Can love bloom in the groves of Italy?

'I loved it!' Katie Fforde

Escape to Italy with The Olive Branch - the irresistible summer novel from Jo Thomas, author of ebook 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 family... 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.

What readers are saying about The Olive Branch:

'Characters that come to life and each chapter comes with a smile. An uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable read providing a little escapism, a little romance and a lot of determination'

'A heart-warming book you will find hard to put down'

'A feel-good book. Great for a holiday read'