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The Little Italian Hotel
When a relationship expert’s own marriage falls apart, she invites four strangers to Italy for a vacation of healing and second chances in this uplifting new novel from the author of
The Messy Lives of Book People
.
Ginny Splinter, acclaimed radio host and advice expert, prides herself on knowing what’s best for others. So she’s sure her husband, Adrian, will love the special trip to Italy she’s planned for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. But when Ginny presents the gift to Adrian, he surprises her with his own very different plan—a divorce.
Beside herself with heartache, Ginny impulsively invites four heartbroken listeners to join her in Italy instead while live on air. From hiking the hills of Bologna to riding a gondola in Venice to sharing stories around the dining table of the little Italian hotel, Ginny and her newfound company embark on a vacation of healing.
However, when Adrian starts to rethink their relationship, Ginny must decide whether to commit to her marriage or start afresh, alone. And an unexpected stranger may hold the key to a very different future… Sunny, tender and brimming with charm, The Little Italian Hotel explores marriage, identity and reclaiming the present moment—even if it means leaving the past behind.
Look for Phaedra Patrick’s previous charming bestsellers!
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone
The Library of Lost and Found
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge
The Messy Lives of Book People
Ginny Splinter, acclaimed radio host and advice expert, prides herself on knowing what’s best for others. So she’s sure her husband, Adrian, will love the special trip to Italy she’s planned for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. But when Ginny presents the gift to Adrian, he surprises her with his own very different plan—a divorce.
Beside herself with heartache, Ginny impulsively invites four heartbroken listeners to join her in Italy instead while live on air. From hiking the hills of Bologna to riding a gondola in Venice to sharing stories around the dining table of the little Italian hotel, Ginny and her newfound company embark on a vacation of healing.
However, when Adrian starts to rethink their relationship, Ginny must decide whether to commit to her marriage or start afresh, alone. And an unexpected stranger may hold the key to a very different future… Sunny, tender and brimming with charm, The Little Italian Hotel explores marriage, identity and reclaiming the present moment—even if it means leaving the past behind.
Look for Phaedra Patrick’s previous charming bestsellers!
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone
The Library of Lost and Found
The Secrets of Love Story Bridge
The Messy Lives of Book People
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2023
716 people are currently reading
17.6k people want to read
About the author
Phaedra Patrick
17 books2,874 followersPhaedra Patrick studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organiser and communications manager. An award-winning short story writer, she now writes full time in Saddleworth where she lives with her family.
Her debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, was translated into over twenty languages worldwide and has been optioned by a major Hollywood film studio.
Her second novel, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone (named Wishes Under the Willow Tree in the UK), has been made into a Hallmark Movie and will premiere on TV in Autumn 2021.
Her third novel is The Library of Lost and Found, and the fourth one is titled The Secrets of Love Story Bridge (The Secrets of Sunshine in the UK).
You can find out more about Phaedra and her books at www.phaedra-patrick.com including writing tips
Please follow her on:
www.facebook.com/phaedrapatrick
Twitter @phaedrapatrick
Instagram @PhaedraPatrick
Her debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, was translated into over twenty languages worldwide and has been optioned by a major Hollywood film studio.
Her second novel, Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone (named Wishes Under the Willow Tree in the UK), has been made into a Hallmark Movie and will premiere on TV in Autumn 2021.
Her third novel is The Library of Lost and Found, and the fourth one is titled The Secrets of Love Story Bridge (The Secrets of Sunshine in the UK).
You can find out more about Phaedra and her books at www.phaedra-patrick.com including writing tips
Please follow her on:
www.facebook.com/phaedrapatrick
Twitter @phaedrapatrick
Instagram @PhaedraPatrick
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June 13, 2023It would be a bit strange to rate my own book, but I did love writing this one and hope that you enjoy it, too. If you have time to read, rate and review the book I’d really appreciate it. Phaedra 💛
June 8, 2023
I liked this one much more than I liked Patrick's previous book. I adored the Italian setting and the wide variety of characters.
Ginny has been known for giving advice to others on her radio show. One day, a woman calling herself Miss Peach calls in and accuses Ginny of basically being a fraud because she doesn't know what is going on with her own husband Adrian. Ginny has planned a three week trip to Italy for the two of them to celebrate their 25th anniversary, but when she tells him of the trip he says he wants a divorce, and says he hasn't been happy for a while and she discovers he's on a dating site.
She offers the trip on her show to four people with broken hearts to travel along with her, and the five set out for Italy. They stay at a very small hotel owned by Nico and his eighteen year old daughter. The group gets to know one another and participate in activities to help each of them heal from their heartache.
I'm a huge proponent of marriage and staying married. However, in this book the marriage relationship totally bothered me and in the end I thought everything resolved too easily and too succinctly. Adrian was a caricature and his feelings seem to turn on a dime without real change and growth taking place.
As for the rest of the book, I liked the characters and the different activities they participated in. I thought all of their growth and learning was sweet and poignant. This was a pleasant read, but not as emotionally impactful as I was hoping it would be. Still worthwhile and an enjoyable summer read, one that will give you serious urges to travel to Italy.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Ginny has been known for giving advice to others on her radio show. One day, a woman calling herself Miss Peach calls in and accuses Ginny of basically being a fraud because she doesn't know what is going on with her own husband Adrian. Ginny has planned a three week trip to Italy for the two of them to celebrate their 25th anniversary, but when she tells him of the trip he says he wants a divorce, and says he hasn't been happy for a while and she discovers he's on a dating site.
She offers the trip on her show to four people with broken hearts to travel along with her, and the five set out for Italy. They stay at a very small hotel owned by Nico and his eighteen year old daughter. The group gets to know one another and participate in activities to help each of them heal from their heartache.
I'm a huge proponent of marriage and staying married. However, in this book the marriage relationship totally bothered me and in the end I thought everything resolved too easily and too succinctly. Adrian was a caricature and his feelings seem to turn on a dime without real change and growth taking place.
As for the rest of the book, I liked the characters and the different activities they participated in. I thought all of their growth and learning was sweet and poignant. This was a pleasant read, but not as emotionally impactful as I was hoping it would be. Still worthwhile and an enjoyable summer read, one that will give you serious urges to travel to Italy.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
May 10, 2023
You can imagine Ginny Splinter’s shock when she finally reveals a special 3-week trip planned to Italy to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary, as well as their 50th birthdays, and her husband announces he wants a divorce instead!
After trying without luck to cancel it, she decides to extend the invitation to four lucky listeners! Ginny is a radio host and an on-air advice expert and offers four heartbroken listeners a chance to join her in Italy. Team Heartache heads off to the pretty medieval village of Vigornuovo, 150 km from Venice, oblivious to the fact that they all need each other. They don’t return home the same people as they left!
The eclectic group of travel companions is wonderful:
✔️ A property developer, Curtis
✔️ An 80-year-old widow, Edna,
✔️ A gregarious school teacher, Heather and
✔️ An introverted carpenter, Eric.
I saw a lot of myself in Ginny. I love to help others solve their problems while burying my own. I’m a good carpet lifter and sweeper!!!! I also loved how Ginny attempted to cure her heartache and I think if I was in the same place I’d go to Venice or visit art museums in Florence, too. I’m not a big self-help book reader, so I’d like to think I’d keep my mind active by doing something I love.
Although Hotel Splendido is fictional, I could see it as a real place in my imagination, thanks to the author’s descriptive writing. I do agree - hotel bedsheets need to be white!
A fantastic read and a timely prescription - one you'll want to put on your summer beach reading list! Congratulations on a fantastic cover.
I’m looking forward to her next book about a bride who visits a fortune teller six weeks prior to the big day.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
After trying without luck to cancel it, she decides to extend the invitation to four lucky listeners! Ginny is a radio host and an on-air advice expert and offers four heartbroken listeners a chance to join her in Italy. Team Heartache heads off to the pretty medieval village of Vigornuovo, 150 km from Venice, oblivious to the fact that they all need each other. They don’t return home the same people as they left!
The eclectic group of travel companions is wonderful:
✔️ A property developer, Curtis
✔️ An 80-year-old widow, Edna,
✔️ A gregarious school teacher, Heather and
✔️ An introverted carpenter, Eric.
I saw a lot of myself in Ginny. I love to help others solve their problems while burying my own. I’m a good carpet lifter and sweeper!!!! I also loved how Ginny attempted to cure her heartache and I think if I was in the same place I’d go to Venice or visit art museums in Florence, too. I’m not a big self-help book reader, so I’d like to think I’d keep my mind active by doing something I love.
Although Hotel Splendido is fictional, I could see it as a real place in my imagination, thanks to the author’s descriptive writing. I do agree - hotel bedsheets need to be white!
A fantastic read and a timely prescription - one you'll want to put on your summer beach reading list! Congratulations on a fantastic cover.
I’m looking forward to her next book about a bride who visits a fortune teller six weeks prior to the big day.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 9, 2023
This book is perfect and can be devoured in one day. The story of a broken woman who’s put back together by the power of strangers. I can’t recommend this one highly enough!!
October 23, 2024
The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick is a novel about love, friendship, and new beginnings. The story centers on Ginny Splinter, a middle-aged relationship expert whose own life takes a turn when her husband leaves her. Dealing with the shock, Ginny books a trip to a small Italian hotel, inviting five strangers along, each of whom is dealing with their own personal challenges. In Italy, Ginny and her new companions form deep connections as they work through their emotions and relationships. The novel revolves around themes of healing, self-discovery, and the importance of human connection. As Ginny helps others, she also confronts her own emotions. This novel is uplifting, with well-developed characters who each bring a unique perspective to the story. The plot was predictable at times, the journey characters make emotionally allow the book to be engaging and comforting read.
June 17, 2023
Ginny Splinter gives self-help advice on the radio. She is popular. Everyone loves her. She appears to have the perfect life. And she plans a romantic 25th anniversary Italian surprise trip for her husband, Adrian and her. But before she shares the surprise, a caller on her program, a Miss Peach, asks her how well she knows her husband.
And then...
When she is ready to share this surprise with her husband, he shares with her that all he wants is a divorce.
What is she going to do now?
Using her radio show, she asks viewers if anyone else is heartbroken - and decides to take 4 people with her to Italy. And thus begins a journey.
Eric is mourning the loss of his dog.
Heather is losing her mother.
Enda has lost her daughter and husband.
Curtis can't figure out why he's even here. But readers will learn soon enough - as will Curtis.
The story gives us love. Friendship. Hope. Heartbreak. And a sense of what it is like to move forward when life throws a curve ball. The messages feel empowering.
Is this story cute and cheesy? Yes. But sometimes, this is what we need...a good escape.
And one of these characters has a secret that will be revealed.
Still...
The ending...not to my taste. What do you think of it? Would you have been okay with the decisions that Ginny made? 3.5 stars
And then...
When she is ready to share this surprise with her husband, he shares with her that all he wants is a divorce.
What is she going to do now?
Using her radio show, she asks viewers if anyone else is heartbroken - and decides to take 4 people with her to Italy. And thus begins a journey.
Eric is mourning the loss of his dog.
Heather is losing her mother.
Enda has lost her daughter and husband.
Curtis can't figure out why he's even here. But readers will learn soon enough - as will Curtis.
The story gives us love. Friendship. Hope. Heartbreak. And a sense of what it is like to move forward when life throws a curve ball. The messages feel empowering.
Is this story cute and cheesy? Yes. But sometimes, this is what we need...a good escape.
And one of these characters has a secret that will be revealed.
Still...
The ending...not to my taste. What do you think of it? Would you have been okay with the decisions that Ginny made? 3.5 stars
June 10, 2023
Who would pass up a trip to Italy?
Ginny, a radio show host who specializes in helping relationships, booked a trip for her thirtieth wedding anniversary, but when she told her husband about it, he answered with: I want a divorce.
Heartbroken and embarrassed because she fixes everyone else's problems but didn't know about her own, Ginny spontaneously invites any four listeners on the trip with her.
Find out what happens as four strangers get to know each other and Ginny and her husband do too.
THE LITTLE ITALIAN HOTEL Is a heartwarming read that will have you falling in love with Italy and the characters who learned to care about others, learned to care about themselves, learned to not give up on their present-day situations, and learned to forget about the past.
Enjoy!! 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher in print and via NetGalley for an honest review.
Ginny, a radio show host who specializes in helping relationships, booked a trip for her thirtieth wedding anniversary, but when she told her husband about it, he answered with: I want a divorce.
Heartbroken and embarrassed because she fixes everyone else's problems but didn't know about her own, Ginny spontaneously invites any four listeners on the trip with her.
Find out what happens as four strangers get to know each other and Ginny and her husband do too.
THE LITTLE ITALIAN HOTEL Is a heartwarming read that will have you falling in love with Italy and the characters who learned to care about others, learned to care about themselves, learned to not give up on their present-day situations, and learned to forget about the past.
Enjoy!! 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher in print and via NetGalley for an honest review.
January 1, 2024
I loved this story about friendship and new beginnings. The storyline easily trasported me to Italy 🇮🇹. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
This is one of My Favorite Books of 2023.
Blog: LucyKnowsThings.com
This is one of My Favorite Books of 2023.
Blog: LucyKnowsThings.com
June 13, 2023
Poorly written and completely lacking in character develop I cannot in good conscience recommend this book
June 14, 2023
The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick
Narrated by Claire Calverley - warm and wonderful
When a relationship expert’s own marriage falls apart, she invites four strangers to Italy for a vacation of healing and second chances.
I picked this audiobook because I specifically wanted a light summer read that takes place in a beautiful locale, in this case Italy. This book filled that want and then some. It had strong “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “Eat, Pray, Love” vibes which are two of my very faves.
This was an uplifting and feel good read exploring marriage, family, and self discovery. Each character took a heartfelt and healing journey while bonding with new friends and exploring Italy. I loved everything about this book, it was such a wonderful surprise. Arrivederci Splendido Hotel! 👋🥹
Narrated by Claire Calverley - warm and wonderful
When a relationship expert’s own marriage falls apart, she invites four strangers to Italy for a vacation of healing and second chances.
I picked this audiobook because I specifically wanted a light summer read that takes place in a beautiful locale, in this case Italy. This book filled that want and then some. It had strong “Under the Tuscan Sun” and “Eat, Pray, Love” vibes which are two of my very faves.
This was an uplifting and feel good read exploring marriage, family, and self discovery. Each character took a heartfelt and healing journey while bonding with new friends and exploring Italy. I loved everything about this book, it was such a wonderful surprise. Arrivederci Splendido Hotel! 👋🥹
January 22, 2023
I feel all sunny inside now I’ve read this lovely book. Problem solver Ginny Splinter (great name!) has a radio show sorting out people’s lives when she takes a surprising call from a mystery woman who seems to have a connection to Ginny’s husband, Adrian. Ginny isn’t too worried because she’s been busy planning a gorgeous holiday for Adrian. They’ve been happily married for twenty-five years and have a grown-up daughter. But then everything falls apart in a BIG way and Ginny finds herself holidaying with four heartbroken strangers instead (I don’t want to give too much away). The strangers have a wide range of issues to solve, but Ginny’s confidence has been battered and the holidaymakers club together to form TEAM HEARTACHE where no event or activity is too big, small or weird to help make them feel better. I LOVED this warm, tender book and laughed out loud many time. It’s funny but tackles serious issues, such as relationships and marriage, too. Read it!!
June 3, 2023
This story is Phaedra Patrick at her best! With a lovely, heartwarming story, characters you fall in love with and imagery you need to see in real life, you won’t be able to put the book down! It takes the reader down the rabbit hole of what happens when you lose your identity because it has always been attached to someone else. What happens when your perfect marriage is not so perfect anymore. What happens when you begin to think about yourself rather than everyone else?
Ginny Splinter seems to have it all. A popular self-help radio host who is adored by her fans, always giving solid advice, a husband, Adrien who she adores who she’s been married to for almost twenty-five years, and a daughter, Phoebe, the light of their lives who is planning her own wedding, what more could one person ask for? And Ginny has a surprise for her husband. She has booked a romantic Italian getaway at a little hotel to celebrate their anniversary. So, as she is on air excitedly waiting to go home and tell him, she is shocked when a caller, Miss Peach asks her how well she knows her husband. She adds she should be cautious of him. This must be some prank.
But Ginny’s fairytale turns into a horrible nightmare when she confronts Adrien, and he tells her he doesn’t want to be married anymore. He says he needs his space. She tells him about the trip, and he says to cancel, but unfortunately, she can’t. Although Ginny seems to be good at giving advice when it comes to herself, she’s a mess.
So, with Adrien out of the picture and her going to Italy alone, she decides to use her radio show and ask her listeners if anyone is heartbroken call in for a chance to go on a free trip to Italy.
With that she finds four people who begin a journey with her which will change all their lives forever. Eric is quiet and in mourning for the loss of his dog. Heather can’t accept the fact that she is losing her mother. Enda, the oldest has lost both her daughter and husband and is at a crossroads in her life. Curtis, well they can’t figure out why he’s even here.
But first they must check into this little quaint Italian hotel run by a father and his teenage daughter, which seems to be stuck in year’s past. Unlike bigger hotels, it is very simple. But it has beautiful ambiance, and the group enjoys not only the relaxed atmosphere, but their hosts. Unfortunately, they all don’t really expect much. But what seems to happen is they begin to open up to each other, try things they would never have done before, listen and begin to fall in love with each other, their surroundings and most important, themselves.
Ginny finds herself growing stronger by the day and looking at her life and her husband differently. She never imagined a life without Adrien, but now although she still loves him sees her life could be different. With trips to Venice and Florence and the beauty they are surrounded by, who could not change! They all seem to find solace in this little Italian Hotel and each other.
The story is filled with love, friendship, hope, heartbreak and moving forward. The messages are empowering as these strangers who become family find a new strength to take their next steps and begin life anew.
Have some tissues handy because this truly is a story you will never want to forget and never want to end.
Thank you #NetGalley #ParkRow #PhaedraPatrick #TheLittleItalianHotel for the advanced copy.
Ginny Splinter seems to have it all. A popular self-help radio host who is adored by her fans, always giving solid advice, a husband, Adrien who she adores who she’s been married to for almost twenty-five years, and a daughter, Phoebe, the light of their lives who is planning her own wedding, what more could one person ask for? And Ginny has a surprise for her husband. She has booked a romantic Italian getaway at a little hotel to celebrate their anniversary. So, as she is on air excitedly waiting to go home and tell him, she is shocked when a caller, Miss Peach asks her how well she knows her husband. She adds she should be cautious of him. This must be some prank.
But Ginny’s fairytale turns into a horrible nightmare when she confronts Adrien, and he tells her he doesn’t want to be married anymore. He says he needs his space. She tells him about the trip, and he says to cancel, but unfortunately, she can’t. Although Ginny seems to be good at giving advice when it comes to herself, she’s a mess.
So, with Adrien out of the picture and her going to Italy alone, she decides to use her radio show and ask her listeners if anyone is heartbroken call in for a chance to go on a free trip to Italy.
With that she finds four people who begin a journey with her which will change all their lives forever. Eric is quiet and in mourning for the loss of his dog. Heather can’t accept the fact that she is losing her mother. Enda, the oldest has lost both her daughter and husband and is at a crossroads in her life. Curtis, well they can’t figure out why he’s even here.
But first they must check into this little quaint Italian hotel run by a father and his teenage daughter, which seems to be stuck in year’s past. Unlike bigger hotels, it is very simple. But it has beautiful ambiance, and the group enjoys not only the relaxed atmosphere, but their hosts. Unfortunately, they all don’t really expect much. But what seems to happen is they begin to open up to each other, try things they would never have done before, listen and begin to fall in love with each other, their surroundings and most important, themselves.
Ginny finds herself growing stronger by the day and looking at her life and her husband differently. She never imagined a life without Adrien, but now although she still loves him sees her life could be different. With trips to Venice and Florence and the beauty they are surrounded by, who could not change! They all seem to find solace in this little Italian Hotel and each other.
The story is filled with love, friendship, hope, heartbreak and moving forward. The messages are empowering as these strangers who become family find a new strength to take their next steps and begin life anew.
Have some tissues handy because this truly is a story you will never want to forget and never want to end.
Thank you #NetGalley #ParkRow #PhaedraPatrick #TheLittleItalianHotel for the advanced copy.
June 10, 2023
Ginny is a radio host who talks to people who call in with their problems. Well she finds out she has a problem of her own! Her husband wants a divorce! She was hoping to surprise him with a trip to Italy but instead of taking him, she takes 5 strangers from her call-in show. I did feel like I was in Italy with them all. What a great story. I loved all the characters and it made me want to visit Italy one day. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my advance copy. It’s available now.
January 21, 2025
In finishing the book, my rating was 3*. I didnt expect this book to resonate with me, but for some reason it has which made me change the rating to 4*.
A radio show expert has a gift in suggestions for callers with relationship issues.
When a female caller says "Do you know about your husband" Ginny becomes aware
all may not be well in her own paradise. Fast forward, Ginny takes four complete strangers to Italy for three weeks, each having their own personal heartbreak. (Yes, a bold and costly move) This had been a pre-planned trip to surprise her husband to celebrate a big anniversary.
The twists begin there, except....with each twist comes a lesson.
Clever story.
Not one of my better reviews.
A radio show expert has a gift in suggestions for callers with relationship issues.
When a female caller says "Do you know about your husband" Ginny becomes aware
all may not be well in her own paradise. Fast forward, Ginny takes four complete strangers to Italy for three weeks, each having their own personal heartbreak. (Yes, a bold and costly move) This had been a pre-planned trip to surprise her husband to celebrate a big anniversary.
The twists begin there, except....with each twist comes a lesson.
Clever story.
Not one of my better reviews.
July 7, 2023
Giving up about 1/4 of the way through. I really wanted to like this book, so much so, I bought it full retail at B&N. I feel bad but the conversations are eye rolling, mechanical and just so inauthentic.
We will see if I come back to it one day. I do have OCD DNF issues😂.
We will see if I come back to it one day. I do have OCD DNF issues😂.
June 30, 2023
Genres: Chick-Lit, Romance
I don't spend a lot of time in these genres because they are not my favorites. I can take them in moderation though. I liked the Italian setting in this one. I mean a 3 week vacation in Italy sounds like a dream. Except this vacation was taken by strangers all with a broken heart.
Overall I liked this one. The characters were all different and suffering from their own type of heartbreak. I liked Ginny's POV and the way her story unfolded. I also liked that her husband did NOT have his own POV. It was Ginny's story and how she was dealing with her husband's 'mid-life crisis'.
Her ending wasn't all warm and fuzzy and I think that this one thing may be why this isn't resonating well with readers who want to see red bows, rainbows, and unicorns on the last few pages. I, for one, am NOT that reader so I liked the ending because it had a realistic feel to it. Endings aren't always about rainbows and unicorns and I liked seeing that actions have consequences. So for being a genre I don't read a lot, I ended up liking this one. 3 stars.
I don't spend a lot of time in these genres because they are not my favorites. I can take them in moderation though. I liked the Italian setting in this one. I mean a 3 week vacation in Italy sounds like a dream. Except this vacation was taken by strangers all with a broken heart.
Overall I liked this one. The characters were all different and suffering from their own type of heartbreak. I liked Ginny's POV and the way her story unfolded. I also liked that her husband did NOT have his own POV. It was Ginny's story and how she was dealing with her husband's 'mid-life crisis'.
Her ending wasn't all warm and fuzzy and I think that this one thing may be why this isn't resonating well with readers who want to see red bows, rainbows, and unicorns on the last few pages. I, for one, am NOT that reader so I liked the ending because it had a realistic feel to it. Endings aren't always about rainbows and unicorns and I liked seeing that actions have consequences. So for being a genre I don't read a lot, I ended up liking this one. 3 stars.
June 23, 2023
I wanted to love this book, but I was barely interested enough to finish it. The characters just fell flat. I found Ginny, the main character, slightly annoying and there wasn't much about her to make me care about the outcome of her situation. Do yourself a favor and read The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel instead.
July 14, 2023
Ginny Splinter, acclaimed radio host and advice expert, prides herself on knowing what best for others. She's sure her husband Adrian will love the special trip to Italy she's planned for their twenty fifth wedding anniversary. But when Ginny presents the gift to Adrian, he surprises her with his own very different plan - a divorce. Beside herself with heartache, Ginny impulsively invites four heartbroken listeners to join her in Italy instead while live on air. From hiking the hills of Bologna to riding a gondola in Venice to sharing stories around the dining table of the little Italian hotel, Ginny and her newfound company embark on a vacation of healing.
Five strangers vacation together in Italy. They all have one thing in common - heartbreak. This is a thought provoking read that explores different types of grief. The characters are well developed, and they each had different problems. Ginny is completely blindsided by her husband. The holiday makes her realise that some of the problems they had might have been her fault. My favourite character was octogenarian Edna, she had so much knowledge.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #PhaedraPatrick for my ARC of #TheLittleItalianHotel in exchange for an honest review.
Five strangers vacation together in Italy. They all have one thing in common - heartbreak. This is a thought provoking read that explores different types of grief. The characters are well developed, and they each had different problems. Ginny is completely blindsided by her husband. The holiday makes her realise that some of the problems they had might have been her fault. My favourite character was octogenarian Edna, she had so much knowledge.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #PhaedraPatrick for my ARC of #TheLittleItalianHotel in exchange for an honest review.
June 6, 2023
Thank you to the author, the publisher and @netgalley for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review...official release day is June 6, 2023.
I was so excited for this book. The cover alone had me! I will start with the positive….I LOVED how this story transported me to Italy. I felt like I could actually see all of the picturesque scenes that were so beautifully described throughout the story line. I loved how the main character decided to take a three week vacation in Italy with strangers where the main goal was to help each other mend their broken hearts as they embark on a journey of self discovery and personal growth, with Italy as the star of the plot!
Overall, this book didn’t work for me. It didn’t captivate me and I lost interest halfway through. I really wanted to love this book! It didn’t work for me but it may work for you!
I was so excited for this book. The cover alone had me! I will start with the positive….I LOVED how this story transported me to Italy. I felt like I could actually see all of the picturesque scenes that were so beautifully described throughout the story line. I loved how the main character decided to take a three week vacation in Italy with strangers where the main goal was to help each other mend their broken hearts as they embark on a journey of self discovery and personal growth, with Italy as the star of the plot!
Overall, this book didn’t work for me. It didn’t captivate me and I lost interest halfway through. I really wanted to love this book! It didn’t work for me but it may work for you!
July 3, 2023
OMG!! The last 50 pages were painful!!😱 I knew the writing was sophomoric from the beginning, but the longer I read the worse it got! The short, choppy sentences were tiresome and I just wanted the book to be over. The only two characters I really liked were Curtis and Edna. Ginny and Adrian were rather one dimensional. Need to check at Well Read Moose and see who recommended this book.
June 10, 2023
Ginny Splinter is a well known radio host and advice expert, who prides herself on her advice to others. She gets a call from an anonymous person one day asking if she knows her husband as well as she thinks. When she shares her gift for her husband with him, she is surprised at his response. For their twenty-fifth anniversary, she has purchased a special three week trip to Italy to renew their vows. She's shocked to find out that Adrian has other plans, he moves out and wants a divorce. She finds out he has been active on a dating site, and is extremely hurt. When she can't get a refund for the trip, she downgrades to a cheaper hotel and invites four heartbroken listeners to join her in Italy as long as they can pay for their flight. A gentleman grieving the loss of his only companion, his dog, a woman grieving the loss of her child, another who is dealing with her mother and her terminal illness and a gentleman who has secrets join her for a three week holiday. From hiking the hills of Bologna to riding a gondola in Venice to sharing stories around the dining table of the little Italian hotel, Ginny and her newfound company embark on a vacation of healing. With Ginny falling for the owner of the hotel, Adrian suddenly shows up in Italy having a change of heart. Ginny has to decide if she is going to go back to her old life, or learn to live independently now that she has realized that she really wasn't all that happy in her old life.
I really liked the characters in this book, well, most of them. The little group that were together in Italy didn't hit it off at first, but I loved seeing them share their stories and get to know one another. As their friendship grew, they also began to heal. I loved how a quilt they were making played into that healing and growth. As many people know, you can love a person, but not be able to live together, and that is something Ginny found out. She learned through a secret way that what she and Adrien used to share might still be possible, but as she grew stronger, she began to doubt that they would be able to reconcile. All their stories were heartbreaking, but it was nice to see them begin to heal and become friends as they moved forward. This is a story filled with love, friendship, hope, heartbreak and moving forward. This found family who would probably never have met or become friends if this trip hadn't happened, have become lifelong friends. I recommend this wonderful, hopeful, heartwarming, up-lit story to those who enjoy stories of friendship, new beginnings, and family.
I really liked the characters in this book, well, most of them. The little group that were together in Italy didn't hit it off at first, but I loved seeing them share their stories and get to know one another. As their friendship grew, they also began to heal. I loved how a quilt they were making played into that healing and growth. As many people know, you can love a person, but not be able to live together, and that is something Ginny found out. She learned through a secret way that what she and Adrien used to share might still be possible, but as she grew stronger, she began to doubt that they would be able to reconcile. All their stories were heartbreaking, but it was nice to see them begin to heal and become friends as they moved forward. This is a story filled with love, friendship, hope, heartbreak and moving forward. This found family who would probably never have met or become friends if this trip hadn't happened, have become lifelong friends. I recommend this wonderful, hopeful, heartwarming, up-lit story to those who enjoy stories of friendship, new beginnings, and family.
April 20, 2023
I liked so much about this book! The large number of unexpected developments is something I enjoyed most. I didn’t expect the reason for the trip, didn’t expect the means of choosing companions would work out well, didn’t think it was very likely that five people without mutual connections would have much success being thrown together, didn’t think the seventeen year old daughter of the inn’s owner was going to add much…and on and on. The story was well told, as well as untold—we don’t have pat endings for the stories within the stories. A good read, which will be a pleasure to suggest to readers. The characters span ages from 17 to the eighties—someone for all of us to connect with!
July 20, 2023
This was such a lovely story, another top read from Patrick. I could not get enough of this story and loved being vividly transported to the Italian countryside as five strangers come together to recover from heartbreak.
Ginny’s life irrevocably changes forever when her husband walks out on her, right on the cusp of them celebrating their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. She pretty much has a melt-down at work whilst hosting her talk show on the radio, ending up offering tickets to the romantic getaway she had planned with her husband. Without pausing to think too much, Ginny takes four strangers away with her who have also experienced some sort of heartbreak, intending to heal her broken heart and leave the overwhelming sadness behind her.
Patrick does not give away all the character backgrounds immediately. I loved being able to get to know the different people whilst they are on holiday, before starting to delve into their pasts. Each character has experienced a contrasting types of sadness and Patrick does not allow readers to cast judgement whether a heartbreak is more meaningful than someone else’s. Furthermore, the revelations about the characters are all completely unexpected, showing that even if someone seems to be coping on the outside, the inside (and the reality) can be far from different.
The hotel that Ginny stays at sounds rustic and perfect for escaping. I felt like I was with the characters as they roamed the countryside and explored the local area. From visiting Venice to trekking up a hill, the holiday is varied and reaches out to the characters in different ways, allowing the heartbreak to start healing. It is not always easy and the setbacks that occur in the novel just reflect the complexities of human emotions.
Nico and his daughter, Lorretta, are wonderful hosts but they don’t always agree on how the hotel should be run. The story not only focuses on Ginny, but also this Italian family and I liked watching how the strangers have an impact on this father-daughter relationship. Although both Lorretta and Nico turn to Ginny for advice, I enjoyed seeing how all the characters learned from one another to help become better people and remain true to themselves.
This book was gentle, heartfelt and unpredictable. I experienced a rush of emotions throughout the story and found joy in the pages – pretty much like the characters start to do as well. This was a a well-written novel that shows how heartbreak can be a defining moment in life, but also provides the opportunity to stop, reset and relax.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ginny’s life irrevocably changes forever when her husband walks out on her, right on the cusp of them celebrating their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. She pretty much has a melt-down at work whilst hosting her talk show on the radio, ending up offering tickets to the romantic getaway she had planned with her husband. Without pausing to think too much, Ginny takes four strangers away with her who have also experienced some sort of heartbreak, intending to heal her broken heart and leave the overwhelming sadness behind her.
Patrick does not give away all the character backgrounds immediately. I loved being able to get to know the different people whilst they are on holiday, before starting to delve into their pasts. Each character has experienced a contrasting types of sadness and Patrick does not allow readers to cast judgement whether a heartbreak is more meaningful than someone else’s. Furthermore, the revelations about the characters are all completely unexpected, showing that even if someone seems to be coping on the outside, the inside (and the reality) can be far from different.
The hotel that Ginny stays at sounds rustic and perfect for escaping. I felt like I was with the characters as they roamed the countryside and explored the local area. From visiting Venice to trekking up a hill, the holiday is varied and reaches out to the characters in different ways, allowing the heartbreak to start healing. It is not always easy and the setbacks that occur in the novel just reflect the complexities of human emotions.
Nico and his daughter, Lorretta, are wonderful hosts but they don’t always agree on how the hotel should be run. The story not only focuses on Ginny, but also this Italian family and I liked watching how the strangers have an impact on this father-daughter relationship. Although both Lorretta and Nico turn to Ginny for advice, I enjoyed seeing how all the characters learned from one another to help become better people and remain true to themselves.
This book was gentle, heartfelt and unpredictable. I experienced a rush of emotions throughout the story and found joy in the pages – pretty much like the characters start to do as well. This was a a well-written novel that shows how heartbreak can be a defining moment in life, but also provides the opportunity to stop, reset and relax.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2024
3.5 stars and no more but I've decided to round up.
Although I didn't like this as much as The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper or Rise & Shine, Benedict Stone or even quite as much as The Secrets of Love Story Bridge, I did like it better than the two book of hers that I've given three stars to. There were some characters I quite enjoyed and the story itself had its lovely things. There were a few places where I felt that the characters backgrounds were telling; to be honest, I do not think that telling is always bad in a novel because sometimes it's appropriate, but I shouldn't feel like "this is telling." I have a couple of characters who are my favourites plus some scenes I loved, but I think it's a spoiler to tell you who and what they are.
Although I didn't like this as much as The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper or Rise & Shine, Benedict Stone or even quite as much as The Secrets of Love Story Bridge, I did like it better than the two book of hers that I've given three stars to. There were some characters I quite enjoyed and the story itself had its lovely things. There were a few places where I felt that the characters backgrounds were telling; to be honest, I do not think that telling is always bad in a novel because sometimes it's appropriate, but I shouldn't feel like "this is telling." I have a couple of characters who are my favourites plus some scenes I loved, but I think it's a spoiler to tell you who and what they are.
July 9, 2023
Sad the book had little to no descriptions on the landscape, food and wine. Cute plot and could have been so much more. Didn’t really care about any of the characters. The cover was the best part.
August 1, 2024
Kaip išlipti iš gyvenimo negandų, įvertinti save, susirasti draugų.
Visai nieko. 😊
Visai nieko. 😊
June 29, 2023
Phaedra Patrick has been a favorite since I read her debut book, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. Focusing on ordinary people and their lives, her stories are engaging, heartwarming, and insightful into the human condition. I was eager to read about a middle-aged woman who knows all the answers and has the perfect life learn what a charade that truly is before she embarks on a soul-searching trip to Italy to share a small, faded hotel with five strangers.
Ginny has always had the gift of empathy and married her high school sweetie. But the years have brought her to a crisis point with her husband. They are practically strangers and now he wants a separation for them both to figure out if there is anything worth saving. Ginny is shocked and completely unsettled. She chooses to use the trip that was meant for an anniversary gift to Italy with four struggling strangers like herself. Forced to evaluate her entire life, Ginny is on even footing with her fellow guests and their host.
I loved seeing the magic of shared experiences and life stories get each of this odd assortment of people to open up with each other and start to heal a little. Ginny might have gotten complacent with her life back in England, but she truly does have a gift of empathy for others and each of those others has a gift to contribute to the group, too. It was neat discovering what lay behind the façade of each. The hotel proprietor and his daughter are also part of the healing group.
This is all about people and their relationships, but it is not romance. There are romantic moments, but the focus is Ginny and the others healing and able to find a measure of joy and peace with what life through at them. The gentle pace and tone of the character-driven story set against a beautiful Italian village and tourist locales all came together to make a satisfying read. Contemporary Fiction and Women’s Fictions fans would most appreciate The Little Italian Hotel.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer June 23rd.
Ginny has always had the gift of empathy and married her high school sweetie. But the years have brought her to a crisis point with her husband. They are practically strangers and now he wants a separation for them both to figure out if there is anything worth saving. Ginny is shocked and completely unsettled. She chooses to use the trip that was meant for an anniversary gift to Italy with four struggling strangers like herself. Forced to evaluate her entire life, Ginny is on even footing with her fellow guests and their host.
I loved seeing the magic of shared experiences and life stories get each of this odd assortment of people to open up with each other and start to heal a little. Ginny might have gotten complacent with her life back in England, but she truly does have a gift of empathy for others and each of those others has a gift to contribute to the group, too. It was neat discovering what lay behind the façade of each. The hotel proprietor and his daughter are also part of the healing group.
This is all about people and their relationships, but it is not romance. There are romantic moments, but the focus is Ginny and the others healing and able to find a measure of joy and peace with what life through at them. The gentle pace and tone of the character-driven story set against a beautiful Italian village and tourist locales all came together to make a satisfying read. Contemporary Fiction and Women’s Fictions fans would most appreciate The Little Italian Hotel.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer June 23rd.
February 13, 2023
Lovely book. I liked the characters and Italian setting
July 25, 2023
It's a 3 and half for me. I enjoyed some character's stories better than others, but the main character was not likable to me! The little hotel was adorable, though and the premise was good.
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