The Olive Branch

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What to expect

Escape to Italy with THE OLIVE BRANCH - the irresistible new novel from Jo Thomas, award-winning author of ebook runaway bestseller THE OYSTER CATCHER.

You can buy almost anything online these days. For Ruthie Collins, it was an Italian farmhouse.

Yet as she battles with a territorial goat and torrential rain just to get through the door of her new Italian home, the words of Ed, her ex, are ringing in her ears. She is daft, impetuous and irresponsible.

But Ruthie is determined to turn things around and live the dream.

First, though, she must win over her fiery neighbour, Marco Bellanouvo, and his tempestuous family...and then there's the small matter of running an olive farm. As the seasons change and new roots are put down, olives and romance might just flourish in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.

'Warm, funny, romantic with a terrific sense of place. I loved it!' Katie Fforde

(P)2015 Headline Digital

Critics Review

Romantic and funny, this is a great addition to any bookshelf
Sun
Warm, funny, romantic with a terrific sense of place. I loved it!
Katie Fforde
Sun, good food and romance, what more could you want?
Heat
Set in a beautiful landscape with lovable characters, it's a lovely story and a real page-turner
Candis Magazine
A perfect pearl of a story. I loved it
Milly Johnson
Best read with a glass of Prosecco. Salute!
Bella
Perfect for those who dream of a new life in the sun!
My Weekly
This is just a beautiful story . . . a great book to curl up with
The Dark Dictator blog
It is escapism at its best
Book Addict Shaun blog
Lots of twists and turns along the way and a couple of huge surprises, go ahead and treat yourself
Nat's Reading Cloud blog
A world you long to live in with characters you love
Katie Fforde
A perfect pearl of a story. I loved it
Milly Johnson
A warm witty debut... Well worth a read
Carole Matthews
A heart-warming tale full of Celtic charm, set against a beautiful landscape. What more could you wish for?
Ali McNamara

User Reviews

Book 3.0
Narration 5.0
3.0
5.0
3.5⭐️ = Quite Good.
This was quite enjoyable. An easy to read, inoffensive type of book. The Italian setting was pleasant and I think this would make a good accompaniment to a crisp glass of wine, whilst on holiday.
Julie7 31/10/2025

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