Wow what a lovely story! Loved Debbie the main character and her story set on the beautiful Florence. Well written and entertaining throughout would read more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Canelo, for my copy in exchange for my honest review. Also, thank you to Ellie over at Canelo for letting me be a part of the blog tour!! I loved the cover for this book, it hooked me in. Florence has always been on my “Want To Go To” list.

This book has a little bit of everything. Drama, love, bad men, over the top characters and everything else in between. I don’t really enjoy the book to begin with, but then it all clicked into place when Dario came into it. When I say over the top characters, it was only one or two. Mainly Debbie’s friend Alice, not only did I find her over the top, I also found her irritating. There was just something that bugged me about her, be it her obsession with sex or something else I don’t know… My favourite character probably had to be Dario, he seemed more down to earth than any of them and sort of goes against the stereotype image you usually get.

I liked Debbie but she did irritate me a little bit. It was the working class/upper class thing that bugged me the most. She was supposed to be the same age as myself, I believe anyway, but the way she thought was sort of from a different generation. She came across as more of a mid-life crisis woman than a 29 year old. Saying that though, she was a good character. She saw that society’s standings do not mean anything, eventually anyway. She eventually stopped her past experiences from clouding her judgement, she grew as a woman. She didn’t lose the old lady image for me though unfortunately. Yes, she grew into her skin in a sense but she was still very mature for what her age was supposed to be… But I guess there are people like that in the world.

The writing style was very, very easy to get into. I was instantly dropped into Debbie’s world and I flew through the pages. You easily get a feel for Debbie’s life, her feelings, her surroundings. everything was described well enough to be able to imagine it, to feel like you were there.

I did feel like something was missing from this book, and it did limit how much I enjoyed the book. I can’t pinpoint exactly what is, there were a few things that were the issue. I didn’t like how old fashioned Debbie was, I found myself skimming a little bit at the beginning, there were parts that weren’t really needed in my opinion, like a scene where she’s watching someone through the spyhole of her door…

I give this book a 3 out of 5. It missed a spark I would expect with books set in Italy. The romance between Dario and Debbie was a little rushed but it was still enjoyable.

A delightful story that you wished would never end! Loved the characters who were easy to relate to and enjoy. Loved the location of Florence - have been there and this brought back some wonderful memories!
A very enjoyable read and a great holiday escape. Highly recommended read!

Debbie is an English teacher in a Foreign Language school in Cambridge when at the end of a busy day, as she is cycling home, she literally falls at the feet of a handsome Italian doctor called Pierluigi Masino. After a brief romance, Debbie decides to persue her dream of living in Florence, and accepts a job at an English school and she starts living the dream, until reality sets in!!

I have had a love of all things Florentine for years, but have never been to Florence itself (it's on my bucket list) so without having to book a cheap flight, endure the check-in queues, the screaming child on the flight or even packing a bag, I was taken on a lovely, heart warming journey through the pages of this story instead.

If you liked The Rome Affair by Karen Swan, you will love this book.

I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest and open review.

This review also appears on my blog bookmadmum.blogspot.co.uk

There is a recognised quote "Reading is dreaming with open eyes" and the author T. A. Williams has a unique skill of instantly transporting the reader to the locations of his novels.  You can fully appreciate the research he has undertaken as the knowledge of the areas he writes about with it's beauty, heritage and history is spelled out across the pages.  After reading this new novel by T. A. Williams I too am dreaming of Florence ...

Debbie Waterson is an English teacher currently based in Cambridge teaching her native language to foreign students.  Following the break up of a relationship Debbie's work is her life but when she accidentally bumps into a handsome Italian Dr her childhood dreams of the Italian city of Florence start to feel like a possible reality.

Debbie's current job is in jeapordy and she is forced to look elsewhere for employment and when an opportunity arises to teach in Florence she excitedly grabs the chance to fulfil her dreams and maybe also to see more of the dishy Dr Pierluigi.

The city of her dreams is all that she has envisioned and her heart is filling with the love of it's culture and heritage.  However, her blossoming romance with Pierluigi is set for doom.  Brushing down the let down of her new love Debbie ploughs herself into her new job and making new acquaintances.  Life is turning out pretty well for Debbie until one eventful night that brings her in the hands of danger.  Can her city of dreams heal her heart and mind and bring her all that she desires?

I really enjoyed Dreaming of Florence, the author takes you on a wonderful picturesque journey with Debbie discovering a new city and friends.  However, when the storyline takes on a darker side the author treads very carefully and deals with a serious issue with a touch of grace.  A heartwarming tale of new beginnings in life and love.

This is such a wonderful book. Pure escapism. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I’ve never been to Italy – wanderlust has passed me by – but after finishing this book in bed last evening, I did indeed find myself ‘Dreaming of Florence’!

I knew when I had a novel by this author tucked in my kindle to read that I was in for a treat, but this novel surpassed even my expectations. The story is terrific on it’s own, but the setting and descriptions of this city add so much more. Debbie is a strong woman who comes from a working class background and has made sacrifices to advance in her career – which is just as well as, through no fault of her own, love has not been such a strong point. Ever since she was young and couldn’t go on a trip to Florence with her school friends due to a lack of family funds, she had dreamed of that city. When she gets the chance to go there, will she find all she’s looking for or will disappointment be on the horizon?

Dreaming of Florence is an absolute delight to read .. warm and wonderful, but a grounded tale with ups and downs and, of course, T. A. Williams trademark labrador. Anyone who knows me is aware of my complete adoration for these dogs (we have two) and I’m always interested to see which name this author will bestow – and as always, it’s perfect!

Such a thoroughly enjoyable read. I actually feel this morning as if I have been on a trip to this magical city. I definitely have a lighter step after indulging in the sights, sounds, scents and tastes of Italy and have no hesitation in recommending that you add this one to your collection!

My thanks to publishers Canelo for granting me my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

this was and is a beautiful fresh read set in Florence, who wouldnt want to read about that? I found the begining of the book a little odd as i wasnt sure where the author was going with it, but then it began to make complete sense and it was a introduction that was needed. The mentions of italian foods get you every time, the olive oil, gelato pastas oh you can taste it for sure and if you havent been to italy you must. She gets to move and live in the city of Florence, what an amazing adventure lies ahead. An accident occurs involving a bike, theres romance, theres the Duomo and everything an author needs to suceed in a beautiful book.
Thank you to Netgalley

This is the first book I have read by T. A. Williams and I wasn't disappointed. Despite a slow start (the Oxford part), I really got into the story when Debbie (the lead character) headed to Florence. I think the author could write a travel guide for Florence because the sense of place he created in Dreaming of Florence was excellent. He took me there. I have been to Florence actually, years ago, and this book made me want to return. The romance was sweet, I loved the inclusion of the Labrador, and Debbie's story was kept interesting enough to make me want to continue reading. I do think that too much was made of Debbie's concerns over whether her past would affect her future with her new love, and yet in other places there wasn't enough emotion. And I think there should have been some more come back over the attempted assault. But these are just my observations and they didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. I would recommend this book.

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mr Williams paints Florence in a beautiful, yet realistic light, and all those descriptions of yummy food had me drooling.  The book also made me wish I'd had the courage to do what Debbie does. Written with humour and an almost old-world charm, this book kept me entertained for a good few hours.

When I saw this title on NetGalley I had to request it as I had previously read another of his books and loved it.
What I like about T.A.Williams writing is the research that is so precise, the food and drink that he writes about so mouthwateringly accurate and the places that he describes which he has obviously been to. I also love the dogs that he writes about with great amusing detail. I suspect that he's got or had a large daft Labrador.
I read this book in a few hours as it was such a pleasant and easy book to relax with.

Thanks to NetGalley, T.A.Williams and the publisher Canelo for the opportunity to read and review.

Review will be up on my blog for the blog tour on 10/01: thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com


Every time I sign in to Netgalley and see a new book by T.A.Williams, I instantly download it to my Kindle. There's something so refreshing and interesting about his novels that I just have to read them. I've loved every novel I've read of his so far and once I get time in my busy reading schedule I want to go back and read some of his earlier works too!

But for now, lets get on with his news novel: Dreaming of Florence, and I am so, so excited to be part of the blog tour for this fabulous book. First of all, I have always wanted to go to Florence, it's been a dream of mine for quite a while now, so reading this book which is set at that exact location was wonderful. I felt like I was living my dreams through this story. The cover of the novel is also extremely beautiful and draws you in. I couldn't wait to read it even more once I'd spotted the cover!

The story itself was so fascinating, I loved reading about Debbie's story on her move to Florence to be an English teacher out there but when she eventually gets there, she finds that it's so much more than that. The descriptions of the city itself sound fabulous and all of Debbie's adventures sound simply amazing and I wish that I could live somewhere just like that! The parties that Debbie attends are fascinating and I love when she and Dario visit various interesting locations in the wonderful city.

It was lovely to read about Debbie and her romantic relations, throughout the book I was starting to feel sorry for her as she had been through so much and it seemed like she had had such bad luck when it comes to relationships. I found myself really relating to her character. However, when she met Dario, I was just hoping that they got together! They seemed perfect for each other. I loved the ending of the book as well, it was lovely and romantic. I don't want to give too much away but I will say that I really, really enjoyed it and I would recommend you give it a read! There are some twists that I really didn't expect!

Overall, a really beautifully romantic and heartwarming novel. Another brilliant story by T.A. Williams. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel which I have reviewed honestly.

Why did this book have to end? I mean I could have carried on reading it for a lot longer I was enjoying it that much. And when you get to a chance to move to and live in the city of your dreams will it live up to your high expectations?



Well that is what Debbie finds out, after a slight bicycle accident with Pierluigi leads to a turn of events that involve Debbie finally about to visit Florence and seek our the sweet spot in the city, with the view of the Duomo that she has been dreaming about since she was a child.



Based on the descriptions of Florence it is clear that its a city that the author must love, as you get such a keen sense not just of the larger tourist attractions, but of every day life in Firenze. From the architecture, to places off the beaten track, to the restaurants and delicious sounding Italian foods, to some of the surrounding area, the book could potentially be a love letter to Florence!



The question is will Pierluigi also be the man of her dreams, and just how will she cope in Florence? Well those are answered and its quite an adventure for Debbie.



You may though be wondering is there T.A. William's trademark chocolate labrador in this book and you will be delighted to hear that Bryon features and is absolutely gorgeous. He brightens every scene he is in, and it clearly a well loved dog. I'm just not telling you where he fits into the story!



From my virtual trip to Florence, to the romance in the book, the amazing food descriptions, the hidden tourist spots of the city and a whole lot more, plus memorable characters and a lovely story, Dreaming of Florence is a fabulous book that I loved every last second of.



Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This was such a beautiful read. I felt like I was exploring Florence with Debbie and enjoying every moment. You could taste the wonderful food , it was so vividly written. Debbie agrees to work in a school for the English Language in Florence and meets the staff and students and starts to make friends. Byron, the black lab was a charming character, one of TA Williams trademarks!
Debbie has had her fingers burned in the romance stakes and is reluctant to trust her feelings again- but when romance is in the air the right man can make all the difference. I loved their friendship and the feeling that this was going to develop into something lovely.
I was so sad to leave the characters behind when we got to the end. I wanted to help them put up their Christmas tree and invite me over for dinner!

This was just what I needed – a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. It has characters it is easy to relate to, fantastically portrayed places and situations that are brought to life in the imagination of the reader and, to top it all, a delightful romance – complete with the requisite black Labrador, Byron, to add mischief to the mix and make the ending laugh out loud brilliant.

Yes, I’m biased. This author is one whose books I endeavour to grab as soon as they’re available because they are consistently excellent reads that have me laughing out loud and leave me smiling with great memories of the events he portrays. He uses words like a skilled artist, putting the reader into the situation, helping them taste the mouth-watering food, meet the fascinating characters and feel their angst and turmoil. Get ready for some delectable Italian food, classic sightseeing and so much more in this highly entertaining read. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Florence in the past and this story evoked memories of my times there. I really want to go back and find that rose garden for myself – and to visit some of the restaurants to sample some of the delicious food he describes!

In case you hadn’t noticed, I loved escaping into this story and have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending you grab yourself a copy as soon as it is available – in fact, be sensible and pre-order yourself a copy and get ready for a fun filled, heartwarming Italian adventure and romance – or any of his other brilliant stories, their all great IMHO!

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Stunning authentic romance that dragged me kicking and screaming from the comfort of my fireplace to beautiful Florence. If you wand well written, well researched and well...enjoyable...well there’s no need to look any further.

Another fantastic read from an author who is fast becoming one of my favourites. The book was well written and a easy to read book. Just made me want to whisk myself away and be there in person.

This book is quite well written and has a good sense of place. However, it is fairly run-of-the-mill chick lit with the usual coincidences. OK as a holiday read.

What a great little romance! Debbie dreams of visiting Florence. Her dreams come true when she's offered a teaching position at an English Language School. Her experiences are vivid, punctuated by several storylines relating to her work and her students. She has bad romances, bad experiences, but true romance appears in a surprising way. I loved this book--not your typical romance novel, much more depth of character and the wonderful environs of Florence are described so vividly. If you like travel and a little romance, go for this book!

This was a delightful romantic read.