Set mostly in Positano, Italy, One Italian Summer is about mother/daughter bonds, evolving relationships, heartache and hope. As a frequent traveler to Italy this book grabbed my attention immediately. The Amalfi Coast is lovely and I have a particular fondness for Naples. So, when reading it was super easy to envision the magnificent scenery, atmosphere, glorious food and setting, thanks to beautiful descriptions.

Katy's mother has recently died and Katy is left utterly bereft and devastated. She and her mother were kindred spirits and were planning a trip to Positano where Carol had spent time before having Katy. Instead, Katy travels to sun-drenched Italy, leaving her husband at home, to establish who she is and perhaps find some answers. What she finds is far more than she would have ever imagined...her mother at 30 years old. Her spirit is ignited in other ways as well.

My favourite aspects are the location (aaahhhh...Italy) and the special mother/daughter bond. However, I did not enjoy the romance and Katy's relationship with her husband. Katy finding her mother was interesting but in my view did not blend in well with the rest of the story.

My sincere thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this book. It brought back many nostalgic memories of this area of Italy and caused me to reflect on my own wondrous relationship with my mom which I never take for granted.

I was very excited to read this since I absolutely loved Rebecca Serle's "In Five Years", but unfortunately this book wasn't a win for me.

Katy isn't sure she'll ever recover from the loss of her mother and best friend, Carol. In an attempt to find herself and take a break from her current life, she takes the planned mother-daughter trip to Positano alone. It's here that she runs into her mother again - but decades younger and very different from the woman she knew.

The descriptions of Italy were beautiful and very well-written, but I couldn't get over the overwhelmingly co-dependent and even emotionally enmeshed mother/daughter relationship. The first chapter alone made me feel uncomfortable and unsure if I wanted to continue.

I also couldn't stand the way Katy treated her husband and I thought the romance aspect was highly unnecessary. Additionally the magic/time-travel idea was very interesting, but I don't understand why Katy didn't explore it more.

The story wrapped up quite nicely however and I have no complaints there.

Out March 1st, 2022!

I can’t tell you how excited I was when Simon & Schuster answered my pleas and let me read an e-ARC of this book. I read In Five Years last year and fell in love with it, and was eagerly awaiting Serle’s upcoming book. I can confidently say Serle is becoming one of my favourite contemporary authors.

In the book, Katy is devastated after the death of her mother, her best friend. Katy decides to travel to Positano, a trip she and her mother planned together - and is shocked to find her mother there, alive and well and 30 years old.

Serle has this almost bewitching writing style that fully pulls me in. It’s rich, descriptive and emotional, yet somehow muted, in a way that seems fitting of the deeply emotional experiences of the characters. I’m someone who isn’t massively expressive in my emotions, so I don’t always relate to books that reflect big emotions in big, powerful ways, but Serle’s style really speaks to me. It’s written so smoothly, I find myself automatically spilling onto the next page or chapter, even if I intended to pause reading.

I really enjoy the narrators Serle writes. They may not always be the most likeable, but they’re authentic, figuring out who they are and what they want. Others might get hurt along the way, but sometimes that’s life. I appreciate how that’s a natural part of the story. I also love the Jewish representation, a recurring theme in Serle’s books.

The Italian setting here is spectacular. Serle’s descriptive writing bathes you in the scenery, the weather, the food… Italy is my favourite place in the world and this book had me physically aching to be there, soaking in the sun, eating the mouthwatering food. As Serle writes it, Italy itself is a starring character in the story.

I haven’t said much about the plot, and that’s intentional. I think Serle’s books are best entered relatively blind. But I really enjoyed the story here - its unexplained magical undertone, its themes of history living on, past and present and future. The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is because I think I liked In Five Years slightly more, but just a personal preference.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this book! Opinions are my own.

I love books set in Italy, especially now when travelling is so limited. The story was compelling to me right from the start: a young woman who has just lost her mother, and takes the trip solo that they were supposed to take together. I think where the story lost me was the (spoiler) time travel aspect. Once I realized that was happening I really checked out of the story. I thought at first that she was just imagining her mom there and no one else would see her, but nope- full on back in time to the 90’s. I didn’t love that but I still enjoyed the story although there were some gaps in the plot.

I loved both The Dinner List and In Five Years by this author and was so pleased to get this from NetGalley. I am happy to report that this lived up to my expectations and more. Rebecca Serle has a gift for writing women's fiction with a twist of magic realism.

This book touched my heart in so many ways. The way Katy describes her mother (the one who kept the family together) reminded me so much of my grandmother. I loved the relationship these two characters have, even though it was a tad unrealistic. I don't know many mothers and daughters who are each others soul mates. BUT, what I REALLY liked about this story was the unexpected direction it took towards the end. I was happy to be pleasantly surprised.

It would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I loved the imaginative trip to the Amalfi Coast. The descriptions of the sunsets, the beaches, the people and the food! I have always wanted to visit Italy and now I feel as though I have.

RATING: 4.5

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC!

PLOT: Katy loses the love of her life, the bane of her existence, her source of understanding this mysterious thing we call 'life': her mom, Carol. They were both going to go to the Amalfi coast together to relive Carol's beautiful memories of her time there before Katy was born. After her mother's passing, Katy decides to go there to sort out her life and figure out what she wants to do. Little does she know, she'll end up meeting the younger vibrant version of Carol before she was born! Thank you time travel!!

FAV QUOTE: This is one of my three favorite quotes from the entire book that gave me a lot of food for thought.
There is a saying, 'What got you here won't get you there.' That the same set of circumstances, beliefs, actions that got you to a moment won't get you to what comes next. That if you want a different outcome, you have to behave differently. That you have to keep evolving.

REVIEW: It was a joy to read this book that takes place on the Amalfi coast at a time when only my imagination can travel and not me (thanks COVID). Katy and Carol are truly believable characters, in that I can feel Katy's pain at losing her mother, and I can feel Carol's love for interior design and cooking and just knowing how to do things. In fact, I would describe my own mom like Carol! Carol and Katy's mother-daughter relationship is so beautifully portrayed. The juxtaposition of feeling the pain in such a beautiful location isn't lost on the reader either. If I were on the Amalfi coast, I would be in the room unable to enjoy the coast. And then Carol shows up?! I would follow her to the ends of the universe!! For a 200 or so paged book, Serle writes at a leisurely pace when describing Positano that makes me want to float on the waters with Katy; and at an urgent pace to unfold the relationship between Katy and Carol that kept me GLUED to the book flipping pages like mad.

RECOMMEND TO: For those who would like to travel somewhere in a book. For those who are missing their moms. For those who like time-travel books (e.g. The Time Travellers Wife).

“There is more to life than just continuing
to do what we know. What got you here
won't get you there.”

Initial thoughts - take me to Positano now for those views and yummy food!

It’s a lovely story about love, loss and grief and how one trip to Italy can change everything.

This is such a beautiful written story from the setting to the characters. I literally felt like I was right there with Katy, seeing the beautiful views, tasting all the delicious food and feeling all of her emotions.

I felt like I could truly relate to this story, not due to losing my mother, but losing someone very close and special to me. It’s beautiful that Katy got to experience the younger version of her mother and truly learn so much more than she thought she already knew.

This is the second book I read from Rebecca Serle. I enjoyed In Five Years more, but this was still a great read. I’m looking forward to more of her work!

4.5/5

I was a little anxious about reading this because I wasn't the biggest fan of In Five Years, but this book was captivating! It made me laugh, smile and break down into tears. My boyfriend was shocked to hear me squealing one second and crying the next—that was how impeccably written One Italian Summer was. Katy was a relatable and three-dimensional character. Even though she made some interesting choices throughout the novel, I found myself rooting for her and her happiness up until the conclusion.

The mother-daughter moments in the book broke me as well, which brought a deep sense of authenticity and family love to the overall story. The descriptions of the Amalfi Coast as well as the instances of Italian hospitality were also wonderful to read, as it took me back to my trip almost five years ago. Rebecca Serle amplified the beauty and magic Italy has to offer, and her writing made it feel as if you were across the world with Katy and Carol, too. Ugh, I just adore this one so much, and I have to grab a physical copy when it comes out. This book is a 5⭐️ read and a perfect book for those who loved watching Eat, Pray, Love or the Mamma Mia movies.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC!

One Italian Summer was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022. I absolutely loved In Five Years. So I was very excited to read this book.

This book is women's fiction. The narrator is 30 year old Katy (1st person POV).

This story focuses on the powerful bond between a mother and daughter. It looks at love and loss.

Much of the book is set in Positano on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. The scenic descriptions were incredible. And I loved getting to experience this incredible trip with Katy.

This book is about a woman's visit to Italy. It's about grieving and trying to heal. It's about trying to figure out what comes next. The beginning of this book was so much sadder than I was expecting. I went into this story mostly blind. However I did know about what happened to Katy's mom Carol (it's literally the first line of the book). After finishing the book I noticed that the book blurb gives away so much of the story. So I'm really glad that I did not read it in advance.

This book features a magical realism element that really took me by surprise. I think that this part of the story was fun and unique. The book definitely got better for me the more that I read. I liked it when Katy wasn't so sad.

There were some really unexpected developments. But I honestly had no idea how the book would end. Especially in regards to Carol (her mom) and Adam (a man staying at the same hotel as her).

The end was interesting. I liked how certain things were tied together. But I think that I wanted a bit more. Maybe more of an explanation. I did like this book. But it didn't quite give me the amazing feeling that I was hoping for.

I enjoyed this one!
As someone who likes seeing stories around the growth of a parent-child relationship, it was really nice to see this one, around a mother and daughter! I look forward to reading more books by Rebecca Serle

This book caught me totally off guard. I'm not sure if coming off a creepy read that this was what I needed or I just needed to revisit Italy (I love Italy!). But alas what a great visit it was. Even though it comes in at 272 pages it does pack a punch.

I loved the location and the visualisation put me right there, from the crystal clear water to the landscape to the food and wine. I've been to Italy (but not this spot) a couple of times and this brought back so many memories.

Told from the POV of Katy, grieving the death of her mother she embarks on an adventure that was suppose to be the two of them. Katy questions everything in her life now and decides that she needs this time for herself. Not know what to expect she gets something so unexpected - the chance to see her mom 30 years ago.

One Italian Summer is a well written emotional story. It is a story about grief, overcoming and discovering yourself at the same time. This is my first time reading a Rebecca Serle book, she drew me right in wanting to read just one more chapter (pun intented). Definitely an author I will read more of.

My thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for a digital ARC (via Netgalley) in exchange for a honest review.

I received an eARC from Netgalley. I really enjoyed this book. Some parts were sad but overall it was really good. Katy's mother dies and she decides to go on the trip to Positano that she and her Mom had planned. Her mother had lived there for a period of time when she was young. In a quirk of time and space, Katy meets her Mom as a young woman.

She learns more about her Mom as a person before she was a parent, about her Mom's choices and it also helps Katy make some choices about her own life.

It was a beautiful, poignant story made even better by all the descriptions of Positano where I spent a few enjoyable days a couple of years ago.

2.5 ⭐️

After the death of her beloved mother, Katy decides to take their long awaited trip to Positano. Unsure of her place in the world or her relationship status with her husband, Katy goes on the trip and is shocked to find that her Mother is there, although she’s 30 years younger and on the trip she always told Katy about.

I didn’t enjoy this. In Five Years was one of my favourite reads from last year so this was a disappointment. I was so excited to read this but it was sooooo boring. It took a long time to get through. I don’t really see the point of this story, it lacked depth, Katy was unhealthily attached to her mother. Half the story is just describing how Carol was the perfect mother. Also, I strongly disliked Adam and that situation, he was selfish and didn’t respect boundaries. Katy was just so boring, she had no like of her own and basically blamed her mother for that? She was completely lost without her. The time travel aspect of Carol happened to randomly it just didn’t add up. I loved the description of Positano, it was amazing, but the rest was lacking. I did enjoy the ending and how Katy changed. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful, haunting. touching. These are just a few words that summarize this wonderful novel by Rebecca Serle.

I was eager to read One Italian Summer as its premise was intriguing and so meaningful to me as, like Katy, I lost my mother when I was not quite 30. For a long time, I divided my life into Before my Mother Died and Afterward. Rebecca Serle beautifully captures this sense of loss, grief and loss of sense of self that Katy feels when her mother, Carol, dies. The writing evokes so many emotions - laughter, sadness, joy - and the story, which has a touch of magic - Katy encounters her mother as a young woman in Italy - sweeps the reader along. With Katy, we learn about Carol as a mother but also as a young woman with hopes and dreams, passions, and fears. I loved watching their relationship develop as Katy gets a view into her mother’s life as a young woman and gains an understanding about Carol and about her (Katy’s) own life.

There is so much to love about this novel. The setting is so effortlessly and beautifully described that I felt that I was there with Katy in Positano, Italy. I was captivated by this novel throughout and the wonderful twist near the end and the ending itself, is truly beautiful. I truly cannot say enough good things about this novel. The premise was exquisitely executed. I loved this book and highly recommend it. It is a warm-hearted, emotional, read. 5 big, glowing stars.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Was really hoping to love this one more than I did. The writing felt YA, and I LOVE a mother/daughter story and was hoping for more depth with this one. A good twist, and I love magical realism, but was hoping this one would do more for me.

I think this is one of my new favourite books, it was perfect! :)

“One Italian Summer” follows Katy Silver after the death of her mother. In the wake of her mother’s passing, Katy doesn’t know what to do with herself, how she should feel, or how she could ever possibly move on from this. Before her mother had passed, she and Katy had planned a mother-daughter trip to Italy, which Katy decides to go on without her mother, to see why her mother had loved it so much. Upon arriving, Katy actually meets her mother, 30 years in the past. Katy gets to know her and learns to understand how her mother wasn’t always the all-knowing woman she knew, but just simply another woman, like her.

This was one of the most nostalgic, friendly-feeling books that I’ve read in a long time! The characters were well written, very complex, and extremely realistic, and the raw emotions and thoughts were so well captured and articulated. All of the characters were very lovable and each had their own very well-developed personality. The setting of this book was truly amazing; I’m not great at picturing the setting in my head while reading, but this was so well described and vibrant that it was easy to see. This book was honestly amazing and I loved it so much! I’d definitely recommend it :)

One Italian Summer was one of my most anticipated 2022 reads and I am grateful to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Atria books for the advance digital copy!

To summarize briefly, Katy Silver’s world is upended after the death of her mother with whom she was extremely close. She decides to take the trip to Italy they had planned together, to try and gain perspective on ‘what now’.

The imagery of Italy was breathtaking, I felt immersed in the location, and the description of the food had me drooling and looking up the cost of flights.

And while I appreciated the journey Katy was on, it felt like she had been living with blinders on and relied on her mom in an unhealthy way. I am a similar age and it didn’t feel that relatable at this stage of my life.

As a reader, it felt like we were along for a very atmospheric ride but should just follow Katy’s epiphanies and not think too hard about a certain plot line because otherwise you may leave this book with more questions than answers.

Overall, this book had great pacing, with vivid and beautiful imagery. I did appreciate the nuggets of wisdom imparted on Katy throughout her journey.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster/ Atria Publishing Group for the ARC!

4 stars! This book was honestly exactly what I needed at the moment. It was easy to get through and had me wanting to take a trip to Italy.

After her mom passes away, Katy Silver feels like she's lost herself and embarks alone on the trip to Italy that she was supposed to take with her mother. She feels like her marriage is slowly crumbling and goes to Italy to do some soul searching.

Without giving away any major spoilers I will say that this book threw me for a loop. There is the aspect of time travel in it, which was a little confusing if I'm being honest but nonetheless I still enjoyed it. I liked Katy as the main character, but I wish that we saw more of Eric (husband) which would have made the ending more satisfying.

The one thing that I wasn't exactly too keen on was the ending. I think that it should have been developed a little more, and explained a bit better. There are also certain tropes (see below) that aren't for everyone so be mindful of that. Overall, both the characters and the plot were a hit for me and I would recommend it.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Release Date: March 1, 2022

Additional Information
Spice? Vague spice
Cheating? Complicated
OW/OM? Also complicated
HEA? Yes

Condensed review to be posted to Indigo.ca