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Love Among the Ruins
Romance writer Calliope DeAndre's heart was buried with her wife, Abby. Plagued by anxiety attacks, Callie hasn't left her house since Abby's funeral. Callie's publisher is pressuring her for the travel romantic suspense she contracted to write before Abby got sick. But her writing process requires experiencing the thirty-day Romantic Italy tour leaving in two weeks. Encouraged by her friends but hoping the tour is fully booked, Callie calls and is told "we just received a cancellation."
Dana Wittman's heart is broken when she discovers the plot to oust her from the multi-million-dollar firm she built. Then her heart is shredded by her girlfriend Sandy who, thinking Dana is broke, dumps her. Now Dana's planned surprise for Sandy, the Romantic Italy tour ending with a proposal, is no longer an option. So just two weeks before their scheduled departure Dana cancels Sandy's reservation but decides to go on the tour alone.
The first morning of the tour, Dana helps Callie through an anxiety attack. Callie wants to leave. Dana promises to be there for her if she stays. Callie feels safe with Dana, and Dana enjoys helping her. As the month progresses, their friendship and their feelings grow. Callie feels guilty for caring for someone other than Abby. Dana's damaged ego doesn't trust that she's lovable. Will they allow themselves to love?
Dana Wittman's heart is broken when she discovers the plot to oust her from the multi-million-dollar firm she built. Then her heart is shredded by her girlfriend Sandy who, thinking Dana is broke, dumps her. Now Dana's planned surprise for Sandy, the Romantic Italy tour ending with a proposal, is no longer an option. So just two weeks before their scheduled departure Dana cancels Sandy's reservation but decides to go on the tour alone.
The first morning of the tour, Dana helps Callie through an anxiety attack. Callie wants to leave. Dana promises to be there for her if she stays. Callie feels safe with Dana, and Dana enjoys helping her. As the month progresses, their friendship and their feelings grow. Callie feels guilty for caring for someone other than Abby. Dana's damaged ego doesn't trust that she's lovable. Will they allow themselves to love?
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Published July 18, 2023
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About the author
Catherine Maiorisi
23 books175 followersCatherine Maiorisi lives and writes in New York City.
Since she found her imagination, writing has been like meditating for Catherine and it is what she most loves to do. But she also reads voraciously, loves to cook, especially Italian, and enjoys hanging out with her wife and friends.
Catherine is the author of the NYPD Detective Chiara Corelli mysteries featuring Corelli and her partner P.J. Parker. There are currently four books in the series: A Matter of Blood, The Blood Runs Cold, A Message in Blood, and Legacy in the Blood.
When she wrote a short story to create the backstory for the love interest in her two unpublished Corelli mysteries, Catherine had never read any romance and hadn’t considered writing it. To her surprise, “The Fan Club” turned out to be a romance and was included in the Best Lesbian Romance of 2014.
Another surprise was hearing the voices of two characters, Andrea and Darcy, chatting in her head every night, making it difficult to sleep. Reassured by her wife that she wasn’t losing it, Catherine paid attention and those conversations led to her first romance novel, Matters of the Heart. Other romances include: No One But You, Ready for Love and Taking a Chance on Love.
The Disappearance of Lindy James is Catherine's first general fiction novel.
Catherine has mystery and romance short stories in various anthologies.
An active member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, Catherine is also a member of The Golden Crown Literary Society.
Since she found her imagination, writing has been like meditating for Catherine and it is what she most loves to do. But she also reads voraciously, loves to cook, especially Italian, and enjoys hanging out with her wife and friends.
Catherine is the author of the NYPD Detective Chiara Corelli mysteries featuring Corelli and her partner P.J. Parker. There are currently four books in the series: A Matter of Blood, The Blood Runs Cold, A Message in Blood, and Legacy in the Blood.
When she wrote a short story to create the backstory for the love interest in her two unpublished Corelli mysteries, Catherine had never read any romance and hadn’t considered writing it. To her surprise, “The Fan Club” turned out to be a romance and was included in the Best Lesbian Romance of 2014.
Another surprise was hearing the voices of two characters, Andrea and Darcy, chatting in her head every night, making it difficult to sleep. Reassured by her wife that she wasn’t losing it, Catherine paid attention and those conversations led to her first romance novel, Matters of the Heart. Other romances include: No One But You, Ready for Love and Taking a Chance on Love.
The Disappearance of Lindy James is Catherine's first general fiction novel.
Catherine has mystery and romance short stories in various anthologies.
An active member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, Catherine is also a member of The Golden Crown Literary Society.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 16, 2023
A romantic month long tour of Italy, with a dozen coupled strangers is definitely not what Callie had in mind. Mourning the loss of her wife and working on reducing her anxiety attacks every time she leaves her home is where her energy lies. An intense intervention by her loved ones pushes Callie to sign on for the tour.
Dana has an inherent interest in the history of people and places that are foreign to her. The tour of Italy is also a perfect escape from the daily pressures of her life right now. She wants to make personal changes yet never imagined she would fall in love by the end of the tour.
Love Among the Ruins is a lovely slow burn romance. Maiorisi offers up a beautiful tour of Italy filled with interesting historical tidbits while tenderly opening Callie’s heart to accept new love. She deftly handles the large cast of tertiary characters by making them stand out as individuals integral to the story.
Normally set later in most romance novels, Maiorisi positions the angsty hurdle to a year before this story begins. Learning to live again without her wife beside her, Callie carries this throughout the storyline. This helps to unfold the story in a very realistic manner.
There are a couple of things that brought the rating from a five to a four for me. The symbolism of the birds is an interesting addition to the plot however it is overused to the point of negating the positive feelings associated with them. As well, the epilogue is crammed a bit too full with closing up loose ends. I understand this is what readers desire however some endings had very little importance to the main plot. Dana’s brothers is one of these.
All in all I found Love Among the Ruins to be an entertaining read and I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dana has an inherent interest in the history of people and places that are foreign to her. The tour of Italy is also a perfect escape from the daily pressures of her life right now. She wants to make personal changes yet never imagined she would fall in love by the end of the tour.
Love Among the Ruins is a lovely slow burn romance. Maiorisi offers up a beautiful tour of Italy filled with interesting historical tidbits while tenderly opening Callie’s heart to accept new love. She deftly handles the large cast of tertiary characters by making them stand out as individuals integral to the story.
Normally set later in most romance novels, Maiorisi positions the angsty hurdle to a year before this story begins. Learning to live again without her wife beside her, Callie carries this throughout the storyline. This helps to unfold the story in a very realistic manner.
There are a couple of things that brought the rating from a five to a four for me. The symbolism of the birds is an interesting addition to the plot however it is overused to the point of negating the positive feelings associated with them. As well, the epilogue is crammed a bit too full with closing up loose ends. I understand this is what readers desire however some endings had very little importance to the main plot. Dana’s brothers is one of these.
All in all I found Love Among the Ruins to be an entertaining read and I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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June 19, 2023I’ve read multiple books by Maiorise and this might be my least favourite.
This book feels like it starts out in the middle of something, the middle of Callie’s grief. Which is true. She’s grieving her wife’s death. What I found incredibly hard to understand was how long that has been, the way it’s written, especially in the beginning is that it could have been 20 years or a month. It was very confusing. Just as confusing was figuring out their age. In the end I think Callie and Dana are in their thirties, but the way they act? Might as well have been in their sixties.
This book is just a bit of a snooze fest.
The author tells us they want to revisit all the places they couldn’t go during the Covid pandemic, it ends up being a bit of a love song to Italy, maybe too much so. At times it borders on being a travel guide.
That’s not say I didn’t like it, the way Maiorisi describes Italy transports you right there, it’s the best part of this book. The setting is fantastic. I just don’t care much for the rest of it.
Another odd story choice, for me, is interspersing the main story with snippets of thoughts/lines of the book Callie is writing/journal entries, it’s strange and makes me forget where we are in the story. I makes it so I can’t “feel” the romance happening, it’s more like I’m being told (twice).
Anyway, this just wasn’t for me. I basically only liked the setting and couldn’t wait for this book to be over. And that epilogue? No thanks…
Please read other reviews.
ARC received from the publisher (Bella Books) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This book feels like it starts out in the middle of something, the middle of Callie’s grief. Which is true. She’s grieving her wife’s death. What I found incredibly hard to understand was how long that has been, the way it’s written, especially in the beginning is that it could have been 20 years or a month. It was very confusing. Just as confusing was figuring out their age. In the end I think Callie and Dana are in their thirties, but the way they act? Might as well have been in their sixties.
This book is just a bit of a snooze fest.
The author tells us they want to revisit all the places they couldn’t go during the Covid pandemic, it ends up being a bit of a love song to Italy, maybe too much so. At times it borders on being a travel guide.
That’s not say I didn’t like it, the way Maiorisi describes Italy transports you right there, it’s the best part of this book. The setting is fantastic. I just don’t care much for the rest of it.
Another odd story choice, for me, is interspersing the main story with snippets of thoughts/lines of the book Callie is writing/journal entries, it’s strange and makes me forget where we are in the story. I makes it so I can’t “feel” the romance happening, it’s more like I’m being told (twice).
Anyway, this just wasn’t for me. I basically only liked the setting and couldn’t wait for this book to be over. And that epilogue? No thanks…
Please read other reviews.
ARC received from the publisher (Bella Books) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 19, 2023
4.5 stars
The bonus of this lovely romance is that it also takes readers on an extended tour of Italy that makes you feel like you were there. It certainly makes me want to see it myself!
Author Callie DeAndre is still overcome by grief a year after her wife's death. Entrepreneur Dana Wittman is fighting her own demons, as successful and put together as she seems. Neither are sure this small group Romantic Tour of Italy trip was a great idea or if they'll even be able to stick it out for a full month, but they have significant reasons to make the effort - both personal and professional.
Dana recognizes Callie's struggle as the trip begins. As she offers support, the two get to know each other in a way that can only come about by spending nearly every waking moment together. While they are in a group of twelve, they gravitate towards one another as some of the few traveling alone. They forge a deep connection - one that could that result in a something much more than a beautiful and lasting friendship.
This was my first Catherine Maiorisi book and won't be the last. Abby Craden did a beautiful job of conveying the emotional challenges both are facing. There's a scene that actually brought me to tears - and that rarely happens. While feelings come into play quickly, it feels organic and believable because of the amount of time they spend together on a daily basis. There is also a spiritual component to the story that begs bigger questions about fate and perhaps even reincarnation.
It felt beautifully old fashioned, yet modern at the same time! I recommend the audiobook!
The bonus of this lovely romance is that it also takes readers on an extended tour of Italy that makes you feel like you were there. It certainly makes me want to see it myself!
Author Callie DeAndre is still overcome by grief a year after her wife's death. Entrepreneur Dana Wittman is fighting her own demons, as successful and put together as she seems. Neither are sure this small group Romantic Tour of Italy trip was a great idea or if they'll even be able to stick it out for a full month, but they have significant reasons to make the effort - both personal and professional.
Dana recognizes Callie's struggle as the trip begins. As she offers support, the two get to know each other in a way that can only come about by spending nearly every waking moment together. While they are in a group of twelve, they gravitate towards one another as some of the few traveling alone. They forge a deep connection - one that could that result in a something much more than a beautiful and lasting friendship.
This was my first Catherine Maiorisi book and won't be the last. Abby Craden did a beautiful job of conveying the emotional challenges both are facing. There's a scene that actually brought me to tears - and that rarely happens. While feelings come into play quickly, it feels organic and believable because of the amount of time they spend together on a daily basis. There is also a spiritual component to the story that begs bigger questions about fate and perhaps even reincarnation.
It felt beautifully old fashioned, yet modern at the same time! I recommend the audiobook!
July 10, 2023
Love Among the Ruins by Catherine Maiorisi is a beautiful love story that those of you who love to travel will adore. I think I learned more about Italy reading this book than I ever did in a history or geography class, and it was way more enjoyable.
This novel tells the story of Calliope (Callie) DeAndre and Dana Williams. Callie is still mourning the loss of her wife who died one year ago. Callie has retreated into herself ever since then. Dana is also dealing with trauma in her life and has learned not to trust love. Through different sets of circumstances, they end up going on a romantic couples tour of Italy as two singles instead of a couple. They end up helping each other and forming a friendship that could become more as they tour the romantic sights of Italy.
Love Among the Ruins has a fair amount of sadness and anxiety at the beginning of the tale, but this story actually turns into a heartwarming and heart melting love story. Of course the setting plays a major part of the narrative, and the author does a wonderful job of describing the places as well as incorporating them into the story. The characters also play an important part in this romance. I fell for Callie and especially Dana right away, but over time the secondary characters, mainly the other folks on the tour also made their way into my heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Love Among the Ruins, and recommend it to all who love a good romance. I’m giving this novel 4.5 stars.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
This novel tells the story of Calliope (Callie) DeAndre and Dana Williams. Callie is still mourning the loss of her wife who died one year ago. Callie has retreated into herself ever since then. Dana is also dealing with trauma in her life and has learned not to trust love. Through different sets of circumstances, they end up going on a romantic couples tour of Italy as two singles instead of a couple. They end up helping each other and forming a friendship that could become more as they tour the romantic sights of Italy.
Love Among the Ruins has a fair amount of sadness and anxiety at the beginning of the tale, but this story actually turns into a heartwarming and heart melting love story. Of course the setting plays a major part of the narrative, and the author does a wonderful job of describing the places as well as incorporating them into the story. The characters also play an important part in this romance. I fell for Callie and especially Dana right away, but over time the secondary characters, mainly the other folks on the tour also made their way into my heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Love Among the Ruins, and recommend it to all who love a good romance. I’m giving this novel 4.5 stars.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
November 12, 2023
Love Among the Ruins beautifully encapsulates the essence of Italy, making it a captivating read for anyone who dreams of exploring its enchanting landscapes. The protagonist, Callie, a writer grappling with the loss of her wife, embarks on an Italian tour that she and her late wife had planned. The trip, initially taken under the pressure of a looming deadline and the encouragement of friends, transforms into a journey of healing and discovery.
Callie's unexpected connection with Dana, her empathetic seatmate who aids her through a panic attack, blossoms into something deeper amidst Italy's romantic backdrops. Their relationship unfolds with a gentle, slow-burn intensity that is as delightful as it is genuine.
The author's meticulous attention to detail brings Italy's historic landmarks to life. The vivid descriptions make it easy for readers to feel like they're traversing Italy alongside the characters.
While the romance between Callie and Dana is tender and engaging, it sometimes feels secondary to the author's passionate portrayal of Italy. However, this doesn't detract from the story's premise. I also enjoyed reading about the camaraderie of Callie's friends and the diverse group accompanying them on the tour, as it added lightness and humour.
In essence, Love Among the Ruins is a well-crafted blend of travelogue and romance. It's an ideal pick for those seeking a literary escape to picturesque Italy, offering a journey that's both heartwarming and visually stunning.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Callie's unexpected connection with Dana, her empathetic seatmate who aids her through a panic attack, blossoms into something deeper amidst Italy's romantic backdrops. Their relationship unfolds with a gentle, slow-burn intensity that is as delightful as it is genuine.
The author's meticulous attention to detail brings Italy's historic landmarks to life. The vivid descriptions make it easy for readers to feel like they're traversing Italy alongside the characters.
While the romance between Callie and Dana is tender and engaging, it sometimes feels secondary to the author's passionate portrayal of Italy. However, this doesn't detract from the story's premise. I also enjoyed reading about the camaraderie of Callie's friends and the diverse group accompanying them on the tour, as it added lightness and humour.
In essence, Love Among the Ruins is a well-crafted blend of travelogue and romance. It's an ideal pick for those seeking a literary escape to picturesque Italy, offering a journey that's both heartwarming and visually stunning.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2023
Callie lost her wife, her soulmate a year ago. She's been in mourning to the point of having anxiety attacks just leaving the house. When she's talked into going on a month long tour of Italy. When she gets there without an anxiety attack she feels she might be able to do this. Until she meets the group she'll be with and is leered at. She starts to panic, but a soft voice talks to her and talks her down. That's when she meets Dana. Dana offers to stay by her side to help her with her anxiety attacks. Then they go on the beautiful tour of Italy, and so will you. These two women, both with baggage, come together in a wonderful love story. I love their story and I love the tour of Italy. 5 stars!
June 13, 2023
I really like the start. We learn a lot about one main, we really get a good picture of why she is the way she is, but we don't learn much about the other. We do however have questions and as the early stage of the book continues, more questions. This, currently, (20%) is not a light, frothy, laugh a minute book. What it is however is compelling, and somehow, not depressing.
40% in and the mains have a strong friendship. The book hasn't dragged because Callie, the main voice, is developing and we are seeing the friendship and trust develop. Some romances only have the plot romance and if nothing is happening pace suffers. With this book, because Callie is developing, pace is perfect.
However around 60%, although interesting detail about Pompeii is imparted, I felt pacing did dip a little. Also the second guessing of intentions around having a family seemed a bit odd, especially as I still wasn't quite sure the ages of the mains.
Many books do the one bed plot device. However I can't remember another where the tension arising from that has been so well done, or another writer who has paced the book to build up the tension of the situation.
The end brings everything together and while there is a utopia ending, I found it emotional. Often in romances I like the characters and am happy to see them get together. This was more. I felt I had been a part of their journey, rather than just observed. In romance often, the romance is the plot. This book absolutely had romance as a plot but the people development was a big part also. I suppose some would describe this as slow burn, although often I find that is levelled as a criticism. This was perfectly paced, apart from for me the slight dip in Pompeii.
I will admit to a TBR pile, after this book I have a TBV list, (To Be Visited). I have also read many books that are set in places that, apart from the place being named there is no local flavour. This book had so much flavour! It just stopped short of being too much of a guide book at points, but I enjoyed it, all aspects of it. 4 stars because it felt like a book with depth.
40% in and the mains have a strong friendship. The book hasn't dragged because Callie, the main voice, is developing and we are seeing the friendship and trust develop. Some romances only have the plot romance and if nothing is happening pace suffers. With this book, because Callie is developing, pace is perfect.
However around 60%, although interesting detail about Pompeii is imparted, I felt pacing did dip a little. Also the second guessing of intentions around having a family seemed a bit odd, especially as I still wasn't quite sure the ages of the mains.
Many books do the one bed plot device. However I can't remember another where the tension arising from that has been so well done, or another writer who has paced the book to build up the tension of the situation.
The end brings everything together and while there is a utopia ending, I found it emotional. Often in romances I like the characters and am happy to see them get together. This was more. I felt I had been a part of their journey, rather than just observed. In romance often, the romance is the plot. This book absolutely had romance as a plot but the people development was a big part also. I suppose some would describe this as slow burn, although often I find that is levelled as a criticism. This was perfectly paced, apart from for me the slight dip in Pompeii.
I will admit to a TBR pile, after this book I have a TBV list, (To Be Visited). I have also read many books that are set in places that, apart from the place being named there is no local flavour. This book had so much flavour! It just stopped short of being too much of a guide book at points, but I enjoyed it, all aspects of it. 4 stars because it felt like a book with depth.
June 15, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Callie and Dana are very successful women. Callie is dealing with the passing her wife Abby from cancer because of this she developed panic attacks and hasn’t left her home since. When her friends Angela Bonnie and Erin along with her agent Sarah tells her it’s time for her to write the book she plan before Abby death in Italy and gives her the letter Abby written courage her to live and love. Callie decides to go but once there she has a panic attack and fellow traveler Dana witness this and helps her through it and makes a pact with Callie if she stay she help her. Callie and Dana grow closer while getting to know each other as they build bond with the tour group. I like that the tour group thought they were together because the chemistry they have and how well they got along especially like they got to witness them falling for each other although they weren’t ready to admit to themselves because Callie thought she was betraying Abby even though it’s seems Abby was giving her blessing you’ll find out why when you read this book and Dana who felt she wasn’t worthy that’s comes from family who didn’t treat her well and from friends she thought had her back and ex who betrayed her. I love that this was slow burn romance that dealt with grief betrayal finding out you are worthy and finding a love that can last and finding a found family in the process.
Callie and Dana are very successful women. Callie is dealing with the passing her wife Abby from cancer because of this she developed panic attacks and hasn’t left her home since. When her friends Angela Bonnie and Erin along with her agent Sarah tells her it’s time for her to write the book she plan before Abby death in Italy and gives her the letter Abby written courage her to live and love. Callie decides to go but once there she has a panic attack and fellow traveler Dana witness this and helps her through it and makes a pact with Callie if she stay she help her. Callie and Dana grow closer while getting to know each other as they build bond with the tour group. I like that the tour group thought they were together because the chemistry they have and how well they got along especially like they got to witness them falling for each other although they weren’t ready to admit to themselves because Callie thought she was betraying Abby even though it’s seems Abby was giving her blessing you’ll find out why when you read this book and Dana who felt she wasn’t worthy that’s comes from family who didn’t treat her well and from friends she thought had her back and ex who betrayed her. I love that this was slow burn romance that dealt with grief betrayal finding out you are worthy and finding a love that can last and finding a found family in the process.
June 9, 2023
Two women meet on a luxury almost month long tour of Italy. The guided tour is limited to twelve people and Calliope (Calli) Deandre and Danielle (Dana) Wittman quickly pair up as travel buddies. Calli is internationally famous romance and mystery writer but isn’t recognized by the group initially. She has been homebound for the last year while grieving for her wife who died. She has a book due soon and the setting is Italy. Dana is a tech millionaire who planned to go on the trip with her now ex-girlfriend. In the beginning Dana recognizes and helps Calli through her panic attacks.
This book reads like a love letter to Italy. The cities, history and food descriptions fill the pages between getting to know you conversations. I’ve been to a majority of the locations so that was a real plus for me. But I can see it may be too much information for readers less interested in Italy. I enjoyed the gentleness and support Calli and Dana give each other and Maiorisi does a great job at increasing the sexual tension between the two. I also like that the rest of their group gets to be part of the story. I have traveled with people and formed friendships where we have reunions to reconnect, so the bonding of the group seems real to me. The signs from birds is a sweet added touch.
This is a gentle, slow burn romance between two mature and successful people. I don’t recall ages ever mentioned but Calli was with her wife for roughly twenty years so it is safe to say they are in their 40s. This is a lovely travel romance and if you love Italy the location is an added bonus. Thank you to Bella Books and NetGalley for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
This book reads like a love letter to Italy. The cities, history and food descriptions fill the pages between getting to know you conversations. I’ve been to a majority of the locations so that was a real plus for me. But I can see it may be too much information for readers less interested in Italy. I enjoyed the gentleness and support Calli and Dana give each other and Maiorisi does a great job at increasing the sexual tension between the two. I also like that the rest of their group gets to be part of the story. I have traveled with people and formed friendships where we have reunions to reconnect, so the bonding of the group seems real to me. The signs from birds is a sweet added touch.
This is a gentle, slow burn romance between two mature and successful people. I don’t recall ages ever mentioned but Calli was with her wife for roughly twenty years so it is safe to say they are in their 40s. This is a lovely travel romance and if you love Italy the location is an added bonus. Thank you to Bella Books and NetGalley for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
July 26, 2023
3.5 stars
Very touching romance.
Two very unhappy ladies find true love during a tour of Italy.
One has lost her wife of 20 years to cancer.
IThe other did not have a happy childhood and discovers her business partners have betrayed her.
The characters were attractive and sympathetic. The dialog was interesting how they supported each other.
As much as I loved the budding romance it was only 20% of the story. The remaining 80% was a travel log of Italy, its museums, restaurants, hotels and sights.
I'm surprised there wasn't and advertisement for the actual travel agency included.
I will look for other books by this author though, because the writing is very interesting and moving. But I prefer less travel log.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Very touching romance.
Two very unhappy ladies find true love during a tour of Italy.
One has lost her wife of 20 years to cancer.
IThe other did not have a happy childhood and discovers her business partners have betrayed her.
The characters were attractive and sympathetic. The dialog was interesting how they supported each other.
As much as I loved the budding romance it was only 20% of the story. The remaining 80% was a travel log of Italy, its museums, restaurants, hotels and sights.
I'm surprised there wasn't and advertisement for the actual travel agency included.
I will look for other books by this author though, because the writing is very interesting and moving. But I prefer less travel log.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2023
I think it’s clear that Love Among The Ruins is the author’s ode to Italy. If, like myself, you have never been lucky enough to visit, google is your constant companion while reading.
Callie is a writer with a deadline and a broken heart. A year after the loss of her wife, she is persuaded by her friends to take the trip the couple had originally planned, and with the added pressure from her publisher, she reluctantly agrees. Almost instantly she is indebted to Dana, who helps her through her first panic attack and ends up being her seat buddy on the bus. Dana is gentle and understanding, and both women connect on a personal level, even as they leave out their reasons for being alone on the tour.
The details and descriptions are incredible, but as a person with aphantasia, looking up the historic landmarks helped me connect with Callie and Dana as they travelled through Italy’s most romantic sights and slowly fall in loveto connect with the MCs and feel like I was travelling along right beside them.
The slow-burn love story comes second to the amazing sights the reader is taken through, but it is sweet and sexy and plays out in a sense that feels perfect for the MCs. The secondary characters in the form of Callie’s best friends, and the strangers who become family on the tour keep the mood light with banter and plenty of lighthearted moments. The love story was sweet and the MCs likable but I couldn’t help but feel like that came second to the love story to Italy. That doesn’t change the fact that it was a beautiful written book.
Love Among The Ruins is perfect for those in need of a quick getaway.
I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley for my honest review.
Callie is a writer with a deadline and a broken heart. A year after the loss of her wife, she is persuaded by her friends to take the trip the couple had originally planned, and with the added pressure from her publisher, she reluctantly agrees. Almost instantly she is indebted to Dana, who helps her through her first panic attack and ends up being her seat buddy on the bus. Dana is gentle and understanding, and both women connect on a personal level, even as they leave out their reasons for being alone on the tour.
The details and descriptions are incredible, but as a person with aphantasia, looking up the historic landmarks helped me connect with Callie and Dana as they travelled through Italy’s most romantic sights and slowly fall in loveto connect with the MCs and feel like I was travelling along right beside them.
The slow-burn love story comes second to the amazing sights the reader is taken through, but it is sweet and sexy and plays out in a sense that feels perfect for the MCs. The secondary characters in the form of Callie’s best friends, and the strangers who become family on the tour keep the mood light with banter and plenty of lighthearted moments. The love story was sweet and the MCs likable but I couldn’t help but feel like that came second to the love story to Italy. That doesn’t change the fact that it was a beautiful written book.
Love Among The Ruins is perfect for those in need of a quick getaway.
I received an ARC from Bella Books via NetGalley for my honest review.
July 22, 2023
4.5 slow start but the characters are great and have great chemistry, I really love all the details about Italy, it will make you want to go! As usual Abby Craden did an outstanding job narrating the book!
March 30, 2024
4.2 Enjoyable read. Now I want to go to Italy and experience it all myself, though I think I agree with going in the winter when there are less people (if that is true).
February 17, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this lovely book
though its very descriptive about italy so at times i skipped over certain sections the whole storyline did grab me
its about grief and surviving grief and then getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people
callie is grieving, she has been in mourning now for just over a year, the panic attack and anxiety attacks are still coming
but its the phone call about the book she had promised her publisher thats about to change her life
and with that in mind her friends find her just the sort of holiday that will encompass her need to travel through italy and maybe write the book she is meant to, but its a daunting task to get her ready for this month long trip away on her own...travelling with a small group of people around italy...when all she really wanted to do was to do the trip with her wife...which was never going to happen
so the first meeting with her fellow travellers started off on a rocky start and with her nearly leaving the organised trip but a fellow traveller called dana helped get her over the first hurdle
its an illuminating trip around italy and a lovely book to read with quite a few discoveries along the way
though its very descriptive about italy so at times i skipped over certain sections the whole storyline did grab me
its about grief and surviving grief and then getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people
callie is grieving, she has been in mourning now for just over a year, the panic attack and anxiety attacks are still coming
but its the phone call about the book she had promised her publisher thats about to change her life
and with that in mind her friends find her just the sort of holiday that will encompass her need to travel through italy and maybe write the book she is meant to, but its a daunting task to get her ready for this month long trip away on her own...travelling with a small group of people around italy...when all she really wanted to do was to do the trip with her wife...which was never going to happen
so the first meeting with her fellow travellers started off on a rocky start and with her nearly leaving the organised trip but a fellow traveller called dana helped get her over the first hurdle
its an illuminating trip around italy and a lovely book to read with quite a few discoveries along the way
August 14, 2023
This was my fifth Catherine Maiorisi book, and it was by far my least favorite. One of my complaints about the Chiara Corelli series was that too little time was devoted to the relationship. This book had me longing for a murder to snap the story out of its repetitive relationship malaise.
Callie was not a likable or sympathetic main character despite what she was going through. Her total self-absorption combined with her utter lack of self-awareness made it impossible for me to like her.
Dealing with the loss of a loved one, for any reason, is very painful. Losing one to a terminal illness can bring about depression and cause one to question whatever faith they may have as well as the fairness of life. Does it induce chronic panic attacks and, effectively, agoraphobia lasting over a year? Perhaps, if one has the wealth to wallow in their feelings for over a year, while millions of others who have experienced the same thing have to get on with their lives after a few days or weeks.
When that loved one, Abby in this case, is so wonderfully caring and passionate (and also a horrible elitist snob who loves birds but doesn't like wandering outside but apparently does so with passion so it's okay) that they give you a letter urging you to live and love again (even if the phrasing of the letter seems cribbed from Sullivan Ballou's famous Civil War letter) but you still turn every instance into an opportunity to let out angsty wails in your mind--where you literally vomit because someone thought you and another woman were a couple--where you think wearing a bright color means you are betraying your dead lover--you become a tiresome bore.
Maiorisi once again uses a favorite trope of hers, the traumatic emotional pile-on. While it was apparent Dana had some problems to work out, Maiorisi felt the need to saddle her with traumatic event after event from: her mother dying giving birth, her father and brothers resenting her enough to pawn her off on a neighbor as a toddler, her brother telling her at the funeral that her dad hated her, shipping her off to live with an older brother who left her to fend for herself, and in between that, having her aggressively misread another girl's signals and try to kiss her, then being beaten severely, pressured into not naming names, then ostracized by everyone at her school, friends and freaks included--and conveniently repressing that whole last bit. This repression feels more like Maiorisi coming up with most or all of it on the spot and laying it on Dana to batter sympathy out of the reader.
The "Abby coming back as a bird" bit was wildly overdone as well. A couple of scenes with an overly friendly bird, fine. Several scenes with improbably friendly birds, finishing off with a bird drinking Callie's coffee (which could have killed it) then sitting on Dana's shoulder, because apparently there was no other way Callie could move on without her dead wife's approval, is just laughably bad.
Smaller details:
The tour group repeatedly acting as a cheering section for Callie and Dana. Please.
Overdoing the food scenes. Do I need to know Callie selected a piece of cheese, a cornetto, and a--no I don't. A place serves "seafood AND fish". Are fish not seafood in this universe?
Every location is called a UNESCO Heritage Site. It doesn't matter if they actually are. Nobody cares. Old Italian place. Got it.
Everyone in the tour group becoming happier and better people and perhaps lovers because of their exposure to Callie and Dana? I wish I could insert a "sick" emoji here.
The tour group members being restricted to two carry-on bags for a 31-day bus trip, including evening wear, while constantly buying trinkets and clothes along the way? Newt Scamander wants his suitcase back.
Callie brings the dress she wore to Abby's funeral on the trip? Nothing deranged about that.
Callie and Dana's best friends also become lovers? Fine. Whatever.
25 chapters of build-up to a generic erotic love scene that includes more pile-on: Dana had never had an O before, to the extent that she had to guess she just had one. Oh lord.
An extended wrap-up epilogue ending in a wedding that has too much detail. It felt like that part in a wedding where a drunken uncle takes the mic and goes on and on about the couple, himself, and random stuff until someone gently ushers him away. The epilogue goes on more maddeningly than my review of the book.
Callie was not a likable or sympathetic main character despite what she was going through. Her total self-absorption combined with her utter lack of self-awareness made it impossible for me to like her.
Dealing with the loss of a loved one, for any reason, is very painful. Losing one to a terminal illness can bring about depression and cause one to question whatever faith they may have as well as the fairness of life. Does it induce chronic panic attacks and, effectively, agoraphobia lasting over a year? Perhaps, if one has the wealth to wallow in their feelings for over a year, while millions of others who have experienced the same thing have to get on with their lives after a few days or weeks.
When that loved one, Abby in this case, is so wonderfully caring and passionate (and also a horrible elitist snob who loves birds but doesn't like wandering outside but apparently does so with passion so it's okay) that they give you a letter urging you to live and love again (even if the phrasing of the letter seems cribbed from Sullivan Ballou's famous Civil War letter) but you still turn every instance into an opportunity to let out angsty wails in your mind--where you literally vomit because someone thought you and another woman were a couple--where you think wearing a bright color means you are betraying your dead lover--you become a tiresome bore.
Maiorisi once again uses a favorite trope of hers, the traumatic emotional pile-on. While it was apparent Dana had some problems to work out, Maiorisi felt the need to saddle her with traumatic event after event from: her mother dying giving birth, her father and brothers resenting her enough to pawn her off on a neighbor as a toddler, her brother telling her at the funeral that her dad hated her, shipping her off to live with an older brother who left her to fend for herself, and in between that, having her aggressively misread another girl's signals and try to kiss her, then being beaten severely, pressured into not naming names, then ostracized by everyone at her school, friends and freaks included--and conveniently repressing that whole last bit. This repression feels more like Maiorisi coming up with most or all of it on the spot and laying it on Dana to batter sympathy out of the reader.
The "Abby coming back as a bird" bit was wildly overdone as well. A couple of scenes with an overly friendly bird, fine. Several scenes with improbably friendly birds, finishing off with a bird drinking Callie's coffee (which could have killed it) then sitting on Dana's shoulder, because apparently there was no other way Callie could move on without her dead wife's approval, is just laughably bad.
Smaller details:
The tour group repeatedly acting as a cheering section for Callie and Dana. Please.
Overdoing the food scenes. Do I need to know Callie selected a piece of cheese, a cornetto, and a--no I don't. A place serves "seafood AND fish". Are fish not seafood in this universe?
Every location is called a UNESCO Heritage Site. It doesn't matter if they actually are. Nobody cares. Old Italian place. Got it.
Everyone in the tour group becoming happier and better people and perhaps lovers because of their exposure to Callie and Dana? I wish I could insert a "sick" emoji here.
The tour group members being restricted to two carry-on bags for a 31-day bus trip, including evening wear, while constantly buying trinkets and clothes along the way? Newt Scamander wants his suitcase back.
Callie brings the dress she wore to Abby's funeral on the trip? Nothing deranged about that.
Callie and Dana's best friends also become lovers? Fine. Whatever.
25 chapters of build-up to a generic erotic love scene that includes more pile-on: Dana had never had an O before, to the extent that she had to guess she just had one. Oh lord.
An extended wrap-up epilogue ending in a wedding that has too much detail. It felt like that part in a wedding where a drunken uncle takes the mic and goes on and on about the couple, himself, and random stuff until someone gently ushers him away. The epilogue goes on more maddeningly than my review of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
Callie lost her wife to cancer a year ago and is struggling to get on with her life when her publisher starts pushing her on the deadline for a promised new book. Callie reluctantly starts her research by taking a month long tour of Italy, hoping her crippling anxiety attacks won't stop her. She meets Dana, a fellow traveler on the tour, who somehow knows exactly how to help her get through it all.
This was 3.5 stars for me. I liked Callie and her story was compelling, she's a young widow who is struggling with that and this tour poses a huge challenge for her. Dana immediately is very supportive and helpful and they have a great connection, driven by Dana's attentiveness to Callie's needs. I liked the two of them together and their slow burn romance was very well done. I really loved the setting, the descriptions of Italy here were great, and it made me feel like I was right there with them. The romance portion felt well paced and I liked that they didn't immediately jump into bed together as it made the progression flow very naturally. Their fellow tour group members were all great side characters and I liked each of their stories as well.
There were a couple negatives for me that took my rating down a bit. Though the romance felt well paced other parts seemed rushed. The last chapter or epilogue ended up feeling like an info dump instead of a catch up for the missing time. There were some miniscule details in there that didn't add to the story at all and made the dialogue feel awkward. This was where I felt it most but wasn't the only spot that felt awkwardly paced. Another issue was the age of these characters. In the beginning they are said to be in their late 30's but both MCs come off as older than that, not a big deal but it just felt off. The final issue has to do with Dana, most of the story revolves around Callie and her history and we get some bits and pieces of Dana but it still felt unbalanced. Dana also has a background storyline related to her business that I thought could be very interesting but didn't seem to be taken advantage of at all. I'd have liked to see some more detail and time spent around that storyline and on Dana in general.
I did like this book and I would definitely pick up another Maorisi in the future. Though it starts a bit heavy on the emotions it ended up being a nice feel good read overall.
This was 3.5 stars for me. I liked Callie and her story was compelling, she's a young widow who is struggling with that and this tour poses a huge challenge for her. Dana immediately is very supportive and helpful and they have a great connection, driven by Dana's attentiveness to Callie's needs. I liked the two of them together and their slow burn romance was very well done. I really loved the setting, the descriptions of Italy here were great, and it made me feel like I was right there with them. The romance portion felt well paced and I liked that they didn't immediately jump into bed together as it made the progression flow very naturally. Their fellow tour group members were all great side characters and I liked each of their stories as well.
There were a couple negatives for me that took my rating down a bit. Though the romance felt well paced other parts seemed rushed. The last chapter or epilogue ended up feeling like an info dump instead of a catch up for the missing time. There were some miniscule details in there that didn't add to the story at all and made the dialogue feel awkward. This was where I felt it most but wasn't the only spot that felt awkwardly paced. Another issue was the age of these characters. In the beginning they are said to be in their late 30's but both MCs come off as older than that, not a big deal but it just felt off. The final issue has to do with Dana, most of the story revolves around Callie and her history and we get some bits and pieces of Dana but it still felt unbalanced. Dana also has a background storyline related to her business that I thought could be very interesting but didn't seem to be taken advantage of at all. I'd have liked to see some more detail and time spent around that storyline and on Dana in general.
I did like this book and I would definitely pick up another Maorisi in the future. Though it starts a bit heavy on the emotions it ended up being a nice feel good read overall.
September 26, 2024
My absolute favourite of Maiorisi's work, thusfar!!! Beautifully, affectingly written.
Once again, timing is everything. I had this book (and AB) with me for a while but didn’t feel that I should touch it. To a point where I was actively avoiding it. Until this day when I was compelled (guided) to. Without any hesitation, I read it in one sitting, as well as listened to it.
Maiorisi’s rich description of the Italian Riviera, the locations, was a character itself in her story. A symbol of beauty and tranquillity in the midst of hollowness and emptiness, grief and loss. I wonder if that’s why people are inspired or compelled to travel as part of their healing journey in times of great loss. To me, there’s every reason to do so because to travel is to open up one’s heart and mind for rejuvenation, renewal, and rebirth, as perspective changes and shifts as we widen the distance between the source of grief and loss and our drifting soul. Distance, like time, is a healer of all misery and heartache, anguish and heartbreak.
Having only read Maiorisi’s crime novels (Corelli series), I didn’t have any preconception as to what her style of writing romance would be like and how I’d feel about it. Needless to say, Maiorisi’s story about a woman going through an unspeakable loss of a true love, a soulmate, who eventually finds comfort and peace in letting go, allowing her heart to be open once again to the elixir of life that is love, is written with such compassion, understanding, relatability, realism and resonance, I felt every emotion, every non-verbal, every internal monologue/thought that the aggrieved MC experienced. Finding new love is not to replace but to enhance and expand the breadth and depth that is the energy of love which is infinite, interconnecting and ever-encompassing of all souls in the cosmic collective consciousness.
Read this. Listen to this. If you’ve gone through something close to this life-changing event in your life, you’ll feel it in your soul.
Finally, the title - Love Among the Ruins - hits the nail right on the head in the world of polarity/duality that we live in. Beauty among the Desolate, Happiness among the Pain.
Once again, timing is everything. I had this book (and AB) with me for a while but didn’t feel that I should touch it. To a point where I was actively avoiding it. Until this day when I was compelled (guided) to. Without any hesitation, I read it in one sitting, as well as listened to it.
Maiorisi’s rich description of the Italian Riviera, the locations, was a character itself in her story. A symbol of beauty and tranquillity in the midst of hollowness and emptiness, grief and loss. I wonder if that’s why people are inspired or compelled to travel as part of their healing journey in times of great loss. To me, there’s every reason to do so because to travel is to open up one’s heart and mind for rejuvenation, renewal, and rebirth, as perspective changes and shifts as we widen the distance between the source of grief and loss and our drifting soul. Distance, like time, is a healer of all misery and heartache, anguish and heartbreak.
Having only read Maiorisi’s crime novels (Corelli series), I didn’t have any preconception as to what her style of writing romance would be like and how I’d feel about it. Needless to say, Maiorisi’s story about a woman going through an unspeakable loss of a true love, a soulmate, who eventually finds comfort and peace in letting go, allowing her heart to be open once again to the elixir of life that is love, is written with such compassion, understanding, relatability, realism and resonance, I felt every emotion, every non-verbal, every internal monologue/thought that the aggrieved MC experienced. Finding new love is not to replace but to enhance and expand the breadth and depth that is the energy of love which is infinite, interconnecting and ever-encompassing of all souls in the cosmic collective consciousness.
Read this. Listen to this. If you’ve gone through something close to this life-changing event in your life, you’ll feel it in your soul.
Finally, the title - Love Among the Ruins - hits the nail right on the head in the world of polarity/duality that we live in. Beauty among the Desolate, Happiness among the Pain.
March 29, 2024
I think I have a really soft spot for broken characters. At the start of the book, Callie is a shadow, barely surviving the death of her wife, and I shed some tears reading about her pain. I wondered how the writer was going to make her learn to live again, let alone enjoy life.
The panic attacks and distress were really well written.
Then appears Dana, a true knight who will help Callie through that journey. Her patience and understanding were like a warm, protective blanket Maiorisi throws over Callie and the reader’s shoulders. But Dana has her own demons too. The reader learns to live again with Callie. That whirlwind of pain, guilt, and love was truly heartbreaking and heartwarming to read. In the end, I had the feeling the writer focused on Dana's pain, and Callie's torment faded into the background. I couldn't help but think another talk with her therapist was missing before consummating the relationship.
The travel in Italy was so well-detailed, I wondered if it was the result of personal experience or very thorough research. Maybe a bit too much detail... As a result, I wondered a few times if I was reading a travel guidebook or a romance, it was really immersive for the reader.
I wish I got to see both characters more in "real" life outside the bubble of the romantic trip.
But overall, it was a lovely story about finding love again with a touch of fate.
The panic attacks and distress were really well written.
Then appears Dana, a true knight who will help Callie through that journey. Her patience and understanding were like a warm, protective blanket Maiorisi throws over Callie and the reader’s shoulders. But Dana has her own demons too. The reader learns to live again with Callie. That whirlwind of pain, guilt, and love was truly heartbreaking and heartwarming to read. In the end, I had the feeling the writer focused on Dana's pain, and Callie's torment faded into the background. I couldn't help but think another talk with her therapist was missing before consummating the relationship.
The travel in Italy was so well-detailed, I wondered if it was the result of personal experience or very thorough research. Maybe a bit too much detail... As a result, I wondered a few times if I was reading a travel guidebook or a romance, it was really immersive for the reader.
I wish I got to see both characters more in "real" life outside the bubble of the romantic trip.
But overall, it was a lovely story about finding love again with a touch of fate.
October 18, 2025
A beautiful holiday romance set during a romantic tour of Italy. Two grieving souls find their HEA when they least expect it. What's not to love?
The story is great, the MCs struggle with crippling anxiety and feelings of betrayal, each of them going through therapy sessions and being supported by the other.
Their support of each other is the catalyst for their love affair, and I just love that notion. The hurt-comfort trope is common, but it isn't always as mutual as in this case.
The setting in Italy's greatest tourist attractions is beautifully done and includes enough details to make it palpable to the reader. I often felt during the read that I was there with the tour group, enjoying the sights and the local food and drinks.
As for conflicts, there weren't real conflicts here when it came to the love affair. The internal struggle each of them had was resolved rather easily with the help of a therapist and the other MC. So, basically, the conflicts paved the way for love and became stepping stones instead of obstacles. While I highly appreciate this clever use of an internal conflict, I can't ignore the fact that there was no real obstacle in their way, and that diminishes the realism of the love story a little. Real-life love requires a little more work and some compromises... this was not the case here.
Ah well, I still enjoyed it very much :)
Rating: 4 stars
The story is great, the MCs struggle with crippling anxiety and feelings of betrayal, each of them going through therapy sessions and being supported by the other.
Their support of each other is the catalyst for their love affair, and I just love that notion. The hurt-comfort trope is common, but it isn't always as mutual as in this case.
The setting in Italy's greatest tourist attractions is beautifully done and includes enough details to make it palpable to the reader. I often felt during the read that I was there with the tour group, enjoying the sights and the local food and drinks.
As for conflicts, there weren't real conflicts here when it came to the love affair. The internal struggle each of them had was resolved rather easily with the help of a therapist and the other MC. So, basically, the conflicts paved the way for love and became stepping stones instead of obstacles. While I highly appreciate this clever use of an internal conflict, I can't ignore the fact that there was no real obstacle in their way, and that diminishes the realism of the love story a little. Real-life love requires a little more work and some compromises... this was not the case here.
Ah well, I still enjoyed it very much :)
Rating: 4 stars
July 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, the author writes excellent lesbian crime books but this was a more traditional romance book with some complexity. Callie is grieving the loss of her wife who died a year ago when her friends encourage her to go on the month long romantic tour of Italy. She decides she will as she is writing a romance book set in Italy. When she has an anxiety attack another guest Dana takes care of her and the become fast friends. I really enjoyed the depth of the main characters and also the minor characters who all had distinct personalities and issues they were also escaping from. I also enjoyed the meta story of a writer writing a romance book set in Italy and the way that we got the full extent of her research, it was like we were on this trip too. It was a luxury holiday and so there was a lot of wealth and privilege casually dropped into the story but overall, a believable, enjoyable read.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2023
Dana has just found out her partners are embellishing money from the company Dana isn’t giving up her business built using her own talents developing and researching her security systems used by many banks. Dana hopes no one in her group of fourteen fellow travelers will recognize her.
Callie was still dealing with the death of her wife Abby. She has hidden herself from everyone but she has three determined friends to get her back to the warm, friendly, loyal, friend they have always known. She has anxiety so even leaving her home is a challenge. When her friends give her a letter from her late wife who tells her to move on with her life and accept the gift they had for her. A bus tour of Italy.
Ms. Maliorsi made me feel as if I was traveling through Italy with them. Great, very likable characters from Dana and Callie to the supporting cast. A lovely story. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
Callie was still dealing with the death of her wife Abby. She has hidden herself from everyone but she has three determined friends to get her back to the warm, friendly, loyal, friend they have always known. She has anxiety so even leaving her home is a challenge. When her friends give her a letter from her late wife who tells her to move on with her life and accept the gift they had for her. A bus tour of Italy.
Ms. Maliorsi made me feel as if I was traveling through Italy with them. Great, very likable characters from Dana and Callie to the supporting cast. A lovely story. Very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
June 28, 2023
While the main plot of this book made me want to sit back and read a good summertime book about traveling to one of the most romantic places on earth, it was a disappointment. I think the thing that bothered me so much is that Dana was so co-dependent with Callie, and Callie's weakness was a big turn-off. I get that she was grieving, but I felt the whole "I have anxiety and can't leave the house, but suddenly I'm off to Italy and bond with a co-traveler in the first 24 hours" really hard to swallow.
I did love the setting though and overall it was a pleasant enough book to read - it just wasn't everything I wanted and expected.
I did love the setting though and overall it was a pleasant enough book to read - it just wasn't everything I wanted and expected.
December 10, 2023
A delightful story that gives you a history tour of Italy and lessons on love
Callie and Dana give new meaning to healing and caring in this precious love story. The month long romantic tour of Italy is told in such rich splendor that I felt like I was there. The experiences this group of 12 intriguing characters shared made you love each one. The life stories for each one provided the backdrop of their closeness asthey toured such exquisite places. Beautifully written, full of emotions so intense I held my breathe often and my heart felt full. This is a remarkable story kept me up for hours. This is one more reason to love the writing of Cathrine Maiorisi.
Callie and Dana give new meaning to healing and caring in this precious love story. The month long romantic tour of Italy is told in such rich splendor that I felt like I was there. The experiences this group of 12 intriguing characters shared made you love each one. The life stories for each one provided the backdrop of their closeness asthey toured such exquisite places. Beautifully written, full of emotions so intense I held my breathe often and my heart felt full. This is a remarkable story kept me up for hours. This is one more reason to love the writing of Cathrine Maiorisi.
July 25, 2023
Love Among the Ruins by Catherine Maiorisi is a slow burn romance of sorrow, love, and the faith that love exists beyond heartbreak. The characters Callie and Dana, both vulnerable, are real, with feelings that are deeply relatable to many readers. Not only is this romance passionate, but Catherine takes you on a journey that makes you want to book a flight, a cruise, to Italy, and roam through its amazing history and beautiful sights. It's a must read for lovers of romance and adventure. Thankyou Catherine for this gift.
August 9, 2023
What a Beautiful story - I enjoyed both the romance part but definitely also the journey through Italy 🇮🇹. Telling a lot about the historical places but put into the story as a natural part of the story. I actually re listened to this audiobook once more straight after listening the first time. And I loved the second listening just as much as the first time. This will definitely be an audiobook I will listen to again and again!
This audiobook was narrated by Abby Craden. I give the narration 5 stars too
This audiobook was narrated by Abby Craden. I give the narration 5 stars too
June 11, 2023
I liked this book. One of the reasons is because I have visited many of the places mentioned and enjoyed reliving them through the story. This is the story of one woman recovering from the loss of her wife and the other woman trying to get over betrayal by her girlfriend and also her business partners, The story takes you from their first meeting to the gradual love that builds between them. A very enjoyable book altogether.
July 26, 2023
An enjoyable read. This is a slow burn romance between two successful mature adults. There was some complexity, but it all worked out in the end. The characters were written well, and I loved the relationship between Callie and Dana which was so sweet and giving. I loved all the places they toured and learned even more about the history of some of these well known sights. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author
January 2, 2025
This was sweet. I listened to the audiobook, and parts of the descriptions of Italy were dreamy in that format particularly. I did struggle with some of the widowhood bits, because I had a hard time figuring out how long she had been in mourning, or even how old everyone was. It seemed like everyone was much older than they were intended to be? I still am not quite sure if the book was about 60-year-olds or 30-year-olds honestly.
July 2, 2025
This book is exhausting, and not in a good way. Jesus Hakeem Christ. This books encapsulates what the layman thinks of when they hear the term “trauma bonding”. I listened to part of the audiobook and even the narrator got less exuberant and interesting in her narration as this endless series of trauma dumping continued to unfold. I do not recommend. It is not enjoyable and it is not interesting or remarkable in any way.
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