Lucy Appadoo's Blog, page 2
December 14, 2019
Haunted By The Past
My romantic thriller/suspense is out now for ONLY 99 cents for a limited time. It's the first in the series, known as the Friends In Crisis Series. It will continue with two other books or more, that involve a group of friends who will have to deal with tragic events. Here is the blurb below:
It begins with a message.
Twenty-seven-year-old Bella Carismo is only looking to help people. Working as a psychologist in her hometown of Williamstown, she wants to expand her private counselling practice.
But those plans come to a screeching halt when she receives the first message. It comes from a person Bella doesn’t know, but who is extremely interested in her. Soon she’s bombarded with more emails and text messages that quickly escalate to vandalism and a physical attack on her life.
With the harassment steadily increasing, Bella crosses paths with Marco Petrazini, a senior detective who might be able to help her stop the stalker.
But Bella isn’t the only one facing attacks. When a girl from Bella’s past is murdered, Bella and Marco work together to solve the crimes, while trying to navigate their growing attraction to each other. As they fall deeper into uncovering the truth, they realise it could be more than either of them is willing to face.
Despite how they feel about each other, with Marco on Bella’s case, their budding romance is strictly forbidden. And every day that passes is one where the stakes are higher and the stalker grows bolder, resulting in a tragedy that shatters Bella’s world.
With more people turning up dead, her closest friends becoming targets, and the suspects piling up, Bella and Marco soon find that their lives, and the lives of those around them, are in serious danger.
http://mybook.to/HauntedbythePast (Amazon)
https://books2read.com/u/bw2ZeY (Apple and other online retailers)
It begins with a message.
Twenty-seven-year-old Bella Carismo is only looking to help people. Working as a psychologist in her hometown of Williamstown, she wants to expand her private counselling practice.
But those plans come to a screeching halt when she receives the first message. It comes from a person Bella doesn’t know, but who is extremely interested in her. Soon she’s bombarded with more emails and text messages that quickly escalate to vandalism and a physical attack on her life.
With the harassment steadily increasing, Bella crosses paths with Marco Petrazini, a senior detective who might be able to help her stop the stalker.
But Bella isn’t the only one facing attacks. When a girl from Bella’s past is murdered, Bella and Marco work together to solve the crimes, while trying to navigate their growing attraction to each other. As they fall deeper into uncovering the truth, they realise it could be more than either of them is willing to face.
Despite how they feel about each other, with Marco on Bella’s case, their budding romance is strictly forbidden. And every day that passes is one where the stakes are higher and the stalker grows bolder, resulting in a tragedy that shatters Bella’s world.
With more people turning up dead, her closest friends becoming targets, and the suspects piling up, Bella and Marco soon find that their lives, and the lives of those around them, are in serious danger.
http://mybook.to/HauntedbythePast (Amazon)
https://books2read.com/u/bw2ZeY (Apple and other online retailers)
Published on December 14, 2019 19:06
August 8, 2019
The Italian Family Series
Wellness Themes in A Fiction Series
In this blog post, I’d like to describe the wellness themes I write about in my books; in particular, The Italian Family Series.
Inspiration for The Italian Family Series.
My mother and father both inspired me to write this series as I found their childhood stories touching and emotional. They both grew up in Italy and arrived in Melbourne in the 1960s to forge a life for themselves and their children. As we were growing up, they recounted their challenges, joys, and nostalgia with a resilient soul, and I had always wanted to recreate their stories through fiction. I honour their strength and love for their family through The Italian Family Series.
It is a true inspiration to know about all they had suffered growing up in the Italian village and to have created a life for their three children when they had no money to their names after arriving in Melbourne.
The Italian Family Series – A New Life
Valeria Allegro was hoping to embark on a life of freedom when she left Italy to travel to Australia for an arranged marriage with Roberto Morandi. The last thing she expected to encounter was harassment by Roberto's friend and neighbour, Luca Abandonato.
Valeria begins to wonder if marrying a virtual stranger at eighteen was a wise decision, especially when her new husband and his family demonstrate greater loyalty to Luca.
Alone in a foreign country and struggling to feel settled and secure, it appears that Valeria must face a dangerous enemy alone unless love can be her salvation.
Book links - https://books2read.com/u/mqqwZm OR http://mybook.to/ANewLife
Wellness Themes in A New Life:
• Trusting in a new life of freedom
• Having the strength to take a risk in a
new country
• The excitement and adventure of a new
life
• The power to assert yourself and say ‘no’
to abuse
• Love in a new relationship
• The courage to start a new business
The Italian Family Series - The Beauty of Tears:
Twelve-year-old Roberto Morandi and his siblings work hard to keep their family afloat as their parents, Maria and Giovanni, struggle to survive financially in post-war Italy. When the financial stress threatens their parents’ marriage, a family friend, Salvatore, becomes their saving grace. However, a sudden turn of events leads to death and deception, placing their survival further at risk. When a villain tries to destroy the Morandis and all they’ve worked for, Roberto and his family must fight for their lives against a predator determined to kill.
Wellness Themes in The Beauty of Tears-
• Managing financial struggle
• The pain of grief and loss
• Trust and hope in a new family member
• A strong work ethic in helping family
• Having strong family connections
• The beauty of love
Book links -http://mybook.to/TheBeautyofTears OR https://books2read.com/u/bpqwk3
The Italian Family Series - Dancing in the Rain
Fifteen-year old Valeria Allegro works diligently on the family farm in Italy, where she is torn between her duty to her family and her desire to find freedom from her strict, domineering father. She finds solace in Dario, a young student who provides a blissful escape—until a neighbour’s son, Gregorio, decides he wants her for himself.
This raises an alarm for her father, which leads to family conflict and aggression. When Dario is threatened and her family is plagued by a series of suspicious accidents, Valeria is desperate to keep her loved ones safe. Can she end the turmoil and escape the firmly built trap to find the freedom she craves?
Book links - http://mybook.to/dancingintheRain OR https://books2read.com/u/bOr7LA
Wellness Themes in Dancing in the Rain -
• Enduring family violence
• The honour and courage to keep your
family safe from a threatening figure
• The courage to find freedom
• The strength to endure pain and loss
• Believing in love
• Finding a balance between family duty and inner freedom
The Italian Family Series - A Life By Design
When 20-year-old Elena Allegro leaves the Italian village of Laurino to study Fashion Design in Milan, she’s certain her dreams are about to come true. Despite her father’s warnings that risk comes with her newfound freedom, she loves her studies and develops a love interest with Francesco, the handsome young entrepreneur who offers her a part-time job in a Milan clothing store.
It seems like an idyllic situation—until a stalker targets Elena, tormenting her with mind games and threatening her safety. In the face of escalating danger to herself and to Francesco, Elena must fight for her freedom, her love, and her survival.
Book links - http://mybook.to/Alifebydesign OR https://books2read.com/u/3J8ene
Wellness Themes in A Life By Design-
• The freedom to follow your dreams
• Developing social connections in a new
place
• Taking a risk into the unknown by
moving to a new area
• Having the resilience and determination
to fight for your safety.
So there you have it.
I hope you enjoyed this post and would appreciate any comments.
In this blog post, I’d like to describe the wellness themes I write about in my books; in particular, The Italian Family Series.
Inspiration for The Italian Family Series.
My mother and father both inspired me to write this series as I found their childhood stories touching and emotional. They both grew up in Italy and arrived in Melbourne in the 1960s to forge a life for themselves and their children. As we were growing up, they recounted their challenges, joys, and nostalgia with a resilient soul, and I had always wanted to recreate their stories through fiction. I honour their strength and love for their family through The Italian Family Series.
It is a true inspiration to know about all they had suffered growing up in the Italian village and to have created a life for their three children when they had no money to their names after arriving in Melbourne.
The Italian Family Series – A New Life
Valeria Allegro was hoping to embark on a life of freedom when she left Italy to travel to Australia for an arranged marriage with Roberto Morandi. The last thing she expected to encounter was harassment by Roberto's friend and neighbour, Luca Abandonato.
Valeria begins to wonder if marrying a virtual stranger at eighteen was a wise decision, especially when her new husband and his family demonstrate greater loyalty to Luca.
Alone in a foreign country and struggling to feel settled and secure, it appears that Valeria must face a dangerous enemy alone unless love can be her salvation.
Book links - https://books2read.com/u/mqqwZm OR http://mybook.to/ANewLife
Wellness Themes in A New Life:
• Trusting in a new life of freedom
• Having the strength to take a risk in a
new country
• The excitement and adventure of a new
life
• The power to assert yourself and say ‘no’
to abuse
• Love in a new relationship
• The courage to start a new business
The Italian Family Series - The Beauty of Tears:
Twelve-year-old Roberto Morandi and his siblings work hard to keep their family afloat as their parents, Maria and Giovanni, struggle to survive financially in post-war Italy. When the financial stress threatens their parents’ marriage, a family friend, Salvatore, becomes their saving grace. However, a sudden turn of events leads to death and deception, placing their survival further at risk. When a villain tries to destroy the Morandis and all they’ve worked for, Roberto and his family must fight for their lives against a predator determined to kill.
Wellness Themes in The Beauty of Tears-
• Managing financial struggle
• The pain of grief and loss
• Trust and hope in a new family member
• A strong work ethic in helping family
• Having strong family connections
• The beauty of love
Book links -http://mybook.to/TheBeautyofTears OR https://books2read.com/u/bpqwk3
The Italian Family Series - Dancing in the Rain
Fifteen-year old Valeria Allegro works diligently on the family farm in Italy, where she is torn between her duty to her family and her desire to find freedom from her strict, domineering father. She finds solace in Dario, a young student who provides a blissful escape—until a neighbour’s son, Gregorio, decides he wants her for himself.
This raises an alarm for her father, which leads to family conflict and aggression. When Dario is threatened and her family is plagued by a series of suspicious accidents, Valeria is desperate to keep her loved ones safe. Can she end the turmoil and escape the firmly built trap to find the freedom she craves?
Book links - http://mybook.to/dancingintheRain OR https://books2read.com/u/bOr7LA
Wellness Themes in Dancing in the Rain -
• Enduring family violence
• The honour and courage to keep your
family safe from a threatening figure
• The courage to find freedom
• The strength to endure pain and loss
• Believing in love
• Finding a balance between family duty and inner freedom
The Italian Family Series - A Life By Design
When 20-year-old Elena Allegro leaves the Italian village of Laurino to study Fashion Design in Milan, she’s certain her dreams are about to come true. Despite her father’s warnings that risk comes with her newfound freedom, she loves her studies and develops a love interest with Francesco, the handsome young entrepreneur who offers her a part-time job in a Milan clothing store.
It seems like an idyllic situation—until a stalker targets Elena, tormenting her with mind games and threatening her safety. In the face of escalating danger to herself and to Francesco, Elena must fight for her freedom, her love, and her survival.
Book links - http://mybook.to/Alifebydesign OR https://books2read.com/u/3J8ene
Wellness Themes in A Life By Design-
• The freedom to follow your dreams
• Developing social connections in a new
place
• Taking a risk into the unknown by
moving to a new area
• Having the resilience and determination
to fight for your safety.
So there you have it.
I hope you enjoyed this post and would appreciate any comments.
Published on August 08, 2019 15:42
August 1, 2019
A New Life - The Italian Family Series
Wellness Themes in A Fiction Series:
I’d like to discuss my inspiration for writing The Italian Family Series.
My mother and father both inspired me to write this series as I found their childhood stories touching and emotional. They both grew up in Italy and arrived in Melbourne in the 1960s to forge a life for themselves and their children. As we were growing up, they recounted their challenges, joys, and nostalgia with a resilient soul, and I had always wanted to recreate their stories through fiction. I honour their strength and love for their family through The Italian Family Series.
It is a true inspiration to know about all they had suffered growing up in the Italian village, and to have created a life for their three children when they had no money to their names after arriving in Melbourne.
The Italian Family Series – A New Life BLURB below:
Valeria Allegro was hoping to embark on a life of freedom when she left Italy to travel to Australia for an arranged marriage with Roberto Morandi. The last thing she expected to encounter was harassment by Roberto's friend and neighbour, Luca Abandonato.
Valeria begins to wonder if marrying a virtual stranger at eighteen was a wise decision, especially when her new husband and his family demonstrate greater loyalty to Luca.
Alone in a foreign country and struggling to feel settled and secure, it appears that Valeria must face a dangerous enemy alone unless love can be her salvation.
Download for FREE at these Book links - https://books2read.com/u/mqqwZm OR http://mybook.to/ANewLife
I’d like to discuss my inspiration for writing The Italian Family Series.
My mother and father both inspired me to write this series as I found their childhood stories touching and emotional. They both grew up in Italy and arrived in Melbourne in the 1960s to forge a life for themselves and their children. As we were growing up, they recounted their challenges, joys, and nostalgia with a resilient soul, and I had always wanted to recreate their stories through fiction. I honour their strength and love for their family through The Italian Family Series.
It is a true inspiration to know about all they had suffered growing up in the Italian village, and to have created a life for their three children when they had no money to their names after arriving in Melbourne.
The Italian Family Series – A New Life BLURB below:
Valeria Allegro was hoping to embark on a life of freedom when she left Italy to travel to Australia for an arranged marriage with Roberto Morandi. The last thing she expected to encounter was harassment by Roberto's friend and neighbour, Luca Abandonato.
Valeria begins to wonder if marrying a virtual stranger at eighteen was a wise decision, especially when her new husband and his family demonstrate greater loyalty to Luca.
Alone in a foreign country and struggling to feel settled and secure, it appears that Valeria must face a dangerous enemy alone unless love can be her salvation.
Download for FREE at these Book links - https://books2read.com/u/mqqwZm OR http://mybook.to/ANewLife
Published on August 01, 2019 20:21
March 1, 2019
Kindred Hearts - A stalker while a romance develops
My romantic suspense novel, Kindred Hearts (Hearts Series - book 3, but can be read as a stand-alone novel) is out now for only 99 cents for a limited time - one week only. Grab the novel while you can at these following retailers -
I am happy to announce that my new book, Kindred Hearts is out now for only 99 cents for a limited time - one week only. Check out the blurb below:
A past riddled with painful memories, Lisa Shelny wants nothing more than to put it all behind her. She simply wants to enjoy life with her friends, Julie, Lara, and Brooke, and dream about the man who steals every waking moment of her fantasy, Johnson Smythe. However, paradise isn’t in the cards for Lisa as she suddenly begins receiving threatening letters from an unknown stalker. But the stalker’s antics soon escalate with a series of attacks on her, one more dangerous than the last. With Josh’s help, a computer expert, Lisa sets out to uncover her deadly stalker’s identity. The truth proves to hit much closer to home than anticipated as the incidences trigger her traumatic past, forcing her to recall unsavoury memories of her time in Central Africa while on a nursing mission.Within these moments, a person who misremembers the past while never allowing Lisa to forget the one memory that has always haunted her. One that now leaves her own life in the throes of death.
Here are the links:
http://mybook.to/kindredhearts (Amazon)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id14...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book...
https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/kind...
I am happy to announce that my new book, Kindred Hearts is out now for only 99 cents for a limited time - one week only. Check out the blurb below:
A past riddled with painful memories, Lisa Shelny wants nothing more than to put it all behind her. She simply wants to enjoy life with her friends, Julie, Lara, and Brooke, and dream about the man who steals every waking moment of her fantasy, Johnson Smythe. However, paradise isn’t in the cards for Lisa as she suddenly begins receiving threatening letters from an unknown stalker. But the stalker’s antics soon escalate with a series of attacks on her, one more dangerous than the last. With Josh’s help, a computer expert, Lisa sets out to uncover her deadly stalker’s identity. The truth proves to hit much closer to home than anticipated as the incidences trigger her traumatic past, forcing her to recall unsavoury memories of her time in Central Africa while on a nursing mission.Within these moments, a person who misremembers the past while never allowing Lisa to forget the one memory that has always haunted her. One that now leaves her own life in the throes of death.
Here are the links:
http://mybook.to/kindredhearts (Amazon)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id14...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book...
https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/kind...
Published on March 01, 2019 16:45
August 24, 2018
A Life By Design (The Italian Family Series)
Take advantage of my discounted 99 cent (USD) book, A Life By Design as after four days, the price will increase to $3.99. Click the links for purchase below:
http://mybook.to/Alifebydesign (Amazon)
https://www.books2read.com/u/3J8ene (other online retailers).
The themes of the book involve romantic love, independence, ambition in fashion design, fighting a villain, resilience, and the support of loved ones.
Enjoy the twist at the end of the book.
Here's the blurb again:
When 20-year-old Elena Allegro leaves the Italian village of Laurino to study Fashion Design in Milan, she’s certain her dreams are about to come true. Despite her father’s warnings that risk comes with her newfound freedom, she loves her studies and develops a love interest with Francesco, the handsome young entrepreneur who offers her a part-time job in a Milan clothing store.
It seems like an idyllic situation—until a stalker targets Elena, tormenting her with mind games and threatening her safety. In the face of escalating danger to herself and to Francesco, Elena must fight for her freedom, her love, and her survival.
http://mybook.to/Alifebydesign (Amazon)
https://www.books2read.com/u/3J8ene (other online retailers).
The themes of the book involve romantic love, independence, ambition in fashion design, fighting a villain, resilience, and the support of loved ones.
Enjoy the twist at the end of the book.
Here's the blurb again:
When 20-year-old Elena Allegro leaves the Italian village of Laurino to study Fashion Design in Milan, she’s certain her dreams are about to come true. Despite her father’s warnings that risk comes with her newfound freedom, she loves her studies and develops a love interest with Francesco, the handsome young entrepreneur who offers her a part-time job in a Milan clothing store.
It seems like an idyllic situation—until a stalker targets Elena, tormenting her with mind games and threatening her safety. In the face of escalating danger to herself and to Francesco, Elena must fight for her freedom, her love, and her survival.
Published on August 24, 2018 18:55
August 19, 2018
A Life By Design (The Italian Family Series)
Five more days now before the release of A Life By Design from The Italian Family Series. 99 cent price for the first five days of release. If you'd like to preorder for 99 cents (USD), click on one of the links below:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id14...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-li...
https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/a-li...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id14...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-li...
https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/a-li...
Published on August 19, 2018 01:01
August 14, 2018
A Life By Design (The Italian Family Series)
Here are the links if you'd like to preorder my 20th-century historical romance/coming of age novel, A Life By Design below. The cost is discounted at 99 cents (US).
https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/a-li...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id14...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-li...
https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/a-li...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id14...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-li...
Published on August 14, 2018 03:55
August 10, 2018
A twp-chapter excerpt of A Life By Design - Italian Family Series
CHAPTER 1 TWO MINDS
(September 1972)
Elena flicked open the envelope, her heart racing. Her fingers trembled as she slowly pulled out the piece of paper and unfolded it. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and willed herself to take a peek. Was she ready? Had she got in? What if her dream was shattered? Only one way to find out.
Here goes. Summoning the courage, Elena glided her fingers over the letter and read the first few lines. It said,“Congratulations! You have been accepted into Istituto Marangoni in Milan to study our Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fashion Design.”
Elena swallowed, her body frozen in shock. She had finally been accepted to study fashion design in Milan. That meant her days in Laurino were numbered and she’d get the chance to explore another part of the world. Her chance to move away from the family farm. Her time to leave her stifling part-time job at the clothes shop, where every day was just like the one before. Sometimes she thought another day in Laurino would kill her. But now she’d have the life she had always dreamed about.
Reading the rest of the letter, she felt a lightness over her body and drew a hand through her long, chestnut hair. Only recently, she had convinced her father to let her put crimson highlights into her hair, which had made her feel like an adult. At twenty years
of age, Elena dreamed of bigger things than the village. She wanted to spread her wings and study what she loved. She loved reading anything, but she was most inspired by her love of fashion, and read all she could about it. Even her sister Valeria inspired her, sending letters describing the successful dressmaking business she’d started in Melbourne. Valeria had escaped, and now it was Elena’s turn.
Elena watched the backs of her father Enzo, who was drinking a glass of wine, and her mother Graziella huddling over the sink washing dishes. Their small kitchen featured an elongated table with a small bench space, and a wood fire oven. New pots and pans hung above the bench, replacing some rusty and old ones they’d had. The weathered crockery looked ready to be thrown out too, but their limited funds meant they would make do with the old and worn kitchenware. Her mother made the best of her equipment by cooking simple, yet tasty foods made with organic, home-grown vegetables from their farm.
Her father slouched at the table and flicked through the newspaper. He thumbed through the pages and turned to Elena with a curious stare when she cleared her throat. He laid the newspaper down and squinted. “What’s with you, Elena?”
Somersaults in her stomach plagued her. She swallowed and wondered how to broach the subject of moving to Milan. Taking a full breath, Elena drew a shaky hand through her strands. “Mama, can you sit with us? I need to talk to you both.”
Her mother turned off the faucet, wiped her hands on a tea towel, and sat at the table with a frown. “What’s going on, dear?”
Elena picked up the letter and handed it to her father. She waited until he read it, his body flinching,
and his mouth curling downward. He threw it over to her mother with a grunt. Her mother scanned it, then looked up at Elena with a worried glance.
Her father clenched his hands and shook his head. “There’s no way in hell you’re going to Milan. Not while I’m alive, you’re not.”
Elena flinched, but held his gaze. She knew she’d have a fight on her hands, but she wouldn’t give up.
Her mother tilted her head. “Elena, this is far away. You’re only twenty, and this is a place without anyone we know. How can we let you leave on your own?”
Elena braced herself. “Please, Mama. This is a chance of a lifetime. My dream. If I could study fashion in the village I would. But for me to have a real chance at a profession, I have to leave the village. There’s a big wide world out there.”
Her father smashed his hand against the table, sending a tremor through Elena’s body. “Over my dead body! You are not going to Milan, and that’s final. I’ll hear nothing more about it.”
“But, Papa, this is my dream.” She pressed her hands against her sides to keep them from shaking. “This is the only place I can study. Can’t you at least think about it? I am an adult now. You can’t expect me to work on the farm or in the shop my whole life. Don’t you want me to have a future?”
He glared. “You never once complained about your life here. This is just about Valeria leaving, but she had Roberto to marry, and we trusted his family. In Milan, you have no one. This is out of the question.”
Elena’s stomach clenched. “Papa, please. Just think about it!”
Veins popped out on his head. “Enough!” He stood up and stormed out of the house without a further word.
Elena turned towards her mother, who stared into the distance. Elena’s voice seemed to draw her back. “Mama, can you please convince Papa. Please, Mama!”
Her mother clasped her hands together. She reread the letter, and tears streamed down her cheeks. With a wistful look at Elena, she said, “I don’t want you to give up on your dreams, Elena, but I’m frightened for you. This is so far away from us, and you’ll be on your own. How would we know you’d be safe?”
Elena leaned in. “I can ring you every day until you’re sure I’m safe. Until I’ve made some friends. Please, Mama, think about it, and try to convince Papa. I still have time before I make a decision.”
Her mother nodded. “Leave it with me, darling, but I cannot make any promises.”
“That’s all I ask.”
At least now there was a semblance of hope.
CHAPTER 2 A HUGE FEAT
Two weeks had gone by, and during that time, Elena cajoled, sweet-talked, rationalised, and fought with her father over her study trip to Milan. He wouldn’t budge, and she began to form a plan in her mind. She didn’t want to be estranged from her family. There had to be a way for her father to agree to her leaving.
Her mother begged her father to reconsider, but to no avail. With each passing day, Elena’s anxiety rose. How could she work in a clothes shop and on the farm for the next working years of her life? She feared she would fall ill if she kept thinking about her fate.
She was afraid her father would disown her if she left the village without his blessing. He might never let her see her mother again. Oh, sure, she could sneak around and see Mama, but that would make her mother’s life that much harder, and Mama had suffered more than enough in her life. Elena didn’t want to put any extra pressure on her mother when she could resolve this situation herself.
I can stay here, she thought, or I can figure out a way to leave here respectfully and with my parents’ blessing.
There had to be a way to convince her father to agree.
She lay back against the sofa, watching her brother Emilio wander over and plonk himself down beside her. He knit his brows and spread out his hands as if she was giving him the evil eye. At eighteen, Emilio was handsome with his black crew-cut and his
6
solid, muscular build. He always complained about his short height, but the girls flocked towards him in spite of that.
“What’s going on, sister?”
She leaned forward and planted her hands under her chin, as a thought formed in her mind. “How would you like to go on a vacation, Emilio?”
Emilio drew back, his eyes widening. “Are you talking about Milan? Has Papa agreed for you to go yet?”
She shook her head. “Don’t be silly. He’s never going to let up. Unless you come with me. He seems to have these double standards, so I think if you tell him you’ll be my chaperone, he might just let me go.”
“I don’t know.” He scratched his temple. “I mean, what am I going to do in Milan? I’ve got my work on the farm here, and I don’t mind doing that.”
Elena rose from the sofa, paced the floor, and stood over her brother. “Just do this for me. Then once you’ve stayed awhile you can come back home. By that time, he’ll have your report that I’m safe and have met people.”
Emilio swung his left leg over his knee and squeezed his calf muscle. He seemed to be processing things, so she wouldn’t rush him. He was always a deep thinker, an interesting trait in a man who loved to work with his hands. “So how are you going to pay for all this?”
Elena thought fondly of Giovanna. Who would have thought the cranky old woman from down the street would turn out to be such a friend to Elena’s family? Their neighbour had felt such a strong sense of guilt after her son, Gregorio, had hurt Valeria that she’d left a portion of her estate to Valeria and her siblings. Since Valeria had refused any payment, the money had
7
been divided among Elena, Emilio, and Carla. The only guilt Elena felt was that, because of Giovanna’s gift, Gregorio and his two siblings, Aldo and Daniela, got a smaller portion.
She wasn’t sure if they knew about it, and she hoped they didn’t. Gregorio and Daniela attended Giovanna’s funeral, but Aldo hadn’t even sent his regards. The nerve of him. He’d taken his mother’s money easily enough when she was alive, only to show a complete lack of respect when she’d died. At least Giovanna had her friends and other family in the village pay their respects. Even without Aldo, it was a memorable funeral.
Gregorio had spent quite a number of months in prison for what he’d put Valeria through, and word was, he was a changed man. He was openly despondent at his mother’s funeral and showed warmth towards Elena’s family. He had apologised profusely. But Elena still didn’t trust him. What if it was an act? Maybe he hadn’t changed at all. She hardly knew Daniela at all, even though she’d moved into her mother’s home, refusing to sell Giovanna’s house.
The euros that Giovanna had given Elena would be just enough for her studies, but she would need extra money for living expenses.
However, she might never travel to Milan if she couldn’t convince her father, and soon. She had responded to the letter with interest and explained how she would need more time to possibly accept the offer, but time was running out.
“Earth to sister. Earth to sister.” She came out of her reverie and looked up at Emilio. “How are you funding this trip?”
“Giovanna’s money.”
“It won’t be enough. What about the rest?”
8
Elena’s heart sank. She needed Emilio on her side. “I can get a part-time job while I’m studying.”
“It’s not that easy to get work in a strange city. You don’t even know Milan and you don’t have real experience.”
Elena laughed. Her brother was wise to the world, but still immature in some ways. “I have my sales experience from the shop and I know how to work on a farm. I have useful skills, brother.”
Before Emilio could respond, her parents entered the house and greeted them. Her father held a questioning look. He stood cross-armed, as if he knew what she was thinking. He knew her too well to think she’d give up that easily.
“Papa. I have an idea.” She turned towards her brother. “Emilio can come with me to Milan, and then I won’t be alone.”
Her father squared his shoulders and pursed his lips. With a shake of the head, he said, “And here I thought Valeria was stubborn and independent. You are even more so. You’ll be the death of me, Elena.”
In spite of his words, she could tell he was fighting hard to hide a smile as her mother turned towards him.
“That’s not a bad idea, Enzo. She wouldn’t be alone. Then once she’s settled and we know she’s safe, Emilio can come back home. We all win.”
Enzo’s eyes narrowed. “Hmmmm. Let me think about it.”
9
(September 1972)
Elena flicked open the envelope, her heart racing. Her fingers trembled as she slowly pulled out the piece of paper and unfolded it. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and willed herself to take a peek. Was she ready? Had she got in? What if her dream was shattered? Only one way to find out.
Here goes. Summoning the courage, Elena glided her fingers over the letter and read the first few lines. It said,“Congratulations! You have been accepted into Istituto Marangoni in Milan to study our Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fashion Design.”
Elena swallowed, her body frozen in shock. She had finally been accepted to study fashion design in Milan. That meant her days in Laurino were numbered and she’d get the chance to explore another part of the world. Her chance to move away from the family farm. Her time to leave her stifling part-time job at the clothes shop, where every day was just like the one before. Sometimes she thought another day in Laurino would kill her. But now she’d have the life she had always dreamed about.
Reading the rest of the letter, she felt a lightness over her body and drew a hand through her long, chestnut hair. Only recently, she had convinced her father to let her put crimson highlights into her hair, which had made her feel like an adult. At twenty years
of age, Elena dreamed of bigger things than the village. She wanted to spread her wings and study what she loved. She loved reading anything, but she was most inspired by her love of fashion, and read all she could about it. Even her sister Valeria inspired her, sending letters describing the successful dressmaking business she’d started in Melbourne. Valeria had escaped, and now it was Elena’s turn.
Elena watched the backs of her father Enzo, who was drinking a glass of wine, and her mother Graziella huddling over the sink washing dishes. Their small kitchen featured an elongated table with a small bench space, and a wood fire oven. New pots and pans hung above the bench, replacing some rusty and old ones they’d had. The weathered crockery looked ready to be thrown out too, but their limited funds meant they would make do with the old and worn kitchenware. Her mother made the best of her equipment by cooking simple, yet tasty foods made with organic, home-grown vegetables from their farm.
Her father slouched at the table and flicked through the newspaper. He thumbed through the pages and turned to Elena with a curious stare when she cleared her throat. He laid the newspaper down and squinted. “What’s with you, Elena?”
Somersaults in her stomach plagued her. She swallowed and wondered how to broach the subject of moving to Milan. Taking a full breath, Elena drew a shaky hand through her strands. “Mama, can you sit with us? I need to talk to you both.”
Her mother turned off the faucet, wiped her hands on a tea towel, and sat at the table with a frown. “What’s going on, dear?”
Elena picked up the letter and handed it to her father. She waited until he read it, his body flinching,
and his mouth curling downward. He threw it over to her mother with a grunt. Her mother scanned it, then looked up at Elena with a worried glance.
Her father clenched his hands and shook his head. “There’s no way in hell you’re going to Milan. Not while I’m alive, you’re not.”
Elena flinched, but held his gaze. She knew she’d have a fight on her hands, but she wouldn’t give up.
Her mother tilted her head. “Elena, this is far away. You’re only twenty, and this is a place without anyone we know. How can we let you leave on your own?”
Elena braced herself. “Please, Mama. This is a chance of a lifetime. My dream. If I could study fashion in the village I would. But for me to have a real chance at a profession, I have to leave the village. There’s a big wide world out there.”
Her father smashed his hand against the table, sending a tremor through Elena’s body. “Over my dead body! You are not going to Milan, and that’s final. I’ll hear nothing more about it.”
“But, Papa, this is my dream.” She pressed her hands against her sides to keep them from shaking. “This is the only place I can study. Can’t you at least think about it? I am an adult now. You can’t expect me to work on the farm or in the shop my whole life. Don’t you want me to have a future?”
He glared. “You never once complained about your life here. This is just about Valeria leaving, but she had Roberto to marry, and we trusted his family. In Milan, you have no one. This is out of the question.”
Elena’s stomach clenched. “Papa, please. Just think about it!”
Veins popped out on his head. “Enough!” He stood up and stormed out of the house without a further word.
Elena turned towards her mother, who stared into the distance. Elena’s voice seemed to draw her back. “Mama, can you please convince Papa. Please, Mama!”
Her mother clasped her hands together. She reread the letter, and tears streamed down her cheeks. With a wistful look at Elena, she said, “I don’t want you to give up on your dreams, Elena, but I’m frightened for you. This is so far away from us, and you’ll be on your own. How would we know you’d be safe?”
Elena leaned in. “I can ring you every day until you’re sure I’m safe. Until I’ve made some friends. Please, Mama, think about it, and try to convince Papa. I still have time before I make a decision.”
Her mother nodded. “Leave it with me, darling, but I cannot make any promises.”
“That’s all I ask.”
At least now there was a semblance of hope.
CHAPTER 2 A HUGE FEAT
Two weeks had gone by, and during that time, Elena cajoled, sweet-talked, rationalised, and fought with her father over her study trip to Milan. He wouldn’t budge, and she began to form a plan in her mind. She didn’t want to be estranged from her family. There had to be a way for her father to agree to her leaving.
Her mother begged her father to reconsider, but to no avail. With each passing day, Elena’s anxiety rose. How could she work in a clothes shop and on the farm for the next working years of her life? She feared she would fall ill if she kept thinking about her fate.
She was afraid her father would disown her if she left the village without his blessing. He might never let her see her mother again. Oh, sure, she could sneak around and see Mama, but that would make her mother’s life that much harder, and Mama had suffered more than enough in her life. Elena didn’t want to put any extra pressure on her mother when she could resolve this situation herself.
I can stay here, she thought, or I can figure out a way to leave here respectfully and with my parents’ blessing.
There had to be a way to convince her father to agree.
She lay back against the sofa, watching her brother Emilio wander over and plonk himself down beside her. He knit his brows and spread out his hands as if she was giving him the evil eye. At eighteen, Emilio was handsome with his black crew-cut and his
6
solid, muscular build. He always complained about his short height, but the girls flocked towards him in spite of that.
“What’s going on, sister?”
She leaned forward and planted her hands under her chin, as a thought formed in her mind. “How would you like to go on a vacation, Emilio?”
Emilio drew back, his eyes widening. “Are you talking about Milan? Has Papa agreed for you to go yet?”
She shook her head. “Don’t be silly. He’s never going to let up. Unless you come with me. He seems to have these double standards, so I think if you tell him you’ll be my chaperone, he might just let me go.”
“I don’t know.” He scratched his temple. “I mean, what am I going to do in Milan? I’ve got my work on the farm here, and I don’t mind doing that.”
Elena rose from the sofa, paced the floor, and stood over her brother. “Just do this for me. Then once you’ve stayed awhile you can come back home. By that time, he’ll have your report that I’m safe and have met people.”
Emilio swung his left leg over his knee and squeezed his calf muscle. He seemed to be processing things, so she wouldn’t rush him. He was always a deep thinker, an interesting trait in a man who loved to work with his hands. “So how are you going to pay for all this?”
Elena thought fondly of Giovanna. Who would have thought the cranky old woman from down the street would turn out to be such a friend to Elena’s family? Their neighbour had felt such a strong sense of guilt after her son, Gregorio, had hurt Valeria that she’d left a portion of her estate to Valeria and her siblings. Since Valeria had refused any payment, the money had
7
been divided among Elena, Emilio, and Carla. The only guilt Elena felt was that, because of Giovanna’s gift, Gregorio and his two siblings, Aldo and Daniela, got a smaller portion.
She wasn’t sure if they knew about it, and she hoped they didn’t. Gregorio and Daniela attended Giovanna’s funeral, but Aldo hadn’t even sent his regards. The nerve of him. He’d taken his mother’s money easily enough when she was alive, only to show a complete lack of respect when she’d died. At least Giovanna had her friends and other family in the village pay their respects. Even without Aldo, it was a memorable funeral.
Gregorio had spent quite a number of months in prison for what he’d put Valeria through, and word was, he was a changed man. He was openly despondent at his mother’s funeral and showed warmth towards Elena’s family. He had apologised profusely. But Elena still didn’t trust him. What if it was an act? Maybe he hadn’t changed at all. She hardly knew Daniela at all, even though she’d moved into her mother’s home, refusing to sell Giovanna’s house.
The euros that Giovanna had given Elena would be just enough for her studies, but she would need extra money for living expenses.
However, she might never travel to Milan if she couldn’t convince her father, and soon. She had responded to the letter with interest and explained how she would need more time to possibly accept the offer, but time was running out.
“Earth to sister. Earth to sister.” She came out of her reverie and looked up at Emilio. “How are you funding this trip?”
“Giovanna’s money.”
“It won’t be enough. What about the rest?”
8
Elena’s heart sank. She needed Emilio on her side. “I can get a part-time job while I’m studying.”
“It’s not that easy to get work in a strange city. You don’t even know Milan and you don’t have real experience.”
Elena laughed. Her brother was wise to the world, but still immature in some ways. “I have my sales experience from the shop and I know how to work on a farm. I have useful skills, brother.”
Before Emilio could respond, her parents entered the house and greeted them. Her father held a questioning look. He stood cross-armed, as if he knew what she was thinking. He knew her too well to think she’d give up that easily.
“Papa. I have an idea.” She turned towards her brother. “Emilio can come with me to Milan, and then I won’t be alone.”
Her father squared his shoulders and pursed his lips. With a shake of the head, he said, “And here I thought Valeria was stubborn and independent. You are even more so. You’ll be the death of me, Elena.”
In spite of his words, she could tell he was fighting hard to hide a smile as her mother turned towards him.
“That’s not a bad idea, Enzo. She wouldn’t be alone. Then once she’s settled and we know she’s safe, Emilio can come back home. We all win.”
Enzo’s eyes narrowed. “Hmmmm. Let me think about it.”
9
Published on August 10, 2018 23:27
July 12, 2018
The Italian Family Series
I've almost completed the next instalment of The Italian Family Series entitled 'A Life By Design.' It's currently with the proof reader at the moment.
Read the blurb below:
When 20-year-old Elena Allegro leaves the Italian village of Laurino to study Fashion Design in Milan, she’s certain her dreams are about to come true. Despite her father’s warnings that risk comes with her newfound freedom, she loves her studies and develops a love interest with Francesco, the handsome young entrepreneur who offers her a part-time job in a Milan clothing store.
It seems like an idyllic situation—until a stalker targets Elena, tormenting her with mind games and threatening her safety. In the face of escalating danger to herself and to Francesco, Elena must fight for her freedom, her love, and her survival.
Read the blurb below:
When 20-year-old Elena Allegro leaves the Italian village of Laurino to study Fashion Design in Milan, she’s certain her dreams are about to come true. Despite her father’s warnings that risk comes with her newfound freedom, she loves her studies and develops a love interest with Francesco, the handsome young entrepreneur who offers her a part-time job in a Milan clothing store.
It seems like an idyllic situation—until a stalker targets Elena, tormenting her with mind games and threatening her safety. In the face of escalating danger to herself and to Francesco, Elena must fight for her freedom, her love, and her survival.
Published on July 12, 2018 05:18
June 6, 2017
Italy Book Tour
Please join me on my Italy Book Tour, starting today and ending on the 23rd June, 2017. The Tour is promoting my book, Dancing in the Rain.
Follow me on my Tour and enter an Amazon Giveaway to be in the running for a $50USD Gift Card.
Browse through my guest blog posts, author interviews, and reader comments via a range of book blogger websites.
I hope you enjoy the Tour, and good luck with the Giveaway.
Here is the link if you'd like to join me: http://www.italybooktours.com/blog---...
Follow me on my Tour and enter an Amazon Giveaway to be in the running for a $50USD Gift Card.
Browse through my guest blog posts, author interviews, and reader comments via a range of book blogger websites.
I hope you enjoy the Tour, and good luck with the Giveaway.
Here is the link if you'd like to join me: http://www.italybooktours.com/blog---...
Published on June 06, 2017 03:46