What do you think?
Rate this book
The Legacy of Us: A Novel
Taking readers from 1905 Italy to present-day Philadelphia, The Legacy of Us uncovers how the lives of three generations of women are changed by love, loss and one little necklace. Liz Moretti thought she knew almost everything about her grandmother, Ella, from her love of "The Golden Girls" to the perfect pound cake recipe. But when Ella passes away and Liz finds a cameo locket with a marriage proposal engraved inside (from a man who was not her grandfather), she realizes that sometimes a person's secrets are discovered only after they're gone.
On top of losing Ella, Liz's career as a jewelry designer is stagnant and her love life lacks sparkle, too. When she reconnects with the one who got away, Liz thinks maybe things are finally starting to look up. But after a few drinks and a trip down a flight of stairs, Liz wakes up to realize the cameo is gone. Her ex offers to look for it, but so does Justin, the intriguing new guy in her apartment building.
While dealing with her feelings for two very different men and generally trying to reinvent her mess of a life, Liz finds answers and solace in Ella's diary. The story of the cameo, and the relationship between her grandmother and great-grandmother, an outspoken socialite from Italy, inspires Liz to grow up and accept responsibility for her missteps. Eventually she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the promise of something better.
On top of losing Ella, Liz's career as a jewelry designer is stagnant and her love life lacks sparkle, too. When she reconnects with the one who got away, Liz thinks maybe things are finally starting to look up. But after a few drinks and a trip down a flight of stairs, Liz wakes up to realize the cameo is gone. Her ex offers to look for it, but so does Justin, the intriguing new guy in her apartment building.
While dealing with her feelings for two very different men and generally trying to reinvent her mess of a life, Liz finds answers and solace in Ella's diary. The story of the cameo, and the relationship between her grandmother and great-grandmother, an outspoken socialite from Italy, inspires Liz to grow up and accept responsibility for her missteps. Eventually she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the promise of something better.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2015
5 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Contino
3 books106 followersKristin Contino writes women's fiction including THE LEGACY OF US (Sparkpress, 2015) and the forthcoming A HOUSE FULL OF WINDSOR (Wyatt-MacKenzie, 2021).
When she's not writing fiction, Kristin serves as chief reporter at Royal Central, where she covers royal news from around the world (and tries not to buy too many of the Duchess of Cambridge's outfits).
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/kristincontinowriter
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/royallykristinc
When she's not writing fiction, Kristin serves as chief reporter at Royal Central, where she covers royal news from around the world (and tries not to buy too many of the Duchess of Cambridge's outfits).
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/kristincontinowriter
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/royallykristinc
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 27, 2016
The Legacy of Us is a multigenerational novel about 4 women and their connection to each other through a cameo necklace. Two of the women - Liz and Gabriella are the main characters and their stories are told in the most detail.
Liz is a 20 something jewelry designer who spends her time hanging out with her friends and looking for love (sometimes in the wrong places). When her grandmother Ella dies, Liz finds a cameo necklace and a diary in the desk that her grandmother left her. In the diary, Liz learns about her great grandmother Gabriella and the man she was engaged to who gave her the cameo necklace. The book moves seamlessly through the stories from different generations.
I enjoyed this novel and the multigenerational stories. Even though the women lived vastly different lives, they were all strong willed women who were trying to find love and happiness in their lives. I also enjoyed the parts of the story that were set in Italy. The author did a fantastic job of describing the clothes and the Italian scenery.
A fun read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
Liz is a 20 something jewelry designer who spends her time hanging out with her friends and looking for love (sometimes in the wrong places). When her grandmother Ella dies, Liz finds a cameo necklace and a diary in the desk that her grandmother left her. In the diary, Liz learns about her great grandmother Gabriella and the man she was engaged to who gave her the cameo necklace. The book moves seamlessly through the stories from different generations.
I enjoyed this novel and the multigenerational stories. Even though the women lived vastly different lives, they were all strong willed women who were trying to find love and happiness in their lives. I also enjoyed the parts of the story that were set in Italy. The author did a fantastic job of describing the clothes and the Italian scenery.
A fun read that I highly recommend.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.
August 14, 2021
Such a heartwarming story
I loved this story of three generations, the questions of mother daughter relationships, and true love. Made me smile. Great story
I loved this story of three generations, the questions of mother daughter relationships, and true love. Made me smile. Great story
July 31, 2016
After Liz Moretti's grandmother Ella (Nan) passes away, she discovers Nan's diary in an old desk that Nan has left her as well as a box containing a cameo with a beautiful inscription that leaves Liz a bit confused about Nan's past. In reading the diary, she discovers the truth behind that inscription and the story of Nan's mother Gabriella's time in Florence, Italy, as well as the struggles that Nan had with her mother in the late 1950's after she moves in with her family. I enjoyed the story of Liz but resonated a bit with Ella's story in which her mother ends up going to live with her and her family and begins to have some memory loss, which is something I am currently going through with my own mother. I also really liked Gabriella's story that takes place in Italy! Overall, this book was most enjoyable and I do recommend it!! I am looking forward to reading more by Kristin Contino!!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2015
What a terrific read! It normally takes me about 100 pages to really get into a book, but The Legacy of Us grabbed me right away. I am also 8.5 months pregnant and find that I'm often too tired to read for pleasure, but with this book, I had to make myself put it down.
Contino did a great job with character development and also differentiating between the different time periods of the 3 generations women. I live near Philadelphia and really enjoyed reading the references to the city - the bike in El Vez and the common city bar turned to great brunch spot in the light of day.
I definitely recommend this book.
Contino did a great job with character development and also differentiating between the different time periods of the 3 generations women. I live near Philadelphia and really enjoyed reading the references to the city - the bike in El Vez and the common city bar turned to great brunch spot in the light of day.
I definitely recommend this book.
August 7, 2016
I was given this book by Great Thoughts Great readers on Facebook in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story. The story is told in flashbacks. I like that we get glimpses of Gabriella's glamours life when she was a young girl. I loved hearing about the balls and how she met Joseph, a story she never shared until a diary is found. Liz inherits the desk, diary, cameo and learns of the secrets of her great grandmother.
I love how the cameo becomes important to each of the generations and how the tradition of it continues. What an awesome legacy to leave your daughters.
I really enjoyed this story. The story is told in flashbacks. I like that we get glimpses of Gabriella's glamours life when she was a young girl. I loved hearing about the balls and how she met Joseph, a story she never shared until a diary is found. Liz inherits the desk, diary, cameo and learns of the secrets of her great grandmother.
I love how the cameo becomes important to each of the generations and how the tradition of it continues. What an awesome legacy to leave your daughters.
July 5, 2015
“The Legacy of Us” is a sweet read. Four generations of women and their relationships with love, each other, and their careers. I was concerned it would be confusing following the different threads, but the author does a masterful job of weaving them together, the reader is never lost. There are plenty of thoughtful messages in this book about the power women have in romance, the ability of women to choose their own paths, and the beauty in overcoming the strife in mother-daughter relationships. The characters are realistic and just flawed enough to be interesting and compelling. The author takes the reader on an emotional ride that is just sorrowful enough to be engaging, and just joyful enough to make a smile break out while you’re reading.
Free copy given in exchange for an honest review.
Free copy given in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2015
What a light, fun story about Liz Moretti a young, single, budding jewelry designer whose grandmother dies and leaves her desk to Liz. When Liz starts cleaning out the desk, she comes across the diary of her grandmother Ella and a cameo that once belonged to Liz's great grandmother Gabriella. The author did a good job of weaving what really is 3 stories into one. The present day Liz, with her boyfriend troubles, her grandmother Ella, whose diary from 1957 gives us a peek at her life as a stay-at-home mom with aspirations to open a bakery, and through Ella's diary we get the story of Gabriella, her fiancé troubles back in Florence 1905 and the story about the cameo.
January 7, 2016
The author graduated from my college. I got to go to a Q & A and got a signed copy!
So being home sick from work was a big plus- I managed to stay in bed, actually sleep and read an entire book today because I couldn't put it down! Normally I don't like time traveling in books (jumping characters in different time periods) but this was really easy to follow and I found the story engaging. I did want to know what the story of Gabriella was and how she came to not marry Joseph. It certainly wasn't the ending I was expecting. It was also nice knowing the author and also knowing some of the events were written based on a mutual friend! Very nice and up to date references including a reference to etsy! Plus, as someone who has a family member suffering from dementia, it was easy to relate to the characters. A good chick lit book and easy read!
So being home sick from work was a big plus- I managed to stay in bed, actually sleep and read an entire book today because I couldn't put it down! Normally I don't like time traveling in books (jumping characters in different time periods) but this was really easy to follow and I found the story engaging. I did want to know what the story of Gabriella was and how she came to not marry Joseph. It certainly wasn't the ending I was expecting. It was also nice knowing the author and also knowing some of the events were written based on a mutual friend! Very nice and up to date references including a reference to etsy! Plus, as someone who has a family member suffering from dementia, it was easy to relate to the characters. A good chick lit book and easy read!
August 11, 2015
This was such a great, easy, read with the author telling two stories from two different time periods, but linking them through a cameo that has a story behind it all on its own. Normally when an author switches story lines in a book, I end up favoring one story line over another and almost get annoyed when I have to read about the one I am not so interested in... Definitely NOT so with this read, I was completely invested in all of the characters and in each time period, a great feat that Kristin Contino pulled off. I absolutely enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone.
November 7, 2016
Legacy of Us was a story about three generations of family learning to live through love, loss, and personal relationships. They learned that sometimes you don't always know everything about your own family, but it is never too late to discover it.
I really enjoyed the way the different generations' relationships were intertwined through a diary, necklace, and weddings. I didn't want to put the book down until I found out Gabriella, Ella, and Liz's story. You don't want to miss reading this feel good story about family.
I really enjoyed the way the different generations' relationships were intertwined through a diary, necklace, and weddings. I didn't want to put the book down until I found out Gabriella, Ella, and Liz's story. You don't want to miss reading this feel good story about family.
August 3, 2016
I think this was a very cute book and will attract female readers in their 20s. As a slightly older reader (mid 30s), I was more drawn to the historical flashbacks of the grandmother and great grandmother, but younger readers will be drawn to the troubles the protagonist faces in her 20s. Jobs, love, loss, their future. They will identify with her. While I did not, I remember feeling those ways at times and can guarantee others will love this book.
August 1, 2016
What if you were given a desk by a close relative and in that desk you were to find their diary and a piece of jewelry ? This is one of the story lines in this fun generational tale. The author does such a great job taking you back in time and current day!
December 9, 2015
Really enjoyed this!!
January 16, 2025
I happen to know the author of this book, Kristin Contino. I was nervous to read it because I do not have a good poker face and if I didn't like it, I could not lie. I finally read it and THANK G-D I loved it! I am not just saying this because I know Kristin and she knows I would be honest. I am also from Philadelphia and the book has several references that I was familiar with. That was fun. It will NOT take away from the reader's experience at all if they don't know Philly though. The characters were interesting and the way she told the story weaving through generations was captivating. Highly recommend, ESPECIALLY for a good book club discussion! ENJOY!
April 28, 2023
I wanted to like this book. It's a generational story, the lives of all the characters tied together by an heirloom cameo. It's set in Italy and Philadelphia, two of my favorite places. But it was bad. Trite dialogue. Boring, drawn-out situations. Predictable. I felt like it had been written by a highschooler. Tell me what person in 1905 wondered if someone was trying to "off herself"?
December 31, 2023
The main character in the contemporary storyline is completely unrelatable to me (so far, she's stayed at a bar late, gotten really drunk, lost a valuable heirloom, and has boy troubles), and the main character in the 1950s storyline is so far just boring. Nothing in it is making me want to read more.
June 1, 2017
Told in engaging and distinct storylines and weaving seamlessly through generations, The Legacy of Us is a complex, thought provoking novel about family relationships, love and loss. A sweeping family drama that will keep you reading late into the night. Don’t miss this stunning debut.
March 19, 2021
I absolutely adored this book. The weaving of three stories from three strong women was so fascinating to me. I was personally invested in Liz’s story and the end left me in tears. Brava Kristin!
December 23, 2022
Very cute book. I enjoyed it immensely.
September 19, 2016
I am the world’s slowest reader, but guys—I read almost all of The Legacy of Us in a day!
I loved the stories of Liz, her beloved grandmother Ella and her wealthy Italian great-grandmother Gabriella and the family secret and cameo locket that bound them all.
Told in three different time periods, while each character is in their twenties, we see that although they have lived in very different times, with different rules, fashions and society’s expectations for women, their stories of finding (and sometimes losing) love are proof that the search for what the heart wants transcends time.
I loved the stories of Liz, her beloved grandmother Ella and her wealthy Italian great-grandmother Gabriella and the family secret and cameo locket that bound them all.
Told in three different time periods, while each character is in their twenties, we see that although they have lived in very different times, with different rules, fashions and society’s expectations for women, their stories of finding (and sometimes losing) love are proof that the search for what the heart wants transcends time.
June 19, 2017
I loved, loved, LOVED The Legacy of Us, a beautiful tale of three generations of strong women, and one mysterious cameo locket. The story overflows with fabulous female characters. There’s Liz, the story’s protagonist, who is struggling with her jewellery design career and her love life, her two younger sisters, Liz’s girlfriends, and her mother. But sharing the spotlight with Liz is the owner of the secret cameo—Liz’s recently deceased and much-loved gran, Ella.
While going through papers in her gran’s old desk, Liz discovers a small pink box containing a note and a cameo necklace. The letter, in Ella’s handwriting, leaves the antique locket to Liz. She pops it open and finds a sweet discovery—an engraved marriage proposal, but…the suitor’s name isn’t her grandfather’s…
Family secrets! Who doesn’t love a long-hidden mystery? I had to find more about this guy, and why Ella kept the cameo until her dying day! And I was not disappointed.
Contino weaves a gorgeous tale of family, love and the secrets we keep. I really enjoyed how we walked in both Liz and Ella’s shoes. The story easily slips back and forth between Liz’s present-day Philadelphia and Ella’s life growing up in Italy. It’s while reading Ella’s diary that Liz not only uncovers the truth behind the cameo, but also the words she needs to help her find her own path in life and love. I think that’s one of the things I adored most about this book—how the love and guidance of those we’ve lost can still help us even after they’re gone.
The Legacy of Us is romantic, heartwarming, and totally relatable. If you’re looking for something special for your girlfriends, or a gift for Mom or Gran, buy this book—and one for yourself, too!
While going through papers in her gran’s old desk, Liz discovers a small pink box containing a note and a cameo necklace. The letter, in Ella’s handwriting, leaves the antique locket to Liz. She pops it open and finds a sweet discovery—an engraved marriage proposal, but…the suitor’s name isn’t her grandfather’s…
Family secrets! Who doesn’t love a long-hidden mystery? I had to find more about this guy, and why Ella kept the cameo until her dying day! And I was not disappointed.
Contino weaves a gorgeous tale of family, love and the secrets we keep. I really enjoyed how we walked in both Liz and Ella’s shoes. The story easily slips back and forth between Liz’s present-day Philadelphia and Ella’s life growing up in Italy. It’s while reading Ella’s diary that Liz not only uncovers the truth behind the cameo, but also the words she needs to help her find her own path in life and love. I think that’s one of the things I adored most about this book—how the love and guidance of those we’ve lost can still help us even after they’re gone.
The Legacy of Us is romantic, heartwarming, and totally relatable. If you’re looking for something special for your girlfriends, or a gift for Mom or Gran, buy this book—and one for yourself, too!
September 4, 2015
Liz is your typical girl right out of college—living in the city, wishing she had a better job, drinking with her friends after hours. Life seems pretty standard, and pretty bland, until her grandmother passes away. It's then that she finds her grandmother's diary, which reveals a wild family history.
We have three different storylines, over three different time periods: Liz's humdrum life; Ella, her grandmother; and Gabriella, her great-grandmother, and the socialite life she lead in Italy.
Gabriella's story is, by far, the strongest. She's a spitfire stuck in a time where women are trained to look pretty and are married off to the highest bidder. She's trying to avoid a proposal from a boy who she can't stand the sight of, but both their parents are dead-set on the arrangement. And it's wonderful gallivanting with her through Florence.
Ella has some fire in her, too; she's a housewife with big dreams, staying at home with her children and ailing mother as her husband runs the restaurant all hours of the day. She may play the role of housewife, but she doesn't have to like it—which is wildly apparent from her diary, and she's determined to do something about it.
Liz's story is your modern-day love triangle, which is my least-favorite literary trope. For a book that's advertised as a "multi-generational novel," I'd expected more familial bonding and intertwining of the multi-generational stories. The cover copy is misleading in this regard, but for what Liz's story lacks is made up in the tales of her ancestors.
We have three different storylines, over three different time periods: Liz's humdrum life; Ella, her grandmother; and Gabriella, her great-grandmother, and the socialite life she lead in Italy.
Gabriella's story is, by far, the strongest. She's a spitfire stuck in a time where women are trained to look pretty and are married off to the highest bidder. She's trying to avoid a proposal from a boy who she can't stand the sight of, but both their parents are dead-set on the arrangement. And it's wonderful gallivanting with her through Florence.
Ella has some fire in her, too; she's a housewife with big dreams, staying at home with her children and ailing mother as her husband runs the restaurant all hours of the day. She may play the role of housewife, but she doesn't have to like it—which is wildly apparent from her diary, and she's determined to do something about it.
Liz's story is your modern-day love triangle, which is my least-favorite literary trope. For a book that's advertised as a "multi-generational novel," I'd expected more familial bonding and intertwining of the multi-generational stories. The cover copy is misleading in this regard, but for what Liz's story lacks is made up in the tales of her ancestors.
September 21, 2015
“My dear Lizzie, Wear this in good health and happiness. I trust you’ll know what to do with it! Keep shining brightly, and remember I love you always. xoxo Nan”
Liz Moretti is consumed with grief at the sudden death of her Nan, Ella when she discovers a cameo locket/necklace inside the desk left for her in Nan’s will. Liz thought she knew everything about her grandmother, but inside the locket is an inscription marriage proposal to her grandmother from a man different from her grandfather, and she’s also left a diary. Liz decides to find out the truth behind her family’s secrets.
At this point, author, Kristin Contino introduces us to three generations of women in THE LEGACY OF US (SparkPress)who change by love, loss and a little necklace over the course of the novel. Liz is the anchor character in this complicated novel about the relationships between Liz, her sisters, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She’s able to weave a compelling, complex tale of mother and daughter relationships from 1905 Italy to present-day Philadelphia. As Liz explores her family’s history, she also comes face to face with choosing between the life she thought she wanted and the possibilities of a much richer future.
THE LEGACY OF US is a wonderful story that’ll make you want to curl up with a cuppa yummy tea and delicious biscotti and read from beginning to end. I can tell you now, just plan a full day around this book; it’ll be a treat and then you can give it to your mother and girlfriends as the perfect gift. It’s actually great for Book Club.
Liz Moretti is consumed with grief at the sudden death of her Nan, Ella when she discovers a cameo locket/necklace inside the desk left for her in Nan’s will. Liz thought she knew everything about her grandmother, but inside the locket is an inscription marriage proposal to her grandmother from a man different from her grandfather, and she’s also left a diary. Liz decides to find out the truth behind her family’s secrets.
At this point, author, Kristin Contino introduces us to three generations of women in THE LEGACY OF US (SparkPress)who change by love, loss and a little necklace over the course of the novel. Liz is the anchor character in this complicated novel about the relationships between Liz, her sisters, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She’s able to weave a compelling, complex tale of mother and daughter relationships from 1905 Italy to present-day Philadelphia. As Liz explores her family’s history, she also comes face to face with choosing between the life she thought she wanted and the possibilities of a much richer future.
THE LEGACY OF US is a wonderful story that’ll make you want to curl up with a cuppa yummy tea and delicious biscotti and read from beginning to end. I can tell you now, just plan a full day around this book; it’ll be a treat and then you can give it to your mother and girlfriends as the perfect gift. It’s actually great for Book Club.
August 18, 2016
THE LEGACY OF US by Kristin Contino follows Gabriella, Ella, and Liz as they navigate their loves, their lives, and their families over several time periods. When Liz's grandmother (Ella) passes away, she leaves behind a cameo with a mysterious engraving and a diary in the locked desk she leaves to Liz. We quickly discover the cameo belonged to Liz's great-grandmother Gabriella. The novel then alternates the narrative between the three women. As is usually the case with these types of novels, the stories from Ella and Gabriella help guide Liz in the present time to make some changes in her life. There is something in this novel for most women to relate to. Personally, I had the most connection to Ella, who is balancing her family and her desire to have a career outside the home as well. I thought that the author did a good job of balancing the different phases of life in this story and capturing the instability of a 20-something trying to move on from a past relationship. All in all, I really enjoyed this quick-paced read and think it would be a good read for those that like a little mystery to their love stories. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2015
See all of my reviews: www.walleysbookreviews.com
The Legacy of Us by Kristin Contino has all the hallmarks of a story that I love; three generations of women, each telling their own story, with a little bit of a romance and mystery mixed in and getting to travel along with them to their interesting locales.
I enjoyed getting to know the three main characters Liz, her grandmother Ella and her great grandmother Gabriella. I was concerned at the beginning of the story that it might be confusing to have both Ella and Gabriella, but the writing was so good that I didn't need to worry about that. I was very impressed with the writing style since this was a debut novel. Each character was well developed and relatable. The pacing was excellent and I often was thinking about the main characters even when I wasn't reading the book. Switching between characters, time and location, didn't prove a problem for the story and I truly loved reading this multi-layered book.
I hope that Ms. Contino has more books waiting and I will be definitely be adding them to my "to-read" list.
I received this book from BookSparks as part of the FRC2015 in exchange for an honest review.
The Legacy of Us by Kristin Contino has all the hallmarks of a story that I love; three generations of women, each telling their own story, with a little bit of a romance and mystery mixed in and getting to travel along with them to their interesting locales.
I enjoyed getting to know the three main characters Liz, her grandmother Ella and her great grandmother Gabriella. I was concerned at the beginning of the story that it might be confusing to have both Ella and Gabriella, but the writing was so good that I didn't need to worry about that. I was very impressed with the writing style since this was a debut novel. Each character was well developed and relatable. The pacing was excellent and I often was thinking about the main characters even when I wasn't reading the book. Switching between characters, time and location, didn't prove a problem for the story and I truly loved reading this multi-layered book.
I hope that Ms. Contino has more books waiting and I will be definitely be adding them to my "to-read" list.
I received this book from BookSparks as part of the FRC2015 in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2015
Have you ever looked at a family heirloom and wished your ancestors were around to reveal its history? Its meaning and its secrets? Kristin Contino’s THE LEGACY OF US gives us a lush and transporting glimpse into the provenance of just such an heirloom. At the same time, it invites us into the parlors, kitchens, and lives of four generations of plucky Moretti women, from 1905 Italy to present day Philadelphia.
Contino cleverly uses an antique locket, paired with a family diary, as tools to fuel her women’s fiction debut. Through both items, hip Philly jewelry designer Liz Moretti not only learns about the great-grandmother she never knew, but of the younger days of her beloved and recently deceased grandma as well. Strength and tenacity runs deep in her family, and Liz is no exception. Especially after she loses the beloved cameo. But she also manages to find patience, forgiveness, and that true treasures, in the form of her relationships with friends and family, have been within her grasp all along.
With humor and heart, Contino unlocks a satisfying and charming tale!
Contino cleverly uses an antique locket, paired with a family diary, as tools to fuel her women’s fiction debut. Through both items, hip Philly jewelry designer Liz Moretti not only learns about the great-grandmother she never knew, but of the younger days of her beloved and recently deceased grandma as well. Strength and tenacity runs deep in her family, and Liz is no exception. Especially after she loses the beloved cameo. But she also manages to find patience, forgiveness, and that true treasures, in the form of her relationships with friends and family, have been within her grasp all along.
With humor and heart, Contino unlocks a satisfying and charming tale!
December 27, 2015
Thank you to Net Galley and SparkPress for a copy of this book. This book sucked me in right from the first page and I didn't want to put it down. This is a great first book by Kristin Contino and I look forward to reading more of her books.
The story centers around Liz, who after losing her grandmother Ella, discovers a secret locket and diary that nobody in her family knows about. After accidentally losing the locket, Liz embarks on a mission to find it, while also learning more about her family. The story alternates between modern day Philadelphia and Italy in the early 1900s and teaches us lessons along the way about love, loss, and family relationships.
Each of the stories are equally as interesting, although the weight of the story is with the Italy portions of the book. Well written to keep your interest the whole way through, this was a perfect read for my long holiday weekend. I was sad when the story was over, but glad each of the characters found their happy ending.
The story centers around Liz, who after losing her grandmother Ella, discovers a secret locket and diary that nobody in her family knows about. After accidentally losing the locket, Liz embarks on a mission to find it, while also learning more about her family. The story alternates between modern day Philadelphia and Italy in the early 1900s and teaches us lessons along the way about love, loss, and family relationships.
Each of the stories are equally as interesting, although the weight of the story is with the Italy portions of the book. Well written to keep your interest the whole way through, this was a perfect read for my long holiday weekend. I was sad when the story was over, but glad each of the characters found their happy ending.
September 21, 2015
check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
A family drama that spans generations and decades and I loved how it was told. Liz Moretti is the current character and is a jewelry designer approaching her 30s and still single - she wants both personal and professional success. Her grandmother dies right in the beginning and leaves her some furniture where she finds a cameo and a journal that not only tells her more about the grandmother she misses but also more about her great grandmother whom she doesn't know much about, but has a lot in common with.
I love family dramas that sweep over generations and especially when you can see different moments in time but see the similarities in the things that are on their minds. I loved how Liz learned about this great grandmother but also learned more about a grandmother who she thought she knew as she raised her.
A family drama that spans generations and decades and I loved how it was told. Liz Moretti is the current character and is a jewelry designer approaching her 30s and still single - she wants both personal and professional success. Her grandmother dies right in the beginning and leaves her some furniture where she finds a cameo and a journal that not only tells her more about the grandmother she misses but also more about her great grandmother whom she doesn't know much about, but has a lot in common with.
I love family dramas that sweep over generations and especially when you can see different moments in time but see the similarities in the things that are on their minds. I loved how Liz learned about this great grandmother but also learned more about a grandmother who she thought she knew as she raised her.
September 28, 2015
I truly enjoy books which are layered with historical and present day characters. Writing in that way gives a reader many characters to like.
I liked Ella and Gabriella a tad more than Liz. Liz's character had a ton of product placement (and I think that's what turned me off to her). Liz's grandma and great grandma came across as vivid and real. And that is key when including past generations.
I was along for the ride of the cameo and Liz finding love. The way the cameo was found was great! I loved that part of the story! And I was happy with Liz's choice for a partner.
I received a copy of this book from BookSparks as part of their Fall Reading Challenge 2015.
I liked Ella and Gabriella a tad more than Liz. Liz's character had a ton of product placement (and I think that's what turned me off to her). Liz's grandma and great grandma came across as vivid and real. And that is key when including past generations.
I was along for the ride of the cameo and Liz finding love. The way the cameo was found was great! I loved that part of the story! And I was happy with Liz's choice for a partner.
I received a copy of this book from BookSparks as part of their Fall Reading Challenge 2015.
August 6, 2015
I found this to be a gentle chick-lit read.
Three generations of love and relationships intertwine in a way to affect and guide the present and future. The mix of the past (1900's) and present ways of woo-ing and dating were interesting to compare.
Got me thinking of past loves and friendships and if they are worth rekindling.
Loved the cameo/locket presence which kind of presents itself as a character of its own. In general they are mysterious items holding secrets. Images of loved ones and engravings that are special only to the owner. You can bet I will be eye-ing them on my next antique store run ;-)
Three generations of love and relationships intertwine in a way to affect and guide the present and future. The mix of the past (1900's) and present ways of woo-ing and dating were interesting to compare.
Got me thinking of past loves and friendships and if they are worth rekindling.
Loved the cameo/locket presence which kind of presents itself as a character of its own. In general they are mysterious items holding secrets. Images of loved ones and engravings that are special only to the owner. You can bet I will be eye-ing them on my next antique store run ;-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews