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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two Love Story (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Christie Mitchum

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Greetings From Asbury Park was a heartfelt, emotional read!

I’m not usually a fan of WWII books, but this one was different. It didn’t take place in Germany. It depicted the brutal German occupation of Rome.

Mariella and Jack are the main characters, although Jack doesn’t appear until much later in the book. A good portion of the book is about Mariella and her family. They had already endured a horrific tragic event in their lives, and as the book opens, they are suffering from brutal treatment from the Germans and possible starvation. Fear rules their lives.

Mariella is forced to give up so much, like her education. However, her tenacity and perseverance is incredible. As the war ends, she meets a handsome American soldier and spends an unforgettable day with him. There is an instant connection between them, but he has to leave. The two become pen pals for years. As the years pass, readers see how the two of them are living separate lives, but that connection is still there. I liked that their love story wasn’t rushed, making the story so much more believable. They get to know one another through their letters to each other.

This was truly an incredible read. Vecchione’s ability to make me feel everything Mariella and her family felt is a testament to her skill as a writer. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series to see where Mariella’s journey takes her next.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Christie Mitchum

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Italian American is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, sacrifices, love, and hope set against the backdrop of significant historical events. The novel’s narrative is deeply rooted in the experiences of the Italian immigrants, making it a compelling read for those interested in family sagas and historical fiction.

This is the continuation of Jack and Mariella’s love story, set against the backdrop of significant historical events. The novel opens with Mariella and her adult daughters, a poignant scene that sets the stage for Mariella’s journey to America and her adaptation to her new life. The historical context adds depth to the immigrant experience, making it more relatable to readers.

The couple finally reunites in Italy when Jack returns to bring her to America for her new life. I loved seeing through Mariella’s eyes the first sight of America. It made me stop and appreciate this wonderful country in which I have had the privilege of being born.

As she begins her new life, she experiences some bumps in the road. There is a language barrier as she is still learning English. She also encounters some nasty housewives, and her mother-in-law is nasty to her. However, none of this stops her determination to make a happy life with Jack. As the years move on, she and Jack become parents, and she must return to Italy because her father is ill. Will this trip back home make her second guess her decision to make her life with Jack? Or will it make their love even stronger?

Mariella emerges as an extraordinary woman, a beacon of resilience. She endured the horrors of the German occupation during her childhood, and she bravely left her family behind for a new life in America, a journey not without its trials. Her unwavering determination to carve out her own happiness is truly inspiring. What’s more, this is a story based on a real woman! While the book’s pacing felt a bit hurried towards the end, I was left wanting more. I yearned to see if her relationship with her mother-in-law had evolved, and I was curious about the fate of her sister and brother. Nevertheless, this was a powerful read that further opened my eyes to the atrocities of the Nazi Regime and the profound damage they inflicted.

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Italian American by Luigina Vecchione – review by Emily Jensen

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a continuation of Greetings From Asbury Park, continuing the story of Jack and Mariella – the soldier who met his Italian bride during WWII.

In the continuation, he’s taken her home to Asbury Park, and Mariella must learn all the nuances of American culture and struggles a great deal about the whole process. Through making friends in her neighborhood, to dealing with Jack’s mother who does not like her, to having her children and figuring out the American ways of childbirth are nothing like the Italian ways, Mariella thinks she finally has a foothold in this whole American thing… Then she’s called home to Italy, and everything she thinks she knows for sure about her life are questioned and new fears are unlocked.

The only problem I had with this book is how neatly it wrapped up. I wanted more story to devour!

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Greetings From Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione – review by Emily Jensen

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of those books that I mostly loved because I just love historical romance novels. This is a sweet story about Mariella, an Italian with a huge family, falling in love with an American soldier during World War II. She’s lost so much already, and so when he goes back to America and writes about his engagement, she assumes she’s lost him, but fate has other plans for both of them.

While it was a very sweet love story that had a lot of stakes involved, I also loved how they showed the humanity of both Jack and Mariella and where they both seemed to want the both for themselves, their families and their countries and also showing the hell that war is for everyone involved, no matter whether they’re on the front lines or not.

I was so glad this book had a sequel!

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I so wasn’t ready to let go of Mariella and her family’s story so I was grateful for this 2nd installment. I have always found it fascinating how immigrants brought so much to their new homes especially in the mid to late 20th century so this story really intrigued me. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Gillian Fawell

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story swept me away right from the start. Mariella’s story gives a true insight into how many everyday Italians and others around the world had to fight to survive during World War 2. Neighbours spying on each other, very little food, the list goes on. Do yourself a favour and read this book!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210680162-italian-american” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1712083018l/210680162._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210680162-italian-american”>Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21894769.Luigina_Vecchione”>Luigina Vecchione</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6598238823″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This story continues from Greetings from Asbury Park and picks up 9 years later. The war is over, Jack and Mariella are married and ready to start their new lives. Even though is pains her, Mariella moves across the ocean to be with her husband in a country where she knows nobody. When she gets a heartbreaking call she returns to Italy, but will she be able to leave her family again? It was hard the first time, but a second time will be devastating. This was a great continuation of Jack and Mariella’s story. Even though this is a series either book can be read as a standalone.
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Greetings From Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60886985-greetings-from-asbury-park” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1650982037l/60886985._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60886985-greetings-from-asbury-park”>Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21894769.Luigina_Vecchione”>Luigina Vecchione</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6598210530″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Like many young people back then, our main character, Mariella, has to be mature beyond her years. She meets a nice young GI, Jack, who has very little time left to spend in Italy. He is about to shipped to Japan but they make the most of their time. Before he heads off they exchange addresses and a promise to keep in touch. Will they be able to endure the time and distance? I enjoyed the characters and how this story was written. The characters are very likeable and their story draws you into their world. I’m looking forward to the continuation of Mariella and Jack’s story.
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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Shannen Kern

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure how much I’d like this book as I didn’t think it could be as good as the first one. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was wrong because this book absolutely surpassed my expectations. I truly loved Jack and Mariella in the first book, so I enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve even further. There was even more emotion, turmoil, and drama included, so prepare yourself in advance! You may be able to read this as a standalone, but I think it would be a mistake to miss out on the background of Jack and Mariella. They’ve been on quite a journey before this story, and while the author tries to provide as much information they can as a catch-up, it can only contain so much. I highly recommend this book and this series, so pick it up and get lost in a historical romance for the weekend!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Shannen Kern

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a beautiful and emotional story! It is set in World War II which is apparent in the way the author portrays amazing imagery with their words. The character development is quite incredible as they are relatable even from a different time period. Mariella is a teenager, but like so many during WWII, she was forced to be very mature for her age. Jack is a nice soldier that gives her hope until he gets stationed far away. While my heart felt squeezed through many of these pages, I still highly recommend it. If you enjoy historical fiction with romance and drama, please pick this up and give it a chance! I am eager to read the next book in the series.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Kerry Carr

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very emotional story about one woman’s journey leaving the home and family she loves and moving to a different country to start a life with the man she loves. I didn’t realise this was a second book, however the author does an amazing job with the story that it can be read as a standalone and still appreciate and understood.
My heart went out to Mariella as she struggled to find her way in this new world, struggled to build relationships, struggled with challenges that faced her. Despite all of this is her strength and resilence shone through.
Even though you could feel the pain and sadness over her missed family and home she always tried her best to love forward and be the best wife she could be for the man she loved.
When she has to return home she is faced with reminders of her reasons for leaving. Faced with the decisions she had made Mariella is again forced to choose between the family and her home Italy or returning to the man she loves and the life they are building together.
I can’t imagine being in that position of having to choose one or the other.
This is a very emotional historical story which will tug at the heart strings but also shows how one woman’s strength and determination and resilience can change and shape their live.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Finn Cunningham

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Italian American by Luigina Vecchione was a very much anticipated read for me! After reading Greetings from Asbury Park, I just had to know how Mariella and Jack continued their story! While the author does a beautiful job of connecting these two books, you could definitely read this as a standalone but I would definitely recommend them both! Emotions were all over the place while reading this, but it was absolutely worth reading through the tears! I cannot wait to see what else this author has for us!

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Greetings From Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Finn Cunningham

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Greetings from Asbury Park: A WWII love story by Luigina Vecchione, was a wonderful read. I absolutely love historical fiction, and anything to do with Rome, so of course I picked this up! A beautifully crafted story of love, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. The characters emotions and interactions were so vivid it was as if Mariella was sitting beside me, telling me herself. A truly beautiful book, that I honestly wish I could experience for the first time all over again!

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an epic historical romance which held me captivated throughout. The wonderfully detailed descriptive narrative along with the added historical details made me feel both immersed in the story and transported back in time to WW2. Main characters Mariella and Jack are so likeable and relatable that I felt invested in their journey. Mariella is living in Rome and has had to grow up quickly due to the war, having been denied an education she has had to care for her siblings. Mariella is also haunted by a horrific childhood trauma, and then the Germans occupy Rome. Along with the other Italians she then lives in daily fear whilst starvation and brutality have become normal. Mariella is dreaming of a new life when she meets an American GI Jack and despite the language barrier they have an instant connection, but they only have one day together before he ships off to Japan. Although they promise to keep in touch they are both aware that anything can happen during a war, but they will both try and get back together once the war ends, if they both survive. This really is as the blurb says, “a gripping, romantic, and emotional novel” and the mix of the storyline, the characters and the historical elements all had me gripped from page one. Life for the Italians in Nazi occupied Rome and the horrors they suffered really came across in the narrative. However, despite it being a difficult read, emotionally, at times the overall feeling of hope and the pursuit of true love makes this a heartwarming and inspirational read.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a wonderfully detailed historical romance which kept me captivated throughout. Having met American Jack and Italian Mariella in the previous book I was keen to continue their journey, however you can happily read this as a standalone story. The storyline picks up nine years after Jack and Mariella’s fateful meeting in Rome, and now Mariella is ready to leave her beloved city to start a new life with her husband in America, but it means leaving her family behind. Having arrived in America Mariella has to cope with a disapproving mother-in-law and gossiping housewives, whilst Jack is working nights at the restaurant so she is not even spending time with him. Moving into their own house in Wanamassa Gardens is a new start for Mariella and she starts to settle into life in America and as their family grows the couple are hopeful for a better future. However, Mariella is soon called home to Italy having received a heartbreaking call, and once back she has to confront the decisions which led her to cross the Atlantic. Mariella struggles with having to say goodbye to her family for a second time but if she stays and does not return to America she will loose the life she always wanted with her husband and children. This really was a tale of “hope, sacrifices, and the unbreakable spirit of women who shape their destinies”. I was hooked throughout by this enjoyable, emotional and engaging story. Mariella and Jack are such likeable and relatable characters and I felt invested in their journey. The wonderfully detailed descriptive narrative brought the settings vividly to life whilst the added historical details transported me back in time. I felt fully immersed in the story and found it hard to put this book down!

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Greetings from Ashbury Park (Jack& Mariella Book 1by Luigina Vecchione – Review by

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How beautiful is this cover ?! I’ll be honest this was a very hard read and more than once I put it down because it was just to hard to read and I had a tough time processing it but it’s a period in history that cannot be denied and this is based on a true story so I had to honour these beautiful people so I pushed cred through and was rewarded with a tragic but beautiful story 🥰😢and I reread the dedication and that was my inspiration to push through , thank you for sharing a beautiful love story , it gives me hope 🙏

Also one reads of German occupation in most of Europe but I’ve not read much of how Rome and it’s people were affected so this was also informative, despite heartbreaking

So we’re in Rome and the war is hard and nobody is safe from the Germans and their hatred of anyone different ….

Mariella is the oldest child in her family and they rely on her heavily to help and she makes many a sacrifice and she still has guilt that she is burdened with unnecessarily …..

The Americans then come to liberate Rome and that is when Mariella meets Jack who is Italian , they spend one night together and agree to be pen pals when he heads back to USA and as life return to normal their lives moon on Jack is engaged to Lauren and Mariella is dating Lorenzo and both relationships have their flaws ….quite frankly their current partners are quite shallow and snobbish 🙈 so opposite from who they are and their life experiences 😢

Jack goes back to Rome determined to find his Mariella and convince her of his intentions but I don’t think she needs much of it 🥰 this really was a love story that stood the test of time and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for theses two beautiful families that are now united in marriage 🥰

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Heidi Sturgess

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this cover even more than the first one because I know the journey Jack and Mariella had to make to get to this point where they now are and the dedication had me in tears because it’s just so beautiful and I loved the picture of a smiling Mariella 🥰

After finishing Greetings from Ashbury Park I could wait to see what the future had in store for these 2 beautiful families joined by marriage 🥰

Ok so opening chapter is already breaking my hart but at the same time it reminds me of a life well lived of an intentional love and a beautiful family , it’s life’s full circle …..

Jack is back in Italy and has come to fetch Mariella now that her visa is ready , it’s been 7 months and the reunion is sweet 🥰 the farewell from Mariella’s family had me howling like she was one of my own , letting your children go is no easy task and it must’ve been daunting for her as well , new country , new culture , new language but she has Jack do he’s her calming beacon 😉

They move into their own home and start their own family , friendships are formed and despite strained relationships with her mother in law and jacks’ along hours at the restaurant their love remains strong and let’s not forget the meddling ex and the gossiping housewives 🙈😡I wish they would stop and take the time to get to know Mariella they’d realise how much time they wasted on being mean and appreciate the gem she is and the love she had for her family .

When her dad takes ill she and kids go to rime and Jack at one stage fears they won’t come back and I think it’s partially the fault of those gossip mongers and again their love prevails the obstacles thrown their way …..

This was definitely one that made me grateful for my family and respect the decisions and sacrifices Mariella had to make , another hard yet beautiful read and I just want to thank the author from my heart for being so real , vulnerable and honest and for sharing her family with me 🙏❣️

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Anantha Rusum

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have not read the first book , Greetings from Asbury park . This book is a sequel where nine years after , the loving couple are in America . Mariella has left her family in Rome and she has to adjust to the new life in a new country. Jack’s mom isn’t welcoming either . Will she adjust to the new life ? This story treads on a familiar territory of people who move places and have to always go over that uphill task of adjusting to the new place , new culture and new traditions.

I did not read the first , but I thoroughly enjoyed the sequel . I might go back and pick up the first book now .

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Italian American is the story of Jack and Mariella, after their marriage and Mariella coming to America. I did not know it was a sequel, and now I am very excited to go back and read book 1- where it all began. I decided to read the book just off the cover art- it pulled me in. The story begins as Mariella and Jack’s daughters are adults and asking their mother to tell her story of being a young Italian bride coming to America. The story reads like a memoir- very realistic and filled with details and feelings. We hear the first hand struggles of learning the American language, being a foreigner after WW2, and the feeling of being torn from your family in a time without cell phones. I fell in love with the characters and the story telling. I look forward to the prior book, and more from this author.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Julie Johnson

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Another great read as this is a continuation of Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story. This second book may be read as a standalone. The author does a great job of catching the reader up on the events of the first book.

Jack and Mariella are finally in the US. It’s not the easiest transition for Mariella as she’s left her family behind in Rome. Jack’s mom isn’t the most welcoming mother-in-law either. Mariella struggles to find her place in the US, while severely missing her family. Will she be able to find a balance and happiness in her new life?

This is another emotionally tugging read that you won’t want to put down!

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Julie Johnson

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

I’m a fan of historical reads, those set in the WWII area, and ones that have a bit of romance. This is the perfect combination!

Jack and Mariella’s story tugged at my heart strings just a bit. There story isn’t necessarily original but it’s their story and it matters. This author did such a great job of weaving the story, that it was as if I was there watching it all play out in person. The emotions are raw and real and you’ll find yourself not wanting to put this book down until it’s finished!

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Betsy Melano

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful story of family and love. I missed reading the first book but had no issue reading the story of Jack and Mariella. Jack met Mariella years before when she was selling postcards at the Colosseum in Rome when he was stationed there. Jack returned to the states with the plan to bring Mariella to the States after World War Two. They continued to write each other and the day finally came when Jack could return to be with Mariella and ultimately facilitate Mariella’s immigration to the United States. The book takes you on an emotional ride as the young couple realize that they both need to transition to their new lives as a couple and help each other as cultural differences pop up. I really enjoyed reading the book and connected to the characters.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Crystal Brehant

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series. However, you can read this one as a stand alone story. I recommend reading the first though. You will not miss details, but you will miss an incredible book.
The first book was filled with so much emotion. This one doesn’t differ. While the feelings and the reason for them are vastly different, you will still find yourself on an emotional rollercoaster. You really find yourself feeling so much for Mariella and how she is treated by pretty much everyone when she moves with her husband. I would go from feeling indignant, to happy, from sad, to downright angry. I really just wanted to hug her and to also, throw the book across the room.

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Greetings From Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Crystal Brehant

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a story! There is so much emotion in this story – love, pain, courage, and so much more. The author is a brilliant writer who draws you into the story as if you are there experiencing it first hand. This story felt real as I was reading it. It is based on a true story, but that doesn’t automatically make it feel real. The author’s writing is what makes it so. I could not put this book down! This is not just a love story, but more than that, it is a story of family, life and all that comes with it. All while taking place during the second world war.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione

Italian American is the second book in the Jack & Mariella Series and is a Historical Romance . This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out what other books they have written. I’m a huge fan of Historical Romance and this one definitely checks all those boxes. The characters are relatable, fully developed and make the story come to life. I could picture myself right along with them. This is a story about sacrifices one makes and the ups and downs of family life. These two deserve all the happiness. Moving to a new town is scary imagine how much scarier it must be to move to a new country. Can these two make it? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Tausha Treadway

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione. I loved the first book so much but this one was even better. Written to the point that I felt like I was right in Rome and in America back in the 50’s. This story stayed with a long time after I finished it and that to me is the sign of a great book. Its the continuing story of Jack & Mariella who have moved to America and Mariella is having a hard time fitting in. Not used to American ways and American people, its a rough beginning. Leaving her beloved Rome is one of the hardest things she’s ever done. Women are different in American, very judgy and gossipy and outsiders aren’t really welcome. When a tragedy has her traveling back to Rome she will have to make the hardest decision ever in coming back to American. She loves Jack but with him working all the time she misses him and wonders if she really needs to go back. Such a heartfelt love story that will leave you wanting more.

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Katie Turner

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Greetings from Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione is a heart capturing story about war, the strength of family and still having the room to love deeply after witnessing so much devastation. I was absolutely captivated by this story from beginning to end! I loved Mariella, her family, Jack. The author put a lot of heart into telling this story and it shines through radiantly. Splendid writing and detail. The characters were all very realistic with personalities and interactions to match the setting.

Highly recommend to any lovers of historical fiction who enjoy a story that is so perfectly descriptive that you are experiencing and feeling everything with the characters- from their fears to sharing their beautiful heartfelt moments. Very well done! I’m very excited to start the next book.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Katie Turner

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Italian American by Luigina Vecchione is a beautifully written sequel to Greetings from Asbury Park, where here the reader can experience Jack and Mariella settling into their new lives together in America. There is a lot of turmoil for Mariella leaving behind the life and everyone she knew to travel to an unfamiliar land where acceptance of immigrants is not so easily found. As things start to seemingly begin to calm, terrible news brings Mariella back to Rome and she wonders if she can really bring herself to leave again.

I really felt like this was a strong sequel to the first story. Sometimes with sequels, the storytelling is more rushed and loses its luster. However, the author really kept the momentum of this story rolling throughout. You could perhaps read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading both stories. This story was raw, emotional, heartbreaking and heartwarming all in one book, and I loved feeling everything along with the characters. I was not disappointed at all. I look forward to more stories by this author in the future!

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Heidi Schoolman

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mariella met Jack 9 years ago and they are embarking on moving from Rome to the United States. Rome is the only home she has known and her heart aches for the moment she leaves it all behind. Not just the place, but her friends and family too. Once in their new home in the States, she struggles to find where she belongs. But it does not take long before she starts making friends and finally feels at home. Now she must return, and she is not sure if she is strong enough to say goodbye to her previous home once again.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Karole Petty

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book by this author is as wonderfully written as the first. This one picks up with Jack and Mariella starting out their life together. It’s a story of love, bravery, heartbreak, hope and courage. I would recommend this book to others that enjoy the time period and who likes a love story.

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