The Savannah Gondolier

by Leigh Ebberwein

Her company was the prize in a late-night poker game.

Maggie didn’t need a Marketing degree to drive a trolley around Savannah for the past 14 years. When her father won a run-down kayaking company in a poker game, she traded in her business suit for a paddle and jumped at the opportunity to get paid for doing something she kayaking.

He is a gondolier escaping from shame in Venice.

Leo once thought that being a gondolier was everything he ever wanted, but that all changed after his father’s accident and the circumstances surrounding it. When Leo decided to leave Venice, he was drawn to where his family spent their carefree Tybee Island.

Will the water that brings them together divide them in the end?

Maggie must find a way to help Leo without losing what she loves. Beautiful places and lovable characters make this novel a stay-with-you-forever read.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2022

Reviews

[lia 🎀 · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a bit confusing at first trying to figure out what was happening but the story actually was better that way because the pieces would fall slowly into place and you fell in love with all the characters because it had multiple points of view and of course lots of southern charm, it was a very comforting cozy read for me because i’m from savannah so it was very relaxed for me and i liked how they didn’t dwell for too long on the conflicts of the story like there were a few but it was mostly just like sappy love or funny friendship and it was pretty amazing it kept me reading for 3 hours today to finish it because it’s just an all around really pretty book and i’ve always wanted to go to paris cause i’ve always romanticized it but this actually made me want to go to venice as well because the way she described venice was very convincing and even though actually riding on a gondola would actually scare the hell out of me especially with the way the story began i kind of want to now anyway

[Susan Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second in a series of books by Leigh Eberwein native of Savannah, GA. Although I have marked these as a series, it is not necessary to read them in order. The books feature the same cadre of friends. In the first book we meet them as "older" adults. The books look back at them, focusing on one of the group members, in her younger years. While the writing improved in this book, I would still rate it average. The stories are interesting and if you happen to live or visit the Savannah, GA area you will find them compelling for the bits of truth they harbor within the pages of the story. I will continue to read this author.

Borrowed from the Islands Public Library in Savannah, GA.

[Janeen McAbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect book to take to the beach, on vacation, or to read on your porch with a glass of sweet tea. The story of Savannah Gondolier includes drama, romance, and mystery. The author introduces strong, interesting characters that readers will quickly identify with. Ms. Ebberwein describes the characters' experiences at Tybee Beach near Savannah, Georgia and Venice, Italy so vividly that the reader feels like they have also traveled to these locations. The story does have a conclusion but there are unanswered questions about several characters that cause the reader to eagerly anticipate the next novel.

[Maggie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming book that is the perfect antidote to the nightly news! It was particularly fun to revisit Venice in my minds eye as it has been nearly 20 years since we were there. The book made me want to go right back there for the scenery and the food! Of course, living in Savannah it was a bonus to picture and recognize so many local places. If you don't live here, you will at least want to plan a visit after reading this sweet story!

[Cathy Wiederhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her second book this one takes you to Savannah,Tybee & Venice,Italy Her characters invite you to experience life in intimate ways that keep you turning the page. Loved traveling the waterways with them and couldn’t wait to finish the book. Looking forward to more books in the Savannah Saints series.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful escape! I enjoyed the descriptive writing that helps the reader feel like they are in Savannah & then Venice! The characters have developed even more in this second book of the Saints of Savannah series. I want to be in their tribe! There are several open ended story lines leaving me excited to see what happens in the next book!

[Jessica Pait · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of two childhood friends that fall in love while overcoming their past, personal expectations, and fears. I liked the book overall. I can envision so much of Savannah and its rich heritage throughout the story. My biggest critique is that there was a lot packed in (maybe in preparation for another story? ) that was kind of irrelevant to this book's plot or never fully developed.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really loving these books set in Savannah! Can't wait for her next book!