Oh, the food! I had to make spaghetti and meatballs the day I started the book. The sights, the sounds, the smells and the food. It's all there for readers who love that love story, who want to feel all the feels.

Anyone who's read Sharon Struth's novels know that romance is a given, just like in life. I'm not going to go into the romance aspect of the book. Struth’s storyline was mild enough for my elderly mother’s book club, easy to follow, and alternated from angsty to sweet with occasional hits of humor. The primary and secondary characters were likable and colorfully detailed. Mamie had a secret about her substitution, one she was legally prohibited from disclosing, which caused her discomfort. The characters were a quirky grouping of senior travelers, a middle-aged woman named Mamie who popped up unexpectedly as a substitute passenger. I had several urges to renew my passport while reading - just to see David again might be worth the horrific flight. In addition to an entertaining story, I was treated to a well-detailed travel log with a taunting accounting of their mouthwatering menus and delectable treats. The Sweet Life had a unique and interesting premise as it chronicled a Woodstock survivors group – who called themselves The Wanderers - traveling through Tuscany on a tour. You’ve shown me the most extraordinary pleasures from the most ordinary days. “Jeesh, Prince Charming, is that a sword in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” … “I don’t remember Cinderella being this sarcastic.” My cab ride from the airport was like the chase scene in The French Connection.

But when you let yourself wander, life can take some interesting detours. Or finding herself drawn to the guide, Julian, who is secretly haunted by a tragedy of his own, and seems to disapprove any time she tries something remotely risky-like an impromptu scooter ride with a local man.Īs they explore the hilltop towns of Tuscany, Mamie knows that when this blissful excursion is over, she’ll have to return to reality. like discovering that her entire tour group is made up of aging ex-hippies reminiscing about their Woodstock days. The warmth of the sun, the centuries-old art, a villa on the Umbrian border-it could be just the adventure she needs.īut with adventure comes the unexpected. Now she has an opportunity to do just that, spending two weeks in Tuscany reviewing a tour company for her employer’s popular travel guide series. Deep down she knows her husband would have wanted her to embrace life again. Physically, she has only a slight reminder-but emotionally, the pain is still fresh. Mamie Weber doesn’t know why she survived that terrible car accident five years ago. In Italy, the best attractions are always off the beaten path.

The Hourglass by Sharon Struth