A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay

Book Description:

Art restorer Emily Price has never encountered anything she can’t fix—until she meets Ben, an Italian chef, who seems just right. But when Emily follows Ben home to Italy, she learns that his family is another matter . . .

Emily Price—fix-it girl extraordinaire and would-be artist—dreams of having a gallery show of her own. There is no time for distractions, especially not the ultimate distraction of falling in love.

But Chef Benito Vassallo’s relentless pursuit proves hard to resist. Visiting from Italy, Ben works to breathe new life into his aunt and uncle’s faded restaurant, Piccollo. Soon after their first meeting, he works to win Emily as well—inviting her into his world and into his heart.

Emily astonishes everyone when she accepts Ben’s proposal and follows him home. But instead of allowing the land, culture, and people of Monterello to transform her, Emily interferes with everyone and everything around her, alienating Ben’s tightly knit family. Only Ben’s father, Lucio, gives Emily the understanding she needs to lay down her guard. Soon, Emily’s life and art begin to blossom, and Italy’s beauty and rhythm take hold of her spirit.

Yet when she unearths long-buried family secrets, Emily wonders if she really fits into Ben’s world. Will the joys of Italy become just a memory, or will Emily share in the freedom and grace that her life with Ben has shown her are possible?

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   A Portrait of Emily Price, a novel to add to your must read list. I loved Reay's first novel, Dear Mr. Knightley and I thoroughly enjoyed her following novels; this one however, ranks right up there with Dear Mr. Knightley. From the beginning Reay had me captivated. I loved the lure of this story and the discoveries this novel encapsulated. The discovery of new places and people, a new culture, romance, love, sacrifice, secrets, of being stretched and learning more about yourself. The fact that people are flawed, and sometimes despite your best efforts things do not work out perfectly or the way you pictured them. What then? Do you try harder, do you run away or do you let the circumstances speak to you, teach you; do you remain patient and present?

  This is a novel about all these things, but also a novel about seeing our present more than we see our past. About moving forward and letting go when we need to. Not letting go of people, but of the things that hinder and hold us back. I enjoyed the themes of family and the dynamics of seeing that played out, throughout the novel. Also, learning to forgive, not just others but yourself. I could go on and on. I am sure I could read through this novel again and find some more nuggets tucked away.

   I loved the relationship between Emily and Ben; his patience and steadfastness. This novel has all the ingredients necessary to engage the reader, bring delight and satisfaction. Well written and one to place on your keeper shelf, pick this one up!