Quick Reviews

An "introduction to Italian" course run by the community centre in Sheffield, England, is just what Sophie, Anna and Catherine need to start the New Year - something different, a chance to meet new people and a way to break out of the routine of their daily lives.

ONE NIGHT IN ITALY BY LUCY DIAMOND

An "introduction to Italian" course run by the community centre in Sheffield, England, is just what Sophie, Anna and Catherine need to start the New Year - something different, a chance to meet new people and a way to break out of the routine of their daily lives.

For Sophie Frost, a local teacher, it is also a way to earn money so she can continue her travels.

Her time in Italy had been well spent learning Italian fluently, and now that she is back in Sheffield to attend to her sick father, she has the opportunity to put it to good use and teach.

Catherine Evans had been married for 18 years when her husband informed her he was leaving her.

Her life had revolved around him and their twin children and she is devastated by the news.

With her self-confidence at an all time low, she believes travel will help her to recover and that a trip to Italy could be the way to go.

But first she wants to learn the basics of the language.

Bubbly and caring Anna Morley works at the local newspaper.

When she finds out that the father she has never known is Italian, she dreams of meeting him in Italy.

An introductory course in Italian is just the thing she needs to learn how to communicate with him.

The course is the start of a special friendship between the three women.

They come from different backgrounds and circumstances, but in the space of 12 weeks each is encouraged to change her life for the better.

This feel-good, light read is perfect for summer, and it may even convince you to visit Italy. - Alison Ringer

TWISTED BY LYNDA LA PLANTE

Twistedis a departure from Lynda La Plante's Anna Travis series.

If you are a fan of detective thrillers, this is a great standalone read.

The story of every parent's nightmare begins when daughter Amy goes to a friend for a weekend sleepover and does not return to boarding school on Sunday.

As the story unfolds, bizarre facts about Amy's separated parents are uncovered.

Detective Inspector Reid, who is in charge of the investigation, is not sure whether he is dealing with a kidnapping, looking for a runaway or looking for a body.

The ensuing events are gripping and powerful reading material and the fast moving storyline has a real "twist" at the end. - Sue Norval