In The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza, a captivating literary journey unfolds, transcending time and borders. Rooted in the author's family history, the novel artfully intertwines the stories of Sara Marsala and her great-grandmother Serafina. Sara, grappling with the aftermath of failed ventures and a crumbling marriage, embarks on a poignant pilgrimage to Sicily following the passing of her great-aunt Rosie. The narrative seamlessly shifts between Sara's contemporary quest and Serafina's compelling past, a young woman thrust into motherhood in the early 1900s, fighting for empowerment in her village. Jo Piazza's storytelling prowess brings authenticity to each character, and the dual timeline, rich descriptions of Sicily, and a tantalizing mystery create an immersive reading experience. The novel's familial warmth, unexpected twists, and the author's personal connection revealed in the Author's Note make The Sicilian Inheritance a literary gem, celebrating resilience, family, and the enduring spirit of women.

Hooked from the first page - and I’m always here for a switching narrators storyline & anything set in Europe. The way it was inspired by a true person is even better. Can’t wait to see more from this publisher & author! Thank you immensely for the advance copy.

As someone who had never heard of Jo Piazza before, I was so surprised and bewitched by this story. The plot flew off the page and immersed me so deeply. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from this book, but I got so much and more! I felt incredibly grateful to have received an early copy of this book.

This story has two narrators Sara and Seraphina. Sara who lives in modern times, is basically a hot mess. Her restaurant just closed, her marriage is over, she is deep in debt and drinking too much. Her beloved great aunt has just died and left Sara a deed and a mission. Sara is to go to their family's town of origin in Sicily and fine out if the deed it valid and what happened to Sara's great grandmother, Seraphina.
Seraphina is the second narrator. She tells us of her life as a midwife in a small Sicilian village in the early Twentieth Century. We learn a lot about what is means to be a woman in those times and how things may not be all that different now.
There is intrigue and gossip in both timelines. Things get twisty and dark. Women may need to step up. But who can be trusted?

Lucky to receive an early edition of this book - I was smitten from the first page. It’s a rarity for me that I fall in love with both main characters, itching to see what’s next as each chapter ended. This was a beautiful blend of history and present struggles of being a woman in a man’s world but also a wonderfully empowering story of women being good to other women and taking care of each other. Lots of twists and turns, and a heck of a lot of fun daydreaming about a trip to Sicily! What a fun and quick, but also super satisfying read!

I have never read anything by Jo Piazza, but this title and description caught my attention. I really was intrigued by the Sicilian setting and it didn't disappoint.

The dual perspectives of Sara in the present day and Serafina in the past was actually really strong. I was captivated by both of their stories, but towards the middle I was starting to lose interest. It could have been because I was reading during the holidays and it was really a busy time for me. The only qualms I had was how cruel the Sicilian people were to Sara and how she was mixed up in the mafia stuff. It felt a little unbelievable, so that took me a little out of the story.

Any interesting story! I think that some readers will really enjoy it. It could have just been a timing thing for me.

As soon as the book's final words appeared, I bothered to read the Author's note and learned how her great-grandmother inspired the story. From deep within the confines of my heart came an envious longing to rummage through my family history for a remarkable story that would one day set me off writing the foundation of my novel. Undoubtedly, the book becomes more exciting and magical when creativity meets historical accuracy.

The story follows Sara Marsala, whose life seemingly crumbles around her - a failed restaurant, the mess surrounding her divorce, and her fight for her child's custody. When Sara's late great-aunt sets her off to Sicily to discover the truth about her great-grandmother, Serafina, she has no choice but to grant that final wish. But she did not suspect the plight that awaited her in the village of Caltabellessa - one that endangers her as she uncovers the truth about her matriarch's murder.

"The Sicilian Inheritance" weaves a tale with a well-researched account of the migration of Sicilian men to America in the 1900s, the influence of the Cosa Nostra, particularly its impact on the lives of the ordinary Sicilians, all while shedding light on the resilience of the alleged "white widows of Sicily." How the author depicts historical details with parallel timelines and dual narration, with an expert interweaving of vivid imagery, adds to the novel's depth and comprehensive understanding of the characters.

The juxtaposition of Sara's pursuit of the truth against the backdrop of a foreign land rich in history is more than enough to persuade the readers. It doesn't just tell a fictional story; it lays down bits and pieces of Sicilian history meant to be shared. The result is a powerful testament to the indomitable spirits of the women of Sicily who stood in solidarity against the socio-economic circumstances that befell them when left to their own devices.

Historical fiction will always be the genre I will keep digesting for emotional connection. "The Sicilian Inheritance" is a much-needed emotional serotonin that humanizes certain aspects of Sicilian history. Its "mystery arc" inclusion is a reminder that behind the beauty of a landscape, it is not without its dark secrets. This book is, without a doubt, a celebration of women in a patriarchal society. It evokes anger, remorse, and, at times, a moral assessment of certain unethical decisions, yet not without its justifiable reasons.

Overall, this book changed how I see things, and I hope it does the same for you. It made me understand specific nuances and complexities in a culture unlike mine, weighing the circumstances women face in a society that is rife with discrimination. One thing is evident with every page turn: women's part in history does not begin and end with fulfilling societal-dictated roles; it is a call for change.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Dutton, for the opportunity to read this book in advance in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

I am not sure what I was expecting, but wow. The descriptions of the mountains, the characters, the towns and the sea and beaches. And the food!!! But I am character driven and this was wonderful. It took me a bit to keep people straight, but not long. Oh it was just rich with strong female characters. Absolute five stars!!!

The description of this book caught my eye, as I love all books set in Italy. This was a captivating read that not only described so much beauty about Italy, but also created a powerful and important story of the history of women in this part of the world. I loved the multiple timelines, the character connections, and the twist at the end. I've really enjoyed getting to know this author's work a bit more and look forward to what she does next!

"The Sicilian Inheritance" by Jo Piazza is an enthralling novel that seamlessly blends mystery, family drama, and a touch of romance. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Sicilian landscape, the story unfolds with intricate layers of secrets and betrayals as three estranged sisters come together to unravel their family's mysterious inheritance. Piazza skillfully weaves a narrative that combines rich cultural details with a compelling plot, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-drawn, and the exploration of familial bonds adds emotional depth. "The Sicilian Inheritance" is a captivating tale of rediscovery, heritage, and the power of sisterhood.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the advanced reader's copy of this publication. I received this for my unbiased review.

A great read with interesting twists and turns. Lots of history of small Italy combined with a little romance and drama. Perfect for that short plane ride to somewhere exotic.

This book was very intriguing and definitely kept me engaged and ready for more as the story progressed and moved between the present and the past. I loved the familial mystery aspect and the setting was beautifully described.

Thank you for the advance copy read from NetGalley and Penguin Group. This was an amazing historical fiction with varying points of view. The Sicilian Inheritance contained lots of mystery, intrigue, twists and turns. The author swept me away to the small towns and provinces of Italy... leaving me ready to travel to Italy tomorrow! The plot twists and details leave the reader thinking they have it all figured out until the very end when it all comes together with surprise elements! Although parts were violent and at times difficult to read, the character development and figurative language envelopes the reader into the story completely! What a wonderful read!

I loved following Sara’s journey to Italy she thought she was just going to spread the ashes of her beloved Aunt Rosie, but the trip uncovered a secretive family history. This story contains strong female characters.

I feasted on this book, devouring it like a cannoli and a glass of red wine. I knew immediately that I loved Aunt Rosie and all of her antics and Sicilian glory — there are some characters in this book! 😆 Vividly bringing this story to life, The Sicilian Inheritance will keep you reading, wondering, laughing, crying and transport you to the old country from wherever you claim your favorite reading spot. ✨♥️🇮🇹 As Rosie says “get your ass out of bed and seize the goddamn day.” Magnifico!!!

For years I have heard people differentiate between having Italian heritage and having Sicilian heritage. After reading The Sicilian Inheritance, I finally have an answer to the ‘what’s the difference’ question. This mix of mystery, history and the empowerment of women was quite entertaining. I would recommend to anyone with an interest in the complicated history of Sicily and a multi-generational tale.

This is not the usual type of book I read but I am a big fan of Jo Piazza's podcasts and other books. Ended up loving this family saga with such strong female characters. Kept me on my toes until the very end. Hope there is a sequel!

Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House for an early copy of The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza

Sara Marsala is on a mission set up by her recently-deceased Aunt Rosie to attempt to recover property in Sicily that the family believes was left to Sara's great-grandmother Serafina Forte. What commences as a quick excursion to fulfill her aunt's wish becomes a complex, fact-finding journey that will uncover secrets that even Rosie could not have imagined.

Sara, a butcher and restaurant owner, leaves her young daughter in the care of her estranged husband and sets out to handle the land business. What she encounters during her time in Sicily will bring her to new realizations of the life her ancestor Serafina led, her dedication to healing and her "death" under violent circumstances. Along the way Sara will find it difficult to know whom to trust amid the dangers of locals who do not want Sara to obtain the land.

The scenery of Sicily, the foods the politics, the strength of the women of Sicily when their husbands left to work in America, and the influence of Greek mythology on the country are all in play as Sara maneuvers through the obstacles and perils in a culture she is just beginning to understand.

Author Jo Piazza has based The Sicilian Inheritance on events in her own ancestry, making the story of Sara/Serafina completely realistic and intriguing.

Sara is feeling completely lost as the business she put everything into is closing for good, and the man she married is filing for divorce and full custody of their daughter. As she tries to figure out her next steps, she finds a surprise from her recently deceased Aunt Rosie. She has arranged for Sara to go to Sicily, a trip the two of them meant to take together, to reset and find herself again. She also wants Sara to help her figure out the truth behind what happened to her mother, Sara's grandmother, and why she never came to the U.S. with the rest of the family.

The setup of the Sicily trip was a little too contrived, but I was able to overlook that part because the story is told in such a captivating way. From Serafina's perspective, I learned so much about Sicilian history and culture, a place I know little about. Both timelines are so atmospheric in tone that the setting acts as a major character in the story. The strength of the bond between women is portrayed beautifully, inspiring feelings of hope for the future.

There's mystery, mafia, romance, and culture. It's like antipasto, a little bit of everything. That's what I like. My thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.