Ebook: 320 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Fiction, Historical Romantic Fiction, Italy, WWII,
Publisher: Boldwood Books January 19th 2026
Source: NetGalley
First Sentences: Stella's napkin fluttered to the floor. She twisted around as far as her new dress would allow but a smiling waiter had got there first. He spread the fine linen back across her lap.
Review Quote: 'Gorgeous escapism and a complete joy to read!!' Review of the authors writing overall.
My Opinion:
As a self confessed Italophile I was delighted to discover the author, Victoria Springfield last summer when I read One Summer in Italy. Her books are set in Italy and are contemporary feel good fiction that draw you in with realistic characters and evocative scenes that make the reader feel immersed in the Italian lifestyle. She uses a mixture of fictional and real places but the inspiration comes from real life, this time from San Remo and the surrounding Ligurian countryside.
'The Italian Village in the Hills' is set in the fictional village of Leto and is a tale of families and loyalties that hark back to WWII. The main characters are Stella, originally from the village who after many years trying to forget why she left, unexpectedly finds herself back there. Secondly we have Amy, a much younger woman who is mourning the death of her grandfather. Curiosity about his past also leads her to the village of Leto. Both Stella and Amy make some interesting and surprising finds, but will these emotional discoveries lead them to find happiness in Italy.
This escapist read is recommended to those that enjoy a feel good romance and of course Italophiles.
Thank you NetGalley, Victoria Springfield and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review.
Goodreads Précis:
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.
Author Profile:
Courtesy of Amazon Profile
Victoria Springfield writes uplifting, contemporary women’s fiction immersed in the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy. Her feel-good stories follow relatable characters of all ages as they find adventure, friendship and romance. Her latest book is The Italian Village in the Hills set in Liguria. Previous titles: One Summer in Italy set in Venice, An Italian Island Secret set on Ischia, Invitation to Italy set on the island of Procida, The Italian Fiancé set in Lucca, A Farmhouse in Tuscany and her debut The Italian Holiday set on the Amalfi Coast.
After many years in London, Victoria 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.
Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites: