Villa Fortuna - A Romantic Comedy in Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016

Apr 10, 2016 Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-romance, favorite, adult-romance, 2016-austenesque-lovers-challenge, modern-p-p, pride-and-prejudice

Pride, Prejudice, and Stories.

I can’t believe I didn’t read this sooner! I’ve read Cat Gardiner’s other books, but this one is definitely my favorite. It has everything you could possibly want in a fun read—romance, a relatable protagonist, a lovable family, quirky neighbors, the most ridiculous antagonist, a gassy companion, and funny scenes.

Dr. Elizabeth Clemente Fairchild, born and raised in Arthur Avenue, Bronx a.k.a. Little Italy, returns from Los Angeles for the reading of her great aunt Pride, Prejudice, and Stories.

I can’t believe I didn’t read this sooner! I’ve read Cat Gardiner’s other books, but this one is definitely my favorite. It has everything you could possibly want in a fun read—romance, a relatable protagonist, a lovable family, quirky neighbors, the most ridiculous antagonist, a gassy companion, and funny scenes.

Dr. Elizabeth Clemente Fairchild, born and raised in Arthur Avenue, Bronx a.k.a. Little Italy, returns from Los Angeles for the reading of her great aunt Maria’s will. Due to her several experiences in life, Elizabeth has distanced herself from her Italian-American roots, her family, and her hometown. With no intention of staying long-term in New York, Elizabeth is surprised to hear that she and her two other sisters were to inherit Villa Fortuna, a beautiful and profitable building in a hoity-toity neighborhood. To inherit Villa Fortuna and Great Aunt Maria’s other worldly possessions, the three sisters are to follow the stipulations given by their great aunt; the most important is their inability to sell Villa Fortuna.

Gina and Nikki Clemente, Elizabeth’s sisters, are on a mission to open a salon in Villa Fortuna, and Elizabeth reluctantly agrees to help. During her stay in New York, she is reacquainted with everything she’s ever run from—the hand gestures, the food, the men, and everything else Italian-American.

The story revolves around Elizabeth’s homecoming and how she overcomes her shame and prejudice against her own culture and heritage, but what is a story without conflict? Stella Russo de Luca, a semi-retired realtor, claims that Villa Fortuna rightfully belongs to her family, and she is on a ruthless path to get it back. Coincidently, Stella is the grandmother of Dr. Michael Garin, a handsome plastic surgeon Elizabeth meets and eventually dates.

Elizabeth is unaware of Mike’s connection to Stella and his interest in buying Villa Fortuna, and Mike is unaware of Elizabeth’s Italian-American heritage and her position as a co-owner of the priced building. And when they find out? More conflict. Thanks, Stella.

I am not entirely familiar with Italian culture, but this book made me see a glimpse of what makes it good and easy to relate to and love—close family ties, love of food and life, the colorful and vibrant language, and the positive outlook.

Cat Gardiner’s voice is so humorous and entertaining! Her characters are unforgettable, and she writes her setting in a such a vivid image that it made me feel as if I was standing there, watching everything with my own eyes.

This book is definitely one of my favorites, and I’m pretty sure I’ll read this over and over again.

...more

22 likes · Like · see review

Jul 01, 2017 Sara rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: jaff-modern

Cat Gardiner has done it again. I loved this hilarious retelling. I enjoyed being transported to little Italy inner NYC area. The sisters were awesome, the setting perfect and the cannoli's delicious!! I enjoyed the recipes that were interspersed between the chapters as well. The angst in this story was perfect. My only complaint is that the store ended. I could have read more about Elizabeth and her Italian love forever, especially since she had written off all Italian men due to her past histo ...more

10 likes · Like · see review

Jan 21, 2017 Elizabeth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book totally earned 5 stars, maybe more. What a friggin' awesome book! From the get-go, Cat Gardiner made the reader feel like they were part of the famiglia. And of course, the recipes made me want to bake...A LOT! As someone who has moved away then returned home, I felt a tad emotional reading about Lizzy Clemente and her struggle with her life in LA vs the Bronx. This book puts a smile on your face, makes you wipe your eyes as you pray Lizzy and Mike, her significant other, get back toge ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Oct 26, 2016 Talia rated it it was amazing

This author is amazing. I don't think VF was my favorite of her books but I am not an Italian-American. I thought it played into stereotypes too much which was something that E was trying to get away from. I reserve judgement on this one and will leave it to the Italian-American community. It wasn't compelling for me but I know people love it. ...more

2 likes · Like · see review