Inspired by a flight of fantasy, flattered an unexpected proposal, and ready to flee a life of bitter disappointments, Jolene takes a leap of faith and follows Filippo to Italy's Cinque Terre. Armed with her experience as a restaurateur, she can't wait to begin working alongside Filippo at Locanda Luisa, his family's charming hotel in the village of Manarola. Buoyed by the promise of marriage and the prospect of a new career, Jolene is primed to embark on a life she could have only dreamed of.
Once in Italy, though, nothing is as she envisioned. Manarola is stunning but the Locanda is crumbling. The Garaventis are not the typical Italian family she hoped to embrace as her own, and Filippo himself seems different, making Jolene wonder how forthcoming he has been about his past life and future expectations.
Determined to forge ahead with their plans, Jolene stumbles upon disconcerting truths, ultimately finding herself the main player in a drama for which she is utterly unprepared.
Written by the co-author of the beloved Iris & Lily series, Gently, Jolene is the story of a woman's need to hope, of her desire to reinvent her existence, and her courage to cope with unforeseen obstacles.
The colorful descriptions sweep the reader away to the mountainside vineyards of the Cinque Terre, with its spectacular landscapes, dramatic coastline and magical atmosphere that inspire love and adventure in the hearts of those who visit, and dreams in the minds of those who follow Jolene in her pursuit of a new life and the happiness that has always eluded her.
In one reader's words: "I have been to the Cinque Terre three times. Reading this book felt like the fourth time. The writing is so descriptive I felt like I was there: the feral kitties, the smells, the vineyards, fishermen, local wine, olive trees, cafes...Highly recommend this book "