Reviews

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

readforlillian's review against another edition

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dnf @ 41%

mc was unlikeable and her relationship with her mom was borderline creepy. not a fan.

moon87's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

title: one italian summer
author: rebecca serle
published: mar 1, 2022

format: paperback
pages: 245
isbn: 9781982166809

dates read: jun 9-10, 2024
total read time: 5h 41m
avg pg/hr: 43.11

basic info
  • genres: fiction, contemporary, romance, magical realism, adult
  • tropes: grief, self-discovery
  • pov: first person

initial rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

ratings
  • plot: 4
  • world building: 5
  • main characters: 4
  • side characters: 4
  • writing: 5
  • pacing: 5
  • originality: 5
  • romance: 4
  • ending: 4
  • emotional impact: 5
  • overall enjoyment: 4

final rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

additional info
  • spice: 🌶️
  • epilogue: no
  • cliffhanger: no
  • happy ending: yes

theonlybaillie's review

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emotional reflective relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

There were so many parts of this book that I loved and so many that I really did not like. I loved the setting and descriptions of food/vibes. I enjoyed how the author wrote about emotions. I didn't enjoy the characters, unfortunately. I just found myself being incredibly annoyed by our MC and the lack of consequences for the things that she does in this book.

Spoiler opinions:
I hate a cheating trope. And I hate that there were no consequences for doing that. Her husband did not deserve that. He was nothing but supportive during her grieving, and he gave her the space she needed. He 100% deserves to know the truth. But it conveniently happened during the *magic period* so it apparently doesn't count to our MC. Okay.


So we will do an average of 3 stars.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

misstj9's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

carly_soler's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

stokesl7's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

deannewaters's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Devoured this book in basically two sittings. I needed to take a minute before writing my review. I absolutely loved the vivid descriptions of Italy, the atmosphere, the food, the wine, and the love. ❤️ I felt like I was transported back to the summer I spent on the Italian seaside before marriage and kids. I would have rated this book 5 stars if it weren't for the plot holes and some aspects of the ending I didn't like. Overall, I enjoyed the book thoroughly and would highly recommend it.

archana427's review against another edition

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emotional reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

Do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook. Lauren Graham is a perfect narrator for this story. 

emsbookshelff's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

4.0

alisons246's review

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emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75