Genre: Contemporary / Chick Lit / Romance
Book Type: Audio
Author: Lori Nelson Spielman
Narrator: Carlotta Brentan, Kathleen Garrett, Lori Nelson Spielman
Pages / Length: 400 pages / 13 hours and 14 minutes
Publisher: Berkley (November 17, 2020) / Penguin Audio
Book Description:
A trio of second-born daughters sets out on a whirlwind journey through the lush Italian countryside to break the family curse that says they’ll never find love, by New York Timesbestseller Lori Nelson Spielman, author of The Life List.
Since the day Filomena Fontana cast a curse upon her sister more than two hundred years ago, not one second-born Fontana daughter has found lasting love. Some, like second-born Emilia, the happily-single baker at her grandfather’s Brooklyn deli, claim it’s an odd coincidence. Others, like her sexy, desperate-for-love cousin Lucy, insist it’s a true hex. But both are bewildered when their great-aunt calls with an astounding proposition: If they accompany her to her homeland of Italy, Aunt Poppy vows she’ll meet the love of her life on the steps of the Ravello Cathedral on her eightieth birthday, and break the Fontana Second-Daughter Curse once and for all.
Against the backdrop of wandering Venetian canals, rolling Tuscan fields, and enchanting Amalfi Coast villages, romance blooms, destinies are found, and family secrets are unearthed—secrets that could threaten the family far more than a centuries-old curse.
Thoughts: I love a good sisterhood book and this one didn't disappoint. I love the layers of family and love and throw in a wise grandma and "curse" and this has all the pieces of a great read. This was full of family, sisters, love, heartbreak, self-doubt and growth, unbreakable bonds and friendship. I loved the travel and history woven into this novel.
This was a great audio (and would be a great physical read, too). I enjoyed the different voices and chapters from different perspectives, which made it easy to listen to. Definitely recommend this one for anyone looking for a good light book with some depth to it.
Favorite Quotes:
*** Last quote contains a spoiler ***
🍋 [...] "What film?" I ask.
"The one we're told will flash before us when we die. I must say, I get goosebumps when I think about it. You see, my film will be part drama, pary mystery, a bit of a thriller, with romantic comedy scenes tossed in for good measure." Her dark eyes dance. "You, my dears, are still in the production stage of your movie. Make it riveting! Make every scene sizzle! When it comes time to watch the movie of your life, may tears run down your face, may you scream with laughter and cringe with embarrassment. But for Goddess's sake, do not let your life story be one that's so dull you fall asleep during the viewing." (page 123)
🍋 I dig my nails into my palms. "You came here to ruin my trip." I speak through clenched teeth, years of anger bubbling to the surface. "You couldn't bear to see me, the inferior second-born daughter, doing something fun for myself. You've been brainwashed by Nonna, just like Dad. Just like I was."
"You're delusional."
I let out a maniacal little laugh. "I was, yes. But not anymore. I see things clearly now. The curse works for you. Because you're the superior one, the anointed firstborn daughter. You're Nonna's protege, her pride and joy. And you're so afraid of losing your status that you've sacrificed me, my life, our entire relationship, just to please her. I'm nothing but your personal handmaid." (page 230)
🍋 "But is that fair? Is that enough? Or should I - should everyone - hold out for the kind of love that sets your skin aflame?"
She smiles. "That, my dear, is a question we can answer only for ourselves. All I can tell you is that, after eighty years, I realize that love plays many roles. Paramour. Comforter. Protector. Mate. Though Rico is my heart's only true passion, there's much to be said for a love that provides deep friendship, or simply companionship, in a world that can sometimes feel like a fisted glove."
Her eyes glisten in the night's glow. "In the end, life is a simple equation. Each time you love - be it a man or a child, a cat or a horse - you add color to this world. When you fail to love, you erase color." She smiles. "Love, in any of its forms, is what takes this journey from a leak black-and-white pencil sketch to a magnificent oil painting."
She touches my cheek. "It's the sweet fruit that paints the field and wakes our senses. I'm not saying you must be on a constant quest for it, but please, if love comes to you, if you find it within your grasp, promise me you'll pluck it from the vine and give it a good looking-over, won't you?" (pages 300-301)
🍋 I told my family there was no curse. But that's not entirely true. The Fontana second-daughter myth was very much alive. But it was never about being single. Like all stereotypes, the real curse was the sense of hopelessness the myth created, the erosion of self-confidence, the failure to believe in one's dreams... and oneself. (page 327)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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