The Olive Branch

A gorgeous summer romance set in Italy

By: Jo Thomas

Narrated by: Rachel Atkins

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©2015 Jo Thomas

Critic reviews

Romantic and funny, this is a great addition to any bookshelf

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

Sun, good food and romance, what more could you want?

Set in a beautiful landscape with lovable characters, it's a lovely story and a real page-turner

A perfect pearl of a story. I loved it (Milly Johnson)

Best read with a glass of Prosecco. Salute!

Perfect for those who dream of a new life in the sun!

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)

Love it!

This was a fabulous book! Made me feel like I wish I had bought this house online!

More enjoyable than anticipated!

While the story can be predictable at times, the narration is wonderfully enjoyable and makes the story more real! This is a great book to listen to while driving or doing tasks that do not require your full attention.

Overall Sweet Story, But Slightly Annoying Main Character

I generally loved the story! My only issue was that the last fee chapters, before the end of the book, the main character became very whiny, wishy-washy, and annoying. But it was a lovely story!

Good Storyline, AWFUL Narrator

Would you try another book from Jo Thomas and/or Rachel Atkins?

I'd never listen to another book by this narrator.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Rachel Atkins?

No way! I spent the entire time turning up the volume and turning it back down. Atkins ruined this book for me. She alternated between yelling and whispering. Truly awful.

Love in Italia!

This is a lovely story! Made me want to go on an adventure. I could see the scenery unfolding before me. Bravo!