This was fun, summery read. Erika is a business owner in New York who has just turned thirty and gotten engaged to her long-term boyfriend when she receives a letter that she has inherited a vineyard and hotel in Italy. She goes to visit Italy with the intention of selling everything and getting back to her life in New York quickly, but the terms of the inheritance require her to stay at least five months. The descriptions of Tuscany, food and wine were the highlight of this book! The authors real-life experience really shines as she is describing traveling to different towns and eating food with her found-family of characters. It is a bit like a Hallmark movie in that it is predictable in an enjoyable romance way but it also felt at times like there were scenes missing or emotional arcs that were cut short.

This was a very interesting book and a great first story. I definitely felt transported to Tuscany and while I don’t care for wine (I know, I know) and there was a lot about win in this book I still fell in love with the winery in Italy. I will say I felt like this book was a bit like a Hallmark movie - everything is so predictable it’s formulaic but it’s still a pleasant and enjoyable ride. Erika is satisfied with her life in New York City. She owns her own business, is engaged to a man she loves, and has everything she wanted. But when she gets a letter telling her she’s inherited property in Italy she is blown away, especially since she’s never met any family members beyond her parents. She heads to Italy with plans of selling the property, but nothing goes quite like she planned. Despite the changes and obstacles that pop up she is blown away every day at how beautiful Italy and how much happier she is there. It doesn’t hurt that she meets plenty of wonderful people, including an extra special man who runs her vineyards and helps her with more than business. Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars and I rounded up because the descriptions of the scenery were so good. I also loved the descriptions of food (once Erika got over not eating….).

Thank you NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for an advance copy of the novel Casalvento. I was swept away to Tuscany and fell in love with the characters and setting from page one. I took a chance on this book from the description given and was not disappointed.
Erika is a young New York City professional engaged to her love of many years. She receives a letter stating that her grandfather who she didn't know existed as left her his estate in Tuscany. Erika travels to Italy thinking she will access the situation and sell. Needless to say, she falls in love with the Villa/Winery upon learning that she must live at Casalvento for six months before she takes official ownership and can sell. During those six months she learns her fiancee is a snake and breaks the engagement. She slowly falls in love with the Manager of the estate Paolo. and... in a surprising ending is assured Tuscany is where she needs to be.
I found the story an easy read and very enjoyable. The descriptions of scenery, food and of course the wine were amazing. I felt like I was on a trip of a lifetime. For a first novel Cuillo scored high marks.
After completing the novel I always do research on the author. I was so excited to learn Casalvento is real and the author's home! No wonder the descriptions were wonderful. She wrote what she knows and loves!
I will recommend this book to my fellow readers and I have already ordered wine from the Casalvento Winery! and one day I'd love t visit!!
Thank you again NetGalley!!
Leslie Ponder