Janice Kirk and Gina Buonaguro first caught my attention with their debut novel, The Sidewalk Artist, which I've reviewed, and have also interviewed the authors on this site.  The Sidewalk Artist is perhaps one of the most romantic books I've ever read and it caught a part of my heart and has never let it go.

I have been excited since the ladies told me that they were writing their second novel about a romance in Italy circa 1945. Based on the beautiful writing in Artist, I couldn't wait to read this new book.

They sent me an advance copy of this new book, Ciao Bella, and it is also one another winning combination from these ladies.

Set in Italy 1945, a American soldier's motorcycle breaks down near the farm of Graziella (Grace) and Ugo Nevicato. Graziella is a lady from Canada who married Ugo Nevicato and was transplanted to this village near Venice. Ugo joins the Resistance and has not been heard from in a long time. Grace's father-in-law, Giovanni, lives with Grace, and he is starting senility, so basically Grace has to take care of the farm on her own, as well as her father-in-law. Her in-laws are all nearby, and although she's been married to Ugo a while, it seems they never truly accepted her as a member of the family.

The young man, the soldier, Frank Austin was from the 88th Division, and was going to be taken back to America that next month, but in the meantime, his motorcycle broke down, and seeks help from this pretty lady. She hasn't spoken English in a while, but it quickly comes back to her and try as they might, there are no tools, nor any way to help this handsome young blonde man fix his bike to be on his way. So it looks like Frank is stuck here in this little village until he can get a repair for his cycle.

Until Ugo comes home, or Frank can get help, Grace invites him to stay in their barn in exchange for him doing chores and helping out on the farm.

Needless to say, having a handsome man at a farm where the husband is not there, wags quite a few tongues, mostly Grace's in-law's. But Grace's father-in-law starts to think Frank is Ugo, and quickly makes a sweet relationship with Frank - neither speaking the others' language, the language of love and respect overrides everything.

Frank is soon friends with all the kids, and plays ball with them and does what he can for the entire family, and the parish, and becomes beloved by all.

Ugo, who before the war was a concert violinist, and was well known for his artistry, has not been heard from in quite a while and everyone is starting to think he is killed in action.

Slowly and surely, Frank is helpful in bringing the farm in a better shape and all the ladies are trying to latch him up with their daughters, but Frank's eyes are only for Grace, and she is married, and therefore, he respects that she is untouchable.

One of Grace's brothers-in-laws brings news that Ugo is indeed dead. Her world is devastated, and they hold a funeral service for Ugo - sad enough - and the grandfather, Ugo's father, still thinking Frank is his son, cannot understand why this is happening.

Frank and Grace are clearly in love. Since the in-law said for sure Ugo was dead, Grace is free to love again. Although she loves Ugo, and respects him, the nearness and love with Frank dissolves the wall between them when Ugo is said to be dead.

Now what is Grace to do?

She still loves her husband, and over six months she has known Frank has fallen in love with her, and she loves him too. What to do now?? Stay with Ugo's family? Or leave with Frank to live in the States?

The Canadian team of Buonaguro and Kirk again repeat the magic of a special love and situations that are beyond one's normal ability to resolve.

The love story is sweet, the people, war torn, and very poor, show their richness in love and joy of spirit.

It is a wonderful read and I do not usually warm up to stories around or about World War II. I don't know why - maybe because I had an Uncle Pedro who died in England during the war. Although he died 15 or so years before I was born, I always wished I had known him. I had always heard of his heroics and the medals he had earned in service to his country.

Ciao Bella is a timeless love story that will keep you turning pages and feeling the love and the effects of war. The writing team of Kirk and Buonaguro are amazing ladies who I think could write parts of the telephone book and it would read lyrically romantic prose.

Can you tell I'm a fan of theirs?

It is kind of reminds me of Corelli's Mandolin, as it deals with Resistance soldiers and civilians who work for their freedom, and has a sweet love story.

But the magic lyrical writing of this talented team create a wonderful atmosphere that you start to feel part of the village and part of the family.

It is worth waiting for its release October 13, 2009.

A charming romantic read.

ellen george

Ciao Bella by Gina Buonaguro and Janice Kirk, ISBN 10: 0312379927,  Thomas Dunne Books, review by ellen george. Book will be released October 13, 2009 and can be pre-ordered through Amazon and other on-line stores.