Under the Italian Sun by Sue Moorcroft is a wonderfully heartwarming story that combines romance, family secrets, and a breathtaking Italian setting. The story follows Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers, who, after uncovering shocking family secrets, heads to Italy with her best friend, Ursula, to search for answers about her heritage and track down her father. The story unfolds against the stunning backdrop of Umbria, vividly described in a way that immerses readers into the beauty of the Italian countryside, with its rolling hills, cobbled streets, and cozy piazzas.

What sets this book apart is the emotional depth Moorcroft weaves into the characters. Zia’s journey is not just one of discovery but of healing and learning to trust again after the loss of her fiancé, who passed away under scandalous circumstances. Zia’s relationship with her supportive father and her determination to uncover the truth about her family keeps the emotional stakes high. Meanwhile, Ursula’s marital troubles and the mysterious new musician in town, Piero, add layers of intrigue and complexity.

The chemistry between Zia and Piero is a slow-burning romance that adds charm to the plot, though things are far from simple as both characters have personal struggles to resolve. The family drama surrounding Piero and his vineyard adds even more depth, making this more than just a light romance. Moorcroft doesn’t shy away from heavier themes such as mental health, family betrayal, and the realities of post-Brexit Europe, which ground the story in reality.

This book is a delightful mix of romance, mystery, and family drama that keeps you engaged. Moorcroft’s rich descriptions and heartfelt storytelling make Under the Italian Sun a wonderful escape.

Wanted to see how this all would end, so I stuck with it despite it dragging in the middle and every turn seemed to be about 'how can we make Zia's life more terrible/make her feel more rejected and alone' which started getting tedious after a while... The editing was also really roughshod throughout, some turns of phrases rather awkward to fathom. But I still wanted to know how it would all end.
[ Zia is made to feel bad until the very end, which peeved me completely, like what did that poor girl do? Ursula did not deserve a good friend like Zia, and Aunt Lucia's illness just felt like it was thrown in to lengthen the story. Also not a fan of the many misunderstandings between Zia and Piero just so it could all blow up in the black moment. But overall, the ending delivered, though it felt rather rushed (hide spoiler)]

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #undertheitaliansun #netgalley

Zia's mum sadly died when she was 10 and she was brought up by her loving grandparents who moved back to the UK to care for her. She has never known her dad but has been intrigued about who fills that blank spot on her birthday certificate. When her grandparents die she sets off on a mission to fill the blank. Until she finds too many documents in the same name! Can she solve the mystery and will she get more than she bargained for?

I have been recommended Sue's books multiple times so when this one came out I jumped at the chance.

This book does what it says on the tin. An emotional journey of discovery of self as well as showing how relationships in all contexts can be complex and need nurturing. A great beach read!

The only thing for me was I felt in parts that description was lacking. Other than I knew they were in Italy because of the lack of description, in some parts, they could have been anywhere.

I really liked this book, but I felt that there were lulls in the story that needed some help.. However I found this to be really enjoyable and entertaining and would recommend.

Great page turner with Italian landscapes, possibly slightly predicable but these are my favourite kinda books. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

I enjoyed this light but sunny read. Good for idle summer hours..A story about Zia-Lucia who goes to escape to Italy to rediscover herself. Perhaps a bit predictable when it comes to relationships but a bit of mystery makes for an intriguing story

This is a beautiful story of finding you roots and love all in the gorgeous setting of a fictional little village in Italy. The descriptions are beautiful and the characters likeable. I really enjoyed Zia's journey.

This story takes you to beautiful scenic Italian landscapes, this woman on a quest to find her family roots and to fall in love which what better place to do so!

Entertaining read with a lot of colorful characters. The backdrop of Italy is a great choice as it taps into people's aspiration to visit there.

As Spring starts to turn a corner and the idea of long summers start to appear, it is more than high time that I cracked on with my summer reading. Under the Italian Sun being one of the first books to read this year.

I was initially drawn to this book, not only because I am a huge fan of Sue Moorcroft but also because it is based in Italy. One of my favourite places in the world. Mainly for the food, culture and gelato. But lets be honest there is something very special about that place. 

Here we meet Zia, who is trying to find herself and find out more about her heritage. But there is also Piero, trying his hardest to save his home and Ursula and Stefan and their relationship. Each person in the book tugged my heart a little and I wanted to read more and know more about them. Although Zia, was undoubtable the heart and soul of the story. 

This may seem a light, joyful summer read, but actually there is so many layers to the story that may be surprising to some. While there is a slow sizzler of a romance (which is perfect) there are also some darker moments in the books, such as when we learn more about Zia's mum and what happened when she was little. 

This made me feel more for Zia and I truly cheered when I saw her making connections in Umbria. And for me this was the main point of the story. To make connections and family and to be yourself. 

Under the Italian Sun is the perfect travel book for this summer, whether you are on on the beach or in your armchair. This is escapism at its finest with intriguing characters and the perfect setting.

At times this book reads like a what not to do if you want to trace your family, but luckily, as it is a Sue Moorcroft story, everything ends up well. Through various trials and tribulations, including a family traitor wo was all about the money; some misleading - for more money of course – statements and nearly a contract; and a family at odds with other about what the future should hold and what role or career each should undertake.
So, to go back to the beginning. We have a young woman named Zia. And yes, she knows that in Italian it means Aunt, but her mother did it deliberately – which the story explains.
Zia has always wondered about her mother and why she moved so often, yes it was her job in flipping houses, but still, she seemed to move towns too often. And also, she stayed away from her own mother a lot and Zia didn’t see her much, until her mother died, and her grandmother then brought her up. After her grandmother died, Zia cleared out her house and sold it to buy a wonderful flat on Brighton’s seafront. Believe me, an expensive place to live. And quite fun too. Brighton is a lively eclectic town, although the Lanes are now taken over by designers rather than the ‘hippie’ boutiques of yesteryear.
In clearing it out she found a suitcase and in due course she opened it to find and read a bunch of letters which set her off on a journey to Southern Italy, Umbria and a vineyard.
And this is then where most of the story is set. Within the vineyard and the family that owned it and the small town at the bottom of the hill. We meet a variety of characters, well described such that we can almost see them and hear them – in fractured English – and a sun-drenched landscape and the heat of mid-summer in Italy.
I enjoyed the storyline and found it had a nice element of mystery in it as we discovered more about the characters and more about Zia’s actual family bloodline.

Lovely feel good book to read. It was a joy to read. Lovely characters. Great plot. The book was charming. Very well written. I’d definitely recommend this book. Idyllic location that set the tone for the book. Once again this author has another hit.

I loved this book, Sue Moorcroft never fails in bringing original characters and stories. The setting made me feel as though I was in Italy. I loved the main characters, the sizzling chemistry and tension. I loved all of the side characters who were just as interesting and important.

Sue Moorcroft has done it again. An absolutely amazing escapist novel. I fall in love with each and every story she writes and I just can’t get over how good they are.

Despite it taking me ages to get round to reading this book when I finally did I gobbled it up and read it in one sitting. I always know a Sue Moorcroft book is going to be a great read.

When Zia Lucia finally gets enough courage up to find out about her family she is in for a lot of surprises along her journey, she initially travels to Italy to find her father but finds a lot more than that.

Absolutely perfect Summer read

A feel good story coupled with some well written characters and scenary.

The plot is an engaging one, that is filled with discovering the past, uncovering family roots with wonderful backdrop of Italian vineyards and sunsets.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the ARC!!

Under the Italian Sun

by Sue Moorcroft

Zia is a young English woman in search of a family after her grandparents pass away and she finds herself without a job. She knows her father, who is not listed on her birth certificate, was from Italy. She does some sleuthing and decides to go to Italy to hopefully discover some family ties and perhaps persuade her father to legally acknowledge her, thus easing the pathway to Italian citizenship.

Along her journey, Zia uncovers long buried secrets, meets some family, and falls in love. The road to happiness even under the Italian sun and overlooking a vineyard and winery is not an easy one. Not everyone is welcoming in Montelibertá, and Zia’s ex-boyfriend morphs from an insulting cheater into a vengeful stalker.

Sue Moorcroft’s Under the Italian Sun is an interesting romance with a great setting. Zia’s past is dismal as she gradually loses those close to her, but she is an intelligent young woman, a good friend, and full of hope. She falls quickly and hard for her handsome Italian neighbor. Can they really settle for a summer fling knowing Zia can not legally stay in the country indefinitely?

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 4/5

Category: General Fiction (Adult), Romance, Women’s Fiction

Notes: Rather disappointing for me, this really nice story has an “open door” bedroom scene and a lot of expletives.

Publication: May 13, 2021—Harper Collins (Avon Books)

Memorable Lines:

The oven timer continued to ping in counterpoint to the gull’s plaintive calls but Zia heard the shush-shush of her heartbeat louder than both. As spooked as a child at a horror film, she had to force her breathing to be even.

Church steeples poked up between terracotta-tiled roofs, buildings were painted cream, ochre or apricot, the major structures gracing the town centre while houses huddled on the slopes like children hatching mischief.

At some point this afternoon she’d made the decision never to identify herself to Gerardo. It had come from an instinct to protect herself from disappointment rather than from structured reasoning but the decision was a relief. Couldn’t trust him. Could do without him.

A gorgeous summer read set in beautiful Italy. This book will bring a ray of sunshine on even the most rainy days.

How could you not like a book set in Italy? I found this to be a relaxing, enjoyable read. I loved the setting and the characters handed their situations well.

A beautiful, summery story in Italy - the perfect read while you're away on holiday, or even just soaking up the sun in your back garden!