Member Reviews

This book completely transported me to the Amalfi coast in Italy and I can almost feel the sunshine on my skin and taste that delicious gelato. I adored how much of Italian culture, food and local scenery was woven into this story which was a beautiful read. The focus was very much on Lia and her discovery of her new family, one which she didn’t know existed until recently. Ernesto’s family, for the most part, are welcoming and we see Lia being brought into the fold, getting to know especially her father’s wife and two of their older children. There’s plenty of Italian cooking, family meals, and exploring in this novel and the setting and descriptions seemed absolutely perfect.

I would say the romance seemed to take a bit of a back seat here and though there is something between Lia and Raph, it wasn’t developed in much depth and I sadly wasn’t convinced of the chemistry between them. I liked both of their characters, and I liked Lia’s new family and how boisterous and loud they are - from a small, quiet family myself, the opposite has always appealed and so here I lived vicariously through Lia. The ending felt a little rushed, and whilst forgiving is all well and good, was there ever a genuine apology? There was a misunderstanding and a fallout, and at the finale it was neatly swept under the rug, without the misunderstanding being cleared up and no acknowledgement of how wrong the person was, how hurtful their actions were, or how they understood their behaviour was terrible. And so, I think the ending did one of the characters a disservice and they definitely deserved better.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

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There's one more grumpy Italian as I'm not a fan of Amalfi coast (or Costiera as we say).
It's a lovely romantic fantasy set in a place which is fascinating.
I appreciated the world building (it would be long to explain the differences between the real place and the one in the book) and rooted for the characters.
Julie Caplin wrote another goood story I liked
Please note that I travelled to Costiera more than once but it was very funny to read a story set in a well known place
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

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From the first page I was totally absorbed in this book. Beautifully described surroundings,amazing sounding food and drink,wonderful, likeable characters,love,laughter and a moody italian man, what more is needed. I absolutely love the concept of Lia's artwork and how as a reader I could image her pieces of work by the descriptions. I would have liked to hear more about Leo and hope he features in a future book maybe. A brilliantly written, unputdownable book that I heartily recommend. Thank you netgalley for an advanced copy for my review.

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This book was as much a love letter to Italy as it was a romance between two characters. The descriptions were wonderful and I felt like I've been on vacation.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter!

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I loved this book - it is an easy read and I devoured it as Lia devoured Aurelia's delicious cooking.

This is an interesting take on what happens when Lia finds out her family isn't who she thinks that they are. She goes to Italy to find her real father who is a famous Hollywood actor.

She is also trying to find inspiration for her work as a textile artist, and working from a friend's place. Whilst she is there, she meets her half brother on the beach (but has no idea who he is),, and becomes involved in her new family's life by accident.

This is a mix between a book describing a holiday in Italy which has inspiring descriptions of the landscape and the food, a family drama of epic proportions (who knows what happens when you meet a huge Italian family that happen to be your new family), an unlikely love story; and one of someone trying to find inspiration.

Everything comes together tied together neatly like one of Lia's masterpieces. It's fun, funny and reassuring.

I now need to go back to Positano to explore!

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Another gorgeous escapist read from Julie Caplin. I have really enjoyed this series, and this one is no exception. The descriptions of the Amalfi Coast and food add another dimension to the book, I could almost taste the pizza in Naples and feel making the pasta.

Lia and Raph have so many miscommunications and trust issues, but both characters are interesting and you can't help rooting for them to get their HEA. Enjoyed when they just let themselves be. The whole Salvatore family are a hoot and I'm hoping for Leo's book! And how great was Aurelia, the very opposite of an evil stepmother..

It's a book about feeling the odd one out, and lost which is so relatable but also about forgiveness and understanding that people make difficult decisions that they think are the best in that moment in time. An enjoyable and lovely book that I highly recommend.

Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollins One More Chapter for an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

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A Villa With A View is a lovely romance story set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Amalfi Coast. This is a tale of family, love and building relationships. It has some wonderful characters and the descriptions of the food and sights instantly transport you to the Italian sunshine. The plot unfolds well and completely drew me in. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to review.

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This story is set in Positano on the Amalfi coast in Italy. In my opinion one of the most beautiful places in the world. I absolutely love Italy and reading this book transported me there. I could almost taste the food and so wanted a gelato. The descriptions of the food and the scenery are written brilliantly.
Lia has recently found out that Simon her dad is not actually her dad. A famous Italian actor is her birth father and she wants to talk to him, maybe meet him and ask questions but, when Raphael Knight refuses to allow her a phone call/meeting she decides to get on a plane to Italy and try a face to face. Hopefully knocking on his door she might not be more successful. However, when Raphael answers the intercom it feels as though her spontaneous idea has failed.
However, when she accidently leaves an old photo of her mum and dad in a restaurant it proves she is who she says she is and not just a gold digger. Can she convince Raphael to trust her and if he lets his guard down will the sparks really start to fly?

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I can't get over how much I love Julie Caplin's writing and how much I love this series! A Villa With A View is the 11th book in the Romantic Escapes series, but they're all standalones. This is probably my second favourite in the series, right after The Little Paris Patisserie. It's such a fun novel that you don't have to think too hard about. You can just cozy up on the couch and fall in love alongside these characters. It'll also make a perfect summer read to take with you on holiday! Highly recommend!

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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a free ecopy of A Villa With a View in exchange for an honest review. Another lovely installment in the Romantic Escapes series. I enjoyed the setting and descriptions of the Italian Coast and food. Will definitely read more in the series. I don't like the new cover design, seems dated compared to the first books in the series.

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Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thought and opinions are my own.

What can I say, when I saw the beautiful front cover of this book I know I have to get a copy. What I didn't know at the time, is that this is part of the Romantic Escapes series, Book 11. This is one of the second books I have read in the series however it doesn't stop your enjoyment as every book seems to be a stand alone, so you aren't missing any back history of the characters.

The book is set on the beautiful Amalfi Coast. Lia Bathurst takes a DNA test she discovers that she is in fact 50% Italian, when confronting her mother she discovers that the man she thought was her father is not in fact her biological father. What she discovers is that her actual father is a famous Italian actor. Being a very successful textiles artist, Lia decides to visit Italy in the hope of finding some new inspirational designs for her work and to track down her long lost father. But definitely gets more than she bargained for when she meets Leo and Raph.

This book ticked every box for me, a stunning location, likeable characters, lots of laughs along the way. The authors description of the location and the mouthwatering food will have the reading wishing they were there. I will certainly be looking for more books from the author. They are books you can read in one sitting, with a comfy chair and a cup of tea.

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Beautiful location, wonderful food descriptions, plenty of fabulous characters, and a romance - a perfect escapist read!

A Villa With A view is set in Italy, on the Amalfi Coast, and is the story of Lia. She has just discovered that her biological father is Italian superstar actor Ernesto. She travels to Italy to meet him, and to work on her textile art. Ernesto's stepson Raph is determined to watch Lia, convinced she is a gold digger- can she reassure Raph of her motives, and deal with her increasing feelings towards him?

Some engrossing supporting characters -I loved Aurelia and Leo - and the descriptions of Lia's work were wonderful. A good summer read.

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Absolutely loved this book! I feel like I had a trip to southern coast of Italy. Julie Caplin definitely can transport me to another place with her writing.

The plot is so interesting. I love to craft and never heard of a textile artist and appreciate being exposed to a new creative and beautiful art form.

I was deeply immersed in the plot and read this book at every moment available.

I have read several of this author's books and definitely want to read her previous books (that I missed) and look forward to future books also!

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

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A Villa With a View is a well written romance. I enjoyed the plot and character dynamics and the beautiful setting.

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Lia and Raphe have lots of romantic tension and the book is set on the Amalfi coast with lots of beautiful descriptions. An enjoyable read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

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Enjoyed it, but the book wasn't my favorite in the Romantic Escape Series. I really wanted to love this book as much as the previous ones. I blame it on Raph and Lia. I enjoyed the banter they had with each other, but the constant miscommunication and assumptions were exhausting. From the start I knew I knew they were the perfect match (so did Ernesto and Aurelia.) Raph was suspicious of everyone and trusted no one. With all his issues with Lia, Raph was oblivious to what his ex-girlfriend was really up to. He put all his insecurities on to Lia and couldn't see past them. He only saw her as a gold digger and wanting to use Ernesto's name to further her career. I would have thought Raph would have googled Lia. Then he would have known the truth about her and her art. Lia's treatment of her mom, dad and sister was a little over the top. She's thirty, not a child. She's still pat of the family. I'm guessing Leo might be the central character in the next book. There's still so much we don't know about him. What actually happened to his marriage? He's 27 years old, but acts like a teenager. He parties all night and spends his day at the beach. I loved reading about the Amalfi coast. The description about the scenery and food was amazing.

Definitely recommend the book. This was a fun read. Enjoyed the story, characters and writing style. Can't wait for the next book in the Romantic Escape Series. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

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Lia has just discovered that Ernesto, a famous actor, is her biodad and so she's travelled to Amalfi to meet him. Standing in her way, however is Raphael, his majordomo of sorts, who is skeptical of her claim. And once, it's proven, well there' s still an uphill path to friendship and then...romance. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Love the Amalfi setting.

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I think this is a great beach read, It was exactly what I needed at the time, and I recommend it if you're looking for something that will just whisk you away.

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This story is a whirlwind of food, art and new beginnings set along the beautiful Amalfi coast. It is full of love, misunderstanding, and a new beginning between a headstrong couple. I enjoyed this book immensely.

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Julie Caplin has another wonderful, fun read with "Villa with a View." Julie's books are the best kind of escapism from day to day life. In this book, Lia the artist and Raph the grumpy business guy meet and sparks fly!

Lia recently found out that the father she grew up with isn't her biological father after the results of a DNA test come back. With her whole world turned upside down, Lia escapes to the Amalfi coast with no plan other than wanting to meet her father. Instead, she butts heads with her father's step-son Raph who is suspicious of her intentions.

The cast of characters in this book is wonderful, especially the family of Lia's biological father. The setting in Italy is fabulous and the author's writing makes you want to book at plane ticket and fly there immediately. The descriptions of Lia's art make me want to go look her up, though she's fictional.

If you are looking for a summer beach read with romance (that does admittedly hit snags as all good romances do), definitely check this one out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One more Chapter for the opportunity to review this book. Receipt of the ARC in no way affects my review on this book.

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