Really enjoyable book. The detail of the locations was excellent and it was really lovely reading about the Italian settings. The characters were good and developed as the story progressed. Loved the ending.

I have enjoyed previous books by Sue Moorcroft
And this one was no different, it was a lovely read, so easy to follow, easy to invest in, perfect holiday read in my opinion

Oh my goodness this book is just gorgeous!!!!! I read it in an afternoon because I couldn’t put it down!! This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. I love books that are set in Italy and the description was just beautiful!! I’m so excited for other people to read this magnificent book

Great summer read by Sue Moorcroft. This is an author that I like but I found this one jumped a bit. Started with Zia in Brighton discussing finding letters and documents that puts her parentage into question with her friend and then suddenly the 2 of them are in Italy without really explaining. Zia’s story of finding out about her past and her mother runs alongside that of her friend Ursula who is having marriage problems. The story evolves nicely with Zia falling in love with Pierro the vineyard owner in Italy so it is also about her future and where she will end up. If you can get past the Italian names, Italian phrases that are thrown in then it is a great story and a great summer read. #Romance #Italy #NetGalley

UNDER THE ITALIAN SUN - SUE MOORCROFT
PUB BY - AVON BOOKS UK
PLOT - Zia- Lucia after her grandparents death discovers that her mother was not really her mother and that she is half Italian!
She along with her Best friend Ursula set out to Umbria to find out about who her father is? But on reaching she encounters Piero, who is a local vineyard owner dealing with his own problems.
Can Zia finally find the future and her lost family she has always dreamt of??

MY THOUGHTS-
The book straight away begins with lots of Qs about Zia's parentage and slowly throughout the book the mystery unfolds for Zia.
This was my 1st read by this author and it was quite a delightful read was easily transported to the vineyards in Umbria.
For me the chemistry between the Zia and Piero to begin with was flat and then it grew gradually..it could hv been a little more in my opinion.
So if this summer you want to escape then this book will be a perfect...a light read with hints of mystery.

What a delightful read! This was my first Moorcroft's and I definetly want to read many more. I was captivated from the very start and couldn't put this book down, as I wanted to know what would happen to Zia Lucia Costa (such a mouthful of a name!) and her extended estranged family.
There are so many questions that you'd want answered at the beginning and in time the book answers to all of them, so it's very satisfying. The settings are beautiful and the characters relatable and well-drawn.
I read this book both as an ebook and as an audiobook, and I want to say that the narrator is incredible, I loved hearing all the different accent, great job!
Highly enjoyable and definitely recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🌄Family secrets split wide open! Great read😊

I wasn't sure about this book pick when I dove in to the first chapter which, frankly, had me confused. But main character Zia-Lucia's complicated family history and its mysteries were soon clarified. Once she got to sunny Umbria I was thoroughly caught up in this story of family secrets, tragedy and attempted reconciliation. Though the Italian setting first drew me to the book, it was Zia-Lucia's story that really won me over. I must admit getting tearful on occasion as she battles against heartache, frustration, betrayal and loneliness to win the love and family that has been absent so long from her life.

There's a villain or two, an indifferent father, some truly wonderful hosts, a friend from back home who (albeit unintentionally) adds complications, and a separate drama subplot involving the uncertain fate of the neighboring winemaking estate. The author has created a not so small community of family and friends but I did not feel that a single character did not add to the story.

And, yes, romance plays an important part in Zia's Italian summer. It eventually gets heated but not what I'd consider steamy. Interference from exes, past disappointments and communication snafus make the couple's future less predictable, challenging and never dull.

I don't recall ever reading any of Moorcroft's novels previously but I will definitely be looking for more of her work. Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

Loved this book It really did not disappoint. The beautifully painted scenes in Umbria brought back so many memories and made me long to return. Tia’s story will not disappoint. Read it and see for yourself.

I’ve always enjoyed Sue’s novels and this one does not disappoint. It’s a beautiful story set between England and Italy with Zia trying to discover who exactly she is and uncover the true details of her background. Friendship, romance and the importance of family makes this a brilliant novel.

This book gave my slight "Under The Tuscan Sun" vibes, which is one of my all time favorite movies! It's a story that hookes you in from the very first page, and you don't want to put it down. I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting and ended up loving it so much! You'll have SO. MANY. QUESTIONS in the beginning, but they're all answered, which is so satisfying! I definitely felt like I was on holiday together with Zia, and it made me desperately want to visit Umbria. This book is a story of self-discovery, and so well written! Highly recommend!

<b> Thank you to NetGalley and the author for kindly providing me with an eArc, in return for an honest review. </b>

A book full of emotions and a story set in Brighton and Italy.
Zia learns she has family connections in Italy and decides to visit in the hope of finding her real father. She has recently broken up with her boyfriend and feels this would be a good time to head abroad. In typical Italian style, there are large families living very closely together and Zia must establish her part within it.
Zia unexpectedly falls in love but struggles to believe she could live in Italy. So much happens in this book, it drew me in from the beginning and did not let go until the final,page.
A great summer read which I thoroughly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

This book starts slow, but when the story lines hits you just can’t put it down.

I love Italy, and this book is pure escapism to Umbria, with Italian food and lots of insight into the Italian way of life.

Loved it.

Under The Italian Sun by Sue Moorcroft Pub Date 13/5/21
A warm, sun-baked terrace.
The rustle of verdant green vines.
The sun slowly dipping behind the Umbrian mountains.
And the chink of wine glasses as the first cork of the evening is popped.
Welcome to Italy. A place that holds the answer to Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers' many questions. Not least, how she ended up with such a mouthful of a name.
When Zia discovers that her mother wasn't who she thought she was, she realises the time has come to search out the Italian family she's never known.
However, as she delves into the secrets of her past, she doesn't bargain on having to think about her future. But with local vineyard owner, Piero, living next door, Zia knows she has a serious distraction who may prove difficult to ignore.
This summer, join Zia as she sets out to uncover her past. But can she find the future she's always dreamed of along the way?
Sue Moorcroft escorts the reader into an atmospheric journey into the Italian sunshine. Sue's descriptive style will always encompass you, and this story is no exception.
We find ourselves transported to Italy and into the Italian culture, the sun, the smells, the food and the wine.
The characters, as always, are vibrant, convincing and brilliant.
The story is captivating, vivid and full of passion.
I am happy to recommend this book along with its author Sue Moorcroft. If you enjoy this, you will enjoy many of her other great books.
I want to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and author Sue Moorcroft for a pre-publication copy to review.

Under the Italian Sun is a lovely bit of romantic escapism perfect for sunny days. The characters are all likeable and there is so much going on in the plot, so many twists and turns, that you just have to keep on reading. The setting is beautiful and despite the tragedies the story is based on, it is an uplifting and romantic tale. It had me hooked, and I read it very quickly. Highly recommended for a bit of light reading and escapism.

Wonderful Italian escape!! Feel good brilliant read! Loved this book!!
Zia Lucia Costa Chalmers goes to the Umbria hillsides of Italy with her best friend Ursula to find out the origins of her name under the guise of a holiday.
The twists and turns, revelations and unexpected meetings are just brilliant. The effects on us of our family and the friendshios/relationships we build are sensitively portrayed.
Loved the characters and the whole Italian family way of life!! Feel like I've just had a holiday in Umbria!
Fantastic wonderful book!! Highly recommended :)
Thank you for the early read

Thank you to netgalley for an advance copy of this book. I found the start a little slow, but my goodness once I got into it I couldn't put it down! I was transported to beautiful Italy with a cast of characters who are believable and well rounded. I really felt for Zia in her quest to find out about her roots, the story really captivated me and the character of Zia was one I was really drawn to. Everything about this story made me feel like I was in Italy, basking in beautiful sunshine and enjoying delicious food and wine, so beautifully described by Sue. A much needed feel good story which I was sorry to finish!

Zia-Lucia is shocked when she discovers she's not who she thought she was. She was raised by her grandparents and always thought her bio-dad was Italian but there's much more to the story. She's just broken up with a rat of a boyfriend so why not take off to Tuscany. Her BFF Urssula goes with her and the two of them find a whole new world out there. Zia-Lucia's family owns a vineyard and they are all arguing with one another. Piero, however, is their neighbor - and what a neighbor he is! Moorcroft fans (and I'm one of them) know this might be a bit trope-y but it's got a big heart and a lovely setting. No spoilers for me about the family drama or, for that matter, the romance, Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Oh to be able to travel!

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I was drawn to this book as the story is set in Italy, in a vineyard. In that essence, the location is beautifully set and met my expectations.

Zia goes on a quest to find her biological family but there are ups and downs. I liked that it wasn’t all perfect!

She also has to deal with friendship issues and debating whether to pursue her life in Britain or start a new life in Italy, if she can solve her passport situation.

There is a love story but I am never enthralled by instant love connections and that part of the story did not meet my expectations.

A lovely relaxing holiday read which made me fall in love with both Italy and Piero. Sue Moorcroft is an expert at vividly bring her characters to life.

This lovely romantic novel offers a virtual escape to the vineyards of Umbria, where heroine Zia is searching for the truth about her family. Brought up by her single mother until the age of 10, then by her grandparents after her mother's death, she has just discovered that not only has she never known her father, her mother might not be who she thought she was either! Her quest takes her and her friend, Ursula, to the outskirts of the little town of Montelibra, where their hosts, Durante and Lucia, may be able to provide some answers. As she becomes involved in their lives, the truth about her past becomes clearer, but her future starts to become more complicated as she finds herself falling for their very handsome neighbour, Piero, woodworker, part-vineyard owner and extremely handsome Italian hunk!
A light romantic read, with a mystery at its core, this is the perfect book for sunny days. The plot offers plenty threads to be untangled, not just in learning the truth about Zia's family, but in her own and Ursula's relationships with their partners in the UK - both men I'd avoid like the plague! Piero is a different story. He's strong, sexy, sensitive, caring and talented but, like Zia, he has his own family and relationship issues to deal with.
Still, I'd join him in the wine-tasting, star-gazing and feasting on Italian fare that add atmosphere to the interest of the plot and make this story such a satisfying, sensuous balm for the senses.