Description
Kathleen James has put her practical side away for once and looks forward to the perfect romantic evening: an intimate dinner with the man of her dreams and an engagement ring. She is not prepared to hear that he wants to bring his grandmother back from Italy to live with him.
Dominic Lawrence has planned this marriage proposal for six months. Nothing can go wrong-until his Nonna calls. Now he must interrupt the tenderest night of Katie’s life with the news that another woman will be under their roof.
When Antonia’s sister dies, she finds herself longing to be back in the States. An Italian wartime bride from the 1940s, she knows how precious love can be. Can her own story of an American soldier and a very special collie once again bring two hearts together at Christmas?
Patricia Reichardt –
What a perfect book to start off the holiday season with. Aubrey Wynn has created a story with so much love and heart that it is easy to get caught up in it. Dominic and Katie are in love, but when Dom tells Katie he is bringing he grandmother back from Italy to live with him, Katie has to re-evalutate her thoughts on where the relationship will take them. Antonia comes to Chicago with a story of true love and destiny that will capture your heart and make you believe in that one true love. And the cooking!! I would love to have her come into my house, make Italian Thanksgiving and enrapture me with family history. Loving dogs like I do, the inclusion of the collie was perfect. This is my first Aubrey Wynne book, and I can’t wait to listen to more.
With Tom Jordan’s narration of this story, it is easy to listen to. His voice is so calm and warm, bringing the characters to life in a way that it’s like you are in the kitchen hearing Antonia tell her story of meeting her soldier and falling in love. The richness in his tones will bring that family feel right to your ears.
Paula Easton –
This is truly a delightful book. The characters are likeable and show real emotion. I would actually give this book 4.5 stars. This author was new to me and I really enjoyed her writing. I will be sure to get more books by her and continue to follow this series.
I also enjoyed the narrator. He gave the story substance and made me care about the characters.
Julie Gilbert –
4/5 Dante’s Gift by Aubrey Wynne
Narrated by Tom Jordan
Summary: Two love stories woven into one. Present tale: A girl isn’t quite sure she wants to commit to the perfect guy because his grandmother suddenly becomes a part of the picture. Past tale: An Italian girl meets an America GI in the winddown and aftermath of WWII.
Additional Comments:
– I’m not a huge fan of stories that bounce from the present to the past, but this was pretty well-done.
– Choosing a male narrator for the book is a pretty bold move, but Tom Jordan did a lovely job with it.
– Characters 4/5: They’re pretty well fleshed out, but I don’t remember their names. Dante’s the dog in the past story. That much I remember because the title didn’t make much sense until the last third of the story. I remember liking the BFF of the present day female lead.
– Conflicts 3.5/5: The romantic conflicts aren’t that mind blowing, but they work.
Conclusion: A worthwhile romance to listen to any time.
Rosemary HUGHES –
Too many cooks in a kitchen comes to mind, but then, there are those cooks who love to share food, wine and friends.
I can sympathize with the main female character, as sharing a house with an older domineering female would not be my idea of marital bliss.
However, you need to read (or listen) to the writer’s words of wisdom, to understand how some elders are not the same as others.
M Phelps –
This was such a heart pumping swoon romance. The flashes to the past love story along with the current story was so good. I was just as anxious to hear the story as Kathleen. Nonna was such a lovable character. I wanted her to be my Nonna too. Dom was everything in a Hero. By the end, I was smiling and my heart so full. The narrator did a great job.
Cindy Nipper –
This was a new author to me, but I enjoy Tom’s narration, so I thought I’d give it a try! He did a wonderful job!!
The story parts that took place in Italy reminded me of warm memories of my time in Italy! I could completely connect with the boisterous Italian family described in this story!
I love that its a WWII romance as well as a contemporary! The historical aspects were thoughtfully and brilliantly woven in and kept me on the edge of my seat!
A truly wonderful audiobook!