Well written, interesting characters, both moral and plot complexity, somewhat predictable, but not annoyingly so. ( )

Enjoyed reading about the comparisons of the rich people vs the locals. Felt happy for Alex to have found a childhood friend for his summers when so asthmatic and that he was able to find ways to overcome it. Liked that he could see his parent's faults in a so-so marriage but really had a hard time with him forgetting Rosa so completely after the accident with her father. Admired Rosa for her determination and belief in helping family over everything else. ( )

I've never read this author before, but I will again.
Great story, great characters.

I wondered when I started this, how can they make Rosa and Alex's breakup so upsetting that she's still mad at him over a decade later but still make him forgivable and loveable enough that we want them back together?
Mission accomplished.

Very entertaining story, I really couldn't put it down till I finished it.
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They were approximately nine years old when they met. Rosa Capoletti was the daughter of the gardener and Alex Montgomery was the asthmatic son of the mansion’s owner. As they played together each summer their friendship grew deeper and deeper. Then Rosa’s father was hit by a car and it all seemed to fall apart, their friendship, her dreams of college, the thought they could overcome the differences in their backgrounds. Now Alex has come back to town and Rosa, owner of a popular restaurant in town, finds the feelings she has worked hard to push down are starting to rise up again. And as much as she tries, Alex won’t be pushed away.

Susan Wiggs writes very nice romances. You can sense the connections between the characters. With just enough heat to be interesting but not blatant. And you find yourself in a community of people you would like to know outside of a book. ( )

Amanda D, Miller Place, NY : If you like stories on food and wine, friendship and romances than you'll never want to put this book down.

This was an amazing story that soothes the soul, and warms your heart. It makes the reader believe in second chances and love that you've never imagined would possibly ever occur.

In this story love, laughter, and secrets all take place. Rosa Capoletti takes a run-down pizza joint and turns it into an award winning restaurant that has been voted "best place to propose" three years in a row. For Rosa, though, there has been no real romance since her love affair with Alexander Montgomery ended, about a decade ago, without any explanation. Now Rosa's business is doing well and nothing could possibly go wrong, expect that Alexander returns to town. Reunited at the beach house where they first fell in love, Rosa and Alexander discover secrets about their history. Now, with all that Rosa could possibly want right in front of her, Will Rosa search for happiness with the man who once broke her heart? And will they learn that in love, as in life, there are second chances?

Also through out this book there are recipes for Italian food that you'll just absolutely die for!