The Florentine Bridge by Vanessa Carnevale

Subgenre: contemporary
Release date: 12 Dec 2016
Publisher: Mira Australia
Format: print and ebook
Length: 352 pages

This is truly a love letter to Florence and the Tuscany region. To the alluring city and its amazing bridge the Ponte Vecchio (a bridge among bridges!), to the Amalfi Coast; to the whole of Tuscany, really, and to sunshine and painting and Italian food and coffee, oh my. I’ve never visited but I could visualise it all from this book, and now of course all I want to do is go there. Ciao, bella!

The story is also lovely, about Mia, an Australian cancer survivor, fresh from chemo but definitely not fresh from her diagnosis. The cancer haunts her and sends her into cold, private terrors during the day and nightmares at night, imagining the worst scenario in the future, and how her loving parents will not be able to cope if said scenario occurs.

Cancer definitely messes with your head psychologically, and Vanessa Carnevale has captured that so very well. She’s also captured how weak and frail Mia is, definitely not fully recovered from her treatments.

And yet Mia’s been brave and followed her heart, travelling to Italy to heal and paint. Painting’s been her great love in life, but during her treatment her paintings turned frighteningly dark, ugly and angry. Mia’s hoping Italy will work its magic and she’ll get some of her mojo back so she can paint her way to health. Hopefully she’ll also re-find her appetite, her energy and her optimism, all sadly lost.

On the day Mia arrives in Florence she meets Luca, a car mechanic, and—whoa, baby! He is strong and handsome, and begins to fall in love with her, and she with him. (Quite frankly anyone would fall in love with Luca, he’s seriously gorgeous and deliciously Italian. We all need a Luca in our lives, please.)

Can it work? Can these two find their HEA? Things are incredibly optimistic … until something terrible happens. This is a tender and unexpected romance, and the ending is definitely not what you think. Bravo, Vanessa Carnevale! And gosh, your cover is so beautiful …

reviewed by Malvina

If your ideal novel is one that is painted with vivid descriptions, and accompanied by a beautiful, emotion-filled love story, then this one's for you.

The Florentine Bridge is the debut novel from Australian author Vanessa Carnevale, is a captivating love story set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Tuscan skies of Italy.
To read full review please go to: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1795413938

Debut Australian author Vanessa Carnevale bursts onto the writing scene with her stunning contemporary romance novel, The Florentine Bridge. Set against the magnificent locale of Florence, Italy and surrounds, it is a gentle story that explores one inspiring young Australian woman’s passage to overcome illness, self doubt and find love.

Nineteen year old Mia is a promising artist, who hails from Melbourne, Australia. Mia has recently overcome a battle with cancer. Trying to find meaning in her life, Mia heads to the other side of the world, to Florence, Italy, where she hopes to reignite her passion for painting. When she arrives in a small village on the outskirts of Florence, Mia soon realises moving and starting anew is not an easy process. She does manage to build some trusting acquaintances, which assists her move. Despite the spectacular setting, the perfect muse to get her painting on track, Mia lacks the urge to put brush to paper. When a handsome and understanding young man named Luca enters her life, Mia’s world in Florence immediately changes. Mia’s relationship with Luca is the catalyst that sparks her return to painting. Enjoying love, life and the rich culture of Italy with Luca by her side, things couldn’t be better for Mia. However, Mia and Luca’s new found love for one another is put to the test, when life deals them both situations that will challenge their strength, both as a couple and an individual.

I have had The Florentine Bridge on my radar for some time, the blurb, as well as the exquisite cover, enticed me so much that I contacted the author to request an early review of this debut novel. The author granted my wish and as a result, I was able to read this novel prior to its release. It has been a privilege to be one of the first readers to enjoy this book and I cannot recommend this novel enough. Once I opened the first page, I was immediately lost in Mia’s heartfelt journey. The housework, dinner and life in general was put aside, while I spent time with Mia and Luca in picturesque Florence.
The beauty in this novel lies in a number of factors. Firstly, the main protagonist Mia is a character readers will easily be able to both like and relate to. Her transformation from just overcoming cancer, to finding the strength to move across the globe, far away from the comfort of her parents, was admirable. Carnevale makes the reader see that Mia’s journey is not an easy one and her life in Florence is not all hearts and roses. By the end of the novel, I couldn’t believe how far Mia had come, both professionally as a budding artist and personally, in her changed outlook on life.

Supporting Mia is a colourful cast of periphery characters that fill out the pages of Carnevale’s debut novel. Luca, the leading man, is both a character that will make the reader swoon but he is a very real character. Luca has his own back story and inner demons that must be overcome in order for his relationship with Mia to work. Alongside Luca are some unforgettable minor players, such as a local waiter, an elderly artist who mentors Mia, Mia’s employer Clara and flatmate Stella. Each of these characters adds a solid layer to The Florentine Bridge.

A review of this novel would not be complete unless I mentioned the setting. Although I visited Italy some years ago, Florence included, Carnevale has depicted the setting in such a way that I gleaned so much more from this rich location. It is obvious to the reader that Carnevale has lived and breathed Florence and Italy in general. Her setting descriptions are peppered with authentic anecdotes on landscape, art, culture and food that transfers vividly onto to paper for the reader.

The Florentine Bridge is a novel that resonates with you, long after the last page is read. It takes the reader on a heartfelt journey, filled with lessons in love and life. It also offers an authentic portrait of Italy – its culture, people, art and landscape, which I relished. The Florentine Bridge makes a late but nonetheless completely worthy entry into my list of best books of 2016. Vanessa Carnevale has a bright writing career ahead of her with the release of this stunning debut novel.

The Florentine Bridge is the debut from this author and is a must read. This was anything but what I expected. Whilst the blurb alluded to a beautiful story, I never would expected the characters be tender age that they were given this story and this was presented as women’s fiction rather than a romance.
Whilst the characters are of new adult age, the author ‘s prose storytelling make it anything but an ordinary story. Mia Moretti has arrived in Florence to rediscover herself. The past two years have destroyed the Mia that everyone has known and loved.
Cancer stole her confidence and many other things and with her well meaning parents hovering over her. Mia has escaped to Italy , the place of her forebears and great artists. With the aim of regaining of that said confidence in order to paint again. However Florence has other ideas and we soon see it.
Sharing a beautiful villa with Stella, an American girl who rents from great uncle who has his own tale to tell and discover. Stella soon makes Mia embrace the beautiful Tuscany and more throwing in to the deep. Reading Mia better then she could at the moment and introducing her to Luca
A mechanic who opens up a tiny piece of her heart but it was enough to change things. The cloud slowly lifting and we soon see a new side to Mia. A friendship was the key but it soon turned into more.
Italy may be the saviour that she needs but is she ready for the life shattering experience she is about to have?
Carnevale’s tale maybe not a new concept but the storytelling and prose . Sigh it hard to explain without giving it away. It give and take with this novel and it beautiful. It is a beautiful gradual romance set in beautiful country is hard not to love. However that isn’t what made me turn the pages in to the early hours of the morning. Mia’s perspective and the journey that goes through this story.
She grows a lot in this story and it was beautiful and whimsical watching her do so . This maybe Mia’s and Luca’s story but its rich secondary characters and their stories only added to theirs. You can’t fault this book. Carnevale may be new to the book world but you can feel her experience and it only helped her.
I wished I read this sooner hadn’t been prompted to do so . This definitely going to be one my top books for 2017 and I urge you to discover the story for yourself and fall in love

My Thoughts

The famous Florentine Bridge! Over the Arno River,’ he says. ‘Oh, right … I’ll make sure I look for it.’ ‘It’s only one of the most romantic spots in Florence.’

The Florentine Bridge is the debut novel from Australian author Vanessa Carnevale. Set against a gorgeous Tuscan backdrop, it is truly a captivating love story. If you are in the mood for curling up and being transported to Italy, whilst witnessing a very emotional love story, then this is the book for you. Yet it is so much more than just a love story, being filled with a passion for art, language and indeed, everything Italian, is most engaging.

Carnevale is obviously very familiar with all things Italian and that translates wonderfully well to the page. Her love of the land, and indeed the whole atmosphere, shines through. From Florence to smaller coastal towns, her setting descriptions, references to art, culture and the food are vivid and enticing. Yet she still manages to bring that touch of Australia to her writing which I love.

‘Wish I’d taken the time to at least iron my shirt and make a half-decent effort. I look so … Australian.’

Apart from the two leads, there is a wonderful cast of secondary characters that help meld the setting with the story and bring it altogether, making this a complete read. It is a very emotional read as it involves recovering from cancer treatment which would be daunting. So daunting, Mia had to remove herself from those she loved in her attempts to start over. I also really appreciated the use of art/painting as a medium for expressing grief, sorrow, healing and love.

‘It’s like that messy web of my past is still wrapped around me and I can’t — don’t — know how to shake it off.’

My reason for taking away half a star is that a) they were both so young (Mia not yet 20 years old) and b) it all happened so quickly, ‘instalove’. Is this credible? Well, it does happen in the real world and you have to suspend your head thinking for your heart feeling. Also, both Mia and Luca’s actions towards the end of the book were challenging, probably more of a reflection of their young age and I found it a little frustrating.

‘Yet my heart doesn’t care that we’ve known each other for less than forty-eight hours.’

All that said, this really was a lovely bit of escapism about growth and change, love and acceptance. A recommended read from an up and coming Aussie novelist.

‘Today I am a clean sheet of paper, ready for a new picture, for a new story to be brought to life.’


This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review

The Florentine Bridge should really be called A Love Letter To Tuscany.

Ms Carnevale's debut novel is a vivid, descriptive, beautiful story of love, life and taking chances.

The beautiful cover drew me in, the romance of the city and Mia and Luca's love kept me intrigued.

Whilst at times the pacing was a little jumpy - sometimes it was like speed racer and other times it was very slow - it all evened itself.

I got swept away with the imagery, placing myself in Mia's shoes, taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of Florence (and imagining a beautiful Italian man on my arms).

I did get frustrated at both Mia and Luca in the later parts of the books, I wanted to shake some sense in to both of them - particularly Mia. But I guess all of that comes with the territory of a 19 year old lady taking on the world (and me being an old fart!)

This was an evocative read, and I can't wait to see what Ms Carnevale brings us next.

Now, time to take like by the horns and live our dreams.

This is such a beautiful story. Set in Italy, we join Mia after she has just kicked cancers ass and is in need of a fresh start. This book is full of emotion and Carnevale has crafted a main character that is so vibrant and so thoughtful that you can't help but like her. Her male counterpart Luca is as delightful as she is and entirely swoon worthy. I loved their relationship and watching them fall in love and navigate some rocky terrain was a beautiful and heartfelt ride. Carnevale writes with such colour. Every chapter was as captivating as the next and the raw and honest emotion she pours onto the page made this contemporary romance an instant hit with me. The Florentine Bridge is funny, heartbreaking, compassionate and romantic and is something you need to put on your radar. I will definitely be keeping my eye on this author.

This contemporary romance is a love letter to Tuscany and a very emotional read but the pacing was a little slower than I prefer. I found the parts were Mia describes her experiences with her illness and treatment sad and moving and I particularly felt for her poor parents. My main issue was that the first 2/3 of the book is devoted to Mia & Luca and their fairytale romance as they meet, fall instantly in love and spend many hours experiencing the beauty of Tuscany and their connection to and love for, one another and this is where I struggled a bit with the pacing. Being a romance you knew they were going to have some sort of bump in the road to true love but for the longest time it was all wonderful and too good to be true and then suddenly in the final third we not one, not two but three major obstacles for our younger lovers to overcome. I recommend it for those that like slower paced emotionally charged books with a focus on romantic locations.

My first 5 star book for 2017. This is a beautiful, emotional, picturesque and thought provoking book -hard to believe it is a debut novel. I was swept away with the descriptions of Florence and surrounds. The depictions of the architecture, art, people, culture and of course the story of Mia and Luca had me captivated from beginning to end, in fact I read half of this book in one day.

This is more than just a love story, it is life-lit as well. Vanessa had me hooked and just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, she threw in an almighty twist - I then knew I couldn't put it down until I had finished. We have an exciting new author in our midst - and she comes from Melbourne, one I will be following from now on. Cannot recommend it more.