Member Reviews
I made the mistake of reading this series out of order, so I've missed the beginning of Izzy and Luca's relationship. Thankfully, I was still able to read this book, and enjoy it. (Yes, I do plan to go back and read the first book!) I loved the idea of the "Painting and Pasta" idea for the villa, and it was fun to see the process of them putting it all together, and making those plans. Unfortunately, those plans hit a snag early on with the apparent poisoning of Carmen! I really enjoyed the "who-done-it" aspect of this story. As a relatively new fan of cozy mysteries, this had a bit of that kind of feel to it. It was interesting to find out so much about each of the "potential" culprits. We don't always get to know the ensemble cast of characters as well in stories, so this was a nice change. Izzy and Luca were a joy to get to know, too. (Remember, I haven't read book one yet... *facepalm*) I loved how sweet and genuine they were with each other. Overall -- the feel of this book is exactly what I was hoping for. A luscious setting... fun and engaging characters... and a love story that I am wholeheartedly swept away with. I can't wait to read more from Daisy! |
I don’t mind cozy mysteries but this read very young. Not just the writing but the characters also seemed just a bit immature. The mystery was also a bit contrived and some things were just far fetched. Ok most of it was. I mean I guess overall it was a cute novel and I genuinely hate to give bad reviews, but this one just didnt hit for me. I received this book from Netgalley honestly way too long ago and I apologize to the author for the late review. |
Summer Dreams at Villa Limoncello by Daisy James is book 2 in the Tuscan Dreams series. Baked good, Tuscany, and a mystery-- what more could you ask for? I was delighted to pick up this book and read it. I think it is the perfect summer read. Looking to escape? Looking to go to far away, dreamy places? Pick up this book. It is a delight. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own. |
I enjoyed the first book in the series and was looking forward to catching up with Izzie in this one. This is a great holiday read for any time of the year. I couldn’t help but try to picture the setting in my head as I was reading. |
A great second book in the villa limoncello series. A lot more happening in this book, with five visitors to learn about painting and pasta. Fun characterisations and little bits of intrigue blended with the Italian sun made this an enjoyable read. Not too taxing and an easy read with some delectable Italian sights and tastes along the way. 4* an enjoyable summer read |
This is a brilliant romantic mystery packed with suspects, tasty Italian food, a fabulous setting and great characters. It is the second book in the Tuscan Dreams series and starts just weeks after the events which ended the first book. Izzie and Luca have organised and are hosting a week long course involving Painting and Pasta, the first of many they hope will help make the Villa a profitable enterprise. Get ready for some mouth watering descriptions of food and drink but take care as one of the participants in the course, Carmen, ends up with suspected food poisoning! The problem is, it isn't easy to ascertain just how it happened and there are too many potential suspects! It certainly kept me turning the pages as I tried to identify the culprit along with Izzie and Luca. Carmen is definitely not the most liked character and it is easy to see why any of them might wish to harm her, but as the story progresses each of the suspects is shown to be hiding some secret that none of the others are aware of. As these are revealed, the mystery deepens! If you want reminding of summer or a tasty mystery in a delectable setting, look no further. This is a fantastic read and part of a fabulous series to read whatever the season and one that I have no hesitation in highly recommending. There are even some tasty recipes for you to try at the end of the book! I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after thoroughly enjoyed reading it. |
The setting of this book is amazing, as are the descriptions of the food, the recipes, and the paining. Who wouldn't want to stay in Villa Limoncello! However, there's not a great deal of romance despite it's tag-line; this is more of a cosy mystery with a hint of romance. But with it being the middle book of three, there's plenty of time for Izzie and Luca to seriously get together, so I'm looking forward to the next one. |
This series! Daisy James never fails to entertain!!! I love these books and am hoping for many more!!! **OMG! I cannot believe that these reviews haven't been done! I am so sorry they are so late!!!** |
4⭐️ Loved this book!! Beyond excited to read book 3 in this series. It makes you want to book a trip to Italy immediately. |
Alayne E, Reviewer
I sort of enjoyed this book but, as it was the second in the series it did not “hit the mark” as it would have if it had been the first one. I kept thinking that I had missed something and I was struggling to get into the story. Nevertheless I would like to read more by this author as the reviews for her books are very favourable so I’m not letting this put me off. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for giving a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. |
Disappointed. As a fan of Daisy James, I found I had to give up reading. I just couldn’t get into the characters, location, and the story. |
Izzie and Luca are all set to run their first art and cooking course at the Villa Limoncello and their budding romance is gently smouldering in the background. When their first guests arrive however things will not run smoothly when the leader of the group of friends and colleagues becomes ill and food poisoning is suspected. Determined to prove that their food is not at fault Izzie and Luca try to turn detective and find out who would have the motive to want to poison her........ unfortunately they all seem to have motive so can they prove who it is and clear their name or will their business fall at the first hurdle! A lovely story following on from Wedding Bells at Villa Limoncello and it was lovely to catch up with Izzie and Luca and see how they were getting on, and the story had plenty of twists and turns and red herrings to keep you guessing who the culprit was, all set in the beautiful hills of Tuscany |
he second in the series, it was great to see where the story was going to go next and it completely evoked the beautiful Tuscan scenery with all its colours, scents and sounds. The mystery element of the story kept me guessing to the end. and gave the romcom a different angle as each of the guests proved to have something to hide. With Izzie and Luca's romance on a slow fuse, there is plenty more to be found at the villa for subsequent books. I loved it as a light, holiday read to wallow in. The recipes at the end are a bonus! Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the book. |
Izzie Jenkins never expected to find herself living in a gorgeous oasis in Tuscany but when life gives you Villa Limoncello you say thank you and bake treats to celebrate! Izzie and debonair chef Luca Castelotti are officially setting up shop together but when their inaugural ‘Pasta and Painting’ venture is sabotaged and one of their guests poisoned they’re forced to turn detective. Because if they can’t find the culprit, they’ll be out of business before they’ve even begun... I didn't know this was part of a series, but I found it enjoyable anyway. I was a little confused at points. *Book received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review* |
I enjoyed The Wedding at Villa Limoncello very much and was pleased to see how Luca and Izzie`s relationship was going. Its STILL smouldering and I am actually quite liking the fact that they haven't jumped into bed yet. I love the sound of the food, the area and just the whole thing. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next at Villa Limoncello. |
Gail A, Educator
Yet again we find ourselves in Tuscany with some familiar characters, the story continues to flow; although this book could be a stand alone as there is some recapping. The description of the area is great but the description to detail regarding the food makes you crave pasta. Another great, light easy read. |
Intriguing tale set against an amazing backdrop of Italy scenery. The book features characters you can love and hate with the added bonus of ‘who dunnit’. I haven’t read the first book in the series and it did get referred to quite a lot which became quite tiresome. Overall a good summer read but probably worth starting with the first book in the series. Thank you NetGalley. |
Tracey S, Reviewer
I had already read the first book and couldn’t wait to read this book. The cover of the book drew me in. I feel in love with this book from page 1. The description in the book made me want to book a flight to the location straight away. This is potentially the best book I have read by this author |
Kristin J, Reviewer
Summer Dreams at Villa Limoncello was a sweet, light and engaging feelgood read set in Italy. I loved Izzie and Luca and I'm tempted to try a few of the recipes in the back of the book. |
Maria M, Librarian
This ARC was courtesy of netgalley - the thoughts and opinion are my own and unbiased This is part of a series - I haven't read any of the others but feel no loss because of it A light mystery set in Tuscany - my favourite place in the world - what could be better !! I loved this a great holiday read that I would highly recommend |




