This month, our book group enjoyed a lively discussion of 'The Temptation of Gracie' by Santa Montefiore. Overall, everyone enjoyed the book and agreed that it was an easy and entertaining read.
We particularly enjoyed discovering that Gracie, who initially appears to be a rather ordinary retired lady, has a much more intriguing past than first meets the eye. The revelations about her earlier life in Italy and the secrets she has kept were a real surprise.
The group especially loved the sections set in Italy and the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Santa Montefiore's evocative descriptions of the scenery, villages, heat, food and Italian way of life were a real highlight, transporting us straight into the heart of Tuscany.
There was also an appreciation for the way the characters developed throughout the story, particularly the evolving mother-daughter relationships. We enjoyed seeing how family bonds, misunderstandings and secrets unfolded, and how the experiences of the different characters influenced one another. The romantic relationships were also a highlight, showing that the excitement, passion and emotions of young love are timeless, whatever the generation.
However, not everyone was entirely convinced by every aspect of the storytelling. Some found parts of the plot a little predictable, while others felt that the switching between the two timelines occasionally made the story feel slightly disjointed.
Nevertheless, the unexpected secrets, engaging characters and wonderful Italian setting made this an enjoyable choice for the group and gave us plenty to talk about.
The next book to be read will be ‘Will She Do?’ by Eileen Atkins.
This will be discussed on Friday 11th December 2026.