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Golden Door Duet #1
La Bellezza
For as long as she can remember, Caterina Romano has drawn notice for her beauty, and that notice has been more burden than boon. Leering eyes and groping hands have bedeviled her since she was a young girl. As she’s grown to adulthood, the danger has grown as well. It’s the reason her family finally flees Sicily, in search of a safer life in the golden dream of America.
But the dream becomes a nightmare before their first dawn in the new world, and Caterina and her brother are left hopeless and clinging to life in an alien land.
Dario Laterza is a baker in Little Italy, his home for the past six years. When he sees the skinny, desperate woman the neighborhood has taken to calling La Bellezza, a phantom in the shadows stealing crumbs and rifling through garbage, he feels compelled to help her.
The help Caterina needs will test Dario’s mettle and change his life in ways he could not have imagined.
But she is beautiful inside and out, and true love might heal them both.
Description for The Golden Door Duet:
At the turn of the twentieth century, a brother and sister flee the dangers of their life in Sicily for the golden promise of America. But the promise shatters as soon as their feet touch solid ground again. What they find in that new world will test their faith—in life, and in each other.
America’s rough welcome tears them apart. As they struggle to find their own ways and build full lives in an unfamiliar, incomprehensible place, they each, in their own time, discover true love.
In the strength of that love, they might find a way back to each other as well.
Note: This duet stands alone, but it is connected to The Pagano Brothers series, as it is the origin story of the Romano Family of New York, who are allied with the Paganos and are featured in the overall story of that series.
But the dream becomes a nightmare before their first dawn in the new world, and Caterina and her brother are left hopeless and clinging to life in an alien land.
Dario Laterza is a baker in Little Italy, his home for the past six years. When he sees the skinny, desperate woman the neighborhood has taken to calling La Bellezza, a phantom in the shadows stealing crumbs and rifling through garbage, he feels compelled to help her.
The help Caterina needs will test Dario’s mettle and change his life in ways he could not have imagined.
But she is beautiful inside and out, and true love might heal them both.
Description for The Golden Door Duet:
At the turn of the twentieth century, a brother and sister flee the dangers of their life in Sicily for the golden promise of America. But the promise shatters as soon as their feet touch solid ground again. What they find in that new world will test their faith—in life, and in each other.
America’s rough welcome tears them apart. As they struggle to find their own ways and build full lives in an unfamiliar, incomprehensible place, they each, in their own time, discover true love.
In the strength of that love, they might find a way back to each other as well.
Note: This duet stands alone, but it is connected to The Pagano Brothers series, as it is the origin story of the Romano Family of New York, who are allied with the Paganos and are featured in the overall story of that series.
475 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2020
19 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,419 followersI was born and raised in the Midwest, but I was transplanted into the dusty soil of Northern California and have apparently taken root there. An inveterate geek and gamer, I am a fan of many things considered pop culture and maybe even lowbrow.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 16, 2020
5 To Endure And Then Love Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
This duet was a surprise for me. I became aware of the books, snapped up the first one, and settled into reading, knowing I would not be disappointed by the author, Susan Fanetti. I went in blind and was able to experience it fully.
Susan Fanetti's reputation for details, research, history, and emotional understanding holds throughout this tale so far. She starts us in a little village in Sicily at the turn of the twentieth century. It is a time where rumors of golden streets in America exist and if you can arrive at her shores, you will be welcomed.
The Romano family had a very short taste of happiness. There was a loving mother, father, two daughters, and a son. They lived, made due, and were happy. Then something happened that started the change in all of their lives forever. A dye was cast and from that moment on...all of the light was darkened forever.
This village was run by the man in power, The Don. His thumb was on the back of the remaining family now and they were made to endure his moods.
Caterina loved her mother and brother. She watched her mother change and become a shadow of her former self. They all worked for the Don and Caterina and her mother were part of the kitchen servants.
Years passed and Caterina developed into a beauty. Her essence was something so unusual, it could not go unnoticed. It became more of a curse rather than something to be proud of...the look of hunger in men's eyes was frightening and she knew they wished to do harm.
There comes a time when those around Caterina will not be stopped, will believe they are able to take whenever they want, and once again, actions cause this family onto another path.
Caterina's brother has been plotting and planning for years to get his sister and mother to America and finally they flee to the golden promise.
Dario Laterza also came to America from a small village years ago. His uncle, mother, and he made a life in New York's Little Italy. The uncle was a baker, taught Dario the working of the ovens, and over time, the bakery was established in their new world. Dario took to this place, learning English, and understanding how New York City is many different countries divided by neighborhoods. He had the taste of the uber-rich when he delivered the bread and goods to restaurants and the well to do apartments off of Fifth Avenue.
It was on one of Dario's walks he literally ran into Caterina on the street. His head was in a book and he did not see her coming. When they collide, the shock for both of them is powerful, although very different for each.
For Caterina, the need to state her wish to be away from everyone was unforgettable for Dario. She shuffled off and disappeared. For Dario, a glimpse of this woman, this fierce beauty was something he would not forget. When she shows up again, fate has made her decision for both of them. The journey has begun.
Dario is a wonder. He is a man of such courage, intelligence, and heart. A Rare Man and perfect for Caterina. She is broken but fierce. She is a woman who represents what so many had experienced in the past...and still does now. Her beauty is lovely and could be a gift, yet because of what it stimulated in others it was something she wished to hide with good reason.
Oh, this first part of an epic tale...There are so many layers to talk about and share. Yet, I do not wish to ruin the experience I just had. This book does not play...it describes the early 20th-century life all of these immigrants endured. Each area had its "Don's" and how to juggle morals, safety and freedom is front and center. All that was presented felt very real.
It is important to state for readers, the cold hard facts of these characters' experiences may not be for everyone if they have personal triggers. The story is powerful, important, can be brutal, and also beautiful.
I have not touched on the path of Paolo, Caterina's brother. His journey starts in this book. The next book is his tale. It will be in this second book where we will be in Paolo's head I believe and see how his path has a serious impact on all.
La Bellezza (Golden Door Duet, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Il Bestione (Golden Door Duet, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Delight, Overwhelming Joy, These Are The Feelings I Have When I Am Surprised By Susan Fanetti Publishing New Work. I haven't read the blurb, just saw it is a duet and the next part will be released on September 19th.
I Am All In.
Description for The Golden Door Duet:
At the turn of the twentieth century, a brother and sister flee the dangers of their life in Sicily for the golden promise of America. But the promise shatters as soon as their feet touch solid ground again. What they find in that new world will test their faith—in life, and in each other.
America’s rough welcome tears them apart. As they struggle to find their own ways and build full lives in an unfamiliar, incomprehensible place, they each, in their own time, discover true love.
In the strength of that love, they might find a way back to each other as well.
Note: This duet stands alone, but it is connected to The Pagano Brothers series, as it is the origin story of the Romano Family of New York, who are allied with the Paganos and are featured in the overall story of that series.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
This duet was a surprise for me. I became aware of the books, snapped up the first one, and settled into reading, knowing I would not be disappointed by the author, Susan Fanetti. I went in blind and was able to experience it fully.
Susan Fanetti's reputation for details, research, history, and emotional understanding holds throughout this tale so far. She starts us in a little village in Sicily at the turn of the twentieth century. It is a time where rumors of golden streets in America exist and if you can arrive at her shores, you will be welcomed.
The Romano family had a very short taste of happiness. There was a loving mother, father, two daughters, and a son. They lived, made due, and were happy. Then something happened that started the change in all of their lives forever. A dye was cast and from that moment on...all of the light was darkened forever.
This village was run by the man in power, The Don. His thumb was on the back of the remaining family now and they were made to endure his moods.
Caterina loved her mother and brother. She watched her mother change and become a shadow of her former self. They all worked for the Don and Caterina and her mother were part of the kitchen servants.
Years passed and Caterina developed into a beauty. Her essence was something so unusual, it could not go unnoticed. It became more of a curse rather than something to be proud of...the look of hunger in men's eyes was frightening and she knew they wished to do harm.
There comes a time when those around Caterina will not be stopped, will believe they are able to take whenever they want, and once again, actions cause this family onto another path.
Caterina's brother has been plotting and planning for years to get his sister and mother to America and finally they flee to the golden promise.
Dario Laterza also came to America from a small village years ago. His uncle, mother, and he made a life in New York's Little Italy. The uncle was a baker, taught Dario the working of the ovens, and over time, the bakery was established in their new world. Dario took to this place, learning English, and understanding how New York City is many different countries divided by neighborhoods. He had the taste of the uber-rich when he delivered the bread and goods to restaurants and the well to do apartments off of Fifth Avenue.
It was on one of Dario's walks he literally ran into Caterina on the street. His head was in a book and he did not see her coming. When they collide, the shock for both of them is powerful, although very different for each.
For Caterina, the need to state her wish to be away from everyone was unforgettable for Dario. She shuffled off and disappeared. For Dario, a glimpse of this woman, this fierce beauty was something he would not forget. When she shows up again, fate has made her decision for both of them. The journey has begun.
Dario is a wonder. He is a man of such courage, intelligence, and heart. A Rare Man and perfect for Caterina. She is broken but fierce. She is a woman who represents what so many had experienced in the past...and still does now. Her beauty is lovely and could be a gift, yet because of what it stimulated in others it was something she wished to hide with good reason.
Oh, this first part of an epic tale...There are so many layers to talk about and share. Yet, I do not wish to ruin the experience I just had. This book does not play...it describes the early 20th-century life all of these immigrants endured. Each area had its "Don's" and how to juggle morals, safety and freedom is front and center. All that was presented felt very real.
It is important to state for readers, the cold hard facts of these characters' experiences may not be for everyone if they have personal triggers. The story is powerful, important, can be brutal, and also beautiful.
I have not touched on the path of Paolo, Caterina's brother. His journey starts in this book. The next book is his tale. It will be in this second book where we will be in Paolo's head I believe and see how his path has a serious impact on all.
La Bellezza (Golden Door Duet, #1) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Il Bestione (Golden Door Duet, #2) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Delight, Overwhelming Joy, These Are The Feelings I Have When I Am Surprised By Susan Fanetti Publishing New Work. I haven't read the blurb, just saw it is a duet and the next part will be released on September 19th.
I Am All In.
Description for The Golden Door Duet:
At the turn of the twentieth century, a brother and sister flee the dangers of their life in Sicily for the golden promise of America. But the promise shatters as soon as their feet touch solid ground again. What they find in that new world will test their faith—in life, and in each other.
America’s rough welcome tears them apart. As they struggle to find their own ways and build full lives in an unfamiliar, incomprehensible place, they each, in their own time, discover true love.
In the strength of that love, they might find a way back to each other as well.
Note: This duet stands alone, but it is connected to The Pagano Brothers series, as it is the origin story of the Romano Family of New York, who are allied with the Paganos and are featured in the overall story of that series.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 21, 2020
La Bellezza generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
5 "You're the one who always sees the light." Stars
I've decided to do a full review when the Golden Door Duet concludes. But for established fans of Susan Fanetti or fans of historical, romantic fiction La Bellezza is not to be missed. Fanetti's realism, brilliantly executed writing coupled with characters for whom you feel akin to, this harrowing journey of two siblings looking for a better life will shock and awe you. It's a story of great adversity, lasting hope, and abounding love. It's a story of utmost discovery both literally and figuratively. The love between Dario and Caterina will stay with you and the continuation of the story in the forthcoming book two promises to be just as powerful.
5 "You're the one who always sees the light." Stars
I've decided to do a full review when the Golden Door Duet concludes. But for established fans of Susan Fanetti or fans of historical, romantic fiction La Bellezza is not to be missed. Fanetti's realism, brilliantly executed writing coupled with characters for whom you feel akin to, this harrowing journey of two siblings looking for a better life will shock and awe you. It's a story of great adversity, lasting hope, and abounding love. It's a story of utmost discovery both literally and figuratively. The love between Dario and Caterina will stay with you and the continuation of the story in the forthcoming book two promises to be just as powerful.
September 9, 2020
3.75 to 4 stars, maybe? In many ways a beautiful story of resilience and triumph over adversity. It follows the early twentieth century story of a young adult brother (Paolo) and sister (Cati) who are forced to flee their Sicilian village in horrible circumstances. They take the 'Golden Door' to the land of opportunity, America, passing through Ellis Island and ending up in Little Italy in New York.
But all is not as great as they hoped. Their lives in America are harsh and full of setbacks.
This is Cati's story, Cati who is saved by Dario. Dario is a wonderful hero, with his positivity, his endless patience, and his deep love for Cati. It's a beautiful slow-burn love story, as Cati gradually overcomes her fears and is able to put the horrors she has experienced behind her. The final part of the story and the epilogue are very satisfying.
Paolo’s story is touched on in this book, but he will have his own book, Il Bestione. His story I suspect may be much darker, but I will still definitely read it.
As for this one, I was very moved by the faithfully told immigrant story which depicts the kinds of lives so many would have had. The opening of the book is lovely, with its inspirational dedication and the quote about the Statue of Liberty from ‘The New Colossus’ (‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…’etc)
The story itself was fairly harrowing in parts, and it was a slow burn. So it wasn’t a 5 star read for me, but it was still an enjoyable and at times quite powerful read.
But all is not as great as they hoped. Their lives in America are harsh and full of setbacks.
This is Cati's story, Cati who is saved by Dario. Dario is a wonderful hero, with his positivity, his endless patience, and his deep love for Cati. It's a beautiful slow-burn love story, as Cati gradually overcomes her fears and is able to put the horrors she has experienced behind her. The final part of the story and the epilogue are very satisfying.
Paolo’s story is touched on in this book, but he will have his own book, Il Bestione. His story I suspect may be much darker, but I will still definitely read it.
As for this one, I was very moved by the faithfully told immigrant story which depicts the kinds of lives so many would have had. The opening of the book is lovely, with its inspirational dedication and the quote about the Statue of Liberty from ‘The New Colossus’ (‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…’etc)
The story itself was fairly harrowing in parts, and it was a slow burn. So it wasn’t a 5 star read for me, but it was still an enjoyable and at times quite powerful read.
September 13, 2020
Another fabulous read from the very talented Susan Fanetti. I am always in awe of how she can weave a dark tale into something so exquisitely beautiful.
September 7, 2020
I can’t wait for the second book later this month!
September 4, 2021
Beautiful and brave heroine, amazingly greet hero, wonderful side characters and touchingly beautiful story ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. In typical Fanetti style, the author built a beautiful love story through a remarkable and often heartbreaking journey that I did not want to stop being a part of. I really liked this couple together. There are some difficult things in this book, but it’s set in a time where being an immigrant was an extremely difficult life. I cannot wait to read the brother’s story in book 2.
January 9, 2023
Moving right into this newer duet by Susan Fanetti - technically it has a connection to the Pagano brothers but really in name only, you could pick up this duet without missing any info. The author herself said after she wrote it she went in and changed a few last names to connect the families to US and Sicily but it's not really anything that matters to either series.
While the Pagano brothers is heavy full east coast mafia this book 1 of a duet is completely different. It's a story of Sicilian immigrants escaping mafia servitude in the old country and arriving on Ellis Island - the heartache, the trouble and the struggles that so many had arriving with nothing. The story of Caterina and her brother Paolo is beyond tough - and at times I really didn't enjoy her many many trials and frustrations! And while Dario the baker comes to her rescue and is one of the kindest men you will find - even his story was still sometimes just too sad. Overall I had a hard time getting into it each time I picked it up.
Credit to the author for weaving a beautiful story with such strong imagery - the sounds and smells of New York City back in the early century is powerful. But it was a story that was more perseverance than beautiful romance! But I am really looking forward to the brother Paolo's story in Il Bestione!
While the Pagano brothers is heavy full east coast mafia this book 1 of a duet is completely different. It's a story of Sicilian immigrants escaping mafia servitude in the old country and arriving on Ellis Island - the heartache, the trouble and the struggles that so many had arriving with nothing. The story of Caterina and her brother Paolo is beyond tough - and at times I really didn't enjoy her many many trials and frustrations! And while Dario the baker comes to her rescue and is one of the kindest men you will find - even his story was still sometimes just too sad. Overall I had a hard time getting into it each time I picked it up.
Credit to the author for weaving a beautiful story with such strong imagery - the sounds and smells of New York City back in the early century is powerful. But it was a story that was more perseverance than beautiful romance! But I am really looking forward to the brother Paolo's story in Il Bestione!
September 23, 2025
The fact that this book only has 115 ratings on it at the time of my review is a CRIME! I’ve come to really enjoy historical romance this year, and Susan Fanetti delivered on what I’d call historical mafia. I won’t go into details of the story other than to say to read the blurb if you are interested, but I loved this slow burn romance so much. The story was dark, but the romance was sweet. I cannot wait to read book two of the duet! 👀
September 20, 2020
Another great book by Susan Fanetti, love this author, straight onto book 2.
October 20, 2020
I loved these 2 books!! Love Susan's writing style, once I start I can hardly put them down.
One thing that threw me off though was the mention of driving a Mercedes in this time period, my brain rebelled against the idea, lol. Don't think they arrived in Americas until early 1950's, blaming it on my dad who is a car guy and still has his model A.
Let me know if I am wrong or missing something.
I really do love the story, beautiful, characters had me turned every which way they were amazing, heart wrenching, sexy, and historically interesting.
One thing that threw me off though was the mention of driving a Mercedes in this time period, my brain rebelled against the idea, lol. Don't think they arrived in Americas until early 1950's, blaming it on my dad who is a car guy and still has his model A.
Let me know if I am wrong or missing something.
I really do love the story, beautiful, characters had me turned every which way they were amazing, heart wrenching, sexy, and historically interesting.
September 25, 2020
Well written, entertaining and enlightening!
Maybe a little sweet, in terms of the relationship, for me anyway. The rest of the story is not so sweet. So often, this era in US history is painted in very romantic terms, when the reality was far from it. I was captivated by the author's descriptive writing and of her realistic portrayal of the era.
September 20, 2020
Pretty miserable story tbh.
In several parts.
It felt very slow.
Non man-whore Hero.
Heroine suffers from rape in her past.
Due to circumstances slow burn between the Hero and heroine.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Small scene of attempt at rape but vague.
Breadcrumbs dropped for next book about heroine's brother.
HEA.
Epilogue.
In several parts.
It felt very slow.
Non man-whore Hero.
Heroine suffers from rape in her past.
Due to circumstances slow burn between the Hero and heroine.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Small scene of attempt at rape but vague.
Breadcrumbs dropped for next book about heroine's brother.
HEA.
Epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2020
I'm a big Susan Fanetti fan, so I really liked this book. It's different than her other works, but I'm looking forward to Duet #2!
7-tbr-ooit
September 6, 2020Note: This duet stands alone, but it is connected to The Pagano Brothers series.
January 27, 2021
Wow...everything you love in a Susan Fanetti book found in a gritty, historical romance. Loved it.
Read
November 17, 2020Absolutely brilliant!
This book was amazing! I am always weary about historical novels but this is great. I’m not a very familiar with this time in history but the research that goes writing a book like this has to be extensive. I would know the accuracy of the details but I love reading the life the immigrants coming through a Ellis Island had to endure. Generations of my family are from the area we live in so none of my relatives came through Ellis Island which is enthralling to me. Off course I’ve read of Ellis Island here and here but not with as much detail as Susan provides. It was like watching a movie.
I cannot imagine the pain Caterina and her brother had to endure, especially at their very young age.
Being objectified for her beauty all her life she felt it as a curse due to the pain she had to endure from men until she met Dario. As is the case with all of Susan’s books the characters are 3 dimensional. Dario had depth and heart. His love for Cati was tangible. I think for many authors aspect of a relationship between characters is difficult but Susan manages to write them flawlessly. Her family suffered because of her ‘curse’ until Dario made it better.
I have never been to New York but gosh darn, it sounds pretty disgusting back in the day. And from many books I have read for recent day doesn’t seem to have changed much. Like any other city you have extreme socioeconomic representation of areas of town. It just seems worse in the metropolitan cities. I enjoyed reading the details Susan wrote of the city. I could almost feel the extreme heat and cold of the city as well as the smells she describes.
Unfortunately Caterina and her brother grow apart because of the pain each endured but in the end her brother comes through. Which leads into his book Il Bestione.
Highly recommend this read and I’m sure the second. Ok will be at least as good if not better.
Thank you Susan!
This book was amazing! I am always weary about historical novels but this is great. I’m not a very familiar with this time in history but the research that goes writing a book like this has to be extensive. I would know the accuracy of the details but I love reading the life the immigrants coming through a Ellis Island had to endure. Generations of my family are from the area we live in so none of my relatives came through Ellis Island which is enthralling to me. Off course I’ve read of Ellis Island here and here but not with as much detail as Susan provides. It was like watching a movie.
I cannot imagine the pain Caterina and her brother had to endure, especially at their very young age.
Being objectified for her beauty all her life she felt it as a curse due to the pain she had to endure from men until she met Dario. As is the case with all of Susan’s books the characters are 3 dimensional. Dario had depth and heart. His love for Cati was tangible. I think for many authors aspect of a relationship between characters is difficult but Susan manages to write them flawlessly. Her family suffered because of her ‘curse’ until Dario made it better.
I have never been to New York but gosh darn, it sounds pretty disgusting back in the day. And from many books I have read for recent day doesn’t seem to have changed much. Like any other city you have extreme socioeconomic representation of areas of town. It just seems worse in the metropolitan cities. I enjoyed reading the details Susan wrote of the city. I could almost feel the extreme heat and cold of the city as well as the smells she describes.
Unfortunately Caterina and her brother grow apart because of the pain each endured but in the end her brother comes through. Which leads into his book Il Bestione.
Highly recommend this read and I’m sure the second. Ok will be at least as good if not better.
Thank you Susan!
December 8, 2020
Being a beauty could be a course.
This is a good, really good historical romance(?), of a very beautiful poor girl, who every man wants to abuse (first the capo from her village, after, the men in New York).
I never imagined how would be a travel from Sicily to New Yor from the 3rd class perspective, how it would feel to see the Liberty Statue for the first time, how your dreams could crash against the harsh reality that abuse could find you again. But love is hope, and hope can com with the smell of a bakery. Of a good man, who is not a violent man (warning: do not expect a gorgeous, hard mafioso, here).
Good characters, harsh plot, really interesting timeline. Really talented author.
This is a good, really good historical romance(?), of a very beautiful poor girl, who every man wants to abuse (first the capo from her village, after, the men in New York).
I never imagined how would be a travel from Sicily to New Yor from the 3rd class perspective, how it would feel to see the Liberty Statue for the first time, how your dreams could crash against the harsh reality that abuse could find you again. But love is hope, and hope can com with the smell of a bakery. Of a good man, who is not a violent man (warning: do not expect a gorgeous, hard mafioso, here).
Good characters, harsh plot, really interesting timeline. Really talented author.
September 10, 2020
This is the story of the main character, Caterina, who suffered a lot of loss & abuse and powered through them with the help of good people she met. I like that the author didn't make her accept whatever happened to her easily as something to trust God about or treat it as a blessing which is the norm in her religion. Instead, the author let her feel all these horrible feelings, which is normal, for whatever time she needed and didn't try to rationalize it.
September 11, 2020
Loved it!
Love everything she writes! So much historical accuracy and detail that just paints a picture in the minds eye as you read. So much wonder detail. And her writing style is totally engaging. Loved it!
Love everything she writes! So much historical accuracy and detail that just paints a picture in the minds eye as you read. So much wonder detail. And her writing style is totally engaging. Loved it!
September 22, 2020
A different view
Once again Ms Fanetti takes a familiar story but adds details and makes it new. I am the granddaughter of Italian immigrants. A baker no less. I have heard these stories but not like this.
Once again Ms Fanetti takes a familiar story but adds details and makes it new. I am the granddaughter of Italian immigrants. A baker no less. I have heard these stories but not like this.
November 14, 2020
I swear Susan Fanetti could write a book about literal garbage and it would still be an amazing book. She has become an instant buy for me. Her writing is phenomenal and is able to suck you into the story and hold you there till the very end. This book was beautiful. I cant wait to start book 2
September 7, 2020
Loved it
Love,love Susan Fanetti. In my eyes she can do no wrong. Suck me in and can't wait for Paolo's story
Love,love Susan Fanetti. In my eyes she can do no wrong. Suck me in and can't wait for Paolo's story
September 12, 2020
A slow burn, for sure. I get like I was transported to the setting, and the story stayed with me days after finishing the book.
I already pre-ordered the next book.
I already pre-ordered the next book.
July 28, 2021
Pero qué buena manera de detallar todos esos sentimientos y transmitirlos.
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