The diary of a single parent abroad by Jill Pennington

 About Jill Pennington: My name is Jill Pennington, I am a 'Britalian' originally from Yorkshire (England) and now living in Italy. I have three teenage children and a small farm in Emilia Romagna. I have written about life in the Italian mountains and have a follow up blog on facebook.

Facebook blog - http://www.facebook.com/TheDiaryOfASingleParentAbroad

About the Book: When Jill and her family moved to Italy she expected life to change but she had no idea how massive that change would be. Shortly after the move, she discovered her husband had been having an affair and had no intentions of staying in Italy.

Despite being in a foreign country with no income, limited language skills, a house that needed rebuilding and three young children to care for, she never once considered returning to the UK. With strength and determination she accepted any challenge, dismantling a derelict house to ground level, digging out a three metre deep well with her hands to get free water and overcoming her fear of the chainsaw to cut the winter wood. When there was very little money for food she made risotto with nettles collected from the roadside. She overcame many problems, learned new skills and discovered that money is not important, the only things in life that matter are health, happiness and her children.

Jill's story is delivered with an ever present hint of humour because, as she says, 'Without laughter life wouldn't be funny'.

Review by Susan Keefe

I have to say first off that I loved this book.

I don't honestly know whether it's because I am English living in France or because I can relate to some of the situations Jill has had to deal with, or just because it is a really good story brilliantly told.

From a mother who enjoys renovating in the UK, to a single parent managing to settle her children and herself in a foreign land whilst coping with a tricky marriage split between two countries, I found her adventures entertaining and her portrayal of them no holds barred.

As the book progresses she gives a realistic glimpse of what it is really like to live in a different country than your homeland, especially when they speak a different language and really cannot understand you. Many books on renovating abroad are written as if money is no object and it is refreshing to read an account of what it is really like when you don't have a lot of money yet still love where you have made your home. I also loved the way she so honestly describes how friendly the local neighbours can be in small communities, willing to offer help and support after they get to know you.

A really good story and I hope we get to hear more of Jill's adventures.

Available at Amazon in Paperback here http://www.amazon.com/Diary-Single-Parent-Abroad/dp/1782996419/ref=...

and on Kindle here http://www.amazon.com/diary-single-parent-abroad-ebook/dp/B00871I0X...