Jennifer Probst is a master at developing characters and making them real to her readers. This book places us first in her protagonist's "life" in New York and then in Sicily where she meets her family for the first time. I wanted to read this book because my grandparents immigrated from Sicily and I visited in 2019. Jennifer captured the Sicilian family, described the food to a T and made me want to go back. It's a love story with a place, with a people, with a culture. I had a very hard time putting it down- and once we got to Sicily- I read it right through. It tugged at my heartstrings throughout.

Jennifer Probst’s To Scilly with Love is an engaging story on so many levels. It’s a love letter to Italy, big, boisterous totality involved families, fabulous food, customs and culture. It’s about life choices, forms of love, emotional growth, relationships and romance. Simply put, it’s a story to savor. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

I ended up enjoying To Sicily with Love more than I initially expected. While the story started off slow and I wasn’t impressed with the main character’s influencer/life coach career, everything changed once she arrived in Italy. From there, the pace picked up, and I became genuinely invested in seeing how it would all wrap up.

Aurora’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth was a highlight for me. Watching her evolve throughout the story added depth and made the book more enjoyable as it progressed.

Overall, I’m rating it 3.5 stars.

3.5 stars! I have read books by Jennifer before, and went in expecting more of a romance plot but still very much enjoyed the family/healing journey. Aurora found she has many relatives in Sicily, and her grandparents are still living after taking a DNA test. I easily enjoyed her character and enjoyed her development! This made me want to pack by bags and go to Sicily! The setting was so fun and the details were well written. It wasn’t my favorite book by her but definitely enjoyed it.

To Sicily with Love by Jennifer Probst wasn't quite the type of book I typically gravitate toward. While I initially expected it to be a romance, it turned out to be more about family, loss, and healing. Although the story includes a relationship that falls apart, one that grows, and even some weddings, the heart of the book revolves around a family coming together and navigating grief. It would make for a great vacation read since you can easily pick it up and put it down without losing track of the plot. While I didn't feel deeply invested in the characters, I did find some of their dialogue heartwarming. If you're looking for a feel-good story about Italian family dynamics, this one would be a perfect choice. However, if you're after a romance novel, you may want to look elsewhere.

I have relatives in Sicily?

My mother never told me - she said she was an only child, and her parents were gone.

All of that was not true. Aurora found she has many relatives in Sicily, and her grandparents are still living.

How disheartening to learn all of this, but also how wonderful.

Aurora found this out after submitting a DNA test and being contacted by her cousin in Sicily.

Would this be the perfect time to visit Sicily since her career is at a bit of a standstill and she hopefully will find out why her mother never told her about her family.

See what Aurora does in this delightful, delicious read with descriptions so vivid, mouth-watering food, and welcoming characters, you will want to get on the next plane and see if you have a long lost loving, Sicilian family. :) 5/5

Even though this is fourth in the series, I easily read it as a standalone.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced eARC.

Overall, I liked the messages and themes from this book. I resonated with Aurora’s character deeply having lost my own mom unexpectedly and feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the grief of it all. Aurora’s journey to rediscovering her identity and trying to understand how to navigate loss while in the midst of grief was very real and raw. Couple those complex feelings with her also dealing with the loss of her dad and you have a story that I believe sticks with a reader, especially one who finds themself without the only family they know.

I liked the idea of Aurora being reconnected with a sense of family as she navigates to Sicily to meet her mother’s family that she didn’t know existed. Unfortunately, I think there were several instances where the writing just fell short and I found myself just wanting to get to the end of the book.

This is a good read, but felt rushed in some places and too drawn out in others.

After the major loss of her parents, Aurora is lost and alone. She takes a DNA test and finds long lost relatives in Sicily. She goes to visit and sees a whole new side of life and gets her spark back. I really enjoyed this book. I could relate to the loss of both parents unexpectedly, however, I have not taken a DNA test. I've always been interested in taking one so this story was so intriguing to me. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Net Galley for the advanced copy!

I would like to thank Net Galley and Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I have read a number of Jennifer Probst's books and always enjoyed them. This is no exception. It is a well paced story about Aurora Rose York,who British father and Italian ( Sicilian) mother have raised her in New York. Aurora's parents have told her neither have any family, being only children, and their parents deceased. Aurora is a life coach, write and podcaster. She has trained herself and others to be strong, over come emotion, set and achieve goals, and , of course, avoid carbs. Her boyfriend Jason is a personal trainer who runs a gym. They seem suited for each other, but Aurora's mother sees it differently. Its not a spoiler to say that her mom dies in the second chapter and Aurora is consumed with grief( her father passed away 5 years before), to the point of being unable to work effectively in her job. She can't write, has difficulty with the podcasts and with her coaching. Then she does a DNA test and finds family in Sicily that she knew nothing about. Aurora goes to Sicily to try to come to terms with her life and her family secrets. I loved the descriptions of Sicily and her Sicilian family. My fathers family is Sicilian, (as is my husband's fathers family). We have been to Sicily several times, most recently this summer on a multi generational trip with our children and grandchildren for a month. The descriptions and characterizations rang true. It was a beautifully written book. I did not like the character of Jason at all, and he came off a bit of a stereotype. Otherwise, i really enjoyed this book!

As someone who has taken a DNA test before and found out things I never imagined, I related so so hard to Aurora and all her DNA test changed for her.

I cried multiple times throughout this book. This book dealt with heavily losses and the grieving that comes with that. This book also dealt with finding love within yourself and your family, your community, your job. Rediscovering yourself. Aurora meeting her family, falling in love with Sicily, and finding herself after the loss of her mother was incredible and inspiring. This book made me cry, swoon, and just warmed my heart so much. Reading about Aurora finding love within a family and Sicily was everything and more. It made me so so happy and touched my heart, truly. This book was everything and more and it healed parts of me. i loved it so much!

The story really got to me in many ways, especially due to the fact that our female lead was a public entity on social media.

The author takes on the issues that social media can bring to people in terms of privacy and the faceless person feeling like they can trash or say anything because it’s on a social media platform. Sad really.

This story dives into the psychology of dealing with grief and how it can affect people differently. The story tackles, not only the business profession, but also personal relationships, and how that can affect your psyche and outlook while grieving.

What was wonderful was the female lead taking a chance on traveling, meeting new family, and getting the backstory that she never knew about. Within all of this we also meet a wonderful guy who is a perfect balance for everything she’s going through.

Probst delivers amazing descriptions and details that paint a picture of Sicily that will warm your heart. The story is in the details and the author definitely enhances it with this vibrant setting.

To Sicily with Love is a beautiful story that is a bit of a tear-jerker about family, healing, and finding your perfect path. It definitely made an impression on me as I could relate to many pieces in this story.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I feel like I could have done without the romance in this one. Aurora’s story is so beautiful on its own. I’m glad that she found a man who actually treats her like a person (unlike Jason) but falling in love in under 4 weeks is so not realistic I’m sorry!

I wanted the story to focus more on her familial ties. The overall theme of self discovery and appreciating the loved ones in your life while you still have them is a strong enough plotline on its own in my opinion.

Other than that I think this was really cute and I appreciated the imagery! Makes me want to add Sicily to my list of travels!

DNF. Unfortunately this writing style just wasn’t for me but the bigger issue is a personal one. By the 10th mention of a dead parent I wanted to be done. And then the second parent died and I had to be done. I don’t feel like I am able to give an accurate star rating but I have to submit one. The cover is beautiful! Thank you for the opportunity, I’m sorry it didn’t work out.

A heartfelt, romantic story about a woman who needs to learn how to love herself before she can really move on with her life. Aurora is struggling professionally. A life coach, with a boyfriend who shares her type A work ethic, she finds herself stuck and questioning everything after the death of her mom, an Italian immigrant who never talked about her life before moving to the United States. Aurora is shocked to find out that she has a big, extended family in Italy, and when they invite her to visit, she goes, just thinking she will spend a week and get back home to get her life together. But she is captivated by the big, loving family she always dreamed of, and the possibility of a new career and new love. Readers will really cheer for Aurora as she works to find her way forward. A great story!

Okay do I need to go to Sicily now?! I think I do! I loved this little book- the characters were fantastic and I loved the connection!

Jennifer Probst’s To Sicily With Love is a captivating love story that transcends borders and transforms lives. Probst masterfully weaves a tale of love, loss, and the power of second chances.
Aurora, a highly-controlled and successful businesswoman, embarks on a journey to Sicily, a place she’s always dreamed of visiting. This trip becomes a catalyst for profound change. As she immerses herself in the island’s beauty, she begins to let go of her rigid lifestyle and embrace the beauty of spontaneity.
Probst’s vivid descriptions of Sicily’s stunning landscapes, delectable cuisine, and warm-hearted people transport readers to this enchanting island. The author’s keen eye for detail brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of Sicily to life.
The romance between Aurora and the enigmatic Sicilian chef, Quint, is both passionate and tender. Their connection is palpable, and their chemistry ignites the pages.
To Sicily With Love is more than just a love story; it's a celebration of self-discovery and the transformative power of love. Aurora’s journey from a tightly wound individual to a woman who embraces life’s uncertainties is both inspiring and heartwarming. Probst has crafted a truly unforgettable reading experience.
Michele Roberts
With the help of Gemini AI

I have never read anything by this author before, but I really enjoyed reading this book. The pacing was good and the character's were developed very well.

this is a truly lovely story! a love story of family, past and present, and the multitude of ways it is shown, shared, grieved, revived, and long lasting. Aurora goes on a healing and heartbreaking journey to Sicily to meet the family she never knew she had. there she finds the connections she’s yearned for, the answers she didn’t know she needed, and the love she oh so deserves.

I absolutely loved seeing Aurora get all she needed and more from this story. her family is precious, and just like a real family in all the wonderful nuanced ways. and I loved seeing Aurora and Quint get their beautiful love story together too. this story is filled with so much love, honesty, adventure, and tenderness.

thank you for the arc!!!!

This was such a fun read for all of the recovering workaholics who haven’t discovered that listening to our inner voice is a sure-fire way to find peace with our lives and ourselves.

Following Aurora, who suffers from both a super Type A personality and the loss of her parents in quick succession, she makes time to find her long-lost family and discover what’s most important to her future and heart.

There’s a little romance, but zero spice.

I was rooting for her the whole time. Jason was a terrible character, and a great reminder that we are often the last ones to realize we have someone toxic in our lives.

Overall, very good read! I didn’t put it down!

The main character really annoyed me for so long but I was thrilled when she finally broke up with Jason! I wanted a little bit more about the mom and dad but I appreciated the scenery and descriptions of Sicily, it felt like I was actually there.