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Last of the Summer Vines
Love grows where you least expect to find it…
When ambitious workaholic Sarah Wells discovers she has inherited her estranged father’s vineyard near Montalcino in Tuscany, the last thing she wants is to take time away from her busy schedule to sort out a crumbling mess of a palazzo. But, of course, life never runs runs smoothly and when she makes a rare error, her bosses decide a holiday is just what she needs.
When Sarah arrives in Italy, she learns that she is not her father’s sole heir. In fact, she only has a partial stake in Castello di Sant’ Angelo because of a loophole in Italian law. Her father has left the vineyard instead to his business partner, the gorgeous Tomasso Di Biassi – and Tomasso doesn’t want to sell.
At first, Sarah wants the deal done as quickly as possible so she can get back to her life in London, but it seems Italy has other plans for her. Under the warmth of the Tuscan sun, with a glass or two of the local vino rosso, and brooding Tomasso challenging her all the way , Sarah starts to realise that that there might just be something to la dolce vita…
400 pages, Paperback
Published September 6, 2018
26 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Romy Sommer
26 books126 followersRomy Sommer is the author of seven contemporary romance novels published by HarperCollins London, and she has also indie-published a further eight books, including "The Beginner's Guide to Writing Romance."
Romy was the founder and first Chairperson of ROSA (Romance writers Organisation of South Africa). Through ROSA, she discovered a passion for teaching and mentoring aspiring writers, and, after two decades in film production, became a full-time writing coach and developmental editor.
Though Romy's heart lies in Europe, she doesn't cope well with the cold, so she lives in sunny South Africa, in the City of Gold, Johannesburg, where she writes contemporary, feel-good fairy tale romances. She loves binge-watching foreign language Rom Coms on Netflix, travel and musical theatre. Her current obsession is romantic K-dramas.
Romy was the founder and first Chairperson of ROSA (Romance writers Organisation of South Africa). Through ROSA, she discovered a passion for teaching and mentoring aspiring writers, and, after two decades in film production, became a full-time writing coach and developmental editor.
Though Romy's heart lies in Europe, she doesn't cope well with the cold, so she lives in sunny South Africa, in the City of Gold, Johannesburg, where she writes contemporary, feel-good fairy tale romances. She loves binge-watching foreign language Rom Coms on Netflix, travel and musical theatre. Her current obsession is romantic K-dramas.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 25, 2018
This is my first book i have read by this author and will read more as it's such a good book so well written and with great characters and so warm and funny read with romance and emotional while being sexy a real feel good factor book and full of beautful countryside and vineyards as well. Loved it from the first page and wanted to read more.
Sarah has worked so hard with no holidays she's so ambitious but she makes a very rare mistake at work and her boss decides it's time for a holiday. As it would happen her estranged father has just passed away in Tuscany where he lives and she's to inherit everything so she takes the break from work and heads over to sort it all out. Once she is there she learns laws are different and she didn't inherit everything and infuriating but gorgeous Tommaso has got the vineyard and he doesn't want to sell to her. She wants it sorted quickly so she can get home and back to work but the longer she stays and with a glass or two of wine what will happen. Will she fall in love or will she come home how does he life plan out. She also finds things from her father that shows he does care and her mother turns up answering she's never been close to her but can they make ammends or not.
Great feel good read.
Sarah has worked so hard with no holidays she's so ambitious but she makes a very rare mistake at work and her boss decides it's time for a holiday. As it would happen her estranged father has just passed away in Tuscany where he lives and she's to inherit everything so she takes the break from work and heads over to sort it all out. Once she is there she learns laws are different and she didn't inherit everything and infuriating but gorgeous Tommaso has got the vineyard and he doesn't want to sell to her. She wants it sorted quickly so she can get home and back to work but the longer she stays and with a glass or two of wine what will happen. Will she fall in love or will she come home how does he life plan out. She also finds things from her father that shows he does care and her mother turns up answering she's never been close to her but can they make ammends or not.
Great feel good read.
July 5, 2018
My only complaint about this book was that its has been far too long since Romy Sommer last released! But it was easily worth waiting for, as it is a fabulous book that is perfect for the heatwave we have been having.
I have just spent an incredibly enjoyably period of time in the vineyards of Tuscany, learning all about different grape varieties, and wine blends that the Castel Sant'Angelo produces from Tomasso and Sarah.
I can't work out if this book had me craving wine, or assorted bread and pastries, as it turns out Sarah is a pretty good baker, and its a way for her to pass the time while she is on an enforced prolonged holiday from work.
There is certainly a great feel of Italy, Tuscany in particular as Sarah visits the surrounding villages. There is plenty of great food, huge Italian family gatherings, a couple of gorgeous men, and all manner of intrigue.
I was fully transported and loved every moment I spent reading this lovely story. If you want a taste of Italy this summer, either jump on a plane, or open this book and allow your imagination to be transported.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I have just spent an incredibly enjoyably period of time in the vineyards of Tuscany, learning all about different grape varieties, and wine blends that the Castel Sant'Angelo produces from Tomasso and Sarah.
I can't work out if this book had me craving wine, or assorted bread and pastries, as it turns out Sarah is a pretty good baker, and its a way for her to pass the time while she is on an enforced prolonged holiday from work.
There is certainly a great feel of Italy, Tuscany in particular as Sarah visits the surrounding villages. There is plenty of great food, huge Italian family gatherings, a couple of gorgeous men, and all manner of intrigue.
I was fully transported and loved every moment I spent reading this lovely story. If you want a taste of Italy this summer, either jump on a plane, or open this book and allow your imagination to be transported.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 27, 2018
I love reading books that are set in sunny places, they always seem to make me feel bright and smiley so I was looking forward to getting started on this one.
The author captured the essence of Tuscany beautifully, I honestly felt like I was soaking up the sun and scenery alongside Sarah. Food and wine played a big part in the storyline and left me feeling hungry with a strong desire to pay a visit myself. Perfect escapism.
I have to admit that it took me a while to build a connection with Sarah. She seemed very defensive, almost like she had built a wall around herself so tall that even the reader couldn’t scale it. As she began to relax in her surroundings, the wall slowly came down and I was able to see who she really was. This was a turning point for me.
I felt a mixture of feelings as I progressed through the book, there was a little bit of everything - sad moments, funny moments, cringey moments and even worrying moments where I could see a mistake being made and I desperately wanted to do something to stop it! As I read the final pages though I had a big smile on my face and happy tears in my eyes.
This was a fun book with a thread of gentle romance, a fabulous summer read!
The author captured the essence of Tuscany beautifully, I honestly felt like I was soaking up the sun and scenery alongside Sarah. Food and wine played a big part in the storyline and left me feeling hungry with a strong desire to pay a visit myself. Perfect escapism.
I have to admit that it took me a while to build a connection with Sarah. She seemed very defensive, almost like she had built a wall around herself so tall that even the reader couldn’t scale it. As she began to relax in her surroundings, the wall slowly came down and I was able to see who she really was. This was a turning point for me.
I felt a mixture of feelings as I progressed through the book, there was a little bit of everything - sad moments, funny moments, cringey moments and even worrying moments where I could see a mistake being made and I desperately wanted to do something to stop it! As I read the final pages though I had a big smile on my face and happy tears in my eyes.
This was a fun book with a thread of gentle romance, a fabulous summer read!
June 15, 2018
**My thanks to Harper Collins UK, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
I seriously loved this book. The author either did serious amounts of research or she knows about the wine making process along with Tuscany and its local foods. I really felt like i was learning about wines while i read this book!
This author really knows how to weave a tale together in a way that really sucks you in, making you invested in the characters and the people around them.
Londoner Sarah Wells has to go to her late father's estate to pack up his belonging only to find that he has left everything to his business partner, then finding with Italian law that she can inherit half.
When she finally meets the business partner she finds it is the boy that she was in love with all those years ago when she used to spend her summers at her father's estate.
After reading this book i have a serious case of wanting to travel to Tuscany to feel the heat on my skin and experience the flavours of the local food.
This is an epic holiday read and a book not to be missed.
I seriously loved this book. The author either did serious amounts of research or she knows about the wine making process along with Tuscany and its local foods. I really felt like i was learning about wines while i read this book!
This author really knows how to weave a tale together in a way that really sucks you in, making you invested in the characters and the people around them.
Londoner Sarah Wells has to go to her late father's estate to pack up his belonging only to find that he has left everything to his business partner, then finding with Italian law that she can inherit half.
When she finally meets the business partner she finds it is the boy that she was in love with all those years ago when she used to spend her summers at her father's estate.
After reading this book i have a serious case of wanting to travel to Tuscany to feel the heat on my skin and experience the flavours of the local food.
This is an epic holiday read and a book not to be missed.
August 8, 2018
Refreshing and excellently written. It's no wonder that Romy Sommer has won so many awards for her writing. The setting takes place in Italy, the relationships are complex and energizing. The love story subtle and intriguing. Do yourself a favour and pour a glass of wine (with the good tannins,) find a sunny spot and sit back, relax and enjoy the read!
June 29, 2018
This book was an absolutely delicious read. It was summery, it was full of yummy sounding food, it had beautiful scenery, and I absolutely adored all of the characters. For some reason when I first saw this cover reveal, I thought it was going to be set in France - which to be completely honest, was the main reason I put in a request to read it. I love books set in France, not sure if it's the scenery or the food that does it for me but I really enjoy them. However, having said that, I absolutely loved this book too - even though it was set in Italy!
The cover is so, so stunning and I love it all. The bright green rolling fields in the background, the cute little table with wine and the basket of goodies on the side, the pretty flowers at the bottom and the grape vines surrounding the cover all bring the story out and it just looks beautiful. I'd never read a book by this author before, but since setting my eyes on the cover I just knew I had to read it straight away - plus I had an inkling that I would enjoy it.
Except I was wrong. I didn't like this book - I LOVED it! If I could rate this book more than 5 stars then I completely would. It had everything you could possibly want in a storyline. It had a beautiful setting, delicious sounding food that will make your mouth water, lovely friendly characters and not to forget the wine! Although I'm not a huge fan of wine, and it plays a big part in this novel (obviously), it's still an enjoyable thing to read about - and you'll soon find yourself being educated about the different types of wine, and how to taste it.
The main character, Sarah, whilst not completely relatable to me (perhaps because I'm not a hardcore career focused woman) was lovely and I really felt for her with what she had been through with her parents and how that effected her overall view of life. Although I loved Tommaso as well, when it got to about half way through and Fionella (think that's how you spell it!) came into the story, I was begging he wouldn't jump ship and ruin it all! A couple of the characters, including Luca, made my blood boil in places and I was hoping what I was thought was happening - wasn't true! However, I needn't have worried because it all came together in the end for a beautiful ending. Overall, a lovely enjoyable and lighthearted novel which I loved (if you couldn't tell) and the perfect summer novel. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.
The cover is so, so stunning and I love it all. The bright green rolling fields in the background, the cute little table with wine and the basket of goodies on the side, the pretty flowers at the bottom and the grape vines surrounding the cover all bring the story out and it just looks beautiful. I'd never read a book by this author before, but since setting my eyes on the cover I just knew I had to read it straight away - plus I had an inkling that I would enjoy it.
Except I was wrong. I didn't like this book - I LOVED it! If I could rate this book more than 5 stars then I completely would. It had everything you could possibly want in a storyline. It had a beautiful setting, delicious sounding food that will make your mouth water, lovely friendly characters and not to forget the wine! Although I'm not a huge fan of wine, and it plays a big part in this novel (obviously), it's still an enjoyable thing to read about - and you'll soon find yourself being educated about the different types of wine, and how to taste it.
The main character, Sarah, whilst not completely relatable to me (perhaps because I'm not a hardcore career focused woman) was lovely and I really felt for her with what she had been through with her parents and how that effected her overall view of life. Although I loved Tommaso as well, when it got to about half way through and Fionella (think that's how you spell it!) came into the story, I was begging he wouldn't jump ship and ruin it all! A couple of the characters, including Luca, made my blood boil in places and I was hoping what I was thought was happening - wasn't true! However, I needn't have worried because it all came together in the end for a beautiful ending. Overall, a lovely enjoyable and lighthearted novel which I loved (if you couldn't tell) and the perfect summer novel. Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this novel via Netgalley, which I have reviewed honestly.
July 1, 2018
Career driven Sarah teeters on the edge of emotional burnout, she needs a break, even if she disagrees her boss insists. When her estranged father dies suddenly, she decides to oversee the disposal of his estate personally and travels to Tuscany, where she spent a few happy times in childhood. The challenges she finds are anything but restful, but they do give her life a new focus and help her gain perspective.
Tuscany provides a picturesque, vibrant setting for this romantic story of forgiveness, second chances, secrets and deceit. Sarah is a determined woman who shies away from emotional closeness, those she should be able to trust let her down, and she's not risking her heart again. Tomasso lives and breathes the vineyard, but it's not his only love, and this sexy hero proves to be a complicated man who both intrigues and infuriates Sarah.
A story of love and friendship created in a quintessential Italian world full of warmth, gossip, family and food, where wine and passion are synonymous.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Tuscany provides a picturesque, vibrant setting for this romantic story of forgiveness, second chances, secrets and deceit. Sarah is a determined woman who shies away from emotional closeness, those she should be able to trust let her down, and she's not risking her heart again. Tomasso lives and breathes the vineyard, but it's not his only love, and this sexy hero proves to be a complicated man who both intrigues and infuriates Sarah.
A story of love and friendship created in a quintessential Italian world full of warmth, gossip, family and food, where wine and passion are synonymous.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Impulse via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 22, 2018
Thank you to NetGalllery, the publisher and author, Romy Sommer, for the opportunity to review "Last of the Summer Vines." All opinions expressed are solely my own.
I enjoyed "Last of the Summer Vines." Sarah Wells is the main character, due to a big miss-up she did at work, she is asked to take a "long vacation." On top of the mishap at work, she is going through a failed relationship. Her father has passed away and leaves Sarah his wine farm in Tuscany. With everything going on in her life, Sarah decides now is the time to go to Tuscany. While there, Sarah runs into childhood friend, Tommy.
I loved the cast of characters and the romance aspect. I especially enjoyed the baking......made me hungry reading all the scrumptious baked goods Sarah was making. And......to have wine and wine making added into the story? Perfect book for me!
If you are looking to read a nice, light love story with some humor thrown in, this is the book for you.
Highly recommend!
I enjoyed "Last of the Summer Vines." Sarah Wells is the main character, due to a big miss-up she did at work, she is asked to take a "long vacation." On top of the mishap at work, she is going through a failed relationship. Her father has passed away and leaves Sarah his wine farm in Tuscany. With everything going on in her life, Sarah decides now is the time to go to Tuscany. While there, Sarah runs into childhood friend, Tommy.
I loved the cast of characters and the romance aspect. I especially enjoyed the baking......made me hungry reading all the scrumptious baked goods Sarah was making. And......to have wine and wine making added into the story? Perfect book for me!
If you are looking to read a nice, light love story with some humor thrown in, this is the book for you.
Highly recommend!
Read
August 1, 2018I love when I open a book and get lost in the story. Being my first book ever to be read written by Romy Summer I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this book.
From the very first page, I swept up into the beauty of Tuscany.
I loved the story and the characters. I have always had a soft spot for string, fierce, independent female characters and Sarah checked all these points for me. I loved seeing her grow and rediscover her passion for life and for what she loves.
I also feel that the author did a great job in building a great backstory for Sarah and Tomasso. Watching them fall in love all over again was sweet.
Just like any great love story you have to have a few obstacles before finding you're happily ever after. sarah and Tomasso had quite a few.
I really enjoyed this book it came to life with color, emotions, and smells. OMG, the food is this book is unbelievable. I was hungry the entire way through just at the sound of the food they made.
I now want to go to Tuscany and walk through a vineyard, sip tea on a balcony as the sunsets, eat pasta and homemade bread on a terrace overlooking fields of grapes.
This story was truly a beautiful love story that swept me up and carried me across the ocean to witness what can only be described as an EPIC love story.
From the very first page, I swept up into the beauty of Tuscany.
I loved the story and the characters. I have always had a soft spot for string, fierce, independent female characters and Sarah checked all these points for me. I loved seeing her grow and rediscover her passion for life and for what she loves.
I also feel that the author did a great job in building a great backstory for Sarah and Tomasso. Watching them fall in love all over again was sweet.
Just like any great love story you have to have a few obstacles before finding you're happily ever after. sarah and Tomasso had quite a few.
I really enjoyed this book it came to life with color, emotions, and smells. OMG, the food is this book is unbelievable. I was hungry the entire way through just at the sound of the food they made.
I now want to go to Tuscany and walk through a vineyard, sip tea on a balcony as the sunsets, eat pasta and homemade bread on a terrace overlooking fields of grapes.
This story was truly a beautiful love story that swept me up and carried me across the ocean to witness what can only be described as an EPIC love story.
August 7, 2018
Absolutely sigh worthy!
This book came at a chaotic time in my life and was exactly the escape I needed. Funny, sweet, vividly described, I found myself relieved to be swept away to the slower pace of life in the Tuscan valley.
The characters - So real I felt I could reach out and touch them.
The settings - breathtaking.
The romance - a wonderful slow burn that perfectly suited the environment.
The attention to detail - so nuanced and layered that it reminded me of the frescos that Sommer so lovingly describes.
In short, I fell in love!
This book came at a chaotic time in my life and was exactly the escape I needed. Funny, sweet, vividly described, I found myself relieved to be swept away to the slower pace of life in the Tuscan valley.
The characters - So real I felt I could reach out and touch them.
The settings - breathtaking.
The romance - a wonderful slow burn that perfectly suited the environment.
The attention to detail - so nuanced and layered that it reminded me of the frescos that Sommer so lovingly describes.
In short, I fell in love!
July 24, 2018
This was a really cute story. And not only that but it was very well researched, I learnt so much about wine and wine making it really added depth to the whole thing. Sarah's development throughout the story is very good, she grows as you hope a character will and the challenges she faced helped her to open her heart again and find a new appreciation of life.
I was sent this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was sent this book by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2018
This was the first book I've read from this author. It was a fantastic, chick lit read set in Tuscany. It was a realistic read, focusing on burn out from working too much (it happens!) and an escape to Tuscany is just what the dr ordered for the main character. I could literally feel myself there, basking in the sunshine, drinking the wine, and the delectable eats. It is on my "must travel" list for sure.
#lastofthesummervines #NetGalley
#lastofthesummervines #NetGalley
dnf
December 3, 2018This has literally the exact same premise as The Chateau of Happily Ever Afters by Jaimie Admans which I read earlier this year. Romance uses the same tropes over and over, but this is a bit much even for me. Maybe if I'd tried to read this further apart or before the other one.
October 4, 2018
Oh what a fantastic book loved every page a story of inheritance and the trials and tribulations of it can highly recommend this book
July 27, 2018
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Sarah returning to the vineyard to tie up her father's estate hadn't expected to run into her childhood friend Tommy. Tommaso wasn't sure what to expect from having Sarah return. They became partners in the business but love in the end wins out for everyone. A great love story.
September 18, 2020
Before I start I would like to point out that this book should come with a health warning, YOU WILL PUT ON AT LEAST HALF A STONE AND FEEL PERMANENTLY HUNGRY whilst you are reading it! OMG the food in it, wow!
Last of the Summer Vines is about Sarah, a workaholic from London who thinks she inherits her late father’s castello in Italy, but when she arrives she finds that due to Italian law she will co-own it with Tommaso his business partner.
Initially, I had a bit of a dislike for Sarah as she seemed to think she had a right to her inheritance even though she admitted that she and her father had little to do with each other. (Oh, how often do we see that scenario in real life!) So, it took me a couple of chapters to really get going with this book and I was unsure that I was going to like it. But then I loved it!
This book has been written with such clarity that I could picture the setting. I loved the romance of Sarah living in and renovating the castello, and how her character progressed into someone that found her love of baking again and enjoyed life away from work in London. I loved the big family mealtimes with the importance of locally sourced fresh ingredients and just taking time to be with each other.
There is a bit of mystery to the story and I thought I knew the outcome about halfway through, but I just wanted to keep reading to see what happened next – it obviously wasn’t going to be as clear cut seeing as there was still lots left to read. The story is filled with anticipation. I even found I was looking forward to seeing what fresh foods the delivery driver was going to bring for Sarah to bake with each day! Yes, see the above warning, this story is filled with the most mouth-watering mentions of food throughout. And wine of course!
Although this Romy Sommer book is fiction, I found I learned so much about Italy and its culture, and the whole wine growing process. And surprisingly for someone who is tee-total, I found it absolutely fascinating. So, this gets a big thumbs up from me. A perfect summer read.
Last of the Summer Vines is about Sarah, a workaholic from London who thinks she inherits her late father’s castello in Italy, but when she arrives she finds that due to Italian law she will co-own it with Tommaso his business partner.
Initially, I had a bit of a dislike for Sarah as she seemed to think she had a right to her inheritance even though she admitted that she and her father had little to do with each other. (Oh, how often do we see that scenario in real life!) So, it took me a couple of chapters to really get going with this book and I was unsure that I was going to like it. But then I loved it!
This book has been written with such clarity that I could picture the setting. I loved the romance of Sarah living in and renovating the castello, and how her character progressed into someone that found her love of baking again and enjoyed life away from work in London. I loved the big family mealtimes with the importance of locally sourced fresh ingredients and just taking time to be with each other.
There is a bit of mystery to the story and I thought I knew the outcome about halfway through, but I just wanted to keep reading to see what happened next – it obviously wasn’t going to be as clear cut seeing as there was still lots left to read. The story is filled with anticipation. I even found I was looking forward to seeing what fresh foods the delivery driver was going to bring for Sarah to bake with each day! Yes, see the above warning, this story is filled with the most mouth-watering mentions of food throughout. And wine of course!
Although this Romy Sommer book is fiction, I found I learned so much about Italy and its culture, and the whole wine growing process. And surprisingly for someone who is tee-total, I found it absolutely fascinating. So, this gets a big thumbs up from me. A perfect summer read.
January 5, 2019
This is the first book I've read from this author. What fun it was! Well written, with an easy style that sees the pages just whip by.
Romy Sommer really captured the essence and feel of Tuscany ... the lazy days, the sun on vines, the hum of insects in sun-drenched gardens, baking Italian patries in an old wood stove. I loved reading all about the towns in Tuscany, with their ancient walls and vineyards and wine cellars in caves.
And the slow-build love between Sarah and Tommaso was laid-back and easy just like the setting, but with twists and turns to keep it exciting, and a racy scene at the end.
I'll be keeping an eye out for Romy's new book, which I believe is out soon, and will grab a few of her previous books for my read pile.
(PS: I've just seen this book made it onto Rachel Gilbey's "Favorite reading highlights of 2018" list ... https://rachelsrandomreads.blogspot.c...)
Romy Sommer really captured the essence and feel of Tuscany ... the lazy days, the sun on vines, the hum of insects in sun-drenched gardens, baking Italian patries in an old wood stove. I loved reading all about the towns in Tuscany, with their ancient walls and vineyards and wine cellars in caves.
And the slow-build love between Sarah and Tommaso was laid-back and easy just like the setting, but with twists and turns to keep it exciting, and a racy scene at the end.
I'll be keeping an eye out for Romy's new book, which I believe is out soon, and will grab a few of her previous books for my read pile.
(PS: I've just seen this book made it onto Rachel Gilbey's "Favorite reading highlights of 2018" list ... https://rachelsrandomreads.blogspot.c...)
December 4, 2018
I loved getting knee-deep into Tuscany with this delightful read by Romy Sommer.
When Sarah becomes an unwilling heiress to half crumbling Castello in Tuscany, the best thing she can do with it is to make it her vacation-station during her forced leave-of-absence from work.
Bring in some hot Italian men, some lovely people whom you wished you had as neighbors, some past love affairs that never caught fire despite dry and windy conditions, and you are in for a treat. Add all that delicious food…the only thing I would have loved to have added to this book would have been a few, select recipes right at the end.
Thumbs up!
When Sarah becomes an unwilling heiress to half crumbling Castello in Tuscany, the best thing she can do with it is to make it her vacation-station during her forced leave-of-absence from work.
Bring in some hot Italian men, some lovely people whom you wished you had as neighbors, some past love affairs that never caught fire despite dry and windy conditions, and you are in for a treat. Add all that delicious food…the only thing I would have loved to have added to this book would have been a few, select recipes right at the end.
Thumbs up!
August 15, 2018
I was so happy to see a new book by Romy Sommer and it didn't disappoint. A lovely cast of characters, wonderful setting and sweet romance provided a light, uplifting read. Just what I needed this week - in our case a foretaste of summer at the end of a dry, dusty winter. You do end up wishing there was a trattoria serving the wonderful desserts around the corner and craving some good wine.
January 27, 2022
I connected with the character because I too am a workaholic and am in a need of a long vacation. I love how she took on something new and stepped out of her comfort zone.
Throughout this book, I could not stop smiling when I envisioned Tommaso. What a man!
Throughout this book, I could not stop smiling when I envisioned Tommaso. What a man!
August 1, 2018
Sweet and fun :c)
October 30, 2023
I fell in love with Tuscany while reading this book. From the first page, I felt as though I was right there in Italy with Sarah Wells, tasting the wines, sampling the pasta and pastries, and experiencing everything else that life at the small vineyard near Montalcino had to offer.
When her father passes away, Sarah, a financial analyst from London, finds herself in Tuscany as the heir to the Castello di Sant’ Angelo vineyard. Except that she didn’t exactly inherit it outright. In his will, her father left the vineyard to his business partner, Tommaso di Biasi. Which meant both Sarah and Tomasso had an equal share. The problem? Sarah wants to return to her fast-paced life in England, but Tomasso doesn’t have the means to buy her out. So, they reach an agreement. Sarah can sell the villa and keep the proceeds while Tomasso retains ownership of the land and the grapes. An easy solution (right?) until Sarah discovers the house needs months of massive renovations to make it sellable, which requires her to spend the summer in this little pocket of Tuscany where the art of making wine is the soul of the countryside.
This book is one of the best romances I’ve read. It has everything: a beautiful setting, hunky Italian men, close friends, a disgruntled neighbor, seemingly insurmountable problems, sweet tender moments, small victories, and a big win—every component necessary for a very satisfying read.
Definitely a page-turner, no matter how many times you read it (this was the second time for me)!
Next up: Romy's next book set in Tuscany—My Fake Italian Marriage
When her father passes away, Sarah, a financial analyst from London, finds herself in Tuscany as the heir to the Castello di Sant’ Angelo vineyard. Except that she didn’t exactly inherit it outright. In his will, her father left the vineyard to his business partner, Tommaso di Biasi. Which meant both Sarah and Tomasso had an equal share. The problem? Sarah wants to return to her fast-paced life in England, but Tomasso doesn’t have the means to buy her out. So, they reach an agreement. Sarah can sell the villa and keep the proceeds while Tomasso retains ownership of the land and the grapes. An easy solution (right?) until Sarah discovers the house needs months of massive renovations to make it sellable, which requires her to spend the summer in this little pocket of Tuscany where the art of making wine is the soul of the countryside.
This book is one of the best romances I’ve read. It has everything: a beautiful setting, hunky Italian men, close friends, a disgruntled neighbor, seemingly insurmountable problems, sweet tender moments, small victories, and a big win—every component necessary for a very satisfying read.
Definitely a page-turner, no matter how many times you read it (this was the second time for me)!
Next up: Romy's next book set in Tuscany—My Fake Italian Marriage
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July 10, 2018LAST OF THE SUMMER VINES
Romy Sommer
Published HarperImpulse division of HarperCollins Publishers London 2018
From RITA nominee Romy Sommer comes another one of her superb romance novels. Sarah Wells goes to Tuscany to take a break from a failed love relationship as well as her high-pressure job in which she made a substantial error causing embarrassment to her employers. This is for her not a random holiday destination but the site of her late father’s wine farm. She becomes a partial beneficiary of the wine farm not by inheritance but by Italian law which requires a deceased to share his estate with his children.
There is no shortage of admirers. First, there is Luca the well dressed, well endowed, and smooth talking attorney, as well as Tomaso well endowed but taciturn, and moody childhood friend. Sarah goes on a journey of self-discovery as she experiments with skills and passions which her high-pressure London lifestyle does not give her the time to explore.
In telling this tale Ms. Sommer takes us on a travelogue of rural Italy. The descriptions are light, fluid and breezy as we go from village hamlet to village hamlet and find the ancient buildings, the vineyards and the laid back and friendly inhabitants. The sense of presence conveyed in the writing is quite breathtaking. She further takes us on a tour of the local cuisine. I have never visited Italy, much less rural Italy where the viticulture region is. I did, however, get a real feel for the place and could imagine the wine farms, the villages, and the people as if I had actually visited. While reading this book I regularly ran to the kitchen for a nibble, as Ms Sommer through her main character Sarah Wells listed the ingredients of the scrumptious meals she was compiling. Not to mention the desire to crack open a bottle of wine as the author took us through the process in a non-technical way of the winemaking process.
What to me was one credibility gap was the character coming across a sheaf of letters written by the main character’s late father. He had ignored her through most of her life and left her out of his will. Nevertheless, he wrote her many letters throughout her life and never sent them. This to me didn’t make sense.
Besides this one credibility infraction, I found this book to be an enormously enjoyable read. I found difficulty putting the book down and have thought about visiting Tuscany that would be just to experience the wonderful atmosphere of the place so tellingly described.
Romy Sommer
Published HarperImpulse division of HarperCollins Publishers London 2018
From RITA nominee Romy Sommer comes another one of her superb romance novels. Sarah Wells goes to Tuscany to take a break from a failed love relationship as well as her high-pressure job in which she made a substantial error causing embarrassment to her employers. This is for her not a random holiday destination but the site of her late father’s wine farm. She becomes a partial beneficiary of the wine farm not by inheritance but by Italian law which requires a deceased to share his estate with his children.
There is no shortage of admirers. First, there is Luca the well dressed, well endowed, and smooth talking attorney, as well as Tomaso well endowed but taciturn, and moody childhood friend. Sarah goes on a journey of self-discovery as she experiments with skills and passions which her high-pressure London lifestyle does not give her the time to explore.
In telling this tale Ms. Sommer takes us on a travelogue of rural Italy. The descriptions are light, fluid and breezy as we go from village hamlet to village hamlet and find the ancient buildings, the vineyards and the laid back and friendly inhabitants. The sense of presence conveyed in the writing is quite breathtaking. She further takes us on a tour of the local cuisine. I have never visited Italy, much less rural Italy where the viticulture region is. I did, however, get a real feel for the place and could imagine the wine farms, the villages, and the people as if I had actually visited. While reading this book I regularly ran to the kitchen for a nibble, as Ms Sommer through her main character Sarah Wells listed the ingredients of the scrumptious meals she was compiling. Not to mention the desire to crack open a bottle of wine as the author took us through the process in a non-technical way of the winemaking process.
What to me was one credibility gap was the character coming across a sheaf of letters written by the main character’s late father. He had ignored her through most of her life and left her out of his will. Nevertheless, he wrote her many letters throughout her life and never sent them. This to me didn’t make sense.
Besides this one credibility infraction, I found this book to be an enormously enjoyable read. I found difficulty putting the book down and have thought about visiting Tuscany that would be just to experience the wonderful atmosphere of the place so tellingly described.
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