A Hilltop in Tuscany

A Garden in Paris #2

by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Liz Davis' life is going exactly as planned. But just as things seem to be perfect, her whole world comes crashing down. Can she find her hilltop in this valley? The sequel to the bestselling A Garden in Paris.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Christian, Contemporary, Christian Romance

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: "You should see her, Jeff."

Premise/plot: A Hilltop in Tuscany is the sequel to Stephanie Grace Whitson's A Garden in Paris. This contemporary Christian romance novel has multiple narrators: Liz Davis, Mary or "Mimi" Davis, and Jeffrey Scott. Liz and Jeff are engaged to be married. Mimi is now living in Paris and settling down. She's not sure if she's in a relationship with her ex...or...perhaps falling madly, deeply in love with her ex's best friend. Liz is in bridezilla mode. Jeffrey is dealing with FAMILY DRAMA and growing more tired each day of Liz's selfishness and stubbornness.

Will there be a wedding?

My thoughts: I really loved, loved, loved the first novel, A Garden in Paris. I liked the sequel. I am glad with how the story turned out overall. But this one seemed much more focused on getting Jeffrey Scott and Liz Davis saved--converted--then on anything else. I don't have a problem with that for the most part. I think because the focus was so much more on Liz and less on Mary that it became wearisome to me at times. Not that Jeff was always 100% right in every single conversation--but more often than not Liz was getting on my nerves and being a drama queen. I hope that a born-again-Liz will be easier to deal with on a day-to-day basis.

I am glad I finished this one. But it wasn't quite as magical for me overall.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whereas the first book of this series was primarily about Mary's journey, I really enjoyed that this one focused more on Liz and Jeff, and their relationship. I liked that the author didn't shy away from tackling some very real issues, but that she did so with grace.
The faith element of this book was definitely very much stronger than in the previous book, and I really appreciated that.
This book and its predecessor are definitely books that I will be reading again at some point!
4.5 stars

[CarolynB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I think I liked the first book a little better, but the stories of Mary Davis and hwe daughter, Liz Davis would not have been complete without this one. I really loved this series.

[Janice Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching romance set in Omaha, Paris and Florence. The settings are glorious, the plot surprising, and the characters realistic and changing. The many spiritual references and parallels inspire the reader beyond the storyline itself.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this second book of this series, but was a bit annoyed with the way the Christianity was handled in this one. In the first book, it was just a matter-of-fact, realistic part of the story. In this one, it was so overly done in places that it just seemed preachy and fake. And I am a Christian myself. Loved the characters and story though.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a sequel to A Garden in Paris which I did not read but wasn't needed to understand the story, it can stand alone.

I enjoyed the story. Liz takes over her Dad's successful company but when her fiance gets a promotion to head the new branch of his employer's law firm and move to California, they both dig in their heels. It's only when a trip to Paris to see her Mom who has had an accident, makes both of them realize that their love for each other is more important than running her Dad's company.

[Head Elf Mrs P · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Aunt had recommended this book and the precursor, A Garden in Paris. She recently found God, after divorcing and I think these books were her way of explaining perhaps how she feels. The story in both these books has great character development. Mary, the mother, finding her true self at 50 is a good story line. I did not like the many references though to how 50 is so old!! The story highlights nicely the art history in Florence and also the wonderful food. I think even if you aren't overtly religious you might enjoy this book for the good plot lines and characters.

[mary cosmah johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not pleased with Mary in this second book. In the first book, she was strong minded, in the sequel she was whiny, the swinging back and forth from Jean-marc and Luca upset me.
Liz was a happy surprise, loved her change of heart.
The beautiful scenery descriptions of Florence Italy was the best part of this one.
The surprise Luca had at the end, I never understood?
Sorry but 3 Is all for this one

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have spent some time in Paris looking at the art and it was good to be refreshed on those works. Also, the descriptions of art in Florence, Italy reminded me of my time there.
It also ended very sweetly.

I just have a question: How can anyone be that rich to buy someone an apartment in Paris and an Amati violin? (That part was a bit unbelievable.) Plus, she gets a gift of a Ducati motorcycle?

[Jennifer Sandino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read A Garden in Paris, not knowing what to expect. I was captured by the characters from the beginning. So naturally, when I saw that there was a sequel, well, I had to read it. And I wasn't disappointed. The characters were well developed and imperfect, which is a good thing. The plot had unexpected twists and turns. I didn't want the book to end. A very unexpected pleasure.

[J&S Rosten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequel to a Garden in Paris

An enjoyable read, but felt overly dramatic as relational issues were worked out. More of the focus was on people, although the setting added to the book. Faith and learning to trust God was the backdrop for the story, a life lesson that is ongoing. The cinnamon rolls that are featured for comfort food had my mouth watering for the recipe.

[Kathryn R Ledlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super book!

Loved this book, especially since it continued Mary's and Liz's stories from A,Garden in Paris.
Only sour note to me was the portrayal of abortion as a "no big deal" event.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel to A Garden in Paris. The characters' lives continue to become entangled with the inevitable problems of life. But wouldn't it be nice if your problems took you to Florence and Paris!!! What a journey the two women have.

[carolyn Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Stephanie Grace Whitson never disappoints! She makes me fall in love with each character. In this book she took me along with her characters to Paris and Tuscany. Well done!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book to read - loved all the descriptions of Italy! This is the 2nd book and although I read the first, I'm not sure you had to read it as it is through the eyes of a different character. But, I loved the first too so you should read it!

[Sandra Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 2nd book was even better than the first. I loved the struggle between doing the right thing or looking only at what you want. It was about relations... family, friends, God. Really enjoyed this story!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is better than the one that precedes it “A Garden in Paris”. I liked how the characters from the first book develop in this one. Again there are many twists and turns in the story line, but mainly focused on 5 people. I was surprised by the very ending. Sorry to see it end.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on CD. Liked.

[Sue Richwine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I can usually figure out the ending early on in a book and I get bored. This book kept me guessing! Excellently written!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the duo story of Mary and Liz

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again, a good message of coming to faith in Christ but too much foreign language and way too much travel guide narrative.

[Kim Salsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book

I ABSOLUTELY loved the story. I didn't want it to end. Hoping for another book to follow this wonderful story.

[Kathie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

book #2 for Garden in Paris Mel LP 01/18/18

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel to A Garden in Paris. The editing was better in this installment. Blessed by the christian theme.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel about relationship issues and how they were resolved. Very uplifting.

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea but I tried it.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable story. A little surprised how Mary's romance ended.

[Pam Wiebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed the first book more than this one, but this was good as well.
Definitely made me want to visit France and Tuscany! :)

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed both books in this series because the outcomes were just like life, a little messy and unexpected. Real people with struggles and mistakes. But there were also dreams and hope.

[kaye .miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephane did it again Beautiful love stories with conflicts,and a trip to Florence,Italy I see through her eyes