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Paradiso #3
The Daughter of Paradiso
A TERRIFIED CHILD. A DESPERATE MOTHER. THE PROMISE OF A NEW LIFE...
Italy, 1963. Graziella Bianchi returns to Paradiso, barely able to believe she has been gifted her childhood home by an old friend.
The beautiful house has fallen into a state of disrepair, but Graziella is determined to restore it to its former glory.
Although one dream has come true, life is far from perfect. She and her daughter, Lucia, are nearly penniless and the pair are on the run from Graziella’s violent husband.
With divorce not yet legal and the law still giving husbands ultimate control over their wives, Graziella must fight not only to gain her independence, but also to keep her daughter.
The villagers of Pieve Santa Clara, with their long and loyal memories, step in, and gradually a good life becomes a possibility for Graziella and Lucia.
But when her estranged husband turns up, drunk and angry, everything Graziella has worked so hard for is under threat.
The Daughter of Paradiso is a compelling and emotionally-charged historical novel perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries, Lucinda Riley, Angela Petch and Rhys Bowen.
Italy, 1963. Graziella Bianchi returns to Paradiso, barely able to believe she has been gifted her childhood home by an old friend.
The beautiful house has fallen into a state of disrepair, but Graziella is determined to restore it to its former glory.
Although one dream has come true, life is far from perfect. She and her daughter, Lucia, are nearly penniless and the pair are on the run from Graziella’s violent husband.
With divorce not yet legal and the law still giving husbands ultimate control over their wives, Graziella must fight not only to gain her independence, but also to keep her daughter.
The villagers of Pieve Santa Clara, with their long and loyal memories, step in, and gradually a good life becomes a possibility for Graziella and Lucia.
But when her estranged husband turns up, drunk and angry, everything Graziella has worked so hard for is under threat.
The Daughter of Paradiso is a compelling and emotionally-charged historical novel perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries, Lucinda Riley, Angela Petch and Rhys Bowen.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2023
240 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 16, 2023
I have loved all three of the Paradiso books and would highly recommend them. The social commentary of the post war years to the 1960s is fascinating.
April 19, 2025
Another marvelous read.
I have enjoyed all three of the books about Paradiso that I have read. This one kept me hooked for hours on end. The way women were treated in the 1960’s was so unfair, but despite her lack of money, Graziella had many friends who helped her. I love the author’s way of describing the scenes, the countryside, the village people makes the story very real. I look forward to Book Number 4.
I have enjoyed all three of the books about Paradiso that I have read. This one kept me hooked for hours on end. The way women were treated in the 1960’s was so unfair, but despite her lack of money, Graziella had many friends who helped her. I love the author’s way of describing the scenes, the countryside, the village people makes the story very real. I look forward to Book Number 4.
December 12, 2024
so much love
A lovely story written beautifully. All about love of a home and wanting to be with people you love.. paradiso sounds like a wonderful home cleaned up and maintained with love
A lovely story written beautifully. All about love of a home and wanting to be with people you love.. paradiso sounds like a wonderful home cleaned up and maintained with love
February 6, 2025
Daughter of Paradiso
Francesca never disappoints! Another book of family, friends and the love shared amongst them despite the traumas they endure along the way. A real page turner!
Francesca never disappoints! Another book of family, friends and the love shared amongst them despite the traumas they endure along the way. A real page turner!
July 29, 2024
Enjoy
Wonderful easy read of a place I would love to see. I’ve always felt I once lived another life in Italy.
Wonderful easy read of a place I would love to see. I’ve always felt I once lived another life in Italy.
November 14, 2025
Well I really enjoyed book 1, then I felt that book 2 was aimed at teenagers… now I feel as if we’re back on track ! This is the continuing story of Graziella and extended family and friends. A nice coming home story with characters you can care about. A simple, very enjoyable, satisfying read, perfect while sitting on a sunbed - which is exactly what I have done today.
September 17, 2024
Ole paradiso
Wonderful ! So she didn't end up with her first male love ,but she did end up in her first home her first heart and soul love ,with people who had all been through their own ups and downs , people who all loved and cared for each other.
I've read all 3 books and enjoyed the journey immensely, beautifully written novels, highlighting the plight of married woman of the past in Italy . The hypocrisy and 'ownership' by marriage their husbands had on them .
A series well worth your time ..enjoy
Wonderful ! So she didn't end up with her first male love ,but she did end up in her first home her first heart and soul love ,with people who had all been through their own ups and downs , people who all loved and cared for each other.
I've read all 3 books and enjoyed the journey immensely, beautifully written novels, highlighting the plight of married woman of the past in Italy . The hypocrisy and 'ownership' by marriage their husbands had on them .
A series well worth your time ..enjoy
July 7, 2024
I particularly liked the group of friends she collected.
Rita nd Ponzettis, construction worker, priest, entrepreneurs,
plumbing, beauty salon, dressmaking, etc.
She was honest about their shortcomings .
But they all had some redeeming aspects.
Rita nd Ponzettis, construction worker, priest, entrepreneurs,
plumbing, beauty salon, dressmaking, etc.
She was honest about their shortcomings .
But they all had some redeeming aspects.
June 18, 2024
I love this series. Scanacapra has a rare talent in being able to deliver a complete novel/series, in a small, compelling package. The culture and tensions of post-war Italy are beautifully portrayed, especially the pull between the old rural life and the new modern needs; and the toxic masculinity patriarchy vs the need for equality.
If you enjoyed Death in the Mountains by Lisa Clifford, you might also enjoy this.
If you enjoyed Death in the Mountains by Lisa Clifford, you might also enjoy this.
June 10, 2023
Graziella returns to her childhood home, determined to make a new life for herself and daughter. She wants to be as far away from her husband as possible since divorce isn’t an option during this time period.
Graziella is a determined woman and I found myself rooting for her. It’s a good beach read.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy
Graziella is a determined woman and I found myself rooting for her. It’s a good beach read.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the early copy
August 24, 2023
Gripping? Hardly held my Interest.The previous books were, indeed, captivating, and I could not wait to read this one. I kept reading (actually skimming) hoping this one would capture me. It never did.
December 28, 2023
Book 3- Thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. Graziella journey into adulthood is well written. Friendship, marriage, separation and finding new friends. A simple life and filled with love. Would recommend
July 6, 2023
What a perfect treat to return once again to Paradiso…these stories are like little friends that I can’t wait to see again and from the very first page, it’s like we haven’t been apart!
So…I loved it! I could tell you a million things why. The sense of community is just so warm and tingly - it fills you loveliness. That isn’t to say this story doesn’t come with heart breaking sadness, found myself in tears twice! Francesca has a magical way of pulling the carpet from under your feet just when you least expect it, leaving you in a slight state of shock and what the heck just happened there!
What I loved the most about this book was following on the story of our main character Graziella…she has my heart completely and I really loved being back with her for this part of her life - as she attempts to rebuild her life and beloved Paradiso. This book is an amazing social history..all the changes that are happening in the world reflected in this story - Women’s rights, modern advances and skills that have gone in and out of fashion - it’s a real sign of the times and emotional to read - the embroidery 💔
Beautifully written, as always. It’s an incredibly emotional read, especially as I feel like I’ve known and loved Graziella ever since she was a child in the first book. She feels very real to me as I’ve been there since the very start.
I loved every single page. All the wonderful characters weaved into the story that just create the world of Paradiso so perfectly.
The very, very good and the very, very bad all help to build the story and create mini stories within the main one. Such a special quality, you really do feel like you are right there.
And I the oven made an appearance 🥰🥰 I loved that. (If you know, you know)
This story will stay with me for a very long time…until I get my hands on the next one! Which can’t be soon enough…❤️
So…I loved it! I could tell you a million things why. The sense of community is just so warm and tingly - it fills you loveliness. That isn’t to say this story doesn’t come with heart breaking sadness, found myself in tears twice! Francesca has a magical way of pulling the carpet from under your feet just when you least expect it, leaving you in a slight state of shock and what the heck just happened there!
What I loved the most about this book was following on the story of our main character Graziella…she has my heart completely and I really loved being back with her for this part of her life - as she attempts to rebuild her life and beloved Paradiso. This book is an amazing social history..all the changes that are happening in the world reflected in this story - Women’s rights, modern advances and skills that have gone in and out of fashion - it’s a real sign of the times and emotional to read - the embroidery 💔
Beautifully written, as always. It’s an incredibly emotional read, especially as I feel like I’ve known and loved Graziella ever since she was a child in the first book. She feels very real to me as I’ve been there since the very start.
I loved every single page. All the wonderful characters weaved into the story that just create the world of Paradiso so perfectly.
The very, very good and the very, very bad all help to build the story and create mini stories within the main one. Such a special quality, you really do feel like you are right there.
And I the oven made an appearance 🥰🥰 I loved that. (If you know, you know)
This story will stay with me for a very long time…until I get my hands on the next one! Which can’t be soon enough…❤️
June 8, 2023
This was a beautiful story that had me gripped right from the start, it’s powerful, engaging and very emotional! You will be in need of a box of tissues for this one!
Italy, 1937. In a small village in rural Lombardy, Graziella Ponti is born into a loving family, they are not poor but they are not exactly well off either but they are happy and content with where they are and how they are doing.
The community of Pieve Santa Clara is just how you would expect a soap family or tight knit community to be.
The story focuses on Graziella, her life, troubles, loves, loses, times of happiness and much more.
For me the one thing that makes ‘The Paradiso’ series of books special is the fact that they are all inspired by true stories told to the author Francesca Scanacapra by her Italian family and set in locations where she spent her childhood.
5 stars
Italy, 1937. In a small village in rural Lombardy, Graziella Ponti is born into a loving family, they are not poor but they are not exactly well off either but they are happy and content with where they are and how they are doing.
The community of Pieve Santa Clara is just how you would expect a soap family or tight knit community to be.
The story focuses on Graziella, her life, troubles, loves, loses, times of happiness and much more.
For me the one thing that makes ‘The Paradiso’ series of books special is the fact that they are all inspired by true stories told to the author Francesca Scanacapra by her Italian family and set in locations where she spent her childhood.
5 stars
June 21, 2023
Absolutely beautiful stories!
Totally enjoyed this trilogy. The stories were woven together like silk threads in a scarf! Graziella was a strong woman who had many friends who helped her through one struggle after another. When I thought about the time in which these stories were told I realized that it was not so long ago. The reality that once you were married, everything you had was suddenly no longer yours but belonged to your husband , he had complete control over everything!
No one took your side for fear of retribution. What a terrible situation to live with! With the help of all her close friends and family her life became very different, and even in a fictional story there was a good ending.
Fortunately many things have improved, but unfortunately, others have still a long way to go.
I would recommend this series of books as well worth the time to read!
Totally enjoyed this trilogy. The stories were woven together like silk threads in a scarf! Graziella was a strong woman who had many friends who helped her through one struggle after another. When I thought about the time in which these stories were told I realized that it was not so long ago. The reality that once you were married, everything you had was suddenly no longer yours but belonged to your husband , he had complete control over everything!
No one took your side for fear of retribution. What a terrible situation to live with! With the help of all her close friends and family her life became very different, and even in a fictional story there was a good ending.
Fortunately many things have improved, but unfortunately, others have still a long way to go.
I would recommend this series of books as well worth the time to read!
November 12, 2023
I absolutely loved this series. The seond book was definitely my favourite but to be honest they read like one big family epic saga.
I thought the whole series did such a great job of shining a light on the challenges of being a women in post war Italy. Things we absolutely take for granted now, like access to our own money without a man giving permission was denied to women who are essentially my Mother's age. I thought Gino was a brilliant bad guy, indulged by his Mother and utterly convinced of his cleverness but in the end Marina and Graziella find happiness and he never does. I also loved the storyline with the Father in law. The slow forming of a bond that led to something good for both of them.
I do love a found family story and this final book definitely ticks that box and the ending whilst gentle and almost whinsical meant I finished this series with a happy sigh.
I thought the whole series did such a great job of shining a light on the challenges of being a women in post war Italy. Things we absolutely take for granted now, like access to our own money without a man giving permission was denied to women who are essentially my Mother's age. I thought Gino was a brilliant bad guy, indulged by his Mother and utterly convinced of his cleverness but in the end Marina and Graziella find happiness and he never does. I also loved the storyline with the Father in law. The slow forming of a bond that led to something good for both of them.
I do love a found family story and this final book definitely ticks that box and the ending whilst gentle and almost whinsical meant I finished this series with a happy sigh.
June 7, 2023
Graziella returns home with her young daughter Lucia. They are desperate to escape her violent husband and as divorce wasn't legal in Italy at the time he has some rights. He shows up at Graziella's home drunk and being abusive. Will Graziella be able to create the happy life that she dreams of for herself and Lucia? I was cheering and encouraging Graziella in my mind while I was reading. She is certainly a stand out character. It was interesting to learn a few things about what it was like during those times and the rules and regulations. I felt so sorry for Lucia but I am glad that she has such a brilliant mother. A beautiful and gripping historical fiction book that took me on a journey.
August 4, 2023
I came into this series back end front - and I am not sure I will go back and pick up the beginning of the tale - but the village, the house called Paradiso, and the neighbors and friends of Graziella Bianchi make an enjoyable reading experience. Even the explanation of 1960s Italian marriage laws was eye-opening. When her estranged and abusive husband shows up, furious because he cannot get his hands on the deed to the house Graziella's aunt left her, he is met with resistance by most of the village, although the police aren't much help when he beats her. Aside from that incident and her difficulties getting access to what little money her husband hasn't appropriated from her mother's estate, Graziella and her small daughter settle in well at Paradiso, creating vegetable gardens, repainting and heating the whole house, becoming close with her father-in-law (who has disowned his son for his treatment of Graziella and conveniently owns a plumbing company), finding friends, being taken under the wing of the resourceful and talented local priest, and generally settling in to life in Lombardy.
June 23, 2023
Took me home to my Italian childhood.
The books flow seamlessly and the writing is simple but eloquent. This is a very realistic portrayal of rustic life in 1960s Italy. The characters are flamboyant but each one reminds me of someone I knew.
I wish there was another book in the series.
Brava Francesca!
The books flow seamlessly and the writing is simple but eloquent. This is a very realistic portrayal of rustic life in 1960s Italy. The characters are flamboyant but each one reminds me of someone I knew.
I wish there was another book in the series.
Brava Francesca!
November 1, 2024
sorry to say, but depressing.
Everything goes wrong for Graciella on the tree books except having Lucia and a party at Paradiso at the end. Paradiso should be a very special place where lots of happiness happens.
The author is good. i have read other books, but this one is depressing.
Everything goes wrong for Graciella on the tree books except having Lucia and a party at Paradiso at the end. Paradiso should be a very special place where lots of happiness happens.
The author is good. i have read other books, but this one is depressing.
June 28, 2023
Loved it...It truly carried me back to time and place of the story.
Highly recommend...will definitely follow this Author...I want to READ More. Will their be one to follow about Lucia growing up
Highly recommend...will definitely follow this Author...I want to READ More. Will their be one to follow about Lucia growing up
June 11, 2023
I just finished the third book in the trilogy. I just loved each one of them and didn’t want them to end. I love the characters, empathized with them, cried with them, and rejoiced with them. Hopefully she may have one more book to add to the series!
Thank you Francesca💕
Thank you Francesca💕
June 18, 2023
great series
So enjoyed this series. Well written. Love Italy and all stories about it and it’s people. I am still wanting more of these books and hope there will be a sequel.
So enjoyed this series. Well written. Love Italy and all stories about it and it’s people. I am still wanting more of these books and hope there will be a sequel.
October 25, 2023
I loved the previous two books but thought this one was not as good and I couldn’t wait for it to be over.
March 17, 2024
I agree with others. This was not as good as the first 2 books
June 11, 2023
The third instalment in the Paradiso Novels. Though The Daughter Of Paradiso is perfectly readable as a standalone novel I do regret not having joined the series in the beginning as whilst the current book is nicely balanced with enough of the plot recounted from the previous two books that I wasn't left floundering I was left longing that I'd known these characters from when it all began.
But I digress.
Beautifully written and thoroughly researched. I loved that the author took an outstanding cast of characters and placed them in 1960's Italy in a place that still viewed women estranged from their husbands with suspicion in a time when, as Graziella was to find out, what was a married women's was very much her husband's.
'The bank will be open until five-thirty today, Signora Bianchi, and again from Tuesday of next week. The opening times are displayed in the window. So if your husband could call by whatever time is convenient to him, I can release the funds to him directly. There's no need for you to come.'
This seemed so nonsensical that I hesitated for a few moments, turning over what the bank clerk had just said and assuming that one of us must have misunderstood something.
'You would release my money to my husband, but not me?'
'I would happily releaser the money to you, but only once your husband has authorised it.'
'But its not his money. It has nothing to do with him.'
'Your married, Signora Bianchi, which means that this is also your husband's money.'
- Pg 28/9
My one small issue with the book being the parish priest, Don Vincenzo, who with his dashing good looks and ready charm I thought disappointingly like too many a novel's young, handsome priest.
Other than that though ...
Its no secret that probably even more than a good plot I have a passion for well written characters and my goodness from Graziella and her daughter, Lucia; to the remarkable Barcia sisters, two 'remarkably mature and level-headed women' who though now in their forties had taken on the family bakery when not yet out of their teens; to {my favourites} the delightful Signora Grassi with her magpie cackle, her cat Alfonsia and her 'not one, not two, but three enormous wardrobes all stuffed with clothing'; to the elderly husband and wife, Nonna Santina and Nonna Romola whose love story prompted the use of several tissues what outstanding, memorable characters the author has penned.
A book thoroughly enjoyed by both myself and my mam, it would seem Francesca Scanacapra is set to become a favourite of ours.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book. Agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own. No financial compensation was asked for nor given. Threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
But I digress.
Beautifully written and thoroughly researched. I loved that the author took an outstanding cast of characters and placed them in 1960's Italy in a place that still viewed women estranged from their husbands with suspicion in a time when, as Graziella was to find out, what was a married women's was very much her husband's.
'The bank will be open until five-thirty today, Signora Bianchi, and again from Tuesday of next week. The opening times are displayed in the window. So if your husband could call by whatever time is convenient to him, I can release the funds to him directly. There's no need for you to come.'
This seemed so nonsensical that I hesitated for a few moments, turning over what the bank clerk had just said and assuming that one of us must have misunderstood something.
'You would release my money to my husband, but not me?'
'I would happily releaser the money to you, but only once your husband has authorised it.'
'But its not his money. It has nothing to do with him.'
'Your married, Signora Bianchi, which means that this is also your husband's money.'
- Pg 28/9
My one small issue with the book being the parish priest, Don Vincenzo, who with his dashing good looks and ready charm I thought disappointingly like too many a novel's young, handsome priest.
Other than that though ...
Its no secret that probably even more than a good plot I have a passion for well written characters and my goodness from Graziella and her daughter, Lucia; to the remarkable Barcia sisters, two 'remarkably mature and level-headed women' who though now in their forties had taken on the family bakery when not yet out of their teens; to {my favourites} the delightful Signora Grassi with her magpie cackle, her cat Alfonsia and her 'not one, not two, but three enormous wardrobes all stuffed with clothing'; to the elderly husband and wife, Nonna Santina and Nonna Romola whose love story prompted the use of several tissues what outstanding, memorable characters the author has penned.
A book thoroughly enjoyed by both myself and my mam, it would seem Francesca Scanacapra is set to become a favourite of ours.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book. Agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own. No financial compensation was asked for nor given. Threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.
July 1, 2023
My review of The Daughter of Paradiso can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
May 23, 2025
I read this last year and I still think about this series all the time. I'm very picky about books usually, yet these books managed to touch my heart. Amazing storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews