|
THAT'S AMORE
Wendy Markham
Forever/Grand Central Publishing
ISBN 0446618446
July 2008
Contemporary Romance
Psychic interior designer Daria Marshall has traveled
through life never believing in forever or goodbyes.
Home for Daria is wherever her gypsy blood and nomadic
upbringing may lead her. After her latest job ended in
Los Angeles, she made plans to move in with a friend in
Phoenix but soon exchanged that idea for an extended
Christmastime visit with her older sister, Tammy, in New
York City. While the energy of the city agrees with her,
Daria has no intention of actually putting down roots.
She likes her uncomplicated, albeit lonely, life just
the way it is... until the ghost of an elderly gentleman
with sad eyes seems to follow her everywhere.
A bit of psychic matchmaking has earned Tammy, aka Madam
Tamar, a measure of credibility with some members of the
Chickalini family, who invite Tammy and Daria to join in
the celebration of a recent marriage. At that event,
Tammy meets Ralph Chickalini who, grieving the recent
death of his father, carries with him a heavy dark aura
despite his own upcoming nuptials. Fast forward to New
Year's eve and Daria's innocent chance encounter with
Ralph's fiance, which leads to the couple's break up.
Instead of feeling worse, Ralph actually feels a bit
better since he realizes that he just doesn't love
Francesca the way he should. Still hurting with the loss
of his father, the inevitable loss of the family home,
as well as old wounds from the past going unhealed,
Ralph latches on to the sudden and easy attraction he
feels for Daria. For her part, Daria is not only
attracted to Ralph but he makes her yearn for things she
has never known in her life, like a large family and
security, for example. Still, the idea of being anchored
frightens Daria! Can these two broken people from
different worlds find a happily ever after?
THAT'S AMORE is fantastic! Powerfully emotional with
quirky, yet realistic and likable characters, Ms.
Markham has created an unforgettable romance. The author
takes care to show all facets of Ralph's character (like
his vulnerability or his fierce devotion to family)
which make him so endearing. Daria as a heroine, seems
at first to be in sharp contrast to Ralph, but as more
is revealed, connections are established and nurtured.
The vibrant narrative will keep readers glued in their
seats until the end, but have those tissues handy!
THAT'S AMORE is the first book in a long while which has
made this reader bawl like a baby! THAT'S AMORE is one
for the keeper shelf and I look forward to reading more
from this talented author. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by Melissa Fowler
Rating 4 1/2 |
