Welcome to Tilly's Tuscan Teashop, the first book in a brand new series from the author of the Hummingbird Hotel and the Cornish Confetti Agency series.
When photographer Natalie Nicholson’s beach hut studio – and everything she’s spent the last two years working on – is destroyed in a fire, she doesn’t think things can get any worse. Until she sees her boyfriend Josh Clarke on Instagram frolicking on a palm-fringed Balinese beach with a fellow cabin crew member.
Devastated and heartbroken, she heads to Italy to help out at her sister’s English teashop in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, where she encounters sun-dappled hilltop villages with attractive terracotta bell towers, cobbled piazzas housing world-famous art and architecture, and a national fixation with getting from A to B as quickly as possible whether in a glamourous Ferrari, a scarlet Vespa, or a snail-like ape.
With handsome local filmmaker-cum-waiter Matteo Ferretti on hand to guide her, can Tilly learn to ditch her workaholic ways and embrace the Italian pursuit of la dolce vita? Or will she miss out on her chance at a happy-ever-after?
What did I think?
I adore Daisy James' books so I couldn't wait to grab my virtual passport and head off to the vibrant landscape of Tuscany in Tilly's Tuscan Teashop. The story inside is as vivid and colourful as the gorgeous cover as the sights, sounds and smells of Italy are described so beautifully.
Italy is more famous for cappuccino and espresso so you might not expect to find a teashop in Tuscany, but that's where Tilly's sister Oliva has set up her business. Just when Tilly thinks her life in Devon couldn't get much worse, Olivia asks her to look after the teashop and it's just the break that she needs.
It's an absolute delight to read Tilly's Tuscan Teashop as Daisy James takes the reader on a sensory adventure to experience the mouthwatering food and the breathtaking sights of Italy. I've never been to Italy but I felt as if I was actually there, taking in the sights of Florence and Pisa with Tilly.
It's not all sunshine and merriment though and I love how the story is multi-layered with challenges for the main character; from Tilly's cheating boyfriend and her grief for her parents to a mystery saboteur who is determined to see the teashop close for good.
Filled with fun and entertainment, Tilly's Tuscan Teashop is beautifully written and I think it's one of my favourite Daisy James books to date. I loved it - it's a sunny hug in a book that warmed my heart and gave me a huge smile on my face. Highly recommended.
I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
My rating:
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About the author:
Daisy James loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. She especially likes to create sunshine-filled settings in exotic locations - the Caribbean, Tuscany, Cornwall, Provence - so she can spend her time envisioning her characters enjoying the fabulous scenery and sampling the local food and drink.
When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea - china plates and teacups are a must.
Daisy would love to hear from readers via her Facebook page or you can follow her on Twitter @daisyjamesbooks, or on Instagram @daisyjamesstories.
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