Monday, November 8, 2010

Brava, Valentine

 OK- so it's book review time. I actually have TWO of these this month and I want you to come back tomorrow to read that one. I know some of you aren't readers, but it's going to be a personal post so I want you to come back.

Anyways. This review is for Adriana Trigiani's book Brava, Valentine which is the second in the series. My library was super lame and at first was holding the first book Very Valentine but then told me they never had it and would never have it. *Insert angry eyes* LUCKILY- I didn't need to read the first one to enjoy this book. The story unfolds you get the basic outline of what happens in the first book. (And that's just great anyways, because sometimes it's a long time period between books you know?)

Brava, Valentine: A Novel
This story is about Valentine Angelini, who is now in charge of the family shoe business. She's in the middle of a lot of life changes and even those she wants to fall in love, eventually, she doesn't feel capable or ready.

Enter Gianluca- a hot and hunky Italian and her world is even more chaotic and crazy. And in the middle of all of THAT she finds out she has family she never knew about and is uncovering a long hidden family secret. And to layer even more onto it- other characters are having their own problems and you feel her juggling the family dynamic and trying to maintain the line of her own life.

The bottom line? I loved this book. It was such a fun read. The characters were light, but fun. The story was intriguing and you wanted to keep reading. You felt connected to the family and during parts of the book you actually felt like you were sitting at the table with them. While reading this book I realized I'm really excited about reading the third installment of this series. I feel vested in these characters. One of my favorite parts of the book is during a family holiday dinner all hell basically breaks loose and you can relate to it all and you're laughing but it's not really funny, it's actually sad, but you can't help yourself because you feel like this could be your family. It probably is. The romance between Valentine and Gianluca feels real- like this is a more realistic occurrence than say.... a romance novel.

So I recommend this book if you are looking for a light and fun read without a heavy storyline.

AND-- in celebration of the book coming out- you could win a trip to Italy for you and a friend. Honestly? Don't bother because I want to win and I'll fight dirty. ;) Go here for details!


5 comments:

trish said...

So glad you liked it! I love love stories that don't feel contrived, and by that I mean, the love stories in romance novels. :)

Thanks for being on this tour!

Shirley said...

I will be sure to send you a post card:)

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Oooh sounds good! Yet another book to add to my very long list!

Helena said...

I am adding this to my library book list right now.

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Sounds interesting! I wonder if my library has either book.