Review Detail

What worked: Mamma Mia meets YA set in Naples, where a girl searches for her biological father while struggling with emotions of being around the boy who broke her heart three years ago. Lush images of Naples, Italy add to the charm.

Cammie is devastated when she's not accepted into the archaeology field program. Her mother has the perfect plan. Come to Italy on the anniversary of a dig where she's lovingly known as bambino di Villa di Bronzo. But once there, she runs into the boy who broke her heart. Coincidence?

Told in dual points of view, Cammie's dialogue is hilarious and snappy. The relationship between West and her is at first strained but slowly builds. I admit, I liked Cammie's point of view more. She's impulsive, smart, and driven to find her biological father against great odds.

West comes across as the shy, nerdy teen. Kudos for showing his struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. I really like how realistic the author shows how debilitating anxiety can, in fact, be.

Fast-paced, snappy dialogue keeps readers turning to pages! There's also family secrets that a persistent Cammie is determined to resolve.

There's so much to love in this story. Italy. Enemies to friends. And did I mention Italy?

Their journey to find Cammie's biological father has a Mamma Mia feel going through it. Only in this case, the big reveal has a twist I didn't see coming!

Perfect beach summer read!


Cute romance set in Italy, which is just the read for the summer.