Dreaming of Italy came at a good time for me as I had just visited the country for the first time back at the beginning of February, although I went to the one place they avoided in the book due to the crowds – Florence.

The plot revolves around workaholic Emma who works for a film company in Hollywood and was just about to start filming on a movie when she is asked to travel to Italy to find some locations for the companies big upcoming movie featuring two leading Hollywood stars.

She isn’t happy about leaving her other movie in the hands of someone else but she knows that this is the chance to climb the corporate ladder and make a name for herself. Just before she leaves for Italy she is told that her boss’s son, Richard, will be travelling with her as her assistant and for her to show him the ropes.

The movie they are finding locations for is set just before WWI and so they need someone who knows the history of the country to guide them to the best locations, welcome rich, sexy Mark who has Emma’s heart all in a flutter. As the pair spend more and more time together Emma finds herself more attracted to Mark, but she is there working and making a name for herself in Hollywood not to find love, isn’t she?

Dreaming of Italy is such an adorable book. I loved the characters and the setting so much. Author T.A. Williams obviously knows the country very well as you feel like you are there with the characters visiting these beautiful places and eating the exquisite food. There were even a few places I’d never heard of before that I had to google and boy are they gorgeous.

From the first page, I was captivated and flew through the book quickly. The characters all felt very realistic which made the story so enjoyable. The pace throughout was constant, no fast or slow parts and there weren’t many big reveals, except for who Carmen is, but the lack of shock moments works in a book like this.

This is a light-hearted read that is the last in the authors ‘Dreaming of’ series. The writing is sublime and had me invested in the book from the very first page. This is one of those books that you want on a cold dark rainy day to cheer you up or to take to the beach and relax with on your sun lounger. It just makes you feel happy whatever your situation.

Just look at that glorious cover – it makes you feel happy just looking at it, don’t you think? But so does what’s inside that cover – a gentle and uncomplicated story, beautifully written, well-drawn and engaging characters, a touch of romance, a taste of the less familiar world of movie-making, and a tour of some of Italy’s most beautiful more off-the-beaten-track locations. “A stunning and heartwarming holiday romance” say the publishers – I think I might just add “and exactly what I needed”.

In terms of story, there aren’t too many fireworks here – and it really doesn’t need them. Emma’s researching locations for a forthcoming film, accompanied by the troubled son of the studio head, an enthusiastic and highly efficient tour guide, and an adviser brought in for the historical detail. The world of film features – that cut-throat world that makes Emma so focused and driven, the slightly self-obsessed (but very likeable) star, the quirky and eccentric director (what a great character!). And there’s some really nice mirroring of the story of the film itself – almost a story within a story – as the characters make their journey, both personal and otherwise. The conflict comes from the characters’ personal dilemmas – mainly whether to follow the call of the heart or the head – and it’s every bit as engaging as you could possibly want it to be.

As a road trip, this book is just enthralling – Tuscany, Umbria, Bologna, the coast of the Cinque Terre, Padua, just a glimpse of Florence as they pass, and Venice. The descriptions are quite wonderful – you walk the streets, take in the sights, experience the thrill of every new discovery, learn about the history, and taste the food (ah, the food…).

And the romance – and there’s more than one here – is beautifully handled, the two main characters particularly winning you over and making you yearn for a happy ending. And can I just add how much I loved Carmen? She constantly made me smile – you’re going to love her too.

For current times, this is pretty near a perfect read – for any time, it will lift your spirits and do your heart good. A lovely read, and recommended by me.

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

Fed up with lockdown? Then a trip to Italy to take in the sights is just the ticket!

Emma works in the Hollywood movie industry and whilst her job isn't all about glamour it does have it's moments - and being sent to Italy to scout locations for the next big thing is definitely one of the high spots. When one of the local entourage to assist turns out to get her heart-a-thumping, Emma reminds herself that she doesn't have time for romance - she's a career girl! And it would never work . . .

Another cracking read from Trevor Williams! Last month, I 'travelled' round several delightful countries via my reading list, and I was thrilled to begin the month of May in the same vein. With lots of beauty spots off the beaten track, all described in minute detail and including wonderful historical details, I imagine that research was carried out meticulously and, I dare say, much enjoyed! This is a lovely story with a fine cast of characters and set in the most amazing places. As well as getting to know Emma and her story, I feel as if I've had a fabulous Italian trip! This author easily maintains the high standards he set with previous novels whilst bringing a fresh feel to the Italian countryside. A well crafted story with, as always, a labrador popping up on the pages; a feature that I always enjoy in his novels. The whole book flows smoothly and is easily read, with everything all tied up by the final page. An absolute delight to read and fully deserving of all five sparkling stars!

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

Lovely story, nice descriptions of Italy that made me want to visit right now.! Easy, happy read whilst on a week’s holiday

This is another superb story by one of my favourite go-to authors and, as usual, I totally loved reading it! I can't recommend Trevor's books highly enough, if I could give this more than 5* I definitely would. It is a tasty treat, with delicious, mouth watering food to tempt you and whet your appetite . . . . It is a fantastic tour of pre-lockdown northern Italy with some places I've visited and others that I now hope to get to see at some point in the future.

The characters are well developed, brought vividly to life within the pages of the story, with more than one romance involved but only one I really wasn't sure would work out until very near the end of the book. It is a journey through beautiful countryside and a journey of self discovery as it gives opportunities for considering options, reflecting on choices made and the chance for a fresh start for several of the characters. There are a couple of Hollywood A-lister stars, the decidedly eccentric Erasmus and so many other great characters! It feels like you've been invited along to a tour of the hidden gems in the area, seeing places, meeting people and dining out in superb locations where not only the food is sublime but so is everything associated with it, including the opportunity for romance. You even have a tour guide on hand sharing some of the history of the area!

This is a heartwarming romance, an enthralling story to escape into and of course, being a book by TA Williams, there is the requisite adorable black labrador creating mischief and swimming in the pool! If you fancy a touch of Hollywood, mixed with the tastes and sights of Northern Italy, superbly blended into a fantastic read, grab yourself a copy of this brilliant book - I really can't recommend it highly enough!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying it from cover to cover.

Emma is off to Italy, to scout locations for the next big film hit. Along with the troubled son of her boss they get the chance to explore the more hidden areas of Italy but this trip is going to have them both learning more about themselves and love than they thought.

This is one of those stories that had the ability to be utterly heartbreaking or so romantic and it plays along the line of both for much of the book. I wont issue spoilers as it's worth the read but I will say that the ending is really well done for the story. I love that Emma finds herself following the story of the film in her own life. This book is very well written and the descriptions of Italy are just gorgeous. It makes me want to visit there one day. The story itself is a slow burn but it held my attention. The characters are all instantly likeable especially Emma and she remains true to herself throughout. A wonderful read in these times.

wonderful lockdown reading, so easy to get lost in this book. Emma visits Italy to search locations for a blockbuster romantic film.The romance rubs off on her when she meets the historian ,Mark. Will a romance blossom and how would they overcome the distance between Italy and Hollywood? Hard to put down, perfect to fill the day for lovers of feel good romantic fiction.

Emma has a movie location finding task to complete but it might lead to more than just promotion.

What a perfect lockdown read Dreaming of Italy is. I read it in rainy Lincolnshire and was completely transported to the glorious Italian setting in T. A. Williams’ perfect evocation of place through the use of the senses. His descriptions of food especially gave such an authentic and realistic atmosphere that I found myself picturing the food and tasting it along with the characters. Meticulously researched with a fabulous attention to detail, the novel really is an opportunity to travel without leaving home. History and geography are seamlessly woven into the narrative so that whilst Dreaming of Italy is a lovely gentle romance, it’s a beautiful and powerful travelogue too. When I’d finished reading Dreaming of Italy I truly felt as if I’d had a holiday and an escape from the trials of ordinary life.

I loved the touches I’ve come to expect from T.A Williams in the creation of his stories. As well as a vivid sense of place, there’s a realistic cast of characters who feel vital and real and of course, a black Labrador dog features too. I love the way small aspects of characters’ past lives are dropped into the story so that although they affect behaviour and action, they are are never heavy handed. This has the effect of making me feel I know these people personally and I find it impossible not to be affected by what happens to them. Despite the feelgood nature of Dreaming of Italy, I found I shed a small tear as present events for the characters mirrored the film Emma is researching. More minor characters like Erasmus add colour and humour too so that Dreaming of Italy really is a heartwarming and feel good read.

The plot works so romantically. As Emma, Mark, Rich and Marina search for perfect film locations, their own metaphorical searches for love, their sense of who they are, and their place in the world, are explored with great sensitivity. It’s difficult to define in a review, but it is as if T.A. Williams writes with a kind of tenderness that is very moving.

I so enjoyed Dreaming of Italy. Not only is Dreaming of Italy a gorgeous love story, it’s also a compelling love letter to Italy and I revelled in every moment of my travels there. It’s a glorious book that simply exudes summer and I thoroughly recommend it.

As you might imagine, Dreaming Of Italy is set in Italy and I loved being transported to the little known resorts used by Emma and her team to film a blockbuster movie. I could picture all the beautiful sights as if I were there myself and my mouth watered at all the wonderful dishes on offer!

As a protagonist, I found Emma very believable. Williams gives the reader some very strong ideas about what motivates her, and I found her to be very down to earth and easy to root for and relate to. Emma is also surrounded by a brilliant supporting cast. Her team were also very easy to warm to, and I found that Erasmus in particular provided some humorous moments.

Emma's journey is not a smooth one and I really enjoyed taking it with her. There are a few surprises along the way and I really wanted to read on to make sure she got what she wanted!

Another great story bt T.A. Williams The perfect summery story perfect for the summer months. so well written it makes you feel you are really there with the characters

This the second book I have read by Trevor and I was immediately struck by his wonderful and vivid descriptions as well as by the story-line.

Emma is a high-flyer in the film industry, she is tasked with finding scenery, properties on locations for a film called Dreaming of Italy. With script in hand she and Richard, her assistant both head off for Italy.

Richard was an unexpected addition, she is to show him the ropes of her job, he also happens to be the son of the film producer. With travelling around a foreign country, a guide is essential as well an an expert in history so they get all the right slightly off track locations.

Emma is a career driven woman who is determined to mark her mark in a male dominated industry, she has no time for relationships, but for some reason there is an interest that is baffling for her. In a country that is full of romantic locations and having a gorgeous historian it makes her wonder what she will do.

This is a lovely story and I have to say I did find some of the locations that the team flitted around slowed the pace of the story a little. I think for me it was more down to impatience as I wanted to know more about the characters. That being said, the descriptions and the places mentioned were brilliant and they definitely made me want to get a passport and visit some of the old castles, winding roads and off the main track restaurants.

Now I also have to mention my favourite character, Carmen, what a riotously fabulous inclusion to the story. She may have only had a small part compared to some of the others, but my goodness what a delight she was. I am saying no more about her.

This is a story that is rich in descriptions and wonderful sounding food, a great story-line and a tantalising romantic theme. Ideal for readers who like to escape to a different country and feel immersed in the culture. The author has done a fabulous job and Dreaming of Italy is a book I would recommend.

Utter perfection, everything you could ever want for in a T. A. Williams book, or a book set in Italy is present in this story....

... well with the exception of an incredibly sexy Italian male hero... but Mark is a rather gorgeous historian, Rich is a good looking heir to a Hollywood fortune, and there is Ethan an actual movie star - so the book isn't missing male eye candy at all, just no genuine Italians amongst them!!

But besides that minor quibble which literally only just occurred to me as I was writing this, the story is utter perfection.

Emma works for a big Hollywood film company and has been tasked with finding off the beaten track, away from the major tourist hotspots, beauty spots across Italy for locations of what they are hoping will be their new blockbuster film - Dreaming of Italy.

What I really enjoyed was seeing how aspects of the movie plot, seemed to mirror the situations that the group that Emma is leading, in a trip taking in the entirety of Italy.

Some of the places I've heard of, possibly in passing when looking at cruise ship excursions, others were completely new to me, but all sounded stunning.

T. A. Williams knows his Italy very well, and everything was incredibly well described and it felt as though I was on this trip with the characters. I loved the new fledgling romances that were popping up, the eccentric film director is far to hard to describe to do him justice but keep an eye out for him.

All fans of the author will be delighted to see there is his trademark chocolate Labrador, this one called Carmen fitted seamlessly into the story. Carmen is a delight and utterly loves swimming pools!

There is just so so much to love in this book, I read it in a few hours straight on a hot sunny afternoon, and it was my most enjoyable afternoon in a long time.

While international travel is at a standstill, dreaming of far away places and holidays that we may or may not be having this year, then Dreaming of Italy will certainly take you on a much needed break from reality and on a wonderful trip around Italy!

Easily my favourite book from this author for a while, and I do tend to love them all!

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Feeling hemmed in and tired of being cooped up? Try this tale of Emma and Mark and their travel through Italy. Emma does advance work for films; she's sacrificed her personal life to her job (no matter how nice the travel, it's always nice to come home to someone). Now she's in Italy and Mark is her historical advisor. He's got a secret (no spoilers but know that it's not bad). The two of them tour the country and as a result, in addition to the romance, you'll read about places and food and all sorts of thing. There's good wordplay between Emma and Mark- you'll root for them. This is light, it's a bit predictable, but it's also a good escapist read. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. If you haven't been to Italy, you'll definitely want to book travel there when it's possible and if you have been, you'll find yourself smiling and reminiscing.

Review goes live at link below on 4th May.

Sad to say that today I bring you the final book on the Dreaming of… series by T. A. Williams. Sad because this is a series of books I’ve really enjoyed, and I would happily read many, many more.

Dreaming of Italy takes a different approach to some of the others in the series, in that we are not in one individual city, but on a tour of this beautiful country, following a location scouting party for a new Hollywood movie. This is a great idea as it allows the book to weave through many contrasting locations over a long period of time and it also stays off the main tourist trails and introduces the reader to locations off the beaten track.

T. A. Williams obviously knows his stuff when it comes to Italy, as there is heaps of historical information, coupled with beautifully evocative descriptions of the sights, sounds and smells – some of the meals the party eats will have you drooling!

The romantic plots in these books alway deliver by the time the novel wraps up and this book in particular is quite touching. Emma, the main character in this book, is slightly older than the usual heroine and – I guess because I am feeling especially old as I come up to my birthday – this made me like her just that little bit more.

As I said, I’m sad that this lovely book series has come to an end, but that certainly won’t stop me picking up more from T. A. Williams as, for a read that will take you away from your troubles, his books definitely can’t be beat!

T.A. Williams has the great skill of whisking his readers to far off places. With his descriptive words of delight for all the senses you can instantly feel enveloped in the charm of the location. The authors latest romance takes us to Italy when a Hollywood movie location scout needs to find the perfect settings for the next big romance to hit the big screens.

Emma is a Brit who has been working and living in LA for the last 12 years, she loves her job working for a big production company and is excited for this new screen play that is set to be turned into a movie. Emma is a little apprehensive about the trip as the son of the studio is set to join her and she is to be his mentor. She later learns that Rich has had a troubled few years and he's still finding his way back to recovery. Joining Emma and Rich when they arrive in Italy is Marina, their local guide and Mark a historian.

Explaining the scenes of the movie to all the team they go on a journey all around Italy navigating the narrow streets and historical sites and many off the beaten tracks to find the perfect locations fit for the movie.

I love opening up a new T.A. Williams novel as I know I'm in for a descriptive delight of delicious culinary dishes. I felt jealous of the characters eating all the sumptuous food. Italy has so much to offer and I appreciate the author's research and knowledge as I felt welcomed y the people and the culture of this beautiful sounding country.

A gorgeous story that's like a travelogue with a bonus of a story within a story. Charming, romantic and perfect escapism!

Oh, to be back reading a novel by T.A. Williams again. I always get the same feeling when reading one of his novels, I feel happy and always hungry! The cover of this particular novel of his makes you want to pack up and go visit Italy straight away. The pretty buildings, bright blue sky and shimmering ocean, not to mention the beautiful car, makes such a stunning and summery cover. I also love the red flowers dotted around the top of the cover.

In this novel we follow main character Emma, who is currently living in LA working for a film company. Her job is a big deal to her so as a consequence she's cut out all dating and social activities so she can rise to the top. And it's working. She gets sent to scout for locations for the next movie which is set in Italy. The descriptions of the food and locations sound stunning. I wish I was doing Emma's job! I was insanely jealous when I was reading about her adventures.

Emma soon meets historical advisor, Mark and has what she refers to as an 'odd' reaction to him as she has been sworn off men for so long. She finds him very attractive and finds herself swooning over him, she doesn't think it's reciprocated however. Over the course of Emma's working holiday, they have little chats full of flirty comments and Emma finds herself falling for him.

I really enjoyed reading about all the locations in Italy that they travelled too, especially as they were less well known locations. It was nice to learn a little history as well as enjoy the romantic storyline. T.A. William's style of writing is, as always, really elegant and easy to read. I always end up feeling like I'm right there with the characters.

Overall, a perfect lighthearted read for these uncertain times we are all going through at the moment. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read an advance copy of this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.

I haven’t been able to read all of the ‘Dreaming of…’ books by T. A. Williams but it is my full intention to do so! The ones I have read haven’t disappointed. The books themselves are standalone but it’s just a nice way of bringing together a certain type of book.

Dreaming of Italy is beautiful. T. A. Williams is becoming well known for his (yes..his!) writing of beautiful scenes and transporting the reader into sunnier climates. His books are a mixture of romance, drama and history. There are always carefully reviewed historical aspects of the books which really helps to bring the places to life that you are visiting.

This is a book to read on the beach, or, in current circumstances, to sit out in the garden and enjoy in the sunshine with a glass of something cold. This is also a great reminder of the beauty of Italy at a time when it’s actually quite a scary place to be, like much of the world right now as we are gripped by a global pandemic.

Really enjoyed this book, it is a light hearted story with lots of will they won't they to keep you on tenterhooks.

Oh I do love a TA Williams book, he knows how to write pure escapism in the most gorgeous locations.

During this story you get to travel all over Italy and witness some of the gorgeous landmarks. The descriptions are detailed and colourful and just make you want to travel and experience it for yourself.

A gorgeous story, I loved the balance of characters and everyone loves a bit of romance in Italy. Another wonderful story set against a stunning backdrop that I just loved from start to finish.

A light hearted romance perfect reading. Good plot and fun characters. Great Italian setting. This would be a fun movie. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.