On the surface, this story seems to have it all to make a highly appealing read. The setting is Italy, the cast of characters large and diverse, ranging from precocious children to rich, mean mother-in-law. The relationships shift, and love is explored. What's not to like, right? Yet it never lived up to my expectations. It took me forever to finish it, because I was never fully drawn to the characters or the plot, and therefore never had that wonderful feeling of not being able to put the book down. Rather, I felt it more of a duty to finish it because I had started it. When I finished the book, I felt underwhelmed. I was surprised to read that it's a favorite of book clubs. Maybe it gives people an excuse to have their friends over for Italian food. Overall I am sorry to say I was disappointed.