Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse by Sue Moorcroft

Sue Moorcroft is one of my favourite writers, and it’s always a real treat to have one of her books to dive into. A long, hot summer paired with one of her novels is perfection. Her stories may be rooted in romance, but they always offer so much more — rich emotion, real‑world depth, and settings so vividly drawn that you can almost feel the heat and see the scenery. The landscapes she describes are consistently stunning, and this book is no exception; it made me want to pack a bag and head straight to Italy.

Jade grew up on the shores of Lake Como, raised by her paternal grandparents when her too‑young parents couldn’t care for her. She naturally fell into helping at their guesthouse and always assumed she would one day take it over. But after her grandmother passes away, Jade discovers her father had two more children she knew nothing about — a secret her grandmother had been sworn to keep. The aptly named Three Sisters Guesthouse is left to all three of them, throwing Jade’s future into uncertainty. As if that weren’t enough, Leo returns to Lake Como to help at his parents’ hotel. He broke Jade’s heart when he left for the UK after university, yet the old pull between them is undeniable when they meet again.

It’s a gorgeous mix of family secrets, second chances and the kind of slow‑burn romance that feels perfectly matched to the Lake Como setting. Sue Moorcroft handles the emotional threads with her usual sensitivity, giving Jade a journey that’s both uplifting and quietly powerful. The setting is irresistible, the relationships layered, and the story has that comforting, summery feel that makes her books such a joy. Another lovely, engaging read from an author who never disappoints. 

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8784086364