A young woman, a priest, and a secret that keeps them bitterly bound to each other...
Professional Reviews
The Madonna of Pisano
From the first couple of pages my emotions were pushed into chaos. I keep wondering how easy it is for people to believe a lie and allow doctrine to be their truth. No one seeking God, but allowing their emotions to rule them. And the same people claiming to love God have allowed bitterness to take root in the one they are suppose to love because of their actions. Why do we treat the victim like they are the criminal and think we are doing God’s will?
To have these words “I love you, Maria, but we both know that your reputation has been ruined beyond redemption," hurdled at you the way they were thrown at Maria would be enough to shatter your heart. But, God has an amazing way of capturing our hearts and letting us know that He has not forgotten us. He can redeem us from the worst of situations.
And there are also times when the abuser/criminal will heed the voice of God calling out to them to do the right thing, surrender and confess their crimes so that they can receive the healing that forgiveness brings.
This is one beautiful story that makes Christ the Redeemer shine so brightly. I'm excited to go on the next journey with these characters. Luca, Maria, Don Franco, Nico and others have captured my heart. I'm still in awe at how the author made me fall in love with one of the worst characters in this book.
Beautifully Written Historical Novel...
Excellent characters, dramatic plot. Beautifully written, giving wonderful feeling for the setting in place and time. Emotionally intense situations, satisfying resolution. Among the two or three best novels I have read this year. Highly recommended. - Dr. Donn Taylor, Author & Former Literature Professor
Beautifully told literature of the power of forgiveness...
MaryAnn Diorio uncovers a deeply moving story of how sin can fester and unravel lives. Though the sin that was brought upon Maris was not her own, she harbored for seven long years vengeance against the one who destroyed her life and dreams.
As a teen, my favorite novel from school was The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This novel is a new, fresh retelling of this age-old tale.
Don Franco learns that sin, no matter how hard you deny it or try to keep it quiet, will rear its ugly head to wreak havoc upon a soul and body. Whereas Luca realizes that sin can disguise itself in the least suspecting of souls.
The Madonna of Pisano brought to life not only the world of religious corruption, but also an inside look at Catholicism--even priests are human--, but also the hypocrisy of a small village.
Diorio is also able to weave symbolism throughout. The sparrow and the crow come to mind; as does the storm which is no respecter to anyone in its destruction.
So natural was the faith in the story, the reader will feel the conviction and the freedom that God brings to the characters.
This a complex and inspirational book that is character driven in its content. I look forward to more about Bella Terra and more from MaryAnn Diorio. - dmself, Amazon.com
Love, romance, innocence, intrigue, danger, and lust. Life is complicated, and love even more so. Life, and love, can be hazardous to a lady's health. Especially if she's fallen in love with a married pop star.
This was no mere illusion. Colin Chase Rand, pulled through a magical portal, landed in 1935 where the dust bowl and the Great Depression was destroying lives, and a serial killer was in their midst
