Love at the Italian Lake

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Pub Date Jul 31 2017 | Archive Date Sep 07 2017

Description

On the shores of Lake Garda, a beautiful romance unfolds. But is it only for summer? Don’t miss this gorgeous, heart-warming novel from Darcie Boleyn, bestselling author of 2017 smash-hit Summer at Conwenna Cove

Sophia Bertoni discovers her boyfriend in bed with another woman, and realizes her life is going nowhere. Leaving her high-pressure job, she travels to Italy to stay with her grandmother while she figures out her next move. 

When Sophia – quite literally – bumps into devastatingly handsome Joe Lancaster her plans are turned upside down. As the two realize they’re both spending the summer in the same town, a love affair seems on the cards. 

But Sophia and Joe are both burdened by family secrets. Despite their attraction, will the sun set on Sophia and Joe’s romance – or will they find love at the Italian lake?

On the shores of Lake Garda, a beautiful romance unfolds. But is it only for summer? Don’t miss this gorgeous, heart-warming novel from Darcie Boleyn, bestselling author of 2017 smash-hit Summer at...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781911591337
PRICE £1.99 (GBP)

Average rating from 63 members


Featured Reviews

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I couldn't love this book more then I tried. The setting was vividly described and I loved both main characters. I found myself laughing and tearing up throughout this book. What a perfect summer read!

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Love at the Italian Lake has everything you want in a summer romance book.

Sophia and Joes relationship captures your from the minute they meet you know they are destined to be together. Both have difficult pasts and hidden secrets, and they are both at a place in their life where new doors of opportunities are opening for them and theyve to decide whats next for them.

I really loved the setting of this book and felt like I was being whisked away to beautiful Italy. The descriptions in the book made it so easy to picture the scenes and I just found it so easy and enjoyable to read.

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This is such a happy read! A glorious setting, well developed characters with a bit of 'history', family secrets, a main story with several threads attached all brought together by beautiful writing - what's not to love?

Sophia's career and romance grind to a halt simultaneously and, finding herself rudderless, she heads off to visit her Italian grandmother who lives alongside Lake Garda (lucky woman!). This allows us a peek at how true Italians live - and not just the usual tourist route. Always a loner, Sophia begins to relax, believe in herself and even makes a friend or two. From here the story develops and continues and no, I'm not going to tell you what happens!

This is a real feel-good read, warm, witty and with some real laugh-out-loud moments. I finished reading in bed last night and slept really well which shows that all the ends were neatly tied up. I love it when I don't have to fret about something or someone, lol. Things I've learned from this one? Don't get involved in investment banking if you want to have any kind of personal life and make time to check out your ancestry and see if you can find an Italian nonna somewhere - preferably one who lives in such a similar spectacular setting!

I received an arc via NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

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Gorgeous, gorgeous book! I absolutely adore Darcie Boleyn's writing and always look forward to new books from her! This was a gorgeous story, beautiful writing, and an amazing setting! Such a lovely story, I didn't want to put it down!

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A delightful easy read that transports you to Italy and more. A getaway to Italy sounds perfect anyway but for Sophia it's important for her to recover in a place where she has family.

This is a novel of indulgence for the reader as Lake Garda shines and sparkles from the page. Sophia is there to heal but she does in style, wandering the streets of Malcine - visiting the old castle in the town, taking time to rest and take in the scenery and bumping into a man she's met on the journey there. I am the least sporty person I know but I even I wanted to jog with Joe up to Mount Baldo! It sounds idyllic and the perfect place to let go of the past and to discover your future.

This story really drew me in and made me feel all warm inside. It's one where the location really adds to the overall feel of the plot and ripples along nicely as a result. I felt really happy at the end - uplifted even. Now there's a book I'd quite like to live in!

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If you enjoy beautifully written, heartwarming romances where turmoil leads to exploring life choices and new beginnings in spectacular settings, with laugh out loud moments, too, look no further than this highly talented author! This is another superb story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading from start to finish!

Joe literally bumps into Sophie, knocking her to the ground face first! After such a dramatic introduction, they discover they are both staying in the same Italian town by Lake Garda - he's staying with his Uncle and she's staying with her Nonna. Both have travelled there to consider what they want to do next with their lives - and both are (reluctantly) very attracted to each other. As family secrets and dramas add extra turmoil to their Italian escape, this develops into an enthralling read I thoroughly enjoyed escaping into.

There are many laugh out loud moment, like when Sophia tries out the sunscreen recommended by her sister-in-law . . . with dramatic consequences! Explore the area, visit the castle, the Opera, go shopping and meet the locals - Darcie paints vivid pictures of the people, places and events, bringing them to life in the imagination of her readers. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys their romance with family dramas in beautiful locations, ending with an enchanting epilogue!

I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

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Another beautifully romantic story by Darcie Boleyn. This book really had me wanting the best for main character Sophia. Straight from the start this novel hit it off for me - I found it intriguing and I couldn't put it down. The characters were all so interesting and lovely and I was wishing I was in Italy too!
The story follows Sophia as she flies to Italy to the beautiful Lake Garda (and it is described so, so beautifully as well), to get some time away from her London life. Along the way Sophia meets some new friends, a potential love interest and finds out a huge secret that has been hidden from her and her family for years.
This is a beautifully heartwarming story about love, friendship and family. It is everything that you would want for a summer romance book and I found it really enjoyable. The characters were all really lovely and you find yourself connecting with them all - and as Darcie describes the setting and the food - it also makes you fall in love with Italy!

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

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I think I am on a kind of romantic streak. Hey it is summer. Sun is shining unless you live in the UK then it is defiantly raining. This will at least put the sunshine in to head. It is the first book I have read by this author and she has a generous writing style that allows you to slip in to the story unnoticed.

It 's set on the beautiful Lake Garda. I have been there and I admit it is a beautiful setting. For my American friends think Lake Tahoe. Yeah you got it :).

Ok so Sophia comes home to find her boyfriend in bed with another woman. So she decides she needs to change her life so takes herself off to Lake Garda. She meets Joe by him literally knocking her off her feet and yes she face plants. The book is riddled with funny moments. They are both staying in a local village with their respective family members and seem to have some chemistry.

Just a warning!!? If you are on a diet please skip the market scene where all the Italian pastries are described. I assure you of saliva dripping from your mouth and your real need to find a bakery. You can actually smell them :).

Together they explore where they are, visit the opera, and divulge family secrets. All in all it is a good read. My advise it buy it, stock up on Italian pastries and find a lake and sit and read. It is an enjoyable romance with laughs along the way. Enjoy!

*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2080257274

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1H0354QO4TBJK/ref=pe_1572281_66412651_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

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I always love losing myself in a book written by Darcie Boleyn because you know in advance it is going to be such a pleasant experience. She writes with a unique charm that is incredibly gentle, you get a sense that she sees the best in all her characters no matter what they have done.

This time we travel to Italy .. Love at the Italian Lake is set near the wonderful Lake Garda. Sophia goes to stay with her Nonna after discovering her cheating boyfriend in a compromising position. Maybe it was the nudge she needed though to have a drastic change in lifestyle.

Arriving at the airport, stepping out into the sudden heat (gosh I felt that) Sophia is literally knocked off her feet by a hunky man. As soon as they meet it becomes apparent that her and Joe will have some kind of chemistry but that’s the beauty of a romance book, you know what you are likely to get.

Sophia and Joe are both nice believable characters, both harbouring secrets and difficulties with a distinct lack of trust but they become friends.

There are some very cute humorous moments .. I really felt for Sophia in the boat and sun-cream incident but also giggled, it was so expertly portrayed. I was urging this couple to just give each other a chance. They are in a stunning setting, it’s summer, romance should be in the air.

I adored Nonna, we could all do with a sprightly Grandma like her who could just wrap us up in a hug and make everything ok. This book is just perfect for a leisurely read, preferably on a sunbed somewhere but if that fails it will whisk you away to the balmy destination in your dreams anyway.

Another winner from Darcie .. thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

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I feel like a worn out record where Darcie Boleyn's books are concerned! Having read every single book that the author has published, I have never read one of her books that I didn't like. Ever. Including her new book, and no, I'm not just saying that because I happen to share a name with one of the characters in this book! Squeal!

Once again, Darcie Boleyn captivates her readers with minimal effort, putting them under her literary spell just-like-that. Being knocked over by a Chris Hemsworth lookalike would be any hot-blooded woman's ultimate fantasy (well, seeing as this blog post is pre-watershed...use your noggin). Unfortunately for our main character, Sophia, she didn't take too kindly to being knocked off her feet. In all honesty, I don't think I would either but I'm sure I wouldn't take long to forgive a Chris Hemsworth lookalike...

Whilst the gentleman character was a welcome addition to the storyline, the real gem of the story in my eyes was Sophia's Nonna. There are moments in life where we just need a hug...no sad attempt at empathy by people who haven't a clue what they're saying; just an old-fashioned hug by someone who can keep you safe in their arms. For Sophia, that safety net was her Nonna. What a beautiful, beautiful character. I absolutely loved her to pieces.

Poor Sophia has had a hard time of it lately, so jetting off to hotter than hot Italy, and living life outside of her comfort zone, is exactly what the doctor ordered. What Italy had in store for Sophia though, was a humorous and heart-warming surprise.

Obviously I don't wish to give anything away, so I'll keep this brief. Honestly, I really have no idea how Darcie Boleyn does it, I really don't.

Beautiful setting - CHECK.
Interesting main character - CHECK.
Loveable/intriguing additional characters - CHECK.
A Chris Hemsworth lookalike - CHECK.
A storyline to keep you hooked from the very first page - CHECK.

I mean, what more could you possibly want? 'Love at the Italian Lake' grabbed a hold of my heart and didn't let go; even weeks after finishing the novel. I laughed. I smiled. I became teary. But most importantly, I loved. I loved every single word, every single page, every single situation that came up in this storyline.

In my eyes, a Darcie Boleyn novel is just like a Nonna hug for Sophia; homely, loving, flawless...and unbelievably perfect.

Spot on, once again.

Thanks Canelo.

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Love at the Italian Lake, is a beautiful chick lit novel. It is as gorgeous on the inside, as it is on the out.

Sophia is a lovely young woman who worked all the hours she could to do well for herself, but that all came crashing down in a matter of minutes when she arrived home early. Just when she is down on her luck, she finds herself in a scenic little village by Lake Garda, Italy, with her Nonna, and the gorgeous Joe just down the road.

However, not everything is that simple. A hidden family secret is revealed, leaving Sophia not knowing what to do to for the best. Does she let the people concerned know?

Joe also has a lot of personal issues going on in his life too, especially with his parents. His dad has dementia and his mum is sticking her head in the sand about it, and won’t take an offer of help.

Lake Garda is a place of beauty. The sparkling water glimmering in the sun, the scent of the Italian baked goods at the market, and the friendly locals. It is a definite, wish you were there novel.

This is a charming story with a lot of heart. It was a joy to read, and I found myself transported to Italy every time I picked the book up, taking me away from the miserable rainy city I was actually in.

There are plenty of warm, inviting characters to get to know, and a flawless plot to lose yourself in. Ms. Boleyn always manages to put a smile on my face with her entertaining, warm novels and this one is her best yet.

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Sophia has a complete shock at the start of this book but it actually serves as a wake up call. She realises how she has just been drifting through life and decides to make some changes. Sophia is a warm and caring person who you can't help but hope get's her happy ever after. I completely got caught up in Sophia's trip to Italy as she experiences new foods, reconnects with her Nonna and meets Joe. Although their first meeting is a disaster it is memorable and I loved how they began their tentative friendship. He is sweet and very loveable, I think I fell for him a little myself. The fact that he is a Chris Hemsworth lookalike has no bearing on that either, honest! Then the story takes a turn as Sophia discovers a family secret and you get a depth to the story as you see the repercussions of hiding the truth.

Darcie Boleyn always creates not only wonderful characters but a story that you can just feel so at home with reading. The fact that the story is written from both Sophia and Joe's point of view is a hit with me, it always feels more personal to see both sides of the story.

With a truly wonderful location which was described beautifully, it really sounds like the perfect getaway. I love the feeling you get of being transported to another place and this book is a great example of this. Then add in some gorgeous food and I was hooked. Everyone who knows me will agree that I have a sweet tooth so it's safe to say I was nearly drooling over the descriptions of Cannoli, Zeppole and Pignolata. I'm actually getting hungry just writing this review! Heartwarming and perfect at showing the power of new beginnings and then mix in a beautiful romance it really makes the most delightful summer story.

There is a certain magical charm about Love at the Italian Lake that made me fall under it's spell!

With thanks to Ellie & Canelo for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

The book starts with Sophia Bertoni discovering that her boyfriend is cheating on her. She decides to leave everything behind and visit her nonna at lake Garda. At the airport she bumps into Joe Lancaster and it turns out they will see each other again, because he is helping at his uncle’s hotel in the same village.

Their attraction grows stronger every time they see each other, but it’s just a summer fling for both of them. Both of them are also dealing with some family secrets, which add some intense drama to the story.

I adored the setting in this book and the connection to Italian families. I’m Italian myself, so it’s very interesting. I found that it could have been more “Italian” though, it’s hard to explain, but the spark didn’t really get through.

This is a beautiful and heart-warming book, a great summer read and full of romance. The characters learn a lot, grow and I really enjoyed reading about Sophia and Joe together. It includes family, love and friendship as well, a lovely book!

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I just love Darcie's work, and this is no exception. She draws me and holds me in the world she has created. Superb writing and oh boy what a fantastic story. More please

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I love Darcie's books and this is no exception. Great characters, beautiful setting and lovely ending :)

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Darcie Boleyn is fast becoming a favourite author of mine, its not been long since I read her last novel - Summer at Conwenna Cove - yet she is back already with another summer novel filled with romance.

As with Summer at Conwenna Cove being set in Cornwall, Darcie remains bang on trend with Love on the Italian Lake as this years holiday destination for books seems to be set in and round the idyllic location of Lake Garda - yes I have immediately added the small town of Malcesine to my bucket list!

Love at the Italian Lake features Sophia and Joe as the main characters.
Sophia has fled to Italy to spend some time with her Grandmother after her world is turned upside down due to a cheating boyfriend and lack of job satisfaction causing her to quit - despite the healthy bank balance it has provided her with.

Her break away however gets off to to a flying start - quite literally, as she is knocked right off her feet by the ever so handsome Joe. Despite their being some instant attraction, Sophia decline's his offer to take her to where she is staying and Sophia opts for the long and uncomfortable coach journey to her Nonna's house.

The last thing she expects when spending time with her Nonna is to bump in to Joe again!

Sophia is loving finding herself, the weather, the coffee and the Italian food but after looking though some old photographs with her Nonna - something she discovers is troubling her and it is Joe that she opens up to.

Sophia and Joe get closer and closer and although she has opened up, Joe seems to be holding back despite his clear feelings for Sophia.

As time goes on and new opportunities arrive, I was sure Sophia and Joe were headed for the happy ever after that Darcie writes so well... and don't get me wrong, we got there eventually but once again Darcie has stepped up her writing abilities with lots of twists and turns in the sub plots.

With great characters, beautiful settings, hidden secrets and warm romantic moments, Love at the Italian Lake is another brilliant novel from Darcie that guarantees you will be unable to put down.

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Fortunately, Canelo is one of the publishers I'm autoproved for on NetGalley, so I was able to access a copy of this right away. I love chick lit and romances set in either Italy or Spain. The setting made me want to go to Italy, as Darcie Boleyn's descriptions were so vivd. I was pleased to recieve an ARC of Love at The Italian Lake via NetGalley. Thanks so much to Darcie Boleyn, Canelo publishers and NetGalley for my opportunity to read Love at the Italian Lake and also participate in the blog tour for Love at the Italian Lake.

The title grabbed me, and I thought "oh, that sounds so romantic!" I wasn't wrong.

Sophia Bertoli lives in London and comes from a wealthy Italian family. In love with Lee, hard working and ambitious, one day her whole life changes when he cheats on her. To make matters worse, she isn't really happy with the job she has had since she graduated from Cambridge and decides she needs to make a change in her life. This leads her to resign on a whim and pack her bags for Italy where she plans to stay with her grandmother who she hasn't seen in a decade.

There, she meets Joe who is there to visit his uncle, and they begin to get on..... My My first impressions of Joe was that he was a little clumsy, but sweet with it. He turned out to be well-meaning and likeable though.

This is the third book I have read by Darcie Boleyn, after A Very Manhattan Christmas and Summer at Conwenna Cove, and is the second NetGalley ARC after Summer at Conwenna Cove. Boleyn has an uncanny ability to take simple plots and make them into romantic and unforgettable stories.

In Love at the Italian Lake, I was drawn in by Sophia's personality and by her family's and grandmother's warmth. The descriptions of Italy and its customs made me really feel I was there although I have never been.

If you are looking for a summer read, try this! The book is so emotional, so romantic and filled with emotions, love and sadness, that I had to fight back tears at more than one point. Love at the Italian Lake has loveable characters, and by the end I wanted to read it again and was rooting for Joe and Sophia. I was very happy with the ending. I'd love a sequel to this!

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Darcie Boleyn has to be one of my favourite authors of all things romantic! She instinctively knows exactly what I want from her books and she delivers every single time. I need to know when I pick up this genre that it’s going to do exactly what it promises to do. I want to WANT the characters to be together and have their happy ever after! And I always sign deeply after finishing Darcies books as she gets it right every single time, with realistic characters that I’ve come to deeply care about as they have reached the right time in their lives to finally let that perfect person for them in.

I have to admit that I was rather jealous of Sophia here. I have never been to Italy as it’s one of my dream destinations for a holiday that always seems to get jinxed! I’m a HUGE fan of everything Italian especially the food (if you’re ever up my way I MUST take you to Don Alberto’s which is the most wonderful Italian restaurant in my village!) which leads me to say that if you’re not hungry when you start this book, you soon will be! The descriptions of all the fabulous pastries, pizza and pasta dishes made my stomach rumble out loud at one point! And to be surrounded by not only the food but the most beautiful Italian Lake setting seemed like heaven on earth to me. When Sophia meets Joe Lancaster the sparks do fly (as does Sophia!) but it’s much more in-depth than that. Neither of them have the inclination to play games anymore but you just know that secrets are still being hidden and misunderstandings will take place before their hearts lead back to where they are destined to be. I adored Nonna, she’s definitely the type of grandmother I aspire to be, aging gracefully but really coming back to life again once she has had family round her again.

I spent a very chilled afternoon in the garden with a glass or two of prosecco and a bowl of fat green olives becoming entwined with the lives of Sophia and Joe. I felt their connection boost my own internal battery leaving me with a warm and fuzzy glow and the strength to face those everyday stresses of real life once again. Darcie Boleyn writes like a dream and anyone who’s never read her books before is really missing out on some good old fashioned romance, brought to life with a spark of humour and an often bittersweet edge. Just try them and see-you won’t be disappointed!

Highly recommended by me!

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Wow! Wow! Wow! I absolutely. blooming loved this book and it so deserves a five star review.

Sophia comes home from her stressful job one evening to find her boyfriend Lee in bed with another woman. This results in a life changing decision for Sophia who decides to jack in her pressurised job in the city, and go and visit her Nonna in Italy. After an accident at the airport she literally bumps into Joe and it goes from there.

Set in my favourite country of Italy, the descriptions in the book, actually took me there, I could feel the heat of the sun on my skin, the breeze of Lake Garda in my air and when Sophia went to Verona, and visited Juliet's balcony, I actually squealed in delight as it is a place I have always wanted to go to, but Sophia beat me to it!!!

A brilliant book I loved the characters and now want to go on holiday and work for Sophia and Phoebe!!!

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Thanks Netgalley, Publisher and Author. This was a real summer read, I could envisage the scenery on the lake and feel all the emotions of the characters in the book. Brilliant.

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A glorious sun-drenched romance set in the Italian Lakes. Once again Darcie Boleyn has taken me on a journey; a journey of emotions with the characters and a journey around the beautiful, picturesque setting of the Italian Lakes.

Sophia Bertoni makes a startling discovery and realises she isn't quite effected by the discovery as she ought to be. Sophia has been living the same daily ritual for a good while; concentrating on her career her personal life has taken a back step. This discovery makes her think twice about her life and she decides to get away from it all and visit her Nonna in Italy. Leaving her high pressured job and ex behind her looking for rest for her heart, mind and body and hoping for inspiration.

Sophia's mind was definitely 'off' men until she stumbles across Joe Lancaster. Joe Lancaster, A fellow Brit, who is staying in the same village as Sophia's Nonna. Joe is also inbetween jobs and with complications at home and heartbreak in his part he's also looking for a light or a sign regarding his future. His sign and light comes from the connection he felt when his eyes met Sophia's dark eyes. Sophia also felt an instant attraction with the depths of Joe's emerald eyes drawing her in to a handsome face and she couldn't shy away from his kind demeanour.

A friendship developed between the pair however, Sophia and Joe were soon quarrelling with their own conscience over the ever growing emotions they were feeling for each other. Should they enjoy the here and now and not worry about what the future may hold?

Whilst Sophia is staying with her Nonna she unearths a secret that will send repercussions through her family heritage and could break her family apart.

A wonderful journey of self-discovery, a journey of new beginnings, a journey of discovering new beauties all around the Italian Lakes.

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I downloaded this book as a light summer read, plus the fact I was in Italy when reading it. It was an enjoyable summer read and although my favourite genre is psychological thrillers, this light romcom was just enough to satisfy my craving for a girly read. Good to read if you're going on holiday, especially to Italy.

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I enjoyed this book and wanted to know what happened to the two main characters- Sophia and Joe as I soon had empathy for them. It was lovely to read a book about summer,sunshine and the beautiful Lake Garda.

Sophia goes to live with her Nonna in the beautiful Lake Garda town of Malcesine after a breakup with her disastrous boyfriend Lee. On arrival in Italy, at the airport, she is literally knocked off her feet by the good looking Joe and it was interesting to see the romance progressing from both Sophia and Joe's point of view. There are plenty of sparks of attraction and the relationship between the two of them develops day by day. Both have difficult pasts and there are secrets and misunderstandings all around but they can see new opportunities in the everyday life in the pretty town of Malcesine.

The book is heartwarming and well written and after reading this book I definitely want to visit the Lake Garda area as the descriptions of the food and the towns in the area are easy and enjoyable to read. The plot is a good old fashioned romance and would make a great holiday read.

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This novel opens in London but you are soon transported to beautiful Lake Garda to follow Sophia as she finds out some family secrets and tries to decide what to do with her future. It has all the ingredients of a holiday read- gorgeous setting, romance and the odd obstacle in her heroine's path. I flew through the book and particularly enjoyed the descriptions of life near Lake Garda with the odd trip to Verona, thrown in.

Reading this book was like looking through a book of black and white photographs when Sophia was in London and then suddenly turning the page and being presented with the brilliant Italian sunshine. Life there seemed larger than life. Sophia's Nonna was a delightful character with her own huge secret but her kindness shone through. Another feature which I loved was hearing from Joe and getting to find out what he was thinking. Shifting occasionally to his viewpoint was a refreshing change.

In short: warm and life affirming

Thanks to the publishers for a copy of the book.

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(Malcesine is pronounced: Mal – chez – eenay… I had been wondering!)

This is a lovely, heartwarming novel set in Malcesine on the shores of Lake Garda. It is also a perfect choice for TripFiction because Italy and the little town are beautifully brought to life for the reader within an enjoyable story.

Sophia Bertoni is in dire need of a break. Lee, her boyfriend is a cheat. Enough is enough, and Sophia is soon persuaded to go and stay with her Grandmother – Nonna Katherine Spinoli – in Malcesine, on the shores of Lake Garda. As she arrives in the airport she literally gets knocked sideways at the airport in Verona (physically, but maybe also emotionally, let’s wait and see!) by Joe Lancaster, who as it transpires, is also spending the Summer on the same Lake, in the same town.

Sophia’s Mother and her grandmother have never really been close and it is whilst Sophia is staying in Malcesine that she stumbles upon a family secret which needs quite some emotional processing.

This novel has all the ingredients (and I haven’t even got to the foodie bits yet!) for a wonderful summer read, with a bit of romance and beautiful scenery thrown in. The markets are redolent of Italian groceries and colour – you can almost see them in your mind’s eye. Just how do you choose between all the cakes, whether it is cannoli or zeppole. Or all those vegetables just oozing colour and flavour. Or accompany Joe on the cycle route from Navena to Castelletto di Brenzone; or with Sophia from the harbour to Castello Scaligero. As readers we are taken with exuberance to this beautiful part of the world. Just sit down with a good Espresso and enjoy.

<img src="http://www.tripfiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Screen-Shot-2017-08-09-at-19.13.42.png">

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Boy did I love this book, couldn't put it down,I would love to go to Italy,made me feel like I was there,great book.

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When Sophia arrives home to find her boyfriend in bed with another woman she realises that her life needs to change and drastically. She has spent her whole life working all hours to get on in the rat race in London and when her request for leave is turned down she quits!

Sophia's grandmother lives in Italy by Lake Garda and what better opportunity to go and visit her, but things do not start well when she collides with a man at the airport and ends up with a split lip and egg size lump on her head - he was rather handsome though!

Joe is staying at Lake Garda for the summer helping out at his uncle's hotel, although he feels that he should be in England helping his mother as his father has the early stages of dementia, but his mother is burying her head in the sand and refusing to believe anything is wrong. When he bumps into Sophia at the airport he is instantly attracted but he has too many other problems to cope with love at the moment....doesn't he!

A lovely summer read perfect for the beach - easy reading but with good likeable characters and definitely a beautiful setting that will make anyone want to hop on plane and get out there!

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This was such a good read i really enjoyed it.Love at the Italian Lake is a wonderful story you will be sucked in and not want to put this one down it had great characters and was really well written i would recommend it.

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I love Darcie Boleyn's books and the gorgeous setting for this one really made me want to book a trip to Lake Garda. I easily lost myself in the descriptions of this beautiful place and the characters are so well drawn that you feel instantly close to them.
Sophia is escaping to Italy to get away from a broken relationship. She bumps into Joe at the airport and this starts a great relationship between the two. She is staying with her grandmother and it's so sweet to see them bonding after a lengthy absence.
There are hints of secrets that could upset everything and they are dealt with very sensitively.
I absolutely adored everything about this book.

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What an absolute delight of a read, perfect for Summer. I loved my visit to Italy, really did feel like I was there for real, as the setting and locations were so well described and well written and as for the Italian food, oh just heaven.

The story plot was lovely, a very nice easy read. Loved the characters, getting to know Sophia and Joe, and seeing how things progress and develop with them both throughout the story.

I'll definitely be looking forward to reading other books by this author in the future.

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Love at the Italian lake is an easy read and perfect for the beach.
The story is based around Italy and Darcie has done a great job of describing the places and the views so well you think you are there. The main character is Sophia who has just caught her boyfriend cheating on her so within minutes she quits her job and goes out to visit her Nanna in Italy, at the airport is where she literally bumps into Joe a hunk of a man but as the story develops you get the feeling he has a secret as like Sophia's Nanna also does.
The story sets off well and at times at the start is a little slow but once the secrets start to be revealed this keeps up an easy steady pace and was a delight to read and loved that the epilogue covered all unanswered questions.
I would like to thank netgalley and Canelo for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

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