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The Owner & The Wife
"With the big heart of Moonstruck, the sumptuous menu of Big Night, and the nonstop drama of every Italian family in your neighborhood, The Owner & The Wife is an operatic story of love in all its multifaceted forms. A delightful way to spend an evening with company you hope will never leave."
-Christopher Castellani, author of All This Talk of Love
"From its unforgettable characters to the moving love story at the heart of the novel, The Owner & The Wife takes you to the vibrant streets of Little Italy, New York, and a special restaurant that will forever change one woman's life. Sarah Arcuri masterfully draws readers into her captivating novel and is a storytelling talent to watch."
-Rosanna Chiofalo, author of The Sunflower Girl
From Italian American social media sensation Sarah Arcuri (@thesweetpaisana) comes a dazzling debut novel full of love and passion, Puccini operas, and mouthwatering Italian cuisine.
It is 1985 in New York City, and Scarlett Ciccone is a young woman who knows neither her worth nor her culture until she steps foot inside Valenti's - Little Italy's hottest restaurant. While Scarlett is eager to learn the ropes of the restaurant business, she gets more than she bargained for when she meets the two Italian-born brothers who own one of the most sought-after establishments in all of Manhattan. Charming and magnetic, Enzo is the personality behind his eponymous eatery, while his younger brother Francesco, a wildly talented chef, prefers to stay behind the closed doors of the kitchen. What ensues is a love triangle founded in a fierce rivalry between brothers with Scarlett's heart at stake. Soon she'll have to choose between the brother with whom she had an instant connection, and the one who tries to cook his way into her heart, all while discovering who she truly is and what it means to be Italian.
From the lively streets of Little Italy to the crystal blue shores of Montauk to the dazzling casinos of Atlantic City, The Owner & The Wife is the story of three perfectly imperfect people who learn to reconcile with their pasts, face the consequences of their choices, and step into the truest versions of themselves. Complete with a cast of vivid, deeply human characters, rich settings, and an immersive experience of Italian American culture, The Owner & The Wife delves into the behind-the-scenes of the restaurant industry, the visceral complexities of relationships in all their forms, and above all, the transcendent power of true love. A stunning debut, Sarah Arcuri crafts an irresistible tale that will leave readers with their hearts full and stomachs growling.
-Christopher Castellani, author of All This Talk of Love
"From its unforgettable characters to the moving love story at the heart of the novel, The Owner & The Wife takes you to the vibrant streets of Little Italy, New York, and a special restaurant that will forever change one woman's life. Sarah Arcuri masterfully draws readers into her captivating novel and is a storytelling talent to watch."
-Rosanna Chiofalo, author of The Sunflower Girl
From Italian American social media sensation Sarah Arcuri (@thesweetpaisana) comes a dazzling debut novel full of love and passion, Puccini operas, and mouthwatering Italian cuisine.
It is 1985 in New York City, and Scarlett Ciccone is a young woman who knows neither her worth nor her culture until she steps foot inside Valenti's - Little Italy's hottest restaurant. While Scarlett is eager to learn the ropes of the restaurant business, she gets more than she bargained for when she meets the two Italian-born brothers who own one of the most sought-after establishments in all of Manhattan. Charming and magnetic, Enzo is the personality behind his eponymous eatery, while his younger brother Francesco, a wildly talented chef, prefers to stay behind the closed doors of the kitchen. What ensues is a love triangle founded in a fierce rivalry between brothers with Scarlett's heart at stake. Soon she'll have to choose between the brother with whom she had an instant connection, and the one who tries to cook his way into her heart, all while discovering who she truly is and what it means to be Italian.
From the lively streets of Little Italy to the crystal blue shores of Montauk to the dazzling casinos of Atlantic City, The Owner & The Wife is the story of three perfectly imperfect people who learn to reconcile with their pasts, face the consequences of their choices, and step into the truest versions of themselves. Complete with a cast of vivid, deeply human characters, rich settings, and an immersive experience of Italian American culture, The Owner & The Wife delves into the behind-the-scenes of the restaurant industry, the visceral complexities of relationships in all their forms, and above all, the transcendent power of true love. A stunning debut, Sarah Arcuri crafts an irresistible tale that will leave readers with their hearts full and stomachs growling.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
24 people are currently reading
3127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 9, 2023
I honestly do not remember the last time a book captivated me as much as this one did! The 1980s time period, the Little Italy setting, the unforgettable characters…I did not want to put this down!
October 14, 2023
Best. Debut. Novel. Ever. What a perfectly written story of a fierce and passionate love triangle between one woman and two restauranteur brothers. Set mostly in 1980s Little Italy, the vivid descriptions of the many Italian dishes (I can almost taste) the wine, the opera, together with the funny highlights on Italian families and fun hotspots, i.e., the Jersey shore, Hoboken, AC, kept my interest throughout, along with all of the characters and their back stories not to mention - One of the … Best. Eras. Ever!! I just didn’t want this story to end!! 😊
June 14, 2023
Where can I even start. Love. Heartbreak. Self discovery. Learning to grow and find your strength against all odds while building a family of your choosing. I loved the characters so much it felt like I was getting to be there with them. I. I felt part of the story and like their pain/joy was my own. Sarah found the beautiful parts of being Italian American and made them accessible. The food, the wine what it means to be family. The lengths you’d go for your family. I loved the letter from Scarlett at the very end. It was something that I may have missed if I wasn’t hoping there was more story after. The heartbreaking sweetness of it all. Moonstruck and Sopranos/Goodfellas had a love child and manifested into this beautiful story. I am hoping there’s more from Scarlett in the future. Instant favorite and I know if I read it again I will find more and new things to fall in love with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2024
I have never written a review half way through! But I actually don’t want this book to end, yet I CAN NOT stop listening to it! I opted for the Audio version, and this story is incredible.
You get sucked right into it, characters are well developed and have depth. The way everything is described really immerses you in their world.
I follow the author on IG so I was quite intrigued to see she had written a book, I don’t know if she will ever see this comment but I really hope she continues to write. A series on Scarlett and co would be incredible. I would say this is probably one of my favourite romance novels, it’s got it all, it’s authentic and you really get invested in the people in the book. The Italian culture and food is really enchanting too.
You get sucked right into it, characters are well developed and have depth. The way everything is described really immerses you in their world.
I follow the author on IG so I was quite intrigued to see she had written a book, I don’t know if she will ever see this comment but I really hope she continues to write. A series on Scarlett and co would be incredible. I would say this is probably one of my favourite romance novels, it’s got it all, it’s authentic and you really get invested in the people in the book. The Italian culture and food is really enchanting too.
July 30, 2025
Super Cute! Italian American romance in NY!
March 5, 2024
So captivating! The characterization in this book is wonderful.
November 23, 2025
This is a captivating love story of a young woman named Scarlett. She lives in Hell's Kitchen and works for her alcoholic mother at her bar. Scarlett longs to find her way and her purpose in life. She takes a job at Valenti's in Little Italy and learns not only the restaurant business, but learns about life, love, family, and forgiveness. This coming of age story will tug at your heart strings and make your mouth water with the delicious meals mentioned throughout the book. Scarlett and Valenti Brothers Enzo and Francesco keep you wanting more. I didn't want this book to end.
I hope Sarah Arcuri has more books on the horizon for lovers of Italian food and culture. Sarah,
an influencer on Instagram can be found by the name The Sweet Paisana. She loves everything Italian and is a proud Jersey girl. She and her husband are owners of a restaurant in New Jersey.
Below the line are notes for me to remember the ending to the book.
------------------------------------------------
1. Scarlett leaves Hell's Kitchen after her mother runs off with yet another man. Her mother Lana is a drunk who at the end of the story does get clean, apologizes, and becomes a part of Scarlett's life.
2. Scarlett gets a job at Valenti's Restaurant in Little Italy. She immediately falls in love with owner Enzo. He is the older brother to Francesco. Enzo has a big personality and fits the small-time mob boss role in this book. Underneath Enzo's bravado he is a kind, caring, loving person. He is married to Claudia and has two children. He showers Scarlett with gifts, jewelry, etc until Scarlett finds out he is married and ends things with him. At the end of the book Claudia divorces Enzo.
3. Scarlett was taken in by Francesco when her mother kicked her out of the house. They start out as roommates, but quickly begin to fall in love. Francesco cooks his way into Scarlett's heart with exciting and inventive dishes.
4. Once Enzo finds out about Scarlett and Francesco he kicks them out and fires them both from the restaurant. Francesco and Scarlett decide to find a space to open their own restaurant. Drama ensues when Scarlett finds out Francesco stole $500,000 from Valenti's. Francesco felt it was owed to him for having worked there for ten years. Enzo made it out like everything was always his. Enzo blocks permits and gets construction crews to not show up to Francesco's new restaurant trying also to break up Scarlett and Francesco. Enzo is truly the character you love to hate. Eventually, things workout with Francesco and Scarlett and their restaurant.
5. Francesco has a mild heart attack and that is when Enzo realizes what an awful brother he had been to Francesco. He does everything he can to prove he really loves his brother.
6. Scarlett and Francesco get married and run their own restaurant. By the end of the story Francesco dies of a heart attack in Scarlett's arms. They did have two children Pia and Emilio.
Scarlett was The Owner and The Wife. I loved the title, the story, and the characters! I loved everything about this book.
I hope Sarah Arcuri has more books on the horizon for lovers of Italian food and culture. Sarah,
an influencer on Instagram can be found by the name The Sweet Paisana. She loves everything Italian and is a proud Jersey girl. She and her husband are owners of a restaurant in New Jersey.
Below the line are notes for me to remember the ending to the book.
------------------------------------------------
1. Scarlett leaves Hell's Kitchen after her mother runs off with yet another man. Her mother Lana is a drunk who at the end of the story does get clean, apologizes, and becomes a part of Scarlett's life.
2. Scarlett gets a job at Valenti's Restaurant in Little Italy. She immediately falls in love with owner Enzo. He is the older brother to Francesco. Enzo has a big personality and fits the small-time mob boss role in this book. Underneath Enzo's bravado he is a kind, caring, loving person. He is married to Claudia and has two children. He showers Scarlett with gifts, jewelry, etc until Scarlett finds out he is married and ends things with him. At the end of the book Claudia divorces Enzo.
3. Scarlett was taken in by Francesco when her mother kicked her out of the house. They start out as roommates, but quickly begin to fall in love. Francesco cooks his way into Scarlett's heart with exciting and inventive dishes.
4. Once Enzo finds out about Scarlett and Francesco he kicks them out and fires them both from the restaurant. Francesco and Scarlett decide to find a space to open their own restaurant. Drama ensues when Scarlett finds out Francesco stole $500,000 from Valenti's. Francesco felt it was owed to him for having worked there for ten years. Enzo made it out like everything was always his. Enzo blocks permits and gets construction crews to not show up to Francesco's new restaurant trying also to break up Scarlett and Francesco. Enzo is truly the character you love to hate. Eventually, things workout with Francesco and Scarlett and their restaurant.
5. Francesco has a mild heart attack and that is when Enzo realizes what an awful brother he had been to Francesco. He does everything he can to prove he really loves his brother.
6. Scarlett and Francesco get married and run their own restaurant. By the end of the story Francesco dies of a heart attack in Scarlett's arms. They did have two children Pia and Emilio.
Scarlett was The Owner and The Wife. I loved the title, the story, and the characters! I loved everything about this book.
August 29, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! The author did an amazing job with the main characters. Each of their personality's were pefectly tailored to the point where I thought I knew them, and by the end you really do. We were all young and naive like Scarlett but life forces you to grow up and next thing you know you had a glow up, and you didn't even notice when it happened. We always fall and fall hard for a guy like Enzo. Then Francesco the man you didnt know you wanted but turns out he is everthing you needed. Mind you, I haven't even mentioned anything about the plot yet. Just read it!
This book will give you all the feels. High's and Lows. I couldn't put it down and fisnished it in 2 days. I really hope the author puts out a follow up.
This book will give you all the feels. High's and Lows. I couldn't put it down and fisnished it in 2 days. I really hope the author puts out a follow up.
March 10, 2026
Book Review
The Owner & The Wife
by author Sarah Arcuri
Ms. Arcuri's THE OWNER & THE WIFE swept me up with the kind of warmth and intimacy that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped right into the story, and in this case, straight into the heart of Italy itself.
This author paints the pages with such richness that I could practically feel the cobblestones beneath my feet and hear the hum of a neighborhood alive with history, family, and food.
Following Scarlett Ciccone as she discovers her worth and her heritage felt like walking beside her~ turning corners, breathing in the aroma of simmering sauces, and ducking into the most charming little restaurant you could imagine, the kind that instantly feels like home. A journey as emotional as it is tender, it was as if Italy itself had reached across the ocean to guide these characters toward who they were meant to become.
With her rare gift of storytelling, this talented writer doesn’t just set the scene, she breathes soul into it, turning every moment into something you can taste, feel, and carry with you long after the final page. It's a feast for the senses and the heart.
For readers who chase "the one" this book felt like stumbling onto that rare story every reader hopes to find.
I’m so thankful to the author for this experience, and I'm already counting the days until I'm able to read her next book, 'All My Love, Always'.
5+ Stars
#theownerandthewife
#SarahArcuri
#Paisanapublishing
Wild Sage Book Blog
The Owner & The Wife
by author Sarah Arcuri
Ms. Arcuri's THE OWNER & THE WIFE swept me up with the kind of warmth and intimacy that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped right into the story, and in this case, straight into the heart of Italy itself.
This author paints the pages with such richness that I could practically feel the cobblestones beneath my feet and hear the hum of a neighborhood alive with history, family, and food.
Following Scarlett Ciccone as she discovers her worth and her heritage felt like walking beside her~ turning corners, breathing in the aroma of simmering sauces, and ducking into the most charming little restaurant you could imagine, the kind that instantly feels like home. A journey as emotional as it is tender, it was as if Italy itself had reached across the ocean to guide these characters toward who they were meant to become.
With her rare gift of storytelling, this talented writer doesn’t just set the scene, she breathes soul into it, turning every moment into something you can taste, feel, and carry with you long after the final page. It's a feast for the senses and the heart.
For readers who chase "the one" this book felt like stumbling onto that rare story every reader hopes to find.
I’m so thankful to the author for this experience, and I'm already counting the days until I'm able to read her next book, 'All My Love, Always'.
5+ Stars
#theownerandthewife
#SarahArcuri
#Paisanapublishing
Wild Sage Book Blog
November 5, 2023
🇮🇹 What a debut! Growing up in a small very Italian neighborhood in the 80s, this wonderful book took me right back, flooding me with nostalgia. The very best kind of nostalgia.
“All of our hearts are broken, Fran. Just in different ways.”
Scarlett’s story takes place primarily in Little Italy where she sets out to find her place in the world and along the way finds so much more.
The love story, the food, the crazy Italian pride ~ everything struck a cord and was extremely relatable. The characters! I don’t know where to begin I just loved them all so much! The good, the bad, the ugly; you just couldn’t help but find redeeming qualities in all of them.
I could go on and on all day about this book. After reading the last page, I know three things :
1. I want to eat at Valenti’s and Amani.
2. God, let there be a sequel, and
3. Please, please make this book into a movie 🍿
“I did it once. I’ll do it again.” “You and me.” “You and me, and me and you.”
Scarlett, Francesco, Enzo, Julie and Fausto = the best group of characters I have read this year ❤️
Molto bene!
“All of our hearts are broken, Fran. Just in different ways.”
Scarlett’s story takes place primarily in Little Italy where she sets out to find her place in the world and along the way finds so much more.
The love story, the food, the crazy Italian pride ~ everything struck a cord and was extremely relatable. The characters! I don’t know where to begin I just loved them all so much! The good, the bad, the ugly; you just couldn’t help but find redeeming qualities in all of them.
I could go on and on all day about this book. After reading the last page, I know three things :
1. I want to eat at Valenti’s and Amani.
2. God, let there be a sequel, and
3. Please, please make this book into a movie 🍿
“I did it once. I’ll do it again.” “You and me.” “You and me, and me and you.”
Scarlett, Francesco, Enzo, Julie and Fausto = the best group of characters I have read this year ❤️
Molto bene!
October 8, 2023
This book was on my TBR shelf and I finally read it !!!! I LOVED it!!!
The Owner & The Wife by Sarah Arcuri thesweetpaisana was a novel that will make your mouth water and your heart full. Italian families, a whole lot of Italian cuisine , secrets, loyalty that made for the perfect read.
I was craving pasta with some good Italian bread to dunk in the sauce after reading it. Sarah was gracious to send me a signed copy. Thank you from one Italian girl to another!! 🇮🇹
What it’s about 🤌🏻
From the lively streets of Little Italy to the crystal blue shores of Montauk to the dazzling casinos of Atlantic City, The Owner & The Wife is the story of three perfectly imperfect people who learn to reconcile with their pasts, face the consequences of their choices, and step into the truest versions of themselves.
Get a copy and grab a good glass of wine . You’ll feel right at home in this book. Brilliantly written a
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read
The Owner & The Wife by Sarah Arcuri thesweetpaisana was a novel that will make your mouth water and your heart full. Italian families, a whole lot of Italian cuisine , secrets, loyalty that made for the perfect read.
I was craving pasta with some good Italian bread to dunk in the sauce after reading it. Sarah was gracious to send me a signed copy. Thank you from one Italian girl to another!! 🇮🇹
What it’s about 🤌🏻
From the lively streets of Little Italy to the crystal blue shores of Montauk to the dazzling casinos of Atlantic City, The Owner & The Wife is the story of three perfectly imperfect people who learn to reconcile with their pasts, face the consequences of their choices, and step into the truest versions of themselves.
Get a copy and grab a good glass of wine . You’ll feel right at home in this book. Brilliantly written a
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read
August 29, 2023
I want to start by giving some content behind the type of reader I am, normally I don't gravitate towards romance novels, but this book was strongly recommended by a friend. As an avid reader, reading upwards of four books a month, this novel is one of the best I've ever read. You will be cemented in the plot, characters, and ending of this novel. At times, you feel like you’re reading the script of a casino, mob movie! It has love, mystery, betrayal, and family elements sprinkled throughout. You become invested in Scarlett’s relationships, and future. Please read this novel and recommend it to a friend to normally doesn’t read romance! They will be obsessed! I can’t wait for the sequel!
May 31, 2023
A great read! I couldn’t put it down. I felt like I was also working at Valenti’s (Little Italy) in the 80’s. I loved the time period as well as the storyline involving Scarlett and the Valenti brothers. A slight nod to the movie Moonstruck - even Cher went to Valenti’s - lol! Kudos to Sarah for a wonderful debut novel. I’m looking forward to her next book. Note: I was craving pasta while reading the book. I caved and had a late night pasta “snack” while finishing the book last night.
August 13, 2023
I thought this was a great debut novel. I love this genre and I loved the setting of the 1980s in Little Italy. I have never read a book that made me hungry before! The author does a great job of bringing the food to life for the reader. I really liked the characters and was invested in them and their lives. I felt like I was there in both restaurants. I felt the emotions along with the characters and I love when that happens. I am looking forward to reading more about Scarlett, Fran and Enzo.
February 27, 2024
4.75⭐️
Loved this book! Gave me Casino/ Moonstruck vibes which are two of my favorite movies. The only thing I didn’t love was the last two chapters, I felt they were rushed. I wish there was more to the ending than what it was (trying not to spoil anything!) but there were some gaps that needed to be filled for sure. Otherwise, this book had me hooked. FRANCESCO, ugh… loved him. hoping for a part two!!
Loved this book! Gave me Casino/ Moonstruck vibes which are two of my favorite movies. The only thing I didn’t love was the last two chapters, I felt they were rushed. I wish there was more to the ending than what it was (trying not to spoil anything!) but there were some gaps that needed to be filled for sure. Otherwise, this book had me hooked. FRANCESCO, ugh… loved him. hoping for a part two!!
November 1, 2024
First 5 star book of 2024, and probably the only. I don’t know where to start! I could not put this book down. The FMC was flawed, yet resilient and relatable. This book was filled with lessons on forgiveness, facing your fears, starting over, and of course love. As an Italian American, this book is special to me, but i feel so many people, despite their heritage, would enjoy and be impacted by this story. I can’t wait to hear what other lessons Scarlet has to teach us.
June 22, 2025
I absolutely could not put this book down. So beautifully written. I fell in love with all the characters, even Enzo. This was truly one of the immersive books I’ve ever read, I felt like I was right there with them the whole way. Sarah truly captured the spirit of what it means to be Italian. I can’t wait for the next one.
April 24, 2023
A novel that makes your mouth water and your heart melt. This love story for the ages is set in New York’s Italian American culture and jumps off the page in penetrating, vivid images. The character’s story of endless love is one everyone yearns for in their life. A gem of a debut for this author!
May 17, 2023
Wonderful Heroine, Fabulous Book
Beautifully written story of loss, love, good and bad choices. Set in Little Italy, and evoking the 80s. A gem of a book. I hope that another novel follows, perhaps covering the years that were only briefly discussed. Brava!!!
Beautifully written story of loss, love, good and bad choices. Set in Little Italy, and evoking the 80s. A gem of a book. I hope that another novel follows, perhaps covering the years that were only briefly discussed. Brava!!!
May 30, 2023
This was such a good read, and very well written, I could not put it down. The characters grab your attention and suck you in, anyone who is Italian will so relate to this, and if you ever worked hospitality it is so spot on. This book will leave you wanting more.
January 13, 2024
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH🩷
if you’re like me and you’re from new york, then this book is for you. it gives me so much nostalgia and what not. i love the characters and the storyline so so much.
I SOOO RECOMMEND 🫶🏼🫶🏼
if you’re like me and you’re from new york, then this book is for you. it gives me so much nostalgia and what not. i love the characters and the storyline so so much.
I SOOO RECOMMEND 🫶🏼🫶🏼
January 28, 2024
I loved this book so much! It made me feel connected to my Italian-American heritage. Such a beautiful, heartwarming story of bravery, hard work, and above all, love. This is a must read for any woman- especially Italian women!
February 27, 2024
Sweet book. Oh the passions of Italians! That’s Amore!
I wish the author would have included some recipes!
I didn’t realize how much I was actually enjoying the book until 1/2 was through.
I look forward to a second book. Great debut!
I wish the author would have included some recipes!
I didn’t realize how much I was actually enjoying the book until 1/2 was through.
I look forward to a second book. Great debut!
July 12, 2024
What a fascinating read! Absolutely captivating with all the 80’s fashion, the delicious food envisioned and the complex relationships of the characters. It took me back in time and I vividly recalled NYC during that era. The author’s debut definitely makes me want to read more from her.
March 23, 2025
I read this book in a day! That says a lot for me! This story is so good. It really draws you in and you feel what each person is going through. I highly recommend it! I cannot wait for her next book to come out!!!!
April 7, 2025
What a great book. I came across “Scarlett” on Tik Tok and just had to read this book about her. This book drew me in and I did not want to put it down. I am so excited for the second book coming out soon.
September 9, 2025
I’m so glad I decided to read this book. It was written so well and kept my interest at all times!!!! Also the characters were on point. I could picture everything in my head. Can’t wait to read the next one.
June 7, 2023
Wow! What an amazing book! I could not put it down! I felt like I was there with the wonderful detail she gives. Sarah is a very gifted writer and I cannot wait to see what’s next for her!
June 9, 2023
So beautifully written that I felt like I knew the characters! Couldn’t put the book down and I can’t wait for the next book!!
June 23, 2023
A really nice story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews