Villa Mirabella

By Peter Pezzelli

In his acclaimed novels of Italian-American life, Peter Pezzelli explores themes of friendship, hope, and second chances. With Villa Mirabella, he invites readers into the lives of an unforgettable family—and into the warmth of one very special bed and breakfast . . .
 
When Jason Mirabella returns to his childhood home on a blustery winter’s day, the only thing he’s sure of is that he’ll be staying in Providence just long enough to get back on his feet again. It’s been three years since Jason moved to Los Angeles, brimming with ambitions he knew could never be fulfilled in Rhode Island. He had no intention of entering the family business—running a beautiful but timeworn B&B that’s struggling to compete with downtown’s luxurious new hotels. Smart, proud, and hardworking, Jason found quick success in L.A., until one foolish decision cost him everything.
 
Jason’s widowed father, Giulio, is overjoyed to have his prodigal son back in the fold under any circumstances, though his siblings, Ray and Natalie, are less than thrilled. But as days go by, Jason slowly begins to carve out a place for himself, rediscovering everything he was so eager to leave behind, and beginning a tentative romance with a young woman who opens his eyes to a wider world.
 
Just as Jason begins to forge a better understanding of his family, circumstances transpire to test that bond and challenge his resolutions. Now, as the promise of spring comes to New England once more, Jason will learn that sometimes, you can go home again, and the answers found there may be the only ones you need…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Jun 1, 2010
• ISBN: 9780758265579

Peter Pezzelli

Peter Pezzelli was born and raised in Rhode Island. A graduate of Wesleyan University, he lives with his wife, two children, and their dog in Rhode Island where, most days, he is busy at work on his next novel. Readers can visit his website at peterpezzelli.com.

Reviews for Villa Mirabella

[sweb4us · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rising star Jason Mirabella was on top of the world. As the marketing guru for an up and coming medical device company in California, he had it all: plenty of money, a luxurious apartment, a flashy car, and his boss’ gorgeous daughter for his girlfriend. Then one bad decision costs him everything. Finding himself one morning curled up on a mattress on the floor of his now otherwise empty apartment, Jason faces some hard truths. Out of work, out of money, and out of options, Jason decides to go home.Home is Providence, RI, where Jason’s father owns a declining bed-and-breakfast. Jason’s brother and sister, who help their father run the business, are not happy with their father’s decision to welcome Jason back home and offer him a position at the inn. Jason isn’t all that thrilled with the idea at first, either, but with no other options available to him, he decides to give it a try and gradually regains his faith in himself and his abilities. But something continues to haunt his thoughts, and it takes a life-threatening experience in Providence and a return trip to California for him to really come to terms with his disastrous past and make the necessary decisions to move forward with his life.This was a heartwarming story of family, love, and redemption. I really enjoyed watching Jason’s character evolve and the byplay between Jason and his family was both entertaining and endearing. The insight Mr. Pezelli gives the reader into the Mirabella’s boisterous Italian family, neighborhood, and lifestyle is a pleasure to experience. This is definitely a book I would recommend to others as a captivating read with an uplifting, happy ending. I give Villa Mirabella 4 stars.