marlo_c's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting light read. I enjoyed the characters and the writing style. It's my first Frank book, and I'd read more of her, especially when I'm wanting a break from more serious literatue.
gr8reader's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed the lighter parts of the story..... Italian family stereotypes in a humorous portrayal......although I realize the "heavier" part of the storyline was needed to make the story go as it did, timing for myself reading this was not good.
bfth23's review against another edition
4.0
Not your typical Dot Frank. Less low country and more Italian and catholicism. Was Dotty questioning her own spirituality? Unfortunately, I'll never be able to ask her (and I'm sure she would have answered; she was always great with answering anything). Just don't go in expecting what you got in her first novels and enjoy. (But don't eat too much...this one will make you crave pasta, wine and lots of sweets).
shammons's review against another edition
3.0
Another book by Dorothea Benton Frank, and another enjoyable read. This one seemed different from her others to me, but it could have been the subject. It was just a tad slow in spots, but in the end, I really did like it.
This book follows Grace Russo, the only daughter in a big New Jersey Italian family, who moves to Charleston when her parents decide to relocate to Hilton Head. She's - gasp - in her 30's, unmarried, living with an man who is not Italian, and pursuing her career as a travel agent. Her parents won't accept her boyfriend and she's stuck between trying to please them and trying to make herself happy. It takes a twist at the end, that I won't give away, but that really made the book for me. It has a bit to do with faith, although this certainly isn't Christian fiction by any means. Still, a good book to curl up with.
This book follows Grace Russo, the only daughter in a big New Jersey Italian family, who moves to Charleston when her parents decide to relocate to Hilton Head. She's - gasp - in her 30's, unmarried, living with an man who is not Italian, and pursuing her career as a travel agent. Her parents won't accept her boyfriend and she's stuck between trying to please them and trying to make herself happy. It takes a twist at the end, that I won't give away, but that really made the book for me. It has a bit to do with faith, although this certainly isn't Christian fiction by any means. Still, a good book to curl up with.
okiegirl4's review against another edition
2.0
This story is about family and relationships. We follow the story of Grace and Michael. Most of the story is told from Grace's POV. This book was ok. My favorite part of the book is how Grace and Michael handle the hard things in life together.
mishale1's review against another edition
3.0
Quite different for Dorothea Benton Frank. While there is talk of the beach, food and family, there's more serious issues going on here.
Grace loves her family but has little to nothing in common with them. Her family is very religious, she is agnostic. Her family is very traditional, she lives with her boyfriend with no plans to marry.
Because her boyfriend is a scientist, an atheist, possibly commitment phobic and Irish, Grace's are ta don't like him. They dislike him having never met him.
But he is the love of Grace's life and he gets a frightening diagnosis that forces some major changes in Grace's life.
I enjoyed that the story revolves around an Italian family. I'm Italian too and I definitely recognized some of the people in the books and definitely their food.
I was definitely very frustrated with her parents treatment of Grace and Michael but everyone in the story grows a lot by the end.
I enjoyed the story and appreciate how the story makes you think about everything the characters are going through.
Grace loves her family but has little to nothing in common with them. Her family is very religious, she is agnostic. Her family is very traditional, she lives with her boyfriend with no plans to marry.
Because her boyfriend is a scientist, an atheist, possibly commitment phobic and Irish, Grace's are ta don't like him. They dislike him having never met him.
But he is the love of Grace's life and he gets a frightening diagnosis that forces some major changes in Grace's life.
I enjoyed that the story revolves around an Italian family. I'm Italian too and I definitely recognized some of the people in the books and definitely their food.
I was definitely very frustrated with her parents treatment of Grace and Michael but everyone in the story grows a lot by the end.
I enjoyed the story and appreciate how the story makes you think about everything the characters are going through.
hdingbat's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed this book overall except for the very last chapters (won't give away the ending). Overall an easy read that is engaging and quick. The ending will either make you love the book or wish you never read the last few chapters.
nutti72's review against another edition
4.0
Love the crazy cast of characters. Lots of good old fashioned family drama in this one.
bethditt's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. I have had this book sitting in my “to read” pile for over a year. Started it twice. Found it cumbersome. Put it down. Just finished it. Wow.
I’m a Catholic, married to an Italian, who vacations in Hilton Head...this book hit on every chord. It starts SLOW. But wow. The ending was so worth it. Love, Faith and Family.
I’m a Catholic, married to an Italian, who vacations in Hilton Head...this book hit on every chord. It starts SLOW. But wow. The ending was so worth it. Love, Faith and Family.
rfwads's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book for so many reason, however not like others would expect or do!!! I think the biggest for me was knowing exactly how Grace felt when it comes to being in love with someone and not being married. This fear and unknown you go through when there is something medically wrong and you can’t even be told what’s going on bc your not married. Or having your family not want them around bc of something he can’t control, like his ethnicity! It really hit Home for me bc I was like Grace, I didn’t want to get married and it took a lot of convincing to get me to say yes. In the end one of the biggest decision makers was that I would be considered his spouse in the eyes of government, law, work, etc. instead of just a girlfriend.
I also had a love / hate with the religion in this book. At times I felt it was a little too much, but I share a lot of the same feelings Grace and Michael did before Mexico! Though science can never explain miracles? It was nice seeing them meet those of the church who weren’t so “do this or your a sinner” kinda attitude!
Overall, great book, easy read, definitely recommend!!!
I also had a love / hate with the religion in this book. At times I felt it was a little too much, but I share a lot of the same feelings Grace and Michael did before Mexico! Though science can never explain miracles? It was nice seeing them meet those of the church who weren’t so “do this or your a sinner” kinda attitude!
Overall, great book, easy read, definitely recommend!!!