This time around, I’m reviewing an early digital edition of The Italian Village in the Hills by Victoria Springfield. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review — my order for the published copy has already been placed!
It’s worth saying straight away that this isn’t part of a blog tour and there are no posting requirements attached — just me, my Kindle, and another Victoria Springfield novel that completely swept me away. That said, this book is such a joy to read that I fully intend to be shouting about it across every platform I can.
One of the things I’ve loved most about reading Victoria Springfield’s novels over the years is how consistently she transports me — not just to beautiful places, but into the emotional lives of her characters. Each story feels familiar yet fresh, warm yet thoughtful, and The Italian Village in the Hills fits perfectly alongside the books of hers I’ve reviewed before.
If you’ve enjoyed my thoughts on her previous novels, you may find it interesting to see how this latest story compares and why I continue to look forward to each new release. There are links to my previous reviews at the bottom of this blog post.
About the book
Stella has spent decades trying to forget the heartbreak that made her flee the Italian village of her childhood. But when her new fiancé surprises her with a trip back to Liguria for her upcoming birthday, she is forced to confront the past, her first love and a tragic family rift.
Amy is mourning her beloved grandpa and curious to know more about the old coin necklace and mysterious postcard that he left her. Following his trail to the Italian Riviera, a chance meeting leads Amy to Stella’s village in the hills and to secrets that have lain buried since the war.
Against a backdrop of cobbled medieval streets, sunlit piazzas and rustic olive groves, both Stella and Amy make surprising discoveries about their families – and themselves.
By facing up to the past and opening their hearts, can Stella and Amy find happiness in the Italian village in the hills?
Escape to Italy with this warm, romantic and emotional tale of family, love and second chances.
The Italian Village in the Hills by Victoria Springfield is published by Boldwood Books on 17 January 2026 and is available from all good bookshops.
To read additional reviews and see how other readers are rating this psychological thriller, visit Goodreads and/or Storygraph.
Available Editions (Amazon link below for convenience only (not an affiliate link):
- Digital: 978-1836336556 (298p) Amazon
- Paperback: 978-1836336525 (312p) Amazon
- Hardcover: 978-1836336518 (256p) Amazon
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 on social media:
My Review
There are certain authors whose books feel like a holiday waiting to happen, and for me Victoria Springfield is firmly at the top of that category. Having previously reviewed three of her novels on my blog, I couldn’t wait to dive into The Italian Village in the Hills — and I’m delighted to say it more than lived up to expectations. From the very first pages, this novel whisked me away to the Ligurian hills, where cobbled medieval streets, sun-drenched piazzas and rustic olive groves form the perfect backdrop for a deeply emotional and romantic story about family, love and second chances.
The story follows two women across different generations. Stella has spent decades running from the heartbreak that drove her from her childhood village in Italy. When her fiancé surprises her with a birthday trip back to Liguria, she is forced to confront long-buried memories, a first love and a painful family rift. Meanwhile, Amy is grieving the loss of her beloved grandfather and searching for answers about the mysterious coin necklace and postcard he left behind. Her journey leads her to the Italian Riviera — and, ultimately, to Stella’s village in the hills, where secrets from the war finally begin to surface.
What I loved most about this book is how effortlessly Victoria Springfield weaves past and present together. The dual storyline is beautifully balanced, and I found myself equally invested in both Stella’s and Amy’s journeys. The emotional depth of the story is handled with real sensitivity, and I felt a genuine empathy for the characters — I cared about what happened to them, which is always the mark of a truly enjoyable read. As always, the setting is a star in its own right. Reading this book felt like basking in Italian sunshine on vacation, soaking up the atmosphere, the food, the history and the quiet magic of village life. Victoria Springfield has a wonderful gift for transporting the reader, and once again I found myself completely immersed.
Warm, romantic and touching without ever feeling heavy, The Italian Village in the Hills is a story about facing the past, opening your heart and finding happiness in unexpected places. It was an absolute pleasure to read and one that lingered with me long after I reached the final page, making it an easy five-star read. If you’re looking for an escapist novel rich in emotion, vivid scenery and characters you can truly care about, this story offers the perfect chance to step away from cold, grey days and lose yourself in the warmth and sunshine of the Italian hills.
#TheItalianVillageInTheHills #VictoriaSpringfield #Liguria #WomensFiction
#BoldwoodBooks #BookReview #FiveStarRead
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 a review copy of this book via NetGalley, thanks to Boldwood Books. As always, my thoughts are honest and my own.
This review is original content. Please credit and link back if you wish to quote.
© [2026] [MoMoBookDiary]
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