In a Nutshell Reviews

In a Nutshell Reviews are my version of mini-reviews, because sometimes, you just want the highlights.

---

You Me Everything by Catherine Isaac
Published by Penguin Books on June 25, 2019
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

Set in the French countryside on an idyllic summer vacation, a delicious, tender novel about finding joy and love even in the most unexpected places.

Jess and her ten-year-old son William set off to spend the summer at Chateau de Roussignol, deep in the rich, sunlit hills of the Dordogne. There, Jess's ex-boyfriend--and William's father--Adam, runs a beautiful hotel in a restored castle. Lush gardens, a gorgeous pool, delectable French food, and a seemingly never-ending wine list--what's not to like? Jess is bowled over by what Adam has accomplished, but she's in France for a much more urgent reason: to make Adam fall in love with his own son.

But Adam has other ideas, and another girlfriend--and he doesn't seem inclined to change the habits of a lifetime just because Jess and William have appeared on the scene. Jess isn't surprised, but William--who has quickly come to idolize his father--wants nothing more than to spend time with him. But Jess can't allow Adam to let their son down--because she is tormented by a secret of her own, one that nobody--especially William--must discover.

By turns heartwrenching and hopeful, You Me Everything is a novel about one woman's fierce determination to grab hold of the family she has and never let go, and a romantic story as heady as a crisp Sancerre on a summer day.

With the clock ticking for her mother due to a terminal illness, Jess embarks on a summer holiday with her son to fulfill her promise. The promise being to help her son and his father reconnect.

So. Many. Tears. Look, the tears started early when I learned that Jess' mom was terminal. It's heartbreaking, but even as my heart ached, it warmed and pitter-patted with many of the other storylines that comprised this tale.

It had been a decade since Jess and Adam split following the birth of their son, William. Though he was not heavily present in William's life, Jess was hoping this would be the summer that they bonded and Adam stepped up to take on a larger parenting role.

Things may not have gone smoothly, but I will admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the way things turned out. There was a lot that still needed to be resolved between Jess and Adam, and this was their chance to get that closure. It was an opportunity to forgive each other and move forward. It wasn't always easy to give Adam benefit of the doubt, but I would like to think he had grown a bit in a decade.

As Isaac explored the relationship between Jess and Adam, there was also the examination of other relationships among her inner circle. One that really grabbed me was the love shared between her parents. That's the type of love you can only hope for. In sickness and in health.

When one reads stories involving terminal illness, it's a good reminder to live in the present and without fear. The future will happen no matter what, so we need to make the most of it. That was a big takeaway from this tale of love which really touched my heart.

---

The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick
Published by Park Row on June 6, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction

Goodreads

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 twenty-fifth 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.

Lovely and heartwarming, as expected. I adored taking this trip to Italy. Though I needed a bit more from the ending, I could not argue with what dominated the bulk of this story. 

Five heartbroken strangers on a trip to Italy in an attempt to mend their broken hearts. I know we are quick to think of a broken heart being related to a romantic loss, but the source of the pain here varied from character to character. The loss of a pet, parental illness, their own illness, growing older, and growing apart. The different takes on what can break our heart was well done. 

It's a good reminder that heartache can come from many different things. I adored meeting all these characters and seeing their heartache ratings drop as they bonded with each other and discovered the beauty of Italy. It just goes to show that friendship and connection is a great way to help ease your pain. 

Have you ever been to Italy?
Let us know in the comments!