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The Three Graces of Pearl Street
In this wise and warm debut novel, an Italian American grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter all named after the Roman myth of the Three Graces find their lives—and their secrets—colliding when, after years apart, they come to live under the same roof.
Graziella, a ninety-six-year-old former nun, spends her days running the parish’s food kitchen, convinced it is her responsibility to keep everyone fed in their working-class New York neighborhood. Her daughter, Grace, a respected psychology professor, appears accomplished and composed, yet finds herself unmoored as her personal life falters. Ella—Graziella’s granddaughter and Grace’s daughter—is weary of defending her vegan diet and anti-capitalistic lifestyle; blind to her own brilliance, she longs, above all, for a place to belong. Living together again, the three Graces reckon with the distances that have shaped them, and with what it means, at last, to be fully known.
Populated by unforgettable characters, The Three Graces of Pearl Street explores the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, and the quiet courage it takes to move through the world with true grace.
Graziella, a ninety-six-year-old former nun, spends her days running the parish’s food kitchen, convinced it is her responsibility to keep everyone fed in their working-class New York neighborhood. Her daughter, Grace, a respected psychology professor, appears accomplished and composed, yet finds herself unmoored as her personal life falters. Ella—Graziella’s granddaughter and Grace’s daughter—is weary of defending her vegan diet and anti-capitalistic lifestyle; blind to her own brilliance, she longs, above all, for a place to belong. Living together again, the three Graces reckon with the distances that have shaped them, and with what it means, at last, to be fully known.
Populated by unforgettable characters, The Three Graces of Pearl Street explores the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, and the quiet courage it takes to move through the world with true grace.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2026
About the author
Elizabeth Wellington Rollins
3 books191 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 1,035 reviews
September 1, 2026
Happy Publication Day: September 1, 2026
This is the author’s debut novel about three generations of Italian American women – named after the Roman myth of the Graces – living together – though not always, easily. There is the 96-year-old Graziella, Grace, her daughter and Ella, the granddaughter.
From the beginning, it is clear that generational divides challenge these women. Graziella holds tightly to old-world traditions and her role as matriarch, while the younger generations are more comfortable with the expectations and freedoms of modern life.
Each woman is also navigating her own changes: Graziella is unwilling to let go of her matriarchy role, Grace is dealing with divorce and mid-life, and Ella is searching for her purpose.
Told from each woman’s perspective, the story invites readers into their lives – the friction, quick repartee, expectations and, even the delicious smells of meals that practically come to life on the page.
This is a slow-paced, character-centered, heartwarming story about three women trying to find their way through celebrations, conflicts and changing expectations. Ultimately, it is about confidence, hope and finding the courage to become the person each woman chooses to be.
Will they succeed? I’ll leave that for readers to discover.
🌟🌟🌟.5 Stars
This is the author’s debut novel about three generations of Italian American women – named after the Roman myth of the Graces – living together – though not always, easily. There is the 96-year-old Graziella, Grace, her daughter and Ella, the granddaughter.
From the beginning, it is clear that generational divides challenge these women. Graziella holds tightly to old-world traditions and her role as matriarch, while the younger generations are more comfortable with the expectations and freedoms of modern life.
Each woman is also navigating her own changes: Graziella is unwilling to let go of her matriarchy role, Grace is dealing with divorce and mid-life, and Ella is searching for her purpose.
Told from each woman’s perspective, the story invites readers into their lives – the friction, quick repartee, expectations and, even the delicious smells of meals that practically come to life on the page.
This is a slow-paced, character-centered, heartwarming story about three women trying to find their way through celebrations, conflicts and changing expectations. Ultimately, it is about confidence, hope and finding the courage to become the person each woman chooses to be.
Will they succeed? I’ll leave that for readers to discover.
🌟🌟🌟.5 Stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
All of my grandparents were born in Italy so it was easy to feel a connection to the characters . Three generations of Italian women, all with the same name - Graziella, the 96 year old grandmother, her daughter called Grace , her daughter called Ella. Graziella reminded me of a number of women in my life who would do anything for their family. She cares for the people in her community as well, always though with a tough and controlling demeanor. Tough enough to take on the Catholic Church for them . There’s a lot of love and compassion behind that toughness. I have to admit, though that her nearly constant sarcastic retorts felt overdone at times, almost a little contrived . However, Graziella knows who she is and what she has to do for those in need and how she manages as their benefactor came as a surprise.
Grace and Ella are having a difficult time on the road to self discovery and acceptance as the three of them end up living together . And oh the secrets that get revealed as the three of them find common ground in their unconditional love for each other. The comfort of food, the belief that family is everything, and the importance of keeping traditions were a part of my upbringing, even the occasional Italian swear word and were things reflected here. An enjoyable read, a touching ending.
I received a copy of this from Atria through NetGalley.
August 1, 2026
A really lovely story of three generations of women in one family…
all named Graziella, there is Graziella the 96 yr old elder member, her daughter who goes by Grace, and her granddaughter who goes by Ella.
They are named after a statue in Italy.. The Three Graces.
Graziella was born in the house on Pearl Street, in Little Italy and lived there also throughout her marriage and now in her advanced age she and her daughter and granddaughter are brought together in that same house for various reasons… all have some secrets that come to light.
You will love them all , but mostly Graziella who is an old stern Nona, but she has always helped the entire community and you will find out the stunning reasons of how she could do that.
The daughter and granddaughter’s romantic relationships are also part of the story, as is Italian cooking, and the Catholic church.
I absolutely loved this story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the free ebook in exchange for my honest review!
all named Graziella, there is Graziella the 96 yr old elder member, her daughter who goes by Grace, and her granddaughter who goes by Ella.
They are named after a statue in Italy.. The Three Graces.
Graziella was born in the house on Pearl Street, in Little Italy and lived there also throughout her marriage and now in her advanced age she and her daughter and granddaughter are brought together in that same house for various reasons… all have some secrets that come to light.
You will love them all , but mostly Graziella who is an old stern Nona, but she has always helped the entire community and you will find out the stunning reasons of how she could do that.
The daughter and granddaughter’s romantic relationships are also part of the story, as is Italian cooking, and the Catholic church.
I absolutely loved this story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the free ebook in exchange for my honest review!
April 12, 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
My very positive and long thought out review of this book was deleted. This is very upsetting because I actually take a while to write my review as I think a while about what I want to say.
This has been happening a lot especially with ARC reviews that get posted prior to a books release date. going forward, I will be saving my reviews on a notepad. :(
This has been happening a lot especially with ARC reviews that get posted prior to a books release date. going forward, I will be saving my reviews on a notepad. :(
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.
September 6, 2026
4.5-
I loved this beautiful story of connection, family, and the importance of giving back to your community. Spanning three generations of women—grandmother (Nonna), mother (Grace), and daughter (Ella), all named Graziella after The Three Graces statue in Rome—each character is navigating her own life-altering crossroads.
While Nonna at first appears cold, grumpy, and a bit sharp—far beyond your typical spicy Italian grandmother—I grew to absolutely love her as her story unfolded. Featuring mouthwatering descriptions of classic Italian food, a realistic clashing of generations, and three women finding their way, this was such a lovely read. Listening on audio brought the vibrant Italian accents and personality to life even more. Highly recommend!
I loved this beautiful story of connection, family, and the importance of giving back to your community. Spanning three generations of women—grandmother (Nonna), mother (Grace), and daughter (Ella), all named Graziella after The Three Graces statue in Rome—each character is navigating her own life-altering crossroads.
While Nonna at first appears cold, grumpy, and a bit sharp—far beyond your typical spicy Italian grandmother—I grew to absolutely love her as her story unfolded. Featuring mouthwatering descriptions of classic Italian food, a realistic clashing of generations, and three women finding their way, this was such a lovely read. Listening on audio brought the vibrant Italian accents and personality to life even more. Highly recommend!
June 21, 2026
Loved this book about family!
This generational story kept my interest as the author tell of a grandmother, mother and daughter all with the same name! Don’t worry! They go by nicknames so you are not totally confused! Of course- there are secrets!
Highly recommend!
This generational story kept my interest as the author tell of a grandmother, mother and daughter all with the same name! Don’t worry! They go by nicknames so you are not totally confused! Of course- there are secrets!
Highly recommend!
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
What a lovely surprise! A rare novel suffused with warmth without being syrupy. I found the three generations of Graces believable and thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with them.
August 25, 2026
A wonderful multigenerational story of 3 women all named Grace. I thought this book had a lot of great moments and the last 30% really grabbed my attention. However, I think it was 75-100 pages too long and took a bit to get going with the plot.
Great debut! Also- audiobook had 3 separate narrators for each of the women’s POV chapters which was a great listening experience.
Great debut! Also- audiobook had 3 separate narrators for each of the women’s POV chapters which was a great listening experience.
September 13, 2026
This is a fun story of three Graziellas (Graces in English). Matriach Maria came to the U.S. as a young girl from Italy with little but a kitten in her arms. The Graziellas are her descendants, each belonging to a different generation. The first Graziella was named after a statue of women in Maria's home town, called "The Three Graziellas."
*Graziella - is the 96 year old Nonna. A petite woman (her granddaughter describes her as 4 foot 2 inches tall), Graziella bustles with energy and determination. A former nun, her family, church and community are important to her. She is generous, but is blunt and suffers no fools. (I thought that Graziella's character was written in an exaggerated way.)
*Grace - is Graziella's daughter. Softer than her mother, Grace in a Psychology professor at Columbia. She is married to a man who lives out of the country. She rarely sees him. Grace is concerned about her daughter, Ella.
*Ella - is floundering, when the book begins. She dropped out of college right before graduation and is working at a thrift store. Her boyfriend treats her badly. Ella has stopped seeing her family.
This is the set-up and the story flows from there. All three women were interesting to me. I enjoyed getting to know them and watching them grow and change.
Personal Note: Nonna spearheads a hunger center in the book and is most charitable. In this, she reminded me of my own 4 foot 11 inch grandmother (Ida), who presided over two charity groups and was full of energy.
Here are photos and information about the Italian sculpture - the three Graziellas.
https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-th...
*Graziella - is the 96 year old Nonna. A petite woman (her granddaughter describes her as 4 foot 2 inches tall), Graziella bustles with energy and determination. A former nun, her family, church and community are important to her. She is generous, but is blunt and suffers no fools. (I thought that Graziella's character was written in an exaggerated way.)
*Grace - is Graziella's daughter. Softer than her mother, Grace in a Psychology professor at Columbia. She is married to a man who lives out of the country. She rarely sees him. Grace is concerned about her daughter, Ella.
*Ella - is floundering, when the book begins. She dropped out of college right before graduation and is working at a thrift store. Her boyfriend treats her badly. Ella has stopped seeing her family.
This is the set-up and the story flows from there. All three women were interesting to me. I enjoyed getting to know them and watching them grow and change.
Personal Note: Nonna spearheads a hunger center in the book and is most charitable. In this, she reminded me of my own 4 foot 11 inch grandmother (Ida), who presided over two charity groups and was full of energy.
Here are photos and information about the Italian sculpture - the three Graziellas.
https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-th...
September 7, 2026
I will need some grace from all of my lovely GR friends after this review.
Three generations of Italian women. Graziella, Grace and Ella. A fiesty grandmother, a lost mother and a spoiled granddaughter connecting together through life. Sadly, I never connected with any of them. I really tried, in fact I would say 25% in I thought about the dreaded DNF. I persevered.
The pacing was slow and sometimes that works if there is a life lesson or strong characters,, but it never quite got there for me. There were a couple of lovely quotes that saved the book. Bravo for that. The plot was predictable and a serious edit was needed.
I think all cat lovers may enjoy this book, but if you are Catholic, I think you will find this book heavily offensive.
I am more of a dog person and am not Catholic. So there is that…. I just have to keep it 💯
I listened to this book and that may play some part in the rating. Perhaps the written book would have worked more to my advantage. Please look at others reviews that are more favourable.
Three generations of Italian women. Graziella, Grace and Ella. A fiesty grandmother, a lost mother and a spoiled granddaughter connecting together through life. Sadly, I never connected with any of them. I really tried, in fact I would say 25% in I thought about the dreaded DNF. I persevered.
The pacing was slow and sometimes that works if there is a life lesson or strong characters,, but it never quite got there for me. There were a couple of lovely quotes that saved the book. Bravo for that. The plot was predictable and a serious edit was needed.
I think all cat lovers may enjoy this book, but if you are Catholic, I think you will find this book heavily offensive.
I am more of a dog person and am not Catholic. So there is that…. I just have to keep it 💯
I listened to this book and that may play some part in the rating. Perhaps the written book would have worked more to my advantage. Please look at others reviews that are more favourable.
September 7, 2026
The Three Graces of Pearl Street is about a family of Italian American women with the same name. Graziella Valentini is the eldest matriarch at 96, and her daughter, Grace, and granddaughter, Ella, are the other primary characters.
Each woman is facing her own challenges and their relationships with one another have been up and down recently. This is a story about family, identity, care, and legacy. Italian heritage and Catholicism are also present throughout the story.
I enjoyed The Three Graces of Pearl Street, though I have to admit, it took a little while for Graziella to grow on me. I grew to like her more as we learned more about her life and her story. This is not a short book, and generally slower paced. It began to feel a little repetitive at times, but I read through it quickly, staying curious to see how things would turn out for Graziella, Grace, and Ella.
Each woman is facing her own challenges and their relationships with one another have been up and down recently. This is a story about family, identity, care, and legacy. Italian heritage and Catholicism are also present throughout the story.
I enjoyed The Three Graces of Pearl Street, though I have to admit, it took a little while for Graziella to grow on me. I grew to like her more as we learned more about her life and her story. This is not a short book, and generally slower paced. It began to feel a little repetitive at times, but I read through it quickly, staying curious to see how things would turn out for Graziella, Grace, and Ella.
July 30, 2026
Such a great multi generational book. The three Graces are an Italian grandmother, mom, and daughter. I loved each of their relationships and how important their Italian heritage was to them! The growth in the characters was so special. This debut novel is superb!
August 21, 2026
10 stars if I could 👏👏👏🥹… this is my book of the year!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Three Graces of Pearl Street is a beautifully written story about family, connections, love, forgiveness, and the bonds that hold us together. Told through the perspectives of three generations—Graziella, Grace, and Ella—the story gives each woman a unique voice while showing how their lives and experiences are deeply connected.
My favorite character by far was Nonna Graziella. What a strong, unforgettable woman! She is the heart of both her family and her community, and I loved watching her hold everyone together while carrying so much of her own history.
There is also a wonderful amount of Italian woven throughout the story, which made it feel especially personal to me. As an Italian-Canadian, I connected so deeply with the characters, their relationships, and the family dynamics. I laughed, felt all the emotions, and completely ugly cried at the end. 🥹❤️
A beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time. Absolutely deserving of 5 stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Three Graces of Pearl Street is a beautifully written story about family, connections, love, forgiveness, and the bonds that hold us together. Told through the perspectives of three generations—Graziella, Grace, and Ella—the story gives each woman a unique voice while showing how their lives and experiences are deeply connected.
My favorite character by far was Nonna Graziella. What a strong, unforgettable woman! She is the heart of both her family and her community, and I loved watching her hold everyone together while carrying so much of her own history.
There is also a wonderful amount of Italian woven throughout the story, which made it feel especially personal to me. As an Italian-Canadian, I connected so deeply with the characters, their relationships, and the family dynamics. I laughed, felt all the emotions, and completely ugly cried at the end. 🥹❤️
A beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time. Absolutely deserving of 5 stars!
September 27, 2026
3.5
Three generations of Graziellas - the eldest matriarch is a strong willed ninety-six year old, a devout Catholic, who's also a feminist in her own way. She helps lots of people, more than the church does.
Her daughter, Grace, is a psychology university professor going through menopause and other major changes.
Ella, Grace's daughter and Graziella's granddaughter, is a bit of a rebel, a vegan, dropped out of MIT and works in a charity shop, digging through donations.
I've read this type of novel before, therefore I found it predictable. Regardless, the female characters were well written and I was invested in their outcomes.
My favourite thing was the uniqueness of naming ones progeniture after the mother, even though I'm not a fan of giving the kids the same first name of one of their parents. I'm passionate about a matriarchal surname lineage. I'm tired of seeing single mothers with kids carrying their deadbeat father's surname.
Three generations of Graziellas - the eldest matriarch is a strong willed ninety-six year old, a devout Catholic, who's also a feminist in her own way. She helps lots of people, more than the church does.
Her daughter, Grace, is a psychology university professor going through menopause and other major changes.
Ella, Grace's daughter and Graziella's granddaughter, is a bit of a rebel, a vegan, dropped out of MIT and works in a charity shop, digging through donations.
I've read this type of novel before, therefore I found it predictable. Regardless, the female characters were well written and I was invested in their outcomes.
My favourite thing was the uniqueness of naming ones progeniture after the mother, even though I'm not a fan of giving the kids the same first name of one of their parents. I'm passionate about a matriarchal surname lineage. I'm tired of seeing single mothers with kids carrying their deadbeat father's surname.
September 18, 2026
I found this story didn't really move me. It was very slow moving and repetitive. I added the extra ⭐️for the feisty grandmother who was central to the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Italian immigrant Graziella is 96 years old and is living alone in her home in the New York suburb of Mamaroneck. She volunteers in the local parish's food kitchen, supporting those in need within her working-class neighborhood. Her daughter Grace, a psychology professor, had lived in a large home in a more affluent section but is renovating it, preparing for its sale due to her impending divorce. Her daughter Ella is a very intelligent young woman, still searching to find herself. Circumstances lead all three women to live together with Graziella. Life becomes a blend of tension and coming together following a series of events and revelations.
The Three Graces of Pearl Street is an impressive debut by Elizabeth Wellington Rollins, who brings incredible heart and authenticity to this story of three generations of Graces. Graziella, a former nun, upholds many of the traditions of the past, including cooking great Italian dishes, yet she has a more modern mindset than she is given credit for. She is an unforgettable character. Leave room on your list for this lovely book about family, finding grace, and generosity.
Many thanks to Atria Books for the gifted advance.
4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
The Three Graces of Pearl Street is an impressive debut by Elizabeth Wellington Rollins, who brings incredible heart and authenticity to this story of three generations of Graces. Graziella, a former nun, upholds many of the traditions of the past, including cooking great Italian dishes, yet she has a more modern mindset than she is given credit for. She is an unforgettable character. Leave room on your list for this lovely book about family, finding grace, and generosity.
Many thanks to Atria Books for the gifted advance.
4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
September 23, 2026
4-4.5, A feel good book and god knows we all need that!
August 2, 2026
I don’t think I’ve loved a book like this in a long time. It was a beautiful portrait of a family of strong women, all with different personalities but the same driver to do good in the world.
I loved all three women for different reasons. But the most being their bonds with one another. It made me feel so much and it’s definitely a contender for my best book of the year.
Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy!! It’s out now through book of the month and hitting a shelf near you in early September 2026 ❤️🍝
I loved all three women for different reasons. But the most being their bonds with one another. It made me feel so much and it’s definitely a contender for my best book of the year.
Thank you to the author for the advanced reader copy!! It’s out now through book of the month and hitting a shelf near you in early September 2026 ❤️🍝
July 8, 2026
See my full review at http://michelleardillo.com/2026/07/08...
October 12, 2026
This story had all the makings of a fabulous and memorable novel for me. Three generations of women exploring education, marriage and divorce, children, illness, finances, grief and more. However, I didn't feel invested in this slow moving story until two thirds done. I don't know if the audiobook performance was part of the issue. I would recommend reading a physical or ebook for this one.🎧
September 2, 2026
I hate to say this about a debut author's book, but this was a mess full of Italian stereotypes and melodrama.
This book follows three generations of Italian women all named Graziella. The first Graziella is the head strong grandmother, who is written in a way that is offensive and cliched to nonnas. She is out spoken, crass, and also apparently a savant at day trading. (Truly an odd storyline, as well as her former nun past.) The next Graziella goes by Grace, and she is the opposite of her mother--she is an often timid pushover, and definitely the most underdeveloped of the characters. The author also chose to describe Grace's Pucci outfits in exhausting detail. The last Graziella is Grace's daughter, Ella. Ella is a bad caricature of Gen Z. She is directionless (yet also a super genius), entitled, and her storylines are by far the most bizarre, involving a lead pig and a big cat during a driving exam.
For a book spanning 400 pages, not much happened, and what did happen was either predictable (such as the romances) or laughably unrealistic. This was a struggle to get through.
This book follows three generations of Italian women all named Graziella. The first Graziella is the head strong grandmother, who is written in a way that is offensive and cliched to nonnas. She is out spoken, crass, and also apparently a savant at day trading. (Truly an odd storyline, as well as her former nun past.) The next Graziella goes by Grace, and she is the opposite of her mother--she is an often timid pushover, and definitely the most underdeveloped of the characters. The author also chose to describe Grace's Pucci outfits in exhausting detail. The last Graziella is Grace's daughter, Ella. Ella is a bad caricature of Gen Z. She is directionless (yet also a super genius), entitled, and her storylines are by far the most bizarre, involving a lead pig and a big cat during a driving exam.
For a book spanning 400 pages, not much happened, and what did happen was either predictable (such as the romances) or laughably unrealistic. This was a struggle to get through.
September 12, 2026
The Three Graces of Pearl Street gave me three generations of women who could love one another and still drive each other crazy, which felt very believable. Graziella, Grace, and Ella are at completely different stages of life, and having them under the same roof brings old disagreements and secrets right along with them.
Graziella was especially memorable to me. At ninety-six, this former num is still running the parish food kitchen and worrying about everyone around her. Grace may appear to have everything together as a psychology professor, but her own life is coming apart, while Ella is still trying to figure out where she belongs and what she wants in life.
What worked so well for me was that none of these women had all the answers simply because of her age or experience. They could be stubborn, frustrating, loving, and so wrong about each other at times The family relationships felt messy in a very recognizable way, and I liked the contrast between Graziella's generation, Grace's and Ella's. This was ultimately a story about three women learning things about one another that perhaps they should have known long ago.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Graziella was especially memorable to me. At ninety-six, this former num is still running the parish food kitchen and worrying about everyone around her. Grace may appear to have everything together as a psychology professor, but her own life is coming apart, while Ella is still trying to figure out where she belongs and what she wants in life.
What worked so well for me was that none of these women had all the answers simply because of her age or experience. They could be stubborn, frustrating, loving, and so wrong about each other at times The family relationships felt messy in a very recognizable way, and I liked the contrast between Graziella's generation, Grace's and Ella's. This was ultimately a story about three women learning things about one another that perhaps they should have known long ago.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 3, 2026
Graziella Valentini, a woman in her nineties, lives in New York's Little Italy. She helps out her community, works at the parish's food pantry, and is a well-known and generous person who is always willing to lend a hand. After all, she was a former nun! Her daughter, Grace, is a psychologist in the city and is going through a divorce. She is at a major fork in the road of her life. Meanwhile, her daughter, Ella, is also going through some difficulties. She dropped out of MIT, is working at a thrift store in the city, and has lost her way. Things aren't great between the two women until a freak accident involving Ella brings them together under the same roof. Elizabeth Wellington Rollins’s debut novel, The Three Graces of Pearl Street, draws on the Roman myth of the three Graces. It’s charming and heartfelt, and it’s perfect for readers who enjoy generational sagas.
Read the rest of my review here:
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Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
September 6, 2026
Ok I am just going to say it. I really didn’t like this book. I wanted to! The premise was so ideal. I think it was the writing. I am sorry to say. I felt like I was being talked at rather than reading the story. I also didn’t like the grandma. Sacrilege, I know. Maybe she had good works, but she was grouchy and controlling to her family. The mother was spineless. I only liked Ella who had both the right amount of sass and compassion. It was so slow! 400 pages, really? The outcome of this story was plain from the beginning. I’m sorry!
August 30, 2026
A treasury of words. Wise, humorous with family heritage.
I loved the family dynamic of the three Graziellas: Grandmother- Graziella, Daughter/mother - Grace, and Granddaughter/daughter- Ella.
Steeped in Italian heritage combined with Italian-American culture, this novel resonated with me particularly, having grown up surrounded by my paternal Italian relatives. Fond memories.
Graziella grew up poor but not wanting. Her family behind her to shore her up. She grew up smart, sassy and determined. She helped everyone in her community, small and large benevolences. At 96, she was a savvy day trader amassing a small fortune to support her community.
Grace is a psychology professor at Columbia in NYC; and Ella an MIT graduate in nuclear physics. Grace has a lousy husband and Ella a lousy father. They surpass those issues with their fortitude.
True beauty and wisdom in the prose. I highlighted at least a quarter of the book!
Thanks Edelweiss and Atria Books.
Pub date: 9/1/26.
I loved the family dynamic of the three Graziellas: Grandmother- Graziella, Daughter/mother - Grace, and Granddaughter/daughter- Ella.
Steeped in Italian heritage combined with Italian-American culture, this novel resonated with me particularly, having grown up surrounded by my paternal Italian relatives. Fond memories.
Graziella grew up poor but not wanting. Her family behind her to shore her up. She grew up smart, sassy and determined. She helped everyone in her community, small and large benevolences. At 96, she was a savvy day trader amassing a small fortune to support her community.
Grace is a psychology professor at Columbia in NYC; and Ella an MIT graduate in nuclear physics. Grace has a lousy husband and Ella a lousy father. They surpass those issues with their fortitude.
True beauty and wisdom in the prose. I highlighted at least a quarter of the book!
Thanks Edelweiss and Atria Books.
Pub date: 9/1/26.
September 8, 2026
Loved this intergenerational drama. It needs a movie adaptation!
All three main characters really stood out to me. Graziella is the Italian American grandmother. The powerful matriarch of the family and leader in the community.
Grace is her overachieving daughter going through a midlife divorce and identity crisis.
Ella is Grace’s daughter in her young twenties still trying to find herself.
The revolving POV and realistically complicated interactions between the characters really helped me connect to each of them.
A lovely story and me I highly recommend!
All three main characters really stood out to me. Graziella is the Italian American grandmother. The powerful matriarch of the family and leader in the community.
Grace is her overachieving daughter going through a midlife divorce and identity crisis.
Ella is Grace’s daughter in her young twenties still trying to find herself.
The revolving POV and realistically complicated interactions between the characters really helped me connect to each of them.
A lovely story and me I highly recommend!
September 22, 2026
This was a solid 3 stars for me. There were 3 generations of women trying to figure out their relationships. When to hold on, when to let go. When to love, when to pull out the tough love. When to forgive, and when to just move on. Nona, Mom, and daughter. I loved Nona. She was strong and fierce. She made this read worthwhile. So 3 stars for Nona.
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