Tuscan Holiday

By Holly Chamberlin

Book Overview

In this warm, evocative novel set against a breathtaking Italian backdrop, bestselling author Holly Chamberlin explores the complexities of mother-daughter bonds, and the gift of second chances. . .

Marina Caldwell is thrilled to receive a two-week trip to Tuscany as a college graduation gift. That is, until she realizes her mother wants to go with her. The gulf between idealistic single parent Elizabeth and cautious, controlled Marina seems too wide to bridge, even with the aid of chilled Prosecco and mouthwatering panforte.

But amid the magical sights and scents of Florence, Marina's careful plans for her vacation--and her future--are thrown into chaos, and Elizabeth's long-held assumptions crumble. Soon a world of unexpected possibilities unfolds for both--buoyed by newfound courage, unshakeable love, and the stirring beauty of a Tuscan sky. . .

Praise for the novels of Holly Chamberlin

Nostalgia over real-life friendships lost and regained pulls readers into the story.
--USA Today on Summer Friends

It does the trick as a beach book and provides a touristy taste of Maine's seasonal attractions.
--Publishers Weekly on The Family Beach House

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758214022
• ISBN13: 9780758214027
• Release Date: June 2013
• Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.8" x 7.4"

Customer Reviews

entertaining look at relationships

Single mom Elizabeth Caldwell is proud of her daughter Marina who just graduated from college. However, she is concerned that her offspring is marrying Boston Brahmin Jotham Grandin for all the wrong reasons. Turning into a pop psychiatrist Elizabeth believes Marina is submissive to her fiancé on everything; and marrying him not out of love or even friendship, but more a reaction to avoid the victim mistake her mom made over two decades ago. As a graduation present, she buys two tickets to Italy. Marina thinks it is for her and her fiancé, but Elizabeth awkwardly corrects her that this TUSCAN HOLIDAY is for mom and daughter. Elizabeth knows she is not a role model having been unable to fully commit to her lover Rob after thirteen years together, but hopes to reconnect with her daughter and prays Marina finds some passion. In Italy, Elizabeth is ready to give up as Marina behaves like the condemned walking the last mile to their execution. Suddenly the air seems fresher and livelier when Marina meets Luca who brings a zest for life that has both women reconsidering their relationships back home. This is an entertaining look at relationships especially between a mom and a daughter. The lead pair rotates perspective so that the audience sees the same event at times almost entirely different as the two female Caldwells bring personal lenses to the mix. Fans will enjoy this fine family drama. Harriet Klausner