To Tuscany With Love

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley.

I really like this book. I liked the way it was told. I liked the character development. I think it is a great debut that wasn't too predictable!

To Tuscany with Love starts out with an invitation to a reunion for a group of friends who shared a summer studying in Florence 30 years prior... then the story immediately goes way back and tells the story of the summer primarily through the eyes of Bella but also through the eyes of the others in the group (the chunky but spunky girl, the beautiful blonde twins, the womanizer, the country boy, and the quiet guy << Maybe that all sounds like it can get cheesy but not to worry, it only happened once or twice). The summer is left with a lot of unresolved love issues... which leads to a lot of suspense later.

From there, you get glimpses into everyone's lives about 10 years later... then again 20 years later... then again at the reunion in the present. Some have suffered loss, some have suffered regret. And you are kept guessing as to what decisions everyone will make until the very end.

The story is extremely chick flicky, but I knew that going in and was not dissapointed. However, the story was not primarily centered around the love trianlge aspects. The theme that really came through was not wasting your life... and if you feel like you are, then change something (even if you are 50).

There are also extremely vivid and beautiful scenes of life in Florence. The setting is wonderfully described and used as a magical place for lives to be changed.

There were just problems in a couple places where a side story seemed a little disjointed and then guys' banter didn't really fit with how most guys really do act. Sometimes as a reader, you could not get a true picture of their feelings and motives.

I still believe this book is worth a read and would reccommend it those who enjoy books about friendship and happy endings.