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What I love most about this book is the abbondanza with which Adriana Trigiana faces life. At least through her character, Valentine.
She is a cannoli-eating, lipstick-wearing, shoe-designing woman with whom I felt a great simpatico. Because she was bold, not hiding behind an image she thought she should be, but completely honest about her family’s idiosyncrasies and foibles. Her own insecurities. Her inability to trust because of the effect of her father’s past indescretion.
When she described her family’s trip to Italy for her Gram’s wedding, or the funeral of her lifelong friend June, or the Thanksgiving dinner from Hell, I could picture myself perfectly within the midst of her family. I could hear the accent, see the mannerisms, and laugh at their flaws like every family has. But by facing her own flaws, Valentine can reach for her dreams in the arms of Gianlucca, the man she loves.
Brava, Valentine is a wonderful vacanza into all the best parts of Italy: its beauty, its warmth, its food, and most especially, it’s exuberant people. Whom I love.
(Tell me, Adriana, what is the shade of lipstick which adorns your fair lips? I want it!)
Also, enter the contest to win a 7 day trip to Italy here!
Dolce Bellezza 
I've not read any of her novels but having recently been to Florence and so in a very much Italian mode this really appeals to me.
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If I win, I'm taking you with me!!!!!! Maybe we should just book the tour anyway. Would it be fun?!
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I love Adriana Trigiani and can't wait for the next book in this series! I've entered to win the trip!
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I've only read a couple of her books, but I've enjoyed each one. This one sounds especially fun.
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I always, always love a book set in Italy. Brings me back to my honeymoon last year, and very nostalgic for it. I've not read Trigiani before, so I must make sure to get on it.
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This book sounds marvelous! Now excuse me, I'm off to win that trip to Italy! 🙂
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I've read so much about this author's work but have still not gotten around to reading her. I've got to see if my library has a copy of this book!
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I found the comments! And I love that red lipstick too :o)
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Hmm, I never thought I'd be into these books but your description reminds me SO MUCH of my own family – maybe I really DO need to read these! LOLThanks for being a part of the tour – I'm glad you enjoyed the book.
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This does sound lovely 🙂 I don't know, some of the books about Italy just don't appeal to me and when I first saw this cover I wasn't sure.. but this might just be a book that I'd really enjoy..
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Oh, this sounds so wonderful! I love women with the confidence to be who they are, and the families that support them while they do what they do. If it's a Kindle title, it may be taking a trip to Tucson with me this week.
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Quick fantasy–with enjoyable exotic settings and family schmooz. Takes just one afternoon to indulge. Annonymous M2
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