Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo -a Review

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Description:
A sweeping story of two star-crossed lovers in post-World War II Italy, and a blossoming relationship generations later that will reveal a long-buried family secret.

Genoa, Italy, 1946. Vincenzo and Giovanna fall in love at twenty-one the moment they set eyes on each other. The son of a count and the daughter of a tailor, they belong to opposing worlds. Despite this, the undeniable spark between them quickly burns into a deep and passionate relationship spent exploring each other’s minds, bodies and their city, as well as Vincenzo’s family’s sprawling vineyard, Villa Della Rosa–until shifts in political power force them each to choose a side and commit what the other believes is a betrayal, shattering the bright future they dreamed of together.

New York, 2017. Cassandra and Luca are in love. Although neither quite fits with the other’s family, Cass and Luca have always felt like a perfect match for each other. But when Luca, an artist, convinces his grandfather and Cass’s grandmother to pose for a painting, past and present collide and reveal a secret that changes everything.

Review:

Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo is a standalone novel. The story constantly switches between two timelines; Italy after World War II and in present day (2017) New York.  We meet Giovanna, who is 21 years old, works with her father (a tailor) and sister. In 1946, with the war over, the family returns to their shop in Genoa, with Giovanna helping to make designs.  Her sister and boyfriend, become part of a group against the monarchy, and wants to move to America. 

Giovanna meets Vincenzo in the shop, having clothes made by her father.  He is immediately enthralled with her, and comes to the shop often with excuses to fix things.  In a short time, they both begin to have feelings for each other, as they are falling in love.  Vincenzo is from a different world then Giovanna, being the son of a count and she the daughter of a tailor. 

There was a true element of historical, as the monarchy was to be voted on whether to keep or abolish it. Vincenzo was worried that if the monarchy was abolished, what will his future hold. Giovanna was influenced by her sister, knowing that maybe Italy was better off without the monarchy, which actually did happen.  When Vincenzo discusses the vote, he becomes upset that Giovanna voted against the monarchy and angrily walks away.  When he comes to his senses, knowing how much he loves Giovanna, decides to go to her and apologize for his behavior.  When he arrives at the shop, he learns that she left with her sister and brother-in-law for America; and he has no idea where she went.

In 2017 New York, we meet Cassandra (Cass) and Luca, who are very much in love, and planning their wedding. Cass is a designer for a fashion clothing firm, and Luca is a painter, who has recently started to become well known.  Luca and Cass always support each other, even though her family doesn’t always support her choices.  Luca convinces Cass’s grandmother to pose for one of his paintings, and after some consideration, she accepts.  When Luca’s grandfather visits, he is asked to pose in the same painting.  Soon a revelation will be discovered that has a link to the past, with secrets being unraveled changing everything.

Stars in an Italian Sky was a wonderful beautiful heartwarming story that held our attention from start to finish.  This was also very emotional, with romance playing a large part in both the past and present.  Stars in an Italian Sky was very well written by Jill Santopolo, with a fantastic group of wonderful characters.  I suggest you read this book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher