Lizzie and Dante is a sexy, thought-provoking read that I thoroughly enjoyed. While the story touches on the curveballs life has a way of throwing at us, it also reminds us that love is lurking right around the corner if we choose to open ourselves to new possibilities. It is the perfect summer read with a beautiful locale and intriguing characters facing major changes. A must read! ( )

Ok it is a romance but it was such a lovely story. I loved everyone in the book. I especially loved the Island, singing and food. ( )

On the heels of a devastating diagnosis, Shakespeare scholar Lizzie Delford decides to take one last “working” vacation on Elba, the sun-kissed island off the Italian coast, with her best friend and his movie-star boyfriend. Once settled into a luxurious seaside resort, Lizzie has to make big decisions about her future. Leaving the yacht owners and celebrities behind she sneaks off the the public beach, where she meets a sardonic chef named Dante, his battered dog, Lulu, and his wry daughter, Etta, a twelve-year-old desperate for a mother.

We know where this is headed, right? There are some twists and turns, because the path to happiness is never a straight one. Lizzie has to deal with her own fears and determination to do things her way, as well as the pent up anger and grief of past heart break and a very short future. Then there is Dante, who seems to take things as they come, happy for today and hopeful for tomorrow, determined, whatever the cost, to love Lizzie with all his soul. And of course, we can’t forget Etta, that charming, way too smart and mature twelve-year-old who manages to worm her way into everyone’s heart.

Some of the many cultural references were lost on me, especially the newer music ones, but I did love several of literary references, and a wonderful homage to one of my favorite musicals “The Roar of the Greasepaint, The Smell of the Crowd” (though the referenced song never mentions the musical, I know the origin).

I did think the author was trying a bit too hard to force the reader to tears, but I still enjoyed the book. And I LOVED all the food references. ( )

This started so strong for me & I was hooked. But then it fizzled as I stopped caring about the characters, sometimes even getting annoyed with them & their decisions. And the love story happened so quickly, I felt like I missed something! But the book did have some sweet and heartbreaking moments, plus a beautiful setting. Nothing was subtle in the story however, more like hammered home.
This wasn’t a bad book, it’s just I personally didn’t vibe with it on some parts. ( )

Lizzie has cancer, goes to Elba with friends, Meets Dante the chef, falls in love. Has operation, survives five years.