A Place In The Sun by Jo Thomas

🌟 Review Note:

Thank you to Jo Thomas, Transworld, and Zooloo’s Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of A Place In The Sun. I’m always grateful to discover new-to-me authors through these opportunities.

As always, this review reflects my honest thoughts.

About the book:

It’s never too late to find where you belong…

Thea knew the holiday house her late husband Marco bought in Tuscany wasn’t pristine. But when she relocates to Italy for the summer with her children, she’s shocked by how much work Casa Luna needs. And she only has six weeks to fix it up ready to sell! Her only option is to ask the tight-knit Italian community for help.

In return, Thea and her children become involved in the community kitchen, working alongside handsome chef Giovanni and three very competitive nonnas.

Gradually, Thea begins to open up to the people around her for the first time in a long while.

But just as she’s beginning to wonder whether this small Tuscan town could become a new place to call home, a surprise visitor turns everything on its head . . .

A Place In The Sun by Jo Thomas
Published by Penguin on 19 August 2025

You can find the book on Amazon, Goodreads and Storygraph

About the Author:

Jo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, including time at Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Radio 2’s The Steve Wright Show.

Jo’s debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller and won both the RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the Festival of Romance Best eBook Award.

Her book Escape to the French Farmhouse was a #1 bestselling eBook.

Jo loves to explore new countries and discover the food produced there, both of which she thoroughly enjoys researching.

Jo lives in Pembrokeshire with her husband and three children, where cooking and gathering around the kitchen table are a hugely important and fun part of their family life.

Discover more about Jo Thomas at jothomasauthor.com and on social media

Facebook @JoThomasAuthor

Instagram @jothomasauthor

X (formerly Twitter) @jo_thomas01

My Review

I gave this a solid 4 stars – a slower-paced read for me, but one I really enjoyed settling into over a couple of cosy, rainy days. It had that lovely, immersive quality that lets you sink into the story at your own rhythm, and I felt like I’d taken a little holiday to Tuscany without ever leaving home.

This was my first Jo Thomas book, and I’m so glad to have discovered her. It’s always exciting to find a new author whose writing you just click with—and now I know I can pick up another one of her books and be confident I’ll enjoy it.

I really liked the way the story progressed at its own pace. Thea’s journey is a gentle one, rooted in grief, strength, and rediscovery. She doesn’t rush into change; instead, we watch her slowly open up, finding support in unexpected places. The relationships that form – between her, her children, and the villagers – are warm and genuine, and the setting is beautifully written.

And I have to say… don’t read this when you’re hungry! The descriptions of the food being prepared with fresh local ingredients had me absolutely craving every single dish. Jo Thomas makes you feel like you’re right there in the kitchen, taking in the smells and the flavours with the sun streaming through the windows.

Just as Thea starts to feel settled and consider the idea of staying longer, a surprise visitor shakes things up again—and I appreciated that little injection of drama and emotional depth.

A heartwarming story about second chances, community, and finding your place— even if it’s not where you expected. This one left me smiling!

See About My Reviews and Review FAQ for full star rating explanations and review guidelines.

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

DISCLOSURE: I received an advance or review copy of this book. As always, my thoughts are honest and my own.
DISCLOSURE: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley/Zooloo’s Book Tours. As always, my thoughts are honest and my own.
DISCLOSURE: I purchased this book myself. As always, my thoughts are honest and my own.

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