Don’t you just love a book which whisks you off to a different world and slips you into the shoes of someone leading an interesting life?

The prologue of this book; Under a Siena Sun by T.A Williams, did remind me of one of my favourite TV shows – Our Girl and all I will say is that this book has one hell of a prologue! When I picked up this book I wasn’t expecting what was in store for me but I have to say – all credit to the author who made me feel like I was a medic in a war torn part of Africa.

I liked the main character of Lucy a lot. She’s a strong female lead and a bit of a heroine in my eyes, with her medical career in Africa and her beliefs on helping others who can’t help themselves. I also knew the person who would capture her heart had to be someone who would not only support her but also be on her wavelength. I could see why she struggled at times with David, the former tennis champion and his extravagant lifestyle.

One of the standouts were the fabulous descriptions of Siena, Lucy’s gorgeous cottage and Italian cuisine. Midway through the book I was googling the hell out of Siena and dropping big hints to my loved one about future holiday destinations.

To my delight this book contains a gorgeous chocolate Labrador called Boris and he stole my heart. Every good romance needs a Boris!

David turned out to be an interesting character. Underneath his troubled exterior he was actually a decent guy and I thought his grand gesture at the end was amazing.

This book was an uplifting read. A thought provoking romance in a beautiful setting.

This is another great series in the offing with all the ingredients I have come to expect from a TA Williams' book. The setting is gorgeous, full of the sounds and colours of Tuscany. The beginning is quite a surprise but a good inroduction to what Lucy's mindset as she sets off for Italy. There are some good plot points as the story develops and of course, an adorable black labrador or two to complete the story. As an added bonus, you get to explore some of the medieval history of the region which adds to the local colour.

There are some thought provoking issues beneath the surface. The difference in health care for the haves and the have- nots. Whether it is more laudable and worthwhile to practise medicine in a poorer area or amongst the rich and famous. Will Lucy manage to square the circle? The story has a feelgood air and a great sense of place. It is well up to T A Williams' great standard. Recommended.

In short: Escape to Tuscany
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

I love these books. Lovely setting, nice storyline and characters I could identify with. And not a difficult read. Great holiday book.

A lovely romance story set in the idyllic landscape of Italy. Lots to keep you enthralled and a nice easy read for a cosy Sunday!

Lucy is a doctor with MSF and has to be airlifted out of the Congo as the hospital is about to be overrun, after 4 years she decides to take a break from MSF and is offered a job in her favourite place in the world, Siena. Soon she is living the dream, buying her own little house and falling in love with a millionaire...... but can her conscience let her live this lifestyle when there are so many out there that need her help?

Another lovely story by this author, I loved the character of Lucy and all of her friends and it is set in a great area in Tuscany...... and of course the inevitable labrador, or several in this book, to steal the show

I just love T.A. Williams' novels. Set in Tuscany, this one focuses on Lucy, a British surgeon who has just returned from a stint with Doctors Without Borders in the war-torn DRC (Congo). She first takes some time to just relax at a friend's house near Siena, but then is offered a job at a private clinic, polar opposite from her work in Africa. She rents-to-buy a cottage from a mysterious landowner. Several different men are presented as romantic possibilities, and one doesn't really know how this is going to turn out for most of the book. The book is filled with lovely descriptions of this part of Tuscany, as well as characters that are very complex. And, for the dog lovers, there are some labradors included in this setting. This was a very quick read, as I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next book by this author!

Inspiring, beautiful, hopeful, and romantic, a great feel good read. After a close call working as a doctor with MSF in the Congo, a volatile war zone, Lucy Young moves to Sienna working at a private clinic in a much safer setting. But she has trouble coming to terms with the privilege she sees in the new clinic, and how it fits with her life goals. Surrounded by good friends and colleagues, the countryside, historical ruins, good food and wine, Lucy is deciding if she can see building her new life in Sienna. With a mysterious landlord, a gorgeous but distant celebrity patient, and an ex who broke her heart all while trying to help those who need it the most, her new life may be more interesting than planned.

A thrilling escape into the countryside near Sienna, Italy. Warm, sunny, romantic, and just all around lovely. I especially loved all the black labs that inhabit the town - everything is better with dogs. And you can't not fall in love with and root for the protagonists in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.

This is a slow paced romance, with sweet emotions and a beautiful story under the Italian landscapes. Ready?
This is not a story to rush, is a book to let it flow in its own pace and get you attracted by the characters and the plot. Lucy Young, the main character, is not looking for love, she is looking for a place to relax and heal from the stress. There will be some interesting characters crossing paths with her, some old lovers, good friends and new charming faces, all will have their own space on the story and will make it more easy to flow.
I enjoyed this read, the romance is not the main point of this story but Lucy’s happiness, her need to be fulfilled and be happy with who she is, something that we all want but cannot always achieve. Because Lucy is a woman with strong ideas and goals, not any lover or formal relation will make her happy and that’s something I really liked about the story, she can be in love but if she knows that the relation will not make her happy in the long term she prefers to end it before being too involved. This is a treat I admire and I value a lot, if you need/want something but your partner/friends/job can’t give it to you, it’s always better to leave before you get hurt, don’t you think?
This had been a very nice read, sweet and sunny, perfect to keep me warm on these rainy days!
Ready to take a walk Under A Siena Sun?

What a great book this is ❤️

T.A Williams never fails to please!

You begin by being thrown in with a really dramatic start with Lucy in the firing line whilst doing her job as a doctor.

You then travel to Sienna for Lucy’s friends wedding and end up staying in the beautiful, well described scenes where Lucy takes up a new job within a surgery.

This is where she meets David and the romance begins.

I really enjoyed this book, I’m not a huge traveller but every time I read descriptive writing of Italy it really makes me want to go and visit. It just sounds so beautiful!

I give this story 3.5/5 stars

Under a Sienna Sun utilises wonderfully rich descriptions to make you feel as though you’re right there in Tuscany. Read if you want a virtual vacation.

I have to admit, I was certainly after a bit of an Italian vacation. Right before COVID hit I was planning a trip to Rome. While this story takes place in another part of Italy, I was able to lose myself in the beautiful setting and enjoyed a virtual respite. Hopefully one day I’ll make it there for real.

This story opens on a very dramatic and intense scene. Lucy’s mobile clinic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is under fire and she and her fellow nurses have to be airlifted out. I enjoyed the author’s description of that scene and the way it portrays the importance and dedication of the many doctors and nurses who work in Doctors Without Borders. The UN Peacekeepers certainly play their role too. This theme of helping others and working with the less fortunate is one that plays out across the entire book. Later on, we’re also exposed to the daily realties refugees face even after they’ve survived their harrowing journeys. The author is never preachy on these topics but they are worked into the tale very well and realistically.

For the most part, Lucy is a wonderful character. She’s strong, determined, ambitious, generous and lives her commitment to social justice. She does, however, make money into far too big of an issue. Not a chapter goes by where she is not expressing her discomfort over living in comfort when so many in the world are facing tragic situations. It’s part of her character but it is well-established early on in the novel and the repeated harping took away from my overall enjoyment of the story.

However, there were still other aspects I fully enjoyed. Lucy has a network of darling friends and I enjoyed the scenes where she interacted with her best friend Daniela. Her neighbours from an elderly Margherita to her kind grandson, the scholarly Guido and even the rascally Tomassino all help create an immersive sense of setting.

The romance between David and Lucy is sweet. I enjoyed reading about his difficult past and how he works to overcome it. Their first meeting as well is quite cute, all things considered!

Overall, Under a Sienna Sun is a cute, clean romance set in a most dazzling location..

Being a long-time fan of this author’s ‘Dreaming of’ series, as well as a self-confessed Italophile, I was eager to read this latest offering, ‘Under a Siena Sun’.

A trademark of T A Williams’s writing is his incredible ability to transport the reader into the heart of Italy and this book is no exception. The spectacular Tuscan countryside, along with the deliciously flavoured local delicacies are truly brought to life and offer a perfect escape for the imagination.

No T A Williams book is complete without its obligatory canine character and in this one, we are treated to not one, but several labradors, although undoubtedly it is Boris who steals the show!

The central characters, Lucy and David come from vastly different worlds, but the story of their developing friendship and eventual romance is perfectly portrayed and I found myself totally enthralled and invested in their relationship.

It is testament to how much I enjoyed this book that I finished it in two sittings! A highly recommended summer read!

I have read a previous book by this author and I love that there is an Italian setting in it, the same with this novel. It made me travel without leaving the comfort of my home. And with the current situation of the world, it’s the best solution.

As we follow Lucy and get to learn more and more about her, about the internal struggles, about the experiences she had in her life, about how kind she is. I loved her and how the author showed us her strong aspects as well as her vulnerabilities, because that’s what makes us humans, and what got me to connect with Lucy.

It was a good romance, with enough sweet moments and dilemmas to create some balance. The flow of the story, the way the romance story was so entertaining with all the characters in the mix and the possibilities. It was so much fun and interesting. So enjoyable.

Plus, it had this brilliant setting and exploring it through the descriptions was amazing and I felt like I was standing right there with the characters. Absolutely the perfect escape this summer.

Overall, I loved it. It was a lovely romance that I had fun with. I can’t wait to see what else this author is going to bring to the table.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and T.A. Williams and Canelo for the eCopy of this book, via NetGalley, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

Mentally and physically exhausted from her stint in Africa as a doctor for Medecins Sans Frontieres, Lucy escapes to Tuscany for a well-deserved holiday. It sure beats dodging bullets. But when she is made an offer she can’t refuse, she settles in Siena working for a private hospital and buying a lovely cottage with spectacular views of the Tuscany countryside. In the meantime, she meets the attractive former tennis star up the lane and grows to like this troubled man. But falling for him is not sitting well with her. His wealth and artificial world and her principles of caring for the underprivileged are in conflict. The problem isn’t him, it’s everything he stands for. Will she choose him or her conscience?

I admire Lucy’s drive and courage to stand up for what’s right. She is a kind and caring person who is dedicated to helping others who cannot help themselves so it is understandable she has doubts about being with David and his large villa and bright red Ferrari. However, David is trying to be a better person and his grand gesture is remarkable and proof of his love for her. Their love of medieval history and the hunt to uncover information about the mysterious Englishman’s Castle gives an extra touch to the story. And in true T.A. Williams fashion, he includes colorful supporting characters, adorable dogs, beautiful settings, and delicious cuisine that gives the reader a relaxing escape to better times.

Overall, this is an enjoyable and enchanting romantic getaway filled with history, wine, and charm. Recommend highly!

Thank you to Mr. Williams for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

I really enjoyed reading this heartfelt romance between Lucy, a surgeon living in Tuscany to relax after a violent situation in the DRC, and David, a famous American Tennis Player! The book was well written with wonderful descriptions of the villa Lucy lived in and the village she called home. I enjoyed how the history and culture of the area were woven into the storyline. It made me want to buy a villa in Tuscany myself! I would recommend this book to readers that like a good romance or love to read about places around the world.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This author is always good for romance, storytelling and travel. This book has all of these, but this is more than a lighthearted romantic travelogue. Lucy is a dedicated doctor working in war-torn areas of the world. The beginning sets the scene for her recent life.

Life in Italy is idyllic but conflicted for Lucy, the social inequality of healthcare disturbs her, as does her role in it. The romance with a rich reclusive man is intriguing and realistic. Vivid imagery and first-hand knowledge describe the setting, which is a sensory delight.

The perfect Summer escapist read, especially as I am writing this review amid rain and thunder.

I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Under a Siena Sun is a delicious escape into the rich, sprawling, and vibrant landscape of Tuscany–just like the cover says! The descriptions of food in particular made my mouth water. You learn about the medieval history of the region from a learned professor at Florence University, which is a treat for history buffs.

Lucy’s (the main character) dilemma runs the span of the novel, with her head and heart at war with each other. We’re constantly reminded of how she feels about the rich vs. poor divide and how she develops feelings for a mega-rich person despite it. An overly generous gesture from this rich person could change Lucy’s mind, but whether it is enough remains for you to find out.

I must mention the adorable Labrador, Boris, who stole the show with his antics. Give me a cute, funny, furry dog in a book and I’m sold! 🙂

The novel opens with an action-packed chapter which rally sets the scene. Although the location is not where we stay, the openings gives the reader a real sense of Lucy and her character. This is then further evidenced throughout the rest of the novel.

I loved Lucy. She is a fiercely strong, intelligent and independent woman but so kind-hearted and down to Earth I just warmed to her straight away. In that opening chapter we learn she is strong but scared, caring but also has her own vulnerabilities. These traits continue to be explored all the way through the novel and it makes her such an adorable character.

The setting of Siena is simply stunning, and I have never been but thanks to Mr Williams, I feel as though I have. Everything is described with vivacity and it’s as though I am standing on top of a hill breathing it all in as I read.
For me, the plot is about two things. The romance aspect of Lucy’s life is brilliantly told with several suitors in the mix, it was difficult to know which way she would turn and who (if anyone) she would become romantically entangled with. The other aspect was Lucy’s journey towards a different type of life. I loved the R and R aspect and that she was able to overcome nightmares and other post-traumatic stress but also how she had to wrestle with ehr moral consciousness over whether treating rich patients in luxury was what she really felt was right.

Overall, I adored this summery romance novel full of Tuscan charm and wonderful characters. Really recommended for a few hours of escapism to Siena.

The start of this story is unlike any other T. A. Williams book, with Lucy Young dramatically being rescued from the middle of a conflict in the Congo. Working a doctor for Doctors Without Borders, she wants to help others and has decided it’s time to do so somewhere less dangerous. After some well needed time away following her harrowing experience, she visits her family, attends a wedding, and finds a job working in a private clinic in Italy. She has no idea how Italy will change her life.

This was so unlike any other of T.A. Williams’ books, I was shocked by the opening. I’m used to his gorgeous cozy romances in Italy and definitely nothing quite as harrowing as the opening to this. However, now I think he could be exploring genres and I would definitely be interested in reading a thriller written by him!

Fortunately, the book doesn’t stay quite as harrowing as the opening. It has all of my favourite quintessential hallmarks of Trevor’s books: a black labrador, a stunning setting, a couple I’m rooting for, and descriptions of food that sound so delicious that I am literally salivating whilst reading.

I loved that the female protagonist is intelligent and knows her own value. She sounds like a perfect doctor with limitless compassion and care that she puts into her work. When treating injured superstar tennis player she is professional and considerate, despite him being grouchy and irritable.

The romance in this story wasn’t obvious and I didn’t have a clue who Lucy was going to end up with! I felt as though I was just as invested in the side characters as some of the main ones. I was very happy with who she did end up with in the end. They made a great couple and could help one another grow.

A gorgeous story that matches the beautiful scenery it’s set within. If you’re looking for a light summer read to whisk you away, you don’t need to look any further.

A feel good romance under the bright skies of Siena and the warmth of its people. This was my first book by author T. A. Williams, and I have to say with a delightful sigh that the prose was mesmerizing. The landscapes and food described came alive with the strength of his words. I was in awe.

Having worked with Doctors Without Borders and escaping a dire situation in Africa, Lucy needed a break from work and a vacation to relax her body and mind. And what better place than Siena where her best friend lived.

The book was all about food and wine, sunshine and friendship. There was a sparkle in it that made me smile, especially when love interest David entered the story as a grumpy, rich patient.

Lucy as a character had a great set of values. She was committed to her work and everything that she beloved in. The characters were plenty, they were warm and kind-hearted. The author did place some reckless-with-love men to bring about the contrast.

The dogs in the book were the best, unique in their ways and so loving. The story was prose perfect, but it missed the emotions, the angst and feelings that love brings. A woman's heart is everything and more. It feels things minutely especially when in love. I liked everyone on the book but could connect to none.

Overall this was a sweet, quick read for me. Siena is now another place in my wishlist.

Another fabulous book from this author and very topical to have a doctor as the main character. This may be an easy-to-read romance but at its core, there are some burning ethical questions that the heroine has to deal with. The luscious descriptions of the Italian countryside are as near as I'm going to get to foreign travel this year but brought back many memories of Siena. A great read that will linger long after you finish the last page.