Return to Bella Terra

The Italian Chronicles #3

by MaryAnn Diorio

A mother, her son , and the man who threatens to come between them . . .


When Maria Landro Tonetta receives word that Mama is terminally ill, Maria travels to her Sicilian homeland with her son Nico. She finds herself yearning for the life she once knew as a child on Bella Terra, the family farm, now on the verge of bankruptcy. Caught between two worlds, Maria dreams of moving back to Sicily with her husband and children to save the farm.


When, however, Nico’s biological father unexpectedly appears at Mama’s funeral, Maria faces a new enemy to her dream.


But is there an even greater enemy within her own soul?

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2017

About the author

MaryAnn Diorio writes award-winning fiction from a quaint small town in New Jersey where neighbors still stop to chat while walking their dogs, families and friends still gather on wide, wrap-around porches, and the charming downtown still finds kids licking lollipops and old married folks holding hands. A Jersey girl at heart, MaryAnn is a big fan of Jersey diners, Jersey tomatoes, and the Jersey shore. You can learn more about MaryAnn and her writing at maryanndiorio.com and/or by subscribing to her monthly newsletter at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I appreciate the fact that this novel focuses on the early 20th century immigrant experience, and the tension of reconciling the Old World and the New, this novel does not live up to its premise. While well-meant, the spiritual arc feels extremely forced, particularly as it relates to the issue of Nico's parentage (without giving away specific spoilers, the whole manner in which his parentage is handled is extremely troubling). To her credit, Diorio attempts to deal with heavy issues of racism, identity, and forgiveness, but the execution leaves much to be desired and is rushed in the extreme. There's room for this type of story in the market, but the execution needs a lot of work.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series, and especially this book, gives you all the feels as well as helping your relationship with God. If you are a believer, there are things to ponder and ways to improve your walk with God, as well as tell a good story. Likeable characters who are well-developed throughout the series and their actions are believable.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Bella Tara is book 3 in the Italian Chronicles Theology. Loved the story the characters are well developed. Kept my attention and kept me turning pages. I really like Maryann Diorio's books. Maria and her husband left Sicily for America to better their lives. But found it not so easy to get ahead in life there. Maria has left her family never knowing when she can return cause their money is in short supply for anything extra. What is she to do when she gets word her mother will not live much longer and is needed at home in Sicily before she dies. Not wanting to travel alone her son goes with her. When she gets there it's not just bad news about her mother but the who she grew up in is going bankrupt. How can she possibly save it? They have no funds. Maria so misses it how can she leave and go back home? Then a secret of the past comes out about her and her son. She can't lose her son also. Maria has a lot to think on and can she learn to let go?

[Rose McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Bella Terra is MaryAnn Diorio's best book ever, and I have read all her fiction novels! If you haven't read the first two books in this series, I suggest you begin by reading them--The Madonna of Pisano and A Sicilian Farewell. partly set in Sicily--MaryAnn's family's heritage. This trilogy is loosely based on MaryAnn's own grandparents immigrating to America. And I think that is the reason you feel like you are in Italy with them--the sights, sounds and scents, even the calls of the birds from the Sicilian place they called home.

This third novel brings out more about the characters from the first two novels, and I enjoyed how she portrayed her characters growing in faith and age throughout the books--like in real life! And she shows how God really does give us more than we can ask for or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20) I really feel invested in these characters, like they are now part of my family, and hope she someday does a fourth book so we can see where they are twenty or thirty years from now!

[Christie Sitterly · Rating 4 out of 5]

MaryAnn Diorio stays true to the high emotion and deep faith of the previous two novels in this trilogy. Main character, Maria, finds herself having to let go of the things she holds onto most dearly. I especially loved seeing her son grow up and find his own way throughout these novels. Well done!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Bella Terra is the third book in the Italian Chronicles and a bittersweet, emotional and satisfying ending to this series. I enjoyed both The Madonna of Pisano (Book #1) and A Sicilian Farewell (Book #2).

In this third book, eight years have passed since the ending of Book #2 and we are back to Maria's story as she travels back to Italy with her firstborn son Nico to visit her dying mother and her family. Most of the story in this book takes place in her native hometown in Sicily, where it all started. Nico is now 19 years-of-age and wants to stay in Italy and not return to America. Maria is conflicted because she too longs to permanently move back to Italy, but doesn't think Luca, her husband will want to.

The conflicting emotions of immigrants who leave entire families behind in their homeland to follow their dreams or strive for a better life is explored in this book. My parents are Italian immigrants and this story made me appreciate the sacrifices and losses they suffered. It was such an emotional read for me, bringing tears to my eyes several times!

Maria's story comes full circle as she returns to Italy and to the painful memories that she lived through as a young woman with an illegitimate child. Characters we met in Book #1 are revisited and Maria learns to fully let go of all that transpired in the past as it related to her son who now wants to own and lead his own life. Once again, Maria is a fleshed-out character that drives the story and I loved how the author explored her strengths and weaknesses. As a mother and Christian, I could certainly relate to her and she has been my favorite character throughout the series.

My only disappointment was in the insta-love component between Nico and Sofia. I would have preferred for this relationship to have been more realistically portrayed, and for us to have learned more about Sofia who we did not get to know at all. As a Christian, I know that God guides our way, but I was not fully convinced in Luca's belief that God had sent him to preach the Gospel in America, not from the little evidence we had of his preaching work in the eight poverty-stricken years they lived in America.

Overall, I truly enjoyed the Italian Chronicles mainly because of the realistic portrayal of Italian life in small villages and the immigrant experience. The author created memorable characters, an epic story of one woman's journey, and a plot full of emotions and drama. I could easily see this trilogy as a TV mini-series. If you like Christian historical fiction, the Italian Chronicles is a satisfying portrayal of faith, love, forgiveness and redemption.

[Deborah Piccurelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Italian Chronicles trilogy by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. I have read both the first and the second and couldn’t wait to read the third. I have to say that I was sorry to have it end.
MaryAnn is a talented writer, which talent is a gift given to her by God. His fingerprints are all over her stories, no matter what the genre. There is a beauty and a rhythm contained in them.
In Return to Bella Terra, Maria Tonetta, our heroine throughout the series, must return to Sicily as her mother’s last wish before dying. Her husband, Luca remains at home with their two daughters, but her son, Nico, now grown, accompanies her on the journey. They arrive just in time to visit with her mother, but the time they spend with her is short. Soon, they are planning the funeral.
Shortly after, it is revealed to Maria that her beloved Bella Terra must be sold, as her two sisters do not have the finances for its upkeep. Maria is devastated, as she longed to return and to leave her portion of the property as an inheritance to her children, thereby keeping it in the family as it has always been.
But there seems to be no way.
Meanwhile, Nico, discovers the identity of his real father and begins a relationship with him. Then, he becomes smitten with Sophia, the daughter of a woman who had planned on marrying Luca years before.
All of these things weigh heavy on Maria’s shoulders, coupled with the fact that she planned to ask Luca if they could return to Sicily, even though he believes he is following the lead of Holy Spirit by living in America.
Will Maria be able to save Bella Terra before it must be sold? Can she change Nico’s mind about Sophia before their relationship becomes too serious? Will she lose Nico to his father?
If these questions intrigue you, then you must get the last volume of this trilogy to find out the answers to all of them. You will be glad you did.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Bella Terra is the third book in this series. Readers have loved following Maria Landro Tonetta’s story throughout the series. In this particular book, Maria returns to Sicily with her husband at her dying mother’s wish.While there, she encounters her son’s biological father and a whole new set of problems ensue.

I loved Maria’s relationship with her son Nico, and the way that her heart is torn between wanting Nico to know the truth, but worrying over what the truth will do to him and their relationship. I also appreciated Nico’s perspective as he learns the truth about his own identity.

I also appreciated the spiritual aspect in this story. It was a wonderful read, and I really enjoyed the Italian setting. Sign me up for a trip to Italy!

You can get your copy of Return to Bella Terra here.

You can also get book one here ,

and book two here.

Return to Bella Terra: Book 3 of The Italian Chronicles Trilogy (The Italian Chronicles) by [Diorio, MaryAnn]

I was given this book in exchange for my honest review from Book Crash. All opinions stated above are my own.
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[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Bella Terra opens in America, specifically Brooklyn, New York, in the early 1900s. MaryAnn Diorio depicts the plight of the Italian immigrants to the United States in vivid detail. My heart ached for the Tonetta family, indeed all the families struggling to eke out a living while facing extreme racism and poverty. Couple their dire straits with the harsh winter, and I was moved to tears.

Maria Tonetta returns to Sicily with her oldest child, Nico, after receiving a telegram letting her know her mother is in her final days on earth. Diorio painted such a contrast between the weather in New York and Maria’s home in Italy that you not only felt you were there in the lush fields and countryside, but you also wanted to be there. However, Sicily’s economic crisis, the reason the Tonetta’s left for America, was still evident.

I enjoyed being able to catch up with the people of The Italian Chronicles. I especially appreciated the perspicuous and plentiful references to the characters’ faith, forgiveness and redemption even amidst their failings and frailties. There were some aspects of the story where I felt one or two of the people were more judgmental than was necessary for the circumstances, but overall the narrative felt true to life and representative of human nature.

Return to Bella Terra is book three, and the last, of The Italian Chronicles series. Because the story is a continuation, it would be better to read all three in order.

I received this book from BookCrash. However, I was under no obligation to post a review, nor was a positive review required.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Bella Tara is book 3 in the Italian Chronicles Theology. It is a book that gives hope to anyone dealing with daily issues of life.  It kept my attention and I hated to put it down. I thoroughly enjoy Maryann Diorio's books. In the past two books Maria and Lucas meet they marry and move to America. In book three Maria's mother is dying and she need to go back to  Sicily before her mother does die. She takes her oldest son with her (who is a grown man). She finds out things are bad in more ways than one. A past secret comes out. 
You really need to get this book  and get comfy to see what happens and see if peace will reign.
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Jessie Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a lovely setting for a book! I loved the cultural references and the trip to Sicily I went on while reading this book. It was great. I found that the story moved quite well and was easy to read. The characters were likable and had strong feelings. I struggled with the Biblical/Christian references being a little overboard and maybe a little forced feeling. I love Christian references in books and when characters live according to their faith and talk about it. However, when it becomes more than normal life and seems like its added to the storyline in a forced/excessive way it becomes rather distasteful. The problems and issues faced in the story are ones everyone can relate to which is excellent. I love the themes of love and family and redemption and forgiveness.

I received a copy of this book from BookCrash. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Margaret Eomurian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began Return to Bella Terra the day after I finished A Sicilian Farewell. Once again, I was enthralled with the story of Maria and Luca and their family, especially Nico, Maria's oldest child. It was difficult for me to read everything Maria and Luca had to go through living in America: poverty, discrimination, loneliness and loss of connection with family they left behind, but I also knew that Luca had heard from God and believed he had been called to preach the gospel in America. Luca never wavered from that calling even though it meant Maria and her children might never be able to return to Bella Terra, the farm where she spent most of her life. God honored Luca's commitment and provided a way for Maria and the children to return to Bella Terra in a way I would never have imagined. You'll have to read the book to find out how that happens. As in her previous two novels, there is a discussion guide for book discussion groups, particularly Christian book groups.

[DianFlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third amazing book in The Italian Chronicles Trilogy finds us once again at Bella Terra where it all started...the beautiful lush farm in Sicily where Maria spent her happy childhood. Her time there is bittersweet as she reunites with her dying mother and is met with the news that Bella Terra is on the verge of bankruptcy. Will Luca, Maria's husband, be willing to leave America and return to Italy to save Bella Terra? As Maria is faced with the possibility of so much loss and darkness threatens to overtake her, will she lose her soul in the process?

A hauntingly beautiful series that should be read in order to get the full effect of Maria's trauma as a teenager and subsequent life. Heartrending and tinged with sadness but with a promising conclusion of hope in Christ, I wholly recommend this highly emotive series!

[Marta Aldrighetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

1905, New Yourk, 8 years later Maria and Luca family arrive in Usa from Sicily,Itay.
What a difficult change and adventure! Not the tresure land they dream about!
It's january and a telegram annunces that Nonna is very ill.
Maria must go back home.
Seeing again her own home, land, family and village make Maria sad.
In fact leaving them it was a very big, hard trouble, she always was homesick.
Eye catching cover for this third book of the serie, sweet and haunting story, intense emotions, wonderful characters.
Sure, I 'll miss them!
I would love to read more about Maria and Luca Tonetta family, when will the author publish book 4?

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third and final book in the trilogy is better again, than the second had been. The faith and family lessons that the characters experience are really good. I could really identify with the struggle Maria goes through with Nico growing up, as I will have grown sons in just a few short years.

[Susan Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1905 and Maria Landro Tonetta has been living with her husband and three children in America for the previous eight years. She and her family left Italy to make a better life for themselves in the States, but it hasn’t been easy. When Maria receives a telegram from Italy, saying that her mother is terminally ill, Maria heads back to her homeland with her adult son Nico. When Maria begins questioning her return to America, she finds herself facing some very difficult challenges.

This is a lovely story of love, redemption and forgiveness. The author’s writing is charming, descriptive and compelling. I enjoyed how the characters were portrayed realistically, with faults they needed to overcome.

From the blurb description, I didn’t know the story takes place so long ago. The beginning goes into the poor treatment of Italians in New York at the turn of century. As the great granddaughter of Irish immigrants I know all too well what this was like for our ancestors. But I did find that the author was just a little too heavy handed when talking about America in those days. Just my personal observation.

I can recommend this sweet faith-based book to readers. Thanks to Book Crash and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book!

4 of 5 Stars, Susan Barton, https://diymomblog.blogspot.com

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Maria Tontta receives news that her mother is dying, she travels back to her homeland with her beloved son, Nico. She finds herself missing her home and wanting to return back home. She is devastated when she learns her childhood home might be sold because the family is bankrupt. Maria finds herself torn between the love of her family back home and her new life with her family in America. When Nico's biological father reappears in Nico's life, Maria is afraid that she will lose him too. Will Maria be able to let go past wrongs?

The book was an interesting read about a woman who conflicted with two separate desires. Maria tries to follow her heart but while abiding to God's will. Each of the characters are flawed and are in situations that they hope can be better. I enjoyed reading this book especially with the dynamic between Maria and Nico. I haven't read the other books in the series, but I just might!

[Erin (Historical Fiction Reader)]

Find out more about Return to Bella Terra and The Italian Chronicles at: https://historicalfictionreader.blogs...

[Malgorzata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story and great ending to the trilogy: The Italian Chronicles. The book shows the struggles and changes through which the main characters are going through. I enjoyed reading it.