Reviews for Ask Me if I'm Happy
This is where you will find a collection of reviews for Ask Me if I'm Happy, collected from around the 'net. If you have a review of the book you'd like to share, please send it to us! We'd be happy to include it here.
GoodReads Reviews
"A wonderful debut novel by a talented writer. A lovely literary read with a strong romantic core."
Nell Dixon, author of "Animal Instincts" - winner of RNA Love Story of the Year 2010
(Five star rating)
Nell Dixon, author of "Animal Instincts" - winner of RNA Love Story of the Year 2010
(Five star rating)
(Voirey Linger's review from Amazon was also posted on GoodReads, where she gave the book five stars.)
"One
of the best stories I have read in years. Refreshing in it's realistic
approach to romance. This book can, and should, be turned into a movie.
The characters are real. You can relate to them. Once I started to read
the first few pages I was hooked. It was difficult to put the book down.
Hours would pass easily as I lost myself in the storyline. Kimberly
Menozzi is a word artist. She can create a canvas so realistic you could
swear you lived it. I highly recommend this book."
By Debbi (Five star rating - this GoodReads user/reviewer posted another review on Amazon, below)
By Debbi (Five star rating - this GoodReads user/reviewer posted another review on Amazon, below)
"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."
By Greta van der Rol (Four star rating - also appeared on Amazon.com)
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."
By Greta van der Rol (Four star rating - also appeared on Amazon.com)
I’ve started reading ‘Ask if I’m happy’ this morning and am enjoying it a lot already. On page 26 and before she realizes what the last reason is why he watched her… I think I realized it too and went to check in the previous pages. At the moment I have this joy of what might come going through me … and instead of preparing to go out and buy groceries, clean the flat….. I continue reading and enjoy to be in Bologna at least in the story if not in real. I guess it is a compliment if you feel like you are there or feel sad not to be there, where the story is happening …. It just feels so real and I can feel, smell the atmosphere of Bologna.
What a hard story to read this one is going to be for me….. Needing to close the book , wanted to read on and not wanting to read on because each page I read is one less to read.
It is like eating a home made mascarpone dessert. Following Emily on her way through Bologna, being in one of the stations of Milan with her, while she is dealing with a painful past and a very special guide filling her present.
Emily or Emilia like Davide calls her in Italian, is leaving Italy after having lived there for ten years. She can’t wait to leave Italy, the Italians and everything else around her and go back to the States. That special day in Bologna where a typical Italian train strike makes everything go wrong, will also change her life in a huge way.
Back in the States, back where she should feel home Emilia can’t stop thinking about Italy, the Italians or a certain Italian and like the author writes it so correctly, she feels a nostalgia not only for the coffee at the bar in the morning but also for the typical things you don’t have in Italy which could make you go crazy. Those typical, in some way negative, Italian things like shops closed on Sunday or long closing hours during noon … they make her want to go back. But what can she expect back in Italy? She left Italy after ten years, being married and divorced … now she goes back to finalize the sell of the house. Back to Bologna, to where a day, a year ago, everything changed for Emilia.
Her visit back in Italy is like coming home and she knows she made the correct decision, but ten every story has a ‘but’. The but for Emilia is that suddenly everything goes unexpected, her visit back goes like a whirlwind of emotions, unexpected situation. The end of the story felt so intense that I was scared to learn how it would happen.
Kimberly, thank you so much for sending me your book. I absolutely loved it. I loved the story and the feeling it gave me of really being in Italy. Next time I see Nettuno on the piazza in Bologna… I might watch for the ring.
Oh and, I loved the creation of Davide. Who wouldn't?
By Jeane (Four star rating)
What a hard story to read this one is going to be for me….. Needing to close the book , wanted to read on and not wanting to read on because each page I read is one less to read.
It is like eating a home made mascarpone dessert. Following Emily on her way through Bologna, being in one of the stations of Milan with her, while she is dealing with a painful past and a very special guide filling her present.
Emily or Emilia like Davide calls her in Italian, is leaving Italy after having lived there for ten years. She can’t wait to leave Italy, the Italians and everything else around her and go back to the States. That special day in Bologna where a typical Italian train strike makes everything go wrong, will also change her life in a huge way.
Back in the States, back where she should feel home Emilia can’t stop thinking about Italy, the Italians or a certain Italian and like the author writes it so correctly, she feels a nostalgia not only for the coffee at the bar in the morning but also for the typical things you don’t have in Italy which could make you go crazy. Those typical, in some way negative, Italian things like shops closed on Sunday or long closing hours during noon … they make her want to go back. But what can she expect back in Italy? She left Italy after ten years, being married and divorced … now she goes back to finalize the sell of the house. Back to Bologna, to where a day, a year ago, everything changed for Emilia.
Her visit back in Italy is like coming home and she knows she made the correct decision, but ten every story has a ‘but’. The but for Emilia is that suddenly everything goes unexpected, her visit back goes like a whirlwind of emotions, unexpected situation. The end of the story felt so intense that I was scared to learn how it would happen.
Kimberly, thank you so much for sending me your book. I absolutely loved it. I loved the story and the feeling it gave me of really being in Italy. Next time I see Nettuno on the piazza in Bologna… I might watch for the ring.
Oh and, I loved the creation of Davide. Who wouldn't?
By Jeane (Four star rating)
Five-star Reviews from Amazon.com
December 16, 2010
Great Book
This a great book! Once you start reading it, you will not want to put it down. You are drawn in by the characters and the way everything is described, you feel as if you have been to Italy yourself. Ask Me if I am happy is a Must read!
By tansmom
Great Book
This a great book! Once you start reading it, you will not want to put it down. You are drawn in by the characters and the way everything is described, you feel as if you have been to Italy yourself. Ask Me if I am happy is a Must read!
By tansmom
January 21, 2011
Absolutely Lovely Read
When Emily Miller's fairytale marriage ends in betrayal, she's anxious to put Italy, her home for the past ten years, behind her and return to America. Fate seems to be working against her, and a transportation delay leaves her stuck in Bologna for a day. There she meets Davide Magnani who entertains her by introducing her to the city. When the trains are moving again, Davide accompanies her to Milan, loath to say goodbye until he absolutely must. Even after her return to America the two keep in touch, and when Emily must return to Italy, the two are happy to reunite. But her business in Italy uncovers an unwelcome link, and Emily's fragile trust is tested.
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, now 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.
By Voirey Linger
(this review was also posted on GoodReads)
Absolutely Lovely Read
When Emily Miller's fairytale marriage ends in betrayal, she's anxious to put Italy, her home for the past ten years, behind her and return to America. Fate seems to be working against her, and a transportation delay leaves her stuck in Bologna for a day. There she meets Davide Magnani who entertains her by introducing her to the city. When the trains are moving again, Davide accompanies her to Milan, loath to say goodbye until he absolutely must. Even after her return to America the two keep in touch, and when Emily must return to Italy, the two are happy to reunite. But her business in Italy uncovers an unwelcome link, and Emily's fragile trust is tested.
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, now 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.
By Voirey Linger
(this review was also posted on GoodReads)
March 9, 2011
Ask Me if I Liked It
Ask Me If I'm Happy is the best book I have read in years. A true contender for Oprah's book club. To be able to read about a country that I have never been to and feel like I just came back from there is astounding. The characters were real, relate-able. It was so easy to get lost for hours in the storyline. The only negative I can say about the book was that it eventually ended. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to escape into a world just out of reach, but not impossible to find. This book would make a terrific movie, given that it's true quality is kept intact. Read it. Tell your friends to read it. They'll thank you; as you will thank me.
By Debbi
Ask Me if I Liked It
Ask Me If I'm Happy is the best book I have read in years. A true contender for Oprah's book club. To be able to read about a country that I have never been to and feel like I just came back from there is astounding. The characters were real, relate-able. It was so easy to get lost for hours in the storyline. The only negative I can say about the book was that it eventually ended. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to escape into a world just out of reach, but not impossible to find. This book would make a terrific movie, given that it's true quality is kept intact. Read it. Tell your friends to read it. They'll thank you; as you will thank me.
By Debbi
March 22, 2011
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!
By Christopher
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!
By Christopher
September 11, 2011
Hopefully the first of many to come
"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."
By Gini
Hopefully the first of many to come
"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."
By Gini
October 19, 2011
Ask me If I'm Happy
A great book to read! Once I started I could not stop until I was finished reading it. First it made me want to learn Italian. The language is so beautiful and the way she described Italy...I felt as if I was literally there. Secondly, It was nice to see how love can sometimes come so easy in your life, but baggage from your past doesn't allow you to see whats right in front of you.I also enjoyed how these two people crossed paths as strangers but were already connected in that its-a-small-world kinda way. As I read this book, I secretly hope these two made it and did not fall victim to past failed relationship issues and that Miss Emily stayed in Italy. This is a MUST read!!!!!
By Tiffany
Ask me If I'm Happy
A great book to read! Once I started I could not stop until I was finished reading it. First it made me want to learn Italian. The language is so beautiful and the way she described Italy...I felt as if I was literally there. Secondly, It was nice to see how love can sometimes come so easy in your life, but baggage from your past doesn't allow you to see whats right in front of you.I also enjoyed how these two people crossed paths as strangers but were already connected in that its-a-small-world kinda way. As I read this book, I secretly hope these two made it and did not fall victim to past failed relationship issues and that Miss Emily stayed in Italy. This is a MUST read!!!!!
By Tiffany
Four-star Reviews from Amazon.com
February 17, 2011
A refreshing perspective on Italy
This was a well told story, that I liked even more because it rings true. In my opinion, Italy is a WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL place to be. However, it is NOT perfect, as it is portrayed by many other authors. I liked that this author, Kimberly Menozzi, did an astounding job of showing BOTH sides of Italy, the good AND the bad (or not as good). :)
I really enjoyed how this story progressed. Once I was into it, I could not stand to put it down! I was up all hours of the night reading! I loved how "Italian" this book felt--I mean, it felt like the author really knew the area well, it wasn't just contrived out of her imagination (which is fine, btw), but I just liked that the descriptions felt real and accurate. I was able to picture myself there, which is the sign of a great book, in my opinion.
The characters in the book have many conversations in Italian, which I loved, because it felt authentic to the story. However, since I am not anywhere near proficient in the Italian language, I feel like I missed out on several key exchanges between the characters. Don't get me wrong, MANY, MANY of these conversations were translated, explained, or hinted at, so I could extrapolate what was going on. But I do wish that there would have been a bit more translation, because, as I said, I feel like I missed out on some key exchanges between the characters. But based on what Italian was indeed translated, I feel like I learned a lot of new words and phrases, so that was very cool. (So, really, the problem is probably ME, since I picked up an Italy based book, and don't know Italian!) :)
I am definitely looking forward to this authors next book!
By T. Moore (CA)
A refreshing perspective on Italy
This was a well told story, that I liked even more because it rings true. In my opinion, Italy is a WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL place to be. However, it is NOT perfect, as it is portrayed by many other authors. I liked that this author, Kimberly Menozzi, did an astounding job of showing BOTH sides of Italy, the good AND the bad (or not as good). :)
I really enjoyed how this story progressed. Once I was into it, I could not stand to put it down! I was up all hours of the night reading! I loved how "Italian" this book felt--I mean, it felt like the author really knew the area well, it wasn't just contrived out of her imagination (which is fine, btw), but I just liked that the descriptions felt real and accurate. I was able to picture myself there, which is the sign of a great book, in my opinion.
The characters in the book have many conversations in Italian, which I loved, because it felt authentic to the story. However, since I am not anywhere near proficient in the Italian language, I feel like I missed out on several key exchanges between the characters. Don't get me wrong, MANY, MANY of these conversations were translated, explained, or hinted at, so I could extrapolate what was going on. But I do wish that there would have been a bit more translation, because, as I said, I feel like I missed out on some key exchanges between the characters. But based on what Italian was indeed translated, I feel like I learned a lot of new words and phrases, so that was very cool. (So, really, the problem is probably ME, since I picked up an Italy based book, and don't know Italian!) :)
I am definitely looking forward to this authors next book!
By T. Moore (CA)
March 14, 2011
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.
By Robert Stermscheg "Richemonte" (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
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.
By Robert Stermscheg "Richemonte" (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)
March 15, 2011
Ask Me If I'm happy - took me back to Italy
This modern day easy to read love story describes Italy, the people and culture so vividly that I could literally smell the coffee, taste the cheese, feel the hot breeze of air on the narrow old streets and hear the noises of a waking city.
For me the other lovely thing was the use of Italian language - as a rusty Italian speaker, it was so delightful to be able to understand the language again, as Kimberly used it in the context and just the right amount. Top marks for that!
Anything else from the same author, I certainly will buy and read, very enjoyable on so many levels.
By Terhi
Ask Me If I'm happy - took me back to Italy
This modern day easy to read love story describes Italy, the people and culture so vividly that I could literally smell the coffee, taste the cheese, feel the hot breeze of air on the narrow old streets and hear the noises of a waking city.
For me the other lovely thing was the use of Italian language - as a rusty Italian speaker, it was so delightful to be able to understand the language again, as Kimberly used it in the context and just the right amount. Top marks for that!
Anything else from the same author, I certainly will buy and read, very enjoyable on so many levels.
By Terhi
Five-star Reviews from Amazon.co.uk
4 Dec 2010
A beautiful romantic tale
A beautifully written tale set in Bologna by a talented writer with a wonderfully rich descriptive voice. The scenes and characters in this book were so vivid they stayed in my mind long after I'd finished the book.
By Mrs. H. Sneyd "Nell" (uk)
A beautiful romantic tale
A beautifully written tale set in Bologna by a talented writer with a wonderfully rich descriptive voice. The scenes and characters in this book were so vivid they stayed in my mind long after I'd finished the book.
By Mrs. H. Sneyd "Nell" (uk)
Independent Reviews/Comments
On her website, Cameron Chapman said: "This is an absolutely beautiful book, a seamless blending of romance and literary fiction."
Silvia M - a.k.a. Brighton Blogger - reviewed Ask Me if I'm Happy on her Book After Book blog. This is what she had to say:
"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!
Ask Me If I’m Happy opens on the last day that the Emily Miller ever intends to spend in Italy. Following a whirlwind romance and an excruciatingly difficult marriage with Italian playboy Jacopo, she is looking forward to leaving her adoptive country behind and starting afresh in America. Italian train strikes, however, are unforgiving and Emily finds herself stranded in Bologna on her way to the airport in Milan.
It is while Emily is giving in to panic that, in the best knight-in-shining-armour tradition, Davide Magnani makes his appearance. A fellow passenger, he couldn’t help but notice the sad-looking American and he is inexplicably overwhelmed by the urge to help her and make sure that she reaches her destination safely. He has never met her before and yet he wants – needs, almost – to make her happy.
Despite Emily’s initial reserve, the two of them spend a wonderful day together in Bologna, Davide’s hometown. So wonderful that, in less than 24 hours since first laying eyes on each other, Cupid seems to have struck his arrow. Suddenly, that America-bound plane stops being so appealing. There is no doubt that Davide would like Emily to stay in Italy. Is she ready though?
And this is where I’m going to stop because 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!
Ask Me If I’m Happy opens on the last day that the Emily Miller ever intends to spend in Italy. Following a whirlwind romance and an excruciatingly difficult marriage with Italian playboy Jacopo, she is looking forward to leaving her adoptive country behind and starting afresh in America. Italian train strikes, however, are unforgiving and Emily finds herself stranded in Bologna on her way to the airport in Milan.
It is while Emily is giving in to panic that, in the best knight-in-shining-armour tradition, Davide Magnani makes his appearance. A fellow passenger, he couldn’t help but notice the sad-looking American and he is inexplicably overwhelmed by the urge to help her and make sure that she reaches her destination safely. He has never met her before and yet he wants – needs, almost – to make her happy.
Despite Emily’s initial reserve, the two of them spend a wonderful day together in Bologna, Davide’s hometown. So wonderful that, in less than 24 hours since first laying eyes on each other, Cupid seems to have struck his arrow. Suddenly, that America-bound plane stops being so appealing. There is no doubt that Davide would like Emily to stay in Italy. Is she ready though?
And this is where I’m going to stop because 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!"
June 29, 2011
Strong Romantic Novel
"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.
Kimberley'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."
By LindyLouMac (This review was also posted on both of her blogs as well as on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and on GoodReads, where she gave the book five stars.)
Strong Romantic Novel
"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.
Kimberley'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."
By LindyLouMac (This review was also posted on both of her blogs as well as on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and on GoodReads, where she gave the book five stars.)
Book Shelf Reviews on Facebook said this about Ask Me if I'm Happy:
"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."
December 13th, 2011
Book Stack Reviews said this about Ask Me if I'm Happy:
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.
February 6th, 2012
Storm Goddess Book Reviews & More
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 or not, this story will hold your heart in the palm of it's 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 created such a flowing pace, outstanding characters, and a setting that's not overly described but gives plenty for the reader's imagination.
Storm Goddess Book Reviews & More
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 or not, this story will hold your heart in the palm of it's 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 created such a flowing pace, outstanding characters, and a setting that's not overly described but gives plenty for the reader's imagination.
