Pick this up if you're interested in a book where every third sentence references a Jersey-Italian stereotype, bella

I picked this up based on the blurb where I, very realistically, assumed I would get a beautifully written story about a young woman finding love and wonder again post-divorce as she travels through Italy. WRONG. There were 12 different things happening here, and none of them made sense. We have 3 poorly fleshed out family mysteries, none with a satisfying conclusion. We have our protagonist who will NOT tell you why she divorced her hot, kind husband - just take her word for it that she's better off divorced (fully support just leaving a man but cmon girl give me something). We have an overbearing family that feels written by the producers of Jersey Shore. We have the most bland redemption arc you've ever seen. To add insult to injury, at least 2/3rds is pure filler, just riddled with useless anecdotes about Nonna's third cousin who loves meatballs and sunday gravy. Not even an exaggeration. This author will absolutely beat you over the head with the fact that the family is Italian. MC puts on an apron? Image of Italy on it. MC has a vision board? In the shape of the boot. MC loves her family? It's because she's Italian. Did we mention she's Italian? Meatballs! I only didn't DNF because I so desperately wanted to read a post divorce bounce back story, but madonna che schifo.

The way I sipped at this book. I don't remember the last time it took me this long to complete a novel, especially one I adored. 5 pages here, 15 minutes there. Almost always with a hot coffee or tea. This book demands warm beverages.

The writing was not easy. It really demands all your attention, but you are rewarded with a beautiful magical world and an incredible cast of characters.

I'm already looking forward to a reread.