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High school guidance counselor Gia Giordano has three mottos in work hard, be kind, and help others.
However her summer vacation with her Italian family will truly test her, as she begins a big birthday bash to celebrate her 40th birthday. Confident and funny, Gia attempts to make her birthday bash the best, all the while attempting to feel special once again. When her brother Dominic arrives with shocking news of a wedding, a bride, and guests, her birthday is suddenly cancelled.
As reality sets in, Gia schemes with her niece and nephews to get her party back on - to her own detriment - but her parents are unaware and inadvertently planning the wedding. Out on a limb, Gia goes to measures she never thought she would go, testing her own ethics of being kind and helping others, especially when it's her own family. Her sister Valentina tries to convince her that a wedding wouldn’t be so bad. Will Gia's determination to work hard be her Achilles heel?
From funny situations to sweet moments, the Giordanos will make you laugh, cry, and root for the antihero to come around.
However her summer vacation with her Italian family will truly test her, as she begins a big birthday bash to celebrate her 40th birthday. Confident and funny, Gia attempts to make her birthday bash the best, all the while attempting to feel special once again. When her brother Dominic arrives with shocking news of a wedding, a bride, and guests, her birthday is suddenly cancelled.
As reality sets in, Gia schemes with her niece and nephews to get her party back on - to her own detriment - but her parents are unaware and inadvertently planning the wedding. Out on a limb, Gia goes to measures she never thought she would go, testing her own ethics of being kind and helping others, especially when it's her own family. Her sister Valentina tries to convince her that a wedding wouldn’t be so bad. Will Gia's determination to work hard be her Achilles heel?
From funny situations to sweet moments, the Giordanos will make you laugh, cry, and root for the antihero to come around.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2024
9 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 19, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy! I laughed most of the way through and enjoyed Lo’s sarcastic humor and fun characters. I was rooting for the narrator and loved the ending!
October 7, 2025
What a fun, heartwarming read! I instantly connected with Gia Giordano she’s smart, funny, and full of good intentions that sometimes go hilariously sideways. The setup pulled me right in: finally taking a much needed vacation to celebrate her 40th birthday, only to have her thunder stolen by her brother’s surprise wedding? Total chaos but the best kind!
I loved how the author balanced humor and emotion throughout. The family dynamic felt so real messy, loud, full of love and misunderstandings. I laughed at the banter, cringed at some of the awkward moments, and even got a little teary near the end. Gia’s inner struggle between wanting to stand out and wanting to do what’s right really hit home.
This story is about more than just a birthday or a wedding, it’s about rediscovering yourself when life doesn’t go as planned, and remembering that family, even when they drive you crazy, are the ones who show up when it matters most.
I loved how the author balanced humor and emotion throughout. The family dynamic felt so real messy, loud, full of love and misunderstandings. I laughed at the banter, cringed at some of the awkward moments, and even got a little teary near the end. Gia’s inner struggle between wanting to stand out and wanting to do what’s right really hit home.
This story is about more than just a birthday or a wedding, it’s about rediscovering yourself when life doesn’t go as planned, and remembering that family, even when they drive you crazy, are the ones who show up when it matters most.
October 30, 2025
Loved this book!
Gia’s has a mix of attitude and heart, she’s the kind of person who’ll help everyone else shine, even when she’s quietly hoping someone will notice her too.
Her family describes the typical Italian family and the whole Deer Valley setting made me want to book a trip. I laughed out loud every time Gia wiped out, her clumsiness is next level and somehow made her even more lovable.
The book is about figuring out what really matters and learning to speak up for yourself without losing the people you love. Highly recommend if you want something warm, funny, and real.
Gia’s has a mix of attitude and heart, she’s the kind of person who’ll help everyone else shine, even when she’s quietly hoping someone will notice her too.
Her family describes the typical Italian family and the whole Deer Valley setting made me want to book a trip. I laughed out loud every time Gia wiped out, her clumsiness is next level and somehow made her even more lovable.
The book is about figuring out what really matters and learning to speak up for yourself without losing the people you love. Highly recommend if you want something warm, funny, and real.
December 11, 2025
Great read. Family dynamics never get old especially set in the beautiful Deer Valley area!
July 29, 2024
Family, fun, beautiful location! The author made you feel that you were there during the family get together.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews