Book Review – The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman

Happy Publication Day to this lovely read! I love books that are set in locations I have visited. It not only brings back wonderful memories, but really helps in providing context to the book. The Star-Cross Sisters of Tuscany is a beautifully written love affair not only between two people, but also of an enchanting country.

Emilia Fontana is a woman living a safe life in her family’s bakery in Brooklyn. She is the second born daughter of an Italian family said to have a curse that has lasted 200 years preventing second daughters from finding love. Indeed, no woman in their family born in this birth order has married. The legend that surrounds the curse is strong in many of the older generations, while some of the younger members of the family are somewhat skeptical.

Emilia’s Aunt Poppy is also a second daughter. Approaching her eightieth birthday, she invites Emilia and her cousin Lucy on a second daughter trip to Italy to prove to all the curse has been broken. The vacation not only bonds the three, but is a journey of personal growth and finding one’s true identity. It is also a trip down memory lane as Aunt Poppy reveals her one great love, and the promise she is determined to keep.

I absolutely loved this book. The author’s words are lyrical and insightful. The character development of the three women is impressive. As this trio travels to Venice, Tuscany and Amalfi I felt I was on this physical and emotional journey with them. I love strong female characters and feel that the book started with one, but ended with three of them. This is a highly engaging and entertaining book that I will be recommending to everyone.

My rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5.

Thanks to Edelweiss and Penguin Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.