Love Your Life

Starred review from September 14, 2020
A spellbinding romance comes to a crashing halt in the sparkling latest from Kinsella (Confessions of a Shopaholic). Ava, an aspiring author and hopeless romantic, arrives in Italy for a weeklong writer’s retreat where, to facilitate productivity and limit small talk, everyone is required to remain anonymous. From the moment she meets “Dutch,” a gorgeous stranger staying at the same monastery, she feels her “life fallen stunningly into place.” They embark on a whirlwind romance and, on their last day in Italy, vow to make their relationship work back home in the U.K. no matter what reality brings. But as soon as they return to London, their magical bubble is burst. Dutch is not the carefree carpenter Ava imagined him to be, but Matt Warwick, COO of a successful dollhouse company. While chaotic Ava enjoys “rescuing” abandoned furniture and books, measured Matt can’t abide clutter. For her part, Ava can’t stand Matt’s horrific art collection and shivers all night in his freezing bedroom. Worst of all, Matt is not a fan of Ava’s beloved but badly behaved beagle, Harold. In the face of these unexpected differences, can they really find a way to keep their promise? Kinsella’s clever romance about the nature of compromise alternates laugh-out-loud humor with moments that will tug at readers’ heartstrings. This rollicking rom-com is a hit. Agent: Kim Witherspoon, InkWell Management.

Fiona Hardingham's lively narration gives this romantic comedy a fresh feel. At an Italian writer's retreat where participants are discouraged from using real names and details, Aria and Dutch find love. Old dating app frustrations and deal breakers are gone, but can their love hold up once they're back in London living as Ava and Matt? Hardingham's range highlights the couple's differences and consequent troubles. A high-pitched kid's voice yelling "Spider-Man!" heightens the cute factor, and Hardingham perfects a deadpan delivery for the sarcastic friend with a raspy voice. The writing instructor has an airy but self-assured tone, bringing the artistically commanding personality to life. Hardingham's detailed performance is evident with her portrayal of an announcer with drawn-out introductions "Saturday Night Live" style. A.L.C. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine