The Enchanted April in Retro Reads

Apr 27, 2020 Julie Durnell rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reread

I love to read this book every few years, especially in April, and this April with the social distancing and stay at home orders was a perfect time to reread. The magic of this castle on the Mediterranean Sea in Italy and the gorgeous flowers and healing sunshine works on the dispositions and relationships of the four ladies who rent the castle for a month. It's just enchanting! My favorite book of Elizabeth's. ...more

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Aug 14, 2023 Jen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: from-publisher, audio-book, arc

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Wow. Just WOW. The character development was practically perfect and I FELT the magic of San Salvatore. I want to go there and live in Heaven for a month too!

My only complaints were that the men were jerks, but the women were the ones who had to change their thinking and make the first move towards reconciliation. Yes, SOMEone has to make the first move/take the first step, but with Mr. Abernathy, one of his steps was contemplating some sort of liaison with an unmarried (and completely unwilling ...more

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Apr 23, 2019 Elinor rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I was tempted to subtract one-half star only because I wanted the book to go on! Four English ladies, strangers to each other and each unhappy in her own way, agree to share a rented Italian villa for the month of April. The stunning beauty of the place, the time to reflect on their own lives, and the warmth they begin to feel for each other, leads them to blossom like the flowers in spring. The introduction of two men into their midst creates a different but not unwelcome dynamic. Brilliant cha ...more

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Feb 19, 2025 Jackie rated it it was amazing

Four interesting women, a castle on the coast of Italy, and I had no idea what was going to happen = very much enjoyed this book. Clearly, the author had points to make about the literature and authors of her time that I did not understand, but the story works for me anyway.

I now want to see the movie and someone should write a sequel because I really want to know how the women's lives changed when they left heaven on the Italian coast. ...more

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Apr 20, 2020 Ellie 9218 rated it really liked it

Four women, who are almost strangers, leave a dreary winter in England behind to take a one month "enchanted April" holiday in a medieval castle on the coast of Italy. Each lady escapes here for different reasons and they are all very different characters. As the story unfolds so do each of the characters troubles. I loved the descriptions of the Italian countryside and blooming flowers.

A fantastic escape read, especially while sheltering in place during the national Pandemic.
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