‘The locals – people we’ve seen here every year, but never really spoken to – are standing at the bar with their coffees. They nod and smile at us and I see a man reach out to pinch Leonie’s cheek, but she yanks her head out of the way. I laugh. She wouldn’t have done that last year; he would’ve pinched her and she wouldv’e complained about it for the rest of the day. I hear her mutter ‘Back off, grandad,’ as we walk on and Mum must hear her too because she gives her a sharp look.’

– Chapter 4, Page 27

One Italian Summer by Keris Stainton

It’s been a year since Milly, Elyse and Leonie’s dad died, and a year since their last trip to Rome. Summer’s here again, and once again they are heading with their mum to Italy – but what’s it going to be like going without Dad? Rome still holds its familiar charms – the sun is still as warm, the gelato as delicious, the people as welcoming. But nothing is quite as it once was …

With grief still raw for all of them, Milly is facing the additional awfulness of having to see Luke again – gorgeous, gorgeous Luke, who she had a fling with last year, and who she made a total fool of herself with – or so she thinks. What’s going to happen this time? What’s more, things between Milly, her sisters and their mum are rocky – Leonie is being tempestuous and unpredictable, Elyse is caught up with her new boyfriend, and Milly feels like she just doesn’t know how she fits in any more.

Over one Italian summer, can Milly find a way back to the life she once had?

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