This was the perfect book for me right now. It was light and friendly and filled with sunshine. A holiday in the hills of Italy, with great food and new friends was just the escape I needed!  
 I felt like I was being welcomed by Emma and Mark along with the other guests. It was nice to “get to know” the characters through their actions, and interactions with one another. I never felt that the characterization was forced. 
The descriptions of Todi and the surrounding villages had me researching the area. It seems beautiful. Although I may have to side with Grace and Heike that the hills would be a bit much for me. 
Unfortunately I did not warm up to all the characters. I know that Madison tried to redeem herself, and was headed in the right direction. However, I could not let go of her treatment of the others in the beginning. Sorry Madison!