This week, in light of the fact I'm doing a live interview on Blog Talk Radio, I thought I'd do a little bragging and share some positive news about the book I'll be discussing there tonight.
So please allow me to present to you:
So please allow me to present to you:
Thirteen Reviews of Ask Me if I'm Happy
1) Author Cameron Chapman had this to say on Goodreads:
"This is an absolutely beautiful book, a seamless blending of romance and literary fiction. The characters are well-portrayed and easy to relate to. The settings come alive and this is where the author's first-hand experience really shines. My only caveat would be to keep your Italian dictionary close at hand! (Though the inclusion of some Italian words and phrases does lend a wonderful sense of realism to the overall story.) Highly recommended!"
"This is an absolutely beautiful book, a seamless blending of romance and literary fiction. The characters are well-portrayed and easy to relate to. The settings come alive and this is where the author's first-hand experience really shines. My only caveat would be to keep your Italian dictionary close at hand! (Though the inclusion of some Italian words and phrases does lend a wonderful sense of realism to the overall story.) Highly recommended!"
2) "Moira" had this to say on Amazon.co.uk:
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Some really likeable characters and a not so likeable mother. Heartily recommend this one except that I now want to go back to Italy!!"
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Some really likeable characters and a not so likeable mother. Heartily recommend this one except that I now want to go back to Italy!!"
3) "Gini" said this on Amazon.com:
"Having lived in Italy and been to some of the places mentioned in the book helps a lot to feel like you are there. But if the author doesn't manage to bring over the story in a way it feels so realistic, true... it doesn't matter if you would even live there.
Kimberly Menozzi did a superb job with this and combined it with an absolutely beautiful story. The describtion of the main characters, the places they visited, the things they said .... I loved it and would just reread it again. I so miss not reading it at this moment and catch myself thinking about the story many times."
"Having lived in Italy and been to some of the places mentioned in the book helps a lot to feel like you are there. But if the author doesn't manage to bring over the story in a way it feels so realistic, true... it doesn't matter if you would even live there.
Kimberly Menozzi did a superb job with this and combined it with an absolutely beautiful story. The describtion of the main characters, the places they visited, the things they said .... I loved it and would just reread it again. I so miss not reading it at this moment and catch myself thinking about the story many times."
4) On Amazon.com, author/editor Christopher Allen said:
"Ask me if I liked it
I did.
Emily Miller hasn't had much luck in the area of trust. We first meet her as she's trying to leave Italy after a difficult divorce, but when fate brings Davide into her life, she must re-evaluate her future and her concept of home.
Ask Me if I'm Happy is a delicately observed romance with a 14-page "climax," and I don't think any reader out there would have a doubt in her mind whether Emily is happy at this point.
But the plot takes a turn . . . . I read the last 75 pages holding my breath.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel for its attention to emotional detail, for its believable characters, and for the Italian. Fantastico!"
"Ask me if I liked it
I did.
Emily Miller hasn't had much luck in the area of trust. We first meet her as she's trying to leave Italy after a difficult divorce, but when fate brings Davide into her life, she must re-evaluate her future and her concept of home.
Ask Me if I'm Happy is a delicately observed romance with a 14-page "climax," and I don't think any reader out there would have a doubt in her mind whether Emily is happy at this point.
But the plot takes a turn . . . . I read the last 75 pages holding my breath.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel for its attention to emotional detail, for its believable characters, and for the Italian. Fantastico!"
5) Robert Stermscheg had this to say on Amazon.com:
"Love recaptured
If the program allowed, I would give this review 4.5 out of 5(as opposed to 4). This is simply a love story and not a melodramatic drama. It's well-written, engaging, but not predictable. Ms. Menozzi's introduction to 'small town' Italy was cleverly thought out and subtly brings the reader into a comfortable familiarity with town life as well as the characters. What was refreshing for me(as a man) was that the protagonist, Davide, was depicted in a favorable light; a man, an educated man, who has passion but is able to control his inner urges. Likewise, Emilia, though dealing with a difficult breakup, comes across as a vulnerable, yet classy lady. A good story. Bravo! Ms. Menozzi."
"Love recaptured
If the program allowed, I would give this review 4.5 out of 5(as opposed to 4). This is simply a love story and not a melodramatic drama. It's well-written, engaging, but not predictable. Ms. Menozzi's introduction to 'small town' Italy was cleverly thought out and subtly brings the reader into a comfortable familiarity with town life as well as the characters. What was refreshing for me(as a man) was that the protagonist, Davide, was depicted in a favorable light; a man, an educated man, who has passion but is able to control his inner urges. Likewise, Emilia, though dealing with a difficult breakup, comes across as a vulnerable, yet classy lady. A good story. Bravo! Ms. Menozzi."
6) Book Shelf Reviews on Facebook said:
"An absolutely fantastic book full of restrained passion, think Brief encounter or Strangers on a train. The anticipation builds until the reader is nearly bursting. A must for romantics everywhere and should be made compulsory reading for males."
"An absolutely fantastic book full of restrained passion, think Brief encounter or Strangers on a train. The anticipation builds until the reader is nearly bursting. A must for romantics everywhere and should be made compulsory reading for males."
7) Storm Goddess Reviews said:
"My thoughts - Ask Me If I'm Happy will make a believer out of you. Whether or not you believe in love at first sight, this story will hold your heart in the palm of its hands and you'll feel the gentle tugs on your heart strings. Set in Italy, the main characters of this book have had their fair share of heartache and pain. For them to take a chance at love again makes for a poignant, moving story. Both parts romance and literary fiction, there's a little bit for everyone. The emotional portion is like a sucker punch to the gut. The author has done an amazing job creating such a flowing pace, outstanding characters, and a setting that's not overly described but gives plenty for the reader's imagination."
"My thoughts - Ask Me If I'm Happy will make a believer out of you. Whether or not you believe in love at first sight, this story will hold your heart in the palm of its hands and you'll feel the gentle tugs on your heart strings. Set in Italy, the main characters of this book have had their fair share of heartache and pain. For them to take a chance at love again makes for a poignant, moving story. Both parts romance and literary fiction, there's a little bit for everyone. The emotional portion is like a sucker punch to the gut. The author has done an amazing job creating such a flowing pace, outstanding characters, and a setting that's not overly described but gives plenty for the reader's imagination."
8) "LBJ" said this on Amazon.com:
"This book has so much to offer I'm not sure where to begin. With Emily, Ms. Menozzi gives us a woman who is has found her own quiet strength. I love the way this strength is portrayed, not with and overwhelming show of force, but with a gentle nudge and a firm backbone. The balance is portrayed with great skill.
I have to mention the wonderful way Ms. Menozzi captures Italy, its sights, people, and the little quirks of the culture.
This book is highly recommended. I loved it and look forward to more titles by this author."
"This book has so much to offer I'm not sure where to begin. With Emily, Ms. Menozzi gives us a woman who is has found her own quiet strength. I love the way this strength is portrayed, not with and overwhelming show of force, but with a gentle nudge and a firm backbone. The balance is portrayed with great skill.
I have to mention the wonderful way Ms. Menozzi captures Italy, its sights, people, and the little quirks of the culture.
This book is highly recommended. I loved it and look forward to more titles by this author."
9) "Lindy Lou Mac" said this on her various review sites, as well as Amazon:
Ask Me If I'm Happy is a strong romantic novel strengthened by the setting and the use of the Italian language, which make this novel a perfect read, not only for fans of romantic novels but those who love all things Italian. The Italian presence is very evident and the author shares her flaws not just her beauty.
The two protagonists are Emily Miller and Davide Magnani they fall in love at first sight! I am not sure I believe in this actually being love when there is an instant chemistry between two people. I think love and true friendship is something that grows from those first attractions. It is not a simple relationship though as these feelings strike on the day Emily is leaving Italy to return to her native America, she thinks for ever after having had her heart broken by another Italian male. We all know that the path of true love is never simple and these two certainly have a rollercoaster of a relationship with coincidences, lies and hidden truths all getting in the way before Davide is able to convince Emily that Italy is where she should be.
Kimberly's writing is very realistic and her characters all feel very believable while her descriptions will make you feel you are in Italy. As I am not a great fan of too good to be true romance I was at times a little frustrated with their behaviour but I got caught up in the dream. I was a little surprised that I enjoyed this as much as I did. I think it was because of the talent of this young lady in her portrayal of a modern love affair.
Ask Me If I'm Happy is a strong romantic novel strengthened by the setting and the use of the Italian language, which make this novel a perfect read, not only for fans of romantic novels but those who love all things Italian. The Italian presence is very evident and the author shares her flaws not just her beauty.
The two protagonists are Emily Miller and Davide Magnani they fall in love at first sight! I am not sure I believe in this actually being love when there is an instant chemistry between two people. I think love and true friendship is something that grows from those first attractions. It is not a simple relationship though as these feelings strike on the day Emily is leaving Italy to return to her native America, she thinks for ever after having had her heart broken by another Italian male. We all know that the path of true love is never simple and these two certainly have a rollercoaster of a relationship with coincidences, lies and hidden truths all getting in the way before Davide is able to convince Emily that Italy is where she should be.
Kimberly's writing is very realistic and her characters all feel very believable while her descriptions will make you feel you are in Italy. As I am not a great fan of too good to be true romance I was at times a little frustrated with their behaviour but I got caught up in the dream. I was a little surprised that I enjoyed this as much as I did. I think it was because of the talent of this young lady in her portrayal of a modern love affair.
10) Book Stack Reviews said this:
"Ask Me if I’m Happy is a contemporary love story, with a strong romantic core. The setting of Italy and use of the Italian language strengthen, not only the passion in the book, but, the passion in the characters. The characters of Emily and Davide are believable and heart warming and you will find yourself rooting for their love, even after their first 24 hours in Bologna. A few twists and turns keep the story fresh and interesting. Vivid imagery and description keep you engaged with the characters.
★★★★☆
Why you will like it
A modern love affair set against an old romantic backdrop. Likeable characters. Romantic core, yet a strong story."
"Ask Me if I’m Happy is a contemporary love story, with a strong romantic core. The setting of Italy and use of the Italian language strengthen, not only the passion in the book, but, the passion in the characters. The characters of Emily and Davide are believable and heart warming and you will find yourself rooting for their love, even after their first 24 hours in Bologna. A few twists and turns keep the story fresh and interesting. Vivid imagery and description keep you engaged with the characters.
★★★★☆
Why you will like it
A modern love affair set against an old romantic backdrop. Likeable characters. Romantic core, yet a strong story."
11) Silvia Mazzobel of the Book After Book review blog said:
"While organising the “Italy in Books” reading challenge, someone on Twitter suggested that I read Ask Me If I’m Happy, debut novel of American-born Kimberly Menozzi. Curious, I started reading her blog and I was instantly hooked on her fresh and witty writing style. So much, in fact, that I just had to invite her to be a guest blogger on Book After Book!
It was with trepidation that this month I picked up my copy of Ask Me If I’m Happy and started reading. Having developed great expectations, I was concerned that I might end up being disappointed. I’m glad to report that I needn’t have worried!
...I don’t want to give away too much. I want you to read this book and experience first-hand the joy of getting to know Kimberly’s tri-dimensional characters. You will cheer their bravery and be frustrated when they can’t see what is in front of their eyes. At times, their romance will seem too good to be true, but Emily and Davide are such credible characters that you will be happy to suspend your disbelief and dream along.
And what can I say about the way Italy is portrayed? Simply. Brilliant. Italy is very much the third main character of this novel. Sometimes it sits quietly in the background and sometimes it comes forward in all its splendour. The exaltation of food flavours and textures, the colourful descriptions of people and places… they all help create a genuine picture of Italy, which is not idyllic in any way.
Kimberly’s Italy is a place with flaws as well as merits. It is a country that can annoy you as well as make you fall in love with it. To accomplish this, you need talent. And Mrs Menozzi has plenty of it!"
"While organising the “Italy in Books” reading challenge, someone on Twitter suggested that I read Ask Me If I’m Happy, debut novel of American-born Kimberly Menozzi. Curious, I started reading her blog and I was instantly hooked on her fresh and witty writing style. So much, in fact, that I just had to invite her to be a guest blogger on Book After Book!
It was with trepidation that this month I picked up my copy of Ask Me If I’m Happy and started reading. Having developed great expectations, I was concerned that I might end up being disappointed. I’m glad to report that I needn’t have worried!
...I don’t want to give away too much. I want you to read this book and experience first-hand the joy of getting to know Kimberly’s tri-dimensional characters. You will cheer their bravery and be frustrated when they can’t see what is in front of their eyes. At times, their romance will seem too good to be true, but Emily and Davide are such credible characters that you will be happy to suspend your disbelief and dream along.
And what can I say about the way Italy is portrayed? Simply. Brilliant. Italy is very much the third main character of this novel. Sometimes it sits quietly in the background and sometimes it comes forward in all its splendour. The exaltation of food flavours and textures, the colourful descriptions of people and places… they all help create a genuine picture of Italy, which is not idyllic in any way.
Kimberly’s Italy is a place with flaws as well as merits. It is a country that can annoy you as well as make you fall in love with it. To accomplish this, you need talent. And Mrs Menozzi has plenty of it!"
12) "Debbie" said this on Amazon.com:
"Loved this book. Emily and Davide were so "real". The setting was awesome! I have been to Italy and it felt like I was there again. Thanks for the great book. Will be looking for more from you!"
"Loved this book. Emily and Davide were so "real". The setting was awesome! I have been to Italy and it felt like I was there again. Thanks for the great book. Will be looking for more from you!"
13) And finally, author Greta van der Rol had this to say:
"When I first encountered this story, its name was `Connections' and having now finished reading it, I can both understand the reason for that original name and the reason why the title was changed. At its heart, this is a love story made complicated by the two main players' pasts. This isn't a story about a beautiful woman and a billionaire and there's not a bare-chested highlander in sight. Emily is past her first youth and she has ample curves which would render her ineligible for the catwalk; Davide is an academic. They stumble across each other and then realise as time goes by that there are connections between them stemming from their past.
This isn't an action-packed, fast-paced novel. It's a gentle exploration of character as we learn more and more about what makes Emily and Davide tick, what fuels their uncertainties, what holds them back, what ghosts from the past look over their shoulders. The difference in nationality (Emily is an American who has lived in Italy for ten years, while Davide is a native of Bolgna) are nicely portrayed. I especially enjoyed the intimate glimpses of the medieval city of Bolgna and the culture of its natives. You can smell the food, feel your way down the winding alleys, enjoy the glimpse of the canal, see the square with its statue of Neptune. I think, also, that the author has understood the difference between men and women when it comes to sex and how reactions can be misinterpreted.
Yes, it is a romance but I think the novel will appeal to readers who like character-driven, real-life stories. I enjoyed the read."
"When I first encountered this story, its name was `Connections' and having now finished reading it, I can both understand the reason for that original name and the reason why the title was changed. At its heart, this is a love story made complicated by the two main players' pasts. This isn't a story about a beautiful woman and a billionaire and there's not a bare-chested highlander in sight. Emily is past her first youth and she has ample curves which would render her ineligible for the catwalk; Davide is an academic. They stumble across each other and then realise as time goes by that there are connections between them stemming from their past.
This isn't an action-packed, fast-paced novel. It's a gentle exploration of character as we learn more and more about what makes Emily and Davide tick, what fuels their uncertainties, what holds them back, what ghosts from the past look over their shoulders. The difference in nationality (Emily is an American who has lived in Italy for ten years, while Davide is a native of Bolgna) are nicely portrayed. I especially enjoyed the intimate glimpses of the medieval city of Bolgna and the culture of its natives. You can smell the food, feel your way down the winding alleys, enjoy the glimpse of the canal, see the square with its statue of Neptune. I think, also, that the author has understood the difference between men and women when it comes to sex and how reactions can be misinterpreted.
Yes, it is a romance but I think the novel will appeal to readers who like character-driven, real-life stories. I enjoyed the read."
So there you go.
13 Positive reviews for Ask Me if I'm Happy.
If you've read the book and enjoyed it, I hope you'll share your thoughts on it with other readers by leaving a review on the review site of your choice.
If you've read it and didn't enjoy it 100%, I'd still like to know what you thought of it.
And for those of you who did enjoy it, I think you might also enjoy this:
I know I sure do.
Ciao for now!
Ciao for now!
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