Book Review: The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop by Abby Clements

Title: The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop
Author: Abby Clements
Published: 2nd July 2015
Publisher: Simon and Schuster 

The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop follows on from Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop. Although I don't think you need to read the first book, it will definitely give you more context to the story.
I really enjoyed this quick, easy read from Abby. It is so easy to get into and felt like pure escapism. It's so effortless to really get involved in the character's lives. The main characters, Anna and Imogen are sisters, but are very different and I liked the cross over between their viewpoints and what was happening in their lives. Although a light read, this still has that real life element to it with not everything being so cosy, but it just makes you resonate with the characters more and make you want everything to work out for them. I must also mention Anna's daughter Bella, she is such a sweetie pie and very much reminded me of my niece who is also called Bella. 
I loved the setting of Sorrento, I have been there once myself so it really took me back and a few memories resurfaced. If you haven't been I will be very surprised if you don't want to go after reading this. Abby effortlessly transports you there with her wonderful, warm descriptions. 
There is no way you will read this and not have a serious hankering for ice cream! I wanted to try everything they made and as I live very close to Brighton where part of the novel is set, I'm seriously wishing The Heavenly Ice Cream Shop was an actual place! Of course there is also the ice cream shop that Anna and Matteo take over in Italy (where ice cream of course originates from!) for the summer and could definitely understand why they had a snaking queue outside their doors.
This is a definite must read for your summer TBR pile, I am now desperate not only for ice cream (yes I know I said that already, but I am!) but also a summer holiday. If you are or aren't going away this year, I still definitely recommend this to spend some of those summer days with.