Three generations of women in the Ferrari family must heal the broken pieces of their lives on a trip of a lifetime through picturesque Italy from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst Workaholic, career-obsessed Francesca is fiercely independent and successful in all areas of her life except one: family. She struggles to make time for her relationship with her teenage daughter, … her teenage daughter, Allegra, and the two have become practically strangers to each other. When Allegra hangs out with a new crowd and is arrested for drug possession, Francesca gives in to her mother’s wish that they take one epic summer vacation to trace their family roots in Italy. She just never expected to face a choice that might change the course of her life. . .
Allegra wants to make her grandmother happy, but she hates the idea of forced time with her mother and vows to fight every step of the ridiculous tour, until a young man on the verge of priesthood begins to show her the power of acceptance, healing, and the heartbreaking complications of love.
Sophia knows her girls are in trouble. A summer filled with the possibility for change is what they all desperately need. Among the ruins of ancient Rome, the small churches of Assisi, and the rolling hills of Tuscany, Sophia hopes to show her girls that the bonds of family are everything, and to remind them that they can always lean on one another, before it’s too late.
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From the great mind of Jennifer Probst comes a new hit story, Our Italian Summer.
Three generations of women decide to embark on a trip of a lifetime, a tour of Italy.
Francesca, the workaholic single mother, estranged from her daughter.
Allegra, her daughter who is bored with school and her friends longs for the attention from her mother she craves.
Sophia, the grandmother that is suffering from a deadly disease she has been keeping from everyone that loves her.
Follow along with these three strong Ferrari women as they begin their heartwarming journey to rediscover their love for life and each other.
A remarkable fantastic read. Most of the books I read are romance. Sometimes I pick something different. Our Italian Summer is not a romance book but a story of 3 generations of women trying to repair their relationship with each other. A grandmother, a mother and a daughter. Sophia, the grandmother is a woman who spent her life caring for her daughter being a stay at home mom. Francesca a mother of a teenage daughter workaholic. Allegra a teenager just trying to win her mother’s affections. A trip of a lifetime. Italy, their heritage. Reading their story makes you feel you are with them in Italy. Visiting the sites you feel you are there with them. From the Spanish Steps to Capri to the Blue Grotto to the Coliseum and everything in between. A definite item on my bucket list but Jennifer Probst makes me feel like I have visited these places with her amazing writing. Our Italian Summer to me is a story of family and realizing what is most important in life. Sometimes we have to go back to our roots to build a solid foundation.
With Jennifer Probst’s expressive and descriptive writing you feel as though you are experiencing the places these three women have visited. You don’t even need a passport. A story that will forever be a memory to me whenever I think of visiting Italy.
From New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst comes a new women’s fiction novel featuring three generations of Ferrari women who need to heal the broken pieces of their lives…and one trip of a lifetime through Italy.
Workaholic, career-obsessed Francesca is fiercely independent and successful in all areas of life except one: family. She struggles to make time for her relationship with her teenage daughter, Allegra, and the two have become practically strangers to each other. When Allegra hangs out with a new crowd and is arrested for drug possession, Francesca gives in to her mother’s wish that they take one epic summer vacation to trace their family roots in Italy. What she never expected was to be faced with the choice of a lifetime. . . .
Allegra wants to make her grandmother happy, but she hates the idea of forced time with her mother and vows to fight every step of the ridiculous tour, until a young man on the verge of priesthood begins to show her the power of acceptance, healing, and the heartbreaking complications of love.
Sophia knows her girls are in trouble. A summer filled with the possibility for change is what they all desperately need. Among the ruins of ancient Rome, the small churches of Assisi, and the rolling hills of Tuscany, Sophia hopes to show her girls that the bonds of family are everything, and to remind them that they can always lean on one another, before it’s too late.
Really enjoyed this book. This story was beautifully written, and shows how important family is. The issues with Allegra and Francesca were very relatable and realistic. Good read.
“Our Italian Summer” is an extraordinary story of three women who embark on a magical summer vacation of soul-searching, fence-mending and dream-chasing. What an opportunity they had to travel to the land of their ancestors, something I would have loved to have done with my daughter and mother. How wonderful it would be to experience the customs of Italy, the beautiful scenery, and the delicious food.
Sophia, Francesca and Allegra had no idea that their vacation would change their lives forever. They needed this time to truly get to know the women they had become away from work, away from school, and away from the confines of everyday life. Together, they would visit beautiful churches and dine at unforgettable restaurants, all while learning about where they came from and where life would take them after they returned home.
Sophia, the matriarch of the family, could see that her daughter and granddaughter were hurting and she prayed that this vacation would bring them closer together. Francesca, whose job was her life, needed to turn off her phone, put away her laptop and look at this vacation as a chance to relax and open her eyes to new beginnings. Allegra, the studious high school senior, was at a crossroads in her life. She wanted to pursue her own career while her mother was pushing her to be just like her.
As I was reading, I found myself becoming part of the story, experiencing their feelings and wishing I could accompany them on their journey of reflection. I felt many emotions while reading: I became teary-eyed, laughed out loud and agreed with their heated family discussions. I felt as if I knew all of them, as they reminded me of my close Italian relatives. Family is everything and as long as we open our hearts and listen closely, we can solve our problems while love does all the work.
If you are looking for a beautifully written journey then Our Italian Summer is the book for you. This story is about three generations of Ferrari woman getting their relationships and life back on track, it’s about taking a journey to Italy to find themselves and each other and it’s a story all woman can relate too. As they embark on this wonderfully described journey through Italy they all learn the importance of family and this journey also brings some life changing experiences for them all……
Sophia is struggling with some health problems and she decides it’s time to get her daughter and granddaughter together for a trip of a lifetime. Francesca is spending far to much time at work and is neglecting family time with her mum (Sophia) and her daughter Allegra who at eighteen is at an age where she needs her mum around……
Tuscany and Rome are described beautifully and as you join these woman on their journey you will find yourself imagining the places they are visiting because Ms Probst paints wonderful pictures with her words. This is not a romance, it’s a story about rebuilding a family, it’s about looking at yourself and coming to terms with what you see, it’s about three generations of woman reconnecting and bringing the family together again and this story will appeal to all woman. I loved this book and I highly recommend it to everyone so please one click this gem, you won’t be disappointed. I was captivated by a story that felt real, it felt like I had been here with my own mum and it brought back memories I will cherish forever. Beautifully written story from a very talented author.
Our Italian Summer is such a heartwarming read. I loved this one so much. You have 3 generations of women coming together to reconnect and you will love each and every one of them by the end of this book. Sofia is the matriarch and is struggling with her daughter and granddaughter losing their bond. She sees time as fleeting and wants for everyone to reconnect before all things change. Francesca is a workaholic. She thinks she is doing the right thing and has plenty of time with her daughter. Allegra is sweet and lost. You feel her need for her mothers attention. As these ladies go through with their adventure you see such changes with each of them. Watching new bonds form and changes in life will just pull at your heart. I really couldn’t get enough of this beautiful read. Go one click this one.
What a fabulous way to see Italy. The description and detail that Jennifer gives you are out of this world. You feel as if you are right there in Italy with Sophia, Francesca and Allegra. It’s three generations of the Ferrari women whom you follow through Italy as they discover their roots, try to reconnect with each other, learn to accept the person they each have become, as well as first loves along the way. You go through so many emotions. This a a fantastic, heartfelt, beautiful story that is a must read. (I’m still rooting for Ian to change his mind (((wink, wink))).)
I loved this beautiful and emotional story. I enjoyed it even more having visited some of these locations myself. I do hope we get to see more of these wonderful characters. I recommend this book and this author.
What an amazing book! I loved reading each of the women’s point of view – Sophia, the grandmother, Francesca (Frannie), the daughter and Allegra, Frannie’s daughter. Sophia helped raise Allegra while Frannie became a workaholic at her business. Sophia wants to go to Italy to see where her parents came from. She thinks it’ll be a good time for all three of them to reconnect. Frannie doesn’t have time for the trip until Allegra gets arrested for drugs. Then she thinks it’ll be a way to get Allegra away from the bad influences. As they are on their trip, they each learn more about each other and a greater understanding. Sophia knows she has a health problem but doesn’t want to go to the doctor until after the trip. I really enjoyed Jennifer Probst’s descriptions of all the different places that the three went and saw. I could almost smell the food that was described. I cried and laughed while reading this book. It’s a little different from Jennifer’s usual books but it’s wonderful. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review which I’m leaving.
I don’t know if I can find the right words to do this story justice! Jennifer Probst wrote a heart warming story about three generations of women, Sophia(the mom/grandma) Francesca(the daughter & mom) and the fresh eighteen year old daughter/granddaughter Allegra. Read along as these three women embark on the trip of a lifetime, at a time where they need it most. Can these women repair the damage that’s happened over the years?
This book has become one I will treasure and always go back and read time and time again! 5 Italian stars for this one, it deserves so much more though!
** I don’t want to give any more of the story away, this is one you need to read and experience all the emotions as you go along! Enjoy it!**
There’s no perfect family. Every family is loaded with trials and tribulations and the family in this story is particularly unique.
We have a single mother of an almost 18-year-old. Along with her aging mother, the dynamics are what you would expect in an all-female layout. One’s a workaholic. One is insecure and wants the love and attention that she so desperately needs. And the other is dedicated to her granddaughter and tries to take care of everyone.
Needless to say, tense situations arise until it is almost a requirement to take a much-needed vacation. And what better place than to travel to beautiful Italy.
It’s a destination full of amazing works of art, fabulous farmland, and beautiful cities. The women finally start relaxing and learning about each other.
Meeting other people and discovering love in unexpected places is a wonderful part of the story. Probst tells a beautiful tale that brings healing, tender hearts, and best of all, acknowledgment for the depth of love and the strength of women.
This bookish trip to Italy leaves you with the warmth and understanding of family connections, love and first crushes, learning to let go, and acceptance of others. A beautiful story that makes you want to book your own trip and just believe in a happily ever after.
Probst is a go-to queen of sweeping women’s fiction abundant with romance and family ties. What a realistic yet dreamy story.
A charming description of the Italian landscapes and places to see. While I had a different experience at 18 years old than Allegra did, it makes me want to revisit Italy with a different sense. Three family members visiting their ancestral homeland while at odds with each other gain insights as to the whys of their actions. Will new loves be lost loves, read Our Italian Summer and get lost in this thought provoking novel. I devoured it.
This is definitely more women’s fiction than a romance novel. Jennifer Probst gives the reader a fascinating insight into the relationships between 3 generations of women from one family, especially focusing on mum and daughter dynamics. The Ferrari women are all in their own way a little lost and struggling with life in general. The story is told by these 3 ladies and takes the reader on a lovely journey through Italy as we find out more about them. It is a once in a lifetime trip and a chance to renew their family bonds. They visit some beautiful places as they learn more about each other and themselves.
Sophia – mother and grandmother. It is her wish for an epic summer vaccination in Italy with her girls to trace their family roots as her parents from Naples. She wants to fix Frannie and Allegra’s
relationship so is hopeful the trip will provide the change her girls need. It will also be an opportunity to repair her relationship with Frannie, especially as she is worried she is working too much.
Francesca – daughter and mother. A very independent, successful woman with her own advertising company. She is paranoid of failure and losing it all, so finds it hard to surrender any control. This has made her cold mannered with a ruthless efficiency both at work and in her personal life. She has given up being accepted by her mum or gaining her approval and is jealous over her bond with Allegra. She prioritises work over family so has no time for her daughter and they are like strangers these days.
Allegra – daughter. She loves her grandmother because she has been there for every step of her life unlike her mother. She just wants to fit in and is lonely at home. Even though no idea what she wants to do or what makes her happy, she wants to make her own decisions. Always done what her Mom asked her but resents her and sad she never had a father figure. She finds some new friends who aren’t fake or pretentious like her school friends and they give her an escape and listen to her.
When Allegra is arrested for drugs, Frannie has no choice but to get her away. To Sophia the tour of Italy is a month to get closer to each other and figure things out but all 3 are hiding secrets.
The descriptive scenes of the cities on their tour will have you imagining you are there with them exploring. I found it fun reminiscing as I have luckily visited many of the places they go to. The author also expertly details all the food the ladies experience and it made me envious and hungry.
Romance arrives in the form of Enzo, the tour guide and Ian, a fellow traveller. Both gentleman play a huge part in the story with their caring attitudes and easy going demeanours. It was very intriguing seeing the developing relationship between Frannie and Enzo alongside the intensity of first love with Allegra and Ian. The relationships are unexpected and help address all the misunderstanding and resentment the ladies have.
All 3 ladies change over the course of the book and most readers will probably relate to all of them at some point in the book. When the secrets come out and truths are shared it was great
as they all come to realise family is more important than anything else. I loved how they slowly come to understand each other, see the effect of the choices each have made and finally find themselves. The author shows the power of forgiveness, healing and second chances. This was a delightful book which I thoroughly enjoyed. I found it an unusual and thoughtful account of family life, plus Sophia’s conversations with Jack made me laugh.
It’s not often I’m left speechless after I finish a book, I definitely usually have opinions and things to express, but this book has literally left me without being able to express the deep emotions this book has left me with. I have read just about every book, if not all, that this author has written, every one of them I have enjoyed and looked forward to her next work of art, but this book strikes deep within my soul. The three women in this story have some deep relationship issues, mother daughter feelings of neglect, misunderstandings, lack of life, screwed up priorities and secrets that have ripped them apart. It’s the wish of the matriarch, Nonnie/Sophia, that begins to unravel this incredibly deep emotional story that spans over Italy and brings these three incredible women back together again. This book is just under 400 pager, but it reads like 100. You become so engrossed in the lives and happenings of these women it’s over before you know it and leaves you wanting more. I loved Ian and Enzo, and the impact they both had with both young and old love, it’s truly something to behold. Makes you want to jump a plane to Italy for a month and experience what Sophia, Frannie and Allegra did. I truly loved this book, and although it’s difficult to say this because I love all of her books, I think Our Italian Summer is my favorite book that Jennifer Probst has written to date. This is a very well written story that keeps you engaged from the first page to the last. Incredible history of Italy makes you feel like you are there with this tour group and the hysterical experiences they had with each other. Definite worth the read, you won’t be sorry.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
5 star Review Our Italian Summer by Jennifer Probst
What a beautifully written, emotional journey Our Italian Summer was. This is a story of three generations of Ferrari women who for a variety of reasons all embark on a trip of a lifetime to Italy. Their journey will effect them all in different ways and bring life changing experiences not only individually but for their relationships as a family.
Sophia is the matriarch and she is struggling with health issues, her daughter Francesca is a busy and successful career focused workaholic and her granddaughter 18 year old Allegra is at a cross roads in her life.
I was fully invested in this story; perhaps because I was in Italy the year before last, I could easily picture the sights as they explored Rome and Tuscany such was the descriptive writing.
This is not so much a romance story (although there is romance) but a story of re building family relationships, of taking stock and looking deep inside ourselves and coming to terms with what you find, of soul searching and reflecting on life as well as healing.
Told in multiple points of view, this story was at times an emotional roller coaster as walls are brought down brick by brick and the unconditional love of family brings much needed re-connecting for three generations of women.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.