First off, Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

Let’s get started!

If I’m being honest with you all, the first quarter of the book was a doozy. Aurora is our main character who is a social media “influencer”, life coach etc, if you get what I’m implying and as someone who always wanted to try the “influencer” life, it’s an okay plot line to me.

The first quarter I wasn’t feeling it until the setting have changed and we was now in Sicily. I adored the descriptions of the landscape and food which is a chef kiss touch. That’s when I kind of bonded with our main character Aurora.

All in all, i recommend reading this book if you want something quick and will give you that welcoming spring summer feeling!

To Sicily With Love by Jennifer Probst 🥘🇮🇹✈️🍕

Description:
Aurora seems to have it all: the career, the boyfriend, and a life in NYC. But her world falls apart when she loses her mother. Through DNA testing, she discovers family in Italy she never knew existed. A spontaneous trip to Sicily takes her on a life-changing journey filled with discovery, connection, and love.

My Thoughts:
How do I describe a book that’s perfect? This story was phenomenal—a beautiful mix of tragedy, relationships, romance, food, and family. It’s the perfect February read because it celebrates all kinds of love: love for others, love for food, and, my personal favorite, love for grandparents. Aurora’s bond with her Nonna melted my heart—SO cute and heartwarming! The story’s pacing was just right, and I felt like I was walking the streets of Sicily alongside Aurora. If you want a book that will tug at your heartstrings and make you crave Italian food, this is it!

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction
Age Range: Adult
Favorite Quote:
“Wait for the love of your life, even if it’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done.”

Publication Date: February 18, 2025

Acknowledgment:
Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group, for the ARC!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I will post this review on my profile on February 6th, 2025: https://www.instagram.com/musiesmamareads?igsh=OXIyY2gxYTd2YjE1&utm_source=qr

Aurora York has a successful business and a great boyfriend. Everything is going great until her mom dies, and her life goes in a tailspin. She aways thought her mom was an only child with no family, but she soon finds out she has a large extended family in Italy. Her mother left Italy with her father to come to the United States and never looked back. Aurora goes to Italy, reconnects with her family, and finds herself again. The descriptions of the scenery and food brought this book to life, even if some of it veered on stereotypical.

3.5 stars.

Since the author went out of her way to show the reader how awful Jason was for Aurora, I hated the fact that it took Aurora so long to figure that out for herself.
Then, we didn’t get enough time and scenes with Quint to really feel emotionally connected to him like Aurora does.

I loved all the descriptions of the food, the setting of Sciacca, and the scenes with her family, especially Catena and her grandfather. What I found relatable about Aurora was her grief and search for belonging.

To Sicily with Love by Jennifer Probst is a captivating romance that follows the journey of a lonely woman who travels to Sicily for a life-changing summer. Along the way, she discovers that she has a large Italian family that she never knew existed. This heartwarming and tear-inducing story explores themes of love, faith, grief, and finding unexpected sources of support. From the very beginning, I was swept away by the story and left wanting more. Probst's writing effortlessly draws readers into the world of her characters, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey. To Sicily with Love is a must-read for anyone looking for a touching and engaging romance novel.

To Sicily with Love was such an emotional rollercoaster. I felt so bad for Aurora, after she loses her mom. But then, when she takes the DNA test and finds out she has a whole family in Sicily—it was seriously so moving, The way the Jennifer Probst described the scenery and the food was incredible; I honestly felt like I was there. This book was heartwarming and beautiful.

This was such a heart warming and emotional read. I couldn’t help but feel bad during some parts of the book for Aurora, especially after losing her mom. The emotions that came along with her taking a DNA test and finding out that she has a whole family in Sicily really tugged at my heart strings.
The author did such a great job with describing the scenery and food that I felt like I was really there. I was so not prepared for this to be such an emotional read, but it made me cry in the best ways possible.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for sending me an e-copy of this book.

This was a story with that was set in a beautiful location, very descriptive with well-planned ideas but with characters that just didn't do anything for me.

The writing was on point- Jennifer Probst knows what she is doing for sure. I was ready to jump on a plane and go to Sicily myself. Her descriptions of the atmosphere and the foods were perfection. When reading, you are able to get a very detailed idea of what is taking place. I also enjoyed Aurora, the main female character, finding her family, connecting with them and building long overdue relationships. These things deserve 5 stars.

Unfortunately, I just didn't connect with any of the characters. I didn't really like or dislike any of them. I felt bored and at some points just reading to get done. Aurora's connection with Quint (love interest in Sicily) was also very anticlimactic. I felt that it was rushed and could have just been left out completely. The larger focus was on family, new beginnings, healing from and handling grief and any sort of romance just didn't really fit in.

I am very thankful to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing and Jennifer Probst for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

To Sicily with Love by Jennifer Probst
Publishing date 2/18/25
#romance

I've read and enjoyed a book by JP before so I decided to give this one a try too. And perfect timing after a very dark book.

Aurora finally gets to meet a large family she never knew existed. It just might change her outlook on her work, her love life, and everything else too.

Very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys big families, family drama and **maybe a spoiler ** watching the annoying man go down. Lol. Not really a spoiler bc since when does a woman in a romance end up with the same man she started with?

#netgalley #berkleypublishinggroup
#tosicilywithlove #jenniferprobst

I didn’t realize this was part of a series when I requested it, with that being said I’m so happy this one can be read as a stand alone. If a book is set in Italy, im reading it! I loved the message about social media and the issues that comes with it. The story also touches on grief and how we wlll deal with it differently. Honestly this was such a good book, really enjoyed it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 (rounded up for NetGalley and Goodreads metrics)

Wow.

What a gorgeous damn book.

This was my first foray into Jennifer Probst's work, but you can be certain that I'll be going back for seconds, and also probably thirds.

To Sicily with Love is a redemptive, family centered, emotion-forward story about rebuilding after that final collapse---when the levees give way and everything you know is swept from your sight, how do you find your way home?

Aurora was a fascinating protagonist. A New York life coach, influencer, and aspiring self-help author who believes that she can micromanage every aspect of her life until she'd reached her sky-high goals. Paired with her fitness junkie boyfriend, Jason, she's convinced herself that she'd content with the insane rush of tasks and deadlines and workouts that her life has become. Avoiding bread and pasta like most of us avoid the plague, Aurora has an iron-clad grip on the reins of her life.

But this way of life has sucked any modicum of joy, curiosity, and spontaneity from her life, essentially turning her universe into the physical embodiment of the color beige. And then, her mother dies and Aurora discovers that she has family in Sicily that she never knew about. And not only do they exist, but they're desperate to meet her, to know her, in ways no one else has before. As Aurora explores her family's home and unravels her mother's heartbreaking last days in it, she is forced to face the fissure cracks of her life head on, and begin asking herself that sort of questions she always asked her clients.

And some questions she never thought to ask anyone at all.

The heart of this story is about letting go of what you think you know in order to find out all of the things that you do not. Sincere and poignant, Jennifer has crafted a love story that, though includes a beautiful Italian man, is more about falling in love with yourself first and foremost, scars and all.

Highly recommend this one for anyone wading through the grief of losing a parent, and for those who enjoy Rebecca Serle's body of work.


Additional Thoughts on Potential Trigger Warnings:
I do think that readers should be aware that there is some potentially triggering material in this book in regards to eating disorders. Aurora's relationship with food and her body is not great, and she has some incredibly harmful viewpoints about both of those things that some readers may find hard to read about.

I also interpreted her relationship with Jason to be leaning into emotional abuse territory, given some of the things he said and did directly, but also going by some of what Aurora mentioned of him in passing.


And a Post-Script Bonus:
Head's up, friends. I wrote "KILL JASON! KILL JASON WITH FIRE!" half a dozen times in my reading journal during this. As well as added cheese and olives to my grocery list. This is your only warning.

To Sicily With Love is a sweet, light read following a young woman in the face of social media and fame as she navigates grief, family, relationships, and finding her path. While I did appreciate the sentimental moments throughout this book, I was left wanting more depth and character development. I think any reader could find an aspect of this book to relate to.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy of this book.

I loved this book, the characters were well developed, the story was very touching. The setting for this book was beautifully sketched by the author. The family was wonderful, fun and loving. This was a very sweet book, one I will recommend to all my friends

To Sicily with Love was such a beautifully written story. The story had grief, discovery of meeting new family, and revealing the beauty of Italy! I loved how the author made us see through the eyes of the main character.

A beautiful story of handling grief, learning about and meeting new family, and the beauty of Italy! This book really felt like to put me in her shoes, as in I felt like I was there with her. The writing is absolutely beautiful!!

I loved this story!! This was such an easy read and was so relatable. Jennifer Probst writes in a way that makes you feel and connect with the characters. Aurora showed so much growth and Quint was swoon worthy! Such a quick, easy read with a wonderful happy ending.

Thank you to Berkeley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

To Sicily with Love whisks readers away to the breathtaking landscapes of Sicily, Italy. The author’s vivid, immersive descriptions make you feel as if you’re strolling through sun-drenched piazzas, and oh my gosh—the food! I kept finding myself Googling recipes to try!

Aurora believes she has it all: a thriving career as a life coach, a successful podcast, a book deal, and a supportive, handsome boyfriend who shares her ambitions. She has seemingly moved past the sudden loss of her father five years earlier, though she keeps her distance from her mother, convinced that she disapproves of her relentless work ethic. But when tragedy strikes again and her mother unexpectedly passes away, Aurora is left completely alone, spiraling into grief. Overwhelmed and lost, she loses her book deal and podcast, struggling to find her footing.

On a whim, she takes a DNA test, hoping to uncover any long-lost family ties—her parents were both only children, leaving her without known relatives. To her astonishment, she discovers an entire maternal family she never knew existed. With nothing keeping her in Cold Springs, NY, Aurora takes a leap of faith and travels to Sicily, searching for answers.

Welcomed with open arms by her mother’s estranged family, she initially plans to stay for ten days but soon realizes how unfulfilled she had been in New York. As she extends her stay, she begins to see her life more clearly, especially after uncovering painful truths about her relationship. Yet, her greatest challenge remains: breaking through the tough exterior of her grandfather, who has spent years harboring resentment toward his daughter, Aurora’s mother.

Amidst these family revelations, Aurora also finds unexpected love. But just as she starts to embrace this new life, she reluctantly returns to New York, only to realize that her purpose—and heart—now belong elsewhere. Reinvigorated, she rediscovers her passion for writing and podcasting, though with a fresh perspective. Even with professional success returning, she can’t ignore the pull of Sicily, her family, and the love she found there. Ultimately, Aurora makes the life-changing decision to move back to Sicily for good, where she publishes her novel to great acclaim and embarks on a future with her Italian fiancé.

For anyone who has ever felt lost in the wake of grief, To Sicily with Love is a heartfelt and uplifting journey of self-discovery, second chances, and the pursuit of true happiness. You’ll find yourself rooting for Aurora every step of the way.

To Sicily with Love by Jennifer Probst is a sweet story about a woman named Aurora who is obsessed with her job as a life coach and growing her business. After her mother passes, her live is overturned by grief and starts tanking her business and life. She finds that she has family in Italy and travels there to learn more about why her mother said she had no family. While bonding with them, she also connects with a friend of the family. As she bonds with her family will she want to leave and resume her old life or will she be forever changed?

I enjoyed reading this story. It took me a little bit to get into as I struggled to connect with Aurora. However once she went to Italy and started connecting with family, I was really drawn into her story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

To Sicily with Love was an engaging and enchanting read. Aurora’s journey of self-discovery was both heartfelt and inspiring, making it easy to connect with her as she uncovered her roots. The warmth and richness of the family she found in Sicily made me want to book a trip immediately. Watching Aurora grow, redefine her priorities, and embrace her heritage added depth to the novel, making it a truly enjoyable read.

Thank you #netgalley for my ARC.

So, this book was a little harder for me to get into. I enjoyed the idea of it. How she lost her mom but found that she had a whole family from Italy. The part that I didn’t enjoy the whole boyfriend. He rubbed me the wrong way and he was so rude towards the MFC. It took until 70% for them to break up and with a pay she was going in a date with another man. I was just not a fan of how fast get over the boyfriend and then just falling in love with another man quickly. I’m not a fan of cheating and it felt too close to cheating in my mind. I also didn’t like the relationship the MFC had with food. I know it changed by the end of the book, but I feel like maybe there should be a trigger warning for anyone who had struggled with and ED that this book will bring up an unhealthy relationship with food.