
The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick is a hopeful story about friendship, marriage, and new beginnings. It’s the story of Ginny’s journey, as she finds her way in a life that may or may not include her husband.
This book is part of My Spring 2023 Reading List.
My Overview
Ginny Splinter is a radio host and relationship advice expert. She’s happily married to her husband, and they have an adult daughter. Since they’re coming up on twenty-five years of marriage, Ginny decides to surprise her husband with a luxurious trip to Italy. She makes him a delicious Italian dinner, and tells him about the special trip she’s planned for them. He tells her he’s leaving and immediately moves out!
With her picture-perfect life in shambles and non-refundable vacation tickets, Ginny decides to take the trip to Italy without her husband. Rather than go alone, she invites four random listeners of her radio show to go with her. So, instead of her staying at the luxury hotel alone, she and her four guests will stay at a little Italian hotel that offers plenty of charm but no luxuries.
Inviting four random strangers to travel with her was a wild yet perfect idea. Ginny and her four guests were a mix of completely different people at different stages in life. The only thing they had in common, was that they were each grieving. As they got to know each other, they experienced growth and gained new perspectives. Each of the characters were charming, thoughtful, and dealing with complicated issues.
Is this story too heavy? No. The storyline is well-balanced with humor, friendship banter, and hopeful moments. At the core of the story, is the unwavering support the hotel guests provide to each other. Aside from the charming characters, the setting played a major role too. The story takes place in various locations in Italy, including Bologna and Venice. I was easily transported there by this story. Just like Ginny and her guests, I didn’t want their trip to end.
My Recommendation
This is my first book by this author, and I loved it. I highly recommend this book. If you can, listen to the audiobook, which is beautifully narrated and truly makes the story feel real. I think this book would be a good selection for a book club. It offers a lot of food for thought and opportunites for discussions.
Have you read this story? Which other books by Phaedra Patrick have you enjoyed?
Angela @ Literary Wanderer
I loved The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by this author, so I’ll have to check this one out, too!
Lucy
Thanks for letting me know! I’ve now added that one to my TBR. I hope you’ll enjoy this latest one 💛.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’ve seen some good things about this one so I’m not surprised that you enjoyed it. I might have to give it a go at some point.
Lucy
I hope you’ll get a chance to give this one a try 🙂.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
It sounds like audio is definitely the way to go with this one. I’m not sure about the open ending but I do like the sound of this one.
Lucy
I do think the audiobook is the way to go. The storyline made me think so much, that by the end I was fine with imagining what the ending might be like.
Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads
This sounds like such a lovely and emotional story, glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Lucy
Thanks! It’s both emotional and uplifting.
Sam@WLABB
I agree with you. Patrick did a wonderful job incorporating heavy things without letting the story be too heavy. I adored the setting as well. I felt confused by the ending. Not sure what happened there (did I miss something?), so I gave 4.5/5, but it was a lovely and touching story
Lucy
I liked the open ending, but I can see how it could be confusing. My take on it was that sometimes an unexpected push is what it takes to be honest about one’s life and be brave enough to make changes.