Synopsis

Maddie is over the moon when her boyfriend Nick proposes in Paris. And spending five days in Florence with his family sounds like the perfect way to get to know her future in-laws.

But Maddie is in for a rude awakening. Nick’s parents are too posh for words, his daughter doesn’t want to know her – and just why has his ex-wife come along?! And if that wasn’t complicated enough, who should be at the same boutique hotel but Aidan, the one that got away two years ago…

Who knew so much could happen in just five days in Florence?

Review

If you were thinking about romantic cities, Paris and Florence might be at the top of the list. Both are beautiful, and when you sit down for dinner and see the sunlight glinting on the river… the feeling really is magical.

So a second chance romance featuring both cities was always going to be a winner!

Five Days in Florence is a gorgeous story and Lorraine Brown is a fantastic writer, managing to capture the true essence of Florence, combining the vibrant culture with the rustic countryside so that we see all sides of the city.

The dual timelines also introduce us to Maddie’s time in Scotland, which is a nice contrast to Nick’s family and their choice of pastime. Considering they have chosen to visit a culinary hot spot with some fantastic restaurants, they spent a lot of time eating in the hotel when we all know you should embrace the local cuisine and explore!

Maddie is all of us – independent, but a bit downtrodden, trying to make the right decisions but doubting herself along the way. Her personality really shines in the description and she is relatable throughout, although I was surprised she could afford her own place in London on her quite meagre salary! Dare to dream…

Brown writes very strong female characters, as Daisy and Sophia are also clearly visible and present as we read and the brief tender moments between Maddie and Daisy are lovely. Neither Aidan or Nick are particularly appealing and they seem quite weak; their attitudes are questionable and quite irritating, whilst their behaviour is unforgiveable, which is a shame – sorry Maddie!

A sweet yet passionate second chance romance which may inspire you to book flights to Italy…

Thanks to Orion Books for my proof copy. Opinions my own.