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Nino #1
Nino's Heart
In 1938 Italy, a Catholic priest-in-training and a Jewish widow must choose between faith and forbidden love.
Young Nino DiVincenzo's world shatters when he witnesses a brutal murder that forces him from his Bronx mafia family. Guided by faith and compassion, he finds an unlikely path to Rome and a calling to the priesthood.
Hannah Roseman, a Jewish widow, sets sail from New York Harbor for Italy, unaware of the rising tide of fascism that awaits her. Survival becomes her only goal in a country gripped by anti-Semitism.
As World War II engulfs Europe, Nino and Hannah's paths collide in a dance of forbidden love and dangerous secrets. With twelve years between them and a world intent on tearing them apart, they must navigate the treacherous waters of faith, loyalty, and survival.
But in a world where love is a luxury and every choice could mean life or death, will Nino and Hannah find the courage to follow their hearts, or will the brutality of war tear them apart forever?
"Nino's Heart" is a gripping tale of love, courage and sacrifice in the face of humanity's darkest hour. Readers who cherish World War II fiction, forbidden love stories, and tales of faith tested by impossible choices will be captivated by this unforgettable start to the Nino Servidei Series.
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Praise for the Nino Servidei series
★★★★★ You will fall in love with Nino, the main character
★★★★★ This book kept me reading until the wee hours.
★★★★★ Really gripping story of dedication, love and danger!
★★★★★ Any history lover will thoroughly enjoy this book. Very difficult to put down!
★★★★★ I really enjoyed the way the author kept me always wondering what was next.
★★★★★ This book opened my eyes to what it must have been like to be a Jew in Italy during WW ll.
Young Nino DiVincenzo's world shatters when he witnesses a brutal murder that forces him from his Bronx mafia family. Guided by faith and compassion, he finds an unlikely path to Rome and a calling to the priesthood.
Hannah Roseman, a Jewish widow, sets sail from New York Harbor for Italy, unaware of the rising tide of fascism that awaits her. Survival becomes her only goal in a country gripped by anti-Semitism.
As World War II engulfs Europe, Nino and Hannah's paths collide in a dance of forbidden love and dangerous secrets. With twelve years between them and a world intent on tearing them apart, they must navigate the treacherous waters of faith, loyalty, and survival.
But in a world where love is a luxury and every choice could mean life or death, will Nino and Hannah find the courage to follow their hearts, or will the brutality of war tear them apart forever?
"Nino's Heart" is a gripping tale of love, courage and sacrifice in the face of humanity's darkest hour. Readers who cherish World War II fiction, forbidden love stories, and tales of faith tested by impossible choices will be captivated by this unforgettable start to the Nino Servidei Series.
_________________________________
Praise for the Nino Servidei series
★★★★★ You will fall in love with Nino, the main character
★★★★★ This book kept me reading until the wee hours.
★★★★★ Really gripping story of dedication, love and danger!
★★★★★ Any history lover will thoroughly enjoy this book. Very difficult to put down!
★★★★★ I really enjoyed the way the author kept me always wondering what was next.
★★★★★ This book opened my eyes to what it must have been like to be a Jew in Italy during WW ll.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 25, 2020
This is the 2nd book from this Author that I have read. Each of them are very good. I started reading on a Friday afternoon, and finished on Saturday afternoon. This Author keeps you involved with the characters the entire book. I highly recommend both of his books.
September 23, 2020
Compelling characters that leave you with an emotional connection to them.
Nino’s heart is a rare glimpse of life in fascist 1930’s Italy. With an intriguing back story of family dysfunction involving the Mafia that propelled Nino on to the path where he found love with a beautiful Jewish widow. A story of worlds colliding and having to make life and death decisions that most young people cannot imagine at such a young age. It’s well written and researched. Compelling characters that leave you wanting to know more. At times I felt as if I was right there on his journey. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series when it comes out.
Nino's Heart: A WW2 romance novel set in fascist Italy.
Nino’s heart is a rare glimpse of life in fascist 1930’s Italy. With an intriguing back story of family dysfunction involving the Mafia that propelled Nino on to the path where he found love with a beautiful Jewish widow. A story of worlds colliding and having to make life and death decisions that most young people cannot imagine at such a young age. It’s well written and researched. Compelling characters that leave you wanting to know more. At times I felt as if I was right there on his journey. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series when it comes out.
Nino's Heart: A WW2 romance novel set in fascist Italy.
October 28, 2020
Nino’s Heart ♥️
I loved Nino’s heart. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to add to the story of his family. There was plenty of heartache in this book but also several joys! It was a great love story as well as WWII story. Several characters. Those you love and those you hate. Well written and a fast easy read. I liked it very much.
pamarella
PRCS
I loved Nino’s heart. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to add to the story of his family. There was plenty of heartache in this book but also several joys! It was a great love story as well as WWII story. Several characters. Those you love and those you hate. Well written and a fast easy read. I liked it very much.
pamarella
PRCS
May 29, 2023
I have been drawn to WWII fiction for many years. But this work defies categorization. The author's strength lies in his ability to do many things equally well. This book goes far beyond a war story. It develops the lives of the characters and their relationship with each other is the best I have encountered in many years. His development of the plot is well paced, and his writing style is so well done that I found myself turning pages to learn what will occur next, without even realizing it. I became fascinated with the lives of those he introduced me to, and wanting to learn how their lives and how the plot evolves, far beyond what I have read in several years. And perhaps the highest compliment I can think of, the author interweaves the lives of those who actually lived with those whose lives are the stuff of the best fiction.
I have traveled throughout Europe many times, and have experienced the progression of the war on many levels. J.D. Keene does justice to this and more. I read the more than 300 pages in less than two days. I can recommend this work without reservation.
I have traveled throughout Europe many times, and have experienced the progression of the war on many levels. J.D. Keene does justice to this and more. I read the more than 300 pages in less than two days. I can recommend this work without reservation.
July 6, 2022
4.5 stars. Again, I wish that Goodreads would allow for half stars. Not quite a 5 because I reserve that for those very rare books that I cannot put down and lose sleep over. While I looked forward to every opportunity to read this book, it just did not rise to my 5 star level. But 4 stars is definitely not enough, so I put 4.5 stars in this review.
This book had really great character development and was carried in large part by that. The story and subplots were clever and interesting.
I really liked the ending. I found out after I finished the book that there is a second Nino book, but the first one here did not end at all on a cliffhanger so I do not feel like I need to turn immediately to the second book, although I do anticipate reading at some point.
This book had really great character development and was carried in large part by that. The story and subplots were clever and interesting.
I really liked the ending. I found out after I finished the book that there is a second Nino book, but the first one here did not end at all on a cliffhanger so I do not feel like I need to turn immediately to the second book, although I do anticipate reading at some point.
January 19, 2025
This book was just ok. I have read alot of stories and books about WWII and this one was lacking a lot of meat. Everything was way too easy for that time/era. The escapes were too easy ---I just didn't buy it.
September 2, 2025
Great Story—Hard to put down
This is the story of Nino, whose father is an Italian immigrant in the Mafia. He is high in the Mafia. Nino’s older brother works for their dad. Their grandfather is in the Mafia in Italy. Nino wants to become a priest—he wants to study in Rome. So, he goes to Italy. But the Germans are hating Jews. Nino meets a young widow—Hannah. She is Jewish. He falls for her, thinking he will be able to walk away when it is time for seminary. But will he? Will he be able to go into the priesthood, and give up Hannah?
This is the story of Nino, whose father is an Italian immigrant in the Mafia. He is high in the Mafia. Nino’s older brother works for their dad. Their grandfather is in the Mafia in Italy. Nino wants to become a priest—he wants to study in Rome. So, he goes to Italy. But the Germans are hating Jews. Nino meets a young widow—Hannah. She is Jewish. He falls for her, thinking he will be able to walk away when it is time for seminary. But will he? Will he be able to go into the priesthood, and give up Hannah?
January 19, 2023
Interesting
I've been a World War II reader for my years both fiction and non fiction. I've read many books on the war mainly about Germany tyranny and the horrible persecution of the Jews,which is just unbelievable to understand.This book touched on this at the beginning in Italy and how it affected many people not only the Jewish people.The book is fairly well written and it held my interest, but as a fan of Grisham,Baldacci,Follett,this book isn't that good.
I've been a World War II reader for my years both fiction and non fiction. I've read many books on the war mainly about Germany tyranny and the horrible persecution of the Jews,which is just unbelievable to understand.This book touched on this at the beginning in Italy and how it affected many people not only the Jewish people.The book is fairly well written and it held my interest, but as a fan of Grisham,Baldacci,Follett,this book isn't that good.
September 20, 2023
This was so good. I am anxious to read the 2nd book but my library doesn't have it, so I will be ordering it and waiting for it to be delivered. This is about a N.Y. mafia bosses son Nino who witnesses a murder. Because of his choices he is forced out of his home. He has a wonderful mentor and decides to become a priest. He goes to Italy to study and meets a Jewish woman Hannah. Jews are being rounded up in Italy. This was a powerful book and I loved it.
Read
November 19, 2023A light hearted fictional account of World war two with a backdrop of Nazi Germany and Facist Italy.
A would be Catholic priest and a Jewish widow fall in love and through several challenges ahead of them, along with a young girl they adopt when married, make it to Portugal and then to U.S.
Probably not my novel of choice should I have seen in in a bookstore nevertheless perhaps there is potential in the next two novels in the series
A would be Catholic priest and a Jewish widow fall in love and through several challenges ahead of them, along with a young girl they adopt when married, make it to Portugal and then to U.S.
Probably not my novel of choice should I have seen in in a bookstore nevertheless perhaps there is potential in the next two novels in the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2020
Loved it!!!!
Don't let the mention of wwII deter you. This book shows a whole other side to that time in history. Gave another dimension of danger with the mafia influence and Ninos courage to go against his family's "business" . My only complaint is that I wished the book didn't end, would love to just keep reading about Nino and Hannah and their life.
Don't let the mention of wwII deter you. This book shows a whole other side to that time in history. Gave another dimension of danger with the mafia influence and Ninos courage to go against his family's "business" . My only complaint is that I wished the book didn't end, would love to just keep reading about Nino and Hannah and their life.
December 17, 2020
I enjoyed Nino's Heart, I was able to connect with the characters. It was a fast moving p!ot. I didn't want the story to end . I'm !ooking forward to the next book.
I would recommend this book to my friends who enjoy a good read as a historical during 1930-1945. I'm drawn to this time period as my father served in 3 wars.
I would recommend this book to my friends who enjoy a good read as a historical during 1930-1945. I'm drawn to this time period as my father served in 3 wars.
January 8, 2022
excellent book
This book opened my eyes to what it must have been like to be a Jew in Italy during WW ll. The will to survive and to protect those you love was portrayed so vividly with Nino and Hannah. I highly recommend this book to those who like historical fiction and a good love story.
This book opened my eyes to what it must have been like to be a Jew in Italy during WW ll. The will to survive and to protect those you love was portrayed so vividly with Nino and Hannah. I highly recommend this book to those who like historical fiction and a good love story.
May 26, 2022
I loved this book! A historic novel about the son of a mafia family, Nino, who leaves his New York family to go
To Rome and become a priest. On his way, he meets on board his ship a Jewess and falls in love. In Italy it is right on the cusp of WWII and decisions they make will be hard. Moving onto second book
To Rome and become a priest. On his way, he meets on board his ship a Jewess and falls in love. In Italy it is right on the cusp of WWII and decisions they make will be hard. Moving onto second book
December 14, 2020
Worth reading as I couldn’t stop.
This book kept me reading until the wee hours. I felt a part of the journey all the way through. It was so realistic and kept me engrossed, I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
This book kept me reading until the wee hours. I felt a part of the journey all the way through. It was so realistic and kept me engrossed, I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
August 6, 2021
A novel of love
Good story line with the right amount of intrigue and twists and turns.
Nino and Hannah are the central characters of this book he's a Roman Catholic and she is a Jew.
This is truly a marriage made in heaven.
Fantastic read
Good story line with the right amount of intrigue and twists and turns.
Nino and Hannah are the central characters of this book he's a Roman Catholic and she is a Jew.
This is truly a marriage made in heaven.
Fantastic read
October 21, 2021
This book is so good. I dont like to read and sure don't do it for fun. But I was told about this book and had it finished in two days. I couldn't put it down. When your reading you feel like your right there and part of it all. It's so good. Can't wait to read the next one.
February 22, 2022
Outstanding Read
I have read two of J.D. Keene's books and loved both of them. I know I have good book when I can't put it down. Such amazing twists and turns in the stories. Can't wait to read the next one. I give it 5 stars because it certainly does deserve it.
I have read two of J.D. Keene's books and loved both of them. I know I have good book when I can't put it down. Such amazing twists and turns in the stories. Can't wait to read the next one. I give it 5 stars because it certainly does deserve it.
February 24, 2022
An Adventurous Novel
This is a well written book taking place during WW2. It starts and ends in America. In between is Italy. The characters are an interesting mix , American, Italian, and. Jewish. This is a story of family, religion, love, sacrifice and suspense.
This is a well written book taking place during WW2. It starts and ends in America. In between is Italy. The characters are an interesting mix , American, Italian, and. Jewish. This is a story of family, religion, love, sacrifice and suspense.
August 23, 2023
The first in a series - I'll not be ordering any more. It is set during the 2nd World war, and it just didn't grab me, although it came highly recommended by a fiend whose literary preferences generally match mine
July 18, 2024
Great read
I really enjoyed the way the author kept me a!ways wondering what was next. The characters were well developed and interesting. Truly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
I really enjoyed the way the author kept me a!ways wondering what was next. The characters were well developed and interesting. Truly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next.
July 17, 2025
Just finished Nino’s Heart ❤️ what a great book loved all the twists turns etc kept wanting to read more and more. The story moves along fast with intrigue all the way. Exciting sad joyful all in abundance.
Can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens to the family.
Five stars
Can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens to the family.
Five stars
September 24, 2020
I cannot believe I have to wait until summer of 2021 for Book 2!
September 28, 2020
Can’t put it down
November 17, 2020
Breath taking story of events during World War 11.
I’m a devoted Jew and could never fall in love with a woman to consider giving up Judaism to become a Catholic.
David Sklar
I’m a devoted Jew and could never fall in love with a woman to consider giving up Judaism to become a Catholic.
David Sklar
February 14, 2021
I loved Nino’s heart! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
July 2, 2021
Gripping Read
Multiple elements of intrigue, family strife, and danger. Touching love story with kind hearted hero who struggles with his life decisions.
Multiple elements of intrigue, family strife, and danger. Touching love story with kind hearted hero who struggles with his life decisions.
July 11, 2021
Absolutely fantastic book and can’t wait till the next one comes out.
September 1, 2021
Enjoyed the story.
The book was interesting and I loved the characters but I wish it ended differently. I would have loved a few more happy ending chapters
The book was interesting and I loved the characters but I wish it ended differently. I would have loved a few more happy ending chapters
February 25, 2022
I loved Nino's Heart. The story was fast moving and edgy. The characters were complicated, interesting and mostly loving. But not all. There were family secrets.
I can't wait to read Nino's War!
I can't wait to read Nino's War!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews