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If You Could Go Anywhere
Angie has always wanted to travel. But at 29, she has still never left her small mining town in the Australian outback. When her grandmother passes away, Angie finally feels free to see the world – until she discovers a letter addressed to the father she never knew and is forced to question everything.
As Angie sets off on her journey to find the truth – about her family, her past and who she really is – will enigmatic stranger Alessandro help guide the way?
As Angie sets off on her journey to find the truth – about her family, her past and who she really is – will enigmatic stranger Alessandro help guide the way?
416 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2019
286 people are currently reading
4292 people want to read
About the author
Paige Toon
39 books5,461 followersPaige Toon grew up between England, Australia and America and has been writing books set in sun-drenched locations around the world since 2007. She has written fifteen novels, a three-part spin-off for young adults and a collection of short stories. Her books have sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide. She loves hearing from her readers so get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PaigeToonAuthor or visit her website and sign up to her free newsletter The Hidden Paige.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 540 reviews
August 28, 2022
3,5 Sterne
Im Großen und Ganzen hat mir das Buch sehr gut gefallen.
Es geht um Angie, die in Australien aufgewachsen und nun auf der Suche nach ihrem Vater in Italien gelandet ist und dort eine neue Familie und neue Freunde findet.
Es ist sehr schön zu lesen, und besonders das Ende hat mich noch mal berührt und überrascht.
Ich mag den Schreibstil der Autorin, und doch gab es zwischendurch immer mal wieder ein paar Längen, daher 3,5 Sterne, die ich aber gerne auf 4 aufrunde.
Es ist eine sehr schöne und auch gefühlvolle Unterhaltungslektüre.
Im Großen und Ganzen hat mir das Buch sehr gut gefallen.
Es geht um Angie, die in Australien aufgewachsen und nun auf der Suche nach ihrem Vater in Italien gelandet ist und dort eine neue Familie und neue Freunde findet.
Es ist sehr schön zu lesen, und besonders das Ende hat mich noch mal berührt und überrascht.
Ich mag den Schreibstil der Autorin, und doch gab es zwischendurch immer mal wieder ein paar Längen, daher 3,5 Sterne, die ich aber gerne auf 4 aufrunde.
Es ist eine sehr schöne und auch gefühlvolle Unterhaltungslektüre.
June 12, 2019
I've been in a pretty bad reading slump these past few weeks (or maybe even months) and so I was pretty excited when Paige Toon's new novel finally arrived because her books usually always manage to get me out of those slumps. However, this time around, that wasn't really the case.
It took me ages to get through the first half of this novel and I think I didn't really get into the story of If You Could Go Anywhere until around page 250. But I really began to enjoy the book afterwards and finished the rest of it in one sitting. So fingers crossed I might finally be done with the reading slump now.
Right now, I'm going to rate this book three stars but I think my reading slump definitely negatively influenced my reading experience. That's why this is more of a preliminary rating and I'll definitely try to go back and reread it once I'm really in the mood for it.
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It took me ages to get through the first half of this novel and I think I didn't really get into the story of If You Could Go Anywhere until around page 250. But I really began to enjoy the book afterwards and finished the rest of it in one sitting. So fingers crossed I might finally be done with the reading slump now.
Right now, I'm going to rate this book three stars but I think my reading slump definitely negatively influenced my reading experience. That's why this is more of a preliminary rating and I'll definitely try to go back and reread it once I'm really in the mood for it.
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July 24, 2019
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**4.5 stars**
If You Could Go Anywhere by Paige Toon. (2019).
Angie has always wanted to travel but at 27 she's never left her mining hometown of Coober Pedy in Australia. She discovers the world through stories from other travellers. When her grandmother passes away leaving Angie with no family, it's time for her to begin travelling. But then she finds out about her previously unknown father and instantly knows where to begin her journey - his location in Italy. As Angie sets out to learn the truth of her family, will the mysterious and reckless Italian Alessandro help guide the way?
This author is a well established bestseller writer, and yet this novel is the first of hers I've read. I will definitely read some of her previous ones when I get the chance because I really enjoyed this book. It was a lovely, feel-good, heart-warming kind of plotline with a few spots of sadness throughout. Angie ends up being nicknamed Angel and honestly that totally suits her character because she really is an angel and I was happy for her when she finally made it out of her hometown. Allessandro was a dreamboat tortured lost man who readers will no doubt feel for. I enjoyed the romance aspect of the book as well as the family building for Angie, although I think the focus is definitely more on the romance than the relationship between Angie and her newfound family. The author did an amazing job of describing the Italian scenery, it certainly sounded stunning and convinced me I should visit someday.
I think this book would make a fantastic weekend/holiday read.
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**4.5 stars**
If You Could Go Anywhere by Paige Toon. (2019).
Angie has always wanted to travel but at 27 she's never left her mining hometown of Coober Pedy in Australia. She discovers the world through stories from other travellers. When her grandmother passes away leaving Angie with no family, it's time for her to begin travelling. But then she finds out about her previously unknown father and instantly knows where to begin her journey - his location in Italy. As Angie sets out to learn the truth of her family, will the mysterious and reckless Italian Alessandro help guide the way?
This author is a well established bestseller writer, and yet this novel is the first of hers I've read. I will definitely read some of her previous ones when I get the chance because I really enjoyed this book. It was a lovely, feel-good, heart-warming kind of plotline with a few spots of sadness throughout. Angie ends up being nicknamed Angel and honestly that totally suits her character because she really is an angel and I was happy for her when she finally made it out of her hometown. Allessandro was a dreamboat tortured lost man who readers will no doubt feel for. I enjoyed the romance aspect of the book as well as the family building for Angie, although I think the focus is definitely more on the romance than the relationship between Angie and her newfound family. The author did an amazing job of describing the Italian scenery, it certainly sounded stunning and convinced me I should visit someday.
I think this book would make a fantastic weekend/holiday read.
June 5, 2019
I'm kind of sad. This is the first Paige Toon book that I couldn't rate 5 stars. Maybe it wasn't her best work or maybe it's me - real life sucks sometimes. Maybe I'll re-read it sometime in the future and see how I like it then.
May 17, 2019
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If You Could Go Anywhere is the uplifting, heart-warming and well travelled new novel from ‘the million copy bestselling author’ Paige Toon. Just how far would you be willing to go for love? This question is posed by Paige Toon in her latest novel. Following the life journey of Angie, If You Could Go Anywhere is about finding your place in the world, connecting with your roots and building a future.
Paige Toon’s latest novel introduces Angie, a young Australian woman, who has lived a sheltered existence in the mining town of Coober Pedy. But Angie has big dreams and she would love to explore the world. When Angie’s beloved grandmother passes away, she is a delivered a big wake up call. Angie has a broken heart, but she knows now is the best time to set her travel plans into motion. While packing up to embark on her big adventure, Angie comes across a life changing letter. Inside the letter are details pertaining to the true identify of her father, a man she believes did not exist. In an effort to connect with her biological father, Angie begins her journey in Italy. In Italy, Angie finds a new family, friendship, shock revelations and love.
Endorsed by my book club, Paige Toon is an author I have not experienced before. I had high expectations going into this novel, through positive comments I had heard about this author’s work. Thankfully, the praise was warranted, If You Could Go Anywhere was a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining novel.
The whole novel sits on Angie, the main protagonist of If You Could Go Anywhere. Toon’s characterisation is spot on. I immediately took a liking to Angie. Angie was strong but also vulnerable, approachable, inspiring and embracing. I really connected with her journey to find meaning in her life. I also cheered her on as she made leaps and gains in her life. It was heartening to see Angie spread her wings and commit to achieving the things she wanted the most in life – a family, to explore the world and find love.
Another aspect that I truly adored about this novel was the strong sense of place that pervades the whole novel. I always like to get a feel for an author who is unfamiliar to me and while perusing the author bio in this book, I was quite taken with the fact that Paige Toon is a travel enthusiast. I feel this passion for exploring the world has been injected into her novel. Paige Toon comes from a background spent living across three different countries – England, America and Australia. This has put Toon in good standing to produce a novel that revolves around travel experiences. If you have been bitten by the travel bug, expect to be dazzled by this new book from Paige Toon. The Italy based sequences are magical! On the flip side, if you are a reader that knows very little about mining life in Australia’s remote locations, Paige Toon accurately summarises what life is like living in a cavern style arrangement in Coober Pedy. I loved the accompanying opal mining operation references too! Fascinating!
I have been told that Paige Toon is quite the queen of contemporary romance and I was looking forward to sinking my teeth into a well crafted romance. Toon does not disappoint in this department and I am sure she will earn new fans, as well as impress her existing fans. There is plenty of emotion to get swept up in while delving into the romance side of things in the novel. By the close of If You Could Go Anywhere, I did feel satisfied by the love story. However, I think my heart went out to the tender father/daughter and the other family relationships that form during the course of this novel.
Paige Toon definitely pulls out all the stops for her latest, If You Could Go Anywhere. She deftly combines a globetrotting adventure, with a heartening story of being reunited with your family and testing the waters of a new love along the way. A solid example of a life lit title, If You Could Go Anywhere will spark plenty of self examination and inspire you to set your sights afar, while leaving your heart feeling full.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
If You Could Go Anywhere is the uplifting, heart-warming and well travelled new novel from ‘the million copy bestselling author’ Paige Toon. Just how far would you be willing to go for love? This question is posed by Paige Toon in her latest novel. Following the life journey of Angie, If You Could Go Anywhere is about finding your place in the world, connecting with your roots and building a future.
Paige Toon’s latest novel introduces Angie, a young Australian woman, who has lived a sheltered existence in the mining town of Coober Pedy. But Angie has big dreams and she would love to explore the world. When Angie’s beloved grandmother passes away, she is a delivered a big wake up call. Angie has a broken heart, but she knows now is the best time to set her travel plans into motion. While packing up to embark on her big adventure, Angie comes across a life changing letter. Inside the letter are details pertaining to the true identify of her father, a man she believes did not exist. In an effort to connect with her biological father, Angie begins her journey in Italy. In Italy, Angie finds a new family, friendship, shock revelations and love.
Endorsed by my book club, Paige Toon is an author I have not experienced before. I had high expectations going into this novel, through positive comments I had heard about this author’s work. Thankfully, the praise was warranted, If You Could Go Anywhere was a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining novel.
The whole novel sits on Angie, the main protagonist of If You Could Go Anywhere. Toon’s characterisation is spot on. I immediately took a liking to Angie. Angie was strong but also vulnerable, approachable, inspiring and embracing. I really connected with her journey to find meaning in her life. I also cheered her on as she made leaps and gains in her life. It was heartening to see Angie spread her wings and commit to achieving the things she wanted the most in life – a family, to explore the world and find love.
Another aspect that I truly adored about this novel was the strong sense of place that pervades the whole novel. I always like to get a feel for an author who is unfamiliar to me and while perusing the author bio in this book, I was quite taken with the fact that Paige Toon is a travel enthusiast. I feel this passion for exploring the world has been injected into her novel. Paige Toon comes from a background spent living across three different countries – England, America and Australia. This has put Toon in good standing to produce a novel that revolves around travel experiences. If you have been bitten by the travel bug, expect to be dazzled by this new book from Paige Toon. The Italy based sequences are magical! On the flip side, if you are a reader that knows very little about mining life in Australia’s remote locations, Paige Toon accurately summarises what life is like living in a cavern style arrangement in Coober Pedy. I loved the accompanying opal mining operation references too! Fascinating!
I have been told that Paige Toon is quite the queen of contemporary romance and I was looking forward to sinking my teeth into a well crafted romance. Toon does not disappoint in this department and I am sure she will earn new fans, as well as impress her existing fans. There is plenty of emotion to get swept up in while delving into the romance side of things in the novel. By the close of If You Could Go Anywhere, I did feel satisfied by the love story. However, I think my heart went out to the tender father/daughter and the other family relationships that form during the course of this novel.
Paige Toon definitely pulls out all the stops for her latest, If You Could Go Anywhere. She deftly combines a globetrotting adventure, with a heartening story of being reunited with your family and testing the waters of a new love along the way. A solid example of a life lit title, If You Could Go Anywhere will spark plenty of self examination and inspire you to set your sights afar, while leaving your heart feeling full.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
March 6, 2022
É uma história simpática fofinha, mas não acrescenta muito.
3,6 estrelas.
Devia ter sido mais curta, enrolou demasiado.
3,6 estrelas.
Devia ter sido mais curta, enrolou demasiado.
April 30, 2020
As always this novel from Paige Toon has some of my favourite elements that I love to read about. It has travel, it has romance and it has our main character finding a sense of independence-definitely the kind of things I like to read about. If you're thinking of picking up this novel looking for the usual kind of escapism that you normally find in a Paige Toon novel then you are definitely in the right place. This book has awesome scenes of Italy., the food the fun and the awesome scenery. I loved being in Denver and being transported from the snow away and into the warm sunshine of Ital.
Angie is an interesting character and it took me a while to work her out. I couldn't decide whether she was independent or not. I think she has been the big fish in her little world and now she has been thrown into the big bad world in another country for that matter, she does seem to flounder a little initially. I like the premise behind the fact that she hasn't really travelled and hasn't really left her comfort zone and now she REALLY has. I loved her sense of adventure and also her fearlessness. She chases what she wants even if that means facing her fears.
The two male characters in this novel were definitely less easy to warm to. I initially got them confused with each other I think this might have been because I was listening on audiobook and I would have been better acquainted with them had I seen them written down. Alessandro seems like a bad boy and don't get me wrong I love to read about a rebel without a cause but I sometimes felt like he might be just a bit too much of a risk for our Angie.
There are plenty of moments in this book that will give you that same adventurous thrill that Angie is feeling, there are also romantic moments and a little bit of heartbreak. I loved escaping to Italy with Angie and I liked the personal journey that she went on as the novel progressed. Another wonderful dose of escapism from Paige Toon!
Angie is an interesting character and it took me a while to work her out. I couldn't decide whether she was independent or not. I think she has been the big fish in her little world and now she has been thrown into the big bad world in another country for that matter, she does seem to flounder a little initially. I like the premise behind the fact that she hasn't really travelled and hasn't really left her comfort zone and now she REALLY has. I loved her sense of adventure and also her fearlessness. She chases what she wants even if that means facing her fears.
The two male characters in this novel were definitely less easy to warm to. I initially got them confused with each other I think this might have been because I was listening on audiobook and I would have been better acquainted with them had I seen them written down. Alessandro seems like a bad boy and don't get me wrong I love to read about a rebel without a cause but I sometimes felt like he might be just a bit too much of a risk for our Angie.
There are plenty of moments in this book that will give you that same adventurous thrill that Angie is feeling, there are also romantic moments and a little bit of heartbreak. I loved escaping to Italy with Angie and I liked the personal journey that she went on as the novel progressed. Another wonderful dose of escapism from Paige Toon!
May 19, 2019
Angie has never left the small mountain town she grew up in. Despite always wanting to travel from a young age. "If you could go anywhere, where would you go?" A family tragedy and discovery changes this.
Now in Italy she meets a guy named Alessandro. He's troubled by his own family tragedy. I also think he's worth fighting for just like Angie. Even with all the crazy jumps he does on the anniversaries. I love his van named Frida.
Angie was such a relatable and loving main character, a nice change from unrelatable leads. Alessandro is also a great guy to match her. It's nice how the relationship progresses and doesn't just happen out of nowhere. I love a book which demonstrates a friendship before turning into lovers. I wouldn't have chosen a better person for her to travel with.
I always look forward to a Paige Toon Book and this one did not disappoint. 4.5 Stars
Now in Italy she meets a guy named Alessandro. He's troubled by his own family tragedy. I also think he's worth fighting for just like Angie. Even with all the crazy jumps he does on the anniversaries. I love his van named Frida.
Angie was such a relatable and loving main character, a nice change from unrelatable leads. Alessandro is also a great guy to match her. It's nice how the relationship progresses and doesn't just happen out of nowhere. I love a book which demonstrates a friendship before turning into lovers. I wouldn't have chosen a better person for her to travel with.
I always look forward to a Paige Toon Book and this one did not disappoint. 4.5 Stars
April 30, 2019
A new novel by Paige Toon is always a welcome treat. If You Could Go Anywhere is a romance/coming of age/travelogue that is based heavily on the author’s feelings of wanderlust, drawing on her own experiences travelling in Australia, Italy and Norway. It’s steeped in atmosphere, the places, the tastes, and the sensations – all coming to life on these pages. It’s a very enjoyable novel and I could really see it playing out as a movie.
‘Oh, Nan…I’m overwhelmed with grief at the thought of her and desperately sad that she kept this part of my family from me.’
What started as a coming of age/discover who you really are type of novel quickly veered into a contemporary romance though. This did bother me at times, particularly as this storyline overshadowed the father/daughter relationship which was, to my mind, the actual point of the novel. The romance plot was also quite predictable in its trajectory, lacking the uniqueness of Paige’s previous novel, Five Years from Now. All this aside though, I still really enjoyed this story, and that is largely due to the character of Angie, who was very well crafted and authentically realised throughout. She’s a fixer, a helper, a pleaser; she’s intrinsically good, but not in an annoying way. She’s the type of person who acts without artifice and genuinely deserves good fortune. Having such an endearing character to champion balanced out the other aspects of the story that niggled at me, so that by the time I had reached the end of this novel, I felt as though it had been a very satisfying read indeed. I tend to be a bit nitpicky about romances though, so my fussiness is often not a reflection of the story but more about my reading mood and general mindset at the time. There are some very heartfelt moments along the way for Angie and Alessandro, which go a long way towards bursting the romance bubbles and carving out a proper foundation for a relationship, which appealed to me far more.
‘It’s crazy. Frighteningly crazy. I have no experience with mental illness and the thought of trying to make Alessandro see sense scares the hell out of me. All I know is that I’ve got to try.’
Fans of contemporary romance and lovers of food fiction will relish within the pages of this novel. It really is a treat for the senses and if you long to travel to Italy but haven’t ever gotten there, then this is also an ideal read for you. A great one to pick up for the coming long weekend!
‘You’re like no one I’ve ever known. So open and honest and true and pure and good and loving and forgiving and so beautiful, inside and out. I thought maybe you really were an angel.’
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of If You Could Go Anywhere for review.
‘Oh, Nan…I’m overwhelmed with grief at the thought of her and desperately sad that she kept this part of my family from me.’
What started as a coming of age/discover who you really are type of novel quickly veered into a contemporary romance though. This did bother me at times, particularly as this storyline overshadowed the father/daughter relationship which was, to my mind, the actual point of the novel. The romance plot was also quite predictable in its trajectory, lacking the uniqueness of Paige’s previous novel, Five Years from Now. All this aside though, I still really enjoyed this story, and that is largely due to the character of Angie, who was very well crafted and authentically realised throughout. She’s a fixer, a helper, a pleaser; she’s intrinsically good, but not in an annoying way. She’s the type of person who acts without artifice and genuinely deserves good fortune. Having such an endearing character to champion balanced out the other aspects of the story that niggled at me, so that by the time I had reached the end of this novel, I felt as though it had been a very satisfying read indeed. I tend to be a bit nitpicky about romances though, so my fussiness is often not a reflection of the story but more about my reading mood and general mindset at the time. There are some very heartfelt moments along the way for Angie and Alessandro, which go a long way towards bursting the romance bubbles and carving out a proper foundation for a relationship, which appealed to me far more.
‘It’s crazy. Frighteningly crazy. I have no experience with mental illness and the thought of trying to make Alessandro see sense scares the hell out of me. All I know is that I’ve got to try.’
Fans of contemporary romance and lovers of food fiction will relish within the pages of this novel. It really is a treat for the senses and if you long to travel to Italy but haven’t ever gotten there, then this is also an ideal read for you. A great one to pick up for the coming long weekend!
‘You’re like no one I’ve ever known. So open and honest and true and pure and good and loving and forgiving and so beautiful, inside and out. I thought maybe you really were an angel.’
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of If You Could Go Anywhere for review.
September 1, 2019
This book starts with a bang that draws you in and makes you want to keep reading, not ideal when you start it at 11pm, but oh well!
Starting in Australia and continuing in Italy this book will make you want to travel to all the places. I could feel the oppressive and sandy heat of Australia and experienced Italy with Angie.
I enjoyed this one, although the pace did slow slightly in the middle the book picked back up towards to end. The themes were handled well, but were possibly resolved a bit too quickly.
This covers topics of loss and mental health issues so if that isn't your bag then possibly best to avoid.
Starting in Australia and continuing in Italy this book will make you want to travel to all the places. I could feel the oppressive and sandy heat of Australia and experienced Italy with Angie.
I enjoyed this one, although the pace did slow slightly in the middle the book picked back up towards to end. The themes were handled well, but were possibly resolved a bit too quickly.
This covers topics of loss and mental health issues so if that isn't your bag then possibly best to avoid.
May 18, 2019
Ik wil morgen naar Italië door dit boek!! Mssn kunnen ze daar een Paige Toon Tour organiseren? Ik neem direct verlof! Btw, love this book!!! ❤️❤️❤️
May 1, 2021
Run of the mill chick lit book.
March 2, 2022
Se pudesses escolher um destino para onde irias? Será que viajavas para novos países? Será que irias para o outro lado do mundo? Ou será que o teu destino de sonho está mais perto do que sempre imaginaste?...
É algo que dá que pensar - para onde iria se pudesse simplesmente ir, ser eu, ser livre... Julgamos que sabemos a resposta, mas muitas vezes descobrimos que a verdade não é bem assim. Por vezes temos que nos perder para saber onde queremos estar.
O mote deste livro é esse mesmo...a autodescoberta. Adorei que a protagonista tivesse uma sede tão grande de ver o mundo, de conhecer tudo - ainda que tenha algum receio de o fazer. A vida da Angie está num ponto de viragem após ter perdido a avó, agora tem que decidir se quer mudar o rumo do seu futuro, ser arrojada...ou manter-se como está e contentar-se com o pouco que tem.
A Angie passa por 2 viagens distintas - a física, que a transporta para Itália onde conhece toda uma nova vida e família; e a emocional, onde se encontra em espírito.
As descrições de Itália são incríveis, vi na perfeição os locais, senti o que ela sentiu a visitar o país - uma vez que eu própria já andei pelos sítios que a protagonista descreve, é ainda mais belo ver as descrições 🇮🇹
A escrita da autora é muito bonita, contudo sinto que a história não se desenvolveu muito, poderia ter sido explorada de outro modo. Por vezes descrevia situações do quotidiano que não tinham assim tanta relevância para o plot, e acabavam por deixar o livro mais penoso de ler... Sinto que andou muito de volta de um tema e acabou por não o abordar do modo mais proveitoso. Foi um bom livro, mas não é transcendente ou inesquecível - tenho pena que assim seja, mas a verdade é que foi apenas um romance, ponto.
É algo que dá que pensar - para onde iria se pudesse simplesmente ir, ser eu, ser livre... Julgamos que sabemos a resposta, mas muitas vezes descobrimos que a verdade não é bem assim. Por vezes temos que nos perder para saber onde queremos estar.
O mote deste livro é esse mesmo...a autodescoberta. Adorei que a protagonista tivesse uma sede tão grande de ver o mundo, de conhecer tudo - ainda que tenha algum receio de o fazer. A vida da Angie está num ponto de viragem após ter perdido a avó, agora tem que decidir se quer mudar o rumo do seu futuro, ser arrojada...ou manter-se como está e contentar-se com o pouco que tem.
A Angie passa por 2 viagens distintas - a física, que a transporta para Itália onde conhece toda uma nova vida e família; e a emocional, onde se encontra em espírito.
As descrições de Itália são incríveis, vi na perfeição os locais, senti o que ela sentiu a visitar o país - uma vez que eu própria já andei pelos sítios que a protagonista descreve, é ainda mais belo ver as descrições 🇮🇹
A escrita da autora é muito bonita, contudo sinto que a história não se desenvolveu muito, poderia ter sido explorada de outro modo. Por vezes descrevia situações do quotidiano que não tinham assim tanta relevância para o plot, e acabavam por deixar o livro mais penoso de ler... Sinto que andou muito de volta de um tema e acabou por não o abordar do modo mais proveitoso. Foi um bom livro, mas não é transcendente ou inesquecível - tenho pena que assim seja, mas a verdade é que foi apenas um romance, ponto.
March 8, 2019
Netgalley.com gave me the opportunity to read a sample of this book - the first couple of chapters - and from what I have read, it looks like a really good book! I hope I will have the opportunity to read this book! It's about a girl who always dreamt to travel the world but who was stuck in her hometown in Australia to take care of her grandmother who was sick. We discover this girl the day her grandmother dies and suddenly she has a whole new life waiting for her. Very intriguing. Can't wait to have my hands on the full book! THank you Netgalley!
June 8, 2019
''I’m not an angel.' I whisper. 'I’m just a girl who loves you.''
A gorgeous, enjoyable book. Descriptively picturesque. It was about so many important things; friendship, family, grief, blame, forgiveness and most of all it had an incredible love story at its heart. The: I want to believe in this true type of love. Alessandro and Angie were everything.
''I love you. Utterly. Deeply. Profoundly… Boundlessly. Ceaselessly. Infinitely… Acutely. Desperately. Unequivocally.''
A gorgeous, enjoyable book. Descriptively picturesque. It was about so many important things; friendship, family, grief, blame, forgiveness and most of all it had an incredible love story at its heart. The: I want to believe in this true type of love. Alessandro and Angie were everything.
''I love you. Utterly. Deeply. Profoundly… Boundlessly. Ceaselessly. Infinitely… Acutely. Desperately. Unequivocally.''
August 3, 2022
Worum geht es?: Angie wollte schon immer die Welt bereisen. Doch sie steckt in ihrem winzigen australischen Heimatdorf fest: Ihre Mutter ist tot, ihren Vater kennt sie nicht und sie ist die Einzige, die sich um ihre demente Großmutter kümmern kann. Als letztere stirbt, macht Angie eine Entdeckung: Ihr Vater lebt, und zwar in Rom! Doch warum hat ihr nie jemand von ihm erzählt? Angie wirft sich in ein italienisches Abenteuer, um die Wahrheit über ihre unbekannte Familie herauszufinden. Kann sie der charmante Draufgänger Alessandro, auf dem ebenfalls ein Geheimnis lastet, auf ihrem Weg begleiten?
Der Schreibstil: Die Geschichte wird ausschließlich aus der Sicht von Angie erzählt. Insgesamt ist die Geschichte sehr ruhig gehalten und es passieren kaum spannende Wendungen. Die Landschaften werden so toll beschrieben, dass man das Gefühl hat selber vor Ort zu sein. Das ist einfach großartig und haben ich besonders an diesem Buch geliebt. Da es aber kaum überraschende Plots gibt, hat das Buch besonders im Mittelteil seine Längen.
Die Hauptfiguren: Angie ist eine junge Frau, welche bereist früh ihre Mutter verloren hat. Nun sind auch ihre Großeltern gestorben und sie fühlt sich einsam. Als sie erfährt, dass sie einen Vater hat, welcher noch lebt, beginnt ihr Abenteuer. Endlich kann sie raus, aus ihrer Kleinstadt. Angie ist eine Frau, welche anderen hilft. Sie wird häufig als Engel bezeichnet, was ich nur bestätigen kann. Manchmal hat mir aber ihre rebellische Seite gefehlt. Sie ist fast schon zu perfekt.
Alessandro ist ein Mann, welcher bereits in seiner Kindheit schwere Schicksalsschläge in seiner Familie erleben musste. Auf andere Leute wirkt er unnahbar und egoistisch. Angie will die harte Schale durchbrechen und nähert sich ihm an. Mit Alessandro hatte ich so meine Probleme. Einerseits konnte ich seine Charakterzüge verstehen, warum er so ist wie er ist, anderseits hat mich einfach nur aufgeregt. Wenn Angie mit ihm mal ein ernstes Gespräch führen möchte, wechselt er so häufig das Thema, dass es zum Haare raufen ist. An Angies Stelle, hätte ich da mal Tacheles geredet.
Endfazit: Es ist ein guter Liebesroman mit großartigen Landschaftsbeschreibungen, welchen ich besonders für sie Sommermonate empfehlen kann. Alessandro war mir leider als Protagonist zu anstrengend. Ein paar spannende Wendungen hätten dem Buch nicht geschadet. Dennoch eine Leseempfehlung an der Stelle
Das Buch erhält von mir gute 3 von 5 Sterne.
Das Buch wurde mir vom Verlag als Rezensionsexemplar bei NetGalley zur Verfügung gestellt. Herzlichen Dank dafür.
Der Schreibstil: Die Geschichte wird ausschließlich aus der Sicht von Angie erzählt. Insgesamt ist die Geschichte sehr ruhig gehalten und es passieren kaum spannende Wendungen. Die Landschaften werden so toll beschrieben, dass man das Gefühl hat selber vor Ort zu sein. Das ist einfach großartig und haben ich besonders an diesem Buch geliebt. Da es aber kaum überraschende Plots gibt, hat das Buch besonders im Mittelteil seine Längen.
Die Hauptfiguren: Angie ist eine junge Frau, welche bereist früh ihre Mutter verloren hat. Nun sind auch ihre Großeltern gestorben und sie fühlt sich einsam. Als sie erfährt, dass sie einen Vater hat, welcher noch lebt, beginnt ihr Abenteuer. Endlich kann sie raus, aus ihrer Kleinstadt. Angie ist eine Frau, welche anderen hilft. Sie wird häufig als Engel bezeichnet, was ich nur bestätigen kann. Manchmal hat mir aber ihre rebellische Seite gefehlt. Sie ist fast schon zu perfekt.
Alessandro ist ein Mann, welcher bereits in seiner Kindheit schwere Schicksalsschläge in seiner Familie erleben musste. Auf andere Leute wirkt er unnahbar und egoistisch. Angie will die harte Schale durchbrechen und nähert sich ihm an. Mit Alessandro hatte ich so meine Probleme. Einerseits konnte ich seine Charakterzüge verstehen, warum er so ist wie er ist, anderseits hat mich einfach nur aufgeregt. Wenn Angie mit ihm mal ein ernstes Gespräch führen möchte, wechselt er so häufig das Thema, dass es zum Haare raufen ist. An Angies Stelle, hätte ich da mal Tacheles geredet.
Endfazit: Es ist ein guter Liebesroman mit großartigen Landschaftsbeschreibungen, welchen ich besonders für sie Sommermonate empfehlen kann. Alessandro war mir leider als Protagonist zu anstrengend. Ein paar spannende Wendungen hätten dem Buch nicht geschadet. Dennoch eine Leseempfehlung an der Stelle
Das Buch erhält von mir gute 3 von 5 Sterne.
Das Buch wurde mir vom Verlag als Rezensionsexemplar bei NetGalley zur Verfügung gestellt. Herzlichen Dank dafür.
December 8, 2022
Oh well I feel like I’ve had a nice trip to Rome reading this. It was so nice to have a reminder of Rome and all the tourist locations to visit and of course the food! I went to Rome a couple of years ago and it was brill!
Some heartbreaking chapters and some lovely chapters. I felt so happy for Angie to make the decision to go to Italy and find some answers. I loved her character and she definitely built some confidence.
In every book I’ve read by Paige, it’s always SO clear of her love for these locations and the research/thought that goes into it. The descriptions are so brill it’s as though you are really there.
Another great read ticked off my list. Not many left to go now until the new book! So excited for that!
Some heartbreaking chapters and some lovely chapters. I felt so happy for Angie to make the decision to go to Italy and find some answers. I loved her character and she definitely built some confidence.
In every book I’ve read by Paige, it’s always SO clear of her love for these locations and the research/thought that goes into it. The descriptions are so brill it’s as though you are really there.
Another great read ticked off my list. Not many left to go now until the new book! So excited for that!
May 29, 2019
Angie has always wanted to travel. But at twenty-seven, she has barely stepped outside the small mining town where she was born. Instead, she discovers the world through stories told to her by passing travellers, dreaming that one day she'll see it all for herself. When her grandmother passes away, leaving Angie with no remaining family, she is ready to start her own adventures. Then she finds a letter revealing the address of the father she never knew, and realises instantly where her journey must begin: Italy.
As Angie sets out to find the truth – about her family, her past and who she really is – will mysterious and reckless Italian Alessandro help guide the way?
I take no pleasure whatsoever in writing this review, but 'If You Could Go Anywhere' really was not for me and this is far off being my favourite read from Toon. This starts well, I enjoyed getting to know Angie and learning about her life in Australia, this kept up for a while as I was eager to see what adventures she would get up to but then my enthusiasm wanes. Angie does not really get up to much for someone who has always wanted to travel and I struggled to see the plot continuity.
The whole way through reading this, I struggled to connect with both the plot and the characters. The plot felt too simplistic to me, everything just seemed to happen with little emotion or difficulty and I did not find it reflective of real life. The characters, however, are the main concern for me, I usually adore Toon's characters and love falling in love with them and cherishing them. However, this time round, as I have said, I did not connect with them. Angie was okay if a little desperate but Alessandro? I could not stand him. I did not feel sympathy for him or even like him that much and I just lost interest in the book as I lost interest in him and Angie. Such a shame.
The one positive that this book has, is as always, we go to some lovely places that offer escapism from the real world. Toon once again captures the landscapes beautifully, I just did not enjoy the plot or characters. Such a shame, and I hate having to say that I did not enjoy it, but here is hoping her next offering is back on form.
As Angie sets out to find the truth – about her family, her past and who she really is – will mysterious and reckless Italian Alessandro help guide the way?
I take no pleasure whatsoever in writing this review, but 'If You Could Go Anywhere' really was not for me and this is far off being my favourite read from Toon. This starts well, I enjoyed getting to know Angie and learning about her life in Australia, this kept up for a while as I was eager to see what adventures she would get up to but then my enthusiasm wanes. Angie does not really get up to much for someone who has always wanted to travel and I struggled to see the plot continuity.
The whole way through reading this, I struggled to connect with both the plot and the characters. The plot felt too simplistic to me, everything just seemed to happen with little emotion or difficulty and I did not find it reflective of real life. The characters, however, are the main concern for me, I usually adore Toon's characters and love falling in love with them and cherishing them. However, this time round, as I have said, I did not connect with them. Angie was okay if a little desperate but Alessandro? I could not stand him. I did not feel sympathy for him or even like him that much and I just lost interest in the book as I lost interest in him and Angie. Such a shame.
The one positive that this book has, is as always, we go to some lovely places that offer escapism from the real world. Toon once again captures the landscapes beautifully, I just did not enjoy the plot or characters. Such a shame, and I hate having to say that I did not enjoy it, but here is hoping her next offering is back on form.
March 19, 2019
Paige Toon has done it yet again and delivered a wonderful book, that had me almost crying poolside in places as I read it.
Angie has always wanted to travel, but for various reasons has never really left her small mining community, in Coober Pedy, Australia, let alone gone abroad anywhere.
When her beloved Nan dies, she is finally free to explore and by chance she discovers details about the father she had never met or known the name of.
Which leads to her flying to Rome for the summer to meet her remaining family for the first time. And the gorgeous Alessandro is on hand to help translate and generally smooth things over.
I loved discovering just what secrets Alesssandro is hiding, and he is a far more complex character than you would realise at first glance.
There is not too much of the touristy bits of Rome, but we do get to see some other parts of Italy too, and since Giulio, her father, owns a restaurant, there is plenty of food mentioned.
I was hooked from the first few pages, as Paige explains what life is like for Angie, and then the travel aspect I was always going to adore.
This is a wonderful story and a must for all Toon fans, or generally women's fiction with heart fans! I adored this book.
Angie has always wanted to travel, but for various reasons has never really left her small mining community, in Coober Pedy, Australia, let alone gone abroad anywhere.
When her beloved Nan dies, she is finally free to explore and by chance she discovers details about the father she had never met or known the name of.
Which leads to her flying to Rome for the summer to meet her remaining family for the first time. And the gorgeous Alessandro is on hand to help translate and generally smooth things over.
I loved discovering just what secrets Alesssandro is hiding, and he is a far more complex character than you would realise at first glance.
There is not too much of the touristy bits of Rome, but we do get to see some other parts of Italy too, and since Giulio, her father, owns a restaurant, there is plenty of food mentioned.
I was hooked from the first few pages, as Paige explains what life is like for Angie, and then the travel aspect I was always going to adore.
This is a wonderful story and a must for all Toon fans, or generally women's fiction with heart fans! I adored this book.
March 8, 2020
This was a quick, easy and mostly enjoyable read. However, I finished it with the sense that this book wasn't quite 'for me'.
The story follows Angie, who has never left her home town of Coober Pedy before, as she embarks on an adventure to Italy to meet her father and his side of the family. I enjoyed the parts about her getting to know this previously unexplored section of her family tree very much indeed, as well as the descriptions of her trips around some of the beautiful Italian sights.
However, what didn't really work for me was the romantic thread throughout the story. I couldn't take to the character of Alessandro at all, and I found him petulant and unkind throughout most of the story. I know we are given some reasoning behind this later in the book (not saying what to avoid spoilers), but I still didn't feel that this entirely justified the way he sometimes behaved towards Angie - and I just couldn't become invested in their potential relationship in the way that I wanted to.
With all of that said, I would probably still try another of Toon's books, as I think my issue with this one was mostly a personal preference thing. I did like the writing style, and because of that I was still able to finish this book within a couple of days, despite my issues with it.
The story follows Angie, who has never left her home town of Coober Pedy before, as she embarks on an adventure to Italy to meet her father and his side of the family. I enjoyed the parts about her getting to know this previously unexplored section of her family tree very much indeed, as well as the descriptions of her trips around some of the beautiful Italian sights.
However, what didn't really work for me was the romantic thread throughout the story. I couldn't take to the character of Alessandro at all, and I found him petulant and unkind throughout most of the story. I know we are given some reasoning behind this later in the book (not saying what to avoid spoilers), but I still didn't feel that this entirely justified the way he sometimes behaved towards Angie - and I just couldn't become invested in their potential relationship in the way that I wanted to.
With all of that said, I would probably still try another of Toon's books, as I think my issue with this one was mostly a personal preference thing. I did like the writing style, and because of that I was still able to finish this book within a couple of days, despite my issues with it.
September 2, 2022
Paige Toon já estava no meu radar, pelo que fiquei mesmo contente com a publicação deste livro em português. Foi uma leitura que me deu muita satisfação. Adorei ler sobre Coober Pedy, nunca tinha ouvido falar deste lugar e senti-me fascinada pelas casas escavadas nas rochas. Também delirei com as descrições dos sítios em Itália que Angie conheceu. O entusiasmo de Alessandro a falar das suas viagens e dos lugares que visitou deixou-me cheia de inveja.
Gostei que não fosse um romance centrado essencialmente nos protagonistas, Angie e Alessandro. Foi também sobre família, conhecer uma família nova, ser capaz de fazer mudanças, sobretudo, sobreviver a traumas psicológicos e as marcas que deixam.
A escrita de Paige Toon surpreendeu-me, gostei muito mesmo e espero que continuem a publicar os seus livros por cá.
Mas a edição, essa recebe má nota. Muitos erros ortográficos e gramaticais, chegava a ficar confundida😒...
Gostei que não fosse um romance centrado essencialmente nos protagonistas, Angie e Alessandro. Foi também sobre família, conhecer uma família nova, ser capaz de fazer mudanças, sobretudo, sobreviver a traumas psicológicos e as marcas que deixam.
A escrita de Paige Toon surpreendeu-me, gostei muito mesmo e espero que continuem a publicar os seus livros por cá.
Mas a edição, essa recebe má nota. Muitos erros ortográficos e gramaticais, chegava a ficar confundida😒...
September 8, 2019
Oh wow! I absolutely adored this book. This is the first Paige Toon book that I have read and it most definitely won’t be the last.
I just adored Angie and loved following her on her journey to Italy to meet her father and her family there that she didn’t even know existed.
Angie’s story was beautifully written, showing the wonderful relationships she had with her friends in her home town as well as the new ones she was building with her Italian family. If you closed your eyes you could easily imagine where Serafina’s was and the surrounding area and this is because of the fantastic, descriptive writing. I found myself googling some of the places that Angie visited, in particular the Troll Wall in Norway.
This has been one of my favourite reads this year. A definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
I just adored Angie and loved following her on her journey to Italy to meet her father and her family there that she didn’t even know existed.
Angie’s story was beautifully written, showing the wonderful relationships she had with her friends in her home town as well as the new ones she was building with her Italian family. If you closed your eyes you could easily imagine where Serafina’s was and the surrounding area and this is because of the fantastic, descriptive writing. I found myself googling some of the places that Angie visited, in particular the Troll Wall in Norway.
This has been one of my favourite reads this year. A definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
July 11, 2021
Not my favourite! Paige wants to get all of the info she’s learned about Australia and Italy into this book, which is great but it does make it a slow burner.
I do love a good ending though!
I do love a good ending though!
January 4, 2024
3.5 stars 🌟 cute trope, likeable characters, well written. This 23yr old gal can't get past some of the cringey YA elements though
May 28, 2019
My goodness, If You Could Go Anywhere is an absolutely wonderful story; one of my favourites of the year! Writing this review has mostly consisted of me staring at a blank page for hours on end, wondering where I can find the words to sum it up…
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?That’s the question Angie has asked everyone since she was young. Living in the very remote town of Coober Pedy (in the Australian outback) she has a bedroom ceiling full of postcards from where others have visited and lived and has always wanted to follow in her late mothers footsteps by seeing the world…
That was her plan until her granddad died in an unfortunate mining accident and soon after her Nan developed dementia and Angie became her fulltime carer. Now at 29 and with her Nan’s passing she has nothing stopping her living those dreams. Whilst toasting to new adventures with her best friend, Angie finds a letter tucked away which sets sail to where her adventure should begin…
Italy – Rome!
If You Could Go Anywhere is the epitome of a page-turner; you begin this journey with Angie and you don’t want to stop for a single moment! I loved how this story was constructed; whilst discovering about Angie’s new life in Italy and joining her on her adventures, we’re also taken on a journey back, learning about what her life was like before that growing up with her grandparents. In doing this it also shows the huge contrast between Coober Pedy and Italy; two absolutely wonderful locations that draw you in, yet worlds apart in everyway. From the almost alien looking outback town of Coober Pedy; with it’s dust, quietness, dullness, and these mounds of earth where people are living in these underground dugouts, to a bustling, colourful and noisy Rome and all it’s Italian charm.
As a character Angie is one you instantly warm to; she’s caring, kind, strong, determined, incredibly selfless and just has a real love of people – what you see is what you get. Whereas Alessandro, who has a connection to Angie’s dad and guides Angie along in Italian life, by finding her a place to stay, being her tour-guide and friend is a much more complex character. He’s dark, striking and charming, but he’s incredibly frustrating at times, blowing hot and cold towards Angie – you instantly sense there’s hidden secrets, a darkness, vulnerability within him which adds a layer of mystery to the story. I really enjoyed their relationship developing; as I say, there were times I felt frustrated for Angie with his behaviour, but there were also some lovely playful and thoughtful moments between them.
Whilst travelling alongside Angie as she explores the sights, sounds and tastes of Italy, we’re not only provided with a beautiful story, all within a stunning backdrop, there’s also history to be learnt. I’ve said it many times, but I adore Italy, despite never (yet) been, I’ve fallen in love with it more and more through reading, so, If You Could Go Anywhere tickled all my buds! Toon not only takes us to the touristy spots, but she opens your eyes to little hidden gems, her descriptions are detailed and alongside looking at photos on google I felt I was really there and did honestly learn and discover things. And whilst I say her writing is detailed in descriptions, what I should also add is that by no means turns this book into a tourist guide – she balances it out perfectly with just the right amount of detail to immerse you, but never letting the story take a back-step. The same goes for Coober Pedy – what a gem! I’d never even heard of this place (Geography is not my strong point) where people lived in caves (actual caves!), there were hotels to stay in in caves, I was dazzled, straight over to my friend google and then researching how much it’d cost me to go stay there!! I loved the sense of community I got from this place and again, steeped in history of Australia’s opal mining industry – I particularly enjoyed how the opal story was also blended into Angie’s story. THANK YOU Paige Toon for opening my eyes to so much.
Those with smaller roles in this story also make a big impression, from Angie’s eccentric father Giulio, to her housemate/friend Christina and waiter Stefano – as doesSerafina’s the family restaurant – which also adds much charm and provides for some very memorable and humorous moments! My time in the little restaurant (which could give a soap opera a run for it’s money at times!) and with these secondary characters always brought a smile to my face.
Whilst If You Could Anywhere oozes out joy, charm and adventures galore, there’s another layer to the story which takes the reader to incredibly dark places at times. Toon explores alzheimer’s, depression, grief, mental health and suicide; that lack of self worth and guilt that slowly suffocates you. The events near to the end of this story really had my heart leaping out of my chest!
A book about family, friendship, travel, love, forgiving others and most importantly, forgiving yourself. From Australia’s Coober Pedy, to Rome, Tivoli, Pompeii, Venice, Bologna and Florence, to Norway and the Goreme National Park in Turkey; this book is one HUGE adventure and one I’m sad to be saying goodbye to.
I ADORED every moment of this uplifting, inspiring, heart-wrenching, beautifully romantic story. If You Could Go Anywhere is gorgeous storytelling that’s filled with characters you take to your heart and charming settings; it will fill your senses to the brim and take you on a journey uncovering the deepest of emotions and rawest of feelings, making it Paige Toon at her absolute best!
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?That’s the question Angie has asked everyone since she was young. Living in the very remote town of Coober Pedy (in the Australian outback) she has a bedroom ceiling full of postcards from where others have visited and lived and has always wanted to follow in her late mothers footsteps by seeing the world…
That was her plan until her granddad died in an unfortunate mining accident and soon after her Nan developed dementia and Angie became her fulltime carer. Now at 29 and with her Nan’s passing she has nothing stopping her living those dreams. Whilst toasting to new adventures with her best friend, Angie finds a letter tucked away which sets sail to where her adventure should begin…
Italy – Rome!
If You Could Go Anywhere is the epitome of a page-turner; you begin this journey with Angie and you don’t want to stop for a single moment! I loved how this story was constructed; whilst discovering about Angie’s new life in Italy and joining her on her adventures, we’re also taken on a journey back, learning about what her life was like before that growing up with her grandparents. In doing this it also shows the huge contrast between Coober Pedy and Italy; two absolutely wonderful locations that draw you in, yet worlds apart in everyway. From the almost alien looking outback town of Coober Pedy; with it’s dust, quietness, dullness, and these mounds of earth where people are living in these underground dugouts, to a bustling, colourful and noisy Rome and all it’s Italian charm.
As a character Angie is one you instantly warm to; she’s caring, kind, strong, determined, incredibly selfless and just has a real love of people – what you see is what you get. Whereas Alessandro, who has a connection to Angie’s dad and guides Angie along in Italian life, by finding her a place to stay, being her tour-guide and friend is a much more complex character. He’s dark, striking and charming, but he’s incredibly frustrating at times, blowing hot and cold towards Angie – you instantly sense there’s hidden secrets, a darkness, vulnerability within him which adds a layer of mystery to the story. I really enjoyed their relationship developing; as I say, there were times I felt frustrated for Angie with his behaviour, but there were also some lovely playful and thoughtful moments between them.
Whilst travelling alongside Angie as she explores the sights, sounds and tastes of Italy, we’re not only provided with a beautiful story, all within a stunning backdrop, there’s also history to be learnt. I’ve said it many times, but I adore Italy, despite never (yet) been, I’ve fallen in love with it more and more through reading, so, If You Could Go Anywhere tickled all my buds! Toon not only takes us to the touristy spots, but she opens your eyes to little hidden gems, her descriptions are detailed and alongside looking at photos on google I felt I was really there and did honestly learn and discover things. And whilst I say her writing is detailed in descriptions, what I should also add is that by no means turns this book into a tourist guide – she balances it out perfectly with just the right amount of detail to immerse you, but never letting the story take a back-step. The same goes for Coober Pedy – what a gem! I’d never even heard of this place (Geography is not my strong point) where people lived in caves (actual caves!), there were hotels to stay in in caves, I was dazzled, straight over to my friend google and then researching how much it’d cost me to go stay there!! I loved the sense of community I got from this place and again, steeped in history of Australia’s opal mining industry – I particularly enjoyed how the opal story was also blended into Angie’s story. THANK YOU Paige Toon for opening my eyes to so much.
Those with smaller roles in this story also make a big impression, from Angie’s eccentric father Giulio, to her housemate/friend Christina and waiter Stefano – as doesSerafina’s the family restaurant – which also adds much charm and provides for some very memorable and humorous moments! My time in the little restaurant (which could give a soap opera a run for it’s money at times!) and with these secondary characters always brought a smile to my face.
Whilst If You Could Anywhere oozes out joy, charm and adventures galore, there’s another layer to the story which takes the reader to incredibly dark places at times. Toon explores alzheimer’s, depression, grief, mental health and suicide; that lack of self worth and guilt that slowly suffocates you. The events near to the end of this story really had my heart leaping out of my chest!
A book about family, friendship, travel, love, forgiving others and most importantly, forgiving yourself. From Australia’s Coober Pedy, to Rome, Tivoli, Pompeii, Venice, Bologna and Florence, to Norway and the Goreme National Park in Turkey; this book is one HUGE adventure and one I’m sad to be saying goodbye to.
I ADORED every moment of this uplifting, inspiring, heart-wrenching, beautifully romantic story. If You Could Go Anywhere is gorgeous storytelling that’s filled with characters you take to your heart and charming settings; it will fill your senses to the brim and take you on a journey uncovering the deepest of emotions and rawest of feelings, making it Paige Toon at her absolute best!
November 19, 2022
Another winner by Paige Toon about friendship, family, grief, forgiveness and most importantly love. It follows 27 year old Angie on her journey to meet the father she never knew. I was quickly absorbed by Toon’s writing and felt as if I was alongside Angie as she explored Rome for the first time. The descriptions of the city, from the sights, foods, and people, were transportive and the setting of a family-owned restaurant was charming. Angie was an easy main character to connect with that radiated so much love and supported those close to her unconditionally. As it is a Paige Toon book, there are deeper layers to the story that will pull at your heartstrings as she explores alzheimers, depression, grief, and suicide. I am always impressed by the way she writes about these sensitive topics with realism and sensitivity.
Read if you like:
-Emotional romances
-Rome/Italy setting
-Traveling adventures
-Found family themes
-A bit of forbidden love
-Australian references
Read if you like:
-Emotional romances
-Rome/Italy setting
-Traveling adventures
-Found family themes
-A bit of forbidden love
-Australian references
May 25, 2023
This book gives you such a mixture of emotions. So many loveable characters and a lovely heartwarming read.
July 19, 2020
I loved this book. There is no other way to explain it. Angie's story broke my heart, she was an incredibly strong character, friendly and always there for the people who needed her, but she'd been living a lie her whole life without even being aware of it.
Following the death of her grandmother, she discovers a letter hidden behind a bottle of wine and this letter sets her off on a journey that she would never have believed possible. In search of her origins, on a journey to meet the father she never knew.
To read my full review
To hear my podcast episode
Following the death of her grandmother, she discovers a letter hidden behind a bottle of wine and this letter sets her off on a journey that she would never have believed possible. In search of her origins, on a journey to meet the father she never knew.
To read my full review
To hear my podcast episode
December 3, 2022
5 out of 5 stars
I won’t give any spoilers but omg what an amazing abs incredible book. I have had this on my wish list since I heard it was coming out and it didn’t let me down. I couldn’t put it down!!! The leading lady is angie and when her nan dies she finds out she has a father in Italy and decides to go and get to know him. This book tackles grief, Love and how important it is to live free. Paige toon is such an amazing contemporary author and one of the best. Please everyone read this book as it will keep you glued to every word.
I won’t give any spoilers but omg what an amazing abs incredible book. I have had this on my wish list since I heard it was coming out and it didn’t let me down. I couldn’t put it down!!! The leading lady is angie and when her nan dies she finds out she has a father in Italy and decides to go and get to know him. This book tackles grief, Love and how important it is to live free. Paige toon is such an amazing contemporary author and one of the best. Please everyone read this book as it will keep you glued to every word.
August 13, 2019
3,5
Really not my favorite from paige toon.
I was expecting to follow angie in her travels, see her exploring the world (with or without Alessandro) and that doesn’t happen until the very end.
The deaths, a kids’ death, depression, all of it was to heavy to make it a joyful light read
Really not my favorite from paige toon.
I was expecting to follow angie in her travels, see her exploring the world (with or without Alessandro) and that doesn’t happen until the very end.
The deaths, a kids’ death, depression, all of it was to heavy to make it a joyful light read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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