A Journey to Rome Without Leaving Home

Book Review: Love in the Eternal City by Rebecca Martin

+JMJ+ I’ve been laying low and recovering from my ICD generator change, and so I’ve finally had the chance to catch up on some long-neglected writing projects. Sometimes I jot down thoughts in my phone’s notes and then either forget about them or never quite get around to transferring them to my website. This book review is one of those pieces. I’ve been itching to share it for months, and I’m so glad I finally have the chance to post it!

Love in the Eternal City is a Catholic romance written by Rebecca Martin, and it drew me in from the first few pages. I’m not usually someone who gets pulled into a story right away (thank you, chaos of life and sheer exhaustion), but this one grabbed my attention and transported me straight to Rome.

So, what’s it about? Here’s my quick take:

Elena is a young woman spending some time in Rome, recovering from a painful breakup. Enter Benedikt, a Swiss Guard. He's a handsome, kind, and quietly compelling kind of guy. Side note: I’ve always been curious about the Swiss Guard, and this book gives a fascinating peek into their world. Also, “Benedict” is one of my favorite names (probably not a big surprise for those of you who have known me for a while), so I admit I had a soft spot for him from the start.

The characters feel real. Rebecca Martin gives us layered, believable people. Elena and Benedikt are thoughtfully developed, not just as a couple, but as individuals working through their own struggles and growth. Their flaws aren't sugarcoated, and that made their story even more compelling. They feel human and totally relatable. Their journey is messy but beautiful. You can picture them wandering the streets of Rome, grappling with life’s big questions—faith, heartbreak, purpose. I think one of the novel’s biggest strengths is how it tackles serious themes with tremendous grace and sensitivity.

The romance doesn’t just “happen” overnight. It builds slowly and naturally on the foundation of genuine friendship. I loved that. It’s honest, raw, and refreshingly grounded.

And then there’s Rome (sigh). Even as a self-proclaimed homebody, I found myself completely intrigued and swept away by the setting. The author brings the Eternal City to life. I could practically feel the cobblestones under my feet and smell the espresso drifting from a corner café. Oh, and then there's the chocolate and the pastries. Chef’s kiss. I was so there (and hit with about a dozen cravings).

Side note, if anyone wants to sponsor a trip to Rome for a party of eight, let’s talk!

To the lovely Rebecca Martin: thank you. Love in the Eternal City is heartfelt, beautifully written, and full of joy and adventure. It checked every box for me: romance, friendship, faith, family, travel, a bit of danger, and a whole lot of heart.

You made me long for adventure and for Rome and reminded me that love (even when it gets messy) is full of grace and beauty when God is at the center.

I cannot wait for the next book in the series: Love in the Glass City.

P.S. No pressure or anything, but can you put a rush on that, please?

Purchase your copy from Chrism Press today!

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Disclaimer:

I purchased my own copy of this book and was not compensated in any way for this review save for the sheer joy of knowing the author and loving the story. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.