travel Archives

Last month I was in Italy with the Glam Italia Tours and wasn’t able to post on here, but of course I was still reading and listening to loads of books. When I’m traveling I listen to loads of audiobooks, especially in airports and on trains and buses. I’ll be traveling all summer until the end of October, then again in November and in December, so will be consuming tons of audiobooks all year.

If you are new to the Glam Italia bookclub, this is not about brand new books. It is about fantastic books. Most great authors have wonderful backlists that don’t get as much attention, but are soooo deserving of it. The books I talk about in the book club are what I read and listened to this month/last month. I’m sure you are going to love them too!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links this blog may make a few cents commission.

With that in mind I want to tell you about Amazon’s free trial program with Audible, the largest seller of audiobooks in the world. You can get a free 3-month trial of audible at the moment. Consume all the books and if you want to keep going they have subscription options, or you can opt out. Your choice. Check out the Audible free 3-month trial here.

Audiobooks

Some of the audio books I’ve loved over the past couple of months:

The Medici Return

I just finished The Medici Return by Steve Berry. It’s a fantastic mystery/thriller involving the Catholic Church and the Medici family, both back in the 1500s and in modern day. It is part of a 20 book series with a mystery solving protagonist called Cotton Malone. I loved it and am excited to have a new series that takes place across multiple countries. This book is available in paperback, kindle and audible formats. Check here on Amazon.

Cold Tuscan Stone

Cold Tuscan Stone is the first book in series. The protagonist, Rick Montoya is a translator who left New Mexico to build a life in Rome. He gets recruited by the Italian Art Squad to take an undercover mission to Volterra posing as an art buyer from Santa Fe while trying to flush out traffickers in priceless Etruscan burial urns. On his first day in Volterra, the first gallery employee he meets with suddenly mysteriously dies. This is a tremendous story that gallops through Volterra with twists and turns, murders and art heists. I loved it. Available in Paperback, Kindle and Audible formats. See here on Amazon.

I absolutely loved The Expats by Chris Pavone. If you enjoy books about spies and espionage set in European cities and in New York, you too will love this brilliantly written, incredibly clever story. This one is the first of a 2 part series, and I have the second book lined up and ready to go. I only discovered Chris Pavone recently and am already 4 books deep. Available in Paperback, Kindle and Audible formats, see here on Amazon.

On Kindle

I also consume an enormous number of books on my Kindle Paperwhite. (In fact once I have this post finished I will be floating around my pool reading my kindle.) The past couple of months I’ve both been reading newly purchased books, and have also been reading books I bought eons ago and forgot to read.

Under A Siena Sun by T.A Williams is a fun beach read for anyone who loves Tuscany. The protagonist, Lucy, is a doctor who leaves a dangerous post in the Congo with Doctors Without Borders for an easier, less stressful life in Tuscany. Lucy is consumed with internal conflict, not being able to balance the extreme poverty of her previous patients in war torn Africa with the wealth and advantage of her current patients in Siena. Her turmoil grows when she encounters injured tennis star David Lorenzo, whose potent smiles make Lucy forget her aversion to the rich. She’s soon falling for the sportsman but feels like she’s losing herself in this world of excess. All she’s ever wanted was to help the underprivileged and be a positive change in the world, so can her future lie in Siena at the clinic – with David?

This sunny romance is the perfect summer escape. Available in paperback, kindle and audible formats. See here on Amazon.

Collecting Can Be Murder

Collecting Can Be Murder is another book I bought ages ago, probably from a Bookbub email, and then forgot about. I recently rediscovered it in my kindle library and enjoyed it so much I ordered the next in series as soon as I finished it.

This time instead of Italy, this book is set in France. After tragedy struck three years earlier, art sleuth Carmen De Luca vowed to never work in the field again. But fifty is too young to fill her days with water aerobics and bingo, so when her former partner calls and begs for her help, Carmen gladly agrees.
Yet after their first assignment – the recovery of a rare medieval prayer book from an eccentric collector living in rural France – goes horribly wrong, Carmen ends up in the crosshairs of both the local police and a murderer!
With her target dead and the stolen book missing, she and her partner will have to pull out all of the stops to sleuth out the true killer’s identity – before their stay in France becomes permanent.

Introducing Carmen De Luca, an art sleuth with a nose for mystery and the job of locating valuable artwork stolen from museums around the world. If you love strong and resourceful heroines, puzzling mysteries, and a dash of art history, pick up Collecting Can Be Murder now!

Available in paperback, kindle and audible formats. See here on Amazon.

The Perfect Place is another fantastic summer read. Again this one takes place in France and takes you through plenty of twists and turns with a fabulous chateau in the center. What would you be willing do to get a French Chateau?

Elle Littlewood can barely believe her luck when her producer tells her about the chance to get her hands on a dilapidated chateau in Aix-En-Provence, France for a rock bottom price. It seems too good to be true, but as a home interiors influencer, she knows this would make incredible content. Lately, Elle has noticed the cracks start to show. Her life is the envy of thousands, and her social media posts show a beautiful, accomplished woman. Yet this wasn’t always the case. If they knew the truth about her past, they would never look at Elle the same way again.

Elle needs this house. She doesn’t care that it comes with huge strings attached. And when people get in her way, there’s nothing Elle won’t do to protect her brand. After all, she’s survived by doing things that people could never imagine – and knows she would do them again.

See here on Amazon.

Murder In Pitigliano by Camilla Trinchieri is the 5th in the Tuscan Mystery series. I’ve loved the first four, so had this one on pre-order. The first four are set in a gorgeous little town close to where I take my Glam Italia Tour travelers for cooking lessons, and this one is set in Pitigliano, a fantastic town where I spent a week a couple of years back. Lots of reasons to devour this book.

Ex-NYPD detective Nico Doyle finds himself unwittingly stepping into the role of a PI to investigate a murder that has torn a young family apart in this rustic mystery set in the beautiful Medieval village of Pitigliano, Italy.
One morning at his favorite café, Nico Doyle notices Cilia, a seven-year-old girl he has never seen before, frolicking with his dog on the floor. He later discovers she has left a note in his collar—Please help my babbo.
With help from the local carabinieri, Nico discovers that Cilia’s father, Saverio, has fled town following an unfortunate incident. His business partner was killed at their electronics store, and Saverio is the hot-headed local carabiniere’s main suspect. Cilia’s mother, Livia, who just moved to Gravigna to get away from Pitigliano’s wagging tongues, asks Nico to find the real killer and hands him a long list of suspects. Against his better judgment, Nico accepts for Cilia’s sake. Since the case is outside of the local carabinieri’s jurisdiction, Nico finds himself on his own as he travels back and forth to Pitigliano. He goes down Livia’s list of suspects one by one in pursuit of the truth, putting his skills as a retired NYPD detective to work. But will Livia and her little girl be happy with what Nico finds?

See it here on Amazon.

Finally, the audiobook that is at the top of my must-have list: Let Them, by Mel Robbins. Although it is available on kindle I’m getting this one next on Audible. I love Mel Robbins message and I also love her voice. There’s something about her voice that cuts through all the B.S and gets right to your brain with her powerful messages. This time two of the most important words in the world: Let Them.

What if the key to happiness, success, and love was as simple as two words?

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn’t you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words—Let Them—will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. The Let Them Theory puts the power to create a life you love back in your hands—and this book will show you exactly how to do it.

In her latest groundbreaking book, The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins—New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s most respected experts on motivation, confidence, and mindset—teaches you how to stop wasting energy on what you can’t control and start focusing on what truly matters: YOU. Your happiness. Your goals. Your life.

Using the same no-nonsense, science-backed approach that’s made The Mel Robbins Podcast a global sensation, Robbins explains why The Let Them Theory is already loved by millions and how you can apply it in eight key areas of your life to make the biggest impact. As you listen, you’ll realize how much energy and time you’ve been wasting trying to control the wrong things—at work, in relationships, and in pursuing your goals—and how this is keeping you from the happiness and success you deserve.

See here on Amazon.

I hope you enjoyed this month’s entries in the Glam Italia Bookclub! I have loved all of these books and hope you will read/listen to and love them too!

The view of the Italian coastline leaving Rome

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Has your Instagram feed been filled with sponsored posts about “Shop My Top Travel Picks” or “20 Travel Finds I Won’t Leave Home Without”? Admittedly as a somewhat professional traveler, I keep clicking them, hoping to discover some cool new can’t-live-without travel product. So the algorithm knows exactly where to find me!

However, as someone who averages around 12 long-haul international flights per year and God only knows how many domestic flights, I am normally left scratching my head wondering if these people have ever flown, let alone fly regularly? They all recommend loads of unnecessary, space consuming items – it makes no sense.

When you are flying, be it domestic or international, the key is to minimize how much junk you are bringing with you, and to decrease the volume of stuff in your bag, be it carry on or checked luggage. With that in mind I want to give you a simple list of essential items to pack. Today we are focusing on electronic items you must have for international travel, along with a few must-have extra items:

A Converter Adaptor

best travel adaptor and converter for electronics

You always need a travel adaptor and converter when traveling overseas. The adaptor part lets you plug a device into the wall – you can see the main adaptor shapes and sizes for other countries in the photo above.

In the U.S. electronics use 110 volts, while most other countries use 220, 230 or 240 volts. If you plug a U.S electronic, like a hair dryer, curling iron, charger etc into an overseas wall socket without a converter, your electronics will fry instantly. So that’s why we need a unit that both converts the electricity to the right voltage and works with any wall socket around the world. I use this adaptor converter from Doace, available on Amazon. Check price here.

A Handheld Mini Fan

Jisulife handheld mini fan for travel — **Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan**

Not so long ago I would have thought this silly, but lately the summers have been hotter than ever, so I’ve changed my mind. I first saw this Jisulife Mini Fan when one of my Glam Italia Tour travelers had one with her a few years back. This little fan is a lifesaver! It is USB charged, so you don’t need batteries, and the charge lasts for days on end. It even has a little flashlight in the end, which I have never used. The fan is surprisingly powerful while also being compact – it slips in your handbag and takes up no space.

My advice is to take this onboard the plane in your handbag. If you have ever be stuck on the tarmac with a delayed departure, you’ll know just how hot the inside of a plane can get. This fan has saved me twice on recent flights where we’ve sat for over an hour with no A/C. You’ll be glad you listened to me! Check price on Amazon here.

Apple AirTags

Apple AirTags are so effective that multiple major international airlines are now integrating Apple AirTag technology into their baggage tracking systems. Should your suitcase not arrive to the same airport you do, your AirTag can be located within minutes. Even if you are in Bali and your bag is in Dubai.

AirTags use a combination of Bluetooth signals and Apples “Find My” network to locate lost items. They send out a secure bluetooth signal that gets picked up by other devices nearby that are in the Find My network, which then send the device location to iCloud. Within seconds your luggage location shows up on the app. I’ve had it be so specific as to tell me which carousel my bag is on, and to tell me it is 3 feet to my left. Basically this technology works way more efficiently and quickly than the airlines own baggage tracking systems. (Hence more than 15 major airlines now use it.)

I keep an AirTag in my suitcase, another in my carry on bag and another in my handbag. Check the price here on Amazon.

A Portable Charger

A portable charger is essential. Keep it packed in your cabin bag, and then take it with you everywhere in your handbag while traveling. Your phone will run out of charge extra fast while traveling, as you’ll be taking way more photos and videos. Your in-flight charging port won’t necessarily be working – I get a good one around every other flight. So half the flights I take either have non-functioning USB ports, or under functioning ports.

AirFly Bluetooth Earbud Adaptor

Have you ever had to use crappy airline throwaway earphones to watch an inflight movie?? I had to recently because I left my AirFly adaptor at home. Not only were the airline headphones really uncomfortable, they also had really shitty sound. On top of that, part way through the movie the left ear cut out completely. Life is too short for bad audio. This device plugs into the airplane headset socket then Bluetooths into your earbuds. You get fabulous audio and your ears are comfortable. Win/win.

Check Price here on Amazon.

Bagsmart Electronics Travel Case

best electronics case for travel — **Bagsmart Electronics Case**

This one is a must-have item. Pack all your computer cables, phone chargers and cables, power banks etc into this somewhat slimline travel bag. This is the Bagsmart Electronics Travel case I travel with. It is slim enough to slip in my cabin bag for easy access to everything from charging cables, my AirFly headphone adaptor, earbuds and any other small electronics I may need during the flight. (I also keep my Jisulife fan in here) Check it out here on Amazon. While writing this post the Bagsmart case is 35% off.

HUGE TIP: Don’t get black. I actually have it in this pink shade, but regardless of which color you choose, don’t choose black. This is my motto for anything I’ll take out of it too, from earbuds to phone chargers to cables. Black items are easy to overlook and leave behind on the plane/train/boat. White or colored items are easier to spot.

A Kindle (Or E-Reader)

amazon prime day sale kindle — **Kindle Paperwhite**

Not gonna lie – I was really late to this particular party! For several years I read e-books on the Kindle App on my iPad. Eventually I gave in and bought a Kindle Paperwhite in 2019. I have never looked back. This is the traveler’s best friend both for reading regular fiction and non fiction, plus for storing all the bulky travel guides you want to bring with you. (Including my books!)

There are plenty of newer models out, but as mine is still going strong after 6 years, I figure why bother upgrading? It’s slimline so can fit in my handbag, holds more than 5000 books, and does some cool trick with the light where you can read it in bold sunlight, like in the pool, or in a darkened airplane without bugging the person next to you. Have you ever tried to sleep on a plane when the person next to you has their reading light on?? Check Price on Amazon.

Curvd Silicone Earplugs

silicone noise cancelling earplugs — **Curvd Silicone Earplugs**

Curved silicone earplugs block out unwanted noise. Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably into the ear they are hypoallergenic and come with 4 sets of ultra soft ear canal tips and a cool slimline case. They also come in multiple colors, in case mint green isn’t your thing.

Check Price on Amazon

Babyliss Nano Titanium Travel Hairdryer

best travel hair dryer — **Babyliss Travel Hair Dryer**

I also bought my Babyliss Nano Titanium Travel Hairdryer in 2019, and it too is still going strong. I travel all the time, so this hair dryer has not only been infuse for 6 years, it has been in constant use for 6 years and has never broken down.

Don’t be put off by the tiny size – it’s about the size of your hand. I have masses of very thick hair yet this dryer blows it out as effectively as a traditional full sized hair dryer. The Nano Titanium part of tis dryer is key. This technology not only dries your hair more quickly, it also helps keep the cuticle smooth so you get a glossy, shiny, smooth blow out. If you’ve ever used a hotel hair dryer you’ll know how horrific travel dryers normally are. I give this one 10/10

Check Price on Amazon

The Conair Travel Steamer

best travel steamer for international travel — **Conair Travel Steamer**

If you’ve been following me for a while or if you belong to my monthly newsletter you’ll already know that for the past 2 years this travel steamer has been my MVP travel gadget. Compact but super efficient, this steamer has kept my linen lovely and de-wrinkled all my travel clothes while I’ve been on the road. Game changer.

Small and lightweight, it doesn’t take up much space in your suitcase. If you’re travel more than just a few days, it also helps you refresh clothes that have been living in a suitcase. TIP: I always throw a couple of Bounce dryer sheets in my suitcase to help ward off any suitcase smells. Apparently bedbugs don’t like the smell and supposedly will stay away from your bag if you have dryer sheets in there. This could be myth – I’ve thankfully not encountered bedbugs on my travels, but I like the idea that this might work.

Check Price on Amazon

The Newbealer Travel Iron

I would go either / or on this one. Either bring a steamer or a travel iron, but not both. This little travel iron is the hottest new thing (no pun intended.) It weights less than a pound, has dual global voltage, and a ceramic non-stick plate that lets it glide across silk, linen, and delicate fabrics. It comes in its own little travel pouch with a travel sized spritz bottle and a heat resistant silicone mat. And it looks chic.

Check Price on Amazon

Kidde Travel Carbon Monoxide Alarm

best travel carbon monoxide alarm — **Kidde Travel Carbon Monoxide Alarm**

I don’t personally have one of these as I haven’t heard of carbon monoxide problems in Italy, however there are plenty of places I would take one to. There have been non-stop news article about people traveling to Dominican, Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico – even big tourism places like Tulum and Cancun, and dying from carbon monoxide poisoning. ‘Were I traveling to any of these places I would take one of these carbon monoxide alarms with me.

Powered by 2 AA batteries (I would also pack extra batteries in case) this alarm is designed for travel to anywhere and you are not reliant on a steady electricity connection.

Check Price on Amazon

Not Electronic But Still Necessary Items

Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are game changers. They help you keep your travel clothing organized, and fit into your suitcase interlocking like a game of Tetris. I have two types of packing cubes for you, The first are compression packing cubes. These not only keep you organized but also squish down (compress) so you have more room in your suitcase. The downside is your clothes get a bit more wrinkled. The upside is you really do get way more room in your suitcase.

The other option is regular (non compression) packing cubes like these from Bagail. Either option is great. Both these sets are made by the same company and each have an amazing 24,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. What’s not to love?

Check Prices Here On Amazon

Travel Hangers

This one tends not to be so much of a problem at hotels but frequently drives me mad in airbnb situations. I hate pulling out my clothes to hang and finding there are no hangers/not enough hangers/no clip hangers. I probably wouldn’t bring all 12 hangers in this set with me, but for sure would pack 6 of them.

You can see in the image above you have two sizes you can make them (I would only use the big size) but also you can turn them into clip hangers for skirts and pants. They also come with a travel clothes line if you need to hang items to dry. These are really tremendous.

Check Price on Amazon

Travel Toiletry Containers

There are a couple I like here. These color coded jars secure your lotions and creams and are TSA approved. They come in a variety of color combos. See here on Amazon.

I also love this set. It is a 16 piece set with 4 travel jars, 2 spray bottles as well as bottles, and has funnels and cleaning brush too. The bottles are great for shampoo and conditioner, body lotion etc. See here on Amazon

Silicone Bottle Covers

If you find yourself traveling in either direction with full or medium sized bottles of sunscreen, after sun lotions, or anything really, these brightly colored silicon bottle covers are a lifesaver.

See here On Amazon

Venus Mini Razor

OK, to be fair a regular razor takes up zero space in your toiletry bag, but I just like the look of this mini travel sized razor with its travel case. Check Price On Amazon

Bright Colored Luggage Straps

So let me give you another HUGE travel tip. There are a million suitcases that look identical to yours. I travel with a sand colored Away Medium suitcase, which I thought was more unusual until a man tried to walk off with it at New Orleans airport. Turns out he had the identical one.

I always like to use a luggage strap just in case my luggage were to burst open. When the Denver airport opened there were hilarious videos of luggage flying out of chutes and bursting open. Hilarious except to anyone flying through Denver. I always have a luggage strap around my suitcase and I make sure it’s a bright color. This wards off anyone who may accidentally walk off with your bag.

See Here On Amazon

Waterproof Phone Pouch

This one is cool especially if your trip is taking you near water. For example going boating, a beach day, a poolside event. We all use our phones as cameras, video cams, GPS units and telephones, and most of us would be lost if our phones suffered water damage. These are super inexpensive and you can still use the functions of your phone while it is secured in the pouch. Win/win.

Check price on Amazon

Reusable Wine Bags

This is another MVP product – the Angel Reusable Wine Bags. Even though I have a home in Italy, these wine bags go back and forth with me every trip. Now that these stupid tariffs are happening they’re even more pertinent. Whether you’re slipping a bottle of wine, olive oil or Aperol into your suitcase, you want it inside one of these bags. (My last trip back to the U.S had 3 of these, 1x olive oil and 2x wine)

These bubble wrap filled bottle bags have a zipper enclosure that then velcro’s back on itself, so they are watertight and well protected. They also can be used over and over – mine have been in use for 2 or 3 years now.

The Trump Tariffs may take away the option of shipping back cases of wine, making the customs duty upon entry just unmanageable. With that in mind the ability to have a few bottle in your suitcase will be the only realistic way for most of us to bring goods back in.

*** it hasn’t been announced yet, but most countries who have customs duties on products your bring back from your travels allow 3 bottles of wine free of duty. Who knows what the U.S will do? Regardless, I will always bring back fresh, local, single source extra virgin olive oil. Aperol in the U.S pre-tariffs cost $26 in the U.S but only €12 in my Tuscan supermarket. I don’t buy duty free at the airport as I always have a connecting domestic flight in the U.S, so anything over 3 oz/100ml that I’m bringing back has to be safely ensconced in my checked luggage.

Check price here on Amazon

****As the Trump Tariffs move forward you will have to pay attention to how much of any consumer good you are allowed to bring back into the U.S.

Remember when buying items for travel and especially for international travel, space and weight are everything. You ideally want to travel with fewer things and a lighter suitcase. I am a huge advocate of packing well and of having AirTags in each bag.

As the new laws, rules and regulations are announced re tariffs and international travel, I will be posting the information in my monthly newsletter. If you don’t yet belong to the newsletter you can join the tens of thousands of members around the world here.

I hope this list helps you plan and perfect the trip of a lifetime!

Ciao!

View across the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase anything through one of these links this blog may earn a small commission.

Welcome back to the Glam Italia Bookclub! I missed our March entry because even though I read voraciously and listened to several audiobooks, I was also packing up the Arizona house and flying to my home in Tuscany. We also launched the Glam Italia Photo Presets which have been HUGE! I knew people would love the presets, but had no idea quite how much! It has been such fun going through the hundreds of emails we have received with customers sending us their before and afters using the presets on their photos.

Anyway, I’ve just been in Naples for a few days. I absolutely love Naples and of course want everyone else to love this sensational city as well. My latest book is about Naples – Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Naples: Adventures, Intrigue and Glorious Mayhem In Europe’s Most Exciting City and I honestly just cannot get enough of the place, so decided the April bookclub picks will be books I’ve loved that are set in Naples.

I always find that reading books set in the destinations you are traveling to makes the entire travel experience even more exciting. When you get back home it helps keep the experience alive. So with that in mind I want to share with you books set in Naples that I have loved, and that will enhance your Naples experience 1000 fold!

The Guardian Of Mercy by Terrance Ward

Even if you think you don’t love Caravaggio or you think you don’t love art, you still need to read this wonderful book!

Author Terence Ward was living in Florence with his girlfriend, when she took a fateful trip to Naples and met Angelo, the government worker charged with watching over Caravaggio’s Seven Acts of Mercy. An unlikely yet adorable friendship evolved amongst the trio over multiple subsequent trips to Naples. Along the way Angelo teaches the couple the nuances of the painting, while drawing them into the craziness of his life. Ward’s powerful and electrifying writing style is superb. It draws you in from the beginning and keeps you mesmerized throughout.

I couldn’t wait to get back to Naples to re-see the painting through Angelo’s eyes! Terence Ward weaves a glorious tapestry with his words, giving you wonderful understanding of Caravaggio and Naples both historically and in recent modern life.

I loved this review: This is a story of grace! Terence Ward’s powerful, moving narrative interweaves Caravaggio’s life story with those of people in contemporary Naples whose lives are transformed by the power of art and mercy.” Elaine Pagels, Harrington Professor of Religion, Princeton University

Available on Kindle, Paperback and Audible Audiobook. Check here on Amazon.

Lost In The Spanish Quarter by Heidi Goodrich

As seen in the New York Times Book Review.

Set in the passionate, intense, and crumbling neighborhood known as the Spanish Quarter of Naples, comes a tale of two students searching for love and belonging in the city they so desperately want to call home.

This achingly gorgeous (true) story takes place in Naples’ notorious Spanish Quarter. Heddi, an American foreign exchange student decides to stay on in Naples after high school and go to university. She is already living a dreamy, somewhat bohemian life with her fascinating and fun roommates in an old palazzo apartment, when she meets Pietro. The two fall into a romance doomed from the beginning, yet glorious throughout.

As she leads you through the story, Heddi also takes you on a journey through Naples. You discover its wonderful university and she introduces you to a compelling cast of characters who make up her daily life. You get a strong sense of how life works in Italy’s southern capital and I found myself wishing that I too had gone to university in Naples and lived in the Spanish Quarter.

A Love Letter to Naples—and a Doomed Romance That Burns Bright

Lost in the Spanish Quarter is a stunningly intimate and lyrical memoir set against the chaotic beauty of Naples’ infamous Spanish Quarter. Heddi Goodrich, an American foreign exchange student, chooses not to return home after her high school year in Naples, instead throwing herself headlong into the gritty poetry of Neapolitan life as a university student. Her world—a crumbling palazzo shared with a cast of eccentric, vibrant roommates—feels like something out of a Fellini film.

Then comes Pietro.

Their love story is both inevitable and impossible: intense, radiant, and ultimately destined to unravel. But even as their romance frays, the book never loses its emotional intensity. Goodrich writes with a raw, unflinching honesty that makes you feel every heartbreak, every stolen moment of joy.

Beyond the romance, this memoir is an intriguing exploration of Naples itself. Heddi is a brilliant guide to the city’s tangled alleys, anarchic charm, and hidden warmth. Through her eyes, we meet professors, fellow students, lovers, and friends—each adding richness to the colorful tapestry of her life abroad.

By the final page, I found myself not only heartbroken for Heddi and Pietro, but also aching for a life I never lived—studying in Naples, falling in love under its faded balconies, and being swept up in the city’s stubborn, breathtaking pulse.

Available in Paperback, Kindle and Audible Audiobooks. See here on Amazon.

Falling Place by Dan Hofstadtler

A beautiful portrait of the sun-drenched volcanic city from an American who has lost his heart to the place and to a beguiling Neapolitan woman.

In Falling Palace Dan Hofstadter brilliantly reveals Naples, from the dilapidated architectural beauty to the irrepressible theater of everyday life. We witness the centuries-old festivals that regularly crowd the city’s jumbled streets, and eavesdrop on conversations that continue deep into the night. We browse the countless curio shops where treasures mingle with kitsch, and meet the locals he befriends. In and out of these encounters slips Benedetta, the object of the author’s affections, at once inviting and unfathomable. Weaving the tale of an elusive love together with a vivid portrayal of a legendary metropolis, this is a startling evocation of a magical place.

I loved this book, especially the insight he gives into the complexities and nuances of life in Naples. This was another fabulous read that left me aching to move to Napoli.

Available in Kindle and paperback. Check here on Amazon.

The Collaborator by Gerald Seymour

My absolute favorite genre to read is thrillers, so this book hit all the right notes. Set between London and Naples, Seymour’s 26th book features brilliantly developed characters – a Camorra killer, a hostage negotiator, a kidnap victim, and the daughter of a Camorra clan leader, all hurtling through time as the story builds to a frantic conclusion. Thriller readers will love this book.

A friend’s death drives an Italian woman to collaborate against her criminal family in this “propulsive, neatly structured thriller” (Guardian (UK)).

She is an Italian accountancy student in London, and her boyfriend Eddie teaches at a language school. But the prime reason Immacolata Borelli came to Britain was to look after her gangster brother, wanted for multiple murders back home in Naples. For the Borelli clan are major players in the Camorra, a crime network more close-knit and ruthless than the Sicilian Mafia.

Mario Castrolami is a senior Carabinieri investigator of the Camorra, his career dedicated to destroying the corruption and violence of the clans. When Immacolata calls from London to say she is prepared to collaborate with justice—to betray her own family—he knows she is setting in motion a terrifying and unpredictable series of events.

The Borellis will not lose their criminal empire without a vicious fight. They will use anything and anyone to prevent her from giving evidence against them. Even Eddie, and Eddie’s life.

Available in Kindle, Paperback and Audio CD formats. See here on Amazon.

The Night Villa by Carol Goodman

If you will be traveling to The Amalfi Coast, Capri and Ischia, or to Naples, this book is a must read. Having spent 13 consecutive summers on the Amalfi Coast with my Glam Italia Tours (broken only by 2020’s Covid pandemic) everything about this book resonated with me. It is beautifully written, combines current day with 79 A.D, and locations you are bound to visit all wrapped up in a compelling, unputdownable story.

An evocative tale of intrigue, romance, and treachery, Carol Goodman’s spellbinding new novel, The Night Villa, follows the fascinating lives of two remarkable women centuries apart.

The eruption of Italy’s Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79 buried a city and its people, their treasures and secrets. Centuries later, echoes of this disaster resonate with profound consequences in the life of classics professor Sophie Chase.

In the aftermath of a tragic shooting on the University of Texas campus, Sophie seeks sanctuary on the isle of Capri, immersing herself in her latest scholarly project alongside her colleagues, her star pupil, and their benefactor, the compelling yet enigmatic business mogul John Lyros.

Beneath layers of volcanic ash lies the Villa della Notte–the Night Villa–home to first-century nobles, as well as to the captivating slave girl at the heart of an ancient controversy. And secreted in a subterranean labyrinth rests a cache of antique documents believed lost to the ages: a prize too tantalizing for Sophie to resist. But suspicion, fear, and danger roam the long-untrodden tunnels and chambers beneath the once sumptuous estate–especially after Sophie sees the face of her former lover in the darkness, leaving her to wonder if she is chasing shadows or succumbing to the siren song of the Night Villa. Whatever shocking events transpired in the face of Vesuvius’s fury have led to deeper, darker machinations that inexorably draw Sophie into their vortex, rich in stunning revelations and laden with unseen menace.

Available in Kindle, Paperback and Audible Audiobook. See here on Amazon.

Secrets Of The Italian Island by Barbara Josselsohn

I don’t normally read WWII fiction, but this book is set on a fictitious island off the coast of Naples and it combines modern day with 1943, so I decided to give it a go. And I am so glad I did! This is a fabulous book and is book one in a series of three, each focusing on the life of a different sister. ** This book is based on the true story of another island and castle off the Ligurian Coast.

Italy, 1943. A castle once full of love and laughter is left in ruins by the Nazis, as three sisters are torn apart by one terrible mistake…

New York, present day. Mia is heartbroken by the loss of her beloved grandmother Annalisa, the only family she had left in the world. But she is shocked when she finds a fraying letter sent from Italy in her grandmother’s belongings. She had no idea Annalisa once lived in a magnificent, vine-covered castle on an isolated Italian island. What secrets was she hiding there? Could retracing her steps finally help Mia heal from her grief?

Arriving on the stunning Italian coast just a boat ride away from Isola di Parissi, Mia instantly falls in love with the crumbling castle surrounded by lush olive groves. And when she meets handsome local guide Leo, she’s charmed by the sparkle in his eyes and his passion for the beautiful country he calls home. With his help, they sneak into the closed-off areas of the isolated island in search of clues…

Soon they find handwritten notes hidden in the walls of the castle. But Mia is left reeling when she discovers that her grandmother had sisters… and rather than the happily-ever-after Mia thought she’d find, she uncovers a terrible secret that causes her to question everything she ever thought she knew. What happened to them all those years ago when the Nazis stormed onto the once peaceful island? And will it force Mia to leave Leo and Italy forever?

An epic, heart-wrenching tale based on the incredible true story of an island at war. Fans of Lucinda Riley, Fiona Valpy and Victoria Hislop will be utterly gripped.

Available in Kindle, Paperback and Audible Audiobook formats. See here on Amazon. *** at the time of writing this post this book is only 99 cents if you have an Audible membership. Check out a free audible trial here.

The Poison Keeper by Deborah Swift

Based on the true story of Giulia Tofana, a professional poison maker in Renaissance Italy, this is another book you just cannot put down! 17th century Italy was a treacherous place for women. Girls were married off young to much older men. Many of them were raped and beaten, even tortured by their husbands. The only way out was to procure the magical Aqua Tofana from Giulia, and slowly poison your abusive husband to death…

Wishing Shelf Book of the Decade

BookViral Book of the Year

Naples 1633

Aqua Tofana – One drop to heal. Three drops to kill.

Giulia Tofana longs for more responsibility in her mother’s apothecary business, but Mamma has always been secretive and refuses to tell her the hidden keys to her success. But the day Mamma is arrested for the poisoning of the powerful Duke de Verdi, Giulia is shocked to uncover the darker side of her trade.

Giulia must run for her life, and escapes to Naples, under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, to the home of her Aunt Isabetta, a famous courtesan. But when Giulia hears that her mother has been executed, and the cruel manner of her death, she swears she will wreak revenge on the Duke de Verdi.

The trouble is, Naples is in the grip of Domenico, the Duke’s brother, who controls the city with the ‘Camorra’, the mafia. Worse, her Aunt Isabetta, under his thrall, insists that she should be consort to him.

Based on the legendary life of Giulia Tofana, this is a story of hidden family secrets, and how courage and love can overcome vengeance.

Available in Kindle, Paperback and Audible Audiobook formats. See here on Amazon.

Do You Listen To Audiobooks?

As much as I read all the time, I also tend to have audiobooks on as I go about my day. Especially now, while the news is so angst inducing, I prefer to escape into a compelling story while I’m exercising, commuting, doing housework, even while I’m cooking.

Audible has several different options for audiobook memberships. The Unlimited Plus membership gives you a free one month trial, and you have access to the thousands of Unlimited Plus audiobooks, podcasts and original Audible shows. The Audible Premium Plus Annual Membership gives you all of this plus 12 titles from the best seller collection.

If like me you consume books digitally, a Kindle Unlimited Membership gives you access to thousands of books, free with your membership. I read on a Kindle Paperwhite. I’ve had the same one for years now and it’s still going strong. Before buying my Kindle I read eBooks using the free Kindle App on my iPad.

Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Naples

Naples is one of the coolest, most exciting cities on earth, yet strangely has remained mostly below the tourism radar. Much more than just pizza and Pompeii and being the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Naples is historically one of the most important cities in the world.

In the space of 100 meters you can see and touch ancient Greece, ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque and modern day architecture. For centuries Naples and Paris were the two cultural centers of Europe, famous for art, music and incredible foods. Add to that the magnificent views from all over Naples, and it becomes a must-see stop on any Italian trip. My book Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Naples takes you on a glorious journey through the city, showing and explaining the incredible site the tourists just don’t know about. It is designed to make you fall in love with Napoli the way I have. If you are anything like me, it will make you ache to get back to Naples as often as you can!

Audiobooks

The Medici Return

Cold Tuscan Stone

On Kindle

Collecting Can Be Murder

A Handheld Mini Fan

Apple AirTags

A Portable Charger

A Kindle (Or E-Reader)

Kidde Travel Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Not Electronic But Still Necessary Items

Packing Cubes

Travel Toiletry Containers

Venus Mini Razor

View across the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius.

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Wishing Shelf Book of the Decade

BookViral Book of the Year

Do You Listen To Audiobooks?

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