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A Tuscan Night: A novel set in Italy and Greece
From The Best-Selling Author Kostas Krommydas[Over 200 000 Copies Sold in Greece Alone]“Had me gripped from start to finish.”Lesley WillsherThe best journeys are the ones we never make.
Some trips start with a suitcase in hand. Other, after a fight. And some when a new job forces you to drop everything and leave. Some journeys have been engraved in our souls. Because they hurt us. Because they made us hurt our loved ones. And some trips are governed by a crazy love. They make us forget what it’s like to live and cause the pain of unrequited love.
But the thing you may only realize when it’s too late is that the best journeys are the ones you never made. The ones you never dared, the ones you never tasted...
My journey started on the day I was told that I only had a few months left to live... and it was the most beautiful I have ever made.
A Tuscan Night takes you on a journey you won’t forget."A lesson in living life to the fullest."Helen Johnson Brumbaugh
Some trips start with a suitcase in hand. Other, after a fight. And some when a new job forces you to drop everything and leave. Some journeys have been engraved in our souls. Because they hurt us. Because they made us hurt our loved ones. And some trips are governed by a crazy love. They make us forget what it’s like to live and cause the pain of unrequited love.
But the thing you may only realize when it’s too late is that the best journeys are the ones you never made. The ones you never dared, the ones you never tasted...
My journey started on the day I was told that I only had a few months left to live... and it was the most beautiful I have ever made.
A Tuscan Night takes you on a journey you won’t forget."A lesson in living life to the fullest."Helen Johnson Brumbaugh
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 21, 2019
A book that changes your way of thinking! Α special story of a woman through an unexpected event in her life! It will make you appreciate life a lot more...
I love it!!!
I love it!!!
December 9, 2019
Another heart-rending story by this masterful writer.
Oh my. Talk about serendipity coming to the rescue. This book landed on my hands a couple of months after my mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor (metastatic cancer). My family life changed overnight because of the scary new symptoms involved. And then, this book came, and it spoke to my scarred psyche to provide comfort like no other book could ever have.
This is the latest gem by Kostas Krommydas and it's now one of my favourites by this author. The heroine, Ismene, finds out she has brain cancer on her wedding day. You would naturally think that such a premise would make for an original, yet depressing story, but, strangely enough, A Tuscan Night is an incredibly uplifting story of a woman who defies the threat of death, throws caution to the wind and sets off to an adventure, knowing fully well this could be her last.
Ismene makes new friends in Tuscany, samples divine food and wine in idyllic Mediterranean settings, and meets the perfect man in the face of a charming, wandering musician...
Who says that someone with such a terrible disease on their hands should give up on life? So many stop living the day they hear the word 'cancer' from the lips of their doctors. But not Ismene; In her case, this was where the best part of her life began...
The story of this remarkably brave woman has touched me deeply, and not only because of my mother's illness. It has reminded me that no matter the difficulty, we always have the choice of how to react, how to feel and behave. Ismene made the perfect choice, in my eyes.
Mr Krommydas has gone and done it again, offering his readers another masterfully written, heart-wrenching tale and tons of inspiration. Highly recommended.
Oh my. Talk about serendipity coming to the rescue. This book landed on my hands a couple of months after my mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor (metastatic cancer). My family life changed overnight because of the scary new symptoms involved. And then, this book came, and it spoke to my scarred psyche to provide comfort like no other book could ever have.
This is the latest gem by Kostas Krommydas and it's now one of my favourites by this author. The heroine, Ismene, finds out she has brain cancer on her wedding day. You would naturally think that such a premise would make for an original, yet depressing story, but, strangely enough, A Tuscan Night is an incredibly uplifting story of a woman who defies the threat of death, throws caution to the wind and sets off to an adventure, knowing fully well this could be her last.
Ismene makes new friends in Tuscany, samples divine food and wine in idyllic Mediterranean settings, and meets the perfect man in the face of a charming, wandering musician...
Who says that someone with such a terrible disease on their hands should give up on life? So many stop living the day they hear the word 'cancer' from the lips of their doctors. But not Ismene; In her case, this was where the best part of her life began...
The story of this remarkably brave woman has touched me deeply, and not only because of my mother's illness. It has reminded me that no matter the difficulty, we always have the choice of how to react, how to feel and behave. Ismene made the perfect choice, in my eyes.
Mr Krommydas has gone and done it again, offering his readers another masterfully written, heart-wrenching tale and tons of inspiration. Highly recommended.
December 10, 2019
One of my favorite books!! This book makes you remember that you always have a second chance In your life and stop take everything for granted!!
December 10, 2019
A wonderful book,hymn to life and love! It changes the way we view the simple beautiful moments of our daily lives.
November 21, 2025
A Tuscan Night by Kostas Krommydas
The cover of this book is beautiful with the words: Sometimes the best journeys are the ones you never took…
The story takes place in both Greece and Italy and is narrated by Ismene. Ismene is set to marry Chris, on her wedding day she is overcome with a blinding headache and deafening sounds in her ears. After a nosebleed at the altar Ismene wakes up to find herself at the hospital.
After several tests and scans Ismene finds out she is dying of brain cancer and is only given a few months to live. Her parents and family want her to get further opinions and undergo as many treatments as possible to save her life. Ismene finds out her fiance Chris is having an affair with her best friend Maria.
After meeting Holly, a patient at the hospital and learning how Holly has missed out on so many occasions of her own life, Ismene has an awakening.
Ismene decides to sell her law practice and take off for Italy on the honeymoon trip she should have taken with Chris.
This begins a beautiful journey for Ismene learning about life, love, and true happiness. This was an amazing story which I would highly recommend. I absolutely loved it.
What would you do if you were in the same situation as Ismene with only months to live?
Notes below the dotted line are for me to remember the ending to this book.
—----------------------------------------------
Ismene is an extra in a movie in Rome. She tours the Tuscany Region and Lake Como. She meets and falls in love with Felipe who is a musician. Felipe was a tech genius who sold his company for millions and was able to live out his dream of singing and playing guitar around Italy.
After some steamy nights, delicious food, and flavorful wines Ismene abruptly leaves Italy and heads back to Greece not wanting Felipe to learn the truth of her illness. She was able to control her headaches with medications.
Ismene learns she is pregnant. After thinking about an abortion (she doesn’t go through with it) Felipe comes to Greece for a concert.
Ismene gives birth to a little boy Angelo and dies shortly after. Ismene and Felipe make videos for Angelo of Ismene talking to him for his 11th birthday, when he turns 18, and when he gets married.
The cover of this book is beautiful with the words: Sometimes the best journeys are the ones you never took…
The story takes place in both Greece and Italy and is narrated by Ismene. Ismene is set to marry Chris, on her wedding day she is overcome with a blinding headache and deafening sounds in her ears. After a nosebleed at the altar Ismene wakes up to find herself at the hospital.
After several tests and scans Ismene finds out she is dying of brain cancer and is only given a few months to live. Her parents and family want her to get further opinions and undergo as many treatments as possible to save her life. Ismene finds out her fiance Chris is having an affair with her best friend Maria.
After meeting Holly, a patient at the hospital and learning how Holly has missed out on so many occasions of her own life, Ismene has an awakening.
Ismene decides to sell her law practice and take off for Italy on the honeymoon trip she should have taken with Chris.
This begins a beautiful journey for Ismene learning about life, love, and true happiness. This was an amazing story which I would highly recommend. I absolutely loved it.
What would you do if you were in the same situation as Ismene with only months to live?
Notes below the dotted line are for me to remember the ending to this book.
—----------------------------------------------
Ismene is an extra in a movie in Rome. She tours the Tuscany Region and Lake Como. She meets and falls in love with Felipe who is a musician. Felipe was a tech genius who sold his company for millions and was able to live out his dream of singing and playing guitar around Italy.
After some steamy nights, delicious food, and flavorful wines Ismene abruptly leaves Italy and heads back to Greece not wanting Felipe to learn the truth of her illness. She was able to control her headaches with medications.
Ismene learns she is pregnant. After thinking about an abortion (she doesn’t go through with it) Felipe comes to Greece for a concert.
Ismene gives birth to a little boy Angelo and dies shortly after. Ismene and Felipe make videos for Angelo of Ismene talking to him for his 11th birthday, when he turns 18, and when he gets married.
December 10, 2019
This book is so special that it changes the way you face life. Life is a gift given to people. We must appreciate it and live every minute as it's the last one. We don't know what will happen tomorrow. Today matters. Make it count. Show your love ones how much you care about them. Do whatever you desire today. Tomorrow is another day. You don't know how much time you have. That book kept me company at a moment of my life I was desperate. I lost my mother. It gave me hope... Don't miss it...
December 10, 2019
my favorite book!!!!!!!!!!!!!
appreciate the moment until it's passed
appreciate the moment until it's passed
August 31, 2026
I initially bought this book in my trip in Greece and the book of Mr. Krommydas got my attention of being a best selling author in Greece, now, i have the right to say that his title is well deserved. This book brought me tears, made my smile and laugh, but most importantly, it made me think of how we live and view life.. ‘A Tuscan Night’ it is indeed a moving novel that compared to other romance books, this one hugged the reality of many peoples experiences and was the closest to reality.. This book was a breath of fresh air after so many other novels of the same plot that repeated themselves. I loved this book and indeed became in top 5 favourite books ive ever read
December 26, 2019
Actually, when I finished "a Tuscan night" i knew i'd be forever changed as a reader and a human being after only a few pages. A novel that had deep impact on me, especially in my way of thinking.
I loved it.... ❤️
I loved it.... ❤️
December 10, 2019
Just an amazing book! It makes you appreciate every moment of your life! I read it twice and I would read it again!
December 10, 2019
Just an Amazing Book
“It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live.”
It learns you to Appreciate the beauty in very moment of your life
December 10, 2019
One of the best book 💓
December 10, 2019
Just amazing this book! It captivates you from the very first section! Touching with love and passion! I highly recommend you read it!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Read
December 10, 2019I wish we could all make it, not only the trips but also a great part of everything we have dreamed of in our lifetime !!!
Kostas
thank you for making us once again dream of traveling to so many places to put ourselves in Ismine's place to weep for laughing, falling in love, getting excited !!
December 10, 2019
A story that touches the soul and heart....
Through this book I realized where the true meaning of life lies in.... The book drives you to beautiful places. Enjoy the trip!
Through this book I realized where the true meaning of life lies in.... The book drives you to beautiful places. Enjoy the trip!
December 10, 2019
I highly recommend this book ! It's about a strong moving story that will touch your heart. It's the kind of book that you want to read it once you get in your hands. It's just amazing !!!
May 29, 2020
Brilliant. Deep, insightful, moving, beautiful
December 11, 2019
This book was an eye opening experience. I absolutely loved it. The heroine, Ismene, after she learns she has a few months to live, she changes her way of thinking and sets different priorities in life. She decided to take a trip to Tuscany and that was the best thing she ever did and thats where the magic begins...
December 10, 2019
A heart-warning story that will change your perspective on life. An absolute must-read! It will make you realize what is worth in life and what is really important. A life-lesson that should be read by everyone!
December 10, 2019
What an amazing story !!!You will change your every day life after reading this book!!Loved the detailed descriptions of the villages,cities where Ismimi travelled ...You have to read this book as it will definitely change your perspective on life and what does mean to be alive !
November 25, 2019
An amazing book. I love it !!!!!
November 21, 2025
✨BOOK REVIEW✨
A Tuscan Night by Kostas Krommydas
Ismene’s wedding day should have been one of her brightest, most beautiful moments. Instead, as she prepares for what she believes will be the happiest day of her life, something feels off. A throbbing headache. Sounds becoming muffled. Moments slipping away. When one frightening symptom leads to another, she wakes in a hospital bed with her mother anxiously watching over her.
There, Ismene receives news that shatters her world, the kind of life-altering diagnosis that forces her to reimagine everything she thought her future would hold. She must now find a way forward, one difficult decision at a time.
As her life is turned upside down, she embarks on a deeply personal journey. She slows down, listens to herself, and begins searching for joy in the smallest, simplest moments.
And just when she stops expecting happiness to appear, it gently finds its way back to her.
This book took me through such a wide spectrum of emotions. I started out smiling, found myself crying far sooner than I anticipated, kept crying, smiled again midway, cried some more, felt joy again…and yes, ended in tears. It’s a reflective, immersive, emotional story, one I may never have discovered if not for a friend choosing it for our book club.
And that is exactly why I treasure my book club so deeply. We pick up books we might have overlooked, or authors we’ve never heard of, or genres or storylines we would’ve sworn weren’t “for us.”
I encourage you to do the same. Wander outside your familiar reading world. Try a new author, a different storyline, a genre you usually skip. Explore Instagram, so many incredible bookish accounts share thoughtful recommendations, scroll through Goodreads, or let a simple Google search surprise you.
✨QUESTION✨
What is a book you stumbled upon, something outside your usual tastes, that ended up staying with you?
Share your recommendation in the comments. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
I’d love to hear it!
#readagoodbook #readingismytherapy #powerfulbooks
A Tuscan Night by Kostas Krommydas
Ismene’s wedding day should have been one of her brightest, most beautiful moments. Instead, as she prepares for what she believes will be the happiest day of her life, something feels off. A throbbing headache. Sounds becoming muffled. Moments slipping away. When one frightening symptom leads to another, she wakes in a hospital bed with her mother anxiously watching over her.
There, Ismene receives news that shatters her world, the kind of life-altering diagnosis that forces her to reimagine everything she thought her future would hold. She must now find a way forward, one difficult decision at a time.
As her life is turned upside down, she embarks on a deeply personal journey. She slows down, listens to herself, and begins searching for joy in the smallest, simplest moments.
And just when she stops expecting happiness to appear, it gently finds its way back to her.
This book took me through such a wide spectrum of emotions. I started out smiling, found myself crying far sooner than I anticipated, kept crying, smiled again midway, cried some more, felt joy again…and yes, ended in tears. It’s a reflective, immersive, emotional story, one I may never have discovered if not for a friend choosing it for our book club.
And that is exactly why I treasure my book club so deeply. We pick up books we might have overlooked, or authors we’ve never heard of, or genres or storylines we would’ve sworn weren’t “for us.”
I encourage you to do the same. Wander outside your familiar reading world. Try a new author, a different storyline, a genre you usually skip. Explore Instagram, so many incredible bookish accounts share thoughtful recommendations, scroll through Goodreads, or let a simple Google search surprise you.
✨QUESTION✨
What is a book you stumbled upon, something outside your usual tastes, that ended up staying with you?
Share your recommendation in the comments. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
I’d love to hear it!
#readagoodbook #readingismytherapy #powerfulbooks
August 6, 2024
I got through this pretty quickly, it was an easy read and not too intricate - I kept on wanting more! I love that this takes place in Greece and Italy and how descriptive the book is of the different towns. Although this book was emotional, I didn’t feel like there was enough depth to pull me to the characters. Despite that, I really appreciated this book for the reminder it serves to never take a day or moment for granted. This was a recurring theme and I paused often to let that sink in. It makes you think about how you are living your life and how you want to be living your life.
January 12, 2024
A Tale of Life and Love
Written in the first person, we follow the heroine through months of struggling with news of her impending death and a soul searching journey. On this journey, she meets many people who show her what she has missed but working more than living. Its a bit too introspective for what I usually read and the writing style feels choppy as though it was written in another language and translated.
Written in the first person, we follow the heroine through months of struggling with news of her impending death and a soul searching journey. On this journey, she meets many people who show her what she has missed but working more than living. Its a bit too introspective for what I usually read and the writing style feels choppy as though it was written in another language and translated.
January 27, 2025
It was a beautifully written but the reason for 3 stars is because it was a little too "perfect". This would not happen average person. But it was a beautiful message.
May 25, 2023
A Tuscan Night: A Novel Set in Italy and Greece, written by Kostas Krommydas, invites readers on a transformative and unforgettable journey. The author beautifully captures the essence of poignant and life-altering experiences, emphasizing that sometimes the most profound journeys are the ones that remain unrealized.
The novel introduces us to a protagonist whose journey begins with the devastating news of a limited time left to live. This revelation sets the stage for an exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of the human experience. Krommydas skillfully weaves together the vivid landscapes of Italy and Greece, immersing readers in the rich cultural tapestry of these regions.
Through evocative prose and heartfelt storytelling, the author paints a picture of a journey that transcends physical boundaries. The narrative delves into the depths of emotions, portraying the pain of unrequited love and the longing for what could have been. As readers embark on this emotional odyssey, they are bound to experience a myriad of emotions and find themselves reflecting on their own unfulfilled desires and missed opportunities.
Krommydas's writing style is immersive, transporting readers to the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany and the idyllic shores of Greece. The novel's lyrical beauty captures the essence of these enchanting destinations, allowing readers to savor the sights, sounds, and flavors that permeate the story.
A Tuscan Night is a profound and thought-provoking novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. Krommydas crafts a tale that celebrates the bittersweet nature of life, reminding us to cherish the moments we have and to appreciate the unfulfilled dreams that shape us. This book is a captivating exploration of the human spirit and a testament to the power of storytelling.
The novel introduces us to a protagonist whose journey begins with the devastating news of a limited time left to live. This revelation sets the stage for an exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of the human experience. Krommydas skillfully weaves together the vivid landscapes of Italy and Greece, immersing readers in the rich cultural tapestry of these regions.
Through evocative prose and heartfelt storytelling, the author paints a picture of a journey that transcends physical boundaries. The narrative delves into the depths of emotions, portraying the pain of unrequited love and the longing for what could have been. As readers embark on this emotional odyssey, they are bound to experience a myriad of emotions and find themselves reflecting on their own unfulfilled desires and missed opportunities.
Krommydas's writing style is immersive, transporting readers to the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany and the idyllic shores of Greece. The novel's lyrical beauty captures the essence of these enchanting destinations, allowing readers to savor the sights, sounds, and flavors that permeate the story.
A Tuscan Night is a profound and thought-provoking novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. Krommydas crafts a tale that celebrates the bittersweet nature of life, reminding us to cherish the moments we have and to appreciate the unfulfilled dreams that shape us. This book is a captivating exploration of the human spirit and a testament to the power of storytelling.
December 10, 2019
A book that saws life from another prospective. To see and value the little things in your every day life things that often you pass by as something there will be always there for you, a sunset, the sea, the sun, the flowers all the simple things. And then one day you have to face a loss of a good friend a fatal decease, then you will have time for all those things?Read this book and your priorities will change for the better the true love the true friends and family will be the best choices you will ever made in your entire life!!!
Be grateful for being here and make your mark in the world with love for yourself and the people around you!!!
The author tells a story of a woman that will bring tears in your eyes but it is full of light gratitude and love!!! A novel that will steal your heart and make you think that life is very important to waste it!
Thank you for this wonderful book!!!
Be grateful for being here and make your mark in the world with love for yourself and the people around you!!!
The author tells a story of a woman that will bring tears in your eyes but it is full of light gratitude and love!!! A novel that will steal your heart and make you think that life is very important to waste it!
Thank you for this wonderful book!!!
September 16, 2025
When Ismene fnds out she only has months to live, she decides to make the most of it and travels from her native Greece to Italy, a place she has always wanted to see. She has very little agenda, and foes wherever her heart leads her - and it leads her to surprising places and people.
The blurb on this, taken from the opening page, sounded good, and I was very disappointed that, despite the promising story line, there just was no depth to the characters or their experiences. In addition, the inclusion of a near marriage could have been completely omitted, as it had no bearing on the rest of the plot.
Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
The blurb on this, taken from the opening page, sounded good, and I was very disappointed that, despite the promising story line, there just was no depth to the characters or their experiences. In addition, the inclusion of a near marriage could have been completely omitted, as it had no bearing on the rest of the plot.
Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
March 14, 2024
This book surprised me, I didn't expect it to tell the story that it did, in fact, I didn't read it for the longest time, but once I started reading, I could not put it down. I loved this sad but happy story. It really makes you think about your life, how you live it, and how you don't live it. I love the way he described the different towns, and the scenery, and the joy of friends. The author of this book has made me think of life in a different way, I liked his style so much, I have gotten 2 more of his books, and so far I am not disappointed. This book tells a beautiful story of life.
May 29, 2024
Winsome
I loved Ismene’s thoughts on life and love. Taking risks and following your heart. Am glad she got her wish for having a child. I’ve visited Italy before and my only daughter’s expecting my first (blood related) grandchild. I have steps. She was just recently in Greece a few days ago and now. May 27 on in Paris for a Babymoon with her spouse who’s from Europe. Will definitely look for other books by this Author. He has a nice understanding of human nature and emotions.
I loved Ismene’s thoughts on life and love. Taking risks and following your heart. Am glad she got her wish for having a child. I’ve visited Italy before and my only daughter’s expecting my first (blood related) grandchild. I have steps. She was just recently in Greece a few days ago and now. May 27 on in Paris for a Babymoon with her spouse who’s from Europe. Will definitely look for other books by this Author. He has a nice understanding of human nature and emotions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews