Book Review: One Italian Summer by Keris Stainton

“It’s been a year since Milly, Elyse and Leonie’s dad died, and a year since their last trip to Rome. Summer’s here again, and once again they are heading with their mum to Italy – but what’s it going to be like going without Dad? Rome still holds its familiar charms – the sun is still as warm, the gelato as delicious, the people as welcoming. But nothing is quite as it once was …

With grief still raw for all of them, Milly is facing the additional awfulness of having to see Luke again – gorgeous, gorgeous Luke, who she had a fling with last year, and who she made a total fool of herself with – or so she thinks. What’s going to happen this time? What’s more, things between Milly, her sisters and their mum are rocky – Leonie is being tempestuous and unpredictable, Elyse is caught up with her new boyfriend, and Milly feels like she just doesn’t know how she fits in any more. Over one Italian summer, can Milly find a way back to the life she once had?”

 

This was a real change for me as I don’t normally read YA books, but once I got myself into Young Adult mode it made a nice change to read something fun and romantic.

The Rome setting really worked and characters felt real with all the sisters squabbling at times and then having fun together. I must admit I did a little bit confused with the sisters ages and couldn’t remember who was the oldest, middle and youngest.

I could sympathise with Milly’s wild imagination and wanting to keep everyone safe and also with their Mum keeping herself busy at work following the death of her husband.

I think it would make a great book group read especially for teenagers and families as there are themes of grief, relationships and LGBTQ running through it. It’s perfect for lovers of YA and romance.

Thanks to Reader’s First for my paperback copy which added to my reading experience.