The Lost Son: Angelotti Chronicles 3

Angelotti Chronicles #3

by Prue Leith

The Angelotti family reels when the lost son, given up for adoption in the war, traces his birth family and returns to the fold, with devastating consequences.

As poverty-stricken newlyweds, Laura and Giovanni Angelotti were forced to put their first child - a boy - up for adoption. They have had other children since, and their first little Italian cafe has become a restaurant empire, but Laura is still haunted by thoughts of the baby she lost.

Tom is a successful businessman enjoying the fast-paced City lifestyle - until his best friend and business partner is killed in the 9/11 attacks and his world turns upside down. Searching for meaning in his life, he decides to track down his birth family: the Angelottis.

But Laura has been keeping an explosive secret about Tom's parentage that means his reappearance in her life is bittersweet. She may have found her son, but will it be at the cost of everything it has taken her fifty years to build?

355 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy read and apparently the final in a trilogy but that didn't matter as I enjoyed it without having read the previous ones.

It is the story of two interlinked families and one of the older couples gave up a son to be adopted many years ago and in this book the son finds them and is welcomed with open arms by all.

I had no idea Pru Leith wrote novels and this one does indeed have a family who makes their living in various food-related businesses and food does play a big role in the stories.

The book reminds me of other aga saga type books and is a good easy and enjoyable read.

Would appeal to those who enjoyed Jilly Cooper ( though less rude) Maeve Binchy, Penny Vincenzie

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I didn’t realise this was book three in the Angelotti Chronicles. I’ll definitely be going back and reading the previous books.

This story had a great storyline. I found myself wanting to read just one more chapter until I’d finished it.

Although I enjoyed the story I think I would have benefited more by reading the previous two books.
Having said that I’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

[Idea Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was far less about the creation of food in this book and SO MUCH about the food business. Catering, sourcing ingredients, the organic movement, large chains, upscaling customer tastes, loans, logistics and the recession. And in lieu of a story around these business essays, the book just tied off any thread from the previous book, that did not have a perfect ending.

A missing son is tracked down and assimilates into the family easily, secrets are abruptly exposed and their consequences neatly tied up, villains get their comeuppance in unison, all good people find love and good food. Nope, this isn't a story.

[Amane Kabbaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book more than the first 2. It brought all the history of the previous books together and had a lesbian and her girlfriend to boot! Not even a side, throwaway either, which made me more invested in Ana than “The lost son” Tom.

A lovely entertaining representation of family in a normal every day setting which is very hard to find, usually being perfect or disastrous. However, the Angelottis, Olivers and Maxwell-calders have a bit of everything.

I wonder if there’ll be a fourth book? It would be nice to see more of Ana and how they get out of the recession. It felt a little bit rushed in the end. But not so fast that it left a bad feeling. Still worth 5 stars from me.

[Rosemary Race · Rating 4 out of 5]

No more secrets ... it seemed everyone had a secret of a family kind twisting relationships to and fro would anyone know who was family and really did it matter when you considered how well they conversed with one another many many years later. It wasn't as if it was baby swapping or what ? Drugs, booze, relationships sounds like any family only this family had so many I couldn't stop reading it. One of those books I've go to know what's happening.

[Mrs M W Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent follow on to the previous books, I’m only sad that I’ve finished them. Although sold as a trilogy will there perhaps be another chronicle? I don’t believe in saying anything about the story as the initial information on purchase is enough. Why tell the story one is about to read? If anyone is interested in trying this book and the two previous ones I’d say jump in with both feet, you won’t be disappointed.

[Elizabeth Branton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

A superb ending to the trilogy. I loved these books and found them hard to put down. Beautifully and imaginatively written with real insight and understanding of the emotions surrounding a large, close family. It would make a wonderful film or series but would need very careful casting of the characters.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book of the Angelotti Chronicles, which I enjoyed as much as the other two. These stories are completely different from lots of other books. I give all three books five stars. These are the first Prue Leith Books I have read.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as engaging as the previous two books in the trilogy. Very plot driven and no real character development. The most interesting story was Annie's. Everything was tied up a bit too neatly and the whole thing felt rushed.

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in a series which I didn't realise at the begginning but it stands up on its own as there are references to previous books explained.
A good family saga, well researched. Interesting

[The Endless Unread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad storyline but I felt the narrative let this book down a bit. Interesting characters and I enjoyed reading the book. Would still recommend this author.

[Ellen Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book. The first Prue Leith l have read. Really very good.

[Patricia Scaife · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of the Angelotti trilogy. Enjoyed it very much

[Mrs A J Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a Sago

Have loved all three books so full of content, relationships, family sagas and recipes etc. did not want it all to end. Will certainly read more of Prue Leith books.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy but I think I expected something more to bring it to a close.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how Prue weaves her love and expertise in cooking and food into her writing!

[Peter Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

I knew she was a brilliant cook but not a brilliant writer as well - look forward to the next story