Member Reviews

T A Williams is back with an uplifting tale that makes for perfect summertime reading: Secrets on the Italian Island.

One of the perks of being a geologist is that one gets to travel to some of the world’s most beautiful locations. When Anna’s latest assignment takes her all the way to Elba, she is beyond thrilled and on arrival, she is immediately impressed by the breath-taking sights of this majestic Italian island. Anna has come to Elba to look for precious metals, however, she cannot help but find herself distracted by something – or should that be someone – who is just as equally appealing: windsurfer Marco. Sparks immediately begin to fly between the two of them, even though Anna must give Marco a wide berth as she daren’t risk anyone finding out the real reason behind her stay in Elba…

Anna knows that she should remain focused on the job at hand. However, the more time she spends with Marco, the more she finds herself falling for him. As the two of them continue to get closer and closer, Anna thinks that she has enough on her plate trying to keep the reason behind her sojourn in Elba a secret and her feelings for Marco – until her old friend Toby turns up bringing with him a whole surfeit of complicated feelings and emotions she certainly was not expecting!

Torn between two very different men, Anna realises that happiness can be within reach but only if she finds the courage to listen to her heart. But who is the right man for her? Is it Marco? Toby? Or has Anna been looking for happiness in the wrong place all this time?

T A Williams writes so brilliantly and vividly about the countries he so vividly describes in his novels that they are truly the next best thing to a holiday in the sun. Secrets on the Italian Island is a gorgeous romantic read that sparkles with beautiful descriptions, rib-tickling humour and heart-warming emotion. Anna is a wonderful heroine readers will absolutely adore and her search for happiness is sure to keep them gripped and eagerly turning the pages.

A fun read that is absolutely fantastic, T A Williams has penned another must-read with Secrets on the Italian Island.

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One of my favourite authors. I love the authors descriptive writing skills. 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

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T A Williams has yet to fail in writing a good book. I love the Italian collection. If you fancy a holiday to Italy without leaving the U.K. and a light easy read. This book fits the bill

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Great summer holiday reading - enough of a story that it isn’t totally predictable but fun and I didn’t want to put it down.

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I’ve found myself particularly attracted to books set in far away places even though they make my wanderlust go out of control. Secrets on the Italian Island provided me with a glimpse of an island I was unaware of amongst a country that I’m already in love with.

In many ways, I truly thought I knew what was going to happen in this book. Even with the slight love triangle aspect, I say slight because it’s only a minor subplot, I felt from the beginning that I knew this story already… but I was wrong.

Everything changes for me with the introduction of George and Jack. Jack is an elderly man in questionable health while George is Jack’s adorable dog. After an intense situation, Anna finds herself becoming close to them in an unexpected but moving way. The heart of the story lies with them and once the secrets start to be revealed, everything I thought I knew was out the window.

This is a highly readable and enjoyable book that left me slightly emotional but completely satisfied. I didn’t know that I needed to travel to Elba, but I might start planning my trip.

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Do you love or are you missing holidays? trips to Italy? Italian food? the glorious scenery that Italy offers, the Italian coastline? Then this is a book for you. Or if you just love a heart-warming book set in a glorious location, with delicious food, great characters, friendships and romance, then this is also a book for you. Not to forget the secrets….

I adored this book. My little heart loved everything about it.

Italy is my favourite country for many reasons. In the current climate of travel being such a hassle, this book was just what I needed right now. The author wrote in a way that made you feel like you were there, enjoying Anna’s adventure with her. Also, the food needs a special mention. I was literally in food heaven the whole way through.

As much as Anna was on the island of Elba in Italy to work, she managed to find herself torn between two men…
Marco - The hot one that she was passionately attracted to. However the secret she has to keep, makes life a lot harder for her. Or Toby – good looks and has a lovely instant connection with. The one on paper who seems the sensible option.

I was 70% of the way through and really didn’t know what way it was going to pan out and I loved that about this book. It kept you guessing. I liked how cool, calm and collected Anna was.

Oh, how wonderful the friendship in this book was. As much as I love romance, I think it was that special friendship that truly captured my heart. It was very sweet and endearing.

I finished this book (after having a little cry) and went straight on to google to research Elba. I can confirm it looks every bit as beautiful as it was described in the book and has now been added to my bucket list so thank you. I just want to go swimming in the sea….and sailing on a yacht!

I highly recommend this book, it was the most perfect summer read.

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Secrets on the Italian islands is the story about Anna, a geologist. who is sent to Elba for her work to search for precious minerals. The link to Ela was what attracted me to the book in the first place, as well as the opportunity to learn more about mining on Elba.

Although there are some nice descriptions of Elba and I did learn about the mining of precious metals the book turned out to be basically a love story, where Anna had to choose between two men. I don't think this is a bad book but it just wasn't a book for me. The constant referrals to what "Sensible Anna" thinks and what "Naughty Anna" wants got on my nerves big time.

Only thing that saved the book for me were the descriptions of Elba and Anna's interaction with Jack. Therefore i'll add one star, which brings it to a small 3 stars instead of the 2 for the story.

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Once more this highly talented author has written a fabulous story that whisked me away, escaping our current travel restricted reality in the best possible way. This story has so many key ingredients which make it a total delight to read, including a beautiful setting, delicious food, fantastic characters and plenty of surprises.

Anna is a geologist but is rethinking her lifestyle as her world wide travel in search of precious metals means she has little opportunity for relationships. She recently reconnected with an old friend, Toby, but has no time to see if their relationship could develop further as she’s sent abroad again.

Her latest jaunt is to the beautiful island of Elba where she is ordered to keep her search secret from the locals who may protest the prospect of mining in the area. Her stay there includes meeting and being attracted to the local heartthrob, the windsurfing Marco, as well as the delightful Jack and his black Labrador, George. I have to say Anna’s relationship with Jack and George is one of the highlights of this lovely story and one which leads to some brilliant surprises! When Toby comes to visit, Anna is torn between the two suitors, but secrets and surprises as well as tragedy will all have their parts to play before this story concludes.

This is a delightful, fun read that I really can’t praise highly enough. With his mouth watering descriptions of delicious foods, breath taking scenery and great characters, the author places the reader in the heart of the action, providing lots of laughter and heartwarming romance in an enthralling story filled with surprises.

Thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

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3.5 stars.

For some reason I just didn't really find myself enjoying this novel as much as I do with other of T.A. Williams' novels. I liked the main character and the location was OK but not as idyllic as other novels and plus I just couldn't get my head around the two men that Anna had her eye on. I didn't like Marco and Toby seemed to take a back seat most of the time. When she found out that both of them had been unfaithful I kept asking myself where is this book going? I could not see how it was going to end. It was a bit of a disappointment unfortunately.

I did however, like Jack and George. They were the best characters in my eyes.

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'Secrets on the Italian Island' by T.A Williams is a romantic comedy that is such a fun read, it was just the light hearted read I needed.
Her work has got in the way of relationships before – but never like this
Anna’s job as a geologist takes her all over the world, including to the beautiful island of Elba, where she’s sent to look for precious metals. And the island isn’t the only thing that’s gorgeous – she can’t believe her luck when she meets windsurfer Marco and sparks fly. But Anna must keep her role on Elba a secret to avoid upsetting the locals, which means lying to Marco even as they grow closer. When her old friend Toby visits, Anna suddenly finds herself torn between the attentions of the two men. However, Anna’s not the only one keeping secrets.
Is Marco being entirely honest with her? And why did Toby really come to visit?
This was a fabulous book and with Elba as the setting I felt like I was at least in a gorgeous place for the length of time I was with Anna. She has a job that allows her to travel abroad in the hunt for precious metals. She is beginning to think that her career is hindering her in having a relationship. There are two men who are interested in her, a gorgeous Italian windsurfer and Jack, an older man who regals her with tales from his own travels and job. I loved watching this relationship developing.
A book that is not just a light fluffy read with a gorgeous setting. Their are secrets abound, not just on the island but being held by the characters and as the story unfolds it adds another dimension as they are revealed.
Part of a series but I read this with no issues and now I want to read the rest when I am able!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Canelo and Netgalley for the copy of the book to give you my unbiased thoughts

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This was a really good read. Easy story to follow, charming setting and great characters. Really enjoyed it.

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Great beach read in the beautiful setting of Elba. Fun and frothy - main character is a little annoying but overall an easy book to read and enjoy.

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Trigger Warnings
This book contains:
• Cheating on spouses
• Death of a loved one
• Discussions of the impact of mining on the environment.
Characters
Anna is the main character we follow throughout the book. She’s a smart geologist who travels the world searching for hints of precious, rare metals. After a trip home she’s starting to question her career choice and the impact she’s having on the environment and her social life.
In the course of a few weeks, Toby, Marco and Dante all come into her life, each one has their own purpose.
Storyline
Anna is sent to the Italian island of Elba to prospect for rare minerals. Just before going, she reconnects with Toby, a friend from childhood, and makes a connection she wasn’t expecting. Then when she gets to Elba, she meets Marco and then Dante.
In the space of two weeks on the island, Anna’s life changes in so many ways she wasn’t expecting. She makes lifelong friends, finds love and loses love.
Overall Thoughts
I was kept wondering what was going to happen right down to the final wire. Every little thread of the story was left open, until the very last chapter!
While it wasn’t a huge dramatic, romance novel. It was well thought out, thought provoking and brought in the discussion of our impact on the environment in a way I haven’t seen before.

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This is the kind of book that eases you into Summer.

It is light, cute and romantic.

I'm obsessed with Italy and its islands and it is a dream of mine to go one day. This was wonderfully descriptive that I could easily picture myself there.

I'm looking forward to reading more by the author.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

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TA Williams always gives us a breathtaking setting and this one, on the island of Elba, is no exception. It really does feel like an escape to a beautiful part of the world, with shimmering coasts, sandy beaches and the panoramic views. Anna is at an interesting moment in her life. Nearing the end of her twenties, she senses that her career is going to need a rethink and she needs to work out what she hopes to do next. Whereever she goes, she still meets people who seem to have become obsessive about their work or causes which has made for a lonely life with no room for anyone else.

Anna's job as a geologist throws up some interesting thoughts about the effect of modern life on the environment and she is aware of the effects her decisions can have on a community. Anna is faced with two would-be suitors but I was never too sure how her choice was going to work out. This is a gorgeous, escapist read and I am delighted to say that a certain black labrador has a major role in this story.

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book

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A perfect escape to a beautiful Italian island. Elba sounded magical and the descriptions of the beautiful beaches and scenery so vividly portrayed a stunning island. I really enjoyed Anna’s story- doing a job she loved but at the sacrifice of settling down - it was lovely to read of her discovery of the delights of the island. Jack and George were brilliant supporting characters and provided Anna with so much support and encouragement. A brilliant summer read.

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Anna is sent to Elba on a fact finding mission by her employer on a fact finding mission. She is a geologist for a major mining company who are looking for precious metals on the Island, however Anna needs to ensure she keeps her job a secret, and it is whilst she is carrying out this secret research that she meets – and befriends – some of the locals, particularly Jack and his black Labrador George, and Marco.

Both of these men make a huge impression on Anna, and despite both of them being different in so many ways, she is drawn to both of them, especially as she comes to realise that something needs to change in regards to her work-life balance. But with her unable to be totally truthful with them about her reasons for visiting Elba, especially knowing how much the locals treasure their land as it is. But it soon becomes clear that Anna isn’t the only person who is harbouring a secret, and as the story progresses, and Anna grows closer to the locals, it is only a matter of time before everyone’s secrets come to light.

I have read many books by T. A. Williams and he never fails to provide us with a fascinating, heart warming story – not to mention the absolutely breath-taking settings we find ourselves in as soon as we open the cover. I loved Anna’s character as soon as we were first introduced to her. She has spent her recent years focused on her job, but her trip to Elba really shows her that there is so much more to experience in life.

The storyline itself flows beautifully, and introduces us to a cast of vibrant, loveable characters that quickly secure a place in your heart. Each of the characters are well developed and add something different to this fabulous book. The setting is an absolute dream, allowing us to escape to Italy whilst so many of us are stuck in one place right now.

This is another fantastic book by T.A. Williams, one that I would certainly urge others to experience themselves!.

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Another lovely book by this author and just what was needed in this current time with a bit of escapism to a beautiful Italian island.... if only! Great story and characters with the inevitable black lab stealing the show. Perfect beach story

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Let T.A Williams whisk you away this summer with the brilliant escapist read. The third book in the Escape to Tuscany series; each a standalone but a wonderful selection of reads – I highly recommend! Fantastic descriptions of scenery and surroundings; I could picture myself there among the action – I wish!

Anna is a hardworking geologist, with no work life balance. She is at a point in life where she thinks a change may be needed, no matter how much she loves what she does. Her work takes her to the stunning island of Elba; an Italian dream destination, in search of precious metals.

She soon makes friends in the local community and struggles to keep the reason for being there a secret. Elba residents are protective over it’s natural and undisturbed habitat and Anna realises just how difficult a position she is in. Anna tries to come to some conclusions about her life – in terms of relationships and who is right for her as well as what she wants from her career.

I liked Anna, she seemed kind, caring and passionate about what she does as well as those she cares about. I was worried she would be easily led by those that couldn’t be trusted.

Great writing, wonderful location and interesting characters make this one book you need to pick up! A great summer read, romance and adventure galore - I highly recommend.

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When I see a new T. A. Williams book is coming I now have very high expectations, and he never disappoints. The plot is always fresh and new and the settings are simply divine meaning that I can never wait to dive in.
Williams has this amazing ability to breathe life into a setting that I have usually only read about or seen on the TV. I can see, breath and smell every bit of the surroundings and I am there. The Island of Elba is so beautifully and vividly described and it’s a place that I never knew existed before reading this book. I have perfect imagery of it now and I know if I ever get to visit, it will feel familiar.
Anna is such a sweet character and I loved how she relaxed and got into ‘holiday mode’ with a little more of a mischievous side. I found the knowledge about her job fascinating too. I adored the love triangle aspect and spent time weighing up Marco and Toby and trying to decide who she would choose.
Additional characters add a further dimension to the plot and I love how their relationships and interactions develop throughout the book.
This is a great Summer read with a stunning setting and perfect for escaping away from everyday life for a few hours.

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