Cover Image: The Temptation of Gracie

The Temptation of Gracie

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Member Reviews

Tuscany is what led me to this novel, and the story that takes place mostly in Tuscany is what kept me there.

Several years ago I was intrigued by Santa Montefiore’s first three novels, which I have never read as they never became available to me in sequence. This is Santa Montefiore’s newest novel, and my first reading of her work.

The Temptation of Gracie is romantic – in the broadest sense of the word – although there is definitely romance in it as well. Mostly, it is about love – between men and women; between uncles, nieces, and nephews; between fathers and children; between mothers, daughters, and grand-daughters.

Gracie is in her late sixties and has been a widow for almost ten years. While she is at her hairdresser’s she sees a photograph of a place she knew well at one point in her life – a time of her life that she has kept secret for more than 40 years. Something compels her to return and in the process of making her plans, Gracie’s estranged daughter and grand-daughter get involved and her solitary journey becomes a threesome.

It is obvious throughout this novel that Santa Montefiore spent time in Tuscany herself. The romantic and vivid ambience is described so well I felt that that I was there and drinking it all in. The story is tastefully written (and I’m not just talking about the food) and vibrant in sound, colour, and taste – a true feast for the senses.

There were a few twists in the story that I did not anticipate, although anticipating outcomes and being right about them is fun, it is a real delight to me when they are unexpected.

Thanks to my pleasurable reading experience with this novel, someday I am definitely going to read more of Santa Montefiore’s works.

<i>With gratitude to Simon & Schuster Canada, Simon & Schuster UK, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this novel, and to the author, thank you Santa Montefiore. Its publication date is <b>April 16, 2019.</b></i>

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Thank you for the opportunity to read this book! I really enjoyed it! I usually just read mystery books, but the lure of Italy and cooking snagged me. I loved Gracie and the story she told over the week in Italy. I loved that it moved from past to present time, this kept me interested and waiting to find out what happens with Tancredi and Gracie. I loved the scenery and cooking descriptions and all the characters. A beautiful book!

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Many thanks to NetGalley for this wonderful ARC book. It was my first time reading anything by Santa Montefiore and I could not have chosen a better book to introduce me to her writing. I absolutely loved the stories of Gracie's early adulthood in Italy, and her senior trip on a cooking holiday there with her daughter and granddaughter. I don't want to include any spoilers, but the climax had me tearing up while reading on the subway. I didn't care for the character of Flappy, and I don't think we're supposed to. I will definitely recommend this book!.

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Wow. I love your book so much. I read it in one day. So rich and beautiful. I want more of them . Family and love are so important.

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