Travel Book Club: The Little Italian Hotel Discussion (March 2025)
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It’s time for the next discussion in our 2025 Travel Book Club! In March we read The Little Italian Hotel and I’ve compiled some questions below to get the discussion started! Share your thoughts, then check out what we’re reading next month!
The Little Italian Hotel
Author: Phaedra Patrick
Pages: 353
Published: 2023
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Caution: Spoilers Ahead!
The Little Italian Hotel is one of those cozy, feel-good books that makes you want to book a flight and start over in a charming little town. It follows Ginny Splinter, a British radio show host who gives relationship advice for a living. She’s got this perfect-sounding life—successful career, long marriage, everything seemingly in place. But then… BAM! Her husband tells her he wants a divorce. Totally out of nowhere.
Obviously, she’s devastated, and in a bit of a knee-jerk reaction, she decides to go on this romantic getaway to Italy—a trip she originally planned for her and her husband. But here’s the twist: instead of canceling, she opens it up to a small group of strangers who also need a fresh start. So now, instead of a romantic vacation, she’s hosting a little retreat at this charming Italian hotel run by a warm, quirky owner named Valentino.
Her travel companions? A mix of broken-hearted and lost souls, each dealing with their own struggles. There’s a widow, a man grappling with regrets, and a few others, all bringing their own baggage—literal and emotional. As they settle into the hotel and explore the gorgeous Italian setting, they start to form an unexpected bond, helping each other heal in different ways. And of course, there’s a bit of romance, self-discovery, and plenty of delicious Italian food along the way.
What I loved about this book is that it’s not just about Ginny dealing with heartbreak—it’s about reinvention, friendship, and finding joy in unexpected places. Each character has their own journey, and by the end, you feel like you’ve taken this emotional (and slightly sun-soaked) trip with them.
It’s got that perfect mix of warmth, humor, and heartache, but it never gets too heavy. And the setting? Pure escapism. You can practically feel the Italian sun on your skin and taste the pasta. If you like stories about second chances, found family, and rediscovering yourself in a gorgeous place, this one’s a great pick.
Would I recommend? 100%—but fair warning: you might want to book a trip to Italy after reading! 😊
Discussion Questions | Share Your Thoughts on Facebook
- Ginny is blindsided by her husband asking for a divorce. Did you find her reaction—booking the trip anyway and inviting strangers—realistic? How would you have handled it?
- The setting in Italy plays a big role in the book. How do you think the location contributed to Ginny’s journey of healing and self-discovery? Have you ever traveled somewhere that helped you reset or see life differently?
- The group at the hotel is made up of strangers, each dealing with their own challenge. Which character’s story resonated with you the most, and why?
- The idea of reinvention is central to the novel. Do you think Ginny truly finds herself by the end, or is she still a work in progress?
- Ginny’s career is built on giving relationship advice, but when her marriage falls apart, she struggles to take her own guidance. Have you ever found it easier to help others than to follow your own advice?
- Valentino, the hotel owner, brings warmth and wisdom to the group. What do you think he represents in the story? Did you find his role important to Ginny’s transformation?
- Food and community meals are a recurring theme in the book. How do shared meals contribute to the characters’ healing and connection?
- The book explores the idea of finding happiness outside of traditional relationships. Do you think Ginny’s story challenges the idea that romantic love is the only path to fulfillment?
- Each character in the group learns something from their time in Italy. If you could take a “reset” trip like Ginny’s, where would you go, and what would you hope to discover?
- By the end of the novel, Ginny has embraced a new chapter in her life. If there was a sequel, where do you think she’d be, and what would you like to see happen next?
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Lori Barbely
Hi, I’m Lori, the Chief Travel Officer for Mostly Solo Travel! I created this site for solo (and would-be solo) female travelers. My goal is to inspire your trips, give you practical advice on how to plan, and to ease your fears so you can explore the world on your own.
