Despite the initial difficulty in getting into the story, Buxton's novel ultimately delivers a heartwarming tale with feel-good themes and memorable characters.

The beginning is thick with characters and minor details making it a lot to sort through. However, it does mellow into a charming narrative about an old Italian village, Lazzarina Boscarino, that's on its last leg. It follows Giuseppina, a bartender who receives a prophecy about a visitor, and Delizia, a newly elected mayor, and her journey from panic to leadership.

Tartufo delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, community, loyalty, and tradition with humor and irony.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy.