I don't usually like to read about other countries, but this book was wonderful. I love this author so I thought i'd give it a try and I'm so glad i did. I loved the characters and the storyline and will definitely be thinking about the ending for years to come. Great book and one my friends who love international traveling will fall in love with as well

FTC Disclosure: While I had been approved for this book on NetGalley, the book never made it to my Kindle after clicking the “send to Kindle” button, so I managed to get a copy through my library. These are my honest thoughts.

This author was becoming a favorite, but this book changed that completely. I don’t appreciate sexual perversion being shown in a positive light that doesn’t clearly paint it as the evil stain of sin it truly is. I stopped reading the book because the leading lady didn’t seem to have any sort of problem with a guy’s son living with another man as a sexual partner, even though the Bible declares this as “contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:8-10) and “wicked” (Genesis 19:4-6). I have no idea if anyone in the story eventually came to see this behavior as the wicked sin it is, because I was too disheartened to keep reading to find out.

This was unfortunate because I was otherwise enjoying the story of a writer planning a trip to Italy while also supporting her grown daughter in her journey of attempting to climb out of debt and poor choices.

Content: crude sexual term, sexual perversion

The Florence Legacy by Lauraine Snelling is a charming tale. I have read all of Lauraine Snelling’s books and I look forward to each new release. I like that it is a clean, Christian story. I thought it was well-written with realistic characters. The pacing is relaxed. I did feel that the story was a tad long (400 pages). I enjoyed getting to know Bree and Pierre as well as their families. Pierre and Bree both lost loved ones too early. Each one of them has an issue that they have yet to deal with. The further I got into the story, the more engrossed I became. It is a Christian story, but it is not preachy. Prayer, letting go of fears, and relying on God are a couple of the Christian themes. Both of our main characters needed to let go of their fear and trust Him to guide them. I had to admire Bree’s patience in dealing with her daughter, Jessica. Jessica is in her twenties, and she has trouble managing everything. Her lack of a college education has her working as a waitress (which means low pay). Jessica is continually late. Late to work, late for family dinners, and late paying her rent. Bree and her son are continually bailing Jessica out of a mess. Patience, prayer, and the right opportunity are what is needed. I enjoyed following Bree on her journey through Italy. I could just imagine the sights and the smell of the delicious food. I was baffled as to why Bree kept ordering a caprese salad (who wants a salad in Italy). The Florence Legacy is a story about friendship, love, family, grief, fears, and trusting God. You never know where God will lead you if you let him (could be a grand adventure). I like that the characters learned something about themselves. Each experience, the good and the bad, are a life lesson. The ending was sweet. The Florence Legacy is a touching tale with a special legacy, a frightening fear, a problematic progeny, a fetching Frenchman, a joyful journey, and life lessons.

First sentence: Breeanna Lindstrom stared at the envelope in her hand. Probably a thank-you note since it was from Jade's husband. Tears immediately burned her throat and leaked from her eyes. How she missed Jade.

Jade left three friends ten thousand dollars apiece so they could take a dream vacation to Florence, Italy. Breeanna [or Bree], one of our two protagonists, is super-excited about the trip. Even in the midst of her family's messiness, she's still super thrilled to be getting away from it all. [One child is expecting a new baby soon. Her other child is drowning in debt and homeless.] She's also started seeing her best friend's brother-in-law. [They meet at the funeral of her best friend's husband.] He gives her lessons in Italian. The other protagonist, Pierre-Rene Dubois, besides being a love interest, is getting ready to start up his own business, a coffee shop. He wants a vet-friendly coffee shop. His chapters focus on getting this business started.

The novel is contemporary Christian fiction. To the extent that the characters are developed and fully fleshed out, they are presented as broken-imperfect people living in a broken-imperfect world. For example, relationships are messy. Pierre-Rene's relationship with his son and son-in-law is messy. He loves them and respects them, but, he's still balancing out how to be involved in their day-to-day lives. He is striving to make the relationship stronger and better. Likewise, Bree's relationship with Jessica, her daughter, is problematic as well. Jessica acts out--lashes out--at her mother and brother. She is upset that she has no money and doesn't have a place to stay. Any attempt to help is seen as an attack. And yet the lack of an attempt to help is also seen as being hostile.

The plot is minimal at best. Essentially there is lack of any interesting plot. The vacation to Italy--despite the publisher's description as being hilarious--is lackluster. Except for one of the friends getting mugged and having to return to the States early, all the friends do is eat, drink, and go tourist-y places. That doesn't translate well in a book. In a movie, there could be a montage of the three-to-four friends doing all the tourist-y things and laughing and having a grand old time. In a book, well, it's just boring. The characterization of the other friends is bare as well. There's just not any fleshing out of these side characters to make readers care.

I found this a tedious read. I do think these characters given another plot might be of interest. Pierre-Rene's PTSD, for example, is probably worthy of being explored in a book. Likewise, books about families struggling with reconciliation and healthy boundaries could be a good thing. But it was just hard to come to care for any of these characters or to be engaged in the story.

I absolutely loved this book as it had everything I love in a book: strong relationships, travel adventure and the emotions involved with each.

The characters were immediately likable and I liked the dynamics between them. Also, it had just enough hints of 'real life' to make it more believable. I will be searching for more of this author's books to read.

This is a story of three friends . When they lose a friend she leaves them money to take a trip to Florence Italy. Its a book of grief and friendship. Its a beautiful story as they travel to Italy and the things that happen as they travel. Beautiful characters and true friendship. They is humor as they travel and also romance. Another story written by a great Author who draws you into her books. Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to enjoy and give my honest opinion.

This is a delightful novel for those who enjoy women's fiction. Snelling has combined the story of a widow and the relationship to her adult children with a journey in Italy. There are many interesting themes in the novel. One is figuring out how to help an adult child who just cannot seem to get her life together. Another is dealing with grief. Yet another is facing the possibility of mid-life romance. And there is the issue of dealing with PTSD.

The travel in Italy is a fun adventure. We journey along with Bree and her friends, seeing the sights, eating the luscious food, experiencing interesting people, going to a cooking class, and much more. Bree and her friends face some serious issues, however. The possible danger of traveling in a foreign country becomes a reality. Bree has to face some of her own fears as she contemplates a gondola ride. Spiritual lessons are learned in the process.

I liked this novel except I was a little surprised by the clogged toilet scene. I did feel the whole scene was unnecessary and rather inappropriate. Really, who wants to read about a feminine product stuck in a toilet and the discussion about it?

This is, in general, a delightful novel for women. It is a good story of women facing many issues and one man facing a clogged toilet among other things. Seriously, except for that one scene, this an uplifting and entertaining novel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Lauraine Snelling has given us another sweet story of friendship, parenting, letting go, and following your dreams. She does such a good job with the story and characters, you feel as though it really could happen.

Bree is a single mom of two adult children. She has scrimped and saved their whole lives to give them everything they need. Her son has turned out responsible, but overbearing. Her daughter is 28, but still acts like an irresponsible 16-year-old. Bree's unfulfilled dream has been to travel to Italy and experience all the sights, sounds, and culture. When a close friend in her writing group passes away, each member of the group is left $10,000 to travel to Italy in her memory. Some can't go, but Bree is determined to do something for herself and go alone if necessary.

Pierre is trying to open a coffee shop run by veterans for veterans and their families. It is a huge undertaking made worse by his denial of his own struggles with PTSD. When he meets Bree, he is instantly attracted to her. Luckily, Bree would like to take Italian language lessons before she leaves on her trip, a language Pierre happens to know. As he begins to tutor her and spend time with her, they both develop feelings for each other.

The plot of The Florence Legacy follows Bree and Pierre's relationship, both of their kids' lives, and the struggles of opening a coffee shop.

I would recommend people who like light, Christian fiction to curl up with a cup of tea or coffee in a comfy chair and read The Florence Legacy.

A trip to Italy to see the David has been on the top of Breeanna's bucket list. It seemed to always get pushed back but through the generous gift of a friend it finally looked like it would happen. But will the needs of her grown children be once again put first?

I enjoy reading stories from Lauraine Snelling because they feel real. Maybe not your story but certainly someone you know. The characters and situations aren't always rosy nor are they completely tragic. They are just real. Ever have a plugged toilet after regular service hours? It's in this story. How about someone new that you're possibly interested in being the one to help with the plugged toilet situation. Yep! That's included too.

By the way that's all happening back home while Breeanna is trying to enjoy her trip of a lifetime. And what a trip it was. I would have liked to be on the journey with her. Lots of caprese salad and gelato for dessert. That's my kind of food. Add in all the amazing sights and it truly was the trip of a lifetime.

But of course a mom never stops being a mom. Weighing heavy on Breeanna is all the drama from home. Would this trip help her set some healthy boundaries for her own life? The journey through that is a struggle, but it's a struggle worth having.

If you're looking for a relatable story give this one a try. (Or any of Lauraine Snelling's books for that matter!) As I turned the last page I was left wanting to take such an epic adventure as well as being thankful that God chose to bless us with messy but oh so lovely relationships.

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

Lauraine Snelling has been writing for so long, she has honed her craft into some of the finest fiction I've ever read. I love the premise that she uses with her latest offering--a group of friends in the empty-nest years of their lives with new opportunities granted by a friend who passed away.

Breeanna is dealing with her daughter's spendthrift ways and her son's growing family. When she gets this windfall that has been marked for a trip to Italy, Bree's daughter thinks that she should help her out of her financial woes instead.

Breeanna is also a member of a writing group that meets periodically to discuss their writings and to just have some time for girl-talk. When all of the members of the group chime in that they have been the recipients of the late members largesse, Bree is beginning to believe that this is a providential event and that they should plan the trip they all wanted to go on for so long.

In the midst of the planning for the trip, one of Bree's friends lost her husband suddenly, and Bree meets the friend's brother-in-law and they hit it off. As Bree navigates reentry into the dating world, she finds herself in quite the conundrum. She wants to go to Italy, but she also wants to see where this relationship will go.

The Florentine Legacy is not a romance novel, per se, but there is romance in it. What I liked best about it is that it is a great novel about friendships of mature women, some of whom are navigating life with their grown children--especially knowing when and how much to help them with their problems.

I especially loved how Lauraine described the trip to Italy, she made it come alive so that the reader feels they are experiencing the same things the characters are.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a lesson on cooking some REAL Italian food.

FaithWords Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I've visited Italy a few times and enjoyed the cultural nuances the author integrated. But The Florence Legacy is much more than a journey to Italy and its beautiful landscape, art, food, and culture. (Though these are huge plusses!) It carries themes of friendship, legacy, and most importantly - trusting God.

The characters (well, some of them) are easy to connect with. I liked Bree and it was easy to sympathize for all she was going through. The children were nicely developed and got under my skin. ha.

I loved the spiritual themes of letting go of fear and trusting in the Lord. I also enjoyed these women writers belonged to a writer’s group. Anytime writers, libraries, or love of books are included in a novel that’s extra exciting for me. There are several avenues stemming from this story, but they are interconnected nicely.

This Christian themed story includes friendship, family relationships, and romance, and isn’t action-packed and suspenseful. It has more of a slow and steady feel to it If you enjoy a relaxed, meaningful story, this is a good choice for you.

Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.

Lauraine Snelling has written a contemporary story with relatable characters and situations. It is refreshing to read a romance that features mature characters. She touched upon so many topics such as grief, PTSD, and balancing the needs of adult children. The descriptions of the sights and foods the characters experienced on their trip to Italy were especially appealing. It made me feel as though I were right there with them! Thanks to NetGalley and FaithWords for an advance copy to read and review.

When I heard about this book, I was intrigued. I like Lauraine Snelling’s books and the premise of this story was appealing.

The book didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I was expecting it to mostly center on the friends’ trip to Italy. However, the first 40% of the book was mostly about Bree’s family drama. Then when she met a man, we get his point of view along with his family drama. It just didn’t include enough of the actual visit to Florence to live up to the anticipation or really keep me engaged.

Not that this was a bad book. The writing is good, as is the case with all of Snelling’s books I’ve read, and I liked Bree and Pierre. It’s a lighthearted read, which is exactly what I need sometimes.

If you like lighthearted contemporary Christian women’s fiction, then I think The Florence Legacy is a book worth looking into.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from FaithWords through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

As always, Lauraine Snelling delivers a novel that immerses readers into the world of her characters. Vivid descriptions of Italy pulls readers into the same experiences as Bree and her group of friends live through as they fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling to Italy. One can almost see, smell, and taste the flavours of Italian travel.
The story is slow-going, laying a foundation for Bree’s relationships with her children and close friends. For the first third of the book readers are given insight to this main character’s personality, her hopes and the struggles of single-parenting adult children. Death fills the first few chapters, setting a melancholy tone for the first half of the story. A slew of characters add to the colour and struggles that our main characters, Bree and Rene-Pierre face (such as PTSD, adjusting to civilian life, rehab, debt, and toxic relationships). The topics at time are heavy, but no less true of life.
It takes a good long while for Bree and her friends to finally plan their trip and get on that airplane, which I’d wanted to read about much sooner.
We see happy moments and growth throughout the entire story, not only from Bree and Rene-Pierre, but from secondary characters as well.
If you enjoy stories that take plenty of time to lay a solid foundation, immerse you in new cultures, and end satisfactorily, then check out The Florence Legacy.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed the Italy trip with very descriptive pictures of culture and art, landscapes and of course food. It felt like a pleasant visit to Italy. I found some of the characters and their interactions to be more enjoyable than others. The book was pretty slow paced but I did enjoy the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and FaithWords for the opportunity to read and honestly review.

Lauraine Snelling was one of my staple authors in the early years of Christian fiction; I've not read much of hers since then, just one or two here or there, so I was really excited to pick this one up and return to my roots, after a fashion. Unfortunately, I could not get into it; I found the plot dragged, and the prose over-the-top descriptive. Telling vs. showing is a pet peeve of mine, and this unfortunately had it in spades. The characters, too, I struggled with--Bree and her daughter in particular. Such a bummer, as I have such fond memories of Snelling's early books--and the plot seemed fascinating, especially as I visited Florence a few years ago (pre-covid! Amazing!) and loved it. Ultimately a DNF read for me.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I always enjoy Lauraine Snelling’s book but I just couldn’t get into the story. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

This book has taken me a very long time to finish because it’s a slow read. If you are looking for action, this is not your book. There are a lot of relationship dynamics happening inbetween the characters but much like in real life, things take time and there’s a lot of space inbetween scenes that keep my interest.

I actually haven’t finished the book yet, but I wanted to give my review because it is taking me so long. I read this book in the middle of the night when I need to fall back asleep and it works like a charm!
It won’t activate your adrenal glands or put your body in hyper arousal mode.

This book is suitable for teenage readers. I was given a free copy in exchange for my review.

The Florence Legacy by Lauraine Snelling
2 stars
I typically love this author, but this book just did not connect. It is not quite what it claims to be on the blurb. I did not enjoy the story or the characters. It felt very forced. I do not recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher.

The beautiful cover of this book was the first thing that caught my attention. Breeanna is an author and part of a writer's group. One group member left the rest of them the means to travel to Italy after her passing. Family drama and friendship abound in this book along with adventure and beautiful descriptions of Italy. This is a delightful book with Christian values. I recommend you add it to your to-read list. Thanks to author Lauraine Snelling, FaithWords publishing, and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.