Gently, Jolene

"Isn't it every woman's fantasy to leave behind the failures and foibles of the past, and start over fresh in a new place where she has no history and where all things become possible? In Gently, Jolene, that's what Jolene has the opportunity to do and I cheered her on and admired her as she took a huge leap of faith into unknown territory. And something in me got braver, too."- Elaine W.

Inspired by a flight of fantasy, flattered by an unexpected proposal, and eager to flee the bitter disappointments of her past, Jolene Whitacre takes a leap of faith and moves abroad, following Filippo Garaventi 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 hotel in the village of Manarola.

Buoyed by the promise of marriage and the prospect of a career opportunity in one of the most sought-after travel destinations in Europe, Jolene is primed to embark on an adventurous new life she could have only dreamed of just months before.

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 aloof and evasive, making Jolene question how forthcoming he has been about his past life and future expectations.

Determined not only to adapt but to succeed, Jolene forges ahead with their plans, but in the process stumbles upon disconcerting truths, ultimately finding herself the main player in a drama for which she is utterly unprepared.

Colorful descriptions whisk you off to a travel adventure amid the Cinque Terre's cliffside vineyards, where you hike up and down its spectacular trails, swim in its crystalline waters, and soak up its romantic atmosphere, while following Jolene in her pursuit of the love and happiness that have always eluded her.

Written by the co-author of the beloved Iris & Lily series, Gently, Jolene is the story of every woman's need to hope, of learning how to let go of the past in order to embrace a second chance, and of finding the courage to spring to action in the face of unforeseen obstacles. Herself an American ex-pat living on the Italian Riviera, Angela Scipioni writes with an authenticity and insight that make this the perfect travel read for any woman who dreams of escaping to the Cinque Terre.

"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, cafesHighly recommend this book!"

"This is a lovely story about holding on and learning to let go. A story of being a stranger in your own life. The characters are well developed and I found myself slowly and "gently" becoming part of the family."

"This is a refreshing, ultimately surprising novel. It tells of a quest for love and truth, portraying a wonderful, enquiring mind. I sympathized with the protagonist, Jolene, from page one, and let myself be transported to the enchanting Cinque Terre, with their incomparable colors and flavors. A truly great read, highly recommended."

"A warm and inviting story of hope and discovery"

- Independent Reader Reviews

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