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The Echoes of Love takes place in Italy, which was a large part of the reason that I picked up the book. I have always wanted to travel to Italy. This was my first Hannah Fielding book and I chose it because so many of the reviews said that she has beautifully descriptive writing. Holy cow! I felt like she transported me TO ITALY through her words. At times I felt like there was more description and scene setting than there was plot advancement, but that was part of the beauty of this book. The writing was so pretty. I could say flowery or poetic and romantic, but to me pretty is the best way to describe it. It made me feel like I was reading an epic love poem between Venetia and Paolo.

The thing that I loved the most about Venetia was her job. She was decent as a character too, but her job as always fascinated me. She's an architect and a restorationist, working mostly in Mosaics. Her restoration work reminded me of Amanda Peet's character in that Freddie Prince Jr. movie, Head Over Heels (the one where she moves in with a house full of models, remember?) Her job lent itself well to all of the descriptions. Special attention was given to describing the buildings. It was great.

The love story between Paolo and Venetia was really nice as well. It had kind of an epic love story feel to it. They fell hard and fast, with an unexplainable attraction to the other. You eventually find out why that is, but it is not revealed until the end of the book. So just sit back and enjoy the ride until then. I liked the story a lot but it did have its lagging moments. Times where it was just page after page of description and not a lot of plot advancement. I will admit to skimming a couple of times to get to the next event. But this is not a quick action packed book like a lot of the young adult books I have been reading lately. You need to be in the mood for more of a romantic stroll when you pick up The Echoes of Love. There are secrets and intrigue as well, and foodies will appreciate all of the attention given to the meals in the story. Hannah Fielding has a beautiful slow writing style that is meant to be savored, not rushed through, so if you are a fast reader, be sure you set aside some time to read The Echoes of Love. I think you will appreciate it.