When Madeline O’Connor learns that her estranged sister is gravely ill, she leaves behind her life in Manhattan to be at her sister’s side in Italy. There, she discovers an ancient Benedictine monastery that accommodates travelers, and she decides to stay there, among the monks.
Everything in her life turns upside down when she falls for Brother Anthony Lamberti, a soft-spoken Italian completely different from the men she knows in New York.
Together Madeline and Anthony find love for the first time, and learn that life and love always find a way. When her sister dies, a new life for Madeline begins. A new life that she would never have imagined and yet is perfect for her in every way.
Goodreads Summary
This book was interesting as it addresses so many different interconnecting relationships at the same time. Madeline and her sister have a sordid past. The reader learns early on in the book that Madeline's sister cheated on her husband with Madeline's husband...an illicit relationship that resulted in a child, Jonathan. Years later, Jonathan contacts Madeline-who has not seen her sister in seven years-to tell her that his mother has cancer. Madeline now runs a successful business that takes up much of her time, she is married to her business; even so, she deigns to go to Italy to see her sister.
When Madeline arrives in Italy, she meets Anthony, a monk residing in a monastery, there is an instant attraction. She also meets with her sister and nephew, a somewhat awkward meeting. The novel continues on in much the same way, Madeline having the opportunity to forge new relationships if she so chooses. She also gets to know Tyler, who appears to really like Madeline and has the potential for being another love interest. The reader will enjoy following Madeline's decisions and actions during the novel.
Madeline is a good character; she can be harsh, determined, hard-working, caring, and serene. The reader should take note that the author, unlike many, does not carefully crush over the concept of infidelity-the pain of what happened to Madeline is evident in the book and she is bitter, as she has a right to be. Tyler and Anthony, the two love interests, are very different in many ways while similar in others. They both offer Madeline the chance to start anew-though Anthony would be somewhat complicated. Tyler is more impulsive, fun, and uninhibited. Anthony is far more calm, accepting, quiet, and almost timid. Madeline's sister, though a bit of a sympathetic character, will not be a favorite of the readers. Her actions and decisions caused problems years down the line, an occurrence that shouldn't be brushed away.
This story has many twists and surprises; the reader will not be bored. The plot is interesting enough and the events are fairly fast-paced; this book will not take the reader too long to read. This book is recommended for adults (some love scenes) who enjoy romances with a second chance at happiness.
4 Stars
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Thanks so much for a thoughtful well-written review, Krystal!