My Book Review > 'The Olive Branch', by Jo Thomas

« A bit of sun and dolce vita is exactly what you need ». But settling abroad is not as simple or easy as one might think. Actually, even if you’re settling in some kind of paradise, it «isn’t all as rosy as it looks. You can’t run away from your problems; they follow you wherever you go ». In spite of the dramatic change in her life and lifestyle, the feeling of loneliness that comes with, and the hostility of her neighbors, Ruthie will succeed to adapt herself to her new environment and will run the Bellanuovo estate; she will renovate and restore her newly acquired property, she will learn how to harvest olives and, against all odds, she will harvest them in time. Hence, she will get the support of the local community. But in matters of love things will not come so easily; if she falls for Marco, her fiery neighbor seems to be more concerned about one thing and one thing only: to recover possession of his family’s land and property, which are now Ruthie’s. But don’t worry: Marco admires Ruthie for her courage, her determination... and (of course) he fell for her; yes, he loves (and admires) her, from the bottom of his heart! ‘The Olive Branch’ is a lovely book; beyond the love story, it depicts a courageous woman who overcomes her fears… and adversity. « Olives and romance might just flourish in the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea».