Under the Italian Sun

Well, Sue Moorcroft does it again!! This book simply sizzles with Italian sunshine, tantalising twists to the story, and a VERY hot hero!! The description in this book is so vivid - I felt like I’d stepped off the plane and was instantly enveloped in the Italian sun - like I was actually there, living the story.!! The story flowed beautifully, drawing me in and making me want to read on. The characters were so well drawn that I could actually see and hear them!! The story itself captivated me from beginning to end, and I was sorry when I reached the last page, because I wanted to stay in Italy!! Under the Italian Sun is a holiday in a book, hot, steamy and full of romance, but with a mystery running through it that I found to be very intriguing.
I loved it, and wish there were more than 5 stars, as it’s a 10 from me!!

Escape to Italy and all the beauty and serenity it provides, as well as the brilliant food, wine and ice cream!

Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers' has always wondered why she had such a long name. Eventually dealing with letters from the past unlocks more unanswered questions she must find out the answers to.

Travelling to Italy along with her friend, she uncovers the family she has never known and finds out that some secrets are best left as they are. Staying next door to the vineyard owner, Piero opens up even more confused feelings as her past and present are sent into turmoil - add in a disgruntled ex and this novel will make you laugh and cry.

So set your sights on Italy, sit back, be transported and enjoy yet another of Sue Moorcroft's novels which is amusing, evocative and emotional and find out what happens to Zia-Lucia under the Italian sun.

Another beautiful book fom Sue Moorcroft.
Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers finds suprising & confusing information whilst sorting out old paper work fom her late grandparents home. This sends her on a path with her friend Ursula to Italy, to try & assemble some sense of her past.
After reading everyone of Sue Moorcoft's books, I want to travel to the country & find the places she is writing about. So much detail about the areas entices you in & you want the joy of feeling those places too. Her characters are always likeable, relatable & believable. Yes, there is always a happy ending & yes, love always wins the day but the journey to the end is one you want to follow. Looking forwad to her next book.
Highly ecommended!

This book allowed me to pretend I was on holiday in Italy and could imagine the scenery, the sun and being able to be anywhere but my own four walls. The story unfolded beautifully and you wanted only the best for Zia. Lovely book.

I received a copy of this novel as an ARC from NetGalley. This is a feel good love and travel novel that would make anyone want to travel to Italy. Although she has led a rough life, the heroine Zia is spirited and loving and the cast of characters she surrounds herself with are delightful. The setting is amazing, picture perfect! Great escapist fiction.

I love Sue Moorcroft’s books - she transports the reader to sunny Italy in this, her latest book. Zia-Lucia is an orphan looking for her Italian roots - including her father who wanted nothing to do with the baby when his English girlfriend became pregnant. So Zia sets off with her best friend Ursula, who is nursing a broken heart, to Italy. Here Zia uncovers her roots as well as falling for Piero, the handsome vineyard owner next door. The book certainly made me want to jump on a plane and visit Italy, so beautifully described by Sue - I could feel the heat of the sun, smell the delicious food and taste the local wine - fabulous! The perfect escape from cold, wet English weather and lockdown blues! Enjoy 😊

A thoroughly enjoyable sunny book where I was transported to Italy for a delightful few hours. Another excellent read from Sue Moorcroft with the right balance of romance, drama and tragedy plus other issues sensitively dealt with. Several plots intertwining against the background of an Italian Vineyard, plus a little dip into Brighton and rain but the wonderful atmospheric descriptions, rain or shine, make this an ideal holiday read

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Zia-Lucia is looking for answers to her past. She wants to know who her father is and it is hard to do since her mom and grandparents have passed. This book was enjoyable to read.

Another beautifully written book by Sue Moorcroft that I enjoyed so much. It was easy to picture the Italian vineyard and become part of the Italian ‘family’.

In Zia’s search to find out who she really is there are many twists snd turns and interesting characters. We travel with her from Brighton to Italy hoping she will find answers to the questions that arise from paperwork she finds when clearing out her grandparents belongings

I would recommend This great holiday read - it certainly cheered up my cold, damp February

A brilliant read. Two lovely settings and great to read a different story line. I loved Zia's story of finding her parents. The twists were amazing. I felt for Harry. The ending was perfect. . Three of the main men characters were terrible but at least one came through in the end. Ursula and Zia's friendship was perfect. You have to read it

Wow another perfect summery read from sue moorcroft!
Idyllic Italian setting, glorious delicious Italian food, varied, eclectic mix of characters and a sense of finding your place/ belonging.
Imagine losing your only relatives who had brought you up since you were a child, then discovering things weren’t as they seemed, taking on a journey of discovery to establish who you really are and how you came to be in this position! Sensitive subjects such as teen pregnancy and post natal psychosis are sensitively and tactfully covered, anything that highlights this awful condition and raises awareness of it should be applauded!
Family dynamics, friendships, soul searching and romance are a plenty making for a delectable, enticing read that you won’t want to end!
Thank you net galley for this early read.

I loved this book. It had it all: beautiful setting, likeable characters and some hard-hitting aspects to the story. Tori’s story was utterly tragic and unusual- congratulations for handling a little recognised illness so sensitively. Just one thing would make this better - a sequel helping Ursula find her happy ending.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I like this author her books are light hearted with great characters and great locations, this was no exception. Good read

Whenever I read a Sue Moorcroft book, I know I won’t be disappointed, and Under the Italian Sun was no exception. It was a real page turner and I really enjoyed getting to know the wide cast of characters. The plot flowed well and there was enough romantic - and other - intrigue, to keep me hooked.

I absolutely loved the beautiful Italian setting - it was so well described and I truly felt the magic of the Italian stars. It was exactly what I needed during lockdown, and I almost felt like I was in sun-scorched Umbria, about to take a wander through the cypress trees and twisting vines.

Zia was a well-rounded and likeable character, and I enjoyed her quest to find out about her parentage, as well as her chemistry with Piero - another hot Moorcroft hero. Zia’s best friend Ursula was quirky and great, and at times I found myself shaking my head at her husband Stephan’s old-fashioned attitude. My swearing was reserved for Zia’s ex Brendon though! I won’t say any more for fear of spoilers...

Overall, Under the Italian Sun was a joyous read about identity, and claiming love, and I can’t wait to read Sue’s next book.

With thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for this ARC.

As any of Sue's books they are simply wonderful and makes you really feel like you are there. It really makes me want to go to Italy.

With likeable characters I loved Zia's story and a great plot this is truly magical and just what I needed to read.

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion
Having read a number of books by this author I knew it would be a good one sue moorcroft never disappoints.
A fabulous tale unfolds and keeps your attention to the end can highly recommend.

This book has it all: gorgeous scenery, heartwarming friendships, secrets, twists and turns and a scorching romance. I really enjoyed Zia’s story set in beautiful Italy (I want to go there NOW!) and following her journey as she starts to unravel her family secrets. Sue expertly crafts a page-turning plot while weaving in a very important issue – postpartum depression – in a sympathetic and credible way. The relationship between her and Piero positively sizzles. Highly recommended.

I received this book via NetGalley and give it my honest opinion

Wow, wow, wow!!! I haven't read a book by Sue Moorcroft for a while and what can I say! This was such an enjoyable read, just what we all need in this current lockdown. Italian sunshine at its best, the 'pick me up' I needed. When you can’t go on holiday this book will give you the escapism that transports you to sun, romance, wine and family secrets that need to be unearthed!

I challenge you to read the first chapter of this book and not instantly be hooked in wanting a whole variety of answers, and a burning desire to read more.

For that is exactly what happened to me, so in retrospect starting this just before I went to bed may not have been the smartest idea but at least it meant I knew the next day I was in for a treat of a book.

And I was! I actually can't believe just how much has been jam packed into this story, there are so many threads, much is all interlinked and so many different topics covered. It's probably Sue Moorcroft's most ambitious book to date.

In fact I really don't know how on earth I can possibly talk about this book without potentially spoiling anything key, especially given the sheer quantity of secrets involved in this book, plus betrayals, back stabbing, friendship and potentially unexpected consequences.

It is a story of Zia discovering the truth about herself, of Piero trying his hardest to save his home while keeping his own family happy. It's a story of Ursula and Stefan's relationship and whether it is possible for it to be back on track. It's a story that at times had me smiling and cheering with joy, but others were so emotional that I could feel an occasional tear trying to get out.

And for the most part it is set in Umbria, to a fabulous Italian backdrop. I couldn't' help but notice it was bang up to date and clearly set in a post Brexit world, with regards the new restrictions on how long you can stay in a EU country. Despite that level of real worldliness, I'm also delighted to say that as this is fiction there were no mentions of Covid anywhere which heightened my enjoyment and allowed me to escape properly into the pages!

I absolutely adored my trip to Umbria in this story and everything to do with Zia's search for truth gripped me entirely. I loved all elements of this book and had to keep reading to see just what would happen next as it really kept me on my toes.

Just wonderful escapist reading!

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,

A delightful book, perfect for brightening up a dark winter’s day. The characters were very likeable and the storyline good. Descriptions of Italy made me almost feel as if I was there, well written without being like a tourist guide.

Another stunner from the High Priestess of romantic fiction. Moorcroft has created a new life for Zia from the dregs of the old, which included a dead mother and a cheating ex. In Italy she finds far more than her father. Wonderful excapism fiction.

Omgosh I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars its brilliant.
I so did not want it to end.
So glad Zia went back to Italy with her man and was excepted by the family.
The best bit for me was when she told her ex where to go very loudly.
Had a smile on my face all the way through. I love sue moorcrofts books she writes like a dream. They all make me fall in love with all the main characters this one didnt fail even made me fall in love with italy.

Lovely Italian scenery, a girl on a mission, new friends and a hunky man next door. What's not to love? I really enjoyed Zia's story as she walked away from a cheating ex, went in search of the father she has never known and uncovered the truth about her early life. Recommended.

I really loved this book. I liked the main characters and the supporting characters - especially Ursula snd Lucia. If I was being picky I would say it took me a while to get into the book just because of the names (especially Tori and Victoria amd remembering which was which) and the smattering of Italian which interrupted the flow at first. However once I was into the book i didn’t want to put it down!

Another brilliant book by the fantastic Sue Moorcroft. It made me want to jump on a plane to Italy (if I could with the Covid-19 pandemic obviously).
Set in Italy Zia sets out to find her Italian father after the death of her mother and finds sooo much more than that but can she learn to trust when so many secrets have been kept from her and her ex is determined to mess up her life?
A brilliant book that had me hooked from day one like all Sue Moorcroft's books tend to. I do wonder though if the name should be "Under the Italian Stars" but that's just me being picky! I'll certainly be buying a paperback copy of this when its released. Thank you Netgalley for letting me review it. I may even be tempted to learn Italian as it seems like such a beautiful language.

Sue Moorcroft always delivers and this is no exception. a girl goes to italy to try and find out the truth about her family. the poor thing has got some secrets to unravel Some families hey! The countryside is stunning but the story is filled with shadows and serious moments as the main character tries to find out the truth and see what her past contains and her future might hold.

Recommended!

Zia is in Italy to try and find the father she has never met, but family secrets unravel as she finds out more.
along the way she meets neighbour Piero, but will she be more to him than just a tourist to have a fling with?

I liked the setting of the book and how it is told from both their points of view.

I would love to find out ursula's story next and see her finding happiness too

I always revel in Sue Moorcroft's books, so much to read and enjoy within them. This is no exception, and is set in my favourite country, Italy.
Zia Lucia , having found some worrying documents, is searching for her true background and family, and is sure it lies within a family run vineyard in Italy. With her friend , she goes for a holiday, and finds that most of her suppositions were right. There are some slightly misleading twists with the same Christian names used with in the family. All is sorted out and it's pleasant to see how family relationships grow. Lovley descriptions of the older characters in the story.
Thank you for a chance to read and revie this book. I enjoyed it.

Enjoyable read.
When Zia-Lucia finds paperwork in her deceased grandparents belongings, she starts her search to find out the truth about her past. Leaving behind a cheating boyfriend she sets off to Italy with her best friend Ursula. In Italy she finds family she never knew existed and the opportunity to put down the roots she craved.
Under the Italian sun is a lovely read. Full of twists and turns you are drawn into Zia’s hopes and dreams. The description of the Umbrian region makes you long to travel, you can practically taste the wine and the food. Another great book from Sue Moorcroft. I would highly recommend it.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in return for my honest review.
#UnderTheItalianSun #Avon

Zia-Lucia is looking through her mother's things and comes across some letters and documents to make her question her parentage. She's always known that her father was Italian but has no idea who he is.
So she goes to Italy on a quest to find her family and along the way, meets Piero, part owner of the neighbouring vineyard.
What sets Sue Moorcroft's books apart from other feel good romances is that her characters are all very real and rounded. The meticulous research means that you always learn something new and really get a sense of Italy. Very welcome in snowy England.

The summer sun in this case is in Italy, where Zia has travelled with her friend Ursula in search of answers to some tantalising questions that have arisen after the death of her grandparents, who were her guardians. This is a great family mystery, set in the most beautiful scenery with a delicious romance along with warm friendships. A real feelgood read.

Under the Italian Sun by Sue Moorcroft hooked me from page one! I instantly wanted to know what the mystery was behind Zia's family and why she must go to Italy to find out.

Sue seamlessly wove past pain, love, and new beginnings together in a way that left you turning the pages to see what happened next and if Zia uncovered the mystery about her mother and father. That is what makes it hard to write a review for this book, because no matter where you dip your toes, you could be revealing a ripple that you don't want to give away.

I will say Zia's ex and the horse he rode in on should go all the way to H E double hockey sticks! Brendon was garbage, but I liked his character for the simple reason that he was showing Zia what she didn't want and what she could have with Piero.

Piero, oh, Piero. He was a hero worthy of his queen. He wanted to save his home so he could continue to do what he loved, but family pressure was making that difficult. We all understand being torn between our family and our passion, and Sue did an excellent job in showing us that we can't make everyone happy all the time, but there is usually a compromise in there somewhere.

Zia and Piero had problems, though. She couldn't stay in Italy without proof she was Italian and if she couldn't find her parents or family members, which was the reason she was in Umbria, then no matter how much she wanted to stay with Piero, her avenues were blocked. Or were they? Zia had a lot of soul-searching to do as she looked for the man who created her. She found love, lost love, found it again, and then had to decide if what she had waiting for her in Italy was worth giving up what she had in the UK. That answer was easy for Zia, but first, she had to find a way around her roadblocks keeping her from Piero.

I loved all of the secondary characters in Under the Italian Sun. I would love to see a book written about Zia's best friend Ursula finding her HEA! I loved her instantly and her sadness at the end of the book really hit me in the heart. I wanted her to find happiness and real, true love.

I can't say enough about how well-written this book was. I am rarely a fan of reading romances about other countries. They are usually not well done or accurate and I tend to shy away from them, but that is not the case with Under the Italian Sun. Sue Moorcroft transports you to the hills and valleys of Umbria, opening up a world to you that makes you feel like you're standing right next to Zia as she experiences the scenery herself. If you're looking for an excellent story of family love and loss with a hot hero to swoon for, you'll want to grab Under the Italian Sun, a cold drink, and settle in for a love story against the backdrop of beautiful Italy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Intriguing!
Never a dull moment in Sue Moorcroft's stories! I was intrigued from the very first chapter and compelled to read chapter after chapter as the story developed with its many twists and turns (oh I do love a bit of mystery, me). I have followed Zia's quest with trepidation and captivation and exhaled a big sigh of relief when finally all was well. I read this book from a very peculiar point of view and I can only praise for the author's attention to details; you feel her love for my country and she depicts very authentic surroundings. The descriptions are so vivid you can almost hear, feel, smell the beautiful Umbrian countryside. There's an amazing set of characters you'll soon bond with (no, not to Brendon - and Stephen- you don't LOL) and will be sad to let go.
It's been great to travel to Montelibertà and my only regret is that Bella Vista is fictional or I would go there pronto!
Many thanks to Avon Books UK, NetGalley and the author for an early copy.

****Under the Italian Sun by Sue Moorcroft is a lovely book about family...both of blood and of the heart. Zia long has wondered about the identity of her father and goes to Italy with her best friend in hopes of finding him. She finds much more. The author does a good job describing her settings and her characters are defined. Dialogue is realistic and thankfully her characters don’t drown a good story in angst. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Highly recommend.

Exactly what you come to expect from Sue Moorcroft. Well crafted, relatable, multi layered characters and an absolute joy to read.

I want to thank the author and Netgalley for gifting me the ebook. I loved every page if this story. I read it in just a few days and I found the story from start to finish just had me hooked! The author did a great job holding your interest throughout the whole book. I love the book cover also. I highly recommend this book to all my friends and people reading this review.

I received this book for an honest review

What a fun summer read! The setting was to die for with the rich culture and views. So much fun.

Zia has never known her father, all she knows is that he was Italian. When she discovers she is not who she thought she was, she travels to Italy to try to get some answers to her questions. As she begins her quest to unravel family secrets, will she find the answers that she is looking for?

A really lovely book. Great storyline and characters set in a beautiful location. This was an enjoyable and entertaining read.

"Under the Italian Sun" needs a different title. I don't think it fits the story very well, but it was still a good story overall. I felt like Zia overcame a lot as she discovered her paternal side of the family.... But man, she is friends with/ dates freaks back in England. I really enjoyed her relationship with her aunt, and namesake.
Piero: the Italian of my dreams. He has his head screwed on right. He balanced Zia out, and I just wish he came to his senses sooner.
If this was made into a movie, even a Netflix show.... It would be interesting for sure!

I have read many of Sue Moorcroft’s books and I have to say I think this is my favorite! I love the characters, the plot and especially the setting. I definitely felt like I was on holiday with Zia in the beautiful area of Monteliberta, Umbria. The descriptions of the vineyard, the houses, the food and the wine had me relaxing just as Zia was as she lounged outside soaking in the Italian Sun.

I was so interested in what was going to happen in the story that I wanted to rush through and reach the end without stopping, at the same time I really did not want the book to end. I made myself stop at certain points, since I really wanted to enjoy this wonderful story for as long as possible. Also, a sign of a great book, is that I cannot begin another one soon afterwards. I want to continue thinking about the book I finished. This was absolutely true for Under the Italian Sun!

The sparks definitely fly between the Zia and Piero from their first meeting and while their story is wonderful to read, the book has other subplots going on that are just as interesting. Zia is alone in the world (except her friend Ursula) now that the few family members she had have died. She recently discovered her father’s identity and goes to Italy with Ursula in search for information about him. As you can imagine, the quest to find him is emotional.

As important as the interaction of the two main characters of Zia and Piero is, I feel the friendship of Zia and Ursula needs to be comment on. These two people are different in many ways, but they exhibit the true meaning of friendship. To care about each other so much that they drop everything to help the other one.

I enjoyed this book so much and highly recommend it! During this time of stress while the world is still dealing with Covid, for over a year now, this book took me on a vacation to Italy, let me meet new interesting people and see, through the author’s words, a beautiful future since it does end with a happily ever after.

I want to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me the 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.

If you are a regular visitor to my blog, then you know how highly I regard Sue Moorcroft’s writing. Under the Italian Sun is another humdinger of a story which had me engrossed from the start.
TV shows, such as Long Lost Family, have taught us that there is a lot of pain associated with tracing missing or unknown relatives, Sue takes us deeper into this world of potential heartache. Zia is an immediately likable character and I found myself rooting for her.
There is a lot going on in this story, besides Zia’s search for her Italian family. From the future of a family vineyard to the rules regarding marital secrets, Sue tells this story brilliantly, taking everything in its stride, and despite covering this extended number of situations, the flow is unhindered and there is no feeling of being rushed.
Piero is a worthy holder of the love interest role, and I enjoyed following their gentle flirtations. Of course, if you are curious to discover if they move beyond flirtation, this book is available from 13th May via all the usual outlets!
I certainly enjoyed the wide array of characters, in this book, but in particular, I loved the immediate connection between Zia and Lucia Costa. The love from Lucia was a tangible emotion which was evident almost immediately.
I enjoyed my book escape to Italy, it coincided with some rather rainy weather

A fantastic trip to Italy, filled with intrigue and twists galore!
Beautiful setting and characters, it was easy to loose myself in this lovely story.
Very heartwarming and uplifting too, you found yourself hoping for a family reunion.
Sunshine filled fiction at its best! ☀️

OMG what an amazing book. I literally could not put this book down. I stayed up all night til 6am to finish it then went to sleep and alarm went off at 7.45am for work totally shattered but loved it so much. Great characters and loved find out all the twists and turns of Zia's life. I want to be at that vineyard now.

Sue Moorcroft's latest novel is mostly set in gloriously sunny Umbria where Zia-Lucia is trying to discover the identity of her father. The setting is on the edge of a vineyard and, of course, there is a handsome neighbour. The story proceeds apace through dramas, accidents, coincidences and misunderstandings. Family is all-important to Italians, provided that things are done correctly and within the dictates of the Catholic church. Luckily their hold is not as strong as it used to be. Evocative and warm-hearted, full of love and friendships.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

The Sun and the Stars twinkle throughout this book!
I've laughed, cried and thought my heart was trying to escape from my chest. Family, friendship and loyalty, with a few undesirables thrown into the mix, nothing is ever as simple as you'd hope it to be and for some of the characters, they face this turmoil. Sue will whisk you away to sunny, stary Italy, where the foods good, the wines better and togetherness will conquer all! If not you can always stay with the Nuns ;-)
Wonderful read!

This was lovely to read especially to ease that travel itch during quarantine. The setting was so richly built, and it was definitely my favorite part of this book - although I enjoyed our lovely heroine's development as well

What an absolute tonic in a book. A beautiful setting, sunshine and some sauciness. This is certainly a book that will pull you in right from the first page and keep you thoroughly engaged. We meet some great characters along the way, but by far my favourite has to be Piero. I heartily recommend reading this wonderfully written story.

What a lovely story!
I was hooked right from the start. As soon as I had read the first chapter I wanted to go with Zia on her adventure to Italy. The story is all about discovering family secrets and finding the truth and relationships.

I loved the friendship between Zia and her best friend Ursula and the old Lucia was just so lovely. I was worried the setting on a vineyard would be too much for someone who doesn't even like wine, but no, it was just right.

All in all a great read if you just want to escape your day to day life.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC in return for an honest review.

This is my second Sue Moorcroft book but like I said after my first, this will certainly not be my last.

This book was wonderful and the perfect book to read during this pandemic - I felt truly transported to Italy and her descriptive work is some of the best out there.

I loved all of the side characters in this book plus Zia and Pierce were delightful to read! I absolutely felt for Zia through this book and wanted only the best for her and Pierce was the perfect partner for her.

This book was cozy and warm and wonderful- definitely pick this one up!

Thank you Sue Moorcroft, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC in exchange for an honest review!

i always enjoy reading sue moorcrofts book s and this one is a sure hit she starts off slow with story lines and then you cant put the book down till the end and the places in italy were the story unfolds sound so relaxing and warm brill

Wonderful escape to the Summer sun of Italy. Sue Moorcroft does it again, drawing you in with fabulous descriptions, beautiful settings and a romance at the heart of it all. Zia-Lucia goes to Italy in search of answers and ends up with so much more, but not before almost losing it all. If you have love in your heart you will love this book.

Enjoyable book that brings the delightful setting of Italy alive. The main character Zia is well written and you certainly feel for her with everything she has been through and discovers. The right ending for all and I wasn't left longing for a sequal nicely finished off. My only criticism is that they are a lot of characters in this book, hard to get your head around all the names to start with. Totally recommend.

Also reviewed on 2 Facebook pages

I think this is one of my favourite Sue Moorcroft books to date. The hero Piero is fanciable just from Sue’s words on the page. Zia has a lot going on with her complex family dynamics and the fact her ex-boyfriend is best buddies with her best friend’s husband. Add into this an interesting and complex plotline spanning across England and Italy and there is plenty to keep you guessing. Can’t wait for the next novel already!

At a time when we are all unable to travel, it was such a delight to be taken into the magnificent Italian wine countryside and feel the hot sun tinge our skin. I love all of Sue's stories and this is another fantastic delivery of the story of Zia-Lucia who travels to Italy to discover her heritage and unravel the mystery of her birth. There she meets Piero, winemaker and an entire extended family. There's obstacles along the way but it's the perfect feel-good read for the world we're currently living in. Highly recommend.

Thank you for reaching out to me in regards to reviewing this! I loved it! It was so sweet and just what I needed to get out of a funk!

I loved this from start to finish, it kept me occupied and quiet much to my husband's delight!

When Zia discovers that her mother wasn’t who she thought she was, she realises the time has come to search out the Italian family she’s never known.

However, as she delves into the secrets of her past, she doesn’t bargain on having to think about her future too. But with local vineyard owner, Piero, living next door, Zia knows she has a serious distraction who may prove difficult to ignore…

I love Sue Moorcrofts books and this was up there with the best.

I’ve been enjoying Sue Moorcroft books for a number of years now, so I was really pleased to receive a review copy of Under the Italian Sun.

I really enjoy the sense of location in Sue’s books, and I could feel the Italian sun beaming down on me for most of this one.

The characters were excellent as always, three dimensional, with flaws as well as being lovable. I particularly liked Zia, though I found it hard to understand why she’s still taking her ex’s calls when he’s being so awful. I’d have blocked him before the beginning of the book! I got really attached to the characters in this story, and as it has slightly more drama than I prefer, I got rather upset when things started to go wrong! That just demonstrates the quality of the writing, and of course I knew I was safe with this author, and the lovely happy ending came soon enough.

If you fancy a lovely, sunny trip to a vineyard in Italy, with some romance and a little family drama thrown in, then this is definitely the book for you.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

Oh my goodness this book was absolutely lovely and exactly what I needed being stuck at home lately. The writing really draws you in and leaves you imagining what it would be like on holiday again!
I loved Zia as a character and really wanted the best for her. Highly recommend if you are looking for a summery read with a bit of escapism.

Well I just knew I wasn't going to be disappointed in this book, right from the first few pages. I was hooked and read it in 2 days, which is good for me as I'm a slow reader.

I loved all the characters and their differing personalities. Even controlling Gabriella. Piero just sounded like your ideal man and Zia, the main character was like someone you'd have as a best friend.

Sue Moorcroft has based her many books in various countries, including France
Malta and Switzerland. The wonderful descriptive writing of the areas, especially in this book with its vineyards, makes you feel you have personally been there before. She brings the areas to life.

A wonderful read, albeit with some traumas included; a feelgood book, full of love and friendships.

Please someone whisk me away to Italy! This story left me longing of days of sun on my skin and visiting places like Italy. A lovely tale of Zia wanting to know her roots and where she came from whilst unravelling a lifetime of mystery and lies searching for her happily every after. Just loved it!

Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers is only ten years old when her mother dies in an accident. Her grandparents return from Spain to raise her. She wants to know more about her ancestry; was her father Italian? Does she have any living relatives? Why does she have information on two women named Victoria Chalmers? Zia starts researching her past and her family - in essence a search to find out who she really is.
With the help of her best friend they travel to a small village in Italy and start to uncover family secrets which have been dormant for over thirty years. Throw in a romance with an Italian wine merchant , interference from a truly awful ex- boyfriend and a few twists and turns along the way and the story really takes you on an adventure you won't forget.

Want to know what love feels like? Read a Sue Moorcroft novel!

'Under the Italian Sun' is the forthcoming novel by this Amazon and Sunday Time best selling author. When I get my hands upon the new novel, I'm all a quiver as I know I'm in for an exciting, but above all else, romantic ride, this novel didn't disappoint in any way.

A little about the book, as I hate giving out too much if anything at all about the plot, if I can help it. This is the story of Zia and her journey to find her family; it's not an easy one. Dumping her cheating boyfriend - a rotter of the highest order, I may add - she goes off to Italy with her best friend (also going through man problems) to see if she can find out more, especially about the father she never knew.

Zia isn't prefect, making as much trouble for herself as she finds herself in, and that's the beauty of her character. It's not easy to write someone who you love, yet at the same time, feel like shouting at the screen, "Wake up woman!" Ms. Moorcroft is the master of this. I also loved her love interest, Piero and the fire between them burns as hot and cold as you could wish for.

One more thing about the actual book, I've never been to mainland Italy, but I now would go there just to be able to lie down in the middle of a vineyard, a glass of fine wine in my hand and stare up at the night sky. The book is that beautifully described!

This is a beautiful read and the only disappointing thing about it is...it ended! I cannot recommend this book high enough and my thanks go to Avon and Netgalley for the review copy.

Pure escapism at its best. Very much enjoyed this little foray into the Italian sunshine.. the warmth of the setting matched the warmth of the story. Yes it was a little predictable but actually I enjoyed that - a comfort read.

A cosy romance.

A bit confusing at first with lot`s of names, people and places, but once you sorted them out I couldn`t put it down.
Zia`s mother died and left her with two birth certificates, she knew her mother had been to Italy and Zia had family there so she sets out to Umbria to see if anyone can fill her in on her family history and hope`s to find out anything about her dad.

A lovely description of Umbria that makes you want to visit straight away.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Welcome to Italy. A place that holds the answer to Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers’ many questions. Not least, how she ended up with such a mouthful of a name. When Zia discovers that her mother wasn’t who she thought she was, she realises the time has come to search out the Italian family she’s never known. However, as she delves into the secrets of her past, she doesn’t bargain on having to think about her future too. But with local vineyard owner, Piero, living next door, Zia knows she has a serious distraction who may prove difficult to ignore.

The story had a good pace and it was well structured. The protagonist surrounds herself with a whole cast of secondary characters that made me feel all kinds of emotions while reading this book. We have here all kinds of characters: insecure, jealous, greedy, abusive, manipulative, deceiving... but also loyal and friendly people. However, the ratio of bad characters versus good ones was a bit unbalanced. It was a light story overall, with moments of intense drama.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

A delicious, escape to romantic Italy, this book has every ingredient necessary to banish the winter blues. Zia-Lucia discovers her birth mum is not who she believed but doesn't discover this until the death if the beloved grandmother who raised her . Cast adrift by thus knowledge and all the inherent questions, she decides to use her redundancy money and embarks on a voyage of discovery to beautiful Umbria. There she meets her namesake, who holds the keys to her past. Along the way , she encounters her handsome neighbour, Piero and finds another reason to reconnect with her Italian roots. This gorgeous book has all the hallmarks one expects from Sue Moorcroft, twists and turns, thwarted love, fabulous characters and a well crafted tale. Couldn't bear to say arriverderci!

Pure escapism. Another of Sue’s books set in Italy and it’s really good. Food, scenery, ambience, it’s a holiday without leaving the armchair! The plot is intriguing as well. Zia-Lucia is trying to find family she has never known,having found old letters which indicate she is not the person she believed herself to be. On holiday in Umbria with descriptions that bring Italy alive she finds herself feeling at home although she still has many obstacles to overcome. I found it hard to put down I was so absorbed. A lovely holiday book, highly recommended. Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest opinion.

Pack your suitcase! We’re off to Italy with the talented Sue Moorcroft in, “Under The Italian Sun.” Moorcroft will transport you to Monteliberta in Umbria and welcome you to sit in the warm, sunbaked terrace as the sun slowly dips behind the mountains and the verdant green vines rustle as the wine glasses chink and the first cork of the evening is popped!

We join Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers, a 30 year old orphaned Brighton girl, as she sets out to uncover her past. She’s hoping that Monteliberta will hold the answers to her many questions. Not least, how she ended up with such a mouthful of a name.

Need a top up? Some bruschetta? Andiamo!

A suitcase in her grandparents’ home holds clues that confuse Zia and are the catalyst for her trip to Italy. Zia has just lost her grandparents, who, in their 70s, lovingly raised her when her mother died as a result of a tragic accident. She has always been told that her father is Italian, but he’s not listed on her birth certificate. Encouraged and accompanied by her Irish friend, Ursula, the two head off to uncover Zia’s past, hopeful that Zia can find the future she’s always dreamed of having.

When she arrives in Monteliberta she soon discovers that the family is embroiled in a dispute over the vineyard. Can they set aside their differences to welcome Zia? Tell her about her father? Is two weeks long enough to uncover her past?

Known for her emotional, compelling and feel-good fiction, Moorcroft’s book is the perfect armchair travel for those of us itching to hop on a plane and head for the sunshine. Thank goodness for those with the capability to transport us to another part of the world through their craft at a time when travel is restricted worldwide.

Thank you to Sue Moorcroft, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Publishes May 13, 2021.

I love Sue Moorcroft books and this is no exception. Zia-Lucia suddenly discovers that everything she thought she knew about herself is totally false. She decides to go to Italy to find out the truth and everything changes for her.

An intriguing book with some mystery, miscommunications, and love. At points the story seemed to draw out too long, but all in all, it was a fun read with anticipation of what would unfold. Great characters and plot.

After finding out her mother isn't who she thought she was, Zia takes a life-altering trip to Italy to find out more about herself and the family she never knew. Things turn out to be way more difficult than Zia first thought; not only when it comes to family, but also for her future and the lives of those around her. Is staying in Italy actually what she wants? Is finding the family she never knew really worth it?

My rating for this is fluttering between a 3.5 and a 4, so I'm rating it a 4. This is my first Sue Moorcraft book and I do really hope to read more of her work in the future.

This book will definitely be a great summer romance, with an air of mystery, for 2021! A beautiful depiction of Italy; one of my favourite places I have ever been! It will be making you want to take a trip to an Italian vineyard and praying the owner is as handsome and swoon-worthy as Piero is.
The characters for the most part were great; they were well-rounded, had great stories, and were fleshed out completely However, for grown adults dealing with grown adult situations, I found some of the attitudes and way things were handled to be a bit petty. I understand that Zia had been going through a lot but some of her lashing out was not warranted to the people it was targeted at. She channeled anger at her best friend, Ursula, and Piero for things that didn't involve them. But then leaned her tolerance for BS in favour of her crappy ex-boyfriend, Brendan, who was a creep and extremely manipulative. For wanting to be done with him, I think she really dealt with too much from him throughout the whole of the book. I felt similarly about Ursula and her husband, Stephen, even though these were secondary characters.
The story itself was easy to follow and fairly enjoyable! It could be a bit slow at times and a bit of repetitive back and forth, especially when it came to Zia and Piero's relationship.
Sue created an amazing world for her story to take place in. I want to see what is next for Zia and her friends/family!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Sue moorcroft has smashed it with this book. This is a fabulous read I would recommend to anyone. Amazing!

Sue Moorcroft has absolutely done it again! 'Under the Italian Sun' is another fabulous book with authentic characters, unexpected twists and the trademark humour that you can expect within any Sue Moorcroft book.

This was my first book by Sue Moorcroft and I was thoroughly impressed. The writing in this book was spectacular , and it made me want to visit Italy myself. There are only a small number of books where the setting adds to development of the book, and this is it. I really enjoyed the main character, and I enjoyed following her journey in finding her family. The development and the pacing in this book was very well done

All in all, I would highly recommend this book!

That was an amazing cosy romance, full of wine and sun. Lovely characters surrounded by a vineyard and sometimes by clouded Brighton. What I loved the most about the writing and the story, was that when you get mad at the characters' actions or the lack thereof (because let's be honest you will be), you can always justify it because of the solid background that the author has provided.
I will definitely try more of her books,

A fantastic read. This is the second book I’ve read by Sue Moorcroft and won’t be the last.
It’s a change from my usual thriller genre but I really like her style of writing. Easy to follow. A good story and relatable characters. Definitely recommend this book.

Zia-Lucia finds out that there were a few secrets in her family that meant she wasnt who she thought she was so she sets off to Italy to find out more about the other side of her family.
A lovely feel good story with a happy ending despite her ex trying to mess things up for her

Mystery,Romace, Sizzling Sun....
A touch of mystery, a touch of romance and a touch of good living under the sizzling Italian sun. Some perfect escapism again from Sue Moorcroft in the most glorious setting. Enjoyable, relaxing reading.

Another fantastic book from Sue. As always I felt as if I was right there in the book with the wonderful characters. a great one for soaking up the sun with this summer.

Such a great read. The character development played out well. I felt pulled in from the first chapter. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

This was a delightful book to read during lockdown, took me back to holidays in Italy under the sun.

Zia’s mum died several years ago when she was a young child and her grandparents came back from Spain to look after her. They have now both died and Zia has only just got around going through some of the paperwork and correspondence left behind by them. She is living in a lovely flat in Brighton and recently broken up from her boyfriend when she found him cheating on her. Unfortunately he was friends with Zia’s best friend Ursula and her husband. Ursula is temporarily living with Zia after problems in her marriage.

Zia is shocked with what the she finds amongst the paperwork and decides to go to Italy to see if she can find out the truth behind her birth and parentage. Ursula agrees to go with her and the girls decide on a road trip to Umbria.

Not only does Zia find new family and solve the puzzle surrounding her birth, she also finds love amongst the vineyards. It’s a quick easy read and left me wishing I could join them all in Italy!

The characters in this book has me hooked from the very beginning. The relationship between Zia and Piero was so beautifully written and fleshed out that I couldn't wait to read more. I devoured this book in two sittings and am eagerly awaiting Sue Moorcroft's next release.

What can I say, once again a lovely read from Sue Moorcroft. She never fails to have my gripped on the first page and just didn’t want to put the book down. I want to live in this book!

Zia travels to Italy to look for the secrets of her past.
I loved this book, it took me from a cold, rainy England in March when I was reading it to a warm, sunny Italy. The lead characters Zia and Piero did deserve to have their heads knocked together as both had feelings for each other but wouldn't admit it, but this is a typical trope in such stories. What did pull me in to the story was the description of the Italian countryside, nicely balanced with a quick trip to Brighton, plus the characters. These varied from an ex who wouldn't let go to new stand - in grandparents with varying levels of warmth.
I did enjoy Zia's journey looking into her convoluted family background, there were also sub plots around the vineyard that the story is set in. There is a touch of spicyness, although nothing explicit, if that isn't your type of thing.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.

Zia has no family left, and is living in Brighton with her best friend after the break up of her friend's marriage. As they clear space, Zia finds documents that lead her to wonder about her family history. Keen to work in Italy, she seeks out her Italian father in the hope of getting an Italian passport, but what other family secrets will she discover, and will her and her Italian lover make a go of things..... A really captivating read, that made me keep turning the pages.

An easy to read romance set in the warm Italian sunshine. Zia discovers that her mother was not who she thought she was, so heads to Italy to try and discover mire. Along the way she meets Piero and falls in love. A lovely warm book to read on a cold spring day.

A lovely story beautifully told. The characters were believable and I wanted to know what happened to them all. A feel good book for sure, the settings of Umbria and Brighton were brought to life and there was plenty going on in the story.

I adore this author and her ability to completely hook me in her novels.

Zia is looking for answers about who she is. She has never met her father and it is only through some old letters that she begins to piece together the puzzle of her past. This leads Zia from Brighton to Italy, the Umbria region of mountains and wine. Zia and her friend Ursula make the journey and discover a lot more about Zia's past. Deciding that she wants to lengthen her holiday, Ursula heads back to the UK again.

The author has done such a wonderful job once again with her breathtaking descriptions and also for the other details involved in winemaking and property. A story about families that not only spans generations but has the potential to cause hurt. Secrets are part of families, but wanting to know the truth can be a good or a bad thing.

Weaving family, secrets, wine and property deals into a story with a stunning backdrop and then including so many other things in this story is just amazing. It makes for an exciting reading especially when an ex-boyfriend is thrown into the mixing pot and then the potential new boyfriend. This is a book that seems to have everything and quite a few other things as well.

This is a mix of contemporary fiction and romance, and the author really does know how to write romance scenes. Whether it is a flirtatious glance or something a little more raunchy she gets the balance right without being over the top with descriptions. You will know what I mean when you come across Piero!

If you are a fan of modern romance novels then this author is surely already on your radar and you have probably read several of her books already. One I happily read over the course of an afternoon and evening and would definitely recommend.

A lovely story where you really feel Zia's emotions from the sadness and happiness through to the anger at Brendan. This will keep you hooked in.

Friendship, love, betrayal, family and emotions churning...all sum up a s tory that takes place in Italy. While it isn't necessarily the next best thing to traveling to Italy these days, it will do. I say "it will do" only until such time I can get on a flight and go there again. Reading about the piazzas, the food, the people, all that is described and fills my mind with "Italian" thoughts definitely works for me, as did this story. Just by happenstance did I decide to request this book and I'm so glad I did. This story about a woman trying to find her identity was a lovely read and well written. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My perfect ‘lockdown’ escape! Written to evoke all the senses; drench yourself in the Italian sunshine, smell the herby olive oil drizzled bruschetta, become immersed in the Umbrian vineyards savouring the aromatic wine. Throw in a family mystery to untangle with a dash of sizzling romance, as the story ended, I didn’t want to leave!

There were so many elements that I loved about this book. The storyline of Zia, who after her mother’s death wants to track down her Italian father and get so many unanswered questions. I found Zia to be very likeable and felt for her when she was trying to find these answers when she visits Italy.
There’s so much emotion written beautifully in this book and against the gorgeous backdrop of Italy. There are characters to love, characters to hate (quite rightly) and the characters you are rooting for! Thoroughly enjoyed this book and wholeheartedly recommend it!

This is a story of a young woman who finds she isn't who she thought she was and travels to Italy to find her father. Some really appealing characters and the descriptive writing makes you become part of the story. I can see the vineyards and surroundings, in my minds eye. Great conclusion.

Beautiful story, I’ve always wanted to visit Italy and I absolutely loved the descriptions of the landscapes. I could almost feel the Italian sun on my face! The plot had lots of twists and turns and I really loved Zia as a character and seeing how her story unfolded. The ending was all I hoped for and more.

Zia- Lucia has always wondered where her name came from. Brought up by her elderly grandparents when her mum died she now looks through papers she has found with her grandmothers things.
This leads her to taking a holiday to Italy where she hopes she will find out more about her mother and maybe even who her father is.
This is one of those books that you just can't put down. I could feel the Italian heat, smell the garlic and taste the wine. A mystery with a romance thrown in for good measure. I really enjoyed the story.

I flew through this book because Zia's life was so intriguing. This book tells the story of finding her roots in Italy after her mother and grandparents pass away. Zia takes off to Italy with her best friend Ursula and wind up finding out some of Zia's past and changes her life.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Having lived in Italy many years ago (although not Umbria where this book is set) I was happily whisked back to those days with this brilliant story - the setting was definitely one of the main characters for me! We meet Zia who travels from England to find out the truth behind her family heritage and it turns out to be far more complicated than she could ever have imagined. She meets and falls for Piero who is trying to save his house in the middle of trouble at his family's winery. This was cleverly written to weave various story threads together and was a quick read, drawing me in to read 'just one more chapter' each time. Another great read from Sue.

This was an enjoyable read. An escape to Italy during a lockdown - just what was needed. Add in some intrigue, family drama and romance and it's an excellent escapist read.
I liked the characters and could understand Zia wanting to find out more about her history.
I'd recommend this for a bedtime or wind-down read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC to review.

Aww y’all this was just one of the sweetest books I have read in a while! I truly enjoyed every moment of it and I absolutely loved the author’s writing style. Great characters and an even better storyline.

Under the Italian Sun was a beautiful, immersive story that took me to the heart of Italy, and wine country. Filled with family, food, culture, love, heartbreak, and some drama, this story had it all. I felt transported to the vineyard, and felt like I was engaging with an Italian family. The use of actual Italian throughout the book made the story come alive. It was my favorite part. Being Italian, it was so exciting to see some phrases I knew, and to have the opportunity to learn others I did not! This book is a rare combination of fiction and education at the same time! These are my favorite types of books to read!

Zia leaves the UK in search of her Italian father hoping to claim Italian Parentage, so she can work in Italy. She finds herself falling in love, and helping her new flame save his home and his family’s vineyard. She deals with an unruly ex boyfriend, a best friend dealing with her own drama, and the hard decision to reveal herself to her fathers family or to go back to the UK.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. It was such an incredible read, I felt swept away to Italy and didn’t want to come back!

A story of relationships, friendships and eventually love. You want the best for Zia throughout the book and hope that her quest to unravel her past ends well. Many believable characters. Easy to read and perfect as a summer book on the beach.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon books for an advance copy of this book.

Under the Italian Sun, Sue Moorcroft

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance, Women's Fiction

Sigh... Usual moan, women's fiction. 2021. not 1821. Men read and write romance. They probably did back then too!

Anyway, Sue Moorcroft, fantastic author, writes books with multi layered plots, realistic folk and situations and depth. I love all that and this story was a real treat.
I could feel poor Zia's heartbreak and I was so angry at her ex. Sadly the way he looks at his cheating isn't uncommon and I was glad Zia stuck to her guns. Cheating isn't acceptable, and he needed to e sorry, not to make excuses.
So she and bff delve off to Italy on a quest to find out more about Zia's past. She finds family there but her search isn't without problems, and of course the people she's staying with also have problems. Zia by now has made friends with them and helps out, and helping them helps her, gives her somewhere to stay and more time to decide what to do. Of course staying is also a factor in her fledgling relationship with the Delicious Piero, who also has issues with his family, and his fathers scheming girlfriend.
All these threads, problems make for such interesting reading, taking me down trails I didn't image but thoroughly enjoyed. I was shocked at the initial Vicky/Tori revelations, but they were just the start, there was lots more surprises to come.
I loved Harry and the descriptions of his time with Vicky, a real 70's feel about that, and I can imagine how Vicky's somewhat staid and conservative parents felt. They were very much like my own parents – when I told them I was pregnant mum's reaction was “ Oh no! What will the neighbours think?” and rushed to bed....Pretty average reaction for mid seventies. At one point in early 8-'s my sister in law and I toyed with the idea of renting a large house between us and combining both families, very much as Harry and Vicky did.

Stars: Five, Another fabulous read from Sue, taking the reading out of this day to day dull and into sunny Italy with a delicious romance too

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

I always love Sue Moorcroft's books and Under the Italian Sun was no different.

After finding out her upbringing wasn't what she thought it was, Zia visits Italy to try and discover more about the father she has never known.

We journey with Zia as she discovers who she is, who her family are - and what's important.

Thoroughly recommended.

I really liked the atmosphere of this. In both settings we got to see, the author really knew how to write in a way that made me feel like I’d been there before, it was nice. I liked the mystery, though I preferred Zia’s side of the story than Piero’s. I felt like his story was kind of the same situation with his stepmother over and over again, while in Zia’s there was always a new piece of information being revealed. The unfolding of her past was nice and I liked the way things were revealed. The romance between the main characters was nice, it happened somewhat fast for my taste, but I think it was handled well and they did have a good chemistry. I also really liked Zia’s relationship with Lucia, I love a good family connection, especially when it’s family meeting for the first time, and I just thought Lucia was a standout in this book for me.

What I didn’t really get and took away a bit of my enjoyment was Zia’s handling of her ex and his insistence to speak to her. I didn’t understand why she always answered his calls, his texts, always giving him time he absolutely did not deserve. Just… block him lol? It was clear she didn't want to get back together with him, it made no sense to me why Zia would still bother with him. It felt it only happened this way because the plot needed it to be this way.

Other than that, I really enjoyed it, and I really liked the way the story ended. It’s a very grounded romance, yet somewhat whimsical because of its lush setting.

Zia-Lucia wants answers about her parentage and she travels to Italy to find them, she doesn't however expect to find a handsome distraction in the form of Piero. This book starts as a bit of a slow burner gradually drawing you in with gorgeous descriptions of hot days & nights, wonderful scenery and complex relationships.
A fabulous summer read.

A good read . When Zia finds herself single again after splitting from her cheating partner, she decides to go on a trip to Italy with her best friend who is also having problems in her marriage, to try and find out about her family,.After being bought up by her Grandmother who she thought was her mother, Zia discovers much about her relatives ,and also meets Piero who she is instantly attracted to. Some good characters and love the locations, but can Zia find the answers she is looking for

Loved this book. An uplifting story that made me feel that I was in Italy. Great characters and an interesting plot. A really good read, thoroughly recommended.

Thank you to Avon, Netgalley, and Sue Moorcroft for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This story is like being on a find yourself mission and a vacation all in one!!! The setting of Italy sounds absolutely amazing and definitely made me want to be there. I think wineries are so beautiful and to be staying essentially at one would be so great!

I enjoyed following Zia on her journey to discover where she came from and all of the characters she met along the way lol. I can’t even begin to imagine discovering the things she does about her moms past and I would not handle it as well as she does.

My second book of Moorcroft’s, I didn’t love it as much as Christmas Wishes, but it was quite enjoyable, fun, interesting, and really makes you look at the people who surround you lol. Definitely worth a read!!

This is just a book about a girl named Vicky and a girl named Tori read by a girl named Victoria.
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The setting, wow, the setting really could be its own character in this book. Just truly stunning.
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Zia -Lucia Costa Chalmers doesn’t know much about her history but she goes to Italy to find out. She unravels secret upon secret. I don’t want to say much to spoil anything but with secrets to uncover and Piero as a handsome neighbor this trip will be like no other.
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Her best friend Ursula needs her own story and I hope we get that!
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Thank you to #NetGalley and #Avon for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
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This book is available May 13th!

Under The Italian Sun is Sue Moorcroft’s latest novel. It focuses on Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers who, following the recent deaths of her grandparents, find out her mother wasn’t who she thought she was. With the hep of best friend Ursula, she decided to find out more about her Italian family so they embark on a trip to Italy. However as she delves into secrets of her past she doesn’t bargain on having to think about her future too. Add in to the mix the gorgeous Piero who lives next door and Zia finds herself in for a very exciting summer in Italy.

I loved this book and found it hard to put down. It has some great characters and you find you are easily drawn into the storyline. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books and the author for the chance to review.

I have been looking forward to reading this new book from Sue Moorcroft. Its bright, sunny cover invites the reader in and promises a trip somewhere warm, picturesque and relaxing. The setting for the story is actually split between the UK and Italy, but the majority of it takes place in the little Umbrian town of Montelibertà, a location that other readers of Sue’s books may recognise from a previous novel. The story had me hooked early on, and I was quickly immersed in the characters’ world.

This is the story of Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers who suddenly discovers that the woman she thought to be her mother was, in fact, not that at all. She makes this discovery long after her ‘mother’ and her grandparents are dead, making it difficult to find out about her family history, and the origin of her unusual name. However, some letters and papers provide her with clues regarding an Italian connection, prompting her to set off with best friend Ursula on a trip to the Umbrian town of Montelibertà where she hopes to find answers to her questions. In the course of her investigations, she not only learns about her past, but meets Piero, strikingly handsome son of a local winemaking family, who she comes to hope may have a role in her future. Unfortunately, a few complications arise in her dream to find a new life in Italy, not least of which is interference from her controlling ex, who is not about to let her go.

This is an emotional story which had my heart breaking over and over for Zia. Her whole world has been shattered by the discovery that the people who have brought her up have lied to her all her life. The search for the truth of her past turns up a whole new family, but do they want her? Then there is the ex boyfriend who doesn’t know when to take no for answer. I thought this book was excellently written, so much so that I was instantly lost in the Italian sunshine every time I sat down to read. The characters are all strong and completely believable and there are many branches to the main story involving one or other of them. I love being taken down a side road and learning a little more about a minor character in a book. The excellent descriptions of the views of the Umbrian mountains and countryside had me wishing I could book into one of the cottages where Zia and Ursula stay on their trip. I could imagine sitting in the sunshine enjoying the view of the vineyard stretching downhill towards the foot of the mountains. I can definitely recommend this summery book as one to read not just in summer but at any time of the year to anyone who fancies a trip to Italy.

Italy is my favourite country to travel to and I was thrilled to be granted the opportunity to visit the gorgeous geography of the Umbrian mountains in Moorcroft’s new piece.

This story hooked me from the start. Zia Lucia finds herself an orphan with a family mystery on her hands. She and her best friend, Ursula set out on a journey to Italy to discover the answers to Zia’s mysterious family tree.

I loved that the characters in this piece were multidimensional. Even the more minor characters had developed traits and quirks that made them interesting and unique.

This goes for the multiple conflicts in the story as well. There was so much more than just the blossoming romance between the handsome Piero and the lovely Zia to drive the plot of this novel.

This book is due to be published on May 13th, 2021, and it couldn’t be a better time. This is a great read for the beach or pool deck.

Thank you to for the ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I was intrigued all the way from the start! What happened to Zia-Lucia's mom? Why were there two death certificates? As someone who LOVES all things Italian, I was charmed with the description of the Umbrian village, the vineyards, and the locals. I also really enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Zia and Piero develops! I think the author manages to balance that romantic plot with the main plot of Zia looking to discover her story. I'm also quite impressed with how much the author obviously has researched about the Italian language and culture.

Would definitely recommend!

I received this ARC through NetGalley. All reviews are my own.

I was a bit confused at the beginning with everybody seeming to have the same name but I soon got into the wonderful developing story. I could almost feel the heat of the Italian sun. I finished it Kate last night in floods of tears. Happy tears.

Under the Italian Sun gives a wonderful escape to Italy while meeting new friends and family. The character interactions are engaging while the scenery is captivating. The main character is researching the mysteries of her past which brings both heart ache and joy. I didn't want the story to end and I couldn't wait to find another novel by this author.

Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers is now all alone in the world following the death of her last surviving family members, her grandparents. Never having known who her father was, or why she had such an unusual name, she heads to Italy on an emotional quest to try to discover the truth about her past.
The first few chapters of Under the Italian Sun are fairly slow as we are introduced to a large cast of characters and a complicated family situation. But bear with it and soon you will be fully immersed in the sights, sounds, tastes and aromas of the beautiful Umbrian countryside. The author clearly knows and loves this part of Italy, and the evocative descriptions are a large part of what makes this book so memorable.
The characters are fully rounded and believable, flaws and all, though I got a bit exasperated with Zia always answering calls from her manipulative ex, Brendon; she did not always make the best decisions where he was concerned. I particularly enjoyed reading about Harry, her mother’s old friend, and the unconventional life they had lived.
In the multi-layered plot, Sue Moorcroft skillfully weaves together the various strands into a fascinating tale of secrets and lies, hopes and dreams, and the importance of family. Zia’s relationship with Piero does not run smoothly as he veers between fulfilling his family obligations and following his dreams. With an attractive cover and a heartwarming ending, Under the Italian Sun is the perfect antidote to the restrictions we are currently living under.
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

As soon as I started reading about Zia, I got lost in her story and was desperate to unravel the mystery of her past. I gladly followed her journey from Brighton to Italy and rejoiced when she met the delectable Italian, Piero. They were made to be together but scheming ex's and shady family dealings threaten any future happiness before it can begin.

I loved the setting, the Italian family Zia is desperate to connect with and the sense of place you get in this book. On a grim, grey days in the UK, there is no better place to be than the Umbrian Mountains 'Under the Italian Sun'.

An immersive romance, with plenty of emotional impact and scorching moments that have little to do with the weather!

Highly recommended read.

Another fantastic book by Sue Moorcroft. From the beginning your aware Of what a super strong women Zia-Lucia is. She visits Italy to try and unlock secrets keep from her by her deceased mum and gran. The descriptions of the area, countryside even to the description of the smells made me want to be there myself. Just wonderful

Another great book by Sue Moorcroft. Once again the reader is transported to Italy. This time to Umbria. After her grandparents have died, Zia-Lucia discovers secrets that had been kept from her all of her life. She and her best friend travel to Italy in search of the truth. Warm sunshine, mountains, vineyards and a handsome man combine to make this an ideal holiday read. Nicely written, and evocative. Lovely book.

When Zia-Lucia discovers her Mother was not her mother, she sets off to Italy to try and discover the truth about her parentage. She doesn't expect to fall in love.
An easy enjoyable book in a gorgeous setting.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon publishers for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own

This was another lovely read from Sue. She manages to write books which have real, serious issues in them - i.e. Zia-Lucia's past and parentage - but are also light, fun, and sweep you away into escapism. The way she portrays her characters, their relationships, and the setting are excellent, and totally draw you in. This book, mainly set in Italy, was also the perfect antidote to the not-so-pleasant real life we're all living right now. Overall, if you're looking for an absorbing, feel-good read with substance, look no further.

The book stared well.,she wanted to know about her family.she got some letters from a relative.but left her with more questions,so she went to Italy to find her family.what she didn’t expect was to fall in love with the people and the place.her ex is make things worse.Italy sound nice and a nice place.I read some of this book and couldn’t remember who was who.but stared to read it again,and couldn’t put it down.great read.I love all the books I have read of sue moorcroft,you won’t be disappointed

This book would be the perfect summer holiday read. I love this authors books as she always transports you to sunnier climes and makes the reader feel like they have escaped to the destination in question with her descriptive writing in this case it was Italy and the smells and sights and sounds were beautifully portrayed and I could picture the olives on the plate and the beautiful scenery while reading.

This was a lovely romantic read and a nice uplifting feel good story for the current times.

Loved it. LOVED.

This is the story Of Zia-Lucia a young woman who lives in Brighton. her parents died when she was young but her grandparents raised her. When her grandparents die, they leave letters that Zia never looks at. A decade or so later Zia decides now is the time to have a look. She discovers that her mother was not who she says she was, and neither were her grandparents, so she goes to Italy to seek answers from a woman who appears in her mothers letters.

It has everything, drama, intrigue, mystery, adventure and romance. Ticked all my boxes.

Sequel is required however to catch up with a few characters.

An absolute joy to read and perfect escapism for summer reading. Italy is one of my favourite places in the world but sadly I cannot visit at the moment. This book really made me feel like I was there and the story was wonderful as well.

Armed with questions that no one in her life can answer, Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers packs up her car and heads to Italy to try to find an explanation for the documents she found while cleaning up her deceased grandparents’ home. There, she hopes to find the Italian family she has never known. While there she is sidetracked by a handsome local vineyard owner, Piero, and while uncovering the truth of her past, she also starts to question what she wants from her future.
This book had me planning a trip to Montelibertà, which I soon realized is not actually a real place… Sue’s descriptions of the scenery and lifestyle there were so vibrant, I couldn’t believe it wasn’t somewhere she visited and was inspired by. From the first chapter of this book, I was sucked in, totally invested in discovering the truth behind the two Victoria Chalmers. I absolutely loved the progression of the plot in this book, there weren’t really any points that felt slow or repetitive. I loved all of the scenery descriptions and other details throughout this book, but I did find it to be a little long. While the Tenuta Domenicali drama added a lot to the story, I felt as though I would have been sufficiently entertained without it. I also really liked the characters in this book. They were really well developed and relatable, I felt as though all of their actions and decisions were logical and I felt the same sadness and frustrations that Zia did throughout the book. Overall, a great read – my biggest complaint is that I can’t spend my summer in an Italian vineyard this year…
Huge thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for sending me this book to review!

I enjoyed this book. It made me want to get to Italy right now. I thought the story was intriguing, although it did start a little slowly. I highly suggest sticking with it & reading this story.

Thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

An easy and summery read. I loved the location, the descriptions were scrumptious and overall the characters were fairly easy to connect with too

I really enjopyed this book. I thought it was going to be rather light a la Katie Fforde, but it had a bit more depth than her fluffy romances. There are certainly some similarities and there's no great profundity, but it was well written, a good story and I wanted to get to the end. Ideal summer reading.
I particularly enjoyed the Italian aspects of the book. Ms Moorcroft clearly knows her stuff here and it brought back some very happy memories as I met my English wife when we were both working in Italy in the late 70's at nearby Rieti and then lived for many years in Liguria when we retired.
Probably not a full 5*, but I'm feeling generous for a feel-good book.

Zia visits Italy to try to trace her father, and unravel the mystery surrounding her birth and her mother's connection to the Costa family. an enjoyable read, giving an insight into life in Italy. Romance is provided by the neighbour, Piero.

Another great piece of feel good fiction from Sue Moorcroft. For me, the key to romantic fiction is to make the romance part of the story rather than the whole story and this author is one of the best. Here we follow Zia, as she tries to solve the mysteries of her childhood whilst dealing with issues in her more recent past, and Piero with his own issues to resolve. A gorgeous setting makes you long to travel to Italy and the smattering of Italian is basic enough to understand whilst adding to the authenticity of the story.

Thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I could practically feel the Italian sun in this book - it's a wonderful, holiday read which would be even more amazing if you were able to read it by the pool with the actual sun beating down on you! The story of Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers and her search for her family as she's been shattered by the death of her mother when she was 1o and then the deaths of her grandparents who looked after her. Aided and abetted by her friend Ursula, herself a bit adrift they go to Italy in search of answers. Do they find them? Well, you'll have to read it to find out!

Fantastic characters and a beautifully described setting. I felt as though I was in Italy with Zia and all the other characters. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Another excellent read from Sue. A perfect book for escapism on the beach. Her books are always guaranteed to put a smile on your face

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

After finding out that her mother wasn’t who she thought she was, Zia is looking for answers about who she is.

Having never met her father, through some old letters she’s beginning to piece together the puzzle, that is her past.

The puzzle that she’s trying to piece together leads her to Italy, so with her friend Ursula, they make the trip to discover more pieces to the puzzle.

A beautifully written book and gorgeous descriptions, this story of families that span generations and secrets that once opened can cause hurt.

Highly Recommend This.

Total escapism! Tender and heartwarming with a deep sadness at its core. Oh, how I loved the descriptions of Italy, I could picture the scenes vividly. Great characters, I especially loved Harry, who was written with such skill for a minor character. This is so much more than a 'frothy' romance novel.

Just the read I needed to take me from lockdown boredom to the Italian sunshine and the promise of better times ahead.
Zia Chalmers had always been told her absent father was Italian and after the death of her mother she travels to Italy in search of him.
This warming story just keeps on giving; lovely characters, fantastic scenery and a "wish I was there" feeling.
Loved it!

Lovely Zia- Lucia is ly on a quest, desperate to find out about what happened after her birth.. The trail takes her

from rainy Brighton to sunny Italy as she attempts to discover who she really is.. Both shocks and surprises

await her as truths are revealed. Zia has the support of her bezzie Ursula and finds time for romance

This story is full of drama and passion. The story is beautifully woven.,keeping optimistic even in the face

of many hindrances. A delight to read..

A lovely relaxing holiday read which made me fall in love with both Italy and Piero. Sue Moorcroft is an expert at vividly bring her characters to life.

This lovely romantic novel offers a virtual escape to the vineyards of Umbria, where heroine Zia is searching for the truth about her family. Brought up by her single mother until the age of 10, then by her grandparents after her mother's death, she has just discovered that not only has she never known her father, her mother might not be who she thought she was either! Her quest takes her and her friend, Ursula, to the outskirts of the little town of Montelibra, where their hosts, Durante and Lucia, may be able to provide some answers. As she becomes involved in their lives, the truth about her past becomes clearer, but her future starts to become more complicated as she finds herself falling for their very handsome neighbour, Piero, woodworker, part-vineyard owner and extremely handsome Italian hunk!
A light romantic read, with a mystery at its core, this is the perfect book for sunny days. The plot offers plenty threads to be untangled, not just in learning the truth about Zia's family, but in her own and Ursula's relationships with their partners in the UK - both men I'd avoid like the plague! Piero is a different story. He's strong, sexy, sensitive, caring and talented but, like Zia, he has his own family and relationship issues to deal with.
Still, I'd join him in the wine-tasting, star-gazing and feasting on Italian fare that add atmosphere to the interest of the plot and make this story such a satisfying, sensuous balm for the senses.

Everybody has a right to know where they come from, and when Zia discovers things about her family's past, she is left with a desire to uncover the truth. With very few facts to go on, Zia heads to Italy to discover the truth. In the process, perhaps she will discover a new future as well. A great summer read!

This was another fabulous book from Sue Moorcroft.

When Zia Lucia Costa's mother dies she tasks herself with clearing out some of her personal items, however it turns out her life is not what she thought it was and finally finds out the story behind her unusual name.

Set in Italy and the UK we learn about Zia's family history whilst also witnessing a friendship and romance blossoming under the Italian sun.

The writing was incredible in this book, whilst reading I could imagine I was in the hot summer sun enjoying that all Zia was about Italy.

Thanks for letting me read - loved it!!

Goodness me, what a holiday I've just had!! All because of Sue Moorcroft!!
With the views, the sun, the villages/towns, I was in Italy, even though I've never been!! It was just in my imagination!!
Sue always has the ability to make you feel you're in the story, watching from the sidelines!!
We had a young lady Zia, looking for her birth father and family, as her mother, who she thought was her mother, had passed away, and her grand parents that brought her up had passed away, so she needed to find out her background.
Also she was getting away from her so called X-boyfriend, and he turns out to be quite a character shall we say!!
But there's always a handsome chap who comes to the rescue, but he also has problems, especially within his family business of wine production!!
This story was quite a holiday adventure that I didn't want to end, because I was enjoying myself so much!! All the characters were wonderful, and so was the story, I couldn't get enough of it!!
Wonderful!!

Ahh what a gorgeous book! Wonderful rich characters, interesting family stories and tale of overcoming adversity, all whilst in the heat of an Italian summer. Love this!

I love Sue Moorcroft's books, you couldn't ask for better. The locations, in this case Italy, are always fabulous, the leading men are irresistible and the strong female leads are everything you could want them to be with intriguing stories just waiting for you to be immersed in. This one is no exception and is officially a sleep stealer as I couldn't put it down! Highly recommended.

I love Italy and have missed my travel there recently, which is perhaps why I chose this book. Zia-Lucia is emerging from being cheated on and is looking for a new start. She finds some old paperwork which leads her to think about her upbringing, mainly by her grandparents. She suspects she may have an Italian connection and sets off with her friend Ursula on a holiday in Italy with the vague idea that if she has an Italian connection it may be useful in getting her a residents visa, and perhaps working there. What she uncovers holds many surprises. Her journey also leads her to love the Italian way of life, and conveys it well to the reader.

The Perfect Summer Read
What would you do when you find out that everything you thought was true was turned upside down? For Zia-Lucia, it means taking a trip to Italy, with her best friend for support, to find out the true that has been hidden her entire life.
Once under the Umbrian sun Zia learns the truth, not all of it pleasant, in her quest to find out who she is. She does not want to cause trouble with the locals, but even when she has the best of intentions, she manages end up in the middle of another family’s problems.
For Piero there is nothing more important than family, and sometimes doing what’s best for everyone means that you have to make the sacrifice. When Zia enters his life, she gives him hope that he might not lose everything, but instead stand to gain something much more important.
Sue Moorcroft has done it again, written engaging characters in the most idyllic of settings, leaving me envious of the warm summer surrounded by Umbrian mountains. It’s most definitely 5 stars from me.
My thanks to #Avon and #Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review #UnderTheItalianSun by Sue Moorcroft.

Pre-order Links:
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Italian-Sun-Sue-Moorcroft/dp/0008393028/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Under+the+Italian+Sun+by+Sue+Moorcroft&qid=1619304387&sr=8-1
Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/under-the-italian-sun/sue-moorcroft/9780008393021
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-the-italian-sun-sue-moorcroft/1138055360?ean=9780008393021
Koko: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/under-the-italian-sun

Like all of Sue Moorcroft's books they completely transport you to another place. The whole book is evocative of a hot Italian summer. The characters are skillfully drawn and the storyline hooks you in. I read this book so quickly, as I couldn't bear to put it down - even burning some midnight oil, and nearly being late for work!

When Zia found some old papers of her grandparents, she realised that there was much more to her past than she was told. The only way to get the answers she needed was to take a trip to Italy, with her best friend, however the answers weren't always what she was expecting. Can Zia find what she needs to complete her life and find happiness? Read the book and find out - you won't regret it!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3951479911

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me an early digital copy for review. This book is an emotional roller coaster in the absolute best way possible. The wide cast of characters and the location make for the perfect summer read. I devoured this book in one afternoon, I could not put it down and I was hooked from the very first chapter.

Under The Italian Sun has a story that drew me in from the very first chapter mostly because it starts with so many questions that I was eager to find the answers to. The main character Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers, yes what a name! but the reason why is explained in the story, is set on finding her true identity and heads to Italy in search of unravelling the mysteries of her family. Taking her best friend Ursula with her they leave their home town of Brighton behind and look forward to spending time on a beautiful Italian vineyard, that turns out to be the home of lovely welcoming people.
Both girls are currently at odds with their love relationships, Zia having ended hers with cheating boyfriend Brendon and Ursula who is desperate to win back her husband Stephan after a misunderstanding.
The vineyard has problems of its own and a race to reach a compromise that will suit all the owners.
Under The Italian Sun is a story filled with emotion, romance and heart-ache spent during a summer in the gorgeous Umbrian region. This is a lovely tale that I didnt want to end. My thanks to Net Galley for the Advanced copy.

This gave a real good feeling of a small Italian village with the Mediterranean Sun beating down keeping a smile on your face whilst reading.

The characters were wonderful and the whole story kept me engaged.

A smashing read that made me wish I was back in Italy.

The book deals with loss of a gran and family discovery of where you come from. It begins with Zia and Ursula looking through belongings, left behind by Zia's gran for clues to who her father was/is. There is also the mystery as to who Victoria Chalmers was and how she may have fit into the family. There's a lot of unravelling, a bit like "Long Lost Family" and trying to piece together Zia's family tree, which is of much interest, and Zia is on a mission to discover all, by hiring Harry - a private investigator and things get rather complicated. There's also the burgeoning romance that brings characters together on this adventure.

The valley where Zia and Ursula go to in Italy - Tenuta Domenicali, in Orvieto wine region, is awash with grape vines for wine, where Emiliano works on the production side, which belongs to the Domenicali family. There's much to consider for the business and whether to sell to a big company with big tourist ideas and plans for development or to decline the offer. 

The book goes between Italy and Devon and brings up some real issues about affordability in the very south of England, or rather lack of it and how everything is vastly expensive.

There is an air of holiday time about the book, which makes it a lovely, beautifully written book to read whilst on a staycation or in your garden with the sun beating down on you or curled up somewhere in your home. The book is both uplifting and emotional. It isn't a heavy read, although it deals with grief, it still has that lazy summer's day feel about it. It may also make you hungry with some of the lovely food that is mentioned.

As Under the Italian Sun continues, it is intriguing to see how the vines of family connections intertwine. There are birth and death certificates to be found and the details that come with those. It's a book that may even inspire some readers to investigate their family history to see what they can unearth.

Italian born and bread, one of my guilty pleasure is reading rom-com set in Italy. It's like travelling to your home country and seeing through different eyes. Usually fiction is more exciting than reality but I like what I read.
As I'm a fan of Sue Moorcroft this was a double pleasure.
I loved the well thought plot, rooted for the characters and appreciated the descriptions of Umbria. I also loved how she wrote some phrases in Italian and got them right :)
Escapism at high level, I thoroughly enjoyed this engrossing and entertaining story.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Tempt me with a book set in Italy and I am keen as mustard.
This latest book by Morecroft did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the story. Zia-Lucia uncovers some secrets about her past and wants to delve further to see if she really has an Italian father. But who was her mother? This also turns out to be not as straight forward as initially thought.
Throw in a jealous ex-boyfriend, a best friend with marital troubles of her own, a potential new love interest with family issues and it makes for a great read.

Another great book from this author. A really good story of a woman’s quest find out more about her past whilst creating a whole new future. Would recommend

I was hooked from the very beginning of this wonderful read. The mystery and intrigue surrounding Zia’s family was a great opener. Sue Moorcroft writes about such wonderful, engaging characters and I really felt invested in Zia’s search for answers. The gorgeous backdrop of the vineyards of Italy were a definite bonus as we travelled with Zia to find her Italian roots.

Zia is looking for answers.

Under the Italian Sun is Sue Moorcroft at her most sublime. I loved every word and found this was one of those books I was desperate to finish because I wanted to know how it would end, whilst simultaneously not wanting to finish it because I was enjoying it so much.

The plot of Under the Italian Sun romps along and has just as many twists and turns as any thriller. It opens in dramatic fashion and doesn't let up, sweeping the reader along in the narrative. There's brilliantly (and often sexily) depicted romance, but there's mystery and drama too so that Under the Italian Sun is an absolute cracker of a read. I think what makes it so successful is that Sue Moorcroft researches her novels so thoroughly - this time with wine growing and property ownership forming the foundation of her writing - so that the reader feels they are in authoritative and safe hands and can relax into being royally entertained. Indeed, I think this might be one of this author's most well-crafted books. I was never entirely sure how Under the Italian Sun might end, even if I was expecting a happy resolution from the genre, and I found Sue Moorcroft's story-telling utterly compelling and engaging. I was surprisingly emotionally invested in the story and shed a tear or two along the way because I was so captivated.

The characters are brilliantly crafted. There's a real sense of Italian-ness about them with such a range of people and personalities that there is a character for any reader to identify with. Although Under the Italian Sun is very much Zia's story and I loved and admired her from the very first page, I found the more minor character of Brendon totally fascinating. He is a lurking menace throughout so that whilst Under the Italian Sun is a light-hearted summer read, Brendon adds a depth and counterpoint that I thought was brilliant. As you might imagine, with a Sue Moorcroft hero, I was rather in love with Piero because he is so warmly and vividly depicted.

However, brilliant plots and compelling characters aside, what is so utterly wonderful about Under the Italian Sun is the sense of place. All of the senses are provided for so that descriptions place the reader right in Italy without them having to leave their armchair. Most successful is the sense of taste. In fact, reading Under the Italian Sun is a dangerous occupation for anyone trying to lose weight. The food is so evocatively depicted I found myself craving the items Sue Moorcroft describes. Add in smatterings of fully accessible Italian language and reading this story is akin to taking a holiday.

Alongside all of this wonderfully crafted narrative are some weighty themes so that whilst Under the Italian Sun can be read for sheer entertainment, there's plenty to think about should readers want to. Themes of friendship and loyalty, identity and belonging, family and friendship, trust and betrayal, independence and control, amongst others create layer upon layer of added interested that I thought was fantastic.

Utterly captivating from the first moment, Under the Italian Sun is a must read and Sue Moorcroft writing at her very best. I loved it and it is my favourite of this author's books to date. I cannot recommend Under the Italian Sun highly enough.

Really enjoyable book. The detail of the locations was excellent and it was really lovely reading about the Italian settings. The characters were good and developed as the story progressed. Loved the ending.

I have enjoyed previous books by Sue Moorcroft
And this one was no different, it was a lovely read, so easy to follow, easy to invest in, perfect holiday read in my opinion

Oh my goodness this book is just gorgeous!!!!! I read it in an afternoon because I couldn’t put it down!! This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. I love books that are set in Italy and the description was just beautiful!! I’m so excited for other people to read this magnificent book

Great summer read by Sue Moorcroft. This is an author that I like but I found this one jumped a bit. Started with Zia in Brighton discussing finding letters and documents that puts her parentage into question with her friend and then suddenly the 2 of them are in Italy without really explaining. Zia’s story of finding out about her past and her mother runs alongside that of her friend Ursula who is having marriage problems. The story evolves nicely with Zia falling in love with Pierro the vineyard owner in Italy so it is also about her future and where she will end up. If you can get past the Italian names, Italian phrases that are thrown in then it is a great story and a great summer read. #Romance #Italy #NetGalley

UNDER THE ITALIAN SUN - SUE MOORCROFT
PUB BY - AVON BOOKS UK
PLOT - Zia- Lucia after her grandparents death discovers that her mother was not really her mother and that she is half Italian!
She along with her Best friend Ursula set out to Umbria to find out about who her father is? But on reaching she encounters Piero, who is a local vineyard owner dealing with his own problems.
Can Zia finally find the future and her lost family she has always dreamt of??

MY THOUGHTS-
The book straight away begins with lots of Qs about Zia's parentage and slowly throughout the book the mystery unfolds for Zia.
This was my 1st read by this author and it was quite a delightful read was easily transported to the vineyards in Umbria.
For me the chemistry between the Zia and Piero to begin with was flat and then it grew gradually..it could hv been a little more in my opinion.
So if this summer you want to escape then this book will be a perfect...a light read with hints of mystery.

What a delightful read! This was my first Moorcroft's and I definetly want to read many more. I was captivated from the very start and couldn't put this book down, as I wanted to know what would happen to Zia Lucia Costa (such a mouthful of a name!) and her extended estranged family.
There are so many questions that you'd want answered at the beginning and in time the book answers to all of them, so it's very satisfying. The settings are beautiful and the characters relatable and well-drawn.
I read this book both as an ebook and as an audiobook, and I want to say that the narrator is incredible, I loved hearing all the different accent, great job!
Highly enjoyable and definitely recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🌄Family secrets split wide open! Great read😊

I wasn't sure about this book pick when I dove in to the first chapter which, frankly, had me confused. But main character Zia-Lucia's complicated family history and its mysteries were soon clarified. Once she got to sunny Umbria I was thoroughly caught up in this story of family secrets, tragedy and attempted reconciliation. Though the Italian setting first drew me to the book, it was Zia-Lucia's story that really won me over. I must admit getting tearful on occasion as she battles against heartache, frustration, betrayal and loneliness to win the love and family that has been absent so long from her life.

There's a villain or two, an indifferent father, some truly wonderful hosts, a friend from back home who (albeit unintentionally) adds complications, and a separate drama subplot involving the uncertain fate of the neighboring winemaking estate. The author has created a not so small community of family and friends but I did not feel that a single character did not add to the story.

And, yes, romance plays an important part in Zia's Italian summer. It eventually gets heated but not what I'd consider steamy. Interference from exes, past disappointments and communication snafus make the couple's future less predictable, challenging and never dull.

I don't recall ever reading any of Moorcroft's novels previously but I will definitely be looking for more of her work. Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

Loved this book It really did not disappoint. The beautifully painted scenes in Umbria brought back so many memories and made me long to return. Tia’s story will not disappoint. Read it and see for yourself.

I’m pleased to say that this is another enjoyable book by Sue Moorcroft. Zia is aware that her dad was Italian, but it is only now that she is starting to look for clues. She finds a number of mysteries amongst the letters her mum and grandparents kept, so sets off to visit Italy with her best friend Ursula, looking for answers.

Out in Montelibertà Zia meets her hosts Lucia and Durante, and their handsome neighbour, Piero. How is Lucia linked to Zia’s past? Zia is also trying to escape her ex-boyfriend, who is a friend of Ursula’s husband.

I enjoyed how the story evolved, as Zia discovered more about her family history and got to know the area she had visited briefly as a baby. There are some unpleasant characters in this story, so it is not a ‘light and fluffy’ read, but covers important topics about trust and controlling behaviours.

I’m happy to recommend this book for a virtual escape to Italy, a story about the importance of family, trust, romance and good food.

I always love a romance – but the other thing I might enjoy even more is a setting that comes to life on the pages, the opportunity to travel and experience everything together with a book’s characters. Much of this lovely book is set in Umbria, among the vineyards outside Montelibertà – if you’re a fan like me, you might just remember visiting the area before, for Sofia’s story in One Summer in Italy. The descriptions are just so wonderful – you can feel the heat of the sun as you look out over the rows of vines, a rose bush at the end of every line, stretching into the distance towards the shimmering mountains in the background. Imagine lying there under that clear night sky, every star clearly defined, a chilled glass of Orvieto at your side… that travel element is something we all need so very badly after such a long confinement, and this book delivered absolutely everything I hoped for.

But then there’s Zia’s story – and that drew me in from the opening pages. There’s not much doubt that she has Italian heritage – the name her mother gave her made that fairly clear – but she was brought up by her grandparents after the loss of her mother, and she knows nothing about her father or any other Italian family she may have. She looks Italian, she’s kept up the language, and now that she’s been made redundant and her latest relationship ended rather horribly, she’d rather like to live and work in Italy – but that’s far from easy in these post-Brexit times (a nice contemporary touch) unless she can prove that family connection. A suitcase of letters retrieved from the attic raises more questions than answers – and they prove to be rather bigger questions than just those about her father, casting doubts over everything she’d understood and believed about her identity. So, accompanied by her friend Ursula – who’s keen to leave her own marriage problems behind for a while – they head for an extended break in Umbria to try and uncover some of the answers.

In Umbria, we find a parallel story – a family seriously at odds with each other when the patriarch decides to retire, the planned sale of the family vineyard to a large corporation having life-changing implications for a number of people. The stories converge – Zia begins to uncover a personal family history that she could never have imagined, and struggles with the impact of what she discovers on everyone around her. And, at the same time, she’s becoming ever closer to Piero, one of the winemaking family whose home and future is being threatened by the impending sale of the vineyard.

Goodness, that’s such a poor attempt at setting the scene – there are far more layers to both stories, which twist and turn in ways you could never expect. There’s a really well developed theme of both corporate and personal greed, with particularly complex legal issues that need to be disentangled: and that storyline sits very comfortably alongside Zia’s journey of personal discovery and the many family secrets she uncovers. And as you come to expect in a book from Sue Moorcroft, there are a number of well-handled issues that accompany the story – mental health, traditional values, the whole question of parenthood and what it means – including the intrusion of some residual problems from relationships at home. This is such a difficult book to review without revealing far more of the story than I want to – but it was a superb read, I loved the way it developed, but I really, really mustn’t say any more.

So, instead, let me tell you about the romance – because I entirely loved that too. It’s one of those relationships that begins slowly, falters frequently, at times looks entirely impossible – but the attraction between the pair has a quite perfect sizzle, a well-developed chemistry, with a satisfying amount of heat as the relationship develops that really makes your heart beat faster. But what I loved about it was that it felt so very real, as they both deal with their own issues and concerns, feel their way past all the imagined wrongs and misunderstandings – this was one where I really yearned for a happy ending. The author always has the most perfect emotional touch – and there are so many moments in this book, not just within the romantic relationship, where every response is perfectly judged in a way that would have been beyond the reach of a lesser author.

I really loved this book – for its compelling and multi-layered story, the strength of the writing, its complex characters, the wonderfully drawn setting, the emotional impact, and for the moving and believable central romance. If you’re looking for a book that’s more than just a read, a book that makes you feel … I really do recommend it most highly.

(Review copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

Zia Chalmers lives in Brighton and is sharing her flat with her oldest friend Ursula while she sorts our her marriage and Zia recovers from her own break up with Brendon. After finding letters belonging to her mum in her attic she discovers she’s not who she thought she was.
Zia and Ursula travel to Italy to see if Zia can uncover the secrets of her birth. Zia soon meets Piero who lives and works next door to the cottage they are staying in.
This book made me feel the Italian Sun beating down on my skin and taste the wine they shared. It’s a lovely story of friendship and family loyalty.
Thanks you Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the early download of Sue Moorcrofts great new book.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it is a lovely holiday read. Sue Moorcroft's description of Italy was very Idyllic. I could picture it perfectly and imagine myself sitting there with a book and a glass of the local wine. As I'm not going anywhere this year this was a very welcome escapism.
I found this book very compelling, I wanted to know the secrets of Zia's family. It was all very complicated and mysterious. Zia was a very thoughtful character who was eager to help out her friends and acquaintances
She was careful and mindful thought about treading carefully.
There were a great cast of characters who were well-developed. I could picture them perfectly. I especially liked Piero and Ursula. It would be great to have a follow up with some of the characters.
There is some loss and grief in this book, but it also manages to be uplifting and heartwarming too. In the beginning the book was a little confusing, but this mirrored the confusion and questions that Zia was facing, so it was well written in my opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

A story about how discovering your true history can change your future. All set against the beautiful Italian countryside with lovely vineyards and holiday cottages you just want to visit. Can Zia resolve the mysteries of her past, get over a toxic relationship,, and give a chance to the handsome new man who could be her future?

This is definitely my favourite book of Sue Moorcroft. It's very well written and descriptive, I nearly felt like I was in Italy with Zia and everybody else. There were definitely a few surprises throughout the book and I haven't hated a fictional character as much as I hated Brandon in a long time. I finished reading this book with the biggest smile on my face. I hope Sue considers giving Ursula her own book. She deserves it.

Italy seems to be a favourite setting for books this year – ah, wouldn’t that just be lovely! Since that’s not going to be a reality for most people in the near future, let Sue Moorcroft whisk you off there instead in her lovely new book.

For Zia, it’s not simply a holiday which takes her to Italy. She has discovered that her mother wasn’t who she thought she was and that she may have family links to the town of Montelibertà in the Umbria region. Along with her friend Ursula, she travels there for an extended stay to try to discover who her Italian family might be. As she starts to uncover long buried family secrets, she also finds herself increasingly attracted to gorgeous vineyard owner Piero and becomes involved in his family’s quest to hold onto their vineyard and homes.

One thing Sue Moorcroft is brilliant at is bringing her settings vividly to life. I could picture the views over the beautiful Umbrian countryside, imagine the rosemary scented evenings, almost believe I could feel the heat of the sun on my shoulders and how I would love to have a crisp, cool glass of the Orvieto Classico wine produced by Piero’s family vineyard. Along with the heat of the Italian sun, there is the heat between Zia and Piero and that attraction is something else which Sue writes about so convincingly.

Another aspect of this story which I really appreciated was the mystery running through the heart of the book. As I said, Zia had discovered that her mother wasn’t who she thought and her quest to find out more about her real parents really added an extra layer of enjoyment to the book for me. There are several people who would be affected by what Zia finds out and I liked that she was mindful of this and cautious about how she went about her enquiries.

As always, this isn’t just a light-hearted romance and the author doesn’t shy away from bringing serious topics into her books. In this case there are mental health issues and loss, as well as manipulative and spiteful ex-partners doing their best to cause problems. However, as always Sue Moorcroft writes about these issues with sensitivity and insight and you can tell she has really done her research to do justice to the topics.

Under The Italian Sun is another wonderful piece of escapist writing from Sue Moorcroft. Get yourself a chilled glass of white wine and imagine yourself overlooking a beautiful vineyard in the heat. At times an emotional read, this is an engaging and lively book, ideal for your summer reading list.