My Heart Lies in Pisciotta by Cate Nielson Raye

Synopsis

Anabella’s life has been controlled by her father since she was ten years old. After finally finding the strength to reject his plans for her future, she chooses to pursue her own dreams of becoming an artist.

Needing time to reflect on her chosen path she travels to Italy to stay with her eccentric, supportive Nonna. Join Ana as she takes the summer to explore the beautiful seaside town of Pisciotta and encounters handsome painter Sam - who throws her love life into a frenzy. 

Leaving those she loves behind, Ana returns to England to start her life as a student in York. But a shocking reunion between her and Sam, and the complications that arise from it, threaten to derail Ana’s focus on her future. The summer of a lifetime could never have prepared her for the perils of adult life and its complicated relationships.

How can she focus on her career when her heart lies in Pisciotta?  Review

I read this book as an ARC, I am so excited I can finally share my thoughts and feelings about it on release day! it’s a fabulous summer read. It was a thrill page by page. I could not put it down.

This book provided a real journey, not just in terms of the plot but in its setting. There is a beauty to the overall destination that made me feel as though I had been there myself. The setting in Italy served as an idyllic backdrop to a beautifully easy flowing story. I could almost feel the warmth of the Italian sun on my face as the atmosphere was being created. I could close my eyes and picture myself wandering down the beach in perfect contentment, completely immersed in every word.

Ana as a protagonist is strong enough to carry the complexities of a developing plot whilst also showing the necessary vulnerability to make her relatable.

As we begin, it’s easy to say anyone can find a friend similar to Ana within their own lives. As the story develops she has her own rollercoaster ride of happenings to contend with, least of all being the prospect of romance. She meets a handsome man after a gripping biking incident and rightly falls completely in love with him as did I reading it. ( I hope my boyfriend doesn’t get jealous! 😜) As we learn more about her and her personal story her family become increasingly woven into her being. Her familial relationships are spectacularly written with beautifully rounded and wholesome characters. She has a backstory that is interwoven seamlessly into the overall plot. I found myself wrapped up in her life as anyone would be with that of a best friend with the added benefit of looking from the outside in able to cast judgement on the story as a whole. Her constant battle with trying to please a strict father, the turmoil of the time she wasted in a career path he approves of that became more and more uncomfortable for her was very cleverly portrayed, her desperation to rebel against it made for wonderful reading. Sam is gorgeous in every sense of the word! He is everything a girl could ask for from a contemporary romance novel, he expresses a quiet strength with a masterful pride. Yet his vulnerability is delicately woven in between the lines. I’m so glad we got to see so many layers from him, there have been several instances in previous books I’ve read in this genre that almost forget about the love interest. So much attention is paid to the building of the protagonist‘s character that he or she on the other side of the romance can be seriously lacking. Ana and Sam to me felt like two halves of a whole. They just fit. They were destined to meet.

The romance within the story was beautiful, carrying the later chapters gracefully adding a fulfilment that I was unaware I was craving. The love scenes were written with tact, feeling in no way unnecessary or out of place giving a warmth and respectful glow to the characters.

There were as any great book should have, some wonderful twists and turns. Some of which I expected but by most I was surprised. I fell in love with the drama of the plot, taking me through all kinds of emotions whilst still retaining my focus which is no mean feat, and is a testament to the quality of the writing. The frustrations, the heartbreak, the kindness, the friendships, not a single aspect left me disappointed.

So much of this book was cinematic for me, I could see so much detail in my minds eye I felt like I was sitting down to a movie. The beauty of the whole story meant that there could be so much said without the need of an excessive word count. Looks between characters, (mostly, Ana and Sam, but sometimes Nonna too) portrayed more than written words or dialogue ever could which was a lovely touch.

In conclusion this was a joyous read, I am not usually a reader that enjoys romance, because I found them to be polar opposites of want I find myself wanting or needing from it, either they disappoint me by not giving me enough romance to warrant being a part of the genre at all, or they plaster in so much smutty, gushy stuff that it almost leaves a nasty taste in my mouth. (Sorry if that’s a bit mean or rude!) but I’m more than happy to say that this book has been an eye opening experience to what romance should really be about. Finding the perfect balance to keep the reader happy. Which this book has done flawlessly. Of course I have now had a complete change in my opinions on the genre. So cannot escape reading more belonging to it but I am most definitely reserving that privilege to a select few authors of whom Cate Nielson Raye is now one. I will be very exited to see what else this author will release in the future. I recommend this book without reservation, it’s a must read no matter what your reading preferences. Please please if you are reading this review you must pick up this book! I promise you it will not disappoint in any way if anything it will leave you wanting more!

My Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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