What Worked for Me:
* I really liked the beginning of this novel. Emily is a cozy mystery writer. Her former BFF (they've lost touch more than had a breakup) Chess invites her to Italy for a vacation with her. The writing style for this part of the narrative hit me just right, particularly the first couple chapters, and - while I could see where it was going as it approached the middle of the novel - I enjoyed that thread. 

What Did NOT Work for Me:
* The 1974 storyline. The three men Pierce, Noel, and Johnnie seemed indistinguishable from one another. I liked the Mari and Lara stepsisters better, but most of the story revolved around the men. It felt like it needed work. 

* There were additional elements thrown in. A book within a book, some mixed media pieces, etc. It was a jumble of assorted stuff that came across exactly as that ... a jumble.

If you like this author a lot, then you will likely enjoy this one. But others of hers I have liked better (The Wife Upstairs, The Heiress).