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One Italian Summer

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About The Book

Never throw away a good pair of jeans.
Always have fresh lemons on hand.
Bread keeps for a week in the fridge and two months in the freezer.
OxiClean will take out any stain.
Be careful of bleach.
Linen is better than cotton in the summer.
Plant herbs, not flowers.
Don’t be afraid of paint. A bold color can transform a room.
Always arrive on time to a restaurant and five minutes late to a house.
Never smoke.

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About The Author

Rebecca Serle is the New York Times bestselling author of Expiration Dates , One Italian Summer , In Five Years , The Dinner List , and the young adult novels The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine . Serle also developed the hit TV adaptation Famous in Love , based on her YA series of the same name . She is a graduate of USC and The New School and lives in Los Angeles with her husband. Find out more at RebeccaSerle.com.

Product Details

Publisher: Atria Books (March 7, 2023)
Length: 288 pages
ISBN13: 9781982166809

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Raves and Reviews

Advance Praise for One Italian Summer : “Rebecca Serle is known for her powerful stories that tug at the heartstrings – and her latest is just as unforgettable.” —Woman's World

“An unconventional love story that embraces people’s flaws and selfishness as part of what makes them human.” —Kirkus

“Poignant and ultimately uplifting. The mouthwatering descriptions of Katy’s food and the lush Italian coast bring a strong, atmospheric sense of place. Recommend to fans of Helen Fisher’s Faye, Faraway (2021) and those who enjoy being transported to other countries through fiction.” —Booklist

“A touching story…the mother-daughter bond is made palpable through Katy’s grief and desire for connection.” —Publishers Weekly

"Going down as easy as a limoncello on a hot summer’s day, this daydream of a story affirms what it means to love and be loved. An enchanting book for the last cold days of winter, but also suggest it to readers come summer.” —Library Journal

“In these cynical times full of snark and memes, it’s nice to surrender to magic every now and then. Plus, the wanderlust that the book conjures is worth it as is….[A] story about love, loss and that point in adulthood where we learn our parents are human, too, and not always perfect.” —Associated Press

“[A] moving novel.” —PopSugar

Praise for In Five Years : “What would you do if you glimpsed your life five years from now—and found that it was different, in every way, from what you hoped for and expected? Rebecca Serle pairs this inspired premise with deft, propulsive prose and characters who feel as real as friends. In Five Years is as clever as it is moving, the rare read-in-one-sitting novel you won’t forget.” — CHLOE BENJAMIN , New York Times bestselling author of The Immortalists

“Serle takes a fairly generic rom-com setup and turns it into something much deeper in this captivating exploration of friendship, loss, and love.” — Booklist

"The novel is about the real meaning of love and friendship and the bonds that tie us all together."

– Good Morning America

“Heartbreaking, redemptive, and authentic in all the ways that make a book impossible to put down, I fell in love with this story. In five years, I will still be thinking about this beautiful novel.” — JAMIE FORD , New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

“I adored In Five Years , it’s so poignant and tender. It broke my heart, such an unusual idea executed brilliantly, I didn’t see that twist coming! I’m a sucker for great love stories, and this one is just lovely. A keeper on my shelf!” — JOSIE SILVER , author of #1 New York Times bestseller and Reese’s Book Club pick One Day in December

“ In Five Years is more than just a love story; it’s a half dozen of them, none quite what you expect. Heartwarming, heartbreaking, and hard to put down, it’s a novel about romance, friendship, the magic of good bagels, and what happens after you get everything you always wanted.” — LAURIE FRANKEL, author of New York Times bestseller and Reese Witherspoon Hello Sunshine pick This Is How It Always Is

“A heartwarming portrait of a broken heart finding a little healing magic.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Serle’s whimsical tale is book club catnip.” — Publishers Weekly

“ In Five Years is a profound tale of unconditional love and anguish with a touch of the mystical and mysterious.” — New York Journal of Books

“You'll devour it.” — Marie Claire

“Rebecca Serle has a way of blending a little bit of magic into the every day.” — HelloGiggles

“Rebecca Serle has a knack for writing beautiful stories that speak to the anxiety of forging a new road for oneself, of being brave enough to start all over.” — Bustle

“Be prepared for deep emotions, a few laughs, and possibly a few tears as well. Reading this book is truly an experience.” — Seattle Book Review

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Inside the Best-Seller List

Rebecca Serle Met Her Mom’s Old Boyfriend, Then Wrote a Best Seller

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By Elisabeth Egan

March 31, 2022

MAMMA MIA What would you give to be able to spend time with your mother as a young woman, before life’s obligations and turning points landed with a thud on her shoulders? In “One Italian Summer,” now in its fourth week on the hardcover fiction list, Rebecca Serle immerses her protagonist in this fantasy. The circumstances are bittersweet for Katy Silver, who proceeds with a long-planned vacation to the Amalfi Coast after Carol, her mother and intended traveling companion, dies of cancer. There, in the lobby of her hotel in Positano, she runs into a 30-year-old incarnation of Carol.

Serle’s mother is very much alive; in fact, Ranjana Serle recently surprised her daughter in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., at the last stop on her book tour. But “One Italian Summer” has a back story that’s partially grounded in reality, Serle explained in a phone interview. “In the summer of 2019, I went to Rome and then Positano with my mom. She had spent time there after her second year of college; she had fallen in love and had this magical summer. She had always, always talked about this time.”

While they were traveling, the Serles tracked down Remo Pizotti, Ranjana’s long-ago Italian boyfriend, and arranged to meet him at the Trevi Fountain. “They recognized each other immediately, which was so sweet,” Serle said. “They saw each other and embraced and he brought my mother this charm that said ‘love’ on it that she had given him almost 50 years beforehand.” With the help of Google Translate, the trio chatted at a coffee shop that was once the bar where Ranjana and Remo first crossed paths.

Serle explained that her parents have been married for 40 years, and that her father endorsed this reunion even though it took place on his birthday. When she and her mother said goodbye to Pizotti at a bus stop, Serle glanced back and noticed him watching Ranjana walk away. “It was very sweet and also a bit sad,” she said. “It got me thinking about the women our mothers are before we meet them. There are moments in life if you’re a writer where the moment is just shrieking at you to pay attention. I knew I wanted to tell a mother-daughter story and this one sort of laid itself out for me.” (No spoilers, but Katy and Carol spend time with a heartthrob named Remo.)

In another meta-twist, the audio version of “One Italian Summer” is read by Lauren Graham, whose “Gilmore Girls” character, Lorelai, Serle quotes in her epigraph. The passage includes this sage maternal advice: “Get a window seat, honey, ’cause there’s so much to see.”

Elisabeth Egan is an editor at the Book Review and the author of “A Window Opens.”

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One Italian Summer: the instant New York Times bestseller

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One Italian Summer: the instant New York Times bestseller Paperback – 1 Mar. 2022

'An extraordinary, beautiful, magical book' JILL MANSELL The heartbreaking new novel from the author of the international bestseller In Five Years When Katy's mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn't just Katy's mum, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, the mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: two weeks in Positano, the magical town where Carol spent the summer before she met Katy's father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone. But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother's spirit. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliffsides, delightful residents, and - of course - delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life. And then Carol appears, healthy and sun-tanned... and thirty years old. Katy doesn't understand what is happening, or how - all she can focus on is that somehow, impossibly, she has her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman who came before. But can we ever truly know our parents? Soon Katy must reconcile the mother who knew everything with the young woman who does not yet have a clue. Rebecca Serle's next great love story is here, and this time it's between a mother and daughter. With her signature 'heartbreaking and poignant' ( Glamour ) prose, Serle has crafted a transcendent novel about how we move on after loss, and how the people we love never truly leave us. Bestseller in the US: New York Times , March 2022.

Print length 272 pages
Language English
Publisher Quercus
Publication date 1 Mar. 2022
Dimensions 15.4 x 2.6 x 23.2 cm
ISBN-10 1529419476
ISBN-13 978-1529419474
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Book description, from the back cover, about the author, product details.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quercus; 1st edition (1 Mar. 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1529419476
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1529419474
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.4 x 2.6 x 23.2 cm

About the author

Rebecca serle.

Rebecca Serle is the New York Times bestselling author of Expiration Dates, One Italian Summer, In Five Years, The Dinner List, and the young adult novels The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine. Serle also developed the hit TV adaptation Famous in Love, based on her YA series of the same name. She is a graduate of USC and The New School and lives in Los Angeles with her husband.

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The beach read of the summer is actually not a rom-com. 'One Italian Summer' centers on a mother-daughter relationship, and I couldn't put it down.

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"One Italian Summer" incorporates magical realism and romance into one atmospheric story.
It's a popular " beach read " pick for this summer.
Here are three reasons I recommend this summery read.

Rebecca Serle's last novel, " In Five Years ," was an incredible, finished-in-one-sitting romantic read that I absolutely adored. So when her latest novel, " One Italian Summer ," was released, I couldn't wait to get back to Serle's ethereal and atmospheric writing.

Unlike "In Five Years," " One Italian Summer " isn't really a romance book, though there are moments of passion sprinkled throughout. It's a contemporary novel that follows Katy to the Amalfi Coast after her mother's passing. The story uses elements of magical realism to bring the past to life as Katy explores Italy, grapples with her grief, and aches to understand her mother through the country that she once roamed herself.

I read "One Italian Summer" over one sunny weekend and here are three reasons I think it's the perfect beach read.

1. The novel's sunny setting compels you to read outside.

In the wake of her mother's passing, Katy is completely lost. As Carol was the "great love of her life," she feels like she doesn't quite know who she is or what to do in a world without her mother. The one thing Katy is sure of is she will still embark on the trip they had planned: to visit the Italian city where Carol spent the summer before she met her father. Katy leaves alone and takes off for Italy with a need to rediscover herself.

When Katy lands in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, "One Italian Summer" takes on an atmosphere of salty air, chilled wine, and tanned skin that's so palpable, it would shock me if Serle hadn't spent a summer there herself just to capture it properly.

I loved getting lost in the world Katy was slowly taking in. Between boat trips, impeccably described food, and sun-soaked narratives, this novel begs to be read with the sun on your face, whether it's from a sandy beach or a patio chair, which was exactly how I spent my time while reading this book.

2. It's a short read that's easy to put down and pick up.

Soon after Katy's arrival, she encounters the impossible — her own mother, perfectly preserved from the summer she'd spent in Italy nearly 30 years before. Serle has used magical realism like this before in "In Five Years" and it's my personal favorite use of fantasy because it's casual, exists without many (or any) rules, and nestles into the story with an air of passive indifference.

Despite this appearance of her mother, " One Italian Summer " is certainly not the most eventful novel I've ever read, with many of the plotlines casually waxing and waning between Italian meals and Katy's struggles to grapple with her grief. This lack of urgency throughout made this book easy to put down but easy to pick up every time I wanted to resume my virtual escape to Italy.

3. The important messages of the story don't reveal themselves until the end, which kept me engaged to the last page.

I loved the final messages of "One Italian Summer," which went far deeper than coping with grief. Instead, my two favorite quotes truly summarize what I got out of this novel: "Even inaction is a choice" and "There is more to life than just continuing to do what we know. What got you here won't get you there."

"One Italian Summer" is about loss, but it's also about change, both willing and unwilling, and the choices we make — or purposefully do not — that shape who we are. Once these themes revealed themselves, I felt that each event or scene from earlier in the book had greater meaning and I understood how they cumulated to the final takeaways of the novel.

The bottom line

"One Italian Summer" may not be the most eventful novel I've ever read, but with a combination of an incredibly atmospheric setting, Serle's fabulously illusory writing, and a satisfying emotional ending, it's still one of my favorite beach reads of 2022 .

I also listened to the audiobook version of this novel , which contributed even more to its sunny disposition and emotional narrative — I recommend giving it a try if you're someone who needs a lot of action to keep the pages turning.

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Review: ‘One Italian Summer’ is a magical trip worth taking

This cover image released by Atria shows “One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle. (Atria via AP)

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NEW YORK (AP) — “One Italian Summer” Rebecca Serle (Atria Books)

Readers of Rebecca Serle are well-aware she often infuses her novels with touches of magic. In her last novel, “In Five Years,” a happily engaged woman named Dannie has a dream about her future where she’s married but to someone she’s never met. She wakes up and soon meets that same stranger and he’s dating her best friend. Dannie spends the next five years trying to change the course of the dream.

In Serle’s latest book, “One Italian Summer,” we meet Katy — a bereaved daughter whose mother, Carol, has just died of cancer. Katy’s mom was her best friend and this loss has rocked the foundation of who she is. She leaves her husband and decides to travel solo to Italy on a trip that she was supposed to go on with her mother. Carol visited Italy years before and wanted to show her daughter all her favorite places.

Shortly after Katy arrives in Positano, Italy (to stay at the very real hotel called the Hotel Poseidon, which in this novel has impeccable service and food and makes you want to reserve a room immediately), she discovers the impossible. Her mother is there. Carol isn’t sick anymore, now she’s a healthy, happy 30-year-old who is visiting Italy, too. She doesn’t recognize Katy as her daughter but instead as a peer and wants to show her around.

Yes, you’ll want to keep reading to figure out what is happening and, yes, you’ll have to suspend belief to enjoy the story but in these cynical times full of snark and memes, it’s nice to surrender to magic every now and then. Plus, the wanderlust that the book conjures is worth it as is.

“One Italian Summer” is a story about love, loss and that point in adulthood where we learn our parents are human, too, and not always perfect.

The book begins with a quote from the beloved TV mother, Lorelai Gilmore, of “The Gilmore Girls.” Lauren Graham, who portrayed Gilmore on the series, reads the audiobook version of the novel.

One Italian Summer

55 pages • 1 hour read

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Chapters 1-4

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Chapters 11-16

Chapters 17-21

Chapters 22-26

Chapters 27-31

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Summary and Study Guide

One Italian Summer is a 2022 novel by Rebecca Serle. Author of the New York Times best-selling novel In Five Years (2020), Serle has published eight novels within the contemporary fiction and young adult genres.

Focusing on a mother-daughter relationship, the novel is told through the first-person narrative voice of Katy Silver , who must learn to navigate life after the death of her mother, Carol Silver . The novel explores the importance of self-discovery and how to deal with grief as Katy and her mother learn more about each other than they have in the past through magical elements within the realistic settings of California and Italy.

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The novel, starting off in California, begins a week after Carol Silver’s death after a prolonged illness. Her daughter, Katy, is devastated by the loss of her mother, and she starts to contemplate the decisions that she has made so far in life. Since her mother’s passing, Katy has stayed with her father, Chuck, as they grieve their loss. Throughout the process of losing her mother, Katy questions her marriage and tells her husband, Eric , that she wants a divorce.

After another few days go by, Katy returns to her and Eric’s house. Katy plans to go to Positano , Italy on the mother-daughter trip that she planned with Carol. Carol felt a deep connection to the city because she spent time there as a child and a 30-year-old, so she booked a trip for the duo before she passed away. Rather than taking anyone else with her, Katy decides to head to Italy alone and uses this time to take space from Eric.

Arriving in Positano, Katy stays at the Hotel Poseidon, where she meets the owner, Marco, and his daughter, Nika, along with a fellow Californian, Adam Westbrooke . As a lover of Italy and Hotel Poseidon, Adam, who works for a developer, attempts to buy the hotel. However, Marco refuses to sell his family’s business, despite Nika’s belief that selling will save the hotel’s future.

At the beginning of her trip, Katy sees a younger version of her mother when she drops off a package to be mailed at Hotel Poseidon. Almost immediately, Katy recognizes this woman as the 30-year-old version of Carol, which happens to be the age that Carol was during the summer that she spent in Positano by herself. Carol, who is delighted to meet another solo-traveling young American woman, invites Katy to spend time with her, and the pair arranges to meet later that day.

Despite questioning whether this younger version of Carol is real, Katy decides to spend much of her trip with her and is happy to have a chance to spend time with her mother. They take a boat to a nearby restaurant with Carol’s friend, Remo, where they spend the day together. Due to their friendly demeanor and comfort with each other, Katy questions whether Carol and Remo are together. Once Katy gets back to her hotel, she eats dinner with Adam and relishes the time spent with a man who does not know anything about her.

On the next day of her trip, Katy and Carol run into each other on a hike, and Carol tells her that she will be busy planning a design proposal for a famous hotel, the Sirenuse. However, they do decide to meet for dinner, and, upon her arrival back in Hotel Poseidon, Katy spends the day with Adam. They go sight-seeing, and Katy finds herself attracted to Adam, which she finds conflicting due to her marriage with Eric.

During dinner, Katy confides in Carol about her marriage with Eric and the grief that she feels for her mother’s death, to which Carol provides her with the motherly advice that Katy was wanting. They spend the rest of the night dancing with Remo, which causes Katy to further question his relationship with Carol. However, she assures Katy that they are nothing more than friends. When Katy returns to the hotel, Adam sits on the terrace, where Katy kisses him. She quickly runs away in guilt after remembering Eric. The next day, Adam and Katy have a romantic dinner during which they talk about his previous relationship and her marriage. Adam admits that he struggles to maintain long term relationships due to traveling often for work but attempts to kiss Katy again. However, she stops him.

After unsuccessfully looking for young Carol, Katy runs into Adam on a hike, and she asks him to accompany her to Capri. They spend the day swimming and lounging in the sun before he takes her to Faraglioni. Although they do not kiss, Adam holds her hand, and the two share an intimate moment before the famous Italian landmark. Two days later, Katy and Adam go to Naples, which she finds to be dirty and chaotic in comparison to Positano. However, Katy grows to enjoy the community in the city. During their time in Naples, Adam tells Katy about losing his sister when he was young, and the two share a moment of compassion over losing loved ones. Adam also tells Katy about how watching his mother experience the loss of her daughter caused him to be fearful of fully opening up to another person.

On the next day in Positano, Katy spends the evening with Carol in her apartment, where she tells Katy stories about her childhood. Katy uses this as an opportunity to ask questions about her grandparents and seek more advice on her marriage with Eric as she continues to develop an attraction for Adam. However, Carol does not give Katy concrete advice and tells her that only Katy knows the best decision to make. Katy then discovers a picture of herself as a baby on Carol’s nightstand and lashes out at Carol for leaving her baby and husband behind in California. In her angry outburst, Katy tells Carol that she is her daughter and that Carol has abandoned her. She leaves Carol behind in confusion.

Running back to Hotel Poseidon, Katy discovers Adam and takes him back into her room where they have sex. After sleeping in the next morning, Adam quickly makes his leave to prepare for a business meeting with Carol about designing the Sirenuse.

Katy runs into Carol, who tells her that she needed time alone because she felt overwhelmed with life as a wife and mother. She wanted time to pursue her dreams of being an interior designer and discover herself outside of the household. When Carol leaves to attend the business meeting with Adam, Katy realizes that Adam and Carol are both from the past. Once she realizes this, Katy hurries back to the Hotel Poseidon to ask Nika what year it is and discovers that it is 1992. Nika gives Katy one of Carol’s letters that got sent back, and Katy rushes to lock it inside of a safe before heading to the Sirenuse. She plans to stop her mother from meeting Adam so that she will return to America rather than staying in Italy.

Once Katy sees her mother arrive for the meeting, she realizes that she cannot interfere with her mother’s decisions. She meets with Adam later in the day and tells him not to invest in either the Sirenuse or Hotel Poseidon so that Positano can stay a place that he loves to visit and not a destination for his work. She also extends advice to Nika on investing in Apple and Starbucks stocks with the hope that Nika and Marco will be able to keep their hotel afloat without having to sell. Later, Carol goes to Hotel Poseidon in search of Katy, where she confides her doubts about her designs. Katy tells Carol that she will be a good mother.

The following day, Eric arrives to Positano. Katy is relieved to see him and realizes that she is back in the present time. Eric tells Katy that he wants to spend his future with her; while he showers, Katy calls her father to tell him that she understands why Carol decided to go to Positano that summer. After their conversation, Eric gets out of the shower to Katy declaring her love for him. The couple spends another few days in Positano, and they release Carol’s ashes at Faraglioni.

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Book Review: One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

Title: One Italian Summer Author: Rebecca Serle Publisher: Atria Publication date: March 1, 2022 Length: 272 pages Genre: Contemporary fiction Source: Review copy via NetGalley Rating:

When Katy’s mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn’t just Katy’s mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: two weeks in Positano, the magical town Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy’s father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone. But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother’s spirit. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliffsides, delightful residents, and, of course, delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life. And then Carol appears—in the flesh, healthy, sun-tanned, and thirty years old. Katy doesn’t understand what is happening, or how—all she can focus on is that she has somehow, impossibly, gotten her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman before her. She is not exactly who Katy imagined she might be, however, and soon Katy must reconcile the mother who knew everything with the young woman who does not yet have a clue.

When Katy’s mother dies, Katy is wrecked — which is completely to be expected. She reflects on how her mother was her person, the one she turned to for everything, who knew her better than anyone.

My mother, you see, is the great love of my life. She is the great love of my life, and I have lost her.

Beyond that, she also relied on her mother for everything, even as an adult. Carol knew how to do everything well — cooking, decorating, planning, socializing, running a life — and as Katy acknowledges to herself throughout the book, because she had Carol at the center of her life, she never really learned how to do much of anything without her.

How could she do this to me? How could she tell me year over year that it was okay, that I didn’t need to know, that I didn’t need to have all the answers, because I had her? How could she make herself so indispensible, so much a part of my life, my very heart — so woven into the fabric of who I am — only to leave? Didn’t she know? Didn’t she know that one day I’d be left without her?

This is problematic in a lot of ways, not least because Katy has been married for years. She and Eric met and fell in love in college, got married, and bought a house just 15 minutes away from Katy’s parents. Carol’s advice and involvement has been central to their marriage as well. Katy just doesn’t know who she is without her mother, and in the months leading up to Carol’s death, everything falls apart, to the point that Katy tells Eric that she’s done with their marriage.

Going to Italy on what was supposed to be the ultimate mother-daughter trip, mere weeks after Carol’s death, is an emotionally momentous undertaking for Katy. They’d always dreamed of going together, so Carol could show Katy the place that meant so much to her as a young woman. Arriving on her own, Katy is immediately wowed by the beauty of Positano, and settles in to soak up the surroundings and try to create one more connection with her mother.

But as the synopsis says, as Katy sets out the next day, she meets a woman in the hotel lobby who is all too familiar: It’s Carol, at age 30 — living in Positano, carefree, beautiful, and without a clue as to Katy’s identity. Once she recovers from the shock, Katy is determined to take this strange opportunity to know her mother in a whole new way, and the women strike up a friendship.

Meanwhile, Katy also explores Positano, meeting people, experiencing the sun, the food, and the sea, and developing a connection to an attractive man she meets at her hotel. As the days pass, she balances her time with Carol and Adam, and delves deeper into her own feelings about where she is in her life and what might come next.

That’s a lot of synopsis, so I’ll hit pause and share some thoughts.

There’s a lot to love about One Italian Summer … and seriously, where do I sign up for this exact trip to Italy? I want to stay in that specific hotel, meet those people, eat that food, go to those beaches. Now. It all sounds incredibly gorgeous and delicious and amazing.

I have a lot of “buts” about this book.

Carol and Katy’s mother-daughter relationship is beautiful in many ways. They love each other and are completely devoted to one another, and that’s lovely. But the more we learn, the less healthy it seems. Carol is too central to Katy’s life — everything she has or does seems connected back to Carol in some way, and even her marriage to Eric keeps Katy’s parents, especially Carol, firmly at its center. Even small-ish things, like why they never actually cook — it’s because their home-cooked meals always happen at Carol’s house, and Carol never taught anyone in her life, Katy or her own husband, to manage without her.

Now, as for central concept of this novel, in which Katy encounters Carol as a younger woman…

There are hints (like the selection of books on the hotel’s shelves) that Katy is somehow spending time 30 years in the past, but it takes her an awfully long time to figure that part out. She just accepts Carol’s presence and doesn’t think much further about it, although it’s pretty obvious to the reader. (Aha, so that’s why Adam has never heard of the movie Jurassic Park and she can’t reach Eric when she tries to call him!)

Katy just accepts that she’ll be able to spend time with Carol as a gift, and that’s that. Yet, Carol has her own life in Positano, which means that Katy has plenty of time on her own too. She follows the itinerary that real-world Carol created for the two of them and connects to her mother’s memory through what she experiences, but she also has plenty of time for Adam.

Spoilers ahead ! Does it count as cheating if it happens 30 years in the past in a weird alternate pocket of time? I’d say yes, but it doesn’t seem to trouble Katy all that much. And it’s not at all clear whether what happens during this Italian vacation will carry through to Katy’s present. Is there a man out there who has memories of the young woman he had a fling with in Italy all those years earlier?

Beyond the Adam storyline — well, it’s nice that Katy gets both closure and a new perspective on who her mother was. As she spends time with young Carol, she learns new facts about her mother’s life that she’d never known, and also has time to understand that Carol always had parts of her life that didn’t revolve around Katy.

In some ways, it’s a moving look at loss and grieving, and how the loss of a loved one can force someone to take a fresh look at everything in their life. There are some moments of reflection that I found startlingly real and emotionally honest.

Bottom line, this book makes no sense. I can’t go with a storyline that takes place “because magic” without any explanation whatsoever. Why is Katy experiencing this time 30 years in the past? How is she able to be there? Why did it start and why did it end?

Your guess is as good as mine. There’s no explanation. And I can’t just shrug and accept it as just the way things happened — not when it’s clear that this wasn’t a dream state or alternate reality or coma-dream or even a time slip in the fabric of the world. It just happens, and then it stops, and Katy just accepts it all.

On a more positive note, the author has a lovely way with words, bringing tastes and sounds and smells to life quite vividly. The Italy of Katy’s visit is beautifully described and presented — it’s an immersive experience just reading about it.

I’ve enjoyed Rebecca Serle’s two other books for adults ( The Dinner List and In Five Years ), although even in both of these, there’s a magical element that happens to advance the plot but has no real explanation. Somehow, this aspect bothered me much more in One Italian Summer than it did in the other books.

Overall, there are a lot of enjoyable aspects to this book, but the plot holes kept me from fully engaging. On top of that, what I initially felt was an incredibly beautiful mother-daughter relationship was revealed to be less healthy than I first imagined, and that left a somewhat bitter taste in my mouth. Still, it’s a quick and often emotionally engaging read, and I do appreciate the author’s ability to cast a spell with her writing. I’ll look forward to whatever she writes next.

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One Italian Summer (Unabridged‪)‬

4.1 • 313 Ratings

Publisher Description

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER In this “magical trip worth taking” (Associated Press), the New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years returns with a powerful novel about the transformational love between mothers and daughters set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. When Katy’s mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn’t just Katy’s mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: to Positano, the magical town where Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy’s father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone. But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother’s spirit. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliffsides, delightful residents, and, of course, delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life. And then Carol appears—in the flesh, healthy, sun-tanned, and thirty years old. Katy doesn’t understand what is happening, or how—all she can focus on is that she has somehow, impossibly, gotten her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman before her. She is not exactly who Katy imagined she might be, however, and soon Katy must reconcile the mother who knew everything with the young woman who does not yet have a clue. “Rebecca Serle is known for her powerful stories that tug at the heartstrings—and her latest is just as unforgettable” ( Woman’s World ) as it effortlessly shows us how to move on after loss, and how the people we love never truly leave us.

Customer Reviews

Terrible narrator

I visualized every part of this book while having a deep understanding of emotions. I wish I could have this kind of experience.

I've seen mixed reviews but I loved it!

I felt like I was on a summer vacation in Italy. Highly recommend this book/audiobook. Such a good story.

Listeners Also Bought

How did that book end? Book spoilers to jog your memory.

Rebecca Serle | One Italian Summer

The Book:

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle Published March 1st 2022 by Atria Books Date read: March 27, 2022

The Characters:

Buy it on Bookshop.org | Amazon

The Plot (from Goodreads ):

When Katy’s mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn’t just Katy’s mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: two weeks in Positano, the magical town Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy’s father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone.

But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother’s spirit. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliffsides, delightful residents, and, of course, delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life.

And then Carol appears—in the flesh, healthy, sun-tanned, and thirty years old. Katy doesn’t understand what is happening, or how—all she can focus on is that she has somehow, impossibly, gotten her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman before her. She is not exactly who Katy imagined she might be, however, and soon Katy must reconcile the mother who knew everything with the young woman who does not yet have a clue.

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The Review:

Thank you to Atria Books for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When Katy loses her mother to cancer, she decides to go to Italy on the trip that the two of them were supposed to take together, in an effort to feel closer to her mom.

I adored the scenery in One Italian Summer. I traveled to Positano with my family when I was young, and while I was too little to remember much, I definitely remember the beautiful tiered buildings and the apartment we stayed in, tucked in off a little alleyway. This book certainly made me want to go back to experience it again.

The second best part was the food! I was constantly starving while reading about Katy’s food adventures.

Unfortunately, I had trouble relating to Katy. In the beginning of the book, I thought she was so heartless when she told Eric she didn’t want to be married to him anymore. I can totally understand wanting to travel by one’s self to deal with grief, but she turned around and spent the whole trip pursuing a different relationship! She also seemed so whiny. While I know everyone reacts to grief differently, the whole first scene where we were introduced to her put a bad taste in my mouth. She grew on me a little bit eventually.

I loved young Carol’s character. The magical realism was a bit out of the box for me. I wasn’t expecting it despite reading the synopsis–I guess I misunderstood, and thought that Carol was just someone that reminded Katy of her mom. What I did like, though, was the way the ending tied up everyone’s storylines–even some side characters.

Overall, I think this book was enjoyable, but much more suited to a reader who seeks out magical realism. I’m sure other readers will really love it, despite my lukewarm review!

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Amanda's Book Corner

One Italian Summer

For the past few years, I’ve had a couple of books by Rebecca Serle on my radar. I’ve been planning to read both In Five Years and The Dinner List , but alas, I haven’t gotten to them yet. Even so, I was excited for her forthcoming novel, One Italian Summer , due out in March. I was thrilled when I was approved for an ARC of it on NetGalley earlier this week, so I dove in right away.

Official Summary

The New York Times bestselling author of the “heartwarming, heartbreaking, and hard to put down” (Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author) modern classic In Five Years returns with a moving and unforgettable exploration of the powerful bond between mother and daughter set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.

Rebecca Serle’s next great love story is here, and this time it’s between a mother and a daughter. With her signature “heartbreaking, redemptive, and authentic” (Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author) prose, Serle has crafted a transcendent novel about how we move on after loss, and how the people we love never truly leave us.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

First and foremost, I love the premise of One Italian Summer . It’s a love story, but instead of a romantic couple, it’s about the bond between a mother and daughter. This is the first relationship we have when we’re born, and it remains one of the most important ones in our lives. I was excited to see a novel which focuses on that relationship, but moreover, gives a daughter the chance to see her mother as more than just a parent. Here, Katy gets an unexpected opportunity to get to know her mom, Carol, as she was at age 30, before she became an all-knowing mother and wife.

One Italian Summer is quite heavy, opening with the immediate aftermath of Carol’s death. Katy is grieving her mother, but she’s also going through an emotional breakdown and is ready to tear down other aspects of her life, too. Her whole life has revolved around her mother. More than her husband, she saw her mom as her soul mate, her rock, her reason for being. She doesn’t know who she even is now that her mom is gone. How will she carry on without her guidance? How will she make her own decisions, live her own life? In the midst of this identity crisis, Katy is ready to leave her husband. She’s questioning what they have and whether they were ever meant to be together.

Unable to process everything at home in Los Angeles, Katy decides to go on the trip she and her mother had planned. They’d arranged to go to Positano, on the Amalfi coast, the same place where Carol had spent a transformative summer before marrying and having Katy. If Carol had once found herself there, then perhaps Katy can find herself, too. At the very least, she can get some distance – literally and figuratively – from all the turmoil of the past several months. The warm weather and picture-perfect vacation hotspot don’t hurt.

Things take a strange and exhilarating turn when Katy finds that her mom is also in Positano… but she’s 30 years old, the age she was on that life-changing trip three decades ago. It’s unclear whether Carol jumped forward in time, Katy fell back in time, or if it’s something else altogether, but Katy is determined to spend as much time with her mom as possible. Never mind that Carol doesn’t realize she is Katy’s mom; Katy will get to know this woman as she was before motherhood. As a friend rather than a parent.

On the one hand, One Italian Summer rings true for me in some ways. I would not have been able to read it in the months or even first few years after my dad died. Like Katy in the novel, I found myself in a sunny European paradise after his death. However, in my case, I was already in Valencia, Spain when I heard the unexpected and devastating news. My dad had never been to Europe, and there was no time warp situation going on – no meeting a younger version of my dad in Spain! – but the chance to process things without my family, in a beautiful Mediterranean environment, is comparable to the novel.

However, despite the things I like about One Italian Summer – indeed, the things that drew me to it and that I could even relate to on some level – and although it was generally a pleasant read, there were several things that frustrated me.

Throughout my reading, I wavered between feeling compassionate towards Katy and annoyed by her. Losing a parent, or any loved one, is crushing. Going through an emotional breakdown or an identity crisis is normal, especially after such loss. But what bothered me was Katy’s apparent inability to think for herself. She couldn’t make any decisions, big or small, without her mom’s input. She lived her life too narrowly, too within her comfort zone, and seemed content to never go beyond the leash to which she was attached. Katy seemed to be co-dependent on her mom, and from my perspective, their relationship went beyond a close, loving bond and moved into potentially unhealthy territory. And the fact that Katy is already 30 herself made it even more aggravating. How does a grown woman not know how to function as an adult? She can’t cook, pick out her own clothes, or figure out if she wants kids yet. Her mother does everything for her and Katy allows Carol to think for her.

I also had a hard time understanding Katy’s urge to destroy everything left in her life, starting with her marriage. Why not lean on your spouse during such difficult times? Instead, she suggests divorce and flees the country before having a proper conversation with her husband.

Then, instead of focusing on herself, she starts up a possible summer fling with a man at her hotel. Is that really the best time for romance? A week after losing her mom, days after contemplating how much her relationship of eight years matters? Katy’s vacation romance was not only unnecessary in this book, it also detracted from the main story. He was a good character, and I think he offered important perspectives for Katy. But I didn’t really want to read a romance with some stranger while Katy’s husband is back home and her mom just died.

Instead, I would have liked to see more focus on Katy getting to know 30-year-old Carol. I would have liked to see more of a clear contrast between the mother she knew and the woman Carol had been. I wish this book had focused more on that mother-daughter relationship and the strange friendship Katy developed with 30-year-old Carol. Alas, something about it felt incomplete and not entirely compelling. This is partially because of how much time is allotted to the ill-timed romance.

On the other hand, I did enjoy the opportunity to get to know Positano like I was a tourist there myself. I love the descriptions of the one-way street on the hill and the shimmering water, the cozy restaurants and picturesque views. It transported me back to Italy (though I haven’t been to the Amalfi coast yet), letting the setting serve as a sort of character in its own right.

Katy’s interactions with the Italians running the hotel seemed rather unrealistic. Of course, her seeing a far younger version of her mom does make One Italian Summer a fantasy in some respects, so I’ll let that slide. The time warp – time travel? – isn’t ever explained, and it’s not until the end that you’re really sure what the exact situation is. What year is it? Who’s been transported in time? Has time simply collapsed on itself, letting two different years play out simultaneously? I did find it odd how unobservant Katy was during that whole week and how she never noticed what exactly has happening. It seems that she should have connected the dots far sooner.

Despite the meandering plot, I do like how One Italian Summer wraps up. It’s evident that Katy has grown as a person and is ready to tackle life – and her relationships – like an adult. She has gained perspective and seems to be ready to make the right choices, and I appreciate where it ends.

Final Thoughts

One Italian Summer reads like a sort of dream, but while it offers a wonderful concept and some memorable lines, the whole of the novel didn’t fully capture me or feel convincing. It’s a fine book, and a quick read, but ultimately perhaps not for me. Nonetheless, I still intend to read Rebecca Serle’s previous two adult novels and am optimistic I’ll enjoy them more.

About the Author

Rebecca Serle is an author and television writer who lives in New York and Los Angeles. Serle codeveloped the hit TV adaptation of her YA series Famous in Love , and is also the author of The Dinner List , and YA novels The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine . She received her MFA from the New School in NYC.

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One thought on “ One Italian Summer ”

Kiddo; I enjoyed your Youtube summary and the above review, and I agree with you on your take (of “One Italian Summer”). I wrote my own review but have not yet posted it. I noticed many of the problems you noted, but some I missed. I’m not a young girl. You’re also more generous and forgiving. I gave the book a 2 and 1/2.

BTW, I love the braces. I had my own VERY crooked teeth straightened as a +30 year-old adult. Best money I even spent.

You should use your talents and write your own books. I wish I could figure on a way to have you meet my 30-year-old son. Most of the “girlfriends” he has found were not worth the powder to blow them away, and he’s become very cynical about women. It’s reassuring to see that good ones do, actually, exist. But I forget myself. I’ll have to poke around and see what else you have to write and say.

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13 Perfect Looks to Pack if You’re Going to Tuscany or Want to Emulate Italian Summer Style — From $10

Starting with a breezy sundress and comfortable walking sneakers.

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As a travel editor who’s been to more than 40 countries, I’ve seen a lot of the world — but I still haven’t found anywhere that compares to Italy in the summer . My sun-kissed memories of cruising around Capri, leather-shopping in Florence, and bike riding through Chianti vineyards are some of my fondest, which is why I can’t wait to get back there in May. This time I’ll be focusing on Tuscany, and you can bet that I plan to live out my dreams of lounging by the villa pool with a spritz in hand.

Of course, I’m going to need a wardrobe that lives up to the glam of this trip (but that fits in a carry-on since I haven’t checked a bag in four-plus years , and I’m not about to start now). With past Italy visits under my belt, I already know I’ll need comfortable walking shoes and a breezy sundress , but I’m adding a few new looks to my suitcase, including wide-leg pants and a matching set . Here’s what I’m eyeing for my trip to Italy — and hopefully, it’ll inspire all of your out-of-office adventures near and far, too.

The Perfect Sundress

I can see it now: I’m walking through Florence with a gelato and admiring the Duomo, wearing the perfect sundress. For this, I’ve already picked up the Melody Smocked Midi Dress from Madewell in black knowing it’ll take me from day to night — city walk to aperitivo — effortlessly. Thanks to its ultra-flattering fit with a smocked top and gentle A-line flare, I wouldn’t doubt if you see this midi dress way beyond Italy this summer. I’m going to pair it with white sneakers during the day and my platform sandals in the evening. I’m also eyeing this beautiful white sundress and this aptly named “Tagliatelle” dress from Reformation .

Comfortable White Sneakers

I’ve been a loyal fan of the celeb-loved Veja Campo sneakers for years now, but after reading rave reviews of these cushioned, platform Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneakers , I may just make the upgrade before my trip. Even Oprah loves this brand , with shoppers saying they feel like “walking on clouds.” Sounds like they’re worth it, especially since they’re on sale. I plan to wear these with everything from my breezy sundresses to casual shorts.

Leather Crossbody Bag

Lo & Sons

It’s practically shameful to walk through Florence’s leather market without your own nice leather bag, and this one from Lo & Sons recently changed my world . The stylish, versatile Lo & Sons Waverley 2 4-in-1 Bag has a convertible strap that makes it four bags in one. I can wear it on my shoulder, crossbody for more security, as a belt bag to keep my hands free, and as a wristlet for a night out. That covers pretty much everything on my itinerary — and cuts down on packing space.

Tailored Shorts

These high-waisted shorts are so classy and elegant, they practically scream “Italy vacation.” French-girl-favorite and T+L editor-loved brand Sézane must’ve thought so too because they named this style “Rome.” I love the elevated, tailored details like pleating and cuffs. For the same look for less, I’d spring for these casual $26 linen shorts or classic $25 white shorts from Amazon.

Oversized White Button-down Shirt

I’m convinced there’s no trip I can’t use this Hotouch oversized white button-down shirt for, which is why it’s a permanent part of my travel capsule wardrobe . I can use it to cover up in the morning or evening if it’s chilly or if I enter a church, or I can throw it on over a bathing suit by the villa pool in Tuscany. (Psst, you can shop more of our favorite oversized button-downs here!)

Maybe it’s the White Lotus Tanya McQuoid in me, but I can’t imagine my Italy trip without a silk scarf to tie around my neck or hair (while riding a Vespa, probably). I’m eyeing this pretty, neutral one from Fonyve from Amazon since it’s a steal at $10. I was sold the moment I read this five-star review from a fellow traveler: “Elegant, well-made scarf…The colors of these are very vibrant and look like expensive scarves from Italy.”

I always had a lot of trouble finding sunglasses that fit my narrow face (I used to buy kids’ sizes!) — until I tried these frames at Warby Parker, the same affordable brand that makes my eyeglasses. I love that they have narrow, medium, and wide sizes to fit pretty much any face, and you can add polarization and your prescription to them, all for way less than you’d normally pay for name-brand sunglasses. There’s far less guilt than if I lost my Ray-Bans, but they’re still nicer than super cheap ones. If you’re still not ready to shell out $95 for a quality pair, you can’t go wrong with these Sojos vintage sunglasses at Amazon, which look just like them but are only $15.

Wide-leg White Linen Pants

I’ve written before about how Madewell’s Harlow wide-leg pants are the comfiest pants I own and go with absolutely everything (I even purchased another color after originally buying them), but I’ll sing their praises again and again. They are made from a luxuriously soft lyocell-linen blend that keeps things cool even on hot days, and I’ve found they wrinkle far less than my 100 percent linen pants.

Thin Leather Belt

Sometimes crafting the perfect travel outfit is all about accessories, and the right belt can take a good outfit from good to bellissima. This thin, understated option from Jasgood adds just the right amount of polish to a look whether it’s cinching a billowy dress or adding the cherry on top of the perfect pants. Adding a belt is also great for switching up looks from day to day.

Cardigan Sweater

Nights can get chilly in the Tuscan hills — even June and July see lows of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why I pack a versatile cardigan that pairs with all my looks in case I get cold. To pass my Italy packing list test, I usually ask myself, “Would Audrey Hepburn have worn this?” And this one from J. Crew passed the test . There’s something decidedly European about its classic stripes, and its neutral palette will match with anything I pack. While the 100 percent cotton sweater is on sale for less than $100 (and has an impressive 4.7 rating), I found a more affordable lookalike at Amazon for just $40.

Matching Set

Matching sets are the epitome of no-fuss, one-and-done outfits that look put-together for any event on the itinerary, whether you’re sipping Chianti at a vineyard or exploring town. Plus, you can mix and match them with other shorts and tops in your suitcase for maximum outfit potential. I splurged on the Noah Two-piece Set from Reformation (look how perfect that “linguini” print is for an Italian wedding weekend event!) but I also have and would recommend something very similar to this $33 matching set from Amazon.

Wide-brim Packable Sun Hat

I plan to soak up the Tuscan sun on this trip and to make sure I’m protected and looking stylish, I’ll pack my trusty J.Crew Packable Sun Hat that’s taken me from Egypt to Greece and back. It easily folds right up into my carry-on, and only takes minimal zhuzhing to get back to its original shape. I’d snap one up while they’re still 62 percent off if I were you.

High-waist Yoga Shorts

One of the most magical moments of my last trips to Tuscany was a bike ride through Chianti. I’m planning to convince my travel partners to re-create that, and I know for that I’ll need some athletic shorts like this pair I swear by from The Gym People. They’re perfect when strolling through markets paired with my oversized white button-down, sun hat, and sneakers.

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One Italian Summer

Unabridged Audio Download
Unabridged Compact Disk

Reading group guide.

Rave and Reviews

About The Book

Never throw away a good pair of jeans.
Always have fresh lemons on hand.
Bread keeps for a week in the fridge and two months in the freezer.
OxiClean will take out any stain.
Be careful of bleach.
Linen is better than cotton in the summer.
Plant herbs, not flowers.
Don’t be afraid of paint. A bold color can transform a room.
Always arrive on time to a restaurant and five minutes late to a house.
Never smoke.

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About The Author

Product Details

Publisher: Atria Books (March 7, 2023)
Length: 288 pages
ISBN13: 9781982166809

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Raves and Reviews

Advance Praise for One Italian Summer : “Rebecca Serle is known for her powerful stories that tug at the heartstrings – and her latest is just as unforgettable.” —Woman's World

“An unconventional love story that embraces people’s flaws and selfishness as part of what makes them human.” —Kirkus

“A touching story…the mother-daughter bond is made palpable through Katy’s grief and desire for connection.” —Publishers Weekly

“[A] moving novel.” —PopSugar

“Serle takes a fairly generic rom-com setup and turns it into something much deeper in this captivating exploration of friendship, loss, and love.” — Booklist

"The novel is about the real meaning of love and friendship and the bonds that tie us all together."

– Good Morning America

“A heartwarming portrait of a broken heart finding a little healing magic.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Serle’s whimsical tale is book club catnip.” — Publishers Weekly

“ In Five Years is a profound tale of unconditional love and anguish with a touch of the mystical and mysterious.” — New York Journal of Books

“You'll devour it.” — Marie Claire

“Rebecca Serle has a way of blending a little bit of magic into the every day.” — HelloGiggles

“Rebecca Serle has a knack for writing beautiful stories that speak to the anxiety of forging a new road for oneself, of being brave enough to start all over.” — Bustle

“Be prepared for deep emotions, a few laughs, and possibly a few tears as well. Reading this book is truly an experience.” — Seattle Book Review

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These are the cheapest European package holidays for summer 2024

The likes of Spain, Greece and Italy are surprisingly some of the most affordable, according to Which? Travel

Plenty of us love the freedom of browsing for the most convenient flights and then for the perfect little hotel. However, sometimes it’s nice to save on time, faff and money by booking a package holiday – and thanks to a new ranking, we now know exactly where to go for the cheapest package trips across Europe .

The experts at Which? Travel have analysed over 4,500 holidays that are still available to book for this summer, and compiled a list of the ten cheapest destinations offering a package deal.

And the best value deals might not be where you’d expect. Places such as Bulgaria and Türkiye have garnered quite the budget-friendly rep, but classic holiday hot spots such as Greece , Spain and Italy actually boast some of the cheapest options for 2024.

Claiming the top spot is Kalymnos , a lesser-known Dodecanese island in Greece characterised by secluded little coves and ridiculously blue waters. The cheapest holiday was £794 per person, but the average here is £847 (€987.50). Given it’s around a 40-minute boat ride from Kos, that’s a pretty good deal.

In fourth place, it’s the Costa Brava in Spain – we know, we’re shocked too. The gorgeous stretch of coast just north of Barcelona has some cracking beaches, and the package holiday price here is around £952 (€1,110) per person.

But the biggest and maybe most pleasant surprise of all is that the Amalfi Coast has made the top 10, in spot number six. At around £977 (€1,139), this typically expensive region actually boasts a couple of low-key resorts such as Minori and Maiori , which are great options for a cheaper getaway. What ’ s more, the region will soon be getting an airport , finally !

These are the 10 cheapest European package holiday destinations, according to Which? Travel

Kalymnos, Greece (£847, €987.50)
Thassos, Greece (£862, €1,005)
Lefkada, Greece (£935, €1,090)
Costa Brava, Spain (£952, €1,110)
Venetian Riviera, Italy (£965, €1,125)
Amalfi Coast, Italy (£977, €1,139)
Skopelos, Greece (£985, €1,148)
Costa de la Luz, Spain (£994, €1,159)
Campania, Italy (£998, €1,164)
Malta (£1,006, €1,173)

More on budget-friendly travel

Looking for an affordable break this year? From this roundup of the most affordable holiday destinations for 2024 from the Post Office’s Holiday Money Report , to this one from WeThrift , or this one from Skyscanner , there are plenty of rankings to help you decide where to go.

Did you see that Italy has implemented a one-way system for some hiking trails ?

Plus: Venice will start charging day-trippers an extra fee to enter this week .

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.

Liv Kelly Contributing Writer

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Pop Culture Happy Hour

Performing Arts

Pop Culture

You know it when you see it: here are some movies that got sex scenes right.

Linda Holmes

It is a happy coincidence that our "What makes a good sex scene?" episode came out in the same week as Challengers, a film about a romance triangle in the tennis world starring Josh O'Connor, Zendaya and (not pictured) Mike Faist. Niko Tavernise/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures hide caption

What makes a good sex scene? It can be easier spot bad sex, but Aisha Harris, Christina Tucker, Ronald Young, Jr. and I tried to focus on the good this week on Pop Culture Happy Hour. You can listen to our full conversation here. (We didn't originally plan for this episode to run the same week as our episode about Challengers , which is out in theaters now, but it's a happy coincidence, since that film has gotten a lot of attention — probably too much, relative to its other merits — for the sex scenes involving its three leads. It's really very good .)

Movie Reviews

Watch a tense romantic triangle play out on the tennis court in 'challengers'.

It's often very obvious when a sex scene is bad, just like when a sex scene in a book is bad. It can get so uncomfortable to watch that you have to leave the room (and not in a way that feels true to the story). One of my personal tells for a bad sex scene is when all I can think about is how hard the actors are trying to persuade me that the characters are having a good time. For example, there has been much good discussion in recent years about Showgirls being a more interesting and competent project than it originally got credit for, but in that one pool scene (if you know it, you know it), all I can see is the effort.

Lauren Bacall And The 'Sex? What Sex?' Kind Of Movie Sex

It's not always as clear which scenes are good . That's partly because they serve so many different functions, all of which look different, and all of which can be effective. Furthermore, you don't want to confuse whether a sex scene is used well in a film with whether it's hot to you personally, despite the fact that there is overlap between those considerations.

In the 'Last Dance,' Magic Mike leaves his thong-and-dance routine behind

Here's what I mean: When Aisha talks about the sequence near the beginning of Magic Mike's Last Dance , it's not irrelevant that the scene is, to her (and to me), hot. But it also makes sense in the context of the film and the franchise, partly because of the way it sets up the power dynamic between Mike (Channing Tatum) and Max (Salma Hayek Pinault). Mike is older now, he knows more, and the way he approaches a lap dance is actually different than in earlier movies.

And not all good sex scenes are hot in the same ways. The one I mentioned in the episode, from the romantic drama Love & Basketball , is sexy, yes. But it's also a scene between young adults (the talented basketball players Monica and Quincy, played by Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps), and as such, it incorporates a tentativeness that's not present in Magic Mike's Last Dance , to say the least. As Ronald pointed out during our discussion, that sex scene is quite different from one that takes place later in Monica and Quincy's relationship, when they're older and know each other better. That certainly feels true to real life, but it's not always reflected in Hollywood films, where I would tentatively estimate that 90% of on-screen sex is more idealized and thus less intimate than real-life sex, in part because it isn't allowed to change over the course of a relationship.

Movie Interviews

'like it or not, we live in oppenheimer's world,' says director christopher nolan.

Even further from the hotness of the lap dance scene is Ronald's pick: the imagination of Kitty Oppenheimer (Emily Blunt) running wild in Oppenheimer. While her husband (Cillian Murphy) is being interrogated, she pictures him having sex with his mistress, Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh). It goes by quickly enough that it might seem like a Christopher Nolan flourish for flourish's sake, but it serves the purpose of letting you feel her pain over her husband's affair. Her relationship with Robert doesn't look especially romantic in the film, let alone sexually charged; she finds herself consumed by the idea that he was having hot sex with this other woman, and she locks eyes with her vision of a naked Tatlock and finds herself tormented. It's not really the intent of the scene to titillate the audience, just to give specificity to the shape of Kitty's preoccupation with the affair.

What makes a good sex scene?

Christina raised another really important point, which is that sex scenes also collide with viewers at very specific moments. Her example from Bound , and the scenes between Violet (Jennifer Tilly) and Corky (Gina Gershon), touches on (among other things) her own history. It's an underappreciated aspect of the sex-in-movies discourse: representation matters in these scenes as much as anywhere else. I always wish I saw more sex scenes in movies that featured a broader variety of body types; it's still really rare to see ones that feature anybody who is even average sized. This is one of the reasons I'm curious about the upcoming season of Bridgerton , which places its focus on the gorgeous and curvaceous Penelope (Nicola Coughlan).

Looking for 'nomance': Study finds teens want less sex in their TV and movies

Good sex scenes are like any other kind of good filmmaking, honestly: it comes down to execution with purpose and care, done relative to whatever the function of the scene might be.

Whether that's spiciness or conflict or relationship growth or (as in the case of Bound ) setting up a steamy neo-noir story that wouldn't be the same if it weren't hot as heck, form follows function, ideally.

This piece also appeared in NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter so you don't miss the next one, plus get weekly recommendations about what's making us happy.

Listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour on Apple Podcasts and Spotify .

You Can Now Live In Italy On A Digital Nomad Visa

Digital nomads haven't been able to enjoy working long-term in Italy, until now: the European country just launched its Digital Nomad Visa.

Italy has launched a Digital Nomad Visa effective April 5, 2024, allowing remote workers to live and work in the country legally.
To apply, meet income requirements, health insurance, accommodation, no criminal record, relevant degree, and work experience.
Milan, Florence, and Rome are top cities in Italy for digital nomads, offering fast internet, co-working spaces, and affordable living options.

The freedom to enjoy working from any location while exploring some of the most beautiful destinations the world has to offer is alluring, which is why many people are continuously choosing remote jobs over office work. Fortunately, there are many ideal locations for remote work and several countries offer long-term visas for digital nomads .

10 Small Towns In Italy To Visit

Many hotels and resorts now prefer longer stays and have tailored their services to meet the needs of a digital nomadic lifestyle. Yet digital nomads haven't been able to legally work long-term in Italy — until very recently. You can now live in Italy on a digital nomad visa; here's what to know and how to apply.

Italy Has Just Launched Its Digital Nomad Visa

First signed into law on march 28, 2022, the italian digital nomad visa is effective as of april 5th, 2024.

Italy is one of the world's best travel destinations and attracts millions of visitors every year. From its must-see natural wonders to delicious food to some of the most interesting historic sites , there is something for everyone. So, it's not hard to understand why everyone (especially U.S. citizens) wants to live in Italy.

While the Italian Nomad Visa was signed into law in March 2022, it wasn't until April 5, 2024, that the room was officially opened for applications . One thing to note is that the European nation designed its newly launched visa, which is managed under article 27 of the immigration code, for "highly skilled workers," which is what separates it from other digital nomad visas across the globe.

Attracting remote foreign workers helps in boosting the local economies when they dine at restaurants, and rent apartments and/or co-working spaces, especially in some of the most beautiful towns , which are affected by their aging populations.

Who Can Apply For The Italian Digital Nomad Visa?

Anyone who meets the income and other visa requirements can apply.

To be eligible for the newly launched Digital Nomad Visa in Italy, one has to meet certain criteria. Here are the requirements:

Digital nomads must meet an income threshold, which is €28,000 ($30,051). This doesn't have to be earned from the same remote job. It can be income from any other source.
One must have health insurance, which should be valid throughout their stay.
Those applying must have "suitable accommodation" in Italy.
Digital nomads must not have any criminal record. At the time of application, one must provide proof that they haven't been convicted of any immigration-related crimes, and some Italian consulates may demand a criminal background check.
One must have proof of a college degree from a recognized institution or equivalent professional experience.
One must have already been a remote worker for at least 6 months at the time of application. Applicants without a university degree should have up to five years of work experience.
Remote workers must also provide evidence of an employment contract or anything that proves a job offer that requires the stated skills, education, or work experience.

Make use of this Digital Nomad Visa Calculator Tool , which lets you know which digital visas you qualify for, based on your annual income.

The Italian Digital Nomad Visa lasts one year and can be renewed if all the requirements are met. After that, another residence permit, which is valid for two years, will be issued.

How To Apply For The Italian Digital Nomad Visa

You can only apply at the italian consulate.

Those who want to apply for the newly launched Italian digital nomad visa can only do so at the Italian Consulate . One can visit the website and follow the instructions, which may vary, depending on the location.

It is important to fill out the application form with your full name, exactly how it appears on the passport. There are only a few rare cases that permit applications from Italy, including having an Italian Immigration Permit at the time of application.

The application form can only be signed in front of an Italian Consular Visa Officer unless your consulate allows filing by email, which normally happens after the form is signed in the presence of a U.S. notary public.

Booking an appointment with your Italian consulate ahead of time can make the process simpler, especially since their schedule can be quite busy, and some appointments can be possible 2–4 months from the time of booking.

Documents you must bring at the time of application:

Two passport-sized photographs (ensure they aren't scanned or photocopied)
A valid passport
Application fee for the Italian Digital Nomad Visa; usually, EUR 116 ($123.57) per person

Visit These 12 Underrated Places In Italy This Summer

Cities that are perfect for digital nomads in italy, rome, florence, and milan are some of the top cities for a digital nomadic lifestyle.

Although Italy officiated digital nomadism just recently, remote workers have always visited the country temporarily, and some of its beautiful bucket-list-worthy cities offer amazing perks for this lifestyle.

Much of the data below changes often, as it is crowd sourced from people who live and work in these cities.

Milan is one of the Italian cities that make it easy for digital nomads to live abroad , and a brilliant option for those who are into fashion, architecture, and everything art. What makes it a great spot for digital nomads is its fast internet speeds as well as the availability of co-working spaces and several trendy hotels that have embraced the lifestyle.

Another city one can opt for is Florence, one of the destinations in Europe for a romantic city break . The city's incredible art and architecture act as an inspiration for digital nomads. The city is also known for its peaceful atmosphere, which creates a favorable environment for work.

Lastly, Rome, the country's capital, also makes a great destination for digital nomads, thanks to its various work-friendly venues and top-rated co-working spaces. The Eternal City's historical charm and impressive architecture also make it a perfect option.

The fact that Italy has now fully embraced a digital nomadic lifestyle alongside popular travel destinations like Canada demonstrates how fast technology is changing the world, and with more flexibility, people will increasingly choose to work remotely.

IMAGES

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Review: One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle (audio)
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Paramount Lands Rebecca Serle Book 'One Italian Summer'
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COMMENTS

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
220,205 ratings23,929 reviews. When Katy's mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn't just Katy's mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: two weeks in Positano, the magical ...
ONE ITALIAN SUMMER
one italian summer " The New York Times bestselling author of the "heartwarming, heartbreaking, and hard to put down" (Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author) modern classic In Five Years returns with a moving and unforgettable exploration of the powerful bond between mother and daughter set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.
One Italian Summer: A Novel Kindle Edition
Advance Praise for One Italian Summer: "Rebecca Serle is known for her powerful stories that tug at the heartstrings - and her latest is just as unforgettable." —Woman's World "An unconventional love story that embraces people's flaws and selfishness as part of what makes them human." —Kirkus "Poignant and ultimately uplifting. The mouthwatering descriptions of Katy's food ...
One Italian Summer
Rebecca Serle is the New York Times bestselling author of Expiration Dates, One Italian Summer, In Five Years, The Dinner List, and the young adult novels The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine.Serle also developed the hit TV adaptation Famous in Love, based on her YA series of the same name.She is a graduate of USC and The New School and lives in Los Angeles with her husband.
Rebecca Serle Met Her Mom's Old Boyfriend, Then Wrote a Best Seller
Serle's mother is very much alive; in fact, Ranjana Serle recently surprised her daughter in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., at the last stop on her book tour. But "One Italian Summer" has a back ...
One Italian Summer: A Novel
Advance Praise for One Italian Summer: "Rebecca Serle is known for her powerful stories that tug at the heartstrings - and her latest is just as unforgettable." —Woman's World "An unconventional love story that embraces people's flaws and selfishness as part of what makes them human." —Kirkus "Poignant and ultimately uplifting. The mouthwatering descriptions of Katy's food ...
One Italian Summer: the instant New York Times bestseller
Rebecca Serle is the New York Times bestselling author of Expiration Dates, One Italian Summer, In Five Years, The Dinner List, and the young adult novels The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine. Serle also developed the hit TV adaptation Famous in Love, based on her YA series of the same name. She is a graduate of USC and The New School and ...
One Italian Summer: the instant New York Times bestseller
I loved In Five Years but with One Italian Summer Rebecca has truly excelled herself.An extraordinary, beautiful, magical book. (And now I NEED to visit Positano...) ― JILL MANSELL, author of SHOULD I TELL YOU? Startlingly fresh and utterly compelling, One Italian Summer is a spellbinding story of love, loss and hope, so beautifully depicted I felt I lived and breathed every word of Katy's ...
One Italian Summer: A Novel
Rebecca Serle is the New York Times bestselling author of Expiration Dates, One Italian Summer, In Five Years, The Dinner List, and the young adult novels The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine. Serle also developed the hit TV adaptation Famous in Love, based on her YA series of the same name. She is a graduate of USC and The New School and ...
'One Italian Summer' by Rebecca Serle Review: the Perfect Beach Read
Between boat trips, impeccably described food, and sun-soaked narratives, this novel begs to be read with the sun on your face, whether it's from a sandy beach or a patio chair, which was exactly ...
Review: 'One Italian Summer' is a magical trip worth taking
Published 6:29 AM PDT, March 3, 2022. NEW YORK (AP) — "One Italian Summer" Rebecca Serle (Atria Books) Readers of Rebecca Serle are well-aware she often infuses her novels with touches of magic. In her last novel, "In Five Years," a happily engaged woman named Dannie has a dream about her future where she's married but to someone ...
One Italian Summer Summary and Study Guide
One Italian Summer is a 2022 novel by Rebecca Serle. Author of the New York Times best-selling novel In Five Years (2020), Serle has published eight novels within the contemporary fiction and young adult genres. Focusing on a mother-daughter relationship, the novel is told through the first-person narrative voice of Katy Silver, who must learn ...
Book Review: One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Title: One Italian SummerAuthor: Rebecca SerlePublisher: AtriaPublication date: March 1, 2022Length: 272 pagesGenre: Contemporary fictionSource: Review copy via NetGalleyRating: ★★★ When Katy's mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn't just Katy's mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she…
‎One Italian Summer (Unabridged) on Apple Books
To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: to Positano, the magical town where Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy's father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone. But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy ...
An Evening with Rebecca Serle: One Italian Summer
On Friday, March 10, 2023, New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Serle dropped by the Midtown Scholar for a discussion on the paperback release of her no...
One Italian Summer: A Novel
One Italian Summer: A Novel. Hardcover - March 1, 2022. The New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years returns with a powerful novel about the transformational love between mothers and daughters set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. When Katy's mother dies, she is left reeling.
One Italian Summer: A Novel
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER. In this "magical trip worth taking" (Associated Press), the New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years returns with a powerful novel about the transformational love between mothers and daughters set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast. When Katy's mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn't just Katy's mom, but her best friend and first ...
Rebecca Serle
To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: two weeks in Positano, the magical town Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy's father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone. But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy ...
One Italian Summer
To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: two weeks in Positano, the magical town Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy's father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone.
A Travel Editor's Tuscany Italy Packing List
One travel editor shares the summer clothing she's packing for her trip to the Tuscany region of Italy. From comfortable walking shoes and a leather crossbody bag to the perfect sundress and a ...
One Italian Summer
Rebecca Serle is the New York Times bestselling author of Expiration Dates, One Italian Summer, In Five Years, The Dinner List, and the young adult novels The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine.Serle also developed the hit TV adaptation Famous in Love, based on her YA series of the same name.She is a graduate of USC and The New School and lives in Los Angeles with her husband.
He visited Italy for the first time and bought a house within 24 ...
Millet says that he began planning to travel to Italy to buy a house back in 2019, but was thwarted by Covid-19. He finally managed to visit in 2022 after attending a friend's wedding in Ireland.
Cheapest European Package Holidays For Summer 2024
Travel have analysed over 4,500 holidays that are still available to book for this summer, ... Did you see that Italy has implemented a one-way ... sign up to our free Time Out Travel ...
One Italian Summer: the instant New York Times bestseller
One Italian Summer: the instant New York Times bestseller [Serle, Rebecca] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. One Italian Summer: the instant New York Times bestseller
The best movie sex scenes? Here are some films that we think got it
One of my personal tells for a bad sex scene is when all I can think about is how hard the actors are trying to persuade me that the characters are having a good time.
Book at these times to save money on summer flights for 2024
Mid-to-late August is the best time for Americans to fly this summer, according to travel company Expedia. It's expected to be a less busy time, and Expedia says travelers can save up to $265 on ...
You Can Now Live In Italy On A Digital Nomad Visa
Italy is one of the world's best travel destinations and attracts millions of visitors every year. ... To be eligible for the newly launched Digital Nomad Visa in Italy, one has to meet certain criteria. Here are the requirements: ... Booking an appointment with your Italian consulate ahead of time can make the process simpler, especially since ...
ONE ITALIAN SUMMER: 9781529419474: Amazon.com: Books
Rebecca Serle is the New York Times bestselling author of Expiration Dates, One Italian Summer, In Five Years, The Dinner List, and the young adult novels The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine. Serle also developed the hit TV adaptation Famous in Love, based on her YA series of the same name. She is a graduate of USC and The New School and ...
One Italian Summer: A Novel
Rebecca Serle is the New York Times bestselling author of Expiration Dates, One Italian Summer, In Five Years, The Dinner List, and the young adult novels The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine. Serle also developed the hit TV adaptation Famous in Love, based on her YA series of the same name. She is a graduate of USC and The New School and ...

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The beach read of the summer is actually not a rom-com. 'One Italian Summer' centers on a mother-daughter relationship, and I couldn't put it down.

1. The novel's sunny setting compels you to read outside.

2. It's a short read that's easy to put down and pick up.

3. The important messages of the story don't reveal themselves until the end, which kept me engaged to the last page.

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Review: ‘One Italian Summer’ is a magical trip worth taking

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