Book Review: A Taste of Italian Sunshine by Leonie Mack

A Taste of Italian Sunshine follows wine expert, Jenn, into the region of Italy that is known to the world for beautiful, sparkling, prosecco. Coming from the city, Jenn is used to a certain pace of living, so it is quite a shock for her to be thrust into the middle of country living. While there, she meets Tiziano, who was born and raised in the area and can help her see her job from an entirely new perspective. 

If you’re looking for a beautiful summer getaway, but without the cost, look no further than A Taste of Italian Sunshine. With stunning descriptions of the Italian countryside, and inner workings of the wineries that make their home there, this book was immersive enough that I (almost) forgot that I was really just sitting at home with my head in a book. It was fascinating to read about the lifestyles and cultural norms within the world of fine Italian prosecco. Both the setting and the people who made their home there, brought this book to life. 

Jenn and Tiziano being so very different brought a delicious tension that was so exciting to watch unfurl. Their character development went far beyond romantic connections. Both Jenn and Tiziano had dealt with many obstacles that made them seriously question who they were and what they wanted out of life. It was fascinating to watch how the side characters were able to help the two of them grow in ways that they never would have expected. I appreciated that their growth relied upon more than just each other, it made it feel more realistic. 

Tiziano’s journey was especially emotional and I would have loved to see it develop at a bit of a slower pace at the end. There were many moments that were absolutely heart wrenching, and it didn’t feel as if that progress was acknowledged. The ending felt rushed and forced compared to the slower pace of the rest of the book. 

Overall, this beautifully done romance had everything I needed to become so fully invested in the story that I couldn’t put it down. 

Please check trigger warnings as this book deals with some particularly heavy topics that some may find difficult to read about. 

⅘ stars 

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.