Rome in Love

August 1, 2015

Amelia Tate, an up-and-coming actress, has landed the plum role in a remake of Roman Holiday. Ducking out of a press event early and disguising herself as a hotel maid, Amelia meets Phillip, a journalist from whom she withholds her identity. In a narrative that draws heavily from both the film and the life story of its lead, Audrey Hepburn, Amelia is beset by heartbreak and then suddenly smitten, navigating all Rome has to offer with her new friend Sophie, who has secrets of her own, and a cache of unsent letters from Hepburn herself to guide her. Those familiar with Roman Holiday and Hepburn will delight in the retelling, especially with Hughes's own imprint on it in the end, imbuing Amelia and Philip, and a few secondary characters, with the traits of the 1953 movie's characters, although the few brief racier passages are incongruous. The minor story lines add texture and depth to a charming love story. VERDICT An enjoyable read for classic film and light romance fans.--Amy Brozio-Andrews, Albany P.L., NY

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2015
Hughes (French Coast, 2015) gives readers another quintessential beach read. When movie actor Amelia Tate lands the role of her dreams playing Audrey Hepburn's character in a remake of Roman Holiday, she can't believe her good fortune. She has a blossoming career, a wonderful boyfriend, and gets to spend two months in Rome! But just when things feel perfect, everything starts to crumble. And after her boyfriend unexpectedly breaks up with her, Amelia must pick up the pieces. With her new friend, Sophie, by her side, and a new leading-man, Phillip (who just so happens to think that she's a hotel maid, not a movie star), Amelia sets out to explore the sights, sounds, and tastes of Rome. But is it all too good to be true yet again? Full of lavish descriptions of food, libations, and fashion, Hughes' latest is a quick and pleasurable read that will transport readers to the lush dream of Rome.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)