I was intrigued all the way from the start! What happened to Zia-Lucia's mom? Why were there two death certificates? As someone who LOVES all things Italian, I was charmed with the description of the Umbrian village, the vineyards, and the locals. I also really enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Zia and Piero develops! I think the author manages to balance that romantic plot with the main plot of Zia looking to discover her story. I'm also quite impressed with how much the author obviously has researched about the Italian language and culture.

Would definitely recommend!

I received this ARC through NetGalley. All reviews are my own.

Such a great read. The character development played out well. I felt pulled in from the first chapter. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

This was a delightful book to read during lockdown, took me back to holidays in Italy under the sun.

Zia’s mum died several years ago when she was a young child and her grandparents came back from Spain to look after her. They have now both died and Zia has only just got around going through some of the paperwork and correspondence left behind by them. She is living in a lovely flat in Brighton and recently broken up from her boyfriend when she found him cheating on her. Unfortunately he was friends with Zia’s best friend Ursula and her husband. Ursula is temporarily living with Zia after problems in her marriage.

Zia is shocked with what the she finds amongst the paperwork and decides to go to Italy to see if she can find out the truth behind her birth and parentage. Ursula agrees to go with her and the girls decide on a road trip to Umbria.

Not only does Zia find new family and solve the puzzle surrounding her birth, she also finds love amongst the vineyards. It’s a quick easy read and left me wishing I could join them all in Italy!

The characters in this book has me hooked from the very beginning. The relationship between Zia and Piero was so beautifully written and fleshed out that I couldn't wait to read more. I devoured this book in two sittings and am eagerly awaiting Sue Moorcroft's next release.

What can I say, once again a lovely read from Sue Moorcroft. She never fails to have my gripped on the first page and just didn’t want to put the book down. I want to live in this book!

Zia travels to Italy to look for the secrets of her past.
I loved this book, it took me from a cold, rainy England in March when I was reading it to a warm, sunny Italy. The lead characters Zia and Piero did deserve to have their heads knocked together as both had feelings for each other but wouldn't admit it, but this is a typical trope in such stories. What did pull me in to the story was the description of the Italian countryside, nicely balanced with a quick trip to Brighton, plus the characters. These varied from an ex who wouldn't let go to new stand - in grandparents with varying levels of warmth.
I did enjoy Zia's journey looking into her convoluted family background, there were also sub plots around the vineyard that the story is set in. There is a touch of spicyness, although nothing explicit, if that isn't your type of thing.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Zia has no family left, and is living in Brighton with her best friend after the break up of her friend's marriage. As they clear space, Zia finds documents that lead her to wonder about her family history. Keen to work in Italy, she seeks out her Italian father in the hope of getting an Italian passport, but what other family secrets will she discover, and will her and her Italian lover make a go of things..... A really captivating read, that made me keep turning the pages.

An easy to read romance set in the warm Italian sunshine. Zia discovers that her mother was not who she thought she was, so heads to Italy to try and discover mire. Along the way she meets Piero and falls in love. A lovely warm book to read on a cold spring day.

A lovely story beautifully told. The characters were believable and I wanted to know what happened to them all. A feel good book for sure, the settings of Umbria and Brighton were brought to life and there was plenty going on in the story.

I adore this author and her ability to completely hook me in her novels.

Zia is looking for answers about who she is. She has never met her father and it is only through some old letters that she begins to piece together the puzzle of her past. This leads Zia from Brighton to Italy, the Umbria region of mountains and wine. Zia and her friend Ursula make the journey and discover a lot more about Zia's past. Deciding that she wants to lengthen her holiday, Ursula heads back to the UK again.

The author has done such a wonderful job once again with her breathtaking descriptions and also for the other details involved in winemaking and property. A story about families that not only spans generations but has the potential to cause hurt. Secrets are part of families, but wanting to know the truth can be a good or a bad thing.

Weaving family, secrets, wine and property deals into a story with a stunning backdrop and then including so many other things in this story is just amazing. It makes for an exciting reading especially when an ex-boyfriend is thrown into the mixing pot and then the potential new boyfriend. This is a book that seems to have everything and quite a few other things as well.

This is a mix of contemporary fiction and romance, and the author really does know how to write romance scenes. Whether it is a flirtatious glance or something a little more raunchy she gets the balance right without being over the top with descriptions. You will know what I mean when you come across Piero!

If you are a fan of modern romance novels then this author is surely already on your radar and you have probably read several of her books already. One I happily read over the course of an afternoon and evening and would definitely recommend.

I liked the concept of this book more than the actual execution. The beginning was disjointed and the language was convoluted. The pacing was also a challenge. Introducing eight characters in a mere three sentences was entirely too fast for me to meaningfully absorb. Then, later on, the author took entire pages to describe something that could have been done in a few paragraphs. Those aspects just didn’t work for me.

That being said, the story did become more fluid about 10 chapters in and I found myself appreciating the descriptions of Italian towns, rolling vineyards, and thorough explanations of wine production and tasting.

This is a feel good novel centered on family, love, and travel. Although this wasn’t my jam and fell in at around ⭐️⭐️💫, it’s a cute story in a beautiful setting.

Release Date: May 12, 2021

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC!

Warm and inviting, Under the Italian Sun offers a welcome sun-drenched stroll through the gorgeous Umbrian countryside.

The book follows main character Zia as she embarks on a journey across Europe to find her long-lost family. Struggling with her identity and looking for answers, Zia and her best friend Ursula find themselves checking into an Italian holiday rental overlooking a beautiful vineyard. With Zia's past and future uncertain, it isn't long before she finds herself torn between her home in Brighton and her newfound love for Italy.

Piero owns his dream home, right next to the holiday lets where Zia and Ursula are staying. Despite his preoccupations with problems of his own, it isn't long before the sparks start to fly between Piero and Zia. The connection between the two is strong right from the very start, leading to an enjoyable romance filled with butterflies and intense feelings. It feels natural and is a joy to read.

Of course, though, the romance is just one part of the book. Zia's quest for answers is also a key storyline, adding mystery and suspense to the plot. Learning about Zia's family is intriguing and it's impossible not to find yourself willing her to succeed!

Under the Italian Sun is a sizzling romance, ideal for reading by the pool on a summer getaway - or equally for helping you escape to warmer climes from the comfort of your sofa!

A lovely story where you really feel Zia's emotions from the sadness and happiness through to the anger at Brendan. This will keep you hooked in.

Friendship, love, betrayal, family and emotions churning...all sum up a s tory that takes place in Italy. While it isn't necessarily the next best thing to traveling to Italy these days, it will do. I say "it will do" only until such time I can get on a flight and go there again. Reading about the piazzas, the food, the people, all that is described and fills my mind with "Italian" thoughts definitely works for me, as did this story. Just by happenstance did I decide to request this book and I'm so glad I did. This story about a woman trying to find her identity was a lovely read and well written. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My perfect ‘lockdown’ escape! Written to evoke all the senses; drench yourself in the Italian sunshine, smell the herby olive oil drizzled bruschetta, become immersed in the Umbrian vineyards savouring the aromatic wine. Throw in a family mystery to untangle with a dash of sizzling romance, as the story ended, I didn’t want to leave!

I liked this book, but not as much as I've liked some of Sue's earlier work. Despite the subject matter I didn't feel any strong emotion coming from Zia. I felt more coming from Piero! The description of the setting was superb, making me feel as though I was there. I couldn't stand Brendon, so good characterisation, but why oh why did Zia even give him the time of day? Same goes for Ursula's husband. The ending was just right, so all in all a good read. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There were so many elements that I loved about this book. The storyline of Zia, who after her mother’s death wants to track down her Italian father and get so many unanswered questions. I found Zia to be very likeable and felt for her when she was trying to find these answers when she visits Italy.
There’s so much emotion written beautifully in this book and against the gorgeous backdrop of Italy. There are characters to love, characters to hate (quite rightly) and the characters you are rooting for! Thoroughly enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend it!

This is a story of a young woman who finds she isn't who she thought she was and travels to Italy to find her father. Some really appealing characters and the descriptive writing makes you become part of the story. I can see the vineyards and surroundings, in my minds eye. Great conclusion.

Beautiful story, I’ve always wanted to visit Italy and I absolutely loved the descriptions of the landscapes. I could almost feel the Italian sun on my face! The plot had lots of twists and turns and I really loved Zia as a character and seeing how her story unfolded. The ending was all I hoped for and more.

I enjoyed reading this book, however I did find that it took me a little longer than usual to settle into the story, it was a little disjointed in parts... but overall a nice read.