shame that we really only got to see the guests for one week.

Despite the beautiful descriptions of the location, and the adorable hero, I’m afraid I did struggle a little with this book. Although I loved the premise and the story itself, the writing style was just not for me, and at times I felt like there was too much information being delivered that detracted from the story. Obviously, writing style is very subjective, and I know other people who have read this and haven’t had a problem with it, but sadly it wasn’t for me. That said, I did appreciate the nod to the readers who write reviews.

I really enjoyed this book. It is about a writer who is a best seller and who is suffering from severe writers block. She goes on a writers retreat to help a fellow author not only run the retreat but to edit his book.

It was an unusual story, not a premise i have read before which made it interesting. I would be quite happy to read a follow up to see where they end up afterwards.