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Mina's Adventures #4
Ashes of Autumn
On the eve of the final sale of her mother’s business, Italian import Mina Calvi faces a crossroads. The road she dreams of foretells a life of rosy bliss in a quaint Laguna Canyon cottage, sipping cappuccino with her lover, Diego. When a chance detour brings her face to face with the love of her life caught in the wrong place, with the wrong crowd, that road to paradise takes a turn onto a rocky trail dotted by death, betrayal and loneliness. Mina’s friends, old and newly found, rally to keep her safe while she navigates through intense drama and self doubt to finally find redemption.
Ashes of Autumn is possibly the most poignant sequence of Mina and Diego’s intensely obsessive love story.
Ashes of Autumn is possibly the most poignant sequence of Mina and Diego’s intensely obsessive love story.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
66 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Maria Grazia Swan
35 books209 followersMaria Grazia Swan was born in Italy, but this rolling stone has definitely gathered no moss. She lived in Belgium, France, Germany, in beautiful Orange County, California where she raised her family, and is currently at home in Phoenix, Arizona—but stay tuned for weekly updates of Where in the World is Maria Grazia Swan?
As a young girl, her vivid imagination predestined her to be a writer. She won her first literary award at the age of fourteen while living in Belgium. As a young woman Maria returned to Italy to design for—ooh-la-la—haute couture. Once in the U.S. and after years of concentrating on family, she tackled real estate. These days her time is devoted to her deepest passions: writing and helping people find happiness.
Maria loves travel, opera, good books, hiking, and intelligent movies (if she can find one, that is). When asked about her idea of a perfect evening, she favors stimulating conversation, spicy Italian food and perfectly chilled Prosecco—but then, who doesn’t?
Maria has written short stories for anthologies, articles for high profile magazines and numerous blogs tackling love and life. She engaged her editorial and non-fiction skills for Mating Dance Rituals for Singles Who Weren't born yesterday. Her romantic suspense novels Love Thy Sister,Bosom Bodies and Italian Summer are available at Amazon.com.
Her new series, published by Gemma Halliday is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, the first book is title Gemini Moon
Website: http://www.mariagraziaswan.com
Contact Maria: mariagswan@gmail.com
-or- touch base with her on Facebook.
As a young girl, her vivid imagination predestined her to be a writer. She won her first literary award at the age of fourteen while living in Belgium. As a young woman Maria returned to Italy to design for—ooh-la-la—haute couture. Once in the U.S. and after years of concentrating on family, she tackled real estate. These days her time is devoted to her deepest passions: writing and helping people find happiness.
Maria loves travel, opera, good books, hiking, and intelligent movies (if she can find one, that is). When asked about her idea of a perfect evening, she favors stimulating conversation, spicy Italian food and perfectly chilled Prosecco—but then, who doesn’t?
Maria has written short stories for anthologies, articles for high profile magazines and numerous blogs tackling love and life. She engaged her editorial and non-fiction skills for Mating Dance Rituals for Singles Who Weren't born yesterday. Her romantic suspense novels Love Thy Sister,Bosom Bodies and Italian Summer are available at Amazon.com.
Her new series, published by Gemma Halliday is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, the first book is title Gemini Moon
Website: http://www.mariagraziaswan.com
Contact Maria: mariagswan@gmail.com
-or- touch base with her on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 25, 2016
Review of ASHES OF AUTUMN by Maria Grazia Swan
{Mina's Adventures #4}
Poor Mina..such an unhappy, melancholy, depressed little rich girl. Yes, family secrets had been hidden from her since before birth, so perhaps that is why whenever she "finds" someone (her mother, a boyfriend, then "the love of her life") either that person dies, breaks up with her, or does the intermittent disappearing act. Perhaps that is also why she is stoned in love with a man who admittedly (his own acknowledgment) offers no future, was at one time thought to be dead, shows up when he wants to, and does who-know-what almost all of the time, because certainly Mina sees him very rarely.
In this 4th book of her adventures in Orange County, California, the business owned and operated by her late mother will soon be sold, leaving Mina quite wealthy. Rooming with Margo, the company's receptionist, is sometimes fun but mostly an aggravation, so Mina sets out house-hunting for a place of her own, a real home, not an apartment, townhouse, or condo.
Of course, given the personality of our feckless heroine and the quite irresponsible Margo, they inadvertently mix up with an international arms smuggler wanted by many law enforcement agencies--and just perhaps Mina's elusive life-love is involved.
ASHES OF AUTUMN and Book 1, LOVE THY SISTER, which introduced Mina and sister/mother Paola, so far are my favourites of this series: very fast-paced, they had me turning the pages at a rapid rate.
{Mina's Adventures #4}
Poor Mina..such an unhappy, melancholy, depressed little rich girl. Yes, family secrets had been hidden from her since before birth, so perhaps that is why whenever she "finds" someone (her mother, a boyfriend, then "the love of her life") either that person dies, breaks up with her, or does the intermittent disappearing act. Perhaps that is also why she is stoned in love with a man who admittedly (his own acknowledgment) offers no future, was at one time thought to be dead, shows up when he wants to, and does who-know-what almost all of the time, because certainly Mina sees him very rarely.
In this 4th book of her adventures in Orange County, California, the business owned and operated by her late mother will soon be sold, leaving Mina quite wealthy. Rooming with Margo, the company's receptionist, is sometimes fun but mostly an aggravation, so Mina sets out house-hunting for a place of her own, a real home, not an apartment, townhouse, or condo.
Of course, given the personality of our feckless heroine and the quite irresponsible Margo, they inadvertently mix up with an international arms smuggler wanted by many law enforcement agencies--and just perhaps Mina's elusive life-love is involved.
ASHES OF AUTUMN and Book 1, LOVE THY SISTER, which introduced Mina and sister/mother Paola, so far are my favourites of this series: very fast-paced, they had me turning the pages at a rapid rate.
July 7, 2015
I received an ARC eBook in exchange for a honest review. This is the second book I have read by Maria Grazia Swan and the first I have read in her Mina's Adventures series. Although this was the fourth book in the series and the first that I have read, it was written like a stand alone so that I could easily jump into the story. I wish I had read the others first as I am sure they were as much fun as this one was to read. I love Mina and was intrigued by her story with the sexy Diego. The suspense and mystery surrounding Diego's abrupt disappearance will keep you reading well into the night to find out what happens next! I can't wait to read more of Mina and her adventures!! I highly recommend this book!
November 19, 2017
Probably should have left Ashes of Autumn, book 4 of 6 in Maria Grazia Swan's series Mina's Adventures, on the book shelf. Not a huge fan of books chock full of "drama" and well let me just say there is too much drama - and woe is me attitude - in Mina's adventure to suit my taste.
To say this was a dissappointing book would be an understatement. There were too many black clouds in Mina's world which when supported by a confusing, vague and all over the place story left me shaking my head wondering what was the author thinking when she wrote Ashes Of Autumn.
If not fot Margo and Gino's appearance in the book I would have given up on the book and deleted the book from my kindle. Ashes Of Autumn gets a 1 star "save" from me thanks to Margo, Gino and precious Aria.
To say this was a dissappointing book would be an understatement. There were too many black clouds in Mina's world which when supported by a confusing, vague and all over the place story left me shaking my head wondering what was the author thinking when she wrote Ashes Of Autumn.
If not fot Margo and Gino's appearance in the book I would have given up on the book and deleted the book from my kindle. Ashes Of Autumn gets a 1 star "save" from me thanks to Margo, Gino and precious Aria.
July 28, 2024
Heartbreak!
Diego is gone again, leaving only flowers to keep Mina’s hope alive. Mina and Gloria are roommates until the sale of the company is completed. A fun excursion for the two friends sets off a chain of deadly events.
The book has some surprising twists with lots of intrigue and danger. It’s a good addition to the series.
Diego is gone again, leaving only flowers to keep Mina’s hope alive. Mina and Gloria are roommates until the sale of the company is completed. A fun excursion for the two friends sets off a chain of deadly events.
The book has some surprising twists with lots of intrigue and danger. It’s a good addition to the series.
October 13, 2017
Great Tale of romance and intrigue.
I loved this book. Couldn't put it down. Following Mina and Margos adventures is sometimes a hoot and sometimes pretty scary. Don't miss this book.
I loved this book. Couldn't put it down. Following Mina and Margos adventures is sometimes a hoot and sometimes pretty scary. Don't miss this book.
July 17, 2018
Very Emotional Read
I thought the last book had a gamut of emotions. This time the emotions run deep. A lot of sadness in this one. A lot of death. Also some very good things happening. Not necessarily to Mina. But to those she loves.
I thought the last book had a gamut of emotions. This time the emotions run deep. A lot of sadness in this one. A lot of death. Also some very good things happening. Not necessarily to Mina. But to those she loves.
September 4, 2017
had a hard time understanding what was going on and why.
August 5, 2020
Interesting
I loved the characters in this story. It was a little hard to follow sometimes, but I managed. I hate cliff hangers and wish it continued in this book.
I loved the characters in this story. It was a little hard to follow sometimes, but I managed. I hate cliff hangers and wish it continued in this book.
October 15, 2014
The writer of this engaging romantic suspense series keeps us guessing about Mina's fate, and the fate of her odd relationship with Diego, whom Mina met in book 2. Diego was in Mina's life in book 3, also.
Mina, a young woman who has faced more heartache than most young women, has a secret lover in book 4. Diego's unusual and dangerous profession means that he is not allowed to have any lovers, so he must keep Mina a secret. Mina is besotted with Diego:
"Anything and everything made her think about him. He was so much a part of her, embedded in her soul."
But then things go wrong, and Diego's dangerous life rubs off on Mina's life, and on Mina's friends' lives.
Mina Calvi remains the same Italian immigrant to America who is in love with American expressions and some American foods, like peanut butter. She is also full of questions, always, seeking to understand her new world and new culture, and the odd things that she becomes involved with. Her friends know her well:
"Oh, here we go, firing questions right and left. I sort of missed that part."
As with all the Mina books, there is a very strong sense of place, with restaurants, highways and other landmarks mentioned in the book that is set in Southern California. Mina's unpredictable life finds her unintentionally entering into dangerous adventures. So far she has survived, but her heart is another matter.
Mina, a young woman who has faced more heartache than most young women, has a secret lover in book 4. Diego's unusual and dangerous profession means that he is not allowed to have any lovers, so he must keep Mina a secret. Mina is besotted with Diego:
"Anything and everything made her think about him. He was so much a part of her, embedded in her soul."
But then things go wrong, and Diego's dangerous life rubs off on Mina's life, and on Mina's friends' lives.
Mina Calvi remains the same Italian immigrant to America who is in love with American expressions and some American foods, like peanut butter. She is also full of questions, always, seeking to understand her new world and new culture, and the odd things that she becomes involved with. Her friends know her well:
"Oh, here we go, firing questions right and left. I sort of missed that part."
As with all the Mina books, there is a very strong sense of place, with restaurants, highways and other landmarks mentioned in the book that is set in Southern California. Mina's unpredictable life finds her unintentionally entering into dangerous adventures. So far she has survived, but her heart is another matter.
November 9, 2014
Is it even possible for someone to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time? It is if you're our favorite Italian import, Mina Calvi. This time around, Mina suffers growing pains. Child to woman is never easy, and for Mina the lesson is harder than for most as nearly every aspect of her life is in upheaval. People wander through her life like shoppers at a flea market, raising Mina's hopes for love and friendship--but in reality they've only stopped to browse before moving on. What the girl needs is stability and a place where she can put down roots. She takes aim at that lifestyle, but even this target may not work out. And that thing about being in the wrong place? Let's just say what she sees or doesn't see, what she knows or doesn't know thrusts her into a scenario so dark Mina isn't the only one it threatens. Maria Grazia Swan has once again brought us characters that leap off the pages into our lives, action scenes that make us breathe harder and turn the pages faster, and situations that draw emotion to the surface like water in a well bucket. I was spent after this one, but in a good way.
July 20, 2016
It was an enjoyable book that kept me reading!
A story of an Italian born Mina, and her mysterious love , Diego. Now living in California, Mina waits patiently to hear from Diego but fate has it that a chain of unusual events cause him to "evaporate" again, leaving Mina, this time, in a dangerous situation.
Doubts begin to torment Mina as she tries to understand who exactly Diego is! And especially when and where will she see him again.
I can't go too much into detail or I'll expose too much of the story. I did enjoy the insertion of many Italian words, being an Italian-American living in Turin.
It's a love story and a mystery combined, one that will involve you in Mina's adventures ,
A story of an Italian born Mina, and her mysterious love , Diego. Now living in California, Mina waits patiently to hear from Diego but fate has it that a chain of unusual events cause him to "evaporate" again, leaving Mina, this time, in a dangerous situation.
Doubts begin to torment Mina as she tries to understand who exactly Diego is! And especially when and where will she see him again.
I can't go too much into detail or I'll expose too much of the story. I did enjoy the insertion of many Italian words, being an Italian-American living in Turin.
It's a love story and a mystery combined, one that will involve you in Mina's adventures ,
July 7, 2015
I received an ARC eBook in exchange for a honest review. This is the second book I have read by Maria Grazia Swan and the first I have read in her Mina's Adventures series. Although this was the fourth book in the series and the first that I have read, it was written like a stand alone so that I could easily jump into the story. I wish I had read the others first as I am sure they were as much fun as this one was to read. I love Mina and was intrigued by her story with the sexy Diego. The suspense and mystery surrounding Diego's abrupt disappearance will keep you reading well into the night to find out what happens next! I can't wait to read more of Mina and her adventures!! I highly recommend this book!
December 23, 2014
I like this author. I really do. The characters though? Not so much. I think that Mina is so clueless. For someone who is always in danger, she sure doesn't act like it. It's like she doesn't even care. And Diego? What a tool. All of the men in these books constantly laugh at her and treat her like a child. But she deserves it because she acts like such an airhead. I hate it, but I have to keep reading the series. It's like a car accident that you just have to crane your neck to see. Maybe I'll like the next one better. Because with the way this one ended, there has to be a next one.
February 21, 2015
This series just gets better and better. There is a lot going on in this book. The sale of Mina’s company which was started by her mother; looking for a new place to live and of course looking for Diego everywhere she goes. As usual Mina stumbles into dangerous situations and you will enjoy the journey!
November 27, 2014
Wherever Mins goes trouble follows. Danger is always one step behind.
Mina is confused and doesn't know where she stands with her mystery man. Is he well or missing she will find out in the most unexpected way. If you want to stay safe avoid our girl. The fun continues back in America.
Mina is confused and doesn't know where she stands with her mystery man. Is he well or missing she will find out in the most unexpected way. If you want to stay safe avoid our girl. The fun continues back in America.
October 11, 2015
The main character is unlikable
'Mina' is very rude to the other characters who are trying to help her. I will not be reading another book.
'Mina' is very rude to the other characters who are trying to help her. I will not be reading another book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews