Ebook592 pages9 hours
Carissima
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
4/5
()
About this ebook
From Rosanna Chiofalo comes a sumptuous novel that sweeps readers from the Italian-American enclave of Astoria, New York, to the stunning vistas of Rome, and introduces two very different women—in a story of friendship, love, and destiny. . .
In college, Pia Santore dreamed of going to New York and taking the Big Apple by storm with her younger sister Erica. Instead, Pia has arrived in Astoria, Queens, with a prestigious journalism internship at a celebrity magazine. . .and without Erica. Though the neighborhood has an abundance of appeal—including the delectable confections sold at her Aunt Antoniella's bakery—the pain of losing Erica a few years ago still feels fresh.
Pia's arrival coincides with an unexpected sighting. Italian movie icon Francesca Donata is rumored to be staying nearby, every bit as voluptuous and divaesque as in her heyday. With the help of a handsome local artist with ties to Francesca's family, Pia convinces the legend to grant her a series of interviews—even traveling to her house in Rome. In the eternal city, Pia begins to unearth the truth behind the star's fabled romances and tangled past. And here too, where beauty and history mingle in every breathtaking view, and hope shimmers in the Trevi fountain and on the Spanish Steps, Pia gradually learns how to love and when to let go. For when in Rome, you may find your carissima—your dearest one—and you may even find yourself. . .
Rosanna Chiofalo is a first-generation Italian American whose parents emigrated from Sicily to New York in the early 1960s. She is the author of Bella Fortuna and is currently hard at work writing her next novel. She and her husband live in New York City.
Advance Praise For Carissima
"What a glorious novel this is. It's a celebration of life, love and unlikely friendship through the eyes of two very different women. Yet their similarities bind them together and will endear them to readers long after the last page is turned. Bravissima for Carissima!" --Susan Wiggs, # 1 New York Times bestselling author
"Fantastico! I couldn't put it down!" --Lisa Jackson, # 1 New York Times bestselling author
Praise for Bella Fortuna
"Chiofalo brings the Italian immigrant community and neighborhoods richly to life." —Publishers Weekly
"Reading Rosanna Chiofalo's depiction of a modern Italian-American family is like digging into a fresh bowl of pasta—warm, welcome, and satisfying. A deeply felt debut that affirms the importance of friends and family—Italian-style." --Lisa Verge Higgins, author of The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship
"Well-drawn characters. . .A charmer." —BookPage
"Sometimes tough, sometimes tender, always heartfelt and honest, Bella Fortuna is a lively, finely-stitched tale of life and love, family and friendship, and a zest for cose Italiane!" --Peter Pezzelli, author of Home to Italy
"Chiofalo's debut is an inspiring read about second chances with love after tremendous heartbreak. . . Readers with Italian-American backgrounds will definitely eat this one up!" —RT Book Reviews
In college, Pia Santore dreamed of going to New York and taking the Big Apple by storm with her younger sister Erica. Instead, Pia has arrived in Astoria, Queens, with a prestigious journalism internship at a celebrity magazine. . .and without Erica. Though the neighborhood has an abundance of appeal—including the delectable confections sold at her Aunt Antoniella's bakery—the pain of losing Erica a few years ago still feels fresh.
Pia's arrival coincides with an unexpected sighting. Italian movie icon Francesca Donata is rumored to be staying nearby, every bit as voluptuous and divaesque as in her heyday. With the help of a handsome local artist with ties to Francesca's family, Pia convinces the legend to grant her a series of interviews—even traveling to her house in Rome. In the eternal city, Pia begins to unearth the truth behind the star's fabled romances and tangled past. And here too, where beauty and history mingle in every breathtaking view, and hope shimmers in the Trevi fountain and on the Spanish Steps, Pia gradually learns how to love and when to let go. For when in Rome, you may find your carissima—your dearest one—and you may even find yourself. . .
Rosanna Chiofalo is a first-generation Italian American whose parents emigrated from Sicily to New York in the early 1960s. She is the author of Bella Fortuna and is currently hard at work writing her next novel. She and her husband live in New York City.
Advance Praise For Carissima
"What a glorious novel this is. It's a celebration of life, love and unlikely friendship through the eyes of two very different women. Yet their similarities bind them together and will endear them to readers long after the last page is turned. Bravissima for Carissima!" --Susan Wiggs, # 1 New York Times bestselling author
"Fantastico! I couldn't put it down!" --Lisa Jackson, # 1 New York Times bestselling author
Praise for Bella Fortuna
"Chiofalo brings the Italian immigrant community and neighborhoods richly to life." —Publishers Weekly
"Reading Rosanna Chiofalo's depiction of a modern Italian-American family is like digging into a fresh bowl of pasta—warm, welcome, and satisfying. A deeply felt debut that affirms the importance of friends and family—Italian-style." --Lisa Verge Higgins, author of The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship
"Well-drawn characters. . .A charmer." —BookPage
"Sometimes tough, sometimes tender, always heartfelt and honest, Bella Fortuna is a lively, finely-stitched tale of life and love, family and friendship, and a zest for cose Italiane!" --Peter Pezzelli, author of Home to Italy
"Chiofalo's debut is an inspiring read about second chances with love after tremendous heartbreak. . . Readers with Italian-American backgrounds will definitely eat this one up!" —RT Book Reviews
Author
Rosanna Chiofalo
Rosanna Chiofalo is a first-generation Italian American whose parents emigrated from Sicily to New York in the early 1960s. She is the author of Bella Fortuna and Carissima and is currently hard at work writing her next novel. She and her husband live in New York City. Visit: www.RosannaChiofalo.com.
Read more from Rosanna Chiofalo
Stella Mia Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Rosalia's Bittersweet Pastry Shop Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Bella Fortuna Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
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Reviews for Carissima
Rating: 3.9285714285714284 out of 5 stars
4/5
7 ratings1 review
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Ms. Chiolfano has done it again. Carissima is a story rich in characters, family secrets and life's lessons in losing and finding love. Set in Astoria, New York and Rome, we meet young and old Italian Americans, trying to find their way in families steeped in Italian history. This novel is about two women, Francesca Donata and Pia Santore there relationship with their sisters, and how this changes their lives. Francesco Donato is an Italian film star, who has not made a film in ten years, but is still adored by her fans. She has many names she has earned in her films, her least favorite is Dolci Labbra , Sweet Lips, and her favorite Carissima, Dearest One. She has been a recluse for years and is now coming out of hiding with her bodyguards to visit Astoria, New York. Her arrival is cloaked in mystery, and for several days it is just a rumor that she is even there. Neighbors gather daily, morning till night hoping to get a glimpse of Signorina Donato. Pia Santore is a young woman from California visiting her aunt in Astoria for the summer. She has dreams of being a journalist, that were stalled, but she now hopes are back on track. Pia has an internship at Profile magazine and is anticipating soaking up all the knowledge she can while there, then returning to California and her family. She has such high hopes for this experience. " But harsh reality has set in over the course of the past few days as it becomes more apparent that Colin wants a secretary rather than an editorial intern whom he can mentor." Suddenly the news breaks that it is indeed Signorina Donato visiting the beautiful , but aging mansion of Signora Tesca, down the street from Pia's aunt's home. Pia is now one of the many neighbors standing outside for a glimpse of the infamous film star. If she can just get a photo, or a word, she could take it to Colin and convince him to let her write a story!It is so delightful to encounter the neighbors and characters from Bella Fortuna. Olivia De Luca and her bridal shop, Antoniella's Bakery owned by Pia's aunt, and so many other familiar names. I could almost smell the Biscotti, and other delectable delights from the bakery. I have had the privilege of visiting Rome, and Ms. Chiofalo's descriptions brought it all to life for me again. I have my own memories of throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain.I loved this novel filled with people , emotions and wonderful history, and I highly recommend it. I turned the last page of this sweeping novel enthralled with this beautiful story, but sad that it had ended.I received this novel from the author for an honest review.
Book preview
Carissima - Rosanna Chiofalo
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