***
I really enjoy Adriana Trigiani’s work and always look out
for her books; “Lucia, Lucia” remains one of my all-time favourites. This is the third part of the Valentine
series and I really enjoyed the first, was a bit “meh” about the second and
sadly, I feel the same about this one too.
On the plus side, I still enjoy the chaotic and over the top
Roncalli family, they provide the light relief and humour that is much needed
to get through some of this story. They
are truly fab and these sections are written with sheer brilliance! However, Valentine is such a whinge…she
marries the gorgeous Gianluca but doesn’t want anything to change she seems to
be constantly fighting against married life for no purpose. Lots of business issues take over, but not a
lot seems to happen for two thirds of the book.
It also concerned me that the character of Gianluca fluctuates erratically
between repressive, demanding husband and a paragon of virtue.
I also couldn’t see where the title came from until quite a
way into the story and I still couldn’t really see the point, but Trigiani
makes it all clear in the notes at the end of the novel. (Umm…still not sure about that one.)
For me there are simply not enough gorgeous shoes, fashion
and fun involved and far too many portents of impending doom. I was touched by the events towards the end of
the book, but Valentine had already lost my sympathy for me to really involved. I wanted
to read this to finish the series and see how it all finished, but I’m not sure
it actually has ended as it has been left fairly open as to the choices
Valentine can now make.
I know that this author is fantastic but this one didn’t do
it for me, but I will stick with her and hope the next one is a five star.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my review
copy.
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