Well, Sue Moorcroft does it again!! This book simply sizzles with Italian sunshine, tantalising twists to the story, and a VERY hot hero!! The description in this book is so vivid - I felt like I’d stepped off the plane and was instantly enveloped in the Italian sun - like I was actually there, living the story.!! The story flowed beautifully, drawing me in and making me want to read on. The characters were so well drawn that I could actually see and hear them!! The story itself captivated me from beginning to end, and I was sorry when I reached the last page, because I wanted to stay in Italy!! Under the Italian Sun is a holiday in a book, hot, steamy and full of romance, but with a mystery running through it that I found to be very intriguing.
I loved it, and wish there were more than 5 stars, as it’s a 10 from me!!

Escape to Italy and all the beauty and serenity it provides, as well as the brilliant food, wine and ice cream!

Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers' has always wondered why she had such a long name. Eventually dealing with letters from the past unlocks more unanswered questions she must find out the answers to.

Travelling to Italy along with her friend, she uncovers the family she has never known and finds out that some secrets are best left as they are. Staying next door to the vineyard owner, Piero opens up even more confused feelings as her past and present are sent into turmoil - add in a disgruntled ex and this novel will make you laugh and cry.

So set your sights on Italy, sit back, be transported and enjoy yet another of Sue Moorcroft's novels which is amusing, evocative and emotional and find out what happens to Zia-Lucia under the Italian sun.

Another beautiful book fom Sue Moorcroft.
Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers finds suprising & confusing information whilst sorting out old paper work fom her late grandparents home. This sends her on a path with her friend Ursula to Italy, to try & assemble some sense of her past.
After reading everyone of Sue Moorcoft's books, I want to travel to the country & find the places she is writing about. So much detail about the areas entices you in & you want the joy of feeling those places too. Her characters are always likeable, relatable & believable. Yes, there is always a happy ending & yes, love always wins the day but the journey to the end is one you want to follow. Looking forwad to her next book.
Highly ecommended!

This book allowed me to pretend I was on holiday in Italy and could imagine the scenery, the sun and being able to be anywhere but my own four walls. The story unfolded beautifully and you wanted only the best for Zia. Lovely book.

I received a copy of this novel as an ARC from NetGalley. This is a feel good love and travel novel that would make anyone want to travel to Italy. Although she has led a rough life, the heroine Zia is spirited and loving and the cast of characters she surrounds herself with are delightful. The setting is amazing, picture perfect! Great escapist fiction.

I love Sue Moorcroft’s books - she transports the reader to sunny Italy in this, her latest book. Zia-Lucia is an orphan looking for her Italian roots - including her father who wanted nothing to do with the baby when his English girlfriend became pregnant. So Zia sets off with her best friend Ursula, who is nursing a broken heart, to Italy. Here Zia uncovers her roots as well as falling for Piero, the handsome vineyard owner next door. The book certainly made me want to jump on a plane and visit Italy, so beautifully described by Sue - I could feel the heat of the sun, smell the delicious food and taste the local wine - fabulous! The perfect escape from cold, wet English weather and lockdown blues! Enjoy 😊

A thoroughly enjoyable sunny book where I was transported to Italy for a delightful few hours. Another excellent read from Sue Moorcroft with the right balance of romance, drama and tragedy plus other issues sensitively dealt with. Several plots intertwining against the background of an Italian Vineyard, plus a little dip into Brighton and rain but the wonderful atmospheric descriptions, rain or shine, make this an ideal holiday read

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Zia-Lucia is looking for answers to her past. She wants to know who her father is and it is hard to do since her mom and grandparents have passed. This book was enjoyable to read.

A brilliant read. Two lovely settings and great to read a different story line. I loved Zia's story of finding her parents. The twists were amazing. I felt for Harry. The ending was perfect. . Three of the main men characters were terrible but at least one came through in the end. Ursula and Zia's friendship was perfect. You have to read it

Wow another perfect summery read from sue moorcroft!
Idyllic Italian setting, glorious delicious Italian food, varied, eclectic mix of characters and a sense of finding your place/ belonging.
Imagine losing your only relatives who had brought you up since you were a child, then discovering things weren’t as they seemed, taking on a journey of discovery to establish who you really are and how you came to be in this position! Sensitive subjects such as teen pregnancy and post natal psychosis are sensitively and tactfully covered, anything that highlights this awful condition and raises awareness of it should be applauded!
Family dynamics, friendships, soul searching and romance are a plenty making for a delectable, enticing read that you won’t want to end!
Thank you net galley for this early read.

I loved this book. It had it all: beautiful setting, likeable characters and some hard-hitting aspects to the story. Tori’s story was utterly tragic and unusual- congratulations for handling a little recognised illness so sensitively. Just one thing would make this better - a sequel helping Ursula find her happy ending.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I like this author her books are light hearted with great characters and great locations, this was no exception. Good read

As any of Sue's books they are simply wonderful and makes you really feel like you are there. It really makes me want to go to Italy.

With likeable characters I loved Zia's story and a great plot this is truly magical and just what I needed to read.

With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion
Having read a number of books by this author I knew it would be a good one sue moorcroft never disappoints.
A fabulous tale unfolds and keeps your attention to the end can highly recommend.

This book has it all: gorgeous scenery, heartwarming friendships, secrets, twists and turns and a scorching romance. I really enjoyed Zia’s story set in beautiful Italy (I want to go there NOW!) and following her journey as she starts to unravel her family secrets. Sue expertly crafts a page-turning plot while weaving in a very important issue – postpartum depression – in a sympathetic and credible way. The relationship between her and Piero positively sizzles. Highly recommended.

I received this book via NetGalley and give it my honest opinion

Wow, wow, wow!!! I haven't read a book by Sue Moorcroft for a while and what can I say! This was such an enjoyable read, just what we all need in this current lockdown. Italian sunshine at its best, the 'pick me up' I needed. When you can’t go on holiday this book will give you the escapism that transports you to sun, romance, wine and family secrets that need to be unearthed!

I challenge you to read the first chapter of this book and not instantly be hooked in wanting a whole variety of answers, and a burning desire to read more.

For that is exactly what happened to me, so in retrospect starting this just before I went to bed may not have been the smartest idea but at least it meant I knew the next day I was in for a treat of a book.

And I was! I actually can't believe just how much has been jam packed into this story, there are so many threads, much is all interlinked and so many different topics covered. It's probably Sue Moorcroft's most ambitious book to date.

In fact I really don't know how on earth I can possibly talk about this book without potentially spoiling anything key, especially given the sheer quantity of secrets involved in this book, plus betrayals, back stabbing, friendship and potentially unexpected consequences.

It is a story of Zia discovering the truth about herself, of Piero trying his hardest to save his home while keeping his own family happy. It's a story of Ursula and Stefan's relationship and whether it is possible for it to be back on track. It's a story that at times had me smiling and cheering with joy, but others were so emotional that I could feel an occasional tear trying to get out.

And for the most part it is set in Umbria, to a fabulous Italian backdrop. I couldn't' help but notice it was bang up to date and clearly set in a post Brexit world, with regards the new restrictions on how long you can stay in a EU country. Despite that level of real worldliness, I'm also delighted to say that as this is fiction there were no mentions of Covid anywhere which heightened my enjoyment and allowed me to escape properly into the pages!

I absolutely adored my trip to Umbria in this story and everything to do with Zia's search for truth gripped me entirely. I loved all elements of this book and had to keep reading to see just what would happen next as it really kept me on my toes.

Just wonderful escapist reading!

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,

A delightful book, perfect for brightening up a dark winter’s day. The characters were very likeable and the storyline good. Descriptions of Italy made me almost feel as if I was there, well written without being like a tourist guide.

Another stunner from the High Priestess of romantic fiction. Moorcroft has created a new life for Zia from the dregs of the old, which included a dead mother and a cheating ex. In Italy she finds far more than her father. Wonderful excapism fiction.

Omgosh I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars its brilliant.
I so did not want it to end.
So glad Zia went back to Italy with her man and was excepted by the family.
The best bit for me was when she told her ex where to go very loudly.
Had a smile on my face all the way through. I love sue moorcrofts books she writes like a dream. They all make me fall in love with all the main characters this one didnt fail even made me fall in love with italy.

Lovely Italian scenery, a girl on a mission, new friends and a hunky man next door. What's not to love? I really enjoyed Zia's story as she walked away from a cheating ex, went in search of the father she has never known and uncovered the truth about her early life. Recommended.

I really loved this book. I liked the main characters and the supporting characters - especially Ursula snd Lucia. If I was being picky I would say it took me a while to get into the book just because of the names (especially Tori and Victoria amd remembering which was which) and the smattering of Italian which interrupted the flow at first. However once I was into the book i didn’t want to put it down!

Another brilliant book by the fantastic Sue Moorcroft. It made me want to jump on a plane to Italy (if I could with the Covid-19 pandemic obviously).
Set in Italy Zia sets out to find her Italian father after the death of her mother and finds sooo much more than that but can she learn to trust when so many secrets have been kept from her and her ex is determined to mess up her life?
A brilliant book that had me hooked from day one like all Sue Moorcroft's books tend to. I do wonder though if the name should be "Under the Italian Stars" but that's just me being picky! I'll certainly be buying a paperback copy of this when its released. Thank you Netgalley for letting me review it. I may even be tempted to learn Italian as it seems like such a beautiful language.

Sue Moorcroft always delivers and this is no exception. a girl goes to italy to try and find out the truth about her family. the poor thing has got some secrets to unravel Some families hey! The countryside is stunning but the story is filled with shadows and serious moments as the main character tries to find out the truth and see what her past contains and her future might hold.

Recommended!

Zia is in Italy to try and find the father she has never met, but family secrets unravel as she finds out more.
along the way she meets neighbour Piero, but will she be more to him than just a tourist to have a fling with?

I liked the setting of the book and how it is told from both their points of view.

I would love to find out ursula's story next and see her finding happiness too

I always revel in Sue Moorcroft's books, so much to read and enjoy within them. This is no exception, and is set in my favourite country, Italy.
Zia Lucia , having found some worrying documents, is searching for her true background and family, and is sure it lies within a family run vineyard in Italy. With her friend , she goes for a holiday, and finds that most of her suppositions were right. There are some slightly misleading twists with the same Christian names used with in the family. All is sorted out and it's pleasant to see how family relationships grow. Lovley descriptions of the older characters in the story.
Thank you for a chance to read and revie this book. I enjoyed it.

Enjoyable read.
When Zia-Lucia finds paperwork in her deceased grandparents belongings, she starts her search to find out the truth about her past. Leaving behind a cheating boyfriend she sets off to Italy with her best friend Ursula. In Italy she finds family she never knew existed and the opportunity to put down the roots she craved.
Under the Italian sun is a lovely read. Full of twists and turns you are drawn into Zia’s hopes and dreams. The description of the Umbrian region makes you long to travel, you can practically taste the wine and the food. Another great book from Sue Moorcroft. I would highly recommend it.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in return for my honest review.
#UnderTheItalianSun #Avon

Zia-Lucia is looking through her mother's things and comes across some letters and documents to make her question her parentage. She's always known that her father was Italian but has no idea who he is.
So she goes to Italy on a quest to find her family and along the way, meets Piero, part owner of the neighbouring vineyard.
What sets Sue Moorcroft's books apart from other feel good romances is that her characters are all very real and rounded. The meticulous research means that you always learn something new and really get a sense of Italy. Very welcome in snowy England.

The summer sun in this case is in Italy, where Zia has travelled with her friend Ursula in search of answers to some tantalising questions that have arisen after the death of her grandparents, who were her guardians. This is a great family mystery, set in the most beautiful scenery with a delicious romance along with warm friendships. A real feelgood read.

Under the Italian Sun by Sue Moorcroft hooked me from page one! I instantly wanted to know what the mystery was behind Zia's family and why she must go to Italy to find out.

Sue seamlessly wove past pain, love, and new beginnings together in a way that left you turning the pages to see what happened next and if Zia uncovered the mystery about her mother and father. That is what makes it hard to write a review for this book, because no matter where you dip your toes, you could be revealing a ripple that you don't want to give away.

I will say Zia's ex and the horse he rode in on should go all the way to H E double hockey sticks! Brendon was garbage, but I liked his character for the simple reason that he was showing Zia what she didn't want and what she could have with Piero.

Piero, oh, Piero. He was a hero worthy of his queen. He wanted to save his home so he could continue to do what he loved, but family pressure was making that difficult. We all understand being torn between our family and our passion, and Sue did an excellent job in showing us that we can't make everyone happy all the time, but there is usually a compromise in there somewhere.

Zia and Piero had problems, though. She couldn't stay in Italy without proof she was Italian and if she couldn't find her parents or family members, which was the reason she was in Umbria, then no matter how much she wanted to stay with Piero, her avenues were blocked. Or were they? Zia had a lot of soul-searching to do as she looked for the man who created her. She found love, lost love, found it again, and then had to decide if what she had waiting for her in Italy was worth giving up what she had in the UK. That answer was easy for Zia, but first, she had to find a way around her roadblocks keeping her from Piero.

I loved all of the secondary characters in Under the Italian Sun. I would love to see a book written about Zia's best friend Ursula finding her HEA! I loved her instantly and her sadness at the end of the book really hit me in the heart. I wanted her to find happiness and real, true love.

I can't say enough about how well-written this book was. I am rarely a fan of reading romances about other countries. They are usually not well done or accurate and I tend to shy away from them, but that is not the case with Under the Italian Sun. Sue Moorcroft transports you to the hills and valleys of Umbria, opening up a world to you that makes you feel like you're standing right next to Zia as she experiences the scenery herself. If you're looking for an excellent story of family love and loss with a hot hero to swoon for, you'll want to grab Under the Italian Sun, a cold drink, and settle in for a love story against the backdrop of beautiful Italy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Intriguing!
Never a dull moment in Sue Moorcroft's stories! I was intrigued from the very first chapter and compelled to read chapter after chapter as the story developed with its many twists and turns (oh I do love a bit of mystery, me). I have followed Zia's quest with trepidation and captivation and exhaled a big sigh of relief when finally all was well. I read this book from a very peculiar point of view and I can only praise for the author's attention to details; you feel her love for my country and she depicts very authentic surroundings. The descriptions are so vivid you can almost hear, feel, smell the beautiful Umbrian countryside. There's an amazing set of characters you'll soon bond with (no, not to Brendon - and Stephen- you don't LOL) and will be sad to let go.
It's been great to travel to Montelibertà and my only regret is that Bella Vista is fictional or I would go there pronto!
Many thanks to Avon Books UK, NetGalley and the author for an early copy.

****Under the Italian Sun by Sue Moorcroft is a lovely book about family...both of blood and of the heart. Zia long has wondered about the identity of her father and goes to Italy with her best friend in hopes of finding him. She finds much more. The author does a good job describing her settings and her characters are defined. Dialogue is realistic and thankfully her characters don’t drown a good story in angst. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Highly recommend.

Exactly what you come to expect from Sue Moorcroft. Well crafted, relatable, multi layered characters and an absolute joy to read.

I want to thank the author and Netgalley for gifting me the ebook. I loved every page if this story. I read it in just a few days and I found the story from start to finish just had me hooked! The author did a great job holding your interest throughout the whole book. I love the book cover also. I highly recommend this book to all my friends and people reading this review.

I received this book for an honest review

What a fun summer read! The setting was to die for with the rich culture and views. So much fun.

Zia has never known her father, all she knows is that he was Italian. When she discovers she is not who she thought she was, she travels to Italy to try to get some answers to her questions. As she begins her quest to unravel family secrets, will she find the answers that she is looking for?

A really lovely book. Great storyline and characters set in a beautiful location. This was an enjoyable and entertaining read.

"Under the Italian Sun" needs a different title. I don't think it fits the story very well, but it was still a good story overall. I felt like Zia overcame a lot as she discovered her paternal side of the family.... But man, she is friends with/ dates freaks back in England. I really enjoyed her relationship with her aunt, and namesake.
Piero: the Italian of my dreams. He has his head screwed on right. He balanced Zia out, and I just wish he came to his senses sooner.
If this was made into a movie, even a Netflix show.... It would be interesting for sure!

I have read many of Sue Moorcroft’s books and I have to say I think this is my favorite! I love the characters, the plot and especially the setting. I definitely felt like I was on holiday with Zia in the beautiful area of Monteliberta, Umbria. The descriptions of the vineyard, the houses, the food and the wine had me relaxing just as Zia was as she lounged outside soaking in the Italian Sun.

I was so interested in what was going to happen in the story that I wanted to rush through and reach the end without stopping, at the same time I really did not want the book to end. I made myself stop at certain points, since I really wanted to enjoy this wonderful story for as long as possible. Also, a sign of a great book, is that I cannot begin another one soon afterwards. I want to continue thinking about the book I finished. This was absolutely true for Under the Italian Sun!

The sparks definitely fly between the Zia and Piero from their first meeting and while their story is wonderful to read, the book has other subplots going on that are just as interesting. Zia is alone in the world (except her friend Ursula) now that the few family members she had have died. She recently discovered her father’s identity and goes to Italy with Ursula in search for information about him. As you can imagine, the quest to find him is emotional.

As important as the interaction of the two main characters of Zia and Piero is, I feel the friendship of Zia and Ursula needs to be comment on. These two people are different in many ways, but they exhibit the true meaning of friendship. To care about each other so much that they drop everything to help the other one.

I enjoyed this book so much and highly recommend it! During this time of stress while the world is still dealing with Covid, for over a year now, this book took me on a vacation to Italy, let me meet new interesting people and see, through the author’s words, a beautiful future since it does end with a happily ever after.

I want to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me the pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

If you are a regular visitor to my blog, then you know how highly I regard Sue Moorcroft’s writing. Under the Italian Sun is another humdinger of a story which had me engrossed from the start.
TV shows, such as Long Lost Family, have taught us that there is a lot of pain associated with tracing missing or unknown relatives, Sue takes us deeper into this world of potential heartache. Zia is an immediately likable character and I found myself rooting for her.
There is a lot going on in this story, besides Zia’s search for her Italian family. From the future of a family vineyard to the rules regarding marital secrets, Sue tells this story brilliantly, taking everything in its stride, and despite covering this extended number of situations, the flow is unhindered and there is no feeling of being rushed.
Piero is a worthy holder of the love interest role, and I enjoyed following their gentle flirtations. Of course, if you are curious to discover if they move beyond flirtation, this book is available from 13th May via all the usual outlets!
I certainly enjoyed the wide array of characters, in this book, but in particular, I loved the immediate connection between Zia and Lucia Costa. The love from Lucia was a tangible emotion which was evident almost immediately.
I enjoyed my book escape to Italy, it coincided with some rather rainy weather

A fantastic trip to Italy, filled with intrigue and twists galore!
Beautiful setting and characters, it was easy to loose myself in this lovely story.
Very heartwarming and uplifting too, you found yourself hoping for a family reunion.
Sunshine filled fiction at its best! ☀️

OMG what an amazing book. I literally could not put this book down. I stayed up all night til 6am to finish it then went to sleep and alarm went off at 7.45am for work totally shattered but loved it so much. Great characters and loved find out all the twists and turns of Zia's life. I want to be at that vineyard now.

Sue Moorcroft's latest novel is mostly set in gloriously sunny Umbria where Zia-Lucia is trying to discover the identity of her father. The setting is on the edge of a vineyard and, of course, there is a handsome neighbour. The story proceeds apace through dramas, accidents, coincidences and misunderstandings. Family is all-important to Italians, provided that things are done correctly and within the dictates of the Catholic church. Luckily their hold is not as strong as it used to be. Evocative and warm-hearted, full of love and friendships.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

The Sun and the Stars twinkle throughout this book!
I've laughed, cried and thought my heart was trying to escape from my chest. Family, friendship and loyalty, with a few undesirables thrown into the mix, nothing is ever as simple as you'd hope it to be and for some of the characters, they face this turmoil. Sue will whisk you away to sunny, stary Italy, where the foods good, the wines better and togetherness will conquer all! If not you can always stay with the Nuns ;-)
Wonderful read!

This was lovely to read especially to ease that travel itch during quarantine. The setting was so richly built, and it was definitely my favorite part of this book - although I enjoyed our lovely heroine's development as well

What an absolute tonic in a book. A beautiful setting, sunshine and some sauciness. This is certainly a book that will pull you in right from the first page and keep you thoroughly engaged. We meet some great characters along the way, but by far my favourite has to be Piero. I heartily recommend reading this wonderfully written story.

What a lovely story!
I was hooked right from the start. As soon as I had read the first chapter I wanted to go with Zia on her adventure to Italy. The story is all about discovering family secrets and finding the truth and relationships.

I loved the friendship between Zia and her best friend Ursula and the old Lucia was just so lovely. I was worried the setting on a vineyard would be too much for someone who doesn't even like wine, but no, it was just right.

All in all a great read if you just want to escape your day to day life.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC in return for an honest review.

This is my second Sue Moorcroft book but like I said after my first, this will certainly not be my last.

This book was wonderful and the perfect book to read during this pandemic - I felt truly transported to Italy and her descriptive work is some of the best out there.

I loved all of the side characters in this book plus Zia and Pierce were delightful to read! I absolutely felt for Zia through this book and wanted only the best for her and Pierce was the perfect partner for her.

This book was cozy and warm and wonderful- definitely pick this one up!

Thank you Sue Moorcroft, Avon Books UK, and NetGalley for this wonderful ARC in exchange for an honest review!

i always enjoy reading sue moorcrofts book s and this one is a sure hit she starts off slow with story lines and then you cant put the book down till the end and the places in italy were the story unfolds sound so relaxing and warm brill

Wonderful escape to the Summer sun of Italy. Sue Moorcroft does it again, drawing you in with fabulous descriptions, beautiful settings and a romance at the heart of it all. Zia-Lucia goes to Italy in search of answers and ends up with so much more, but not before almost losing it all. If you have love in your heart you will love this book.

Enjoyable book that brings the delightful setting of Italy alive. The main character Zia is well written and you certainly feel for her with everything she has been through and discovers. The right ending for all and I wasn't left longing for a sequal nicely finished off. My only criticism is that they are a lot of characters in this book, hard to get your head around all the names to start with. Totally recommend.

Also reviewed on 2 Facebook pages