Exclusive Excerpt- The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

When the fiercely independent and mysterious Paulina “Poppy” Fontana invites her great-nieces and fellow second-born daughters, Emilia and Lucy, to visit her birthplace of Italy, she makes a wild declaration. On her eightieth birthday, Poppy claims she’ll meet the love of her life on the steps of the Ravello Cathedral and put an end to the Fontana Family Second-Daughter Curse once and for all.

The Fontana Second-Daughter Curse is probably nothing but a coincidence, a self-fulfilling prophecy, an old-world myth. Even so, nobody can deny that for centuries, not a single second-born daughter in the Fontana family has married. But twenty-nine year-old Emilia actually appreciates the curse—some may even say she hides behind it. What might happen if the supposed curse is actually broken, and she’s expected to find love?

Reluctantly, the trio of second-born daughters embark on a journey to fulfill Poppy’s last wish. Against a backdrop of lush Italian countryside and rich landmarks, Poppy shares family secrets and tales of forbidden love that threaten to upend every belief her young nieces have held to be true.

This amazing book comes out April 21,2020. It is a Pre-Order at Once. https://amzn.to/2XFVRDg

 

“Emilia Fontana is a princess in sensible shoes in this delicious modern fairytale where love is elusive, hope is a pipe dream and a centuries old curse on the second sister remains intact. Lori Nelson Spielman deftly weaves the past and present with artful twists and turns that will keep you reading and hoping as secrets are revealed that change the course of Emilia’s life, her perceptions of herself, and ultimately unleashes her potential in a world that was waiting for it. Bella!”

—Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of Tony’s Wife

 

“Lori Nelson Spielman writes beautifully about self-discovery, forgiveness, and love. The Star Crossed Sisters of Tuscany is an insightful and tenderhearted novel that illuminates the ways in which the bonds of family can sometimes feel like a warm embrace, and other times feel as though they are tying you down. Mysterious family lore, a heartrending love story, and luminous descriptions of Italy all add up to an utterly captivating read!”

—Meg Donahue, USA Today bestselling author of You, Me, and the Sea

 

“If you love Moonstruck as much as I do, you’ll fall head over heels for The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany. In this captivating and utterly charming tale of several generations of “cursed” women, Lori Nelson Spielman proves—yet again—that she’s a masterful storyteller. I loved every page.”

—Camille Pagán, bestselling author of I’m Fine and Neither Are You 

“In a love letter to Italy and indeed, to life, Lori Nelson Spielman’s The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany carries the reader on a delightful and poignant journey of no regrets. From the secret corners of Venice to the cobblestones of Ravello, ‘cursed’  Emilia and her Great Aunt Poppy enchanted me and gave me hope that all things can work out just right—even when it seems the stars are hopelessly misaligned.”

—Julie Kibler, bestselling author of Calling Me Home and Home for Erring and Outcast Girls. 

“I sat down with The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany yesterday afternoon and couldn’t stop reading it! Needless to say, dinner was late at our house… When Emilia and her cousin set off to break the curse of loveless second sisters under the guidance of her great-aunt, she discovers far more about her family than simple curses. Lori Nelson Spielman’s deft and tender touch illuminates a glorious journey through Italy, and the heart. The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany is unflinchingly honest about the frailty of human desires, as Emilia encounters estrangement, lies, and betrayal, yet it treats them with grace and forgiveness. It’s a wonderful balance between the darkness of the human heart, and the irrepressible optimism of love and adventure at any age. Filled with humor and wisdom, this is a celebration of life, and love.”

—Yangsze Choo, New York Times bestselling author of The Night Tiger, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

“Lori Nelson Spielman’s tells stories full of heart with characters you’ll love from the first page. The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany is her best yet! Fans of Adriana Trigiani will rejoice in this story of a stunning journey that celebrates family, life and love, in the unparalleled backdrop of Venice, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. You’ll enjoy every moment of the trip. I loved it. Ciao Bella!”

—Kaira Rouda, USA Today bestselling author of The Favorite Daughter

 

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