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The Caves of San Pietro
"The author vividly captures the harshness of Nazi rule and the bravery of the Allied soldiers dedicated to the liberation of Italy. An intriguing and earnest... war tale." –Kirkus Reviews
After he and his buddy survive the bloody landing on the beaches of Salerno, Frank Moster is more determined than ever to play a part in liberating his birth parents' homeland from the Nazi scourge. What he doesn't expect is that he'll become personally involved with an Italian family whose lives are being ravaged, first by the German occupation and now by the brutal fighting and deadly bombings on the heels of the Allied invasion - or that, for the second time in his life, he'll come face to face with the heartache and trauma of being orphaned at a very young age.
When all three of these forces collide at the Battle of San Pietro, lives will be changed forever and unbreakable bonds will be forged between families half a world apart.
After he and his buddy survive the bloody landing on the beaches of Salerno, Frank Moster is more determined than ever to play a part in liberating his birth parents' homeland from the Nazi scourge. What he doesn't expect is that he'll become personally involved with an Italian family whose lives are being ravaged, first by the German occupation and now by the brutal fighting and deadly bombings on the heels of the Allied invasion - or that, for the second time in his life, he'll come face to face with the heartache and trauma of being orphaned at a very young age.
When all three of these forces collide at the Battle of San Pietro, lives will be changed forever and unbreakable bonds will be forged between families half a world apart.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 6, 2025
This is the second time I've read this book. I enjoyed it the first time, and I enjoyed it this time. The story, which is said to be true, is heart-wrenching. It is beautifully told by the author, who creates an authentic cast of characters. She masterfully describes the surroundings and events, successfully depicting a range of highly charged emotions. Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy this novel.
September 11, 2021
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The Caves of San Pietro by Susan Gayle is a historical fiction story set in Italy during World War II. Ms. Gayle a charter member of the New Orleans WWWII museum, and a physician. This is her first novel.
Frank Moster, a soldier from Texas, survives the landing on the beaches of Salerno. Born in New York City to an Italian family, Frank was relocated to Texas on the famous Orphan Train.
In Salerno, Frank gets involved with an Italian family and helps them survive the war. Unfortunately, all of their lives will be changed during the Battle of San Pietro.
I was pleasantly surprised by this historical fiction of World War II. I have not read much about the war in Italy, but The Caves of San Pietro by Susan Gayle certainly piqued my interest.
The author, who is a relative of the protagonists, created a vivid picture of life during the war, in Italy particularly. The experiences of both American soldiers and Italian citizens is indeed well researched and extremely well told.
Surprisingly, my favorite part of the book was the bike ride Frank and his brother took from Texas to New York City and back. Along the way they met especially fascinating people, got autographs of notables, and won a sizeable bet.
I do love road trips, and seeing the “real” America is second only to unquestionably meeting fascinating people. The author did a remarkable job recreating the journey, in all its awesomeness and hardships.
The Battle of San Pietro Infine was specifically fought in December of 1943. Allied forced attacked heavily fortified German positions around the town. The victory, nevertheless, was crucial to give allied forces a way to liberate Rome. Evidently, it was also the first battle where troops of the Royal Italian Army fought with the Allies.
I have not done much reading about the war in Italy. I can think of five, or so, books that deal especially with the subject. Generally, they all made fascinating reads and I’ll make sure to be on the lookout for more.
Do not skip the author’s notes at the end of the novel, along with the pictures. Ms. Gayle tells of her research, history, and the relatives which inspired this novel.
The Caves of San Pietro by Susan Gayle is a historical fiction story set in Italy during World War II. Ms. Gayle a charter member of the New Orleans WWWII museum, and a physician. This is her first novel.
Frank Moster, a soldier from Texas, survives the landing on the beaches of Salerno. Born in New York City to an Italian family, Frank was relocated to Texas on the famous Orphan Train.
In Salerno, Frank gets involved with an Italian family and helps them survive the war. Unfortunately, all of their lives will be changed during the Battle of San Pietro.
I was pleasantly surprised by this historical fiction of World War II. I have not read much about the war in Italy, but The Caves of San Pietro by Susan Gayle certainly piqued my interest.
The author, who is a relative of the protagonists, created a vivid picture of life during the war, in Italy particularly. The experiences of both American soldiers and Italian citizens is indeed well researched and extremely well told.
Surprisingly, my favorite part of the book was the bike ride Frank and his brother took from Texas to New York City and back. Along the way they met especially fascinating people, got autographs of notables, and won a sizeable bet.
I do love road trips, and seeing the “real” America is second only to unquestionably meeting fascinating people. The author did a remarkable job recreating the journey, in all its awesomeness and hardships.
The Battle of San Pietro Infine was specifically fought in December of 1943. Allied forced attacked heavily fortified German positions around the town. The victory, nevertheless, was crucial to give allied forces a way to liberate Rome. Evidently, it was also the first battle where troops of the Royal Italian Army fought with the Allies.
I have not done much reading about the war in Italy. I can think of five, or so, books that deal especially with the subject. Generally, they all made fascinating reads and I’ll make sure to be on the lookout for more.
Do not skip the author’s notes at the end of the novel, along with the pictures. Ms. Gayle tells of her research, history, and the relatives which inspired this novel.
July 30, 2021
Overall Rating = 4.42
Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing & Delivery = 4.25
Editorial = 4.5
Frank Moster is in the heart of the action when he survives the landing of his platoon on the beach in Salerno, Italy, during World War II. In the homeland of his birth parents, he becomes involved with an Italian family who are victims of the German occupation, and he develops special ties with them. Apart from their shared experiences in Italy, of particular interest to the family is Frank’s tale of traveling with his brother from Texas to New York City by bicycle and the life-changing experiences they had along the way.
This story is a vivid and well-written account of the battles and the heartbreak of the war in Italy. It is also a story of determination, grit, love, and the bonds of brotherhood and families. Susan Gayle invites us into the heart and mind of Frank, a courageous and engaging character. We see the violence, the losses, and the triumphs through his eyes, and we experience the settings in the author’s colorful style. The historical references, both abroad and in the States, are well-done, and not to be missed is the author’s note at the end of the novel. It literally gave me chills. This is a highly recommended historical read.
Sublime Line: “The Caves of San Pietro is a well-written and researched novel that takes us into the extraordinary life of a wartime hero who unites two families from two different worlds.”
Storyline & Concept = 4.5
Writing & Delivery = 4.25
Editorial = 4.5
Frank Moster is in the heart of the action when he survives the landing of his platoon on the beach in Salerno, Italy, during World War II. In the homeland of his birth parents, he becomes involved with an Italian family who are victims of the German occupation, and he develops special ties with them. Apart from their shared experiences in Italy, of particular interest to the family is Frank’s tale of traveling with his brother from Texas to New York City by bicycle and the life-changing experiences they had along the way.
This story is a vivid and well-written account of the battles and the heartbreak of the war in Italy. It is also a story of determination, grit, love, and the bonds of brotherhood and families. Susan Gayle invites us into the heart and mind of Frank, a courageous and engaging character. We see the violence, the losses, and the triumphs through his eyes, and we experience the settings in the author’s colorful style. The historical references, both abroad and in the States, are well-done, and not to be missed is the author’s note at the end of the novel. It literally gave me chills. This is a highly recommended historical read.
Sublime Line: “The Caves of San Pietro is a well-written and researched novel that takes us into the extraordinary life of a wartime hero who unites two families from two different worlds.”
October 13, 2021
The Caves of San Pietro by Susan Gayle is a winner that I highly recommend. This story kept my interest, the multifaceted character development kept me caring about what happened to them, and I was absolutely knocked out by Ms. Gayle's intimate knowledge of WWII Military terminology and her grasp of the experiences of those in the heart of the war in Italy. She took me into the center of the action and into the hearts of her characters.
The underlying love story is tender and believable, and goes where you do not expect it to go. Her descriptions of place give the reader the experience of being in the center of it all, so much so that one can smell the aromas of the countryside, the bombings, the dead, and the fear.
If you as a reader of this review are searching for just one Historical Fiction novel to read this year, make The Caves of San Pietro the one.
Triple kudos to you, Susan, for a compelling novel that defies the ordinary and predictable. You rock!
The underlying love story is tender and believable, and goes where you do not expect it to go. Her descriptions of place give the reader the experience of being in the center of it all, so much so that one can smell the aromas of the countryside, the bombings, the dead, and the fear.
If you as a reader of this review are searching for just one Historical Fiction novel to read this year, make The Caves of San Pietro the one.
Triple kudos to you, Susan, for a compelling novel that defies the ordinary and predictable. You rock!
August 10, 2021
Description: After he and his buddy survive the bloody landing on the beaches of Salerno, Frank Moster is more determined than ever to play a part in liberating his birth parents’ homeland from the Nazi scourge. What he doesn’t expect is that he’ll become personally involved with an Italian family whose lives are being ravaged, first by the German occupation and now by the brutal fighting and deadly bombings on the heels of the Allied invasion – or that, for the second time in his life, he’ll come face to face with the heartache and trauma of being orphaned at a very young age. When all three of these forces collide at the Battle of San Pietro, lives will be changed forever, and unbreakable bonds will be forged between families half a world apart.
This historical fiction is based on the liberation of Italy from the Nazi’s when Italy changed sides in 1943 during World War 2. Caught between two military forces, the story revolves around two Italian families, orphans and an orphanage. Susan Gayle has researched and written an excellent novel around these families, portraying the devistation, that war brings upon civilians caught up in the horrors of war, while illustrating the bonds of love and human kindness that can be shown in such situations. A great book that everyone should read. 5 stars.
This historical fiction is based on the liberation of Italy from the Nazi’s when Italy changed sides in 1943 during World War 2. Caught between two military forces, the story revolves around two Italian families, orphans and an orphanage. Susan Gayle has researched and written an excellent novel around these families, portraying the devistation, that war brings upon civilians caught up in the horrors of war, while illustrating the bonds of love and human kindness that can be shown in such situations. A great book that everyone should read. 5 stars.
August 17, 2021
The Caves of San Pietro is the best book I have read this summer. I had to make myself close the book at night and walk away and still stayed up way too late reading. I loved the way that the back story was interwoven with the present. All the characters were intricate, and the descriptions of the countryside took me to Italy and the rest of the world fell away. This book is a must read, and I cannot wait to read another book written by Susan Gayle.
August 18, 2021
What an amazing true story! Did not want to put it down! Not only did it have some of the fascinating history of WWII and the orphan trains, the characters were so rich and you rooted for life to be good to them.
The writing was superb and the maps and pictures helped make the story come to life. Loved it!
The writing was superb and the maps and pictures helped make the story come to life. Loved it!
August 21, 2021
I loved this book, great story about a Texas family who survive tragedies and bond forever with a family worlds apart during WW2. The characters are vividly portrayed in Susan Gayle’s writing and you find yourself caught up in the story, wanting to keep reading. I couldn’t put the book down and then cried when I read the author’s notes in the end!
August 20, 2021
I was captivated early and wasn't satisfied until completed; yet, saddened to reach the end. Susan Gayle brought me into the characters lives and made me feel a part of their story. The time and attention given to details and the descriptive way she brought this history lesson to life was thrilling; a real page turner. Hard to believe this is a first book. Look forward to her next read.
October 31, 2021
Story of courage, determination and love that defies evil
Remarkable story of people’s strength against seemingly overwhelming odds that they were able to overcome due to their resolve in their belief in family and its values. Incredible, that most of this story was based on actual events.
Remarkable story of people’s strength against seemingly overwhelming odds that they were able to overcome due to their resolve in their belief in family and its values. Incredible, that most of this story was based on actual events.
October 29, 2021
WWII historical fiction
Well worth reading.
The complexity of the family history never felt like fiction. And, knowing that story is real made me feel more deeply for the people. The reality of war needs to be understood so that we can avoid ever allowing it to happen again. This story highlights the heroic capacity of average people.
Well worth reading.
The complexity of the family history never felt like fiction. And, knowing that story is real made me feel more deeply for the people. The reality of war needs to be understood so that we can avoid ever allowing it to happen again. This story highlights the heroic capacity of average people.
October 29, 2021
Engaged my heart and my thoughts in Italy
This account of the war in Italy made me feel like I knew Frank and the families. By the end I felt that I had lost a friend. I recommend this engaging and realistic story about this time period. I didn't want their story to end. Thank you for sharing the link to you and your family.
This account of the war in Italy made me feel like I knew Frank and the families. By the end I felt that I had lost a friend. I recommend this engaging and realistic story about this time period. I didn't want their story to end. Thank you for sharing the link to you and your family.
October 31, 2021
Great
I’ve enjoyed reading this book.great story line a subject I love to read about. Happy ending and all…hope you enjoy it.
I’ve enjoyed reading this book.great story line a subject I love to read about. Happy ending and all…hope you enjoy it.
August 19, 2021
The historical facts are right on point. The author created a picture of those times just like it was yesterday. Bravo to Susan Gayle. Can’t wait for more.
October 29, 2021
Best stories evolve from actual events
Very well written and an excellent story. This is one of the best books I've read in quite sometime. The author has the ability to bring you into the story. I'm looking toward to reading other books by this author.
Very well written and an excellent story. This is one of the best books I've read in quite sometime. The author has the ability to bring you into the story. I'm looking toward to reading other books by this author.
October 26, 2021
A lovely story - a truth beautifully retold.
Several stories in one, brought tears to my eyes towards an unexpected end.
The story follows the family fortunes in the thirties of the US and activities of Frank Moster, which surprisingly really took place, being supported by newspaper cuttings. Then it's wartime in Italy in its horror of death and destruction...
Highly recommended!
Several stories in one, brought tears to my eyes towards an unexpected end.
The story follows the family fortunes in the thirties of the US and activities of Frank Moster, which surprisingly really took place, being supported by newspaper cuttings. Then it's wartime in Italy in its horror of death and destruction...
Highly recommended!
October 26, 2021
Good story well told
No idea if an American soldier could have spent this much time with an Italian family this early in the war, but it doesn't matter.
A beautiful story well written full of tragedy, hope a redemption
No idea if an American soldier could have spent this much time with an Italian family this early in the war, but it doesn't matter.
A beautiful story well written full of tragedy, hope a redemption
October 26, 2021
Heartwarming
If you like WWII stories filled with hope and kindness, you will love this one. Characters are so real, you feel like part of the family.
If you like WWII stories filled with hope and kindness, you will love this one. Characters are so real, you feel like part of the family.
August 10, 2021
A thoroughly captivating story based on true-life events that has all the elements—adventure, suspense, charm, and romance. The book is factual, yet interesting, detailed, yet fast paced. The very real characters have depth and, at times, near heroic qualities. A good glimpse into how two families in time of war and from different continents can form an enduring and meaningful bond.
October 26, 2021
A very good read about a rarely mentioned area. Sad and warm and meaningful.
Howard
Howard
August 10, 2021
Fantastic Read! This book is about a beautiful true life story based on factual information during WWII and about family situations and how life situations can affect us around the world. Touching!
October 24, 2021
Wonderful story!
From the very beginning I was enthralled by the idea of a family hiding in the barn but it got better. I love this book and am sending it to my friend.
From the very beginning I was enthralled by the idea of a family hiding in the barn but it got better. I love this book and am sending it to my friend.
August 10, 2021
Just finished The Caves of San Pietro - I could NOT put down this book. A deeply moving story of Love and Hurt - Love and Pain suffered by two families and bonds that tie them across continents. Kept me fully engaged and I fell in love with all the characters especially the main Character Frank.
Thank you for sharing this story based on a true story with us Ms. Susan Gayle...
Thank you for sharing this story based on a true story with us Ms. Susan Gayle...
October 23, 2021
A VERY GOOD STORY
The thing that I liked best about this story was the feeling that I was was there and lived through each period described.
The thing that I liked best about this story was the feeling that I was was there and lived through each period described.
October 10, 2021
A Most Enjoyable Heart Touching Story
Gayle added just enough creativity to a true story to make it a full-bodied page-turner that will keep readers glued to the story. A blend of happiness, sadness and humor rewards readers well!
Gayle added just enough creativity to a true story to make it a full-bodied page-turner that will keep readers glued to the story. A blend of happiness, sadness and humor rewards readers well!
July 9, 2021
A compelling tale of the liberation of Italy in World War II. Gayle's battle scenes are vivid and realistic, and her portrayal of the devastation wrought on the lives of ordinary people, first by the Nazis and then by the Allied liberators is heart-wrenching. You'll cheer for feisty Ida, admire Frank's courage, and marvel at the surprising bonds that can be forged in wartime. Don't be tempted to skip the Author's Notes - they're well worth the read.
September 29, 2021
good read.
September 22, 2021
An amazing story based on the lives of 2 Italian brothers
A heartwarming story of 2 Italian orphan brothers and their heroism in WWII along with their bond with an Italian family.
A heartwarming story of 2 Italian orphan brothers and their heroism in WWII along with their bond with an Italian family.
July 6, 2021
Great read. Really enjoyed the descriptions of Italy during the war and the main character Frank. Loved the ending!
August 29, 2021
Exceptionally good read, especially knowing that it is all based on a true story. The back story is just as interesting as the main story. It is a story of strength, perseverance, faith and family. I also enjoyed learning about the liberation of Italy, which is not a part of of WWII history that you hear often. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews