Book Review: Tuscan Holiday

Book: Tuscan Holiday by Holly Chamberlin

Edition: Paperback

Description:

In this warm, evocative novel set against a breathtaking Italian backdrop, bestselling author Holly Chamberlin explores the complexities of mother-daughter bonds, and the gift of second chances. . .

Marina Caldwell is thrilled to receive a two-week trip to Tuscany as a college graduation gift. That is, until she realizes her mother wants to go with her. The gulf between idealistic single parent Elizabeth and cautious, controlled Marina seems too wide to bridge, even with the aid of chilled Prosecco and mouthwatering panforte.

But amid the magical sights and scents of Florence, Marina's careful plans for her vacation--and her future--are thrown into chaos, and Elizabeth's long-held assumptions crumble. Soon a world of unexpected possibilities unfolds for both--buoyed by newfound courage, unshakeable love, and the stirring beauty of a Tuscan sky. . .




Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Tuscan Holiday is a wonderful story that deals with the complex issues of mother-daughter relationships, the relationship you have with yourself and understanding and letting go of the past. This story follows as mother and daughter Elizabeth and Marina Caldwell take a two week vacation to Italy. While the trip was a college graduation gift for Marina, her mother Elizabeth thought it could also be a way for them to bond and get to know each other better.

They have always been opposites, with Elizabeth more open to life being unexpected while her daughter prefers to make plans for nearly everything. Besides graduating from college, Marina was engaged to her long-term (also recent graduate) boyfriend, now fiancé Jotham Grandin. They have been inseparable since they started dating in high school which has given her a limited view on romance and relationships.

Their trip was off to a good start, they were seeing the sights and indulging in delicious food. But there was a bit of tension that was growing that resulted in a little argument. Marina at least in the beginning had a know-it-all attitude and despite being only 21 years old, she believes she had life all figured out. But something she never expected was going to throw her well planned life out of order. I don't want to reveal what it is but this new twist was making her experience a different side to herself she never thought was there. It was also making her question so much about who she is, her relationship with Jotham and what she wanted out of life.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth was also experiencing an epiphany about her life as well. It was not as intense as her daughter but it did cause her to reflect on the past and how her life is now. Especially while her daughter was off on her new whirlwind life experience, it gave Elizabeth time to get to know herself again. I love that she carried travel books with her to learn as much as she could about all the sights and things she was seeing. However, that didn't stop her from actually experiencing the world around her.

Tuscan Holiday may be considered a beach read but this is a memorable, moving and engaging story. As the reader you see both characters start to find themselves which allowed them to seek a change in their lives. This vacation turned out to be something really good for both of them because it gave them a chance to bond not only as mother and daughter but also as adults. With the way the story ends, I would love a sequel but it's not hard to image what will happen next in these characters lives. I really enjoyed this story, it's filled with drama, humor and heart and not to mention descriptions of food, art and so much more.