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It Happened in Tuscany
From the multiple-award-winning author of To Tuscany with Love comes a captivating story of the epic tug of war between honor and duty, the irrepressible power of love, and the concept of family.
In 1945, Will Mills and his fellow soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division scaled Italy’s treacherous Riva Ridge in the frigid night to break through the nearly impenetrable German line of defense. Severely wounded, Will was rescued by Italian partisans and one, a beautiful girl, tended his injuries until he had the strength to rejoin the U.S. troops.
Tormented and haunted by his decisions and actions during wartime, Will knows he has unfinished missions in Italy to complete. The passage of time and years of carrying this unfulfilled need have molded Will into a bitter, angry man.
Seventy-five years later, Will’s spunky thirty-two-year-old neighbor, Sophie Sparke, faces disaster in her life. Everything is going wrong—her job, her love life, even her dog. Part of the problem is that confident and fiercely independent Sophie lets her quick mouth get her into trouble.
Grouchy, mean-spirited Will finagles Sophie into traveling with him to Tuscany to find the partisan who saved his life. Will also secretly hopes to confront the demons his wartime actions created. Sophie and Will comb enchanting Tuscan hill towns on an improbable and unfolding mission with few clues to aid them. Will’s passionate tenacity drives their quest and in the process exposes their darkest secrets. The journey alters the course of their lives, and Will and Sophie find more than they had imagined in the hills of Tuscany.
In 1945, Will Mills and his fellow soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division scaled Italy’s treacherous Riva Ridge in the frigid night to break through the nearly impenetrable German line of defense. Severely wounded, Will was rescued by Italian partisans and one, a beautiful girl, tended his injuries until he had the strength to rejoin the U.S. troops.
Tormented and haunted by his decisions and actions during wartime, Will knows he has unfinished missions in Italy to complete. The passage of time and years of carrying this unfulfilled need have molded Will into a bitter, angry man.
Seventy-five years later, Will’s spunky thirty-two-year-old neighbor, Sophie Sparke, faces disaster in her life. Everything is going wrong—her job, her love life, even her dog. Part of the problem is that confident and fiercely independent Sophie lets her quick mouth get her into trouble.
Grouchy, mean-spirited Will finagles Sophie into traveling with him to Tuscany to find the partisan who saved his life. Will also secretly hopes to confront the demons his wartime actions created. Sophie and Will comb enchanting Tuscan hill towns on an improbable and unfolding mission with few clues to aid them. Will’s passionate tenacity drives their quest and in the process exposes their darkest secrets. The journey alters the course of their lives, and Will and Sophie find more than they had imagined in the hills of Tuscany.
408 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2020
14 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Gail Mencini
3 books87 followersGail Mencini made her literary debut with “To Tuscany with Love” (January 2014, Capriole Group) an adult coming-of-age novel set in central Italy. Her newest novel, "It Happened in Tuscany" (February 2020, Capriole Group), is a captivating historical and friendship fiction story of the epic tug of war between honor and duty, the irrepressible power of love, and the concept of family. Both award-winning novels are Denver Post #1 best-sellers.
Born in rural Nebraska, Mencini graduated with honors in 1976 from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where she majored in accounting, economics and business administration. She earned a master of taxation degree from the University of Denver.
Mencini co-owned an accounting firm and practiced for 15 years in public accounting, specializing in tax law related to mergers and acquisitions and real estate. She also spent time in the higher education field, working as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado and Metro State College, as well as the University of Denver College of Law. She was a repeat speaker at national continuing education seminars and
a featured presenter in a real estate conference in the Caribbean.
In 1990 when she married her husband, Mencini became an “instant mother” of three boys plus another son two years later, which opened the doors to becoming a full-time mother and igniting her long-time passion for creative arts, gourmet cooking and traveling.
She went on to become a contributing editor and photojournalist for Buzz in the ‘Burbs, writing monthly cooking columns featuring dinner themes, recipes and complementary wine suggestions. She is a member of the Authors Guild, Colorado Authors League, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and Pikes Peak Writers.
She writes and cooks in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and family who are always ready to critique her abundance of story ideas and recipes.
Born in rural Nebraska, Mencini graduated with honors in 1976 from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where she majored in accounting, economics and business administration. She earned a master of taxation degree from the University of Denver.
Mencini co-owned an accounting firm and practiced for 15 years in public accounting, specializing in tax law related to mergers and acquisitions and real estate. She also spent time in the higher education field, working as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado and Metro State College, as well as the University of Denver College of Law. She was a repeat speaker at national continuing education seminars and
a featured presenter in a real estate conference in the Caribbean.
In 1990 when she married her husband, Mencini became an “instant mother” of three boys plus another son two years later, which opened the doors to becoming a full-time mother and igniting her long-time passion for creative arts, gourmet cooking and traveling.
She went on to become a contributing editor and photojournalist for Buzz in the ‘Burbs, writing monthly cooking columns featuring dinner themes, recipes and complementary wine suggestions. She is a member of the Authors Guild, Colorado Authors League, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and Pikes Peak Writers.
She writes and cooks in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and family who are always ready to critique her abundance of story ideas and recipes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 21, 2020
Novel set mainly in TUSCANY
3.5*
The book opens as a platoon, during WW2, is fighting for survival at Riva Ridge in the Apennines. Will Mills is one of those men, he gets wounded and is rescued by a young partisan, Francesca.
This year is the 75th anniversary of the WW2 10th Mountain Army ski troops’ successful nighttime assault on Riva Ridge (18.2.20 – the release date of the novel) in Italy’s Apennine Mountains, and the author makes a tribute in the novel to the bravery of the men who took part in this campaign.
Fast forward 3/4 of a century and Will is living near Highland in Denver, and across the hall lives young Sophie, who is caring for her terminally ill dog; she has also broken up with her boyfriend; her boss has asked her to make the travel arrangements for aforementioned ex-boyfriend’s upcoming luxury nuptials and she quits her job – she deduces her ex must have been unfaithful to her in the last months of being with her.
Will is a curmudgeonly old stick, who grumps at the drop of a hat. He is fed up with Sophie’s accursed dog who poops in the communal hallway, but nevertheless accompanies her to the vet when things look bad for him. He clearly has a caring side. Cancer is the diagnosis for the dog, but the vet suggests a medical programme which offers Sophie hope, and soon the dog is whisked off for trials. Sophie and Bangor, her dog, now live apart. I wonder, would the dog be taken on, out of the blue, traumatically separated from his mistress to take part in a medical trial? Seems a bit unlikely but it does make her available to accompany Will back to Tuscany without any ties. Will is determined to locate Francesca – his “gun-toting babe” of yore – and, seemingly, a baby that he quite possibly sired. Will Will’s mission be successful and will he track down the love of his life?
Their trip takes them first to Florence and then on to Montepulciano. Francesca’s last letter had been stamped in the city in 1945 and therefore that is the place they start to look for her.
The author is clearly very familiar with this part of Italy and does a fabulous job of evoking locale. When the two are in Montepulciano they visit San Biagio and San Quirico d’Orcia. They go on an errand to Montalcino. They eat the local food, drink Vermentino and generally absorb the atmosphere and ambience. There is also a bit of a love interest….
Overall, for me, a stronger editing hand would have been desirable. There is a lot of to-ing and fro-ing and the characters, I felt, were thinly drawn (although we do find out towards the end that Sophie is carrying quite a lot of guilt with regard to her parents). The use of personal pronouns felt muddled – the names were used where personal pronouns would have sufficed and vice versa. A simple aspect that of course can be remedied with the clear eye of a good editor. The lovely rendition of location suffuses the whole book and that is the highlight for me.
3.5*
The book opens as a platoon, during WW2, is fighting for survival at Riva Ridge in the Apennines. Will Mills is one of those men, he gets wounded and is rescued by a young partisan, Francesca.
This year is the 75th anniversary of the WW2 10th Mountain Army ski troops’ successful nighttime assault on Riva Ridge (18.2.20 – the release date of the novel) in Italy’s Apennine Mountains, and the author makes a tribute in the novel to the bravery of the men who took part in this campaign.
Fast forward 3/4 of a century and Will is living near Highland in Denver, and across the hall lives young Sophie, who is caring for her terminally ill dog; she has also broken up with her boyfriend; her boss has asked her to make the travel arrangements for aforementioned ex-boyfriend’s upcoming luxury nuptials and she quits her job – she deduces her ex must have been unfaithful to her in the last months of being with her.
Will is a curmudgeonly old stick, who grumps at the drop of a hat. He is fed up with Sophie’s accursed dog who poops in the communal hallway, but nevertheless accompanies her to the vet when things look bad for him. He clearly has a caring side. Cancer is the diagnosis for the dog, but the vet suggests a medical programme which offers Sophie hope, and soon the dog is whisked off for trials. Sophie and Bangor, her dog, now live apart. I wonder, would the dog be taken on, out of the blue, traumatically separated from his mistress to take part in a medical trial? Seems a bit unlikely but it does make her available to accompany Will back to Tuscany without any ties. Will is determined to locate Francesca – his “gun-toting babe” of yore – and, seemingly, a baby that he quite possibly sired. Will Will’s mission be successful and will he track down the love of his life?
Their trip takes them first to Florence and then on to Montepulciano. Francesca’s last letter had been stamped in the city in 1945 and therefore that is the place they start to look for her.
The author is clearly very familiar with this part of Italy and does a fabulous job of evoking locale. When the two are in Montepulciano they visit San Biagio and San Quirico d’Orcia. They go on an errand to Montalcino. They eat the local food, drink Vermentino and generally absorb the atmosphere and ambience. There is also a bit of a love interest….
Overall, for me, a stronger editing hand would have been desirable. There is a lot of to-ing and fro-ing and the characters, I felt, were thinly drawn (although we do find out towards the end that Sophie is carrying quite a lot of guilt with regard to her parents). The use of personal pronouns felt muddled – the names were used where personal pronouns would have sufficed and vice versa. A simple aspect that of course can be remedied with the clear eye of a good editor. The lovely rendition of location suffuses the whole book and that is the highlight for me.
February 16, 2020
Thank you to Net Galley for the copy of this book. This novel included everything that catches my eye at first glance- Italy, relationships and historical fiction. Will searching Tuscany for his long lost love after caring for his American wife through the sadness of her final years. Will he find her after all these years? Or will he go home with a broken heart- leaving mine broken too? Sophie and Will’s developing relationship throughout the book was kind and sweet. The characters jumped off the pages and it was as if I could hear their voices through the book. In the end, my heart was filled with emotions as the story came to a close. Not the ended I was hoping for, but certainly the ending that made sense for these characters.
February 18, 2020
In It Happened In Tuscany, author Gail Mencini weaves an intriguing historical fiction tale that follows the emotional journey of an unlikely pair in the scenic hill towns of Tuscany.
On February 18, 1945, seventeen year old Army Specialist Will Mills is part of the elite 86th Regiment - 10th Mountain Division from Colorado, who are faced with the challenge of attacking the Germans on Riva Ridge, on Italy's Apennine Mountains. Will is injured from sniper fire during the attack, and a group of Italian partisans (resistance fighters) rescued him. Will falls in love with Francesca Polvani, the young Italian girl who tended to his injuries. At the end of the war, Will ships home to Denver, where he meets and marries his wife Marie, but a letter and photo from Francesca arrives a year later, leaving Will with unfinished business. Seventy-five years later, Will's wife Marie passes away from Alzheimer's disease, and at the age of ninety-one, Will is determined to return to Italy in search of Francesca.
Thirty-two year old Sophie Sparke's ex-boyfriend Russ Grant has dumped her for another woman, and to make matters worse, his father who is also Sophie's boss, wants her to make travel arrangements for Russ' honeymoon. Sophie refuses to make the travel arrangements and quits her job. Left with no job and no future plans, Sophie's elderly neighbor, crotchety Will Mills, gets her to agree to accompany him on his journey to Italy.
Written in the third person narrative, this is a wonderful story that transports the reader to the panoramic beauty of the Italian countryside of Tuscany, where Will and Sophie embark on an impossible journey to find Francesca. The reader is easily drawn into this captivating story of love, family, friendship, secrets, fears, and determination. The author masterfully interweaves Will's life story that alternates between the past and the present, providing the reader with snapshots from his time in Italy during World War II, while also giving the reader a glimpse into Sophie's story as well.
This is a compelling and realistic story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and provides much food for thought. The story ultimately shows the power and bond of love, family, and friendship comes full circle when Will and Sophie embark on an emotional journey through Tuscany in search of Will's past love seventy-five years later. You can't help but root for this unlikely pair as they search through Tuscany's countryside for Francesca, it is not an easy journey, but it is a story that will have the reader feeling the gamut of emotions.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the stunning description of the Italian setting of Tuscany. The author provides the reader with a richly vivid setting that reads like a tourist guide. From large cities to panoramic countrysides to old world hill towns; to guided tours of cultural historical sites and quaint shops; the author does a phenomenal job of describing the sights, sounds and smells of Italy. You can't help but feel like you are with Will and Sophie as their journey provides them a chance to rediscover themselves and heal from the traumas of their pasts.
At the end of the book, the author has provided the reader with a collection of simple Italian (Tuscany) recipes that are absolutely mouthwatering!
It Happened In Tuscany is a touching story that captures the power of love, the bond of family, the essence of friendship, and the ability to heal from life's experiences. It is a heartwarming story that will resonate long after the last page has been read.
It Happened In Tuscany is the second book in the Tuscany series.
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On February 18, 1945, seventeen year old Army Specialist Will Mills is part of the elite 86th Regiment - 10th Mountain Division from Colorado, who are faced with the challenge of attacking the Germans on Riva Ridge, on Italy's Apennine Mountains. Will is injured from sniper fire during the attack, and a group of Italian partisans (resistance fighters) rescued him. Will falls in love with Francesca Polvani, the young Italian girl who tended to his injuries. At the end of the war, Will ships home to Denver, where he meets and marries his wife Marie, but a letter and photo from Francesca arrives a year later, leaving Will with unfinished business. Seventy-five years later, Will's wife Marie passes away from Alzheimer's disease, and at the age of ninety-one, Will is determined to return to Italy in search of Francesca.
Thirty-two year old Sophie Sparke's ex-boyfriend Russ Grant has dumped her for another woman, and to make matters worse, his father who is also Sophie's boss, wants her to make travel arrangements for Russ' honeymoon. Sophie refuses to make the travel arrangements and quits her job. Left with no job and no future plans, Sophie's elderly neighbor, crotchety Will Mills, gets her to agree to accompany him on his journey to Italy.
Written in the third person narrative, this is a wonderful story that transports the reader to the panoramic beauty of the Italian countryside of Tuscany, where Will and Sophie embark on an impossible journey to find Francesca. The reader is easily drawn into this captivating story of love, family, friendship, secrets, fears, and determination. The author masterfully interweaves Will's life story that alternates between the past and the present, providing the reader with snapshots from his time in Italy during World War II, while also giving the reader a glimpse into Sophie's story as well.
This is a compelling and realistic story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and provides much food for thought. The story ultimately shows the power and bond of love, family, and friendship comes full circle when Will and Sophie embark on an emotional journey through Tuscany in search of Will's past love seventy-five years later. You can't help but root for this unlikely pair as they search through Tuscany's countryside for Francesca, it is not an easy journey, but it is a story that will have the reader feeling the gamut of emotions.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the stunning description of the Italian setting of Tuscany. The author provides the reader with a richly vivid setting that reads like a tourist guide. From large cities to panoramic countrysides to old world hill towns; to guided tours of cultural historical sites and quaint shops; the author does a phenomenal job of describing the sights, sounds and smells of Italy. You can't help but feel like you are with Will and Sophie as their journey provides them a chance to rediscover themselves and heal from the traumas of their pasts.
At the end of the book, the author has provided the reader with a collection of simple Italian (Tuscany) recipes that are absolutely mouthwatering!
It Happened In Tuscany is a touching story that captures the power of love, the bond of family, the essence of friendship, and the ability to heal from life's experiences. It is a heartwarming story that will resonate long after the last page has been read.
It Happened In Tuscany is the second book in the Tuscany series.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
February 17, 2020
I enjoyed this book immensely, as it was well written and captured the emotions of Will and Sophie as they searched for the woman who saved Will's life during World War II. This is 75 years ago and Sophie is Will's neighbor, not a relative or close friend, so their relationship was developing as they kept getting greeted by dead ends. The only thing that Will has from the woman is a picture she sent him of her holding a baby that she claimed was his. This doesn't really offer a lot of assistance, so the two don't have much to go on.
January 16, 2025
A wonderful, easy read. Very light hearted but a great story of an old man and his new friend traveling to Italy to find his first love. Definitely want to travel to Italy even more now lol. A great depiction of the joys and sorrows of life.
August 19, 2021
“Respect love for the gift it is.“
I don’t know whether to begin this review with the compelling storyline, the authentic and engaging characters, or the amazing narrative and dialogue, which draws it all together.
This is a story which evokes so many feelings during its reading, covering just about every emotion in the spectrum, as this gentle rollercoaster of a journey, reaches its conclusion, ending not necessarily the way I might have envisioned or wanted for my own gratification, but exactly right for the characters author Gail Mencini has create
So many times when an author breaks their book down into small, bite-sized chapters, the story can become a little clipped and choppy. However Gail uses the short chapters almost as natural breaks in the narrative and dialogue, where the reader can just draw breath, before moving on as if nothing had happened. For me personally, as someone who inevitably ends up reading in short bursts, this worked great, as I could read ‘just one more chapter’, before dashing out of the house in the morning.
The story is divided into two distinct time periods, with minimal overlap, so that I was not continually being taken back and forth between the two. A different approach to that which many authors take when writing in multiple timelines, yet it worked so well and engaged me fully in both periods, without overwhelming. I knew exactly where I stood in the storyline and I felt I was treated to a much less frenetic pace of travel through my reading.
The gripping, opening World War II sequences, where we first encounter Will and his comrades, are visually descriptive and emotionally draining, as words and deeds are so vividly and powerfully committed to paper. Will’s fight to survive is desperately intense and succeeds very much against the odds, all portrayed to the reader through Gail’s skilled writing and storytelling, which draws the reader in as a bystander to the action.
In the second half of the story and given Will’s current age and determination, the urgency of the journey and mission he has set for himself and his travelling companion, Sophie, comes through clearly in the narrative. However, given that age also has its limitations, Gail seeks to temper the tension, by treating her readers to a virtual armchair travelogue of the panoramic beauty of the Tuscan countryside. The tourist crowds are almost invisibly stripped away, revealing the authentic sights and sounds of a community still largely living as they have done since time forgotten, yet visibly divided and conflicted by the wartime tragedies of decades ago, too horrendous to forgive, which separates them, friends and family alike. However, Gail never loses sight of the reason for this once in a lifetime trip and weaves the two strands of her storytelling almost seamlessly together, to complete a totally multi-layered story.
Gail freely admits that she approaches her writing in a very methodical and analytical way, complete with character spreadsheets and authenticated speech patterns, yet there is no way you would have guessed that from the easy, authentic, free-flowing way in which the characters react with both one another, their surroundings and the underlying intensity of the storyline.
Will and Sarah are not likely travelling partners, given that they have only really recently got past the nodding stage with each other, living as they do in the same apartment complex. However, neither have close friend or family ties, both are searching for a sense of belonging and Will is very much a force to be reckoned with when he puts his mind to it. At the start, neither comes clean with the other about their past and the secrets they both hide, with information being divulged piece by piece during the course of their journey, almost on a need to know basis, neither fully trusting the other with their respective fears and hopes.
However, as time passes, Will and Sarah become quite engaging characters, with genuine depth. The trip becomes a healing balm for both of them, as they learn valuable lessons about themselves and each other, with the power and essence of unexpected friendship shining through and helping to mend those broken hearts, whilst teaching them both that age is no barrier to respect, kindness, or a genuine bond of love, which transcends beyond this life.
This story is a heart-warming, heart-breaking drama, which is part history, part mystery and part romance.
A genuine book to escape into and a story to be savoured – along with the mouth-watering rustic Italian meal recipes, with which Gail completes the saga!
I don’t know whether to begin this review with the compelling storyline, the authentic and engaging characters, or the amazing narrative and dialogue, which draws it all together.
This is a story which evokes so many feelings during its reading, covering just about every emotion in the spectrum, as this gentle rollercoaster of a journey, reaches its conclusion, ending not necessarily the way I might have envisioned or wanted for my own gratification, but exactly right for the characters author Gail Mencini has create
So many times when an author breaks their book down into small, bite-sized chapters, the story can become a little clipped and choppy. However Gail uses the short chapters almost as natural breaks in the narrative and dialogue, where the reader can just draw breath, before moving on as if nothing had happened. For me personally, as someone who inevitably ends up reading in short bursts, this worked great, as I could read ‘just one more chapter’, before dashing out of the house in the morning.
The story is divided into two distinct time periods, with minimal overlap, so that I was not continually being taken back and forth between the two. A different approach to that which many authors take when writing in multiple timelines, yet it worked so well and engaged me fully in both periods, without overwhelming. I knew exactly where I stood in the storyline and I felt I was treated to a much less frenetic pace of travel through my reading.
The gripping, opening World War II sequences, where we first encounter Will and his comrades, are visually descriptive and emotionally draining, as words and deeds are so vividly and powerfully committed to paper. Will’s fight to survive is desperately intense and succeeds very much against the odds, all portrayed to the reader through Gail’s skilled writing and storytelling, which draws the reader in as a bystander to the action.
In the second half of the story and given Will’s current age and determination, the urgency of the journey and mission he has set for himself and his travelling companion, Sophie, comes through clearly in the narrative. However, given that age also has its limitations, Gail seeks to temper the tension, by treating her readers to a virtual armchair travelogue of the panoramic beauty of the Tuscan countryside. The tourist crowds are almost invisibly stripped away, revealing the authentic sights and sounds of a community still largely living as they have done since time forgotten, yet visibly divided and conflicted by the wartime tragedies of decades ago, too horrendous to forgive, which separates them, friends and family alike. However, Gail never loses sight of the reason for this once in a lifetime trip and weaves the two strands of her storytelling almost seamlessly together, to complete a totally multi-layered story.
Gail freely admits that she approaches her writing in a very methodical and analytical way, complete with character spreadsheets and authenticated speech patterns, yet there is no way you would have guessed that from the easy, authentic, free-flowing way in which the characters react with both one another, their surroundings and the underlying intensity of the storyline.
Will and Sarah are not likely travelling partners, given that they have only really recently got past the nodding stage with each other, living as they do in the same apartment complex. However, neither have close friend or family ties, both are searching for a sense of belonging and Will is very much a force to be reckoned with when he puts his mind to it. At the start, neither comes clean with the other about their past and the secrets they both hide, with information being divulged piece by piece during the course of their journey, almost on a need to know basis, neither fully trusting the other with their respective fears and hopes.
However, as time passes, Will and Sarah become quite engaging characters, with genuine depth. The trip becomes a healing balm for both of them, as they learn valuable lessons about themselves and each other, with the power and essence of unexpected friendship shining through and helping to mend those broken hearts, whilst teaching them both that age is no barrier to respect, kindness, or a genuine bond of love, which transcends beyond this life.
This story is a heart-warming, heart-breaking drama, which is part history, part mystery and part romance.
A genuine book to escape into and a story to be savoured – along with the mouth-watering rustic Italian meal recipes, with which Gail completes the saga!
March 18, 2021
From descriptions of the picturesque landscapes, the nuances of the people, and the rituals of enjoying food and wine, clearly, author Gail Mencini knows and loves Italy. At times, listening to It Happened in Tuscany felt almost like a travelogue, with the richness of the country and the culture of Italy and Italians bubbling out from the story.
“Sunlight filled the space with light and promise.”
It is Mencini’s glorious descriptions that readers will find their wanderlust activated, and that was enough to keep me listening. Aside from the beginning of the story, when we’re on the battleground with young Will during WWII, there isn’t a lot of action; however, the story moves steadily in a direction where we know there will be a resolution, and we’re pretty sure of what it will be given the number of bread crumbs the author drops along the way to lead us there. As the finer points are fleshed-out, readers really won’t mind that they aren’t realistic. We’re just rooting for Sophie and Will to find closure and feel complete.
An interesting and unexpected characteristic of Sophie is that she’s an admitted liar. Well, maybe a better word is embellisher. She recognizes that she does this, and even though it gets her into a pickle (or bruschetta) sometimes, she doesn’t really try to stop the habit. It provides some humor, but it’s also sad as it shows her lack of self-worth and self-confidence after a former boyfriend had demoralized her. Happily, she is working on overcoming the negativity from that relationship, but the lying doesn’t seem to be something she deems needing to fix.
More than anything, what makes It Happened in Tuscany work for readers is the unlikely friendship between Will and Sophie. It’s such a contentious relationship, with a real push-pull of aggravating each other and clinging to each other through empathy & sympathy. Like Sophie, readers can’t bear the thought of Will being disappointed in his pursuit of finding love lost. We’re invested. We want love to find a way. For everyone.
ABOUT THE NARRATION: Narrator Susan Fouche, did a good job in performing the voices from dramatic-American Sophie, to crotchety old Will, to the numerous male and female characters who speak English as a second language. The only uneven voicing was of Joe, an American with a sometimes-British accent and/or a flair for also having an Italian accent. So perhaps that was more a difficulty in giving the author’s description a voice. My Goldilocks tendencies did come out as I found the narration too slow at regular speed, but too fast at 1.25x. (Why oh why won’t Audible give us smaller increments like Authors Direct?)
I’ll be watching for other titles by Gail Mencini, and I’d have no hesitation to again read with my ears. But, the book ends with some of Sophie’s favorite recipes, which lends itself better to having the book in print because DROOL.
This full review and more special features to be posted 3/19/21 on Hall Ways Blog.
“Sunlight filled the space with light and promise.”
It is Mencini’s glorious descriptions that readers will find their wanderlust activated, and that was enough to keep me listening. Aside from the beginning of the story, when we’re on the battleground with young Will during WWII, there isn’t a lot of action; however, the story moves steadily in a direction where we know there will be a resolution, and we’re pretty sure of what it will be given the number of bread crumbs the author drops along the way to lead us there. As the finer points are fleshed-out, readers really won’t mind that they aren’t realistic. We’re just rooting for Sophie and Will to find closure and feel complete.
An interesting and unexpected characteristic of Sophie is that she’s an admitted liar. Well, maybe a better word is embellisher. She recognizes that she does this, and even though it gets her into a pickle (or bruschetta) sometimes, she doesn’t really try to stop the habit. It provides some humor, but it’s also sad as it shows her lack of self-worth and self-confidence after a former boyfriend had demoralized her. Happily, she is working on overcoming the negativity from that relationship, but the lying doesn’t seem to be something she deems needing to fix.
More than anything, what makes It Happened in Tuscany work for readers is the unlikely friendship between Will and Sophie. It’s such a contentious relationship, with a real push-pull of aggravating each other and clinging to each other through empathy & sympathy. Like Sophie, readers can’t bear the thought of Will being disappointed in his pursuit of finding love lost. We’re invested. We want love to find a way. For everyone.
ABOUT THE NARRATION: Narrator Susan Fouche, did a good job in performing the voices from dramatic-American Sophie, to crotchety old Will, to the numerous male and female characters who speak English as a second language. The only uneven voicing was of Joe, an American with a sometimes-British accent and/or a flair for also having an Italian accent. So perhaps that was more a difficulty in giving the author’s description a voice. My Goldilocks tendencies did come out as I found the narration too slow at regular speed, but too fast at 1.25x. (Why oh why won’t Audible give us smaller increments like Authors Direct?)
I’ll be watching for other titles by Gail Mencini, and I’d have no hesitation to again read with my ears. But, the book ends with some of Sophie’s favorite recipes, which lends itself better to having the book in print because DROOL.
This full review and more special features to be posted 3/19/21 on Hall Ways Blog.
March 7, 2021
It Happened in Tuscany has touched my heart. It offers so much more than I expected, delivering a touching story that displays so many forms of love. Comradeship and friendship, as well as familial and romantic loves are deeply rooted in this poignant work. From WWII to present day, these lives are battered with painful experiences and memories, and mended with forgiveness and love.
Oh, how I love a story that makes me feel this strongly. I love love and the power it holds to propel the longing and heal the broken. I love the courage and strength soldiers possess and how deeply their loyalty lies. And I love the vivid descriptions of Italy. I’ve visited this beautiful country a few times and feel as if this story has transported me back there.
Although the book begins with scenes from 1945 war-torn Italy, the majority of the book takes place 45 years later, with ninety-one-year-old Will Mills, a former soldier in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, asking Sophie Sparke, his thirty-two-year-old neighbor, to travel with him to Italy to help him search for someone special from his past.
The unconventional friendship between this cantankerous old man and his reluctant but kind young neighbor makes them such memorable characters. I connected with both of them so easily (especially Will) along with the many secondary characters throughout the story.
I truly enjoyed every aspect of this book—the sites, the flavors, the culture, the friendships, and the loves. Each short chapter drew me in and encouraged me to read one more…then another…then another. Until I reached the tender, satisfying end.
Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.
Oh, how I love a story that makes me feel this strongly. I love love and the power it holds to propel the longing and heal the broken. I love the courage and strength soldiers possess and how deeply their loyalty lies. And I love the vivid descriptions of Italy. I’ve visited this beautiful country a few times and feel as if this story has transported me back there.
Although the book begins with scenes from 1945 war-torn Italy, the majority of the book takes place 45 years later, with ninety-one-year-old Will Mills, a former soldier in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, asking Sophie Sparke, his thirty-two-year-old neighbor, to travel with him to Italy to help him search for someone special from his past.
The unconventional friendship between this cantankerous old man and his reluctant but kind young neighbor makes them such memorable characters. I connected with both of them so easily (especially Will) along with the many secondary characters throughout the story.
I truly enjoyed every aspect of this book—the sites, the flavors, the culture, the friendships, and the loves. Each short chapter drew me in and encouraged me to read one more…then another…then another. Until I reached the tender, satisfying end.
Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.
January 24, 2020
***It Happened In Tuscany takes readers on a trip to Italy as Will, a WWII vet and his neighbor Sophie search for the girl who had saved Will’s life some seventy-five years ago. The one letter he’d received from Francesco after the war showed her holding a baby she’d said was his. The search introduces readers to the history, the smells, the food, the wine, and the sights of Italy as the American pair encounter one dead end after another. There are surprises along the way, however, that might bring changes to more than one character. Overall this was a nice story, but this reader often felt bogged down by all the details that had little to do with Will’s search. Readers who enjoy travelogues should relish the book, however, it wasn’t the WWII story I hoped it would be. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley.
March 24, 2020
Finding Francesca
This story was one of the most heartwarming stories I have ever read. The character of Will and his determination to find Francesca, the girl he left behind in Italy, on his last legs of strength at 91 years old tugged at my heart. I sit here now, writing this review with tears in my eyes.
The story of Sophie and her dog Bangor was pretty special as well. She grew to care about life again while helping Will to go to Italy and look for Francesca. She even found love again with a handsome Italian because of Wills search for his lost love.
Bridging the gap between old and young this story does that and more. It is the story of an old man, a young lady and a quest shared. Both are mending broken hearts and they do it together in their own way. How they grow to respect each other and their uniqueness and how they conquer the age difference to complete the quest is a wonderful story.
It was a delightful read, I think anyone would be inspired by this story. A great piece of work and very well written. I would definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Gail Mencini, Caprioli Group, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of the book.
This story was one of the most heartwarming stories I have ever read. The character of Will and his determination to find Francesca, the girl he left behind in Italy, on his last legs of strength at 91 years old tugged at my heart. I sit here now, writing this review with tears in my eyes.
The story of Sophie and her dog Bangor was pretty special as well. She grew to care about life again while helping Will to go to Italy and look for Francesca. She even found love again with a handsome Italian because of Wills search for his lost love.
Bridging the gap between old and young this story does that and more. It is the story of an old man, a young lady and a quest shared. Both are mending broken hearts and they do it together in their own way. How they grow to respect each other and their uniqueness and how they conquer the age difference to complete the quest is a wonderful story.
It was a delightful read, I think anyone would be inspired by this story. A great piece of work and very well written. I would definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Gail Mencini, Caprioli Group, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advance copy of the book.
June 15, 2020
This book is an artfully crafted blend of romance, travel and history. It's a very heartwarming story set in current times about a recently widowed WWII veteran who, after burying his recently deceased wife, decides to set out on the final adventure of his long life by returning to Italy to search for his long lost love. It's an ambitious challenge for a man in his 90's to do it alone, so he recruits a young neighbor who just experienced a painful heartbreak of her own to help him undertake the arduous trip.
It takes some convincing on Will's part to convince Sophie to travel, but these two unlikely travel companions ultimately make their way to Italy where Will fought with the 10th Mountain Division decades earlier. The author is clearly familiar with the Tuscany region and provides voluminous details of the countryside, villages, people, wine and food. I learned much about the 10th Mountain Division's role in liberating the Italian people in WWII, and perhaps even more about the beauty and many attributes of Tuscany itself. Aside from the touching narrative about the main characters, "It Happened in Tuscany" served as a highly informative travelogue for me during this period of virus-imposed confinement. I won't disclose any spoilers but I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in a meticulous blend of romance, history and Tuscany.
It takes some convincing on Will's part to convince Sophie to travel, but these two unlikely travel companions ultimately make their way to Italy where Will fought with the 10th Mountain Division decades earlier. The author is clearly familiar with the Tuscany region and provides voluminous details of the countryside, villages, people, wine and food. I learned much about the 10th Mountain Division's role in liberating the Italian people in WWII, and perhaps even more about the beauty and many attributes of Tuscany itself. Aside from the touching narrative about the main characters, "It Happened in Tuscany" served as a highly informative travelogue for me during this period of virus-imposed confinement. I won't disclose any spoilers but I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in a meticulous blend of romance, history and Tuscany.
May 20, 2020
This is a good vacation (or virtual vacation!) read—it brings you to beautiful Tuscany on a light adventure, shared by unlikely companions on a personal quest. Author Mencini provides plenty of location detail and temps you with delicious-sounding food, and as a bonus, includes some recipes to try. What fun!
September 25, 2020
This is the first book I've read by Mencini. And now I'll read more. It helped that I was in Tuscany last year; so I had a connection already. Her writing is lovely, and I learned a lot about the war. Loved it!
September 8, 2020
amazing. the descriptions were so good I could taste the food.
March 31, 2021
To begin with I was completely drawn to the beautiful cover of It Happened in Tuscany. And it didn’t take too many pages to be whisked away to another country and another time.
I really appreciated that the book opens with three maps:
Riva Ridge – Monte Belvedere (February 1945)
Emilia – Romagna
Province of SienaThose maps offer lots of information to a person, this may or may be in reference to me, who knows very little geography. Thank you Gail Mencini for starting me out a little more educated.
The story begins with several chapters from February 18, 1945. Seventeen year old Army Specialist Will Mills is part of the elite 86th Regiment – 10th Mountain Division from Colorado. These young men were faced with attacking who are faced with the Germans on Riva Ridge, on Italy’s Apennine Mountains. (Perfect time to refer to one of the maps.) Will’s experience is indelibly printed in his mind.
Fast forward 71 years, Will is now 91 year’s old and his wife has just passed away from Alzheimer’s. It is now time for him to revisit what’s been on his mind for years. And to do that he will need to go back to Italy. But at his age it would be so much better if he could have help. And that’s where his young neighbor Sophie enters. Sophie has recently lost a boyfriend and job, what better time for the two neighbors to get to know each other better?
The author masterfully interweaves the current story with a descriptive almost travel-log-like of the places they were visiting. The people and settings are beautifully constructed. If I hadn’t already desired to visit the Tuscany area, this book would have convinced me to quickly add that destination to my bucket list.
Though Will and Sophie are not well acquainted before the trip, this is a time when both need distractions and each other. It’s a touching tale that teaches along the way.
Concerns
Unfortunately, I do have a concern with Sophie’s relationship in Italy. It seems to grow extremely quickly, with no evidence other than he is nice looking, thoughtful, and easy to talk to. That quickly escalates to sex, which didn’t add anything to the story. And without much more connection they are trying to plan a life-time together. I didn’t feel it. I think it needed more time and examples to show growth.
My Conclusion
All in all this is a lovely story that ties two events together in a way that teaches without feeling like the facts overwhelm the story. At the back of the book are recipes to help this Italian book vacation linger on. A wonderful addition.
My thanks to iRead Book Tours and the author for a copy of this book and the ability to post a review without stipulations.
I really appreciated that the book opens with three maps:
Riva Ridge – Monte Belvedere (February 1945)
Emilia – Romagna
Province of SienaThose maps offer lots of information to a person, this may or may be in reference to me, who knows very little geography. Thank you Gail Mencini for starting me out a little more educated.
The story begins with several chapters from February 18, 1945. Seventeen year old Army Specialist Will Mills is part of the elite 86th Regiment – 10th Mountain Division from Colorado. These young men were faced with attacking who are faced with the Germans on Riva Ridge, on Italy’s Apennine Mountains. (Perfect time to refer to one of the maps.) Will’s experience is indelibly printed in his mind.
Fast forward 71 years, Will is now 91 year’s old and his wife has just passed away from Alzheimer’s. It is now time for him to revisit what’s been on his mind for years. And to do that he will need to go back to Italy. But at his age it would be so much better if he could have help. And that’s where his young neighbor Sophie enters. Sophie has recently lost a boyfriend and job, what better time for the two neighbors to get to know each other better?
The author masterfully interweaves the current story with a descriptive almost travel-log-like of the places they were visiting. The people and settings are beautifully constructed. If I hadn’t already desired to visit the Tuscany area, this book would have convinced me to quickly add that destination to my bucket list.
Though Will and Sophie are not well acquainted before the trip, this is a time when both need distractions and each other. It’s a touching tale that teaches along the way.
Concerns
Unfortunately, I do have a concern with Sophie’s relationship in Italy. It seems to grow extremely quickly, with no evidence other than he is nice looking, thoughtful, and easy to talk to. That quickly escalates to sex, which didn’t add anything to the story. And without much more connection they are trying to plan a life-time together. I didn’t feel it. I think it needed more time and examples to show growth.
My Conclusion
All in all this is a lovely story that ties two events together in a way that teaches without feeling like the facts overwhelm the story. At the back of the book are recipes to help this Italian book vacation linger on. A wonderful addition.
My thanks to iRead Book Tours and the author for a copy of this book and the ability to post a review without stipulations.
March 13, 2020
------‐-------Book Review--------------
It Happened in Tuscany by Gail Mencini
Sass-o-meter 4/5💜s - Great SASS
Released Date: 2/18
#ItHappenedinTuscany #NetGalley
------‐-------Quote----------------------
“These men left someone behind. Their loved ones were far across an ocean. Mother, father, friend, sweetheart, wife, or child. Someone grieved for those buried here..”
------‐------Description-------------------
Tag Line: If you could only choose one, which would it be — honor or duty?
On February 18, 1945, Will Mills and his fellow soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division scaled Italy’s treacherous mountains at night to break through the nearly impenetrable German line. Severely wounded, Will was rescued by Italian partisans, and one, a beautiful girl, tended his injuries until he could rejoin the U.S. troops. Will’s wartime decisions and actions have haunted him for seventy-five years and molded him into a bitter, angry man. Will finagles his thirty-two-year-old neighbor, Sophie Sparke, into traveling with him to find the partisan who saved his life and to confront the demons that torment him. Their quest through Tuscan hill towns exposes their darkest secrets and alters the course of their lives.
-----------------Sassy Review---------------
Thank you @netgalley and #capriolegroup for the advanced copy to provide my own sassy opinions.
So you break up with your horrid boyfriend that cheats on you… you have an old neighbor that is just plain mean… he talks you into finding his lost love… you willingly go. Why not?
This totally sounds like something my 3 Enneagram 2 wing ass would sign up for.
I loved tagging along in the experience of Will and Sophie tramping through parts of Italy in search of love. I felt as if I was right there with them! The author did an amazing job of explaining where the characters were without over-explaining the scenery… if you know what I mean… that can be totally overdone. Gail had the perfect amount of scene-explaining.
I could have done without the heart jerking ending - but it added so much to the story and worked very well.
--------Sassiest character - Will---------
Qotd: Do you know your Enneagram type?
It Happened in Tuscany by Gail Mencini
Sass-o-meter 4/5💜s - Great SASS
Released Date: 2/18
#ItHappenedinTuscany #NetGalley
------‐-------Quote----------------------
“These men left someone behind. Their loved ones were far across an ocean. Mother, father, friend, sweetheart, wife, or child. Someone grieved for those buried here..”
------‐------Description-------------------
Tag Line: If you could only choose one, which would it be — honor or duty?
On February 18, 1945, Will Mills and his fellow soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division scaled Italy’s treacherous mountains at night to break through the nearly impenetrable German line. Severely wounded, Will was rescued by Italian partisans, and one, a beautiful girl, tended his injuries until he could rejoin the U.S. troops. Will’s wartime decisions and actions have haunted him for seventy-five years and molded him into a bitter, angry man. Will finagles his thirty-two-year-old neighbor, Sophie Sparke, into traveling with him to find the partisan who saved his life and to confront the demons that torment him. Their quest through Tuscan hill towns exposes their darkest secrets and alters the course of their lives.
-----------------Sassy Review---------------
Thank you @netgalley and #capriolegroup for the advanced copy to provide my own sassy opinions.
So you break up with your horrid boyfriend that cheats on you… you have an old neighbor that is just plain mean… he talks you into finding his lost love… you willingly go. Why not?
This totally sounds like something my 3 Enneagram 2 wing ass would sign up for.
I loved tagging along in the experience of Will and Sophie tramping through parts of Italy in search of love. I felt as if I was right there with them! The author did an amazing job of explaining where the characters were without over-explaining the scenery… if you know what I mean… that can be totally overdone. Gail had the perfect amount of scene-explaining.
I could have done without the heart jerking ending - but it added so much to the story and worked very well.
--------Sassiest character - Will---------
Qotd: Do you know your Enneagram type?
March 8, 2021
A beautiful story from start to finish, It Happened in Tuscany made me laugh and cry and I did not want to put the novel down.
Will fought in Italy during WWII and was rescued by the incredible Francesca. Like so many fellow soldiers, Will carried guilt, regret and many more emotions from the time he spent during the war in Italy. Like so many individuals his age, he guards his secrets well. He lets Sophie in but only a little at a time. After the death of his wife, and likely facing the end of his of his own life, he wants to write the wrongs he did and find the love of his life. He enlists the help of Sophie, although she was reluctant at first. Why would she want to help her angry and grumpy neighbour? But as Sophie begins to get to know Will a bit better, she begins to grow fond of this soft man with a hard shell and all of the secrets he holds close to his heart.
Together the two of them undertake quite the journey – to find his lost love in Italy after seventy five years! What a journey this becomes – a journey that seems almost doomed from the start. But on their way, the pair make friends, make peace with their past and their future, something that Will so desperately needed. We watch the pair struggle, become lost and their despair and frustration. You are on their side cheering them on, hoping and praying that they find the lost Francesca. The rich plot brings to life Italy and their search for love.
It Happened in Tuscany is a beautiful and rich story, full of hope, faith and forgiveness. The characters hold a special place in your heart, their story will bring tears to your eyes and you will not want to put the story down as you have to know what happens. It is a beautiful story of forgiveness, healing, hope and love. This is a definite must read novel!
Will fought in Italy during WWII and was rescued by the incredible Francesca. Like so many fellow soldiers, Will carried guilt, regret and many more emotions from the time he spent during the war in Italy. Like so many individuals his age, he guards his secrets well. He lets Sophie in but only a little at a time. After the death of his wife, and likely facing the end of his of his own life, he wants to write the wrongs he did and find the love of his life. He enlists the help of Sophie, although she was reluctant at first. Why would she want to help her angry and grumpy neighbour? But as Sophie begins to get to know Will a bit better, she begins to grow fond of this soft man with a hard shell and all of the secrets he holds close to his heart.
Together the two of them undertake quite the journey – to find his lost love in Italy after seventy five years! What a journey this becomes – a journey that seems almost doomed from the start. But on their way, the pair make friends, make peace with their past and their future, something that Will so desperately needed. We watch the pair struggle, become lost and their despair and frustration. You are on their side cheering them on, hoping and praying that they find the lost Francesca. The rich plot brings to life Italy and their search for love.
It Happened in Tuscany is a beautiful and rich story, full of hope, faith and forgiveness. The characters hold a special place in your heart, their story will bring tears to your eyes and you will not want to put the story down as you have to know what happens. It is a beautiful story of forgiveness, healing, hope and love. This is a definite must read novel!
March 21, 2021
This is a grand story about love and honor. It speaks to consequences and responsibilities.
Also about how the same events can be seen differently by various people through their experiences.
The book opens amidst detailed battle scenes in Italy. Graphic and intense, we wonder if and how anyone could survive.
Then we jump three quarters of a century later, where one man who did survive and came home to live a full live, is now saying goodbye to his wife for the final time. Out of respect, his much younger apartment neighbor goes to the funeral.
Sophie's own life is suffering losses in the moment. Her dog is old and facing life ending challenges, her love life has stalemated, and her job become impossible.
So when elderly Will comes up with the implausible idea of running off to Italy to find a woman he loved during the great war, somehow Sophie gets caught up in it and is convinced she must go along.
Their time in Italy is very much like a travelogue, full of beautiful scenery, history and food.
They meet interesting people, but can they find the woman they are seeking? Is she even still alive?
Where does one begin to search?
It all seems futile and Will's age and health are working against them.
Will is also not giving up all of his secrets and information about his history, making their search more difficult.
As they travel Sophie comes to better understand her neighbor and learns insights about her own life.
The ending was quite a surprise to me. It was very emotional, and both sad and positive.
The writing is beautifully descriptive. It made me want to learn more about the history of my own home area and see the world around me with fresh eyes. Food appreciating readers will love this book.
The secondary characters are equally as interesting as our main protagonists.
A satisfying yet surprising book overall.
Also about how the same events can be seen differently by various people through their experiences.
The book opens amidst detailed battle scenes in Italy. Graphic and intense, we wonder if and how anyone could survive.
Then we jump three quarters of a century later, where one man who did survive and came home to live a full live, is now saying goodbye to his wife for the final time. Out of respect, his much younger apartment neighbor goes to the funeral.
Sophie's own life is suffering losses in the moment. Her dog is old and facing life ending challenges, her love life has stalemated, and her job become impossible.
So when elderly Will comes up with the implausible idea of running off to Italy to find a woman he loved during the great war, somehow Sophie gets caught up in it and is convinced she must go along.
Their time in Italy is very much like a travelogue, full of beautiful scenery, history and food.
They meet interesting people, but can they find the woman they are seeking? Is she even still alive?
Where does one begin to search?
It all seems futile and Will's age and health are working against them.
Will is also not giving up all of his secrets and information about his history, making their search more difficult.
As they travel Sophie comes to better understand her neighbor and learns insights about her own life.
The ending was quite a surprise to me. It was very emotional, and both sad and positive.
The writing is beautifully descriptive. It made me want to learn more about the history of my own home area and see the world around me with fresh eyes. Food appreciating readers will love this book.
The secondary characters are equally as interesting as our main protagonists.
A satisfying yet surprising book overall.
May 30, 2020
This book for me turned out to be a wonderful story on many different levels. First, the book opens with a story taken or could be taken out from the history of the 10 Mountain Division and their fight against the Germans in Italy. Just their history alone is something to read about. Then anything about WWII always pecks my interest for my father fought in Europe with the 82nd so I was already drawn to the story.
Now you have Sophie present day she lives across from Will Mills who is the tormented man from the 10 Mountain Division. They do not have a good relationship or a relationship at all for she thinks he is just a grumpy old man and never happy. So, after a few too many times of her dog, Bangor not making it all the way outside he comes up with a plan instead of calling to complain. Not knowing until the next day when she sees him standing in his uniform, she drives him to his wife’s funeral. She learns a lot that day.
He goes with her another day when she is taking her dog to the vet which surprised her. Then when she quits work which is explained. He talks her into planning and going with him back to Italy. Back to the same place he fought. To help him find Francesca, and also someone else. The trip for her and him are good and they meet interesting people along the way. You will have to read this really good and wonderful story to see if he can find what he is looking for and also how the journey ends for her. How Sophie’s life is also changed which I did not see happening when I started the book. I beautiful story and told as if my grandmother was telling me a story so many, many years ago. A very good book and very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Now you have Sophie present day she lives across from Will Mills who is the tormented man from the 10 Mountain Division. They do not have a good relationship or a relationship at all for she thinks he is just a grumpy old man and never happy. So, after a few too many times of her dog, Bangor not making it all the way outside he comes up with a plan instead of calling to complain. Not knowing until the next day when she sees him standing in his uniform, she drives him to his wife’s funeral. She learns a lot that day.
He goes with her another day when she is taking her dog to the vet which surprised her. Then when she quits work which is explained. He talks her into planning and going with him back to Italy. Back to the same place he fought. To help him find Francesca, and also someone else. The trip for her and him are good and they meet interesting people along the way. You will have to read this really good and wonderful story to see if he can find what he is looking for and also how the journey ends for her. How Sophie’s life is also changed which I did not see happening when I started the book. I beautiful story and told as if my grandmother was telling me a story so many, many years ago. A very good book and very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
April 20, 2021
This book was an interesting read. Though I'm not a fan of war stories, I was drawn into the first section of the book that described Will's experience with the 10th Mountain Division on Riva Ridge in WWII Italy. The present day story that followed Sophie and Will at age 90 back in Colorado was also realistic and intriguing. The best line of the whole book was about end of life issues with her dog Bangor, when Will said, "When you love a dog they are part of you forever. They grab onto a piece of you, and unless you find a way to deny that love, they're always there. Waiting to be reunited with you."
In the middle section of the book Will and Sophie travel to Tuscany to try to locate Francesca, his wartime love. The "travelogue" of their driving from one town to another was wearisome, and I longed for more than unconnected conversations with people they met along the way. It would have been a great place to dive into poetic descriptions about the richness of the landscape. Though Will and Sophie's friendship (so far apart in age) seemed unlikely, it was a clever twist for pursuing his dream.
The final section was again compelling - a connection finally made at an old chapel, and ultimately with the daughter of Will's lost love, and from there to Francesca. It was exciting to reach the prize, even though it also foreshadowed Will's own demise. I'm glad to have read this book.
In the middle section of the book Will and Sophie travel to Tuscany to try to locate Francesca, his wartime love. The "travelogue" of their driving from one town to another was wearisome, and I longed for more than unconnected conversations with people they met along the way. It would have been a great place to dive into poetic descriptions about the richness of the landscape. Though Will and Sophie's friendship (so far apart in age) seemed unlikely, it was a clever twist for pursuing his dream.
The final section was again compelling - a connection finally made at an old chapel, and ultimately with the daughter of Will's lost love, and from there to Francesca. It was exciting to reach the prize, even though it also foreshadowed Will's own demise. I'm glad to have read this book.
March 16, 2021
Readers Will Experience Italy Through the Author's Pages. While I have not visited Italy--the author took me there through her detailed pages. As we follow her characters on their Tuscany journey--we are treated to tour for our senses in both present day and the past. I loved the author's setting development and the way she was able to transport me quite easily to another place and time.
The Characters Create the Story. While the main character pair seemed a bit unlikely at first, the bond and relationship became the heart of the story as they both worked through an emotional journey of discovery (and some soul searching and self discovery as well.) I enjoyed both characters and became quickly attached to them. Their interactions with each other as well as the outside world brought the story to life.
Would I Recommend It Happened in Tuscany? The author creates an interesting, beautiful, well written story with just enough twists, humor and dialogue to keep reader interest from beginning to end. The pages are detailed--but, not overly so. Every detail serves to bring readers deeper into the experiences of Will and Sophie and the Tuscany region. This is a wonderful story for fans of historical fiction who enjoy life stories--and emotional journeys.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
The Characters Create the Story. While the main character pair seemed a bit unlikely at first, the bond and relationship became the heart of the story as they both worked through an emotional journey of discovery (and some soul searching and self discovery as well.) I enjoyed both characters and became quickly attached to them. Their interactions with each other as well as the outside world brought the story to life.
Would I Recommend It Happened in Tuscany? The author creates an interesting, beautiful, well written story with just enough twists, humor and dialogue to keep reader interest from beginning to end. The pages are detailed--but, not overly so. Every detail serves to bring readers deeper into the experiences of Will and Sophie and the Tuscany region. This is a wonderful story for fans of historical fiction who enjoy life stories--and emotional journeys.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2020
It Happened in Tuscany is an exceptional read. Multiple stories combined bring this book to life. Stories of War, old love, new love, broken hearts, new friendships that turn into family and heart wrenching loss.
This book pulls you into every City, Duomo, Piazza, vineyard, cobblestone street as well as Will's fight in 1945 during WW ll by the 86th Regiment 10th Mountain Division with the precise details of what Will and Sophie experienced.
For someone who's bucket list item is to visit Tuscany I feel like I was briefly their with such superb detail. Gail Mencini has a very special way of pulling you right into the book as if you are actually their. I could feel the heartbreak, smell the aroma of the food and see the countryside as if I had been their.
Such a superbly written story to honor WW ll military service members that shows the love and loss of what many give up for our freedoms!
To the Author Gail Mencini. If either of your books To Tuscany with Love or It Happened in Tuscany were ever on the silver screen I would be the first in line. Thank you for pulling me out of this hectic world and into your stories if only for a little while. I look forward to your next novel.
This book pulls you into every City, Duomo, Piazza, vineyard, cobblestone street as well as Will's fight in 1945 during WW ll by the 86th Regiment 10th Mountain Division with the precise details of what Will and Sophie experienced.
For someone who's bucket list item is to visit Tuscany I feel like I was briefly their with such superb detail. Gail Mencini has a very special way of pulling you right into the book as if you are actually their. I could feel the heartbreak, smell the aroma of the food and see the countryside as if I had been their.
Such a superbly written story to honor WW ll military service members that shows the love and loss of what many give up for our freedoms!
To the Author Gail Mencini. If either of your books To Tuscany with Love or It Happened in Tuscany were ever on the silver screen I would be the first in line. Thank you for pulling me out of this hectic world and into your stories if only for a little while. I look forward to your next novel.
March 5, 2021
It Happened in Tuscany is a wonderful book by
Gail Mencini. This is the first book I have read by her. Her talent definitely shines through within the pages. She has woven such a beautiful tale. I thought this was a really good story. I loved the beautiful setting, intriguing character and captivating story line. The details are so vivid that I felt like I transported back in time and living right there at the moment. The story is far from being predictable and I never know what would happen next. There were some twists, drama, laughs and enchanting scenes that held my attention from start to finish. I loved every bit of it.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audio version of It Happened in Tuscany. The talented narrator, Susan Fouche, does a fantastic job bringing this story to life. I believe she perfectly portray the characters perfectly. I am so happy to have the opportunity to listen to this version.
I am giving It Happened in Tuscany a well deserved five plus stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction. Especially, those that are from the post World War II era. I would love to read more by Gail Mencini in the future. She has earned herself a new fan. This one is most definitely not one to be missed.
I received an audiobook version of It Happened in Tuscany from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Gail Mencini. This is the first book I have read by her. Her talent definitely shines through within the pages. She has woven such a beautiful tale. I thought this was a really good story. I loved the beautiful setting, intriguing character and captivating story line. The details are so vivid that I felt like I transported back in time and living right there at the moment. The story is far from being predictable and I never know what would happen next. There were some twists, drama, laughs and enchanting scenes that held my attention from start to finish. I loved every bit of it.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audio version of It Happened in Tuscany. The talented narrator, Susan Fouche, does a fantastic job bringing this story to life. I believe she perfectly portray the characters perfectly. I am so happy to have the opportunity to listen to this version.
I am giving It Happened in Tuscany a well deserved five plus stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction. Especially, those that are from the post World War II era. I would love to read more by Gail Mencini in the future. She has earned herself a new fan. This one is most definitely not one to be missed.
I received an audiobook version of It Happened in Tuscany from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
March 29, 2021
All I needed to know was this book was historical fiction, WWII, and Italy and I’m already fully interested! I’ll admit, I’ve read a handful of books based in Italy recently and now I want to read more! Now if only I had a neighbor who would pay for me to help him find his lost love in Italy!
Will spent too many fearful days in a harsh winter fighting in Italy against the Germans in WWII. He was injured then found by a few Italians, who watched over him while he healed enough to make it back to his base camp. Seventy-five years later, after his wife died, he chooses to return to look for the Italian woman who cared for him all those years ago.
His neighbor, Sophie, is distraught over her dog, who tends to mess in front of Will’s door. Even though she disinfects the area a few times, Will is gruff and grouchy with her. It’s when she agrees to be his chauffeur to his wife’s funeral that their friendship blossoms into better understanding of each other.
They take a trip to Tuscany in search of Will’s lost Italian love. It seems like a stab in the dark, a needle in a haystack, to find his Francesca, a very common name in Italy. Will and Sophie learn a lot about the history of the area during the conflict as well as how its affected the community following the war. But come up with lots of dead ends as they explore the town and neighboring areas. Will they find Francesca before they head back home to Colorado?
A digital copy of It Happened in Tuscany by Gail Mencini was provided by iRead Book Tours and Capriole Group in exchange for an honest review. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because the banter between Sophie and Will kept the story going as well as all the dead ends they wound up finding. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! One warning, tissues may be necessary!!
Will spent too many fearful days in a harsh winter fighting in Italy against the Germans in WWII. He was injured then found by a few Italians, who watched over him while he healed enough to make it back to his base camp. Seventy-five years later, after his wife died, he chooses to return to look for the Italian woman who cared for him all those years ago.
His neighbor, Sophie, is distraught over her dog, who tends to mess in front of Will’s door. Even though she disinfects the area a few times, Will is gruff and grouchy with her. It’s when she agrees to be his chauffeur to his wife’s funeral that their friendship blossoms into better understanding of each other.
They take a trip to Tuscany in search of Will’s lost Italian love. It seems like a stab in the dark, a needle in a haystack, to find his Francesca, a very common name in Italy. Will and Sophie learn a lot about the history of the area during the conflict as well as how its affected the community following the war. But come up with lots of dead ends as they explore the town and neighboring areas. Will they find Francesca before they head back home to Colorado?
A digital copy of It Happened in Tuscany by Gail Mencini was provided by iRead Book Tours and Capriole Group in exchange for an honest review. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because the banter between Sophie and Will kept the story going as well as all the dead ends they wound up finding. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! One warning, tissues may be necessary!!
February 21, 2020
I LOVED this book! I started reading it the day it was released and couldn't put it down!
This is a story of a member of the Greatest Generation -- a young man, Will Mills, who joined the Army in World War II. Will enlisted with the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops, who endured brutal, cold training in the Colorado Rockies. There, they honed their skills in skiing, snowshoeing, and climbing.
Will takes part in a harrowing battle on Riva Ridge in Italy's Apennine Mountains, where he is wounded. A young Italian resistance fighter saves his life.
The story then moves to the present day, with Will, tortured by the choices he made during the war. He, like so many veterans of WWII, internalized his emotions and distress after the war. He wants to return to Italy to find the woman who saved his life and convinces Sophie, his thirty-something-year-old neighbor to accompany him. They are delightfully mismatched travel companions as they explore beautiful Tuscany on their quest.
It Happened in Tuscany is a book for those who love historical fiction, friendship fiction, patriotic stories, travel fiction, or books that include a love story. I highly recommend it!
This is a story of a member of the Greatest Generation -- a young man, Will Mills, who joined the Army in World War II. Will enlisted with the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops, who endured brutal, cold training in the Colorado Rockies. There, they honed their skills in skiing, snowshoeing, and climbing.
Will takes part in a harrowing battle on Riva Ridge in Italy's Apennine Mountains, where he is wounded. A young Italian resistance fighter saves his life.
The story then moves to the present day, with Will, tortured by the choices he made during the war. He, like so many veterans of WWII, internalized his emotions and distress after the war. He wants to return to Italy to find the woman who saved his life and convinces Sophie, his thirty-something-year-old neighbor to accompany him. They are delightfully mismatched travel companions as they explore beautiful Tuscany on their quest.
It Happened in Tuscany is a book for those who love historical fiction, friendship fiction, patriotic stories, travel fiction, or books that include a love story. I highly recommend it!
February 26, 2020
It Happened in Tuscany by Gail Menchini offers a magnificent and enjoyable story to any reader. The author's ability to explain the characters and their roles in this interesting life publication makes it worth a read. The essence of two characters named Will Mills who fought in the war during 1945 and his young neighbour Sophie Sparke offers an insight into two people from different worlds who support each other. They support each other in a unique and meaningful way. Will aims to return to Italy after many years and emotionally recover from the most drastic experiences he had during World War II. His time in Italy not only remembered him of the war times but also a girl he ones knew.
Will and Sophie decide to return to Italy. While Will is looking forward to searching and possibly find the love of his love, Sophie needs to recover her emotional status as well. After she experienced a range of her own dramatic personal events, this journey may assist her to reclaim the balance in her life again.
I recommend this book to any person who enjoys history but with added humanlike experiences and struggles people live with on a daily basis.
Will and Sophie decide to return to Italy. While Will is looking forward to searching and possibly find the love of his love, Sophie needs to recover her emotional status as well. After she experienced a range of her own dramatic personal events, this journey may assist her to reclaim the balance in her life again.
I recommend this book to any person who enjoys history but with added humanlike experiences and struggles people live with on a daily basis.
March 6, 2021
This was a story of friendship, hardship, family, and love. I was surprised by the deep emotions this book drew out of me! It was a lovely journey.
We follow Will and his neighbor, Sophie, as they travel to Italy. Their friendship seems impossible, but grows into a bond that is absolutely lovely. I love what an absolute grump Will is. His attitude creates the best payoff for the reader as Sophie works to thaw him and their friendship forms.
book cover "It Happened in Tuscany" with foggy rolling hills
I really enjoyed the descriptions that created a world I could vividly picture. The terrain that the characters are covering throughout the story are described in such detail that you feel like you are right there. It was excellently done!
Overall, this was a really great story. I enjoyed the way the story flowed and the surprising emotions that it brought out in me. I listened to the audio version of this book, and I would highly recommend it! The narrator did an excellent job and was easy to listen to!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
We follow Will and his neighbor, Sophie, as they travel to Italy. Their friendship seems impossible, but grows into a bond that is absolutely lovely. I love what an absolute grump Will is. His attitude creates the best payoff for the reader as Sophie works to thaw him and their friendship forms.
book cover "It Happened in Tuscany" with foggy rolling hills
I really enjoyed the descriptions that created a world I could vividly picture. The terrain that the characters are covering throughout the story are described in such detail that you feel like you are right there. It was excellently done!
Overall, this was a really great story. I enjoyed the way the story flowed and the surprising emotions that it brought out in me. I listened to the audio version of this book, and I would highly recommend it! The narrator did an excellent job and was easy to listen to!
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
February 29, 2020
I was very pleasantly surprised with this book. Reading the synopsis, I assumed it would be more of a story set in the World War II time period, but it became more about Will’s journey back to Italy with his neighbor, Sophie, in tow. The unlikely friendship that builds between Will and Sophie was a genuine and heartfelt one and the other characters you meet along the way are charming and entertaining. I enjoyed the vivid detail of the picturesque beauty that is the Italian countryside of Tuscany. This warm and sincere story of love, friendship, family and determination is one I found reaching for more and more in hopes of uncovering the secrets of their mission to find Will’s love of his life, Francesca. As the conclusion wasn’t what I originally presumed it would be, it felt fitting and left me with a smile. I will be planning to attempt the Spaghetti Carbonara recipe mentioned at the end of the book to feel even more transported to Italy like this book made me feel. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and author Gail Mencini for the advanced readers copy. Looking forward to more!
March 13, 2020
This story was dramatic, lovely, at times harshand detailed - yet by far, it was incredibly written. It is extremely evident that Gail Mencini has a love for Italy and knows the landscape well. The way this story is written to encompass a terrible war, a wounded soldier, life back in America and a beautiful Italian partisan - it just had me so engulfed into every written detail, wanting to read more even when I couldn't keep my eyes open.
A beautiful and heartfelt story that has historical romance and fiction lovers beyond satisfied. In 2019 was when I truly started loving historical fiction and this kept me turning the pages right from the start.
Thank you kindly for the early ebook ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. I may be behind in leaving reviews, but I always promise to give an honest one as soon as I can. I'm glad I was given the opportunity to read this and am grateful to all of you that approved my request.
A beautiful and heartfelt story that has historical romance and fiction lovers beyond satisfied. In 2019 was when I truly started loving historical fiction and this kept me turning the pages right from the start.
Thank you kindly for the early ebook ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. I may be behind in leaving reviews, but I always promise to give an honest one as soon as I can. I'm glad I was given the opportunity to read this and am grateful to all of you that approved my request.
March 27, 2021
Lush, beautiful depictions of Tuscany, as along with some spice of romance, passion, history, and pain, "It Happened in Tuscany" is not to be missed. It is sure-as-heck one of a story that needs to be told, especially in these times. Plus, not to mention, since most of us can't travel right now, Mencini has done her best to transport us into the hillsides of Tuscany. No extra fees, no extra charges :)
So what is "It Happened in Tuscany" about? Well, to sum it up shortly, it's about "Will... (who) knows he has unfinished missions in Italy to complete. The passage of time and years of carrying this unfulfilled need have molded Will into a(n)... angry man... Grouchy, mean-spirited Will finagles Sophie into traveling with him to Tuscany to find the partisan who saved his life... Sophie and Will comb enchanting Tuscan hill towns on an improbable and unfolding mission with few clues to aid them."
It's a great adventure for the two as they go along Tuscany and try to find the things each is looking for. Finding more than that as well.
If you're someone who's down for a new book about WW2, alongside many other genres, you need to check this book out! You will not regret it.
So what is "It Happened in Tuscany" about? Well, to sum it up shortly, it's about "Will... (who) knows he has unfinished missions in Italy to complete. The passage of time and years of carrying this unfulfilled need have molded Will into a(n)... angry man... Grouchy, mean-spirited Will finagles Sophie into traveling with him to Tuscany to find the partisan who saved his life... Sophie and Will comb enchanting Tuscan hill towns on an improbable and unfolding mission with few clues to aid them."
It's a great adventure for the two as they go along Tuscany and try to find the things each is looking for. Finding more than that as well.
If you're someone who's down for a new book about WW2, alongside many other genres, you need to check this book out! You will not regret it.
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