Will is still troubled about his severe injuries in the war, Will talked his quirky neighbor into going to Tuscany with him to find the partisan who saved his life, and hopefully confront the demons he has fought since the war. It was a blast following the two on their journey. With Will’s grumpy old mean spirited attitude and Sophie’s spunky self mixed together there was a lot of humor thought this story. The author does an amazing job detailing their journey to make readers feel like they are there in the moment. I love the vivid descriptions of the scenes in Italy. I’ll never be able to go there but it was sure fun to dream and imagine I was there while listening to the descriptions of the different places. The supporting characters were well thought out and created as well. Over all this is a interesting book to read, while some parts were fun and exciting, others were not so much.

I was able to listen to the Audible copy of this book and I want to comment Susan Fouche on the fabulous job reading this book. Her voice is smooth to listen to and the different voices for the characters brought the story to life in a real way. I appreciate listening to someone who does such a beautiful job. I have to give this one a Five Stars because it’s so good.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. The opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

The story opens to the frequent nightmare by Will, when he lived the horror of World War 11. Now he must bury his wife. Through the years, William had become fussy and cranky.

Sophie had lost her parents and grandparents, now, her dog was the only thing resembling family she had left. he is dying. To add to her sorrows, her boyfriend broke up with her for another woman, her "grumpy old man" next door, snoopy neighbor was going to insist on her eviction because of problems with her dog. This is why she was shocked at the compromises he offered her, rather than have her evicted. He was such an aggravating combination of contradictions. She certainly could not agree to some of the compromises... Especially in accompanying him to Italy!

This is a whimsical, entertaining, adventurous story encompassing a varying combination of many emotional situations. The reader will laugh, mesmerize and cry along with this tale. It is a delightful story, but does contain some crude words of a cranky, old military man. There is no "hard core" profanity.

I listened to the audiobook. The Narrator, Susan Fouche, does a outstanding job with her performance and use of various "voices".

*This audiobook was gifted me with no pressure to post a positive review. This is my honest review. ( )

It Happened in Tuscany has touched my heart. It offers so much more than I expected, delivering a touching story that displays so many forms of love. Comradeship and friendship, as well as familial and romantic loves are deeply rooted in this poignant work. From WWII to present day, these lives are battered with painful experiences and memories, and mended with forgiveness and love.

Oh, how I love a story that makes me feel this strongly. I love love and the power it holds to propel the longing and heal the broken. I love the courage and strength soldiers possess and how deeply their loyalty lies. And I love the vivid descriptions of Italy. I’ve visited this beautiful country a few times and feel as if this story has transported me back there.

Although the book begins with scenes from 1945 war-torn Italy, the majority of the book takes place 45 years later, with ninety-one-year-old Will Mills, a former soldier in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, asking Sophie Sparke, his thirty-two-year-old neighbor, to travel with him to Italy to help him search for someone special from his past.

The unconventional friendship between this cantankerous old man and his reluctant but kind young neighbor makes them such memorable characters. I connected with both of them so easily (especially Will) along with the many secondary characters throughout the story.

I truly enjoyed every aspect of this book—the sites, the flavors, the culture, the friendships, and the loves. Each short chapter drew me in and encouraged me to read one more…then another…then another. Until I reached the tender, satisfying end.

Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ. ( )

In It Happened In Tuscany, author Gail Mencini weaves an intriguing historical fiction tale that follows the emotional journey of an unlikely pair in the scenic hill towns of Tuscany.

On February 18, 1945, seventeen year old Army Specialist Will Mills is part of the elite 86th Regiment - 10th Mountain Division from Colorado, who are faced with the challenge of attacking the Germans on Riva Ridge, on Italy's Apennine Mountains. Will is injured from sniper fire during the attack, and a group of Italian partisans (resistance fighters) rescued him. Will falls in love with Francesca Polvani, the young Italian girl who tended to his injuries. At the end of the war, Will ships home to Denver, where he meets and marries his wife Marie, but a letter and photo from Francesca arrives a year later, leaving Will with unfinished business. Seventy-five years later, Will's wife Marie passes away from Alzheimer's disease, and at the age of ninety-one, Will is determined to return to Italy in search of Francesca.

Thirty-two year old Sophie Sparke's ex-boyfriend Russ Grant has dumped her for another woman, and to make matters worse, his father who is also Sophie's boss, wants her to make travel arrangements for Russ' honeymoon. Sophie refuses to make the travel arrangements and quits her job. Left with no job and no future plans, Sophie's elderly neighbor, crotchety Will Mills, gets her to agree to accompany him on his journey to Italy.

Written in the third person narrative, this is a wonderful story that transports the reader to the panoramic beauty of the Italian countryside of Tuscany, where Will and Sophie embark on an impossible journey to find Francesca. The reader is easily drawn into this captivating story of love, family, friendship, secrets, fears, and determination. The author masterfully interweaves Will's life story that alternates between the past and the present, providing the reader with snapshots from his time in Italy during World War II, while also giving the reader a glimpse into Sophie's story as well.

This is a compelling and realistic story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, and provides much food for thought. The story ultimately shows the power and bond of love, family, and friendship comes full circle when Will and Sophie embark on an emotional journey through Tuscany in search of Will's past love seventy-five years later. You can't help but root for this unlikely pair as they search through Tuscany's countryside for Francesca, it is not an easy journey, but it is a story that will have the reader feeling the gamut of emotions.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the stunning description of the Italian setting of Tuscany. The author provides the reader with a richly vivid setting that reads like a tourist guide. From large cities to panoramic countrysides to old world hill towns; to guided tours of cultural historical sites and quaint shops; the author does a phenomenal job of describing the sights, sounds and smells of Italy. You can't help but feel like you are with Will and Sophie as their journey provides them a chance to rediscover themselves and heal from the traumas of their pasts.

At the end of the book, the author has provided the reader with a collection of simple Italian (Tuscany) recipes that are absolutely mouthwatering!

It Happened In Tuscany is a touching story that captures the power of love, the bond of family, the essence of friendship, and the ability to heal from life's experiences. It is a heartwarming story that will resonate long after the last page has been read.

It Happened In Tuscany is the second book in the Tuscany series.

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