I loved this wintertime romance. I haven't been to Venice but this book definitely made me want to travel there.

Piero: " What's the worst that could happen?"
Didi: " I smash your beautiful piece on the floor."
Piero: "Then I'll make another one tomorrow. Glass breaks."

Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Leonie Mack for a copy of this heartwarming book.

Didi makes a trip to Venice with one goal in mind - get the famous glass artisan, Piero Zanetti, to create a Christmas display for a department store in London. As a woman who lives by setting realistic goals and avoids romance, Zanetti ends up turning Didi's world completely upside down. Are the feelings she develops for Piero just a side affect of Venice? or is there something deeper waiting for them to discover?

Usually, I'm not one for cheesy holiday romance books. A Match Made in Venice grabbed my attention because I've been to Venice and had yet to read a romance book that takes place in the historically romantic city. I enjoyed the banter and relationship that forms between Didi and Piero. Their story also brought back memories of my own time in Venice. I was surprised to find their love to not be the typical Hallmark movie type romance I was originally expecting going into this book. For example, Piero meets Didi when he is still bent out of shape over a broken heart. When Didi shows up he is not just automatically in love with her. Interested, sure, but their romantic feelings for each other were not instant. I appreciated the realness of it all.

Aside from a few holes in the plot, I'll get to that in a bit, I really enjoyed A Match Made in Venice. What I loved most about this book was how the characters find a different kind of love, not what Didi refers to as "big crazy love."

Those plot issues I had? As someone who's family came from Italy and has had experience in Venice, I felt there could have been more research into Venice and the native language. For example, the author uses "Bona Fortuna" instead of "Buona Fortuna" and "Bon Nadal" instead of "Buon Natale." At first I thought maybe this was just a difference in dialect - but my (minimal) research into the venetian dialect came up empty. My only other issue was why Piero went to London in the beginning. There was no point, in my opinion. In fact - I thought his trip to London actually debunked the whole need of Didi altogether since he ends up making a deal with her boss behind her back.

Overall, this was a lovely story and I recommend it to anyone interested in reading it!

I have not been to Venice but this gave me feelings of magic in the wintertime. Which is hard to do since I am not a big winter person. This was not my favorite book. The plot and storyline felt a bit predictable. But I did enjoy how the book made me smile and the characters built each other up and made each other better people. That is what we all want in a partner. The chemistry between Didi and Piedro was great. The cover was beautiful.

Deirdre goes to Venice with her job to persuade Peiro to make glass for the Christmas window display for Fleets where she works. Brought Venice to life

Favorite Quotes:

She swallowed a snort of laughter at his tight striped swimming briefs. Unfortunately, he caught her at that moment and pierced her with a look. ‘Didi,’ he said in admonishment. ‘You look, you admire.’ He gestured down his nearly naked body. ‘You do not laugh.’

Didi choked, feeling trapped in a soap opera that she had no role in.


My Review:

This was an amusing and slowly-paced hybrid of women’s fiction, family drama, and slow-burn romance. It provided a witty and leisurely read with generous helpings of humor and perceptive inner musings while also including an entertaining travelogue of Venice. The storylines were original yet easy to follow and engaged my interest in the characters as well as their activities and exceptional surroundings. As a bonus, I also learned enough about the skill and process of glass blowing to ascertain that this is not an activity I should ever try.

Romance – check!
Fabulous setting that includes some armchair travel – check!
A romance set during winter – check!
Everything I need right now – checkity check!
I visited Venice a long time ago, and on a budget, and it’s a place that I am desperate to return to one day. I was completely smitten by it and whilst reading this book I really felt as though I had returned for a short break. I loved exploring the more famous areas but also the exquisite detail of the streets and shops was superb. I remember seeing Murano glass and longingly adoring it so it was so good to experience it as a central theme in this story n seeing it from more than a consumer’s perspective.
Did was a refreshing character, so down to Earth, sensible and happy to be single. She’s determined and level-headed. Piero seems to have lost his mojo and Did needs something very special from him. Both of them not looking for any sort of romance, almost wanting to avoid it, spend time together as they work on Didi’s commission. Both Did and Piero have issues they are dealing with their own issues but as their friendship grows, so does a more romantic relationship.
I loved Did and Piero’s journey together in such a wonderful setting. I am also so excited to have discovered a new author and cannot wait to read more of Leonie Mack’s novels.

This book was given to me as an eARC through Netgalley from Boldwood books but the review is completely my own.

This book me a long time to read but I don't think the fault is of the book. This story follows Didi York a woman who has achievable goals, not dreams. She's tasked to go from London to Venice to convince elusive glassblowing expert Piero Zenetti to make a piece for her department store's Christmas display. Upon arrival she finds out that maybe Piera isn't all he's cracked up to be and this job is going to be far harder than she expected.

With the description out of place I have to say, this book was adorable, it wasn't idealist and realist, grumpy and practical, romantic an well, not. Piero and Didi showed off the most amazing relationship and friendship, throughout the novel you get to see them grow closer and help each other through their difficulties with their families. You wait and you wait, watching their romance and chemistry bubble and bubble until it finally boils over and it's beautiful and gorgeous.

The backdrop of Venice and the inclusion of the glassblowing made this book a beautiful portrait of description and detail, set in any other city I don't think it would have dazzled as much.

My only real complaint comes pretty far into the book. Didi has diabetes as brought up early on in the book and has to check her blood sugar, this comes up once and a while and felt natural to the story, no big deal, but at one point later in the book, Piero asks her if she needs to check her blood sugar, and she's in awe and happy that he remembered but there's a quote following directly after it that reads "He accepted her flaws, even honoured them, because they were apart of her" and there was something about this line following right after the talk of diabetes that made it feel like the flaw she was talking about was her diabetes and that left a sort of not great taste in my mouth, but other than that one line the book really was good.

The Blurb :
When pragmatic, sensible and resolutely single Deirdre York (Didi to her friends) is sent to Venice for work she is determined not to be taken in by the romantic clichés. Winter in the floating city may be breathtakingly beautiful, but she’s here with a clear purpose and will not let the magic of Venice distract her.
Piero Zanetti is the epitome of the handsome yet tortured artist. Heart-broken by the end of his love affair with a glamorous opera singer, he has lost his ability to work, and his inspiration has drained away, along with his zest for life.
But Didi needs Piero working – she has been tasked with commissioning him to do a glass centrepiece for a luxury department store Christmas display – some how Didi has to cheer Piero up or at least find him a new muse…
As Didi and Piero slowly become friends, and as Venice starts to melt Didi’s heart and gently nudge Piero out of the blues, something special begins to happen. Can Venice – the City of Love – work a Christmas miracle and help Didi and Piero to find their happiness at last…

My Thoughts :
The stunning cover is what drew me to this book at first, and after reading the blurb I knew I needed to give it a go.
We meet Didi York, she has been sent to Venice by her work to seek out Piero Zanetti, who is a glassblower based in Murano. The department store Didi works for want him to design a window display piece for the following Christmas at their store.
It seems Didi has her work cut out as Piero has turned his back on his work after some personal issues and has lost all inspiration.
After spending some time together Piero begins to open up to Didi and seems to find his muse again. Things are not as clear cut as they seem and we get to find out more about the couples backgrounds.
As the couple spend more and more time together, they soon become friends and Didi gets to see all the sights of Magaical Venice. Will this just be all about work or can Venice work its romantic magic for the couple!?.
Although it did take a bit of time to get into the story, Leonie Mack writes with a style where the reader feels they are right there in the thick of the action, such lovely descriptions of Venice, the streets and its Canals. Although not your traditional Christmas story this is still set in the Winter months and will leave you with a warm feeling. Looking forward to more from this Author.

I received an ARC and chose to give my honest opinion - thanks NetGalley!!

At the heart of it all, 'A Match Made in Venice' is the story of two people molding each other and improving. It's a story of love and acceptance. It might sound too normal or too boring, but it was the most beautiful part of the whole book.

At first, it was hard to get into it. We mostly get Didi's point of view (our heroine) which is boring and logical. She was a grump and there's nothing wrong with that, but it dragged the beginning.
Didi and Piero are opposites and seemlesly fit in. It works amazingly well and successed even having a boring voice as the main narrator. Piero was so dramatic it compensated quite well, though.

I'm thankful I pull through and finished this one. It's completely worth your time. But I didn't actually see it as much of a Holiday Romance so you can have a crack at it whenever you so choose.

Venice is such a beautiful setting for Didi and Piero's love story, and Mack's beautiful writing captures the history, culture, and traditions of its wonder. This book is strong in its originality, centering around the centuries old trade of Venetian glassmaking. The fact that the young professional Didi is diabetic makes her an even more real character. Piero is an inhospitable, brooding, eccentric artist, often using strong language in his emotional expression. The evolution of their friendship and relationship reveals the full spectrum of who these two are at their core, with many tender and fragile moments. I was swept away with the descriptions of the art of glassmaking and the lovely scenes of sights in Venice.
Thanks Net Galley & Boldwood Books for my advance reader's copy & opportunity for an unbiased review.
#AMatchMadeinVenice #NetGalley #leoniemack

This is perfect for winter reading as it is set in the months either side of Christmas. The setting is glorious and the streets and canals of Venice really come alive as you get to know the story. The two central characters are so different, on the surface. Didi is determined to ignore all signs of romance as she prefers to be in control of her own destiny. The artist and glassmaker Piero, however, wears his heart on his sleeve and has fallen hook, line and sinker for the idea of the 'great romance'. I really enjoyed the repartee between the two as they tried to ignore the chemistry between them.

There is plenty of humour to be found in both Didi and Piero's families, with some vivid characters. Family relationships and forgiving past mistakes are important themes. Life in Murano where the glassblowers are based is fascinating and added a dimension to the story, as it helps you to understand Piero's family bonds. This is a slow burn romance which seemed to shine in the winter sunlight.

In short: two worlds collide in Venice
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

*Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
This book was sweet and funny. It wasn't overly romantic despite the setting. At first, I wasn't completely sold on Piero because he seemed a little too idealistic. But it turns out they are a good balance for each other. I enjoyed all the descriptions of Venice and the appreciation for art and hand-made artisanship. It was an escape during a time of not being able to travel. I look forward to more from this author.

What a beautiful love story set against the backdrop of gorgeous Venice.

I haven’t been to Venice but I definitely want to go now after reading this book. The description of the city made me feel as if I was right there, peering over the couple’s shoulders, watching their story unfold. I had expected a Christmastime romance, but I got so much more. The depth of characterisation held my interest throughout the book. The main characters, Piero and Didi had their fair share of issues and were very different, yet they felt like perfect partners for each other. The love that they had together seemed so easy and I thoroughly believed in their longevity as a couple.

The romantic moments were tender and had just the right amount of sentiment. The book sizzled with sensuality in parts. I loved the introspective journey that the main characters went on and how they made each other better people. I did have the odd chuckle at the banter that took place between Piero and Didi.
The book left me smiling and filled with so much warmth for Piero and Didi, as well as for Venice. I learnt so much about the city and its culture. What a fabulous place to set this touching story. It’s five stars from me. With thanks to Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

I have previously listened to one of her stories and really enjoyed it and have another on my TBR pile. Unfortunately this story didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I enjoyed it, but I did not love it. I think my main issue was that I did not connect enough with the main character Deirdre (Didi) and there was a little too much detail about glass blowing for my liking.

This wasn’t my favorite Leonie Mack book, but I know some people have enjoyed it a lot or will enjoy it more than I did. I really need to connect with the main character to feel the story and this didn’t completely happen with Didi. It was just a mismatch between Didi and myself. That said, there is no doubt in my mind that I will be eager to read whatever book Leonie Mack decides to write next!

There’s something really magical about glass blowing, the way that the material transforms at the hands of the crafters with a bit of heat and spinning is just amazing. I’ve been lucky enough to see a couple of these demonstrations and it’s just awe inspiring, Leonie manages to capture this feeling and I felt so drawn to Piero and Salvatore’s studios. Although how they create such intrinsic and breathtaking creations is still a wonder to me.

This book also has the most beautiful setting in Venice, but what I really liked was that it’s not all about the tourist version of Venice. Instead you get that sense of mingling with the locals and seeing the more honest parts of the city, the cobbled streets, run down alleys and rather questionable warehouses… I think that this made me even more eager to add Venice to my travel list, one day I will get there!

I loved both Didi and Piero, (Leonie’s pictures on instagram may have helped slightly) and the way that they rub each other up the wrong way again felt so honest and realistic. The way Didi holds no punches with Piero really sparked something in me, I do like a bold character who’s not afraid to say what she’s thinking (although maybe she could be a bit more honest with herself). Piero just made me smile, even when he was at his brashest there was something unique about him and I felt myself warming to him more and more as the book progressed.

The relationship between him and his father is definitely strained but I really liked the way that Didi was able to get through to them both and push them towards recognising what needed to be done. I think it was more powerful that they reached their decision by themselves without having it laid out on a platter for them.

I think I’m going to be imagining these glass creations for a long while yet and will be looking out for somewhere else to visit for a glass demo some time soon. Leonie has written such a strikingly honest book that I have been immersed in this little world and can’t wait to read more of her work in the future.

This is the story of Didi and Peiro, their tale is told over the course of 34 Chapters(+Epilogue). Right from the beginning of this story readers will be mesmerised by the descriptions of the scenes where the story takes place. Whether that is romantic Venice or cold London.
Not only are the descriptions brilliant when it comes to the scenary but also the descriptions of the glass sculptures. Not only is the way they look described but also how the light and colour looks. These descriptions give so much detail that readers can visualise what the pieces as well as the places look like.
Throughout this story the point of view switches from Didi to Piero and back again. This gives readers the chance to learn about both characters and what they are hiding from the other person.
Overall this is a brilliant book within a beautiful setting that will leave readers no doubt wanting to visit Venice when they get the chance. Throughout the book the readers emotions are kept on the edge wondering how the story will turn out.

There’s little I enjoy more than a romantic escape, but this book really wasn’t what I was expecting – it was so much better than that. Didi is far from the usual idea of a romantic heroine, suited and booted and carrying her briefcase, immune from the romance of Venice at the approach of winter, intent on tracking down celebrated glass artist Piero Zanetti on the island of Murano with a commission to design a centrepiece for the Christmas window at the department store where she works. At first, the sparks really fly between them (and not from the glassblowing furnace – that hasn’t been used to create one of his works of art for some time) – he might be rather gorgeous, but he’s also a tad obnoxious, and it really looks as if she’ll be going home empty-handed. But he’s also in search of a muse, and he thinks he might just have unexpectedly found one in Didi – so she returns to Venice to stay a little longer at his expense, unsure of her role, and their friendship (and rather more) starts to grow.

I will admit that I found this book a bit of a struggle to engage with for the first few chapters – but all I can say is stick with it, because I found the romance that developed between the unlikely couple entirely wonderful and all-consuming. The setting helps, of course – it was magical to visit Venice without the hordes of tourists, to wander the alleys and gaze at the shop windows with Didi. I was surprised to see that the author wrote this one during lockdown, using the internet for her research – she brings it so vividly to life, all the small detail along with the romance and the seediness, and by the end I felt I’d been on an extended visit myself, shown around by the most expert of local guides.

And I most certainly warmed to the characters, who certainly have considerably more depth and personal issues than it at first appears. There’s a particularly strong focus on family – Didi’s relationship with her sister and her difficult mother, Piero’s with his father and the way its fracture has impacted him. As the friendship between them grows, we also see the repairing of some of the rifts – and I really enjoyed the additional depth that gave to the story. And then there’s the whole world of glassblowing – the community that Piero has become estranged from, the fascinating process of creating the art (we certainly get to feel the heat from that furnace).

Something I really loved about this book was the dialogue, particularly the crackle and fizz of the exchanges between Didi and Piero – despite being so buttoned-up at the start, she certainly gives as good as she gets, and I liked her more and more as the pages turned. And I really must mention the romance once more, because it absolutely blew me away – I really hadn’t expected to care so deeply for a tortured artist and a woman who declares she doesn’t have dreams, only achievable goals, and so very unlikely to bring him inspiration.

I entirely loved this book. Don’t read it expecting something too Christmassy – although it’s set at that time of year, the initial trip driven by the need for a Christmas window display, and features a (rather difficult) Christmas dinner. It’s more of a winter read, but with plenty to warm the cockles of your heart – although I honestly think I’d have enjoyed it every bit as much if I’d read it in the middle of summer. I just love Leonie Mack’s writing – and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. Recommended really highly – this was the loveliest read.

I struggled a little with the flow of the plot. I felt like some things took awhile to develop where some things developed to fast to be realistic. There were a few plot explanations that didn't seem to follow through or cam out of nowhere but over all this was great read for the holiday season. I enjoyed the characters and the way they developed together even if I didn't love their individual development.

I would recommend this 3 star read to anyone looking for a fun holiday read, pretty clean and a great setting.

Thank you Leonnie Mack, Netgalley, and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy in Exchange for my honest opinion.

A Match Made in Venice - Leonie Mack

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily

When pragmatic, sensible and resolutely single Deirdre York (Didi to her friends) is sent to Venice for work she is determined not to be taken in by the romantic clichés. Winter in the floating city may be breathtakingly beautiful, but she’s here with a clear purpose and will not let the magic of Venice distract her.

Piero Zanetti is the epitome of the handsome yet tortured artist. Heart-broken by the end of his love affair with a glamorous opera singer, he has lost his ability to work, and his inspiration has drained away, along with his zest for life.

This is a sweet and engaging book to read, full of descriptions that will transport you to Venice. The only issue I had with this book was that the cover suggests that the book is more festive than it is - it is set around the holidays but the book does not focus on them.

Overall, this is a heart-warming and feel-good book about love and family. It is a charming read and will leave you with the feeling that you have just been hugged by a book.

Rating: 4/5

I’m ashamed to admit that I was drawn to this book by its gorgeous cover and the blurb. I thought it promised a wonderful festive romance but it fell flat.
The story is about Didi who heads off to Venice and Murano in search of glass sculpter Pierro to commission him to make a Christmas store front for a big retail brand in London. There seems to be an attraction between them but their personalities and feelings get in their way.
Unfortunately this story for me was very bland. I couldn’t connect with the characters at all. Didi was quite annoying and frustrating and I found everything that happened with Pierro was very repetitive.
I did like the backdrop of Venice and the descriptiveness of the location. It did make me want to return as soon as I can.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for my advanced digital copy in return for an honest review