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In the Shade of Olive Trees
Julia Brooks' honeymoon has not gone as planned. Left at the altar by her fiance and now traveling alone through one of the most romantic places on Earth, the first days of the trip are plagued with mishaps, train strikes, canceled reservations, and one ill-advised kiss in the shadow of the Duomo.
Desperate to outrun her regrets both past and present, Julia reroutes her itinerary to the peaceful seaside village of Poro Venere where happenstance leads her to the most unexpected place to find comfort: Olive Haven Women's Retreat for Widowed Travelers.
There, among the guests' stories of great love and great heartache, Julia faces the truth about the love she lost, a truth that changes everything she thought she knew.
How badly can a heart break and still be put back together? Julia is about to find out.
Desperate to outrun her regrets both past and present, Julia reroutes her itinerary to the peaceful seaside village of Poro Venere where happenstance leads her to the most unexpected place to find comfort: Olive Haven Women's Retreat for Widowed Travelers.
There, among the guests' stories of great love and great heartache, Julia faces the truth about the love she lost, a truth that changes everything she thought she knew.
How badly can a heart break and still be put back together? Julia is about to find out.
328 pages, Paperback
Published November 29, 2022
9 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
March 24, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Contemporary
The plot revolves around Julia Brooks, who was abandoned at the altar on her wedding day. She makes the decision to go on her own honeymoon to Italy, where she tries to come to terms with the shock and grief she is experiencing as a result of her engagement being broken and struggles with the concept of what a new beginning might look like.
During the course of her journey, Julia meets a number of different people who play an instrumental role in re-establishing her sense of identity. She gains strength from their stories and experiences. The author did an excellent job with the characters, particularly Harriet and Alex. They become friends with the main character, sharing their stories and how it feels to lose a loved one. All this makes the story very cozy and heartwarming.
One of the biggest strengths of the book is the setting and the author’s descriptions of the different places in Italy. The reader will have the impression that he is traveling alongside Julia to each of these places, partaking in the cuisine and observing the traditions of each place they visit.
This is a story about friendship, finding yourself, and coping with grief. I believe that many readers, particularly those who are dealing with grief, will identify with Julia and appreciate her journey and experiences.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Contemporary
The plot revolves around Julia Brooks, who was abandoned at the altar on her wedding day. She makes the decision to go on her own honeymoon to Italy, where she tries to come to terms with the shock and grief she is experiencing as a result of her engagement being broken and struggles with the concept of what a new beginning might look like.
During the course of her journey, Julia meets a number of different people who play an instrumental role in re-establishing her sense of identity. She gains strength from their stories and experiences. The author did an excellent job with the characters, particularly Harriet and Alex. They become friends with the main character, sharing their stories and how it feels to lose a loved one. All this makes the story very cozy and heartwarming.
One of the biggest strengths of the book is the setting and the author’s descriptions of the different places in Italy. The reader will have the impression that he is traveling alongside Julia to each of these places, partaking in the cuisine and observing the traditions of each place they visit.
This is a story about friendship, finding yourself, and coping with grief. I believe that many readers, particularly those who are dealing with grief, will identify with Julia and appreciate her journey and experiences.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
May 19, 2023
Julia Brooks arrived in romantic Florence, Italy on her honeymoon—well, what was supposed to be her honeymoon. However, just the day before, Julia was left at the altar by the man she thought she’d spend forever with; he waited for he to begin to walk down the aisle with her dad before he met her there and asked to speak to her privately. Confessing to an affair, he told her he couldn’t go through with the wedding after all. Heartbroken, her soul crushed, she sent everyone away who tried to talk with her—including her best friend and sister-in-law, Ellie. After spending her honeymoon night alone, sobbing, she made the split-second decision to take her well-planned itinerary and travel alone; after all, Italy was her dream location. The first day was plagued with issues, including a train strike, a spontaneous kiss, language barriers resulting in mistakenly cancelled reservations. Full of nothing but regrets, she travelled to Olive Haven Women’s Retreat for Widowed Travelers in the seaside town of Porto Venere. Comforted and disturbed by the stories of great romance and terrible heartache from the women on retreat, Julia faced the terrible truth about her relationship and it changed everything she thought she knew. Now Julia is about to find out how one could possibly put a broken heart back together again.
Have you ever read a book, and hugged it to your chest when you were done? If so, then you know exactly what I experienced after the last page of Kate Laack’s “In the Shade of Olive Trees.” I loved this book so much, and mind you, I’m not big on romance novels (my apologies to all who love them), I’d much prefer a thriller. However, the novel is set in my favorite country in the world, Italy, and I immediately fell in love and felt like I had finally come home, thanks to the people I met and places I visited. I could easily see myself living there and absolutely left a chunk of my heart behind. The women were amazing characters with believable stories, their warmth and acceptance of each other shone through them. It’s clear the book was written with the same type of intense love I feel when I think of Italy, and the companionship and dialog of the women felt like something transcribed from real life. The work was infinitely quotable; the prose was meticulously crafted and poetic. One of my favorite quotes is as follows: “The thing about kindness is that it takes someone kind to show it. It doesn’t just exist on its own.“ (location 3923 of 4353) Another is a direct quote from Rumi: “‘If light is in your heart, you will find your way home.’“ (location 4063 of 4353). I highly recommend this hug in a book. May we all live with love and light in our hearts!
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Kate Laack, and Olive Street Publishing, LLC, for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Have you ever read a book, and hugged it to your chest when you were done? If so, then you know exactly what I experienced after the last page of Kate Laack’s “In the Shade of Olive Trees.” I loved this book so much, and mind you, I’m not big on romance novels (my apologies to all who love them), I’d much prefer a thriller. However, the novel is set in my favorite country in the world, Italy, and I immediately fell in love and felt like I had finally come home, thanks to the people I met and places I visited. I could easily see myself living there and absolutely left a chunk of my heart behind. The women were amazing characters with believable stories, their warmth and acceptance of each other shone through them. It’s clear the book was written with the same type of intense love I feel when I think of Italy, and the companionship and dialog of the women felt like something transcribed from real life. The work was infinitely quotable; the prose was meticulously crafted and poetic. One of my favorite quotes is as follows: “The thing about kindness is that it takes someone kind to show it. It doesn’t just exist on its own.“ (location 3923 of 4353) Another is a direct quote from Rumi: “‘If light is in your heart, you will find your way home.’“ (location 4063 of 4353). I highly recommend this hug in a book. May we all live with love and light in our hearts!
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Kate Laack, and Olive Street Publishing, LLC, for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 7, 2022
“Everyone deserves incredible kindness, but people facing incredible heartbreak deserve it most of all.”
This was one giant hug in a book! My inner travel seeker was grateful for the trip back to Cinque Terre on the Ligurian Coast of Italy and my heart was uplifted in the reminder that we are all more alike than we are different.
Julia Brooks is a lot like me - she plans everything. EVERYTHING. When she’s left at the altar, it’s devastating. On a whim she decides that “self-soothing with wine and pasta” couldn’t hurt and continues on with her honeymoon to Italy alone. In doing so, she discovers that she is “miles off course, nowhere near where she had planned to be.” yet exactly where she needed to be. Instead of beating herself up and getting lost in the grief of the ‘what could have beens," she learns to forgive herself and allow the warm, Ligurian sunshine and cool, briny air work its magic. Julia learns that although fear has a large shadow, ‘he’ himself is small.
I could learn a lot about spontaneity from Julia! I’ll take her words of caution and refrain from practicing it. Instead, I’ll make every effort to be consistent in making it a habit. I also developed FOMO when reading about Sciacchetra and decided that trying the pride of Cinque Terre winemakers will not escape me on my next visit! Finally, I loved Mossimmo’s advice that “sun and time improve a great many things” and will remember it when circumstances are less than ideal.
For the majority of the book, I had my fingers crossed that the author wouldn’t end the story the way I anticipated she was going to end it. It was like seeing an accident happen in slow motion. BUT BUT BUT …despite it ending as I predicted, it was better, much better, than expected. This debut author knows exactly how to pace, how to engage readers, and how to tie an incredible plot together with an extremely fitting ending. Watch for this author - she’s going to light up bestseller lists in the future!
Thank you, Kate Laack, for the message about resilience, happenstance, overcoming, kindness, and self-righteous suffering. Your five-star read has me determined to treasure my tribe of women rather than take them for granted.
If you haven’t been to Vernazza or Cinque Terre, put it on your Bucket List! It’s every bit as enchanting as the author describes.
“If we’re lucky we get a handful of people in our lives who help define us. We find them, we become rooted in them, and we are better because of them.”
This was one giant hug in a book! My inner travel seeker was grateful for the trip back to Cinque Terre on the Ligurian Coast of Italy and my heart was uplifted in the reminder that we are all more alike than we are different.
Julia Brooks is a lot like me - she plans everything. EVERYTHING. When she’s left at the altar, it’s devastating. On a whim she decides that “self-soothing with wine and pasta” couldn’t hurt and continues on with her honeymoon to Italy alone. In doing so, she discovers that she is “miles off course, nowhere near where she had planned to be.” yet exactly where she needed to be. Instead of beating herself up and getting lost in the grief of the ‘what could have beens," she learns to forgive herself and allow the warm, Ligurian sunshine and cool, briny air work its magic. Julia learns that although fear has a large shadow, ‘he’ himself is small.
I could learn a lot about spontaneity from Julia! I’ll take her words of caution and refrain from practicing it. Instead, I’ll make every effort to be consistent in making it a habit. I also developed FOMO when reading about Sciacchetra and decided that trying the pride of Cinque Terre winemakers will not escape me on my next visit! Finally, I loved Mossimmo’s advice that “sun and time improve a great many things” and will remember it when circumstances are less than ideal.
For the majority of the book, I had my fingers crossed that the author wouldn’t end the story the way I anticipated she was going to end it. It was like seeing an accident happen in slow motion. BUT BUT BUT …despite it ending as I predicted, it was better, much better, than expected. This debut author knows exactly how to pace, how to engage readers, and how to tie an incredible plot together with an extremely fitting ending. Watch for this author - she’s going to light up bestseller lists in the future!
Thank you, Kate Laack, for the message about resilience, happenstance, overcoming, kindness, and self-righteous suffering. Your five-star read has me determined to treasure my tribe of women rather than take them for granted.
If you haven’t been to Vernazza or Cinque Terre, put it on your Bucket List! It’s every bit as enchanting as the author describes.
“If we’re lucky we get a handful of people in our lives who help define us. We find them, we become rooted in them, and we are better because of them.”
January 16, 2023
This novel is by one of my former co-workers, so congrats to Kate! This was a story that really focused on the characters and their journeys to healing after loss and heartbreak. I have never been to Italy, but Laack has vivid descriptions to set the scene for the location. She also builds a number of complex characters. Even though the story is from Julia’s perspective, many of the other characters have their own depth, which I appreciated. I loved the relationships that developed between the woman, and seeing Julia’s growth.
I felt like the pacing of the story was a bit slow in the middle. It was never meant to be a fast-paced book as it is a story of healing and relationship, but I did, at times, wish the story moved a bit faster. However, it picked up the end and was heartwarming and hopeful. It is a book of starting over and living life. Beautiful descriptions and thorough character development. It’s a story I’d recommend!
Further, full review here: https://www.calvaryefree.church/blog/...
I felt like the pacing of the story was a bit slow in the middle. It was never meant to be a fast-paced book as it is a story of healing and relationship, but I did, at times, wish the story moved a bit faster. However, it picked up the end and was heartwarming and hopeful. It is a book of starting over and living life. Beautiful descriptions and thorough character development. It’s a story I’d recommend!
Further, full review here: https://www.calvaryefree.church/blog/...
November 15, 2024
THE GOOD:
Beautiful, heartbreaking, uplifting. A happy ending, thankfully, after a lot of tears. The absolute star of the show however, was the setting - absolutely stunning descriptions of Southern Italy, the location almost a character in itself.
THE BAD:
The widows at the Olive Haven retreat get a little ribald in their lively conversations a couple of times. And one of the widows was married to a woman (because, of course, diversity). Then, too, the book should be titled In the Shade of the Olive Tree. You’ll see why.
CONCLUSIONS: Recommended. Sit back with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and enjoy.
Beautiful, heartbreaking, uplifting. A happy ending, thankfully, after a lot of tears. The absolute star of the show however, was the setting - absolutely stunning descriptions of Southern Italy, the location almost a character in itself.
THE BAD:
The widows at the Olive Haven retreat get a little ribald in their lively conversations a couple of times. And one of the widows was married to a woman (because, of course, diversity). Then, too, the book should be titled In the Shade of the Olive Tree. You’ll see why.
CONCLUSIONS: Recommended. Sit back with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
This book had loads of heart and gorgeous descriptions of Italy. Imagine taking the tough and tender women of "Steel Magnolias" out of Louisiana and setting them in Italy. Friendship, grief, brave steps forward, and much wine and sunshine equal a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading, especially in the dead of a Minnesota winter!
November 8, 2022
Reading this book felt so healing. I’m not sure from what, but I think it may have briefly restored my faith in humanity. It instantly transported me back to my study abroad semester and my spring break trip to Italy.
Julia is absolutely devastated after her fiance leaves her at the altar. After consoling herself with champagne in the suite she intended to share with her new husband, Julia decides to take her Italian honeymoon trip alone. On her way to Florence, she makes a connection with a woman seated near her and learns about a retreat for widows in Porto Venere called Olive Haven. They part ways as Julia follows her planned schedule …until things start to go wrong. Through a series of mishaps, she ends up abandoning her previous plans and joins newly made friends on spontaneous adventures. As she learns the stories of the people around her, Julia sees her experience through a new lens, begins to heal, and forms unbreakable new bonds.
The NOSTALGIA for these beautiful Italian cities and wonderful people was unmatched while reading. It somehow made me homesick for places I only visited once six years ago. The detail Kate uses to describe Florence and the villages of the Cinque Terre capture the beauty of Italy and fed into my escapism right at the start of this school year lol.
It has been a privilege and a pleasure to get to read this arc, so so many thanks to Kate and Olive Street 💚
Julia is absolutely devastated after her fiance leaves her at the altar. After consoling herself with champagne in the suite she intended to share with her new husband, Julia decides to take her Italian honeymoon trip alone. On her way to Florence, she makes a connection with a woman seated near her and learns about a retreat for widows in Porto Venere called Olive Haven. They part ways as Julia follows her planned schedule …until things start to go wrong. Through a series of mishaps, she ends up abandoning her previous plans and joins newly made friends on spontaneous adventures. As she learns the stories of the people around her, Julia sees her experience through a new lens, begins to heal, and forms unbreakable new bonds.
The NOSTALGIA for these beautiful Italian cities and wonderful people was unmatched while reading. It somehow made me homesick for places I only visited once six years ago. The detail Kate uses to describe Florence and the villages of the Cinque Terre capture the beauty of Italy and fed into my escapism right at the start of this school year lol.
It has been a privilege and a pleasure to get to read this arc, so so many thanks to Kate and Olive Street 💚
November 7, 2022
Heartwarming and uplifting. A story of second chances and friendship found in unlikely places. Plus, a vivid tour through Italy! Enjoyed this one!
November 29, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Olive Street Publishing for an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review.
“The truth of what she had told Margo ripped through her. Her and Will’s was not a great love story. She had not overcome tragedy like Alex, nor stood by an ailing partner for over a decade like Harriet, nor faced scrutiny for whom she loved like Margo. Perhaps not every romance was destined to be an epic, but she at least hoped for more than infidelity and insecurity. She was not sure how to move on, but when in doubt, move forward, Harriet had said. Taking a deep breath, Julia began to walk toward the front of the church. She felt strength in every step.”
Ok, so I have pride in being a semi fast reader but I could not read this one fast, I think just as Julia I needed time to process everything in this book. In the Shade of Olive Trees was a emotional, heartwhelming and feel good story and I’m happy I was able to read it.
I loved the descriptions and the atmosphere that Laack was able to create, it definitely made me want to visit the Cinque Terre. It was a story about not only loss but how we are not alone in life, how every feeling in this world is felt by someone else, how moving on and healing is a process. And I think Kate wrote everything beautifully. The sidecharacters and their stories are amazing, Margo and Lucy have a special spot in my heart.
I had trouble picking up pace, that’s all. Sometimes I felt angry about how Julia seemed to make progress and then all of sudden would be looking at Will’s instagram and having a meltdown (but that’s exactly what makes this story human and part of the healing process) because I just wanted her to be happy, you know?
Overall I enjoyed this book and all stories the author told us. I’m looking forward to read more from Kate Laack, this was a beautiful debute.
“The truth of what she had told Margo ripped through her. Her and Will’s was not a great love story. She had not overcome tragedy like Alex, nor stood by an ailing partner for over a decade like Harriet, nor faced scrutiny for whom she loved like Margo. Perhaps not every romance was destined to be an epic, but she at least hoped for more than infidelity and insecurity. She was not sure how to move on, but when in doubt, move forward, Harriet had said. Taking a deep breath, Julia began to walk toward the front of the church. She felt strength in every step.”
Ok, so I have pride in being a semi fast reader but I could not read this one fast, I think just as Julia I needed time to process everything in this book. In the Shade of Olive Trees was a emotional, heartwhelming and feel good story and I’m happy I was able to read it.
I loved the descriptions and the atmosphere that Laack was able to create, it definitely made me want to visit the Cinque Terre. It was a story about not only loss but how we are not alone in life, how every feeling in this world is felt by someone else, how moving on and healing is a process. And I think Kate wrote everything beautifully. The sidecharacters and their stories are amazing, Margo and Lucy have a special spot in my heart.
I had trouble picking up pace, that’s all. Sometimes I felt angry about how Julia seemed to make progress and then all of sudden would be looking at Will’s instagram and having a meltdown (but that’s exactly what makes this story human and part of the healing process) because I just wanted her to be happy, you know?
Overall I enjoyed this book and all stories the author told us. I’m looking forward to read more from Kate Laack, this was a beautiful debute.
January 4, 2023
In the Shade of Olive Trees focuses on the story of Julia Brooks left at the alter, who decides to still go on her honeymoon. It is a delightful read about sharing your story with others, and the healing power of community. It is a treat to read about all the places that Julia visits and all the delicious foods that she experiences in Italy. As well as the friendships she ends up discovering in an unusual place. The story unfolds beautifully and in the end you are left with wanting just a little bit more time with Julia Brooks and the women of Olive Haven.
May 7, 2023
A dear friend and book store owner recommended this book to me. A small town, MN author!!
A story about relationships, heartache, healing, spontaneity, memories, strength, and new beginnings!
I loved everything about this novel.
Author’s first, but I hope not last.
A story about relationships, heartache, healing, spontaneity, memories, strength, and new beginnings!
I loved everything about this novel.
Author’s first, but I hope not last.
December 12, 2022
After being left at the altar Julia decides to take the honeymoon anyway after all it’s been a lifelong dream to holiday in Italy. In between crying and justified depression do you find a moment of happiness and even makes a few friends. But after deciding to leave her main hotel to travel to another city do to the train strikes and a language barrier she almost misses her train and then finds out she canceled her stay at the hotel this is when she calls who she believes is the only person she knows in the area Alex a fellow American she met on the train but when she arrives she is surprised to see the kind lady she met on the plane to Italy. She runs a resort for widows trying to MoveOn after such a devastating loss and although Julia feels like hers is nothing compared to theirs it will be through seeing their Grief and overcoming their grief that shows Julia the first glimpse of happiness since will abandon her at the altar. First of all let me just say if you could get through the first sad half of the book it is so worth it once it got passed the pivotal point it was so good and so worth pushing through. I do wish she would’ve named it something else because in the shade of olive trees does not scream love and romance but either way the book is worth reading and there is so much about this book I love and even during the sad part they had some really fun it’s not funny moments in the book like when she dance with Lucas but OMG you’ll have to read it to find out I really enjoyed this book and I’m so glad I read it. If you love books about bouncing back and finding the real meaning of life and love you a love In The Shade of Olive Trees, I certainly did. I received this book from NetGalley and Olive Street publishing but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
January 6, 2023
This was such a surprise!
I originally requested this book on NetGalley because of its setting in Cinque Terre, Italy since I just love that area and was really pleasantly surprised by its quality.
In the Shade of Olive Trees is about Julia Brooks' journey after her then-fiancé decides to wait until she is walking down the aisle to call the wedding off because he'd been having an affair. It is a deep dive into the crisis after a huge breakup when you have to figure out your identity once again after being tied to someone for so long. This book is also in large part about friendship and being open to the unexpected.
I really liked this book and the relationships Julia builds with the women she meets in Italy, especially Alex and Harriet, as the trip takes an unexpected turn. It reminded me of the power of friendships and that there are still good people out there. It also reminded me to be more open to new experiences in my own life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Olive Street Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review 💕
I originally requested this book on NetGalley because of its setting in Cinque Terre, Italy since I just love that area and was really pleasantly surprised by its quality.
In the Shade of Olive Trees is about Julia Brooks' journey after her then-fiancé decides to wait until she is walking down the aisle to call the wedding off because he'd been having an affair. It is a deep dive into the crisis after a huge breakup when you have to figure out your identity once again after being tied to someone for so long. This book is also in large part about friendship and being open to the unexpected.
I really liked this book and the relationships Julia builds with the women she meets in Italy, especially Alex and Harriet, as the trip takes an unexpected turn. It reminded me of the power of friendships and that there are still good people out there. It also reminded me to be more open to new experiences in my own life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Olive Street Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review 💕
January 11, 2024
This is a story of heartache and finding your way back. Julia is about to get married when her fiancé tells her he no longer wants to marry her, at the church. She is devastated of course, and decides to take the trip to Italy that was supposed to be her honeymoon.
I found the parts of the book a bit slow. The descriptions of Italy were so amazing, I felt like I was there, which moved the story along.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I found the parts of the book a bit slow. The descriptions of Italy were so amazing, I felt like I was there, which moved the story along.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
October 5, 2023
Und hierum geht es auf deutsch: Julia Brooks Leben scheint ein Trümmerhaufen zu sein: sie ist auf dem Weg zum Altar von ihrem Verlobten Will sitzen gelassen worden, und so wird der geplante schönste Tag des Lebens eine Katastrophe. Julia entscheidet sich spontan, die lange erwartete Hochzeitsreise nach Florenz und in die Cinque Terre alleine anzutreten, und so sitzt sie am kommenden Tag emotional völlig fertig im Flieger nach Italien. Natürlich ist eine Hochzeitsreise alleine ohne den geplanten frisch angetrauten Gatten nicht wirklich romantisch, und die ersten Tage der Soloreise entpuppen sich für Julia eher stressig und voller unerwarteter Komplikationen.
Doch Julia macht einige neue Bekanntschaften: Harriet, die ein Retreat in Porto Venere leitet, Alex, die sich um sie kümmert, als sie zusammenbricht, und so ändert Julia ihre Reisepläne und zieht in Harriets idyllische Villa ein, in „Olive Haven“, einem Retreat für verwitwete weibliche Reisende. In diesem unwahrscheinlichem Ambiente erfährt Julia so einiges über die Liebe, das Leben, Verluste und wie man damit fertig wird.
Ja, das ist mal eine etwas andere Geschichte, und ich war gespannt. Die Ausgangssituation ist natürlich ein Knaller: die Braut, die in der vollen Kirche sitzen gelassen wird, und die dann alleine ihren Honeymoon antritt. Fand ich interessant, vor allem weil ich das Ziel der Reise, die ligurischen Cinque Terre, kenne und liebe. Ich verrate es gleich: die Autorin sieht es anscheinend genauso, hier kommt Italiensehnsucht rüber, und wer noch nie in den 5 Dörfern wandern war, hat garantiert nach Lektüre des Buchs Lust darauf. Und natürlich kommt bei Julias Reise die italienische Küche auch nicht zu kurz ;-)
Aber abgesehen davon, hier haben wir einen wunderbaren gefühlvollen Roman der anderen Art. Hier geht es nicht um das Finden der Liebe, sondern wie man deren Verlust überwindet. In den Gesprächen, die Julia mit Alex, Harriet und den den anderen Witwen führt, kommt viel Lebensweisheit vor. Und einiges davon denke ich kann jeder mitnehmen. Sehr viel Herzenswärme und Liebe zum Leben wurden hier literarisch verarbeitet.
Natürlich ist Julia die Hauptperson, und wir begleiten sie, wie sie die ersten Wochen ihres Liebeskummers erträgt. Es gibt wunderbar viel Identifikationspotential: wer hat noch nicht bei einer Trennung den Ex auf social media gestalkt und schnell festgestellt, dass das mental nicht wirklich gut tut?
Ich fasse zusammen; mich hat die Geschichte sehr berührt, sie war wunderbar mitreißend geschrieben, hatte trotz des ernsten Themas eine gewisse Leichtigkeit, man konnte das Buch flüssig weglesen, und auch der Humor kam nicht zu kurz. Ja doch, die Ladies im Retreat hatten genug zu Lachen, und das hat mir gut gefallen. Ernstes Thema, locker-leicht verarbeitet, tiefgründig, aber doch leicht lesbar – so soll es sein. Und im Hintergrund war immer die positive Message: das Leben ist schön und will gelebt werden. Und man muss verzeihen können, um sich selbst zu heilen.
Ich verteile hier volle Punktzahl und bedanke mich bei Netgalley und dem Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar! Ich hoffe, es wird schnell auch auf deutsch übersetzt, ich glaube, es wird auch hierzulande viele Fans finden :-)
Doch Julia macht einige neue Bekanntschaften: Harriet, die ein Retreat in Porto Venere leitet, Alex, die sich um sie kümmert, als sie zusammenbricht, und so ändert Julia ihre Reisepläne und zieht in Harriets idyllische Villa ein, in „Olive Haven“, einem Retreat für verwitwete weibliche Reisende. In diesem unwahrscheinlichem Ambiente erfährt Julia so einiges über die Liebe, das Leben, Verluste und wie man damit fertig wird.
Ja, das ist mal eine etwas andere Geschichte, und ich war gespannt. Die Ausgangssituation ist natürlich ein Knaller: die Braut, die in der vollen Kirche sitzen gelassen wird, und die dann alleine ihren Honeymoon antritt. Fand ich interessant, vor allem weil ich das Ziel der Reise, die ligurischen Cinque Terre, kenne und liebe. Ich verrate es gleich: die Autorin sieht es anscheinend genauso, hier kommt Italiensehnsucht rüber, und wer noch nie in den 5 Dörfern wandern war, hat garantiert nach Lektüre des Buchs Lust darauf. Und natürlich kommt bei Julias Reise die italienische Küche auch nicht zu kurz ;-)
Aber abgesehen davon, hier haben wir einen wunderbaren gefühlvollen Roman der anderen Art. Hier geht es nicht um das Finden der Liebe, sondern wie man deren Verlust überwindet. In den Gesprächen, die Julia mit Alex, Harriet und den den anderen Witwen führt, kommt viel Lebensweisheit vor. Und einiges davon denke ich kann jeder mitnehmen. Sehr viel Herzenswärme und Liebe zum Leben wurden hier literarisch verarbeitet.
Natürlich ist Julia die Hauptperson, und wir begleiten sie, wie sie die ersten Wochen ihres Liebeskummers erträgt. Es gibt wunderbar viel Identifikationspotential: wer hat noch nicht bei einer Trennung den Ex auf social media gestalkt und schnell festgestellt, dass das mental nicht wirklich gut tut?
Ich fasse zusammen; mich hat die Geschichte sehr berührt, sie war wunderbar mitreißend geschrieben, hatte trotz des ernsten Themas eine gewisse Leichtigkeit, man konnte das Buch flüssig weglesen, und auch der Humor kam nicht zu kurz. Ja doch, die Ladies im Retreat hatten genug zu Lachen, und das hat mir gut gefallen. Ernstes Thema, locker-leicht verarbeitet, tiefgründig, aber doch leicht lesbar – so soll es sein. Und im Hintergrund war immer die positive Message: das Leben ist schön und will gelebt werden. Und man muss verzeihen können, um sich selbst zu heilen.
Ich verteile hier volle Punktzahl und bedanke mich bei Netgalley und dem Verlag für das Rezensionsexemplar! Ich hoffe, es wird schnell auch auf deutsch übersetzt, ich glaube, es wird auch hierzulande viele Fans finden :-)
December 6, 2022
[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Olive Street Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
In the Shade of Olive Trees releases November 29, 2022
“The shade of the olive tree was the best place to rest […] And tonight, beneath the olive tree, waited the rest of her life.”
This debut story starts out with our main character, Julia, being left at the altar of her own wedding. From there, she decides to be spontaneous and continue on with her scheduled honeymoon trip to Italy, solo. On her trans-Atlantic flight, she meets this woman named Harriet who owns a retreat called Olive Haven for fellow widowed and travelling women.
Fast forward a couple of days, a train strike has Julia cutting a leg of her trip short. On this train, she meets a friendly passenger, named Alex.
By fate, it turns out that the world is really small, and unexpected events keep leading Julia on the path to Olive Haven where she’ll be able to explore this natural progression of healing with new found companionships.
Fluid, and well written, this dives into themes of grief, healing, love, loss, acceptance, and truly living.
There is mention of infidelity and pregnancy as a result, but from side characters.
Each of the women introduced from this retreat were so strong and had their own stories that really shaped this.
One of the big takeaways for Julia throughout her journey in Italy was being able to set aside meticulous plans and schedules, to let things fall into place naturally.
I loved Alex’s ampersand tattoo — “Yes, and.” — “Sam died. Yes, and, I kept on living […] Yes, and, I met all of these people.”
Aster was an unexpected character. Quiet for most of the story, but her voice was the heaviest by far and carried a lot of weight.
The epilogue was a beautiful and bittersweet full circle moment.
I’d recommend this to readers looking for something similar to One Italian Summer.
“Go forward. The best thing to do when you’re not sure which way to go is to just move forward.”
“I’ve learned that most of the time what people really want is to be surrounded by people who understand them.”
“You never know when someone’s going to touch your life in an irrevocable way.”
“Grief is a universal experience.”
“Grief will blindside you no matter how prepared you think you are.”
“It wasn’t my dream trip, but only because I couldn’t have known how to dream it.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Olive Street Publishing for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
In the Shade of Olive Trees releases November 29, 2022
“The shade of the olive tree was the best place to rest […] And tonight, beneath the olive tree, waited the rest of her life.”
This debut story starts out with our main character, Julia, being left at the altar of her own wedding. From there, she decides to be spontaneous and continue on with her scheduled honeymoon trip to Italy, solo. On her trans-Atlantic flight, she meets this woman named Harriet who owns a retreat called Olive Haven for fellow widowed and travelling women.
Fast forward a couple of days, a train strike has Julia cutting a leg of her trip short. On this train, she meets a friendly passenger, named Alex.
By fate, it turns out that the world is really small, and unexpected events keep leading Julia on the path to Olive Haven where she’ll be able to explore this natural progression of healing with new found companionships.
Fluid, and well written, this dives into themes of grief, healing, love, loss, acceptance, and truly living.
There is mention of infidelity and pregnancy as a result, but from side characters.
Each of the women introduced from this retreat were so strong and had their own stories that really shaped this.
One of the big takeaways for Julia throughout her journey in Italy was being able to set aside meticulous plans and schedules, to let things fall into place naturally.
I loved Alex’s ampersand tattoo — “Yes, and.” — “Sam died. Yes, and, I kept on living […] Yes, and, I met all of these people.”
Aster was an unexpected character. Quiet for most of the story, but her voice was the heaviest by far and carried a lot of weight.
The epilogue was a beautiful and bittersweet full circle moment.
I’d recommend this to readers looking for something similar to One Italian Summer.
“Go forward. The best thing to do when you’re not sure which way to go is to just move forward.”
“I’ve learned that most of the time what people really want is to be surrounded by people who understand them.”
“You never know when someone’s going to touch your life in an irrevocable way.”
“Grief is a universal experience.”
“Grief will blindside you no matter how prepared you think you are.”
“It wasn’t my dream trip, but only because I couldn’t have known how to dream it.”
December 8, 2022
You can practically taste the salty prosciutto and bubbly prosecco. You can feel the warm Italian sun and the spray of the turquoise ocean brushing your skin as you read IN THE SHADE OF OLIVE TREES. If you can’t afford a trip to Italy, you might as well read this book, because it’s alive with delicious descriptions of beautiful places and mouthwatering food.
The story centers on Julia, who was recently left at the altar and decides - on an uncharacteristic whim - to embark on her honeymoon trip alone. On the plane to Italy, she meets a woman who owns a retreat especially for widowed women and the two hit it off. After an inspirational conversation and a warm goodbye, Julia embarks on her trip, full of “must-see” tourist attractions. But after some mishaps, as fate would have it, Julia ends up reuniting with her new friend at Olive Haven Women's Retreat for Widowed Travelers. In the small, picturesque seaside village of Poro Venere, Julia meets an eclectic group of women and learns their stories about heartbreak. With their advice and companionship, Julia slowly begins healing from her own trauma.
Each of the women at the retreat has their own story of loss, and one in particular is both shocking and tragic.
I appreciated author Kate Laack’s exploration of Julia’s pain and healing process. It seems like a lot of books that start with this premise skip over the depression and anxiety that betrayal by a long-time boyfriend would prompt. Laack doesn’t gloss over Julia’s struggle to come to terms with her loss and dare to live a new life. This is also a story of friendship and fate … finding people who become like family.
I would compare this book to One Italian Summer by Rebecca Searle, without the magical realism. IN THE SHADE OF OLIVE TREES is more serious and more focused on a true portrayal of grief.
Overall, IN THE SHADE OF OLIVE TREES is a book about healing and resiliency, but it was a bit sad for me. However, if you want to read about a woman starting over and learning her own strength, or if you want to travel to Italy without leaving your couch, this is a good book for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Olive Street Publishing for the complimentary eARC and the opportunity to give my honest feedback.
The story centers on Julia, who was recently left at the altar and decides - on an uncharacteristic whim - to embark on her honeymoon trip alone. On the plane to Italy, she meets a woman who owns a retreat especially for widowed women and the two hit it off. After an inspirational conversation and a warm goodbye, Julia embarks on her trip, full of “must-see” tourist attractions. But after some mishaps, as fate would have it, Julia ends up reuniting with her new friend at Olive Haven Women's Retreat for Widowed Travelers. In the small, picturesque seaside village of Poro Venere, Julia meets an eclectic group of women and learns their stories about heartbreak. With their advice and companionship, Julia slowly begins healing from her own trauma.
Each of the women at the retreat has their own story of loss, and one in particular is both shocking and tragic.
I appreciated author Kate Laack’s exploration of Julia’s pain and healing process. It seems like a lot of books that start with this premise skip over the depression and anxiety that betrayal by a long-time boyfriend would prompt. Laack doesn’t gloss over Julia’s struggle to come to terms with her loss and dare to live a new life. This is also a story of friendship and fate … finding people who become like family.
I would compare this book to One Italian Summer by Rebecca Searle, without the magical realism. IN THE SHADE OF OLIVE TREES is more serious and more focused on a true portrayal of grief.
Overall, IN THE SHADE OF OLIVE TREES is a book about healing and resiliency, but it was a bit sad for me. However, if you want to read about a woman starting over and learning her own strength, or if you want to travel to Italy without leaving your couch, this is a good book for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and Olive Street Publishing for the complimentary eARC and the opportunity to give my honest feedback.
December 27, 2022
The morning after Julia Books is left at the altar by her fiancé, she decides to do the most uncharacteristic thing imaginable—she goes on her honeymoon anyway. With a detailed itinerary, she flies to Italy, determined to make the most of the trip she’d always dreamed about. But she quickly learns that nothing about her trip is what she expected. By chance, Julia meets two women on her journey who lead her to the Olive Haven Women’s Retreat for Widowed Travelers in the seaside town of Porto Venere. Though she feels that she doesn’t belong at first, she comes to find that the women she meets teach her everything important about resilience, grief, joy, adventure, and ditching expectations and itineraries to figure it out as you go.
This is a heartwarming story about heartbreak, the people who lift us up, and the ways that endings can be new beginnings. Author Kate Laack doesn’t simplify or romanticize grief—this is a slow-paced novel that takes its time, which feels authentic to the subject matter. The characters are unique and sprinkle the novel with enough humor to give the book the right amount of levity. Laack describes Porto Venere and Cinque Terre so vividly. Having recently visited Porto Venere, I was so impressed by her attention to detail and her ability to bring me right back to that landscape. Her depictions of the food, culture, and nature of the Ligurian region will make anyone desperate for a journey to the Italian Riviera.
This was a bit of a slow read for me simply because of the pacing, but I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to anyone who has experience heartbreak and is looking for encouragement, inspiration, or reassurance. The surprise reveal near the end of the novel from one of the secondary characters who makes a confession about her grief to Julia was an especially poignant lesson that I’ll remember for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Olive Street Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a heartwarming story about heartbreak, the people who lift us up, and the ways that endings can be new beginnings. Author Kate Laack doesn’t simplify or romanticize grief—this is a slow-paced novel that takes its time, which feels authentic to the subject matter. The characters are unique and sprinkle the novel with enough humor to give the book the right amount of levity. Laack describes Porto Venere and Cinque Terre so vividly. Having recently visited Porto Venere, I was so impressed by her attention to detail and her ability to bring me right back to that landscape. Her depictions of the food, culture, and nature of the Ligurian region will make anyone desperate for a journey to the Italian Riviera.
This was a bit of a slow read for me simply because of the pacing, but I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to anyone who has experience heartbreak and is looking for encouragement, inspiration, or reassurance. The surprise reveal near the end of the novel from one of the secondary characters who makes a confession about her grief to Julia was an especially poignant lesson that I’ll remember for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Olive Street Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2022
This is not the typical storyline that I choose to read, and yet I did, and I was drawn in so quickly and completely enamoured with this book!
The book showcases heartache and lost love due to relationship infidelity, death, circumstance, etc. and normally I would not want to read a book centered around heartache as its main focus. But actually, what this book was really all about was friendships, family, the evolution of self, women, empowerment, patience, being aware of and accepting new opportunities.
And so much more!
You might be attracted to this book because of the setting in Italy, you might be attracted to this book because of it’s beautiful cover and title, or you might be a person attracted to this type of story. But if you aren’t initially interested in reading it I would highly recommend you do, as I think we can all relate to one or more of the well developed characters in this book.
Kudos to the author, because I don’t know if I would have stuck with it if I hadn’t been so instantly engaged in her writing style!
And I’m so glad that I did!
I cannot believe this is a debut novel!
The only reason I did not give it a full five stars is because I found it a bit lengthy and the descriptions of Italian places were a bit repetitive. Someone who is familiar with Italy may not have felt that same way.
Otherwise, the book was fantastic!
I will definitely look forward to reading more from this author.
Thankyou to Netgalley, Author Kate Laack and Olive Street Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
The book showcases heartache and lost love due to relationship infidelity, death, circumstance, etc. and normally I would not want to read a book centered around heartache as its main focus. But actually, what this book was really all about was friendships, family, the evolution of self, women, empowerment, patience, being aware of and accepting new opportunities.
And so much more!
You might be attracted to this book because of the setting in Italy, you might be attracted to this book because of it’s beautiful cover and title, or you might be a person attracted to this type of story. But if you aren’t initially interested in reading it I would highly recommend you do, as I think we can all relate to one or more of the well developed characters in this book.
Kudos to the author, because I don’t know if I would have stuck with it if I hadn’t been so instantly engaged in her writing style!
And I’m so glad that I did!
I cannot believe this is a debut novel!
The only reason I did not give it a full five stars is because I found it a bit lengthy and the descriptions of Italian places were a bit repetitive. Someone who is familiar with Italy may not have felt that same way.
Otherwise, the book was fantastic!
I will definitely look forward to reading more from this author.
Thankyou to Netgalley, Author Kate Laack and Olive Street Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
March 23, 2023
This is a book about healing. Julia Brooks' fiancé left her at the altar on her wedding day, telling her there was someone else. She was devastated but on a whim decided to go alone on the honeymoon trip to Italy that she had planned for both of them. On the plane she met Harriet who told her about her loss - she was a widow - and what she had done to fill the hole in her life. In Florence, Julia experienced deep sorrow that she was alone but also saw the beauty of the city. Until a train strike forced her out a couple days early. On the train she met Alex who looked after her until she arrived in La Spezia. Circumstances forced her to phone Alex again and she ended up at Olive Haven, a retreat centre for widows, run by Harriet who she had met on the plane.
Julia met women who had lost their spouses - some recently, some many years before. She learned that she had to go through the pain in order to heal even though she was in one of the most beautiful, romantic places.
Laack writes lovingly about the beauties of Cinque Terre. However, beauty is only the backdrop for the pain felt by Julia and the other widows on the retreat. We follow Julia through her grief over not only losing Will but losing what she expected her life was going to be, her security and her future.
This book is good for anyone who has loved and lost someone. Pain is the price of love and it is worth it. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book; the opinions are my own.
Julia met women who had lost their spouses - some recently, some many years before. She learned that she had to go through the pain in order to heal even though she was in one of the most beautiful, romantic places.
Laack writes lovingly about the beauties of Cinque Terre. However, beauty is only the backdrop for the pain felt by Julia and the other widows on the retreat. We follow Julia through her grief over not only losing Will but losing what she expected her life was going to be, her security and her future.
This book is good for anyone who has loved and lost someone. Pain is the price of love and it is worth it. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book; the opinions are my own.
February 4, 2023
Left at the altar, Julia Brooks makes the hasty choice of going on her honeymoon in a desperate attempt to hold on to what she still had in life. Miles away from home in the midst of strangers, life seems like a wild tangle of mess. When almost nothing goes as she had planned, she ends up in a place that she slowly comes to accept as her rightful place. Fate works in mysterious ways, after all.
"Everyone deserves incredible kindness, but people facing incredible heartache deserve it most of all.
The best part of this one was that it was not about a whirlwind exotic romance followed by a happy ever after just for the sake of it. This one shows you that there is no way around grief unless you sit and be with your feelings instead. No matter where you run off to, grief will not leave your side until you deal with it the right way. And hopefully, with time, we realise that whatever we thought was the absolute worst thing to happen, was actually a favour. If we are lucky enough, we might even find our 800-year old olive tree.
“If only memories were shed as easily as tears. Moving on would be as easy as a few good cries.”
"Everyone deserves incredible kindness, but people facing incredible heartache deserve it most of all.
The best part of this one was that it was not about a whirlwind exotic romance followed by a happy ever after just for the sake of it. This one shows you that there is no way around grief unless you sit and be with your feelings instead. No matter where you run off to, grief will not leave your side until you deal with it the right way. And hopefully, with time, we realise that whatever we thought was the absolute worst thing to happen, was actually a favour. If we are lucky enough, we might even find our 800-year old olive tree.
“If only memories were shed as easily as tears. Moving on would be as easy as a few good cries.”
January 14, 2023
Oh how I loved the setting of this story!
Quite a bit different but I still enjoyed "traveling' outside my home to a very different place.
The characters were wonderful and I loved the plot.
I couldn't put the book down until I finished and honestly it was the cover of this book that drew me to it. I wasn't disappointed at all.
I really love a good read and this novel is one that will stick with me for quite awhile.
Poor Juila! How embarrassing that must of been!
Oftentimes our lives go through many changes whether we want it to or not and I love how Julia adjusted to them.
I'm not fond of changes but it is a part of them but that's a part of God's plan for us. He know us best and Father knows best.
I really liked this author and I'll be looking forward to more from her!
5 stars for some excellent writing! I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Quite a bit different but I still enjoyed "traveling' outside my home to a very different place.
The characters were wonderful and I loved the plot.
I couldn't put the book down until I finished and honestly it was the cover of this book that drew me to it. I wasn't disappointed at all.
I really love a good read and this novel is one that will stick with me for quite awhile.
Poor Juila! How embarrassing that must of been!
Oftentimes our lives go through many changes whether we want it to or not and I love how Julia adjusted to them.
I'm not fond of changes but it is a part of them but that's a part of God's plan for us. He know us best and Father knows best.
I really liked this author and I'll be looking forward to more from her!
5 stars for some excellent writing! I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 5, 2022
Wow. This book made me feel ALL the things.
😳😡🥺💔😭💁🏼♀️❤️🩹🥹🥰
This book is definitely one I think many women would enjoy reading, as it shows how strong and resilient women truly are when faced with heartbreak. Such a strong debut novel!
Julia is left at the alter. Well, several feet before the alter. Instead of staying home and wallowing, she takes her already-packed bag and passport and goes on the would-be honeymoon alone to Italy. It won’t be bad, right? She’s planned everything herself.
Wrong.
However, Julia meets two women who help her along the way and they become such a vital part of her recovery from her heartbreak. Through love and loss, Julia connects with a group of strangers at a retreat for widowed women - Olive Haven.
I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll leave it there.
😳😡🥺💔😭💁🏼♀️❤️🩹🥹🥰
This book is definitely one I think many women would enjoy reading, as it shows how strong and resilient women truly are when faced with heartbreak. Such a strong debut novel!
Julia is left at the alter. Well, several feet before the alter. Instead of staying home and wallowing, she takes her already-packed bag and passport and goes on the would-be honeymoon alone to Italy. It won’t be bad, right? She’s planned everything herself.
Wrong.
However, Julia meets two women who help her along the way and they become such a vital part of her recovery from her heartbreak. Through love and loss, Julia connects with a group of strangers at a retreat for widowed women - Olive Haven.
I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll leave it there.
December 23, 2022
What a pleasant little surprise in this debut novel! I loved the premise of Julia's solo trip to Italy in the wake of her cancelled wedding. It just felt like the right thing for her to do, even given her reservations about it. I loved the relationships she formed early on in the trip, and where those relationships ultimately took her. Overall I enjoyed Julia's character, although I would have liked to have seen a little more strength and anger in her, instead of having her play the victim role. The writer did an amazing job painting a gorgeously vivid picture of Italy and some of its lesser known areas (to me). And finally, I loved the subtle lessons that were woven into the entire story, lessons of forgiveness and strength, and the power of friendship. Highly recommend!!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2023
💔Heart sick & looking for a cure in Italy🍷🍝
3.5 🌟 stars
I found this story a bit too reflective and depressing for me as it centers on the lead female protagonist and a group of women supporting each other through their grief. Julia, unlike the other women, has not lost her life partner through death but her loss of love and dreams of a happy married life is most recent, abrupt and traumatic. There are happy moments of shared joy as the group explore the countryside and towns of Italy's Cinque Terre on the Ligurian coast, but Julia's part of the story brought me down. The positive ending after all the heartache did not quite make up for it, maybe due to its brevity.
Thanks to Olive St. Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
3.5 🌟 stars
I found this story a bit too reflective and depressing for me as it centers on the lead female protagonist and a group of women supporting each other through their grief. Julia, unlike the other women, has not lost her life partner through death but her loss of love and dreams of a happy married life is most recent, abrupt and traumatic. There are happy moments of shared joy as the group explore the countryside and towns of Italy's Cinque Terre on the Ligurian coast, but Julia's part of the story brought me down. The positive ending after all the heartache did not quite make up for it, maybe due to its brevity.
Thanks to Olive St. Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
January 13, 2023
As someone who personally has not been able to travel much, I really liked the setting in this book. I have to admit I became really invested in Julia's story especially after being left at the altar and alone to travel to places meant to be traveled by two. But, as Julia shows you can be on your own, you can find your strength, you can find your happy. She discovers Olive Haven Women's Retreat for Widowed Travelers, along a seaside village (this sounds beautiful btw). Read this book to find out how Julia prevails and comes to terms with her past and how she plans to move forward. Amazing for a debut novel.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will be sharing my review on Goodreads, Instagram, and Amazon.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will be sharing my review on Goodreads, Instagram, and Amazon.
January 24, 2023
This is a story of hope and healing wrapped up in a captivating Italian travel guide. Julia finds herself unexpectedly traveling alone and is struggling to enjoy the trip of her dreams while grappling with a broken heart. The author does a fabulous job of setting the scene without getting bogged down in minutiae. I truly enjoyed the relationships that form when Julia takes a spontaneous detour from her preplanned journey as well as the realistic feelings and outcomes as Julia finds her way forward.
I look forward to reading more from this debut author and I have added Cinque Terre to my travel bucket list to find my own shade in the olive trees!
Thank you to Net Galley, author Kate Laack and Olive Tree Publishing for a digital ARC!
I look forward to reading more from this debut author and I have added Cinque Terre to my travel bucket list to find my own shade in the olive trees!
Thank you to Net Galley, author Kate Laack and Olive Tree Publishing for a digital ARC!
June 20, 2023
"Her faith convinced her that to die would be to see him again. But to live, seek joy, find love again, that was hard and scary. It was so much easier to just shut down, numb, and disconnect...."
This is somewhere in the middle of a story the character Lucy is telling Julia on page 156 and I thought it really speaks to the message of loss and heartbreak in it's many forms that many of the women are up against in this novel: to check out of life while living and/or to long to die are what human nature leans towards in survival after personal tragedy. How we live and find renewed hope, joy, and love is beautifully written through leaning on companionship and human connection among a group of predominantly widows is explored wonderfully in this book.
This is somewhere in the middle of a story the character Lucy is telling Julia on page 156 and I thought it really speaks to the message of loss and heartbreak in it's many forms that many of the women are up against in this novel: to check out of life while living and/or to long to die are what human nature leans towards in survival after personal tragedy. How we live and find renewed hope, joy, and love is beautifully written through leaning on companionship and human connection among a group of predominantly widows is explored wonderfully in this book.
January 10, 2023
The setting of this book is what first caught my attention and made me request this ARC. What I found was a book full of heart about a woman's journey of self discovery and found family after heartbreak. This book explores notions of grief, infidelity, relationships and renewal.
In the Shade of Olive Trees is about Julia, a woman left at the altar by her fiance, Will. She makes the decision to go on her honeymoon in Italy anyways. The story follows her as she reckons with the end of her committed relationship, as she travels around Italy and finds new loved ones, both romantically and platonically.
In the Shade of Olive Trees is about Julia, a woman left at the altar by her fiance, Will. She makes the decision to go on her honeymoon in Italy anyways. The story follows her as she reckons with the end of her committed relationship, as she travels around Italy and finds new loved ones, both romantically and platonically.
January 12, 2024
Kate Laack is a local author as well as a first-time author, so I didn't know what to expect, nor did I get my hopes up. The book starts out on the romancy side which is not my thing, but within a few chapters, it evolved into a women's support, adventure, traveloque montage. I don't usually get lost in descriptions of place, but Ms. Laack did such of good job of painting a portrait of the location and the activities to be had there, that by the end, I was ready to book my flights to Italy. If you are uncertain if this book is for you, I encourage you to give it a read. I found that it was well worth it.
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