I have read many books by T.A Williams. so i was extremely excited to begin this story.
The authors fantastic way with words transports you to another world, and allows you the escapism so many of us crave.

The plot throughout this book is captivating and really grasps your attention, and the characters were realistic and [portrayed beautifully. and vividly in my mind.
I adored the character Lucy, and David certainly grew on me as the story progressed and you learn more about him.

The setting was an absolute dream, and the way in which the author describes the scene brings a new authenticity and depth to this brilliant book. 

I adored this book from beginning to end, and whole heartedly lost myself within the breath taking story. An absolute must read.

A lighthearted read with some serious elements to balance it out. The premise is interesting and I liked that Lucy was an MSF Dr.
However, I would have liked Lucy to have been more realistic as she seemed to be completely perfect and to be honest thisade her a little dull. 
On the whole a fun, summery read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Canelo for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. 

As soon as I read the synopsis of this book and Saw where it was set, I knew I had to read it. I am and have always been trash for anything set in Tuscany one of my favourite places on the planning. Add in the fact it was a romance and I was sold.

On the whole this book did not disappoint. The writing included some fantastic descriptions of both the Tuscan countryside as well as the city of Siena. I could quite easily imagine myself back in the historic side streets surrounding the Piazza del Campo. The story itself also kept me entertained from the dramatic first scenes in the DRC through to the build up to a sweet romance. My only issue with the book was the fact hat the main character seemed a little too perfect. Whilst many of the other characters, particularly the male characters, had flaws  and developed as characters throughout the book, Lucy seemed to have very little character growth.

I would recommend the book however, particularly to anyone who is a fan of the author or the Italian setting.

When I am lucky enough to read a novel by T.A. Williams, I know I am in for a treat!  These books are truly escapist reading for me and always provide lovely reading experiences!  This story starts with intense action as we meet Lucy, a doctor with Doctors Without Borders, as she is in the middle of an attack in Africa and is waiting to be evacuated.  Dealing with the aftermath is our initial point of emphasis.  Lucy takes a break from her adventurous lifestyle and goes on "holiday" in Siena, Italy.  Through spending time with timeless friends and beginning to work in a different medical setting (a private hospital), Lucy begins to settle into a nice routine.  

Along the way, Lucy befriends one of her patients (her first patient in the private hospital) and gradually their relationship develops further.  Overall, Lucy's character is well developed, appealing and interesting.  This story is told through delicious, transporting details that make it come alive in such a beautiful manner.  If I elaborate too much, I am sure to give unnecessary spoilers and I certainly don't want to do that!  If you are looking for a delightful, escapist read with a touch of everything from action to friendship and romance and everything in-between, look no further because this is certainly for you!  Highly recommend!

‘Carpe diem, she told herself. Enjoy the moment’

There were a few things that attracted me to this book, primarily a story about a doctor from MSF, who is airlifted from war-torn Congo in the very first chapter! She then heads to Italy to reflect and contemplate her future. In our current world climate where none of us is traveling far, this book provided some much needed escapism and where better than sunny Siena.

‘... her thoughts were drawn to the people she had left behind in Africa and she found herself struggling, caught between these two so very different worlds.’

I found this to be a well rounded tale and not your usual women’s romantic fiction. All up this has a great location, delectable cuisine and a sensible storyline. I feel completely refreshed. I like how romance is not what it’s all about and there are added dimensions to this read. Our lead character Lucy, was not even looking for love but rather a place to heal from her stressful escape. So yes, there is a slow burning relationship but added to that is past acquaintances, new friends with lots of food and wine.

‘On one level this almost annoyed her as she had always thought of herself as a self-sufficient kind of woman who was quite happy without the usual trappings of conventional life. Now she wasn’t so sure.’

Two things really stood out in this read. Firstly is the history and geography of Siena, Italy. This armchair traveller was most satisfied in closing the final page. The glamour of Tuscany is there for all to read - sunny vineyards, olive groves, remnants of castles across this Italian vista. I appreciated the trips to the coast and Florence but it was the history of the local area that had me scrambling to Google to read up on it further. Even the famous Palio horse race made this book rich in cultural offerings. 

Secondly, and more importantly from a personal point of view, was how intelligent and mature Lucy was. I just was fully appreciative of the range of issues the author chose to highlight throughout this tale - everything from immigration to wealth distribution. The personal dilemma Lucy faces from the first to almost the last page as she wrestles with her principles, adds the extra depth and honesty to the book. 

‘What did worry her, however, was the idea of going into private medicine which, by definition, would be reserved for the privileged few, when she felt sure her heart lay in helping those less fortunate than herself. Would she be ignoring all her natural instincts?’

Overall, this proved a wonderful escapist read that will see you transported to Siena. Highly recommended for those looking for something light but appreciative of a female lead in a romance that is strong and sincere to what she holds to be true. 

‘After living for years in an environment containing spiders that could paralyse you, snakes that could kill you, and armed men who could do unspeakable things to you, this really was heaven. Yes, she thought to herself as she drifted off to sleep, her escape to Tuscany was turning out to be everything she had dreamed of and more.’







This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

I always love reading TA Williams’ books because they transport me to so many amazing locations. I feel like I’m on holiday when I’m reading. I also enjoy the romance and the dogs!

Well, what can I say? Another triumph from TA Williams! This author’s blissful books are guaranteed to transport you to another country, and to totally captivate you from start to finish.

I love all this author’s books, but I really felt that this was the best yet. It’s got an arresting opening chapter, and a really strong plot from then on.

As always, the characters are so real, and I really liked Lucy. David, once you get to know him, actually has a heart of gold too.

The setting is stunning of course, and the descriptions of the beautiful food really enhance the authenticity of it all. I was delighted that the trademark labrador was included too.

An absolute pleasure to read, this book was the next best thing to actually being able to travel to Italy. Can’t recommend it highly enough.

you’ll know by now that one of my favourite forms of escapism is through a T A William’s book. I opened this with the usual anticipation and was beyond not disappointed. We begin with a dedication that made me nod, and proceeded to a place I wouldn’t have guessed, an African clinic under attack. The scene was cinematic, and I sat forward (I do this sometimes!) mesmitised. I adored this book. I loved the ‘will they won’t they,’ or even the possibility of a love triangle, I loved the clash of worlds, the vividness and beauty (as always!) of the settings, and the characters were extra special. I have to admit her job was so intriguing. I’ll admit I had one niggle, the ending which says something about my personality, or maybe an insecurity, who knows(?!) But it changed nothing-a fantastic book, totally recommended!!! Thanks so much to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the book in return for an honest review.

I loved Lucy's story of making a huge change in her life from MSF to private medicine, and how she found love amongst the gorgeous scenery of Tuscany.

I have been enjoying T.A. Williams stories for several reasons, and this story added another. This one starts off with a bang, when Lucy and her co-workers with Doctors Without Borders and being attacked and waiting for a helicopter to evacuate them. Arriving in Siena, Italy with some PTSD and not knowing what she is going to do next, Lucy is at loose ends. Spending time with old friends introduces her to a private hospital that is need of a surgeon. Deciding to stay for awhile at least, she buys a small stone house and settles in. The first patient she operated on, before she was even on staff, attracts her. She soon learns that he lives in the huge home on the hill, and is the recluse she bought her home from. They become friends, then a bit more than friends.

Dr. Lucy Young is a wonderful character. She is a skilled doctor, a wonderful friend, a kind person and someone who wants to help others. David is in hiding. He is a famous tennis player, who was severely injured and will not be able to play competitive tennis again. He is stinking rich, a bit depressed, dealing with the end of his marriage and oh so handsome. When Lucy and David realize they are neighbours, their chemistry finds them meeting up for various reasons. I loved how they both tried to fight the feelings. One of the other things I loved were the dogs, so many dogs. It seemed that everyone in the village owned a lab, and the labs were all related. Who wouldn't want to be friends with a sweet dog and in turn, their owner. The secondary characters were all relatively well developed and added so much to this story. I loved getting to know this area of Italy. I am not familiar with this area, so learning about some of the history, the beauty, the food, and the geography had this armchair traveler entranced. The main thing I loved about this story was the plot about the rich getting richer and the people living in warzones or refugees barely living at all. Lucy could not reconcile living like David knowing what so many others deal with and live without. I don't want to spoil this story for you, so I am just going to say, pick this one up and read it. Yes there is a HEA, for so many.

I didn't love it but I also didn't hate it. I was bored through most of it. I can't give up my morals, she whined but literally no one was asking her to. Not even david.

Lucy has been a doctor with Medicine without Borders serving in one of the most conflict associated areas in Africa. Escaping literally at the last minute and under fire, she wants a period of recuperation and rest away from any turmoil. After a short stay with her family she goes to the South of Italy to stay with old friends and there come to a decision regarding the rest of her working life.

It was an idyllic setting and when an offer of a job came in a most exclusive hospital serving the rich, the famous and celebrities it was a question of her ethical sense. Whether her hard won skills were best served by saving the lives of the rich or whether she should continue with her work with the poor. Finding love was also not on the cards but it found her and Lucy had to decide which way her life was going to take.

This was a light hearted read, set in beautiful country with with very descriptive places and settings. I enjoyed the story.

I liked this book.

Lucy is a Doctor with MSF, she is working in Africa but needs a break and so moved to Italy and gets a job at a private hospital. Lucy struggles with this due to her previous work, but she sets down roots and buys a house. 

Lucy meets David, a professional tennis player who is at the hospital for treatment. Lucy and David start up a friendship, but Lcuys morals and Davids wealth dont get along so well. 

I thought it was very charming.  The thought of owning Lucys house in Sienna made me happy. 

Great read.

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.