What do you think?
Rate this book
Paradiso #2
Return to Paradiso
Italy, 1950. The dawn of a new decade brings with it the promise of lasting peace and prosperity as the hardships of war are consigned to the past.
In Pieve Santa Clara, a tiny village in rural Lombardy, Graziella Ponti, now a teenager, lives a simple life with her widowed mother and aunt.
But Italy is transforming around Graziella at great speed and, as her childhood gives way to the start of her womanhood, she must learn to navigate this ever-changing new world.
Return to Paradiso is a story of love, hope and tragedy set in Italy at a time when the Economic Miracle is in full swing, the grip of the Catholic Church is loosening, and the role of women in society is making significant progress.
The second of the Paradiso Novels, this is a compelling and emotionally-charged historical novel perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries, Lucinda Riley, Angela Petch and Victoria Hislop.
In Pieve Santa Clara, a tiny village in rural Lombardy, Graziella Ponti, now a teenager, lives a simple life with her widowed mother and aunt.
But Italy is transforming around Graziella at great speed and, as her childhood gives way to the start of her womanhood, she must learn to navigate this ever-changing new world.
Return to Paradiso is a story of love, hope and tragedy set in Italy at a time when the Economic Miracle is in full swing, the grip of the Catholic Church is loosening, and the role of women in society is making significant progress.
The second of the Paradiso Novels, this is a compelling and emotionally-charged historical novel perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries, Lucinda Riley, Angela Petch and Victoria Hislop.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2021
295 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 9, 2021
A fabulous story and gifted writer!
Francesca Scanacapra is an amazing writer! I read both “Paradiso” and “Return to Paradiso” and could not put either book down. She is a very gifted storyteller, weaving tragic with fortunate life experiences. The first story is set during WWII occupied Italy. The second book continues the story into the 1960’s with the next generation. Throughout both the author depicts strong resilient women surviving in a macho culture where women had few rights. I plan to read more by this author.
Francesca Scanacapra is an amazing writer! I read both “Paradiso” and “Return to Paradiso” and could not put either book down. She is a very gifted storyteller, weaving tragic with fortunate life experiences. The first story is set during WWII occupied Italy. The second book continues the story into the 1960’s with the next generation. Throughout both the author depicts strong resilient women surviving in a macho culture where women had few rights. I plan to read more by this author.
July 10, 2021
Suitable Ending.
This book marking four generations of the same family, was a joy to read. The love affair started in early teens was stronger than they knew. The ending was gorgeous and well worth reading.
This book marking four generations of the same family, was a joy to read. The love affair started in early teens was stronger than they knew. The ending was gorgeous and well worth reading.
September 24, 2021
After reading 'Paradiso', the first book in this series, I couldn't wait to read this sequel. It was absolutely everything I was hoping for and more!
This book has such a beautiful Italian setting and the book starts with such a feeling of optimism as Italy recovers from the Second World War. It feels that anything is possible in this new world. I loved returning to the characters that I had grown to know so well in the first book and see how their lives have changed. Francesca has such a talent for creating characters that you fully invest in as a reader which makes the emotional journey the central character, Graziella, so much more impactful.
The writing is beautiful and this series has completely stolen my heart. I now can't wait to continue on the journey in book 3.
If you love historical fiction, I can't recommend this series enough.
This book has such a beautiful Italian setting and the book starts with such a feeling of optimism as Italy recovers from the Second World War. It feels that anything is possible in this new world. I loved returning to the characters that I had grown to know so well in the first book and see how their lives have changed. Francesca has such a talent for creating characters that you fully invest in as a reader which makes the emotional journey the central character, Graziella, so much more impactful.
The writing is beautiful and this series has completely stolen my heart. I now can't wait to continue on the journey in book 3.
If you love historical fiction, I can't recommend this series enough.
Read
October 7, 2021Reading the sequel satisfied my need to know how Graziella's story ended.
Although, this series is fiction, it provide great insight of life during WWII and post war life in Italy; life in small villages, the discrepancies between the rich and the poor and the over all plight of women in that era.
Although, this series is fiction, it provide great insight of life during WWII and post war life in Italy; life in small villages, the discrepancies between the rich and the poor and the over all plight of women in that era.
August 26, 2025
I loved this book!
A wonderfully written and engrossing piece of historical fiction set in the Lombardy region of Italy. I highly recommend it.
A wonderfully written and engrossing piece of historical fiction set in the Lombardy region of Italy. I highly recommend it.
March 29, 2022
What!
The writing, the characters, the unfolding of events were captivating. I was really hoping for a happier ending, which it was to an extent, but definitely, not what I expected, or wanted to happen. Disappointing. Yes, left in limbo, but there's hope as the author (in comments) said she's working on a third book. Yay! I'm looking forward to it.
The writing, the characters, the unfolding of events were captivating. I was really hoping for a happier ending, which it was to an extent, but definitely, not what I expected, or wanted to happen. Disappointing. Yes, left in limbo, but there's hope as the author (in comments) said she's working on a third book. Yay! I'm looking forward to it.
March 21, 2022
So Simple, Surprisingly Beautiful
I read both books in this series and enjoyed the simplicity of the story and how it revealed the history of this time in Italy. I would look forward to a sequel is there is a third part to the story of this woman and her family.
I read both books in this series and enjoyed the simplicity of the story and how it revealed the history of this time in Italy. I would look forward to a sequel is there is a third part to the story of this woman and her family.
March 15, 2022
Amazing story!
The story was amazing. It brought back many memories of the stories that my mom would share as she grew up in Augusta, Sicily. The author Francesca did a wonderful job and very detailed with both books Paradise and Return to Paradiso. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend both books. A must to read and to be taken away to another time and place.
The story was amazing. It brought back many memories of the stories that my mom would share as she grew up in Augusta, Sicily. The author Francesca did a wonderful job and very detailed with both books Paradise and Return to Paradiso. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend both books. A must to read and to be taken away to another time and place.
June 18, 2024
Vivid, moving, compelling and so realistic.
December 29, 2021
I read Paradiso and immediately started Paradiso Returned. Beginning with Graziella as a child in WWII and ending in the 1960s. I was immersed in her life and that of her friends and family. I could feel her loves and sorrows, waking up at 3:00 AM reaching for my kindle! Beautifully written!
April 1, 2022
Return to Paradiso
It's important to read book 1 (Paradiso) first to understand the characters. I loved both books. Sometimes very sad. At the end I wanted a book 3 to continue the story and maybe Scanacapra is working on that right now. What a fantastic author!
It's important to read book 1 (Paradiso) first to understand the characters. I loved both books. Sometimes very sad. At the end I wanted a book 3 to continue the story and maybe Scanacapra is working on that right now. What a fantastic author!
May 30, 2022
As good as the 1st Paradiso
So we'll written, I have laughed and cry with this book as with the first one. The description of everything is supreme that I felt transported to the era that the events occurred.
So we'll written, I have laughed and cry with this book as with the first one. The description of everything is supreme that I felt transported to the era that the events occurred.
June 1, 2022
Read both novels and couldn’t put either one down. Scanacapra is an amazing writer who draws you into her characters. I would thoroughly enjoy a sequel to this novel to see how Graziella’s life plays out!
July 18, 2022
Fantastic!!!
I did not want this story to end. There I'd so much more that's needs to be told. I could not put this book down. Please write Book 3 full of love, happiness and a beautiful family.
I did not want this story to end. There I'd so much more that's needs to be told. I could not put this book down. Please write Book 3 full of love, happiness and a beautiful family.
October 18, 2022
courage
A well written story of courage and love by one young women in the face of selfishness by persons close to her. Love Wins!!! I pray this were true in a power grabbing radically fascist leaning world.
A well written story of courage and love by one young women in the face of selfishness by persons close to her. Love Wins!!! I pray this were true in a power grabbing radically fascist leaning world.
February 10, 2023
Kept my interest
Because I enjoyed Paradisio , I enjoyed reading Return to Paradisio. However, it its new characters are mean spirited and burdened by no bias toward much-needed action === glad about the ending.
Because I enjoyed Paradisio , I enjoyed reading Return to Paradisio. However, it its new characters are mean spirited and burdened by no bias toward much-needed action === glad about the ending.
August 6, 2022
Famiglia Paradiso
December 14, 2022
Italy is changing after the war.
March 31, 2023
great book
These books hooked me and I can’t wait for release of the third book!! The release date can’t come soon enough!
These books hooked me and I can’t wait for release of the third book!! The release date can’t come soon enough!
July 1, 2023
My review of Return to Paradiso can be found on my blog....
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
August 15, 2023
Loved the continuation of the book 1 story.
Looking forward to book 3
Looking forward to book 3
December 27, 2023
Book 2 : The growing years. Learning about love. Loss and heartbreak. The story is developing quite well and is engaging. A bit repetitive in parts though.
Book 3 next
Book 3 next
January 4, 2026
Un voyage émotionnel au cœur de l'Italie .
Je referme ce second tome le cœur vibrant. En l'espace d'une dizaine d'années, Graziella va mûrir et devenir une jeune femme rayonnante. Sa métamorphose est touchante. D'une jeune fille pleine d'innocence qui découvre les changements de son corps, elle devient une femme forte et intelligente. Mais son destin prendra malheureusement des tournants inattendus.
Dans Retour à Paradiso, Graziella fera l'expérience des premières fois.
J'ai adoré suivre son émancipation par les études, elle saisit la chance de s'instruire. Le monde autour d'elle commence à changer. L'électricité et le téléphone s'installent à Pieve Santa Clara. C'est une évolution radicale et fascinante à suivre !
On vibre avec sa première histoire d'Amour. On est sur un petit nuage, tout comme lors des moments de partage avec sa mère, des moments remplis de sincérité.
Puis sa vie bascule, son insouciance ne dure pas, la vie ne va pas l'épargner. Entre rencontres toxiques et drames familiaux Graziella va devoir surmonter tout cela.
J'ai été ravie de retrouver la plume de Francesca Scanacapra, elle est fluide et immersive et elle m'a transporté dans la Lombardie du XXe siècle. On se laisse porter par les secrets de famille qui se révèlent enfin.
L'entourage de Graziella nous offre de belles personnes solaires et drôles comme la Signora Grassi qui m'a fait éclater de rire avec sa langue de vipère tellement savoureuse dans ces années-là ! Ainsi que la joie de Salvatore lorsque son avenir s'éclaire. Puis la touchante Marina qui a été mon rayon de soleil durant toute la seconde partie du roman.
La petite fille du premier tome est loin, elle a grandi et elle a souffert, nous traversant de part en part avec ses réussites et ses échecs.
C'est une lecture poignante qui m'a fait tourner les pages avec l'espoir d'un avenir meilleur. Une saga familiale émouvante, pleine de résilience et d'espoir. J'ai hâte de découvrir le dernier chapitre de l'histoire de Graziella.
Je referme ce second tome le cœur vibrant. En l'espace d'une dizaine d'années, Graziella va mûrir et devenir une jeune femme rayonnante. Sa métamorphose est touchante. D'une jeune fille pleine d'innocence qui découvre les changements de son corps, elle devient une femme forte et intelligente. Mais son destin prendra malheureusement des tournants inattendus.
Dans Retour à Paradiso, Graziella fera l'expérience des premières fois.
J'ai adoré suivre son émancipation par les études, elle saisit la chance de s'instruire. Le monde autour d'elle commence à changer. L'électricité et le téléphone s'installent à Pieve Santa Clara. C'est une évolution radicale et fascinante à suivre !
On vibre avec sa première histoire d'Amour. On est sur un petit nuage, tout comme lors des moments de partage avec sa mère, des moments remplis de sincérité.
Puis sa vie bascule, son insouciance ne dure pas, la vie ne va pas l'épargner. Entre rencontres toxiques et drames familiaux Graziella va devoir surmonter tout cela.
J'ai été ravie de retrouver la plume de Francesca Scanacapra, elle est fluide et immersive et elle m'a transporté dans la Lombardie du XXe siècle. On se laisse porter par les secrets de famille qui se révèlent enfin.
L'entourage de Graziella nous offre de belles personnes solaires et drôles comme la Signora Grassi qui m'a fait éclater de rire avec sa langue de vipère tellement savoureuse dans ces années-là ! Ainsi que la joie de Salvatore lorsque son avenir s'éclaire. Puis la touchante Marina qui a été mon rayon de soleil durant toute la seconde partie du roman.
La petite fille du premier tome est loin, elle a grandi et elle a souffert, nous traversant de part en part avec ses réussites et ses échecs.
C'est une lecture poignante qui m'a fait tourner les pages avec l'espoir d'un avenir meilleur. Une saga familiale émouvante, pleine de résilience et d'espoir. J'ai hâte de découvrir le dernier chapitre de l'histoire de Graziella.
September 8, 2021
📚🇮🇹 BOOK REVIEW 🇮🇹📚
Return to Paradiso
by Francesca Scanacapra
@francescascana2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\5
Well…what can I say…the wonderful Francesca has done it again - stolen my heart, broken it into a million pieces and fixed it all back together again - in this beautiful sequel to one of my favourite books of the year.
My thoughts….
Ever since I read the last page of Paradiso, I’ve been desperate for the sequel. To be transported back to Paradiso into the world of Graziella Ponti. I was right to anticipate this book so highly….I adored it.
There’s a real sense of change in this beautiful book, which gives a sense of optimism and good things coming. I enjoyed reading about the changes to gender equality, choices were now being given to woman. Not many, but not every woman was destined to be tied to the kitchen. It’s not perfect, but I felt that the post war world, was Graziella’s oyster.
One of my very favourite things about both books, are the back stories of the characters woven within the story. As a reader, these little snippets of characterisation really help to create an experience of almost living within the story.
I adored discovering more about the characters I had fallen in love with in the first book. It felt like a privilege being let deeper into their worlds and lives.
Now…although life was good (or better at least) after the war ended..it was by no means perfect. And just as things started to look brighter for Graziella and her family, things took a heartbreaking turn. In fact, several heart breaking turns. I was not prepared for any of that…
A truly beautiful book and one I’d highly recommend. The detail written into this book is what makes it so special and draws you into the characters and storyline. A piece of my heart remains in Paradiso forever…
The most exciting thing about this book…is that’s there’s another one coming! With a new character…who I cannot wait to meet!
#returntoparadiso
Return to Paradiso
by Francesca Scanacapra
@francescascana2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️\5
Well…what can I say…the wonderful Francesca has done it again - stolen my heart, broken it into a million pieces and fixed it all back together again - in this beautiful sequel to one of my favourite books of the year.
My thoughts….
Ever since I read the last page of Paradiso, I’ve been desperate for the sequel. To be transported back to Paradiso into the world of Graziella Ponti. I was right to anticipate this book so highly….I adored it.
There’s a real sense of change in this beautiful book, which gives a sense of optimism and good things coming. I enjoyed reading about the changes to gender equality, choices were now being given to woman. Not many, but not every woman was destined to be tied to the kitchen. It’s not perfect, but I felt that the post war world, was Graziella’s oyster.
One of my very favourite things about both books, are the back stories of the characters woven within the story. As a reader, these little snippets of characterisation really help to create an experience of almost living within the story.
I adored discovering more about the characters I had fallen in love with in the first book. It felt like a privilege being let deeper into their worlds and lives.
Now…although life was good (or better at least) after the war ended..it was by no means perfect. And just as things started to look brighter for Graziella and her family, things took a heartbreaking turn. In fact, several heart breaking turns. I was not prepared for any of that…
A truly beautiful book and one I’d highly recommend. The detail written into this book is what makes it so special and draws you into the characters and storyline. A piece of my heart remains in Paradiso forever…
The most exciting thing about this book…is that’s there’s another one coming! With a new character…who I cannot wait to meet!
#returntoparadiso
November 7, 2025
Hhmmmm I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to getting lost in book2. However … the first third(?) of the book was taken up by the sexual awakening and fumbling of the two teenagers!! To be honest I’m not sure anyone, other than possibly a couple of other teenagers, would be captivated or even vaguely interested in this! Following on from this I managed to deduce or guess virtually everything else that happened! Every relationship Graziella had followed a textbook storyline. I was able to read the book whilst chatting because I knew what was coming. I’m disappointed because I enjoyed the first book so much that I bought all 3 of the follow ups - but now I’m not sure if I’ll bother to read them … I think my brain needs a little bit more stimulation! The best thing I can think of to say is that it’s an easy read.
Read
October 27, 2022Return to Paradiso Book 2 is by Francesca Scanacapra. This book is one you need to save for sometime when you have lots of free time to read. Having to stop reading this to do mundane things is horrible. This is a series you want to be able to read and re-read several times. Francesca takes you back into history to World War II in Book 1 and then in Book 2 brings you to the present. Along the way we meet some very memorable characters. She takes the poor section of Italy and destroys it in World War 11 and brings blaring into the 20th century while allowing us to see a piece of history and geography that has changed completely.
December 3, 2025
heartfelt story of love, family and family ties
heartfelt, emotional story of two lovers, bound by family ties and economies. never able to achieve full bliss in their relationship, and never letting go of their deep love while leading separate and very different lives. the characters are deep and wonderful. also a keen insight into the effects of war and poverty. rebuilding lives, experiencing true family love while facing the realities of loss. good insight into the small village life and italian traditions. graziella is a heroine.
heartfelt, emotional story of two lovers, bound by family ties and economies. never able to achieve full bliss in their relationship, and never letting go of their deep love while leading separate and very different lives. the characters are deep and wonderful. also a keen insight into the effects of war and poverty. rebuilding lives, experiencing true family love while facing the realities of loss. good insight into the small village life and italian traditions. graziella is a heroine.
August 2, 2022
I had to purchase this book (audio book) straight after listening to the first book, so great to have the wonderful story continue.
I was so invested in the characters and story And was so sad when it ended!
Would recommend, I haven’t enjoyed a book so much in such a long time. I hope the 3rd book is not far away!
I was so invested in the characters and story And was so sad when it ended!
Would recommend, I haven’t enjoyed a book so much in such a long time. I hope the 3rd book is not far away!
March 30, 2022
Too short
This book was delightful if not a bit predictable. The plot of misplaced love and the struggles to survive. But the author ends the story without telling what happened to the former lover. Disappointing ending.
This book was delightful if not a bit predictable. The plot of misplaced love and the struggles to survive. But the author ends the story without telling what happened to the former lover. Disappointing ending.
April 28, 2022
Did Not Enjoy This Book!!
This was a depressing book with the central character being extremely weak, even though I enjoyed the first book in the series I certainly didn’t enjoy reading this one & do not recommend it!
This was a depressing book with the central character being extremely weak, even though I enjoyed the first book in the series I certainly didn’t enjoy reading this one & do not recommend it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews