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After the major loss of her parents, Aurora is lost and alone. She takes a DNA test and finds long lost relatives in Sicily. She goes to visit and sees a whole new side of life and gets her spark back. I really enjoyed this book. I could relate to the loss of both parents unexpectedly, however, I have not taken a DNA test. I've always been interested in taking one so this story was so intriguing to me. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Net Galley for the advanced copy!

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I would like to thank Net Galley and Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I have read a number of Jennifer Probst's books and always enjoyed them. This is no exception. It is a well paced story about Aurora Rose York,who British father and Italian ( Sicilian) mother have raised her in New York. Aurora's parents have told her neither have any family, being only children, and their parents deceased. Aurora is a life coach, write and podcaster. She has trained herself and others to be strong, over come emotion, set and achieve goals, and , of course, avoid carbs. Her boyfriend Jason is a personal trainer who runs a gym. They seem suited for each other, but Aurora's mother sees it differently. Its not a spoiler to say that her mom dies in the second chapter and Aurora is consumed with grief( her father passed away 5 years before), to the point of being unable to work effectively in her job. She can't write, has difficulty with the podcasts and with her coaching. Then she does a DNA test and finds family in Sicily that she knew nothing about. Aurora goes to Sicily to try to come to terms with her life and her family secrets. I loved the descriptions of Sicily and her Sicilian family. My fathers family is Sicilian, (as is my husband's fathers family). We have been to Sicily several times, most recently this summer on a multi generational trip with our children and grandchildren for a month. The descriptions and characterizations rang true. It was a beautifully written book. I did not like the character of Jason at all, and he came off a bit of a stereotype. Otherwise, i really enjoyed this book!

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As someone who has taken a DNA test before and found out things I never imagined, I related so so hard to Aurora and all her DNA test changed for her.

I cried multiple times throughout this book. This book dealt with heavily losses and the grieving that comes with that. This book also dealt with finding love within yourself and your family, your community, your job. Rediscovering yourself. Aurora meeting her family, falling in love with Sicily, and finding herself after the loss of her mother was incredible and inspiring. This book made me cry, swoon, and just warmed my heart so much. Reading about Aurora finding love within a family and Sicily was everything and more. It made me so so happy and touched my heart, truly. This book was everything and more and it healed parts of me. i loved it so much!

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The story really got to me in many ways, especially due to the fact that our female lead was a public entity on social media.

The author takes on the issues that social media can bring to people in terms of privacy and the faceless person feeling like they can trash or say anything because it’s on a social media platform. Sad really.

This story dives into the psychology of dealing with grief and how it can affect people differently. The story tackles, not only the business profession, but also personal relationships, and how that can affect your psyche and outlook while grieving.

What was wonderful was the female lead taking a chance on traveling, meeting new family, and getting the backstory that she never knew about. Within all of this we also meet a wonderful guy who is a perfect balance for everything she’s going through.

Probst delivers amazing descriptions and details that paint a picture of Sicily that will warm your heart. The story is in the details and the author definitely enhances it with this vibrant setting.

To Sicily with Love is a beautiful story that is a bit of a tear-jerker about family, healing, and finding your perfect path. It definitely made an impression on me as I could relate to many pieces in this story.

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I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I feel like I could have done without the romance in this one. Aurora’s story is so beautiful on its own. I’m glad that she found a man who actually treats her like a person (unlike Jason) but falling in love in under 4 weeks is so not realistic I’m sorry!

I wanted the story to focus more on her familial ties. The overall theme of self discovery and appreciating the loved ones in your life while you still have them is a strong enough plotline on its own in my opinion.

Other than that I think this was really cute and I appreciated the imagery! Makes me want to add Sicily to my list of travels!

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DNF. Unfortunately this writing style just wasn’t for me but the bigger issue is a personal one. By the 10th mention of a dead parent I wanted to be done. And then the second parent died and I had to be done. I don’t feel like I am able to give an accurate star rating but I have to submit one. The cover is beautiful! Thank you for the opportunity, I’m sorry it didn’t work out.

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A heartfelt, romantic story about a woman who needs to learn how to love herself before she can really move on with her life. Aurora is struggling professionally. A life coach, with a boyfriend who shares her type A work ethic, she finds herself stuck and questioning everything after the death of her mom, an Italian immigrant who never talked about her life before moving to the United States. Aurora is shocked to find out that she has a big, extended family in Italy, and when they invite her to visit, she goes, just thinking she will spend a week and get back home to get her life together. But she is captivated by the big, loving family she always dreamed of, and the possibility of a new career and new love. Readers will really cheer for Aurora as she works to find her way forward. A great story!

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Okay do I need to go to Sicily now?! I think I do! I loved this little book- the characters were fantastic and I loved the connection!

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Jennifer Probst’s To Sicily With Love is a captivating love story that transcends borders and transforms lives. Probst masterfully weaves a tale of love, loss, and the power of second chances.
Aurora, a highly-controlled and successful businesswoman, embarks on a journey to Sicily, a place she’s always dreamed of visiting. This trip becomes a catalyst for profound change. As she immerses herself in the island’s beauty, she begins to let go of her rigid lifestyle and embrace the beauty of spontaneity.
Probst’s vivid descriptions of Sicily’s stunning landscapes, delectable cuisine, and warm-hearted people transport readers to this enchanting island. The author’s keen eye for detail brings the sights, sounds, and flavors of Sicily to life.
The romance between Aurora and the enigmatic Sicilian chef, Quint, is both passionate and tender. Their connection is palpable, and their chemistry ignites the pages.
To Sicily With Love is more than just a love story; it's a celebration of self-discovery and the transformative power of love. Aurora’s journey from a tightly wound individual to a woman who embraces life’s uncertainties is both inspiring and heartwarming. Probst has crafted a truly unforgettable reading experience.
Michele Roberts
With the help of Gemini AI

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I have never read anything by this author before, but I really enjoyed reading this book. The pacing was good and the character's were developed very well.

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this is a truly lovely story! a love story of family, past and present, and the multitude of ways it is shown, shared, grieved, revived, and long lasting. Aurora goes on a healing and heartbreaking journey to Sicily to meet the family she never knew she had. there she finds the connections she’s yearned for, the answers she didn’t know she needed, and the love she oh so deserves.

I absolutely loved seeing Aurora get all she needed and more from this story. her family is precious, and just like a real family in all the wonderful nuanced ways. and I loved seeing Aurora and Quint get their beautiful love story together too. this story is filled with so much love, honesty, adventure, and tenderness.

thank you for the arc!!!!

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This was such a fun read for all of the recovering workaholics who haven’t discovered that listening to our inner voice is a sure-fire way to find peace with our lives and ourselves.

Following Aurora, who suffers from both a super Type A personality and the loss of her parents in quick succession, she makes time to find her long-lost family and discover what’s most important to her future and heart.

There’s a little romance, but zero spice.

I was rooting for her the whole time. Jason was a terrible character, and a great reminder that we are often the last ones to realize we have someone toxic in our lives.

Overall, very good read! I didn’t put it down!

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The main character really annoyed me for so long but I was thrilled when she finally broke up with Jason! I wanted a little bit more about the mom and dad but I appreciated the scenery and descriptions of Sicily, it felt like I was actually there.

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**Insert crying emoji here, please!!!** I was very possibly more excited for this title than any other I've read this month, and it did not disappoint! The start of the book took it's time allowing me to settle into the world. Also, I HATED Jason. The number of times I yelled at the kindle, "Kill him!" was extensive, before remembering that this was not, in fact, a thriller. LOL. When he told her it was time to "move past" her mom's death, I lost it.

Once we hit Sicily, I was excited for an adventure. I saw a lot of myself in Aurora. She was cautiously optimistic with the premise of meeting her family, but she took a chance, and I loved that. I read this with thunder and rain bellowing outside, and this book was like a warm hug. I often feel a little hesitant to read 'summer' titles in the fall and winter, but this was a breath of fresh air and I'm already dyyyying to get my hands on a physical copy.

4.5/5.0

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So this was my first book I have ever read by Jennifer Probst, once I finished it, I have been reading more & more of her books. I absolutely love her stories! Anyway, I was ready to review To Sicily with Love from my 3rd chapter in. My mom past a year ago, this book was so emotional for me. I was sobbing at certain parts. Her characters are so lifelike. It starts with Aurora who is a podcast host and a life coach with many clients. She has a boyfriend that is arrogant and a jerk. Aurora is an only child and was always told that her mom was an only child (and her parents had past) .Her mom dies suddenly of a heart attack. She takes a DNA test and finds out her mom was not an only child and has a whole family in Sicily. From there, the story gets better and better. I cannot wait to continue reading all of Jennifer Probsts books.

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Podcast host and life coach, Aurora, seems to have it all. Her mom dies unexpectedly and she has a hard time managing her grief. While dealing with the loss of her mom, she has a very public meltdown after which her boyfriend decides they should take a break. Aurora is an only child and with no family left she decides to send her DNA off to an ancestry site in hopes of learning more about her mother's life. She receives a message through the site from familial match and from there she is off to Sicily to learn more about her mom, herself and to connect her new extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

Overall, I did enjoy the storyline though, at times, it was a bit repetitive and drawn out. With that said, I did love that this story of self discovery was filled with so many heartwarming family connections. I would definitely recommend adding this to your TBR when it's released next year.

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I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

I really enjoyed this book! I loved watching Aurora grow as a person and start to understand perspectives outside of her worldview. I disliked a lot of her life/ job as well as relationships at the beginning of the story, which in turn had me struggling to like her. But, seeing her grow, live, and love in Sicily changed my perspective.

I also loved that the places she travels in the book were real, and did a lot of research/ looking up the history of the places outside of reading the story.

My only frustration with the story was the name "Quint." I struggled with this name matching the description of the man in the story, and couldn't really 'feel' the character because of this. May just be my own prejudices.

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I want to thank Berkley and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of To Sicily with Love by author Jennifer Probst
“So hard for it if you are brave enough to let go.”
“This is not like the Jersey shore.”
Aurora is doing well with her self help clients, her videos, the book she is writing and her boyfriend Jason. And then everything changes! She’s alone! She decides to try Ancestry. Maybe she has found a cousin!
To Sicily with Love is a warm fuzzy book.scheduled for publication 02/18/2025

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I was intrigued by the plot and love Italy, so I dived right into this.

This felt like traveling to Sicily myself. I liked how the author described the setting and atmosphere. Definitely made me want to close my eyes and pretend I was there.

Characters were entertaining, well developed and felt realistic. I thought the author did a great job creating the relationships between everyone, platonic & romantic.

A wonderful escape!

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Romantic escapism best describes "To Sicily with Love" by Jennifer Probst. The story is about fresh starts and self-discovery, love and healing, and understanding cultural differences. As the title implies, the setting is Sicily, and the author's descriptions help immerse the reader into the heart of the story, joining in the journey to loving oneself, family found and made, and happiness that can be found in the most unexpected of places.

Thank you NetGalley, author Jennifer Probst, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and love this emotionally driven story.

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