A Hilltop in Tuscany

My daughter picked this book out from a Christian Bookstore shelf, because the cover and title looked and sounded interesting. We have lived both in Europe and in the U.S., so any story set in Europe (esp. Paris) will quicken our interest. I had misgivings about the Tuscany part, since I didn't want a knock-off of Under the Tuscan Sun. But I was quickly swept into the story, although it seems to be the second of a series. It didn't matter. It was easy to sort out the characters and where their lives were at at this point in time. Whitson is a wonderful writer. She knows how to get you into the mind of both the 20-something, as well as the 50-something (?) protagonist. Even when the one behaves badly, you're rooting for her. Wonderful novel about relationships, great descriptions of the food. I spent my junior year in Paris and visited a friend spending hers in Florence, so this took me right back. I could just picture the areas Whitson was describing.

Because of all of Whitson's historical fiction series, I became a fan of her writing. She is one of the better writers of our time for historical fiction that grabs the reader's attention, emotions, and mind. Although I'm not thrilled with romance novels, especially placed in modern times, I decided to read this book and the first one of this series because she's a good author. Indeed, it is a good read, but I still like her historical fiction better. That's more my individual taste rather than a not-so-gushing review of this book series. Truly, her writing is still excellent, and she packs good research into the creation of the text. These are quite a bit more religious than her other books.

In this sequel to A Garden in Paris, Mary is happily enjoying her newfound life in France and the friendship of two extraordinary men. Meanwhile, in Omaha, her daughter Liz struggles with running the family business, planning a wedding, and tentatively building a relationship through email with the man she just found out is her real father, Jean-Marc David. When Liz's fiancé, Jeff, hears that his sister has finally left her abusive husband, Jeff heads to California to join his brother in being there for Sarah and her kids. Liz reluctantly follows, wanting to support Jeff but never feeling comfortable around his family. Then Jeff gets a promotion which will relocate him to California. Liz's life and business is in Nebraska, and she does not want to leave. Is Jeff worth the cost? Luca Santo rejoices to hear of Jean-Marc's new faith, but it smashes against the love Luca is beginning to feel toward Mary. Jean-Marc and Mary loved each other once. He cannot stand in the way of their happiness now. This beautifully written novel begins slowly, relying on the realistic and relatable characters to pull readers in. And they do. You sympathize with Liz feeling torn between her past and future, Mary's hesitant mothering of her independent daughter, and Luca's decision to step away from the one he loves. While several subplots could be removed from the story without being missed, they add to the richness of the tale. Readers will want to pick up the prequel first, as the two stories are closely entwined. Women will most appreciate this softly romantic tale. - Katie Hart, Christian Book Previews.com

So many times, sequels are painful reads as it seems the author has run out of steam. Hilltop is not a disappointment. If you've read A Garden in Paris (which I highly recommend) you will not be disappointed with Tuscany. It captured my attention, and I enjoyed the story, the growth of the characters, and another plot twist I did not expect. Both books are lovely reads. The only problem is, I now want to go to both Paris and Tuscany! The author paints lyrical word pictures of places and events that make you hunger to be where the characters are and living life with them.

Part 2 of A Garden In Paris continues the story of Mary Davis and her daughter Liz. It is also the story of the incredible men who cross their paths. Mary is a widow who, though dedicated to her husband while alive, searches for a future in remnants of the past. Leaving Omaha, she finds herself in Paris. Liz roots herself in Omaha and all the illusions it holds. When her fiancé asks for more than just continuing her past, to shape their future, Liz balks. The characters are well developed. I found myself strongly disliking one character, but this person grew as a person to the point I found understanding, acceptance and forgiveness. This book is a tribute to the author's versatility in moving from historical to contemporary fiction. Thanks for the gift of story!