Member Reviews
A sweet book but one that was a little meandering at the outset. Setting the scenes for each of the three main characters was a little laborious but I did enjoy how the book came together at the end. Some bittersweet scenes as the women’s lives evolved but ultimately a great setting (though would have preferred more description of the scenes such as the sea) and enough local colour/character to bring it to life. Another enjoyable read from this author 3.75* |
Reviewer 581390
Really enjoyed this book! Would be such a great holiday read. I have always wanted to go to the area of Italy this book is set in (the Amalfi Coast) so couldn’t wait to read the descriptions about the region. I was not disappointed and want to go even more now! It gives a fantastic backing to the story of three girls that meet at a run down villa and go on to form an amazing friendship. I wish I had friends like them! It tells the story of not only what happens to them all during their time in Italy but also follows their lives after that. It flits between then & now and between the three girls but I didn’t find it confusing. I really couldn’t wait to see what happened in the end - I had a few ideas, some right, some wrong! - but loved how it all came together in the end. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given. |
Tabby D, Librarian
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. I am a fan of books in this genre, so I was very much looking forward to reading this one. I was not dissapointed and both the plot and characters gripped me from the start. I will definitley aim to read another by this author. Highly reccomended! |
Lovely feel good book. It was just a lovely read. The book was very well written. Lovely characters and a truly great plot. |
A summer reunion . Three women Kim, Colette and Annie . They first met at the villa six years ago and now they are returning as Kim has transformed the villa. They all have secrets . This is set I the past and present and telling us about each woman. Will they remain friends after this reunion. Thank NetGalley |
This book was not too bad to read. It was difficult to distinguish between the characters as they just seemed to all go in to one at times. This would be ok for a quick holiday read but it wouldn’t be something i kept on my shelves myself. Some of the characters are ok but i just couldn’t get invested with any of them |
After reading a couple of unfavourable reviews, I was dubious to start this, but I'm so glad I did, I loved it, pure escapism, loved the charecters and the story, a perfect beach read I read at home as its 2020 and not great to go to the beach, a really great read |
A lovely story of friendship, predicatble in places but nevertheless enjoyable. Lovely characters and a sensational setting. |
Whenever Melissa Hill releases a book I am always so excited to read it. The summer Villa was just another fabulous read that I just savoured every chapter, fabulous |
An enchanting read for a dreamy sunny spell and to whisk you off to the warmth and sunshine of the Amalfi coast. Three strangers , looking to escape their present predicaments, meet at a villa in Spain and form a lifelong friendship. Their lives, loves and eventual troubles intertwine . Truth as ever seeks out with deceptions and deceit unearthed in their historic past at the villa that brought them together. You can feel the emotion and tensions build through the novel with characters that are well formulated. |
A perfect book to escape from reality and spend a little time ion the Amalfi coast. Three women from completely different walks of life, all for very different reasons, find themselves staying at the villa Dolce Vita. The story follows the women throughout their holiday in Italy from each ones point of view.We then catch up 6 years later when an invitation to a reopening of the Villa brings them all back together. The story dips between past and present, which keeps the reader on their toes. A great summer read. |
The story of 3 women, thrown together at an Italian Villa, all hiding heartache of differing reasons. All very different, but who become firm friends on their solo holidays. The story changes from past to present often, explaining how different encounters on their break, led to different outcomes in their lives. When they meet 6 years later to celebrate at the Villa, secrets they have all been keeping come tumbling out... A compelling and heartwarming read, filled with twists and turns, some very unexpected! |
Mary U, Reviewer
An enjoyable escapade based mainly Italy as three friends get together again. I don’t know how others felt - although I really enjoyed the story I found it hard to follow who was with what partner at times. |
I loved The Summer Villa. The friendships, love interests and drama all rolled up into a fabulous novel. The book follows New Yorker Kim, Irish Annie and English rose Collette. All three women end up at the Villa Dolce Vita on the beautiful Amalfi Coast. They are all there for different reasons but find a burgeoning friendship as they enjoy the highs and holiday romances Italy has to offer them. The book goes between present day and six years earlier during their time in Italy and has plenty of drama for all three of them to contend with. I found all the characters to be likeable and you felt you could identify with them. It’s beautifully written and the story falls into place nicely. Highly recommended. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ and the author for the chance to review. |
A wonderful tale of friendship , life and love . This book transported me to the Amalfi Coast and the story line had me guessing throughout. The characters were all unique and very colourful . A brilliant read which had me transported. |
Hayley G, Reviewer
The Summer Villa - This is the perfect summer read. The story of three woman coming together. Heartwarming and engaging. Will definitely keep you turning the pages right up until the end. |
It was an easy enough read and the main characters were good to get into. My main dislike of the book though was the continual jumping between past/present - it works for some books but I just didn't like it for this one. |
Mel G, Reviewer
This is definitely one to pack for holiday. However, don't despair as wherever you are this book will transport you to sunny days and crystal blue waters anyway. This is a story of 3 quite different young women who find themseves staying together in the 'Villa Dolce Vita' on the beautiful Amalfi Coast. All looking for escapsim Kim, Colette and Annie find eachother and quickly become firm friends. Together they form a bond that remains solid even after thier departure and years later when Kim finds herself able to take over the Villa she arranges a reunion. This not only brings them all together but also unearths some deep secrets from the past that threatens to shatter thier friendship. With a twist you don't see coming this books grips you to the finish and you cannot help but want all three characters to get the happy ending........but do they? Read and find out. You will not be disappointed. . |
Susie F, Reviewer
Lovely read, a perfect escape from reality. I thought the books description of the scenery made me feel like I was there. Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review. |
Donna L, Reviewer
A perfect holiday read (or one to read if you wish you were on holiday!) about three girls who met in Italy and full circle what happened when they went back years later. I loved visualising the beautiful setting and loved the characters! A lovely indulgent book |




