I received this book so that I could read and post a review for it. I think that it is going to be an easy read, without too much depth.

Italian For Beginners by Kristin Harmel is a perfect example of the Chick Lit genre. It has a woman of thirty-five who is in the process of finding herself. After being embarrassed at her younger sister's wedding because she doesn't have a steady man in her life, Cat meets a man who appeals to her. They have one wonderful evening together until mention was made of his Mother-in-law and his daughter. Without giving him a chance to explain, she goes off on a trip to Italy in search of a man she had met there when she was seventeen.
This doesn't work out but she spends an exciting month getting to know Rome, taking pictures of all the famous spots and even getting to meet her aunt. This helped resolve some issues that she had with her now deceased mother who had left her husband and children when Cat was twelve.
The trip to Rome was life changing when Cat decided to take a few risks. Of course the story came to a happy conclusion as these types of stories usually do.

Reserved for Valentina, when I get it back from my daughter.

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

The book is on its way by Canada Post with help from the US postal service to Valentina1209 as an exchange for one of hers. Enjoy!!!

Thank you so much for the trade - Chesapeake Blue will be on it's way to you soon!!

I love books set in Italy and can't wait to read this one!

UPDATE: March 2010: A delightful, light-hearted, contemporary story that held some parallels to the classic film "Roman Holiday". I visited Rome last Easter, and there were so many wonderful references to places I had seen, which really brought both the story and my memories alive! I loved this book, and highly recommend it to anyone who has a passion for things Italian, as I do!

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

RABCK to another Italian-american bookcrosser.

Thank you, my friend, for this surprise RABCK in my mailbox today. I am looking forward to reading something that will take me away to Italy for a little while. This looks like a fun read which will be wonderful after the intense reads of late. Doing the happy dance!

Kayjay wrote a really good description, so I won't duplicate it. Like Valentina, I love all things Italian. I enjoyed this story so much that I am really annoyed that I let it sit on my shelf for so long. It was a wonderful story with good characters and plot. I didn't want to put it down and I was very happy at the ending. I'm looking forward to trying more by this author. I think I will have to find a copy of Roman Holiday to watch! =) In the meantime, it will be traveling to my friend, MyssCyn. Surprise! =) I know you will enjoy the book.

Sadly kayjay (kathy) passed away on April 28th.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/33/493022
She'd survived a heart attack while on vacation last year but managed to make it another year to brighten so many lives here at BookCrossing. I will read this book in her honor then send it on to another Italian-American I have in mind.
Thank you, dvg, for this present!