Date of Reading: 02/02/2020
Author: T. A. Williams
Publisher: Canelo
Publication Date: February 3, 2020
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 3.5/5
(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)
About the book:
Verona is the City of Love. But will Suzie find romance there or, like Romeo and Juliet, will it all end in tears?
When Suzie is hired to accompany spoiled, abrasive Lady Alexandra Tedburn on an all-expenses-paid holiday to Italy, she fears the trip will be a disaster.
But she soon discovers there’s more to Alex than shopping and tantrums, and she’s determined to help her realise her potential – against Alex’s authoritarian father’s wishes.
As they settle in Verona, Suzie can’t stop thinking about local artist Michael, who is still mourning the tragic death of his wife. With Suzie’s future uncertain, and Michael’s past holding him back, it seems there’s no hope for romance in the city of star-crossed lovers…or is there?
A gorgeously uplifting and moving story, Dreaming of Verona is the perfect read for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Jenny Oliver.
Review:
When it comes to T. A. Williams' books, it is safe to say that we have a love and hate relationship. Fortunately, this one comes under the former category. Surely, it's not going to top 'Dreaming of Christmas' which is my absolute favourite but comes really close. Putting aside some dull moments in between, this novel on Verona is gripping, inspiring and is full of colours just like the city.
The author has taken great care to maintain a Shakespearean spirit throughout. The fact that Suzie is a PhD holder in this topic must have helped it. I do love her theory of Shakespeare being a woman; who knows, one day we may get some proof regarding this conjecture. Besides the frequent quotes, the Tedburns family drama provides ample material for a Shakespearean play. Luckily, not all love should share the fate of Romeo and Juliet.
As for the relationship between Suzie and Michael, I was in a dilemma. In my perspective, it didn't really go beyond infatuation so the way she waits was kind of perplexing. Same goes with James and Alexandra. If you look upon your best friend like a brother, could the feelings be changed to that of a lover? Well, I will leave that to the experts.
Yup, the story did give me enough to munch on. So grab a copy and join the discussion. Happy reading everyone!
Meet the author:
When Suzie is hired to accompany spoiled, abrasive Lady Alexandra Tedburn on an all-expenses-paid holiday to Italy, she fears the trip will be a disaster.
But she soon discovers there’s more to Alex than shopping and tantrums, and she’s determined to help her realise her potential – against Alex’s authoritarian father’s wishes.
As they settle in Verona, Suzie can’t stop thinking about local artist Michael, who is still mourning the tragic death of his wife. With Suzie’s future uncertain, and Michael’s past holding him back, it seems there’s no hope for romance in the city of star-crossed lovers…or is there?
A gorgeously uplifting and moving story, Dreaming of Verona is the perfect read for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Jenny Oliver.
Review:
When it comes to T. A. Williams' books, it is safe to say that we have a love and hate relationship. Fortunately, this one comes under the former category. Surely, it's not going to top 'Dreaming of Christmas' which is my absolute favourite but comes really close. Putting aside some dull moments in between, this novel on Verona is gripping, inspiring and is full of colours just like the city.
The author has taken great care to maintain a Shakespearean spirit throughout. The fact that Suzie is a PhD holder in this topic must have helped it. I do love her theory of Shakespeare being a woman; who knows, one day we may get some proof regarding this conjecture. Besides the frequent quotes, the Tedburns family drama provides ample material for a Shakespearean play. Luckily, not all love should share the fate of Romeo and Juliet.
As for the relationship between Suzie and Michael, I was in a dilemma. In my perspective, it didn't really go beyond infatuation so the way she waits was kind of perplexing. Same goes with James and Alexandra. If you look upon your best friend like a brother, could the feelings be changed to that of a lover? Well, I will leave that to the experts.
Yup, the story did give me enough to munch on. So grab a copy and join the discussion. Happy reading everyone!
Meet the author:
I’m a man. And a pretty old man as
well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked
in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of
English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little
daughter (now long-since grown-up) where I ran a big English language school
for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been
writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally
managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first
contract.
The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy
is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and
historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things
happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide
something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous
locations and, as a writer, I obviously have to go there in person and check
them out first. I love my job…
I enjoying touring Italy some twenty years ago but never made it to Verona.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. Love the sound of this book.
ReplyDeleteGreat review this book looks and sounds like an fantastic book and right up my alley as well. I'm really glad you fully enjoyed reading this book. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of Romeo & Juliet mixed with present times. Sounds like an interesting read, even if there are some dull parts. Thanks for sharing your review with us :)
ReplyDeleteHappy reading!
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