WARNING: This book should not be attempted on an empty stomach. I may have ingested multiple bowls of pasta and several ̶g̶l̶a̶s̶s̶s̶e̶s̶ ̶ bottles of red wine during the reading of this novel.

Our Italian Summer follows the three Ferrari women - workaholic single-mom Francesca, her resentful teenaged daughter Allegra and Francesca's aging, widowed mother, Sophia - on a family trip to Italy. Sophia has long wanted to see her parents' homeland but her husband died before they had a chance to go so when Allegra starts acting out and Francesca's work stress begins causing panic attacks, she insists they get away in the hopes that they can all relax and reconnect before it's too late to repair their fracturing relationships with each other.

The story is told from each of the women's POVs and I liked getting their different perspectives on what was happening. You will totally be transported to Italy along with Francesca, Sophia and Allegra - I could almost taste the pasta they ate and see the sights they were visiting. It's like taking the vacation we all wish we could right now and I dare you not to bust out some prosciutto and a class of Chianti while you're reading.

Aspects of the plot are a bit predictable but Our Italian Summer is a great escape and I appreciated that the men the women get involved with don't take over the story - Probst keeps the focus on the Ferraris where it should be.

3.5 stars

Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and the author for an advanced copy to review.

This was a beautiful, emotional and well written story. When you read one of Jennifer Probst stories you definitely feel that you are in between the pages, she make everything so relatable. It does my heart good to read one of her books!

5 A Moving Life Changing Experience Stars!!

I absolutely adored this newest book by Ms. Probst. I connected on different levels with each generation with each of these women. Each of these women, while family, are very disjointed right now because they’re each being pulled in different directions, especially Francesca and Allegra, our mother and daughter in this story and then there’s Sophia who’s the matriarch of this family and she can see how her daughter and granddaughter are struggling with their lives right now as they’re being pulled in a lot of different directions, some of them leading to consequences that no one is going to be happy about.

I absolutely fell in love with how these three women reconnected while exploring Italy. There are some very heartwarming discussions but also angry words as Francesca comes to the realization that her baby, isn’t a baby anymore and recognizing that Allegra can make her own decisions, however consequential some of them are, is something she struggles with, sometimes questioning some of her actions over the years. But Sophia is a woman that is astute and wise and sometimes lets the chips fall where they may and other times inserts herself into the discussion on a more forceful basis… just like my own beloved Nonna used to do… oh the stories I have LOL…

Their trip to Italy and the cities, museums and countryside they visit is written with so much grace and love, it’s apparent Ms. Probst has a true love for this country, as she does disclose at the end of this amazing book. There were times I could picture myself standing there looking at David or on one of the Venetian canals absorbing all the beauty of this country.

Needless to say, all their lives change as this trip winds down and they have to return to their home, but it’s with different mindsets and I can see the greatness of what their family is becoming and will sustain going forward. This book is absolutely one of my very favorite by Ms. Probst and is one I’ll definitely read again and again as well getting the audiobook so I can truly bring this story to life.

Our Italian Summer was such a beautiful story and I fell in love with Sophia, Francesca and Allegra. I think any mother can relate to Sophia and Francesca’s doubts about whether they’ve made the right decisions along the way. If you’ve ever been a mother or daughter, the dynamics will probably feel familiar to you as well. I loved going on this journey with them as they learned how to reconnect with each other and with themselves.

Now, let’s talk about the setting! I was lucky enough to spend a semester in Italy in college and Jennifer Probst does such an amazing job of capturing the essence of this beautiful country, from the scenery to the food to the people. It brought back so many memories for me and I loved it. We were supposed to go to Italy as a family this past summer but that didn’t happen so I lived vicariously through these three women and I enjoyed every minute of it.

The additional romance elements were sweet and beautiful. Rather than take away from the women’s work on fixing their relationships, the romances helped each character through their personal growth and I loved that. I'm glad the focus the story wasn't on everyone getting a happy romantic ending. Instead, it ends with a lot of hopefulness. (However, I really would have loved an epilogue because I'm dying to know what happens next for these characters. I'm hoping we get to hear from them again someday.

Thank you to Valentine PR for a copy in exchange for my honest review. This was another case of me loving the ebook so much that I went and purchased a physical copy as well. Our Italian Summer is an emotional, heartwarming story about family, motherhood and love in every form. It will transport you to beautiful Italy. What’s not to love about that?

If you are someone who has missed traveling over the past year, this book is for you! Our Italian Summer takes you on an epic Italian vacation with the three Ferrari women, Sophia, Francesca, and Allegra. Leaving their stresses back at home, the three women travel to Italy to focus on one thing: family. The writing in this book gives you a firsthand look at the beauty and history of Italy. Our Italian Summer is a lovely book about the bonds between mothers and daughters. This is a great choice for book clubs and travel lovers. Thanks to @netgalley and @berkleypub for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A transportive and family driven novel about three generations of women connecting on an Italian getaway. Surprisingly interesting and with great characterization, a beautiful story about the struggles of growing up, raising a child, and growing old.

Allegra is tired of her overbearing mother, Francesca is obsessed with work, and Sophia just wants her daughter and granddaughter to get a long. So when Francesca has a health scare, Sophia jumps at the opportunity to take all three of them on a much needed Italian vacation.

While I did love the setting and the back story of each character, Francesca absolutely drove me bonkers. She was controlling, a workaholic, and bossy. The only saving grace is her character growth by the end of the novel. I love the added romance, but it was not a focal point of the story. Sophia, the matriarch, is my favorite character and the true hero. Resilient, hopeful, and strong, Sophia fights to make her family whole again. A heartwarming, delicious, and adventerous story that highlights family connection and the resilience of women.

Francesca is a workaholic like her father was. She is very successful in her advertising career. However, she struggles tremendously with her relationship with her daughter, Allegra.

Francesca’s mother, Sophia, is determined to keep her family together and happy. She knows the girls just need to get away and reconnect. Sophia decides a summer in Italy is just the thing.

Talk about taking you on a trip to Italy. This book takes you all over the place and I felt like I experienced everything the characters did. The author did a fabulous job with this setting.

I did feel the story moved a little slow in spots. But, the setting and the characters really kept me entertained, especially Francesca’s fall down the steps! You will have to read this to find out!

This is a tale which is about healing relationships and realizing what is important. Plus, with the backdrop of Italy, just makes it a wonderful escape!

Need an escape to Italy! This is it!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Emotional multi-generational story about life and love and family. Connecting and reconnecting. Getting back to where you need to be as a mom, a daughter...and realizing what's truly important. My emotions were all over the place, at times laughing and happy and then sad and teary-eyed (and sometimes happy tears). Solid, well-written story. Highly recommend.

I won a giveaway copy of this book from the publisher. It was fulfilled via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

j'avoue, je suis tombée amoureuse de cette couverture et j'étais donc curieuse de découvrir l'histoire de ces trois générations. Je n'ai pas été déçue de mon voyage en Italie en leur compagnie, j'ai adoré découvrir ou redécouvrir certains lieux et ça m'a donné envie d'y aller. Francesca fait un énorme travail sur elle-même pendant que sa mère et sa fille essayent de lui faire revoir ses priorités et ce qu'elle attend de la vie. C'est avant tout leur histoire, leur évolution, leur prise de conscience et ce qu'elles veulent changer dans leurs vies. Une jolie leçon et un voyage très bien décrit par les mots de l'autrice !

OUR ITALIAN SUMMER is a beautiful and emotional book that leaves lessons for life. Three generations, three women who have their perspective of life. Francesca, Sophia and Alegra take a trip to Italy in order to redirect their lives. Sophia is the matriarch; traditionalist, affectionate and who cares about her daughter and granddaughter since she realize that they do not have a good relationship. Having Italian roots, her dream has always been to share a trip with Francesca and Allegra to her parents country.

Francesca is a business woman, strong-willed and addicted to work. She has no time for interpersonal relationships and has never been in love. She forgets her daughter's important events and is jealous of the relationship between her daughter and her mother.

Allegra is Francesca’s daughter who is very smart and applies herself at school to please her mother, however she has no idea what she will do with her life. She doesn't really have friends because she feels out of place, but her attraction to a boy who aspires to be a musician leads her to hang out with the wrong people and creates problems to her. After being arrested for possession of drugs, her mother accepts Sophia's proposal to spend a summer in Italian lands.

Love this book too much! These women can share the same blood and genes, but they have a completely different personalities. Each one has a different approach to life. While Francesca is 100 percent dedicated to her agency, Sophia insists on trying to reunite her family and Allegra tries to find her own way. Jennifer Probst delights us with her writing because she creates real characters living real situations and the description of each landscape is wonderful, from Rome to the vineyards of Tuscany, the beauty of each scenario that it makes you feel that you are there. The story is magnificent because it is during that trip that each one gets to know each other and it is when they realize the value of family, of living each moment giving priority to what really matters, opening up to new opportunities, feeling and even falling in love. The development and evolution both individually and in their mother / daughter relationships is gradual, as well as trust is slowly gained by strengthening family ties.

Our Italian Summer is a moving multi-generational drama set against the beautiful Italian countryside. The story centers around the three Ferrari women, grandmother, mother, and daughter, who go on an Italian tour to reconnect after drifting apart over the years.

I had the opportunity to travel to many of the places toured in the book a couple years ago, so the story brought back wonderful memories of Italy. I liked that the story alternates between the viewpoints of all three women, which made it easier to understand each person's perspective even if I did not agree with it. Definitely have tissues handy for this one.

I liked this book. I love all things Italy, so I was super excited to read it. I loved the story: the idea of three generations of women on a trip to Italy fascinated me. Francesca wasn't very likeable in the beginning and I found myself getting upset with her frequently. Allegra wasn't much better. I did like Sophia, and found myself rooting for her, especially when it came to her love life. By the end, Francesca and Allegra had redeemed themselves, and I found myself rooting for all three. Nice story, great character development, and just the right amount of romance. I debated how many stars to give this book. I don't think it warrants four...if I could give half stars I would give it 3 1/2 but unfortunately that's not possible. Going with three.

In this multi-generational tale you meet three women: Sophia, the matriarch; Francesca, the daughter to Sophia and mother to Allegra and Allegra. They all are struggling for different reasons and believe they are doing the correct thing. Sophia wants a trip to Italy because she senses bad things happening to her and sees her daughter and grand daughter losing the bond they have always had. Francesca is a workaholic who truly believes that she is doing everything right and that she has plenty of time with her daughter left. Allegra is a young woman who wants her mom's attention, but knows that her mom always puts her job first.
When one bad thing after another happens, they finally embark on their trip and what a trip it is. Throughout their journey you see each one grow in different ways. Whether the trip will be a little too late or just in time remains to be seen. Is there any hope in salvaging a relationship between mother and daughter (both sets) or will they each walk away believing the trip was great but not changing their minds about other things.
In a journey of hope, truth and reacquainting yourself with not only your loved ones, but yourself, you will fall in love with each character. A truly emotional and well written story that lead you through not one but three life changing journeys. I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

Our Italian Summer Review

Three generations of headstrong women told through a once in a lifetime trip through beautiful,picturesque Italy.

Sophia as the matriarch of the Ferrari family does everything in her power to help her daughter Francesca reconnect with her own daughter Allegra.

Francesca is so totally focused on her career she’s missing out on something much more important - time with Allegra.

Allegra, for her part is resentful and determined not to cooperate, but deeply loves her grandmother.

Sophia has a secret of her own.

Can this trip help them heal the deep divide and reconnect in all the ways that are important?

Jennifer Probst does what she does best, weave a story that pulls you in and stays with you long after you’ve finished.

Author Jennifer Probst pens a heartwarming story about three generations of women with her latest book, Our Italian Summer. The Ferrari women; Sophia, Francesca and Allegra, need some time to find themselves and reestablish their tattered relationships with each other. As a result, Sophia arranges a summer trip to Italy, and after some pushback from her daughter Francesca and her granddaughter Allegra, she is able to visit the country of her ancestors with the two people she loves most in the world.

I enjoyed this emotional adventure and how the relationships of the characters evolved. Due to the wonderful descriptions, I felt like I was in Italy taking in the sights and sounds of the culture. Ms. Probst is one of my goto authors and I never pass up a chance to read her latest book offering.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

This is definitely more women’s fiction than a romance novel. Jennifer Probst gives the reader a fascinating insight into the relationships between 3 generations of women from one family, especially focusing on mum and daughter dynamics. The Ferrari women are all in their own way a little lost and struggling with life in general. The story is told by these 3 ladies and takes the reader on a lovely journey through Italy as we find out more about them. It is a once in a lifetime trip and a chance to renew their family bonds. They visit some beautiful places as they learn more about each other and themselves.

“ These are the surprises in life that keep us paying attention.”

Sophia - mother and grandmother. It is her wish for an epic summer vaccination in Italy with her girls to trace their family roots as her parents from Naples. She wants to fix Frannie and Allegra’s
relationship so is hopeful the trip will provide the change her girls need. It will also be an opportunity to repair her relationship with Frannie, especially as she is worried she is working too much.
Francesca - daughter and mother. A very independent, successful woman with her own advertising company. She is paranoid of failure and losing it all, so finds it hard to surrender any control. This has made her cold mannered with a ruthless efficiency both at work and in her personal life. She has given up being accepted by her mum or gaining her approval and is jealous over her bond with Allegra. She prioritises work over family so has no time for her daughter and they are like strangers these days.
Allegra - daughter. She loves her grandmother because she has been there for every step of her life unlike her mother. She just wants to fit in and is lonely at home. Even though no idea what she wants to do or what makes her happy, she wants to make her own decisions. Always done what her Mom asked her but resents her and sad she never had a father figure. She finds some new friends who aren’t fake or pretentious like her school friends and they give her an escape and listen to her.

When Allegra is arrested for drugs, Frannie has no choice but to get her away. To Sophia the tour of Italy is a month to get closer to each other and figure things out but all 3 are hiding secrets.
The descriptive scenes of the cities on their tour will have you imagining you are there with them exploring. I found it fun reminiscing as I have luckily visited many of the places they go to. The author also expertly details all the food the ladies experience and it made me envious and hungry.

Romance arrives in the form of Enzo, the tour guide and Ian, a fellow traveller. Both gentleman play a huge part in the story with their caring attitudes and easy going demeanours. It was very intriguing seeing the developing relationship between Frannie and Enzo alongside the intensity of first love with Allegra and Ian. The relationships are unexpected and help address all the misunderstanding and resentment the ladies have.

“I was a firm believer that God gave us what we needed, not necessarily what we wanted.”

All 3 ladies change over the course of the book and most readers will probably relate to all of them at some point in the book. When the secrets come out and truths are shared it was great
as they all come to realise family is more important than anything else. I loved how they slowly come to understand each other, see the effect of the choices each have made and finally find themselves. The author shows the power of forgiveness, healing and second chances.
This was a delightful book which I thoroughly enjoyed. I found it an unusual and thoughtful account of family life, plus Sophia’s conversations with Jack made me laugh.

In Our Italian Summer we see three women take the vacation for different reason. Nonni knows that something is wrong with her and wants to have this time with her daughter and granddaughter with hopes that it will help to heal their relationship. Sophia takes the vacation to keep Allegra away from some friends that seem to be taking her down the wrong path. Allegra, the granddaughter, is forced to go by her mother.



Jennifer Probst brought Italy to life for me. I could picture the places they visited, taste the foods they ate, hear the conversations they had, and hear the sounds they heard. The descriptions of the land, the places they stayed, and the food had me picturing the world they were traveling as if I was right beside them on this once in a lifetime trip. I especially loved the dinners with the dancing, laughing, and having fun.



The relationship between Sophia and Allegra was tough. Sophia is a workaholic who just wants a better life for her daughter while her daughter just wants her mother’s attention. Their relationship is one that needs work and Nonni is the one to make it happen. While Nonni wants nothing more than for that to happen, she chooses her words careful and only uses them at the right time. She is not pushy or overbearing and is wise in her years to realize that she cannot fix them, they must fix themselves. I enjoyed that there were tense moments. There were times of arguing, fighting, and yelling but there were also tender, friendly moments that showed their relationship held hope of becoming one of trust, respect, and love.



Everything about Our Italian Summer is wonderful. Reading to story took me away to place I have never been with characters I would love to travel with. The story has a very real message about family dynamics and respecting each other and their choices.

What a beautiful story set in such a awe inspiring location.
Frannie, workaholic single mom who is losing her tenuous relationship with her teenager daughter. Allegra, Frannie's teenage daughter at that pivotal age when she is looking for who she is and where she belongs in the world and feeling list and unheard. And Spohia, the matriarch of this family who is hiding a health concern.

These three take a summer adventure to Italy to heal wounds in their relationships and see the wonders out there waiting. I absolutely loved the struggle for Frannie and just wasn't expecting to like her. She can't let go, she has to be in control and her priorities are just not in the right order. I loved the trio POV in this story as you get to watch each relationship through another set of eyes and see where things were going so well and then crash and burn with just a few words. I loved seeing her realize things about her relationship with her own mother as she struggled and felt like a failure with her daughter. Don't give up on Frannie- she's going to figure it out in her own time and realize what's important. She's going to see what she really needs and who she could be.

I ended this book having a little boo hoo and I am having one now writing this as I think of these 3 ladies and their journey. Go adventure, eat the carbs, kiss those boys and really let yourself be swept away in those beautiful moments.

A charming description of the Italian landscapes and places to see. While I had a different experience at 18 years old than Allegra did, it makes me want to revisit Italy with a different sense. Three family members visiting their ancestral homeland while at odds with each other gain insights as to the whys of their actions. Will new loves be lost loves, read Our Italian Summer and get lost in this thought provoking novel. I devoured it.

Our Italian Summer is new direction for Jennifer Probst and as of now I will follow her anywhere!

The Ferrari women are all at a cross roads and the last thing that Francesca and Allegra want to do is spend time with each other and away from their lives but Sophia insists. What unfolds is a beautiful story of finding yourself, your place, and gaining understanding of the complications and gifts of the mother-daughter relationship.

The backdrop of Italy made the journey all the more engaging and poignant.

I can’t wait for more of this new Jennifer Probst brand.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book but all opinions are my own.