Dreaming of Florence

Susan: @thebooktrailer

You know when a book comes along at just the right time? I was more than ready to go to Florence and read a fun romance when a woman on a bicycle knocks down an Italian man!

I really enjoyed this read. It’s fun, fresh and heart warming and the author’s got the male-female thing down off pat! The book more than evokes the setting in all their glorious forms and I am certainly hoping to go to Florence soon. I don’t intend knocking over any one on a bike, but then if fate intervenes as it does in this book, then.....I hope he’s from Florence or somewhere equally as sunny!

It’s a fun, fresh read and the author has evoked the landscape of Florence well so much so that you really feel part of the book and the story. The food, the olive oil, the aromas and the Italian -ness of it all is as delicious as that gelato.

It’s a real insight and fun tour of the city and its secrets. Lovely having Pierluigi show you around and have Debbie see things through her newcomer eyes. Makes for an interesting and fun visit!

Dreaming of Florence? I am now!

When I first started this book, the first few chapters had me worried, because I was not sure were the author was taking this story, but I ended up loving this book and did not want to put it down. I loved Debbie and her adventures in Florence, this is a cross between Chick Lit and romance but thoroughly enjoyable. The author did such I good job, that I felt I was living with Debbie in Florence, experiencing all the things she did. I was sad and happy at the end, sad because the book was over, but happy with how it ended, actually more than happy. This will definitely be a reread for me.

This was a delightful romantic read.

What a great little romance! Debbie dreams of visiting Florence. Her dreams come true when she's offered a teaching position at an English Language School. Her experiences are vivid, punctuated by several storylines relating to her work and her students. She has bad romances, bad experiences, but true romance appears in a surprising way. I loved this book--not your typical romance novel, much more depth of character and the wonderful environs of Florence are described so vividly. If you like travel and a little romance, go for this book!

This was such a beautiful read. I felt like I was exploring Florence with Debbie and enjoying every moment. You could taste the wonderful food , it was so vividly written. Debbie agrees to work in a school for the English Language in Florence and meets the staff and students and starts to make friends. Byron, the black lab was a charming character, one of TA Williams trademarks!
Debbie has had her fingers burned in the romance stakes and is reluctant to trust her feelings again- but when romance is in the air the right man can make all the difference. I loved their friendship and the feeling that this was going to develop into something lovely.
I was so sad to leave the characters behind when we got to the end. I wanted to help them put up their Christmas tree and invite me over for dinner!

This was just what I needed – a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. It has characters it is easy to relate to, fantastically portrayed places and situations that are brought to life in the imagination of the reader and, to top it all, a delightful romance – complete with the requisite black Labrador, Byron, to add mischief to the mix and make the ending laugh out loud brilliant.

Yes, I’m biased. This author is one whose books I endeavour to grab as soon as they’re available because they are consistently excellent reads that have me laughing out loud and leave me smiling with great memories of the events he portrays. He uses words like a skilled artist, putting the reader into the situation, helping them taste the mouth-watering food, meet the fascinating characters and feel their angst and turmoil. Get ready for some delectable Italian food, classic sightseeing and so much more in this highly entertaining read. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Florence in the past and this story evoked memories of my times there. I really want to go back and find that rose garden for myself – and to visit some of the restaurants to sample some of the delicious food he describes!

In case you hadn’t noticed, I loved escaping into this story and have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending you grab yourself a copy as soon as it is available – in fact, be sensible and pre-order yourself a copy and get ready for a fun filled, heartwarming Italian adventure and romance – or any of his other brilliant stories, their all great IMHO!

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Why did this book have to end? I mean I could have carried on reading it for a lot longer I was enjoying it that much. And when you get to a chance to move to and live in the city of your dreams will it live up to your high expectations?



Well that is what Debbie finds out, after a slight bicycle accident with Pierluigi leads to a turn of events that involve Debbie finally about to visit Florence and seek our the sweet spot in the city, with the view of the Duomo that she has been dreaming about since she was a child.



Based on the descriptions of Florence it is clear that its a city that the author must love, as you get such a keen sense not just of the larger tourist attractions, but of every day life in Firenze. From the architecture, to places off the beaten track, to the restaurants and delicious sounding Italian foods, to some of the surrounding area, the book could potentially be a love letter to Florence!



The question is will Pierluigi also be the man of her dreams, and just how will she cope in Florence? Well those are answered and its quite an adventure for Debbie.



You may though be wondering is there T.A. William's trademark chocolate labrador in this book and you will be delighted to hear that Bryon features and is absolutely gorgeous. He brightens every scene he is in, and it clearly a well loved dog. I'm just not telling you where he fits into the story!



From my virtual trip to Florence, to the romance in the book, the amazing food descriptions, the hidden tourist spots of the city and a whole lot more, plus memorable characters and a lovely story, Dreaming of Florence is a fabulous book that I loved every last second of.



Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Review will be up on my blog for the blog tour on 10/01: thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com


Every time I sign in to Netgalley and see a new book by T.A.Williams, I instantly download it to my Kindle. There's something so refreshing and interesting about his novels that I just have to read them. I've loved every novel I've read of his so far and once I get time in my busy reading schedule I want to go back and read some of his earlier works too!

But for now, lets get on with his news novel: Dreaming of Florence, and I am so, so excited to be part of the blog tour for this fabulous book. First of all, I have always wanted to go to Florence, it's been a dream of mine for quite a while now, so reading this book which is set at that exact location was wonderful. I felt like I was living my dreams through this story. The cover of the novel is also extremely beautiful and draws you in. I couldn't wait to read it even more once I'd spotted the cover!

The story itself was so fascinating, I loved reading about Debbie's story on her move to Florence to be an English teacher out there but when she eventually gets there, she finds that it's so much more than that. The descriptions of the city itself sound fabulous and all of Debbie's adventures sound simply amazing and I wish that I could live somewhere just like that! The parties that Debbie attends are fascinating and I love when she and Dario visit various interesting locations in the wonderful city.

It was lovely to read about Debbie and her romantic relations, throughout the book I was starting to feel sorry for her as she had been through so much and it seemed like she had had such bad luck when it comes to relationships. I found myself really relating to her character. However, when she met Dario, I was just hoping that they got together! They seemed perfect for each other. I loved the ending of the book as well, it was lovely and romantic. I don't want to give too much away but I will say that I really, really enjoyed it and I would recommend you give it a read! There are some twists that I really didn't expect!

Overall, a really beautifully romantic and heartwarming novel. Another brilliant story by T.A. Williams. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel which I have reviewed honestly.

When I saw this title on NetGalley I had to request it as I had previously read another of his books and loved it.
What I like about T.A.Williams writing is the research that is so precise, the food and drink that he writes about so mouthwateringly accurate and the places that he describes which he has obviously been to. I also love the dogs that he writes about with great amusing detail. I suspect that he's got or had a large daft Labrador.
I read this book in a few hours as it was such a pleasant and easy book to relax with.

Thanks to NetGalley, T.A.Williams and the publisher Canelo for the opportunity to read and review.

Stunning authentic romance that dragged me kicking and screaming from the comfort of my fireplace to beautiful Florence. If you wand well written, well researched and well...enjoyable...well there’s no need to look any further.

Another fantastic read from an author who is fast becoming one of my favourites. The book was well written and a easy to read book. Just made me want to whisk myself away and be there in person.

Mr Williams paints Florence in a beautiful, yet realistic light, and all those descriptions of yummy food had me drooling.  The book also made me wish I'd had the courage to do what Debbie does. Written with humour and an almost old-world charm, this book kept me entertained for a good few hours.

This is the first book I have read by T. A. Williams and I wasn't disappointed. Despite a slow start (the Oxford part), I really got into the story when Debbie (the lead character) headed to Florence. I think the author could write a travel guide for Florence because the sense of place he created in Dreaming of Florence was excellent. He took me there. I have been to Florence actually, years ago, and this book made me want to return. The romance was sweet, I loved the inclusion of the Labrador, and Debbie's story was kept interesting enough to make me want to continue reading. I do think that too much was made of Debbie's concerns over whether her past would affect her future with her new love, and yet in other places there wasn't enough emotion. And I think there should have been some more come back over the attempted assault. But these are just my observations and they didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. I would recommend this book.

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

this was and is a beautiful fresh read set in Florence, who wouldnt want to read about that? I found the begining of the book a little odd as i wasnt sure where the author was going with it, but then it began to make complete sense and it was a introduction that was needed. The mentions of italian foods get you every time, the olive oil, gelato pastas oh you can taste it for sure and if you havent been to italy you must. She gets to move and live in the city of Florence, what an amazing adventure lies ahead. An accident occurs involving a bike, theres romance, theres the Duomo and everything an author needs to suceed in a beautiful book.
Thank you to Netgalley

I’ve never been to Italy – wanderlust has passed me by – but after finishing this book in bed last evening, I did indeed find myself ‘Dreaming of Florence’!

I knew when I had a novel by this author tucked in my kindle to read that I was in for a treat, but this novel surpassed even my expectations. The story is terrific on it’s own, but the setting and descriptions of this city add so much more. Debbie is a strong woman who comes from a working class background and has made sacrifices to advance in her career – which is just as well as, through no fault of her own, love has not been such a strong point. Ever since she was young and couldn’t go on a trip to Florence with her school friends due to a lack of family funds, she had dreamed of that city. When she gets the chance to go there, will she find all she’s looking for or will disappointment be on the horizon?

Dreaming of Florence is an absolute delight to read .. warm and wonderful, but a grounded tale with ups and downs and, of course, T. A. Williams trademark labrador. Anyone who knows me is aware of my complete adoration for these dogs (we have two) and I’m always interested to see which name this author will bestow – and as always, it’s perfect!

Such a thoroughly enjoyable read. I actually feel this morning as if I have been on a trip to this magical city. I definitely have a lighter step after indulging in the sights, sounds, scents and tastes of Italy and have no hesitation in recommending that you add this one to your collection!

My thanks to publishers Canelo for granting me my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

This is such a wonderful book. Pure escapism. I look forward to reading more from this author.

There is a recognised quote "Reading is dreaming with open eyes" and the author T. A. Williams has a unique skill of instantly transporting the reader to the locations of his novels.  You can fully appreciate the research he has undertaken as the knowledge of the areas he writes about with it's beauty, heritage and history is spelled out across the pages.  After reading this new novel by T. A. Williams I too am dreaming of Florence ...

Debbie Waterson is an English teacher currently based in Cambridge teaching her native language to foreign students.  Following the break up of a relationship Debbie's work is her life but when she accidentally bumps into a handsome Italian Dr her childhood dreams of the Italian city of Florence start to feel like a possible reality.

Debbie's current job is in jeapordy and she is forced to look elsewhere for employment and when an opportunity arises to teach in Florence she excitedly grabs the chance to fulfil her dreams and maybe also to see more of the dishy Dr Pierluigi.

The city of her dreams is all that she has envisioned and her heart is filling with the love of it's culture and heritage.  However, her blossoming romance with Pierluigi is set for doom.  Brushing down the let down of her new love Debbie ploughs herself into her new job and making new acquaintances.  Life is turning out pretty well for Debbie until one eventful night that brings her in the hands of danger.  Can her city of dreams heal her heart and mind and bring her all that she desires?

I really enjoyed Dreaming of Florence, the author takes you on a wonderful picturesque journey with Debbie discovering a new city and friends.  However, when the storyline takes on a darker side the author treads very carefully and deals with a serious issue with a touch of grace.  A heartwarming tale of new beginnings in life and love.

Debbie is an English teacher in a Foreign Language school in Cambridge when at the end of a busy day, as she is cycling home, she literally falls at the feet of a handsome Italian doctor called Pierluigi Masino. After a brief romance, Debbie decides to persue her dream of living in Florence, and accepts a job at an English school and she starts living the dream, until reality sets in!!

I have had a love of all things Florentine for years, but have never been to Florence itself (it's on my bucket list) so without having to book a cheap flight, endure the check-in queues, the screaming child on the flight or even packing a bag, I was taken on a lovely, heart warming journey through the pages of this story instead.

If you liked The Rome Affair by Karen Swan, you will love this book.

I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest and open review.

This review also appears on my blog bookmadmum.blogspot.co.uk

A delightful story that you wished would never end! Loved the characters who were easy to relate to and enjoy. Loved the location of Florence - have been there and this brought back some wonderful memories!
A very enjoyable read and a great holiday escape. Highly recommended read!

Wow what a lovely story! Loved Debbie the main character and her story set on the beautiful Florence. Well written and entertaining throughout would read more by this author.

I was so excited to read this book and be whisked away to Florence which sounds like a truly beautiful place. 

The descriptions in this book where absolutely spot on and made it so easy to imagine, the smells, sights everything when I was reading this I really did believe I was there with Debbie.

Debbie was a brilliant character I just loved her from the very start and its so nice cause she is getting a chance to go to Florence a place she always dreams of visiting. I was so happy to see how things progressed for her throughout the book! I really did have a smile on my face!

Reading this has made me want to book a flight straight to Florence for a holiday!

I just love reading T.A William's books you can just feel the amount of passion he puts into his novels and it is such a pleasure to read them!

If you ever need an escape from every day life I really can't recommend the books written by T.A Williams enough. With fabulous descriptions he never fails to bring the story to life along with creating some characters who end up close to your heart. Even though I hope to eventually travel to Italy it is still very much a dream at the moment. So I love that this book is set in Florence that way even though I don't get to travel so much anymore I had a wonderful experience of the region all the same. T.A Williams easily brings the sights to life with a lovely descriptive writing achieving just the right amount of detail to pull you right in to the story. I have to give a special mention to the delicious food that was in this story I think I may have put a stone on just listening (oh okay drooling) at the wonderful meals and drinks described.

Debbie is such a likeable character who decides to take a chance on a fresh start in Florence and I loved her bravery for taking the plunge. Along with a range of minor characters who all bring something to the story from a best friend to new friends and of course the perfect romantic lead. Debbie goes on quite a journey and I love how she takes everything in her stride both the good moments and bad. Of course I can't forget a certain Labrador named Byron he definitely added a lovely sweet touch to the story.

Uplifting and heart warming with a gorgeous dash of romance. Making it the perfect story to bring a smile to your face so just sit back relax and let Dreaming of Florence whisk you away!

Five stars from me.

With thanks to Ellie at Canelo for the invite to join the tour along with Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

There were so many parallels between Debbie's life as a TEFL teacher and my own that I immediately identified with her, although my experience was in Greece and hers of course is in lovely Florence. This book is a delight, both in the descriptions of the city and in the storyline. There are a few twists which I enjoyed as just when you think it's obvious, you're taken in another direction. It's a literary feast for the soul, beautifully written and if you don't want to visit Florence after reading this book then I will be very surprised. Naturally, there are a few events which could appear contrived but somehow it all works. An absolute joy and it proves that men can enjoy and write romantic fiction just as much as women.

Debbie has always dreamed of going to Florence. After a fling with an Italian doctor, she decides to move to the city. It ends up being the best move she ever made, but only after a few false starts. Quite a lot of different characters, som more likeable than others, but overall a very enjoyable read.

It also bought back nice memories of my holidays in Florence, which added to my enjoyment of this book - and made me want to head off to Italy again!

This is one of Trevor's best books so far! I was fascinated by the references to Florence and actually got a map to hand as I read it, so I knew where the characters were! Debbie was such a fun character and I was rooting for her all the way through!

I love being sidetracked in a book by a sub-plot and this one was perfection! ! got it completely wrong.

Lovely book and roll on the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've been meaning to read a book by T.A. Williams for a while now. With titles like Dreaming of Venice and To Provence, With Love, there was enough to tempt me just there. So when Dreaming of Florence appeared on my radar I thought it was time.

Debbie Waterson is the heroine of the story. She works at a language school in Cambridge but has dreamed of visiting Florence since she missed out on a school trip many years earlier. Colliding with a handsome Florentian man called Pierluigi puts the dream firmly at the forefront of her mind.

So Debbie goes to Florence. I'm obviously not to going to tell you what happens next but suffice it to say that she finds it an utterly enchanting place. One of the things I loved most about this book was the descriptions of such a beautiful and historic place and it was clear that it's somewhere the author is very fond of. I have never been to Florence but it sounds incredible and I was imagining myself there, eating in the little restaurants that Debbie visits and looking out over that incredible skyline.

The writing is quite undemanding, no great drama to it even when what's happening to Debbie must be quite dramatic for her. But this is what was nice about reading this book - it was easy and light and yet I still cared about Debbie and what happened to her.

A word about Dario, who you'll only find out about if you read the book. I'm going to say the word 'swoon' and leave it at that. He's one of many really lovely characters in the book and easily one of my favourites.

This is one of those books where you know things are going to work out in the end, everybody is mostly very polite and nice, and things are mostly agreeable, with the odd unpleasant episode providing contrast. It's a lovely romance story, a real pleasure to read and I raced through it. I'll definitely be reading more by T.A. Williams.

I have never been to Italy before and, to be perfectly honest, I only have google images to see what the incredibly popular holiday destination looks like. However, after being transported to Italy via T.A.Williams' delectable storytelling, I felt like I was taking steps around Italy with every turn of the page. Obviously I would love to see the country for myself, but, seeing as this author brought the country alive with his storyline, I would quite happily settle with books like this for the near future.

The phrase 'falling head over heels' where romance is concerned has never been more apt, especially seeing as Debbie Waterson managed to do that in front of a doctor. Well, she crashed into him when she was on her bike; same thing though, right? 

I gelled with Debbie's character from the get go. Her feistiness with a hint of naivety was a breath of fresh air as it made Debbie come across more likeable. Plus, she made me giggle a few times as well which always helps!

Debbie has always dreamt of going to Florence but, because of job and the lack of never-ending funds, Debbie had to put her dream on hold. As soon as a chance to fulfil her dream arises, Debbie is filled with nerves - what if the reality of Florence doesn't match up with her dreams?

I really don't want to give anything away, so please do excuse my vagueness! That said, Debbie's adventure in this book makes excellent reading, as it highlights the importance of going after your dreams and living in the moment instead of just....being. Despite Debbie's character starting off a little bit shy, it was great to see her come out of her shell when she realised the world was her oyster and other people needed her help.

'Dreaming of Florence', despite being fiction, gave me a well needed kick up the rear and made me realise that my dreams won't come true unless I actually go and do something about them.

Once again T.A.Williams has brought beauty to readers doorsteps, courtesy of his delightful new book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Debbie's journey and I am sure you will too.

Enchanting, heart-warming and beautifully written, 'Dreaming of Florence' is the book which will turn a blue January into a majestic January.

Debbie is cycling home from her job at a Cambridge language school when she has an accident and meets tall, dark and handsome Pierluigi, an Italian doctor. Debbie (like a lot of us) has always fantasised about some day going to Italy, and especially Florence (or Firenze) in particular. She works out a way to get to her dream city, but will it live up to her expectations? Is there a spark between her and Pierluigi, and will things work our for them?

Read this delightful book to find out! Dreaming of Florence by T.A. Williams conjures up everything Italy is said to be and more. Scenery, culture and good food and wine combine with romance and a search for happiness in this read that is so feel-good it begs to be read or listened to. I really felt as if I were there living out the adventure. It's so real. So totally realistic and the pace is very natural and enjoyable.

T.A. Williams really brings the story and characters to life, and if you weren't sure whether to go to Italy before you read this, you will want to afterwards. It's a gem of a book!

Thanks to T.A Williams and Canelo for my ARC in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Absorbing, enchanting and beautifully written!

Dreaming of Florence is a charming, romantic story about taking chances, overcoming challenges, developing new relationships, finding happiness, and falling in love.

The prose is light and incredibly atmospheric. The story is warm, engaging and full of tender moments, dramatic events, humorous hijinks, betrayals, acts of kindness, self-discovery, and friendship. And the characterization is spot on with a cast of characters that are fresh, endearing, and quirky, and a setting, the City of Lilies, that is a character itself with its Renaissance architecture, lush landscape, and must-see monuments. 

Overall, Dreaming of Florence is another sophisticated, sweet, entertaining tale by Williams that once again highlights his phenomenal ability to bring a city to life through his remarkable knowledge and passion for its food, culture, and history.

This is the first book by T.A. Williams that I have read. I’ve admired his books for a long time, but with a huge TBR list I’ve never actually gotten around to reading one, until now.

Open up the gorgeous cover and you will step into a delightful, heartwarming story which has been perfectly executed. The characters are a joy to spend time with, and that scenery is to die for. I’ve never been to Italy, but it felt like I was standing in the heart of Florence.

T.A. Williams has in essence written a ‘Guide to Florence’ hidden within a beautiful story. Not only do you get to visit the tourist areas, but he takes you to places off the beaten track and has you tasting divine food, and sipping delicious wines.

At the centre of this book is a woman who took a chance on fulfilling her dream. Debbie for so long had wanted to follow her heart, but never had the courage. When the opportunity arose, and with a little push from her best friend, she took that chance. If this book teaches you one thing, it’s to stop putting off following your dream, start living it before it’s too late.