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A Match Made in Venice
When pragmatic, sensible and resolutely single Deirdre York (Didi to her friends) is sent to Venice for work she is determined not to be taken in by the romantic clichés. Winter in the floating city may be breathtakingly beautiful, but she’s here with a clear purpose and will not let the magic of Venice distract her.
Piero Zanetti is the epitome of the handsome yet tortured artist. Heart-broken by the end of his love affair with a glamorous opera singer, he has lost his ability to work, and his inspiration has drained away, along with his zest for life.
But Didi needs Piero working – she has been tasked with commissioning him to do a glass centrepiece for a luxury department store Christmas display – some how Didi has to cheer Piero up or at least find him a new muse…
As Didi and Piero slowly become friends, and as Venice starts to melt Didi’s heart and gently nudge Piero out of the blues, something special begins to happen. Can Venice – the City of Love – work a Christmas miracle and help Didi and Piero to find their happiness at last…
Piero Zanetti is the epitome of the handsome yet tortured artist. Heart-broken by the end of his love affair with a glamorous opera singer, he has lost his ability to work, and his inspiration has drained away, along with his zest for life.
But Didi needs Piero working – she has been tasked with commissioning him to do a glass centrepiece for a luxury department store Christmas display – some how Didi has to cheer Piero up or at least find him a new muse…
As Didi and Piero slowly become friends, and as Venice starts to melt Didi’s heart and gently nudge Piero out of the blues, something special begins to happen. Can Venice – the City of Love – work a Christmas miracle and help Didi and Piero to find their happiness at last…
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2021
231 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Leonie Mack
22 books221 followersAfter leaving Australia ‘for a year’, Leonie never went home and now travels across Europe jotting down love stories wherever she goes. She has a degree in languages and is an expert at taking public transport and travelling under her own steam on foot or by bike. ‘Home’ is now in central Germany, in the vineyards along the Main river, where she spends her time writing happy endings in English and speaking German with bad grammar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 6, 2021
This was such a lovely book to read, sweet and very engaging. I loved the descriptions of Venice, the canals and the narrow alleyways. The story was good and very relaxing. I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 22, 2021
This was such a cute story indeed. And look, while I didn’t even know glass making was a serious thing in Venice, I enjoyed the author’s descriptive passages about the Zanetti family career. Venice sounds like an extremely romantic and dreamy place, from what I read, excluding the disturbing details about the history of some places. The Zanettis were glass blowers, yes. Piero’s passion for the job was palpable, but his uncertainty proved to be a hindrance in actually showcasing his talent. Didi had everything, a good job, a pretty good family and didn’t need romance in her life. Spending time together sort of grounded them both and brought out the shades of themselves that they never knew they had in themselves.
This book was honestly a breather for me. Third person narrative, alternating between both sides of the MCs. I had my fill of cute moments, deep ones and quiet, comfortable ones. Got that giddy feeling during that New Year’s kiss.
The last few chapters were incredibly romantic, not the swoony kind, but the feel-good and forever kind. So much for Didi being the hell-no-not-romance type😂. I highly recommend this book. I really really liked it. You would have seen me with a plastered smile on my face for the entirety of this book. Still haven’t wiped it off:)
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
This book was honestly a breather for me. Third person narrative, alternating between both sides of the MCs. I had my fill of cute moments, deep ones and quiet, comfortable ones. Got that giddy feeling during that New Year’s kiss.
The last few chapters were incredibly romantic, not the swoony kind, but the feel-good and forever kind. So much for Didi being the hell-no-not-romance type😂. I highly recommend this book. I really really liked it. You would have seen me with a plastered smile on my face for the entirety of this book. Still haven’t wiped it off:)
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
November 26, 2021
A Match Made in Venice is a charming contemporary romance! When Didi travels to Venice to commission artist Piero Zanetti to create something for her work, Piero shows no interest. A moody and brooding man who has lost his muse, Pietro balks at the idea of selling out for consumerism, but he can’t deny that Didi makes him feel again. She inspires him, and Piero convinces Didi to return with him to Venice with the promise that he’ll think about commissioning a piece. As the pair explores Venice and their feelings, they both risk losing their hearts. Can they be convinced it’s worth the risk?
I love Didi and Piero’s story and their friends-to-lovers romance. They are both such unique and well-developed characters, and they grow so much throughout the story. Both characters fear falling in love for different reasons, but their attraction slowly builds until they can’t deny their feelings. I like how this couple grows closer and learns about each other as they explore Venice. The couple actually starts off as reluctant friends, and they realize that they have a lot of fun together. They enjoy each other’s company, and they really seem to understand each other, sometimes better than they know themselves. From this friendship blooms a deep respect and love for each other, though both are slow to admit it.
Piero and Didi both have complicated relationships with their family, which has definitely affected their feelings toward love. Past hurts and fear of vulnerability, as well as the fear of abandonment, add to their conflicted emotions. I like that the story explores all facets of their lives – from their relationships with family to their ties to their community to their feelings about their careers, the story shows how all the pieces of one’s life affect one’s decision-making, relationships, and future. Plus, their chemistry is fantastic. They have so many wonderful moments, some light and fun, others more serious and deep, but all are memorable.
The Venetian setting is vivid and romantic, and I love that you get to learn about pieces of Venice that tourists wouldn’t ordinarily experience. I’ve never been to Italy, but this story reaffirmed my desire to visit at least once in my life. The glass blowing is also so fascinating, and I could see how one would lose track of time watching the masters create their art. It all made for a very romantic backdrop to Piero and Didi’s story, and I enjoyed learning more about the glass blowing process and the beautiful pieces Piero created.
I thought this was a romantic and heart-warming read, and I highly recommend it to readers of contemporary romance. The characters are wonderful and well-layered, and I loved the romantic setting! Powerful messages of embracing love, finding happiness, and following your heart and your dreams add to the optimistic charm of the story. Thanks so much to Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Leonie Mack for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I love Didi and Piero’s story and their friends-to-lovers romance. They are both such unique and well-developed characters, and they grow so much throughout the story. Both characters fear falling in love for different reasons, but their attraction slowly builds until they can’t deny their feelings. I like how this couple grows closer and learns about each other as they explore Venice. The couple actually starts off as reluctant friends, and they realize that they have a lot of fun together. They enjoy each other’s company, and they really seem to understand each other, sometimes better than they know themselves. From this friendship blooms a deep respect and love for each other, though both are slow to admit it.
Piero and Didi both have complicated relationships with their family, which has definitely affected their feelings toward love. Past hurts and fear of vulnerability, as well as the fear of abandonment, add to their conflicted emotions. I like that the story explores all facets of their lives – from their relationships with family to their ties to their community to their feelings about their careers, the story shows how all the pieces of one’s life affect one’s decision-making, relationships, and future. Plus, their chemistry is fantastic. They have so many wonderful moments, some light and fun, others more serious and deep, but all are memorable.
The Venetian setting is vivid and romantic, and I love that you get to learn about pieces of Venice that tourists wouldn’t ordinarily experience. I’ve never been to Italy, but this story reaffirmed my desire to visit at least once in my life. The glass blowing is also so fascinating, and I could see how one would lose track of time watching the masters create their art. It all made for a very romantic backdrop to Piero and Didi’s story, and I enjoyed learning more about the glass blowing process and the beautiful pieces Piero created.
I thought this was a romantic and heart-warming read, and I highly recommend it to readers of contemporary romance. The characters are wonderful and well-layered, and I loved the romantic setting! Powerful messages of embracing love, finding happiness, and following your heart and your dreams add to the optimistic charm of the story. Thanks so much to Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Leonie Mack for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2022
I absolutely loved this opposites-attract slow-burn rom-com set in Venice at Christmas that extends over Valentine’s Day and Carnevale!
The love interest is Piero Zanetti, a grumpy glass-blower in Murano and he’s visited by Didi York, a visual merchandiser for a high-end department store in New York. Her quest is commissioning him to provide a centerpiece for next year’s Christmas window display. He’s in a slump after losing his muse and emphatically refuses to sign. Didi may be in the City of Love, but she’s a woman on a mission and will NOT let the magic of Venice work its charm on her.
I loved revisiting Venice; again in Leonie Mack’s fabulous stories and recalling memories of prior vacations to La Serenissima. I loved the Murano glassmaking scenes because I could pull up prior memories. My Christmas tree decorations are exclusively holiday-themed; I buy one on each vacation and have a glass one from Murano of a gondolier and his boat. I’ll forever think of Mack’s characters when I look at my tree starting with next season. I also enjoyed the cozy winter night scenes. It brought a different perspective to my Fall visits. I must say that the author crafts THE BEST characters I’ve come across. I loved the tortured artist, Piero, and yes, he gets lots of things wrong and he’s stubborn, but when he does really try, he gets it spot on!!! The final gift is spectacular and made my heart flutter...and I'm not partial to romance novels!!! I’ve read many books, but I think K.A. Tucker’s characters and Leonie Mack’s characters are my favourite literary people! Both authors know how to craft characters with depth. Didi’s sarcasm and her journey to letting go of her cynicism is fantastic - and she’s a character with Diabetes. I really identified with her for a variety of reasons.
The allegory of the city itself - authenticity vs consumerism - was not lost on me!
I’m so excited to hear the author has a contract for 3 more books! Leonie Mack is a new favourite author for me.
The love interest is Piero Zanetti, a grumpy glass-blower in Murano and he’s visited by Didi York, a visual merchandiser for a high-end department store in New York. Her quest is commissioning him to provide a centerpiece for next year’s Christmas window display. He’s in a slump after losing his muse and emphatically refuses to sign. Didi may be in the City of Love, but she’s a woman on a mission and will NOT let the magic of Venice work its charm on her.
I loved revisiting Venice; again in Leonie Mack’s fabulous stories and recalling memories of prior vacations to La Serenissima. I loved the Murano glassmaking scenes because I could pull up prior memories. My Christmas tree decorations are exclusively holiday-themed; I buy one on each vacation and have a glass one from Murano of a gondolier and his boat. I’ll forever think of Mack’s characters when I look at my tree starting with next season. I also enjoyed the cozy winter night scenes. It brought a different perspective to my Fall visits. I must say that the author crafts THE BEST characters I’ve come across. I loved the tortured artist, Piero, and yes, he gets lots of things wrong and he’s stubborn, but when he does really try, he gets it spot on!!! The final gift is spectacular and made my heart flutter...and I'm not partial to romance novels!!! I’ve read many books, but I think K.A. Tucker’s characters and Leonie Mack’s characters are my favourite literary people! Both authors know how to craft characters with depth. Didi’s sarcasm and her journey to letting go of her cynicism is fantastic - and she’s a character with Diabetes. I really identified with her for a variety of reasons.
The allegory of the city itself - authenticity vs consumerism - was not lost on me!
I’m so excited to hear the author has a contract for 3 more books! Leonie Mack is a new favourite author for me.
September 27, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review..
OMG!! This cover is adorable... A Match Made in Venice is a feel good read I have never been to Venice. The author with her words makes you feel like your there 5 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
OMG!! This cover is adorable... A Match Made in Venice is a feel good read I have never been to Venice. The author with her words makes you feel like your there 5 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading Lisa 📚
November 21, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
She swallowed a snort of laughter at his tight striped swimming briefs. Unfortunately, he caught her at that moment and pierced her with a look. ‘Didi,’ he said in admonishment. ‘You look, you admire.’ He gestured down his nearly naked body. ‘You do not laugh.'
Didi choked, feeling trapped in a soap opera that she had no role in.
My Review:
This was an amusing and slowly-paced hybrid of women’s fiction, family drama, and slow-burn romance. It provided a witty and leisurely read with generous helpings of humor and perceptive inner musings while also including an entertaining travelogue of Venice. The storylines were original yet easy to follow and engaged my interest in the characters as well as their activities and exceptional surroundings. As a bonus, I also learned enough about the skill and process of glass blowing to ascertain that this is not an activity I should ever try.
She swallowed a snort of laughter at his tight striped swimming briefs. Unfortunately, he caught her at that moment and pierced her with a look. ‘Didi,’ he said in admonishment. ‘You look, you admire.’ He gestured down his nearly naked body. ‘You do not laugh.'
Didi choked, feeling trapped in a soap opera that she had no role in.
My Review:
This was an amusing and slowly-paced hybrid of women’s fiction, family drama, and slow-burn romance. It provided a witty and leisurely read with generous helpings of humor and perceptive inner musings while also including an entertaining travelogue of Venice. The storylines were original yet easy to follow and engaged my interest in the characters as well as their activities and exceptional surroundings. As a bonus, I also learned enough about the skill and process of glass blowing to ascertain that this is not an activity I should ever try.
December 20, 2021
My second read from Mack and I was disappointed again. I found Didi to be wooden, Piero to be mundane, and the supporting characters to be irritating clichés. The setting was the only redeeming feature, only because Mack describes it so vividly, that I was able to reminisce about my own holiday to Venice.
Despite what the cover implies, this is more of a winter read than a Christmas book. Although Didi is in Venice at Christmas, intending to contract Piero for next year's winter department store display, this festive season takes a back step. Instead, Mack plays on the romance associated with Venice, combining famous tourist attractions into her descriptions as Didi discovers the magic of the city.
I found Didi to be really wooden because she is obsessed with ensuring her contract is signed for Piero's commission of artwork. Dedicated to her job, she is immune to the beauty of Venice, desperate instead for Piero's commitment. I was frustrated with this one-sided nature and, even though her character alters over the novel, this was too late for me. Furthermore, her incessant advice to Piero on how to have a better relationship with his father is merely reflected by her troubled connection with her mother. I wish she would sooner take an inward look and realise she is not whiter than white when it comes to offering advice!
Piero, the tired, uninspired artist, presents himself as very awkward and intent on making Didi's visit to Venice as awkward and yet memorable as possible. I did like his cheeky nature but despaired with his poor communication skills. This is reinforced with his strained relationship with his father and, seeing the cringe-worthy family dinner at Didi's, I just craved for some happy families rather than strained emotions and sarcastic comments.
Whilst Venice holds a special place for me, I found this book could not replicate it. Falling flat, I could not connect with the main characters and certainly was not convinced by their budding relationship. It was a slow, plodding narrative and I failed to see the attraction that Didi and Piero had for each other. As a second book that has not sparked me by this author, I think I can safely say that Mack's writing just does not suit.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Despite what the cover implies, this is more of a winter read than a Christmas book. Although Didi is in Venice at Christmas, intending to contract Piero for next year's winter department store display, this festive season takes a back step. Instead, Mack plays on the romance associated with Venice, combining famous tourist attractions into her descriptions as Didi discovers the magic of the city.
I found Didi to be really wooden because she is obsessed with ensuring her contract is signed for Piero's commission of artwork. Dedicated to her job, she is immune to the beauty of Venice, desperate instead for Piero's commitment. I was frustrated with this one-sided nature and, even though her character alters over the novel, this was too late for me. Furthermore, her incessant advice to Piero on how to have a better relationship with his father is merely reflected by her troubled connection with her mother. I wish she would sooner take an inward look and realise she is not whiter than white when it comes to offering advice!
Piero, the tired, uninspired artist, presents himself as very awkward and intent on making Didi's visit to Venice as awkward and yet memorable as possible. I did like his cheeky nature but despaired with his poor communication skills. This is reinforced with his strained relationship with his father and, seeing the cringe-worthy family dinner at Didi's, I just craved for some happy families rather than strained emotions and sarcastic comments.
Whilst Venice holds a special place for me, I found this book could not replicate it. Falling flat, I could not connect with the main characters and certainly was not convinced by their budding relationship. It was a slow, plodding narrative and I failed to see the attraction that Didi and Piero had for each other. As a second book that has not sparked me by this author, I think I can safely say that Mack's writing just does not suit.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2024
Leonie Mack has become a go-to for me for feelgood, low-angst romances that bring their locations to life vividly. In A Match Made in Venice, goals-focused, anti-romance Didi heads to Venice to try to convince a famous Murano glassmaker to create the centerpiece of a London department store's Christmas window display.
Who she discovers is a charming man, Piero Zanetti, who is suffering from heartbreak-induced artist's block and who is estranged from both his glassmaker father and the whole Murano artisan community for straying from traditional techniques. Didi has her own family problems, namely her freespirited mother, and is also wrestling with a life that has become staid. She and Piero end up helping each other find happiness through the medium of Venice, which Mack brings vividly to life.
There are so many funny, touching, sexy moments in this book, namely Piero's fiery yet amusing fights with his father, his red-and-white-striped swimming trunks, and when we get a glimpse of him in the studio (Mack loves a competent hero!). Piero also makes a brilliant grand gesture toward the end that is so imaginative and sweet. He was an absolutely brilliant hero and I love him, and I love him and Didi together.
Who she discovers is a charming man, Piero Zanetti, who is suffering from heartbreak-induced artist's block and who is estranged from both his glassmaker father and the whole Murano artisan community for straying from traditional techniques. Didi has her own family problems, namely her freespirited mother, and is also wrestling with a life that has become staid. She and Piero end up helping each other find happiness through the medium of Venice, which Mack brings vividly to life.
There are so many funny, touching, sexy moments in this book, namely Piero's fiery yet amusing fights with his father, his red-and-white-striped swimming trunks, and when we get a glimpse of him in the studio (Mack loves a competent hero!). Piero also makes a brilliant grand gesture toward the end that is so imaginative and sweet. He was an absolutely brilliant hero and I love him, and I love him and Didi together.
October 25, 2021
With every book I'm reading from Leonie Mack, my overwhelming feeling is that I want to read more. I am loving this author and her writing.
And what better setting than Venice, and although it has hints of Christmas, this is not a Christmas book not in the way I'd think. It is all about designing a massive window display for a department store for the following Christmas, and the season is present but it's not at the heart of the book.
What is, is a clear love of Murano Glass, the techniques, and traditions of it, the island of Murano and a rather troubled but genius glassblower Piero Zanetti. He is at the start struggling, but when Didi comes to him with a proposition well he's not keen but Didi herself seems to re-ignite Piero generally!
And there is a theme of family relationships, and healing rifts and misunderstanding between family members, both for Piero and for Didi. It was wonderful seeing how their stories and personal journeys developed over the course of the book.
Then some of the descriptions of Venice made me feel as though I was there alongside the characters, And I thought it made a nice change to have a main character with diabetes and seeing how that can affect your day to day considerations.
A really entertaining story that transported me to the island of Murano, and to Venice in winter, and gave me a new view of the place when it isn't drowning in tourists! And a romance that will delight and frustrate in equal measure!
Thank you to Boldwood Book and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And what better setting than Venice, and although it has hints of Christmas, this is not a Christmas book not in the way I'd think. It is all about designing a massive window display for a department store for the following Christmas, and the season is present but it's not at the heart of the book.
What is, is a clear love of Murano Glass, the techniques, and traditions of it, the island of Murano and a rather troubled but genius glassblower Piero Zanetti. He is at the start struggling, but when Didi comes to him with a proposition well he's not keen but Didi herself seems to re-ignite Piero generally!
And there is a theme of family relationships, and healing rifts and misunderstanding between family members, both for Piero and for Didi. It was wonderful seeing how their stories and personal journeys developed over the course of the book.
Then some of the descriptions of Venice made me feel as though I was there alongside the characters, And I thought it made a nice change to have a main character with diabetes and seeing how that can affect your day to day considerations.
A really entertaining story that transported me to the island of Murano, and to Venice in winter, and gave me a new view of the place when it isn't drowning in tourists! And a romance that will delight and frustrate in equal measure!
Thank you to Boldwood Book and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 20, 2022
I absolutely loved this gorgeous winter romance, which is set in Venice, Italy. I found it amazing, and I really enjoyed it.
Deirdre (Didi) has to go to Venice for work and there she meets Piero, who is a glass making artist. Didi wants him to make a glass display for a department store she works for. He is not having any of it, as he is sad after going through a breakup, and he tries to get rid of her. However, she persists and he eventually gives in. They become close, and I enjoyed reading about their fun times together in the beautiful city of Venice.
I loved the descriptions of the scenery in the book, and the love, passion, art and romance of Didi and Piero.
This is such a sweet, uplifting, heartwarming and romantic book, which is perfect to read at this time of the year. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Deirdre (Didi) has to go to Venice for work and there she meets Piero, who is a glass making artist. Didi wants him to make a glass display for a department store she works for. He is not having any of it, as he is sad after going through a breakup, and he tries to get rid of her. However, she persists and he eventually gives in. They become close, and I enjoyed reading about their fun times together in the beautiful city of Venice.
I loved the descriptions of the scenery in the book, and the love, passion, art and romance of Didi and Piero.
This is such a sweet, uplifting, heartwarming and romantic book, which is perfect to read at this time of the year. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
December 3, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much and felt like I took a trip to Venice in the off-season. I particularly liked how Didi and Piero came to appreciate each other. And Piero seemed very realistically done as a tortured artist. I particularly liked his use of various Italian expressions. I liked how Ms. Mack explored the contrast between the idea of a passionate all-consuming love vs. a slower, more friendship-based love (but still passionate) and what is real love. I also loved all the details about glass-blowing. Highly Recommend!
September 18, 2021
Loved this. The setting and characters were fun and fresh. Didi and Piero were a breath of fresh air. The writing worked well and made the reader feel present in the story. Can’t wait to read the next book!
I read this in one sitting.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
I read this in one sitting.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
December 5, 2022
Lovely, slow-burn, opposites-attract romance set in beautiful Venice
In early December, 31-year-old Deirdre (Didi) York, who is in charge of creative marketing ideas, including store windows, for a luxury, London department store, receives a startling assignment from her boss. She is asked to track down 38-year-old, world-famous, Venetian, blown-glass sculptor, Piero Zanetti, and commission him to create an original, made-to-order work of art for the store’s Christmas display for the following year. Didi is frustrated to discover that she cannot contact the reclusive artist via either email or phone call, which means she has no choice but to track him to his lair in Venice. Didi has only been in Venice once before, and she is not looking forward to returning. She is a cynical, pragmatic women who finds the enormous emphasis on romance throughout Venice simply too cloying to bear. Worse, during the Christmas season the fairy-tale vibe of Venice is ramped up to an unbearable degree. She is determined to obtain Piero’s signature on the über-generous, proposed contract as rapidly as possible, so she can cut short her visit to Venice. Unfortunately for Didi’s plan, Piero is as far from businesslike as he can possibly be. His glass-making studio is a dump in a rundown neighborhood and, with his ragged jeans, stained T-shirt, three-day beard stubble, and rumpled hair, he is the epitome of a gorgeous, tortured artist.
Piero is both drawn to and repelled by lovely Didi, with her polished appearance, tightly clutched briefcase, and insistent manner. He doesn’t hesitate an instant before he flatly refuses her store’s lucrative offer, even though he is currently flat broke. Only a year ago, he had a very bad experience when he produced art for a famous, luxury department store in New York City, and he never wants to do anything like that again. And even if that were not the case, he still could not accept Didi’s offer. He has lost all inspiration to produce any type of glass art whatsoever for the past six months, since the woman who was his muse, a stunning opera singer, with whom he had a four-year, flaming affair, callously dumped him.
Over the next several days, Didi finds herself spending a huge amount of time with the quixotic Piero, hoping to change his mind. But rather than discussing her business proposal, he drags her all over Venice, exposing her to numerous, traditional, public, Christmas celebrations. In spite of herself, Didi finds herself greatly enjoying exploring Venice with Piero. He is an extremely entertaining companion. But even though it feels like they have become friends, when the allotted time for Didi’s visit is over, Piero still persists in refusing to accept the commission she is offering, and she is forced to fly home without his signature on the dotted line.
Didi assumes she will never see Piero again. But a few weeks later, she is amazed when Piero shows up, unannounced, on her doorstep. He tells her that he is in London for the express purpose of viewing what he describes as Didi’s art—the elaborate Christmas display she has created in the main windows of the department store where she is employed. He praises her work and wangles an invitation to join her and her family at her apartment for Christmas dinner. Afterwards, he shocks Didi once again by informing her that he has cleared it with her boss for her to take a leave of absence from her job in order to come to Venice for two months to be his assistant. He promises that he will provide a place for her to live as well as a salary. With her boss’s encouragement, as well as the strong urging of her mother and younger sister, Didi finds herself embarking on a Venetian adventure that will, in spite of herself, upend her lifelong aversion to adventure and romance.
Piero is a fascinating, vividly drawn romance hero. He is, thank goodness, as far as he can get from the cliché, aggressive, alpha, workaholic, billionaire, romance hero. Out of untold thousands of romance novels I have read over the past 50 years, I have not encountered more than two or three romance heroes who are artists. And of that handful, none were as complex as Piero. For me, he was the main draw of this novel that kept me rapidly turning the pages.
Didi is an intriguing heroine, as well. All her focus is on her career, because she is determined, in every way possible, to avoid being anything like her mother, who has spent her entire adult life scuttling from one doomed romance to another. Didi and her 24-year-old half-sister Norah are the out-of-wedlock products of two such failed relationships, and neither of their fathers has had anything to do with them. Her mother has never been any good with finding a well-paying job, and while raising her daughters, she had trouble keeping a roof over their heads without a periodic influx of cash from a current, prosperous boyfriend. Didi has no intention of ever being dependent emotionally or financially on a man like that.
The relationship between Didi and Piero begins as strictly business, morphs into friendship, and eventually into romance. To me, their romance is one of the most powerful kinds because, in the process of being together, they bring out the best in each other. As a result, across the length of this novel, each of them has a strong emotional and creative growth arc. Most importantly, this novel achieves the Prime Directive of the romance genre which, sadly, far too few romance novels ever truly manage—it strongly convinces romance fans that these two people are soulmates, whose lives will be forever blighted if they don’t end up together.
This is a “slow burn” romance, in that the first sex scene is not until 67% of the book. It is not completely “closed door” sex, but it comes very close to it. There is no crude, graphic language in the sex scenes. Instead, the only body parts the author mentions are the hands, arms, and above the shoulders, and the vast majority of the descriptions are about the emotions of the protagonists.
The main subcharacters in this story are Didi’s sister, her mother, her mother’s boyfriend, and Piero’s father. Each is vividly drawn, but they never upstage Didi or Piero, and they do not exist as boring page fillers. Each is important to the overall arc of the romance between Didi and Piero.
It is obvious that the author knows Venice intimately. This magnificent, ancient city is so crucial to the plot, that it exists as practically a third, main character. Reading this book is like taking a once-in-a-lifetime, armchair vacation there.
Finally, though this book does not end on a cliffhanger, and has an epilogue of sorts, which occurs not long after the climax scene, the second book in this two-book series includes cameo appearances of Didi and Piero within it, and its extended epilogue for its romantic protagonists (one of which is Didi’s sister Norah), also serves as a lovely, extended epilogue for Didi and Piero set five years in the future.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Setting: 4 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
In early December, 31-year-old Deirdre (Didi) York, who is in charge of creative marketing ideas, including store windows, for a luxury, London department store, receives a startling assignment from her boss. She is asked to track down 38-year-old, world-famous, Venetian, blown-glass sculptor, Piero Zanetti, and commission him to create an original, made-to-order work of art for the store’s Christmas display for the following year. Didi is frustrated to discover that she cannot contact the reclusive artist via either email or phone call, which means she has no choice but to track him to his lair in Venice. Didi has only been in Venice once before, and she is not looking forward to returning. She is a cynical, pragmatic women who finds the enormous emphasis on romance throughout Venice simply too cloying to bear. Worse, during the Christmas season the fairy-tale vibe of Venice is ramped up to an unbearable degree. She is determined to obtain Piero’s signature on the über-generous, proposed contract as rapidly as possible, so she can cut short her visit to Venice. Unfortunately for Didi’s plan, Piero is as far from businesslike as he can possibly be. His glass-making studio is a dump in a rundown neighborhood and, with his ragged jeans, stained T-shirt, three-day beard stubble, and rumpled hair, he is the epitome of a gorgeous, tortured artist.
Piero is both drawn to and repelled by lovely Didi, with her polished appearance, tightly clutched briefcase, and insistent manner. He doesn’t hesitate an instant before he flatly refuses her store’s lucrative offer, even though he is currently flat broke. Only a year ago, he had a very bad experience when he produced art for a famous, luxury department store in New York City, and he never wants to do anything like that again. And even if that were not the case, he still could not accept Didi’s offer. He has lost all inspiration to produce any type of glass art whatsoever for the past six months, since the woman who was his muse, a stunning opera singer, with whom he had a four-year, flaming affair, callously dumped him.
Over the next several days, Didi finds herself spending a huge amount of time with the quixotic Piero, hoping to change his mind. But rather than discussing her business proposal, he drags her all over Venice, exposing her to numerous, traditional, public, Christmas celebrations. In spite of herself, Didi finds herself greatly enjoying exploring Venice with Piero. He is an extremely entertaining companion. But even though it feels like they have become friends, when the allotted time for Didi’s visit is over, Piero still persists in refusing to accept the commission she is offering, and she is forced to fly home without his signature on the dotted line.
Didi assumes she will never see Piero again. But a few weeks later, she is amazed when Piero shows up, unannounced, on her doorstep. He tells her that he is in London for the express purpose of viewing what he describes as Didi’s art—the elaborate Christmas display she has created in the main windows of the department store where she is employed. He praises her work and wangles an invitation to join her and her family at her apartment for Christmas dinner. Afterwards, he shocks Didi once again by informing her that he has cleared it with her boss for her to take a leave of absence from her job in order to come to Venice for two months to be his assistant. He promises that he will provide a place for her to live as well as a salary. With her boss’s encouragement, as well as the strong urging of her mother and younger sister, Didi finds herself embarking on a Venetian adventure that will, in spite of herself, upend her lifelong aversion to adventure and romance.
Piero is a fascinating, vividly drawn romance hero. He is, thank goodness, as far as he can get from the cliché, aggressive, alpha, workaholic, billionaire, romance hero. Out of untold thousands of romance novels I have read over the past 50 years, I have not encountered more than two or three romance heroes who are artists. And of that handful, none were as complex as Piero. For me, he was the main draw of this novel that kept me rapidly turning the pages.
Didi is an intriguing heroine, as well. All her focus is on her career, because she is determined, in every way possible, to avoid being anything like her mother, who has spent her entire adult life scuttling from one doomed romance to another. Didi and her 24-year-old half-sister Norah are the out-of-wedlock products of two such failed relationships, and neither of their fathers has had anything to do with them. Her mother has never been any good with finding a well-paying job, and while raising her daughters, she had trouble keeping a roof over their heads without a periodic influx of cash from a current, prosperous boyfriend. Didi has no intention of ever being dependent emotionally or financially on a man like that.
The relationship between Didi and Piero begins as strictly business, morphs into friendship, and eventually into romance. To me, their romance is one of the most powerful kinds because, in the process of being together, they bring out the best in each other. As a result, across the length of this novel, each of them has a strong emotional and creative growth arc. Most importantly, this novel achieves the Prime Directive of the romance genre which, sadly, far too few romance novels ever truly manage—it strongly convinces romance fans that these two people are soulmates, whose lives will be forever blighted if they don’t end up together.
This is a “slow burn” romance, in that the first sex scene is not until 67% of the book. It is not completely “closed door” sex, but it comes very close to it. There is no crude, graphic language in the sex scenes. Instead, the only body parts the author mentions are the hands, arms, and above the shoulders, and the vast majority of the descriptions are about the emotions of the protagonists.
The main subcharacters in this story are Didi’s sister, her mother, her mother’s boyfriend, and Piero’s father. Each is vividly drawn, but they never upstage Didi or Piero, and they do not exist as boring page fillers. Each is important to the overall arc of the romance between Didi and Piero.
It is obvious that the author knows Venice intimately. This magnificent, ancient city is so crucial to the plot, that it exists as practically a third, main character. Reading this book is like taking a once-in-a-lifetime, armchair vacation there.
Finally, though this book does not end on a cliffhanger, and has an epilogue of sorts, which occurs not long after the climax scene, the second book in this two-book series includes cameo appearances of Didi and Piero within it, and its extended epilogue for its romantic protagonists (one of which is Didi’s sister Norah), also serves as a lovely, extended epilogue for Didi and Piero set five years in the future.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 4 stars
Setting: 4 stars
Romance Plot: 4 stars
Writing: 4 stars
Overall: 4 stars
November 13, 2021
My first festive read of the year!
Or so I thought, but the cover of the book and the blurb are a little bit deceptive in this regard, because this isn’t really a Christmas book in the traditional sense of being set at, or revolving entirely around, Christmas. It begins shortly before the festive season and briefly touches on Christmas, and the design of Christmas window display is the hook that unites the male and female protagonists, but Christmas is not the main theme. This didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book, but don’t go into this book thinking you are settling down for a Christmas read.
The book is set in Venice mainly in the winter months either side of Christmas and, for me, exploring Venice at this time of year was one of the big positives of the book. Venice is a place I have only visited and read about and seen in movies in the summer time, so to read the descriptions of how it is in winter, when the streets are not rammed with tourists and the city takes on a completely different mantle, was fascinating. Also, we are guided around the city by Piero, a native Venetian, and we get to see the city as Didi does, through the eyes of an English girl exploring with a local guide. Leonie really brings the city to life, and the book is filled with evocative detail that immediately transports you to Italy, Venice and all the romance it promises. This is a place I am hoping myself to revisit soon (I have been dropping more than enough hints to The Irishman about where I’d like to go for my 50th birthday this year) so having this sneak, better-be-a-preview-or-someone-will-be-in-trouble was a real pleasure.
The characters in this book were easy to warm to immediately. Piero does sterling work as the handsome-but-tortured Italian artist that you would be disappointed not to have as the romantic interest. However, I found Didi, unconventional and down-to-earth, a refreshing protagonist. She did not come across as the typical heroine and I found her all the more charming for it. Both of them have troubled family dynamics that are played out in the book and which draw them together, and I found their relationship completely believable and utterly charming. I was carried along by their growing closeness from beginning to end and was left with a warm glow by the end of the novel, as much as I could possibly wish for in such a novel.
A Match Made in Venice is the perfect book to snuggle up with in these autumn months when the nights are drawing in and the temperature is dropping. You will be transported to Venice, with all its romance and beauty, and be warmed by the developing romance between Didi and Piero amongst its shimmering lights. Totally delightful in every respect, just not a Christmas book.
Or so I thought, but the cover of the book and the blurb are a little bit deceptive in this regard, because this isn’t really a Christmas book in the traditional sense of being set at, or revolving entirely around, Christmas. It begins shortly before the festive season and briefly touches on Christmas, and the design of Christmas window display is the hook that unites the male and female protagonists, but Christmas is not the main theme. This didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book, but don’t go into this book thinking you are settling down for a Christmas read.
The book is set in Venice mainly in the winter months either side of Christmas and, for me, exploring Venice at this time of year was one of the big positives of the book. Venice is a place I have only visited and read about and seen in movies in the summer time, so to read the descriptions of how it is in winter, when the streets are not rammed with tourists and the city takes on a completely different mantle, was fascinating. Also, we are guided around the city by Piero, a native Venetian, and we get to see the city as Didi does, through the eyes of an English girl exploring with a local guide. Leonie really brings the city to life, and the book is filled with evocative detail that immediately transports you to Italy, Venice and all the romance it promises. This is a place I am hoping myself to revisit soon (I have been dropping more than enough hints to The Irishman about where I’d like to go for my 50th birthday this year) so having this sneak, better-be-a-preview-or-someone-will-be-in-trouble was a real pleasure.
The characters in this book were easy to warm to immediately. Piero does sterling work as the handsome-but-tortured Italian artist that you would be disappointed not to have as the romantic interest. However, I found Didi, unconventional and down-to-earth, a refreshing protagonist. She did not come across as the typical heroine and I found her all the more charming for it. Both of them have troubled family dynamics that are played out in the book and which draw them together, and I found their relationship completely believable and utterly charming. I was carried along by their growing closeness from beginning to end and was left with a warm glow by the end of the novel, as much as I could possibly wish for in such a novel.
A Match Made in Venice is the perfect book to snuggle up with in these autumn months when the nights are drawing in and the temperature is dropping. You will be transported to Venice, with all its romance and beauty, and be warmed by the developing romance between Didi and Piero amongst its shimmering lights. Totally delightful in every respect, just not a Christmas book.
November 10, 2021
This is a delightful, contemporary romance
Where two strangers inspire each other and take a chance.
It is a story where two different family dramas show
How love can help heal rifts when you give it a go.
Deirdre York is an Oxford Street window set designer who
Is sent to Venice with a very special job to do.
She's to convince a well known glass blower to make
A superb glass centrepiece - just what will it take?
Piero Zanetti has lost his thrill
For glass blowing and making anything still
He's heartbroken, his muse has gone and so
He breaks everything when he has another go.
When Deirdre inspires him, he has a new plan
To keep her in Venice whilst ever he can.
As the two slowly become friends will they both find
A new romance in which love can be kind?
With a display for Christmas being what she needs
Can Piero overcome his angst and help her succeed?
As they explore Venice, through the winter season
Will love change them both and give them new reason?
Set in the city of love, this is just what you need
If you're looking for a gorgeous, fun read.
A great story to escape into, I hope you'll agree
With plenty of drama, this is a 5* read for me.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
Where two strangers inspire each other and take a chance.
It is a story where two different family dramas show
How love can help heal rifts when you give it a go.
Deirdre York is an Oxford Street window set designer who
Is sent to Venice with a very special job to do.
She's to convince a well known glass blower to make
A superb glass centrepiece - just what will it take?
Piero Zanetti has lost his thrill
For glass blowing and making anything still
He's heartbroken, his muse has gone and so
He breaks everything when he has another go.
When Deirdre inspires him, he has a new plan
To keep her in Venice whilst ever he can.
As the two slowly become friends will they both find
A new romance in which love can be kind?
With a display for Christmas being what she needs
Can Piero overcome his angst and help her succeed?
As they explore Venice, through the winter season
Will love change them both and give them new reason?
Set in the city of love, this is just what you need
If you're looking for a gorgeous, fun read.
A great story to escape into, I hope you'll agree
With plenty of drama, this is a 5* read for me.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
I throughly enjoyed reading it and this is my honest review.
November 6, 2021
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I've read a lot of romances where the heroine meets a mysterious foreign stranger and falls in love, but this book was nothing like I was expecting in a really good way!
Didi and Piero had a believable relationship, and it wasn't enhanced by the setting in Italy, if anything, it was hindered by it, because both characters are not romantic by nature. Two cynics both with very different reasons for their lack of emotion toward romance, and both with very interesting back stories to be revealed.
All that, and a look into the art of glass blowing, was enough to keep me entertained, and to ensure that I rarely put the book down. I highly enjoyed it!
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Didi and Piero had a believable relationship, and it wasn't enhanced by the setting in Italy, if anything, it was hindered by it, because both characters are not romantic by nature. Two cynics both with very different reasons for their lack of emotion toward romance, and both with very interesting back stories to be revealed.
All that, and a look into the art of glass blowing, was enough to keep me entertained, and to ensure that I rarely put the book down. I highly enjoyed it!
Thank you to Boldwood Books for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
November 7, 2021
2.5 stars but rounded up.
Didi, a realistic marketer, is on a job trying to find Piero Vanetti, an Italian glassblower. The department store she works for wants to commission him for a window display but what she finds is a grumpy man who hasn’t made any art in the last year and with all sorts of chaos going on in his personal life. Piero is sure he wants to decline but as they get to know each other and as Didi begins to explore Venice on Piero’s advice, they realize maybe dreams, inspiration and love are all possible.
The synopsis of this was cute but there was far more glassblowing than I needed. I feel like the romance didn’t even start until 60% of the way through. I didn’t feel the chemistry or tension between the characters and the pace of it was slow for me. I wish I had liked it more.
Definitely for you if you like slow burn and have an interest in glassblowing!
Didi, a realistic marketer, is on a job trying to find Piero Vanetti, an Italian glassblower. The department store she works for wants to commission him for a window display but what she finds is a grumpy man who hasn’t made any art in the last year and with all sorts of chaos going on in his personal life. Piero is sure he wants to decline but as they get to know each other and as Didi begins to explore Venice on Piero’s advice, they realize maybe dreams, inspiration and love are all possible.
The synopsis of this was cute but there was far more glassblowing than I needed. I feel like the romance didn’t even start until 60% of the way through. I didn’t feel the chemistry or tension between the characters and the pace of it was slow for me. I wish I had liked it more.
Definitely for you if you like slow burn and have an interest in glassblowing!
January 3, 2022
My favourite!
I dearly loved this book, it was just perfect. The characters, setting, glass work and story, I fell in love with it all. The writer described Venice so beautifully and I really felt I was there seeing it all, the characters were really well written and I particularly loved the last few chapters. It was hard to leave them behind!
I dearly loved this book, it was just perfect. The characters, setting, glass work and story, I fell in love with it all. The writer described Venice so beautifully and I really felt I was there seeing it all, the characters were really well written and I particularly loved the last few chapters. It was hard to leave them behind!
October 23, 2021
*Got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honest review *
The cover was really cute and gave me this romantic vibe.
But the story felt a little bland. Didi was annoying, bland and meh Piero seemed okay. But their chemistry felt non-existent.
The cover was really cute and gave me this romantic vibe.
But the story felt a little bland. Didi was annoying, bland and meh Piero seemed okay. But their chemistry felt non-existent.
November 16, 2021
I've been looking forward to this book ever since I read the blurb and it did not disapoint. As a lover of Venice myself, this book transported me to the city in winter. Piero was a fantastic romantic hero, sweet, funny and frustrating and I adored the chemistry and sparring between him and Didi.
October 4, 2021
This book was sweet. It was a little slow at first and hard to get into, but I enjoyed the ending. The setting was fun and the art parts were entertaining.
November 15, 2021
There’s little I enjoy more than a romantic escape, but this book really wasn’t what I was expecting – it was so much better than that. Didi is far from the usual idea of a romantic heroine, suited and booted and carrying her briefcase, immune from the romance of Venice at the approach of winter, intent on tracking down celebrated glass artist Piero Zanetti on the island of Murano with a commission to design a centrepiece for the Christmas window at the department store where she works. At first, the sparks really fly between them (and not from the glassblowing furnace – that hasn’t been used to create one of his works of art for some time) – he might be rather gorgeous, but he’s also a tad obnoxious, and it really looks as if she’ll be going home empty-handed. But he’s also in search of a muse, and he thinks he might just have unexpectedly found one in Didi – so she returns to Venice to stay a little longer at his expense, unsure of her role, and their friendship (and rather more) starts to grow.
I will admit that I found this book a bit of a struggle to engage with for the first few chapters – but all I can say is stick with it, because I found the romance that developed between the unlikely couple entirely wonderful and all-consuming. The setting helps, of course – it was magical to visit Venice without the hordes of tourists, to wander the alleys and gaze at the shop windows with Didi. I was surprised to see that the author wrote this one during lockdown, using the internet for her research – she brings it so vividly to life, all the small detail along with the romance and the seediness, and by the end I felt I’d been on an extended visit myself, shown around by the most expert of local guides.
And I most certainly warmed to the characters, who certainly have considerably more depth and personal issues than it at first appears. There’s a particularly strong focus on family – Didi’s relationship with her sister and her difficult mother, Piero’s with his father and the way its fracture has impacted him. As the friendship between them grows, we also see the repairing of some of the rifts – and I really enjoyed the additional depth that gave to the story. And then there’s the whole world of glassblowing – the community that Piero has become estranged from, the fascinating process of creating the art (we certainly get to feel the heat from that furnace).
Something I really loved about this book was the dialogue, particularly the crackle and fizz of the exchanges between Didi and Piero – despite being so buttoned-up at the start, she certainly gives as good as she gets, and I liked her more and more as the pages turned. And I really must mention the romance once more, because it absolutely blew me away – I really hadn’t expected to care so deeply for a tortured artist and a woman who declares she doesn’t have dreams, only achievable goals, and so very unlikely to bring him inspiration.
I entirely loved this book. Don’t read it expecting something too Christmassy – although it’s set at that time of year, the initial trip driven by the need for a Christmas window display, and features a (rather difficult) Christmas dinner. It’s more of a winter read, but with plenty to warm the cockles of your heart – although I honestly think I’d have enjoyed it every bit as much if I’d read it in the middle of summer. I just love Leonie Mack’s writing – and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. Recommended really highly – this was the loveliest read.
I will admit that I found this book a bit of a struggle to engage with for the first few chapters – but all I can say is stick with it, because I found the romance that developed between the unlikely couple entirely wonderful and all-consuming. The setting helps, of course – it was magical to visit Venice without the hordes of tourists, to wander the alleys and gaze at the shop windows with Didi. I was surprised to see that the author wrote this one during lockdown, using the internet for her research – she brings it so vividly to life, all the small detail along with the romance and the seediness, and by the end I felt I’d been on an extended visit myself, shown around by the most expert of local guides.
And I most certainly warmed to the characters, who certainly have considerably more depth and personal issues than it at first appears. There’s a particularly strong focus on family – Didi’s relationship with her sister and her difficult mother, Piero’s with his father and the way its fracture has impacted him. As the friendship between them grows, we also see the repairing of some of the rifts – and I really enjoyed the additional depth that gave to the story. And then there’s the whole world of glassblowing – the community that Piero has become estranged from, the fascinating process of creating the art (we certainly get to feel the heat from that furnace).
Something I really loved about this book was the dialogue, particularly the crackle and fizz of the exchanges between Didi and Piero – despite being so buttoned-up at the start, she certainly gives as good as she gets, and I liked her more and more as the pages turned. And I really must mention the romance once more, because it absolutely blew me away – I really hadn’t expected to care so deeply for a tortured artist and a woman who declares she doesn’t have dreams, only achievable goals, and so very unlikely to bring him inspiration.
I entirely loved this book. Don’t read it expecting something too Christmassy – although it’s set at that time of year, the initial trip driven by the need for a Christmas window display, and features a (rather difficult) Christmas dinner. It’s more of a winter read, but with plenty to warm the cockles of your heart – although I honestly think I’d have enjoyed it every bit as much if I’d read it in the middle of summer. I just love Leonie Mack’s writing – and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. Recommended really highly – this was the loveliest read.
May 10, 2022
this was cute
December 21, 2023
Bangin’
August 8, 2025
Not for me.
November 6, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC.
I love a holiday romance and I have always wanted to visit the streets of Venice so I was very excited to jump into this read.
I liked the setting of the story and as a person with endless artistic hobbies, I enjoyed some of the big elements of the story.
Unfortunately I found the pacing of the story a little off. I just thought the beginning was rushed and some plot points were introduced awkwardly.
I love a holiday romance and I have always wanted to visit the streets of Venice so I was very excited to jump into this read.
I liked the setting of the story and as a person with endless artistic hobbies, I enjoyed some of the big elements of the story.
Unfortunately I found the pacing of the story a little off. I just thought the beginning was rushed and some plot points were introduced awkwardly.
September 16, 2024
This book was so cute! I liked the other book by this author set in Venice a tad better but this one was quirky and fun and I enjoyed the ending. Read it on the plane on my trip to Venice!
November 5, 2021
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Copy provided by Boldwood Books.
A Match Made in Venice is the story of Didi sent to Venice for work and she is determined to not to be taken into one of the romatic cliches. Piero on the other hand is the tortured artist who is heart-broken by the end of his love affair and has lost the ability to work. However, Didi needed Piero to work since she has been tasked with commissioning him to do a glass centrepiece for a luxury department store Christmas display.
This was the fourth Christmas book I read so far for the holiday season. This was such a sweet, fun read for the holidays. I felt like it was typical romance, being friends first before then progressing into a romantic relationship. There was nothing in the book that was very surprising to me. I felt like the book was okay. I wished the book was more intresting for me, however it was not.
A Match Made in Venice is the story of Didi sent to Venice for work and she is determined to not to be taken into one of the romatic cliches. Piero on the other hand is the tortured artist who is heart-broken by the end of his love affair and has lost the ability to work. However, Didi needed Piero to work since she has been tasked with commissioning him to do a glass centrepiece for a luxury department store Christmas display.
This was the fourth Christmas book I read so far for the holiday season. This was such a sweet, fun read for the holidays. I felt like it was typical romance, being friends first before then progressing into a romantic relationship. There was nothing in the book that was very surprising to me. I felt like the book was okay. I wished the book was more intresting for me, however it was not.
March 23, 2022
Hello!
*pats chair*
Come in and sit down. It’s story time. Are you ready?
Well, this story is all about The Worst Reviewer Ever. She was so excited for a book coming out that she preordered it. The book duly hit her kindle on release day last November. However, this reviewer wanted to keep the book as a Christmas treat to herself. So, the book was greedily gobbled up over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and she LOVED it. Slow burn and emotions to the max!
Didi and Piero captured her heart, but did she write her review then. Noooo, she did not *crosses arms*. Convinced that anything she wrote then would be trite rubbish she decided to leave it a few days.
The days turned into weeks, the weeks turned into three months, and still our reviewer hadn’t written one single word about our fiery and passionate glassmaker and the woman who stole his heart while he wasn’t looking. The words were stuck in her brain!
Nor did she explain about the kinship she felt with Didi. Our sensible Didi who doesn’t believe in the concept of love and has a fear of making herself vulnerable to another person. Coz, life has taught her love can hurt. Yet, despite her best efforts finds her emotional defences useless against this mercurial man.
She didn’t wax lyrical about how this author never fails to surprise her by delivering unique stories and characters who are perfect in their imperfections. How family relationships and dynamics can impact our lives without us even really realising it. How the aforementioned slow burn can be the very best torture even for someone with zero patience *snorts*. How Venice came to vivid life thanks to the author’s descriptions.
Well, TWRE finally did, and she hopes it was worth the wait.
And remember, beauty can be found all around you. You just have to look closely!
*pats chair*
Come in and sit down. It’s story time. Are you ready?
Well, this story is all about The Worst Reviewer Ever. She was so excited for a book coming out that she preordered it. The book duly hit her kindle on release day last November. However, this reviewer wanted to keep the book as a Christmas treat to herself. So, the book was greedily gobbled up over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and she LOVED it. Slow burn and emotions to the max!
Didi and Piero captured her heart, but did she write her review then. Noooo, she did not *crosses arms*. Convinced that anything she wrote then would be trite rubbish she decided to leave it a few days.
The days turned into weeks, the weeks turned into three months, and still our reviewer hadn’t written one single word about our fiery and passionate glassmaker and the woman who stole his heart while he wasn’t looking. The words were stuck in her brain!
Nor did she explain about the kinship she felt with Didi. Our sensible Didi who doesn’t believe in the concept of love and has a fear of making herself vulnerable to another person. Coz, life has taught her love can hurt. Yet, despite her best efforts finds her emotional defences useless against this mercurial man.
She didn’t wax lyrical about how this author never fails to surprise her by delivering unique stories and characters who are perfect in their imperfections. How family relationships and dynamics can impact our lives without us even really realising it. How the aforementioned slow burn can be the very best torture even for someone with zero patience *snorts*. How Venice came to vivid life thanks to the author’s descriptions.
Well, TWRE finally did, and she hopes it was worth the wait.
And remember, beauty can be found all around you. You just have to look closely!
January 28, 2022
Set against a stunning backdrop of Venice and Murano, this slow burn romance is a fun escape.
Admittedly it took me a while to warm up to the characters in this book. They are both so stubborn! But as you read along you learn more of their backstories and get to know them better, the story deepens along with their likability. I even ended up really liking the fact I didn’t love them right off the bat!
Didi is smart, successful and complicated. Growing up with an irresponsible mom meant she always had to be the responsible one. She is goal oriented and doesn’t tolerate deviations from her plans. She doesn’t have time for folly and romance. In fact, she wouldn’t know what to do with romance if it slapped her in the face! Piero meanwhile, is the ultimate tortured artist type. Coming out of a “big crazy love” he can’t work and his life is a mess. He might sound like a stereotype, and he is a little, but Mack does a great job of crafting a character full of layers that moves Piero beyond the stereotype. As each of them learned to love themselves, I realized I too was learning to love their characters as a reader.
Click on the link to read our full review on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/2021/11/...
Admittedly it took me a while to warm up to the characters in this book. They are both so stubborn! But as you read along you learn more of their backstories and get to know them better, the story deepens along with their likability. I even ended up really liking the fact I didn’t love them right off the bat!
Didi is smart, successful and complicated. Growing up with an irresponsible mom meant she always had to be the responsible one. She is goal oriented and doesn’t tolerate deviations from her plans. She doesn’t have time for folly and romance. In fact, she wouldn’t know what to do with romance if it slapped her in the face! Piero meanwhile, is the ultimate tortured artist type. Coming out of a “big crazy love” he can’t work and his life is a mess. He might sound like a stereotype, and he is a little, but Mack does a great job of crafting a character full of layers that moves Piero beyond the stereotype. As each of them learned to love themselves, I realized I too was learning to love their characters as a reader.
Click on the link to read our full review on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/2021/11/...
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