A young soldier, rescued from the Nazi’s falls for the sister of a resistance fighter. Decades later Will Mills is determined to honor a promise to that young girl to return to her. It is the wish to recapture and reconnect that holds this story together. Will much older now , finds himself with questions only a trip back to a magical time in his life will cure. Sophie a young neighbor joins in this unusual journey, with questions of her own, on her mind. These unlikely two will find that the answers they seek may not be what they want to hear. It’s a strange journey, but rewarding in ways they could not imagine.. a fun read.

I have a trip planned to tuscany this spring so was really excited to read this book! Beautifully written world war 2 story about an injured soldier and the person who helps him, and his journey nearly a century later to reconnect with the help of his spunky neighbor Sophie. A great read for any WW2 buff and I appreciated the double storylines, made the book move quickly!

The author does an amazing job detailing the journey Will and Sophie make so that the readers feel like they are making this journey with them. I loved the vivid descriptions of Italy, a place that is on the top of my bucket list. The supporting characters were well thought out. Overall this is a very interesting book to read. I highly recommend this book.

This book for me turned out to be a wonderful story on many different levels. First, the book opens with a story taken or could be taken out from the history of the 10 Mountain Division and their fight against the Germans in Italy. Just their history alone is something to read about. Then anything about WWII always pecks my interest for my father fought in Europe with the 82nd so I was already drawn to the story.
Now you have Sophie present day she lives across from Will Mills who is the tormented man from the 10 Mountain Division. They do not have a good relationship or a relationship at all for she thinks he is just a grumpy old man and never happy. So, after a few too many times of her dog, Bangor not making it all the way outside he comes up with a plan instead of calling to complain. Not knowing until the next day when she sees him standing in his uniform, she drives him to his wife’s funeral. She learns a lot that day.
He goes with her another day when she is taking her dog to the vet which surprised her. Then when she quits work which is explained. He talks her into planning and going with him back to Italy. Back to the same place he fought. To help him find Francesca, and also someone else. The trip for her and him are good and they meet interesting people along the way. You will have to read this really good and wonderful story to see if he can find what he is looking for and also how the journey ends for her. How Sophie’s life is also changed which I did not see happening when I started the book. I beautiful story and told as if my grandmother was telling me a story so many, many years ago. A very good book and very much worth the read.

“Respect love for the gift it is.“

I don’t know whether to begin this review with the compelling storyline, the authentic and engaging characters, or the amazing narrative and dialogue, which draws it all together.

This is a story which evokes so many feelings during its reading, covering just about every emotion in the spectrum, as this gentle rollercoaster of a journey, reaches its conclusion, ending not necessarily the way I might have envisioned or wanted for my own gratification, but exactly right for the characters author Gail Mencini has create

So many times when an author breaks their book down into small, bite-sized chapters, the story can become a little clipped and choppy. However Gail uses the short chapters almost as natural breaks in the narrative and dialogue, where the reader can just draw breath, before moving on as if nothing had happened. For me personally, as someone who inevitably ends up reading in short bursts, this worked great, as I could read ‘just one more chapter’, before dashing out of the house in the morning.

The story is divided into two distinct time periods, with minimal overlap, so that I was not continually being taken back and forth between the two. A different approach to that which many authors take when writing in multiple timelines, yet it worked so well and engaged me fully in both periods, without overwhelming. I knew exactly where I stood in the storyline and I felt I was treated to a much less frenetic pace of travel through my reading.

The gripping, opening World War II sequences, where we first encounter Will and his comrades, are visually descriptive and emotionally draining, as words and deeds are so vividly and powerfully committed to paper. Will’s fight to survive is desperately intense and succeeds very much against the odds, all portrayed to the reader through Gail’s skilled writing and storytelling, which draws the reader in as a bystander to the action.

In the second half of the story and given Will’s current age and determination, the urgency of the journey and mission he has set for himself and his travelling companion, Sophie, comes through clearly in the narrative. However, given that age also has its limitations, Gail seeks to temper the tension, by treating her readers to a virtual armchair travelogue of the panoramic beauty of the Tuscan countryside. The tourist crowds are almost invisibly stripped away, revealing the authentic sights and sounds of a community still largely living as they have done since time forgotten, yet visibly divided and conflicted by the wartime tragedies of decades ago, too horrendous to forgive, which separates them, friends and family alike. However, Gail never loses sight of the reason for this once in a lifetime trip and weaves the two strands of her storytelling almost seamlessly together, to complete a totally multi-layered story.

Gail freely admits that she approaches her writing in a very methodical and analytical way, complete with character spreadsheets and authenticated speech patterns, yet there is no way you would have guessed that from the easy, authentic, free-flowing way in which the characters react with both one another, their surroundings and the underlying intensity of the storyline.

Will and Sarah are not likely travelling partners, given that they have only really recently got past the nodding stage with each other, living as they do in the same apartment complex. However, neither have close friend or family ties, both are searching for a sense of belonging and Will is very much a force to be reckoned with when he puts his mind to it. At the start, neither comes clean with the other about their past and the secrets they both hide, with information being divulged piece by piece during the course of their journey, almost on a need to know basis, neither fully trusting the other with their respective fears and hopes.

However, as time passes, Will and Sarah become quite engaging characters, with genuine depth. The trip becomes a healing balm for both of them, as they learn valuable lessons about themselves and each other, with the power and essence of unexpected friendship shining through and helping to mend those broken hearts, whilst teaching them both that age is no barrier to respect, kindness, or a genuine bond of love, which transcends beyond this life.

This story is a heart-warming, heart-breaking drama, which is part history, part mystery and part romance.

A genuine book to escape into and a story to be savoured – along with the mouth-watering rustic Italian meal recipes, with which Gail completes the saga!

This book is a quick, sweet story of a woman and her elderly WWII vet neighbor, Will, going on a quest in Italy. I like how it began with Will’s POV and transitioned to Sophie’s POV in the present. I found some elements to be a bit unbelievable, but overall would recommend to those who like to travel through stories or like a nice sense of place in their novels.

I am a huge fan of historical fiction and love that this is told from a different perspective. I have never had Italy on my “to visit” list, but after the descriptions and details from this book, it has been placed on the top. I will also be investigating & creating some Italian recipes. Great story, loved it.

I dream of going to Tuscany. What a heartwarming story. Rich in history and feels like you can see the countryside. Enjoyed it
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

On February 18, 1945, Will Mills and his fellow soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division scaled Italy’s treacherous mountains at night to break through the nearly impenetrable German line. Severely wounded, Will was rescued by Italian partisans, and one, a beautiful girl, tended his injuries until he could rejoin the U.S. troops. Will’s wartime decisions and actions have haunted him for seventy-five years and molded him into a bitter, angry man. Will finagles his thirty-two-year-old neighbor, Sophie Sparke, into traveling with him to find the partisan who saved his life and to confront the demons that torment him. Their quest through Tuscan hill towns exposes their darkest secrets and alters the course of their lives.

So you break up with your horrid boyfriend that cheats on you… you have an old neighbor that is just plain mean… he talks you into finding his lost love… you willingly go. Why not?

It happened in Tuscany was a lovely read. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters. Sophie and Will butted heads but ended up close friends. Touring through Italy and the beautiful countryside was easily seen through the words written on the page. The wine and the food described Became mouthwatering. Such a nice romantic story with a great Italian history lesson.

This story set in picturesque Italy follows Thirty-two year old Sophie Sparke and WWII veteran Will Mills as they try to track down Francesca, the girl who saved his life in 1945. Their journey and time together changes their lives forever. This book is a fantastic read for those who love historical fiction and travel fiction.

Finding Francesca

This story was one of the most heartwarming stories I have ever read. The character of Will and his determination to find Francesca, the girl he left behind in Italy, on his last legs of strength at 91 years old tugged at my heart. I sit here now, writing this review with tears in my eyes.

The story of Sophie and her dog Bangor was pretty special as well. She grew to care about life again while helping Will to go to Italy and look for Francesca. She even found love again with a handsome Italian because of Wills search for his lost love.

Bridging the gap between old and young this story does that and more. It is the story of an old man, a young lady and a quest shared. Both are mending broken hearts and they do it together in their own way. How they grow to respect each other and their uniqueness and how they conquer the age difference to complete the quest is a wonderful story.

It was a delightful read, I think anyone would be inspired by this story. A great piece of work and very well written. I would definitely recommend it.

Thanks to Gail Mencini, Caprioli Group, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of the book.


READING PROGRESS

This story was dramatic, lovely, at times harshand detailed - yet by far, it was incredibly written. It is extremely evident that Gail Mencini has a love for Italy and knows the landscape well. The way this story is written to encompass a terrible war, a wounded soldier, life back in America and a beautiful Italian partisan - it just had me so engulfed into every written detail, wanting to read more even when I couldn't keep my eyes open.

A beautiful and heartfelt story that has historical romance and fiction lovers beyond satisfied. In 2019 was when I truly started loving historical fiction and this kept me turning the pages right from the start.

Thank you kindly for the early ebook ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. I may be behind in leaving reviews, but I always promise to give an honest one as soon as I can. I'm glad I was given the opportunity to read this and am grateful to all of you that approved my request.

------‐-------Book Review--------------
It Happened in Tuscany by Gail Mencini
Sass-o-meter 4/5💜s - Great SASS
Released Date: 2/18
#ItHappenedinTuscany #NetGalley
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“These men left someone behind. Their loved ones were far across an ocean. Mother, father, friend, sweetheart, wife, or child. Someone grieved for those buried here..”
------‐------Description-------------------
Tag Line: If you could only choose one, which would it be — honor or duty?

On February 18, 1945, Will Mills and his fellow soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division scaled Italy’s treacherous mountains at night to break through the nearly impenetrable German line. Severely wounded, Will was rescued by Italian partisans, and one, a beautiful girl, tended his injuries until he could rejoin the U.S. troops. Will’s wartime decisions and actions have haunted him for seventy-five years and molded him into a bitter, angry man. Will finagles his thirty-two-year-old neighbor, Sophie Sparke, into traveling with him to find the partisan who saved his life and to confront the demons that torment him. Their quest through Tuscan hill towns exposes their darkest secrets and alters the course of their lives.
-----------------Sassy Review---------------
Thank you @netgalley and #capriolegroup for the advanced copy to provide my own sassy opinions.

So you break up with your horrid boyfriend that cheats on you… you have an old neighbor that is just plain mean… he talks you into finding his lost love… you willingly go. Why not?

This totally sounds like something my 3 Enneagram 2 wing ass would sign up for.

I loved tagging along in the experience of Will and Sophie tramping through parts of Italy in search of love. I felt as if I was right there with them! The author did an amazing job of explaining where the characters were without over-explaining the scenery… if you know what I mean… that can be totally overdone. Gail had the perfect amount of scene-explaining.

I could have done without the heart jerking ending - but it added so much to the story and worked very well.
--------Sassiest character - Will---------
Qotd: Do you know your Enneagram type?

This novel is light and breezy, a great easy read. I have read it while on vacation. I tend to like stories with more depth. While there are many descriptive passages of touring northern Italy and the food available, the story lacks character development. The plot is predictable.

I really loved this book! My dream is to someday go to Tuscany and this book took me there. I felt like I was with Will and Sophie. I have read many WW2 books and this one was a wonderful blend of memories and well developed characters. Thank you to Net Galley for giving me this arc. I highly recommend this book. It was quite a journey!

I was very pleasantly surprised with this book. Reading the synopsis, I assumed it would be more of a story set in the World War II time period, but it became more about Will’s journey back to Italy with his neighbor, Sophie, in tow. The unlikely friendship that builds between Will and Sophie was a genuine and heartfelt one and the other characters you meet along the way are charming and entertaining. I enjoyed the vivid detail of the picturesque beauty that is the Italian countryside of Tuscany. This warm and sincere story of love, friendship, family and determination is one I found reaching for more and more in hopes of uncovering the secrets of their mission to find Will’s love of his life, Francesca. As the conclusion wasn’t what I originally presumed it would be, it felt fitting and left me with a smile. I will be planning to attempt the Spaghetti Carbonara recipe mentioned at the end of the book to feel even more transported to Italy like this book made me feel. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and author Gail Mencini for the advanced readers copy. Looking forward to more!

It Happened in Tuscany by Gail Menchini offers a magnificent and enjoyable story to any reader. The author's ability to explain the characters and their roles in this interesting life publication makes it worth a read. The essence of two characters named Will Mills who fought in the war during 1945 and his young neighbour Sophie Sparke offers an insight into two people from different worlds who support each other. They support each other in a unique and meaningful way. Will aims to return to Italy after many years and emotionally recover from the most drastic experiences he had during World War II. His time in Italy not only remembered him of the war times but also a girl he ones knew.

Will and Sophie decide to return to Italy. While Will is looking forward to searching and possibly find the love of his love, Sophie needs to recover her emotional status as well. After she experienced a range of her own dramatic personal events, this journey may assist her to reclaim the balance in her life again.

I recommend this book to any person who enjoys history but with added humanlike experiences and struggles people live with on a daily basis.

In It Happened In Tuscany, author Gail Mencini weaves an intriguing historical fiction tale that follows the emotional journey of an unlikely pair in the scenic hill towns of Tuscany.

On February 18, 1945, seventeen year old Army Specialist Will Mills is part of the elite 86th Regiment - 10th Mountain Division from Colorado, who are faced with the challenge of attacking the Germans on Riva Ridge, on Italy's Apennine Mountains. Will is injured from sniper fire during the attack, and a group of Italian partisans (resistance fighters) rescued him. Will falls in love with Francesca Polvani, the young Italian girl who tended to his injuries. At the end of the war, Will ships home to Denver, where he meets and marries his wife Marie, but a letter and photo from Francesca arrives a year later, leaving Will with unfinished business. Seventy-five years later, Will's wife Marie passes away from Alzheimer's disease, and at the age of ninety-one, Will is determined to return to Italy in search of Francesca.

Thirty-two year old Sophie Sparke's ex-boyfriend Russ Grant has dumped her for another woman, and to make matters worse, his father who is also Sophie's boss, wants her to make travel arrangements for Russ' honeymoon. Sophie refuses to make the travel arrangements and quits her job. Left with no job and no future plans, Sophie's elderly neighbor, crotchety Will Mills, gets her to agree to accompany him on his journey to Italy.

Written in the third person narrative, this is a wonderful story that transports the reader to the panoramic beauty of the Italian countryside of Tuscany, where Will and Sophie embark on an impossible journey to find Francesca. The reader is easily drawn into this captivating story of love, family, friendship, secrets, fears, and determination. The author masterfully interweaves Will's life story that alternates between the past and the present, providing the reader with snapshots from his time in Italy during World War II, while also giving the reader a glimpse into Sophie's story as well.

This is a compelling and realistic story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and provides much food for thought. The story ultimately shows the power and bond of love, family, and friendship comes full circle when Will and Sophie embark on an emotional journey through Tuscany in search of Will's past love seventy-five years later. You can't help but root for this unlikely pair as they search through Tuscany's countryside for Francesca, it is not an easy journey, but it is a story that will have the reader feeling the gamut of emotions.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the stunning description of the Italian setting of Tuscany. The author provides the reader with a richly vivid setting that reads like a tourist guide. From large cities to panoramic countrysides to old world hill towns; to guided tours of cultural historical sites and quaint shops; the author does a phenomenal job of describing the sights, sounds and smells of Italy. You can't help but feel like you are with Will and Sophie as their journey provides them a chance to rediscover themselves and heal from the traumas of their pasts.

At the end of the book, the author has provided the reader with a collection of simple Italian (Tuscany) recipes that are absolutely mouthwatering!

It Happened In Tuscany is a touching story that captures the power of love, the bond of family, the essence of friendship, and the ability to heal from life's experiences. It is a heartwarming story that will resonate long after the last page has been read.

It Happened In Tuscany is the second book in the Tuscany series.

https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/02/it-happened-in-tuscany-by-gail-mencini.html

I enjoyed this book immensely, as it was well written and captured the emotions of Will and Sophie as they searched for the woman who saved Will's life during World War II. This is 75 years ago and Sophie is Will's neighbor, not a relative or close friend, so their relationship was developing as they kept getting greeted by dead ends. The only thing that Will has from the woman is a picture she sent him of her holding a baby that she claimed was his. This doesn't really offer a lot of assistance, so the two don't have much to go on.