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In the Name of Family
An evocative and page-turning multigenerational debut that uncovers the sins of the past and lays them bare.
Can the sins of prior generations be forgiven? Or are they doomed to play out in the present no matter how hard we try to escape the unthinkable?
At a time when ethnic discrimination pervades Brooklyn, Tony and Ruth fall in love, risking everything they hold dear. Both hold tight to their secrets as their romance unfolds into a beautiful, but hidden, love story.
Ruth, a conservative Jewish wife, strives to break free from her abusive marriage and deeply rooted cultural traditions. Tony, a widower who emigrated from Italy to New York as a young boy, is rebuilding his life after the tragic loss of his wife to cancer. They are both forced to make the hardest decisions of their lives and risk losing everything they love to build a life together.
Finding refuge with Tony’s parents, they are determined to mend their splintered family and build a successful life together. But long-held family secrets can’t be hidden forever. A violent altercation compels a notorious crime boss to seek retribution, and Tony is forced to make an agonizing choice that has loomed in his past for How far is he willing to go to protect those he loves?
Can Tony and Ruth survive under the crushing weight of vengeance?
Set in the 1950s, In The Name of Family is about trust and loyalty – when it’s good, it’s great, but what happens when it turns on you?
Can the sins of prior generations be forgiven? Or are they doomed to play out in the present no matter how hard we try to escape the unthinkable?
At a time when ethnic discrimination pervades Brooklyn, Tony and Ruth fall in love, risking everything they hold dear. Both hold tight to their secrets as their romance unfolds into a beautiful, but hidden, love story.
Ruth, a conservative Jewish wife, strives to break free from her abusive marriage and deeply rooted cultural traditions. Tony, a widower who emigrated from Italy to New York as a young boy, is rebuilding his life after the tragic loss of his wife to cancer. They are both forced to make the hardest decisions of their lives and risk losing everything they love to build a life together.
Finding refuge with Tony’s parents, they are determined to mend their splintered family and build a successful life together. But long-held family secrets can’t be hidden forever. A violent altercation compels a notorious crime boss to seek retribution, and Tony is forced to make an agonizing choice that has loomed in his past for How far is he willing to go to protect those he loves?
Can Tony and Ruth survive under the crushing weight of vengeance?
Set in the 1950s, In The Name of Family is about trust and loyalty – when it’s good, it’s great, but what happens when it turns on you?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2024
54 people are currently reading
5275 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 6, 2024
I am so grateful to receive a copy as an arc! I absolutely LOVED this book. I cried multiple times. Felt like I knew the characters and got emotionally attached to them. There was also a sense of thrill, which I absolutely loved! There were so many twists and turns that were put in to the storyline, I couldn't put this book down because of them! It was written so beautifully. I am definitely going to miss the characters now that I am finished with the book. Definitely a MUST read!
June 30, 2024
Woah woah! Page turner, twists that leave your jaw dropping. This was an impressive debut novel that has so many twists. It flows really smooth and quick like a thriller so I’d recommend it to anyone new to the historical fiction world.
April 19, 2024
This debut novel completely touched my heart. It centers around one family and their devotion to one another. The strength of overcoming many adversities, religion, choices that were made (this, dealing with the consequences), the past….. Set in the 1950’s when families would gather for Sunday dinners and holidays and how those times were deemed a necessity (how far have we come?!?). The strength of the women beside men. The devotion of family by both. Though I gave it 3 stars (only because of the “simplicity” of it) I enjoyed being an outsider looking in during my time with the Russo’s and their friends.
July 19, 2024
A solid 4.25/5.
I love a historical fiction book especially one with a ton of family drama. This book definitely has that. The characters are ones that you just fall in love with and you must keep reading to figure out what’s going to happen with them.
On a sidenote – make sure that you read the epilogue because if you don’t, you will be unhappy about the ending of the book.
I love a historical fiction book especially one with a ton of family drama. This book definitely has that. The characters are ones that you just fall in love with and you must keep reading to figure out what’s going to happen with them.
On a sidenote – make sure that you read the epilogue because if you don’t, you will be unhappy about the ending of the book.
Read
January 18, 2024In her debut novel, "In the Name of Family," author Cynthia Coppola creates an inspiring love story that exposes conflicting human emotions and experiences of keeping secrets, telling lies, and betraying promises with the result that shapes and changes the lives of those who belong to the Russo family. It is a story that made me smile, laugh, weep and hope. It is a journey that not only touched my heart, but also engaged me in reminiscing of events that affected and changed me in my own family.
Beginning her novel in the 1950’s in NY Coppola uses the always current topic of antisemitism through the dichotomy between two family cultures. Tony, from a warm, immigrated Italian family, and Ruth, from a cold, strict conservative Jewish family, who find true love is complicated. It is through these two protagonists that the author illustrates how powerful love must be with challenging family values, making life choices and accepting truths.
In addition, I particularly liked the smooth pacing of dialogue and switching of perspective from each protagonist by chapter. It creates a flow and interest that makes the novel a quick page turner to read. Most impressive is the author’s brilliant character development. While the protagonists are the beloved at the center of the story, it is Coppola’s creation of the other characters that further engaged me in this powerful story. I loved the family and friends the author created. Among my favorite secondary characters are Sal and Anna Russo, Tony’s parents, who demonstrate unconditional love. I wanted to be part of that Russo family. Anna always expressed, “‘Family is more important than anything. We accept each other and look out for each other.’” Sal always raised his glass of Chianti “‘ To our family, alla nostra familiar!’” However, there were dark and questionable characters that entered the story and challenged the loyalty of family. All the characters, even Anna and Sal, have their secrets.
With Coppola’s last section of her novel entitled “Truth,” I was filled with anticipation to find answers that were still not revealed. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the journey Cynthia Coppola took me on "In the Name of Family." The author created a love story that made me question what I would be willing to do for love and my family.
Beginning her novel in the 1950’s in NY Coppola uses the always current topic of antisemitism through the dichotomy between two family cultures. Tony, from a warm, immigrated Italian family, and Ruth, from a cold, strict conservative Jewish family, who find true love is complicated. It is through these two protagonists that the author illustrates how powerful love must be with challenging family values, making life choices and accepting truths.
In addition, I particularly liked the smooth pacing of dialogue and switching of perspective from each protagonist by chapter. It creates a flow and interest that makes the novel a quick page turner to read. Most impressive is the author’s brilliant character development. While the protagonists are the beloved at the center of the story, it is Coppola’s creation of the other characters that further engaged me in this powerful story. I loved the family and friends the author created. Among my favorite secondary characters are Sal and Anna Russo, Tony’s parents, who demonstrate unconditional love. I wanted to be part of that Russo family. Anna always expressed, “‘Family is more important than anything. We accept each other and look out for each other.’” Sal always raised his glass of Chianti “‘ To our family, alla nostra familiar!’” However, there were dark and questionable characters that entered the story and challenged the loyalty of family. All the characters, even Anna and Sal, have their secrets.
With Coppola’s last section of her novel entitled “Truth,” I was filled with anticipation to find answers that were still not revealed. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the journey Cynthia Coppola took me on "In the Name of Family." The author created a love story that made me question what I would be willing to do for love and my family.
July 11, 2024
Tony and Ruth meet. He is Catholic she is Jewish. That was a big deal in the 50s. No one liked it if you went outside your faith. They both have secrets. She is still married from an arranged marriage made by her father and has a four-year-old child. When her father finds out she is pregnant he kicks her out and won't let her take her little girl with her when she leaves. Things were way different back then.
Tony has a wife who died of cancer and a little girl whom his sister is raising since his wife's death. As he gets better, he wants his little girl back, but his sister has refused to give her back. Once they get through all that drama. They have three children of their own run an Italian Restaurant and go through life with the same problems as most.
Both girls who were raised by people other than their real parents never are the same after they find out the truth. Despite the fact of all this drama the family raises the children and gets on with life.
This is normally not the type of book I read so I had a hard time investing in it. I did feel bad for all the secrets. It was a popular thing back then to keep secrets like this. Then your grown and surprise you have a hidden sibling you never knew you had.
Tony has a wife who died of cancer and a little girl whom his sister is raising since his wife's death. As he gets better, he wants his little girl back, but his sister has refused to give her back. Once they get through all that drama. They have three children of their own run an Italian Restaurant and go through life with the same problems as most.
Both girls who were raised by people other than their real parents never are the same after they find out the truth. Despite the fact of all this drama the family raises the children and gets on with life.
This is normally not the type of book I read so I had a hard time investing in it. I did feel bad for all the secrets. It was a popular thing back then to keep secrets like this. Then your grown and surprise you have a hidden sibling you never knew you had.
August 30, 2024
Rating: 3 Stars
The pacing of this book was incredibly fast. While some readers might appreciate that relentless momentum, I found myself struggling to catch my breath before the next tragedy struck. The characters were well-crafted, and I genuinely found myself caring for them; however, the dialogue felt a bit dry and lacked the spark that I usually enjoy in character interactions.
Despite my mixed feelings, there were aspects of the book that I found compelling. The portrayal of families and the depiction of the challenges they faced during the 1950s and 1960s were done quite well. The nuanced exploration of family dynamics and the complexities of relationships added a layer of depth that I appreciated.
Overall, I believe this book would resonate more with fans of classic literature or historical fiction. While it wasn’t quite my cup of tea, I can see how it could appeal to others who enjoy these genres.
The pacing of this book was incredibly fast. While some readers might appreciate that relentless momentum, I found myself struggling to catch my breath before the next tragedy struck. The characters were well-crafted, and I genuinely found myself caring for them; however, the dialogue felt a bit dry and lacked the spark that I usually enjoy in character interactions.
Despite my mixed feelings, there were aspects of the book that I found compelling. The portrayal of families and the depiction of the challenges they faced during the 1950s and 1960s were done quite well. The nuanced exploration of family dynamics and the complexities of relationships added a layer of depth that I appreciated.
Overall, I believe this book would resonate more with fans of classic literature or historical fiction. While it wasn’t quite my cup of tea, I can see how it could appeal to others who enjoy these genres.
January 9, 2024
I was SO excited to receive an ARC of this book and it DID NOT disappoint! Fast paced page turner from the beginning as we get to know the two main characters, Tony and Ruth, so well they could be a part of our own family. The descriptions are thorough without being wordy and the storyline is full of well thought out twists making it difficult to put down. With everything from love and loss to the complexity of family dynamics, this glimpse into mid century NYC life was a quick satisfying read loaded with emotion. Highly recommend!
January 15, 2024
What a roller coaster ride!
I was luckily enough to receive a copy of “In The Name of Family” as an arc.
You easily get drawn in and swept away back in time following the story of Ruth and Tony. Two people with sad pasts, who come from two totally different worlds and backgrounds, fighting the odds to be together and build their own family. As their love story unfolds, you will be kept on your feet with twists, turns, and unexpected events. You can truly feel the emotions the characters are feeling and experiencing. You won’t want to put the book down!
I was luckily enough to receive a copy of “In The Name of Family” as an arc.
You easily get drawn in and swept away back in time following the story of Ruth and Tony. Two people with sad pasts, who come from two totally different worlds and backgrounds, fighting the odds to be together and build their own family. As their love story unfolds, you will be kept on your feet with twists, turns, and unexpected events. You can truly feel the emotions the characters are feeling and experiencing. You won’t want to put the book down!
April 6, 2024
This was an interesting story about a couple, how they met, their challenges, and their families all in the 1950's. The book touched on their parents stories and in the end, their children's lives. I thought the book was a bit slow and dedicated too much time to surface problems rather than delving into the issues in a deeper emotional level. The epilogue summed up the loose ends, but the book would have been better had these loose ends been addressed in the book. All in all it was an easy and pretty good read.
April 27, 2024
This book had me on a whole Rollercoaster of feelings! I felt like I was IN all the drama and love and part of the family. This story followed a lifetime of good, bad, beautiful, and ugly. It took me out of a reading slump, and I fell in love with it. I cried, I laughed, I had those "oh, no please don't tell me", and WHAT?! Are you serious moments?! I HAD to share how I felt about certain parts immediately with the kind soul that recommended I read it! I'm so glad this story was brought to my attention! Excellent!
December 23, 2024
No spoilers. Read via Kindle Unlimited.
This was a beautiful emotional book. I enjoyed this from the first page to the last, and I was so sad when it was over. I loved the characters and the storyline so much. It really touches your heart, and gets you in your feels. This book was absolutely amazing, and I know I will be thinking of this book for awhile!
Would I recommend? YES! If you love a historical fiction/romance book, then yes you need to read this. Just be prepared to feel the feels and not wanting to put it down.
This was a beautiful emotional book. I enjoyed this from the first page to the last, and I was so sad when it was over. I loved the characters and the storyline so much. It really touches your heart, and gets you in your feels. This book was absolutely amazing, and I know I will be thinking of this book for awhile!
Would I recommend? YES! If you love a historical fiction/romance book, then yes you need to read this. Just be prepared to feel the feels and not wanting to put it down.
Read
January 12, 2024I read this in 24 hours. The author took me on a ride. Just when I thought I was reading a nice book about a nice family, the story took a twist. It happened many times throughout my journey with the Russo family. The author expertly pulled me into the lives of Ruth and Tony. I had to keep reading to see what would happen next. I recommend this book. I hope this author is busy writing her second novel, which I would definitely read. I am going to recommend that my book club read this book!
May 31, 2024
“In the Name of Family” takes the reader to New York City in the 1950s. It is a story that shows how true love can both invigorate life and overcome obstacles. Tony is from an Italian Catholic family and Ruth is from a Conservative Jewish family. They are the main characters.
I like the message that we love, support, and accept family - family can be expanded beyond blood.
I am glad that I received this e-book from a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to Cynthia Coppola and publisher.
I like the message that we love, support, and accept family - family can be expanded beyond blood.
I am glad that I received this e-book from a Goodreads giveaway. Thank you to Cynthia Coppola and publisher.
September 27, 2024
This book was so good! Lots of twists and turns, but I enjoyed nearly every second of this book.
I will say the second half dragged a bit (imo) but I’m also coming out of a slump so maybe take that with a grain of salt.
I loved Tony and Ruth’s relationship a lot and watching Ruth become accepted by his family was just so heartwarming. I loved that the book felt realistic at times with how relationships don’t always get fixed. Definitely a beautiful read.
I will say the second half dragged a bit (imo) but I’m also coming out of a slump so maybe take that with a grain of salt.
I loved Tony and Ruth’s relationship a lot and watching Ruth become accepted by his family was just so heartwarming. I loved that the book felt realistic at times with how relationships don’t always get fixed. Definitely a beautiful read.
January 11, 2024
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy
of this book. From the opening page to the last, this was a great read. The dialogue between the characters and the emotional twists and turns, kept the reader’s attention. I couldn’t wait to keep reading to see what happened next! Was sorry when I reached the last page. Highly recommend this book to all. Congratulations on a terrific debut novel!
of this book. From the opening page to the last, this was a great read. The dialogue between the characters and the emotional twists and turns, kept the reader’s attention. I couldn’t wait to keep reading to see what happened next! Was sorry when I reached the last page. Highly recommend this book to all. Congratulations on a terrific debut novel!
January 12, 2024
Author, Cynthia Coppola's, " In the Name of Family" is an emotionally, heartfelt story. It is beautifully written and shares the story of love and loyalty of a family in the 1950's. As, I too, came from an Italian and Jewish background during those times, I was swept away back many years while reading. This novel would appeal to any age group. I could not put it down. Highly recommend.
January 27, 2024
An extremely powerful and moving story of love, loss and family. In the Name of Family is a quick page turner. It's riveting and captivating. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns. You will never expect what happens and will not want to put the book down until you've finished. Cynthia Coppola is a brilliant writer.
April 17, 2024
This was a Goodreads giveaway, so I felt compelled to do my best to read it before giving a rating. It was terrible. The writing style is dull and uninteresting. The dialogue is forced, predictable, and boring. I didn’t care for any of the characters. I skimmed the second half of the book and it still took an agonizingly long time to finish.
July 9, 2024
I am so glad I gave this a try, and will definitely be reading more from this author.
This debut novel was captivating from the start. The whole story is informative, suspenseful, and unpredictable. It follows a complex family dynamic with both of the main characters. Both come from different family structures and come together to create their own dynamic family. There are many complexities throughout this novel including the plot-lines, relationships, and characters. Cynthia Coppola does not shy away from tough subjects, but instead shines light on sensitive topics.
There are many themes displayed throughout, as well.
-Family is not perfect, but something to be cherished.
-Love is what you make it.
-Hardships happen to everyone, and only you can decide how to deal with them.
-Violence comes with consequences for everyone involved.
-Change can affect your life for the better or worse.
This debut novel was captivating from the start. The whole story is informative, suspenseful, and unpredictable. It follows a complex family dynamic with both of the main characters. Both come from different family structures and come together to create their own dynamic family. There are many complexities throughout this novel including the plot-lines, relationships, and characters. Cynthia Coppola does not shy away from tough subjects, but instead shines light on sensitive topics.
There are many themes displayed throughout, as well.
-Family is not perfect, but something to be cherished.
-Love is what you make it.
-Hardships happen to everyone, and only you can decide how to deal with them.
-Violence comes with consequences for everyone involved.
-Change can affect your life for the better or worse.
July 28, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from indie author, Cynthia Coppola. This was an emotional read that’ll make you feel all the feelings: sadness, anger, frustration, happiness, hope, and excitement. I felt for the main characters and readers will go on quite a journey from the start of their love story to the end. This story is a true depiction of “family is everything.”
December 14, 2024
I am very grateful to have received a free copy of this book from Goodreads. I loved the story line. This was a lovely historical accounting of a family in the 50s. Very good for a debut novel. The authors style of writing didn't hold my attention though. I'm put it down many times as I became sleepy. A good page turner will keep me up till all hours.
December 17, 2024
The characters in this book were easy to sympathize with, and I appreciate the way some of the struggles in post-WWII life in NYC were portrayed. However, I found the book to be terribly written overall, which distracted from the story itself. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and can't argue with having gotten access to it for free, but overall was relatively unimpressed.
February 9, 2025
I had the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book. From the very beginning, I knew I was in for an exceptional read. Once you start reading, you won't want to put it down.
You will feel every emotion they do, love, hate, betrayal and most of all the unwavering loyalty this powerful family have for one another.
A must read.
Lori Maher Verge
You will feel every emotion they do, love, hate, betrayal and most of all the unwavering loyalty this powerful family have for one another.
A must read.
Lori Maher Verge
February 5, 2024
What a great time I had with this read. Lots of twists and turns along with romance, family and all it took to make a life in 1950. Very enjoyable and even better having places so familiar mentioned. Of course very special since my cousin is the author! Fantastic job!
July 22, 2024
This was a Goodreads win for me and I'd like to give a huge thank you! I loved this book so much! Full of drama, love and let's be honest a little stress! Several moments had my tummy in knots and I shed a few tears. I definitely reccomend this book.
February 7, 2024
Perfect beach book, I found myself picturing my parents generation of the 1950’s. Very nostalgic. This book would make a great limited series to stream. I really enjoyed it.
February 13, 2024
From the first page, you’ll be emotionally invested and excited to see what’s to come for Tony and Ruth! Amazing book!
April 6, 2024
Received this e book from a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you. Loved the Russo family. Lots of stereotypes but I liked it anyway. Lots of tragedy. Lots of love
May 5, 2024
Loved it
So good, you fall in love with the characters. I want a sequel to follow the family or a prequel to tell the beginning.
So good, you fall in love with the characters. I want a sequel to follow the family or a prequel to tell the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews