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The Three Graces of Pearl Street
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26In this tender, voice-driven debut novel, an Italian American grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter find their lives—and their secrets—colliding when, after years apart, they come to live under the same roof, together finding courage to be the most authentic versions of themselves. When three generations of powerful Valentini women find themselves living under one roof in the old family home for the first time in years, they’re forced to reckon with not only each other, but with womanhood itself. Named after a statue in a country two of them have never seen, and one refuses to return to, they must finally come face to face with the secrets and tensions that have been dictating their lives for as long as they can remember. Graziella, the ninety-six-year-old matriarch of this Italian American family, spends her days running not only her family, but her church’s food kitchen, keeping everyone fed in their suburban New York neighborhood. Her daughter, Grace, is feeling uninspired at work, battling the throes of menopause, and most urgently, trying to stay afloat amidst her impending divorce. Ella, granddaughter of Graziella and daughter to Grace, is stuck in limbo, tired of trying to defend her vegan diet and anti-capitalistic lifestyle, while still wanting to do something important with her life. Lyrical and emotional, The Three Graces of Pearl Street examines the intricacies of what it means to balance tradition and modernity, along with the difficulties and joy that comes from being around family who know and love you the most.
- GenresFictionContemporary
416 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Elizabeth Wellington Rollins
3 books69 followersElizabeth Wellington Rollins is a writer and award-winning copywriter. She grew up outside New York City and graduated from Davidson College. She has written for Condé Nast Traveler, The Week, Travel + Leisure, and Vogue. She lives in Vermont with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for early access to this novel.
I’m not reaching for hyperbole when I confess that I was blindsided by this book. This is one of those books where you wish it wouldn’t end, but also couldn’t stop reading until the end. Beautifully written, with richly layered characters and a deeper-than-previewed storyline, and plenty of passages sparking meaningful reflections on family, purpose, and belonging. I’m grateful that I received this ARC as I doubt I would’ve chosen to read it. I’m better because I have.
I’m not reaching for hyperbole when I confess that I was blindsided by this book. This is one of those books where you wish it wouldn’t end, but also couldn’t stop reading until the end. Beautifully written, with richly layered characters and a deeper-than-previewed storyline, and plenty of passages sparking meaningful reflections on family, purpose, and belonging. I’m grateful that I received this ARC as I doubt I would’ve chosen to read it. I’m better because I have.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for early access to this wonderful novel!
The three Graces of the Valentini family -- grandmother, mother, and daughter -- couldn’t be more different, and yet in ways rely on each other to be (and find) their true selves. This is a generational story about tradition, the importance of community and belonging, and new beginnings. This a story about women that focuses on the most important and often the most strained female relationships: mother-daughter-grandmother relationships. When the Three Graces find themselves living together under the same roof, each with their own reasons for being there, their worlds and lives they have been living start to collide, and an incredible journey begins for each of them.
I love stories featuring intergenerational relationships, so I knew I would enjoy this book going in. I immediately connected to the youngest Grace, who is so similar in age and circumstance to me, but each Grace held their own in terms of character and voice. Each Grace stood alone in their identity and had equally powerful stories, secrets, and traits, and all three learned to lean on each other throughout the book.
This book was charming and emotional -- with a wonderful storyline about the Catholic Church and what it actually means to be a good person. I laughed and teared up and smiled throughout reading it with some wonderful one-liners like:
“She didn’t understand why everyone made new words for things that had been done forever.”
“She did not like men who ran for no reason.”
“‘A woman opened her legs and gave birth to the church,’ Graziella yelled.”
“Graziella could hear her daughter comforting Ella in the kitchen and wondered if she would still be able to listen to the two of them when she was longer here.”
I loved reading about their personal journeys and their shared moments and memories!
The three Graces of the Valentini family -- grandmother, mother, and daughter -- couldn’t be more different, and yet in ways rely on each other to be (and find) their true selves. This is a generational story about tradition, the importance of community and belonging, and new beginnings. This a story about women that focuses on the most important and often the most strained female relationships: mother-daughter-grandmother relationships. When the Three Graces find themselves living together under the same roof, each with their own reasons for being there, their worlds and lives they have been living start to collide, and an incredible journey begins for each of them.
I love stories featuring intergenerational relationships, so I knew I would enjoy this book going in. I immediately connected to the youngest Grace, who is so similar in age and circumstance to me, but each Grace held their own in terms of character and voice. Each Grace stood alone in their identity and had equally powerful stories, secrets, and traits, and all three learned to lean on each other throughout the book.
This book was charming and emotional -- with a wonderful storyline about the Catholic Church and what it actually means to be a good person. I laughed and teared up and smiled throughout reading it with some wonderful one-liners like:
“She didn’t understand why everyone made new words for things that had been done forever.”
“She did not like men who ran for no reason.”
“‘A woman opened her legs and gave birth to the church,’ Graziella yelled.”
“Graziella could hear her daughter comforting Ella in the kitchen and wondered if she would still be able to listen to the two of them when she was longer here.”
I loved reading about their personal journeys and their shared moments and memories!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Elizabeth Wellington Rollins's debut novel, Graziella, age 96, is tiny in stature but ferociously committed to her Catholic background (she had spent a short time as a nun before marrying the convent's mailman), the food kitchen she supports, and her family. Her daughter Graziella (Grace) and granddaughter Graziella (Ella) have come to live with her as her medical issues increase, but it's not an easy road for any of them.
Grace is tired of the responsibilities of being head of Columbia's psychology department and has taken a lesser position, as she deals with a cheating husband, a pending divorce, and the continuous hot flashes of menopause. Ella is a brilliant nuclear physics student at MIT and a diabetic who has recently left the university and taken a lowly job for which she is wildly overqualified. She is questioning all of the things in her life that she has strongly believed and wonders whether it's been worth it, given her current situation. The appearance of her closest male childhood friend may change everything. And the residents of the women's New York town love Graziella for her generosity and fear her for being intimidating. in equal measures.
It all makes for a fascinating story, with the first half more of a character study of the three women representing three generations of an Italian family. Things heat up further in the second half, as the three band together to achieve the goals that the senior Graziella holds dearest, in the face of daunting obstacles. They help each other with their personal needs and goals. And Grace and Ella learn how Graziella is able to be so generous to those in need. It is an absorbing, complicated, and detailed story of family dynamics, clever planning and collaboration, shared food, and love.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
Grace is tired of the responsibilities of being head of Columbia's psychology department and has taken a lesser position, as she deals with a cheating husband, a pending divorce, and the continuous hot flashes of menopause. Ella is a brilliant nuclear physics student at MIT and a diabetic who has recently left the university and taken a lowly job for which she is wildly overqualified. She is questioning all of the things in her life that she has strongly believed and wonders whether it's been worth it, given her current situation. The appearance of her closest male childhood friend may change everything. And the residents of the women's New York town love Graziella for her generosity and fear her for being intimidating. in equal measures.
It all makes for a fascinating story, with the first half more of a character study of the three women representing three generations of an Italian family. Things heat up further in the second half, as the three band together to achieve the goals that the senior Graziella holds dearest, in the face of daunting obstacles. They help each other with their personal needs and goals. And Grace and Ella learn how Graziella is able to be so generous to those in need. It is an absorbing, complicated, and detailed story of family dynamics, clever planning and collaboration, shared food, and love.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
Review of advance copy
3.75 stars
Thanks to Lit Club NYC and Atria Books for the ARC!
This book tells a charming story about three generations of an Italian-American family — Graziella, the 96 year old matriarch, her daughter Grace, and her granddaughter, Ella — living in New York. All three of them have secrets of their own, but when they are forced by circumstances beyond their control to live together under one roof again, everything starts slowly coming out of the woodwork. Over the course of the story, the three Graces slowly grow and change and come into their own, all while strengthening their family bonds.
The characters of Graziella and Ella in particular were well written, and they both shone a lot in the latter parts of the novel. Grace’s character felt a bit weaker in comparison, but her calming presence rounded out the family and helped make things feel balanced. And while the story doesn’t say anything too groundbreaking on the topics of family, motherhood, and trying to juggle family traditions with modern views, it still makes for a heartwarming read.
There were a few things that took me out of the story a little — Graziella’s big secret, for example, stretched the limits of my suspension of disbelief quite a bit, as did Ella’s initial trouble at her job that led her to go home in the first place — but I was able to overlook them for the sake of the story. Other things I didn’t love include the two romance side plots, as I personally didn’t really care for either of the relationships too much, but I appreciate what they did for the characters.
Overall, this book was a good read. If you like intergenerational stories, I think this would be a great addition to your TBR.
Thanks to Lit Club NYC and Atria Books for the ARC!
This book tells a charming story about three generations of an Italian-American family — Graziella, the 96 year old matriarch, her daughter Grace, and her granddaughter, Ella — living in New York. All three of them have secrets of their own, but when they are forced by circumstances beyond their control to live together under one roof again, everything starts slowly coming out of the woodwork. Over the course of the story, the three Graces slowly grow and change and come into their own, all while strengthening their family bonds.
The characters of Graziella and Ella in particular were well written, and they both shone a lot in the latter parts of the novel. Grace’s character felt a bit weaker in comparison, but her calming presence rounded out the family and helped make things feel balanced. And while the story doesn’t say anything too groundbreaking on the topics of family, motherhood, and trying to juggle family traditions with modern views, it still makes for a heartwarming read.
There were a few things that took me out of the story a little — Graziella’s big secret, for example, stretched the limits of my suspension of disbelief quite a bit, as did Ella’s initial trouble at her job that led her to go home in the first place — but I was able to overlook them for the sake of the story. Other things I didn’t love include the two romance side plots, as I personally didn’t really care for either of the relationships too much, but I appreciate what they did for the characters.
Overall, this book was a good read. If you like intergenerational stories, I think this would be a great addition to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is an OUTSTANDING debut and at the top of my reads for 2026! The Three Graces of Pearl street follows three generations of women in an Italian family in New York. Each woman- grandmother, daughter and granddaughter- are all going through their own struggles and challenges. All in all this book is about Graziella, Grace and Ella and how they are there for each other NO MATTER WHAT.
The immersion into the Italian-American culture in this book is wonderful and really brings the book to life. I loved the message of this book which besides caring for you family is caring for our neighbors. Graziella knew how to care for people and I loved reading about how she did it and then passed it on to her daughter and granddaughter. I highly recommend this book and loved every minute of it!
The amount of wisdom packed into this book is **chef's kiss**. The following are a few of my favorite quotes:
- “Every defeat is just another opportunity. Let it guide you to the next action and the next action, even and especially if it’s not a fair fight."
- "Was terrible timing better than no timing at all? She felt unmoored by every possible outcome and wondered if that was a part of becoming a woman—recognizing the profound unlikelihood of having everything in the right order, the right way."
- "Ella, this is why people go to confession. It gives you a sense of absolution. People think hell is a place, but it’s not. It’s living with the consequences of your choices without forgiveness."
Thank you Atria and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The immersion into the Italian-American culture in this book is wonderful and really brings the book to life. I loved the message of this book which besides caring for you family is caring for our neighbors. Graziella knew how to care for people and I loved reading about how she did it and then passed it on to her daughter and granddaughter. I highly recommend this book and loved every minute of it!
The amount of wisdom packed into this book is **chef's kiss**. The following are a few of my favorite quotes:
- “Every defeat is just another opportunity. Let it guide you to the next action and the next action, even and especially if it’s not a fair fight."
- "Was terrible timing better than no timing at all? She felt unmoored by every possible outcome and wondered if that was a part of becoming a woman—recognizing the profound unlikelihood of having everything in the right order, the right way."
- "Ella, this is why people go to confession. It gives you a sense of absolution. People think hell is a place, but it’s not. It’s living with the consequences of your choices without forgiveness."
Thank you Atria and NetGalley for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Three Graces of Pearl Street by Elizabeth Wellington Rollins is a delicious and rich romp of a wonderful story. There are the three Graces...Graziella, the grandmother, Graziella, (Grace, her daughter), and Graziella, (Ella, Grace's daughter)..This is the most heart warming story of these three women on Pearl Street in New York.... Graziella, the Grandma, is rich beyond belief (she is 96 years young, an online stock trader who makes millions, millions)!!!! Grace, her daughter, is going through a really awful divorce. Her former husband, Bill has fallen in love with a very rich woman in her 90s; Bill is much younger. Ella is a brilliant student who ends up going back to college for her PhD and falls in love with the local boy in her neighborhood in New York. The story evolves within the closeness of these three women in such a beautiful, heartwarming way, and of course, there is food, always food, in this case beautiful Italian meals shared with hundreds of people because Graziella, the grandmother, has helped so many people during her life. She has paid for hospitals, for homes, for cars, for food, for coats to keep children warm; in other words, she has been a benefactor for hundreds of people in her neighborhood, so many so that when she passes away hundreds fill the church for her funeral.
If I could rate this book from 1 to 10 I would give it a 25. I have no doubt it will be a best seller as it touches one's heart in just so many wonderful ways. This story is what is so wonderful about being human. I highly recommend it to everyone!
If I could rate this book from 1 to 10 I would give it a 25. I have no doubt it will be a best seller as it touches one's heart in just so many wonderful ways. This story is what is so wonderful about being human. I highly recommend it to everyone!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy of this debut novel.
This is a slower-paced, character-driven story that follows three generations of women from a close-knit Italian family. The story focuses on their relationships, personal struggles, and the way family can both support and frustrate us.
At the centre of it all is Graziella, the 96-year-old matriarch. She has a sharp tongue, a fierce work ethic, and very definite opinions. She says exactly what she thinks, whether people want to hear it or not, and I found her to be the standout character. (Her backstory would be a great book in its own right)
Her daughter, Grace, couldn't be more different. She's quieter and gentler, trying to cope with the challenges of menopause while also adjusting to life after divorce and wondering what the future holds as retirement approaches.
Then there's Ella, Grace's twenty-something daughter, who feels a little adrift. She's independent and determined but unsure of what she really wants from life. Her experiences living with diabetes added another dimension to the story.
When unexpected circumstances bring the three women together under the same roof, old tensions, different outlooks, and long-held assumptions all come to the surface. Watching them navigate those relationships and gradually understand one another was the real heart of the story.
If you enjoy novels that take their time to explore family relationships, personal growth, and the bonds between generations, this is a thoughtful and engaging debut.
This is a slower-paced, character-driven story that follows three generations of women from a close-knit Italian family. The story focuses on their relationships, personal struggles, and the way family can both support and frustrate us.
At the centre of it all is Graziella, the 96-year-old matriarch. She has a sharp tongue, a fierce work ethic, and very definite opinions. She says exactly what she thinks, whether people want to hear it or not, and I found her to be the standout character. (Her backstory would be a great book in its own right)
Her daughter, Grace, couldn't be more different. She's quieter and gentler, trying to cope with the challenges of menopause while also adjusting to life after divorce and wondering what the future holds as retirement approaches.
Then there's Ella, Grace's twenty-something daughter, who feels a little adrift. She's independent and determined but unsure of what she really wants from life. Her experiences living with diabetes added another dimension to the story.
When unexpected circumstances bring the three women together under the same roof, old tensions, different outlooks, and long-held assumptions all come to the surface. Watching them navigate those relationships and gradually understand one another was the real heart of the story.
If you enjoy novels that take their time to explore family relationships, personal growth, and the bonds between generations, this is a thoughtful and engaging debut.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An absolutely delightful read! I loved this story about three generations of women in an Italian American family in New York City and how their lives intersect. Graziella, Grace, and Ella represent the myth of the Three Graces. They are forced by circumstance to live together for the first time in years, while all at pivotal moments in their lives, and must work through the tensions between them. I loved the strong personalities of each of the Three Graces and the complex intergenerational relationships between them.
I flew through this book, especially because of its emotional depth and perfectly unexpected plot points. I was charmed by the many details throughout, such as Graziella’s Italian recipes (which I could so clearly envision through the page!), her zealous commitment to her church food pantry, and her rescue cats. I was captivated by Graziella’s strong character and her many secrets. Grace’s journey of finding purpose in middle age and during her divorce was equally powerful. As a Gen Z reader, I also appreciated Ella’s struggle to find her place, and the tensions simmering between Ella’s new ways and Graziella’s treasured traditions.
I was so sad to leave the Valentini family behind when the book came to a close. They will steal your heart. This story has everything: powerful mother-daughter-granddaughter relationships, new beginnings, touches of romance and levity, and stellar writing. Don’t miss this one!
I flew through this book, especially because of its emotional depth and perfectly unexpected plot points. I was charmed by the many details throughout, such as Graziella’s Italian recipes (which I could so clearly envision through the page!), her zealous commitment to her church food pantry, and her rescue cats. I was captivated by Graziella’s strong character and her many secrets. Grace’s journey of finding purpose in middle age and during her divorce was equally powerful. As a Gen Z reader, I also appreciated Ella’s struggle to find her place, and the tensions simmering between Ella’s new ways and Graziella’s treasured traditions.
I was so sad to leave the Valentini family behind when the book came to a close. They will steal your heart. This story has everything: powerful mother-daughter-granddaughter relationships, new beginnings, touches of romance and levity, and stellar writing. Don’t miss this one!
July 16, 2026
This story is a character driven novel that follows three generations of Italian American women. As an Italian American woman myself, I was especially drawn to the premise.
I found this book hard to rate. I would read one chapter and get completely hooked, and then be ready to abandon the book after the next two. It was a slow character driven book that explores the relationships of 3 generations of Valentini women, all going through different struggles and life stages.
I found the story to be a weird mix of bland and slaggy for stretches while also indulgent and bold the next. The fun parts didn't evolve into anything, landing pretty pointless and unsatisfying. The characters became myopic, repetitive, and stereotypical, less developed with little depth. I didn't particularly like them or care about their woes, which probably played a major part in my experience. I mostly liked 96yo Graziella and her care for stray cats. But honestly she seemed way overpainted.
While a big part of this story centered around the Catholic religion, it was often extremely offensive to anyone with Catholic proclivities. I am not Catholic, but found the digs at the religion to be in very poor taste.
By 65% mark, I was so ready for it to be over. Ugh. Sad. Had high hopes for this one, but I can't think of one person I would recommend this book to.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
I found this book hard to rate. I would read one chapter and get completely hooked, and then be ready to abandon the book after the next two. It was a slow character driven book that explores the relationships of 3 generations of Valentini women, all going through different struggles and life stages.
I found the story to be a weird mix of bland and slaggy for stretches while also indulgent and bold the next. The fun parts didn't evolve into anything, landing pretty pointless and unsatisfying. The characters became myopic, repetitive, and stereotypical, less developed with little depth. I didn't particularly like them or care about their woes, which probably played a major part in my experience. I mostly liked 96yo Graziella and her care for stray cats. But honestly she seemed way overpainted.
While a big part of this story centered around the Catholic religion, it was often extremely offensive to anyone with Catholic proclivities. I am not Catholic, but found the digs at the religion to be in very poor taste.
By 65% mark, I was so ready for it to be over. Ugh. Sad. Had high hopes for this one, but I can't think of one person I would recommend this book to.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A multi-generational story is my favorite genre, and this is one of the finest! It takes you into the lives of Graziella, Grace, and Ella to such a level, you feel like you’re there with them. You experience their journey of conflict, the inability to understand each other’s views, actions, and even lingo, but always with so much love and determination to protect each other.
The first half is a slow-burn in the best possible way. It gives the reader a deep understanding of each one’s inner thoughts and how they sometimes grapple with trying to respect tradition with modern beliefs. Throw in a couple secrets and unshared dreams, and it makes for the perfect saga. The second half is more plot driven.
Some longer books feel as the author threw in a lot of details for the sake of lengthening the word count, not this one. Every sentence contributed to understanding the many sides of these three women. At 400+ pages, it wasn’t long enough for me - I wanted to continue their life journey with them. Perfect in every way, no notes! Even with the overall seriousness, there are parts that will make smile, if not lol! I love Graziella’s ongoing clashes with a cardinal!
Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this wonderful book!
The first half is a slow-burn in the best possible way. It gives the reader a deep understanding of each one’s inner thoughts and how they sometimes grapple with trying to respect tradition with modern beliefs. Throw in a couple secrets and unshared dreams, and it makes for the perfect saga. The second half is more plot driven.
Some longer books feel as the author threw in a lot of details for the sake of lengthening the word count, not this one. Every sentence contributed to understanding the many sides of these three women. At 400+ pages, it wasn’t long enough for me - I wanted to continue their life journey with them. Perfect in every way, no notes! Even with the overall seriousness, there are parts that will make smile, if not lol! I love Graziella’s ongoing clashes with a cardinal!
Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books, and the author for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this wonderful book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I found this delightful trio of Grandmother, Mother & Daughter that confirmed everything in three makes us stronger!
I never felt it slow in pace plus it read like the proper length. I have finished some books that were a few hundred pages too long lately. I adored Graziella, Grace & Ella & I wonder if you will have a favorite?
Three worlds collide, but all three complement one another & the author makes it flow chapter by chapter. Each chose a different path in life given the generational span, but a realization brings a halt & were they that different?
My favorite part? Look for Graziella’s confrontation with a cardinal about what God knew about creating women & the question of equality.
I realize this must be the author’s first novel despite being an established writer for other periodicals. I will be on the lookout for her next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author & the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
I never felt it slow in pace plus it read like the proper length. I have finished some books that were a few hundred pages too long lately. I adored Graziella, Grace & Ella & I wonder if you will have a favorite?
Three worlds collide, but all three complement one another & the author makes it flow chapter by chapter. Each chose a different path in life given the generational span, but a realization brings a halt & were they that different?
My favorite part? Look for Graziella’s confrontation with a cardinal about what God knew about creating women & the question of equality.
I realize this must be the author’s first novel despite being an established writer for other periodicals. I will be on the lookout for her next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author & the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
In “The Three Graces of Pearl Street,” the three Valentini women - each from a different generation - unexpectedly find themselves living under the same roof. The chapters rotate through their perspectives, offering a glimpse at Nonna’s neighborhood routines, Grace’s midlife reckoning, and Ella’s 20-something missteps. It’s a delightful premise, and I was certainly delighted by the Italian-American references that rang true for my own family.
However, at 416 pages, the book is long, and the spirit of the plot and the family could have been captured with half the length. Although the story and the characters were interesting enough, the book dragged on. The twists didn't feel quite twisty enough, and even with a queer subplot, I was tempted to abandon the book at several points. (The ending did give me a good cathartic cry, though!)
In “The Three Graces of Pearl Street,” the three Valentini women - each from a different generation - unexpectedly find themselves living under the same roof. The chapters rotate through their perspectives, offering a glimpse at Nonna’s neighborhood routines, Grace’s midlife reckoning, and Ella’s 20-something missteps. It’s a delightful premise, and I was certainly delighted by the Italian-American references that rang true for my own family.
However, at 416 pages, the book is long, and the spirit of the plot and the family could have been captured with half the length. Although the story and the characters were interesting enough, the book dragged on. The twists didn't feel quite twisty enough, and even with a queer subplot, I was tempted to abandon the book at several points. (The ending did give me a good cathartic cry, though!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Elizabeth Wellington Rollins has written a story centered on three women whose dynamic is so richly rendered, so precisely observed, that I found myself completely immersed.
The interplay between the three women is the heart of this book, and Rollins earns every moment of it. Their bond doesn't feel constructed for plot, it feels layered and occasionally frayed in the ways that only the longest relationships can be. There's a particular emotional accuracy in how Rollins writes about girlhood and motherhood: the way the two blur together.
And the food!
I was not expecting the Italian food to be a character in its own right, but here we are. Rollins writes about it with such specificity and warmth: the smells, the ritual of it, the way a meal can carry an entire history.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley, and I'm already thinking about who I'm going to press this into the hands of. A generous, moving, beautifully observed novel.
The interplay between the three women is the heart of this book, and Rollins earns every moment of it. Their bond doesn't feel constructed for plot, it feels layered and occasionally frayed in the ways that only the longest relationships can be. There's a particular emotional accuracy in how Rollins writes about girlhood and motherhood: the way the two blur together.
And the food!
I was not expecting the Italian food to be a character in its own right, but here we are. Rollins writes about it with such specificity and warmth: the smells, the ritual of it, the way a meal can carry an entire history.
I received an advance copy via NetGalley, and I'm already thinking about who I'm going to press this into the hands of. A generous, moving, beautifully observed novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“The Three Graces” by Elizabeth Wellington Rollins is a heartwarming character driven debut novel that tells the story of a multi-generational matriarchal Italian Family. The story revolves around three women, a grandmother in her nineties who is a fixture in her neighborhood, her middle aged daughter about to be divorced, and her brilliant daughter who is searching to find her own place in the world. The three Graziella’s find themselves living together again, as they navigate through their own individual life challenges and growth. Following these delightful characters as they evolved and turned into the women they were meant to be was a joy to read. If you enjoy books that touch your heart this one is for you!
Thank you NetGalley and Altria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Altria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a family story and this one is a multi generational story that is so packed full of family drama, secrets, love, second chances and so much more. I devoured the 400 pages as I was so invested in the story!!
3 generations of women..all are named Graziella but the daughter goes by Grace and the granddaughter goes by Ella. Graziella takes care of everyone in their neighborhood, Grace and Ella are both trying to find their footing in their lives. They need each other and they also need to find out who else they need. Loved, loved this debut!!
This one comes out on Sept 1 and it’s a must read!! It will have you laughing, crying, thinking about your family members and so much more. Preorder now!!
3 generations of women..all are named Graziella but the daughter goes by Grace and the granddaughter goes by Ella. Graziella takes care of everyone in their neighborhood, Grace and Ella are both trying to find their footing in their lives. They need each other and they also need to find out who else they need. Loved, loved this debut!!
This one comes out on Sept 1 and it’s a must read!! It will have you laughing, crying, thinking about your family members and so much more. Preorder now!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A story with so much to love. The thee Graces represent three generations of woman of penetrating Italian history. Led by a woman whose eye never misses any detail. A trait that has served her and stoked fear and loyalty throughout her neighborhood. Graziella the head of the family , has cared and protected her friends and neighbors for decades when the story begins she is in her ninety fifth year and all three generations of Graces find themselves together; each with their own revelations to share as to why they are here under one roof. Each Grace finds a purpose and a place before Graziella lets go for the last time
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an incredible joy it was to read this novel of three generations of women, each dealing with loss in their own way, thrown together in a tiny apartment and coming to terms with each other and their own journeys. There's so much heart in this novel that it's not possible for you not to love it. Even though I felt like Grace (the mom) was explored the least compared to Graziella (the grandmother) and Ella (the granddaughter), I loved all three of them and I loved reading their journeys. I can't wait to read more from this author.
with gratitude to netgalley and Atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
with gratitude to netgalley and Atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A multigenerational story about an Italian grandmother, daughter and granddaughter, all named Grace, who come back to live together in a tiny home on Pearl Street after changed life circumstances. They all harbor secrets but are so tuned into each other that they find those secrets hard to hide from each other, except for the grandmother's secret wealth and what she plans to do with it. I found the grandmother hysterically funny, especially because she is so typically "Italian grandmother" from my own personal experience. She was very head strong and also very giving. The last part of her story was so heartwarming!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC of this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Shelf Awareness Pro
This was a lovely multi-generational book of 3 Italian women in one family, all named Grace. I thought it was going to have some more inner turmoil from the back description on the ARC. It really did not have a ton and felt on the part of Graziella, the grandmother, like more of a slap against the Catholic church and dishonest corporations. To which I say, yay! But it felt like Grace and Ella's voices were not as well defined, as it is runaway obviously Graziella's book. Still a good read overall!
May 31, 2026
Bravo!! One of the most beautiful, ugly, loving, frustrating, and heartfelt books I have ever read. I laughed and cried and yelled and did them all again. This book is filled with one thing above all else, Heart. So many thoughtful ways about how we should treat each other. How we should live with each other. I loved all of the Graces and how they evolved and turned into the women they were always meant to be. I didn’t want this book to end. A huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book changed my life. And I think it might change yours, too, if:
1. You are culturally Catholic, but haven't set foot in church in a decade except for your friends' weddings.
2. You have a complicated relationship with your mom, your grandmother, or both.
3. You believe in the goodness of humans despite all evidence otherwise.
4. You enjoy great writing.
Hail Mary, full of Grace, I hope they make this a movie.
1. You are culturally Catholic, but haven't set foot in church in a decade except for your friends' weddings.
2. You have a complicated relationship with your mom, your grandmother, or both.
3. You believe in the goodness of humans despite all evidence otherwise.
4. You enjoy great writing.
Hail Mary, full of Grace, I hope they make this a movie.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this book a LOT more than I expected. It is a story of three strong women in an Italian-American family—grandmother, mother and granddaughter, all named Graziella -- a nod to the Italian sculpture and legend of the three graces. It tells their family history, traditions, struggles and love for their community. It is uplifting without being treacly and made me crave authentic Italian food. It would be a GREAT book club selection! Not a must read, but a very pleasant and quick one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where do I start? I loved this book so much. A story about a grandmother with her secrets, a mother feeling the push and pull of middle years and a daughter experiencing big emotions in her formative years. The lives of these three very different generations intersect in New York City. Run, don't walk to read this novel, it was such an incredible read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Three generations of Italian women back under the same roof. the three Graces, have their own secrets. Their names come from Graziella the 90plus year old. Grace and Ella. A good first book from Elizabeth Wellington Rollins. I received a copy from Netgalley. Found myself rooting for the three different ladies and their stories to tell. I would give this a 3.5.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One thing about me, I love a multigenerational story. I read this book in one sitting and found the characters so endearing I’m pretty sure they’re real people I can go and visit in NYC ;). The beginning does feel slightly disjointed from the rest of the book but I’m glad that I pushed through because it was truly a super fun read
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A slow start takes off into a more engaging story as the various lives of three Italian-American ladies are revealed. A grandmother, mother and daughter survive each other until they reach the point they can thrive together.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this ARC.
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July 14, 2026Thank you Goodreads Giveaways for this wonderful book. This wasn’t a book I’d normally be drawn to and I never would have read it if I hadn’t won an early copy. I didn’t even think I’d like it and put off reading it for a couple of weeks. I was so wrong. I loved this book. It is beautifully written with engaging characters. I couldn’t put it down and read it in two days.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mother/daughter relationships can be the most frustrating but also the most meaningful. Ms. Wellington writes a story of three generations of women that will be familiar to many. Love, concern, regret, rejection and ultimately admiration for each others personal journeys
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a beautiful, heart-felt novel about a family who takes care of each other regardless of what others believe. It's a tribute to family, food, love, and tradition--one of those books that keeps you quietly weeping for it's grace and intensity!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A Booklist read! I really loved this book. The characters are drawn so well, especially the matriarch of the family, who is ninety-six but still on top of her game. I also loved Ella, the granddaughter. And even with a character-driven story, the plot and characters' secrets keep the pace moving.
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