Veena’s review of To Sicily with Love (Meet Me in Italy, Book 4) by Jennifer Probst
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 18 Feb 25
Aurora York’s last words to her mother haunt her, since they were somewhat unkind and adversarial. Suddenly her perfect world seems to be crumbling. After she has two public meltdowns, not only is her career in jeopardy, but it seems her fiancé wants to create some distance between them as a benefit to her. When she discovers relatives in Sicily whom she knew nothing about, it’s unclear if this is a manna from heaven or just another death knell in her crumbling life.
Why did her mother lie and tell her that she has no family, when it turns out Aurora has grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins? She decides to go to Sicily to check out the story and learn more about this family and why her mother lied to her.
As Aurora is reluctantly sucked into the heart of the family and creates bonds and friendships, the only hold-out is her grandfather, who is the person responsible for laying down the law and forcing her mother to make choices. As is the case in situations like this, both sides waited for the other to make the first move and now it’s too late. As Aurora heals herself, she heals her grandfather as well.
Aurora’s sterile life is suddenly full of color. Boy, could I empathize with her as she slowly succumbs to the lure of carbs and the rich goodness of Sicilian food! But holidays must end and Aurora’s life in New York is calling her back. How can she reconcile love, career, and family.
What a beautifully written story of life’s choices and love.
Grade: A
Summary:
Aurora York had it all together: loving parents, a steady relationship, and a promising career. But after she loses both parents unexpectedly, she can’t seem to stay on track any longer. Lonely and lost after a public meltdown that threatens her professional credibility, she’s shocked when DNA test results show a blood relative in Sicily. When her cousin reaches out online and begs her to come to Italy to meet everyone in person, Aurora makes the leap.
Aurora arrives in Sicily for a month, and there she meets a colorful, dynamic family steeped in tradition. The younger generation is fascinated by her social media fame in America, and even though her grandparents have more traditional viewpoints, Aurora begins to heal from her grief…and enjoys the attention of a kind and handsome Italian man.
But when the summer ends, a new opportunity calls her back to the States and her old habits threaten to reemerge. Will Aurora leave everything in Sicily she loves behind, or take the chance on a whole new future?
