by Lori Nelson Spielman
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
A trio of second-born daughters set out to break the family curse that says they’ll never find love on a whirlwind journey through the lush Italian countryside by New York Times bestseller 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
Travel to Italy from your couch and become swept up in the story of three women and the curse that haunts them in The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman. Heartfelt and engaging, I was completely transported.
Filomena Fontana cast a curse upon her sister more than two hundred years ago, not one second-born Fontana daughter has found lasting love.
Our tale begins in Brooklyn where second-daughter Emilia is content being a baking in her grandfather’s deli. Her cousin Lucy, also a second-daughter, is desperate to break the curse, going from one lover to the next in search of her happily ever-after. When Emilia’s estranged Aunt asks them to accompany her to Italy for her eightieth birthday claiming she will break the curse on the steps of the Ravello Cathedral, the girls accepted despite opposition from family members.
The tale that unfolds was delightful and filled with growth and self-discovery as their Aunt Poppy shares her own love story and curse as a second-born daughter. Each character was unique and flawed. It was wonderful learning their secrets, seeing them experience and grow.
I laughed, sipped my wine, imagined the sites of Italy and fell in love. Spielman made me cry, laugh and cheer even as I held my breath and crossed my fingers.
The book left me red-eyed and smiling. Even now a week later memories of moments pop into my head and these characters craved a spot in my heart.
Laura @ Library of Clean Reads
This one sounds so delightful! I miss Italy and my trip to visit family in Rome, unfortunately, had to be canceled because of the pandemic. So I’m drawn to books and movies that feature Italy.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Oh wow, this really does sound like the perfect read for right now. I need more reads that leave me feeling like this one left you feeling. That cover is gorgeous too.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Sounds like this is a great character driven story, the best kind. Fantastic review!
Katherine
Oh I need this! It sounds wonderful and I just want to be in that cover. How pretty!
Debbie S Haupt
Oh yes please this sounds fab!
Trish @ Between My Lines
Sisters, curses and Italy that sounds fab! I love that there is growth and self discovery and it seems to be a really heart-warming book. Adding to my tbr.
Beena Khan
This looks lovely. I like the cute graphics you posted as well. Very catchy.
Tyler H. Jolley
Kimba, I just stopped by to say I always enjoy your thoughtful reviews. I enjoy your blog so much. Know you are appreciated.
Kimberly
**elbow hugs** Hoping you and yours are safe and well Tyler!
Lily
This looks so lovely. I adore stories like this. Especially when characters stay with you.
Lover of Romance
There is something so unique in having a book set in Italy….sounds like such a vibrant read.
Great review.
Mary Kirkland
That’s an interesting curse. Sounds like a good book.
Jenea’s Book Obsession
I enjoyed this one too!
Sophia Rose
vicarious traveling to Italy with a family of gals looking to break a curse sounds just the thing. 🙂
Ethan
This one gives me Practical Magic vibes. I think we could all afford to be transported to Italy right now!
kindlemom1
I really enjoyed this as well! Sad so many of these wonderful books are being pushed back for publication but glad they are still coming out.
Cindy
This is my type of book. Your review has me wanting to read this ASAP! Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
Angela @ Simply Angela
This sounds like such a fun story and the cover is lovely! Great review!
Melliane
Oh Italy, that’s fun to set a story there!