Thank you to NetGalley for my copy of this book. From the moment I saw the author had a new book coming out several months ago, I was excited. I love Hollow Kingdom and couldn’t wait to read this new story about an Italian village. Tartufo is definitely a fresh new story and I loved it. She has a unique way of writing, very beautiful and descriptive, making you wish you were inside the story. I found myself wishing I was in a small Italian village, friends with the villagers, and could go on a truffle hunt myself. She writes animals so well, if you are an animal lover you are sure to love the personalities she creates for them in her stories. I think the start of the book could be difficult for some, it is very descriptive but is worth it to get a feel for the environment of the village. It is well worth it once you get into the adventures of the story. I could see myself rereading this one in the future.

I thought this was a fantastic book. I loved how we saw so many different POV's that were so incredibly distinct that I never had an issue distinguishing between the characters. Such a perfect glimpse into a small Italian village and the people that make it up. It was funny, bittersweet, heartwarming and a captivating read. While I don't think this writing style (lots of purply prose describing scents, and feelings, and very metaphor heavy), I felt it was very appropriate given the subject matter. I was so invested in this little town and all the problems it was facing, and while it was hyperbolic, I thought that was the right choice for this novel. If you like a very character-driven plot that touches on the ridiculous at times, while also drawing you in, this is an excellent book to pick up!

The beginning bit of the book felt laborious, with many details and characters. Once it settled in to the story of the town, the truffles, the people, I was won over!

The premise of this is lovely and it is definitely atmospheric and cozy. It is sort of like an Italian version of a hallmark movie with community members banding together to save their town from ruin but instead of a romance, there is an enormous truffle.

It is charming though I found it to be uneven, and with way too many characters (not all of them compelling). My interest would waver depending on who the chapter was focused on. I would recommend it to readers looking for an antic-filled comedy (though there are also a few tragedies) about the power of community.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Yesterday in book club, we discussed the problematic nature of rating books with stars. Do you rate a book based on its quality within its genre (i.e., did it meet your expectations for what the genre and synopsis hinted at), or do you rate books based on the rolodex of books you've read in your entire life? If it's the latter, then how can anything compare to masterpieces like, for example, <i>Lord of the Rings</i>? It has to be the former, or at least a mixture of the two, depending on how suitable the book is for your typical taste. <i>Tartufo</i> is not a book I'd typically pick up, but when I read its synopsis (Italy, quirky little village, one truffle to rule them all), I sent a request for it.

That being said... I loved this book. Breezy, comedic novels are not something I lean towards because they are often a corny, poorly-written mess. In the first few pages of <i>Tartufo</i>, I debated whether this book would be for me, but it didn't take long for me to adore the caricature-like villagers and feel for their woes as their tiny town fell into ruin. Especially towards the end, I laughed out loud at certain moments, and I loved how little details came together. I found it to be smartly comedic and very entertaining, and I would die for a mini-series based on it. While this may not be 5 stars based on everything else I've rated 5 stars in my life, this is a solid 4.5-star light novel. There were moments I felt were a bit wordy and could have been condensed, but overall, this is a book I can see myself recommending to a lot of people looking for a good time.

Despite this being what I'd typically call a "summer read," the tiny Italian village's atmosphere and truffle-hunting season make this a lovely "cozy fall read." Although, sadly, you'll have to wait until it publishes in January to pick it up!

Thank you Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the e-ARC :)

What a serious delight of a book! Stop me if I sound like SNL's Stefon, but THIS BOOK HAS EVERYTHING. It contains the most charming cast of characters, decadent food, lots of great humor, and the most gorgeous prose. Oh, and there's even a donkey who is very nearly nominated as mayor. Wait, there's also a female cat named Al Pacino. I told you- everything.

The book takes place in the struggling little Italian village of Lazzarini Boscarino. The town is not a tourist attraction and has no money.... a donkey almost became mayor, for goodness sake! But it's truly the residents that make the town. They may not always get along and they certainly don't agree on everything, but they so endearing.

The story starts off a little slowly for me, BUT I was pulled in by Buxton's writing from the first page. I figured even if the story was a little boring, at least I'd get to experience something really beautiful in the meantime. However, the story quickly picks up when Giovanni Scarpazza and his dogs find a really, really big truffle. Like the kind that could change the course of your life. Or the future of your town.

I don't want to give anything away because part of the beauty of the book is the unfolding of the story. Honestly, I feel like I'm not a good enough writer to truly describe the beauty of this novel. But even if you don't care about prose, you'll want to read it for the cast of characters.

I'm so excited for this book to publish and for everyone to read it. And I feel so lucky that I already had the chance to. It's the kind of book that, once it's released, I'll definitely want to read again. The people of Lazzarini Boscarino feel like friends now and I miss them so much now that the book is over.

I adored this book! Each character is so well written, both animal and human. It made me want to visit and meet each and every one of them. The setting is vibrant and Buxton’s writing is charming and witty.

3.5 / 5. Sweet, silly, and made me want truffle fries. Shakespearean comedy vibes set in a modern day (though at times it does not feel modern at all) Italian village. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton takes place in Tuscany, Italy. I learned so much about truffles! I love to hunt mushrooms in northern Michigan, so this struck a chord with me. I also loved the community of people in the tiny struggling village of Lazzarini Boscarino. It was a bit jarring trying to figure out the timing of the book - the village is so old it seems like it should be from years and years ago, but then someone has a cell phone, bringing you back to the present. The story is touching and hilarious. I gave it 4 stars, because I got lost in all the detail, especially in the beginning. I also had trouble following some of the Italian words that weren’t translated. Even trying to infer the intent, sometimes I couldn’t figure out the meaning and had to let it go. Otherwise it is a feel good book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5 stars. Tartufo is a story about a charming little Italian town that’s a little down on its luck. Newly elected mayor (the daughter of the recently deceased mayor who barely beat out a donkey for the role) gets a huge opportunity to save the town when one of the residents finds the biggest truffle that’s ever been seen. If the auction goes well, the money could put the town back on the map and save them.

I thought this was a cute story. I struggled a little to get into it at first, and ended dissatisfied by one of the story lines not being tied up. But overall, I enjoyed it! It was a nice light break from the dark thrillers I gravitate toward. A quick, fun read that I think most would enjoy.

**ARC review. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read it early.

This sweet story was set in a dying Italian village where the people of the village have fallen on hard times. Their businesses have no tourists and their castle is in disrepair. The village just elected a new mayor who barely beat the lovable town donkey. When a rare, enormous truffle brings hope to this charming little town, the hilarious townspeople ban together to revive their village to prosperity.

This was an enjoyable story with very likable, funny characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central for sending me an Advanced Reader Copy. #NetGally #Tartufo

4.5 stars. This was so charming and quirky. It's a story about community and coming together as one to help each other. It was beautifully done. Dummy me did not realize that tartufo is Italian for truffle, and a giant truffle is arguably the main character of this whole story. I absolutely loved each and every character, and there are a lot of them. There is a "glossary" of characters at the very beginning to introduce you to them. I was grateful for that, going back many times to refresh my memory if I had to put the book down for a bit. I am uncool enough to realize that my eyes tend to glaze over when reading foreign names, so I had a bit of a time keeping everyone straight. Nothing I couldn't get through though. I really enjoyed this and the any over the top players in this heartwarming story.

Sweet little novel with a lot of great character work and some lines that made me chuckle loudly in public. Opening with a summary of the townspeople feels overwrought at first, but ended up being a really helpful tool to flesh out the story. It felt like no character was wasted, and with the author noting that this book is all about good relationships, that makes total sense.
I did find the late-onset sentimentality to be a bit too on the nose. With an over-the-top plotline and scenes constructed like sitcom moments, it did feel a bit jarring and on-the-nose to start having characters directly giving us The Moral Of The Story.
Still, a good time and a fun escape. I think many others will enjoy this when it is published. 4.3/5 stars, rounded down to 4.

Tartufo was difficult to follow. It had a cute premise and was similar to other novels I’ve read about rural and isolated Italian villages, but the “zing” was just not there. There were lots of characters doing lots of things, but I just didn’t get the flow of a story line.

I appreciate this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Tartufo is a story of irony, history between people, friendship and community. Set in the fictional rural Tuscan village of Lazzarini Boscarino which is facing hardship due to lack of funds and tourists. There is a large cast of characters who are all intertwined as all small town residents are - with most of their histories getting in the way of themselves. The characters are all charming in their own way which truly brings the story alive. The story reminds us that even during extreme hardship there is always a bright side - or something beautiful growing under the surface.

If you read Kira Jane Buxton's Hollow Kingdom and Feral Creatures, you will be used to her wit and style. Although I loved Hollow Kingdom, I do have to admit that I did struggle with the beginning of Tartufo but once I pushed through, I was glad I did - as there was a heartwarming story ahead of me. I am not sure if it was a pacing issue of just the descriptive wordiness itself which is a part of the Buxton's style but seemed possibly a little of the top for me. I did also notice some inconsistencies within the writing which I am sure will be corrected before the time of publishing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the privilege of reading an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

This novel is set in the village of Lazzarini Boscarino in Italy. We are introduced to all the colorful villagers and animals of the town. The story develops, albeit slowly, into a very enjoyable adventure perfect for reading during the summer months. I received this ARC from Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

While Tartufo was a fun story, I just feel like it wasn't the story for me. I'm sure many will love this book of drama, laughter and adventure. It's almost like reading a Shakespeare comedy as a novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC of Kira Jane Buxton's 'Tartufo.'

Populated by a wonderful cast of characters who live in the bypassed, dying Tuscan village of Lazzarina Boscarino 'Tartufo' follows their adventures in the wake of the discovery by the local truffle hunter, Giovanni. There's a voluptuously barmaid and her celebrity chef ex-husband, a newly elected mayor (who's also the local vet) and her husband who runs the last bar/restaurant in the village, the aforementioned truffle hunter, a nonna (and her young protégé) whose house and garden were stricken by a landslide, a disgraced postman, a psychic, and many others including some domestic animals with real character and personality - dogs, a vindictive cat, and a much-loved donkey.

The discovery of the truffle, worth a lot of money, unleashes a cavalcade of events and outcomes that none of them could've foreseen.

It's lovingly and beautifully written - there's a very big focus on food and smells which, themselves, almost become characters, all of them wonderfully described. Although it's a constantly funny novel there's a lot of emotion involved.

I would love to see this made into one of those gauzy ensemble films in which you could lose yourself for a couple of hours of fun, beautiful scenery, and great characters.

3.5/5.0 ⭐

Despite the initial difficulty in getting into the story, Buxton's novel ultimately delivers a heartwarming tale with feel-good themes and memorable characters.

The beginning is thick with characters and minor details making it a lot to sort through. However, it does mellow into a charming narrative about an old Italian village, Lazzarina Boscarino, that's on its last leg. It follows Giuseppina, a bartender who receives a prophecy about a visitor, and Delizia, a newly elected mayor, and her journey from panic to leadership.

Tartufo delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, community, loyalty, and tradition with humor and irony.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Such a cute story about the power of love, forgiveness, and the roots that tie us to home. Not what I was expecting, but I was unable to put it down and found myself deeply invested in the characters. A good summer read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher to early access to this ARC.