Under a Sardinian Sky

By Sara Alexander

“A beautifully told story about one woman’s determination to exorcise the sorrows of her family’s past. It brought tears to my eyes more than once—always a good sign. I look forward to reading more novels by Sara Alexander.” —Holly Chamberlin, author of Home for the Summer

Set against the beautiful backdrop of post-World War II Sardinia, Sara Alexander’s evocative novel is a sweeping story of star-crossed romance between an American lieutenant and a local girl.

Sometimes a family’s deepest silences hide the most important secrets. For Mina, a London-based travel writer, the enigmatic silence surrounding her aunt Carmela has become a personal obsession. Carmela disappeared from her Italian hometown long ago and is mentioned only in fragments and whispers. Mina has resisted prying, respectful of her family’s Sardinian reserve. But now, with her mother battling cancer, it’s time to learn the truth.

In 1952, Simius is a busy Sardinian town surrounded by fertile farms and orchards. Carmela Chirigoni, a farmer’s daughter and talented seamstress, is engaged to Franco, son of the area’s wealthiest family. Everyone agrees it’s a good match. But Carmela’s growing doubts about Franco’s possessiveness are magnified when she meets Captain Joe Kavanagh. Joe, an American officer stationed at a local army base, is charismatic, intelligent, and married. Hired as his interpreter, Carmela resolves to ignore her feelings, knowing that any future together must bring upheaval and heartache to both families.

As Mina follows the threads of Carmela’s life to uncover her fate, she will discover a past still deeply alive in the present, revealing a story of hope, sacrifice, and extraordinary love.

“Like Sardinia’s Emerald Coast, Sara Alexander’s Under A Sardinian Sky will dazzle you with its glittering descriptions of the Mediterranean island, its exquisite culinary treasures, and authentic, beautiful people. But it is the heroine Carmela’s courage and heartbreaking choices that will leave you the most enchanted and racing through the novel to learn her extraordinary fate.” —Rosanna Chiofalo, author of Rosalia’s Bittersweet Pastry Shop

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Apr 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781496706379

Sara Alexander

Sara Alexander graduated from Hampstead School, London, UK and went on to attend the University of Bristol, UK, graduating with a BA hons. in Theatre, Film & TV. She followed on to complete her postgraduate diploma in acting from Drama Studio London. She has worked extensively in the theatre, film and television industries, including roles in much loved productions such as Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows, Doctor Who and Franco Zeffirelli’s Sparrow.

Reviews for Under a Sardinian Sky

[debkrenzer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful cover with a story rich in Italian traditions filled with many descriptions and emotions...Carmela is the best seamstress in Simius. You show her a dress out of any magazine and she can make it. She is also very fluent in English and used as a translator for many of the townspeople in Simius. Which is why when the American Army wants to rent land from farmers in the area, they seek Carmela.Carmela is betrothed to Franco. He is the son of the richest man in all of Simius. While they are of age to marry, Carmela and her family, would like to prolong the wedding for different reasons through the book. Problems begin, however, when Franco thinks his soon-to-be wife is spending too much time with her careers and not with him. The book is rich with descriptions of the scenic landscapes. And, fair warning, don't read this book hungry. These people are ALWAYS eating. I was a little bummed because Kindle translator was not quite working for me. However, the author's vivid details of what went into the dish helped a lot. I really felt like I was there in those kitchens listening to those Italian sisters fussing and smelling the smells. I enjoyed this book immensely and would like to thank Kensington Books for approving my request. Also, Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest unbiased review.