This was not at all what I expected- and it was SO much better than I anticipated. Lynch has nailed so many things in this wonderful novel set in 1956 Italy. Scottie and Michael both have secrets but his are much more serious, and dangerous. I was chary when I read that he was under nonofficial cover for CIA in Siena- so often that leads to unrealistic and silly novels but that was not the case here. She's got it right even down to terminology such as junior officer training. Some of the conventions might seem odd (that CIA didn't want its officers or wives "going native" for example) but that was how things were at the time. The machinations of the US in 1956 are all a part of history we often glide over because it's been and gone. This novel, however, brings to life the back and forth between the super powers. Wait for the twist, BTW. There's also some lovely lovely scenes involving horses, food, and Italian life, although one of my favorite was the struggle to install the new US appliances. This was a real treat. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Two thumbs up! Perfect for fans of historical fiction and those interested in Italy.

Reading The Italian Party by Christina Lynch is like taking a romp through Italy with a group of entertaining characters. Newlyweds Michael and Scotty arrive in Siena in 1956 because Michael is opening a Ford tractor dealership. They appear to be an ideal American couple, but nothing in this novel is as it seems. The novel is upbeat and even comical. Both Michael and Scotty are likeable and good at handling adversity. Every day is an adventure and the many interesting locals lend depth to the plot. Lynch does a fantastic job of describing the beautiful Tuscany region and it's many sights. She also successfully incorporates intrigue into her fascinating story.

1956. American newlyweds move to Siena, Italy, where the husband, Michael, opens a Ford tractor agency, which seemed a weird move to me. But he's really a CIA operative looking to sabotage the Communist Party's foothold in the country. Ah. Still, a Ford agency? Anyway, Wife, Scottie, is left behind in their flat and gets into all sorts of mischief with the locals. No spoilers here because all this is covered in the rushed first quarter of the book. Okay, it was mildly entertaining, but it was more like reading some romance-gone-wrong spy movie starring Grant and Hepburn…Audrey, not Katherine, than any Carré film/book. Are you headed for the beach where there is no TV/Internet and need some light reading? Here you go.

A young couple move to Italy in the mid-1950s. The world is full of secrets and misunderstandings. Scottie married Michael after a whirlwind courtship. He assumes she comes from money and will follow the role of a traditional American housewife. She tries to hold back her vibrant personality and zest for living in the beauty of Italy. There are times that the story seems to be a comedy of errors and misunderstandings.

Each hides multiple secrets. Michael sells Ford tractors as a cover as a CIA operative, a position he requested in order to follow the man he loves. Scottie has the perfect facade of beauty which hides her loneliness and a pre-marriage pregnancy. They settle into the small community - Michael wishes to be a role model of the perfection of America while Scottie becomes enamored with Italy. Scottie inadvertently is an asset as she helps Michael make connections into the fabric of the town. The story moves quickly along and I was drawn into the subterfuge, humanity of the characters and the beauty of Italy.

I am really on the fence about this book. There was humor and drama in a setting of post WWII Italy. At times I felt lost in the history of this time period and kept asking myself "Is this the way it really was, did this really happen, did the author take historical license?" Personally, the book was hard for me to get in to because so much of it was based on American foreign policy, which has always been muddy at best. The characters were interesting but IMHO the plot was too convoluted.

Newlyweds Michael and Scottie Messina move to Siena, Italy in 1956. Michael is operating a Ford tractor dealership as cover for his role within the CIA. His current mission is to influence the local election to ensure that the winner is not from the Communist party. Michael is leading two lives and is keeping his CIA involvement and other secrets from his wife. Scottie’s life is in transition after dropping out of school abruptly and agreeing to a quick marriage. She has secrets of her own and has not revealed to Michael that she entered the marriage while pregnant. Despite the impediments, the two truly like each other and are dedicated to making the marriage work.

Scottie spends a great deal of time alone due to Michael's busy travel schedule. She decides to learn Italian so that she can explore while Michael is away. She hires a local boy named Robertino who is well connected despite being fourteen years old. Things improve until Scottie learns that Robertino is missing. Scottie’s search for the boy leads her to uncover hidden truths about the city and her husband’s activities. Previously kept secrets begin to unfold and they work to forge an honest relationship.

This is a debut novel by Christina Lynch. The Italian Party is an engaging novel during a unique time in Siena’s history. The story brings together two individuals with differing needs and shows their progression into a loving union.

3+ stars

The Italian Party is pretty light given the topic. I think this will work well for some and less for others. I feel on the fence — at times I got into it and at others I wanted it to be more serious.

Scottie (a woman) and Michael are newly married Americans living in Sienna in the 1950s. They have lots of secrets and very different reasons for marrying each other. On the surface, Scottie seems like a good natured hapless new bride and Michael seems like an overeager new entrepreneur. As their story develops we find out about their secrets, and eventually they do too. The backdrop to the story is postwar Italy and the American fear of the spread of communism. To me this is a fascinating historical context, but I often found Scottie and Michael’s story too light to really mesh with the historical context.

Ultimately, different readers have different expectations when it comes to historical fiction. I tend to like more depth, but I have no doubt that many readers will enjoy this likeable story.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.

What a fun jaunt through Italy in 1956 with newlyweds Michael and Scottie! After a whirlwind romance and wedding, they barely know one another, but each thinks they have hit the jackpot with this marriage. However, both have a secret. Scottie has his reasons for being in Italy that he keeps from Scottie, and Scottie has secrets in her past that Michael knows nothing about. They are very young and very naïve when they arrive in Italy where Michael will open a business selling tractors. The tone at the beginning of the book has a fun light rom-com feel to it.

But this is set during the Cold War and there’s fear that Italy will fall to the Communists. The U.S. is determined to make sure that doesn’t happen, and sends CIA operatives to Italy in an attempt to sway the impending election. There’s quite a bit of history and political commentary which was delivered with a light touch.

But along with the intrigue, there’s also love and romance in the air, the beautiful Italian countryside, the delicious food, the quirky colorful characters, and a mystery to solve when a young friend who was teaching Scottie Italian disappears.

This had a little bit of a slow start and I wasn’t sure I liked the style, but I was quickly caught up in the story and could see this as a charming and witty 1950’s movie. I loved the humor and I fell in love with both Scottie and Michael as secrets are revealed and their relationship develops. A fun escape and easy read!

* thanks to St Martin's Press for a copy of the book via Netgalley
review will publish on Amazon on 3/20/18

Michael and Scottie are recently married and have moved to Siena, Italy, bringing with them their big American thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Both carry deep secretes inside of them that the other knows nothing about. Michael is a closeted gay man, hiding the truth from everyone but his lover, Duncan, who also lives in Italy. Michael feels less than successful, and wants to prove to himself and his father that he is as good a person as his brother, who died during the war, was. He has a lot to prove. His job in Italy is a representative of the Ford Motor company, selling tractors to the farmers, but really he is a CIA agent reporting on communists that want to take over Italy. Scottie is glamorous and sweet, but has recently discovered two things; she is penniless and pregnant, and the child is not Michael's. She wants to be a good wife to Michael, but his stiff nature cause her to explore herself and her feelings more deeply.

It's an interesting look at life in Italy during the mid-1950s, and how two American's attempt to live out lives of lies. The writing style is interesting and I sort of felt like I was watching a Fellini movie in my head as I read. Flawed characters living flawed lives in a flawed world, doing the best they can.

It’s 1956 and newlyweds, Scottie and Michael, are starting their married life overseas in Italy where they both learn more than they bargained for about each other.

This was a really fun book. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it! There was CIA and the threat of Communism, an illegitimate pregnancy and covert homosexuality. There was romance, suspense and humor. I would have thought that a book containing all of these topics would be a heavy read but the author’s humor offsets the serious subjects so as to give the book a lighter, more fun feel. There were surprisingly poignant moments throughout the story as well which shed light on the social climate of the 50’s. There were a few corny moments throughout the book but somehow they worked and instead of evoking an eye roll I found myself laughing out loud at them. The author did a wonderful job of creating an enjoyable atmosphere and giving the reader a glimpse of what Italy was like during this time.

All of the characters were interesting and most of them were likable. Scottie was definitely my favorite though I did enjoy Scottie and Michael’s journey as a couple. They turned out to be very endearing.

My only real complaint about the book was that, at times, the plot did get just a little over the top and I felt there were a few situations that were too easily, and too cleanly, wrapped up.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Italian party and I would highly recommend this novel. Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Newly married, American couple (Michael and Scottie) begin their life together in Italy, but how well do they really know each other? The reader quickly finds out, not well at all, since Michael and Scottie are keeping many, many secrets from each other. What happens when these secrets are revealed?

The story began in 1956 when, in a whirlwind, Michael and Scottie met, married, and moved to Siena, Italy so Michael could sell Ford tractors at a new location. Within the first 30 pages or so, the reader found out what secrets the couple was keeping from each other. I thought this approach was very unique, and I was left wondering how and when the secrets would be revealed to the characters.

Much of the first third of the story moved pretty slowly for me, but once I hit that mark, I was much more engaged. I was especially fascinated by the characters (especially Scottie), the Italian setting, and the political story line, which was reminiscent of the Nov 2016 U.S. election between Trump and Clinton. This story focused on how the CIA interfered in Siena, Italy's mayoral election in order to stop the spread of Communism and spread American commercialism.

"Making the world safe for democracy is a god-damn hard job." - thought by Michael

In light of the current political climate, this book was extremely relevant. How much have other countries interfered in each other's elections, in both the past and the present?

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Reading Group Gold for a free advance copy won in a giveaway! All opinions are my own.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Christina Lynch for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is the story of Michael and Scottie - two young people who meet, get married quickly, and find themselves in Italy 11 years after WWII. Michael is starting up a Ford tractor business and is intent on saving Italy from the Communists. and Scottie soon finds a teenage boy to help her learn Italian as well as more about her new world. Sounds perfect...until it is revealed that both Michael and Scottie are keeping so many secrets from each other. When Scottie's young friend suddenly goes missing and she starts investigating, those secrets start coming to life one after the other.

This is a sometimes funny and sometimes serious book about relationships with each other and the world we inhabit. The descriptions of the Italian food and countryside in the 1950s were wonderful. Definitely a fun and intriguing read!

I loved the narrative and the language that sets the tone of this charming novel. It's sweetly innocent and so very human at the same time, and it's a fascinating window into America's history of meddling in Europe.

It’s 1956. Scottie and Michael are young newlyweds. Each with their own selfish intentions and suitcases full of secrets they head to Italy. Michael is serious and has a guilt-ridden conscience; Scottie on the other hand is carefree and whimsical. They seem to be total opposites, but I look it as more of yin yang relationship.

There is a political theme which represents the time period throughout. It wasn’t heavy handed, but quite intriguing. The descriptions of Italy are beautiful, the food delicious, and the Italians playful yet wary.

I adored this novel. It had me thinking about relationships and no two relationships are the same or what it is that makes a union between two people happy.

Thanks to Christina Lynch, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press

4 adventurous spy stars with a side of Italy! 🇮🇹 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The Italian Party was a fun ride through the 1950s Italian countryside. It only turned serious in the last couple chapters. Scottie and Michael are recently married, and they move to Siena so that Michael can open a business. Scottie has much growing up to do, and each of them carry secrets into their marriage.

Italy is a hotbed of politics with speculation of communism and an impending election. The dynamics of this were fascinating from a historical perspective. What I found most entertaining and interesting were the food references, as well as the humor.

Overall, the stunning landscape combined with the compelling time in history made this a satisfying read.

Thank you to Christina Lynch, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for the copy to review.

I would describe this book as a fun frolicking read. I'm not sure if I was supposed to take the story seriously cause at no point did it feel serious till the last 2 chapters. It has the feel of a rom-com. It definitely put me in mind of Roman Holiday" or "Three Coins in a Fountain".
I loved the setting of Siena and loved all the talk of food. The author described Siena and its people well- definitely felt like I knew them.
Our main protagonist Scottie and Michael are Americans who have just arrived in Siena. Both bring with them secrets which of course will come to light. I liked the way the book was about them finding themselves and each other and there place in the world.
It was definitely a fun read.

What a fun read! Set in 1956 Siena, Italy, this is part screwball comedy, part farce, part a tale of espionage and world views, and 100% engaging look at the times. Very young newlyweds who met and married hastily move to Italy for his job. As they learn to know each other and the country, their secrets are revealed one by one in each subsequent chapter. Funny, clever and discerning all at the same time, I loved it. Also loved the look at life in Italy. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-arc! I can't wait to read more by this author!

"American tourists come here and they see only the happy, beautiful Italy they want to see, and that the Italians want them to see. The party. They don't see the scars. The ongoing struggles. Why would they? They don't see them at home, either." In 1956 Scottie and Michael are two naïve young Americans who married soon after meeting at a Vassar mixer. They have just moved to Siena so that Michael can establish a Ford tractor dealership and it turns out that they have brought a lot of secrets with them. To reveal any of those secrets or the new ones that develop would spoil this really charming and witty book.

Italy is still recovering from the war. It is a country with many complex political parties and alliances and both the Russians and the Americans see an opportunity to exercise influence. "Italy was not carefree and sexy like they made it seem in Roman Holiday. It was dense and mysterious and dangerous and confusing." Scottie and Michael settle into life in Italy as a combination of innocents abroad and ugly Americans. He has a little trouble making inroads with his new neighbors because he speaks Italian with the wrong kind of accent, i.e. Sicilian, and he encounters Italians with a dim view of Americans who make films that are treacle and products that are flimsy and who maintain an imperialist presence in Europe. Scottie, on the other hand, is more gregarious. She quickly picks up Italian from Robertino, a 14 year old boy who shares her love of horses. Robertino also performs odd jobs for Michael so the couple, as well as the rest of the town, are quite worried when Robertino suddenly disappears during preparations for a horse race that is packed with tradition.

This book is a delight with characters that I loved, spies, counterspies, mystery, love and great food. The author has a very light touch with history, politics and other serious topics. I would be happy to read another book by her.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

My Thoughts: Reading The Italian Party was like watching a favorite old movie. It was an extended trip to the Italian countryside. It was a delight! This is an old-fashioned kind of story and that made it a breath of fresh air in my reading life. There’s a bit of suspense, a missing person, good versus evil, communism versus democracy, all wrapped up in a lovely, light little historical fiction.

It was 1956 when young, naive Scottie and shy, idealistic Michael arrived in Siena after a whirlwind courtship and a quickie marriage which neither was really prepared for.

“Sex with Michael was quick, and they both kept their eyes closed.
You were not supposed to like it.
You were not supposed to long for it.
You were not supposed to think about it.
You were not supposed to dream about it.
It was not supposed to be fun.
It was not supposed to be about power.
Was it?”

I appreciated that we immediately know this couple’s secrets: Scottie is pregnant with another man’s child, and Michael, a newly minted CIA agent, is gay. Michael’s mission is to thwart communism’s increasing presence in the Italian countryside and Scottie’s is to give her baby a father and maintain her reputation. Both are likable characters, but Scottie is the star. Just like what might happen in an old movie, Scottie quickly takes to Italy and turns out to be a lot better at interacting with the Italians than her husband. When the boy who’d been helping Scottie learn Italian disappears, Scottie begins to dig deeper into life in Siena and the mystery that is her husband. The Italian Party is not going shock you and you may guess exactly where it’s going, but still the journey through the 50’s in Italy is one I predict most readers will thoroughly enjoyed. Grade: B+

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher (via NetGalley) in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I had no idea what I was getting into with this wonderful book. It has humor (lots of humor), it has espionage, it has lies (lots and lots of lies), it has adventure, and it has so much more...

This is the story of newlyweds who travel to Italy in the 1950's. They know so little about each other and so little about the country that they moved to.

My thanks to netgalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced readers copy.