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Stars in an Italian Sky
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost comes a sweeping story of two star-crossed lovers in post-World War II Italy, and a blossoming relationship generations later that will reveal a long-buried family secret.
Genoa, Italy, 1946. Vincenzo and Giovanna fall in love at twenty-one the moment they set eyes on each other. The son of a count and the daughter of a tailor, they belong to opposing worlds. Despite this, the undeniable spark between them quickly burns into a deep and passionate relationship spent exploring each other’s minds, bodies and their city, as well as Vincenzo’s family’s sprawling vineyard, Villa Della Rosa—until shifts in political power force them each to choose a side and commit what the other believes is a betrayal, shattering the bright future they dreamed of together.
New York, 2017 . Cassandra and Luca are in love. Although neither quite fits with the other's family, Cass and Luca have always felt like a perfect match for each other. But when Luca, an artist, convinces his grandfather and Cass’s grandmother to pose for a painting, past and present collide and reveal a secret that changes everything.
Genoa, Italy, 1946. Vincenzo and Giovanna fall in love at twenty-one the moment they set eyes on each other. The son of a count and the daughter of a tailor, they belong to opposing worlds. Despite this, the undeniable spark between them quickly burns into a deep and passionate relationship spent exploring each other’s minds, bodies and their city, as well as Vincenzo’s family’s sprawling vineyard, Villa Della Rosa—until shifts in political power force them each to choose a side and commit what the other believes is a betrayal, shattering the bright future they dreamed of together.
New York, 2017 . Cassandra and Luca are in love. Although neither quite fits with the other's family, Cass and Luca have always felt like a perfect match for each other. But when Luca, an artist, convinces his grandfather and Cass’s grandmother to pose for a painting, past and present collide and reveal a secret that changes everything.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2023
711 people are currently reading
22400 people want to read
About the author
Jill Santopolo
33 books3,468 followersJill Santopolo is the author of the The Light We Lost, the Alec Flint Mysteries, the Sparkle Spa series, and the Follow Your Heart books. She holds a BA in English Literature from Columbia University, an MFA in Writing for Children from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a certificate in Intellectual Property Law from NYU. Jill is also the Editorial Director of Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group. When she’s not writing or editing, Jill is a thesis advisor at The New School in their MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults and is on the faculty of the Columbia Publishing Course. Jill has traveled all over the U.S.—and to Canada and Europe—to speak about writing and storytelling. She lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 756 reviews
April 30, 2024
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Shelf Awareness, Penguin-Putnam, and Jill Santopolo for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 2.28!!**
A sweeping, multi-generational love story set against a backdrop of war, fashion, and family drama...with a blanket of glittering stars!
Picture it: Genoa, Italy...1946. (Sorry, had to do it! 😉) Vincenzo Della Rosa and Giovanna Ferrero come from wildly different backgrounds. Giovanna is mourning the loss of her mother and working aside sister Faustina in their father's tailor shop, dress making and dreaming of better days. Vincenzo is son of a count, and his family also owns an exquisite winery, but Vincenzo would rather spend his days drawing and dreaming. When Vincenzo enters the the Ferrero's shop one day, he and Giovanna are instantly taken with one another: but brewing political unrest and the possible dissolution of the monarchy on the horizon create an even bigger class divide and more roadblocks in between the pair. Is their love strong enough to overtake family ties and bind the two together?
In 2017, Cass and Luca are two artists, both from Italian families, who have fallen in love and are sharing life together in New York City. When they come together to collaborate on a piece with some particular family members, however, what they end up finding is a tie between past and present that they never expected. What will become of their love story...and HOW exactly did Giovanna and Vincenzo's love story end, anyway?
I've been wanting to try a Jill Santopolo novel after hearing nothing but good things about her previous work, and for the most part, this novel ticked all of the boxes. I was unaware this was her first foray into "historical romance' rather than contemporary, but Santopolo certainly painted a lovely and visceral picture of Italy, with everything from lyrical descriptions of the land to the REQUISITE grape stomping wine-making scenes. Those who are historical fiction purists might have some trouble with the dialogue, though, as I caught one part in the 40's timelines where the characters talked about how they were going to "hang out", which I don't think was quite part of the vernacular of the time period.
That aside, I enjoyed my Tour of Italy from start to finish, and the characters were accessible and easy to love. The dual timelines were easy enough to follow, although I must admit I was disappointed by some of the early reveals, as I thought that Santopolo might hang on to the tension a bit longer for more emotional impact. Despite some predictable elements, the love stories were sweet and believable, and the novel has short chapters to keep you flipping the pages and invested till the very end.
Though many claim Paris to be the OFFICIAL City of Love, after reading this emotional tale of love lost and found, I'd say that it's about time Genoa, Italy throws its hat into the ring!🎩😏
4 stars
Now available in paperback!
A sweeping, multi-generational love story set against a backdrop of war, fashion, and family drama...with a blanket of glittering stars!
Picture it: Genoa, Italy...1946. (Sorry, had to do it! 😉) Vincenzo Della Rosa and Giovanna Ferrero come from wildly different backgrounds. Giovanna is mourning the loss of her mother and working aside sister Faustina in their father's tailor shop, dress making and dreaming of better days. Vincenzo is son of a count, and his family also owns an exquisite winery, but Vincenzo would rather spend his days drawing and dreaming. When Vincenzo enters the the Ferrero's shop one day, he and Giovanna are instantly taken with one another: but brewing political unrest and the possible dissolution of the monarchy on the horizon create an even bigger class divide and more roadblocks in between the pair. Is their love strong enough to overtake family ties and bind the two together?
In 2017, Cass and Luca are two artists, both from Italian families, who have fallen in love and are sharing life together in New York City. When they come together to collaborate on a piece with some particular family members, however, what they end up finding is a tie between past and present that they never expected. What will become of their love story...and HOW exactly did Giovanna and Vincenzo's love story end, anyway?
I've been wanting to try a Jill Santopolo novel after hearing nothing but good things about her previous work, and for the most part, this novel ticked all of the boxes. I was unaware this was her first foray into "historical romance' rather than contemporary, but Santopolo certainly painted a lovely and visceral picture of Italy, with everything from lyrical descriptions of the land to the REQUISITE grape stomping wine-making scenes. Those who are historical fiction purists might have some trouble with the dialogue, though, as I caught one part in the 40's timelines where the characters talked about how they were going to "hang out", which I don't think was quite part of the vernacular of the time period.
That aside, I enjoyed my Tour of Italy from start to finish, and the characters were accessible and easy to love. The dual timelines were easy enough to follow, although I must admit I was disappointed by some of the early reveals, as I thought that Santopolo might hang on to the tension a bit longer for more emotional impact. Despite some predictable elements, the love stories were sweet and believable, and the novel has short chapters to keep you flipping the pages and invested till the very end.
Though many claim Paris to be the OFFICIAL City of Love, after reading this emotional tale of love lost and found, I'd say that it's about time Genoa, Italy throws its hat into the ring!🎩😏
4 stars
Now available in paperback!
January 22, 2023
Stars in an Italian Sky is a dual timeline story about two young people falling in love during the 1940's in Italy, the challenges they faced and how a long kept secret is revealed to the younger generation of the two individuals families.
Federico Ferrero is a tailor, he owns a shop in Genoa, Italy and in 1946 he reopens his business and his daughters Giovanna and Faustina work alongside him. One day a wealthy customer Vincenzo comes to the shop, he wants some clothing altered and he continues to visit after. Vincenzo is the son of a count, his family own a vineyard called Villa Della Rosa and he and Giovanna come from very different backgrounds. The couple fall in love, Vincenzo would much rather be an artist than a winemaker and he has no choice. For the first time in Italian history women will be able to vote in institutional referendum and Vincenzo and Giovanna have no idea what affect this will have on their budding romance.
Cassandra and Luca live in New York in 2017, he’s a talented artist and Cassandra works promoting fashion. Cassandra's the first person in her family to go to college, her father and two brothers work in the construction industry. Luca’s family is well off, his parents run the family winery in Italy, and they travel between the two countries. Cass and Luca get engaged, he wants to paint a picture of his grandfather and with Cassandra’s grandmother. He has no idea he’s about to uncover a seventy year old secret, the past and the present are going to collide.
I received a copy of Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo from Edelweiss and Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review. The dual timeline is easy to follow, and it’s a story about how a couple ended up taking different sides during the institutional referendum, one of them felt betrayed and it caused a big misunderstanding. Four stars from me, the narrative is full of interesting details about Italy, the culture and traditions, class system, pressure families put on couples when planning a wedding and lost love.
Federico Ferrero is a tailor, he owns a shop in Genoa, Italy and in 1946 he reopens his business and his daughters Giovanna and Faustina work alongside him. One day a wealthy customer Vincenzo comes to the shop, he wants some clothing altered and he continues to visit after. Vincenzo is the son of a count, his family own a vineyard called Villa Della Rosa and he and Giovanna come from very different backgrounds. The couple fall in love, Vincenzo would much rather be an artist than a winemaker and he has no choice. For the first time in Italian history women will be able to vote in institutional referendum and Vincenzo and Giovanna have no idea what affect this will have on their budding romance.
Cassandra and Luca live in New York in 2017, he’s a talented artist and Cassandra works promoting fashion. Cassandra's the first person in her family to go to college, her father and two brothers work in the construction industry. Luca’s family is well off, his parents run the family winery in Italy, and they travel between the two countries. Cass and Luca get engaged, he wants to paint a picture of his grandfather and with Cassandra’s grandmother. He has no idea he’s about to uncover a seventy year old secret, the past and the present are going to collide.
I received a copy of Stars in an Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo from Edelweiss and Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review. The dual timeline is easy to follow, and it’s a story about how a couple ended up taking different sides during the institutional referendum, one of them felt betrayed and it caused a big misunderstanding. Four stars from me, the narrative is full of interesting details about Italy, the culture and traditions, class system, pressure families put on couples when planning a wedding and lost love.
February 23, 2023
3.5-4 stars! this was a great blend of historical fiction and romance. it also has a bit of family drama/coming of age/finding yourself themes in here as well—a fun genre blend :)
overall i enjoyed it, but i liked THE LIGHT WE LOST and EVERYTHING AFTER by this author more. mainly because i was able to connect to those a bit more emotionally, but there were still soooo many sweet moments in here and quotes i tabbed. the grandparents were my absolute favorite things and made me just want to hug my grandma so bad. also, the ending had me like 🥹🥹🥹🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
this has a dual POV and half of the book takes place right after WW2. we got a little bit into each characters’ feelings after the war but i wanted it to go deeper and make me “feel” more. i felt like as soon as the author scratched the surface into those emotions, the paragraph quickly changed to dialogue or present day. so basically, i wanted the book to be longer to really get into the emotional side of things as i think that would have been more impactful—especially with the family drama side of things (your family wanting something for you but it isn’t necessarily your dream…something all the MC’s deal with quite heavily).
this is a good book for someone who wants a historical fiction without the heaviness of war (especially WW2). that’s typically what i’m used to, so perhaps i was wanting more emotion from the war since it’s such a heavy, emotional subject.
this was more of a palette cleanser for me in between some REALLY great books so i am sure that also effected my rating and feelings. if i didn’t read it after 2-3 great books, it might have landed a bit higher for me. always interesting to think about!
this author will still remain an auto buy for me!! it was fun to see her try a new genre with the historical fiction side of this one :)
thanks to Putnam for the #gifted copy. this cover is beautiful!
overall i enjoyed it, but i liked THE LIGHT WE LOST and EVERYTHING AFTER by this author more. mainly because i was able to connect to those a bit more emotionally, but there were still soooo many sweet moments in here and quotes i tabbed. the grandparents were my absolute favorite things and made me just want to hug my grandma so bad. also, the ending had me like 🥹🥹🥹🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
this has a dual POV and half of the book takes place right after WW2. we got a little bit into each characters’ feelings after the war but i wanted it to go deeper and make me “feel” more. i felt like as soon as the author scratched the surface into those emotions, the paragraph quickly changed to dialogue or present day. so basically, i wanted the book to be longer to really get into the emotional side of things as i think that would have been more impactful—especially with the family drama side of things (your family wanting something for you but it isn’t necessarily your dream…something all the MC’s deal with quite heavily).
this is a good book for someone who wants a historical fiction without the heaviness of war (especially WW2). that’s typically what i’m used to, so perhaps i was wanting more emotion from the war since it’s such a heavy, emotional subject.
this was more of a palette cleanser for me in between some REALLY great books so i am sure that also effected my rating and feelings. if i didn’t read it after 2-3 great books, it might have landed a bit higher for me. always interesting to think about!
this author will still remain an auto buy for me!! it was fun to see her try a new genre with the historical fiction side of this one :)
thanks to Putnam for the #gifted copy. this cover is beautiful!
June 17, 2025
3 ⭐️
Another Goodreads Giveaway Win that I took notes on and forgot to post my review 🫠
Stars in An Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo is an expansive tale of two star-crossed lovers who are torn apart by circumstances, ultimately forced to choose sides and give up their dream of a future together. The story shifts between post–World War II Italy and present-day NYC. At its core, it’s a novel about choosing between love and family expectations. While it included many of the elements I usually enjoy in historical fiction, the story felt just okay to me and lacked a truly memorable plot and characters. A key detail is revealed fairly early on—though it’s not hard to see where the story is headed—which lessened the sense of mystery for me.
Another Goodreads Giveaway Win that I took notes on and forgot to post my review 🫠
Stars in An Italian Sky by Jill Santopolo is an expansive tale of two star-crossed lovers who are torn apart by circumstances, ultimately forced to choose sides and give up their dream of a future together. The story shifts between post–World War II Italy and present-day NYC. At its core, it’s a novel about choosing between love and family expectations. While it included many of the elements I usually enjoy in historical fiction, the story felt just okay to me and lacked a truly memorable plot and characters. A key detail is revealed fairly early on—though it’s not hard to see where the story is headed—which lessened the sense of mystery for me.
March 26, 2023
3.5 rounded down. This one gave me all the feels… historical fiction at its best for the genre-change by this author. My emotions were all over the place reading this story - plus I learned a bit about Italy’s past that I did not know. A tad predictable, but still quite enjoyable.
October 1, 2022
It’s interesting because this story had everything I would normally love: Italy, dual timelines featuring two different love stories, star-crossed lovers from different socioeconomic backgrounds, immigration, and characters conflicted over choosing personal happiness over familial obligation. Unfortunately, the overly simplistic writing affected my overall enjoyment of the story. The author was telling me how the characters were feeling, but I didn’t really connect and feel for them. Everything felt a bit surface level, despite the plot having so much potential to be meaningful. I wish I loved this one more! It was a quick, easy read and I did enjoy the last couple chapters.
February 19, 2023
What a BEAUTIFUL story! Jill Santopolo has totally outdone herself! Having read and loved all of her previous books, I had the highest of expectations going into this one and it did not disappoint!
Cass and Luca are engaged to be married and when they introduce her grandmother to his grandfather, sparks fly! No one ever expected the two to have known each other intimately nearly seventy years prior.
The story alternates between Cass and Luca in the present and Gram and Nonno (Giovanna and Vincenzo) in the past. Both storylines are gripping, fast paced, and moving. The character growth of all four is astounding and believably done.
The conflict resolution is also impeccable and all loose ends are neatly tied up in a gorgeous, tearful ending.
This is my favorite book I've read so far this year!! I want to give it all the stars!!!
Cass and Luca are engaged to be married and when they introduce her grandmother to his grandfather, sparks fly! No one ever expected the two to have known each other intimately nearly seventy years prior.
The story alternates between Cass and Luca in the present and Gram and Nonno (Giovanna and Vincenzo) in the past. Both storylines are gripping, fast paced, and moving. The character growth of all four is astounding and believably done.
The conflict resolution is also impeccable and all loose ends are neatly tied up in a gorgeous, tearful ending.
This is my favorite book I've read so far this year!! I want to give it all the stars!!!
February 8, 2023
After loving The Light We Lost by Santopolo, this book had big shoes to fill. Unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The plot felt very generic and predictable. It wasn't *bad,* but it is also wasn't memorable or unique. As an avid reader, I seek books that offer something new and different, and this did not fit the bill. It is truly a shame, especially since I LOVED The Light We Lost. This one was just underwhelming.
July 4, 2024
I seriously avoid this kind of book - I'm a stinker about romances. Avoid them like the plague. Most are an easy toss for me in the first few pages because they are formulaic or sticky sweet. But despite the girl toss on the cover (and I do love the cover), this one landed on my list for historical purposes only.
This is a two-timeline weave, with the timelines tracking two couples - one in New York present-dayish, and one in Genoa, Italy post WWII. Following the hes and shes both from big families kept this reader attentive and alert for any untoward formulas or moves toward sappiness. Soon I sent the Critic-In-My-Head on an extended research task in The Far Reaches, and just enjoyed myself . . .
Open this book and you'll go to Italy, talk about the virtues of olives, model naked, paint naked, break up a number of times in different times, stomp grapes naked (!that did concern me) at various ages, talk about family, politics and religion until you fight and/or makeup (or don't), you'll travel long distances, enjoy the underside of quilts . . . You'll go to America, and for the first time you'll vote! Throughout the book you'll notice it is charmingly sprinkled with stars (in Italiano and in English), shining with hope for what's waiting around the next bend - just keep looking up.
*A sincere thank you to Jill Santopolo, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #StarsinanItalianSky #NetGalley
This is a two-timeline weave, with the timelines tracking two couples - one in New York present-dayish, and one in Genoa, Italy post WWII. Following the hes and shes both from big families kept this reader attentive and alert for any untoward formulas or moves toward sappiness. Soon I sent the Critic-In-My-Head on an extended research task in The Far Reaches, and just enjoyed myself . . .
Open this book and you'll go to Italy, talk about the virtues of olives, model naked, paint naked, break up a number of times in different times, stomp grapes naked (!that did concern me) at various ages, talk about family, politics and religion until you fight and/or makeup (or don't), you'll travel long distances, enjoy the underside of quilts . . . You'll go to America, and for the first time you'll vote! Throughout the book you'll notice it is charmingly sprinkled with stars (in Italiano and in English), shining with hope for what's waiting around the next bend - just keep looking up.
*A sincere thank you to Jill Santopolo, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #StarsinanItalianSky #NetGalley
May 24, 2024
The author takes readers across two timelines where star-crossed lovers during war time Italy (1946) are going to be torn between family loyalty, politics and class and find an odd connection with a couple in present-day New York City.
Readers will meet Vincenzo and Giovanna in the 1940’s and be swept away into their love story, and the misunderstandings that will tear them apart. Will they have a second chance at love?
In present day New York readers will be witness to Luca and Cassandra’s wedding planning and Cassandra’s close relationship to her grandmother.
The story is slow moving, but full of passion, turmoil and emotion, but is it enough to keep readers fully engaged? And can the ending make up for the predictable storyline?
Readers will meet Vincenzo and Giovanna in the 1940’s and be swept away into their love story, and the misunderstandings that will tear them apart. Will they have a second chance at love?
In present day New York readers will be witness to Luca and Cassandra’s wedding planning and Cassandra’s close relationship to her grandmother.
The story is slow moving, but full of passion, turmoil and emotion, but is it enough to keep readers fully engaged? And can the ending make up for the predictable storyline?
June 27, 2023
In the present storyline we have Cass and Luca who are very much in love and on the verge of a possible engagement. The past storyline consists of Giovanna, a tailor's daughter who falls for the son of a count. Giovanna believes their class differences will not matter but only time will tell if that is true. Luca is a painter and he enlists Cass' grandmother to sit for a painting with his grandfather. When they arrive for the project, past and present collide and nothing will ever be the same.
I enjoyed the dual POV and was equally invested in both stories. I will say that I was able to predict most of the plot 'twists' but still thoroughly enjoyed them. Historical fiction, especially around WWII can be heavy, I consider this historical fiction light! It wasn't as emotionally draining as some other stories which was a nice change of pace for me. The way the stories come full circle and the ending of the book is beautiful.
I enjoyed the dual POV and was equally invested in both stories. I will say that I was able to predict most of the plot 'twists' but still thoroughly enjoyed them. Historical fiction, especially around WWII can be heavy, I consider this historical fiction light! It wasn't as emotionally draining as some other stories which was a nice change of pace for me. The way the stories come full circle and the ending of the book is beautiful.
March 31, 2024
Stars in an Italian Sky is a sweet and beautiful story rich in Italian culture, family, tradition, and more. Told in dual timelines, between America and Italy, a story of unrequited love unfolds.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
Jill Santopolo is incredibly talented at evoking emotion in her readers and this book did not disappoint! The history tied around the romance was a storyline I found myself immersed from the very beginning.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
Italy
Dual Timelines
Family Relationships
Star crossed lovers
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
Truly a touching, beautifully written story that weaves together dual timelines into a finale that brings so much heart.
Thank you Putnam for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
Jill Santopolo is incredibly talented at evoking emotion in her readers and this book did not disappoint! The history tied around the romance was a storyline I found myself immersed from the very beginning.
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
Italy
Dual Timelines
Family Relationships
Star crossed lovers
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
Truly a touching, beautifully written story that weaves together dual timelines into a finale that brings so much heart.
Thank you Putnam for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
November 16, 2022
As soon as I received my copy of Stars in an Italian Sky, I immediately added it to my five-book TBR pile. I'm glad it came up so quickly as I was definitely hooked as soon as I picked it up. It's a beautifully told love story that weaves the past and present in unexpected and sometimes complicated ways.
I enjoyed getting to know both Giovanna and Cass in their different timelines and seeing how things would play out for them. They both came across some roadblocks in their relationships. However, Giovanna's were more difficult to resolve, due to the political climate in the 1940s.
I wish the synopsis didn't clue in to what would happen in the story. It took away some of the surprise element for me. If you haven't read the synopsis yet, I'd recommend waiting and just go with the flow of the novel instead. However, there were still some surprises in this story and I wasn't really sure where things would end up.
This was a great armchair adventure in Italy! It is perfect for fans of Kristin Harmel, Susan Meissner, and Fiona Davis. You will definitely feel the love and passion flowing throughout the story.
Movie casting suggestions:
I enjoyed getting to know both Giovanna and Cass in their different timelines and seeing how things would play out for them. They both came across some roadblocks in their relationships. However, Giovanna's were more difficult to resolve, due to the political climate in the 1940s.
I wish the synopsis didn't clue in to what would happen in the story. It took away some of the surprise element for me. If you haven't read the synopsis yet, I'd recommend waiting and just go with the flow of the novel instead. However, there were still some surprises in this story and I wasn't really sure where things would end up.
This was a great armchair adventure in Italy! It is perfect for fans of Kristin Harmel, Susan Meissner, and Fiona Davis. You will definitely feel the love and passion flowing throughout the story.
Movie casting suggestions:
Giovanna: Giulia Guerrini
Vincenzo: Alessandro Piavani
Cass: Vanessa Marano
Luca: Luke Pasqualino
Faustina: Beatrice Grannò
Gram: Sophia Loren
Nonno: Dominic Chianese
Nick: Alberto Frezza
August 21, 2022
This is a hard one to review because I wanted to like this so bad... but it was a miss. The dual storylines dragged out for me. I didn't feel particularly drawn to either of them; I think the 1940s story probably seemed more realistic given the time was very different/how you courted someone. I really really disliked Cass; for a woman who touts herself as ambitious and determined, she acted incredibly naive in her relationship. It was described multiple times how lucky she felt to have Luca and the descriptions felt very "insta-love;" while there was resolution in their story, I just didn't buy it. It was one thing for Giovanna to seem naive but she was 20 and it was 1944 - very different for Cass who I assume is in her late 20s and as a New Yorker, should just have a natural toughness to her. What also struck me as odd is how the family conflicts, which are plot lines throughout, are never resolved. The marriage still happens; Cass' parents end up having to come to Italy for her wedding, but miss seeing the mother die (who had only moved up to NY like a week before when the story starts). It's all very rushed; the ending in general was rushed and I felt unsatisfied.
I'm a fan of Santopolo and I'm hoping the next one works better for me. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a fan of Santopolo and I'm hoping the next one works better for me. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2022
Stars in an Italian Sky is the equivalent to the the Italian version of The Notebook and I honestly prefer this version! I finished this book in three days and the last night I stayed up until 4 am to finish it.
The story of Giovanna and Vincenzo is a beautiful tragedy. Two souls that were made for each other are torn apart and put at a crossroad because of family, politics, war and money. As the reader, my heart broke along with Giovanna’s and Vincenzo’s. The author does a phenomenal job at making you feel their emotions through the pages of this book.
Set in Italy after World War II and then also in present day New York, you as the reader will go on an adventure visiting both past and present of the story of two souls that loved each other during a time when love wasn’t enough. I love how the author intertwined both past and present, Giovanna and Vincenzo’s past and present families and a little bit of luck and hope to create a beautiful story that will break your heart but also make you smile.
The story of Giovanna and Vincenzo is a beautiful tragedy. Two souls that were made for each other are torn apart and put at a crossroad because of family, politics, war and money. As the reader, my heart broke along with Giovanna’s and Vincenzo’s. The author does a phenomenal job at making you feel their emotions through the pages of this book.
Set in Italy after World War II and then also in present day New York, you as the reader will go on an adventure visiting both past and present of the story of two souls that loved each other during a time when love wasn’t enough. I love how the author intertwined both past and present, Giovanna and Vincenzo’s past and present families and a little bit of luck and hope to create a beautiful story that will break your heart but also make you smile.
August 21, 2023
6⭐️/ 5 ⭐️ 🤭🫶🏻
GENUINELY WHAT ON EARTH
this book was heart shattering, heart breaking, and beautiful all at the same time. it is told through a span of seventy years, in which a love has sprouted from a young age and continues to blossom even when they were distant. this is truly a love story of the ages, and their love stood the test of time. I strive to have this type of love in my life; the kind that even after seventy years, you have still not given up on them.
I was BAWLINGGGGG by the last ten pages. I never wanted it to be over, and I am surprised this book is not talked about more. this book will forever have a special place in my heart and I can’t stop thinking about it, even now.
GENUINELY WHAT ON EARTH
this book was heart shattering, heart breaking, and beautiful all at the same time. it is told through a span of seventy years, in which a love has sprouted from a young age and continues to blossom even when they were distant. this is truly a love story of the ages, and their love stood the test of time. I strive to have this type of love in my life; the kind that even after seventy years, you have still not given up on them.
I was BAWLINGGGGG by the last ten pages. I never wanted it to be over, and I am surprised this book is not talked about more. this book will forever have a special place in my heart and I can’t stop thinking about it, even now.
February 13, 2023
I love this author! I feel terrible for giving this one a 3… I felt the story was beautiful but there was absolutely no buildup and it felt really predictable which in case with books I never feel so this is new for me. I listened to the whole thing so I was obviously engaged but just didn’t feel 💯 invested. I really think so many others will absolutely love this one because this author is so well loved!
Thank you netgalley for an early ALC
Thank you netgalley for an early ALC
March 21, 2023
I loved the story, but the characters were so blah.
February 14, 2023
In Genoa, Italy, young Giovanna and Vincenzo fall in love. She is the daughter of a tailor and he is the son of a count, but despite all of this, they are head over heels for each other. When there is a shift in political power, their differences tear them apart. Now, seventy years later in New York City, Cass and Luca find themselves in a similar situation. Their families are so very different and Cass finds herself wondering if they can overcome these as well. When Luca introduces his grandfather to Cass’ grandmother, past and present collide.
What a sweet and beautiful story ❤️ Rich in culture, faith and tradition, this story honestly felt like a warm hug to my heart. Told in dual timelines, in dual countries, we get to watch two stories unfold. I loved all of these characters; they were well-developed and likable, and I adored the setting of Italy. Also, I loved how Cass seemed to draw great comfort from her faith. The prayers she said, how she visited a church, reminded me of my own faith and that was a comforting surprise. I did guess where this was going, but that didn’t change my enjoyment in the least. Jill Santopolo is incredibly talented at evoking emotion in her readers, and this book did not disappoint! Not to mention - wine and vineyards? Sign me up 😉
Thank you to Netgalley, Jill Santopolo and GP Putnam’s Sons for the ARC. “Sons in An Italian Sky” released February 28th!
This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
What a sweet and beautiful story ❤️ Rich in culture, faith and tradition, this story honestly felt like a warm hug to my heart. Told in dual timelines, in dual countries, we get to watch two stories unfold. I loved all of these characters; they were well-developed and likable, and I adored the setting of Italy. Also, I loved how Cass seemed to draw great comfort from her faith. The prayers she said, how she visited a church, reminded me of my own faith and that was a comforting surprise. I did guess where this was going, but that didn’t change my enjoyment in the least. Jill Santopolo is incredibly talented at evoking emotion in her readers, and this book did not disappoint! Not to mention - wine and vineyards? Sign me up 😉
Thank you to Netgalley, Jill Santopolo and GP Putnam’s Sons for the ARC. “Sons in An Italian Sky” released February 28th!
This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
May 6, 2023
A book without the heaviness of WW2 but at the same time full of hope, faith, and a heroine that will make this story even more worth it.
A story that's started during the war and ended a few decades later with the grandsons and daughter who recollected the story of their grandparents who always thought their story wasn't meant to be.
A very great story that transcends years and even continents, the story of Giovanna a young lady who was the daughter of the tailor who was in love with Vincenzo a man who was very far away from her family and upbringing, those days people weren't so kind to people who weren't in their rank or status, they felt like having money made you better than the rest, so this is the case of Giovanna coming from a family who wasn't very good in the eyes of Vincenzo's family.
years later after many things and situations that separated them, time and destiny have a funny way to reunite things, people, and situations that they weren't meant to be apart from.
2017 Cassandra and Luca are determined to solve many of the things that they don't understand about their grandparents and this is the time and the moment that maybe Giovanna will remember and return to the love of her life.
it was a good romantic book full of hope.
Thank you, NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for the advanced copy of Stars in an Italian Sky in exchange for my honest review.
A story that's started during the war and ended a few decades later with the grandsons and daughter who recollected the story of their grandparents who always thought their story wasn't meant to be.
A very great story that transcends years and even continents, the story of Giovanna a young lady who was the daughter of the tailor who was in love with Vincenzo a man who was very far away from her family and upbringing, those days people weren't so kind to people who weren't in their rank or status, they felt like having money made you better than the rest, so this is the case of Giovanna coming from a family who wasn't very good in the eyes of Vincenzo's family.
years later after many things and situations that separated them, time and destiny have a funny way to reunite things, people, and situations that they weren't meant to be apart from.
2017 Cassandra and Luca are determined to solve many of the things that they don't understand about their grandparents and this is the time and the moment that maybe Giovanna will remember and return to the love of her life.
it was a good romantic book full of hope.
Thank you, NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for the advanced copy of Stars in an Italian Sky in exchange for my honest review.
June 2, 2024
Tears were evoked at the end. A cute historical fiction!
March 2, 2023
Cassandra and Luca are on their way to getting married, but their worlds couldn't be more different. Cassandra comes from a working class Italian American family whereas Luca, while he is also an Italian American, his family is wealthy and owns a vineyard. Despite their differences in background, they love each other and Luca proposes. While getting their families together after their engagement and a possible portrait as Luca is an artist, Cass realizes that her grandmother, Giovanna, knows Luca's grandfather. And it isn't a casual acquaintance; they know each other from way back in Genoa, Italy in 1946. Slowly, Santopolo gives us the backstory on Vincenzo, Luca's grandfather, and Giovanna's love story and all the turmoil they faced in 1946 Italy. To top it off, Vincenzo and Giovanna's families didn't approve of this possible match. Years later they reunite and the secret sends the family for a whirlwind of a ride. Jill Santopolo's Stars in an Italian Sky is a good book for fans of sweeping multi-generational family sagas as well as fans of Adriana Trigiani.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
January 13, 2024
Cute story but painfully cheesy at times
January 12, 2025
reminded me of letters of juliet and the notebook
reminded me that true love does not age the way we do, it can be as strong as it was in the beginning until the very end
reminded me that true love does not age the way we do, it can be as strong as it was in the beginning until the very end
May 7, 2024
TITLE: Stars In An Italian Sky
AUTHOR: Jill Santopolo
PUB DATE: 03.05.2024 Now Available
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost comes a sweeping story of two star-crossed lovers in post-World War II Italy, and a blossoming relationship generations later that will reveal a long-buried family secret.
Two loves. Two generations. A truth that will set them free.
THOUGHTS:
I want to go back to Italy after reading Stars In An Italian Sky. This book is a beautifully told dual time line story that is set in the time just after WWII and then in 2017. The weaving of the two story lines were brilliant and the detailed description of the Italian culture and traditions were so exceptional. The read is light and the ending just perfect - I thoroughly enjoyed this a lot.
AUTHOR: Jill Santopolo
PUB DATE: 03.05.2024 Now Available
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost comes a sweeping story of two star-crossed lovers in post-World War II Italy, and a blossoming relationship generations later that will reveal a long-buried family secret.
Two loves. Two generations. A truth that will set them free.
THOUGHTS:
I want to go back to Italy after reading Stars In An Italian Sky. This book is a beautifully told dual time line story that is set in the time just after WWII and then in 2017. The weaving of the two story lines were brilliant and the detailed description of the Italian culture and traditions were so exceptional. The read is light and the ending just perfect - I thoroughly enjoyed this a lot.
February 27, 2023
Jumped at the chance to read the newest book by this author. It did not disappoint. I loved this story, told in a dual time frame of “then” and “now” with two different voices. It connects beautifully, mirroring a love story for all ages and over time. So much love…romantic, familial, country, duty. Beautifully written and descriptive. Characters are so realistic that they jump into your heart. Anyone who has grown up with a close bond to their grandparents and their roots, should read this. Warning, keep tissues handy!
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.
December 14, 2022
Stars in an Italian Sky
Yesterday on the Netgalley app I finished reading Jill Santopolo’s “Stars in an Italian Sky”. “Stars in an Italian Sky,” has a dual time line and two love stories. In 1946 Giovanna and Vincenzo meet for the first time in Giovanna’s fathers tailor shop and the moment they laid eyes on one another it was love at first sight. But the two love birds are from another world. Vincenzo is the son of a count and has a winery, Giovanna is a tailors daughter. Politics forces them to pick a side which ultimately tears them apart. In 2017 New York Cassandra and Luca are planning their wedding and while neither of them fit in with their prospective in laws they are a perfect match for each other. When Luca convinces Cassandra’s grandmother and his grandfather to pose together for a painting the past and present collide and secrets come out.
Pros
There’s a lot to like about this book. I like that in the past it took place after World War II and how the war affected the Italian people and the after math of it. I also liked that we had a little history of the monarchy and how they voted to abolish it. I wasn’t sure if the Italian royalty was still in power now I know they are not. I also love that the main theme throughout the novel to learn is, you cannot live to please other people. If you live to please other people you will be miserable. I love all the characters too.
Cons
It is a tad predictable and it dragged in parts but other than that the book was great.
Overall
I enjoyed the novel. I’m so glad I requested a copy from Netgalley and read it. Thank you Jill Santopolo for writing such a beautiful novel. “Stars in an Italian Sky,” will be released on February 28th 2023. If you don’t have netgalley to request an early copy pre-order the book now.
Yesterday on the Netgalley app I finished reading Jill Santopolo’s “Stars in an Italian Sky”. “Stars in an Italian Sky,” has a dual time line and two love stories. In 1946 Giovanna and Vincenzo meet for the first time in Giovanna’s fathers tailor shop and the moment they laid eyes on one another it was love at first sight. But the two love birds are from another world. Vincenzo is the son of a count and has a winery, Giovanna is a tailors daughter. Politics forces them to pick a side which ultimately tears them apart. In 2017 New York Cassandra and Luca are planning their wedding and while neither of them fit in with their prospective in laws they are a perfect match for each other. When Luca convinces Cassandra’s grandmother and his grandfather to pose together for a painting the past and present collide and secrets come out.
Pros
There’s a lot to like about this book. I like that in the past it took place after World War II and how the war affected the Italian people and the after math of it. I also liked that we had a little history of the monarchy and how they voted to abolish it. I wasn’t sure if the Italian royalty was still in power now I know they are not. I also love that the main theme throughout the novel to learn is, you cannot live to please other people. If you live to please other people you will be miserable. I love all the characters too.
Cons
It is a tad predictable and it dragged in parts but other than that the book was great.
Overall
I enjoyed the novel. I’m so glad I requested a copy from Netgalley and read it. Thank you Jill Santopolo for writing such a beautiful novel. “Stars in an Italian Sky,” will be released on February 28th 2023. If you don’t have netgalley to request an early copy pre-order the book now.
March 12, 2023
This was a LOT gentler than my previous experiences with Santopolo's work. The big emotional stuff came in those last few chapters where I was crying and blowing my nose a bunch.
This was a beautiful story about family and love. When should we pick family? When should we pick ourselves? I saw people saying it was predictable. I am pretty sure we readers were supposed to see it coming, but it didn't diminish this love story for me, nor did it lessen the joy I felt for these people. I appreciated the family focus, the sharing of beautiful traditions, and the trip to Italy.
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This was a beautiful story about family and love. When should we pick family? When should we pick ourselves? I saw people saying it was predictable. I am pretty sure we readers were supposed to see it coming, but it didn't diminish this love story for me, nor did it lessen the joy I felt for these people. I appreciated the family focus, the sharing of beautiful traditions, and the trip to Italy.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
March 15, 2023
This was a moving dual timeline historical fiction book about a family of Italian Americans and two different love stories.
Told in alternating timelines and perspectives from the POVs of granddaughter Cassandra and her new fiancé Luca in 2017 New York and Cassandra's grandmother, Giovanna and Vincenzo, the man she falls for in 1946 Genoa at the height of political upheaval.
I really enjoyed getting immersed in this family and a part of Italian history I didn't know much about. The unexpected connections between all four characters and a beautiful second chance love story really kept me invested in seeing how things would work out.
Great on audio narrated by Gabrielle De Cuir too. While this wasn't my favorite book by this author, it was definitely an enjoyable historical fiction read, perfect for fans of books like Our darkest night by Jennifer Robson.
Told in alternating timelines and perspectives from the POVs of granddaughter Cassandra and her new fiancé Luca in 2017 New York and Cassandra's grandmother, Giovanna and Vincenzo, the man she falls for in 1946 Genoa at the height of political upheaval.
I really enjoyed getting immersed in this family and a part of Italian history I didn't know much about. The unexpected connections between all four characters and a beautiful second chance love story really kept me invested in seeing how things would work out.
Great on audio narrated by Gabrielle De Cuir too. While this wasn't my favorite book by this author, it was definitely an enjoyable historical fiction read, perfect for fans of books like Our darkest night by Jennifer Robson.
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