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The Caselli Family #2
Pit of Ambition
Guiseppi looked into Rosa’s eyes as she stood in the doorway. She didn’t say a word, but he knew what she was about to tell him. Quietly, Rosa closed the door and took a seat beside him.
“She spoke of him,” she whispered. She looked into her lap and shook her head. “I want to tell her.”
But Guiseppi was stubborn…and the thing with Alex went too far. Guiseppi buried Noah’s identity deep within himself and demanded that Rosa do the same.
In the pursuit of professional and political success, Alex falls deep into a pit of pride and ambition. Guiseppi begins to hate the husband he chose for his daughter, regretting the day he gave his Angel to a pretender—a blackguard in disguise.
Guiseppi is tempted to tell Angel the secret that is crushing his heart.
Will Noah and Tillie finally discover one another’s identities? Will Marquette finally uncover the hiding place of his life-long nemesis?
The Caselli Family Series presented by Reata Publishing.
No vampires, no sex, no vulgar language. Just good ole fashioned romance, suspense and mystery!
“She spoke of him,” she whispered. She looked into her lap and shook her head. “I want to tell her.”
But Guiseppi was stubborn…and the thing with Alex went too far. Guiseppi buried Noah’s identity deep within himself and demanded that Rosa do the same.
In the pursuit of professional and political success, Alex falls deep into a pit of pride and ambition. Guiseppi begins to hate the husband he chose for his daughter, regretting the day he gave his Angel to a pretender—a blackguard in disguise.
Guiseppi is tempted to tell Angel the secret that is crushing his heart.
Will Noah and Tillie finally discover one another’s identities? Will Marquette finally uncover the hiding place of his life-long nemesis?
The Caselli Family Series presented by Reata Publishing.
No vampires, no sex, no vulgar language. Just good ole fashioned romance, suspense and mystery!
212 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2011
7 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Ta`Mara Hanscom
6 books126 followersI was born and raised in South Dakota, and I love her people and rich history. For many years I’ve also had a deep love for Italy and her colorful chronology. I was fortunate enough to visit Italy on my 25th wedding anniversary, and I added some of the details of my travels to my fictional series The Caselli Family Series.
My favorite sport is baseball – Detroit Tigers – and I can’t wait until the next time I get to see them play in Comerica Park.
I live for the next family barbeque.
My husband and I currently reside in northwestern Iowa. We have three grown children and one grandson. We’ve rescued two cats and one Pomeranian.
I teach AWANA Cubbies and speak at women’s events.
To learn more about The Caselli Family Series, please visit us on the web at:
www.TaMaraHanscomBooks.com
My favorite sport is baseball – Detroit Tigers – and I can’t wait until the next time I get to see them play in Comerica Park.
I live for the next family barbeque.
My husband and I currently reside in northwestern Iowa. We have three grown children and one grandson. We’ve rescued two cats and one Pomeranian.
I teach AWANA Cubbies and speak at women’s events.
To learn more about The Caselli Family Series, please visit us on the web at:
www.TaMaraHanscomBooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 1, 2018
Book two is even better than the first one in this continuing saga of The Caselli Family. I need the third book, as I can’t wait to see what happens next. This series has me in its grip and has captured my heart. You will laugh and cry with the happy times and the sorrows that plague Noah and Angel in their lives, as the secrets family and friends hide get closer to unraveling. I fall more in love with some of the characters the farther I read in the series. At times it can move a little slow, but it is well worth your time, as I find it captivating. I love the Faith shown throughout and watching the family dynamics develop and grow. It reminds me of a slow moving river that ebbs and flows over the rocks to reach the climax of a waterfall. Very enjoyable and entertaining.
I received a complimentary copy from Reata Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy from Reata Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
August 24, 2018
I absolutely loved this book!! There is so much depth in the book. The author gives vivid details in the Black Hills and Sioux Falls, I can picture where she is writing about. I also like how the author does not skirt issues of the day and in relationships. While not detailed, they are not sugar coated either. This book is a great reminder that no matter the trials that you face, stay faithful to God. He is stay faithful to you and give you the desire of your heart.
December 4, 2017
I was sent this book in exchange for a review from the publisher. My ratings and reviews will be my own personal opinions and are in no way influenced by publishers or authors who may have sent me books to review.
This is book two in the Caselli Family series and continues to follow the lives of both Angel and Noah. I only read book one a few months ago, and I did not realize how much I missed these characters. I was ready to find out what happens with them and if they ever find one another again.
The author did a great job summarizing book one which helped me quickly get back into this story. I still would recommend starting with book one, as I think you would fall in love and understand the characters and their relationship much more.
Book two focuses more on Angel and Noah which I loved. There was other storylines going on, but I liked how they seemed to all intertwine more in book two than they did in book one. This also actually takes place within a span of over eleven years, so the plot is very fast paced as years pass quickly.
There were many emotional parts to this story that will leave you heartbroken. You get to see Giuseppe dealing with the internal guilt of a decision he and Rosa made in regards to Noah and Angel. There is also new life and death that also plays important roles within the story. Some events happened very quickly, which did take some of the emotional effect away but I still really enjoyed it.
This again left me with so many questions! I am still routing for Noah and Angel and I now need book three! Overall, I am in love with Noah and Angel and need more.
This is book two in the Caselli Family series and continues to follow the lives of both Angel and Noah. I only read book one a few months ago, and I did not realize how much I missed these characters. I was ready to find out what happens with them and if they ever find one another again.
The author did a great job summarizing book one which helped me quickly get back into this story. I still would recommend starting with book one, as I think you would fall in love and understand the characters and their relationship much more.
Book two focuses more on Angel and Noah which I loved. There was other storylines going on, but I liked how they seemed to all intertwine more in book two than they did in book one. This also actually takes place within a span of over eleven years, so the plot is very fast paced as years pass quickly.
There were many emotional parts to this story that will leave you heartbroken. You get to see Giuseppe dealing with the internal guilt of a decision he and Rosa made in regards to Noah and Angel. There is also new life and death that also plays important roles within the story. Some events happened very quickly, which did take some of the emotional effect away but I still really enjoyed it.
This again left me with so many questions! I am still routing for Noah and Angel and I now need book three! Overall, I am in love with Noah and Angel and need more.
April 11, 2013
This is the second book of the Caselli family series.
Tillie Caselli has married Alex Martin a famous lawyer. Before they were married he’d do anything to spend time with her but, now this young man is too focused on work, fame and fortune. Tillie is sick an can barely go to school. She goes to the doctor to find out she’s pregnant.
Noah Hansen has married Carrie and they are very happy together until the tragic death of Carrie’s mother then fishy stuff starts happening. Carrie is expecting again and Noah is the best husband that anyone could have, coming home from work to check on his wife not working late more than he has to.
Guiseppi finally realizes he made a big mistake by not telling Tillie what him and her mother knew about Noah from before they met. He can’t tell her now though, what good would that do? It would only make matters worse.
Alex and Noah are still good friends, Guiseppi meets Noah when he comes to Sioux Falls to check on a job building Angelo’s 2, Guiseppi’s second restaurant. He’s regretting the decision he has made.
This book was just as good as the first and I cannot wait to read he third one A Blackguards Redemption.
Ta`Mara Hanscom has worked on The Caselli Family Series since 1996. Within three weeks she had created a 900 page rough draft of what would become a five- novel series of the epic love story of Tillie Caselli and Noah Hansen.
Loving all things Italian, Ta`Mara created the Caselli family true to their ethnic name. Born and raised in South Dakota, she brings this traditional family alive on the Great Plains where she has spent the entirety of her life.
I got this from my moms bookshelf.
Tillie Caselli has married Alex Martin a famous lawyer. Before they were married he’d do anything to spend time with her but, now this young man is too focused on work, fame and fortune. Tillie is sick an can barely go to school. She goes to the doctor to find out she’s pregnant.
Noah Hansen has married Carrie and they are very happy together until the tragic death of Carrie’s mother then fishy stuff starts happening. Carrie is expecting again and Noah is the best husband that anyone could have, coming home from work to check on his wife not working late more than he has to.
Guiseppi finally realizes he made a big mistake by not telling Tillie what him and her mother knew about Noah from before they met. He can’t tell her now though, what good would that do? It would only make matters worse.
Alex and Noah are still good friends, Guiseppi meets Noah when he comes to Sioux Falls to check on a job building Angelo’s 2, Guiseppi’s second restaurant. He’s regretting the decision he has made.
This book was just as good as the first and I cannot wait to read he third one A Blackguards Redemption.
Ta`Mara Hanscom has worked on The Caselli Family Series since 1996. Within three weeks she had created a 900 page rough draft of what would become a five- novel series of the epic love story of Tillie Caselli and Noah Hansen.
Loving all things Italian, Ta`Mara created the Caselli family true to their ethnic name. Born and raised in South Dakota, she brings this traditional family alive on the Great Plains where she has spent the entirety of her life.
I got this from my moms bookshelf.
February 7, 2014
Just as we love detail in paintings, I LOVE detailed books. Characters that are painted before my eyes and then brought to life are what enraptures me in the tale and makes me look forward to picking the book up again, or, on the other hand, dread putting it down! Pit of Ambition, book two of The Caselli Family series, continues the work of book one with giving the characters a full life, full background, and full personality.
I love the detail the author puts into these books. For some reason, the way she writes gives her characters substance. It's as if she gives you a pair of 3D glasses to wear while you read.
If you have already read book one, which I insist upon, grab the tissues, a cup of coffee, and snuggle in to your favorite chair to read this book. The author has a lot to tell you, and in my mind, not enough pages! She has a lot to throw your way...It's almost like riding a roller coaster. You'll find yourself laughing and then crying not long after...and then, before you know it, the book is over and it's time to get back to your everyday life.
Unfortunately, you are left with hands aching to get on the next one....to just open it. Just read the first chapter....
For a longer review and some food for thought, visit my BLOG. Beware, the review on my blog does hold spoilers.
All in all, Pit of Ambition is a great follow up to The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise.
I love the detail the author puts into these books. For some reason, the way she writes gives her characters substance. It's as if she gives you a pair of 3D glasses to wear while you read.
If you have already read book one, which I insist upon, grab the tissues, a cup of coffee, and snuggle in to your favorite chair to read this book. The author has a lot to tell you, and in my mind, not enough pages! She has a lot to throw your way...It's almost like riding a roller coaster. You'll find yourself laughing and then crying not long after...and then, before you know it, the book is over and it's time to get back to your everyday life.
Unfortunately, you are left with hands aching to get on the next one....to just open it. Just read the first chapter....
For a longer review and some food for thought, visit my BLOG. Beware, the review on my blog does hold spoilers.
All in all, Pit of Ambition is a great follow up to The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise.
May 4, 2011
I sure love this story. I really enjoyed book one and this book was just as good or better! This is a really touching story that could really be about real people, their lives, their trials, and their joys. I can really relate to several of the characters. We've all been there at some point in our lives. I'm really looking forward to book three! Can't wait! Thanks Ta 'Mara for a beautiful story! I will pass this book along for others to read! :-)
April 29, 2014
Start with Book 1 - The Pretender, and once you have read it, you will have to read this one!
This book can really get your blood boiling - as certain characters are consumed with themselves and what they want in life, no matter the cost. There is also a certain amount of regret, sadness about choices made.
You'll have to read my full review at http://myseasonsofopportunities.blogs...
This book can really get your blood boiling - as certain characters are consumed with themselves and what they want in life, no matter the cost. There is also a certain amount of regret, sadness about choices made.
You'll have to read my full review at http://myseasonsofopportunities.blogs...
February 7, 2019
The Pretender and Pit of Ambition are the first two books in Ta’Mara Hanscom’s series about the Caselli family. I happened upon these books in the store one day and was immediately drawn in by their beautiful covers. I had never seen them before, but after discovering that the books were set in South Dakota beginning in the 1970’s I knew I had to give them a try. I love reading stories that take place in the ‘70’s and there are not really that many Christian fiction books that do, let alone take place in my home state. I immediately went ahead and purchased both books and was glad I did when I learned that both would end with cliffhangers!The story begins with the Caselli’s seventeen year old daughter, nicknamed Angel, on a high school trip to Rapid City. While there she meets Vietnam vet Noah. They have an instant connection and by the time she leaves Rapid City, only a few days later, they have professed their love to one another. Unfortunately, due to miscommunication, misunderstanding, and some deliberate manipulation on the part of Angel’s family, the young couple is kept apart and we are kept on edge wondering if they will ever be able to be together. Without giving away too much, I feel I need to make it known that this is not your typical romance story. The endings of both books are not what I had expected or hoped. I felt frustration more than once with several of the characters and their actions. There are also some side stories involving characters in both Angel and Noah’s circles and at times they even intermingle. This is even more frustrating when the connections between characters do not manage to reunite Angel and Noah.
While there were some aspects of both books that seemed farfetched, I became attached to the characters enough that I was able to overlook those things and become engrossed in the story. These books are religious in nature and while written from a Christian perspective and for a Christian market, the author does not shy away from making her characters imperfect and therefore in need of God’s love and redemption. The characters make plenty of mistakes and are shown throughout how God has a different plan for them than they might have chosen for themselves. As stated earlier in this review, these books do end with unresolved conflicts. If you are a reader who desires everything to be tied up in a tidy bow by the end of the book, these may not be for you. However, I encourage you to give them a try. I’m glad I did and look forward to the next installment in the series.
While there were some aspects of both books that seemed farfetched, I became attached to the characters enough that I was able to overlook those things and become engrossed in the story. These books are religious in nature and while written from a Christian perspective and for a Christian market, the author does not shy away from making her characters imperfect and therefore in need of God’s love and redemption. The characters make plenty of mistakes and are shown throughout how God has a different plan for them than they might have chosen for themselves. As stated earlier in this review, these books do end with unresolved conflicts. If you are a reader who desires everything to be tied up in a tidy bow by the end of the book, these may not be for you. However, I encourage you to give them a try. I’m glad I did and look forward to the next installment in the series.
August 10, 2018
Pit of Ambition by TaMara Hanscom
Second book of the series and this one comes with a detailed list of the characters and other important information about the area.
Love this part because if this is the first book you're reading it will help clear up who is who.
What I also like about this book is that it brings the characters up to date with just enough details from the previous book that they don't give it all away.
Book follows Tillie and her family and extended family members and their encounters with their work and everyday lives.
Story also follows Noah and his family and his business dealings and his family.
Pregnancies in this book turn into emergency situations that draw the family together...
Noah has tax problems and is informed not only did Carrie sign the check for stocks but he's not sure why she was in Custard...
Noah's business is under control of others, some he trusts but he shouldn't....he sees a picture Angel had painted and realizes the truth.
So many secrets, mysteries, traveling around the world, romance, heartache, joy and this story is about how the faith of God will aid them in moving forward. Ends with a special message for the readers.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with a preview of the next book in the series.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Second book of the series and this one comes with a detailed list of the characters and other important information about the area.
Love this part because if this is the first book you're reading it will help clear up who is who.
What I also like about this book is that it brings the characters up to date with just enough details from the previous book that they don't give it all away.
Book follows Tillie and her family and extended family members and their encounters with their work and everyday lives.
Story also follows Noah and his family and his business dealings and his family.
Pregnancies in this book turn into emergency situations that draw the family together...
Noah has tax problems and is informed not only did Carrie sign the check for stocks but he's not sure why she was in Custard...
Noah's business is under control of others, some he trusts but he shouldn't....he sees a picture Angel had painted and realizes the truth.
So many secrets, mysteries, traveling around the world, romance, heartache, joy and this story is about how the faith of God will aid them in moving forward. Ends with a special message for the readers.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end along with a preview of the next book in the series.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
March 2, 2018
`Pit of Ambition` is book two of the Contemporary fiction series `Caselli Family Series` by author Ta`Mara Hanscom. When we ended book one two marriages had taken place, one of convenience and the other thought out of love. But, were these marriages a mistake?
The setting is in Rapid City, South Dakota, 1980. Giuseppe and Rosa Caselli have a secret, should they bring it to light or should they keep quiet?
I wanted to read this novel because I expected the suspense to build from book one. This book did not let me down. Alex Martin, the husband of Tillie Caselli, decides he wants to get into politics despite what his father or brothers say, and despite that, his wife is expecting. Tillie is pregnant and I learned that when the OB measures a pregnant woman's body around the waist each inch stands for a week of pregnancy.
My favorite quote from the book is: `Her brow is like the snowdrift, her throat is like the swan, her face it is the fairest, that e`er the sun shone on...mmm...Annie Laurie` (pg # 28)
I highly recommend this series to fans of suspense.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
The setting is in Rapid City, South Dakota, 1980. Giuseppe and Rosa Caselli have a secret, should they bring it to light or should they keep quiet?
I wanted to read this novel because I expected the suspense to build from book one. This book did not let me down. Alex Martin, the husband of Tillie Caselli, decides he wants to get into politics despite what his father or brothers say, and despite that, his wife is expecting. Tillie is pregnant and I learned that when the OB measures a pregnant woman's body around the waist each inch stands for a week of pregnancy.
My favorite quote from the book is: `Her brow is like the snowdrift, her throat is like the swan, her face it is the fairest, that e`er the sun shone on...mmm...Annie Laurie` (pg # 28)
I highly recommend this series to fans of suspense.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
February 19, 2018
Giuseppe Caselli feels regret and guilt for secrets he kept in the first book in The Caselli Family Series.
Pit of Ambition involves lots of characters who appeared in the first book. Tillie and her husband, Alex, are main characters along with Noah Hansen. How long can Alex and Noah be friends without discovering that Tillie is the same person as Noah's first love, Angel! Why did Noah's wife Carrie's car crash? All of the characters are well-written, strong people. You will need to read the entire series to get the complete story as each book is a cliff hanger! I received an advance copy of Pit of Ambition from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Pit of Ambition involves lots of characters who appeared in the first book. Tillie and her husband, Alex, are main characters along with Noah Hansen. How long can Alex and Noah be friends without discovering that Tillie is the same person as Noah's first love, Angel! Why did Noah's wife Carrie's car crash? All of the characters are well-written, strong people. You will need to read the entire series to get the complete story as each book is a cliff hanger! I received an advance copy of Pit of Ambition from the author. This is my honest opinion.
March 1, 2018
I was given this book in exchange of an honest review. I was excited to read this book. It is the second in the Caselli family series. Noah and Angel have both moved on with their lives . Angels parents especially her dad are having a hard time dealing with his decision to keep her from Noah. It shows you cant always judge someone to quickly. So many connections between the families that they should have found each other again. The thing I like the most about this book is the prayer and faith involved. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
March 3, 2018
I am loving this series. I love the characters and who they have been created to be. The storyline leaps right off the page at you. The author does a great job of creating a clean suspense book that you do not have to feel bad about reading. She also leaves you hanging and it you want the next book to be ready to read.
I did read the first book, so I already had a feel for the characters. While it can be read as a stand alone - I would suggest reading book 1 to start.
I received a copy of this book through the author or publisher - all thoughts are my own
I did read the first book, so I already had a feel for the characters. While it can be read as a stand alone - I would suggest reading book 1 to start.
I received a copy of this book through the author or publisher - all thoughts are my own
Want to read
February 6, 2014Loved writing this book! As I researched Italia and her people, their lifestyle and their family values, I learned it all to be parallel to my family's way of life in South Dakota! The two combined perfectly in this sequel to The Pretender: A Blackguard in Disguise.
March 2, 2018
Review to come :)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews