Book Shelf: Wish You Were Italian (If Only . . . #2) by Kristin Rae

The summer before senior year of high school. It’s supposed to be one of the biggest summers of her life, but Pippa is headed to an art program she has no interest in. The one saving grace is it’s in Italy. And when the opportunity strikes, she decides to ditch the program and travel Italy accomplishing her own list of goals. Things like swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, eating a whole pizza in one sitting…and falling in love with an Italian boy!

As she explores the famous cities of Rome and Pompeii, Pippa finds herself falling for two boys: a local guy she knows is nothing but trouble and a cute American archaeology student who keeps disappearing and reappearing at the strangest moments. Will Pippa find her true love before her parents find out the truth about her summer program?  

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Review:

Wish You Were Italian is the second book in the If Only series, this time written by author Kristin Rae and can easily be read as a stand alone novel. A fun, enticing read full of culture, friendship and romance, Wish You Were Italian will make you long for an adventure of your own!

Following seventeen year old Pippa who has been sent to Italy by her parents to study art for the summer at an art school in Florence, Wish You Were Italian sees Pippa throw caution to the wind when she decides to skip out on the art program, choosing instead to explore Italy on her own. Armed with some cash from her father, a journal full of activities from her best friend back home and a wish list of things she wants to do before she leaves, one of which is to fall in love with an Italian, Pippa begins exploring Italy. Only not everything goes as planned as an American boy with a great nature and stunning curls starts to make Pippa's heart race, a beautiful family with a sexy son and a girl who becomes an amazing friend make Pippa long to put down roots and a surprising development has Pippa questioning just what is important.

Wish You Were Italian was a really great book to read. As her debut novel, Kristin Rae manages to hit the nail on the head with this Italian adventure. I was impressed with the culture Rae weaves together with romance, humor and friendship. Seeing the main character visit the Trevi Fountain, explore Pompeii, the Coliseum and coastal villages of Italy makes you long to see them yourself, even as you're living vicariously through Pippa.

Pippa is a smart, sweet and strong young woman. She's down to earth and extremely likable and it's impossible not to enjoy following her. I loved seeing her fall for Darren, even though he wasn't what she thought she wanted and I enjoyed seeing her experience so much authentic Italy. Pippa made choices and decisions and I was right there alongside her, happy with practically every one.

Kristin Rae fills Wish You Were Italian with plenty of wonderfully colorful individuals Pippa meets during her time in Italy who you just can't help but fall in love with. From the charismatic and adorable Darren, to the amazing Chiara who becomes a true friend to Pippa to Chiara's extended family who welcome Pippa into their home and Darrens travelling companions--you can't help but appreciate each and every one of them for what they bring to the story.

Rich in culture, romance and addictive situations, Wish You Were Italian is a fantastic summer read you won't want to miss!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Bloomsbury Australia (Thank you Sonia!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you're a contemporary fan and are looking for something fun, you'll not want to miss this.
Cover: So very colorful and cute!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes