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Martini Club #2
Prosecco and Promises
A feel-good story of self-discovery and love in the face of grief, join Mia in the beautiful Italian island of Ischia. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Lindsey Kelk and Lucy Vine.
Since her mother died when Mia was a child, her dad has been her best friend and her idol. Now, the cancer he survived years before is back, and this time there’s no fighting it. To make matters worse her dad’s last request is for Mia to leave him and visit her mother’s family on the Italian island of Ischia so she doesn’t have to be there at the end.
Arriving at the sun-soaked island, Mia is embraced by the warm, crazy family she doesn’t know. While she waits for the phone to ring with the dreaded news, Mia desperately looks for a connection to the mother she never knew. Stumbling upon an antique shop run by the charming Antonio and his grouchy but handsome grandson Salvatore, she throws herself into helping with the shop restoration. As Mia and Salvatore’s bickering soon turns to chemistry, will she risk having her heart broken when she knows what’s waiting for her at home?
Since her mother died when Mia was a child, her dad has been her best friend and her idol. Now, the cancer he survived years before is back, and this time there’s no fighting it. To make matters worse her dad’s last request is for Mia to leave him and visit her mother’s family on the Italian island of Ischia so she doesn’t have to be there at the end.
Arriving at the sun-soaked island, Mia is embraced by the warm, crazy family she doesn’t know. While she waits for the phone to ring with the dreaded news, Mia desperately looks for a connection to the mother she never knew. Stumbling upon an antique shop run by the charming Antonio and his grouchy but handsome grandson Salvatore, she throws herself into helping with the shop restoration. As Mia and Salvatore’s bickering soon turns to chemistry, will she risk having her heart broken when she knows what’s waiting for her at home?
300 pages, ebook
First published February 12, 2018
6 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Michael
10 books80 followersA L Michael is a writer, currently living in Watford. She has a BA in English Literature with creative writing, and an MA in Creative Entrepreneurship, both from UEA. She also has an MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes, where she researched the usefulness of therapeutic writing with those in recovery from eating disorders.
She writes books about women who are trying to figure out their place in the world, and who aren't afraid to make mistakes.
When she's not writing novels, she's working as a content writer, practicing yoga, looking at puppy videos or drinking too much red wine.
She is represented by Madeleine Milburn.
She writes books about women who are trying to figure out their place in the world, and who aren't afraid to make mistakes.
When she's not writing novels, she's working as a content writer, practicing yoga, looking at puppy videos or drinking too much red wine.
She is represented by Madeleine Milburn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
February 16, 2018
Uplifting, romantic, and genuinely heartfelt!
Prosecco and Promises is predominantly set on the island of Ischia in the Mediterranean and is the story of Mia, a young woman who heads to her mother’s homeland and the relatives she barely knows when the impending loss of her beloved father turns her life upside down.
The prose is expressive and effortless. The characterization is well-developed with a wonderful cast of characters that are multilayered, strong, charming, and determined. And the character-driven plot interweaves the lives of multi-generational families as they learn to cope, survive, heal, respect, support, and love each other unconditionally.
Overall Prosecco and Promises is sweet and incredibly touching with a real undercurrent of heartbreak, loss, loneliness, and grief. And even though it had me in tears more than once, it also had me smiling, laughing and completely enthralled by all the big family antics and budding romances.
Thank you to A.L. Michael and Canelo for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Prosecco and Promises is predominantly set on the island of Ischia in the Mediterranean and is the story of Mia, a young woman who heads to her mother’s homeland and the relatives she barely knows when the impending loss of her beloved father turns her life upside down.
The prose is expressive and effortless. The characterization is well-developed with a wonderful cast of characters that are multilayered, strong, charming, and determined. And the character-driven plot interweaves the lives of multi-generational families as they learn to cope, survive, heal, respect, support, and love each other unconditionally.
Overall Prosecco and Promises is sweet and incredibly touching with a real undercurrent of heartbreak, loss, loneliness, and grief. And even though it had me in tears more than once, it also had me smiling, laughing and completely enthralled by all the big family antics and budding romances.
Thank you to A.L. Michael and Canelo for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
February 11, 2018
Martini Club #2. Mia's mother died when she was just a child and her dad has been her best friend and her idol. The cancer he survived years ago is back, and this time there is no fighting it. Her dads last request is for Mia to leave him and visit her mother's family on the island of Ischia so that she does not have to be there at the end. Mia is embreced by the warm, crazy fa ily she doesn't know. Mia desperately looks for a connection she never knew.
This is the first book I have read by this author. Normally I would read this type of book in a day but I have had a lot of personal things going on. This is a beautifully written book that emotional (so have tissues handy). A story about love, loss and family support. I'm glad this book has a happy ending.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author A. L. Michael for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book I have read by this author. Normally I would read this type of book in a day but I have had a lot of personal things going on. This is a beautifully written book that emotional (so have tissues handy). A story about love, loss and family support. I'm glad this book has a happy ending.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author A. L. Michael for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2018
This was a sweet insightful story. It’s about grief, raw feelings, family loyalty and keeping promises.
Mia lost her Mother, and when young was taken to Italy by her Father to visit the Italian family and her mother’s heritage.
Now that she’s older, this time she is returning to Italy, to her mothers Italian family to fulfill her fathers dying wish. It’s painful to leave him behind weakening each day dying from cancer. His secound wife is not much older than Mia.
She’s had to break all ties, not ring, not write to her father.
Can you imagine that?
When she returns to Ishcia among her mothers family she gets a warm welcome. Apart from her Mothers, Mother. Is it because she doesn’t want her there that her Grandmother doesn’t speak to her, or is it because of language barrier or something else?
Mia revisits a store which she remembers from the first time she was there. Is that man the owner still alive?
We travel with Mia through her grief, through her emotions, finding love in the most unexpected place. Her highs, her lows and the loss of one half of her family with the gain of the other.
I read this in one sitting. An easy flowing read that you will adore.
Thank you Canelo via Net Galley for my copy
Mia lost her Mother, and when young was taken to Italy by her Father to visit the Italian family and her mother’s heritage.
Now that she’s older, this time she is returning to Italy, to her mothers Italian family to fulfill her fathers dying wish. It’s painful to leave him behind weakening each day dying from cancer. His secound wife is not much older than Mia.
She’s had to break all ties, not ring, not write to her father.
Can you imagine that?
When she returns to Ishcia among her mothers family she gets a warm welcome. Apart from her Mothers, Mother. Is it because she doesn’t want her there that her Grandmother doesn’t speak to her, or is it because of language barrier or something else?
Mia revisits a store which she remembers from the first time she was there. Is that man the owner still alive?
We travel with Mia through her grief, through her emotions, finding love in the most unexpected place. Her highs, her lows and the loss of one half of her family with the gain of the other.
I read this in one sitting. An easy flowing read that you will adore.
Thank you Canelo via Net Galley for my copy
April 16, 2019
But loving someone means deciding to let them hurt you when they leave.If you already have read Cocktails and Dreams, you knew Mia instantly as Savannah’s best friend. She was gorgeous, tough and a very opinionated woman. She was not afraid to say what she thought even if it caused her trouble. But behind all bravado, she was broken, hurt and alone.
When Rob, her father asked her to go to her maternal family in Italy, she learned more about her mother, Isabella. She found out that her mom left with her father to be happy, to follow her dreams and live a life with the man she loved. From the stories told by Allegra, Antonio and even her Nonna, she realized that she was like her mother, impulsive, stubborn but also passionate and kind who always care for other people.
And then there she met, Salvatore — the attractive but rude and condescending lawyer who went back home to nurse his fake wounds and chose to take over his grandfather’s old antique souvenir shop. Even with a bad start, Mia and Salvatore were able to get to know each other as they work on a project at Antonio’s shop, but will Mia let him bring her coffee every morning?
I understood why Rob chose to send Mia to Italy instead of being with her on the last few moments of his life. He wanted Mia to remember him as a strong man who was always there for her and not the weak, sick and dying version of himself. Rob was the kind of father who was selfless and put his child’s interest before his own.
Mia’s character was complex yet relatable. Yes, she was cold, curt and always trying to push people away but I think she was only afraid to trust because she believes she will just end up being alone and unwanted. So, she used anger to survive, to go on every day even if it was hard. I knew that feeling and sometimes the fire that comes from is what keeps us alive.
While Mia and her Nonna have the same way of dealing pain, I know they were just putting an armor because they don't want other people to perceive them as weak. They were afraid to accept the truth that they need other people to figure out how to be happy and be forgiving.
With the closing credits nearing to an end, I love how Mia changed and opened up to her family. She finally understood Marjorie that they were not that different from each other. Her life immensely changed with the death of her father but was totally filled with new people who are always there for her no matter what.
A.L. Michael has the skill to write significant, well-developed characters where they have their own story to tell and own message to give. They have this certain rare type of connection that was woven together by emotions like anger, pride, guilt, and sadness; they were able to put the missing pieces back in their lives’ puzzle.
Prosecco and Promises is a beautiful piece of tale about loss, grief and second chances. It is a story that translates history, culture and tradition into a personal, honest experience of love, new beginnings and happy endings.
***Thank you NetGalley, Canelo and A.L. Michael for providing me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!
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January 22, 2018
For most of the beginning of the book, most of the ending and at assorted places in the middle, I felt as though I was about to be reduced by tears. Although there are emotional parts to the book, I think my reaction was as much as to how close elements of the story felt to me.
Saying that I read the book in a matter of a few hours and the bits in Italy where Mia is learning about her Italian family, and also rediscovering her love of history were lovely to see.
I loved seeing the island of Ischia through Mia's eyes and also the day spent in Naples was interesting. There were some elements of Italian food too thankfully.
But with all this there is a great amount of sadness in the book, and Mia didn't really want to be in Ischia but it was hey dying father's last wish that she went.
I loved the few mentions of Savvy from the first book, was good to catch up with her and the Martini club briefly too. However this can easily be read as a standalone as absolutely no prior knowledge is needed to read this book.
This is another fabulous book by A.L. Michael and when I wasn't fighting back tears I was thoroughly enjoying the story. On a day where it was been snowing it was lovely to be able to through reading get a burst of heat through my trip to the island of Ischia.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Saying that I read the book in a matter of a few hours and the bits in Italy where Mia is learning about her Italian family, and also rediscovering her love of history were lovely to see.
I loved seeing the island of Ischia through Mia's eyes and also the day spent in Naples was interesting. There were some elements of Italian food too thankfully.
But with all this there is a great amount of sadness in the book, and Mia didn't really want to be in Ischia but it was hey dying father's last wish that she went.
I loved the few mentions of Savvy from the first book, was good to catch up with her and the Martini club briefly too. However this can easily be read as a standalone as absolutely no prior knowledge is needed to read this book.
This is another fabulous book by A.L. Michael and when I wasn't fighting back tears I was thoroughly enjoying the story. On a day where it was been snowing it was lovely to be able to through reading get a burst of heat through my trip to the island of Ischia.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
January 25, 2018
A beautiful inspiring love story that tugs at the heart strings. A most enjoyable read.
February 21, 2018
I loved this and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of Mia’s Italian adventure. I loved getting to know her and her Italian relatives, seeing her hard exterior slowly change as she spent time with them. The banter between her and Salvatore was great fun and felt very real.
It wasn’t all romance and fun though, there was some very poignant moments when Mia was thinking about her Dad back home, as well as early memories of her late mother. Having seen my Dad lose his battle with cancer, I really felt for Mia. I could imagine feeling the exactly same way as she did about leaving him and going to visit a family she didn’t even know.
This is my first book by A.L. Michael but definitely won’t be my last as I loved her writing style and characters. I thoroughly recommend this book, especially if you enjoy a romantic but poignant read set on an Italian island. A must read for this summer!
Thanks so much to Elli Pilcher at Canelo for my digital copy via NetGalley.
It wasn’t all romance and fun though, there was some very poignant moments when Mia was thinking about her Dad back home, as well as early memories of her late mother. Having seen my Dad lose his battle with cancer, I really felt for Mia. I could imagine feeling the exactly same way as she did about leaving him and going to visit a family she didn’t even know.
This is my first book by A.L. Michael but definitely won’t be my last as I loved her writing style and characters. I thoroughly recommend this book, especially if you enjoy a romantic but poignant read set on an Italian island. A must read for this summer!
Thanks so much to Elli Pilcher at Canelo for my digital copy via NetGalley.
January 28, 2018
Much more depth to this book than you'd think from the cover. Mia is sent to her late mother's family in Ischia in accordance with her father's dying wish so that she avoids his final decline.
Whilst you'd expect this book to be somewhat morbid or saccharine, it's anything but with a raucous Italian family thrown into the mix.
Some rather typical Italian stereotypes surround Mia's journey of discovery but they add to the warmth and bittersweet joy of the book. Be prepared to need tissues -- there are some sad moments.
Life affirming, heartfelt and emotional, this book is a giant bear hug with a great cast of supporting friends and family.
5* took me by surprise, a quick read but great for a change of pace
Whilst you'd expect this book to be somewhat morbid or saccharine, it's anything but with a raucous Italian family thrown into the mix.
Some rather typical Italian stereotypes surround Mia's journey of discovery but they add to the warmth and bittersweet joy of the book. Be prepared to need tissues -- there are some sad moments.
Life affirming, heartfelt and emotional, this book is a giant bear hug with a great cast of supporting friends and family.
5* took me by surprise, a quick read but great for a change of pace
February 13, 2018
When I saw this on NetGalley, and read that it was recommended for those who liked authors such as Lindsey Kelk , I requested it straight away. I was not disappointed. In fact, I held onto every word if this book! Prosecco and Promises is not the first book by A.L. Michael I had heard of. I also have the first book in the series.
28 year old Mia has lived without her mother by her side since she was little. When her dad's cancer is back she's faced with him needing to talk to her about his dying wish. He wants her to go and visit her extended family so she can learn more about them and her mother's life.
They aren't just down the road, though. And so it is that she finds herself boarding a plane to the Italian island of Ischia, where her mother grew up and where her parents met. Promises and Prosecco is a real journey of love. loss and self-discovery that captured my heart.
I loved Mia's cousin Nikki's loud, proud and funny personality and felt she was the perfect cousin. Her mother, (and Mia's aunt) Allegra, was very welcoming and homely. Then, there's Nonna, a woman who at first won't acknowledge Mia. Will things change between Mia and her?
Salvatore, who seems offish at the start isn't sure about Mia. Will love bloom for them?
His grandfather and the legacy of the shop were interesting additions to the story and put a historical touch into the story. Mia is fanatical about archaeology, but I loved how the whole story was a discovery of a different kind.
Deeply moving and personal, I couldn't stop listening to, or thinking about this book even long after I had finished it. The memories peppered here and there of Mia's experience as a young child on family holidays to the island, of ice cream and trips to various places or of just being with family. And the compass Salvatore's grandfather gave her......
Prosecco and Promises is an amazing tale of feeling loss and of finding yourself again. It's about the lengths some people go to to keep a family together. It's about finding support in the most unexpected people and places.
The book has the perfect pace and I really felt as a reader like I was accompanying Mia on her journey. The sights of Ischia are amazing, and the old shop and Allegra's house were beautifully described.
Thank you to A.L. Michael and Canelo for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
28 year old Mia has lived without her mother by her side since she was little. When her dad's cancer is back she's faced with him needing to talk to her about his dying wish. He wants her to go and visit her extended family so she can learn more about them and her mother's life.
They aren't just down the road, though. And so it is that she finds herself boarding a plane to the Italian island of Ischia, where her mother grew up and where her parents met. Promises and Prosecco is a real journey of love. loss and self-discovery that captured my heart.
I loved Mia's cousin Nikki's loud, proud and funny personality and felt she was the perfect cousin. Her mother, (and Mia's aunt) Allegra, was very welcoming and homely. Then, there's Nonna, a woman who at first won't acknowledge Mia. Will things change between Mia and her?
Salvatore, who seems offish at the start isn't sure about Mia. Will love bloom for them?
His grandfather and the legacy of the shop were interesting additions to the story and put a historical touch into the story. Mia is fanatical about archaeology, but I loved how the whole story was a discovery of a different kind.
Deeply moving and personal, I couldn't stop listening to, or thinking about this book even long after I had finished it. The memories peppered here and there of Mia's experience as a young child on family holidays to the island, of ice cream and trips to various places or of just being with family. And the compass Salvatore's grandfather gave her......
Prosecco and Promises is an amazing tale of feeling loss and of finding yourself again. It's about the lengths some people go to to keep a family together. It's about finding support in the most unexpected people and places.
The book has the perfect pace and I really felt as a reader like I was accompanying Mia on her journey. The sights of Ischia are amazing, and the old shop and Allegra's house were beautifully described.
Thank you to A.L. Michael and Canelo for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2018
Mia's story is a good one, showing off the island of Ischia beautifully. This is not just a romance, it is a young woman learning to put herself first and take a tender step into a new life.
There is enough realism and heartbreak in this book not to make it too sweet, and happiness counts for more somehow when it follows sadness. For me, I would have liked to see Mia mix with more than the few folk that she did on the island. I thought the storyline was just a tad predictable given the limited characters but none the less enjoyable.
There is no doubt this novel has a wonderful setting, and there is plenty of tourist information included, both about Ischia and a slice of Naples. It is a good read.
My thanks to publishers Canelo for accepting my request via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
There is enough realism and heartbreak in this book not to make it too sweet, and happiness counts for more somehow when it follows sadness. For me, I would have liked to see Mia mix with more than the few folk that she did on the island. I thought the storyline was just a tad predictable given the limited characters but none the less enjoyable.
There is no doubt this novel has a wonderful setting, and there is plenty of tourist information included, both about Ischia and a slice of Naples. It is a good read.
My thanks to publishers Canelo for accepting my request via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.
February 11, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was beautifully written and was a lovely light hearted read. Thank you Netgalley and Canelo for giving me the chance to read this book
February 9, 2018
Rating 4.5/5
This book was wonderful. It was great to get to know Mia after meeting her in Cocktails and Dreams, she was the one to tell it like it is in that book but in Prosecco and Promises, you see that there is a lot more to her. She has such a strong facade and it was really interesting how she handles being sent away and having to actually deal with the things that have happened to her.
I actually found this book really emotional, there were times that I was reduced to tears, but also strangely very uplifting, Mia’s excitement over exploring the history of the island and the treasures in the shop reached out to me and gave me that happy glow when you feel passionate about something.
It was nice to have that balance and it really added a lot of depth to the story that I wouldn’t have maybe picked up on from looking at the cover or reading the blurb.
Mia and Salvatore were amazing together, this wasn’t an instant spark and they were besotted this was more of a slow burn, an enjoyment of spending time together, that felt so natural. I loved the coffee and its symbolism! (you’ll just have to read it if you want to know what that means!)
The setting of Ischia was fantastic, I definitely wanted to be transported there and could even convince myself that I could feel the warmth even though it was wintery outside. Of course, the loud Italian family that go with it were also lovely to hear about, it was nice getting a lot of Mia’s background this way.
In the same vein as the first book there were a lot of yummy food references and also some tasty sounding drinks, I think I will definitely be giving the cocktail recipe a try.
It was nice to hear from Savvy, Jacques and Bel, who featured in Cocktails and Dreams, but you don’t really need to have read that to enjoy this one, although it is also a really good book!
Prosecco and Promises is a lovely story, with a fabulous setting and a wonderful bunch of characters and manages to pull off an emotional but hopeful tone. This is a story that you can easily get wrapped up in and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
This book was wonderful. It was great to get to know Mia after meeting her in Cocktails and Dreams, she was the one to tell it like it is in that book but in Prosecco and Promises, you see that there is a lot more to her. She has such a strong facade and it was really interesting how she handles being sent away and having to actually deal with the things that have happened to her.
I actually found this book really emotional, there were times that I was reduced to tears, but also strangely very uplifting, Mia’s excitement over exploring the history of the island and the treasures in the shop reached out to me and gave me that happy glow when you feel passionate about something.
It was nice to have that balance and it really added a lot of depth to the story that I wouldn’t have maybe picked up on from looking at the cover or reading the blurb.
Mia and Salvatore were amazing together, this wasn’t an instant spark and they were besotted this was more of a slow burn, an enjoyment of spending time together, that felt so natural. I loved the coffee and its symbolism! (you’ll just have to read it if you want to know what that means!)
The setting of Ischia was fantastic, I definitely wanted to be transported there and could even convince myself that I could feel the warmth even though it was wintery outside. Of course, the loud Italian family that go with it were also lovely to hear about, it was nice getting a lot of Mia’s background this way.
In the same vein as the first book there were a lot of yummy food references and also some tasty sounding drinks, I think I will definitely be giving the cocktail recipe a try.
It was nice to hear from Savvy, Jacques and Bel, who featured in Cocktails and Dreams, but you don’t really need to have read that to enjoy this one, although it is also a really good book!
Prosecco and Promises is a lovely story, with a fabulous setting and a wonderful bunch of characters and manages to pull off an emotional but hopeful tone. This is a story that you can easily get wrapped up in and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
February 11, 2018
Mia’s mum died, when she was a child. Her dad has been her idol and best friend ever since. However, the cancer is back and he hasn’t got much time left. It’s his wish for Mia to go to Italy to see her family.
She goes to Ischia for her father, to a family she doesn’t know. And of course there is always the fear of him dying in her head as well.
She finally has the possibility to go back to her routes and discover a part of her mum. She gets to know her family and also the attractive Salvatore. Their chemistry is great and they way their relationship a developed added a lot to to the storyline.
I really liked the plot and the way it flowed. It has a lot of depth and it’s full of emotions. There are sad parts in the story, but also happy moments. A.L. Michael captured them all beautifully.
I absolutely adore the setting of this book and the way the author described it.
Another part I really liked, was the way Mia’s relationship to her step mother changed.
4.5/5
February 5, 2018
Having lost my own father two years ago, this book was very emotionally charged for me as Mia is sent away to Ischia by her dying father so that she won't be there at the end. This makes the book stand out as something different from the usual chick-lit fare and wasn't at all what I was expecting from the title. It's quite cathartic but I couldn't have read a book like this until recently. I loved the sense of place and the characters but it did feel as if there was a big black cloud hanging over the prose, despite the happy ending. Mia's crazy Italian family bring the story to life and I enjoyed watching Mia's relationship with Salvatore. I also like the way that her step-mother wasn't quite what Mia had thought either. An interesting and poignant read.
May 13, 2018
Sweet and heart warming, "Prosecco and Promises" is a perfect slice of escapism. A short and easy read, while there's nothing ground shattering about the story, you get swept up in the fortunes of Mia, a young woman whose Italian mother dies when she was little. Now her father is suffering from terminal cancer and he sends her to Italy to reconnect with her maternal family - and to spare her from seeing him in his final days.
Mia is likeable but complex, understandable and relatable, which makes you want to see her find her happy ever after and cope with her fast approaching status as orphan. If you enjoy light hearted romance and journeys of self discovery, you'll love this.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC with no obligation.
Mia is likeable but complex, understandable and relatable, which makes you want to see her find her happy ever after and cope with her fast approaching status as orphan. If you enjoy light hearted romance and journeys of self discovery, you'll love this.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC with no obligation.
October 17, 2018
Mia is sent to the Italian island Ischia by her father. He’s terminally ill and wants to say goodbye to his daughter before he passes away. He doesn’t want her to sit next to him while he’s lying in bed, because he wants her to remember him the way he was before the illness took over. Mia’s mother lost her life in a car accident many years ago and Mia shouldn’t be on her own. Her mother’s family lives in Ischia. When her father passes away she'll be an orphan and she's hoping to reconnect with her family in Italy. Can the presence of Mia’s Italian family combined with her aunt’s heavenly cooking help lightening her heavy heart?
Mia’s mother grew up on Ischia, but she left her family to follow Mia’s father back to England. She never regretted that decision because he was the love of her life. The island was still home though and after her mother’s death, Mia went to Ischia together with her father to scatter the ashes. Mia has fond memories of the island, even though the reason she went there was sad. She remembers an antique store that she enjoyed visiting and where the owner paid attention to her when she was a child. Will this store still be there and will being reunited with what warmed her heart in the past bring her comfort?
Mia went to college to study archeology and loves history and historian artifacts. Her big dream is to work on a dig one day and find long lost treasures. Mia is a no-nonsense kind of girl. She’s kind and caring, but also very closed off when it comes to her personal feelings. She prevents others from getting to know her by being sarcastic and cranky. She doesn’t believe in true love, however, when she gets to know Salvatore, the most eligible bachelor on Ischia, she can’t deny her attraction to him. I was anxiously wishing she’d be brave enough to explore the possibility of love.
Prosecco & Promises is a heartwarming and emotional story about dealing with losing a parent, reconnecting with family and falling in love for the first time. I loved to read about Mia’s Italian family and liked how the community is there for each other on a small island. While I was reading Prosecco & Promises I was on holiday in Italy myself and because A.L. Michael perfectly captured the atmosphere, she made the story come to life for me even more. I love Italian food and the descriptions of what Mia’s aunt was cooking made my mouth water. A.L. Michael's writing is amazing and I fell in love with her gorgeous story straight away.
Mia’s mother grew up on Ischia, but she left her family to follow Mia’s father back to England. She never regretted that decision because he was the love of her life. The island was still home though and after her mother’s death, Mia went to Ischia together with her father to scatter the ashes. Mia has fond memories of the island, even though the reason she went there was sad. She remembers an antique store that she enjoyed visiting and where the owner paid attention to her when she was a child. Will this store still be there and will being reunited with what warmed her heart in the past bring her comfort?
Mia went to college to study archeology and loves history and historian artifacts. Her big dream is to work on a dig one day and find long lost treasures. Mia is a no-nonsense kind of girl. She’s kind and caring, but also very closed off when it comes to her personal feelings. She prevents others from getting to know her by being sarcastic and cranky. She doesn’t believe in true love, however, when she gets to know Salvatore, the most eligible bachelor on Ischia, she can’t deny her attraction to him. I was anxiously wishing she’d be brave enough to explore the possibility of love.
Prosecco & Promises is a heartwarming and emotional story about dealing with losing a parent, reconnecting with family and falling in love for the first time. I loved to read about Mia’s Italian family and liked how the community is there for each other on a small island. While I was reading Prosecco & Promises I was on holiday in Italy myself and because A.L. Michael perfectly captured the atmosphere, she made the story come to life for me even more. I love Italian food and the descriptions of what Mia’s aunt was cooking made my mouth water. A.L. Michael's writing is amazing and I fell in love with her gorgeous story straight away.
April 19, 2018
Mia's widowed dad is dying and he sends her off to meet her maternal family in an island near Napoli. There she discovers her mum's childhood and her memories come back. Whilst in Italy she makes new friends, discovers new things about herself as well as making life changing decisions.
Great descriptions of Naples and it's historical past. I thought this would be a predictable love story but I was pleasantly surprised.
Great descriptions of Naples and it's historical past. I thought this would be a predictable love story but I was pleasantly surprised.
February 13, 2018
I started to read this book whilst being stuck at work. Within minutes I was in tears although I think that has more to do with the fact that this book felt so very personal.
When Mia was young, her Italian mother died and her father took her to Italy, to the island where her mother had grown up and to meet her Italian family.
Now, Mia is returning to the island but this time it's because her father is dying and he doesn't want her to be around for the end. It's his dying wish. He wants Mia to say goodbye to him while he is still alive and not contact him at all. Nothing. No letters, no emails, no text messages and certainly no phone calls. Mia of course agrees to this. How can you say no really, when it's what the other person really wants?
So off she goes. Nobody on the island knows the reason for Mia going back other than her aunt and that's how Mia wants it. She doesn't want peoples pity.
The feelings that Mia has are far too real. For me anyway but they're not in anyway over the top.
A fantastic storyline with characters that I am actually interested in. A true voyage of love, loss and everything in between.
An absolute pleasure to read.
Thank you Canelo and Netgalley for my copy of Prosecco and Promises in exchange for an honest review.
When Mia was young, her Italian mother died and her father took her to Italy, to the island where her mother had grown up and to meet her Italian family.
Now, Mia is returning to the island but this time it's because her father is dying and he doesn't want her to be around for the end. It's his dying wish. He wants Mia to say goodbye to him while he is still alive and not contact him at all. Nothing. No letters, no emails, no text messages and certainly no phone calls. Mia of course agrees to this. How can you say no really, when it's what the other person really wants?
So off she goes. Nobody on the island knows the reason for Mia going back other than her aunt and that's how Mia wants it. She doesn't want peoples pity.
The feelings that Mia has are far too real. For me anyway but they're not in anyway over the top.
A fantastic storyline with characters that I am actually interested in. A true voyage of love, loss and everything in between.
An absolute pleasure to read.
Thank you Canelo and Netgalley for my copy of Prosecco and Promises in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2018
Review to follow
January 31, 2018
This was a nice, easy beach read! Predictable story but likeable characters.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher & author for the ARC copy of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher & author for the ARC copy of this book.
February 17, 2018
Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, I’ve not read the first book, Cocktails and Dreams but I will definitely be catching up.
Mia and her Dad are very close and it breaks Mia’s heart when her Dad’s cancer returns and his dying wish is for her to travel to Italy to visit long-lost family and not be home for his final days. Mia does as asked and travels to the beautiful Italian island of Ischia where her mum’s family live and she discovers connections to a part of her life that has been missing since her mum passed away.
Prosecco and Promises was such a beautiful read. Filled with stunning scenery, I could smell the sea air and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, even as I was snuggled under a duvet in the freezing cold winter of Scotland it was easy to imagine I was there.
Mia is a great character, she’s been through a lot and has had a fair bit of sadness in her life so she’s quite stubborn and often to the point. She’s also a little bit lost which is completely understandable, but it was great getting to know her and her story. Her Italian family are fantastic and there’s a great range of characters in the story that really jump off the page, like Salvatore and his Uncle.
Filled with emotions, Prosecco and Promises had me smiling, very near to tears at some points but it left me feeling warm and cosy. It’s a story about love, grief, loss, family and friendships. It’s a story about finding yourself, taking chances and living life.
I can definitely say I will be recommending this book and I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment and also catching up with the first one I missed.
Mia and her Dad are very close and it breaks Mia’s heart when her Dad’s cancer returns and his dying wish is for her to travel to Italy to visit long-lost family and not be home for his final days. Mia does as asked and travels to the beautiful Italian island of Ischia where her mum’s family live and she discovers connections to a part of her life that has been missing since her mum passed away.
Prosecco and Promises was such a beautiful read. Filled with stunning scenery, I could smell the sea air and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, even as I was snuggled under a duvet in the freezing cold winter of Scotland it was easy to imagine I was there.
Mia is a great character, she’s been through a lot and has had a fair bit of sadness in her life so she’s quite stubborn and often to the point. She’s also a little bit lost which is completely understandable, but it was great getting to know her and her story. Her Italian family are fantastic and there’s a great range of characters in the story that really jump off the page, like Salvatore and his Uncle.
Filled with emotions, Prosecco and Promises had me smiling, very near to tears at some points but it left me feeling warm and cosy. It’s a story about love, grief, loss, family and friendships. It’s a story about finding yourself, taking chances and living life.
I can definitely say I will be recommending this book and I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment and also catching up with the first one I missed.
February 1, 2018
This is the second book I have read by this author, the first being Cocktails and Dreams, which I adored, and this book didn't disappoint either. It is nice to have read the first book but this book can easily be read as a standalone too.
Mia finds herself in a terrible position - her father is dying and yet he has asked her to leave the UK and go to Italy, to reconnect with her mother's family. She is not to return until he passes away. This leaves her in a quandary, of course, but she respects her father's wishes and goes to Italy. She gets to know her family a little better - her cousin Nikki, her aunt Allegra, her silent Nonna....and of course Salvatore, who is the grandson of Antonio, a man who was kind to her when she was a child. Salvatore, however, is not kind at all; he is rude, dismissive and judgemental.
I could have guessed at the general plot early on, but it speaks to the author's skill that it is all the relationships in this book which really sing. The whole book is about love: love for family in all its forms, love for friends, love of country and all that entails. Despite all of this, this is not a soppy book at all; it is poignant, emotional, funny in parts and just generally a great read!
Highly recommended read from me. 4.5 stars :)
Thank you to THE Book Club and NetGalley as well as Canelo. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Mia finds herself in a terrible position - her father is dying and yet he has asked her to leave the UK and go to Italy, to reconnect with her mother's family. She is not to return until he passes away. This leaves her in a quandary, of course, but she respects her father's wishes and goes to Italy. She gets to know her family a little better - her cousin Nikki, her aunt Allegra, her silent Nonna....and of course Salvatore, who is the grandson of Antonio, a man who was kind to her when she was a child. Salvatore, however, is not kind at all; he is rude, dismissive and judgemental.
I could have guessed at the general plot early on, but it speaks to the author's skill that it is all the relationships in this book which really sing. The whole book is about love: love for family in all its forms, love for friends, love of country and all that entails. Despite all of this, this is not a soppy book at all; it is poignant, emotional, funny in parts and just generally a great read!
Highly recommended read from me. 4.5 stars :)
Thank you to THE Book Club and NetGalley as well as Canelo. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
February 11, 2018
If this was a weather forecast it would be something along the lines of "Rainy showers with intervals of sunshine, but with sprinkles of warmth and nostalgia falling from each and every cloud. Silver linings too ..." .Imagine going back to where your mother is from, now that she’s dead and your father has asked you to go back - and he’s on his death bed? Oh I really felt sad as I started to read, so many emotions bubbling up inside. However the novel really shines through especially with the luscious locations and the hope and happiness which comes from the story.
If you’ve lost anyone close - especially a parent - the emotional journey Mia will take will really resonate with you. Finding yourself back to a home you barely know and one member of thee family seemingly against you.
I really enjoyed the journey over to Naples - the sights and history of this place were really neatly explored. Ischia now is also somewhere I really have to go. The sights, sounds and smells not to mention the food and the icecream...there’s just so much to this novel to enjoy and to lift the spirits. It’s a nice backdrop to an emotional story. Seeing the island through the eyes of Mia on this emotional journey is simply lovely.
The journey back to finding out about the past was what’s really shone for me - the history of the island, the journey to Mia’s past and what it all means for the future.
A warm cuddle of a book when it’s raining outside.
January 23, 2018
A gloriously splendid book. That had me moved to tears. This book is wonderful. With a great storyline, beautiful setting and characters you instantly like. This book was exactly what I needed on a cold and frost winters day.
February 2, 2021
Finished reading: January 31st 2021
"You don't find out who someone is by asking them about pointless things. You find out who they are by how they act, what they do. Who they love."
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
February 13, 2018
The setting of this book, the Italian Island of Ischia, caught my eye as I had been there a few years ago whilst on holiday near Sorrento. It is a beautiful island and somewhere I would happily visit again. Like to know more? a Guide to Ischia. (Link can be found on blog: https://lovebooksreadbooks.wordpress....
Mia is sent to Ischia by her father as he nears the end of his life when the cancer he once survived returns. She feels she has to honour his last request to her but is not happy to be sent to family she barely knows having only met them once before, shortly after her mother’s death, when she was a child. Only one member of the family - her mothers sister - knows why she is visiting.
There is a lot about loss. The loss of her mother, the imminent loss of her father, the loss of her dream to become an archaeologist. We see how she misses Savvy, her closest friend, who has moved away; how she misses Jacques, who is back in London, whilst on Ischia. We see that Mia seems no longer to be herself she is angry, yes, sad and somewhat thoughtless but then as time on Ischia goes by things change. She meets Antonio, who knows quite a bit about her mother, and his grandson Salvatore, she gets to know her Italian family, she finds her love of antiquities is rekindling her passion for archeology. And then there’s Salvatore. And then she makes some life-changing decisions. A story of loss, yes, but also of finding, of hope and of new beginnings - a gift from a father to his daughter.
A well written book with a wonderfully light hand allowing what could have been a torrid read to become softer, understanding that life goes on around you even through the sad times, that you can have happy times in the midst of the bad and that is OK.
Also, it reminded me of a wonderful holiday filled with happy memories.
Rating: 3.5*
With thanks to Canelo via NetGalley for an eARC in return fo an honest opinion.
Mia is sent to Ischia by her father as he nears the end of his life when the cancer he once survived returns. She feels she has to honour his last request to her but is not happy to be sent to family she barely knows having only met them once before, shortly after her mother’s death, when she was a child. Only one member of the family - her mothers sister - knows why she is visiting.
There is a lot about loss. The loss of her mother, the imminent loss of her father, the loss of her dream to become an archaeologist. We see how she misses Savvy, her closest friend, who has moved away; how she misses Jacques, who is back in London, whilst on Ischia. We see that Mia seems no longer to be herself she is angry, yes, sad and somewhat thoughtless but then as time on Ischia goes by things change. She meets Antonio, who knows quite a bit about her mother, and his grandson Salvatore, she gets to know her Italian family, she finds her love of antiquities is rekindling her passion for archeology. And then there’s Salvatore. And then she makes some life-changing decisions. A story of loss, yes, but also of finding, of hope and of new beginnings - a gift from a father to his daughter.
A well written book with a wonderfully light hand allowing what could have been a torrid read to become softer, understanding that life goes on around you even through the sad times, that you can have happy times in the midst of the bad and that is OK.
Also, it reminded me of a wonderful holiday filled with happy memories.
Rating: 3.5*
With thanks to Canelo via NetGalley for an eARC in return fo an honest opinion.
February 23, 2018
I loved Cocktails and Dreams, so when I heard that A.L. Michael was bringing out a second book in the Martini Club series I couldn't wait to read it.
Whilst the first book was about Savvy, Prosecco and Promises is about her best friend, Mia. I love series like this which feature some of the same characters but focus mainly on a different protagonist. Mia is ordered by her father to go to her mother's family home on the Italian island of Ischia. His reasons for sending her away are torturous for Mia, but she respects and loves her father enough to go along with it.
I must admit that I spent some of the book feeling quite annoyed with Mia. She's so angry and bolshy. I understood why she was like that (or rather, why she was being more angry and bolshy than normal) but it still didn't help to endear her to me. But I started to like her more as the book went on and I loved her growing relationship with the delicious Salvatore, who could take as good as he got but actually, like Mia, was soft underneath his hard exterior. Their rapport and banter came across really well and I was rooting for them to get together and work everything out.
I particularly enjoyed Mia's time on Ischia, her explorations, her time at Salvatore's uncle's shop and with her mother's family, who she hardly knew. I love all things Italian so the setting and the whole cultural thing was hugely appealing to me. Another character that stood out was Marjorie, Mia's stepmother. I really liked her but unsurprisingly, Mia wasn't that fond of her. She was a character that grew on me as the book progressed.
Prosecco and Promises had a hard job, following on from Cocktails and Dreams which I adored, but I did love it. It's a moving story of love, grief and learning how to deal with your emotions. I wonder if there will be any more Martini Club books. I do hope so.
Whilst the first book was about Savvy, Prosecco and Promises is about her best friend, Mia. I love series like this which feature some of the same characters but focus mainly on a different protagonist. Mia is ordered by her father to go to her mother's family home on the Italian island of Ischia. His reasons for sending her away are torturous for Mia, but she respects and loves her father enough to go along with it.
I must admit that I spent some of the book feeling quite annoyed with Mia. She's so angry and bolshy. I understood why she was like that (or rather, why she was being more angry and bolshy than normal) but it still didn't help to endear her to me. But I started to like her more as the book went on and I loved her growing relationship with the delicious Salvatore, who could take as good as he got but actually, like Mia, was soft underneath his hard exterior. Their rapport and banter came across really well and I was rooting for them to get together and work everything out.
I particularly enjoyed Mia's time on Ischia, her explorations, her time at Salvatore's uncle's shop and with her mother's family, who she hardly knew. I love all things Italian so the setting and the whole cultural thing was hugely appealing to me. Another character that stood out was Marjorie, Mia's stepmother. I really liked her but unsurprisingly, Mia wasn't that fond of her. She was a character that grew on me as the book progressed.
Prosecco and Promises had a hard job, following on from Cocktails and Dreams which I adored, but I did love it. It's a moving story of love, grief and learning how to deal with your emotions. I wonder if there will be any more Martini Club books. I do hope so.
February 12, 2018
Mia is giving up on love; she lost her mother when she was just a child and can hardly remember her. Now, she is losing her precious father, who has always been there for her. Determined to be strong and stay with him to the end, he makes her promise to visit her mother’s home and meet her maternal family while he lives out his remaining days without her.
Anger is Mia’s dominant emotion; she’s furious with her father, her young step mum and most of all herself. Italy proves to be just what she needs, but there is a great deal of angst, poignant discovery and forgiveness to be lived through before Mia appreciates this.
I love Mia she is such a beautiful mess, full of fear, guilt, self-reproach and the need to belong. She’s afraid to love, believing she will only experience the pain of losing again, Mia doesn’t feel she’s worth loving and so pushes everyone away. Her maternal family are loud and loving, and they slowly get under her skin. Mia learns about her mother and finally feels that she has roots. As her new family relive their memories of her mother, Mia begins to heal, and when her father dies, she finds that life does go on, even though she is devastated.
Meeting Salvatore is unexpected, and it’s not love at first sight, he is rude, and she is angry, but when they find a common goal, they each see something they like in the other and sparks of a different sort begin to glow. The love story is gentle and realistic and lovely to read. A thoughtful, memorable story which is perfectly paced and hard to put down.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Anger is Mia’s dominant emotion; she’s furious with her father, her young step mum and most of all herself. Italy proves to be just what she needs, but there is a great deal of angst, poignant discovery and forgiveness to be lived through before Mia appreciates this.
I love Mia she is such a beautiful mess, full of fear, guilt, self-reproach and the need to belong. She’s afraid to love, believing she will only experience the pain of losing again, Mia doesn’t feel she’s worth loving and so pushes everyone away. Her maternal family are loud and loving, and they slowly get under her skin. Mia learns about her mother and finally feels that she has roots. As her new family relive their memories of her mother, Mia begins to heal, and when her father dies, she finds that life does go on, even though she is devastated.
Meeting Salvatore is unexpected, and it’s not love at first sight, he is rude, and she is angry, but when they find a common goal, they each see something they like in the other and sparks of a different sort begin to glow. The love story is gentle and realistic and lovely to read. A thoughtful, memorable story which is perfectly paced and hard to put down.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 1, 2018
Mia is forced to leave the life she knows behind her at the request of her dying father, to join the family that she barely knows in the warm climate of Italy. That pretty much sums up the premise of this novel, but the story is so much more involved than that. Mia is heartbroken when her father asks that she leaves him behind to die, and go to discover a whole side of her family that she has spent her entire life being distanced from. After Mia's Italian mother passed away, she spent the following years in a little cocoon with her Dad in England, caring for each other in their grief. However in the process Mia became distanced from her Italian family, and whilst staring at death, her father becomes fixated on her not being alone when he himself passes.
This is a novel about finding yourself in the face of grief. That grief is so evident throughout this novel - how to deal with grief, how to move on when faced with it, and how to live your life after it.
Thankfully the novel is softened by backdrop of the beautiful Italian countryside, family drama as well as family love, and of course, a little romance. So don't be put off the death and grief that runs through the novel - it really is made lighter by the family, scenery and love!
I do recommend this novel - it wasn't what I was expecting at all based on the cover and title but I certainly wasn't disappointed about that! It's a novel about love, loss and finding yourself. Go grab yourself a copy and let me know what you think.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
This is a novel about finding yourself in the face of grief. That grief is so evident throughout this novel - how to deal with grief, how to move on when faced with it, and how to live your life after it.
Thankfully the novel is softened by backdrop of the beautiful Italian countryside, family drama as well as family love, and of course, a little romance. So don't be put off the death and grief that runs through the novel - it really is made lighter by the family, scenery and love!
I do recommend this novel - it wasn't what I was expecting at all based on the cover and title but I certainly wasn't disappointed about that! It's a novel about love, loss and finding yourself. Go grab yourself a copy and let me know what you think.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
June 25, 2019
The first thing that struck me in this book was the sense of setting, I could imagine myself walking or running around the island of Ischia with Mia. I wanted to enjoy all the beauty of it, from time with Mia’s wonderful Italian family to drinks at the beachside bar and exploring the quirky antique store. The sense of place in this novel was perfect.
I see a lot of me in Mia in her stubbornness and lack of belief in love, there were so many times when reading this book I literally went oh yes there I am again! I thoroughly enjoyed Mia’s personal growth throughout this book, not to spoil the novel but her outlook in life moves in such an interesting way throughout the novel.
With my own Mum currently ill, reading about Mia’s father sending her away to the island so as not to see him sick was very emotional. I love his selflessness but I could imagine how heartbreaking it was for both of them to not be together in the end.
In most novels you find yourself wishing you had the leading man, but in this story I want his grandfather. Antonio was such a wonderful man, I could imagine myself sitting having a glass of wine and enjoying a delicious authentic lasagne with in the sun on a warm evening, listening to tales of his past.
This book was full of emotion and I laughed and cried in equal measure, so make sure if you’re reading this one on your sunbed this summer you have a tissue handy. It’s a story of family, discovery, love, loss, grief, and just the beginning of finding out who you are and where you belong.
I see a lot of me in Mia in her stubbornness and lack of belief in love, there were so many times when reading this book I literally went oh yes there I am again! I thoroughly enjoyed Mia’s personal growth throughout this book, not to spoil the novel but her outlook in life moves in such an interesting way throughout the novel.
With my own Mum currently ill, reading about Mia’s father sending her away to the island so as not to see him sick was very emotional. I love his selflessness but I could imagine how heartbreaking it was for both of them to not be together in the end.
In most novels you find yourself wishing you had the leading man, but in this story I want his grandfather. Antonio was such a wonderful man, I could imagine myself sitting having a glass of wine and enjoying a delicious authentic lasagne with in the sun on a warm evening, listening to tales of his past.
This book was full of emotion and I laughed and cried in equal measure, so make sure if you’re reading this one on your sunbed this summer you have a tissue handy. It’s a story of family, discovery, love, loss, grief, and just the beginning of finding out who you are and where you belong.
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