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Bellafortuna #2
Saving the Music
They hid the hunted… with faith, courage—and music.
Saving the Music: A Powerful WWII Historical Fiction Novel of Resistance, Music, and Hope in Nazi-Occupied Italy
Italy, Winter 1942.
As Nazi forces tighten their grip on Europe, a group of Jewish musicians flees persecution and finds unlikely refuge in Bellafortuna, a remote Sicilian village where faith endures, strangers become saviors, and music still drifts through the olive groves.
With quiet aid from the Vatican and the villagers’ quiet defiance, the fugitives find sanctuary. But their peace is fragile. When German troops descend on Sicily, the war reaches Bellafortuna’s doorstep. The villagers face an agonizing choice: comply and survive—or risk everything to protect those they've come to love.
★ Optioned for a Film
★ Winner – American Fiction Award
★ Amazon UK Top Rated Novel
★ Named an Amazon Bestseller in Italian Historical Fiction
★ Over 1,100 Amazon Reviews (4.7 Rating)
Blending lyrical prose with historical accuracy, Saving the Music is a sweeping tale of resistance, survival, and the redemptive power of art. A deeply human story for readers who believe that even in history’s darkest hour, beauty—and hope—can endure.
Perfect for fans of
Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale), Anthony Doerr (All the Light We Cannot See), Tatiana de Rosnay (Sarah’s Key), and Mark Sullivan (Beneath a Scarlet Sky), as well as readers of Holocaust novels, Italian historical fiction, and stories of courage against impossible odds.
“A historically bold and dramatically lively war tale.”
— Kirkus Reviews
For anyone who believes that music can be more than a memory—it can be salvation. Begin the journey today.
Saving the Music: A Powerful WWII Historical Fiction Novel of Resistance, Music, and Hope in Nazi-Occupied Italy
Italy, Winter 1942.
As Nazi forces tighten their grip on Europe, a group of Jewish musicians flees persecution and finds unlikely refuge in Bellafortuna, a remote Sicilian village where faith endures, strangers become saviors, and music still drifts through the olive groves.
With quiet aid from the Vatican and the villagers’ quiet defiance, the fugitives find sanctuary. But their peace is fragile. When German troops descend on Sicily, the war reaches Bellafortuna’s doorstep. The villagers face an agonizing choice: comply and survive—or risk everything to protect those they've come to love.
★ Optioned for a Film
★ Winner – American Fiction Award
★ Amazon UK Top Rated Novel
★ Named an Amazon Bestseller in Italian Historical Fiction
★ Over 1,100 Amazon Reviews (4.7 Rating)
Blending lyrical prose with historical accuracy, Saving the Music is a sweeping tale of resistance, survival, and the redemptive power of art. A deeply human story for readers who believe that even in history’s darkest hour, beauty—and hope—can endure.
Perfect for fans of
Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale), Anthony Doerr (All the Light We Cannot See), Tatiana de Rosnay (Sarah’s Key), and Mark Sullivan (Beneath a Scarlet Sky), as well as readers of Holocaust novels, Italian historical fiction, and stories of courage against impossible odds.
“A historically bold and dramatically lively war tale.”
— Kirkus Reviews
For anyone who believes that music can be more than a memory—it can be salvation. Begin the journey today.
398 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2020
398 people are currently reading
1365 people want to read
About the author
Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco
5 books143 followersChip LoCoco's love of music, stories and of his Sicilian-American heritage shines in all of his novels. His novels have been ranked on Amazon as Bestsellers and Top Rated novels.
His first novel was Tempesta's Dream - A Story of Love, Friendship and Opera. Tempesta's Dream was awarded the Pinnacle Award in Historical Fiction.
Chip's next novel, A Song for Bellafortuna, forms Book 1 of his much beloved Bellafortuna Series. That novel won the B.R.A.G Medallion Award in Historical Fiction and was named a short-list finalist in the prestigious William Faulkner Writing Competition.
Book 2 of the Bellafortuna series is Saving the Music. It too has been listed as a Top Rated novel on Amazon and as a Bestseller in Italian Historical Fiction. It was selected as the Winner of the 2022 American Fiction Award in Historical Fiction. It was also named as a Finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards in the Historical Fiction Category and Best Fiction Cover Design.
Sicilian Melody is Book 3 in the series, It is a story that concerns the reemergence of the Mafia after WWII. The novel has been named an Amazon Hot New Release.
His latest release is The Devil's Jazz: The Haunted Chrocnicles of the Axman of New Orleans. A thriller of a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Chip is an estate planning attorney in New Orleans, where he lives with his wife and two children. Chip is a member of the Italian American Writers Association. Chip has given extensive talks to book clubs, organizations, and has appeared on The Catholic Channel on Sirius Radio.
For more information, visit him at www.vincentlococo.com.
His first novel was Tempesta's Dream - A Story of Love, Friendship and Opera. Tempesta's Dream was awarded the Pinnacle Award in Historical Fiction.
Chip's next novel, A Song for Bellafortuna, forms Book 1 of his much beloved Bellafortuna Series. That novel won the B.R.A.G Medallion Award in Historical Fiction and was named a short-list finalist in the prestigious William Faulkner Writing Competition.
Book 2 of the Bellafortuna series is Saving the Music. It too has been listed as a Top Rated novel on Amazon and as a Bestseller in Italian Historical Fiction. It was selected as the Winner of the 2022 American Fiction Award in Historical Fiction. It was also named as a Finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards in the Historical Fiction Category and Best Fiction Cover Design.
Sicilian Melody is Book 3 in the series, It is a story that concerns the reemergence of the Mafia after WWII. The novel has been named an Amazon Hot New Release.
His latest release is The Devil's Jazz: The Haunted Chrocnicles of the Axman of New Orleans. A thriller of a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Chip is an estate planning attorney in New Orleans, where he lives with his wife and two children. Chip is a member of the Italian American Writers Association. Chip has given extensive talks to book clubs, organizations, and has appeared on The Catholic Channel on Sirius Radio.
For more information, visit him at www.vincentlococo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
June 8, 2020
"Even in silence, there is music."
WOW, I was not prepared for how amazing this book was! From the absolutely gorgeous Preface to the bittersweet and heartwarming ending, I was completely captivated by the author's words.
Saving the Music tells the story of 15 Jewish musicians and their families that were saved from the Nazis by a network of Resistance workers that help smuggle them into a small town in Sicily, Bellafortuna, where the people in town help hide them and keep them safe, despite the danger that would come upon them if they were ever found out.
"Bellafortuna is a special place. It's a place of decency where music and opera thrive. With so much hate in the world, it stands in stark contrast with its good-heartedness, grace, decency, and love. It is a place of light in the darkness. What better way for the world to see its spirit than for the entire village to save other souls."
Told with exquisite writing and full of intrigue, danger, hope, and the power of fighting injustice, I highly recommend Saving the Music. I can't wait to go back and read the first book in the series!
WOW, I was not prepared for how amazing this book was! From the absolutely gorgeous Preface to the bittersweet and heartwarming ending, I was completely captivated by the author's words.
Saving the Music tells the story of 15 Jewish musicians and their families that were saved from the Nazis by a network of Resistance workers that help smuggle them into a small town in Sicily, Bellafortuna, where the people in town help hide them and keep them safe, despite the danger that would come upon them if they were ever found out.
"Bellafortuna is a special place. It's a place of decency where music and opera thrive. With so much hate in the world, it stands in stark contrast with its good-heartedness, grace, decency, and love. It is a place of light in the darkness. What better way for the world to see its spirit than for the entire village to save other souls."
Told with exquisite writing and full of intrigue, danger, hope, and the power of fighting injustice, I highly recommend Saving the Music. I can't wait to go back and read the first book in the series!
August 24, 2020
Here are some Advance Reviews for Saving the Music.
"In Saving the Music, author Chip LoCoco writes of the efforts undertaken by common villagers, priests, and even a Pope to protect Jews from the Nazis. He vividly depicts the horrors faced by the Jews as they confront the Holocaust. Filled with real heroism and high drama, this book brings perspective and depth to its subject. It's an exciting read on an important topic, and I strongly recommend it."
-Ronald Rychlak, Author of Hitler, the War, and the Pope
* * *
"This is a well composed novel that captures key moments of the Holocaust as it relates to the Italian people. I highly recommend it."
-Professor Vincent Lapomarda, S.J., Author of The Jesuits and the Third Reich
* * *
"This is a well-researched novel and reflects the situation as it then existed, hopefully, never to return."
-Fr. Peter Gumpel, S.J., postulator of the cause of beautification for Pius XII
* * *
"Chip LoCoco's novel, Saving the Music, is a realistic fact-based story of pain, fear and true heroism. The premise is solidly grounded on documented facts of the actions of the Catholic Church under the Pontificate of Pope Pius XII down to priests and individual Catholics. Saving the Music is an exciting and engrossing read, which joins the list of wonderful truth-based books of late that is shedding light on the truth ending the worst character assassination of the 20th Century. Bravo."
-Gary L. Krupp, Author of Pope Pius XII and World War II- The Documented Truth
"In Saving the Music, author Chip LoCoco writes of the efforts undertaken by common villagers, priests, and even a Pope to protect Jews from the Nazis. He vividly depicts the horrors faced by the Jews as they confront the Holocaust. Filled with real heroism and high drama, this book brings perspective and depth to its subject. It's an exciting read on an important topic, and I strongly recommend it."
-Ronald Rychlak, Author of Hitler, the War, and the Pope
* * *
"This is a well composed novel that captures key moments of the Holocaust as it relates to the Italian people. I highly recommend it."
-Professor Vincent Lapomarda, S.J., Author of The Jesuits and the Third Reich
* * *
"This is a well-researched novel and reflects the situation as it then existed, hopefully, never to return."
-Fr. Peter Gumpel, S.J., postulator of the cause of beautification for Pius XII
* * *
"Chip LoCoco's novel, Saving the Music, is a realistic fact-based story of pain, fear and true heroism. The premise is solidly grounded on documented facts of the actions of the Catholic Church under the Pontificate of Pope Pius XII down to priests and individual Catholics. Saving the Music is an exciting and engrossing read, which joins the list of wonderful truth-based books of late that is shedding light on the truth ending the worst character assassination of the 20th Century. Bravo."
-Gary L. Krupp, Author of Pope Pius XII and World War II- The Documented Truth
June 3, 2020
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
From the incredible New Orleans author, Chip LoCoco, comes his second novel, Saving the Music.
Bellafortuna, has been nationally recognized, being named a Short List Finalist in the William Faulkner Writing Competition and awarded the B.R.A.G. Award in Historical Fiction. Mr. LoCoco is a member of the Italian American Writers Association.
Chip LoCoco's latest novel, Saving the Music, is an exceptionally written thought provoking historical fiction.
This is an emotional charged, faced paced, gripping tale that portrays the horrors and suffering the people endured under the weight of the Third Reich.
Ludwig Adler and his family, along with several musicians barley escapes the Nazis regime, as they seek to eradicate all Jews from every territory that is German occupied. Fleeing for their lives, they journey through Switzerland, and eventually they make to Italy.
There they find help within Catholic Church. As the Holy Church’s stealth mission, to save as many Jewish people lives from the death grip of the Nazis. They are Smuggled to a very tiny village in mountains outside of Palermo. The courageous actions of the cautious, diplomatic, Pontificate of Pope Pius XII, along with the large complex web of priest, together with Italian villagers help to secure the fleeing Jews. Lulled by the picturesque landscape and musicians almost forget the horrors, until Italy announces its surrender.
Chip LoCoco writing is with precision and depth, he keeps the pace brisk and vividly rendered.
The authors seamless narration, beautiful prose will have you completely immersed within this absorbing book. The fleshed out characters were incredibly realistic and endearing. A stunning heartwarming dynamic historical fiction, that I found myself captivated by the first page.
An incredible compassionate novel, that captures the heroism of the people, who risked everything to help those who were targeted by horrific third Reich.
This book is a superb novel, that will transport you with its historical atmospheric imagery, and engaging musical elements.
An absorbing riveting book, that will stay with you long after you close the book.
From the incredible New Orleans author, Chip LoCoco, comes his second novel, Saving the Music.
Bellafortuna, has been nationally recognized, being named a Short List Finalist in the William Faulkner Writing Competition and awarded the B.R.A.G. Award in Historical Fiction. Mr. LoCoco is a member of the Italian American Writers Association.
Chip LoCoco's latest novel, Saving the Music, is an exceptionally written thought provoking historical fiction.
This is an emotional charged, faced paced, gripping tale that portrays the horrors and suffering the people endured under the weight of the Third Reich.
Ludwig Adler and his family, along with several musicians barley escapes the Nazis regime, as they seek to eradicate all Jews from every territory that is German occupied. Fleeing for their lives, they journey through Switzerland, and eventually they make to Italy.
There they find help within Catholic Church. As the Holy Church’s stealth mission, to save as many Jewish people lives from the death grip of the Nazis. They are Smuggled to a very tiny village in mountains outside of Palermo. The courageous actions of the cautious, diplomatic, Pontificate of Pope Pius XII, along with the large complex web of priest, together with Italian villagers help to secure the fleeing Jews. Lulled by the picturesque landscape and musicians almost forget the horrors, until Italy announces its surrender.
Chip LoCoco writing is with precision and depth, he keeps the pace brisk and vividly rendered.
The authors seamless narration, beautiful prose will have you completely immersed within this absorbing book. The fleshed out characters were incredibly realistic and endearing. A stunning heartwarming dynamic historical fiction, that I found myself captivated by the first page.
An incredible compassionate novel, that captures the heroism of the people, who risked everything to help those who were targeted by horrific third Reich.
This book is a superb novel, that will transport you with its historical atmospheric imagery, and engaging musical elements.
An absorbing riveting book, that will stay with you long after you close the book.
June 10, 2020
As the war rages on in 1942, a group of Jewish musicians are being rounded up onto trains by Nazis. Through the relentless work of resistance members and friends, they are hidden away and freed from the trains. At the same time Pope Pious XII is debating what to say publicly about the massive loss of life at the hands of the Nazis. Making the difficult decision to retain neutrality, Pope Pious XII quietly assists in the relocation of thousands of Jews, including a special group of musicians. With the assistance of Father Biaggio Sanguinetti, the group of fifteen Jews finds a new home and new identities in the small Italian town of Bellafortuna where they find how to create music together. When the German's occupy Bellafortuna, the residents use their ingenuity to keep everyone safe and when the Nazi's threaten the Roman Ghetto, the Pope's network and the Italian people come together to save as many people as they can.
Saving the Music is a beautiful story of hope and fear during World War II. Set in the fictional village of Bellafortuna, Sicily, the stories of several characters from A Song for Bellafortuna are continued, but it is not necessary to read beforehand. The theme of music is strong within the story and is what brings everyone together regardless of religion or language and keeps spirits high during the darkest of times. The characters are all wonderfully created and quickly became people that I cared about. The writing skillfully showcased the beauty of Bellafortuna and the resident's immense capacity to care for others. While Bellafortuna is fictional, the actions of the Italian people and Pope Pious XII were very real. Reading about the Pope's difficult decisions that were made to save lives, all while receiving criticism for not speaking out against Hitler's atrocities was profound showing that true heroes do not act in order to receive praise, but will gladly risk themselves in order to do what is right.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Saving the Music is a beautiful story of hope and fear during World War II. Set in the fictional village of Bellafortuna, Sicily, the stories of several characters from A Song for Bellafortuna are continued, but it is not necessary to read beforehand. The theme of music is strong within the story and is what brings everyone together regardless of religion or language and keeps spirits high during the darkest of times. The characters are all wonderfully created and quickly became people that I cared about. The writing skillfully showcased the beauty of Bellafortuna and the resident's immense capacity to care for others. While Bellafortuna is fictional, the actions of the Italian people and Pope Pious XII were very real. Reading about the Pope's difficult decisions that were made to save lives, all while receiving criticism for not speaking out against Hitler's atrocities was profound showing that true heroes do not act in order to receive praise, but will gladly risk themselves in order to do what is right.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
October 9, 2022
Very touching and personal presentation of the Italian Jewish persecution during WWII from the perspectives of local Catholic villagers, Jewish communities, and the Vatican’s role during this horrendous period.….excellent read. Book 1 A Song for Bellafortuna sets the underlying scene of a small Sicilian village and the strength of its people that contributes to the powerful story of Book 2 Saving the Music.
June 14, 2020
"Saving the Music" by Vincent LoCoco is a courageous book. Courageous because it dives into a virulent and intensely personal historical argument about the role of the Catholic Church, and of Pope Pius XII, in the Holocaust of World War II. One camp sees the Pope as a compassionate and fearless leader, who wisely maintained the neutrality of the Vatican while directing an operation to assist thousands of Jews to escape the Nazi death camps. The other camp sees the Pope as a coward, who knew of the extermination of the Jews but refused to condemn it and, through his silence, was complicit in the crimes of the Nazis.
In this dispute, author LoCoco takes a strong and eloquent stand. In his novel, Pope Pius XII weeps privately for the horrible crimes that he cannot condemn, because condemning them would endanger the massive rescue operation that the Church was running, through its emissaries throughout Europe. Though a work of fiction, the portrayal of the Pope and of those Church officials surrounding him is compelling and convincing.
The Pope is not the central character of this book. The plot centers around a group of Jewish musicians whom the Vatican rescue operation snatches out of the clutches of the Nazis and hides in a small hilltop village in Sicily. A series of knuckle-biting mishaps almost expose them to the German occupiers, making for a thrilling story.
But, while the Pope may not be the main character, his presence permeates the story. It is this presence that makes the book a masterful novel.
Joel Epstein, author of "The Language of the Heart" https://www.amazon.com/Language-Heart...
In this dispute, author LoCoco takes a strong and eloquent stand. In his novel, Pope Pius XII weeps privately for the horrible crimes that he cannot condemn, because condemning them would endanger the massive rescue operation that the Church was running, through its emissaries throughout Europe. Though a work of fiction, the portrayal of the Pope and of those Church officials surrounding him is compelling and convincing.
The Pope is not the central character of this book. The plot centers around a group of Jewish musicians whom the Vatican rescue operation snatches out of the clutches of the Nazis and hides in a small hilltop village in Sicily. A series of knuckle-biting mishaps almost expose them to the German occupiers, making for a thrilling story.
But, while the Pope may not be the main character, his presence permeates the story. It is this presence that makes the book a masterful novel.
Joel Epstein, author of "The Language of the Heart" https://www.amazon.com/Language-Heart...
June 17, 2020
My Thoughts:
I was excited to read a story that's setting is in Italy and Sicily.
I was excited to read a story that has the pope and the Catholic Church as characters.
I didn't know the history of Jews living in Rome nor their plight during the Holocaust until reading this book.
These are strong reasons this book is unique from other World War II stories.
Other reasons why I love this story:
~History and archaeology research and discoveries are presented in the story about the early Christian church, Peter, and the Catholic Church.
~Courage and resilience in the people who hid Jews or escorted them to safe places. I'm amazed at their ability to be valiant in the face of possible death.
~I enjoyed reading Chip LoCoco's research regarding the book.
~Saving the Music showed me strength is sometimes in quietness. There were courageous people who risked certain death, but there were people in the background who persevered without notice.
~Saving the Music is a page-turner.
~LoCoco has an engaging writing style.
~The dialogue and characters are believable.
~The ending is deeply satisfyingly.
Source: I received a complimentary eBook copy from Amy Bruno of Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, but was not required to write a positive review.
I was excited to read a story that's setting is in Italy and Sicily.
I was excited to read a story that has the pope and the Catholic Church as characters.
I didn't know the history of Jews living in Rome nor their plight during the Holocaust until reading this book.
These are strong reasons this book is unique from other World War II stories.
Other reasons why I love this story:
~History and archaeology research and discoveries are presented in the story about the early Christian church, Peter, and the Catholic Church.
~Courage and resilience in the people who hid Jews or escorted them to safe places. I'm amazed at their ability to be valiant in the face of possible death.
~I enjoyed reading Chip LoCoco's research regarding the book.
~Saving the Music showed me strength is sometimes in quietness. There were courageous people who risked certain death, but there were people in the background who persevered without notice.
~Saving the Music is a page-turner.
~LoCoco has an engaging writing style.
~The dialogue and characters are believable.
~The ending is deeply satisfyingly.
Source: I received a complimentary eBook copy from Amy Bruno of Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, but was not required to write a positive review.
November 28, 2021
In SAVING THE MUSIC, author Chip LoCoco has written an engrossing, deeply moving, visceral novel. Fifteen top professional musicians in WWII who hold respected steady positions such as with the Vienna Philharmonic, are suddenly dismissed because they are Jews. With the Nazis hunting them everywhere to ship them off to concentration camps, Pope Pius XII arranges them to be sent to the Sicilian village of Bellafortuna, with the Catholic villagers vowing to protect them. Bellafortuna has a gifted amateur orchestra composed of vintners and farmers and craftsmen but when joined by the former top instrumentalists of Europe, the orchestra rises from very good to glorious. Because of the sound they make together, the Nazi officer in charge of the village decides to send the new musicians to Rome to play a concert...a place of great danger to them.
Buy this absolutely wonderful novel...it is a jewel of storytelling and shows that even in the most horrific and brutal of times, good people will arise. And it is so alive and real, I was much more in their world than mine when reading it. As Schubert says in his great lied An Die Musik, the novel and its music lifted me to a better world.
Buy this absolutely wonderful novel...it is a jewel of storytelling and shows that even in the most horrific and brutal of times, good people will arise. And it is so alive and real, I was much more in their world than mine when reading it. As Schubert says in his great lied An Die Musik, the novel and its music lifted me to a better world.
January 2, 2022
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
The courage of one small town brings hope to a group of Jewish musicians attempting to escape the Nazi regime during World War II. Emotional and restorative, this story is about a town that is willing to shelter these creators of music. Along with the secret help of a few individuals in the Vatican who are also trying to right a terrible wrong being done within Italy. Despite the dangers they put themselves in, the townsfolk of Bellafortuna are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to save these men and their families.
This story is a reminder of the terror wrought by the war and those brave enough to stand up for what is right and just. The author helped me feel the fear everyone lived with during those terrible times.
The courage of one small town brings hope to a group of Jewish musicians attempting to escape the Nazi regime during World War II. Emotional and restorative, this story is about a town that is willing to shelter these creators of music. Along with the secret help of a few individuals in the Vatican who are also trying to right a terrible wrong being done within Italy. Despite the dangers they put themselves in, the townsfolk of Bellafortuna are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to save these men and their families.
This story is a reminder of the terror wrought by the war and those brave enough to stand up for what is right and just. The author helped me feel the fear everyone lived with during those terrible times.
August 7, 2020
Looking at the cover of this book would you think that it is the story of Pope PiusXII and the Catholic Church and their role in protecting, hiding and saving Jews in Rome and throughout Italy? This tells of a people in a time that is well known but in a very personal way that is fascinating, intriguing, enlightening and helps us remember the great good in humanity. Many of the characters are real and others seem to truly be actual people living these events. There is great attention to detail in places and events that surely required much research and adds to the authenticity of the story. Much of the dialog between characters is profound and full of good reasoning and intent and even wisdom and could and should be quoted in our time today. This book touched my heart and soul and had a great impact on my mind that will stay with me and may make it one of my ten best books to read in my lifetime.
May 21, 2022
A Story About Priests Who Saved the Lives of Jews during the Holocaust!
I began a different book about Jews and Italians over the weekend but kept being frustrated. I had no idea that this book was also about the topic until I got frustrated today and decided to try another book for a while. The difference was that in this book, the Italians were trying to help the Jews. I found this book to be much more interesting to me because the Jews and Catholics were working together for the benefit of both groups while in the other book the Catholics were trying to sabotage the Jews.
I enjoyed this book and it was amazing how quickly the book came town end. I hope you enjoy it also.
I began a different book about Jews and Italians over the weekend but kept being frustrated. I had no idea that this book was also about the topic until I got frustrated today and decided to try another book for a while. The difference was that in this book, the Italians were trying to help the Jews. I found this book to be much more interesting to me because the Jews and Catholics were working together for the benefit of both groups while in the other book the Catholics were trying to sabotage the Jews.
I enjoyed this book and it was amazing how quickly the book came town end. I hope you enjoy it also.
November 24, 2021
Most interesting!
I read A Song for Bellafortuna, so when I saw Mr. LoCoco had written Saving the Music, I knew I would enjoy it. I’m a lover of music and a fan of World War II which also enticed me to read it. It did not disappoint me. The story was well organized especially in covering so many different setting. The transitions from one to another flowed. In the credits at the end, I discovered my husband attended most of the same schools in New Orleans and Rome and knew the author’s father. A nice fact for me.
I read A Song for Bellafortuna, so when I saw Mr. LoCoco had written Saving the Music, I knew I would enjoy it. I’m a lover of music and a fan of World War II which also enticed me to read it. It did not disappoint me. The story was well organized especially in covering so many different setting. The transitions from one to another flowed. In the credits at the end, I discovered my husband attended most of the same schools in New Orleans and Rome and knew the author’s father. A nice fact for me.
Read
May 16, 2022As with A Song for Bellafortuna, I loved this book. Wouldn't it be great if there really was a village like this? Perhaps, there is. This was such an interesting story, I could not put down. It was so wonderful to see what happened to the characters in Bellafortuna in this lovely book. Not only was there a wonderful, well crafted story, but the historical parts were so interesting they sent me to my computer for research. I learned so much from this book whilst being mesmerized by a wonderful story. Looking forward to reading Tempesta's Dream by this author. Well done!
March 30, 2020
This outstanding work of historical fiction, addresses the involvement of Pope Pius XII in saving thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. It provides a different perspective than what is frequently heard. The epilogue is incredibly interesting as it shares the post war experiences of the characters. This e-book was received through Goodreads.
July 29, 2020
Appreciate this story that has opened my eyes to historical "fake news".
Some of the information we carry around in our heads is not always true. I had learned through history classes and publications that the Pope sympathized with the Nazis during WW2. This novel presents an alternative story, one I believe is true, based on Mr LoCoco's research notes at the end of the book. This novel is a beautiful narrative of love, hope, faith and sacrifice. I highly recommend it.
Some of the information we carry around in our heads is not always true. I had learned through history classes and publications that the Pope sympathized with the Nazis during WW2. This novel presents an alternative story, one I believe is true, based on Mr LoCoco's research notes at the end of the book. This novel is a beautiful narrative of love, hope, faith and sacrifice. I highly recommend it.
December 18, 2020
Appreciate the research
Often stated this book is fiction, yet one can tell an exorbitant amount of research was done. Having been to Assisi, Rome and the Vatican and remember Pope Pious XII as a Catholic school girl, I could image myself walking among the Italians and Jew refugees, musicians, shopkeepers, villagers and clergy.
Often stated this book is fiction, yet one can tell an exorbitant amount of research was done. Having been to Assisi, Rome and the Vatican and remember Pope Pious XII as a Catholic school girl, I could image myself walking among the Italians and Jew refugees, musicians, shopkeepers, villagers and clergy.
August 5, 2021
Heartfelt
I read this book in one day! Being 2nd generation Italian descent,this book has moved me beyond belief. I am so proud of my Italian heritage and this book exemplifies just how caring citizens of Italy were . They gave of themselves. So many of the quotes in this book are applicable today. May we never experience such atrocities to one race, creed or nationality ever again! Thank you Italy and thank you “Chip” for writing this series.
I read this book in one day! Being 2nd generation Italian descent,this book has moved me beyond belief. I am so proud of my Italian heritage and this book exemplifies just how caring citizens of Italy were . They gave of themselves. So many of the quotes in this book are applicable today. May we never experience such atrocities to one race, creed or nationality ever again! Thank you Italy and thank you “Chip” for writing this series.
May 10, 2022
Great two book Series
I could not put these books down! They were so well written the Author took you on a journey through the lives of the people of Bellafortuna and the world. During a very dark time in our history, he has shown the love and kindness of many Italians to help and protect the Jewish people. Great books!
I could not put these books down! They were so well written the Author took you on a journey through the lives of the people of Bellafortuna and the world. During a very dark time in our history, he has shown the love and kindness of many Italians to help and protect the Jewish people. Great books!
January 23, 2025
I read the first book of this series and really liked it, but this book, I loved! I got to the end thinking “this could be true,” and then started wistfully hoping it was. If you love the WWII time period and are fascinated with the role the Catholic Church may have played in saving lives, this book is for you!
April 14, 2020
I loved this book I received it in a giveaway on Goodreads. It gave me a different look on the Catholic Church and the Jewish refugees struggled during this time. I am now reading the first book A Song for Bellafortuna. So far I am loving this one also.
September 10, 2021
Saving the Music
This book was filled with happy and sad moments. It tells the heartbreaking story of the Jews, and how some were killed, or sent to camps, and some were saved. I hope we have learned our lesson, and the Holocaust never happens again.
This book was filled with happy and sad moments. It tells the heartbreaking story of the Jews, and how some were killed, or sent to camps, and some were saved. I hope we have learned our lesson, and the Holocaust never happens again.
May 20, 2022
Saving the Music
Excellent book regarding World War II in Italy, specifically the village of Bellafortuna and it’s people. From Nazi Germany to this lovely town and Rome; music saves and inspires citizens to hide and defend Jewish refugees.
Excellent book regarding World War II in Italy, specifically the village of Bellafortuna and it’s people. From Nazi Germany to this lovely town and Rome; music saves and inspires citizens to hide and defend Jewish refugees.
July 1, 2022
Loved this book!
The characters came alive for me in this story. The story based on historical facts at the time of World War II, enabled me to appreciate the goodness of Italians and Sicilians and the Vatican at that terrible time in our history.
The characters came alive for me in this story. The story based on historical facts at the time of World War II, enabled me to appreciate the goodness of Italians and Sicilians and the Vatican at that terrible time in our history.
December 24, 2022
A compelling story of love, honor, faith, courage and the triumph of good over evil.
Chip LoCoco’s second installment in his trilogy returns us to the magical town of Bellafortuna, but also to Europe during perilous times. He weaves together little-known facts with fictional characters and settings that will have you checking the map and planning a visit. The harrowing tale of evil and unfathomable cruelty of the Holocaust will have you turning pages and rooting his heroes and heroines on. And the complex backstory behind the Pope and the Church’s involvement in fighting Hitler and Mussolini is a revelation. I can’t wait to read book #3.
Chip LoCoco’s second installment in his trilogy returns us to the magical town of Bellafortuna, but also to Europe during perilous times. He weaves together little-known facts with fictional characters and settings that will have you checking the map and planning a visit. The harrowing tale of evil and unfathomable cruelty of the Holocaust will have you turning pages and rooting his heroes and heroines on. And the complex backstory behind the Pope and the Church’s involvement in fighting Hitler and Mussolini is a revelation. I can’t wait to read book #3.
April 29, 2021
A very good book, and an excellent story. The author tells the story of musicians from Germany and Austria as they flee their home countries, to Italy and on to Sicily and Bellafotuna . I really enjoy the way Mr. LoCoco tells us a story!
July 19, 2021
Best book ever. Really enjoyed every page.
December 18, 2021
Bellafortuna Book 2
While i found the first book a tough read, it laid the background for this one. This one was tough to put down.
While i found the first book a tough read, it laid the background for this one. This one was tough to put down.
April 7, 2022
Beautiful story of the atrocities of war.
April 23, 2023
Wonderful true story of saving Jewish musicians during WWll. Would love to go to the winery in Bellafortuna Italy and see the Jewish star on the wall!!
January 7, 2023
Excellent historical fiction that transports you to Italy during Jewish persecution, highlights the role the Pope and Catholic Ministry took to save lives and the Italians who risked their lives to protect refugees. Humanity at it best.
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