One Italian Summer: A Novel

Written by Rebecca Serle

Narrated by Lauren Graham

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

In this “magical trip worth taking” (Associated Press), the New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years returns with a powerful novel about the transformational love between mothers and daughters set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast.

When Katy’s mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn’t just Katy’s mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: to Positano, the magical town where Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy’s father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone.

But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother’s spirit. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliffsides, delightful residents, and, of course, delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life.

And then Carol appears—in the flesh, healthy, sun-tanned, and thirty years old. Katy doesn’t understand what is happening, or how—all she can focus on is that she has somehow, impossibly, gotten her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman before her. She is not exactly who Katy imagined she might be, however, and soon Katy must reconcile the mother who knew everything with the young woman who does not yet have a clue.

“Rebecca Serle is known for her powerful stories that tug at the heartstrings—and her latest is just as unforgettable” (Woman’s World) as it effortlessly shows us how to move on after loss, and how the people we love never truly leave us.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Mar 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781797136134

Rebecca Serle

Rebecca Serle is the New York Times bestselling author of Expiration Dates, One Italian Summer, In Five Years, The Dinner List, and the young adult novels The Edge of Falling and When You Were Mine. Serle also developed the hit TV adaptation Famous in Love, based on her YA series of the same name. She is a graduate of USC and The New School and lives in Los Angeles with her husband. Find out more at RebeccaSerle.com.

Reviews for One Italian Summer

[Candy Mersdorf · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I didn’t like some of the decisions the main character made. I can’t really say much without giving it away. I know I’m in the minority but I just was so disappointed.

[Delaram Mirshamsi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best books I've read this summer? Clara's character reminded me of my grandmother

[Shawna · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great narration by Lauren Graham
This is a story anyone can relate to of a bond formed by a mother and daughter, but it could be anyone important to you. How it shapes you and makes you who you are. About how you appreciate it even more if it's taken from you. Live in the moment and cherish it. We have all wanted to go back in time and change something and this book gives you just that.

[Emily Preun · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Grief is complicated, particularly when you are an only child in a strong Mother-Daughter bond. A beautiful story that I look forward to reading again someday.

[Katia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing amazing amazing book! Just listen to it! You won’t be sorry!

[Aubrey White · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The unknown plot twist kept me intrigued for how it would end. Good little read or listen

[Jodi Matheson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great story about the bonds of family. It wonderfully read by one of my favourite actresses.

[ylona wuxia · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I read almost 100 books this year and this is the worst. A lot of things doesn't make sense at all. Poor character building.

[isabelle · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book had great potential. I love the way it was written and it made me feel as if I was back in Italy. However, Katy is by far the worst character I have encountered. I found her to be self-centered and I could not relate to any part of her character, and found it difficult to keep reading her story. Lauren Graham’s narrating is the only reason I kept listening to this story!

[Donna Stewart · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story was magical. Hit me in the heart! All the feels!

[Sarah C · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Love Lauren Graham which is why I chose the audiobook over reading the book. She did a good job narrating. However, I hated the story. The main character just came off whiny and annoying, I just wanted to tell her to grow up. I kept reading to see if it would get better but it just wasn't for me.

[Juana Lambert · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I thought it was a good book, but did not care for the narrator’s flat voice. I could have enjoyed it much more with a better narrator.

[Lee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lauren Graham's narration is perfect! She really transported me to Positano

[Jessica Stoney · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Story line was ok. This Audio version was terrible- there were lots of lost audio.

[Jennifer Portilla · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The best book I have read in 2022 this far. I loved every second of it.

[Mary Ella Jackson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was recommended by my favorite Women’s Clothing Brand and I am so glad it was! I loved every, word, description and detail! I know you will also!

[Karen Jobim · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book made me crave travelling so much! Costa Amalfitana is one of the destinations on my bucket list. The care, the way the author treated grief, choices and agency were so thoughtful and emotional. I couldn't help but think of my own mother and the choices we both made along the way. She too is my best friend.

[Kristen Shupe Brooks · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The writing was much better than the bland reading. No inflection just straight monotone reading.

[Riley Hungate · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked the descriptions of the Italian scenery and the food more than anything… I really struggled to like the main character. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get passed her (IMO) unhealthy level of co-dependency with her mother, her “complaints” about her lovely husband, her hypocritical view of infidelity, and her (okay, redeemable) selfish qualities. But the author did one heck of a job putting the reader smack dab in the middle of Italy and all its wonder.

[gavechrisaway · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful ideas brought down by an infuriatingly immature protagonist and a shallow love interest. Still adored it, just because it’s almost plagiarism of Mamma Mia! 2.

[B Baird · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is about loss, grief and finding your way. Absolutely beautifully written and will feed your soul

[brajcich · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Main character keeps going on and on about the loss of her mother. Readers get it after the tenth time. So much potential for this plot line. Heard it’s going to be a movie?

[Jeannie Bruce · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved all that happened all the romance. Definitely a good book.

[Marti Orr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love the way I can see Italy in her writing. The story makes me think of my daughter and how I will be different with her. For myself, I will live life more and choose love. Thank you

[Joanna Trudnak · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was the first I have read by this author and I love her writing style so much! I am already moving on to another one of her books, she may have became my new favorite author.

About the book- it was such a quick read, I found myself immersed in the book and living my life as her. I highly suggest this book to anyone who wants to read it. It will be my new recommendation for everyone to read it!

[JoAnna · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Was kinda hard to get through, slow till the end finally understanding.

[Mark Billington · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I really did not like this book. Unrealistic. Sappy adjectives. Bratty protagonist. Nonsensical.

[Crystal Pinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic narration. Additionally a story that just held so much heart. The idea of getting time with a lost loved one was given a twist that worked and revealed so much fun f how the relationships in our life drive who we are!

[Myra Botello · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved the uniqueness of this story . The language painted such a beautiful scenery and provided a different perspective on relationships.

[Jane Sutton · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book was just okay. For me it was closer to a 2 1/2 than a 3. I wish as much time had been spent on character development as was used being overly descriptive of every single morsel of food and every sight seen. The relationship between Katie and her mother was strange at best and flat weird at times. I didn’t care whether or not she got back with her husband, other than it seemed the right thing to do, because we did not know him at all. I thought Katie came across as a self centered brat. The narration was good four the book was hard to take.