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A Tuscan Legacy #7
Solo Tu: Only You
Home means everything to Sienna Rossi.
Four years ago, Sienna defied her father by moving to Australia to obtain her teaching qualifications. Her grand plan is shaken by her father's unexpected death and a trip back to Tuscany for her grandmother's eightieth birthday where she renews her close bond with her sister, Alessa.
Teacher Dave Maxwell likes the freedom of his nomadic lifestyle. He works contract-to-contract, moving to different high schools around Australia. He's in Sydney for a season, caring for his grandma while his aunt is on an extended overseas vacation.
Back in Sydney, Sienna moves in with her Aussie cousins and starts her first teaching job, torn between her dream for a future in Australia and her longing for home. Sienna and Dave work at the same school, attend the same church, and quickly become friends. They are drawn together by circumstances and an undeniable attraction.
But their idyllic time together is temporary. Can the girl from Tuscany and the boy from Australia risk everything for love?
This nine-book Christian romance series from seven of your favorite authors releases weekly from April 2018. Look out for Book 8 in the series, Dolce Vita!
Four years ago, Sienna defied her father by moving to Australia to obtain her teaching qualifications. Her grand plan is shaken by her father's unexpected death and a trip back to Tuscany for her grandmother's eightieth birthday where she renews her close bond with her sister, Alessa.
Teacher Dave Maxwell likes the freedom of his nomadic lifestyle. He works contract-to-contract, moving to different high schools around Australia. He's in Sydney for a season, caring for his grandma while his aunt is on an extended overseas vacation.
Back in Sydney, Sienna moves in with her Aussie cousins and starts her first teaching job, torn between her dream for a future in Australia and her longing for home. Sienna and Dave work at the same school, attend the same church, and quickly become friends. They are drawn together by circumstances and an undeniable attraction.
But their idyllic time together is temporary. Can the girl from Tuscany and the boy from Australia risk everything for love?
This nine-book Christian romance series from seven of your favorite authors releases weekly from April 2018. Look out for Book 8 in the series, Dolce Vita!
- GenresRomance
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2018
43 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Narelle Atkins
24 books90 followersA fun loving Aussie girl at heart, Narelle Atkins was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children.
A lifelong romance reader, Narelle found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Her contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia and international locations.
A lifelong romance reader, Narelle found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Her contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia and international locations.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 10, 2022
Cute and funny and heartwarming. Love the exotic-to-me setting in Australia and all the Aussie-isms, not to mention the Italian flare courtesy of our heroine. This makes for a great armchair travel read. Atkins really brings her readers into the climate and culture without making it all travelogue-y. If that makes any sense. :-)
There's one part in the opening scene which depicts a rousing game of beach cricket -- say what?! Now, I'm a total non-sport fan. If I'm reading a book about a hockey player (well, really, when have I ever read about a hockey player? But, just go with me on this.) I would totally skim all the sport references and game details because I'm sooooo not into all that. But for some reason I was fascinated with beach cricket and I read that scene over and over trying to picture it all but the nuances still escaped me. So then I couldn't resist googling it and, while I still don't have a grasp of the game, I'm now yearning for white sandy beaches and the roar of ocean waves. Instead I get mountains of snow and howling winds. Sigh. At least I got to visit warmer climes with Sienna and Dave.
Speaking of which -- love the romance. It builds from a foundation of friendship but we all know it's doomed to fail because she's missing her family in Italy and he's a 100% Australian guy! With a nomadic lifestyle to boot. Loved the way the author works all that out to sublime readerly satisfaction.
And one of the most striking aspects of this novel is the way the faith thread is written. Both hero and heroine are Christian but the majority of their interactions are with folks who aren't so there's this striving to live up to standards and commitments that aren't considered normal in today's culture. Sienna especially has some difficult situations to navigate through with her non-believing family and I found this to be a very honest and real portrayal of what it's like to be one apart from the crowd. Really well done.
Solo Tu : Only You is part of a multi-authored series, A Tuscany Legacy (#7) and I did find myself floundering a bit over all the references to Sienna's siblings who appear to be heroes and heroines of previous books, and future ones too as there are two more after this one. Plus there's one over-arcing element that I think won't be resolved until the last book about mysterious paintings. It didn't take me long to find my footing and settle into the story though, so I wouldn't let not having read any of the other books be a deterrent from reading this one. This is just more of a heads up from one reader to another. :-)
There's one part in the opening scene which depicts a rousing game of beach cricket -- say what?! Now, I'm a total non-sport fan. If I'm reading a book about a hockey player (well, really, when have I ever read about a hockey player? But, just go with me on this.) I would totally skim all the sport references and game details because I'm sooooo not into all that. But for some reason I was fascinated with beach cricket and I read that scene over and over trying to picture it all but the nuances still escaped me. So then I couldn't resist googling it and, while I still don't have a grasp of the game, I'm now yearning for white sandy beaches and the roar of ocean waves. Instead I get mountains of snow and howling winds. Sigh. At least I got to visit warmer climes with Sienna and Dave.
Speaking of which -- love the romance. It builds from a foundation of friendship but we all know it's doomed to fail because she's missing her family in Italy and he's a 100% Australian guy! With a nomadic lifestyle to boot. Loved the way the author works all that out to sublime readerly satisfaction.
And one of the most striking aspects of this novel is the way the faith thread is written. Both hero and heroine are Christian but the majority of their interactions are with folks who aren't so there's this striving to live up to standards and commitments that aren't considered normal in today's culture. Sienna especially has some difficult situations to navigate through with her non-believing family and I found this to be a very honest and real portrayal of what it's like to be one apart from the crowd. Really well done.
Solo Tu : Only You is part of a multi-authored series, A Tuscany Legacy (#7) and I did find myself floundering a bit over all the references to Sienna's siblings who appear to be heroes and heroines of previous books, and future ones too as there are two more after this one. Plus there's one over-arcing element that I think won't be resolved until the last book about mysterious paintings. It didn't take me long to find my footing and settle into the story though, so I wouldn't let not having read any of the other books be a deterrent from reading this one. This is just more of a heads up from one reader to another. :-)
May 31, 2018
I'm glad I read this book, to know this part of the series. However, I didn't really connect with the author's writing style. It seemed choppy to me, with lots of threads that never are tied up. I would have appreciated an Australian glossary :-) I enjoyed reading a story set in Australia, but had to look up a lot of terms.
August 17, 2018
A solid Christian romance with some gritty depth.
May 30, 2018
Wonderful sweet story of acceptance and love!
Life can be hard when you live away from your family and don't know too many people. Sienna moved to Australia to put distance between her and her father, so she could feel independent. Unfortunately, work was difficult to find and soon her money got low. She was fortunate to be able to move in with her cousins, but that turned into a bit of a struggle. She finally got a job working at a school and found a wonderful church to attend. She also met a nice young man who worked at the school and went to her church. As they got to know each other, they soon found they had things they both needed to work on in their lives.
Dave was a young man who seemed to care about everyone he met. I loved seeing the way Dave cared for his grandma, and how he tenderly tried to help her deal with all the changes which were going on. It was sweet to see their relationship grow.
This story was enjoyable to read. There was sweet romance and lessons of acceptance for who you are in God's eyes.
Narelle Atkins is a wonderful author and writes from her heart.
I highly recommend picking up this book to read.
Life can be hard when you live away from your family and don't know too many people. Sienna moved to Australia to put distance between her and her father, so she could feel independent. Unfortunately, work was difficult to find and soon her money got low. She was fortunate to be able to move in with her cousins, but that turned into a bit of a struggle. She finally got a job working at a school and found a wonderful church to attend. She also met a nice young man who worked at the school and went to her church. As they got to know each other, they soon found they had things they both needed to work on in their lives.
Dave was a young man who seemed to care about everyone he met. I loved seeing the way Dave cared for his grandma, and how he tenderly tried to help her deal with all the changes which were going on. It was sweet to see their relationship grow.
This story was enjoyable to read. There was sweet romance and lessons of acceptance for who you are in God's eyes.
Narelle Atkins is a wonderful author and writes from her heart.
I highly recommend picking up this book to read.
May 29, 2018
I have found each book in this Tuscan Legacy series to be a great addition, and that includes Solo Tu. I not only understand a little more about the game of cricket, but I also feel like I have taken a trip to Australia and learned about its culture & its food. Although its setting is Australia where Dave resides, it still incorporates the food & language from Italy that are a part of Sienna. This book weaves romance around real life problems that are easy to identify with, such as low self esteem, struggling to make wise decisions, dealing with aging relatives whose memories are failing, and accepting God's opinion as mattering to us the most. Beautifully written story that will draw the readers in! But the mystery still isn't solved!
May 30, 2018
A slice of Australian culture from cricket, to Aztec Biscuits, tourist destinations, and high school curriculum. As a retired German and English teacher, I identified with both Dave and Sienna. Dave is a 10th grade English and History teacher. So happy to see that the same American Classic I taught to my 10th grade American Lit students is taught in the "land down under." The techniques I used in my German classes is taught by Sienna in her French classes. A field trip to an Art Museum makes the Australian teaching experience complete. An inspiring read with down to earth characters, a believable plot with modern day international conflicts, a mysterious painting and a satisfying resolution. Enjoy the Australian culture without a passport from the comfort of your own home.
June 5, 2018
Sienna is a amazing young woman. She is always helping her family and friends. When he cousin tries to match her up with Dave her life will change. Dave is a remarkable man, he teaches and takes care of his grandmother. Watching these twos relationship change is truly wonderful. You will feel God working throughout this whole story. You won’t be able to stop reading this book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
May 27, 2024
In Solo Tu we meet Sienna and Dave. Sienna is missing her family, and not sure where she's going to be after the teaching job she has for this semester is over. Dave also happens to be teaching at the same school, and they discover they go to the same church. Neither is looking for anything permanent, as Dave's pretty much decided he won't marry, and Sienna doesn't know for sure what she wants for her life. As they both fall for each other, Sienna is learning to trust in God more.
May 30, 2018
2nd favorite in the series so far
I love this book. Except for the bit of cricket at the beginning, which as an American I just don't get. I can appreciate it for the literary value, but I am just not a sports person. I thought it was over quickly enough, and it did drive the plot. The characters were excellent and I can't wait for the last two!
I love this book. Except for the bit of cricket at the beginning, which as an American I just don't get. I can appreciate it for the literary value, but I am just not a sports person. I thought it was over quickly enough, and it did drive the plot. The characters were excellent and I can't wait for the last two!
May 31, 2018
A wonderful story
I love the whole series. Each book has new characters but all relate back to the previous characters and the beginning of the story. I have found it difficult to follow the timeline within each story compared to the whole story. I’m hoping it all comes together at the end.
I love the whole series. Each book has new characters but all relate back to the previous characters and the beginning of the story. I have found it difficult to follow the timeline within each story compared to the whole story. I’m hoping it all comes together at the end.
June 2, 2018
What a great book in A Tuscan Legacy series. Very well written and engaging from the beginning. The descriptions of a family against family cricket game taught me a bit about the game. I also felt as though I was on a trip of my own around Australia. But the love story, my oh my, thoroughly enjoyable throughout. Highly recommend.
July 8, 2018
Enjoyable characters and story.
The author’s writing style seemed quite a bit different from the other books in the series. It didn’t seem to flow as well but I still enjoyed the characters and the story. I could have skipped the cricket game but people who understand the game may enjoy it. It was easily skimmed.
The author’s writing style seemed quite a bit different from the other books in the series. It didn’t seem to flow as well but I still enjoyed the characters and the story. I could have skipped the cricket game but people who understand the game may enjoy it. It was easily skimmed.
April 28, 2018
book 7 of Tuscan Legacy serie, set in Australia.
Sienna is really like an italian mother: she has a big sweet heart, she is worry about her siblings, she miss much her sister, she is homesick.
I suggest to read this book, to discover the adventures of Sienna, you'll enjoy it !
Sienna is really like an italian mother: she has a big sweet heart, she is worry about her siblings, she miss much her sister, she is homesick.
I suggest to read this book, to discover the adventures of Sienna, you'll enjoy it !
May 31, 2018
A Beautiful Romance
This was a romance about following God's will.
I loved the storyline,the interesting characters an the additional clues in the paintings mysteries.
This book is recommended for those that love Christian romance.
This was a romance about following God's will.
I loved the storyline,the interesting characters an the additional clues in the paintings mysteries.
This book is recommended for those that love Christian romance.
June 1, 2018
Solo Tu
Another wonderful book in the series. Sienna is far from Italy, living in Australia with cousins. When she meets Dave a fellow church member and school colleague, Sienna hadn't planned on falling in love. Dave never wanted to stay in one place, then he meets Sienna.
Another wonderful book in the series. Sienna is far from Italy, living in Australia with cousins. When she meets Dave a fellow church member and school colleague, Sienna hadn't planned on falling in love. Dave never wanted to stay in one place, then he meets Sienna.
November 9, 2018
Sienna loves Australia, but misses her homeland. Dave is a fellow teacher where she’s just started working, but never stays in one place long. When her painting finally arrives, she just wants to tuck it away and not bother with it. Still grieving, it brings up memories. Some challenges are presented to her which seem to make some decisions she needs to make easier, but are they really? Another great addition to this series. Can’t wait to see what the last 2 books bring up for us.
April 21, 2020
Young Love
”Ciao” I absolutely love this Tuscany journey ~ truly a lovely Christian romance story that you will enjoy reading❣️With old-fashioned values, faith, young love and beautiful places as the background ~ this book will take your heart. A Must Read‼️I give it 5⭐️’s!!
”Ciao” I absolutely love this Tuscany journey ~ truly a lovely Christian romance story that you will enjoy reading❣️With old-fashioned values, faith, young love and beautiful places as the background ~ this book will take your heart. A Must Read‼️I give it 5⭐️’s!!
May 30, 2018
Unexpected Love
This is a sweet little romance about two people who aren't looking for love but find it with each other.
This is a sweet little romance about two people who aren't looking for love but find it with each other.
June 3, 2018
Teachers
The mystery of the paintings continue but they are making progress in discovering the artist. Two teachers discovery love in this beautiful romance set in Australia.
The mystery of the paintings continue but they are making progress in discovering the artist. Two teachers discovery love in this beautiful romance set in Australia.
March 29, 2021
Great Australian scenery and views.
Loved this story about Sienna and Dave and their unfolding love for each other. Am really enjoying this Tuscan Legacy series.
Loved this story about Sienna and Dave and their unfolding love for each other. Am really enjoying this Tuscan Legacy series.
July 10, 2021
Lovely story
Love comes when God wants it to. Sometimes when we least expect it to. This book points out that you don't choose but he does.
Love comes when God wants it to. Sometimes when we least expect it to. This book points out that you don't choose but he does.
May 17, 2025
Such a good read! You have to believe in what is meant for you. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the books in this series, so far! On to book #8.
May 15, 2024
Italians in Australia, what could be better?? But in all seriousness, this is a beautiful story of forgiveness and new beginnings.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews