Sophia Rose is here with a favorite author. The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick delivers a delightful women’s fiction about relationships. Come check out Sophia’s review.
by Phaedra Patrick
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
When a relationship expert’s own marriage falls apart, she invites four strangers to Italy for a vacation of healing and second chances in this uplifting new novel from the author of The Messy Lives of Book People .
Ginny Splinter, acclaimed radio host and advice expert, prides herself on knowing what’s best for others. So she’s sure her husband, Adrian, will love the special trip to Italy she’s planned for their thirtieth wedding anniversary. But when Ginny presents the gift to Adrian, he surprises her with his own very different plan—a divorce.
Beside herself with heartache, Ginny impulsively invites four heartbroken listeners to join her in Italy instead while live on air. From hiking the hills of Bologna to riding a gondola in Venice to sharing stories around the dining table of the little Italian hotel, Ginny and her newfound company embark on a vacation of healing.
However, when Adrian starts to rethink their relationship, Ginny must decide whether to commit to her marriage or start afresh, alone. And an unexpected stranger may hold the key to a very different future… Sunny, tender and brimming with charm, The Little Italian Hotel explores marriage, identity and reclaiming the present moment—even if it means leaving the past behind.
Sophia Rose’s Review
Phaedra Patrick has been a favorite since I read her debut book, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper. Focusing on ordinary people and their lives, her stories are engaging, heartwarming, and insightful into the human condition. I was eager to read about a middle-aged woman who knows all the answers and has the perfect life learn what a charade that truly is before she embarks on a soul-searching trip to Italy to share a small, faded hotel with five strangers.
Ginny has always had the gift of empathy and married her high school sweetie. But the years have brought her to a crisis point with her husband. They are practically strangers and now he wants a separation for them both to figure out if there is anything worth saving. Ginny is shocked and completely unsettled. She chooses to use the trip that was meant for an anniversary gift to Italy with four struggling strangers like herself. Forced to evaluate her entire life, Ginny is on even footing with her fellow guests and their host.
I loved seeing the magic of shared experiences and life stories get each of this odd assortment of people to open up with each other and start to heal a little. Ginny might have gotten complacent with her life back in England, but she truly does have a gift of empathy for others and each of those others has a gift to contribute to the group, too. It was neat discovering what lay behind the façade of each. The hotel proprietor and his daughter are also part of the healing group.
This is all about people and their relationships, but it is not romance. There are romantic moments, but the focus is Ginny and the others healing and able to find a measure of joy and peace with what life through at them. The gentle pace and tone of the character-driven story set against a beautiful Italian village and tourist locales all came together to make a satisfying read. Contemporary Fiction and Women’s Fictions fans would most appreciate The Little Italian Hotel.
About Phaedra Patrick
Phaedra Patrick's debut novel, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, is set to be translated into over twenty languages worldwide and film rights have been optioned in the US. She originally studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organiser and communications manager. An award-winning short story writer, she now writes full time. She lives in Saddleworth, UK, with her husband and son.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I’m not really a women’s fiction reader, but I do love the cover of this one! Thanks for sharing!
Sophia Rose
I have been slowly getting into the genre and still have to be in just the right mood. You’re welcome, Lisa!
Katherine
This author’s been on my TBR since her first book and this one looks absolutely wonderful. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I can’t wait to pick this one up!
Sophia Rose
Her first book hooked me and I keep coming back for more. 🙂 Hope you enjoy this one, Katherine!
Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews
Great review! I loved this book.
Sophia Rose
Thanks, Yvonne! It just touches the sweet spot in me, too.
Laurel-Rain Snow
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Sophia Rose
Howdy, Laurel Rain!
Ash
I love this cover so much!
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Sophia Rose
Makes you want to go there, right? 🙂
Lover of Romance
Good to know its not a romance. There is a difference between a romance and a story with romantic elements. Love the sound of this setting though, you definitely made this sound intriguing. Even though its not a romance, I will put it on my list for when I am in the mood to try something different.
Great review.
Sophia Rose
Yep, exactly so, Renee! I like to know if I’m looking at a women’s fic with romance or a story with romantic moments and focus elsewhere. Hope you like it if you get the chance at it. 🙂
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I do enjoy stories where characters are on a path of change and healing. The setting sounds like my cup of tea, too! Sounds like a beautiful story. Wonderful review, Sophia!
Sophia Rose
Glad to share it with you, Rachel!
Mary Kirkland
That sounds like such a good story. I can see why you liked this.
Sophia Rose
It was definitely one to touch the heart and was food for the soul. 🙂
sherry fundin
Pretty cover. Thanks for sharing your insightful review.
Sophia Rose
I love that cover, too, and the gentle story about sad people finding a bit of happy there was a good one. Thanks, Sherry!