Author: Christopher Castellani

I found an interesting (cheap) e-book on one of my book lists. When I looked it up on Goodreads it was the second book in a series of three. I bought the e-book and ordered the first in the series from the Penticton library. I’m glad I did, and I’ve place an order for the third book.

The story starts in a very small village in Italy during the 2nd World War. The villagers are just getting used to the idea of the war when it is announced that the Allies are taking over the country and Mussolini’s rule has ended.

Maddalena is the youngest of several children and, by everyone’s account, the most beautiful. A poor boy has fallen in love with Maddalena but he has been scorned by her family. As Maddalena’s family retreats to the country until the end of the war, Vito somehow manages to survive by staying in the village.

At the end of the war Maddalena and her family return to the village. But can she persuade her family that Vito is worthy of her?

Goodreads Rating: * * * *