The Visitor

by C. D'Angelo

Fiercely independent Mary Pontrelli is blindsided when the New Orleans building housing her New Age store and upstairs apartment is listed for sale. Worse yet, a developer wants to destroy it and her high school ex-boyfriend—ahem, nemesis—is leading their charge. But this budding sweet spot for that weasel from the past can’t happen since traitors never change.

The best chance Mary has to save her cherished French Quarter building is to join forces with the other business owners whose livelihoods are also at risk. Too bad she avoids teamwork at all costs. Thankfully, a mystical new customer who shares Mary’s lost Italian heritage may be able to help alter her stubborn patterns. And, learning about the city’s history and her own Sicilian roots from the shopper may prove beyond merely engaging.

Even so, acquiring trust in strangers and accepting assistance requires more bravery than any societal expectation she’s challenged in her life. But if she doesn’t depend on her community and learn forgiveness, she may lose her career, home, and deeper relationships. No eccentric spirituality or heritage lessons can fix this…right?

Genres: Fiction

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2022

About the author

The Gift (Vintage Vines Series Book 1) highlights:
PenCraft Winter Best Book Awards Chick Lit Winner 2026
NYC Big Book Awards Chick Lit Winner 2025
PenCraft Fall Best Book Awards Chick Lit Winner 2025
Readers' Favorite Book Awards Chick Lit Finalist 2025
IAN Book of the Year Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2025
American Writing Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2025
Best Book Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2024
Indies Today Finalist 2024

Besides introducing problems that many of us face and characters that feel genuine, the novel features tantalizing culinary tastes, mesmerizing musical elements, and compelling glimpses into Italian culture. Such sumptuous writing will transport audiences... A blend of flavors and textures that will entice any reader, The Gift is a modern-day midlife adventure about being brave enough to find and follow our passion.
- Jennifer Jackson, Indies Today

Rich in Italian culture and little-known pieces of history, The Gift delves deeply into the heartfelt and disturbing sides of relationships with characters so alive their readers will hear their heartbeats, feel their fears, and agonize over the choices they must make—a story of dreams: those that come true, those that change, and those that die.
- Barbara Conrey, USA Today Bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye and My Secret to Keep

The Gift is a delightful, heartwarming ode to the Italian-immigrant experience, family, music, wine—and going after one’s dreams. Along with a well-researched, fascinating history of Italian winemaking in Los Angeles and her trademark mouth-watering descriptions of food, C. D’Angelo’s prose sings as she weaves musical notes into her masterful storytelling. I fell in love with the brave, big-hearted, determined Toni, as she wrestles with her competing aspirations and complicated relationships to live a life that feels right to her. A beautiful message of a woman trusting in herself, letting go of what no longer serves her, and forging her own path. The Gift is a must-read in women’s fiction!
- Angela Terry, award-winning author of The Palace at Dusk

C. D’Angelo does it again with her knack for bringing the evocative past into the light of the present. The Gift is an empowering, compelling, and moving narrative following one woman as she faces a fork in the road and a life decision that requires a healthy dose of soul searching. This scintillating story grips you from the first page, takes you on an emotional journey, and holds your attention until the very end, leaving you satisfied, inspired, and with the sentiment—sometimes the best gifts are those you give yourself.
- Annie Cathryn, multi-award-winning author of The Friendship Breakup

***

The Visitor highlights:
Next Generation Indie Book Awards Chick Lit Finalist 2023
National Indie Excellence Awards Chick Lit Finalist 2023
Independent Author Network Book of the Year Women's Fiction Finalist 2023
American Writing Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2023
NYC Big Book Awards Chick Lit Distinguished Favorite 2023
Indies Today Semi-Finalist 2022

The story of a woman who finds inspiration—and love—in the most unexpected places, The Visitor is a novel for anyone who’s longed to understand their history yet carve a different path for their future. C. D’Angelo is a fresh new voice in fiction.
- Camille Pagán, bestselling author of Everything Must Go


***

The Difference highlights:
Next Generation Indie Book Awards Chick Lit Finalist 2022
International Book Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2002
Best Book Awards Women's Fiction Finalist 2022
New York City Big Book Award Contemporary Novel Distinguished Favorite 2022
Indies Today Semi-Finalist 2021

...C. D'Angelo's

Reviews

[LeighAnne (that.bookmom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little magic and a lot of love, 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓 is a perfect lighthearted summer read!

I read D'Angelo's debut novel 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 last year and loved it, so I was so excited to read her new novel and it did not disappoint. It was great! Mary was witty, strong and very passionate! This was a heartwarming story about neighbors coming together to save their businesses and homes from being demolished. It is also rich in Italian history as we learn more about Mary's family heritage. This book was full of relatable characters, beautiful friendships (old and new) some magic and mystery and lots of hope!

📖 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮:
• a quirky main character
• strong female lead
• a lazy store cat
• new orleans
• slowwww burn
• second chances
• clean romance
• italian history
• small businesses
• family drama

I can't wait to see what D'Angelo puts out next!

[Barbara Conrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. D’Angelo creates strong, quirky characters who know what they want and aren’t afraid to grab their brass ring. The Visitor is rich in Italian history, and with a small yet enchanting bit of the mystical, C. D'Angelo will keep her readers begging for more.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary, a small business owner of a new age store in New Orleans is reeling from the news that the building where she lives and works is being sold. Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that her old high school boyfriend turned nemesis is buying the property and plans to demolish the beautiful historic building.

Just like in her last book, C. D'Angelo weaves a ton of Italian culture into the story. I also loved the NOLA setting, one of the United States most fascinating, historic wonderful cities.

Add in a little enemies to lovers and second chance romance, and you have a story made even better with love sprinkled in.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: The Visitor
AUTHOR: C. D’ Angelo
PUB DATE: 06.01.2022 Now Available

New Orleans
New Age
New Starts

I love this gorgeous tale about Mary Pontrelli, a woman finding her strength to forge her own path, while digging deep into her Sicilian roots in historical New Orleans.

Mary is trying to fight a losing battle when her landlord decides to sell her beloved French Quarter building where she lives and leases for her New Age shop, along with others whose lives are being upended. The amazing historical reference - great research on that by the way with regards to Italian immigration to NOLA, and also the lovely motley crew of characters really made this read quite relatable and will have you rooting for them. I also love a bit of magic, a sprinkle of romance, and a huge lot of love for the writing that feels like an incredible warm hug. I needed this nice cozy read. I highly recommend!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed C. D’Angelo’s The Difference, I was eagerly anticipating The Visitor. I’m happy to report that D’Angelo once again brings to life a cast of interesting and quirky characters who leap from the page. This time, they come together for a common cause and remind the reader that sometimes, second chances are worth it. I loved the setting—New Orleans—and the historical details that D’Angelo includes both with respect to the city and Mary’s heritage (Italian). And her cast of secondary characters is superb. Brava, C. D’Angelo!

[Regina Felty · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Mary Pontrelli, it’s not only a race against time, but also a battle for her beloved store, her home, AND her heart! "The Visitor" gives the reader insight into a taste of cultural heritage, a fierce determination for survival, and a bit of reluctant romance all blended with the ambiance of New Orleans (and we all know that something magical always happens in New Orleans!). You’ll love learning about the French Quarter and its rich history (and food!) as you root for Mary and her neighbors’ plight to save their businesses before everything they’ve worked so hard for is destroyed.

NOTE:
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Julee Balko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always nervous reading a second book by an author I like because I wonder if it’s possible to like the second book as much as the first. But if I adored The Difference, then I LOVED The Visitor. I enjoyed the main character Mary. The author does a wonderful job of creating strong female characters that are flawed yet likable. I also enjoy how the author wraps you in history and you can’t help but read her novels without having a love for family heritage, too. Both books have taken place in cities and the city landscape becomes like a character in the book because you learn so much about it. If you are looking for a delightful read that will make you smile and think about how your past can affect your future, this is one book you’ll want to check out.

[K Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story by C. D’Angelo that I could not put down! The Visitor is such a wonderful story that has it all - community, family, love, humor, and I really enjoyed the spiritual New Age twists. I also found the rich New Orleans history including Italian immigration very fascinating. C. D’Angelo has an amazing grasp on captivating the reader with relatable situations and characters. I was continuously engaged as if Mary was a close friend conversing with me. This book is highly recommended!

[Ashley King · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. D'Angelo knocked it out of the park with her sophomore novel. THE VISITOR is a beautiful, feel good read filled with depth, emotion, and magic--the phrase "seriously fun" comes to mind. I read the majority of this novel in one sitting because I had to know what happened next. I adored Mary's character and felt like she was a friend (I'm telling you, we could totally be besties especially with her Halloween costume choice--oh I love her). Her character arc was splendid and I couldn't stop smiling for most of the book. I loved a certain supernatural twist (you'll have to read it to find out, but trust me, it's perfection) and even had tears in my eyes at one point. I learned so much about Italian history in New Orleans (the author also does an incredible job making the reader feel as though they are in the French Quarter on each page) as I read this novel, and as soon as I finished, I immediately started researching something Mary discovered in the novel (again, I won't give spoilers). Not only was Mary wonderful, but the entire cast of characters makes this read unforgettable. Do yourself a favor and pick up this read that truly embodies La bella vita. It's one of my top reads of 2022, even of all time.

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story about an anxious Italian New Orleans young woman who changes from being somewhat isolated and bitter about her past, into a strong woman who embraces change and possibility.

I really loved Mary’s unique voice. The story is told in first person, present tense, and it only took me a page to get used to her conversational tone and to look forward to it.

I also enjoyed the New Orleans setting, and especially the mysterious visitor. Not saying any more… don’t want to give anything away!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this novel is peopled by many interesting and enjoyable characters, one of the main characters is a quirky, old neighborhood in New Orleans with a venerable past and an uncertain future. We meet Mary when she and her neighbors are fighting to save their homes and livelihoods from development. While Mary is learning about her Italian heritage and her building’s history from a surprising source, she also finds herself wrestling with her heart as a familiar, handsome face from her past wants to step into her future. All this turmoil requires Mary to readjust how she views herself and to grow as a person. An entertaining novel with a solid historical foundation and just enough whimsy to warm you like a cup of hot tea on a cool New Orleans night.

[Kerry Chaput · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free spirit Mary faces the demolition of her home and the return of an old enemy. She connects with her community to find a way to save their historic building with a little help from a surprise visitor. A little magic and a lot of heart, this book will make you believe in second chances.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read C. D'Angelo's first book late last year and fell in love with her style of writing and incorporating her own Italian heritage into her story. When the opportunity to read an ARC of The Visitor came up, I jumped on it and it did not disappoint.

The Visitor takes place in New Orleans, Lousiana, in an area surrounded by historic buildings. New Age store owner Mary Pontrelli finds out that her building, which also has her residence in it, is being sold along with others in the area. The owners of her building and the others have decided they want to retire and travel the world.

As if this wasn't enough to deal with, the buyer of the properties sent a representative to oversee things locally. This person is none other than Nate, Mary's ex-boyfriend from high school. Nate broke Mary's heart and she has nothing nice to say to him.

Mary and the other store owners/residents have decided to join forces to see if they can stop the sale of the buildings. With the help of a mystery customer, they begin looking into the history of the buildings to see if there is any information out there that could stop the sale of the buildings. This customer also helps Mary understand more about her heritage, her family's history in Sicily.

Mary has always been independent and so working with others takes some getting used to. Mary also has trouble believing Nate could have possibly changed at all in the years since high school.

Could Mary be wrong about Nate? Can she and the others stop the sale of the buildings? Well, you will have to read to find out and I sincerely hope you do.

I loved this novel. I enjoyed learning about Mary's history and the history of the buildings as it unfolds in the novel. Reading Nate's and Mary's banter was also very entertaining and something I love about C.'s writing, her banter between certain characters.

Family history is something that fascinates me, and when it is part of a story line it draws me in completely. As Mary learns about her heritage she comes to understand things about herself which is always a fun aspect of character development.

C. D'Angelo is a wonderful storyteller. Her characters are likeable and relatable. In watching them grow, the reader can't help but realize things about themselves and their own journey through life.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Laura Solar · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I’m not much of a believer in the mystical, this book was such fun! Our main character Mary had such a dynamic personality, and I love the New Orleans setting. One of my favorite things about this book is how the author addresses that not everyone will believe in the same things, and that’s okay as long as we treat each other respectfully. I loved the lesser known historical tie-ins that C. puts in her books (which always send me down a Wikipedia rabbit hole!). The conversational style of writing really helped me connect to Mary quickly and easily, and it’s easily to tell that the author puts so much of herself in her work. C. D’Angelo is truly a fresh voice in Women’s Fiction with an Italian flair that you can’t help but love!

[Christina Schad Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. D’Angelo’s The Visitor is an addictive, mystical narrative magically intertwining Italian immigration history, spirituality, and superstition with all the best attributes of a captivating read... Romance, conflict, surprise, excitement and most of all... extraordinary characters!

[C. D'Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Visitor won its second award! Next Generation Indie Book Awards Chick Lit Finalist 2023
I'm ecstatic!

***


The Visitor won its first award! Indies Today Semi-Finalist 2022
I'm so happy its receiving recognition!

***

The Visitor released on 6-1-22.

What you’ll love:

[Lainey Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Visitor is like taking a cultural tour of New Orleans, embarking on a fun enemies to friends romance, and enjoying a novel about finding yourself, all rolled into one!

Mary Pontrelli has had disappointing experiences in the past when she relies on others. Like with group projects or being bullied in High School. Or her teenage boyfriend, who after years of them being happy together, with no good reason, suddenly rejected her and then cut off contact. A situation Mary still resents, and if she’s honest with herself, has never recovered from, emotionally. He broke her heart so badly that she protects it, and even today at thirty
she struggles to date the right men.

But Mary has also risen above those past experiences. She’s a self-made woman who’s resilient and has built her business (a new age shop), and her life (living upstairs from the store) in a building and city adores (New Orleans).

When she discovers the worst news – that her building is now up for sale and likely she’ll have to move her business and her entire life, she is hit sideways. Worse so when she realizes the person representing the big city developer is none other than her teenage ex who is back in town– the same one who broke her heart into a million pieces.

The question is, will she be willing to work with others enough to save the building, and can she fight back against the man she most resents? And talking of which…why on earth does she still find herself attracted to him?

The Visitor provides a fascinating trip into the little-told history of Sicilians in New Orleans, including their food. Combine that with a good dollop of local spirit lore, a wonderful cat, lovely and original characters, and all the yummy food.

The Visitor is a fun, memorable, jaunt that will make you want to pop down to New Orleans to better appreciate the history, eat crawfish with your hands, and grab chicory iced coffee and beignets, and relive the surrounds of this entertaining story.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading C. D’Angelo’s debut novel 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 last year, so I was excited to read her next book; it did not disappoint!

Mary runs a cute little New Age shop. She rents the store in the historic French Quarter district of New Orleans and lives in an apartment above it. It’s perfect. That is until a developer wants to buy it and knock her beloved building down!

It gets worse. This developer is her high school ex.

It would seem that Mary, independent and a bit quirky, will have to work with her fellow tenants to save this building. Things look quite discouraging when a new customer breezes into the store. This visitor shares with Mary a strong Italian heritage. She offers some rich cultural lessons and, of course, a touch of magic. ✨

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 is a delight! New Orleans is always a great setting with its rich and mystical history. Mary is a great character with a set goal, but she needed to learn about the joy of community and an open heart.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @c.dangelo.author for a spot on tour and a gifted copy.

[Josie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, relatable heroine: check. A heartbreaking dilemma: check. Throw in a bit of magical mystical whimsy and you’ve got the perfect reason to spend the weekend in your favorite armchair immersing yourself in C. D’Angelo’s THE VISITOR. That renowned New Orleans parish known as the French Quarter is home to her protagonist Mary Pontrelli—at least for now. But soon the building which houses Mary, her New Age shop, and her persnickety cat Mr. Grayson will be sold to developers looking to raze it to the ground —unless she and her motley crew of neighbors find a way to save it. In that regard, D’Angelo’s ingenuity shines through. She finds the perfect plot point to allow Mary to embrace her roots, reconnect with an old boyfriend, and at the same time honor a little-known bit of her parish’s sadder history. The lesson learned is one we can all cherish: community means everything.

[Cheryl Burman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having enjoyed The Difference, I was more than happy to be an ‘ahead reviewer’ for C D’Angelo’s new book, The Visitor. And she’s presented us with another charming and highly readable tale. Her Italian heritage shines through once more (and the food is again scrumptious sounding), but all in a very different story.
Mary Pontrelli is happy with her life, until her landlords decide to sell the old New Orleans building in which she lives and where she has her New Age shop. Worse, they sell to a developer who plans on knocking the whole thing down. Worse still, the developer’s representative is Mary’s high school sweetheart who left her partnerless at the prom.
Could things go further downhill? Possibly, but when an elderly lady visits Mary’s store and befriends her, surprising revelations are made which may or may not help resolve all of Mary’s difficulties.
Excellent, relatable characters including the supporting cast of friends, colleagues and fellow renters, a ‘will they, won’t they?’ theme (and do we want them to!), with some fascinating history thrown in, this is a book for settling down by the pool on summer vacation and letting D’Angelo take you to New Orleans–or even Sicily. Highly recommended.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s no place quite like New Orleans and The Visitor captures its unique culture perfectly. The city is so rich with traditions and the author really brought the fabulous French Quarter to life. It was interesting to learn more about the Italian heritage and history of New Orleans.

Mary is such a delightful character. I loved her sense of humor and her independent nature. The other characters are charming and quirky and I loved the camaraderie they developed as they battled a big corporation to save their beloved homes and businesses.

There is so much to love about this book and highly recommend it!

[Rob Samborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Visitor is a perfect example of why I try to read almost every genre.

This is such a fun, upbeat book but with lovable, eccentric characters, but what I really love about it is how much of it delves into culture and history. C. D'Angelo explores New Orleans and Italian heritage, including a very dark episode of New Orleans' history I wasn't aware happened. That, combined with a rich cast of characters and the essence of New Orleans dripping on every page, it makes you want to hop on a plane and read The Visitor there. Round it all out with a bit of the supernatural--perfectly done in New Orleans--and you have a book you won't want to stop reading.

Highly recommended! It's a perfect summer book.

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like an exquisite cup of gourmet tea, The Visitor is bursting with a myriad of robust flavors with each sip. chock full of surprises, this novel will keep the avid reader fully engaged until the very last page turn. This sophomore work of fiction by C. D'Angelo weaves a tale of holistic healing for several of the compelling characters, their community and their historical heritage. Imbuing mystical elements for the spiritually minded, Italian and local (New Orleans) cuisine for the foodies, plot twists for the mystery buffs, female empowerment elements for the psychoanalysts and self help gurus and a good old-fashioned romance; because what novel would be complete without one. There is a little bit of something for everyone, tied together by a heartwarming chronicle, sure to tantalize the most critical of book connoisseurs.

[Joanna Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vistor was a great, fun, flirty read, perfect for throwing in your bag to take to the beach (or for me, long and delayed air plane flights). The main character, Mary, is a a little witchy, which I LOVE and after getting to experience all that is NOLA I can definitely understand her passion for the spiritual. Her tenacity and her heart was truly what stuck out to me. I recently read a quote from Lily Tomlins that said ““I said "Somebody should do something about that." Then I realized I am somebody.” Watching Mary fight for something she cared about (with a little help from her family and creating new friends along the way) was the heart of the story for me, she gained confidence and showed that she could be more than she thought she could.
10/10 highly recommend! Another fantastic read by

[Donna Norman-Carbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary, a quirky and persistent New Age store owner, goes into crisis mode at the opening of The Visitor when she discovers her landlords have sold the building where she has not only her business but her apartment. With an uncertain future, Mary needs to learn to lean on and work with others when it isn’t exactly in her DNA.
I loved this novel immediately. Set in New Orleans, I was taken back to the one visit I took there. This book is rich with Italian culture and mysticism both of which I connected to. If you like a lighthearted, friends to enemies story with a lot of heart, you will love the Visitor.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. D'Angelo once again weaves intriguing history, a vacation destination, and delectable treats into a mystery that keeps the pages turning. This story follows a relatable woman on the brink of many life changes: work, love, and a fresh understanding of New Orleans' hidden history. A great book to read if you love in-depth looks at iconic cities! Grab some coffee, and some beignets if you can, before curling up with this book.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Pontrelli is at a loss of what to do when her landlord decides to sell the building she lives in and also runs her New Age shop in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans. She just might have to work together with the other buisness owners but that has never been her style. Mary is independent and head strong. To make matters worse it's her high school ex- boyfriend leading the way to knock it down and develop. When a new customer enters the scene Mary discovers much about her lost Italian heritage. I love the history weaved through the story. The history of New Orleans and Italian immigration. This was a fast, quirky and enjoyable read. This is the second book by this author I really enjoyed.


Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Gloria Mattioni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel in more than one way. D'Angelos' quirky style immediately hooks you to her main character's outlook in first person. You find yourself traveling with Mary through the mystical of her new age shop and the very 'concrete' (as in real estate) New Orleans background, with hints to her Italian heritage and the rich and colorful city history. Her cast of secondary, well drawn characters contributes to an interesting, fun and easy read.

[Dawn Matera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read by this author. She has a knack for creating quirky and relatable characters that have you rooting for them. If you love Italy, New Orleans, and stories you can cruise through, you will love The Visitor. Will be waiting for her next release!

[Colby Bettley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to author C. D’Angelo for providing me with an early copy of her novel, The Visitor, in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so wonderful and I’m grateful to have read it. Beautiful, witty and filled with emotion - this was the perfect read. D’Angelo is an unbelievably talented author and it shows in the way the writing flows.

Steeped in Italian heritage, this book transports us into its pages and you feel lost in the story, embarking on the journey alongside Mary as she teams up with her neighbours to save their businesses.

The Visitor is definitely a must-read and one of the best new releases of the year!