STARS IN AN ITALIAN SKY

When two Italian Americans plan to get married, they uncover a decades-old secret about their families.

Cassandra, a marketing director for a fashion company, is deeply in love with Luca, an artist. Although their families are both originally from Italy, Cass feels that they live in two different worlds—her family is working class, while Luca’s is wealthier and has their own vineyard. When he proposes, Cass knows that their love for each other is enough to bridge whatever gaps exist between their families. What she isn’t counting on, however, is the secret that’s revealed when Luca asks his grandfather and Cass’ grandmother to sit for a portrait together—it turns out that their families are connected in a way she never imagined. Cass’ modern-day New York City story isn’t the only love affair here—Santopolo also weaves in the story of Giovanna and Vincenzo in Genoa, Italy, in 1946. Their love affair was intense but brief, as the tumultuous political climate and their opposing families tore them apart. Santopolo, known for moving, passionate love stories like The Light We Lost (2017) and Everything After (2021), creates another emotional read about love lost, love found, second chances, and forgiveness. Giovanna’s life in post–World War II Italy is richly described, full of detail about her job at her family’s tailor shop and the luxurious Italian desserts and coffee she’s able to try after years of wartime scarcity. Cass' and Giovanna's points of view work together seamlessly even though they’re separated by about 60 years.

A romantic, sweeping story that’s satisfying and heartbreaking at the same time.