Book Review: A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay

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What is this book about?

Emily Price–fix-it girl extraordinaire and would-be artist–dreams of having a gallery show of her own. There is no time for distractions, especially not the ultimate distraction of falling in love.

But Chef Benito Vassallo’s relentless pursuit proves hard to resist. Visiting from Italy, Ben works to breathe new life into his aunt and uncle’s faded restaurant, Piccollo. Soon after their first meeting, he works to win Emily as well–inviting her into his world and into his heart.

Emily astonishes everyone when she accepts Ben’s proposal and follows him home. But instead of allowing the land, culture, and people of Monterello to transform her, Emily interferes with everyone and everything around her, alienating Ben’s tightly knit family. Only Ben’s father, Lucio, gives Emily the understanding she needs to lay down her guard. Soon, Emily’s life and art begin to blossom, and Italy’s beauty and rhythm take hold of her spirit.

Yet when she unearths long-buried family secrets, Emily wonders if she really fits into Ben’s world. Will the joys of Italy become just a memory, or will Emily share in the freedom and grace that her life with Ben has shown her are possible?

My review:

This story was lyrical in the telling, making me feel like I was bathing in art, literature, family, and Italy. The one thing I struggled with was Emily and Ben falling in love and marriage so quickly. However, I was invested in their romance which was so sweet. Perhaps the best part for me was the lesson that some things cannot or need not be fixed. I could relate to Emily’s need to fix those things around her, even empathizing when those fixes would fall apart. Ultimately, I had to keep turning pages to find out how things would turn out.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

Emily’s relationship with Lucio

What I didn’t like about this book:

The too-fast courtship and marriage of Emily and Ben

Would I recommend this book to others? Yes. Some readers may be turned off by the quickness of the romance, but the overall theme of healing is well worth pushing through. Great descriptions, interesting characters, and sweet romance. This is a stand alone story.

Note: I received this book complimentary in a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Katherine Reay, author website

-Loraine Nunley

A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay (4 out of 5 stars) #amreading #BookReview Share on X

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