One Summer In Italy by Victoria Springfield

One Summer In Italy by Victoria Springfield
published 14 May 2025

PUBLISHER: Boldwood Books
FOMAT: Digital (via NetGalley)
PAGES: 320
ISBN: 9781836336457

Find the book on Amazon, Goodreads and Storygraph

🌟 Review Note:

Thank you to author Victoria Springfield, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy of this beautiful story. I’m absolutely thrilled to take another literary trip to Italy—this time to the enchanting Venice—with such an incredible storyteller.

As always, this review reflects my honest thoughts.

About the book

A return to Venice. A friendship rekindled. A time for romance.

Natalie’s landed the opportunity of a lifetime hosting television show ‘Luxe Life Swap’, but she’s dreading going back to Venice, scene of the school trip that changed her life.

The beauty of the floating city and handsome watch restorer Eraldo begin to win her over, however.

But then glamorous contestant Cate arrives, the girl who was once plain, ordinary Cathy – the ex-best friend Natalie blames for the night that wrecked her life.

Cate’s swapping The Old Vicarage for two weeks in a Venetian palazzo, hoping she might pluck up the courage to go on the quest she’s been putting off for more than twenty years.

Forced to spend time with Natalie, Cate hopes to rebuild their friendship – until Natalie makes a shocking accusation against Cate’s husband.

Cate needs to find out the truth but how can she expect Phil to be honest when she’s keeping secrets of her own?

About the Author

The Author, Victoria Springfield, writes contemporary women’s fiction immersed in the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy.

Her feel-good stories follow unforgettable characters of all ages as they find adventure, friendship and romance.

Victoria grew up in Upminster, Essex. After many years in London, she now lives in Kent with her husband in a house by the river. She likes to write in the garden with a neighbour’s cat by her feet or whilst drinking cappuccino in her favourite café. Then she types up her scribblings in silence whilst her mind drifts away to Italy.

Open a Victoria Springfield book and feel the sunshine!

Victoria is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Find out more about Victoria, and contact her on social media:

My Five Star Review

A beautifully layered escape to Venice – emotional, atmospheric, and utterly absorbing.

Having adored An Italian Island Secret (one of my #BestReads2025!), I couldn’t wait to dive into Victoria Springfield’s latest novel—and One Summer in Italy absolutely lived up to every expectation.

Springfield’s writing is elegant and evocative, with scene setting so rich it feels touched by magic. Her Venice isn’t just a backdrop – it’s a character in its own right: full of quiet canals, hidden courtyards, old-world charm, and stories lingering in every shadow. She captures both the romantic beauty and the deeper, more personal emotions the city can stir.

Reading this made me long to visit Venice with a passion I can’t quite put into words—even though I know, realistically, it’s not a trip I’ll be making. But for now, this book gave me the gift of being there in spirit, and I’ll treasure that.

While there’s always an emotional thread in Springfield’s novels, this story explores a more painful past—one that surfaces unexpectedly and adds a darker, more poignant layer to the present-day drama. It’s not the focus of the book, and it’s never graphic, but the way it’s handled—through memory, misunderstanding, and the gradual reveal of the truth—is both sensitive and compelling. It adds quiet depth without losing the warmth and hope that define her storytelling.

The narrative weaves through past and present, with moments of misdirection that kept me hooked right through to the final chapters. I stayed up far too late just to find out who—if anyone—would get their happy ending.

Once again, Victoria Springfield delivers a thoughtful, heartfelt, and gorgeously written story that lingers long after the last page. Highly recommended.

📸 Behind the Scenes:
I’m so excited to share my review of this beautifully, emotionally charged read. It transported me to Venice without ever leaving my flat—definitely the best kind of vacation, if you ask me!

All the talk of Venetian masks—especially the plague doctor—immediately brought to mind a good friend of mine who spent years teaching himself the art of leatherwork. He now runs Veles Crafts, creating truly stunning, handcrafted pieces, including the most incredible plague doctor masks. I had to feature one in my photos! He’s gifted me a few of his smaller pieces, and I treasure them deeply, especially now that he’s moved away. While I could never afford to own one of his larger works of art, I really encourage you to check out Veles Crafts on Instagram—every detail is made with care, patience, and extraordinary skill. If this book leaves you dreaming of your own Venetian mask, don’t hesitate to reach out. He’d love to hear your ideas, and I know he could craft something truly special just for you.

I’ve already picked up another of Victoria Springfield’s novels and can’t wait to book my next literary trip to Italy!

This review may also appear on my social media and selected book platforms. All links are correct at the time of posting.

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