The Italian Matchmaker

I've just recently discovered Ms Montefiore's books, and I love every one, yet each is different. The hero, divorced from a wife he barely knew, due to long working hours while he amassed a fortune, and two young daughters he knows not at all, despite shared custody. At loose ends, having given up his intensive, all-consuming business, he goes to Puglia, in the "boot" of Italy, to a small seaside village where his mother and father have restored an old mansion that, as it develops, has a mysterious and tragic history. His parents like to gather eccentric people to stay with them, and we meet some delightful, and some not so delightful, people. Then there is the beautiful woman in black, who he assumes is a widow. She is in mourning, but not for a husband, for her young son who died tragically. And here is where the magic of this story begins. Following along with the widow is a young boy, who seems concerned about her. The hero is upset that the woman never acknowledges the boy, seems unaware of him. The widow decides to end her life, and the boy calls to the hero to help save her. No more giving away of the story. Ms Montefiore develops this story so that it is believable, poignant, and a beautiful read. Now, who do you think the Italian Matchmaker is?

i love this author!

I loved this story, the characters were different and wonderful, I wanted to pack up and find that village and the café, order my coffee and stay. I wanted to be a part of that community. It was a charming storyline with a difference. If you are a romantic - read and enjoy!

A light story with twists and turns and mysteryI really enjoyed it. Not her best book, but still great

Santa Montefiore has achieved her usual high standard of writing, she takes you to Italy and you live with her characters, another could not put down book. I have read all her books to date and cannot wait for her next novel, well worth reading.

This is one of the best read! I just love the way Santa can make you smell the lemons and herbs, I know the Italian coat almost as well as the streets in my home town by now. You are so apart of the story it sucks you in and then all of a sudden it is 02H00 in the morning!I am not a fan of modern day time novels, but I hooked.Excellent excellent book a must read,

Beautiful descriptive passages. Good cast of characters. A mother's grief and an insightful man with a special gift make for a thoughtful plot and a lovely story.

I have enjoyed all the books I have read so far by this writer. This was another winner for me. Easy read.

This is the first book I have read by Santa Montefiore, and I like her style! This is an unusual romance, weaved in with a mystery and more than a bit of magic. Luca is a typical city high flier who has lots of money, and virtually no time for real connections with people, until his marriage falls apart and he is forced to re-think his future.After spending a few days reconnecting with an old flame, who is now happily married, he flies out to Italy to visit his parents in their newly renovated palace, where the apparently sleepy quality of the surrounding area is not all that it seems.Here Luca allows the serenity of Incantellaria to loosen his tense muscles and soothe his spirit in more ways than one. He rediscovers an old gift he once had as a child, which propels him towards involvement with a very beautiful but tragically sad woman and her son.This is a lovely story, which kept me turning the pages to find out the truth. The author creates very real characters and ultimately asks them to look at what is important in life and what isn't. Classic stuff, presented in a slightly unusual fashion.A few minor complaints, hence only four stars. Without spoiling the plot, when the ends are tied up at the conclusion, some of them are a bit unsatisfactory in my opinion, and the book is slightly over populated with minor characters, unnecessary to the story line.I am being picky here though, as I thoroughly enjoyed the book and intend to read The Butterfly Box next. Well done Santa for giving us something that is certainly not run of the mill.

This was not the sort of book I normally read but I wanted to give it a go. Perhaps because of the setting I was very soon enchanted. Apart from the beautiful setting, the characterisations were fascinating and the plot intriguing. Perhaps it was the somewhat predictable ending that stopped me giving it five stars. Nevertheless, a very touching and absorbing read.

Found it rather difficult to follow,but perhaps that’s just me!!!

I have read many of this authors work, all are enjoyable.

This is a most enjoyable book, full of contrasts, joy and sadness, love and hate, and with most unusual and interesting characters, thrown together in an Italian villa .If you believe in the afterlife, or that our loved ones departed are still around to keep an eye on you this is the book for you .There is an air of of mystery regarding events that happened many years ago, and which are finally resolved as the book draws to a close. I am a great fan of the author and this is one of her best.