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Wayfarer Trilogy #3
In America
2016 Chanticleer Media's Chatelaine Book Awards Finalist Beautiful, headstrong Marcella Scimenti has the affection of a handsome neighborhood boy, the love of her large Italian family, and serious dreams of singing in Hollywood. But the course of true love―nor the journey to finding one’s true self―never did run smooth. In America follows the story of Marcella, the daughter of the characters at the center of Nina Romano’s continent-spanning Wayfarer Trilogy, as she comes of age in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, in the late 1920s. In the trilogy’s heartwarming conclusion, Marcella must learn to balance new friendships, promising suitors, and life as a modern working girl with the expectations of her tradition-bound family, all against the backdrop of a looming economic depression and a changing world. Along the way, she unearths a devastating family secret that shakes her to her core and tests the boundaries of her love, loyalty, and faith.
324 pages, Hardcover
Published July 19, 2016
5 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Nina Romano
35 books160 followersNina Romano's latest novel, Dark Eyes, a Russian historical thriller, hit #1 in Russian and Soviet Literature E-books on Amazon on 2/13/2023 Pre-order. The print release date was February 24, 2023.
The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley, a Western, Historical Romance is Book 1 in the Darby's Quest series and a stand-alone novel. It covers a great deal of Apache and Native American history and lore in New Mexico, is a well-researched novel, and a semi-finalist in the Laramie Book Awards. It was released October 2021 by Speaking Volumes, LLC.
Romano's Wayfarer Trilogy has been published by Turner Publishing. Book #1 of the Historical Saga: The Secret Language of Women was a Foreword Reviews Indie-Fab Book Award Finalist. The novel won the Independent Publisher 2016 IPPY Gold Medal in the Historical/Romance Book Awards. Book #2 of the series, Lemon Blossoms was a finalist in the Foreword INDIES Reviews Book #3, In America, was a finalist in the 2016 Chanticleer Media's Chatelaine Book Awards for Romance.
Nina Romano earned a B.S. from Ithaca College, an M. A. from Adelphi University and a B. A., and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from FIU. She’s a world traveler and lover of history. She lived in Rome, Italy, for twenty years, and is fluent in Italian and Spanish. She authored a short story collection, The Other Side of the Gates, five poetry collections, and two poetry chapbooks. Her most recent collection, Westward: Guided by Starfalls and Moonbows, was published from LLC Red Dashboard. She co-authored, Writing in a Changing World. Romano has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize.
The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley, a Western, Historical Romance is Book 1 in the Darby's Quest series and a stand-alone novel. It covers a great deal of Apache and Native American history and lore in New Mexico, is a well-researched novel, and a semi-finalist in the Laramie Book Awards. It was released October 2021 by Speaking Volumes, LLC.
Romano's Wayfarer Trilogy has been published by Turner Publishing. Book #1 of the Historical Saga: The Secret Language of Women was a Foreword Reviews Indie-Fab Book Award Finalist. The novel won the Independent Publisher 2016 IPPY Gold Medal in the Historical/Romance Book Awards. Book #2 of the series, Lemon Blossoms was a finalist in the Foreword INDIES Reviews Book #3, In America, was a finalist in the 2016 Chanticleer Media's Chatelaine Book Awards for Romance.
Nina Romano earned a B.S. from Ithaca College, an M. A. from Adelphi University and a B. A., and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from FIU. She’s a world traveler and lover of history. She lived in Rome, Italy, for twenty years, and is fluent in Italian and Spanish. She authored a short story collection, The Other Side of the Gates, five poetry collections, and two poetry chapbooks. Her most recent collection, Westward: Guided by Starfalls and Moonbows, was published from LLC Red Dashboard. She co-authored, Writing in a Changing World. Romano has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 9, 2020
I have now read all three books in the Wayfarer Trilogy, and from the end of the third book, “In America,” I can see the full arc of what the author envisioned when she set out to tell a saga that spans several decades and three entirely different worlds. While the focus of each book rests on a different heroine—Lian, Angelica, Marcella—each plays a crucial role in the life and times of Giacomo Scimenti, the wayfarer.
In Marcella, we meet a teenager verging on adulthood who has so much self-confidence and ambition, she drives her family and friends to distraction. While she can get on their nerves at times, it’s refreshing to see someone so young ready to grab life by the tail and shake every bit of happiness from it, the happiness she feels is her birthright.
Despite her willfulness—or maybe because of it—Marcella glides easily through her life as she grooms herself for Hollywood, where she’s sure she’ll be the star of screen and stage. But even those with predetermined destiny hit bumps in the road, and the real joy of this book is watching as Marcella sails over them determination and gusto.
Along the way, we learn how everything ties back to Giacomo and how perfectly it all dovetails into a story rich in history, trauma, grief, love, and ultimately, the full circle of a predestined life.
In Marcella, we meet a teenager verging on adulthood who has so much self-confidence and ambition, she drives her family and friends to distraction. While she can get on their nerves at times, it’s refreshing to see someone so young ready to grab life by the tail and shake every bit of happiness from it, the happiness she feels is her birthright.
Despite her willfulness—or maybe because of it—Marcella glides easily through her life as she grooms herself for Hollywood, where she’s sure she’ll be the star of screen and stage. But even those with predetermined destiny hit bumps in the road, and the real joy of this book is watching as Marcella sails over them determination and gusto.
Along the way, we learn how everything ties back to Giacomo and how perfectly it all dovetails into a story rich in history, trauma, grief, love, and ultimately, the full circle of a predestined life.
April 25, 2019
I just had to complete Ms. Roman’s Wayfare trilogy.Once again, Ms. Romano does not disappoint.Marcella is a first generation American who is bent on finding her own way and,in some instances, deny her roots on that road to self-discovery. What happens is predicatable.Oh no it isn’t. Romano manages to throw a few twists and turns that are not at all what you expected.A very thoughtful and engaging look at,not only the Italian culture,but also, China’s culture/traditions/history/evolution.It doesn’t end there there, though. Obviously,you also get to discover some facts about America along the way(some you may be familiar with and others that will leave you,perhaps, scratching your head).In any case, Marcella is headstrong but, she finds that her father,sister,and boss are readily providing support while she finds her way to independence.Moreover,for me, I found myself completely engaged as this poetically,well researched, and very well written story, unfolds. I most especially loved the feeling that I wasn’t reading,but rather, sitting with a friend who was weaving a tale just for me. I must say, I was rather sad that it ended.It is, however one of those books/tales that will remain with you long after you read that last sentence.HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading the trilogy since they provide, in my opinion, if you will, an appetizer,entree, and dessert. To get a true essence of what is ‘going’ on and the development of each character, I strongly urge to read the three beginning with The Secret Language of Women! Can only choose one? My personal choice would be Lemon Blossoms!
July 19, 2018
Nina is a masterful Author. I have been reading her Wayfarer Trilogy over the past weeks.
It enjoyed revisiting Giacomo and his experiences of life in America and his “friendship” with Bao. Marcella was clued up on him!
As always the prose is wonderfully written and so very descriptive. Again the wonderful Italian dishes make your mouth water as you read.
I highly recommend that you read this wonderful trilogy!
It enjoyed revisiting Giacomo and his experiences of life in America and his “friendship” with Bao. Marcella was clued up on him!
As always the prose is wonderfully written and so very descriptive. Again the wonderful Italian dishes make your mouth water as you read.
I highly recommend that you read this wonderful trilogy!
July 19, 2016
In America is the third book of Nina Romano's Wayfarer Trilogy.
The story is the conclusion of the Scimenti family saga.
It takes place in Brooklyn, N.Y. during the Great Depression.
Marcella, the strong willed daughter, has always wanted to be a singer in Hollywood. As she comes of age, true love comes into play. What choice does Marcella make???
This is a charming story of a loving family with the usual trials and tribulations as well as evidence of a family secret which shakes the family to the core.
I loved this book as well as the entire trilogy and recommend it to everyone.
The story is the conclusion of the Scimenti family saga.
It takes place in Brooklyn, N.Y. during the Great Depression.
Marcella, the strong willed daughter, has always wanted to be a singer in Hollywood. As she comes of age, true love comes into play. What choice does Marcella make???
This is a charming story of a loving family with the usual trials and tribulations as well as evidence of a family secret which shakes the family to the core.
I loved this book as well as the entire trilogy and recommend it to everyone.
September 16, 2024
Magnificent series!
It's official! Ms. Romano is on my list of favorite authors! I wasn't sure how she could make this book compete with the first two in this trilogy but she did it, in spades!
It's amazing the places she takes you, the feelings you feel, the foods you explore, and the sights you see just with her words!
This series has everything you need to keep you turning the pages and developing a relationship with the characters that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page!
I am so looking forward to her other books!
Just phenomenal!
It's official! Ms. Romano is on my list of favorite authors! I wasn't sure how she could make this book compete with the first two in this trilogy but she did it, in spades!
It's amazing the places she takes you, the feelings you feel, the foods you explore, and the sights you see just with her words!
This series has everything you need to keep you turning the pages and developing a relationship with the characters that will stay with you long after you've finished the last page!
I am so looking forward to her other books!
Just phenomenal!
August 9, 2016
I think this book makes a great story come to life, as Nina takes us on a journey which demonstrates that Marcella has everything you need to survive in this world.
December 29, 2019
In America is the third novel in Nina Romano’s award winning series, the Wayfarer Trilogy. I enjoyed the first two novels, The Secret Language of Women and Lemon Blossoms and was looking forward to reading the final book. In America did not disappoint.
In America tells the conclusion of the Scimenti family saga. It takes place in Brooklyn, N.Y. during the Great Depression. I enjoyed revisiting Giacomo and his experiences of life in America.
The strong willed Marcella, who has always wanted to be a singer in Hollywood. As she comes of age, true love comes into play. Marcella must learn to balance new friendships, promising suitors, and life as a modern working girl with the expectations of her tradition-bound family, all against the backdrop of a looming economic depression and a changing world. Along the way, she unearths a devastating family secret that shakes her to her core and tests the boundaries of her love, loyalty, and faith.
As in all Romano’s novels, the prose is wonderfully written and so very descriptive. The description of wonderful Italian dishes make your mouth water as you read. I highly recommend that you read this wonderful trilogy.
The Author
Nina Romano earned a B.S. from Ithaca College an M. A. from Adelphi University and a B. A. and M.F.A. in Creative Writing from FIU. She’s a world traveler and lover of history. She lived in Rome, Italy, for twenty years, and is fluent in Italian and Spanish. She authored a short story collection, The Other Side of the Gates, five poetry collections, and two poetry chapbooks. Her most recent collection, Westward: Guided by Starfalls and Moonbows, was published from LLC Red Dashboard. She co-authored, Writing in a Changing World from Bridle Path Press. Romano has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize.
Val Penny
In America tells the conclusion of the Scimenti family saga. It takes place in Brooklyn, N.Y. during the Great Depression. I enjoyed revisiting Giacomo and his experiences of life in America.
The strong willed Marcella, who has always wanted to be a singer in Hollywood. As she comes of age, true love comes into play. Marcella must learn to balance new friendships, promising suitors, and life as a modern working girl with the expectations of her tradition-bound family, all against the backdrop of a looming economic depression and a changing world. Along the way, she unearths a devastating family secret that shakes her to her core and tests the boundaries of her love, loyalty, and faith.
As in all Romano’s novels, the prose is wonderfully written and so very descriptive. The description of wonderful Italian dishes make your mouth water as you read. I highly recommend that you read this wonderful trilogy.
The Author
Nina Romano earned a B.S. from Ithaca College an M. A. from Adelphi University and a B. A. and M.F.A. in Creative Writing from FIU. She’s a world traveler and lover of history. She lived in Rome, Italy, for twenty years, and is fluent in Italian and Spanish. She authored a short story collection, The Other Side of the Gates, five poetry collections, and two poetry chapbooks. Her most recent collection, Westward: Guided by Starfalls and Moonbows, was published from LLC Red Dashboard. She co-authored, Writing in a Changing World from Bridle Path Press. Romano has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize.
Val Penny
March 31, 2022
Superb Historical Fiction Novel
“In America” by Nina Romano is the third and final book in Ms. Romano’s Wayfarer Series Trilogy. This beautifully written novel is a stunning conclusion to The Wayfarer Trilogy. Ms. Romano is a favorite author because of her gift with character development, the deep historical research in her novels, and the complex strong female protagonists.
In this novel, set in the New York City area during prohibition, most of the key characters from the previous two novels in the series are woven into the story. While this story centers around Marcella, a feisty outspoken young teenager evolving into womanhood, her father, Giacomo is the maypole around which all the stories in the trilogy weave. Giacomo is the wayfarer of The Wayfarer Series Trilogy.
There is a sensual lushness that is both direct and ethereal in Ms. Romano’s writing. There is a realism to the author’s writing that is reinforced by her historical research, detailed descriptions, and overall use of language. The author’s character development and realistic descriptions enable the reader to develop a deep resonance with all aspects of this spectacular book. This is a novel that speaks of grief and loss, but most importantly, “In America” is a novel of resilience, love, letting go, trust and finding one’s self. Absolutely superb book!
“In America” by Nina Romano is the third and final book in Ms. Romano’s Wayfarer Series Trilogy. This beautifully written novel is a stunning conclusion to The Wayfarer Trilogy. Ms. Romano is a favorite author because of her gift with character development, the deep historical research in her novels, and the complex strong female protagonists.
In this novel, set in the New York City area during prohibition, most of the key characters from the previous two novels in the series are woven into the story. While this story centers around Marcella, a feisty outspoken young teenager evolving into womanhood, her father, Giacomo is the maypole around which all the stories in the trilogy weave. Giacomo is the wayfarer of The Wayfarer Series Trilogy.
There is a sensual lushness that is both direct and ethereal in Ms. Romano’s writing. There is a realism to the author’s writing that is reinforced by her historical research, detailed descriptions, and overall use of language. The author’s character development and realistic descriptions enable the reader to develop a deep resonance with all aspects of this spectacular book. This is a novel that speaks of grief and loss, but most importantly, “In America” is a novel of resilience, love, letting go, trust and finding one’s self. Absolutely superb book!
March 24, 2019
In America is the third and final book in author Nina Romano’s Wayfarer Trilogy. This story is set in the early 1920’s in Brooklyn N.Y. and is told from Giacamo and Marcella’s perspective. Marcella is Angelica & Giacamo’s daughter from the previous book “Lemon Blossoms”.
This story like the two previous stories is beautifully written, rich in detail with family, culture and food. It’s the story of Marcella trying to find her way as a young woman in the early 1920’s. It’s also about family and all that goes with it, the ups and downs of life. It’s a wonderful view of life as an Italian immigrant in America, trying to raise a family during the depression. There’s also a surprise for Giacamo and his family that will bring this series full circle.
I’ve said this in a previous review but it bears repeating, this series could easily be made into a movie. Ms. Romano’s writing draws you in and just doesn’t let you go. I feel as if I was a part of this family and am struggling to leave it. What a fantastic book and series, from an extremely talented author. I truly loved this series and would highly recommend it!
This story like the two previous stories is beautifully written, rich in detail with family, culture and food. It’s the story of Marcella trying to find her way as a young woman in the early 1920’s. It’s also about family and all that goes with it, the ups and downs of life. It’s a wonderful view of life as an Italian immigrant in America, trying to raise a family during the depression. There’s also a surprise for Giacamo and his family that will bring this series full circle.
I’ve said this in a previous review but it bears repeating, this series could easily be made into a movie. Ms. Romano’s writing draws you in and just doesn’t let you go. I feel as if I was a part of this family and am struggling to leave it. What a fantastic book and series, from an extremely talented author. I truly loved this series and would highly recommend it!
June 30, 2021
In America
What a great book! This story is a romance, but with multiple romances woven in like a silk thread as they blended perfectly together. The story takes place in mainly Brooklyn and Manhattan and is rich in Italian culture. Chinese and other cultures are woven throughout, but Italian is the major focus. I kept waiting for Marcella to make the right choice with Gianni. The passages describing foods and cooking made me think of my own style of cooking and simply knowing what and how much of an ingredient to use without a measuring cup or spoon. That is the mark of a great cook. This story has ties into organized crime and prohibition of time for which it is written. Five gold stars!!!!!
What a great book! This story is a romance, but with multiple romances woven in like a silk thread as they blended perfectly together. The story takes place in mainly Brooklyn and Manhattan and is rich in Italian culture. Chinese and other cultures are woven throughout, but Italian is the major focus. I kept waiting for Marcella to make the right choice with Gianni. The passages describing foods and cooking made me think of my own style of cooking and simply knowing what and how much of an ingredient to use without a measuring cup or spoon. That is the mark of a great cook. This story has ties into organized crime and prohibition of time for which it is written. Five gold stars!!!!!
August 6, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Turner Publishing, in exchange for a review.
The third and final book in the Wayfarer Trilogy, we follow Marcella as she comes of age in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, in the late 1920s. Marcella is headstrong and sure her parents never had any of the challenges she now faces. She has her eyes set on a career, and resolves to throw out all those "old-fashioned" ideas and lifestyle of her parents, while still living under her parents' roof. The economic depression and the rapidly changing world create a good deal of the tension in the book. Giacomo has a secret past, and in this final book, we discover his secrets and how they affect the rest of his family.
The third and final book in the Wayfarer Trilogy, we follow Marcella as she comes of age in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, in the late 1920s. Marcella is headstrong and sure her parents never had any of the challenges she now faces. She has her eyes set on a career, and resolves to throw out all those "old-fashioned" ideas and lifestyle of her parents, while still living under her parents' roof. The economic depression and the rapidly changing world create a good deal of the tension in the book. Giacomo has a secret past, and in this final book, we discover his secrets and how they affect the rest of his family.
July 23, 2016
I rarely review book with a low star rating, and I prefer to never have to. However, as much as I wanted to love and enjoy this book I could not.
I did really love the Italian food descriptions. It was well described to the point you felt you could taste it in your mouth. However, the positives did not move beyond that too much. The flip flop between the two characters ended up feeling choppy, broken up and just ill thought out. The focus on sex felt forced, like the author was attempting to make it "sexy" without really being that way, but then you felt like you were hearing private thoughts of someone you really didn't know well, and someone you didn't care enough about to know that much about them.
Although I didn't enjoy the book, I did like the father/daughter relationship and found that to be a good come away feeling from the book. Perhaps someone else will read this book and find that it just hits the spot for them.
I did really love the Italian food descriptions. It was well described to the point you felt you could taste it in your mouth. However, the positives did not move beyond that too much. The flip flop between the two characters ended up feeling choppy, broken up and just ill thought out. The focus on sex felt forced, like the author was attempting to make it "sexy" without really being that way, but then you felt like you were hearing private thoughts of someone you really didn't know well, and someone you didn't care enough about to know that much about them.
Although I didn't enjoy the book, I did like the father/daughter relationship and found that to be a good come away feeling from the book. Perhaps someone else will read this book and find that it just hits the spot for them.
November 3, 2016
First of all, the cover of this book is beautiful. Second my family immigrated from Italy, into New York and up into Connecticut. When I saw the cover of the book and read the premise of it I was excited for obvious reasons. I wanted to love this book, but I didn't. Part of it might stem from the fact that I didn't read the other books in this series. This can be read as a stand-alone. That didn't really hamper the story, but it made me not like Marcella's dad Giacomo. Also, from the description I thought this would be just Marcella's story and it wasn't. I understand why we are sometimes following Giacomo, but I wish we didn't. We get a lot of back story, and while that's important, it slowed down the book for me. The author does do a great job in painting the world in which Marcella lives. Overall, the book was okay. I don't know if I would recommend it, especially with the price it's at. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
November 23, 2016
Although the 3rd book in a series, this books works alright as a standalone.
This family saga tells the story from the viewpoint of two family members, a father and daughter.
Set in the 1920s, the customs and signs of the times are present. The family is Italian and many scenes include delicious sounding meals with lots of yummy dishes described.
The experiences of an independent female protagonist, Marcella, makes her endearing and fun to follow along her journey in life.
This family saga tells the story from the viewpoint of two family members, a father and daughter.
Set in the 1920s, the customs and signs of the times are present. The family is Italian and many scenes include delicious sounding meals with lots of yummy dishes described.
The experiences of an independent female protagonist, Marcella, makes her endearing and fun to follow along her journey in life.
August 4, 2016
Through the lens of an emotional and salty 17 year old Marcella, this final installment of The Wayfarer Triology gives the reader a bird's eye view of New York City. Readers will appreciate the fast and lively pace of this novel.
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