Meet Me in Italy - by Brenda Novak (Paperback)

Told from 4 different perspectives, Meet Me in Italy explores how family is defined, how secrets can hurt even when there is no malicious intent, and how life can change in an instant. Charlotte, Sloan, Julian, and Lilly are all facing life changing challenges. How they work with each other to meet these challenges is central to the story. Another wonderful work by Ms. Novak. The atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast is so well written. I think readers will fall in love with the characters and the location. Sometimes taking time and getting away helps make decisions more clear and easier to tackle.

This book is filled with drama, family dynamics, the importance of friendships and the theme seems to be learning to be there for others and to truly be your best self. This powerful story packs a punch as Charlotte travels to Italy after her husband tells her he wants a divorce. Going along with her are her best friend Sloane and Julian, Sloane’s brother and a good friend of Charlotte’s. They are going for emotional support because not only has Charlotte just been dumped by her husband, she is also facing a deadline on her new book that she is writing and has discovered a secret about her family that makes a big difference in who she thinks she is. This novel is fast-paced, with romance mixed into the drama and friendships and loyalty encircling everything. Told with the author’s signature style of wrapping a compelling and delightful story around characters that are dynamic, unique and relatable. This captivating story includes romance, strong imagery in a gorgeous setting, and characters sensitive to the needs of others. The novel shows the skillful plotting of a master storyteller as the conflicts that each character faces is dealt with in a way that shows the emotional depth of the book while also being massively entertaining. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters, the places that they visited in Italy and the detailed description of each, and the resolutions to each of their issues. The ending was somewhat predictable but so satisfying that I was engaged all the way from beginning to end, and I really didn’t want the story to end. Meet Me In Italy is a slam dunk romance, amazingly refreshing and has a brilliant complexity as well as a sweet portrayal of family dynamics and friendships that are steadfastly supportive. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and also purchased my own copy. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.