It's my turn on the BlogTour The Ice Cream Parlour by Isabella May. It's a contemporary read, a story of intense tastes, emotions and introspection.
Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalucia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the sea and the mountains. Having grown up on Glastonbury's ley lines however, she's unable to completely shake off her spiritual inner child, and is a Law of Attraction fanatic.
Cake, cocktail, gelato, and travel obsessed, she also loves nothing more than to (quietly) break life's 'rules'.
The Ice Cream Parlour is her fourth novel.
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About the book
Giovanna Tonioli is a successful stockbroker with a famous sports star boyfriend, but things aren't as sweet as they seem. When life in the city of Bath goes from Vanilla to Rocky Road, she takes herself off to Italy for an 'Eat Pray Love' style tour of all things gelateria. What she doesn't expect to find on her travels is one smooth, hot dollop of temptation that she just can't shake.
How will her spiteful twin sister react when Giovanna returns to open a rival ice cream parlour? Will Natalia get her just desserts? Or will things become even stickier? All's fair in love, war and ice cream. Isn't it?
*Marian Keyes meets Paulo Coelho meets Nigella*
The Ice Cream Parlour is a mouthwatering tale of fate, family, love and jealousy - with a delectable drizzle of alchemy besides.
Review
Giovanna spends her days supporting the family business. She lives, breathes and dreams about one day being in charge of the gelateria. The only thing standing in her way is her annoyingly attractive twin sister. The two girls are in a constant battle for attention. Sibling rivalry takes on a more destructive tone as Natalia makes a point of going after everything her sister derives any pleasure from. Giovanna is pulled between loyalty for her family and heritage, and the perceived betrayal by the same family. A shocking act of treachery throws her for a loop and forces her to take a closer look at all of her relationships, her own actions and how to find her own happiness.
So here's the thing, in a way this is three concepts in one and all of those concepts are tied to the main character. Individually they would be three completely different reads, together as one is to the detriment of that story. It keeps the story from being what it potentially could have been. In fact the ice cream and gelato, eat pray love, tasting and discovery of flavours storyline is a hidden gem. That could have been spectacular. Indeed the first part of this book is a literary delight.
Then there is the Cosa Nostra storyline, which opens up a world unto itself, especially because the roots are drawn from the origin base and not the more commonly known US one. Lastly the short excursion into past life regression. Each storyline is flavoured by Giovanna's emotional state of mind and the ongoing conflict with her family.
It's a case of less is more, however saying that this book is also a clear indicator that May is brimming with creativity and is a great writer. Most certainly one to watch, as she hones her craft and delights her readers with her stories. A hive of imagination waiting to be shared.
It's a contemporary read, a story of intense tastes, emotions and introspection.
Buy The Ice Cream Parlour by Isabella May at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy Amazon com.
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