Dear Reader,

My books always begin with the tiniest idea. A funny opening line. Some small situation that tickles my fancy. This one was no different.

The original concept of this story was no more than an image of a young Australian woman standing before the statue of the David in Florence when a man steps up beside her, says something, and she realizes he’s Australian, too. That’s it! A single moment. One I jotted down ten years ago.

The idea finally found its purpose when I was asked to contribute to a trilogy alongside wonderful writers Cara Colter and Sophie Pembroke. A Canadian, a Brit and an Aussie author—it had to be an international travel fest, right? And hadn’t I once had an idea about a girl in Florence? I think ideas find their own moment. My young Australian woman, Aubrey, would not be the same joyful, indomitable character she is without the time spent brewing in Cara’s and Sophie’s delightful stories first.

So snuggle in and let me whisk you away to Florence! And if you don’t also have a crush on the David by the end, well, then there’s more of him for me. ;)

Love,

Ally