About the Book:
As I stood on the terrace and gazed out over the most glorious view, he studied my face and said to me 'Why do you look sad? No-one should be sad in Rome. We only have this one life, you know. Don't waste it.'
Beth stands in the sunshine outside the magnificent wrought-iron gates of Villa Alba holding her suitcase. Only a few short months ago, she dropped her beloved only daughter off at college, holding back tears at the thought of an empty nest… clinging to the thought of the new chapter that she and her husband Joel could now begin together. But that same day, Joel dropped a bombshell. He thinks their marriage is stale, and wants a break; he says that Beth is no longer the same woman he fell in love with…
Searching for an escape, Beth spots an ad in a magazine for an apartment in Rome that is available for three months rental only to 'an English woman of a certain age'. She reads on… Veronica , the 75-year-old owner, challenges her guests to rediscover themselves, find joy, and live life to the full – and there is no better place to do these things than in Rome, the most beautiful city in the world.
Ronnie sets Beth a list of tasks, forcing her to slow down and find beauty in every corner of the the sun on a stained glass window, a fragrant bunch of the freshest basil, a painting in a hidden courtyard. But her final task is the most challenging of to go out on a date with an unsuitable man.
But handsome and adventurous musician Rico, unsuitable in almost every way, may turn out to be just the right man to bring Beth back to life. With her break from Joel coming to an end, can Beth risk embracing the new life of exciting possibilities that Rome has opened up to her, even if it means losing everything?
Get swept away to the sunny streets of the most beautiful city in the world with this heartwarming novel about love and second chances. Perfect for fans of Faith Hogan, Elin Hilderbrand and Sheila O'Flanagan.
My Thoughts:
The Rome Apartment is a story of self-discovery, growth and strength. This is a story that stayed with me well after having finished reading it. Beth takes a chance with an ad in a magazine about an apartment in Rome available for rent. There are some conditions to this which we come to realize, much later on, had specific purposes. Seeking an escape and time to think, Beth jumps at the chance once she is approved for the stay.
The author brings out Beth's fears, insecurities, hopes and dreams through her three month journey and adventure in Rome. She meets some amazing people and forms the kind of bonds and relationships that she has always dreamt of. In the midst of dealing with her husband's request for a break, Beth is forced to re-evaluate her life, her options and reconcile with herself who she wants to be. She also learns how to deal with her daughter and eventually to have open and honest conversations to strengthen their relationship.
Ronnie is the kind of person I'd love to meet and spend time with. She adds the most flavour to this story while steering Beth in a direction of healing. Her story is unique though we only get glimpses and in the end, I would love to know more about her! After all, she owns this delightful apartment and is responsible for changing the lives of so many others.
I loved reading about her exploration and her journey of discovery. Each moment is magical and filled with wonder while support and encouragement comes in the most unexpected ways. This is truly a wonderful story and I look forward to reading the next book in The Italian Escape series by the author.
No comments:
Post a Comment