Ah, who doesn't like Italian summer, romance and some good old filthy family secrets? 😁 This book promises all that and more, and... it delivers!

It's been a couple of days since I have finished reading "An Italian Island Secret", and I am still thinking about this book and its characters. I'm still wishing that it would go on and on and that I would, thus, live vicariously through the characters in the story. Now, this unexpected bookish nostalgia (?) might simply come from my love for Italy (yes, I know I'm unique) and my recent visit to Napoli. I'm partial, one could say.

However, "An Italian Island Secret" is truly enjoyable. It began slowly and it took me a while to warm up to it, but then it carried me away. Through the beautiful, lively descriptions of Ischia this book let me travel there as well. Isn't that the magic of reading? Really, the sense of place and culture is very strong in this novel. I've even noted down some food and place names - who knows, maybe a visit to Ischia is next?

The characters and dialogue could have been a bit more elaborate (dialogue in particular sometimes felt a bit simplistic) but were still believable and interesting enough to keep me engaged. I felt as if I was part of Alessia's and Ornella's family, as if the secrets that were slowly being revealed were impacting my life as well as theirs. Oh, what I wouldn't give to know more about their lives, especially, to know how Anna's doing after all of what happened! I hope she's still letting her hair loose and is enjoying the swing.

If you're looking for an enjoyable, well written book based in Italy during the summer but you also enjoy some good plot, look no further. "An Italian Island Secret" seduces its readers with the beauty of Italy and then captured their attention with a great storyline.

An Italian Island Secret was a book that had it all. Great writing, great cover, great location, great story.

Sweet escape story. Italy is wonderful and I felt like I was there. Lots of secrets revealed and budding romance. Good stor. Would recommend.

An Italian Island Secret 🤫

4.25 ⭐️ read!!
I am in dire need of a direct flight and ferry to Ischia !! 😍Wow, did the descriptions of this wonderful island in Italy blow me away. With every mention of delicious delicacies (give me all of them) and absolutely stunning views and cafes, I could not put this down!

I loved the multiple POV and flashbacks in this book, it was so immersive reading about Ornella’s story and it tied in so well to the mystery. The mystery was slowly revealed, and not predictable (IMO), and was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time . All the characters were interesting and unique, I would have loved a bit more from Carmelinda, but I also think the story flowed well the way it needed to with the POV’s. Alessia’s romance was a short and sweet story. I would love to see more stories from a few couples and maybe more on what happened with certain characters, it was tied up quite well but I do have some questions still. Nevertheless, I will be checking more out from this author! Thank you to Victoria Springfield, NetGalley, and Boldwood books for this ARC access

Now I will be retreating to my reading room for some ‘Dolce far neinte’ ( the sweet art of doing nothing’)

When Alessia and her grandma leave England for a summer visit her hometown island off Italy. Lots of secrets revealed and budding romance. Good story, with bittersweet moments. Would recommend.

Absolutely adore this book! It was beautiful from beginning to end and just the most darling story. Add this to your TBR lists!

Secrets and romance, intrigue and mystery.. Oh! what a joy this was to read.

An Italian Island Secret is pure escapism and I was immediately transported to another world where the sun shone and the food was delicious.

It is a wonderfully descriptive read as well as being an interesting tale combining past and present with a touch of glamour.

I adored it

An Italian Island Secret by Victoria Springfield due to be published in early 2025 is an intriguing family story that involves romance, secrets, and coming to terns with the past. I really enjoyed this book and feel that anyone who appreciates family stories with a strong sense of place and great descriptions of both locations and food will really appreciate this as well. I have never been to Italy, but the vivid descriptions made me truly feel like I was there. The story also contains a mystery with a satisfying conclusion.

While the characters could have been more distinct and the dialogue a bit sharper, An Italian Island Secret has much to recommend it and these quibbles can be overlooked. I would certainly read from this author again.

Thank you to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.