A beautiful story of love, loss and family secrets, The Star -Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman is exactly the kind of story I want to read more of. It is the perfect summer read - fast paced, engrossing and with just the right amount of mystery to keep the readers guessing.

I loved all the talk around Italian culture, food, history and the descriptions surrounding the gorgeous Italian countryside backdrop. It was a joy reading about the three generations of Fontana women, their banter, their struggles and insecurities and their beautiful evolving relationship. I might have enjoyed the historical timeline a tad bit more, but it could be due to my love for historical fiction. Nonetheless, I loved how everything fell into place perfectly towards the end.

An absolutely stunning story of sisterhood and self-awareness, The Star -Crossed Sisters of Tuscany certainly exceeded my expectations and I wish I'd picked it up earlier!

There is a purported family curse that afflicts the Fontana family – that second-born daughters will never find true love and wed. When their estranged great-aunt Poppy promises to break the curse if they accompany her on a trip to Italy, Emilia and Lucy’s lives change radically. This was a warm and engaging read about a trio of women who are misfits within their complicated family. I enjoyed the interactions between these three, especially as the younger two came to respect each other, which was certainly not the case before.

I also enjoyed the writing, which was vivid without becoming overwrought. Though Emilia endeavors to find herself throughout the story, her journey is complicated and did not always progress how I imagined it would. Ultimately an enjoyable read that reminded me a lot of a rom-com.

This book about sisters traveling to Tuscany was an enjoyable read. I loved the characters and the setting. I would highly recommend.

I enjoyed Spielman’s previous two novels and this one was just as lovely. Take a family secret, add a love letter to Italy, and a bit of historical fiction and you have a charming story. I think my favorite part was how she put me in Italy with the descriptions of the scenery, the food, and the people. It just makes me want to visit there even more.

Emilia is a second-born daughter, just like her cousin, Lucy, and her Aunt Poppy. These second-born daughters are all part of the same “curse” that dates back generations. Second-born daughters will never marry and so far, the curse has lived up to its name. Aunt Poppy has been the estranged family member, even though Emilia always seemed to feel a special bond with her. When Aunt Poppy calls and asks her to go along on a trip to Italy for Poppy’s 80th birthday, Emilia decides she can’t pass up this opportunity. Even though her Grandma (Poppy’s sister) tells her she can’t go, Emilia defies her family obligations and joins Lucy and Poppy on a trip of a lifetime.

The story is told from Emilia’s perspective as well as Poppy’s flashbacks to the 1960s. As the story of a long-held family secret and a decades-long romance with Rico, the only man she loved, begins to unravel, Poppy and Emilia’s lives become even more connected. On the journey to Poppy’s favorite places in Italy, more pieces of Emilia’s family history are revealed and she starts to awaken to a new future for herself.

The story includes some closed-door romance and a lovely old-fashioned romance that was revealed a bit too slowly for me. I wanted more of Poppy’s story and history but her chapters were much less than Emilia’s. Emilia’s character was boring and lifeless, but I’m sure that was intentional as she blossomed into a new person while they traveled and more family history was revealed. Lucy was the extreme opposite of Emilia and her liaisons were uninteresting to me. The twist to her story was one I did not see coming and seemed a bit out of the blue. I appreciated the ending for each character and how their futures were left hopeful and full of promise.

Overall, I loved being transported to Italy including Venice, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast. I truly would like to take Poppy’s itinerary and travel it myself. The author took liberty with a letter she received from a reader in Germany asking her to turn his family story into a book. Even though she didn’t write their story, she did create the character Rico based on this reader’s family. This story is full of regret, betrayal, hope, and most importantly, forgiveness. Lies and long-held secrets forever changed the direction of the lives in this story. Knowledge is power and the willingness to start fresh means no more regrets and new adventures ahead for Lucy and Emilia.

I listened to the audiobook as well as read my eBook copy. There were two narrators for Emilia and Poppy’s story and I appreciated their native Italian which helped with the pronunciation of all the Italian food, places, and words. Without even trying, I found myself reading the book the same week of the year the three went to Italy. I’m thinking October 2022 for my 50th birthday would be a perfect time to go myself!

This novel seemed like it would be an emotional read set in Tuscany. However, I did not really like the aunt in the story. Still, the lush, gorgeous setting is it most defining feature! I recommend this for fans of Elena Ferrante.

DNF at 27%. I am just the wrong reader for this book - I have a lot of friends who loved it and can totally see how it appeals but it wasn’t for me. I am not much for reading anything described as heartwarming but I was along for the ride until it was revealed that Aunt Poppy is dying. Just not my thing so I decided to stop here. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free review copy.

I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review,

So this book was not what i was expecting. I was expecting a grand sweeping narrative covering generation after generation of rival sisters and bitter resentment. What I got is a snug, tightly woven story of a family and especially a few very different women who are all trying to be who their family expects and the family black sheep who finally helps them break free.
Emilia and her cousin Lucy join their great aunt Poppy on a trip across Italy to break a family curse and on the way figure out what it is they each really want. I love that they also see that Poppy, the black sheep who has been exiled from the family on the orders of the matriarch Nonna Rosa, is actually doing fabulously without them thank you very much. Learning about Poppy's life, Emilia and Lucy finally start to see that maybe refusing to do exactly what your family wants is not the worst thing in the world.
Overall, the book very well written. Nelson Spielman has a true gift for description and I loved the way brought Italy to life and imbued Emilia with so much warmth and empathy (though I am very glad she got over her tendency to be a doormat by the end). Emilia, Lucy and Poppy are all exceptionally well fleshed out and complex though the secondary characters not so much. The plot is strong and has some good twists and turns but it feels a little uneven in spots an there are a few twists that just don't feel earned. I also really wish the confrontation between Emilia and Rosa hadn't been glossed over so much. I really wanted to hear Rosa explain herself or at least take responsibility for the decisions that brought the family to the present. This is the first book I have read by Lori Nelson Spielman but it wont be the last!

You'll fall in love with Italy and the Fontana family in 'The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany'
By SANDY MAHAFFEY FOR THE FREE LANCE–STAR Nov 21, 2020

At first glance, Lori Nelson Spielman’s “The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany,” with lush Italian landscape on the book jacket, appears to be a rather light romance. Don’t let yourself be deceived. Does the reader fall in love with the beauty of Italy and does the story include romance? Absolutely! Is that all there is to the book? Absolutely not.

The women of the Fontana family have been told for more than 200 years that the second daughters will never marry. Emilia seems to have accepted the curse and is living a very quiet, boring life in New York City. Her cousin Lucy is determined the curse will not impact her, but her means of fighting it is making her and everyone else miserable. A letter from estranged Aunt Poppie turns their lives upside down. She wants both girls to take a trip to Italy with her.

Resistant at first, they agree, much to the dismay of the rest of their family. The story of their journey is interspersed with Poppie’s telling of her bittersweet life 60 years ago, when she fell in love with a young German man who had escaped Berlin before the wall had been erected.

Both young women learn to embrace the lives they are meant to lead, not without a few bumps, but they find light, happiness and self-acceptance. Family dynamics, lies, estrangement, forgiveness, grudges, secrets and self discovery all play a part.

This is a quick, yet emotional read. Tears and laughter just might spring forth. You will fall in love with the three ladies and Italy.

Sandy Mahaffey is former Books editor with The Free Lance–Star.

I wanted so badly to love this book. But ugh, this girl's family! And the way she lets them control her! I am sure that so many people can relate to this dynamic but I just can't at all so it frustrated me to no end. I did love the magical realism aspect and everything to do with Italy. Not for me but I'm sure many others will love it.

This book sadly did not live up to my expectations, I must say. I expected a novel about two sisters and their great aunt, trying to break a curse alongside the lavish scenery of Italy. All I got was an annoying main character, her hateful annoying family and some snippets of Italy. Not that great, I must say. I did like the last 50 or so pages, those really got me hooked, but the rest? Stale at best. No good character development, a side character who's main reason to be in the book is to be the gay rep, and not much more. Sadly not a winner for me.

The Star -Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman is a 2020 Berkley publication.

Family secrets, curses, lost and found love, romance and good food!!

The second daughters of the Fontana family are believed to be cursed- doomed to live a life without love. Emilia and her cousin Lucy, both second daughters, are invited to visit Italy by their Aunt Poppy, who has been disassociated with family for years.

Going against her grandmother’s wishes, Emilia, a straight-laced girl who lives a quiet, unadventurous life, decides to accept the invitation, hoping her aunt's promise of breaking the family curse is true.

Once in Italy, the girls discover their aunt’s health is fragile and that she is intent on meeting up with her one true love after decades of separation. As Poppy regales the girls with stories from her past, Emilia and Lucy explore the Italian culture and discover the truth themselves, their own past, and how to live life with gusto!

I found myself caught up in Poppy’s historical story, and less engaged with Emilia’s. Lucy’s role was underdeveloped and seemed tacked on as an afterthought. That aside, I really enjoyed this gentle story about breaking away from the limitations and expectations that bog down the full experience of life and love.

The Italian backdrop adds a beautiful air of culture, history and romance that took the story to a higher level. It was almost like taking a virtual trip, whisking me away on a lovely romantic adventure!

3.5 stars

Oh, I loved this book! It had everything one could want in an escapist read. Set against a gorgeous Italian landscape, this book takes us on a journey of family (and their secrets), romance, mystery, heart, and hope.

For more than 200 years, there has been a curse in the Fontana family resulting in no second-born daughter having ever found lasting love.For cousins Lucy and Emilia who are the second-born they really hope that the curse isn’t real, When Lucy is invited to travel to Italy with her elderly aunt she jumps at the chance and convinces Emilia to go with them. This was an enjoyable escape story that centered on family, love and facing truths. Of course, theres food and romance and fun along the way and if you like family secrets a big one gets reveled that was surprising.

Such a wonderful and heartwarming book with complex characters that everyone will enjoy. The imagery was fabulous, and I loved every minute of this story about love, loss, sisters, and finding oneself.

FULL AUTHOR INTERVIEW ON FRESH FICTION
1--What’s the name of your latest release?

The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

2--What is it about?

The book, set in Italy, chronicles a life-changing journey of three second-born daughters who, according to centuries-old family lore, are believed to be cursed, never to find lasting love.

But eccentric Aunt Poppy never believed in the curse. She invites her great nieces--and fellow second-born daughters--to accompany her to their homeland of Italy, where Poppy vows she’ll meet the love of her life on the steps of the Ravello Cathedral on her 80th birthday, and break the supposed curse once and for all.
As the trio traverses the Italian countryside, hearts are lost, memories are found, and secrets are revealed. . . secrets that could threaten the Fontana family far more than a centuries-old curse.

3--What word best describes your heroine(s)?

Independent

4--What inspired you to write about this group of women?

When I worked as a high school guidance counselor, it wasn’t unusual for my young female students to come to me, heartbroken over some doomed teenaged romance. I tried to assure them they were young and had decades ahead of them, that if I had a crystal ball, we’d see that one day they would be happily in love. But I wondered, might the opposite be true as well? What if someone knew, from a very young age, that they would never find love? Might they actually live more fully, more authentically, without the pressure of finding love? That became the premise of the second-daughter curse.

5--Who are the people your main characters turn to when they need help?

Emilia turns to her sister, Poppy turns to her nieces.

6--What do you love about the setting of your book?

I fell in love with Italy when I visited a few years ago--its rich history and magnificent art, their pasta and vino and charming people. Each region has its own distinct personality, so it was fun to take my characters from the floating city of Venice, to the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, to the enchanting Amalfi Coast village of Ravello.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

I LOVED THIS BOOK. 5 STARS!

I knew I had loved Lori’s previous work- specifically The Life List- and when I saw this book I knew I had to have it.

What I Liked:

That cover is GORGEOUS!!!!!!

Emilia. I could identify with her. She’s “happy” but is she really happy? Or is she just safe?

Poppy’s stories. Oh my heart was in Italy with her- feeling her hope, her heartbreak, her love.



Bottom line: This book was my last book of 2020- and it was a perfect book to end the year with. So filled with charm, love and hope- I just can’t say enough positive things about this book.



*This book was sent to Traveling With T for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.*

Italy has always been a popular tourist destination for Americans. It is also the original home of many American families. Pasta and pizza continue to be some of our favorite foods. So when I saw a book titled The Star-crossed Sisters of Tuscany, I was immediately drawn to it. In some ways the story met my expectations, but let me give you fair warning. Not all of the story unfolds in the lush Italian countryside. It begins in the Brooklyn neighborhood of a second generation Italian-American family, in particular the suffocating world of second daughter Emilia, sleepwalking through life under a family curse placed on all second-born daughters by the domineering matriarch of the clan. When she is given a chance to break the curse by traveling to Italy with her black sheep aunt Poppy and her man-crazy cousin Lucy, Emilia finally works up the courage to defy her Nonna and make the journey. At that point Poppy begins to tell the story of the curse and her own tragic life finding and losing love in Italy.
The story is at its best as it switches back and forth recounting the drama of life after the Second World War and sharing the richness of contemporary Italian life for the three traveling women. The segments showing Emilia’s personal struggles are in marked contrast and made this reader anxious to hurry through. Every time she stroked a scar on her lip, you knew Emilia was in conflict.
If you could get by her weakness and Lucy’s x-rated language, there was plenty to enjoy in the story of the star-crossed lovers of Tuscany and the tidy ending to all the drama.

I throughly enjoyed this family saga especially the relationship between the aunt and nieces. I found the 2nd daughter curse to be quite believable coming from an Italian family myself. I adored how the crazy Aunt taught the girls how to let loose and live. I loved the main and side romances in the story and appreciate that they didn’t take over the plot. This is a wonderful feel good story about family and life.

WOW! Lori Nelson Spielman the author of “The Star Crossed Sisters of Tuscany” has written a captivating, magical, intense, intriguing, and heartwarming novel. The genres for this novel are Domestic Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Romance. The timeline for this novel is set in the author’s present and goes back to the past 200 years when it pertains to the characters or events in this story. Three second-born sisters are obsessed to find out if there is a way to break the 200-year family curse, where the second sister is said to never find love. The author describes her colorful characters as complex and complicated. There are family secrets and betrayals.

Not all of the family are true believers that there is a curse, but many do. When Emilia, a second-born sister has the opportunity to go to Italy with her estranged Aunt Poppy, she jumps at the opportunity. I love the way the author vividly describes the events and scenery!

I highly recommend this thought-provoking, memorable, and heartwarming story for other readers.

Well-written, interesting characters in a beautiful setting. Enjoyed following Emilia"s development from doormat to strong, self-assured woman.