| Title | : | Under a Siena Sun (Escape to Tuscany #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 212 |
| Publication | : | First published August 27, 2020 |
Doctors Without Borders has been Lucy Young’s life for the past four years. After being rescued from a conflict zone, she’s making a change from saving lives under gunfire to practising medicine in safe, serene Siena.
Now treating wealthy patients at a private clinic, she's never felt less comfortable. She’s used to helping those in dire need – not those in need of a nip and tuck. Her turmoil grows when she encounters injured tennis star David Lorenzo, whose smiles make Lucy forget her aversion to the rich.
She’s soon falling for the sportsman but is she losing herself in this world of excess? All she’s ever wanted was to help the underprivileged, so can her future lie in Siena at the clinic – with David?
This sunny romance is the perfect summer escape for fans of Lucy Coleman and Alex Brown.
Under a Siena Sun (Escape to Tuscany #1) Reviews
-
I don't know how he does it but, after every single T.A. Williams book I've read, I just wanna move to Italy. He brings not only his characters to life but the italian cities and culture as well. The scenery descriptions, the food...you just feel as if you were sitting right next to the characters. And in this case we also get a medieval history lesson that I truly enjoyed.
In "Under a Siena sun" we get the typical feel good romance story, full of warm characters you'd just like to be friends with. I found refreshing that this story brought to attention some issues you don't usually see in this type of books, as social injustice, inmigration or the world's wealth distribution, so I found Lucy's initial dilemma quite interesting, as she perceives her change of job from MSF to a private clinic as a betrayal of her principles. However, I could have gladly given her a smack on the head on the last couple of chapters. You have a great guy that adores you and has proved to you over and over that he's not a vapid millionaire and you wanna break up with him because you're not sure you're cut out to living the fame and wealthy lifestyle? Come on! He already told you he didn't want that life anymore!
And OMG, Boris! I just need a chocolate labrador in my life now! In the same way I substract stars on my ratings when there's some kind of needless animal cruelty on the story, I automatically have to raise it when there're cute pets that feel like another character in the story, and this book have a whole litter of cute labradors, so...
Feel good romance that makes the perfect summer read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. -
A feel good romance under the bright skies of Siena and the warmth of its people. This was my first book by author T. A. Williams, and I have to say with a delightful sigh that the prose was mesmerizing. The landscapes and food described came alive with the strength of his words. I was in awe.
Having worked with Doctors Without Borders and escaping a dire situation in Africa, Lucy needed a break from work and a vacation to relax her body and mind. And what better place than Siena where her best friend lived.
The book was all about food and wine, sunshine and friendship. There was a sparkle in it that made me smile, especially when love interest David entered the story as a grumpy, rich patient.
Lucy as a character had a great set of values. She was committed to her work and everything that she beloved in. The characters were plenty, they were warm and kind-hearted. The author did place some reckless-with-love men to bring about the contrast.
The dogs in the book were the best, unique in their ways and so loving. The story was prose perfect, but it missed the emotions, the angst and feelings that love brings. A woman's heart is everything and more. It feels things minutely especially when in love. I liked everyone on the book but could connect to none.
Overall this was a sweet, quick read for me. Siena is now another place in my wishlist. -
I enjoyed listening to the audio version of this book. It has been a while since I last listened to audiobooks and this light and charming romance turned out to a nice choice to get back to them. I have read another book by T. A. Williams called 'Second Chances in Chianti' and I have to say the author really knows how to make a vacation in Italy sound irresistible. His description of the country and its different cities, places and people is a visual treat! Love the cover picture as well 😍!
I enjoyed the narration of this audiobook which was done by Colleen Prendergast. Her voice was smooth, clear and she did the different accents for the different characters pretty well.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Saga Egmont Audio and the author for the audio-ARC of the book. -
I really enjoy T.A. Williams books so even though I read this one last year, I listened to the audiobook that was just released in February 2021. The book was narrated by Colleen Prendergast. I really enjoyed her performance. She used great expression, tone and the voices she used were well done. There were accents (British, French, Italian) and she does a good job with them. I will not hesitate to listen to other books she narrates.
I have been enjoying T.A. Williams stories for several reasons, and this story added another. This one starts off with a bang, when Lucy and her co-workers with Doctors Without Borders and being attacked and waiting for a helicopter to evacuate them. Arriving in Siena, Italy with some PTSD and not knowing what she is going to do next, Lucy is at loose ends. Spending time with old friends introduces her to a private hospital that is need of a surgeon. Deciding to stay for awhile at least, she buys a small stone house and settles in. The first patient she operated on, before she was even on staff, attracts her. She soon learns that he lives in the huge home on the hill, and is the recluse she bought her home from. They become friends, then a bit more than friends.
Dr. Lucy Young is a wonderful character. She is a skilled doctor, a wonderful friend, a kind person and someone who wants to help others. David is in hiding. He is a famous tennis player, who was severely injured and will not be able to play competitive tennis again. He is stinking rich, a bit depressed, dealing with the end of his marriage and oh so handsome. When Lucy and David realize they are neighbours, their chemistry finds them meeting up for various reasons. I loved how they both tried to fight the feelings. One of the other things I loved were the dogs, so many dogs. It seemed that everyone in the village owned a lab, and the labs were all related. Who wouldn't want to be friends with a sweet dog and in turn, their owner. The secondary characters were all relatively well developed and added so much to this story. I loved getting to know this area of Italy. I am not familiar with this area, so learning about some of the history, the beauty, the food, and the geography had this armchair traveler entranced. The main thing I loved about this story was the plot about the rich getting richer and the people living in warzones or refugees barely living at all. Lucy could not reconcile living like David knowing what so many others deal with and live without. I don't want to spoil this story for you, so I am just going to say, pick this one up and read it. Yes there is a HEA, for so many. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own. -
What an enjoyable book this was, and it makes you think.
... Think about the rich / poor divide and whether wealth can buy happiness, and what happens when people from two widely different experiences come together.
Lucy has been a MSF doctor in the Democratic Republic of Congo for a few years, and we first meet her in an action packed opening, that had my adrenaline pumping, my curiosity raised and eyes opened, while also making me want to read more.
She realises she needs some to rest, relax and reflect on life and heads to Italy for her best friends wedding in Siena. During that time she is offered a job at a private clinic which is worlds apart from what she has been used to, and throughout you can see Lucy struggle with treating elite patients when so much of the world has so little.
I happen to be partial to a medical romance, so found the professional side of Lucy fascinating and would have happily read a whole book of her and her work for Medicin Sans Frontiere. However instead we have a great story in Italy.
And how I loved Boris and Barolo, they are utterly adorable and meant that T. A. Williams will be delighted to see not just one black Labrador, but at least two in the book. And Boris that was see more of is so lovable, I wished he was mine!
Then there is David, I loved everything about his story, from initially very grumpy, into the wonderful person he turned out to be
This is a lovely escapist read, from an author I love reading, and a great way to while away the hours, while taking your mind generally off the pandemic.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. -
‘Carpe diem, she told herself. Enjoy the moment’
There were a few things that attracted me to this book, primarily a story about a doctor from MSF, who is airlifted from war-torn Congo in the very first chapter! She then heads to Italy to reflect and contemplate her future. In our current world climate where none of us is traveling far, this book provided some much needed escapism and where better than sunny Siena.
‘... her thoughts were drawn to the people she had left behind in Africa and she found herself struggling, caught between these two so very different worlds.’
I found this to be a well rounded tale and not your usual women’s romantic fiction. All up this has a great location, delectable cuisine and a sensible storyline. I feel completely refreshed. I like how romance is not what it’s all about and there are added dimensions to this read. Our lead character Lucy, was not even looking for love but rather a place to heal from her stressful escape. So yes, there is a slow burning relationship but added to that is past acquaintances, new friends with lots of food and wine.
‘On one level this almost annoyed her as she had always thought of herself as a self-sufficient kind of woman who was quite happy without the usual trappings of conventional life. Now she wasn’t so sure.’
Two things really stood out in this read. Firstly is the history and geography of Siena, Italy. This armchair traveller was most satisfied in closing the final page. The glamour of Tuscany is there for all to read - sunny vineyards, olive groves, remnants of castles across this Italian vista. I appreciated the trips to the coast and Florence but it was the history of the local area that had me scrambling to Google to read up on it further. Even the famous Palio horse race made this book rich in cultural offerings.
Secondly, and more importantly from a personal point of view, was how intelligent and mature Lucy was. I just was fully appreciative of the range of issues the author chose to highlight throughout this tale - everything from immigration to wealth distribution. The personal dilemma Lucy faces from the first to almost the last page as she wrestles with her principles, adds the extra depth and honesty to the book.
‘What did worry her, however, was the idea of going into private medicine which, by definition, would be reserved for the privileged few, when she felt sure her heart lay in helping those less fortunate than herself. Would she be ignoring all her natural instincts?’
Overall, this proved a wonderful escapist read that will see you transported to Siena. Highly recommended for those looking for something light but appreciative of a female lead in a romance that is strong and sincere to what she holds to be true.
‘After living for years in an environment containing spiders that could paralyse you, snakes that could kill you, and armed men who could do unspeakable things to you, this really was heaven. Yes, she thought to herself as she drifted off to sleep, her escape to Tuscany was turning out to be everything she had dreamed of and more.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release. -
Another wonderful escape to a wonderful location- where you can feel yourself relaxing and enjoying the sights and smells of Siena, so vividly described by TA Williams. He is singlehandedly adding to my travel bucket list with every book.
Lucy is taking a break from a medical position with a charity that goes into war torn areas. She had a narrow escape and is taking time to regroup and decide where her future will take her.
She is in Siena to attend her friends wedding and rents a delightful sounding property, with interesting neighbours and one of my favourite characters , as always, a chocolate labrador called Bruno. -
The start of this story is unlike any other T. A. Williams book, with Lucy Young dramatically being rescued from the middle of a conflict in the Congo. Working a doctor for Doctors Without Borders, she wants to help others and has decided it’s time to do so somewhere less dangerous. After some well needed time away following her harrowing experience, she visits her family, attends a wedding, and finds a job working in a private clinic in Italy. She has no idea how Italy will change her life.
This was so unlike any other of T.A. Williams’ books, I was shocked by the opening. I’m used to his gorgeous cozy romances in Italy and definitely nothing quite as harrowing as the opening to this. However, now I think he could be exploring genres and I would definitely be interested in reading a thriller written by him!
Fortunately, the book doesn’t stay quite as harrowing as the opening. It has all of my favourite quintessential hallmarks of Trevor’s books: a black labrador, a stunning setting, a couple I’m rooting for, and descriptions of food that sound so delicious that I am literally salivating whilst reading.
I loved that the female protagonist is intelligent and knows her own value. She sounds like a perfect doctor with limitless compassion and care that she puts into her work. When treating injured superstar tennis player she is professional and considerate, despite him being grouchy and irritable.
The romance in this story wasn’t obvious and I didn’t have a clue who Lucy was going to end up with! I felt as though I was just as invested in the side characters as some of the main ones. I was very happy with who she did end up with in the end. They made a great couple and could help one another grow.
A gorgeous story that matches the beautiful scenery it’s set within. If you’re looking for a light summer read to whisk you away, you don’t need to look any further. -
Lucy is working for Doctors Without Borders in Africa. She loves helping people, caring for them and has friends at work. But is she as fulfilled in her job and life as she thought.
Circumstances conspire to find her leaving Africa and ending up in Italy, in the wealthy region of Sienna to be precise. The change is sudden but needed and she finds herself taking a job at a clinic full of the region's wealthy. Her current reality is so different to her past that she finds herself remembering the past. She had bad dreams when she came back from Africa and fortunately her parents were there for her in her initial time back in the UK. The difference between, and her experience in, every country in this book is excellently explored and portrayed by the author, and he always has an excellent eye for detail.
I loved how her passion for travel never left her and how she was strong enough to keep traveling after Africa.
I love T.A. Williams' books and have never been to Italy or Sienna. As always, this novel was just as romantic and atmospheric as his other ones. Every time he writes a book, I feel so immersed in the setting and the characters' lives.
The region of Sienna sounds stunning and one day I hope to visit Italy. T.A. Williams' books alone are enough to make me want to. The images are so visual and each novel is a light but entertaining one.
Thanks to T.A. Williams, Canelo and Rachel's Random Resources for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
5 stars
The people are supportive -
I enjoyed this audio , having read the previous series by this author I was pleased to see the audiobook available. The story was lovely, set in a Siena with all its history. The narration was good and I enjoyed it.
-
“...remember, they’re still people who’re sick, who need your help. The fact that they can pay for it doesn’t reduce their need.” Under the Siena Sun by T. A. Williams
2.5, maybe almost 3 stars. The title should’ve cued me. But I liked reading about living in Tuscany, or in that part of the region. Sigh.
And that quote sums up Lucy’s dilemma. In a rather annoying way. She’s a doctor who cut her teeth helping out the people in Africa who don’t have medical help. After escaping from a war-torn area, she decided to recharge and take a break in Siena, Italy. Part of that is working for an upscale clinic. Her patients are no longer those who pay her in kind, but the rich and famous. Then she meets David, formerly a pro tennis star who is on rehab for an injury. They fall in love etc, but she can’t reconcile herself to living with someone who is so rich and has a different perspective, never mind he earned that wealth.
I rolled my eyes at Lucy so many many rimes. After Peter Mayle’s Provence and that book-turned-movie Under The Tuscan Sun, this held so much promise for me. Lucy keep getting in the way. And how convenient thT David solves the problem for her. Wait, have to say this: 🙄🙄🙄. She sure had no problem enjoying his house and it’s amenities. Anyway, Lucy is ok, except when she’s in her moments. That part got old really fast.
Thank you NetGalley abd Canelo publishing for the copy of this book. -
I really liked this book! This was such a cute feel good romance! It had a good amount of real world issues to make the romance feel that much more real. It wasn’t one of those almost fantasy romances where everything goes perfectly their way. The writing is well done, and well researched! Lucy is a doctor working for Doctors Without Borders and after a particularly close call in the Congo, she needs a little vacation. She goes to visit her friend in Italy for her wedding and ends up getting a job at a high end clinic in Siena. There she meets an EX-Pro Tennis player who had to stop playing due to an injury. Together they overcome their traumas and fall in love. The relationships with Lucy and her friends is so cute! The little glimpses of Italy are definitely a lovely bonus!
-
Following her dramatic escape from DRC medic Lucy needs a break.
Under a Siena Sun is a perfect example of the romantic stories I’ve come to expect from T.A. Williams, but this time with a slightly edgier atmosphere created partly by the dramatic opening to the narrative and partly by a clear underpinning social message of wealth versus poverty and privilege versus disadvantage so that I thoroughly appreciated the added depth and enjoyed the narrative all the more.
There’s a super story in Under a Siena Sun that entertains the reader royally. The plot is fast and interesting so that I loved being in Italy with Lucy. Her relationships with different men, her principled attitudes and the glorious Italian settings transport the reader completely. It’s unwise to read a TA Williams book when I’m hungry as his descriptions of food are so mouth-wateringly realistic that they make me desire all kinds of forbidden and out of reach food. I always finish reading T.A. Williams feeling as if I’ve been taken on a holiday away from the trials of my own life and Under a Siena Sun is no exception, but this time with a glorious element of extra glamour too as I visited vicariously the areas of Tuscany I’ve never been to. The sheer escapism is as much a pleasure of reading Under a Siena Sun as is the entertaining plot.
I thought Lucy’s character was extremely well crafted even if she did make me feel slightly shallow, because I’m not sure I would have maintained such a moral standpoint when faced with a gorgeous romance! Joking aside, I loved the fact that Under a Siena Sun gave me cause to think when I read Lucy’s thought processes and romantic dilemma. Indeed, it isn’t an exaggeration that Lucy, albeit a fictional person, has helped restore my faith in humanity which has been somewhat lacking of late. She is adaptive, feisty and intelligent and it’s so good to have a romantic read where a relationship with a man isn’t the be all and end all for the lead character.
Under a Siena Sun is a lovely new addition to the TA Williams canon. Familiar elements such as a black a Labrador, romance and transporting travel are there so that fans will be reassured that they are getting another super read, but there’s something a little bit more here too with reference to war and difficulty so that the writing feels deeper and more important somehow. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just wonderful. -
Under a Siena Sun follows Lucy, a surgeon with Doctors without Borders fresh from the conflict zone, as she moves to Siena for a much-needed change of pace. She soaks up the joys of sunny sienna while working at a private hospital for the rich famous, but her conscience plagues her as she tries to decide if this is really the meaningful life's work she wants.
This book really reads like a leisurely tour through the Italian country side. The descriptions are beautiful and it even gets into the medieval history of the area. All of the characters are pleasant and likeable, and honestly any conflicts that arise seem rather minor and are resolved relatively quickly. The romance and language are clean, and if you're looking for a sauntering stroll of a book (with plenty of friendly dogs there to greet you with a lick), this is probably for you.
But honestly it was a bit on the slow side for me. Although Lucy and her romantic interest are nice, I didn't really feel the chemistry between them, and I felt like the middle sagged a little from lack of tension. Lucy worries a lot about the prospect of dating a millionaire. Like a lot, a lot. And towards the end it came off a little one note for me. Although both Lucy and her romantic interest definitely have some character growth, I found myself wishing for some twists and turns along the way rather than the straight-forward trajectory they took.
Still, this was a well-written, escape kind of clean romance that I think a lot of people would enjoy. I thought the audiobook narrator did a wonderful job with the different voices and accents, and overall it was a pleasure to listen to. (3.5/5 or this fast-paced loving reader)
Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the free ARC! -
This is a slow paced romance, with sweet emotions and a beautiful story under the Italian landscapes. Ready?
This is not a story to rush, is a book to let it flow in its own pace and get you attracted by the characters and the plot. Lucy Young, the main character, is not looking for love, she is looking for a place to relax and heal from the stress. There will be some interesting characters crossing paths with her, some old lovers, good friends and new charming faces, all will have their own space on the story and will make it more easy to flow.
I enjoyed this read, the romance is not the main point of this story but Lucy’s happiness, her need to be fulfilled and be happy with who she is, something that we all want but cannot always achieve. Because Lucy is a woman with strong ideas and goals, not any lover or formal relation will make her happy and that’s something I really liked about the story, she can be in love but if she knows that the relation will not make her happy in the long term she prefers to end it before being too involved. This is a treat I admire and I value a lot, if you need/want something but your partner/friends/job can’t give it to you, it’s always better to leave before you get hurt, don’t you think?
This had been a very nice read, sweet and sunny, perfect to keep me warm on these rainy days!
Ready to take a walk Under A Siena Sun? -
-- Read this review, and others, on my blog at
www.hookedbythatbook.com –
I quite liked this story. The prologue was quite gripping and descriptive, and I really felt Lucy and the nurses’ fear. I feel like I have a good grip on who Lucy is. She absolutely loved her job as doctor with the MSF, and it was quite a big jump for her to join the upper-class clinic in Italy. She had a very hard time reconciling the huge wealth difference between the patients in the clinic and the MSF patients.
I had a harder time locking David down. Initially he seemed to be extremely depressed, but that changed, without too much explanation. Lucy definitely played a role in bringing David back to life. But he seemed to be mostly a prop for Lucy’s dreams.
I just couldn’t really identify with Lucy’s dilemma. Yes, as a doctor she makes an invaluable contribution, but imagine how much more she can do as a doctor with access to a lot of money. And even though she seriously contemplated accepting David’s proposal, she still saw herself as a completely separate entity, and never even considered discussing her conflicting thoughts with him.
On a different note, I always enjoy the author’s description of Italy, it really makes me want to go there.
Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. -
Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Lucy is a doctor working in the active war zone of Africa, having seem to many horrid things to mention and needing a break from all the conflict she travels to Italy and takes a job in Siena at a private clinic. Thinking she would stay there for awhile and maybe travel around the country, her plans change when she meets her lovely neighbours who quickly become great friends and tennis star David Lorenzo.
A nice sweet heartfelt romance set under the beautiful Siena Sun. The author whisked me off to a beautiful place filled with charming people and lovely black labradors. HIs amazing descriptive writing almost made me taste the wonderful food and smells on offer, like I sat there watching the scenes unfold infant of me. The narrator always did a brilliant job and she was a pleasure to listen to. This definitely won't be the last book I read by TA Williams. -
This is my first book from T.A Williams and I really enjoyed this perfect summer read.
The story is about who needs a change after a incident at her previous job. Lucy is offered a job by a friends in a clinic . There she meets ex tennis player David and so the story begins about what Lucy truly wants.
This was a very light hearted read and I loved the way it was easy to vision the scenery and where the story was taking place. I can't wait to be able to visit Italy at some point soon. The story flowed well and I will admit I was frustrated a times with Lucy's character but I always think that makes for a good read.
This is a perfect, light-hearted summer read.
Thank you to Netgalley for ARC to read and review. -
After the unusually dramatic and gripping opening comes the sunny escape to Siena. I always enjoy T.A. Williams' books and this was no exception. I was transported to beautiful Siena through the sumptuous setting. I liked all the characters, though lead character Lucy's wrangle with her conscience made me question the depth of her commitment and feelings for David at times. I adored Boris the Labrador - it wouldn't be a T. A. Williams read without a gorgeous dog to make you smile!
Overall, it was a lovely, escapist read, that will transport you to Siena. Great for all those who like a female lead who will stand up for her beliefs, no matter what the stakes. -
What a great book this is ❤️
T.A Williams never fails to please!
You begin by being thrown in with a really dramatic start with Lucy in the firing line whilst doing her job as a doctor.
You then travel to Sienna for Lucy’s friends wedding and end up staying in the beautiful, well described scenes where Lucy takes up a new job within a surgery.
This is where she meets David and the romance begins.
I really enjoyed this book, I’m not a huge traveller but every time I read descriptive writing of Italy it really makes me want to go and visit. It just sounds so beautiful! -
Listened to this one on audio. Narrator had a very pleasant voice. Enjoyed the story - Sienna sounds beautiful. Loved the developing romance - and of course the inclusion of the dogs. Very easy listening and perfect escapism. Thank you to NetGalley and to the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
-
This is my first book from this author, but without a doubt won't be my last.
Literally the perfect summer read, with likeable characters and a great storyline.
I have the 2nd one already to ready but I'm not gonna lie, I am slightly disappointed that it isn't the same characters as would love to know what happens next!
If you need something easy to read, I definitely would recommending this book. -
Loved the descriptions of the surrounding and food. Didn’t love the main character
-
What an action packed start this book has - wow! This story starts with the dramatic evacuation of Doctor Lucy Young and two of her colleagues from the hospital they have been working in that is now in the midst of a war zone. After four years working as a surgeon for Doctors Without Borders she's more than ready for some R&R and travels to Siena for her friend's wedding. Whilst at the wedding she is called upon to help an injured patient at a local private clinic. This leads to her being offered a job there, something she's reticent about accepting as it goes against her ethics but, as her previous boss pointed out, the sick need treating and regardless of the size of their wealth they are still patients. With a local journalist, a cheating ex who is now a colleague and even a wealthy, attractive patient all vying for her, maybe there will be love being prescribed for this doctor soon, but just who will win her heart?
This is a brilliant book to escape into but do be prepared to have your taste buds tickled by all the delicious descriptions of the food that definitely had my mouth watering! I was getting concerned at the lack of the author's trademark inclusion of a Labrador character to start with but don't worry, there are many of them with siblings, their parents and a new litter in this story. The author knows this area of Italy well and brings it vividly to life in the imagination of the reader - as usual! The characters are believable and it feels like you really get to know them as the story progresses. It deals sensitively with the problems associated with dealing with dramatic, life changing events and the impact of such events on the person concerned. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and the ending is superb. It is a fantastic read to escape into and one that I didn't want to put down until I'd finished it, meaning I really have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending this book and I eagerly await reading more from this author in future.
Thank you to Canelo and NetGalley for the copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. -
FREE today (February 07, 2021) on Amazon.
