Though I usually read mainly traditional and modern classics, and don't really read contemporary romance novels, I have fallen in love with the novels of Nicky Pellegrino, a half-Italian, half-English author who is now living in New Zealand. She writes light-heartedly dramatic stories set in Italy, weaving together the cultures of England and Italy through engaging characters and descriptive prose about food. I have just read The Villa Girls, and after having read her other books, I was excited to find that the Martinelli family from The Italian Wedding and Villa Rosa from Recipe of Life, both feature in this latest work. Curling up in bed to read The Villa Girls from cover to cover was the perfect way to wind down after a long day. I definitely recommend all her books to anyone looking for a lively read, and especially to those who love Italy and cuisine.
'Escape, celebration, recovery - everyone goes on holiday for their own reasons. For Rosie and her friends, their snatched days in the sun are a break from the worries of their normal lives. But of all the Villa Girls, it's Rosie whose life is changed the most by these stolen days.
For Enzo, getting away isn't an option. The heir to an Italian olive estate, his destiny is clear. But when he stumbles upon a secret that tears his family apart, he has to make some of the toughest choices of his life.
As the years go by and the girls grow up, each has their own journey to make - but for Rosie and Enzo, time will lead them back to the same question: what will they do for love?
Packed with sunshine, secrets of the heard and Italian atmosphere, The Villa Girls is a story about the lives we lead, and the ones we dream of living.'
