My Top 6 Summer Reads Set in Italy

Wendy reviews books set in Italy. For more articles like this one, subscribe to her Substack channel Italy Writers and get in touch via Sunflower Publishing. Read more.

What do we truly seek from the books we carry on holiday? Perhaps a place to escape to, a trusted guide, or a comforting companion that helps us reconnect with ourselves. Here is my carefully curated selection of beach reads, perfect for losing yourself in the sun-soaked charm of Italy.

My Italian Guestbook by Annette Joseph

Annette Joseph, author of Italy Is My Boyfriend, invites us into a delightful collection of short stories brimming with life-changing experiences, eccentric guests, wild parties, and mouth-watering food—all set against the lush backdrop of the Tuscan countryside. Based on true tales, this book paints a hilariously vivid picture of what it means to host people from all walks of life. From unexpected love affairs to moments of personal growth, the unforgettable characters leave the host both deeply touched and, at times, utterly reeling. A charming and irresistible glimpse into the joys and chaos of welcoming strangers to an Italian home—you won’t want to put this down.

A Postcard from Capri by Alex Brown

Set in the golden age of Hollywood, A Postcard from Capri follows Kelly Sinclair, a young actress on the brink of stardom, spending the summer of 1953 on the enchanting island of Capri.

Sixty years later, photographer Maddie Williams stumbles upon a box of old film memorabilia in her grandmother’s cottage—among them, a postcard from Capri and a photograph of a glamorous platinum blonde woman. The postcard hints at a passionate love affair that ended in heartbreak.

With her grandmother’s memories fading, Maddie embarks on a journey to Capri during a commissioned photoshoot, hoping to uncover the truth behind the mystery. What secrets does the island hold, and will Maddie’s own heart find unexpected surprises in this magical summer escape?

The Little Venice Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin

When Luna loses her beloved mother, she feels utterly adrift—her mother was her only family, and without her, Luna is rootless. But a chance discovery of a bundle of mysterious letters hidden among her mother’s belongings sets Luna on an unexpected path.

Following clues woven through the letters, Luna journeys to Venice, to a faded yet enchanting bookshop overlooking the canals. There, she hopes to uncover the truth about her mother’s past—and perhaps, finally find a place to call home.

With its blend of mystery, romance, and the timeless allure of Venice, this is a heartwarming tale of belonging and self-discovery.

The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia by Juliet Grames

In 1960, Francesca Loftfield, a bright-eyed American in her twenties, arrives in the remote mountain village of Santa Chionia, Calabria, to open a nursery school. The village is isolated—no roads, no running water, no doctor, and no post office after a recent flood swept it away.

More unsettling still is the discovery of a human skeleton uncovered by the floodwaters. Who is it? Why have the police not investigated? When the local priest’s housekeeper pleads for Francesca’s help to identify the remains as her long-missing son, Francesca finds herself drawn into a web of secrets.

Juggling a nosy landlady, a charming yet enigmatic shepherd, and a community bound by silence, Francesca must choose between the mission that brought her here and the truth she uncovers—between survival and her own happiness.

Set against Calabria’s rugged cliffs, ancient traditions, and dazzling sunlight, this novel is a gripping blend of mystery, romance, and cultural portraiture.

Dancing on Sunday Afternoons by Linda Cardillo

Cara Serafini, a New York caterer, discovers a cache of long-hidden love letters that send her on a journey to understand her formidable grandmother, Giulia Fiorillo. Born in a mountain village in southern Italy, Giulia arrived in early twentieth-century New York at just sixteen, forced by her mother’s fierce determination to leave behind family comforts and constraints.

In America, Giulia confronts not only a harsh new world but also family violence, street dangers, profound loss, and a love that shapes her entire life.

A moving tale of love, loss, and resilience on the immigrant journey from Italy to New York, this novel beautifully blends women’s fiction, romance, and historical storytelling.

The Forgotten Italian Restaurant by Barbara Josselsohn

Italy, 1943. A young woman rushes through winding streets, clutching a handwritten menu that conceals a secret code. What she’s about to do could save the man she loves—but will she be forgiven?

In the present day, Callie arrives in sun-drenched Caccipulia clutching the faded menu, found hidden in her family home. She hopes it will unlock the mystery of her grandmother’s life during World War Two. Why did her Nonna flee this beautiful town, never to return? Could this discovery help Callie understand who she really is?

When local café owner Oliver’s eyes light up at the sight of the menu, Callie learns of a courageous family who secretly sheltered Jewish families in safe houses throughout the village during the war. Callie’s heart soars at the thought her grandmother was part of this brave legacy.

These books offer not just stories, but invitations—to escape, to explore, and to feel deeply. Whether you’re dreaming of sunlit Italian shores or the quiet charm of a hidden village, these summer reads promise unforgettable journeys for the heart and soul.

This article was adapted from my original article on Italy Writers.