What did Suzie say to Alexandra to cause her to throw prosecco over her in front of a full restaurant?

Before being introduced to the two main characters of this novel, you can’t help but be drawn in by the prologue.

Intrigued by who these two individuals are and what has caused this outburst, there is a real desire to continue reading to find out the full story.

Suzie Cartwright, a 28 year-old PhD graduate has been asked to accompany Lord Tedburn's daughter, Alexandra on a trip to Italy. As an Italian speaker, who spent her summers on the Tuscan Coast, it seems like the perfect excuse to revisit a country where she spent so much time.

At the time of the job offer, Suzie was expecting to be introduced to a belligerent teenager, not a defiant 26 year-old adult. It seems however that the only way Alexandra is going to get to see Italy is if she is accompanied and for some reason, whether it is because Suzie is the daughter of the local vicar, he has decided that she would be the perfect person, offering her a financial incentive that she would struggle to turn down.

But really, why does a 26 year old need a chaperon?

Turns out, Suzie was going to quickly find out.

Within hours of landing in Venice and checking into one of the fanciest hotels in the city Alexandra has found herself a "suave, slick Latin lover with his stylish suit and predatory eyes", and despite her protests and carefully considered words, Alexandra seems quite happy to be seen with him even though he must be at least 10 years older.

Playing babysitter to someone just a few years younger is definitely not going to be easy especially when it seemed that every phone call home could result in a visit from Alexandra's older brother Rafa.

We do get to read about some of the finer things that Venice has to offer though. From their disappointing visit to the famous Harry's Bar to their visit to the overly-expensive Caffè Florian in St Marks Square.

After their brief trip to Venice however we see the girls moving from the floating city to Lake Garda and the home of Alexandra's love interest, James.

It is at this stage that we get to find out more about Suzie and her PhD studies as she stumbles upon her next door neighbour, a scholar she is very familiar with, Professor Macgregor Brown, and a diehard Shakespeare fan, just like Suzie.

Perhaps the strongest pull for Suzie to accompany Alex on her trip to Italy was the thought of visiting Verona, a long-sort-after destination for her. Since reading Romeo and Juliet her fascination with the city has simply grown and she cannot wait to explore the cobbled side streets and medieval buildings. Nothing can dampen her spirits, not even the emotionally unavailable artist that she seems to be falling for.

Dreaming of Verona is a heart-warming story where dreams really can come true. Not only do we read about the developing friendship of two very different women, we learn more about not only one of the greatest writers ever to live but also some of the more highbrow discussions that I am sure scholars the world over frequently explore.

This novel also gives the reader a chance to learn more about the area around northern Italy – Verona, Mantua and Lake Garda – perhaps before visiting for themselves.

Favorite Quote:

She and Alex had been getting on so well, she had even started to forget that they were staying in an exorbitantly expensive hotel, but this place brought back to her the fact that she was an insignificant speck of very ordinary cosmic dust at the edges of the glittering Milky Way inhabited by the rich and famous.

My Review:

This was my introduction to the smooth flowing and descriptive writing of T.A. Williams. I enjoyed his colorful writing style, which heavily featured lush and lavish depictions of the beautiful Italian scenery, environs, and delectable dishes. I appreciated his unique and enticing characters as well and was absolutely adoring Suzie until I found out she was most likely part demon during a scene in which she was interrupted when reading a beloved book and, “…Suzie folded the corner of the page…” how monstrous! ;)

The storylines evolved gradually and gently but I found I was losing my patience with the spoiled and entitled twenty-five-year-old designer-clad Alex when she was whining and bemoaning that her wealthy father would not allow her to make her own decisions or take art lessons and if she disobeyed he would cut off her allowance and credit cards and she would be destitute… I actually growled aloud to my Kindle, “Suck it up, Buttercup, and get a job!” Which she later did and redeemed herself quite well in fact.

I picked up three new additions to my Brit Words and Phrases List with: agony aunt – a British advice column like the American Dear Abby, blowing a hoolie – a raging storm, and happy as a sandboy – blissfully contented.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley, and Canelo for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.

Ahhh why does Romeo and Juliet have to be the base line for epic romances? Come on people, THEY DIED at the end all because they weren’t freaking paying attention really. It was all just a misunderstanding, and yet Shakespeare’s work is considered one of the greats. Nothing wrong with Shakespeare, but Romeo and Juliet isn’t the kind of romance you should strive for.

Now, anyway. Back to the book. THIS story was pretty damn cute, if I do say so myself. First, there’s the relationship between our main character Suzie and I guess her client or boss type person Alex? No, I would say this is more of Suzie’s “mark” per se, or the person that she’s been hired to protect on this trip. Unfortunately at the beginning, it seems like Suzie and the Lady Alexandra will not get along because of their vast differences in personality, but you can’t always take a first impression as the right one. Even though people say that the first impression is usually the right one, (wow did I really repeat myself twice in back to back sentences? Oops), sometimes it could be wrong based on external factors or something else that could just make someone not be on their best behavior the very first time they meet someone.

Of course, maybe I’m just trying to make up a reason for why some first impressions aren’t the best, or why it seems like despite terrible first impressions, people can end up having such a great relationship later on that it’s a question of how they weren’t able to immediately get along from the get go, but then again that’s some of the best parts of a developing relationship, right? It causes some drama to make the book more interesting, or anything really more interesting right? It has to be part of the plot so it’s not that it’s just good relationships with no substance. But either way, I think that the beginning of the relationship of Suzie and Alex was good to have, and what ended up coming out of it by the end of this novel wasn’t so bad either. I think that Williams did a pretty good job with that dynamic.

Then we have the dynamic between Suzie and Michael. I felt terrible for what Michael had to deal with prior to this novel. Any death that comes before someone’s time to me is honestly very tragic, and I can only imagine the pain and horror of losing your spouse in such a way. Now, however he has been dealing with that grief, or whether he really was trying to move on, I think that the relationship between Suzie and Michael was wholesome and I think that whatever happened between them – meaning staying friends or something more, I’m not gonna tell you that – that I would have been okay with it. I think that I’ve been more into seeing wholesome friendships come out of novels like this, even if there was some romance involved. I guess I like seeing well developed friendships more than romances sometimes. But that’s just me.

So, yeah. I liked this one a lot!

This is my first book by T. A. Williams, although I have a couple of others waiting patiently on my TBR. I was fairly confident I was going to enjoy the book, set as it is in probably my favourite city in my favourite European country, and I have to say I was not disappointed.

This is a really entertaining and charming read about blossoming relationships, both romantic and friendly, set against the beautiful and romantic city of Verona. I absolutely loved the attention to detail in bringing the location to life and making it actually an additional character in the story, and it is obviously a place the author has visited and is passionate about. It is always a real joy for me when a novel really manages to take you to another location and make you feel like you have actually been there.

I immediately warmed to the characters in the book and, although the plot was perhaps a little far-fetched, I was happy to go along with it because it was so beautifully written and such a fun story. The author kept me guessing until the end how things were going to go, which is quite tricky to do in a romance of this type, I genuinely was not 100% sure who Suzie was going to end up with, which made for some real tension in the story. I particularly loved the professor and his Shakesperian-monikered dog, as Much Ado About Nothing is my favourite play, and he was such a sweet character.

One small niggle was the number of times the author referred to Suzie blushing, but I’m nit-picking here. A few too many red cheeks aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was everything that I look for in a book of this genre, with an added maturity of writing that gave it an extra level of depth. I would highly recommend it for fans of Italian-set romances, and I will be ushering the author’s books closer to the top of my TBR, especially when I am looking for a holiday read. It has made me long to take another trip to Verona with my own Romeo in the near future.

Suzie is hired to babysit the daughter of Lord Tedburn, Alexandra, on her travels around Italy.  Trouble is, Alexandra is 26 so why on earth does she need a babysitter?  In-between jobs and tempted by a good wage plus travelling opportunities Suzie agrees but has she bitten off more than she can chew?

Where to being? ......this book has so many wonderful elements it's difficult to know where. 

The setting of Verona is just detailed and described perfectly.  I have visited a little of the place and I can confirm it's just so magical and romantic.  The beautiful and summery location in this novel was just what I needed to chase away the blues on a cold and windy day.

The characters of Suzie and Alex compliment each other beautifully.  Through their eyes the reader experiences the lifestyle of the wealthy and the lifestyle of someone more conservative financially.  My favourite part of the book was the unlikely but growing friendship between these women and how they both adjusted themselves to come together. 

Verona is such an amazing place but it's difficult to go there and not experience the romantic ambiance.  Suzie finds herself infatuated with a young man but barriers from both of them means the relationship may never be destined to happen. 

This is such a delightful read full of warmth and happiness.  It definitely made me forget the grotty British weather.

Thoroughly enjoyable book, you expect some light fiction but it delves deeper than that leaving you, at times, with lots of questions as to what comes next!

This is the first book I have read by T. A. Williams and it certainly won’t be my last.

I loved the amazing location of Venice with the intricate and beautifully described landscape. You really get a feeling from the story that this is a place that the author knows well and really loves.

Suzie has been hired to chaperone Lady Alexandra Tedburn on a month-long trip to Italy. Alex’s father has given Suzie strict instructions to monitor his daughter’s behaviour which causes contention between the two women. However, as the story progresses the relationship changes and a friendship evolves.

I loved the references to Shakespeare, the culinary Italian delights and the easy flow of the writing. The plot is completely captivating, multi-layered and full of interesting characters who go on a journey of self-discovery in an outstanding location.

A thoroughly enjoyable read and highly recommended.

This book is just what you need to read on a cold, cloudy, February afternoon. Romance and sunshine in Shakespeare’s Verona certainly hit the spot.

Suzie, gets the chance to be a paid companion to Lady Alexander Tedburn, and visit Italy, particularly Venice and romantic Verona. Not a historic romantic adventure, but a contemporary story of friendship, romance and travel despite the fact, Alex’s father’s ideas are firmly rooted in the nineteenth century.

Alex and Suzie’s friendship flourishes, and gradually Alex gains the confidence to believe in herself and follow her dreams, despite her father and his wealth.

Suzie is clever but yet to find her niche career, and lacks romance in her life. Verona is her dream destination, but will her dreams come true? Or end in tragedy like Shakespeare’s Juliet?

There is a lovely blend of friendship, humour, romance and travel in this story, which is written in the author’s usual engaging, knowledgeable style. Having visited Lake Garda, Verona and the surrounding area, the story bought back fond memories of the place and its culture, which is vividly described and gives the story its unique selling point for me.

The romance is angst-ridden and gentle but ultimately satisfying. The characters are diverse and realistic, and the plot is simple but full of interest, and draws the story to a lovely hopeful conclusion for Alex and Suzie, both in terms of career and romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

Location is a factor I find really important in the lighter side of romance – I have no idea why, but I’m always particularly drawn to an Italian setting, although it’s somewhere I’ve visited far too little. I’ve been to Venice a few times though, and it was good to visit again at the rather more luxury end of the market: but I’ve never actually been to Verona or the nearby Italian Lakes, and by the book’s close I felt like I’ve had the most wonderful tour, full of all the sights, tastes and local flavour.

The lives of the rich are always quite fascinating too – and as Suzie travels to Italy as Lady Alex’s paid companion, I really enjoyed the glimpses of a lifestyle I’ve never been lucky enough to enjoy. Heavens, there’s certainly a downside though – Alex’s father controls all her life choices, and I really did like the way her spoilt rich kid front was slowly worn away as the friendship between the two women developed.

And if we’re in Verona, it’s only to be expected that there’ll be some Shakespeare too. I might not have been entirely convinced by Suzie’s academic background, but I did like the way it led her both to the friendship with Mac, and the opportunity to stay a little longer.

The windsurfing content was nicely done – even as a non-swimmer, I could certainly understand its draw and the sheer exhilaration it offered. It provides a few moments of real drama for the story too – nothing too over-the-top, but well-handled and with a few nice opportunities for misunderstandings and moving the story forward.

And while we’re in Italy, it’s good to have some art playing a part in the story too. I really liked the character of Michael, the portrait painter, one of Suzie’s possible love interests: he has a well-drawn lingering sadness that needs to be overcome if there’s to be any possibility of their relationship having a future. I liked her other suitor too – despite first impressions, what a lovely guy. But now I’m starting to tell the story, and that’s unforgivable… I must stop there, or you might not want to read it.

I will mention one other significant cast member though, and that’s Dogberry. Yes, he’s a black labrador, and I’d heard how the author likes to introduce a four-legged companion: I’m not really a doggy person, but what a wonderful character he is, entirely stealing the spotlight every time he appears.

Lest I’ve left any space for doubt – and I do hope I haven’t – I adored this book. I sometimes talk about looking for darker edges, being grateful for some unexpected twists, appreciating characters with depths and shadows – but I equally enjoy a well-written book that delivers with considerable style exactly what you see on its cover, an escape into a different world, and sheer enjoyment from beginning to end.

Highly recommended, and an author I’d always rather guessed I’d be adding to my “favourite authors” list. I loved it…

(Review copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

Another rivetting read from T.A.Williams which takes us to the famed city of Verona. Tasked with looking after Lady Alexandra Tedburn, Suzie finds herself with a romantic dilemma of her own. In a modern twist on the Shakespearean story, Suzie hopes to find love with artist Michael but it seems his past will deny them happiness in the present. Both comical at times yet deeply moving at others, this book is a delight to read - the easy-going style making it a quick read yet one that will stay with you.

You know when you watch the programme Qi with Stephen Fry and you immediately feel more inspired and knowledgeable and just in a bit of a positive tizz? I think TA Williams is my top author for making me sit forward, eyebrows raised, and wanting to absolutely ingest every single word whilst handing me a few points for the IQ!!!!

 

I was already excited enough to be back in Italy (in the book sense, although we were lucky enough to visit two years ago) but then to be catapulted into the world of wealth that is the Tedburns while there left me in no doubt I'd be experiencing some special scenes. And we did.

 

Although the story, that of Suzie who was assigned to mind a twenty something year old Alex was brilliant and kept me both intrigued and livid (how could a father take full control of his daughter's life like that?), the scenery, the beauty, the spectacularly bright tangiability of it all had me floored as I experienced life in the stunning Verona, getting the most fantastic Shakespearean lessons that had me reeling.

 

I absorbed this whole book with its warmth, likeable characters, stunning setting and great story line, as well as armfulls of great romance.

 

Beyond beyond beyond recommended and I will make sure to delve into my kindle and bring you another T A Williams book within the next month. Thanks so much to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review. 

Rating: 5/5

What's not to love about this book? It's witty, it's inspiring, it's full of beautiful locations, it's romantic, and it's full of diverse characters. From the beginning, Mr. Williams draws the reader in by following English scholar, Suzanne "Suzie" Cartwright in an adventure of a lifetime.

Paid to chaperone a 23-year-old spoiled socialite, Lady Alexandra "Alex" Tedburn, in her favorite country, Italy, Suzie finds fabulous new friends, a dream job, and a tragic love that only Shakespeare could have penned.

Suzie is the pivotal character in the story touching everyone's life in a positive and enlightening way. Her brilliant and honest ability to make friends, give sound advice, and windsurf better than the boys is what makes this an enchanting read. I love that Suzie is her own woman and pursues her happiness and her dreams even though she cannot have the man she cares about. Of course, Suzie is not alone in the story. Alex is taking her life back from her overbearing father and pursuing art, Rafe, Alex's brother, is marrying the girl he loves, despite his dad's wish for his son to marry someone with a title, James is not giving up on Alex, the love of his life, and Michael Turner, famous artist, widower, and lost soul just wants to be friends with Suzie. And let's not forget the always-hungry labrador retriever, Dogberry, and the fat feline, Cat.

This story will sweep you away to the magical city of Venice and beautiful Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, the Arena and wonderful cuisine. If you love a great adventure and a fantastic setting with fun characters, please give this book a try.

Thank you to Mr. Williams for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Dreaming of Verona is a lovely light hearted read that will warm your heart as you turn the pages. T.A Williams is a new author to me and I am so pleased I have discovered such a lovely new author.

The story is set in Italy and is full of vivid descriptions, the location is stunning and the food made my mouth water as it sounded delicious!

Alex and Suzie are wonderful and contrasting characters and I loved reading about the adventures as new friendships and relationships were formed and romances blossomed.
 
A brilliant light hearted read, that will leave you with a warm glow, a superb feel good read that made me smile throughout.

When it comes to T. A. Williams' books, it is safe to say that we have a love and hate relationship. Fortunately, this one comes under the former category. Surely, it's not going to top 'Dreaming of Christmas' which is my absolute favourite but comes really close. Putting aside some dull moments in between, this novel on Verona is gripping, inspiring and is full of colours just like the city.
The author has taken great care to maintain a Shakespearean spirit throughout. The fact that Suzie is a PhD holder in this topic must have helped it. I do love her theory of Shakespeare being a woman; who knows, one day we may get some proof regarding this conjecture. Besides the frequent quotes, the Tedburns family drama provides ample material for a Shakespearean play. Luckily, not all love should share the fate of Romeo and Juliet.
As for the relationship between Suzie and Michael, I was in a dilemma. In my perspective, it didn't really go beyond infatuation so the way she waits was kind of perplexing. Same goes with James and Alexandra. If you look upon your best friend like a brother, could the feelings be changed to that of a lover? Well, I will leave that to the experts.
Yup, the story did give me enough to munch on. So grab a copy and join the discussion. Happy reading everyone!

Verona is a place I have wanted to visit for as long as I can remember. TA Williams took me there in my mind with this book and let me live out the dream. I definitely can’t wait to see it in reality one day now. I could really envisage myself walking around and living in Verona like our main characters, the descriptions were so well written.
I loved the whole premise of the book and really enjoyed seeing the development of Alex’s character throughout the story – I hadn’t imagined that after I’d read the synopsis. A reflection of the book being a journey of discovery for all involved.
All the characters are lovely, there isn’t one that I was opposed to in any way. Even the father, I could understand his ways, even if I didn’t necessarily agree with them. Suzie is a delight, her guidance, calming and charming ways; easy to see why people would gravitate to her. She is a fabulous character and I was pleased she got the things she desired and valued the most.
No review would be complete without a mention of Dogberry, what a lovely addition and cute character.
There’s a fun mixture of content within this book that will keep you entertained and excited. A light, warm and captivating romance but with extra fun and interesting moments.
I was completely charmed by this wonderful mix of characters; their stories and the way TA Williams described the idyllic settings so well.
A gorgeous read that I recommend for fans of Italian settings, romance and reads that will take you away.

(Review Publishing on 3rd Feb)

Yet another heartwarming, romantic novel from T. A. Williams! I’ve grown incredibly fond of T. A. (Trevor) Williams’ ‘Dreaming of…’ series of books, as they’re all a real pick-me-up for gloomy days.

Dreaming of Verona introduces Suzie, whose uncertain job situation leads to adventure among the rich and titled in Italy. What I like most about her is that she doesn’t have to rely on her physical attributes to get along in that circle – she’s a PhD and resourceful, and not intimidated to suddenly have a prosperous social life! I can’t abide girls in romantic fiction that are waiting to be saved – although this wouldn’t be romantic fiction without romance, you get the impression that Suzie would do just as well on her own…

With his descriptive writing, Trevor’s love of Italy shines through, and there is plenty of background information about the setting, and the connection to Shakespeare, and Romeo and Juliet, but this never overwhelms the central, romantic plot of the story. It appeals to me as a history lover and works well overall.

Through the drama and, sometimes, disappointment that Suzie has to deal with, the story always delivers on what it is – a romance novel – and it’s so easy to lose yourself in this lovely world for a while. Escapism? Wish fulfilment? YES PLEASE! Looking forward to the next instalment…

From the tragic love stories delivered via the words of Shakespeare to a story that shows a modern day mirror to some of the Bards famous works. T.A. Williams has written another gorgeous story that's like a travelogue around Italy specifically Venice and Verona. I don't know Italy at all but I instantly felt welcomed to these iconic tourist locations. The author, T.A. Williams, knows his book locations well and describes the area, atmosphere and culture beautifully.
Dreaming of Verona to me felt like two leading ladies stories in one. Suzie has been hired to chaperone a young aristocrat lady whilst holidaying in Italy. Suzie has to keep Alex on the straight and narrow but on first impressions the girls clash and Suzie's job is proving a lot more difficult than first envisaged. However, as time goes on Suzie and Alex didn't expect to fall in love; with Verona, with new possibilities and most of all with new friendships.
A story that takes you on a voyage of discovery for the girls in their professional, personal and family lives. I loved discovering Verona with Suzie and Alex and I envied them of this month long holiday that was to become a time of reflection for them both.
T.A. Williams has a winning formula of transporting his readers away to idyllic settings and immersing them in beautiful landscapes to complement the lovely stories.

A light story of romance, Italy, and friendship that would be a good read on a snowy day. Suzie finds herself accompanying Lady Alex to Verona as a pair companion. She's supposed to keep Alex out of trouble but she finds there's more to Alex, and to Verona, than she expected. There's lovely scenes of the city. Both Suzie and Alex find romance (but it's not a steamy one). You can quibble about how much time Suzie spends fretting about Michael but things turn out in a good way. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

An interesting read that had me hooked and wanting to find out more
Suzie doesn’t understand why lady Alexandra tedburn needs looking after on her trip to Italy but as an all expenses paid trip and a generous salary can she really say no?
I liked the character of Alex, once you get past her outer shell and into the intricacies of the character she comes alive and is a much more interesting person than she originally seems
Suzie seems completely undecided on her job future, what her purpose is on this strange trip and her relationship with Alex which meant it took me a lot longer to warm to her but once I did I enjoyed seeing parts of Italy through her eyes, a Shakespeare scholar
The setting was amazing, 5 star hotels in London, Venice and Verona I was able to experience the areas through a different perspective which I loved
This book looks very much at what is important in life, is it money? Family? Family expectations? Grief? Love? And it goes about discovering this in a sensitive but human way
I would recommend this book to those who would love to travel or who have been to Italy but also characters who feel real with dramas that may seem similar to your own

If you ever see a book written by T.A. Williams, you know it's going to be good before you even pick it up. Dreaming of Verona is no exception to this.

This was a delight to read and the cheapest holiday to Verona. His vivid descriptions make you feel as though you're experiencing Italy firsthand. Verona's a city I've never had the pleasure of visiting but after reading this, it's certainly on my dream trip list.

It's an unusual concept with Suzie being hired to look after Alex, an adult who theoretically should be perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Alex has an extremely overbearing father, who wouldn't allow Alex to go on the trip without Suzie accompanying her. It quickly develops into fantastic friendship and is a real highlight of the story.

I love that T.A. Williams always has a labrador in all of his stories and this book continued the streak. The black lab who lives near where the Suzie goes windsurfing is an adorable addition to the book and his mysterious owner even more so.

With references to Shakespeare, divine Italian food and wonderful writing, this was a delight to read. My only negative is that I finished it too quickly!

An absolute pleasure to read a book by one of my favourite authors again!

Review to be published on my blog as part of the blog tour.