Gently, Jolene: A Novel of Love and Adventure in the Cinque Terre

by Angela Scipioni

Have you ever dreamed of starting over in a new place?

Jolene acted on that dream, and now she’s traveling to Italy on a one-way ticket. 

She’s a woman in her prime, brimming with hope for her future despite a broken marriage, a failed business venture, and the loss of her parents. Eager to leave her past disappointments behind, Jolene takes a leap of faith and accepts Filippo’s unexpected proposal to travel back to Italy’s fabled Cinque Terre with him. 

Thrilled at the prospect of a new life with her new love in one of the world’s most enchanting travel destinations, Jolene can't wait to begin the adventure of working alongside Filippo at Locanda Luisa, his family’s hotel in the village of Manarola. 

On her arrival, Jolene enthusiastically throws herself into learning the Italian language, adapting to the Ligurian culture, and figuring out how to relate to her future in-laws. 

But as she explores the Cinque Terre’s cliffside vineyards, hikes up and down its spectacular trails and swims in its crystalline waters, Jolene also stumbles upon bits and pieces of disconcerting information. As her misgivings multiply, she grows more and more determined to discover the truth, and her quest ultimately lands her at the center of a family drama for which she is utterly unprepared. 

Gently, Jolene is the inspiring story of every woman's need to hope, of learning how to let go of the past, take a second chance, and find the courage to follow her heart's path. If you love Italy and have enjoyed stories such as the classic A Room With a View, or Eat, Pray, Love and Under the Tuscan Sun, Gently, Jolene is a must-read. 

As an American living in the Italian Riviera, Angela Scipioni writes with rare authenticity and insight about the pitfalls of multicultural romance and contemporary family life in Italy. She is co-author of the highly acclaimed Iris & Lily novel series. 

Reader Praise

“A warm and inviting story of hope and discovery.”

“I have been to the Cinque Terre three times. Reading this book felt like the fourth time. The writing is so descriptive I felt like I was the feral kitties, the smells, the vineyards, fishermen, local wine, olive trees, cafes…Highly recommend this book!”

"This is a lovely story about holding on and learning to let go. A story of being a stranger in your own life. The characters are well developed and I found myself slowly and 'gently' becoming part of the family.”

"This is a refreshing, ultimately surprising novel. It tells of a quest for love and truth, portraying a wonderful, enquiring mind. I sympathized with the protagonist, Jolene, from page one, and let myself be transported to the enchanting Cinque Terre, with their incomparable colors and flavors. A truly great read, highly recommended.”

"Isn't it every woman's fantasy to leave behind the failures and foibles of the past, and start over fresh in a new place where she has no history and where all things become possible? In Gently, Jolene, that's what Jolene has the opportunity to do and I cheered her on and admired her as she took a huge leap of faith into unknown territory. And something in me got braver, too.

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2018

About the author

Angela Scipioni came into the world during a blizzard in the January of 1959, the seventh in a not-yet-completed lineup of snot-nosed, scraggly children. Not surprisingly, like generations of romantically inclined, novel-devouring young women before her, during a trip to Italy Angela fell in love with the country, its climate, its natural and artistic beauty, its people (yes, including its men), language, flavors and flair. Not yet 21, bewitched by fantasies of a sunny world filled with love and adventure, she moved to Italy to live out her own fairy story, and draft the first of several versions of a happy ending.
Three decades and many twists later, from her home in Liguria, she co-authored her first novel, Iris & Lily, with her sister Julie, working long-distance across the Atlantic for four full years.
A family saga covering the story of two sisters struggling to survive a chaotic childhood, a confused adolescence, and an adulthood for which they are unprepared despite being wise beyond their years, Iris & Lily follows their relationship as it evolves over the course of their very different lives.
Angela has also written Gently, Jolene, a novel set in Italy's fabled Cinque Terre.
When she is not working on her writing projects, Angela enjoys noodling on her guitar and ukulele, cooking for and with friends, and spending as much time as possible outdoors, gardening, hiking, swimming, visiting with the cats that stop by to be petted and fed, and nurturing her soul with the beauty of God's nature.

Reviews

[Barb Chesser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mainly read this to get a feel for the Cinque Terre where I will be visiting later this month. The book was so so at best, rather annoying that the main character was completely clueless most of the time even though she was supposedly an educated independent 38 year old woman! Arghh!! ! I did however accomplish my goal of getting a feel for this area of Italy and I’m more excited than ever for my trip.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for the Popsugar 2020 Summer Reading Challenge in the category of "a book set at a resort or hotel". The descriptions of Cinque Terre, both the people and the scenery, made me want to visit there. The main characters did not thrill me so much. As others have noted, Jolene was clueless with a pretty damaged self image, while her "fiance" made me want to slap him. Still, it was a decent enough quick read for the flavor of Italy, which I always enjoy.

[Eslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tough book to rate. The author did a great job of setting an atmosphere in Cinque Terre , so well that I felt I was there. The scenes were vivid , the food , the coffee drinking ( I’m a coffee fanatic ) This is the reason I kept reading because it certainly was not the story. I found the main character weak , not interesting. In the end worth the read , it took me away to another setting

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I criticize Jolene for being so incredibly naive, but so was I in buying this book!
Italy stories are my favorites, but not this one. Gave it 2 stars for the Italia flavor only.

[Jill Althouse-Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having been to Cinque Terre, I loved the descriptions of the place, its people, landscape and food. It took me back and gave me a peek into the way the place exists for the locals. That said, I both enjoyed the book and was frustrated by it. Jolene, the protagonist was extremely gullible to the point that it was unbelievable, especially when you factor in her backstory. It was also very hard to see how she ever fell in love with her fiancé. I spent the entire book wishing Fillipo would just go away. He was such an ass. And so sneaky. There was never any doubt that Jolene would leave him in the end. If you can get past those rather clunky flaws, the cast of characters is great, and the plot takes some surprising detours on its way to the predictable ending. I could see this as a movie if a screen writer could somehow create more nuance in Jolene's relationship with her fiancé and give her a little more insight.

[Christie Bracciano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having visited Italy, but not the Cinque Terre region, I was so drawn to read this story…and even though I enjoyed much of the area descriptions, it was frustrating for me to imagine this Jolene being 38 and having lived a life of so many challenges being as naive and tolerant of what, to me ,and I would think most intelligent people would see, as obvious, and yet not want to walk away from. A nice escape but I wish there had been more realistic appraisals of what was happening and less naïve acceptance of unacceptable behavior on the part of certain players.

[Cenobia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams do come True

This story captured my heart from the very first page. The characters were beautifully crafted, and if you happen to love all things Italian, this is the read for you.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

The more I read the more I loved this book! I worried for Jolene until she finally realized what she had to do.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* It's strange that this book proclaims itself a 'love story', it's not, or at least it doesn't read like one and doesn't abide by the usual tropes. I would say this is a book about loss, healing, forgiveness, and strained family dynamics, which is perhaps why I liked it (not a fan of the romance genre). I was tempted to give it 5 stars based on how much I enjoyed the setting. The thing holding me back, is how unlikable most of the characters are in one way or another. That said they are not unrealistic, but so cringey, it just made me want to through the book against the wall at times. Also, all the cappuccino drinking, it got to be too much. Something I had to keep reminding myself, it's not that Jolene is as dumb as she seems, it's that she is opperating in her second langugage and dealing grief and a ton of bagage, so of course she is going to miss vital information in translation, while lacking cultural fluency to read every situation clearly especially through the lens of her own issues. That part of the story was something I completely related to. I recommend this book, it works despite some of the hang-ups I had with it

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband got me this book as a Christmas gift this year partly because we had gone to Cinque Terre in September and partly because the name Jolene is a favorite of mine. I sped through this book in a couple of weeks, enjoying the descriptive writing style of Angela Scipioni in addition to those references to the region in Italy that I had just visited. I must say that I had my frustrations with Jolene as she meandered through the weeks getting to know the region, new people in her life and slowly, ever so slowly, discovering and accepting the fact that things and people are not what she thought they would be. I told my husband by chapter 5 that I would be heading back on a plane to America regardless of how much flying terrified me. But I am glad she stuck it out for a while. Everyday, I was addicted to seeing what would happen next, like waiting for the next episode in a very predictable soap opera. Some of the characters are so endearing (you can decide for yourself who they might be in your eyes) that I could not leave them not knowing what happens! A sweet read.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly enjoyed the novel because of it’s setting in the Cinque Terre, an area of Italy that I have visited on two occasions and love! The descriptions of the area were beautifully drawn and brought back wonderful memories!
I found myself rooting for the main character, Jolene, as she attempted to start life anew after life had given her some unfortunate breaks. The depiction of her fiancée however I thought stretched credibility as a leopard who changed his spots with way too much ease.
Most of the characters were enjoyable to read and seemed to enhance the setting.

[pamela sciacca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the journey to Italy.

From the Finger Lakes to Cinque Terre. The Love, Food, language and travel provided a perfect escape. I miss traveling so much and this book gave me a much appreciated journey.

[Julia Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Great writing. Great story. Great characters. Great location.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely!

I loved this book and it took me back to the Cinque Terre. I imagine family truly comes first there, and you can't help but dream of the land's beauty!

[Pam Warner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am about 45 percent into this book and so bored with it. Giving up

[Sabrina Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took me back to my beautiful adventure in Cinque Terre!

[Julie Busa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars for me. There were some great moments in this book. I did find much of it very frustrating. The setting was, by far, the best part.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome- love the way she writes

[Lorraine.lomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy read

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading gently Jolene although it was a slow starter however after the first couple of chapters it was hard to put the book down

[Alice]

Hard to get into…

[Karlene Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly romantic and sweet. I enjoyed this book for a different read. I
recommend it as a travel book to enjoy on down times.

[Joanna Conte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book at end of summer season. Any book set in Italy is my cup of tea. It was a bit predictable, but a nice easy read nevertheless.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an okay book, but I enjoyed it more because it was about the Cinque Terre in Italy where I would soon be going. King of enjoyable. But a quick read.

[Elizabeth M Hasenstab · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted Jolene to ‘wake up’ and get out of there now. She let him take her for a fool.