With the release of Meet Me
in Italy, prolific author Brenda
Novak treats readers to another deeply engaging, multi-layered romance that
starts in California and ultimately unspools amidst the rugged Amalfi Coast of
Italy.
The story launches at the nadir of Charlotte
Williams-Jackson’s life. The life of this 20-something, California-based novelist is upended when her NBA-player husband abruptly walks away from their marriage of four
years--he just doesn’t “want to be married anymore.” Unmoored and disoriented
by the split, Charlotte moves back in with her parents.
With her life in an emotional tailspin, Charlotte
succumbs to a severe depression that solidifies into writer’s block. As she
struggles to meet a deadline to finish her second novel, Charlotte reconnects
with local, old friends, Sloane and her twin brother, Julian—both of whom are
also facing personal life crises.
When Charlotte receives a letter informing her
that she was adopted and has an orphaned, 12-year-old half-sister who lives in
Italy, the torpor of her life suddenly shifts. She, along with Sloane and Julian set
off on an Italian adventure that enlightens Charlotte to the truth of who she
really is and what she really wants out of life.
A strong premise, a well-drawn cast of
characters, and a passionate, colorful Italian backdrop make for an exciting
literary journey. Novak (The
Summer That Changed Everything) nicely entwines many meaningful story
threads that weave together to form a powerfully heartfelt,
happily-ever-after.
Meet Me
in Italy by Brenda Novak
MIRA (HarperCollins), $18.99
Paperback, 9780778305811, 400 pages
Publication Date: April 7, 2026
To order this book on Bookshop.org, link HERE
