A Sicilian Farewell: A Novel (Book 2 of The Italian Chronicles Trilogy)

"I fell in love with the dramatic characters in Book One 'The Madonna of Pisano' and knew I must read the rest of their intriguing story. It broke my heart to read of the deplorable conditions immigrants had to endure while seeking a better life in America. Not only racism, but rat-infested tenements, long, tedious working hours, and an intense yearning for the beautiful land they left behind. I can honestly say I could not have endured it and would have been on the next ship home! Maria and Luca are two of the most godly characters to ever grace the pages of a novel and I so look forward to reading the next book in the series, Return to Bella Terra! I want to go back home to Sicily! lol"

"This book describes what the early immigrants to this country went through. The family in the story leave home under difficult conditions with the promise of a better life in America. However they struggle to survive in this new land as much, if not more than before. They are sustained by their Christian faith, but at times their faith is grievously tested. This is a fascinating read that makes you want to read the next book right away."

I enjoy Author MaryAnn Diorio's style of writing, and this story set in 1896 did not disappoint. A young family leaves their homeland of Sicily to travel to America, but in their new country they are faced with challenges and hardships. Filled with very real characters and situations, I thoroughly enjoyed this heart-tugging story of trust and forgiveness. This is the second book in The Italian Chronicles series, and I loved the first book too (The Madonna of Pisano). Now I'm looking forward to Book 3 in this series! FIVE STARS!