04.24.24, was the On-Sale Date for "Secrets of the Italian Villa" by M.J. Milne—now a BEST SELLER on Amazon! Over seven years in the making, and it involved traveling to Italy, breathing-in the culture (and aroma of the food—yum), many rewrites, lots of editing with lots of help, but the journey was always joyful. Thanks for coming along on the journey, and continuing along with me, onward. And thank you for reading my book and, then, taking the time to write a review. I am humbled by your beautiful words. You’re awesome!—Live to Love Life! - MJ

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REVIEWS:

“A gripping love story, riveting from start to finish! — After months of mourning the tragic death of her husband, culinary arts professor Gerri McKenna discovers he had been cheating on her for years. Devastated, and with the need to get away, she takes a step out of her ordinary life, and through a friend, accepts a house-sitting job in the idyllic setting of Lake Como, Italy, where she becomes concierge to a group of high-spirited American women on holiday. It is here she experiences a whole new aroma of life—new sights, sounds, feelings, tastes, smells—and passions never felt before! And through an unexpected turn of events, she uncovers a web of secrets about the Villa’s history, and an alluring opera singer whose clandestine past could change Gerri’s life forever. — You made me cry at the end as it very much related to my story, letting go of fear, trusting, opening up my heart to love again. It is universal, for everyone. A perfect romance novel! Bellissima!” - Liz Perry Durant, Actor/Stage Director

"Outstanding novel about learning to love again! It's never too late.... Love this novel. Set in beautiful Lake Como. Tempts one to fly away there and live the dream. Easy to read and I was hooked from the beginning. The author did not fail to deliver her promise of travel, romance and secrets. And yes even the option of learning a recipe rang true. Even picking up a few words of Italian was a perk.

Enjoyed how the 'secrets' of the villa came to light almost from the beginning to the end. Added to the intrigue. The steamy scenes? There were many. Need I say more? Well, I had to turn on a fan. The story takes the main character on a beautiful but sometimes turbulent journey to find out who she is, how to let go of what no longer serves her, how to move on and finally coming out later in life. Reaffirming love is love and it can surface at any age regardless of gender. She teaches us to live life to the fullest and love deeply. A must read. Looking forward to future novels by this author." - Linda Penney, 5-Star Amazon Review

“I just finished reading ‘Secrets of the Italian Villa’ by MJ Milne. I devoured the book as it was a historic, sexual mystery set in Italy and intrigued me right from the start. It created a renewed sense of emotional feelings, a snapshot into a fascinating part of the world that I have never visited.… Perhaps I need a lesson in Italian but the words were all explained. It was a book in which you could create your own movie as you read. It stirred emotions about finding the courage to love again! Buy it!” - Heather Cranston, 5-Star Amazon Review

"Hi All! Wanted to share with you something that greatly inspired me yesterday… I think we all know that our world can be a capitalist nightmare and it’s hard to make art JUST BECAUSE without societies pressures of success weighing over you. But last night I went to a small book launch for a later in life lesbian author who has been working on this spicy sapphic novel for SEVEN YEARS just because it’s her dream and passion to make art. At this event were lesbians in their 50s and 60s and 70s there to support, living life to the fullest, and truly embracing what it means to create community. I think it’s our responsibility as younger queer people to support those who paved the way for us, who may not know how to utilize social media to get their art into the world… and that’s why I think it would be very cool if we helped this very deserving woman have her book “fly off the shelves”: Secrets of the Italian Villa, by M.J. Milne. Available on Amazon: www.amazon.ca/dp/0973965452 - From @breannewilliamson

"I read your book this weekend. Nothing I like better than a good love story, with some mystery and intrigue thrown in. Thanks for the journey, it made me want to plan another visit to Italy. One more thing, it inspired me to cook Italian last night. I used the marinade recipe from the book. Yum." ­- Liz Shelton, 5-Star Amazon Review

"Enjoying morning sunshine with coffee and a delicious chapter of Secrets of the Italian Villa.… I’m rationing pages so that I can have many mornings when I'm starting my day with Gerri at the Villa. Don’t want this to end." - Catherine Frost

"OK! I was impressed; you're a great writer. I just finished your book. It was fantastic! Now I want to go to Lake Como." - Niki Wilkinson

"I just finished your book MJ, it was a wonderful read. Your knowledge of history, Roman and Greek mythology, the culinary arts, as well as the geography and language, you are amazing! A lovely story of falling in love, forgiveness and taking chances to start a new life. I just loved it." - Leila June Burt Crozier, 5-Star Amazon Review

“Secrets of the Italian Villa is a charming and uplifting novel that beautifully captures the essence of self-discovery and adventure. The protagonist's journey from a routine life to the vibrant experiences of Italy is both heartwarming and inspiring. The author’s vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling make it easy to be swept away by the Italian scenery and the lively cast of characters. A delightful read that reminds us of the transformative power of stepping out of our comfort zones.” - Bita H., 5-Star Amazon Review

“Heard about this on TikTok and I’m so glad I bought it!! Such a cute love story and wonderful read!!” - Simplyleesha, 5-Star Amazon Review

“Great book. Amazing read!” - Cristina Martinez, 5-Stars Amazon Review

“Just finished your book. SO GOOD! Once I started I couldn't stop reading. Love the story lines and so descriptive of people and places. I was transported back to my holiday in Milan and drinking Bellini's opposite the Duomo and shopping in the Galleria. Better get started on your next one, if you haven't already!” - Carell Alden

"I have never read a book a second time but your book is so full of interesting facts, love, and history I had to do a second read. It was magical and really completed many of the stories I read through quickly on my first venture. Here is my second "Thank you"." - Heather Cranston

“Sure hope everyone is enjoying reading this excellent novel as much as I did! Think it is calling me to do a second read!” - Linda Penney