I love historical fiction so Sally Brady’s Italian Adventure was right up my alley. In her sophomore novel Lynch addresses one of the worst times in history with humor and the seriousness it deserves. It is a story of resilience, and determination, showing the lengths desperate people will go to survive. I highly recommended it.

Book Review: Sally Brady's Italian Adventure Stars: 5 of 5 Author: Christina Lynch @clynchwriter Publisher: St. Martin's Press @stmartinspress Thank you to @netgalley for the Audio ARC. Sally Brady is the main character in this lovely tale of a young girl who ends up on the streets of Hollywood 1931 at age 11. Sally eventually meets her "new mother" Patsy who also happens to be a movie star. Sally begins to Iive an extravagant life with her new adopted parents. Eventually her parents separate and Sally ends up with her mother and they move to Europe and eventually Italy. What ensues is the adventures they have and what happens to them when war breaks out. The reader also learns about a family living in a remote countryside in Italy. Writer Lapo, his American wife Eleanor and children. Lapo is eventually picked to pen Mussolini's biography. Sally and Lapo's son Alissandro's lives become entertwined during this time as both are stuck and hiding from the Italian Army. I don't want to give the ending away but I will tell you that this is a wonderful story and well worth the read. The ending is wonderful too. #ItalianAdventure, #ItalianExplorer, #Italia, #ExploreItaly, #ItalianVacation, #ItalianMemories, #ItalianTravel, #ItalyTravel, #ItaliaVacation, #ItalianExperience, #sallybradysitalianadventure, #bookstagram #instabook #igbooks #ilovereading #bookaddiction #bookstoread #whattoread #fortheloveofbooks #bookblogging #weekendreads #bookrecs #booknerdproblems #bookpictures #bookstagram #amreading #booksbooksbooks #instablog

This was a captivating historical fiction set in 1930s during Word War II. Sally Brady is a fearless heroine and journalist, navigating through war torn Italy along a sweeping journey.

Told with all the emotion and heart, I enjoyed this story so much!

I paired the physical book with the audio and loved this way of reading both formats together. The story was so beautiful, and having the narration only added to the adventure.

*many thanks to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the gifted copy for review

I wanted to love this book. The story examines a perspective of WWII not often focused on. However, I found myself annoyed and lost through a good 60% of it. I loved Sally’s character. Her story starting from nothing and developing into quite the “adventure” in Italy was exciting. Where it lost me were all the vapid, spoiled rich supporting characters. Not to mention a dual POV that doesn’t even make sense until about 75% in. I nearly DNF a couple of times, but I guess I’m glad I stuck with it.

The true star was the narrator - Elise Roth! Incredible vocals, accents, languages. She was very enjoyable!

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and author Christina Lynch for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Kicking myself for waiting so long on this surprise gem!!! I love a memorable, plucky female MC and Sally Brady was pure delight! Sent to California at age eleven during the 1930s Depression by parents who had too many mouths to feed, Sally gets taken in by a movie star looking to improve her image. As an adopted socialite, Sally travels the world and finds herself stuck in Italy under the height of Mussolini's tyranny.

What follows is a story of romance, courage and bravery as a country and its people try to survive under the worst of conditions. Perfect for fans of books like Our darkest nights by Jennifer Robson or The four winds by Kristin Hannah and great on audio narrated by Elise Roth. I am excited to read more by new to me author Christina Lynch!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review!!

In "Sally Braden’s Italian Adventure" by Christina Lynch, readers are treated to a captivating and unique perspective on the war fiction genre. With a rating of 4 stars out of five, this novel manages to stand out in a crowded literary landscape due to its intriguing characters and engaging audiobook format.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its cast of characters. Lynch skillfully crafts a diverse array of personalities, each with their own motivations, fears, and desires. This adds depth to the narrative and allows readers to connect with the characters on a personal level.

The decision to present the story in an audiobook format adds an extra layer of immersion. The auditory experience enhances the storytelling, allowing readers to feel as if they are part of the adventure. Lynch's vivid descriptions and well-paced narrative shine through in this format, making it an engaging option for those who enjoy experiencing literature through their ears.

What truly sets "Sally Braden’s Italian Adventure" apart is its departure from the traditional war fiction formula. The novel offers a fresh perspective that defies expectations, making it a refreshing read for those accustomed to more typical narratives in this genre. The inclusion of different perspectives throughout the book adds complexity and depth to the story, giving readers a well-rounded understanding of the events and emotions at play.

I just couldn't get into it. I wanted to love this story but I didn't. Not my style although I'm sure many of you will love it.

Historical fiction with a side of a witty and strong female lead (and a Bridgerton-esque gossip column) with a dash of Italy? Sign me up! This book was right up my alley and I enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator was the perfect neutral for an enjoyable listen and the story kept me on my toes.

Sally Brady is 11 in 1931 when she is sent away from her parents during the Great Depression to find work and make money for the family. What follows is a tale that weaves through 1930's Hollywood, to 1940's wartime Italy all led by Sally's sense of humor, strength, and wit.

A breath of fresh air in a genre that can sometimes be dry and dark.

Sally Brady is a resourceful, plucky, charming character and you will be captivated by her Italian adventure. I would categorize this book as historical fiction, but was pleasantly surprised by the amount of humor and happiness within it. The cast of characters are expertly developed. I had the good fortune of listening to the audio, whose narrator was absolutely superb.

Sally Brady’s Italian Adventure was not for me. I listened to several chapters and was having trouble keeping up with who was who. It may have been me, as I was distracted some. But I didn’t finish it. Thanks for the chance to listen tho. The narrator had a good voice.

🇮🇹 Sally Brady’s Italian Adventure by Christina Lynch
✨ Publication Date: June 13, 2023

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillian Audio for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:
Abandoned as a child in Los Angeles in 1931, dust bowl refugee Sally Brady convinces a Hollywood movie star to adopt her, and grows up to be an effervescent gossip columnist secretly satirizing Europe's upper crust. By 1940 Sally is conquering Fascist-era Rome with cheek and charm. A good deed leaves Sally stranded in wartime Italy. To save her friends and find her way home, Sally must combat tragedy with comedy, tie up pompous bureaucrats in their own red tape, force the cruel to be kind, and unravel the mystery, weight, and meaning of family.

Thoughts:
💪🏼 Love a good historical fiction and love Sally and many other characters
💪🏼 Unique setting (Mussolini regime) in a popular historical fiction era (WWII)
💪🏼 Overall a good read that made me curious about this part of history.

This is fun and intense story that follows the lives of Sally Brady - a spunky semi-orphan who is taken in by a famous actress and given a life she could only dream of, and Lapo - an Italian writer who is chosen (forced) to write Mussolini’s new biography. Something he chooses to do in order to protect his Italian/American family.
Along with Lapo’s anti-fascist son, Alessandro.

The author did a wonderful job at weaving their stories together with the historical background of Italy during WWII. It’s so easy to forget how many lives were effected by the war and what so many had to live through just to survive.

The characters are all so unique and their lives before and after the war pull you in. It makes you feel as if you knew them, that you were experiencing the parties with Sally, or farming with Lapo, or the fear Alessandro felt in the mob of people.

I think this book could be a wonderful way for many to learn more about what WWII was like in Italy and better understand the lives of all those who lived before, during, and after it.

I love historical fiction novels that I learn from and that fill in gaps in my knowledge of history, and Sally Brady’s Italian Adventure did just that. While so many of the WWII era books I read are focused on Hitler’s rise to power and subsequent atrocities, I had not previously read one focused on Mussolini’s Fascist regime and deposition, occurring in part, during the same time period. As a result, Italy faced incredible tumult during this time.

I loved the dual POV of both Sally, a young girl who escapes poverty in America and is adopted by a wealthy movie star only to become a gossip columnist who makes fun of the uber rich, and Lapo, a writer who is forced into ghost writing Mussolini’s memoir. Seeing how the Fascist regime and turbulence of their beloved country impacts them over several decades was incredibly impactful.

My only criticism is that it took me a bit to get into this one, but once I connected with the characters, I was all in. I would recommend doing an immersive read using both the physical/ebook and audiobook for the best experience.

Read if you like:
•world war two fiction
•learning about Italian history
•dual pov
•strong MCs

Thank you {partners} St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for my gifted copies.

SALLY BRADY'S ITALIAN ADVENTURE by Christina Lynch is a captivating tale that seamlessly blends intellect, emotion, and historical accuracy. The book cover is one of my favorites this year. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this sweeping story takes readers on a journey through Italy's tumultuous past. From its light and witty beginning to its poignant climax, the novel effortlessly evolves, mirroring the escalating threat of fascism. Lynch's writing exhibits both heart and a deep understanding of history and culture. Her portrayal of Sally Brady, a fearless and satirical gossip columnist, is nothing short of brilliant. As the protagonist navigates a war-torn Italy armed with only her quick wit and a fake passport, readers are treated to a compelling blend of tragedy and comedy. This book is a breath of fresh air for those seeking a less clichéd perspective on wartime Europe. Lynch's firsthand knowledge of Italy shines through, adding authenticity and richness to every page. Congratulations to Christina Lynch for crafting a beautiful and unexpected novel that will captivate readers with its humor, intelligence, and unforgettable characters.

A wonderful tale from a new favorite author of mine. The narration was a perfect match for this and I will definitely be able to recommend this to a wide variety of readers.

3 out of 5 stars. Nearly DNFed the book several times during the first half, found the second half not a bad book in comparison.

I'm not going to even try to describe this book as the timelines are so jumbled and it takes a good while to see what story is being told and how the stories and eras connect. If you are looking for an Italian adventure, an escape from your present life, this is not the book for you. It is like receiving a file from your boss about a project you know nothing about and all of the notes are out of order. However, if you like a good mystery and like tying stories together, you'll enjoy this read.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's press for the e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. It certainly gave me some mental yoga.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I’ve read quite a few WW2 books and this one was definitely unique. The main character had made you feel like you were on an Italian adventure. I felt like I was watching a movie. The ending was perfect!

So for those of you who know me, you know I breeze through books pretty quickly. This one I did not. BUT, I did have pneumonia through a good part of it…so there’s that….
Note: Some spoilers below, but probably not more than what you’d read on the book jacket.
Sally Brady is the main character of the book. It’s 1931. We start off on the middle of nowhere USA, where Sally is dropped off by her parents (at 11 years old) and told to go get a job, and send home money. We can’t afford to keep all of you and feed you! Of course this was in Depression Times, but still. Really?
So we follow Sally thru several not so great stints, and you are really feeling down…. And then she meets up with a famous movie star (Patsy Chen) …who falls in love with her and adopts her! Her life changes drastically! She is now loving life!
And then, her new Mom gets divorced…and is left with a fraction of what she had. So they start over….
They begin moving in new circles…and somehow, Mom ends up becoming a ghost gossip columnist. She is already going to all the parties of the rich and famous, now she gets to report on the happenings…anonymously! Sally is loving this, and begins helping her with the columns…
They end up in Italy as the war is breaking out, and crazily, all the rich and famous around them don’t even seem to notice the peril that is looming around them!?! This is where it starts to get crazy…
The story then dissects, as we add Lapo, and his family in Italy. They are trying to survive what is going on. He is a farmer and a writer. He’s married to Eleanor (an American) and they have a son, Alessandro. He is trying to do anything he can to keep them safe!
The war breaks out, lots of things start to change, and Sally is alone again. She meets lots of people along the way, some good, some not so good at all. She is jailed, abused, and they try to break her…but her spirit and underlying good nature shine thru.
Many hard to believe spots. A lot of pretty far fetched stuff as well. But all in all, I did like the book and enjoyed it in the end.
Do I think it could have been cut much shorter? Yes! But maybe the character development would’ve been cut short too. Not sure.
In any case, 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
Sally Brady’s Italian Advenure by Christina Lynch.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC of the audiobook!

Oh Sally, my hero. I loved her sass and whit, but sometimes it made me nervous! This was a really unique story.



I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

in 1931, at the age of eleven, Sally, a dust bowl refugee from Iowa abandoned by her parents, is “adopted” by Hollywood actress Patsy Chen. Some years later, following her divorce Patsy leaves her flailing career for Europe, working as a gossip columnist for the Hearst syndicate, while also looking for her next, preferably rich husband – a venture she encourages Sally to also embark on. Sally helps Patsy in her assignments, attending parties, hobnobbing with the rich and famous, picking up scoop on the dalliances, and scandals and reporting on them under a nom de plum. In 1941, after a selfless act leaves her stranded in Mussolini’s Italy with no papers Sally is left to fend for herself and gets a close look at what it is like to live amid a fascist regime. Her story intersects with that of Lapo , a writer and farmer from Siena, who is chosen by Mussolini to ghostwrite a glowing biography and Lapo’s anti-fascist son, Alessandro, who despite his father’s best efforts is unable to avoid being drafted into Mussolini’s army, and eventually stationed in Prague.

The author masterfully weaves the three threads of this story together to give us a remarkable story. However, it did take a while to fully engage in the narrative. I felt the segment about Sally’s experiences as a gossip columnist was a tad too much and should have been condensed. But after the initial twenty-five percent of the novel, the story does pick up and I thoroughly enjoyed following the narrative, eager to see where the story would take us. There is an element of farfetchedness in certain aspects of the story, but this does not detract from the reading experience.

The author gives us an insightful look into the historical and political backdrop and the impact of the horrors of war and fascism and its aftermath. The author describes the contrasting worlds of the glitz and glamor of the lifestyles of the affluent with their parties and dalliances, almost clueless to the fact that Europe was on the brink of war and the plight of civilians trapped in the Fascist regime, many of whom were not supporters of the ideology being propagated at the time, such as Alessandro, a pacifist conscripted to fight in a war that he did not support, defending a regime and a leader he believed represented evil.

Alessandro's internal conflict between his beliefs and principles and his duties is excellently depicted as is Lapo’s struggles to keep himself and his family safe as he is forced to follow the dictates of the regime while loathing what they represent including being forced to house political prisoners on the orders of local officials. The author injects a healthy dose of humor and satire (the highlights of Mussolini’s biography had me laughing out loud) into the narrative. I loved how we see Sally evolve from a shallow person (though we cannot completely blame her for this, given that she was nurtured by Patsy to develop such a persona) into a brave and resilient woman, willing to take risks to help those in need of assistance. There are instances wherein Sally’s sassy attitude and upbeat spirit might come across as out of place or even a tad unbelievable but you can’t help but admire how her indomitable spirit and her ability to use humor prove to be helpful in difficult situations, often manipulating said situation in her favor. In that, I found Sally to be an endearing character.

Overall, I enjoyed Sally Brady’s Italian Adventure by Christina Lynch. Many thanks to St.Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I paired my reading with Elise Roth’s brilliant audio narration which elevated my experience with this novel and made for an engaging immersion reading experience. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.