The Castle of Stories

by Matt Cain

In a life-affirming, poignant, and evocative novel set against unparalleled beauty of the Tuscan countryside, a couple’s plans to spend the summer renovating an old property go awry in surprising and sometimes wonderful ways . . . Full of heart, charm, and queer joy for readers of Steven Rowley, Linda Holmes, Bryan Washington, and Paul Rudnick.

Stories don’t always unfold quite the way you expect them to, and Adam Webb has reason to be glad of that. Out of the blue, he’s inherited a farmhouse and castle in Tuscany from a great uncle he never met. It’s the catalyst for Adam to give up his HR job in Manchester and fly out to Italy for the summer to do repairs on the home he hopes to turn into a rental. The best he’ll be sharing this summer of adventure with his partner of two years, Theo. It’s a fairytale in the making.

But there’s a last-minute twist, in the shape of Theo’s three children. Theo’s ex-wife can’t take them for the summer after all, so Callum, Mabel, and Archie are coming to Italy too. Their open hostility to their dad’s boyfriend isn’t helped by the lack of Wi-Fi and the mounting chaos of renovation problems and bad plumbing, not to mention the resident lizards and mice.

Despite everything, Adam finds himself falling in love with the place, whether he’s watching golden sunsets from the castle ruins with Theo, sipping coffee on the patio, or driving around the neighboring medieval towns. And as they sort through Uncle Wilf’s possessions, another story begins to take shape—one that will help Adam navigate the family secrets that have marred his past and the decisions that will shape his future. What emerges isn’t a fairytale, but it’s a rich, complex narrative of love, acceptance, and second chances that could pave the way for the best kind of happy ever after.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Queer, Contemporary, Italy, LGBT, Book Club

393 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2026

About the author

Matt Cain is a writer, broadcaster, publisher and leading commentator on LGBTQ+ issues.

He was Channel 4’s first Culture Editor, Editor-In-Chief of Attitude magazine, has written for all the national newspapers, and has appeared on BBC Breakfast, Good Morning Britain, The Today Programme and Lorraine. He’s a patron of LGBT+ History Month, has received an honorary doctorate from Bolton University, addressed the Cambridge Union, and in 2025 was awarded an MBE for services to LGBTQ+ culture.

Matt’s bestselling novels include The Madonna Of Bolton, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle and One Love. His latest, The Castle of Stories, will be published in June 2026 as the first title from Pansy, the independent publisher he's set up with his husband Harry Glasstone specialising in queer books by queer authors for all readers.

Born in Bury and brought up in Bolton, Matt now lives in London with Harry and their dog, Teddy.

Reviews

[annes_mesmerizing_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have any of you read The Guncle? You know, Patrick in his caftans, sipping Mimosas, toothless Grant being “mythelf,” and Maisie who always knows better? If you loved that one, I’m pretty sure you’ll fall for The Castle of Stories too.

At 45, Patrick inherits a house with an old castle in Tuscany. It sounds like the perfect place to spend the summer with his boyfriend, Theo. But when Theo’s children join them, Adam isn’t convinced their Italian escape will be quite so dreamy. The kids seem to hate him, he’s barely speaking to his dad, memories of his mum keep resurfacing, his “sisters” (aka his gay friends) are visiting, and to top it all off… there’s no WiFi.

Let’s say Adam is trying to hold on, but in fact Adam fact is a mess while he tries to be nice to fifteen‑year‑old Callum, thirteen‑year‑old Mabel, and eight‑year‑old Archie. Even though the last one is the cutest, comparable to Grant in The Guncle with his Dadam, I loved the other two too. And I adored how they over the summer all grew to each other.

The Castle of Stories is a light‑hearted story that made me smile again and again while touching on heavier themes. It’s the perfect book to read on the beach or during a holiday… especially if you’re heading to Italy.

Thank you, Pansy and NetGalley, for this lovely and humorous ARC!

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[Louis Muñoz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Matt Cain brings us very relatable characters and excellent stories, and his newest book, coming out in April, did not disappoint. One of the things I liked and appreciated the most is that the main character is 45 going on 46, and while I love coming-of-age stories like the best of them, I'm grateful to see older characters as well.

I have to say that I liked "The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle" and "Becoming Ted" a bit more than this one. I gave both of those two books 5 stars, but only 3.5 stars to this one. Part of the reason had to do with length, as I felt this book maybe went longer than I felt was needed. I also felt the MC's "sisters" a bit much. Having said that, I strongly recommend this latest book from Matt Cain, and very much look forward to both previous ones I haven't read yet, and his future books.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Marthea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2+
Miałam nadzieję, że to będzie obyczajówka z wibracjami Gujcio (uwielbiam tę książkę 😁). I dostałam rzeczywiście obyczajówkę (nie romans, muszę zaznaczyć), ale niestety do Gujcia było jej bardzo daleko...

Właściwie to historia składa się z samych stereotypów. Mamy m.in.:
- Theo: geja, który ujawnił się dopiero mniej więcej w wieku 46 lat; który już nie mógł znieść tego kłamstwa i powiedział żonie, co oczywiście skutkowało rozstaniem i rozwodem;
- trójkę dzieci tegoż geja, w tym dwoje nastolatków, którzy są koszmarni dla partnera ojca, Adama (narratora historii), z którym jest od mniej więcej 18 miesięcy;
- byłą żonę, klasyczną sukę;
- posiadłość do remontu we Włoszech z ruinami XI-wiecznego zamku, którą Adam odziedziczył po zupełnie nieznanym mu krewnym;
- historię tegoż krewnego, która jest niby tajemnicą rozwiązywaną w trakcie rozwoju fabuły, a której wynik widać właściwie niemalże od pierwszego akapitu, w którym jest to wspomniane;
- wakacje, na których dzieci miały być z ojcem tylko przez tydzień, a były przez sześć i absolutnie klasyczną ewolucję od nienawiści do uwielbienia;
- ekscentryczną sąsiadkę-Niemkę, która uwielbia wszystko robić po swojemu i ma już swoje lata;
- grupę wsparcia, czyli trzech przyjaciół Adama (oczywiście gejów), którzy nazywają siebie siostrami;
- itd.

Adam i Theo są jacyś tacy pasywni, że trudno się wciągnąć w całą tę historię, choć naprawdę próbowałam.

I, paradoksalnie, to nie jest jakaś strasznie zła książka, ale brakuje jej charakteru, duszy i emocji, które zagubiły się w drobiazgowych opisach posiadłości, remontu, wyglądu po remoncie, wyglądu ruin zamku, wyglądu i ubioru bohaterów, jedzenia, jego przygotowywania, wyglądu miast i miasteczek oraz tak naprawdę co tam można sobie jeszcze wyobrazić. Gdyby ściąć to wszystko o połowę, to i tak byłoby za dużo. Pewnie miało robić właśnie klimat, ale efekt według mnie jest odwrotny...

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Pansy for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

Is there anything more heartwarming than a new Matt Cain book?

There's 53 chapters which makes roughly 7 pages per chapter, which is a good length, as I don't like overly long chapters.

I'm not 100% sure but I thought I'd seen somewhere that this is based on a true story and that Matt had indeed inherited this Italian property. The only problem is...I can't find where I read it so now I'm wondering if I imagined it.

I love that our protagonists are a little older, in their forties, and are just settling down in this new live of theirs. It shows that love and dreams don't have to stop just because you didn't find them in your 20s.

I love Italy, although I haven't been to the area in this book. But it sounds idyllic and made me really want to spend my summer in the Italian countryside drinking wine, gazing out at my vineyard. Oh...a girl can dream. Here's hoping I have a long-lost uncle with an Italian castle to inherit.

I loved the blended family in this. It's not always sunshine and rainbows, but that's good. I've only become a blended family since my dad died and my mum found a new partner, but I'm in my 30s and so it doesn't feel like a blended family, if that makes sense. But I can't imagine how easy or difficult it might be for children to cope with a new family, particularly if they've only experienced the "traditional" family set-up but now they're contended with something different. And I loved how honest Matt was about that. It's not always pleasant but it's important to talk about.

I know they played their roles perfectly, but the kids in this book are so irritating, that if they weren't children I would have said "push them down the hill". They're so rude and miserable and just nasty and I didn't like them at all (except for the youngest, he was a sweetheart). I know I should have been patient and given them the benefit of the doubt but it was hard to. But they did get better as it went on.

I really enjoyed it from the start, but it definitely got even better once Adam started investigation his Uncle's past, about 1/3 through. That's when it starts to get juicy and when it turns from a good book to a great book.

It's not my favourite of his books - that accolade still remains with One Love. But it's a very enjoyable, moving, entertaining, funny, serious, relaxing, gorgeous story.

By the end of it I felt so warm and I could feel my smile getting bigger. It is so uplifting and heartwarming.

If you're heading to Italy this summer then it's the perfect read to lose yourself in.

[Rich ✧ ✭ ✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cosy, heartwarming read with a stunning setting which unfolds in Italy.

Adam Webb unexpectedly inherits an Italian property from an uncle he has never met. With his partner Theo, and his three children - two of whom are intent on making his life a misery - they set off on an adventure to renovate and make a loving home of this property with a mystery.

This new story is released under Matt’s new publishing label, Pansy, and what a start they’ll have with this fantastic book!

Whilst Adam is our main character, there’s so many other brilliant, relatable characters who add such value and heart to this story. You’ll recognise a friend, a neighbour, colleague or relative somewhere within one of these well-written characters making it a relatable read.

The story tackles some hard themes which are handled with care and told with truth. Grief, divorce, resentment, homophobia… and love. This one’s got it all. It’s real life and much like the characters, there’s something somewhere for people to relate to.

The location is brilliantly atmospheric. Matt often writes the setting with such care that it really sets the scene of the warm Tuscan Countryside so lovingly. The house, the castle and their surroundings felt so real and I loved being there in these pages.

Whilst I found myself wanting the teenagers resentment toward Adam’s to develop and grow past this a little sooner, I still understood the intention of building firmly on this story to add to the emotion and narrative. It’s all so brilliantly executed.

The ending is heartwarming and left me smiling from ear to ear. It’s beautifully written and one I throughly enjoyed. Highly recommend and this is some of Matt’s best work. Congratulations.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Castle of Stories is a delightfully delicious story, with a huge sense of uplifting joy weaved throughout each and every single page!

I absolutely devoured it from beginning to end, leaving me fulfilled from the beautiful character Adam and his army of mismatched friends and family who somehow fit together exquisitely.

I was enamoured from the start of the story, quickly falling for Adam and Theo's love for one another and rooting for their strength despite the crumbling problems surrounding them!

It was heartfelt and heavy in places, with a keen representation of gay rights and history, but always followed closely by humour and wit especially by Adam's wonderful sisters - Ian, Dom and Gloria, some of my favourite characters in the book! However my most treasured person has to be little Archie, his constant cheeriness and lust for life seems to match the epitome of the story itself.

I adore all of Matt's books, his writing is relatable, joyous and addictive, but his latest stands out as being my new favourite! Not least because I now need to fly out to Lucca and follow in Wilf and Arnaldo's footsteps, as their story has captured a new sense of adventure and love in life.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

"the castle of stories" is just the book i needed.
it's heartfelt, it's scenic, it's pure joy, it's full of acceptance to be who you are!
to say that i was horrified at the start about how the kids acted around the main couple would be an understatement. thankfully, that got resolved along with a few inner struggles adam had. i cried a bit too, because stories about families (as non-traditional as they can be) and their members finding their way to one another are always so dear to my heart.

the only two things that bothered me were: (1) the sex scene (it was unnecessary imo), (2) the constant use of 'superb' and 'brill' (it really got on my nerves).

thank you netgalley and kensington publishing for this arc.

[Britt ⋆.˚ ☾⭒.˚]

DNF on page 22 because it's all telling, no showing. The main thing the protagonist seems to like about his boyfriend of over a year is that he's tall and has good hair?

[C. Scott Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book, but ended up absolutely loving it! A pure joy to read and a great perspective on blended families.

[Jae Xuân · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to snuggle into a cozy queer story, but this was a huge disappointment. Every character is a stereotype and there is way too much attention on looks and bodies, and it seems that's the only way to describe any of the people the MC knows.

Lots of overexplaining in the prose, and not enough trust in the readers to figure things out for themselves.

The "surprise" about the uncle was hardly that (so much over-the-top foreshadowing), and everything in the plot is so predictable. Forced myself to finish because I got an ARC, but I wish I had DNF'd.

Thanks for Netgalley, RB Media and the author for the audio ARC.

[Liam Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the UK publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this story. It was so full of heart. So heartwarming by the end, but so raw and honest for so much of it. It tackled subjects which aren't often dealt with in books, about the realities of becoming a stepparent and the difficulties that can come with it.

I loved the story of the past and how it was weaved in through what was happening today. Everything felt addressed by the end, and it just felt like the book left me with one big warm hug.

I loved all the characters. The sisters. The people around Pisa that they met. I obviously loved the kids and their relationship with Adam. That was really the golden jewell of the story, and i can't recommend it enough.

[High Lady of Delulu · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

What made The Castle of Stories such a good book for me was the amount of layers and nuances it managed to include. It’s not a terribly heavy read in terms of emotional triggers but it’s also not just light-hearted.
It’s messy and chaotic and finds joy in unexpected corners. It’s real life.



PLOT
So much happens in this book, so many side quests and details find space in it that I am grateful for the framework set early on, bracketing the colourful chaos within the confines of summer holidays.

The plot is littered with conflicts, and none of them felt artificial or constructed. They didn’t need to be. The social experiment that is putting these characters together into a castle under construction, in a country that easily loses its romantic flair when the summer heat hits harder than the lack of funds, made for inevitable conflict arcs.
It was also the perfect setting to amplify the preexisting dynamics and the difficulty that comes with a relatively new couple dealing with the age old drama that is cruel teenagers that are still loyal to their other parent.


Within all of this, the author managed to address evolving dynamics of patchwork families, very time relevant issues. Like how difficult it can be to be a teen in the age of social media. Or what it means to reshape identity as an adult finally acknowledging their existence under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. Or what it means to protect one's boundaries with children who feel like their family has been ripped apart, knowing the new partner is a package deal.



CHARACTERS
I just love books that find ways to manoeuvre the pain and weight of life in such a realistic way by finding solutions and happy endings that aren’t one-size-fits-all. Just like real life isn’t. And amidst this, where it is so easy to forget the good parts, the author managed to make this a read filled with humour and joy.

This is the kind of book where I love that the characters act entirely different than from what I would’ve done. There is no binary right or wrong in how the characters resolve their issues, and while some of their decisions and reactions had me anxious or stressed, it is precisely this absolutely human behaviour - unpredictable yet on character - that made this such a good book.

Unpredictable yet on character, uncomfortable in the way that feels most normal because that’s just what life is like. And still undeniable on route towards the happy end that feels so real, despite being scripted, that it fills real life with hope.



WRITING
On top of all this, the writing was amazing. I loved the style, the narrative choices of what is being told and what isn’t, the conversations and tone that so naturally developed with the characters. And as a huge plus, the narrator did an amazing job and was, in my opinion, the perfect choice for this.


--


Thank you to NetGalley, RB Media and Matt Cain for an ALC of The Castle of Stories

[Guillermo Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under the Tuscan sun meets THE GUNCLE in this story about a couple who move to Tuscany over the summer to renovate a dilapidated castle. Adam has inherited an estate from an estranged uncle but is the restoration worthwhile? He does have a new relationship with Theo and is bringing Theos kids along a good idea? Overall the premise was promising and seemed like a nice take on a popular trope. I did lose interest about halfway through as all the beats seemed too predictable, the kids were painted as overly unbearable with no redeeming qualities and the better part of the book was filled with cliche moments. Still enjoyed the lgbtq representation especially of a late out gay men merging his family with his new partner.

[Shaz Mcdill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, a heartwarming story beautifully written with a perfect ending I would definitely recommend this one and look forward to his next book

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5 ⭐️

It’s no secret that I’m a massive fan of Matt Cain’s work. After falling for Albert Entwistle in 2021, I’ve read and loved the rest of Matt's brilliant books.

The Castle of Stories is superbly written, and the chapters flow smoothly from one to the next. Matt is a master of character development; each believable character is well-rounded and fully fleshed out. I particularly liked Theo's youngest son, the adorable Archie.

The spectacular Tuscan countryside setting provides a stunning backdrop to the entertaining story, a character in its own right. Matt’s beautifully detailed descriptions made me want to visit for myself.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Tuscan escape with Adam, Theo, and the rest of the supporting cast. Castle of Stories is a charming, uplifting, heartwarming read. It's a story of love, friendship, and belonging.

A touching love letter to Tuscany.

Many thanks to Matt Cain and Pansy Books for my proof copy.

[Zoe B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a huge fan of Matt ever since I read the wonderful The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle, so I was extra excited to read his latest novel, The Castle of Stories.
This book also feels extra special as it’s the first title published by @Pansy, the independent publisher founded by Matt and his husband to champion LGBTQ+ stories.

Set in beautiful Tuscany, this was such a pure escapist read. The setting felt so vivid that I could completely imagine myself there amongst the sunshine, and the renovation chaos. When Adam unexpectedly inherits a farmhouse and castle from a relative he never met, he quits his job and moves to Italy with his partner Theo and Theo’s children to restore the property and start a new chapter.
I absolutely loved the renovation come to life and seeing the family dynamics unfold. Adam and Theo had such a lovely relationship both dealing with their own struggles while still supporting each other throughout. Theo’s teenage children were realistic (and definitely stereotypical teenagers at times!), while the youngest child completely stole my heart.
Adam’s “sisters” brought the humour to the story, and Gloria in particular was fabulous. honestly, (Everyone needs a Gloria in their life!)

Alongside all the charm and escapism, there was also real emotional depth. I loved Adam uncovering more about the uncle who left him the property, though it was heartbreaking to read about the homophobia he experienced and what he missed out on.
With all of Matt’s books, I always get the sense that pieces of his own experiences and heart make their way onto the page, but The Castle of Stories felt especially personal and heartfelt. It also feels like a slight new direction for him, bringing children and family life more centrally into the story and it worked perfectly.

A heartfelt, uplifting escapist read that I absolutely adored. ❤️

[Christine Fitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunner from Matt Cain; he did a great job of revealing depth and layers to the characters throughout, even ones that started out flat from the MC's point of view. I love seeing MCs from a working class background who have to think about things like money while they're off on their glamorous vacations, and that's definitely a part of the narrative here that really keeps things grounded. There was a just-right dose of conflict and issues for the MC to work through in terms of the house, his relationship, and his past, but overall the story was uplifting and I got pretty emotional towards the end (of course). Plus there are great food descriptions and beautiful landscapes. It really made me want to go back to Italy and eat my little heart out.

Netgalley gave me a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

CWs - Bullying, Homophobia, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Infidelity, Suicide, Outing, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Animal death, Physical abuse

[Tim Stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Matt Cain's work. The Castle of Stories does not disappoint. His work reminds me of my favorite author, Armistead Maupin. His characters are beautifully drawn and the stories are intriguing and engrossing, while also being comforting. Cain's books feel like a hug.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully warm and charming story! This is my first of Cain’s books, but it won’t be my last.

It did take me a while to get into. The story tackles a variety of themes, experiences and perspectives, and takes a little while to find its rhythm. At first it felt heavier, and the familial relationships felt quite hopeless. However about midway the story hits its stride, and the initial conflict starts to evolve into something thoughtful, nuanced and heartwarming.

Cain captures the layers of guilt, shame, identity, loss and the shifts in the experience of being gay across generations in a way that feels honest and complex without feeling gratuitous. I came to understand and respect the characters, and enjoyed the experience of gradually unravelling their perspectives, particularly Matt and Wilf. The Italian castle setting elevated this story of a new family forming, and I closed this book with a full heart.

The narration for the audiobook version took this up a star for me. The narrators voice felt perfect for Matt, capturing his maturity, and placing the reader within his perspective. The gentle pacing and cadence of the narration felt perfectly aligned with the Italian countryside setting. And despite such a large cast, each character had a distinct voice, making their individual experiences easy to follow.

Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy emotional roller coaster, Batman! This story was like a suckerpunch to the gut while also being so cozy, heartfelt, and inspiring!

I went into this book blindly expecting a gay, older, romance- and I got that and SO much more than I bargained for. Each character has so much depth that it was impossible not to appreciate all of the thought and care put into the creation of The Castle of Stories.

The story follows our main character, Adam, who struggles with what might be misplaced abandonment issues as he navigates a new relationship with Theo- a man who has just divorced his ex-wife upon coming out as gay to his family. Adam has recently inherited a home and "castle" in which he and Theo planned to renovate throughout the summer, only taking the kids for the last week of summer. But, everything gets flipped around when his ex-wife Kate pushes the kids on him for the full summer.

Callum, Mabel, and Archie, the children of Theo and Kate who want nothing to do with Adam, are now stuck with them throughout the full summer, renovating his new home in Italy.

At first, I was so annoyed with these kids. They tried to sabotage EVERY moment they could with Adam, openly hating him and siding with their mom at every turn. But the further into the story I went, the more I felt for these kids whose parents are freshly divorced and learning to accept that their father is gay and has already moved on with Adam. They softened up to Adam, and I really softened up to them, too.

I don't want to dive too much farther into the plot, but the name of this book truly captures the essence of each person having their own story- the one they share, and the one they keep close.

I laughed, cried, and truly enjoyed my time with The Castle of Stories. I'm so grateful Kensington sent me an ARC. This story will stay with me for a long time.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Finished reading: March 23rd 2026

"I've learned that just because something was my story before, it doesn't mean it has to be forever."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and A John Scognamiglio Book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

REVIEW

I usually enjoy Matt Cain's writing and I do love an Italian setting, so I couldn't resist adding The Castle Of Stories even though his previous book was a miss for me personally. The premise of this newest story sounded intriguing, with the main character inheriting a farmhouse and castle in Italy from a great uncle he never even met... It also prepared me for the upcoming drama along the way, which I was grateful for. And while there were a couple minor blips along the way, as a whole I ended up having an excellent time reading about their adventure in Italy.

The Castle Of Stories is mainly set in Tuscany, and this Italian setting was one of my favorite things about this book. There are so many descriptions of the Italian countryside, and it makes it feel as if you are right there along with the main characters... Or at least it makes you want to travel there yourself. I enjoyed the incorporation of a couple Italian words as well, and the many food descriptions without a doubt made me crave Italian food.

Another aspect I really enjoyed reading about was the renovation of the property itself as well as the escavation of the castle ruins. Both added a little extra to the plot and also helped balance out all the personal drama that flared up at times... I could appreciate that both elements weren't without hurdles, as it made the plot feel more realistic. The fact that they have to 'survive' the summer in the middle of a building site with three children adds a little tension to the plot as well, as it isn't the ideal situation in the best of times (let alone if two out of three children don't even want to be there initially).

As for the characters... While Adam's insecurity could get a bit annoying, I can't deny that I could appreciate his growth over time. Theo was easier to like, but little Archie was without doubt the true star of the show. I adored him! The other children behaved like typical teenagers and are hard to like in the beginning, but in a way their reactions are also understandable and do feel realistic. I enjoyed watching their growth and developing bond over time, and most of the secondary characters were great as well. I do have to say that the way the teenagers spoke was highly annoying and slowed down the pace. I get that this is how teenagers speak nowadays, but the slang really distracted (even if most of the words were explained).

As a whole, The Castle Of Stories can be considered a lighthearted read and perfect for those summer months, but I do have to warn that it also incorporates plenty of heavier topics including homophobia, death, bullying and infidelity. These elements are well incorporated though, and the result is a well-balanced plot that is both reflective and ultimately uplifting. Recommended if you enjoy emotional contemporaries with an Italian setting.

[Phoebe Wilkes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a hard one to give a score, and it pains me, because I tend to like this author (I absolutely loved The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle). But this book was a DNF for me.

I somehow managed to read past the 70% mark, but I just wasn´t enjoying it. And I think this is mainly because of two things:

1. Kids are written in such an annoyingly stereotypical manner that I cannot stand it. All through the book I was tellng myself, don´t be too harsh, they are probably like this because their mother made them think of a certain way. But then again, Kate was also hella annoying, in an exagerated way.
2. Too many stereotypes. I mean, the summary itself for the story is a stereotype, but I thought you could do something more interesting (or at least less melodramatic) with it.
Because, listen here, this story is about Adam, who inherits a property in Italy when a distant family member (whom later we find out was gay and lived many years here with his partner) dies. And somehow ends up spending summer there with his boyfriend, Theo (who has recently come out and divorced) and Theo´s kids. Now, conflict lies in the fact that the kids don´t accept Adam because... He stole Theo? Something like that, in their view.
My point is: I felt every single character in this novel (all the protagonists specifically) was a walking stereotype. So much so I couldn´t bring myself to care about any of them. The only one who was more or less okay was Archie, and that´s only because he is an overexcited 8 year old who has no malice and doesn´t enter in adult conflict. But all the rest were so...
Kate, the ex wife, was inventing shit since the very begining.
The teenagers were straight out unlikeable. I think this got better in the last half of the book, but that was because they weren´t there on page so much and also because, somehow without my notice, they kinda began to be okay with Adam? (Not that they sat and talked, more like other characters helped).
Theo and Adam were a bit, how can I put it? I expected them to try do more. They were very passive with everything happening.
And in regards to Wilf, Adam´s grand-uncle who left him the house... Well, it was no surprise he was gay. There was a very obvious foreshadowing from the very beginning. The letters were okay, but then again, I rather you showed and not told.

I think I´m going to leave the review here. I didn´t finish the book, but my guess is that everything somehow got sorted out and everyone reconciled.
Now, do I recommend the book? Yeah. It´s a well written novel, despite all my complaints. I´m sure someone more patient than me will enjoy it.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 Audio Review: Really enjoyed the narration for this story! Definitely felt that the audio helped bring the characters to life and made the experience more enjoyable, since I didn’t have to be stumbling over some of the Italian words and other terms.

📝 Story Review: I absolutely loved this story! I teared up so many times due to how emotionally moving I found this to be.

Adam and Theo have been in a relationship for about 1.5 yrs when Adam finds out he’s inherited a home and crumbling castle in Italy from a relative he never knew. They fall in love with the place and decide to return in the summer and renovate it. However, Theo’s 3 children from his first marriage wind up being pawned off on them for the entire summer instead of one week. Which wouldn’t be that big of a deal if the older two children didn’t dislike Adam so much and if their mother hadn’t helped instill that hate.

This story was beautiful and moving in many ways. From seeing how a divided family can mend and grow, to seeing how old wounds and misunderstandings can be brought out into the open and healed. And from seeing how the past hardships for homosexual couples, while maybe not as difficult these days, still runs into plenty of opposition, but love can endure!

I loved how this novel was written in a manner that made your heart bleed for the historical love story interwoven between its pages of modern romance which faced its own hurdles from small minded and misinformed people. It really showed the community and love between the LGBTQ and how sometimes the people you least expect to understand, can be just as accepting and loving. - This was just beautifully written and a captivating story from beginning to end.

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5

Vibes: A bittersweet old love story tied into a new age love story that has its own ups and downs. Bittersweet and heartwarming.

Tropes 👇

- MM romance/LGBTQ rep
- Italy vacation with kids
- Inheriting a home in Italy
- Home renovations
- Found family
- Family misunderstandings mended
- Navigating life/family dynamic changes
- Uncovering old family secrets

CW’s 👇

- Homophobia
- Childish rudeness (broken family)
- Difficult ex-relationship
- Past familial estrangement due to sexuality
- Feelings of parental abandonment
- Feelings of insecurity

Audio Release Date: April 27, 2026
Audio Run Time: 11 hrs, 47 mins
Narrated By: Simon Vance
Genre: MM Romance
POV: First Person; Single

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for this ALC in return for my honest review!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved this author's previous book The secret Life of Albert enwhistle and so I had fairly high expectations for this book

It's about this man named Adam who inherits a Italian Villa with a castle from his late uncle that he did not know and so he decides to fix it up and rent it out but first he and his boyfriend are going to spend the summer there while the work gets done.

His boyfriend Theo has three kids and after a little upset turns out all three of them are going to spend the whole summer with them.

This book took me a significant amount of time to get into. If I did not have this as a netgalley title I probably would have dnf'd. I am glad I didn't because by the end I really did like our two characters and the kids but I also had some significant problems as well.

Cis gay men love to think that they cannot be misogynistic but I fear sometimes it is the worst. This book tries and it's really interesting because the main character has four best friends who he calls his sisters and to me that was a little bit off-putting but then there's a scene where they explain why they call each other the sisters to Theo's daughter and there's this big talk about reclaiming femininity and showcasing how families can be all sorts of things. And that's great in all but then our main character is uncomfortable around periods and calls his boyfriend's ex-wife a bitch.

I just fear that they don't even grasp how that comment and that lack of knowledge about a fucking basic bodily experience is lined in misogyny.

My other issue with this book is that the only queer people right are cis gay men and I'm so tired of it. I'm sure that a lot of people are going to love this book specifically fans of the guncle but for me I was a little bit let down on any sort of lack of diversity within queerness and a lack of accountability about the misogyny from our main characters.

There's discussions about homophobia but only about gay men.

It's not to say the book was bad but sometimes there's a reason that I don't like to read queer books written by cis gay men.

By the end of the book it is heartwarming and you like the kids and you're rooting for them and it's fine. I definitely liked the author's other book better but I know this will find its audience. I just hope that gay men can continue to learn and grow and be a little bit more open and understanding about their own biases.

2.5 stars

[Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Recorded Books for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

Adam Webb wasn’t expecting to inherit a farmhouse and castle in Tuscany, especially from a great uncle that he’s never met. He flies from Manchester to Italy with his partner of two years, Theo, to do some repairs and hopefully flip the home into a rental. But when Theo’s three kids unexpectedly tag along for the summer, Adam’s plans are thwarted again. But as the summer progresses and the teen angst subsides, Adam finds himself falling more in love with the castle, with his great uncle’s legacy, and with Theo’s family.

I’ll admit that it was a bit of a slow start, but as the story progressed I started to fall in love with all the characters that Matt Cain introduces. I love the fictionalized queer history, the Italian summer vibes, and the complex family dynamics of stepping into more of a step-parent role. Once I put aside that it’s less of a romance and more of a Steven Rowley queer contemporary fiction book, I began to love the story even more. It’s a charming story that celebrates generations of queer joy, and speaks to the universal experience of becoming a parent’s new partner. I absolutely loved the three kids in the story, each with such a unique personality and role in the family, and each with their own challenge to Adam. Simon Vance perfectly captured each of the kids’ vibes, and I particularly loved the playful attitude of Archie. Simon Vance provides such heartfelt narration to Adam’s melancholy, confusion, and, ultimately, heartwarming joy. This is a story I’ll keep coming back to and keep recommending to anyone looking for a beautiful queer story.

Reviewed as part of an #ARC from #NetGalley.

Read this book if you:
🇮🇹 loved The Guncle Abroad
👯‍♀️ have reclaimed words like “queer” or “sister”
👒 adorn a Panama hat

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[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start..... well... WOW, just WOW!!!

What a story, which is based on a real life castle in Tuscany.

I have never read anything by Matt Cain before, but I will definitely be reading more books by this talented author, who writes, bringing the words, written on the page, to life. I could imagine the colours he described, the castle and it's rooms, the people.

It's a story of love; of being 'different'; of finding out about the past and finally, of acceptance.

Adam and Theo are in a relationship when Adam comes into possession of a castle in Italy, left to him by an Uncle he never knew. They decide to spend six weeks over the Summer holidays renovating the main house and attached cottage, so that it can be used as a holiday let.

The problem comes when the plans concerning Theo's three children change. Initially they were visiting for a couple of weeks, now it's for the whole of the holiday. The two older children, Callum and Mabel (15 & 14) have shown Adam nothing but hostility; while the youngest, Archie (8), gets along fine with him.

The book is about how the Summer goes with the children, it's also about finding out about Adam's Uncle's life and why he moved there, and it's about finally finding out what happened to his Mum when he was 11.

It is an absolutely fabulous book which I couldn't put down, I read it in two long reading sessions and by the end of it, I was crying. The book will make you laugh, cry, but more importantly, think. I highly recommend this book.

[Cori Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inheriting an Italian farmhouse and castle, middle-aged MC Adam decides to quit his job and spend the summer renovating the place into a holiday rental. He'll take with him his partner of two years, Theo, and it'll be super-romantic.

Except that at the last minute, the summer plans for Theo's three children fall through, and they're added to the party -- and there is ongoing fallout from Theo coming out and ending his straight marriage two years before. There is, horror, no wifi, just mice and lizards in the kitchen ... and what renovation ever went smoothly?!

All in all, it's the set up for a lovely summer read, which I enjoyed no end. Adam develops new insight into his own family history, while he, Theo and the kids are processing the change in their family dynamics. I liked how realistic the conversations and emotions were, and that some shifts do just take time and willing. The history of the farmhouse, and Adam's mysterious Uncle Wilf, are folded in well, too. Plus the beautiful Tuscan countryside is beautifully described.

This is a blend of slice of life, fluff, and also rather emotional in places (content warnings for homophobia in particular.) However, in common with the author's other books, it's a positive story overall, and I happily recommend it.


Rating: 16/20
This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Adam inherits an estate in disrepair in Italy from a great uncle he never met, he, his boyfriend Theo, and Theo's three kids spend the summer fixing the place up to be a holiday rental. Theo's older kids, Callum and Mabel, are still angry at their father for coming out as gay and divorcing their mom, and they direct all that anger at Adam, who is trying his hardest to win them over. Over the course of the summer, Adam discovers a lot about his family that was hidden from him, which turns on its head everything he thought he knew about his own childhood.

I really liked Adam and his earnest sincerity. He is also quite insecure, having never felt like he was enough for his father, with his mother's early death that he is a bit suspicious about, and subsequently being raised by his aunt. He also grew up in a really homophobic time, and is still battling trauma from it. I also really liked Theo, who is struggling so hard dealing with resentful children, an angry ex wife, and unsupportive parents.

I cried kind of a lot while reading this book, though it is very wholesome and sweet. Adam really goes on a rollercoaster of emotions figuring our his past and reframing everything he's been through. I feel like this would be a great vacation/beach read, with vivid descriptions of rolling hills and delicious food, a fun story with substance too.

(I received a free advanced review copy from the publisher/NetGalley.)

[Lindsey Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, glorious, heartwarming, emotional and poignant.

Adam Webb’s life takes an unexpected turn when he inherits a property in Italy from an uncle he never knew. Alongside his partner Theo and his three children, two of whom seem determined to test his patience, he embarks on a journey to restore the house and turn it into a home and maybe a new business, all while uncovering a lingering mystery.

The book doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects, exploring themes such as grief, divorce, resentment, and homophobia with honesty and sensitivity, balanced by an underlying thread of love. It feels grounded in real life, offering something for every reader to connect with.

The setting is particularly evocative. Matt captures the beauty of the Tuscan countryside with vivid, affectionate detail, bringing the house, the nearby castle, and their surroundings to life. It’s easy to feel transported there, immersed in every page.

I do believe this is his best novel yet which is strong praise as Albert Entwhistle and Ted still live rent free in my head years after meeting them in his previous books.

The audiobook was beautifully narrated by Simon Vance who really brought each separate character to life with believable accents and voices.

With thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Matt Cain for the arc in exchange for an honest review

[Jonathan Welford · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Disney and Hallmark collaborated, this would probably be the result.

An inherited farmhouse and castle in Tuscany bring together a blended family of two gay men, one of whom has three children. What follows is a summer of renovations, family discoveries, and emotional healing. Along the way, they uncover the story of a great-uncle's romance with an Italian man during a time when such relationships were forced into the shadows, alongside several more immediate family secrets.

Add a delightful assortment of stereotypical gay men, complete with the usual collection of backstories and baggage, plus a gloriously vampish German neighbour providing plenty of comic relief, and you have all the ingredients for an easy, enjoyable read.

I always enjoy Matt's books. They're highly readable and comforting in the best possible way. I finished this one in two sittings, secure in the knowledge that nothing truly dreadful was going to happen.

What stayed with me most, however, was one of the peripheral characters who suggested running week-long retreats at the newly renovated Tuscan home. The idea was to create a space where gay men could tell their stories, reflect on their lives, and give themselves permission to write the next chapter. That's a narrative I'd be very interested in seeing explored further.