The Angelini Shoe Company, one of the last family-owned businesses in Greenwich Village, has been making exquisite wedding shoes since 1903 but... read full description
reviews
Feb 23, 2009
Sarah
rated it: 
I checked this out when I was sick a week or so ago--just wanted a light, easy read. But I found Very Valentine to drag. It was so bogged down in details that I found to be totally superfluous. (Not the shoemaking details--those were interesting, but in all the other little things Trigiana takes pains to describe.) The chemistry between the main character and her beau was also nonexistant for me. It seemed like a superficial, flighty relationship that I couldn't buy into. I ended up skimmi
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Dec 30, 2008
Kaye
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The sign over the shop used to say Angelini Shoes, Greenwich Village since 1903, but after years of weathering , it now says Angel Shoes. This is the setting for much of this heart-warming story and the inspiration for a new endeavor. Valentine and her 80 year old grandmother, Teodora Angelini, in the family tradition are custom makers of wedding shoes. When Teodora tells her granddaughter, Valentine, that things are not too good financially, she is shocked. Valentine had thought things would go
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Feb 25, 2009
Scott
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First, let me state that I loved Lucia, Lucia when it came out. I think that Ms. Trigiani writes the best stories about Italian American families in the U.S. They are quite charming, honest, and often a one-sit read.
Very Valentine, is about a thirty-something year old woman who has been apprenticing the shoe business from her grandmother. She has learned much but gets the ultimate education when she learns that the business is not very solid and her grandmother has used the buildi More...
Very Valentine, is about a thirty-something year old woman who has been apprenticing the shoe business from her grandmother. She has learned much but gets the ultimate education when she learns that the business is not very solid and her grandmother has used the buildi More...
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Apr 03, 2010
Lola4
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I've got two real big bad bones to pick with this book. Bone 1: In Rococo, Ms. Trigiana seems to have made an extremely unfortunate change in writing style, moving away from great heart-and-soul character portrayals and relationships into very detailed descriptions of stuff--without any apparent good reason, without advancing the story. In Very Valentine this disease of Descriptomania gets way worse and not only fails to advance the story, but bogs it down utterly. Now a description here an
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Mar 03, 2009
Sarah Beth
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Adriana Trigiani is a favorite writer of mine. But I really felt Very valentine fell short. I normally enjoy the painting of a scene by an author. It brings me into the scene and makes feel part of the book. But her minute detail description of every little thing just made me think, "get to the point already." Maybe I was just an impatient reader this time but the entire story of the book could have been told in under 50 pages sans the flowery descriptions ... I wanted more depth. I ne
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Feb 21, 2009
Ashley
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I received this book for my birthday, On VALENTINES DAY, so already this book was a hit. True to Trigiani's style the book is about Italian Americans who live in New York. Valentine is a cobbler. A large part of the book is dealing with the details of the shoes and the designs. It has a typical Trigiani ending, which I don't like.
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Jul 11, 2010
Susan
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Fantastic read! I'm almost done. Adriana Trigiani is an amazing writer. Always based around Italy/Italians/Italian/Family food and cooking. I can't wait to visit Italy one day and can't stop thinking about it since I've been reading this book. Not to mention all the Italian food I'm craving!
Oh, and did I mention the shoes! Valentine, the main character, is a 34 year old shoe maker - custom wedding shoes in a family business. Adriana uses some amazing descriptions of the shoes, materials t More...
Oh, and did I mention the shoes! Valentine, the main character, is a 34 year old shoe maker - custom wedding shoes in a family business. Adriana uses some amazing descriptions of the shoes, materials t More...
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Feb 22, 2009
Natalie
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I was excited to read this book because I always wished I was Italian. haha. Seriously. I enjoy that the setting is in NY, it makes me want to go visit. I enjoyed this book but I'm not sure I loved the ending.
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Aug 10, 2010
Jenny
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It's bee a while since I read a book I couldn't put down but this was definately one. Once again Adriana Trigiani made me fall in love with the characters, made me want to be a part of the story and above all made me want to jump on the first plane to Italy. The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars from me is the ending, I'm ultimately a romantic and I always want everyone to live happily ever after but I guess I'll just have to wait and see what else is in store for The Angelini Shoe Company!!!
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Mar 24, 2009
Cory
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On the surface, it seems like I would like this book about an Italian-American woman learning the family shoemaking business and looking for love. However, it just wasn't my kind of book. There was too much detail about clothing and room decor--I don't really care that the eldest daughter was wearing a cream wool pencil skirt, a cream cashmere cardigan, pearls, silver bangles on her wrist, and a cream embossed leather shoe with black piping on the vamp. Don't care! The similies and metaphors
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Mar 12, 2009
Interview published in The Florida Times-Union special section:
By Angela Bussone
New York Times best-selling author Adriana Trigiani draws from a deep writing well, with award-winning plays, novels, TV shows and screenplays to her credit. But it wasn't until Trigiani's agent suggested she develop her screenplay for Big Stone Gap into a novel that she vaulted into the role of author. And Trigiani has been riding a tide of best-sellers ever since. In a full circle set of events, a More...
By Angela Bussone
New York Times best-selling author Adriana Trigiani draws from a deep writing well, with award-winning plays, novels, TV shows and screenplays to her credit. But it wasn't until Trigiani's agent suggested she develop her screenplay for Big Stone Gap into a novel that she vaulted into the role of author. And Trigiani has been riding a tide of best-sellers ever since. In a full circle set of events, a More...
Jan 22, 2009
I had the good luck of getting one of Adriana's advanced readers copy. I have read all of this lady's books. But believe me, once you read it, you will understand what I am saying. She just gets better every book that she writes. She blends laughter and seriousness into every page. It is the best kind of book to get lost in, to escape from worry and stress and this book teaches you about love. How to choose it,when to keep it and when to let go.
Valentine tells the story of her grandfathe More...
Valentine tells the story of her grandfathe More...
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Jan 20, 2012
Jenny
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I should start off by saying that I loved the characters in this book…each and every one of them. The family dynamic was so real that I found myself relating to almost every aspect of Valentine’s life, even though I’m not Italian and don’t have three siblings, but only one. I could still relate. The story was interesting and I kept reading because I wanted to find out how things got resolved. If there was one fault I found in this book it’s related to something that I am completely aware is
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Nov 15, 2011
Christi
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My Review:
This is a book that I listened to on audio and I truly enjoyed the book, but I will be honest, I don't think that I would have enjoyed the book nearly as much if I had sat down and read it. There is a lot of this book that is spent inside the heroine, Valentine's, head musing about what is going on in her world, in her life, and in her heart. When I am reading, I enjoy action, not so much description and support text. But listening to the book being read aloud, I was able to enjoy More...
This is a book that I listened to on audio and I truly enjoyed the book, but I will be honest, I don't think that I would have enjoyed the book nearly as much if I had sat down and read it. There is a lot of this book that is spent inside the heroine, Valentine's, head musing about what is going on in her world, in her life, and in her heart. When I am reading, I enjoy action, not so much description and support text. But listening to the book being read aloud, I was able to enjoy More...
Oct 23, 2011
CoffeeBook
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The introduction of Adriana Trigiani's work for me has been with the two audiobooks for Very Valentine and Brava, Valentine. Let's put it this way - I am so enamored with the audio versions, that I just can't imagine the character of Valentine not voiced by the incomparable Cassandra Campbell. You better believe that when the final book comes out, I will be downloading the audio straightaway. Does anyone know when that third book is coming out?
In Very Valentine, The Angelini Shoe Compa More...
In Very Valentine, The Angelini Shoe Compa More...
Aug 25, 2011
Diane
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I usually love Adriana Trigiani's books. From Big Stone Gap to her young adult books, she creates memorable characters with real emotions that experience real life with all its faults and foibles. Although the plots always end on a satisfying note, they are not all "happily ever after", which adds to the realism of her stories.
This one is no different. Valentine is a 33 year old single woman, Italian-American, and working in her family's custom shoemaking shop, living wi More...
This one is no different. Valentine is a 33 year old single woman, Italian-American, and working in her family's custom shoemaking shop, living wi More...
May 18, 2011
Savs (Savvy Escapades)
rated it:
So over Christmas break my second fun-book was Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani.
Very Valentine is the cute and highly descriptive tale of Valentine, an Italian American living in New York with her grandmother, a famous crafter of handmade shoes. Unfortunately, Grams isn't terribly business-savvy and their about to lose their business (which they also live over). So what's a girl to do? Fall in love with a gorgeous chef, try really hard to save the business in order to spite her More...
Very Valentine is the cute and highly descriptive tale of Valentine, an Italian American living in New York with her grandmother, a famous crafter of handmade shoes. Unfortunately, Grams isn't terribly business-savvy and their about to lose their business (which they also live over). So what's a girl to do? Fall in love with a gorgeous chef, try really hard to save the business in order to spite her More...
Feb 27, 2011
Michelle
rated it:
What I liked about this book:
-It makes me very, very proud to be Italian-American. I realize that there is much I take for granted about my upbringing that other people don't get to have. Venetian tables at weddings, Christmas Eve fish celebrations, and so on. I'm proud of both my culture and the way Trigiani describes it. Sometimes she's not so flattering, and that's even fun too.
What I didn't like:
The clothes and setting descriptions run a little too detailed. And, More...
-It makes me very, very proud to be Italian-American. I realize that there is much I take for granted about my upbringing that other people don't get to have. Venetian tables at weddings, Christmas Eve fish celebrations, and so on. I'm proud of both my culture and the way Trigiani describes it. Sometimes she's not so flattering, and that's even fun too.
What I didn't like:
The clothes and setting descriptions run a little too detailed. And, More...
Feb 05, 2011
MaryBookSwarm
rated it:
Truthfully, I thought VERY VALENTINE was an outstanding book. I could really see through Valentine's eyes. The imagery was so good, I could understand what Valentine was going through. This story contains love, challenges, and excitement that makes you want to read more. It's the kind of book you wouldn't want to put down for anything. Anyone who has had a lot of challenges can identify what Valentine's going through. Plus, the fact that they're Italian brings a sense of culture. I promise, this
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May 02, 2010
Colleen
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I absolutely loved this book! Valentine is a dynamic protagonist - she is pushed to taking her family business into the current century by financial pressures but then learns she has a real head for business and a true passion for the artistry of the craft of custom shoe design. I found myself rooting for her from the start whether in her struggles with the business or her relationship with the complicated and ambitious Roman Falconi. When she traveled to Italy (a dream of mine!) and observed ho
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Apr 06, 2010
Debbie
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I have read her Big Stone Gap Series and loved all of them, so when I saw this one and then discovered it was the first in a trilogy...well, I had to start at the beginning. Her descriptions make things come alive and you can well envision exactly what they are talking or thinking about...almost like you are right there with the characters!
In the first book you meet the Roncalli and Angelini families who live in Manhattan but whose ancestors have come from Italy. The Angelini Shoe More...
In the first book you meet the Roncalli and Angelini families who live in Manhattan but whose ancestors have come from Italy. The Angelini Shoe More...
Mar 09, 2010
Dorothy
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When the book opens the reader finds Valentine Roncalli, a thirty-three year old drop out high school English teacher, at a crossroads in her life. She's serving as a bridesmaid at her younger sister's wedding when her family reminds her of her past, present and future. To them it isn't all that rosy! She's tall, has a big nose, doesn't have a man in her life, lives with her grandmother, and works at the declining family business of making custom made wedding shoes. The only thing that she's
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Dec 11, 2009
Lydia
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Like Valentine, in Adriana Trigiani's Very Valentine, I'm also a 33 year old woman. However, I cannot imagine myself being put into the situation that Valentine found herself in.
This book is about a woman who fights and loves with her family, her relationships and her career/tradition. Trigiani sets up the story with a cast of characters that are full of life and their own distinct personalities - between Alfred the stoic (and somewhat boring) brother, the romantic but aloof Roman More...
This book is about a woman who fights and loves with her family, her relationships and her career/tradition. Trigiani sets up the story with a cast of characters that are full of life and their own distinct personalities - between Alfred the stoic (and somewhat boring) brother, the romantic but aloof Roman More...
Aug 03, 2009
Bobbi
rated it:
Not much to say about this book--it was moderately entertaining, but certainly not worth more than two stars in my opinion.
I have read another Trigiani book before--Queen of the Big Time--and liked it better. In this book, the author tries too hard to be witty and it distracts from the story. I like to laugh while I am reading, but when every paragraph contains sarcasm and light humor, it gets old.
I did, however, really connect to Valentine's relationship with her grandmo More...
I have read another Trigiani book before--Queen of the Big Time--and liked it better. In this book, the author tries too hard to be witty and it distracts from the story. I like to laugh while I am reading, but when every paragraph contains sarcasm and light humor, it gets old.
I did, however, really connect to Valentine's relationship with her grandmo More...
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May 17, 2009
Diane
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Author Adriana Trigiani captured America's heart with her Big Stone Gap series of books. The town of Big Stone Gap was as important a character in the novels as its protagonist, Ave Maria.
Trigiani's first novel in her next planned trilogy,Very Valentine, has as some of its most important characters not one, but two, settings- Greenwich Village in New York City and Italy.
Valentine Roncalli is a single thirty-something woman from an Italian family. She lives and works in G More...
Trigiani's first novel in her next planned trilogy,Very Valentine, has as some of its most important characters not one, but two, settings- Greenwich Village in New York City and Italy.
Valentine Roncalli is a single thirty-something woman from an Italian family. She lives and works in G More...
May 07, 2009
Bonnie
rated it:
What can I say, I loved this book. I enjoy hunkering down and being swept away by a contemporary family saga and this book met that criteria. Especially when there are wonderful characters with rich ethnic backgrounds as I believe that this gives a story a depth and richness. Valentine is the main character and we learn about her quirky Italian family that I would love to sit down an enjoy an Italian meal with. The drama alone would make great entertainment. Valentine works as an apprentice unde
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Apr 23, 2009
Marta
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Wow I don't even know where to start with this book other than to say it was a wonderfully delicious treat! All the talk of food in the book had me drooling! First I was SO drawn to the cover. I'm a sucker for a good cover and this one has a gorgeous cover. I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and romantic and sassy too! I loved watching the growth of Valentine throughout this story. I found the insight into the shoe industry extremely fascinating, and never really considered how much goes in
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Apr 20, 2009
Tiffany
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I started this book, read about 10 pages, and then put it down. It didn't hook me right away, but once I picked it up again, I flew through it and had in done in less than a weekend. I have read all (or all but one) of Trigiana's books and I have really enjoyed the books that deal with the Italian families. This one proved just as good. I misread the jacket and thought the story was set in 1903, but it turns out that was just when the Angelini Shoe Company was founded. I loved this story of
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Apr 08, 2009
Ti
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Reading this book was like taking a vacation without leaving the comfort of my home. The story takes us to Greenwich Village where Valentine works as a cobbler, for a shoe company that she runs with her Gram. The workplace also happens to be her home as the building is situated with living space on top and even includes a beautiful rooftop garden. Trigiani takes much care to describe the environment to the reader. The smell of the leather, the oils used to keep them supple, etc. As I was reading
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Feb 27, 2010
Wendy
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This book was the first I ever read by this author and it was a great one. I immediately fell for the main character and her no nonsense approach to things as well as her passion about her chosen profession. Also, the author's descriptions of the different settings was wonderful, making me feel like I was right in the book.
Valentine Roncalli is 33 years old, single, living with her grandmother, and learning the family business. Her family have been shoemakers for over 100 years, in particu More...
Valentine Roncalli is 33 years old, single, living with her grandmother, and learning the family business. Her family have been shoemakers for over 100 years, in particu More...
