I received the audiobook version of this through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

This story had a bit of an Under the Tuscan Sun feeling to it, likely because they're both set in Italy and while I logically know different regions of Italy operate differently, like California and Kansas are very different, emotionally it's all the same to me. It was really obvious to me that Craig wasn't the perfect fiance he was pretending to be, so I was thrilled that Erika was getting away from him for a while.

That being said, I didn't feel particularly invested in the story after Erika arrived in Italy. I wasn't bored, but I also wasn't on the edge of my seat wanting to know what would happen next. But it would have been a nice easy beach read if I wasn't land locked in the mountains.

The narration was acceptable. The diction was easy to understand and the opposite gendered voices didn't feel like caricatures. Overall I give Casalvento 3.1783 out of 5 stars.

Pleasant, sweet story. Fluffy, romantic and atmospheric. Enjoyed the trip to lavender scented Italy. Just a good Summer read.

Set in the real Casalvento (House of the Wind) of Radda and Livernano in Chianti Siena, Italy, debut author Gudrun Cuillo's 'Casalvento' did a good job in describing Tuscany and it's scenery and vineyards.

The story as such was quite predictable and formulaic (I even figured out early on what the twist in the end would be) and something I have seen before in Hallmark movies but like the Hallmark movies, it was quite pleasant and entertaining. I listened to the ALC of the book and had no issues with the narration by Maria Marquis.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Greenleaf Audiobooks and the author for the ALC of the book.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫

Thank you to Netgalley, Green Leaf Book Group, & Gudrun Cuillo for the Audiobook arc of Casalvento.

I'll start this review off by saying this is definitely not my usual genre to partake in, but something about the cover & plot caught my attention. This is also not usually how I take in my books. Audiobooks are a struggle for me but I really want to be better with the format for various different reasons. With all that being said, I LOVED this book quite a lot. The biggest thing about Casalvento is that even though I've never been anywhere close to Italy, Cuillo transported me there in such a delicate & beautiful way.

This was my first 5 star read/listen for 2024 & that brings a certain kind of joy to me because I fully believe it's well deserved. The characters, the plot, the setting, were all just delightfully well done & executed. Erica is uptight & very business woman in the beginning but you need to see that side of her so you can witness her character growth as she transitions from New York life to Italian countryside. The side characters were flushed out just as well too & I absolutely want to try all the food mentioned in the book!

I'm curious to see what else Cuillo has in store if she chooses to write more books because this was just absolutely stellar for me!

A story set in Tuscany? Yes, please! I listened to the audiobook and the storyline kept my attention and was easy to follow. It was easy to imagine the setting. The characters were nicely developed.

I absolutely loved this audio book from start to finish.
Great character development with characters having strong and interesting personalities.
Loved the Tuscany setting as well as the recipes shared. A wine vineyard is hard work as I found out listening to this book.
A special thank you to the author and publisher for a wonderful listening experience.
The authors info at the end was amazing!

Very light listen. It's an escape for me and was easy to listen while getting other things done. I liked the predictability of the romance and that it took place in Italy. Would be a cute little Hallmark or Netflix chic flick type of movies.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version.
The cover is beautiful. The story plot itself was well ehhh. It was just like a Hallmark channel story plot. As the the story goes on you just know where it was going. There are no twists. There is really not a lot happening. It is like reading someone diary entry. I didn't really feel a connection with the main females love interests.. I mean I guess that was what they are supposed to be? It kind of just dragged on when I think it could have been shortened.
The narrator did a good job..I think if you want a low key Hallmark type story plot that is easy listening this is perfect for you.

Absolutely beautiful tale set in both New York City & Italy. I was granted an advance audiobook version & I think this only enhanced my love for this story from Gudrun Cuillo!

“Casalvento” has mystery, romance, sadness & gorgeous descriptions of the Italian lifestyle. In the final minutes, I was crying as the entire story came full circle with love just radiating from the pages.

Perfect for fans of “Under the Tuscan Sun.” A heartwarming tale about the power of love.

Casalvento tells the story of Erika Germoglio, an American self-made businesswoman, who inherits a vineyard in Italy. An Italian grandfather she has never met wills to her Casalvento, a house, and a vineyard, and Livernano, a medieval village turned bed-and-breakfast, both in the Chianti region of Tuscany. Erika is sure going to Italy to settle the affairs of her inheritance will be a quick trip, but as the terms of the will are read, she realizes nothing in her life will ever be the same. Moving into her grandfather's home, getting to know the people he had made into his family, and learning about his story from the letters he left to her, Erika slowly realizes that the life she's been living was not the life for her. Casalvento paints a gorgeous picture of what the properties, Italians, and culture are like. It is a delicious read that takes unsuspecting visitors on a journey of life, choices, love, and wine.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.

I did NOT like the main character at all at first but as she grew on me as she changed and adapted to her new life. Well written, and although I saw the twist at the end coming it was still enjoyable. The narrator did a good job as well.

I loved this audiobook for several reasons. At first, I wasn't sure I liked the main character of Erika, as she seemed too bossy with work colleagues, and yet allowed herself to be completely controlled by her fiance. But, now the book is finished, I can see that it actually enhanced the changes that Erika undergoes once she travels to Italy to investigate her inheritance of a winery from her unknown grandfather. I also enjoyed learning more about the wine industry through this book, and liked the supporting characters that made it so interesting. Overall, it's a great story and the narration really makes you feel as if you're in Italy with the characters.

Thanks to Greenleaf Audiobooks and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Really enjoyed this light read. I was transported back to Italy reading this book. Really enjoyed the character development and the love story that grew throughout the book. Realized enjoyed it and will be looking into more books by this author.

I loved this book. A woman who thinks she’s all alone, finds out about a secret family in Italy. I enjoyed taking the ride with Erika to see all that she didn’t know existed while she got to know everyone. The shock toward the end made me smile and I loved the ending. This is a must read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publish for allowing me to read this ARC.

Casalvento is an enchanting story that transported me from the bustling streets of New York to the sun-kissed vineyards of Tuscany, weaving a tale of transformation, love and self-discovery. This novel is a delightful blend of romance, business acumen, and the beauty of cultural exploration.
Erika Germoglio is a successful businesswoman living in New York city, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits from her grandfather, a vineyard and a medieval village turned bed=and=breakfast, in Tuscany. Initially, the narrative presents a picturesque tableau of her idyllic life in the city, complete with a loving, successful, fiance and a thriving business. However, her journey truly begins when she embarks on a voyage to Italy, intending to sell her inheritance but ends up finding a profound connection with the land and the people.
What makes this book a compelling read is the author's skillful storytelling, which vividly paints the contrasting landscapes of urban America and rural Tuscany. Erika's transformation from a savvy entrepreneur to a passionate wine connoisseur is beautifully depicted, making the evolution relatable and inspiring. The descriptions of the vineyards, the winemaking process and the culinary delights of the region are so richly detailed that I could almost taste the exquisite wines and savor the delectable Italian dishes described with the pages.
The characters in Casalvento are well-crafted and endearing, especially the handsome manager, Paolo, of the vineyard, who becomes Erika's mentor. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the story, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The supporting cast, including the women from her New York business, adds layers to Erika's journey, highlighting the importance of friendship, solidarity, and collaboration in both personal and professional spheres.
The novel brilliantly captures the essence of Tuscany - its warm hospitality, the people that work at the vineyard and their families, its vibrant culture and timeless beauty. As Erika immerses herself in the intricacies of winemaking and hospitality, I was intrigued by the regions captivating traditions and history.
Casalvento is a heartwarming story of embracing change, following one's passion, and finding unexpected love in the most unlikely places. It reminds readers that life's most fulfilling journeys often begin with a single unanticipated step. This book is not just a tale of romance and business, it's a celebration of the human spirit and the transformative power of embracing new experiences. Anyone seeking a captivating read filled with romance, culture and the allure of the Italian countryside will find Casalvento an absolute delight to indulge in.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me the audiobook to listen to, pror to publishing.

The aesthetic of the book is the best part of it really. Italians drinking wine, eating pasta, having fun, speaking Italian, What a visual.

Story was okay, nothing too exciting. But I have to note that the ending was quite terrible.

Thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Press Group for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book was published June 6, 2023.

This is a solid debut by the author. Prepare to be transported to Tuscany and experience life running a vineyard and delicious pasta dishes.

Erica was extremely annoying but as her life changed drastically so did she. Somewhat predictable but with a major twist at the end.

A fun and quick read!

As a successful businesswoman in a long-term relationship, Erika was ready for the next natural step in her life, to marry her fiance. But that all goes haywire when she learns that she's inherited a vineyard in Tuscany. Forced to drop everything and head to Italy to meet with the lawyer, she discovers that her missing grandfather had bee living in Radda ever since he abandoned his family when her father was a little boy.

Compelled to stay in Italy for five months before she can inherit the properties her grandfather has left her, she begins a journey of self-discovery. The more she learns about her grandfather and his life, the more she learns about herself and what she wants out of life.

This was a wonderful story that included a sweet slow-burn romance. The locale, friendships, and self-discovery were enjoyable to read about. But I was very disappointed with the ending. To me, it undermined the whole story.

Thank you to Gudrun Cuillo, Greenleaf Book Group, and NetGalley for the advance review copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Greenleaf Audiobooks for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Erika is sitting in the kitchen of her grandfather’s Tuscan estate with friends from America. She can’t believe that just a few months ago she was building a business and a life back in New York until she received a letter from her grandfather’s attorney: he was gone and she inherited everything. There’s a catch though – she had to live on the estate for 5 months before she could assume control. Erika fought that plan and initial wanted to sell the property. But after 5 months, she’s fallen in love with the estate…and so much more.

Casalvento is Gudrun Cuillo’s debut novel, pulling from her own experiences to deliver a beautiful tale of finding yourself in the circumstances in front of you. Capped with a section of delicious story-inspired recipes and wine pairings, this book delivers details of Tuscany only someone living in the area and in love with the community could describe. Cuillo’s own wine estates are the setting for this story of growth, finding your true passion, and giving in to love.

I give Casalvento 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the dialogue between Erika and her staff about the area, the wine making process, and the food – you can tell the author built these off her own interactions. However, I did notice a handful of errors in the timeline for certain migrations to America and other events discussed. These did not impact the storyline, but were a thorn for my personal reading. I also grew frustrated with some of the attention directed towards the housekeeper early on, leading readers to believe she was a dark character looking to do harm to Erika. This frustration popped back up at the end when the cousin who was a true dark character was suddenly very happy and excited for Erika to take over the property. However, I appreciate the slow reveal of the romance between Erika and her true love later in the book. The lack of speed with this development gave it authenticity.

If you love Frances Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun or Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love, this book is for you! With the common theme of leaving New York for Italy, loss of a relationship, and finding yourself, this trio of books from writers with very different backgrounds belong together. I would also recommend this book as a book club read – there’s so much to unpack in each chapter!

In October, I realized I was going to have some time open time in my audiobook schedule. I was excited when I saw this on NetGalley and was immediately drawn to it by the cover – a beautiful Tuscan landscape with grape vines and lemon trees. I was not disappointed! If you are looking for your next audiobook, pick this one up! Casalvento is now available for purchase from your favorite bookseller!

Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!

Casalvento: House of the Wind" by Gudrun Cuillo transports readers to the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany, making you feel like you're right there with the characters. While the plot may be somewhat basic, it's undeniably heartfelt. You can't help but cheer for the main character as she grapples with the difficult decision to choose the vineyard over her (in my opinion, toxic) life in New York City. Cuillo's vivid descriptions and the emotional depth of the protagonist make this a story worth experiencing, even if it follows some familiar themes.