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    Confetti and Lemon Blossom: and other short stories
    A Season of Goodwill: 10 humorous and heartwarming short stories for Christmas and the festive season
    Fresh from the Sea and Other Short Stories
    Audiobook series6 titles

    Sicilian Stories Series

    Written by Stefania Hartley

    Narrated by Stefania Hartley

    ()

    About this series

    Amanda’s name means “to be loved” and she’s taken it as her duty to make herself lovable, but it’s hard work.

    Has Tanino really abandoned Melina at home to freeze?

    Mark hasn’t seen Nora for thirty years and, since then, he’s lost a leg and all his hair. If he wasn’t enough for her then, can he be now?

    What happens if the dating app’s algorithms go haywire?

    Ten humorous and heart-warming short stories about love—found, kept, reconquered—at all ages. The perfect winter warmer for your coffee break or as a bedtime listen.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherThe Sicilian Mama
    Release dateDec 22, 2020
    Confetti and Lemon Blossom: and other short stories
    A Season of Goodwill: 10 humorous and heartwarming short stories for Christmas and the festive season
    Fresh from the Sea and Other Short Stories

    Titles in the series (6)

    • 1

      Fresh from the Sea and Other Short Stories
      Fresh from the Sea and Other Short Stories

      Fresh from the Sea and Other Short Stories

      Stefania Hartley
      0 ratings
      0 ratings

      Will Gnà Peppina give her customers what they need, even if it’s more than food? What pleasures can a man indulge in after his wife has put him on a draconian diet? Who will be able to cook dinner for the family with five euros? Five humorous short stories ablaze with the Sicilian sunshine, vibrating with the singsongs of the street sellers, fragrant with the scent of the sea. Written by Stefania Hartley, also known as The Sicilian Mama. "Full of atmosphere, fun and warmth. It’s an absolutely charming read." (Shirley Blair, senior editor of The People’s Friend magazine, on the short story "Cooking with Franca") "Hartley doesn’t just give us stories, she gives us a slice of Italian life served with lashings of charm and wit. Highly recommended!" (Ella Hayes, author of Her Brooding Scottish Heir) "In these short stories Stefania Hartley skewers universal foibles with humor. With sharp and at the same time gentle irony she invites us to laugh not only at the characters but, with them, at ourselves. The sunny quality of the tales owes as much to their Sicilian setting as to a warm perspective on human beings." (Valeria Vescina, author of That Summer in Puglia)

      Will Gnà Peppina give her customers what they need, even if it’s more than food? What pleasures can a man indulge in after his wife has put him on a draconian diet? Who will be able to cook dinner for the family with five euros? Five humorous short stories ablaze with the Sicilian sunshine, vibrating with the singsongs of the street sellers, fragrant with the scent of the sea. Written by Stefania Hartley, also known as The Sicilian Mama. "Full of atmosphere, fun and warmth. It’s an absolutely charming read." (Shirley Blair, senior editor of The People’s Friend magazine, on the short story "Cooking with Franca") "Hartley doesn’t just give us stories, she gives us a slice of Italian life served with lashings of charm and wit. Highly recommended!" (Ella Hayes, author of Her Brooding Scottish Heir) "In these short stories Stefania Hartley skewers universal foibles with humor. With sharp and at the same time gentle irony she invites us to laugh not only at the characters but, with them, at ourselves. The sunny quality of the tales owes as much to their Sicilian setting as to a warm perspective on human beings." (Valeria Vescina, author of That Summer in Puglia)

    • 2

      Confetti and Lemon Blossom: and other short stories
      Confetti and Lemon Blossom: and other short stories

      Confetti and Lemon Blossom: and other short stories

      Stefania Hartley
      0 ratings
      0 ratings

      For Don Pericle, wedding organising is a calling, not just a career. Deep in the Sicilian countryside, between rose gardens and trellised balconies, up marble staircases and across damasked ballrooms, these charming stories unfold: stories of star-crossed love, of comedic misunderstandings and of deep friendships, of love triumphing in the face of adversity (pomegranate-stained dresses, overzealous photographers, missing string quartets, and even a case of sabotage!). To these brides and grooms-to-be, Don Pericle becomes a guru, a mentor, even a friend, solving problems, untangling knots, rearranging menus and transforming lives. In “The Princess and the Pea”, Natalia wants a fairy-tale wedding, whatever the cost: but what does that mean for the rest of her life with Marco? Sophia and Isaias’s families, in “Be Our Guest”, have decided to boycott the wedding. How will they figure out a way to fill out the guest list? Meanwhile, in “Daniela’s Big Day,” the bride’s older sister is dreading the bouquet toss. Can Don Pericle find a way to ease her worries? Fishmongers and Ferrari drivers, dressmakers and divorcees, gardeners and grandmothers: within the walls of Villa Lingualarga, all are offered a new chance at understanding each other – and maybe even finding true love. “A super read, and we all enjoyed the quirky, insightful style of storytelling” - The People's Friend editorial team "What a lovely story - so sweet and funny. Don Pericle is such an interesting character - we all need someone like that in our lives!" - Ewan Smith, author of pocket novels, short stories and poems

      For Don Pericle, wedding organising is a calling, not just a career. Deep in the Sicilian countryside, between rose gardens and trellised balconies, up marble staircases and across damasked ballrooms, these charming stories unfold: stories of star-crossed love, of comedic misunderstandings and of deep friendships, of love triumphing in the face of adversity (pomegranate-stained dresses, overzealous photographers, missing string quartets, and even a case of sabotage!). To these brides and grooms-to-be, Don Pericle becomes a guru, a mentor, even a friend, solving problems, untangling knots, rearranging menus and transforming lives. In “The Princess and the Pea”, Natalia wants a fairy-tale wedding, whatever the cost: but what does that mean for the rest of her life with Marco? Sophia and Isaias’s families, in “Be Our Guest”, have decided to boycott the wedding. How will they figure out a way to fill out the guest list? Meanwhile, in “Daniela’s Big Day,” the bride’s older sister is dreading the bouquet toss. Can Don Pericle find a way to ease her worries? Fishmongers and Ferrari drivers, dressmakers and divorcees, gardeners and grandmothers: within the walls of Villa Lingualarga, all are offered a new chance at understanding each other – and maybe even finding true love. “A super read, and we all enjoyed the quirky, insightful style of storytelling” - The People's Friend editorial team "What a lovely story - so sweet and funny. Don Pericle is such an interesting character - we all need someone like that in our lives!" - Ewan Smith, author of pocket novels, short stories and poems

    • 3

      A Season of Goodwill: 10 humorous and heartwarming short stories for Christmas and the festive season
      A Season of Goodwill: 10 humorous and heartwarming short stories for Christmas and the festive season

      A Season of Goodwill: 10 humorous and heartwarming short stories for Christmas and the festive season

      Stefania Hartley
      0 ratings
      0 ratings

      How far should Viviana’s family go to avoid being thirteen at the table? Should Melina and Tanino attend a New Year’s party hosted by Melina’s old flame? Why do Don Pericle’s clients want a Christmas wedding at all costs? Ten humorous and heart-warming short stories shining with the Sicilian sunshine, fragrant with red wine and ringing with Christmas bells, perfect for the festive season. Also available as ebook, paperback and Large Print Hartley’s stories are a tonic: full of delightful, down-to-earth characters and recognisable life dilemmas, as well as unexpected twists. Above all, each story reminds us that simple human goodness can still be found and shared. —Sandy Salisbury

      How far should Viviana’s family go to avoid being thirteen at the table? Should Melina and Tanino attend a New Year’s party hosted by Melina’s old flame? Why do Don Pericle’s clients want a Christmas wedding at all costs? Ten humorous and heart-warming short stories shining with the Sicilian sunshine, fragrant with red wine and ringing with Christmas bells, perfect for the festive season. Also available as ebook, paperback and Large Print Hartley’s stories are a tonic: full of delightful, down-to-earth characters and recognisable life dilemmas, as well as unexpected twists. Above all, each story reminds us that simple human goodness can still be found and shared. —Sandy Salisbury

    • 4

      Stars Are Silver: humorous and heartwarming short stories
      Stars Are Silver: humorous and heartwarming short stories

      Stars Are Silver: humorous and heartwarming short stories

      Stefania Hartley
      0 ratings
      0 ratings

      Is it too late for Melina to learn to drive? Is Don Pericle’s vow never to fall in love again still valid after fifty years? Will a falling piano squash Filomena or just shake up her heart? Why does the mother of the bride ask Don Pericle to cancel the wedding? Ten humorous and heart-warming short stories, glowing with Sicilian sunshine, fragrant with home-made tomato sauce, and thrumming with mandolins’ serenades. Ideal for your coffee break or as a bedtime read. Written and narrated by Stefania Hartley, The Sicilian Mama. Praise for Stars Are Silver and other short stories: Hartley’s stories are a tonic: full of delightful, down-to-earth characters and recognisable life dilemmas, as well as unexpected twists. Above all, each story reminds us that simple human goodness can still be found and shared. —Sandy Salisbury, author of Prairie Gold Super, observant writing. [Tanino and Melina] really should have their own sit-com.— Alan Spink, Editor of The People’s Friend Magazine, on the Tanino and Melina stories Hartley doesn’t just give us stories, she gives us a slice of Italian life served with lashings of charm and wit. Highly recommended! — Ella Hayes, author of Italian Summer with the Single Dad

      Is it too late for Melina to learn to drive? Is Don Pericle’s vow never to fall in love again still valid after fifty years? Will a falling piano squash Filomena or just shake up her heart? Why does the mother of the bride ask Don Pericle to cancel the wedding? Ten humorous and heart-warming short stories, glowing with Sicilian sunshine, fragrant with home-made tomato sauce, and thrumming with mandolins’ serenades. Ideal for your coffee break or as a bedtime read. Written and narrated by Stefania Hartley, The Sicilian Mama. Praise for Stars Are Silver and other short stories: Hartley’s stories are a tonic: full of delightful, down-to-earth characters and recognisable life dilemmas, as well as unexpected twists. Above all, each story reminds us that simple human goodness can still be found and shared. —Sandy Salisbury, author of Prairie Gold Super, observant writing. [Tanino and Melina] really should have their own sit-com.— Alan Spink, Editor of The People’s Friend Magazine, on the Tanino and Melina stories Hartley doesn’t just give us stories, she gives us a slice of Italian life served with lashings of charm and wit. Highly recommended! — Ella Hayes, author of Italian Summer with the Single Dad

    • 5

      A Slip of the Tongue: humorous and emotional short stories
      A Slip of the Tongue: humorous and emotional short stories

      A Slip of the Tongue: humorous and emotional short stories

      Stefania Hartley
      0 ratings
      0 ratings

      Will Melina regret faking to be ill to avoid doing her chores? Can Don Pericle organise a wedding for a groom who doesn’t know? Who has stolen the marble pisces from the cathedral's floor? Twelve humorous short stories dripping with the Sicilian sunshine, ringing with not-so-well-kept secrets, fragrant with freshly fried arancine rice balls, ideal for your coffee break or as a bedtime read. Written and Narrated by Stefania Hartley, The Sicilian Mama. Praise for A Slip of the Tongue and other short stories: It’s like a slim and elegant box of luxury chocolates, each treat more delicious than the last. Definitely recommended. - Ewan Smith Super, observant writing. [Tanino and Melina] really should have their own sit-com. – Alan Spink, Editor of The People’s Friend Magazine, on the Tanino and Melina stories Hartley doesn’t just give us stories, she gives us a slice of Italian life served with lashings of charm and wit. Highly recommended! – Ella Hayes, author of Italian Summer with the Single Dad

      Will Melina regret faking to be ill to avoid doing her chores? Can Don Pericle organise a wedding for a groom who doesn’t know? Who has stolen the marble pisces from the cathedral's floor? Twelve humorous short stories dripping with the Sicilian sunshine, ringing with not-so-well-kept secrets, fragrant with freshly fried arancine rice balls, ideal for your coffee break or as a bedtime read. Written and Narrated by Stefania Hartley, The Sicilian Mama. Praise for A Slip of the Tongue and other short stories: It’s like a slim and elegant box of luxury chocolates, each treat more delicious than the last. Definitely recommended. - Ewan Smith Super, observant writing. [Tanino and Melina] really should have their own sit-com. – Alan Spink, Editor of The People’s Friend Magazine, on the Tanino and Melina stories Hartley doesn’t just give us stories, she gives us a slice of Italian life served with lashings of charm and wit. Highly recommended! – Ella Hayes, author of Italian Summer with the Single Dad

    • 6

      To Be Loved: humorous and heartwarming short stories
      To Be Loved: humorous and heartwarming short stories

      To Be Loved: humorous and heartwarming short stories

      Stefania Hartley
      0 ratings
      0 ratings

      Amanda’s name means “to be loved” and she’s taken it as her duty to make herself lovable, but it’s hard work. Has Tanino really abandoned Melina at home to freeze? Mark hasn’t seen Nora for thirty years and, since then, he’s lost a leg and all his hair. If he wasn’t enough for her then, can he be now? What happens if the dating app’s algorithms go haywire? Ten humorous and heart-warming short stories about love—found, kept, reconquered—at all ages. The perfect winter warmer for your coffee break or as a bedtime listen.

      Amanda’s name means “to be loved” and she’s taken it as her duty to make herself lovable, but it’s hard work. Has Tanino really abandoned Melina at home to freeze? Mark hasn’t seen Nora for thirty years and, since then, he’s lost a leg and all his hair. If he wasn’t enough for her then, can he be now? What happens if the dating app’s algorithms go haywire? Ten humorous and heart-warming short stories about love—found, kept, reconquered—at all ages. The perfect winter warmer for your coffee break or as a bedtime listen.

    Author

    Stefania Hartley

    Stefania Hartley, also known as The Sicilian Mama, was born in Sicily and immediately started growing, but not very much. She left her sunny island after falling head over heels in love with an Englishman, and she’s lived all over the world with him and their three children. Having finally learnt English, she enjoyed it so much that she started writing stories and nobody has been able to stop her since. She loves to write about hot and sunny places like her native Sicily, and she especially likes it when people fall in love. Her short stories have been longlisted, commended and won prizes. Sun, Stars and Limoncello is her first novel.

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