As we head into week nine of staying home, staying safe and being alert, I can absolutely say that I have been reading more books to help me stay relaxed and unwind from my busy day of homeschooling my children, cooking and working from home. As some would agree, this has not been easy but books such as The Summer Villa by International Bestselling Author Melissa Hill provides escapism and took me on a fantastic journey to the Amalfi Coast in Italy with added drama and excitement. Published by Harper Collins, the novel is about three women (Kim, Colette and Annie) whose paths cross while holidaying at Villa Dolce Vita, a rambling stone house on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Each of the women had their own problems and were at the crossroad of their lives when they decided to escape it by heading on their dream holiday to Italy with gorgeous villas and stunning coastal views …..and in the process meeting and forging an unlikely friendship.
Now, years later, Kim has transformed the crumbling house into a luxury retreat and has invited her friends back for the summer to celebrate. But as friendships are rekindled under the Italian sun, secrets buried in the past will come to light, and not everyone is happy that the three friends are reuniting… Each woman will have things to face up to if they are all to find true happiness and fully embrace the sweet life.
What did I think of the book?
This is definitely a feel-good summer read (with a striking cover) which transported me to the stunning Amalfi Coast and a much needed holiday whilst stuck at home. Flipping through each page eagerly, I found myself gripped by the drama and excitement which unfolded as each chapter progressed. I also found it hard to put the book down till the wee hours of the morning…no wonder Melissa Hill is Irish Times Number One Best Seller. The book weaves between two timelines, the Now and the Past.. the now shares about the stories of the three friends who have moved on with their lives since their holiday and the past about how they each got Villa Dolce Vita, formed a strong friendship bond and what transpired there six years ago. The timeline is well written as I was eager to find out more about Kim who comes from a wealthy background and is now struggling with motherhood and the grand opening of Villa Dolce Vita. Colette who is English and taking a well-deserved break after helping her mum cope with cancer and now struggling with her married life and infertility and finally the party girl Annie from Ireland who has had a windfall of money to help her open up her own hairdressing salon and is now struggling with managing her thriving business. Like a good holiday, the book has the essence of romance, partying, good food, friendship, secrets and drama! The problems each of the women face is so relatable and the dreams they share is one which each of us want as well. The Summer Villa is my first book by author Melissa Hill but judging from this read, it won’t be my last.
How much is the book and where can you buy it?
The paperback copy of the book retails for £5.99 and the Kindle version costs £2.99. You can purchase a copy from Harper Collins here.
About the book
Title: The Summer Villa
Publisher: Harper Collins
Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 2.4 x 19.8 cm
ISBN-13: 978-0008217181
Pages: 384 pages
About Melissa Hill
USA Today & international #1 bestselling Irish author Melissa Hill lives in Dublin. Her page-turning, contemporary novels of families and friendship are published worldwide and translated into 25 different languages. Her books are regular chart-toppers in Ireland and internationally, and SOMETHING FROM TIFFANY’S (aka A GIFT FROM TIFFANY’S) – a holiday romance set in New York – became one of Italy’s 2011 Top Ten bestselling books. A GIFT TO REMEMBER was adapted as a Hallmark original movie in 2017, and another of her novels is currently in development for a Hollywood feature film.
Melissa’s latest book, THE SUMMER VILLA is out now.
You may want to read this:
Book Review : You Say It First by Susan Mallery
Book Review: The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
Book Review: Art and Soul by Claire Huston
* We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
26 comments
I have definitely been reading more during lockdown and I’m always on the hunt for new books. This seems like a lovely one to try 🙂
Yes a stunning book to read, makes you feel like you have travelled to Italy
I think its great you have been able to read more during lockdown, its so important we find time to relax and unwind. This sounds like a great book and its always a good sign when you cant put it down! It certainly sounds captivating so I will go check it out, thanks for sharing!
Please do Jess, the book is worth a read by a bestselling author
Sounds like this is a great book to read for the summer. It sounds like it covers a number of interesting topics and will be a great one to read at night to unwind before bed.
It was a fantastic light summer read Melanie, one which I enjoyed
I’ve heard good things about this book, it’s on my list to read, I’m getting through so many more books at the moment while we are in lockdown.
Agree, reading gets me by and I am enjoying that part of it
The book sounds quite intriguing! I’ve actually gotten almost through my reading list so may read this one next
Glad to hear that Jennifer
This sounds like the type of books I like to read . It’s great to get recommendations of new books to read . I will add it to my reading list .
It is such a light summer read, perfect to read over the weekend
Having the time to read has been one the blessings of lockdown. It’s is great to have recommendations – thank you!
You are welcome, I agree, I have been reading a lot more books lately
This sounds like a great read. I think a lot of us trying to read more now we are at home more with the lockdown.
I agree, us at Yeah Lifestyle included
This sounds like my kind of book, an easy summer holiday style of read that I can imagine reading on a sunbed by a pool somewhere x
I read it at home on my bed and felt like I was on a summer holiday
Now is the perfect time to pick up a new read or two for sure. This one has been added to my list x
Great to hear that!
I love feel good summer reads such as this! This definitely sounds like a book I’d enjoy so I might pick it up for a read in the garden in the sunshine!
Yes the book would be absolutely perfect for that
This sounds like the perfect summery read to enjoy on my new garden furniture. I am loving sitting outside and reading at the moment.
This definitely sounds perfect for that, enjoy
I am not sure I can read about being away on holiday at the moment knowing we cannot travel. Glad you enjoyed the book though
The book was a way for me to travel so yes I enjoyed it