this was a delightful read, 3 stars! i loved ginny and was so happy she didn't renew vows with adrian. edna was my favorite character, must protect her at all costs. i loved how everything was described, it felt like i could picture italy and everywhere they traveled to.

The Little Italian Hotel is a delight! I loved the story of 5 strangers all connecting, based on different types of heartbreak- a real “found family” story. I enjoyed that the main character, Ginny, was approaching 50 years old and forced to reevaluate her life to see what she truly wanted for her next season of life in order to be happy and fulfilled. And I always enjoy a story set in Italy and the author did a wonderful job of making the location and all of its beauty come alive to the reader. I definitely recommend this book!

Thanks so much to Net Galley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this this book!

I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review
-The author is really good at describing the weather, the buildings, clothing, etc. You feel as if you could smell the pizza made out of fresh tomatoes, the morning coffee, the croissant and see the sights or the colorful sheets! I was really tired after walking up the hills... LOL. It's also full of real facts. Very interesting.
-Ginny came out as a professional spender. She sees something, even if she doesn't need it, and will buy it on impulse. It might have been the same when she bought the package for her 25th.
-Sometimes, I found Ginny's excuses to be ridiculous. For ex, she didn't want to let her daughter Phoebe know what was going on because she was making wedding plans - which would happen in five months!
-When Adrian and Ginny were talking about the good times, nothing was said about the near past. Nope, they went down the lane 25-30 years instead of a few months ago. That should give you signs something is wrong in the relationship.
-Adrian is a manipulating jerk, a liar, and totally self-centered. He even manage to get Phoebe to do stuff she didn't really want to do in the first place; good thing she has a great fiancé.
-I loved Nico. He was romantic, attentive, held the old ways, a protector, and was a great cook. I really liked the way he and Loretta interacted. Usually I'm not fond of promises made on deathbeds but the exception is this story with Nico and his mother.
-The jury's still out on Gianfranco. He put pressure on people, sneaked in Nico's personal life, and really thought he was (and had) the best of everything. Sometimes simplicity is what you need, like Hotel Splendido.
-Producer Tam was a total shock in her approach to everything. She didn't even check if the winners watched the show! OMG. She chose a good mix of people that turned out to lasting friendships, no thanks to her. I liked how each winner had their own project and everyone participated. Each came to term with what they were dealing with in the first place.
-Great story; I read it in one sitting. I would certainly recommend anyone to read it.

I enjoy this author’s books, and this one was a delightful read as well. Ginny Splinter, an advice radio personality, finds her own marriage on the rocks. Instead of her planned anniversary trip, she takes 4 heartbroken strangers with her to Hotel Splendide in Italy. It is an unusual collection of people, but they are all suffering in their own way and they all help each other as they begin to heal.

It's true that I've had mixed reactions to Phaedra Patrick's writing in the past, but I have a weak spot for any stories about an eclectic cast of characters being thrown together. I also love an Italian setting, so in the end I couldn't resist trying my luck with The Little Italian Hotel. And as a whole, it turned out to be a mostly positive reading experience I enjoyed for the exact elements mentioned above. There were a few niggles, but I definitely understand why this story has been receiving so much love so far.

I mentioned before that I do love an Italian setting in my stories; if you enjoy a dose of armchair travel, you will be in for a treat with The Little Italian Hotel. The descriptions of both the small Italian village, the hotel and the daytrips to Florence, Venice and Rimini are thorough and really made the different settings come alive. I felt like I was visiting Italy along with the main characters, and I always love it when a story manages to portray a setting well. It's without doubt one of the highlights of the story for me, and I enjoyed the dose of Italian culture and food as well.

Like I said, I have a weak spot for stories with an eclectic cast of characters being thrown together, and The Little Italian Hotel offers exactly that. The group doesn't only vary in age, but also in personality and background, and it was wonderful to see them interact and an unlikely bond starting to form. I enjoyed getting to know them better, learning more about their past and why they first called in claiming to be heartbroken. Again, this was a highlight of the story for me, and the reason I kept reading. The addition of Nico's story was great as well; I liked what he added to the group and that he wasn't just the hotel owner in the background.

As for the characters in general... I have to say that I have mixed feelings about the main character Ginny. While part of me felt sorry for her situation, I also found myself to be quite irritated by the way she behaved and tried to control and 'fix' everyone. Trying to manipulate her husband in coming back to her just didn't feel right at all... Nor was some of her behavior especially during the second half of the story. I was sad to see The Little Italian Hotel included the dreaded love triangle (a major pet peeve of mine), and certain aspects of the plot just felt too much like active cheating. This love triangle vibe was definitely one of the main reasons I didn't enjoy the story as much as I thought I would.

Through the eclectic cast of characters, the author is able to incorporate a wide variety of different topics including divorce, abandonment, cheating, loss of a child, loss of a pet, cancer and dementia. The different elements were well incorporated into the story and showed how many different types of heartbreak there are and how everyone reacts differently to hard times. There was a lot of focus on character growth and opening up about why they were there, and it was interesting to see the different characters interact and react. Again, I wasn't a fan of Ginny's part of the story though.

All in all, I ended up mostly enjoying The Little Italian Hotel, and I'm sure that without the love triangle and cheating this story would have worked so much better for me. It was a shame there was so much focus on Adrian and Ginny trying to convince him to come back instead of focusing on new beginnings... The open ending wasn't really satisfying either. That said, if you like stories with an Italian setting and an unlikely bunch of characters connecting, you will probably enjoy your time with this one.

Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. Will recommend it to everyone I know!

Ginny is a radio host who is planning her thirtieth anniversary trip to Italy. However, her husband surprises her by asking for a divorce. Ginny decides to still go on her trip and embarks on a quest of healing.

I think it took too long to get to Italy. I think if the book had started with opening by Adrian asking Ginny for a divorce, it would've been more impactful. Once she got to Italy, it definitely picked up, but I think a lot of the part before that could've been cut.

You can imagine Ginny Splinter’s shock when she finally reveals a special 3-week trip planned to Italy to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary, as well as their 50th birthdays, and her husband announces he wants a divorce instead!

After trying without luck to cancel it, she decides to extend the invitation to four lucky listeners! Ginny is a radio host and an on-air advice expert and offers four heartbroken listeners a chance to join her in Italy. Team Heartache heads off to the pretty medieval village of Vigornuovo, 150 km from Venice, oblivious to the fact that they all need each other. They don’t return home the same people as they left!

The eclectic group of travel companions is wonderful:
✔️ A property developer, Curtis
✔️ An 80-year-old widow, Edna,
✔️ A gregarious school teacher, Heather and
✔️ An introverted carpenter, Eric.

I saw a lot of myself in Ginny. I love to help others solve their problems while burying my own. I’m a good carpet lifter and sweeper!!!! I also loved how Ginny attempted to cure her heartache and I think if I was in the same place I’d go to Venice or visit art museums in Florence, too. I’m not a big self-help book reader, so I’d like to think I’d keep my mind active by doing something I love.

Although Hotel Splendido is fictional, I could see it as a real place in my imagination, thanks to the author’s descriptive writing. I do agree - hotel bedsheets need to be white!

A fantastic read and a timely prescription - one you'll want to put on your summer beach reading list! Congratulations on a fantastic cover.

I’m looking forward to her next book about a bride who visits a fortune teller six weeks prior to the big day.

I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick

I have read many of Phaedra Patrick’s books and love much about her writing. This book was no different. It included lovable characters who she developed throughout the book and a plot that I was not able to guess.

Each of the characters was dealing with a heartbreak of some kind and the author slowly reveals them to the reader. She explores what helps assuage grief and what constitutes happiness.

The ending was a bit ambiguous and left me feeling disappointed. I had hoped that Ginny would make a different choice.

But overall, this was a very pleasant and enjoyable read and transported me for a few hours to a quaint hotel in a small Italian town. I am grateful to netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this, my honest review.

Ginny Splinter, acclaimed radio host and advice expert, plans a romantic three-week vacation for her upcoming wedding anniversary but her husband has other plans-he wants a divorce. Despite her heartache, Ginny decides to invite four heartbroken strangers to spend the holiday with her. I loved the cast of characters and the way despite their different ages and walks of lives they formed a friendship as their stories unfolded. Phaedra Patrick's descriptions of Italy, its culture, the beautiful locations and the delicious food was a sunny holiday for this reader without leaving home. I highly recommend this charming, relaxing getaway to sunny Italy!

Cute story of love, loss, and redemption. Some plot elements a bit far-fetched and a little too easily/neatly tied up. But a light hearted and enjoyable read.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

#TheLittleItalianHotel #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-Arc copy of this novel.

Book Title: The Little Italian Hotel
Author: Phaeda Patrick
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing –Park Row
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: June 6, 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars

Ginny Splinter, has a popular radio show “Advice Angel” where listeners call in and she offers her expert advice on what is best. She is such an expert on what is best for others that she is surprising her husband, Adrian, with a 3 week stay in Italy for their twenty-five anniversary and also to celebrate their upcoming fiftieth birthdays as she knows he will love it!
On the day she is planning on telling him about the surprise trip, the radio producer decides to go live with the show. Sure enough Ginny gets a call from an upset listener Miss Peach and she challenges Ginny’s advice and asks her “How Well do you know your husband? Ginny isn’t happy that this has been broadcasted live but isn’t worried about her husband.
Only when she announces her surprise trip, he tells her he is too busy at work and cannot go in fact he needs a break from Ginny and want a divorce. Yikes!
When she calls to cancel she cannot get a refund but is told she can change the name on the reservation. So decides to offer the stay to four of her listeners.

Story finds Ginny on a holiday stay with four heartbroken strangers ~Heather Hall Age 43, Eric Sanderson Age 27, Edna Edgerton-Woods Age 80, and Curtis Dunne age 38.

While in Italy, the group bonds and Ginny tells them that they are a team - “Team” Heartache’; each of them has either lost someone or about to lose something or someone very important to them.

Most issues are resolved plus touring around Italy can’t be all that bad.


Personal Note: I am in the minority in that I didn’t ‘love’ this story. Ginny’s ‘know it all –Advice Angel’ attitude was annoying. (Sounds like I am Miss Peach!)
It seems she might have had a clue that things weren’t the same with her and Adrian. Obvious he is going through a ‘mid-life crisis. What would the ‘Advice Angel’ suggest to one of her fan? Perhaps a romantic night out- something fun they haven’t done in years. Also a marriage counselor could help. Nope not wife Ginny her suggestion is ~ Good bye I am off to Italy – fans need me!

However, I loved being transported to Italy- I am ready to book a flight!! Well as least I will make dinner reservations at a local Italian restaurant!


I read " The Curious Chars of Arthur Pepper" back in 2016 and I liked it.
Although was the fun read I was hoping ~ I will give Ms. Patrick another try.
BTW: Loved this cover 🏩

Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing – Park Row for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 6, 2023.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick. I always enjoy Ms. Patrick's work and I loved taking this little trip to Italy with her characters.

Loved it! I give the book 4.5 stars (mainly because of the ending.) The best part of the book was getting to know each of the characters and their reasons for wanting to go on the Italian vacation with Ginny. Loved the different activities each of them chose. I thought I was going to hate Curtis, but his story made me cry the most. I never dreamed who would end up being Miss Peach. She was the catalyst that brought everyone together and changed Ginny's life. None of this would have really happened, if Adrian stayed off the dating apps and was happy with his life. I loved Nico and Hotel Spendido. He was the perfect host. Loved the description of Italy, I felt like I was there enjoying the sites with everyone.

My least favorite part of the book was the ending. Ginny should have just made a decision with her life. What type of relationship is she having with her husband when they live in different countries? Everything seems in limbo as Ginny lives out the life she wants. She needs to make a clean break so they both can be happy. I'm pretty sure Ginny found someone who will love her and not join a dating site the minute he's unhappy.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, writing style and story. The book was full of friendship, family relationships, love, loss and so much more. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin Trade Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a very good book and one that makes you think about things and feel things as well. I was entertained by this book and I enjoyed it.
I just reviewed The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick. #TheLittleItalianHotel #NetGalley
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I had high hopes for this book - beautiful Italian setting, characters that are older in life, a hint of romance…sign me up! Unfortunately I never quite gelled with this book. I wanted to like Ginny so much, but she came off almost whiny and unlikable, especially at the beginning. I appreciate that she does seem to have character growth and change as the book goes on. The additional characters were hit or miss, and I never felt like I was ever really rooting for anyone. If you like an older main character and lots of found family, you may enjoy this. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

Who would pass up a trip to Italy?

Ginny, a radio show host who specializes in helping relationships, booked a trip for her thirtieth wedding anniversary, but when she told her husband about it, he answered with: I want a divorce.

Heartbroken and embarrassed because she fixes everyone else's problems but didn't know about her own, Ginny spontaneously invites any four listeners on the trip with her.

Find out what happens as four strangers get to know each other and Ginny and her husband do too.

THE LITTLE ITALIAN HOTEL Is a heartwarming read that will have you falling in love with Italy and the characters who learned to care about others, learned to care about themselves, learned to not give up on their present-day situations, and learned to forget about the past.

Enjoy!! 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher for an honest review.

I've read most of author Phaedra Patrick's work & enjoyed them and her latest, "The Little Italian Hotel" is a winner, also!! Loved this story about radio-host Ginny who plans a milestone anniversary trip, only to be asked for a divorce instead! She goes anyway, accompanied by a group of broken-hearted listeners of hers. They bond is best "found family" fashion & enjoy their varied adventures, funny, quirky & moving. Recommend to all! My sincere thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for the complimentary DRC, opinions & ratings are my own

I love stories about people grappling with loss of any kind and this one doesn't disappoint. The five people who synchronistically come together on this 3-week trip to Italy are all very different, yet they bond over the fact that each one has either lost someone or is about to lose someone or something very important to them. I loved touring around Italy with them, as well as the difference between Nico's charming but run-down hotel and his cousin's upscale, expensive, la-di-da hotel on the hill.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advance reading copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review!