another post seeking recommendations

[Anonymous]

I’m going to Tuscany this summer, and looking for some fun books to read while there (and on the plane).

I enjoy “chick-lit.” I enjoyed the early books from Emily Giffin, Nancy Thayer, Sophia Kinsella, but somewhere along the way they lost my interest… whether they became too formulaic or I outgrew them, I’m not sure. I really enjoyed What Alice Forgot and The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty (didn’t read but enjoyed Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers miniseries), but a lot of goodreads reviews don’t give me confidence in many of her other books. I know Elin Hildebrand is recommended a lot, but I could never get into her books. And while not chick-lit, I’ve enjoyed a lot of Nick Hornby books.

I also enjoy mysteries, particularly ones with a lot of character development, though I’m having a hard time coming up with a list of these. I also like thrillers like Gone Girl, Girl on the Train, etc. but I’m not sure I want a thriller for this trip. I’d rather have a lighthearted mystery. Finlay Donovan is Killing It is on the list of possibilities.

I've enjoyed plenty of other fiction books, but I’m essentially looking for a beach/vacation read type book, bonus points if it’s set in Europe.

[Anonymous]

It's not chick lit, but maybe The Talented Mr Ripley if you haven't seen the film? It's set in Europe.

[Anonymous]

Have you read any Emily Henry? I just finished Book Lovers and really enjoyed it. Read one of her others too and liked it, but Book Lovers made me laugh out loud many times over.

I haven’t read many light books set in Italy, at least as far as I can remember. The Beautiful Ruins was good but kind of sad so not really a vacation book. I don’t actually remember the story but remember crying at the end! There’s a historical novel called Antoinette’s Sister that was decent and felt like an easy way to learn some Italian history. I just finished The Invitation, by Lucy Foley, which takes place mostly on a boat between the Italian coast and South of France. It wasn’t perfect, but it’s a solid choice for a vacation read.

[Anonymous]

Mrs. Pollifax series

Mrs. Pollifax is a grandmother who decides one day that she’s line to become a spy, so she does. The books, written during the cold war, are dated but delightful. Her adventures take her to many locations around the world.

[Anonymous]

Thus was adonis murdered is a lighthearted mystery that partly takes places in venice but it’s pretty short.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thank you for the recommendations so far!

[Anonymous]

There are two Jules Wake books set in Italy, From Italy with love and from Rome with love. Very much chick lit and good for a fluffy vacation read.

[Anonymous]

Try the book Less—funny, and lots of travel.

[Anonymous]

I used to love Emily Giffin as well but I haven’t read her latest books.

I just finished The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and I really enjoyed it!

[Anonymous]

There is a book called, "One Italian Summer" by Rebecca Serle.

It is about a woman whose mom died recently. The woman goes on vacation to Italy and sees her 30 year old mom there.

I haven't read it yet. I have just seen it on my library website and thought it seemed appealing.

[Anonymous]

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

The Vacationers by Emma Straub - dysfunctional family in Mallorca

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter - the story of an almost-love affair that begins on the Italian coast in 1962 and resurfaces fifty years later in Hollywood.

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante - this was love it or hate it in my book club—I loved it. Beginning in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples, Elena Ferrante’s four-volume story spans almost sixty years, as its main characters, the fiery and unforgettable Lila and the bookish narrator, Elena, become women, wives, mothers, and leaders, all the while maintaining a complex and at times conflicted friendship.

[Anonymous]

Thursday Murder Club (great) or the Ruth Galloway mysteries (good)

Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany is also good!

[Anonymous]

I personally didn't love the Vacationers, the Star Crossed Sisters of Tuscany or These Tangles Vines (which no one suggested but also takes place in Italy). I would put Finlay Donovan is Killing It in this category - just ok IMO. That said - other people seem to like these books more than me.

FWIW - I liked Beautiful Ruins and One Italian Summer.

I want to read My Brilliant Friend, but I haven't yet.

[Anonymous]

Not set in Italy, but I loved Carrie Soto is Back - tennis comeback story. You don't need to be remotely sports oriented to enjoy it.