Member Reviews
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I requested this because it has to do with Italy...a place I have never been but have been infatuated with pretty much my entire life. I am happy to say that it worked out in my favor and I liked the book as much as I thought I was going to. I pretty much liked everything about this book...the characters were great and easy to get to know, the story line was great and obviously I loved the location :) I would definitely read more books by this author :)
The scenery and idea for this were nice but it didn't hit the sport. This is a new author for me but I don't know what to think.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I always look forward to sitting down with a book by this author because you know that you are going to be transported to a gorgeous location with loads of great characters and of course a black lab to steal the show! As always this book didn't disappoint making it a lovely easy read perfect for the beach
During uncertain times, I know that I can rely on one of TA Williams books to bring me a wonderful location, a great story and hopefully a gorgeous black Labrador to seal the deal. What more could I ask for? I love these books – the way they seem to comply with a special formula, yet each story remains enticingly unique and entertaining in its own way.
This book started in an explosive way – and I couldn’t help but feel Louise, finding her long term partner in bed with another woman, when she returned from Antigua a day early, after ten weeks away. On second thoughts, her finding him in this compromising position was better done sooner rather than later down the line – although I doubt that would have seemed that way at the time.
I immediately fell in love with the Grand Hotel and its surrounding areas, such were the descriptions and if I closed my eyes tight I could almost be there, and Louise certainly arrived in style, in the hotel’s vintage Rolls Royce. I shared Louse’s positive thoughts about the hotel and found myself genuinely caring about what happened to the hotel and its charismatic but ageing staff.
I liked the humour in the book, for example the description of Louise finding a massive spider under a bed, whilst in the Caribbean. The author also teased me, with the presence of a brown Labrador, but I was pleased when it transpired that Leo the dog was a VERY muddy black lab!
There were unanswered questions posed fairly early on in the book:
Why is Louise so reluctant to talk about her relationship status?
What are Joseph’s intentions towards her? Is it too late for ’What ifs’?
Could anything happen between her and Paolo?
Why does Vito seem so familiar – have they met before?
I really enjoyed the way that the relationship between Vito and Louise seemed to develop slowly – appropriately a bit like the fine wines the hotel was producing. I just hoped that his past hadn’t left him too broken to consider a new romantic venture.
I couldn’t help feeling that the hotel and Louise started to blossom in parallel – both being restored to their former glory; I just hoped that Louise could find happiness.
I implore you to read this glorious book for yourself.
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. Once again this author has pulled a hit out the bag. Definitely one of my favourite authors. He always has idyllic locations to suck you in
As always I do really enjoy all novels by T.A. Williams. They're uplifting and written really elegantly. I liked Louise but I was unsure on Vito for the most part as he just seemed a little annoying. Other than that it was a great storyline and I loved the location.
This is a wonderful follow up to T A Williams’ previous book, A Little Taste of Paradise. Once again we are provided with a beautiful Italian landscape and town in Italy. Williams’ attention to detail and wonderful descriptions ensure that, as a reader, you feel fully transported to, and immersed in this location. There is not just beauty and the multi-sensory experience, but you meet a broad and interesting cast of characters that end up giving this book and location a more community feel.
Once again, at the forefront of the story, Williams provides us with likeable and suitably complex characters. I particularly enjoyed seeing the seemingly mysterious and isolating neighbour Vito’s hidden depths, as well as Louise’s growth and strength.
The romance was organically developed and believable, of course providing some uplifting and memorable moments within the book, as well as some drama because for some time there is a range of possible suitors.
Overall, this is an escapist and heart-warming read about taking chances and making the most of life. I would recommend this author to fans of Lucy Coleman, Sue Moorcroft and Daisy James
Another delightful read by TA Williams. He quickly transports you into another dream setting, adding to your travel bucketlist, dream jobs and a gorgeous choc lab in the mix.
Louise reeling from a nasty shock flies out to Italy to try to turn a hotel around. She's a troubleshooter and she sees the magic in the hotel and how she can bring it back to glory. The hotel has some wonderful staff and collects visitors in an elderly Rolls Royce. Throw in a love interest and all the boxes are ticked. He never fails to deliver a page turning adventure.
This perfectly captured the romance of the region with all the gorgeous sights and sounds of the Italian countryside. Loiuse turned out to be a sympathetic character and at one point, certainly had her pick of quite a few would-be suitors. I loved the setting in the gorgeous hotel and the characters who you met there gave it a family feel.
Louise re-evaluates her life during her stay and works out where and who she wants to spend her life with. The winner for me is always the moment a certain labrador makes his appearance and behaves in a typical labrador fashion. There are several different couples who find love in this story. Some have seemed unrequited, some long distance. This is a true escapist read, full of sunshine and good food. Next to a trip out there, it has to be the next best thing!
In short: New romance or old- which shall it be?
Well what a great read! I could not stop reading it and as Italy is one of my favourite places I was in heaven! Romance abound you should certainly read this book. Can’t wait for the next one from this brilliant author.
This is a light romance novel in a beautiful setting that was well described. I liked the twists and turns in the relationships and that all of the characters were good people.
I started reading An Escape to Remember at just the right time. I needed that escape and it certainly provided a beautiful one. The kind with wonderful descriptions of food that instantly made me hungry. Along with a setting that transported me to the warm sunshine and beautiful scenery of Italy. Then of course add in a gorgeous romance to the mix and let’s just say I was very happy!
The two main characters had this magnetic and heartfelt connection that was a real joy to read. I instantly felt for Louise especially after the shock and betrayal at the beginning of the book. I couldn’t help but root for her character and hope she would get her happy ever after. Although I have to say that I also enjoyed the parts the minor characters played too. It all seamlessly combined and created both an engaging and heartwarming story.
A special mention has to go to a cheeky and energetic dog called Leo. I loved his antics! The setting also had this magical and charming feel to it. One that made me want to grab a suitcase and head off on the first plane I could book. An Escape to Remember had escapism and romance at its heart. Giving me with a heartwarming story about new beginnings and taking a chance!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good book that lived up to it''s name - it was a good escape novel. It would make a good book to read while on vacation.
I've just come back from an Italian holiday; courtesy of T A Williams. Not only does this author write wonderful romance, he also fills your stomach with wonderful food, and I'm always hungry when I read one of this wonderful authors novels.
Packed with great characters, even the typical rat of an ex-boyfriend didn't turn out to be such a rat after all, which made a very nice change.
I've no idea if this is based upon a real hotel which the author has visited, but if it is, I want to go there. The staff sound terrific and the location is out of this world.
Chalk another triumph for the author up.
My thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which was reviewed honestly.
Oh to be under warm Italian skies right now..
T.A. Williams is a master at whisking readers away to glorious locations; I long to jump on a plane every time I get chance to read of his books. Set just outside Turin, this rural, descriptive setting is a wonderful backdrop for this heartwarming romance.
Our main character, Louise heads to a run down, old hotel with the mission to revive and turn it around. She heads there nursing a broken heart and is looking to find her rightful place in life. She isn’t looking for romance at all but when she is knocked off her feet, quite literally, her heart is soon taken. Leo may just be the key to her rediscovering herself.
Local Vito is living a secluded life, he is content at already finding his true love and he needs nothing or nobody else. Highly sought after in his field, an opportunity arises that he cannot turn down but there is one thing holding him back. Can he find a solution?
Oh I was engrossed from the start, it has all the elements to make a gorgeous, head well and truly stuck in, read. Romance, scenery, mouth-watering food descriptions, characters with heart that are very likeable and a brilliant storyline that will keep you cheering on your favourites and hoping it all turns out for the best.
Perfect for the armchair traveller or those who are looking for a great beach read!
T A Williams is back with a wonderfully romantic Italian escape that hits all the right notes: An Escape to Remember.
When Louise decided to surprise her boyfriend by returning home early from a business trip, she never imagined that she would walk in and find him in a very compromising position with another woman! Heartbroken, shocked and absolutely livid, Louise vows to stay away from men and to throw herself completely into her job – and her next assignment will end up providing her with the escape she so desperately needs: restoring a dilapidated hotel in Italy.
The Grand Hotel del Monteferrato is falling to rack and ruin and Louise is certainly going to have her work cut out for her. Managed by a group of eccentric pensioners, the hotel needs all the love and attention Louise can give it. Never one to shirk from a challenge, Louise rolls up her sleeves and gets to work – only handsome and brooding neighbour Vito is proving to be quite a distraction…
Romance was meant to be off the cards for Louise, but could Vito make her change her mind? Her Italian neighbour has got secrets of his own that could put paid to any hope of a future together, but will love manage to triumph over all the obstacles standing in their way? Or will their doubts and insecurities ruin this unexpected chance at happiness?
You simply cannot beat a T A Williams novel for superb romantic escapism and he has certainly come up trumps with his latest novel. Full of wit, charm and heart, An Escape to Remember is a compelling tale about starting over and second chances set against a majestic Italian backdrop that will sweep readers away. Louise is a terrific heroine it is hard not to root for and her journey to her happy ending is poignant, emotional and very entertaining.
A lovely feel-good romance where the pages just turn themselves, T A Williams’ An Escape to Remember is simply enchanting.
A new T.A. Williams book is always such a treat, and I absolutely loved every minute of this latest one!
Louise is a character who I instantly liked, and I found her job to be fascinating. When she arrives at the slightly run-down hotel, she can see the potential of it, and the setting and the characters that she encounters there make for a potentially wonderful hotel.
As always, I was completely transported to the beautiful setting. The descriptions of the scenery, people and food of Italy completely immersed me in the experience.
There is so much to love in this book, humour, heartbreak, romance, gastronomic delights, and of course an absolutely adorable but slightly naughty labrador!
This story simply swept me away, and was the perfect escapism, but also a really enjoyable and beautifully written read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily.
This book is described as a feel-good romance, and whilst it follows the general chicklit rules of 'girl has disappointment in love, meets someone new but misunderstandings get in the way of love until it all works out okay in the end' T A Williams has built a pleasant story with likeable characters (including Leo, the Labrador). Vito's work as a conservationist / environmentalist featured heavily within the storyline and I was surprised that Louise did not ask him to consult on the hotel refurbishment as there is global interest in this subject. I thought the work of the hotel refurbishment was interesting, and the descriptions of the area and food were good, and very suited to a holiday read. This book will appeal to most chicklit readers, particularly as it is a clean read without any strong language.
Louise flew home early, only to discover
Her boyfriend in bed with another!
Vowing not to trust a man again
She decides work will heal her pain.
She’s given a project in Italy,
Reincarnating an old hotel to the best it can be.
The few but friendly staff and near neighbours, too,
Work together to achieve the best they can do.
It is a heartwarming read, simply sublime,
With choices and healing, great people and clime,
Age is no barrier and nor is the past
For developing a love that will last.
The descriptions are vivid, making you feel like you're there,
From scenery to vistas, tasty meals and great fare.
There's also the requisite black Labrador, too,
He's a rascally pup who loves to jump up to greet you!
I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into this great read,
It's the sort of story that I always need.
There's one thing for certain, I have to say
This book is an escape to remember in every way!
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
A great escape to Italy and this is my honest review.
‘Maybe a life that saw her jetting off all over the place wasn’t the be all and end all. Maybe what she needed was to settle down and escape to the country. Why not put down roots somewhere like this?’
I have always enjoyed T.A. Williams books, easygoing romance written by a male is rather unique and he always does it well. This one is based in Turin (most of his books occur in Italy) and is overflowing with the beautiful Italian countryside, delicious food and engaging characters.
This story is set in an old hotel in need of renovation and the lead character Louise’s job is to bring it up to scratch. Much like Louise, you are sure to fall in love not only with the aging workers at the hotel, or even the array of love interests. No, it is once again the Italian culture that T. A. Williams so perfectly captures - lush settings that shall have you pining for an Italian getaway to the hills of Turin and all the gourmet cuisine to accompany it.
‘… leave all this?’ Louise indicated the surroundings with her hands. ‘This house, the hills, the vineyards, the woodland, not to mention the food and the wine. It’s your very own rural paradise.’
Even though this is a sweet romance and feel good book, I did find this one didn't quite hit the spot as others in the past have done. I felt there were too many love interests and that had the opposite effect for me. It made the story somewhat predictable rather than wondering who would ultimately win Louises’s affections with an ending that all came rather suddenly. That being said, I enjoyed venturing away with Williams once more - a nice story, with nice people that resulted in a nice piece of escapism.
‘Something told her the Grand Hotel del Monferrato was going to prove to be a perfect place of escape and a little oasis of calm. And she could certainly do with some of that.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.