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The Lost Boy of Bologna
Bologna, Italy, 1929. A newborn baby boy is abandoned by his desperate unmarried mother, who believes he is dead and that she is to blame. Heartbroken, she leaves her child, accepting that her actions will haunt her for the rest of her days. But unbeknown to her, the kindness of a stranger means the starving baby survives. And so begins the extraordinary life of Rinaldo Scamorza … Following several years in an orphanage, where Rinaldo still holds onto the hope that his mother will come to claim him, he is entrusted to a heartless foster-mother who treats her charges as nothing more than financial opportunities. Yet amidst the cruelty and violence of this loveless environment Rinaldo meets fellow orphan, Evelina , and the two children create a bond which they believe will never be broken. Rinaldo holds tight to the few people who show him love, and he becomes a loyal, intelligent and kind boy. But his life is shattered when aged barely 13, Evelina is sold into prostitution by their foster-mother. As he grows up and becomes more resourceful, Rinaldo finds work as an errand boy in a brothel, where he encounters Evelina once again. But in his efforts to help her escape her life of exploitation, another dark misfortune pulls them apart and she disappears. When at last Italy begins to emerge from the shadows of World War II and Bologna’s economy recovers, Rinaldo uses his intimate knowledge of the city to change his life for the better. But through everything, the successes and the moments of loneliness and misery, the women he yearns to see again – Evelina and his mother – are always on his mind… Fans of Angela Petch, Helen Fripp, Dinah Jeffries, Rhys Bowen and Louise Douglas will adore this captivating historical novel. Read what everyone's saying about The Lost Boy of Bologna ... ‘ A genuinely gripping historical novel, a quietly powerful story of love loyalty, betrayal and redemption ’ Chez Maximka ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘ A superb book, the descriptions are just stunning. The storyline is fantastic and the writing is beautiful ’ Layla Penfold ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘ I found myself completely captivated by this book from start to finish and devoured it over two days… a story of fierce hope, loyalty, determination and enduring love. One not to be missed! ’ Pickled Thoughts and Pinot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘ A real page turner, perfectly paced, with beautifully portrayed characters. I’m already yearning for the release of the second instalment ’ Pen and Paper ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘ I loved the plot… I loved the flow and the connections built with the characters. Events linked to Rinaldo played out beautifully, full of emotion… spectacular ’ David’s Book Blurg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- GenresHistorical FictionItaly
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2022
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194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 13, 2022
The book description tells you pretty much everything you need to know about the plot, except how events will eventually play out for Rinaldo and Evelina. Rinaldo’s experiences once he leaves the orphanage have the air of the picaresque as he comes into contact with all sorts of colourful characters (my favourite being an old down and out very attached to his broom). Cleverly, the significance of Rinaldo’s seemingly random encounters only becomes apparent towards the end of the book, even if some of these fall into what I call the ‘Casablanca category’ – “Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.”
Some of the most powerful scenes for me were those involving Evelina, so much so the book could just as well have been titled The Lost Girl of Bologna. The author really brings to life, in unflinching detail, the cruelty and depravity that those without the protection of family or friends can be subjected to, especially young women. But there is also the unexpected kindness of strangers; in one particular case, a kindness that will bring its own reward.
Eventually Rinaldo’s fortunes change courtesy of a combination of luck and his own entrepreneurial spirit. His unique business idea – many decades ahead of its time – made me chuckle.
Those familiar with the city of Bologna will enjoy the descriptions of its streets, squares and notable buildings and those who are not will be probably be adding a visit to the city to their bucket list. The Lost Boy of Bologna is billed as the first book of the ‘Bologna Chronicles’ so those not able to make an actual visit to the city may, courtesy of the author, look forward to returning via the medium of the written word.
Some of the most powerful scenes for me were those involving Evelina, so much so the book could just as well have been titled The Lost Girl of Bologna. The author really brings to life, in unflinching detail, the cruelty and depravity that those without the protection of family or friends can be subjected to, especially young women. But there is also the unexpected kindness of strangers; in one particular case, a kindness that will bring its own reward.
Eventually Rinaldo’s fortunes change courtesy of a combination of luck and his own entrepreneurial spirit. His unique business idea – many decades ahead of its time – made me chuckle.
Those familiar with the city of Bologna will enjoy the descriptions of its streets, squares and notable buildings and those who are not will be probably be adding a visit to the city to their bucket list. The Lost Boy of Bologna is billed as the first book of the ‘Bologna Chronicles’ so those not able to make an actual visit to the city may, courtesy of the author, look forward to returning via the medium of the written word.
April 18, 2022
Not really knowing where to begin with this, Book One of the Bologna Chronicles, I guess a resounding WOW! is as good a place as any.
Beautifully portrayed characters, my heart went out to Evelina, as it did to Miranda and I loved to hate brothel owner, Ada. Oddly enough it was Ronaldo who well, hmm! Lets just say its funny how one incident can change a character for you. In this case an incident {one I won't mention here for fear of a spoiler but, if you read the book, you'll know the one} that changed my perception of Ronaldo, an incident that there was no going back from; it happened and was always there, in the back of my mind, my thoughts of Ronaldo, changed, a tad sullied.
A real page turner, perfectly paced, it was only my suffering from a rather nasty recurring eye infection that stopped me devouring the book.
Reading Part I, Ronaldo's & Evelina's story, I quickly realised that there was nothing else for it, in it for the long haul, I simply had to know where events {some of them actual historical events cleverly incorporated into the plot} would take the characters.
⚠️Featuring extreme poverty, child abuse, child/adult prostitution, abortion, scenes set within a brothel. Whilst not gratuitous, there were scenes and events that, though necessary, were more harrowing than I'd expected but, as a counterbalance, all throughout the novel there ran a thread of hope; hope that Ronaldo would work his way out of poverty and find his birth mother, hope that Evelina, sold into the sex trade as a child, would find safety and perhaps even get her happy ever after.
Rooting for the characters {especially Evelina who worked her way into my heart in a way that few characters do}, past characters and events that I had barely given a second thought to, proved to be significant, the author creatively and oh so cleverly weaving them into Part II, Miranda & Alberto's story which proved to be every bit as engrossing.
And oh my goodness, the ending. Of course I'd have loved to have journeyed further with the characters but, as it was, what I thought to be the perfect place to end this episode of the story; I'm already yearning for the release of the second instalment, lets hope I don't have too long a wait.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in this Blog Tour, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
Beautifully portrayed characters, my heart went out to Evelina, as it did to Miranda and I loved to hate brothel owner, Ada. Oddly enough it was Ronaldo who well, hmm! Lets just say its funny how one incident can change a character for you. In this case an incident {one I won't mention here for fear of a spoiler but, if you read the book, you'll know the one} that changed my perception of Ronaldo, an incident that there was no going back from; it happened and was always there, in the back of my mind, my thoughts of Ronaldo, changed, a tad sullied.
A real page turner, perfectly paced, it was only my suffering from a rather nasty recurring eye infection that stopped me devouring the book.
Reading Part I, Ronaldo's & Evelina's story, I quickly realised that there was nothing else for it, in it for the long haul, I simply had to know where events {some of them actual historical events cleverly incorporated into the plot} would take the characters.
⚠️Featuring extreme poverty, child abuse, child/adult prostitution, abortion, scenes set within a brothel. Whilst not gratuitous, there were scenes and events that, though necessary, were more harrowing than I'd expected but, as a counterbalance, all throughout the novel there ran a thread of hope; hope that Ronaldo would work his way out of poverty and find his birth mother, hope that Evelina, sold into the sex trade as a child, would find safety and perhaps even get her happy ever after.
Rooting for the characters {especially Evelina who worked her way into my heart in a way that few characters do}, past characters and events that I had barely given a second thought to, proved to be significant, the author creatively and oh so cleverly weaving them into Part II, Miranda & Alberto's story which proved to be every bit as engrossing.
And oh my goodness, the ending. Of course I'd have loved to have journeyed further with the characters but, as it was, what I thought to be the perfect place to end this episode of the story; I'm already yearning for the release of the second instalment, lets hope I don't have too long a wait.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... One of several bloggers participating in this Blog Tour, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
April 7, 2022
The Lost Boy of Bologna is set in Bologna, Italy, with events taking place between 1929 and 1960.
The novel’s main character is Rinaldo Scamorza, who is abandoned as a new-born baby. He is taken in by an orphanage before ending up with a cruelly abusive foster mother, where he meets fellow orphan Evalina. They form a close bond until Evelina is sold into prostitution at the age of thirteen and they are separated, but Rinaldo never forgets her, and finding Evaline becomes as important to Rinaldo as finding his own birth mother.
In the years that follow, Rinaldo’s and Evaline’s lives are beset by hardship and poverty, but they have an enduring love which is never broken, whatever comes their way - and as their story is played out in the dark, exploitative and evil environment of Bologna’s orphanages and brothels, plenty does.
When at last Italy begins to emerge from the shadows of World War II and Bologna’s economy recovers, Rinaldo builds a better life for himself, but both of the women he yearns to see again are always on his mind.
The author doesn’t sugar-coat things, nor does she pull her punches, and readers should be aware of potential triggers including child sexual exploitation, prostitution, suicidal thoughts, abortion, enforced sterilisation and death by fire. This is a story which highlights the grinding poverty and the ruthless exploitation of the vulnerable in society at that time.
However, this very real depiction of a life lived in the cruel underbelly of Bologna, is balanced with, and redeemed by, its themes of love, hope and the transformational effects of human kindness, as the story unfolds.
The novel paints a vivid picture of Bologna and its magnificent buildings, beautiful churches, and mysterious, dark alleyways which come alive and leap off the page, so if you enjoy a historical novel with a rich sense of place this is one for you! Perfect for fans of Angela Petch, Helen Fripp, Dinah Jeffries, Rhys Bowen and Louise Douglas.
The novel’s main character is Rinaldo Scamorza, who is abandoned as a new-born baby. He is taken in by an orphanage before ending up with a cruelly abusive foster mother, where he meets fellow orphan Evalina. They form a close bond until Evelina is sold into prostitution at the age of thirteen and they are separated, but Rinaldo never forgets her, and finding Evaline becomes as important to Rinaldo as finding his own birth mother.
In the years that follow, Rinaldo’s and Evaline’s lives are beset by hardship and poverty, but they have an enduring love which is never broken, whatever comes their way - and as their story is played out in the dark, exploitative and evil environment of Bologna’s orphanages and brothels, plenty does.
When at last Italy begins to emerge from the shadows of World War II and Bologna’s economy recovers, Rinaldo builds a better life for himself, but both of the women he yearns to see again are always on his mind.
The author doesn’t sugar-coat things, nor does she pull her punches, and readers should be aware of potential triggers including child sexual exploitation, prostitution, suicidal thoughts, abortion, enforced sterilisation and death by fire. This is a story which highlights the grinding poverty and the ruthless exploitation of the vulnerable in society at that time.
However, this very real depiction of a life lived in the cruel underbelly of Bologna, is balanced with, and redeemed by, its themes of love, hope and the transformational effects of human kindness, as the story unfolds.
The novel paints a vivid picture of Bologna and its magnificent buildings, beautiful churches, and mysterious, dark alleyways which come alive and leap off the page, so if you enjoy a historical novel with a rich sense of place this is one for you! Perfect for fans of Angela Petch, Helen Fripp, Dinah Jeffries, Rhys Bowen and Louise Douglas.
April 19, 2022
It’s not often I’m lost for words when it comes to writing a review, but I really didn’t know where to start with this one in order to do it justice!
I found myself completely captivated by this book from start to finish and devoured it over two days. The main characters of Rinaldo and Evelina leave a lasting impression; two souls who have to endure such heartache and hardship, yet who never give up hope, are expertly depicted by the author.
There are several hard-hitting, gritty themes throughout which may cause triggers in some readers, but while explicit in detail, they are never gratuitous and are crucial to setting the context of the narrative.
One of the defining aspects of this novel for me is the way in which the author weaves the lives of the characters together towards what can only be described as a highly emotional ending.
The reader is also transported to the Italian setting through the vivid descriptions of Bologna, Capri and the surrounding countryside.
Although billed as historical fiction, this is equally a story of fierce hope, loyalty, determination and enduring love.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series. This is one not to be missed!
With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
I found myself completely captivated by this book from start to finish and devoured it over two days. The main characters of Rinaldo and Evelina leave a lasting impression; two souls who have to endure such heartache and hardship, yet who never give up hope, are expertly depicted by the author.
There are several hard-hitting, gritty themes throughout which may cause triggers in some readers, but while explicit in detail, they are never gratuitous and are crucial to setting the context of the narrative.
One of the defining aspects of this novel for me is the way in which the author weaves the lives of the characters together towards what can only be described as a highly emotional ending.
The reader is also transported to the Italian setting through the vivid descriptions of Bologna, Capri and the surrounding countryside.
Although billed as historical fiction, this is equally a story of fierce hope, loyalty, determination and enduring love.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series. This is one not to be missed!
With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
April 14, 2022
A desperate mother struggles to support her new-born baby, with little money and with the babe sickly she’s in a very bad place. When the baby turns blue the new mother fears the worst! When there’s no signs of life the mother does what she feels best.. the last resort.. she leaves the baby with everything she has, including a family earring in the hope it can be used the pay to give the baby the funeral he deserves.
Little does the new mother know the baby survives, although still a little sickly. The baby is named Rinaldo Scamorza.
Rinaldo spends years in the orphanage waiting for his mothers return, he never gives up hope, but no one is looking for him.
Eventually after a tough start to life he’s set to leave the orphanage. Little does he know his hardships are just beginning. The only good thing in his life is Evelina, she’s like a big sister to him but as a pretty girl her life’s not going to be easy either.
Evelina and Rinaldo learn the hard way that there are some very bad people in life. Some of the events are quite difficult to read as they cause very personal traumas to the characters.
As we fast forward through Rinaldo’s life I was just waiting, desperate to see where he would end up. Little did I know his whole world is going to be fractured again.. but will the latest events be good or bad? I’ll let you find out 😊
I loved the plot of this one, when you start this, you’re in it for the long haul as it’s all about that build up, the history. The pace was prefect, but I can’t lie, I powered through those last 3 – 4 chapters. You know something is coming, you know how you want it to play out, but will it?
As much as some of the events are harrowing, the word best to describe this book is “Hope”. Rinaldo never gives up… he never stops thinking about his mother and Evelina.
I can’t stress enough how much I loved the flow, the connections built with the characters. It meant there were many times I felt warm and fuzzy as events linked to Rinaldo and played out beautifully, full of emotion.. Wow
Little does the new mother know the baby survives, although still a little sickly. The baby is named Rinaldo Scamorza.
Rinaldo spends years in the orphanage waiting for his mothers return, he never gives up hope, but no one is looking for him.
Eventually after a tough start to life he’s set to leave the orphanage. Little does he know his hardships are just beginning. The only good thing in his life is Evelina, she’s like a big sister to him but as a pretty girl her life’s not going to be easy either.
Evelina and Rinaldo learn the hard way that there are some very bad people in life. Some of the events are quite difficult to read as they cause very personal traumas to the characters.
As we fast forward through Rinaldo’s life I was just waiting, desperate to see where he would end up. Little did I know his whole world is going to be fractured again.. but will the latest events be good or bad? I’ll let you find out 😊
I loved the plot of this one, when you start this, you’re in it for the long haul as it’s all about that build up, the history. The pace was prefect, but I can’t lie, I powered through those last 3 – 4 chapters. You know something is coming, you know how you want it to play out, but will it?
As much as some of the events are harrowing, the word best to describe this book is “Hope”. Rinaldo never gives up… he never stops thinking about his mother and Evelina.
I can’t stress enough how much I loved the flow, the connections built with the characters. It meant there were many times I felt warm and fuzzy as events linked to Rinaldo and played out beautifully, full of emotion.. Wow
February 15, 2025
Love this book!!!!
August 26, 2025
I loved this book!
Beautifully written. I couldn't put it down! I have read all of Francesca Scanacapra's books and they are amazing! Highly recommended!
Beautifully written. I couldn't put it down! I have read all of Francesca Scanacapra's books and they are amazing! Highly recommended!
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November 7, 2024Beautiful
I have enjoyed this book. It's a tragic tale that obviously ends well but I am impressed in the way in which everything pants out in the end. It's very readable
I have enjoyed this book. It's a tragic tale that obviously ends well but I am impressed in the way in which everything pants out in the end. It's very readable
March 6, 2024
Having read four of Ms Scanacapra's novels (the first two Paradiso books, the Sardinian Story, and most recently, The Lost Boy of Bologna), and I highly recommend this author. She is an amazing storyteller! I devoured each book, reading well into the night because I just couldn't put the book down. My only criticism is, after falling in love with the characters, I find the endings so abrupt that I feel deprived of living with their joy for a moment. I never know if the ending is a cliff hanger, or if the tale is truly over. This author always leaves the reader wanting more. I'm looking forward to book 3 of the Paradiso saga.
February 23, 2024
Beautiful love story of redemption
Novel is filled with many emotions.
2 young children abandoned and in the care of the government run foster care. One taking responsibility for the care of the other until their roles are reversed when they are torn from each other. One becomes a victim of human trafficking and the other trying to find the other to rescue her and take care of her.
Their situation is painful to read about their despair, fears holding on to each other because they were the only family they had.
Gripping story.
Novel is filled with many emotions.
2 young children abandoned and in the care of the government run foster care. One taking responsibility for the care of the other until their roles are reversed when they are torn from each other. One becomes a victim of human trafficking and the other trying to find the other to rescue her and take care of her.
Their situation is painful to read about their despair, fears holding on to each other because they were the only family they had.
Gripping story.
April 14, 2022
⚠️Trigger Warnings⚠️
Miscarriage
Abortion
Adoption
Child abuse
Child and adult prostitution
This is the story of a boy, Rinaldo who is taken to an orphanage in Bologna as a baby with only a yellow blanket and an emerald earring. He lives there in hope that every lady who enters is his mother coming back to get him. He then gets moved to foster care where he forms an attachment with an older girl who assumes the role of his sister. The two are close and make life bearable until she gets taken away and then now Rinaldo has two women to search for and he will spend his life trying to find them.
This story is about the love one has for their family be it blood related or otherwise and those familial bonds created that run so deep that they are intrinsic to who you are and how you live your life. It was a celebration of that love.
There are some dark subjects covered in this book and parts of it were uncomfortable for me to read but I understand it was necessary for the storyline to take shape.
I thought this book had fantastic symmetry and praise the author for how she wove it altogether and I was really rooting for the characters. I thought the book stopped at just the right place as well. Very good! Happy Reading 😊
July 27, 2022
It finally all came together
I think Francesca is a good writer. It took a long time for the pieces of the puzzle to come together and then ended abruptly just like her previous books. I think she has issues with the Catholic Church and it's priests as displayed in her writing. I think she also has issues with men . Her male characters seem to be abusive and sexually deviant. I know this is historical fiction but, it also seems to reflect the attitude of the author.
I think Francesca is a good writer. It took a long time for the pieces of the puzzle to come together and then ended abruptly just like her previous books. I think she has issues with the Catholic Church and it's priests as displayed in her writing. I think she also has issues with men . Her male characters seem to be abusive and sexually deviant. I know this is historical fiction but, it also seems to reflect the attitude of the author.
October 17, 2022
I had the storyline of this book figured out within the halfway mark, hence the star rating. The predictable storyline did not detour me from enjoying it. The book was an easy read and it had an excellent flow. Both characteristics I look for in the book. My only wish for this book would have been a less predictable plot line.
June 14, 2023
beautiful story ! But....
But with a too short and abrupt ending. What a shame I would have enjoyed a more detailed happy ending, if only to feel a bit longer how it all came wonderfully together in the end for Miranda, Eveline and Rinaldo. Very heartbreaking and wonderfully emotional. Also maybe with more explicit warning on the sexual situations. However loved the book.
But with a too short and abrupt ending. What a shame I would have enjoyed a more detailed happy ending, if only to feel a bit longer how it all came wonderfully together in the end for Miranda, Eveline and Rinaldo. Very heartbreaking and wonderfully emotional. Also maybe with more explicit warning on the sexual situations. However loved the book.
June 5, 2025
wonderful
A beautiful story, wonderfully written. A tragic beginning which ended well. So many such stories never get resolved. It left me breathless at times, hoping that Rinaldo would find his mother. In the end, they found each other. I look forward to reading more novels by Francesca Scanacapra
A beautiful story, wonderfully written. A tragic beginning which ended well. So many such stories never get resolved. It left me breathless at times, hoping that Rinaldo would find his mother. In the end, they found each other. I look forward to reading more novels by Francesca Scanacapra
April 24, 2022
Lost Boy of Bologna
A very enjoyable read. Such depth of description and understanding of how lives and paths can be influenced. Not everything turns out for the best but the best we can hope for.
A very enjoyable read. Such depth of description and understanding of how lives and paths can be influenced. Not everything turns out for the best but the best we can hope for.
June 30, 2022
My Third Book by this author
I do enjoy the writing style and authenticity of the stories. It is a rare gift when a writer can capture the emotions exactly of all the characters good and bad. Many thanks for another good read. I look forward to the next one.
I do enjoy the writing style and authenticity of the stories. It is a rare gift when a writer can capture the emotions exactly of all the characters good and bad. Many thanks for another good read. I look forward to the next one.
June 30, 2022
Enjoyable read
Quite an interesting story , in a wonderful place. A full range of emotions. The journey the characters traveled was both heartwarming and treacherous at the same time. I recommend this book for the enjoyment of brought to me.
Quite an interesting story , in a wonderful place. A full range of emotions. The journey the characters traveled was both heartwarming and treacherous at the same time. I recommend this book for the enjoyment of brought to me.
July 27, 2022
What an amazing read
This story is told so well. The characters lives all intertwine and they pass each other even while they search for each other. At last they connect and you wonder how many times the same thing happens to us.
This story is told so well. The characters lives all intertwine and they pass each other even while they search for each other. At last they connect and you wonder how many times the same thing happens to us.
July 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and didn't want the story to end! Great insight into the plight of orphans in a war torn country. Additionally, the author did a fantastic job of highlighting the challenging roles that women found themselves in when hopes and dreams got crushed.
December 5, 2023
Great story!
Every single page in this book is good. The author does a wonderful job at piecing all the characters together in such an entertaining way. I can hardly wait to start reading the second book.
Every single page in this book is good. The author does a wonderful job at piecing all the characters together in such an entertaining way. I can hardly wait to start reading the second book.
July 7, 2022
Couldn't put it down
Beautifully written
So many twists and unlikely coincidences.
I would have liked another chapter but the final chapter had me in tears as it was
Beautifully written
So many twists and unlikely coincidences.
I would have liked another chapter but the final chapter had me in tears as it was
July 30, 2022
A tale of lives lost and ….
A story with amazing characters, settings and coincidences all interwoven to a remarkable ending. Could not put it down till I reached the end
A story with amazing characters, settings and coincidences all interwoven to a remarkable ending. Could not put it down till I reached the end
January 23, 2023
I loved this book from start to finish. Highly recommend. I definately want to read more of her books.
May 23, 2023
Wonderful!
Wonderful! So very well written. I didn’t want to put it down, though tragic reality can be difficult to read.
Wonderful! So very well written. I didn’t want to put it down, though tragic reality can be difficult to read.
September 26, 2023
Could not stop. Reading
I knew the characters were going to end up the way they did, but I couldn't wait to get there
I knew the characters were going to end up the way they did, but I couldn't wait to get there
January 27, 2024
A great story overall but a little predictable and cheesy at times
June 1, 2024
Actually more like 2and 1/2 stars. Easy to skim thru or just skip pages. End is predictable.
December 16, 2024
fabulous story
Loved this book the description of Italy is great determination and friendship are the key words
Enjoyed her writing thanks
Loved this book the description of Italy is great determination and friendship are the key words
Enjoyed her writing thanks
July 8, 2025
Beautiful. Rough. Some details too rough for me to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews