Carissima

by Rosanna Chiofalo

From Rosanna Chiofalo comes a sumptuous new novel that sweeps readers from the Italian-American enclave of Astoria, New York, to the stunning vistas of Rome, and introduces two very different women in a story of friendship, love, and destiny In college, Pia Santore dreamed of going to New York and taking the Big Apple by storm with her younger sister Erica. Instead, Pia has arrived in Astoria, Queens, with a prestigious journalism internship at a celebrity magazine and without Erica. Though the neighborhood has an abundance of appeal including the delectable confections sold at her Aunt Antoniella s bakery the pain of losing Erica a few years ago still feels fresh.

Pia s arrival coincides with an unexpected sighting. Italian movie icon Francesca Donata is rumored to be staying nearby, every bit as voluptuous and divaesque as in her heyday. With the help of a handsome local artist with ties to Francesca s family, Pia convinces the legend to grant her a series of interviews even traveling to her house in Rome. In the eternal city, Pia begins to unearth the truth behind the star s fabled romances and tangled past. And here too, where beauty and history mingle in every breathtaking view, and hope shimmers in the Trevi fountain and on the Spanish Steps, Pia gradually learns how to love and when to let go. For when in Rome, you may find your carissima your dearest one and you may even find yourself

Rosanna Chiofalo is a first-generation Italian American whose parents emigrated from Sicily to New York in the early 1960s. She is the author of Bella Fortuna and is currently hard at work writing her next novel. She and her husband live in New York City.

Advance Praise For Carissima

"What a glorious novel this is. It's a celebration of life, love and unlikely friendship through the eyes of two very different women. Yet their similarities bind them together and will endear them to readers long after the last page is turned. Bravissima for "Carissima"!" --Susan Wiggs, # 1 "New York Times "bestselling author

"Fantastico"! I couldn t put it down! --Lisa Jackson, # 1 "New York Times "bestselling author

Praise for Bella Fortuna

Chiofalo brings the Italian immigrant community and neighborhoods richly to life. "Publishers Weekly"

Reading Rosanna Chiofalo s depiction of a modern Italian-American family is like digging into a fresh bowl of pasta warm, welcome, and satisfying. A deeply felt debut that affirms the importance of friends and family Italian-style. --Lisa Verge Higgins, author of "The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship"

Well-drawn characters A charmer. "BookPage"

Sometimes tough, sometimes tender, always heartfelt and honest, Bella Fortuna is a lively, finely-stitched tale of life and love, family and friendship, and a zest for "cose Italiane"! --Peter Pezzelli, author of "Home to Italy"

Chiofalo s debut is an inspiring read about second chances with love after tremendous heartbreak Readers with Italian-American backgrounds will definitely eat this one up! "RT Book Reviews""

Genres: Fiction, Italy, Chick Lit, Romance, Adult

ebook

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Rosanna Chiofalo is a first-generation Italian American whose parents emigrated from Sicily to New York in the early 1960s. She is the author of Bella Fortuna, Carissima, Stella Mia, Rosalia's Bittersweet Pastry Shop, and the novella "Seven Days of Christmas" which appears in the WHEN THE SNOW FALLS collection. She lives with her husband in New York City. Visit: RosannaChiofalo.com.

Reviews

[Cameran · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of Adriana Trigiani’s Valentine series, I was very excited to receive a copy of this book, and if you are also a fan of Trigiani’s work then I am sure you might find this book endearing to your tastes as well. Featuring two Italian women as the main characters, Carissima is a story that seeks to explore friendship, love, and moving on from the mistakes of the past. In some ways I will say that the novel succeeded in the fulfillment of it’s premise, but in other ways I was disappointed with the enigmatic ways of its’ main character.

While Francesca Donata and Pia Santore come from different eras and walks of life, they are soon bunched together to discover their similarities. As an aspiring journalist, Pia is on a mission to secure an interview with the Italian screen-legend that has appeared with much mystique in a neighborhood of Astoria. The neighbors and the paparazzi are enthralled by her appearance, but Pia remains aloof from Francesca with preconceived notions of the legend’s nature, which Francesca also contributes to with her controlling nature when it comes to stipulations of the interview and her treatment of other people. For a while the story seemed very stilted as the women challenged each other for control of the situation; however, once they began to open up to one another they discover that they are more alike than they previously had thought. The novel blossomed into something that grabbed my interest more and more as Francesca and Pia discuss and confront their demons of the past in the areas of guilt, forgiveness, friendship, and love. At this point I thought I knew where the story was going until the author threw a major wrench into the works towards the end.

Perhaps if the wrench had been omitted I would have liked the story more. Or maybe, my distaste towards the conclusion could have been resolved if the author had dug deeper into the behavior of Francesca. The reader and Pia believe they have figured the woman out only to have her return to her enigmatic ways again. The explanation for her behavior was very quick, crass, and did not fulfill a sense of understanding, recognition, or pity in me as a reader. If the point had always been to reach this climax and quickly resolved conclusion then the author should have done a much better job of peeling back further layers of Francesca’s character to support how she could have acted this way.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol MacInnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from a contest on Goodreads.
Francesca Donata, a once very famous Italian silver screen star has become a recluse for the past ten years. But one day she receives a letter to beckon Francesca to come to Astoria, Queens and she accepts this offer. When she arrives, she goes directly to the house of Guiliana Tesca, where a crowd has gathered as Francesca has been spotted.
Pia Santore was brought up by her American father and Italian mother in San Diego with Pia, her sister Erica and brother Kyle. But when Pia turns 21 Erica died in a drowning accident and Pia experiences panic attacks and she knew until the attacks stopped, she would never get over the loss of her sister. Pia accepts a job in New York at a high profile magazine and is staying with her aunt in Astoria, Queens for the summer. For the first few weeks, her job consisted mostly of 'grunt work' and when she heard Francesca Donata is visiting a neighbour of her Aunts, she hopes to get some pictures and somehow get to her for an interview to help launch her career. Then it was discovered Francesca and Guiliana are actually sisters, much to everyone's surprise.
Two different women, years apart from each other, in different walks of life, learn secrets of each other lives and a common thread that brings them together --- or tears them apart!

Author, Rosanna Chiofalo does an expert job in putting this masterpiece together. I could not put this book down until I read the very last page. I will be following this brilliant writer throughout her career!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Chiolfano has done it again. Carissima is a story rich in characters, family secrets and life's lessons in losing and finding love. Set in Astoria, New York and Rome, we meet young and old Italian Americans, trying to find their way in families steeped in Italian history. This novel is about two women, Francesca Donata and Pia Santore there relationship with their sisters, and how this changes their lives.

Francesco Donato is an Italian film star, who has not made a film in ten years, but is still adored by her fans. She has many names she has earned in her films, her least favorite is Dolci Labbra , Sweet Lips, and her favorite Carissima, Dearest One. She has been a recluse for years and is now coming out of hiding with her bodyguards to visit Astoria, New York. Her arrival is cloaked in mystery, and for several days it is just a rumor that she is even there. Neighbors gather daily, morning till night hoping to get a glimpse of Signorina Donato.

Pia Santore is a young woman from California visiting her aunt in Astoria for the summer. She has dreams of being a journalist, that were stalled, but she now hopes are back on track. Pia has an internship at Profile magazine and is anticipating soaking up all the knowledge she can while there, then returning to California and her family. She has such high hopes for this experience. " But harsh reality has set in over the course of the past few days as it becomes more apparent that Colin wants a secretary rather than an editorial intern whom he can mentor."
Suddenly the news breaks that it is indeed Signorina Donato visiting the beautiful , but aging mansion of Signora Tesca, down the street from Pia's aunt's home. Pia is now one of the many neighbors standing outside for a glimpse of the infamous film star. If she can just get a photo, or a word, she could take it to Colin and convince him to let her write a story!

It is so delightful to encounter the neighbors and characters from Bella Fortuna. Olivia De Luca and her bridal shop, Antoniella's Bakery owned by Pia's aunt, and so many other familiar names. I could almost smell the Biscotti, and other delectable delights from the bakery.

I have had the privilege of visiting Rome, and Ms. Chiofalo's descriptions brought it all to life for me again. I have my own memories of throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain.
I loved this novel filled with people , emotions and wonderful history, and I highly recommend it. I turned the last page of this sweeping novel enthralled with this beautiful story, but sad that it had ended.

I received this novel from the author for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book's production was careless: 438 pages is excessive for a book in which not much happened. The cover photo is misleading since Rome was only the setting for the last quarter of the book. A photo of a glamorous Italian actress would represent the contents more accurately.

[Miag123 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really not sure how this book got such a high rating. The characters were so stale and the story predictable. I found it pretty boring.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing book set in Italy. A bit too long for the amount of plot, but if you like Italian settings this will definitely be one you'll want to read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Susan C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much....it’s a very light read...and it’s just what I needed in my life right now!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. My one word description would be “delightful.” I’m ready to spend time in Astoria, New York and Rome Italy eating, shopping, and experiencing the culture. The author does great job creating a very real sense of place. In addition, the major characters are all well developed. The story is told in alternating chapters from the point of view of the two main characters, Pia, a young woman interning for the summer at a celebrity magazine and Francesca, a retired Italian star of the silver screen. Both woman have a strong voice as they tell their intertwined story and slowly share the secrets of their past. I was amazed at how quickly I was immersed in the story and how hard it was to put down.

Pia put her life on hold three years ago when her younger sister died. She is finally pursuing her dream of becoming a journalist by interning at a magazine in New York for the summer. It is definitely an eye-opening experience (think The Devil Wore Prada). She is living with her aunt who immigrated from Italy many years ago and now runs an Italian bakery in Astoria, New York. Shortly after Pia arrives a rumor spread through the neighborhood that a retired famous movie star, Francesca Donata has been seen at the local “mansion” (nicest home in the area). The rumors are true. Francesca is visiting her estranged sister in hopes of reconciling. Pia runs into an attractive young man, Gregory, one evening as he is leaving the house. He turns out to be the son of an artist who painted Francesca years ago. Francesca wants Gregory to paint her portrait. Pia and Gregory begin dating and with his help Pia arranges to interview Francesca for the magazine. Pia hopes this will be the big break that sets off her career. Through much heartbreak and coming to grips with the past both women are able to move on with their lives and find forgiveness and love.

[AM H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reads like an Italian soap opera. Lol. Which can either be good or bad depending on if you like them or not. I thought the storyline was all over the place. Pia is one messed up chick. For the life of me I can't figure out why she kept denying herself a chance to grieve & heal after her sister's death. I can see why she was suspicious of Gregory & Madeline but I wouldn't have jumped to the conclusion that they'd already slept together. Pia seems very insecure. I also thought it was strange what Francesca did to her & Gregory. Even with all her reasonings it didn't make sense to me. I liked Chiofalo's first book better. Probably because the main character was more likeable. In contrast Pia seems as selfish as Francesca.

I found the alternating chapters between Francesca & Pia jarring. This technique can work in some books. But it didn't work for me. There wasn't a strong delineation between Pia & Francesca. Their lives often mirrored each other too much. As for development of characters though we get a lot of Francesca's back story we don't get as much of Pia's. Throughout the book Pia is bottling up her feelings while Francesca is expressing her feelings full tilt. Not much attention is paid to Gregory, though Lorenzo gets more storyline time.

So in conclusion I'll say that I wasn't convinced with by the characters & the storyline. The most interesting parts for me were when Pia was exploring Rome.

[Lauri Rottmayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Pia Santore dreamed of going to New York with her sister to open a magazine. She would be the writer and her sister would do the layout and photos. But her sister died. After taking a couple of years off, Pia finally gets an internship at a New York magazine. She stays with her aunt who owns a bakery. At the same time, silver screen star Francesca Donata ends up at a house down the street. Pia makes it her goal to interview the star who has been in seclusion for many years.

In the course of doing her interviews, Pia meets and falls in love, then has her heart broken, only to follow Francesca to Italy where she falls in love with another man.

This is a great story with wonderful characters. I wanted it to keep going! :-)

[MB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this awesome book from First Reads!!! I'm all in for whatever is Rosanna Chiofalo's next book.....because it was THAT good! I recommend you go out and get this book. Ms Chiofalo does a great job describing the characters, storyline and settings of her book. It takes you right along. Each chapter pulls you deeper and deeper into Pia and Francesca's lives....and you don't want it to end! 450 pages just wasn't long enough!

[Tamara McFarren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't decide if I liked it or not. End of the day, lots of scenes in Rome and discussions of yummy food helped balance out a plot line that was full of holes and cheesy in many respects.

[Kristin Dow · Rating 2 out of 5]

The actress was hard to connect to and downright annoying at many times. Writing is patronizing in parts, insulting to the reader.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Totally predictable over-the-top Italian American stereotypical characters. The dialogue between characters was stilted and odd. I wanted more Rome and less movie star stalking.

[Ada Iaboni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars is more deserved, but 4 would have been too much.
Being Italian, I really liked a lot of the things in this book. Traditions, love of family, crazy family relationships, food, and especially several sights in Rome that made me revisit them as I saw them.
The story is long, but it needed to be to allow the characters to evolve, show themselves as they are, and the coming to term with all that evolution.
Pia and Francesca have many things in common and many at opposite ends of the spectrum. But it is their similarities that makes them friends and their differences that pulls them apart.
This story is emotionally too complicated to be able to explain it in a few words. It is well worth your time to read it. It is a journey that will take you high and low in your own emotions.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Italian families and their cultures always intrigue me. A favorite author is Adriana Trigiani. This was an interesting story with many twists and turns. I think the author tends to over explain and to get too detailed. She tends to explain situations and reactions that the reader has already understood. She tried to hard to give a detailed travelogue of Rome with many names that meant little to me, but a citizen or frequent traveler to Rome would know. She did not do this while in New York City. Chiofalo has a good start with her novels, but needs to not try so hard. I did enjoy the book and I also liked the soft backed edition from Kensington that I had.

[Ann Boytim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pia Santore dreamed of going to New York along with her younger sister Erica. Unfortunately Eric drowned and Pia was so sad that she was a few years behind in her career move. Pia gets an internship at a very prestigious magazine and is living with her Aunt who owns an Italian bakery. Pia so wants to be a writer and sees her chance when an Italian movie star moves into the neighborhood to stay with her sister who is very ill. Pia meets an artist named Gregory and he introduces her to the movie star. Pia's world is turned upside down and she ends up going to Italy and immerses herself in the culture and ways of the Italian people while writing the movie star's autobiography.

[Pam Marcola Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I could not wait to see how it played out. The love triangle was not a very good one I mean I never felt the chemistry on one of them and glad she ended up with the one she did.

[Barbara Kozubal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Sex and Fame

Fabulous story of young love, career searching young adults in New York, consisting of Italian Americans who survive heartbreak, betrayal, manipulation and eventually, forgiveness.

[Deena Santori · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t imagine why I had this on my “want to read” list. It should be categorized as a romance novel.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it!

[Grace Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for people who love stories about old Hollywood stars, Italian baked goods, and dreamy romances🌃✨

[Arielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this on audiobook. The audiobook narrator was absolutely fantastic

[Kathy Jund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Untold Secrets

Pia Santore has always wanted to be a journalist and eventually publish her own magazine; however, unforeseen tragedy has kept her from fulfilling her dream. Finally, determined to gain the experience she needs Pia has chosen to leave her California home and all she holds familiar to travel to the big city of New York and take on a summer internship at the famously known Profile magazine. Feeling dissatisfied with the work assigned to her thus far and the cold shoulder attitude she has received by co-workers, leads Pia to wonder if she has made the right decision and should return home. While contemplating these thoughts, Pia notices a commotion one evening upon her return from work upon walking to the home of her aunt where she happens to be spending the summer. A crowd of neighbors clustered in front of the gates of the famous Mussolini Mansion, the one oddity in the predominately-Italian suburb of Astoria. An excited stir has arisen at the possibility of the secret arrival of the elusive Italian film super-star and sex goddess Francesca Donata also known lovingly to her star-struck fans as “Carissima”. The famed movies star, now in her fifties who had mysteriously dropped from the limelight she so highly craved over fifteen years ago could not possibly be in this small town. Perhaps fate is at last intervening and will provide Pia with the chance of a lifetime interview which would certainly set her career skyrocketing! Although Pia manages a chance encounter with the still dazzling silver screen star, which does not go well, first impressions leave both headstrong and opinionated women slim chances to meet again as Francesca, refuses to grant Pia an interview. Pia finds she may still stand a chance for her career-defining interview if she can convince the handsome Gregory Hewson a struggling artist who Pia discovers also happens to carry a secret family tie to Francesca. Feeling guilty, Pia in her hunger for journalistic success will even allow herself to beg Gregory to come to her aid and use his familiarity to plead her case in obtaining the elusive interview. Manipulative to the end Francesca also has her own agenda and finds fate may also be intervening in her cause as she finds one struggling journalist thrown in her path. Carissima is a story of secrets and loss and unresolved dreams of love. Rosanna Chiofalo returns with her second well-written and heartwarming tale that also provides the reader with a return visit to the Astoria neighborhood of her preview publication Bella Fortuna and the colorful characters who reside there.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read Rosanna's 'Stella Mia' and loved it therefore, I wanted to read another one of her books. I found this book to be well-written however, a little bit long at times, with many unnecessary details that seemed to drag-on. I loved the character of Pia however, was disappointed with Francesca's actions. I would have hoped to find-out more about how Lorenzo was dealing with his disappointments however, that might be another book to consider. Overall, a well-thought out story, with a lot of surprises which will keep you guessing at times.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! Carissima was a book about people from my culture - Italians! I loved everything about this book. The quirky and fiercely loyal Italians who graced the pages made this an enjoyable read. I instantly felt comfortable with the mannerisms and sporadic Italian wording used by the crazy Italian women surrounding Pia during the summer she lived with her aunt in New York. Attempting to recover from her sister's death, Pia takes an internship at a magazine to foster her writing career at the exact moment Italian star Francesca hides out down the street from Pia. When Pia seized the opportunity to write the first article about Francesca in over a decade, her life became intertwined with Francesca's in surprising ways.

The story was told through the perspectives of both Francesca and Pia, which gave two vastly perspectives of life. Francesca was worldly and slightly jaded, while Pia was hopeful, but guarded. The author packed in several themes that all melded together very well. Each woman struggled with her own demons while navigating the unpredictability of lovers, and embodied traits of both a heroine and a villain at different times making them complex and real. As a whole, this was a fantastic story, although there were times when the pace dragged.  I wished the story had moved from New York to Rome faster, because I was eager to revisit Roma with Pia. The dialog was very accurate- at least based on the catch phrases my own family uses! I appreciated that Pia emerged as a strong character at the end of the story, overcoming issues with trust, forgiveness, and betrayal.

I enjoyed reading about my own culture and would definitely pick up another book by this author.

Please read more of my reviews by following me on twitter, @dana_heyde, or subscribing to my blog, http://fastpageturner.wordpress.com

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon completion of the book “Carissima” by Rosanna Chiofalo, I remember consciously letting out a contented sigh and delightedly staring again at the book’s cover which depicted a scene of Rome’s Trevi Fountain. “Carissima” was an excellent story and a comfortable read with just enough romance, travel and family drama to keep things interesting.

The characters in the book are quite a bunch:
-young Pia Santore from California dreams of becoming a writer. Her family is numb with the shock of personal tragedy.
-Zia, her aunt in Astoria, Queens owns an Italian bakery that I swear I can imagine having eaten biscotti at, although I have never been to New York
-Francesca the great Italian movie star who shows up her sister Giuliana’s house in New York.
-Gregory and Lorenzo the two young bachelors

The story starts with Pia accepting an internship at “Profile” magazine. She leaves her family in California to go and stay with Zia in New York. There are many unexpected developments that keep the reader’s interest. Also , there is a definite feeling of being immersed into the cultures- those of Italians living in New York as well as Italy. The reader truly feels like a part of the family. As well, all families have issues and “Carissima” delves into the relationships of sisters, mothers and their children. There are romantic entanglements that occur , as well.

I received a signed first read copy of “Carissima” from the author Rosana Chiofalo. This was a thrill. “Carissima” is a wonderful read that takes the reader on a delicious ride. For me, it was a trip to New York and Italy all in one!

[Reads & Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this wonderful novel shortly after returning from my first visit to Rome. That the heroine wae a first generation Italian American made it even more appealing as my father and maternal grandfather were Italian immigrants.

I found the narrative quite interesting as it flipped between the first person POV of the two main characters, Pia and Francesca. As this is the first book I've read by Chiofalo, I'm not sure if this is her typical storytelling technique, but I certainly can understand wanting to clearly express the characters thoughts and feelings. What better way to do so than to have them tell the story themselves.

The story most definitely belongs to Pia and Francesca, but we meet many interesting characters along the way, some very familiar to this native New Yorker. Both women fall in love, but I thought there was a lack of commitment from the author to those particular plot lines and I found Francesca's in particular not what I'd expected.

And...this would not be a story about Italians without endless mention of food and wine. There were moments while reading that I wanted to lay the book aside and cook! Chiofalo includes recipes at the end of the book which I'll no doubt give a try!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pia Santore always dreamed of visiting New York with her sister Erica. Unfortunately, her sister passed away before Pia’s dreams were realized. Now alone in New York, she has a difficult time moving forward with her life. When she lands an exclusive interview with the movie star, Francesca Donata, a whole new world is opened up for her. As she travels to Francesca’s home in Rome, and learns the inner details of her past, Pia must come to terms with her loss in order to open herself up for true love.

This is Rosanna Chiofalo’s second novel. As with the first book, the story is filled with intricate details, which allows readers to enjoy all the sights and tastes of NY and Italy. There is a slow start to the plot as the characters are introduced and get to know one another, but the emotions will be felt by the readers right away. Fans of the Italian-American culture will appreciate Rosanna Chiofalo’s writing.

Notes:
The author provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carissima by Rosanna Chiofalo

Challenges read for: Goodreads, Audio Book

Book cover: Lovely--makes me want to get on a plane to Italy!

Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

I love these books mostly because they pull me back to the neighborhoods I grew up in. We follow the lives of Pia, a first generation Italian-American, and of Francesca, beloved Italian film star (imagine the beautiful Sophia Loren) whose paths cross in Astoria, Queens. Pia lands a journalists dream series of interviews with Francesca--even traveling to Italy to start on the movies star's biography. But the love lives, histories, fears and lies combine then burst into a story that will frustrate and enthrall you. The voice of Cassandra Campbell is spot-on (this series is excellent in Audio) and makes you feel as if you are having a conversation with the characters themselves.

Bravo Rosanna!