When I opened the pages of this book I was instantly transported there. Lucy Coleman has such a wonderful descriptive style that you really get a sense of place and people when you read this book.

I love the idea of a romance writer who has a distinct lack of romance in her life. Steamy words bouncing off the pages of the books she writes. Not so much happening away from her writing. Hurt and publicly humiliated when she is dumped by her celebrity boyfriend, Brie is smarting from a broken heart and a distinct attack of writers block! Lake Garda is on my bucket list and thanks to this book I really did feel I was there. Plus, the book was about authors and writing and all the things I adore! Its almost like Lucy Coleman had reached inside my head and picked out all the things I love in a good novel and put them in this book! For me as an aspiring writer this book simply intrigued me. It had all the elements of a fantastic romance as well as some fascinating insights into the writing world.

When Brie is offered the opportunity to go to a writing retreat in Italy she could never have predicted what would happen. Fellow author Arran needs some help with his own writing but very quickly romance blossoms. I really enjoyed how Brie and Arran's relationship developed. If you can't find love in Italy by the beautiful Lake Garda then where can you find it? Lucy Coleman introduces us to a host of characters who really compliment the story adding lots of different dimensions. But, this is not a story without some complications and interesting back stories to intrigue and really pull the story line together. I can't say enough wonderful things about Summer on The Italian Lakes except to say go read it. Its an absolute treat and one that we could all use! Right up there on my list of highly recommended reads!

This is the exact book you need when you’re unable to travel as it transports you to a glorious Italy which is so beautifully described you could almost be there for real! Gorgeous story, recommend!

So I had a different idea of the book when I startes reading it. I little bit into it, a few chapters in it gave me a different vibe of where it was going so it was jarring reconciling what I expected and where the story was actually headed. Still it was a fun book to spend time reading it.

I liked it...I am not a big summer person so sometimes the sun/sand/summer theme doesn't always work for me...this was good though!

**OMG! I cannot believe that these reviews haven't been done! I am so sorry they are so late!!!**

I enjoyed this easy to read book. A story of broken hearts, relationships, disappointments, friendship, romance and self discovery. Lovely descriptions of the beautiful setting in Italy on Lake Garda made me want to holiday here. I enjoyed the insight into the author writing process.

A lovely easy romantic read. Perfect for a beach holiday.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts: Escapism at its finest. Summer on the Italian Lake is for sure a summer read.easy reading, great plot, lovable characters. And the beautiful Italy!

This was a good beach read. British romance writer Brie is recovering from a traumatic breakup and subsequent social media flogging when she is offered the opportunity to participate in a writers' workshop on Lake Garda in Italy. The workshop is hosted by Arran, another author, who is going through his own personal problems. The two hit it off and the story follows the usual path but this was well written and entertaining. Definitely recommend.

This was such a lovely read. I could have booked a place on the writing retreat and spent time enjoying the vividly described setting!
Brie has been booked to lead some classes for groups of writers and also finish her latest book. Arran owns the villa and is also working on a new book and is receptive to Brie’s advice on how to appeal to a wider audience.
The characters are so well drawn that you feel that you are along with them , taking the classes, sightseeing and generally enjoying the ambience.
I can’t wait to read more by Lucy Coleman

I love this author’s books and I was looking forward to this latest one. It certainly didn’t disappoint.

Brianna is a very likeable character. She’s got a very successful writing career, but she feels that there’s another, different style of book, in her. Her love life has ended badly, and the chance to go to the writing retreat comes at just the right time for her.

The setting is, of course, glorious, and I found the whole creative process behind writing and publishing fascinating. There’s a wonderful back story in one of the novels that she and Arran are working on, which added great depth to the story.

The pace is gentle and flowing, just perfect for this plot. The characters are so well portrayed and real.

A very enjoyable read, perfect for cheering yourself up on a gloomy winter’s day. Highly recommended.

A feel-good romance set in Italy. What more can you ask for? A fun quick beach read!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book made me want to jump on a plane to Italy at the first opportunity! The setting of the Villa Monteverdi was just so gorgeous and the descriptions were so beautifully written that it was very easy to escape and immerse yourself in the fragrant, breathtaking scenery. I very much enjoyed how the romance developed between the characters and the insight into the author writing process. I will definitely be seeking out more Lucy Coleman titles.

This book is described as a feel good romance and boy was it. I had such a smile on my face reading this book. It was well written and descriptive so you really felt like you were in Italy. Definitely a book I will be recommending to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

5☆ Deliciously Heart Warming Romance.
A Must Read!


Summer on the Italian Lakes is such an Endearing and gorgeous read.
I am a big fan of Lucy Coleman's books so when I see this beautiful book I was so excited to read it.
Oh and the book cover.... Wow!... So tranquil and inviting, it's stunning!

Brie was head over heels in love with her celeb boyfriend Paul. Everything was going great.
But the media is brutal and cruel and soon starts a body shaming campaign towards Brie and how awful she looks and that he could do better.
Brie starts to get hateful trolls bullying her online.
Being an Author she relies on her reviews and publicity, and her readers but when the trolls start to attack her books, it's the last straw. Brie is having a breakdown. It doesn't help when her boyfriend dumps her because of the drama. I so wanted to kick his ass!

In a deep emotional slump, and a writers block.
Brie's agent Carrie decides to send her off to the stunning Lake Garda to attend a writers workshop retreat.
To help her heal her heart and get her creative juices flowing again in the hope she can meet her deadline and write her next bestseller!

It's here she meets the handsome and endearing Arran, also a fellow Author.
Wow there is obviously an attraction between them but can Arran get Brie's juices flowing again or is the idyllic and stunning Lake Garda not enough to help create the perfect romance.

Yet again Lucy has weaved her magic once again, she always writes the most mesmerising, heartfelt and captivating stories.
She has a wonderful knack of storytelling, that once you start reading you're hooked and time seems to freeze as you become enthralled.

The characters are believable, well developed, a lil complex, warm, strong, likeable and engaging you can't help routing for them, especially for Brie and Arran who I adored.
The setting descriptions are superbly written, I found myself being transported right into the heart of the story.
I've always wanted to go to Italy so for me this was perfect!

This Gorgeous Book has a lil of everything, drama, heart ache, a glimpse into media bullying and body shaming, new beginnings, relationships, friendships, learning all about writers (which I thoroughly enjoyed) all set in a stunning location.

Summer on the Italian Lakes is a totally absorbing read that is beautifully written.
It's a deliciously heart warming romance that will make you swoon and will sweep you off your feet.
It was an absolute joy to read, i can't recommend this book enough!

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

What a lovely sweet book. This book will make you fall in love with Italy and maybe even book a flight.
What a delight this book is

I have been a fan of Lucy Coleman since the moment I picked up her first book. I just love her stories and her writing style. I couldn’t wait to get hold of a copy of ‘Summer On The Italian Lakes’ as I just knew that it was going to be one heck of an enjoyable read and it would be the tonic that I so badly needed. I was not to be disappointed either. I absolutely LOVED ‘Summer On The Italian Lakes’ but more about that in a bit.
I couldn’t help but take to the character of Brianna Middleton from the first moment I met her. I think I identified with her in a way as some of her character traits mirror the way in which I feel about myself. She has a very negative self image at the beginning of the book and she is such a sensitive soul that she takes all negative comments to heart. She was in a relationship with a famous musician but the relationship broke down partly down to her boyfriend’s attitude and to the attitude of his fans. Brie makes the mistake of looking on social media and she takes the comments of trolls to heart. It’s almost as if she has the comments playing on a loop in her head. She then tries to hide herself away but her family and friends intervene. From that moment on things begin to change for her as she gets her personal and professional lives back on track. I couldn’t help but hope that things would work out for her and that she would get the happiness that she so deserves. Does she get her happy ever after ending? Well for the answer to that question you are just going to have to read the book for yourself to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my goodness gracious me, Lucy Coleman has done it again! She has written a beautiful story with a beautiful lead character. Lucy has a writing style that entices the reader in and before long you find that you just can’t tear yourself away from the story. That’s what happened to me anyway. Lucy writes about her characters so realistically and so compassionately that they seem to come to life and jump off the page. I certainly felt as though Brie was a friend of mine by the time I got to the end of the first chapter and there were a few times where I would have jumped into the pages of the book to give her a hug if I could have. I felt rather defensive of her too and I would have happily slapped the bullies around the face a few dozen times with a wet fish. Bullies are cowards and passive aggressive- more to be pitied than to be feared. Sorry about my swerve from the point but bullying is a particular hate of mine. Anyway I soon became addicted to reading this book and the time I spent reading the book just seemed to fly past in a flash. I picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I was so enchanted by the story and so taken by Brie’s character that I just couldn’t put the book down and I would still be sat there reading over half a dozen chapters later.
In short, Lucy Coleman has written another brilliant book which is sure to be a bestseller. ‘Summer On The Italian Lakes’ has to be my favourite of her books so far. I can’t wait to read what she comes up with next. I would definitely recommend Lucy and her books to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

It's been incredibly cold and snowy in northern Illinois this winter, and I really needed a book to help me escape the drudgery of bundling in 10 layers of clothing and shoveling three feet of snow! So I searched the virtual ebook shelves and discovered "Summer on the Italian Lakes" by Lucy Coleman. Sounds like the perfect armchair getaway, doesn't it?

This story is about Brianna "Brie" Middleton, a romance author who recently ended her relationship with a world famous rock star named Paul. The tabloids and online trolls were merciless, making fun of her looks and eroding her self confidence until she found herself walking down the rabbit hole of depression. Not that Brie wasn't pretty--but how could she compare with supermodels and actresses that her ex-boyfriend usually dated?

Brie's agent asks her for a favor: will she help another author--Arran Jamieson--with his writer's retreat? It seems the author's usual retreat partner was not able to make it this year due to a family emergency. Brie, who had been struggling with writer's block, agreed to go, hoping that the month at a picturesque villa on Lake Garda in Italy might inspire her.

Arran and Brie don't immediately hit it off -- their personalities are too different. But eventually, as they get to know each other, they begin to build a friendship that turns into something more. But there are many things they need to overcome before they can really become a couple, including an ex-wife who wants to take away the villa that Arran inherited from his beloved grandfather, financial worries, problems with the tabloids and friends and family who don't think the two would make a good couple. Will they overcome all these obstacles? Do they feel strongly enough about each other to fight through the problems? I guess you will have to read the book to find out!

Structurally, this in an interesting book. It doesn't necessarily follow the rules for a successful romance. For example, the heroine and hero don't within the first few pages of the book. First, we experience Brie's depression and see how she overcomes it. I felt like it took quite a while for the real story to begin -- where Brie meets Arran. But the author's engaging writing style kept me interested while we waded through Brie's problems. I love the scene at the beginning of the book where Coleman has cleverly set the stage so it appears that Brie is in the room with Jude Law. It takes few minutes for the reader to be surprised by the actual situation. (I won't give it away.)

I recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a feel-good romance that takes place in an exotic Italian location!

Interesting coincidence: Before this book, I read another book titled "A Greek Affair" by Linn B. Halton. That book also helped me survive another of this winter's snowstorms, since it took me away for a while to Athens, Greece. Loved that book and wrote a review about it too. I just discovered that the author of this book--Lucy Coleman--is actually Linn B. Halton. (She uses a pen name for some of her books.) So my two favorite "getaway" books were written by the same author!

Brie is a romance writer, but following the very public disintegration of her romance with rock singer Paul she is struggling to write anything........ and the attacks from internet trolls is definitely not helping! Then she is offered a job for a few weeks at a writer's retreat on Lake Garda and decides to take it. The villa is owned by another writer Aaron and as they get to know each other the sparks start to fly.......... but as they each have their own issues is there any future in it?

A lovely romance with a few twists and turns along the way........ but who wouldn't fall in love in that beautiful romantic setting!

In essence, this is a getaway romance about two authors that come together at a writer’s retreat at the Italian lakes - wonderful and inviting descriptions of the Villa Monteverdi and the views overlooking the lake, make it a worthwhile escapism to Italy, with the right mix of romance and atmosphere to make you feel like you are there.

Brie is a romance writer and Arran, a military historical writer - just about as different as you can get - but the sparks fly and the inevitable romance occurs. Bring into the mix the couple’s separate troubled past relationships and there is enough there to engage the reader.

I do have to admit, however, that I found this book quite methodical, characters cardboard cutouts and the book used as a platform to ‘preach’ on a number of issues - everything from trolling, to relationships, to becoming an author. I found it overall to be rather clinical, providing too much information that did not necessarily weave in seamlessly with the story. It felt at times, as if the author used her book as a forum to speak directly to the reader on these issues with a mixture of her opinion and facts. Unfortunately, that made it somewhat disconnected and even conflicted this message with the plot on one occasion.

So whilst I loved the premise of the story, I found the writing style challenging. I admire the author for making a statement on these important issues, however, it just seemed to be at odds with the overall intended romantic nature of the book.

‘We live in a world where the bad news hits the headlines faster than the good news, if it makes it at all. Good deeds go unrecognised all the time, but I suspect that it’s not often they go totally unnoticed, or unappreciated. What many suffer from is a hesitancy to put themselves in a position where they reach out to offer help, love, or simply a listening ear, because they fear rejection.’



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

What a beautiful setting for a refreshingly different romance novel this turned out to be. There are some lovely descriptive passages of the stunning Lake Garda and how inviting the writing retreat based there becomes. It is a great novel for anyone who is interested in the writing process and you cannot help but wonder whether Brie's writing routines mirror those of the author herself. The participants in the writing retreat add some spice to the first part of the book, all at different stages in their writing careers.

I found the characters of Brie and Aaron to be well drawn and a little intriguing. It takes a while to wotk out Aaron but you soon realise that some of Brie's assumptions about him are far from the mark. Brie gets to work out what she really feels about romantic love and what is important in a relationship. Her two works in progress look at contrasting romantic or sexual situations and you begin to wonder whether they are in fact two sides of the same coin. Both sides present within one relationship. You also get to see how Brie's self- awareness develops and how unselfish and unmaterialistic she actually is. It is no surprise that she has a close circle of family and friends.

In short: Beautiful Lake Garda is the backdrop to a sparkling romance.

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

A lovely summer feel g love story. Finding out about yourself and falling in love. Set in a beautiful setting which makes you feel as if you are there on every page