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The Italian Villa
- An Emotional and Absolutely Gripping WW2 Historical Romance
- Narrated by: Lisa Rost-Welling
- Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins
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Publisher's Summary
Inspired by true events, and for fans of The Beekeeper’s Promise and The Tuscan Child, comes a passionate, heartbreaking and absolutely pause-resisting story of two remarkable women, separated by history, finding the courage to look for light in the darkest places.
As she staggers through the woods towards the smoky remains of her village, she sees the wounded, all those familiar faces covered in blood and ashes, and remembers she isn’t just a woman; she is a doctor, and she is needed...
1938 - A young Italian couple cling to each other in the shadow of the Montevino mountains, Mussolini’s call to war ringing in their ears. They vow to stay together, no matter what, and hatch a plan to wed in secret before fleeing to the woods to join the resistance.
Present Day - Callie Di Giacomo, a waitress from Texas, is still reeling from the discovery that she is adopted when she arrives in Montevino in search of answers - the keys to the stunning hillside villa she just inherited clutched tightly in her hand. In her birth mother’s wardrobe grief-stricken Callie finds a diary belonging to a woman named Elisa Stella, one of Italy’s first ever female students of medicine, wrapped in pale blue ribbon.
Page by page, Callie unravels the story of a passionate young doctor who risked everything to marry her sweetheart, who was betrayed by her own people, and forced into hiding as Montevino was invaded. Elisa knew she must survive against all odds to see her loved ones again. But history had other plans…
As the diary ends, a startling revelation about who Elisa was offers a chance for Callie to heal past wounds and spark a new future. But is she brave enough to take it?
This unforgettable story of love, loss and resilience by the author of million-copy Amazon number one best seller, Watch Over Me, is perfect for anyone who loved The Letter, The Tattooist of Auschwitz or The Dressmaker’s Gift.
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What listeners say about The Italian Villa
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Cinzia Spatuzzi
- 04-06-21
Distracting Italian accent
I tried to ignore the unrealistic details of Callie’s story - how did she get a passport, the money to travel, who paid for the villa upkeep and how was she going to, etc. The annoying Italian accents were too much.
I hung in for the whole story but can’t recommend it. And...Italians do love coffee but do not have pasta with every meal.
3 people found this helpful
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- Teresa
- 06-04-20
Loved it!!!
Th̷e̷ It̷a̷l̷i̷a̷n̷ Vi̷l̷l̷a̷ Re̷v̷i̷e̷w̷
This dual timeline of the present and 1930’s wartime Italy captured my heart! The way author Daniela Sacerdoti describes Montevino, Italy oh it sounds like the most beautiful, spellbinding little village and I want to go there!
🌸🌼🌺🌸🌼🌺🌸🌼🌺🌸🌼🌺🌸🌼🌺
Synopsis:
Callie is a twenty-one year old orphan who can’t seem to find her place in the world, when she finds out on her birthday that the parents that died in a car crash were actually her adoptive parents. When the lawyer tells her that her real mother is Italian from the small village of Montevino, she heads to Italy to find her roots and discovers much more...
🌺🌸🌼🌺🌸🌼🌺🌸🌼🌺🌸🌼🌺🌸🌼
This story was so heart-warming and such a nice surprise, I loved it and will definitely be checking out more of Daniela’s Sacerdoti’s works!
Happy Reading Everyone!
3 people found this helpful
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- Ree
- 04-14-20
Insulting and demeaning narration.
The fact that this person thought that a stereotypical and insulting Italian accent, where virtually every word ended in “a”, was a satisfactory representation demonstrates a lack of thought and research and an ignorance of stereotypes that were erased a generation ago. Shame on the author, editors, and production crew for not stopping this travesty.
2 people found this helpful
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- Sheryl P. Bordelon
- 04-24-22
A sweeping story of fierce survival
I gripping story of the II WORLD WAR and the events that spurred a heartbreaking tragedy and how it is finally put right after generations.
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- pt
- 04-22-22
Thought I had bouth a YA novel by mistake
I tried, really tried to like this, but the prose was very Young Adult and the protagonist could be irritating; let me explain--she spent a lot of energy feeling sorry for herself, then she bristled at someone looking at her with pity in their eyes, and this is representative of other ironies. The narration: It lost me, and I finally had to agree with other reviewers that the Italian accents were, at best, very stereotyped, much like some of the radio plays of the 1940s centered around Italians. I finally just had to stop listening. I bought it on sale which softened the blow. Like I say, I really wanted to like it, but couldn't make it happen.
If I had to list a single reason for my rating it would be the more juvenile-like prose.
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- sally
- 03-29-22
Do the sample before you buy
Could not stand the reader. Got about 3 minutes in before I quit. Very disappointing!
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- Elena hoyer
- 01-12-22
Italian villa
I enjoyed it from beginning to end! I am half Italian, is the strongest side of me. I decided to attempt to learn the Italian language and I will read more of Danielle‘s books!
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- Josh
- 09-15-21
Okay read
This book was just okay I think it was missing some parts un answered.
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- Sarah Centrella
- 05-04-21
Could not finish this one
It was honestly too boating and basic. It tries to be multi generational (which I normally love ) but it doesn’t work here. Just too elementary for me.
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- Tiffany
- 03-15-21
Beautiful story that kept me entertained!
Loved the story and the character development. Excellent descriptions and wonderful narration. This is my first book by this author and I am hooked. Already downloaded the next one!
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- The Book Worm!
- 03-15-20
Gripping.
Loved every minute, thank goodness for Audible that opens the world of wonder ful author's,stories, & narrators.
2 people found this helpful
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- Terrence Bramble
- 10-29-21
terrible
An awful book and I so hate the fake Italian accents. I live in Italy so this is clcouod not be so unlike whsyvi know of living here.
1 person found this helpful
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- Hattie Dent
- 08-05-21
captivating
really nice good. really good story, I think it did come to a very abrupt end but i was lovely didn't want it to end
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- Margo
- 02-02-21
Couldn't put it down
This was a book I couldn't put down. The characters all had their own secrets from the past that they had to come to terms with. Really enjoyed it.
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- Weegie
- 09-08-20
Good story.
The narrator was good. Loved the Italian accents. Enjoyable story. Going back in the family to the present day makes it entertaining.
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- BarbaraM
- 08-05-20
A good read
This is a bit of a nagging reminder that many Americans long for a European, preferably French or Italian romantic connection. It’s a pleasant story and the writing is similarly pleasant, but it doesn’t sparkle or have terribly much depth.
Nevertheless, I did listen to the end and found the book to be pleasant and undemanding.
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- Bethany Gordon
- 03-15-20
Easy listen
A dual time frame novel set during the 1930's and the present. Callie living in Texas discovers her past is not what she thought and travels to Italy to discover the truth. With a diary belonging to the mysterious Elisa can she discover the truth and will the locals tell her what they know.
The writing brought to life the town and villa, painting a picture of the setting and some of the food (which sounded delicious). A story of secrets, heartbreak and romance it was an easy listen which swept you along with the story.
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- SandraL
- 03-13-20
Easy, light listen
The Italian Villa is told in dual time frames – the present and during the Second World War (using diary entries). It is a tale of romance and family secrets and I loved the descriptions of the glorious Italian countryside, the village of Montevino and life in an Italian village. This was an entertaining, light and easy listen, though perhaps a bit too much romance for me!
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- Arkgirl
- 03-01-20
Dual time period story with romance and mystery
This is a story set with two time periods and follows the stories of Callie, an orphaned young woman from Texas who discovers her family roots in Italy, and Elisa with a story told through her diary and set in the late 1930's as Mussolini's power set Italians against each other.
There was much to enjoy in this tale with romance and family secrets but I think I might have enjoyed it more without the slightly jarring Italian 'sing song' accent from the narrator - having stayed in Italy many times I found it unconvincing and I think I would have preferred it without the accents.
It has some touching moments and is an easy listen - a good book for your holiday case as well.
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Story
Italy, 1945. "Where am I"? The young man wakes, bewildered. He sees olive trees against a bright blue sky. A soft voice soothes him. "We saw you fall from your plane. The parachute saved you". He remembers nothing of his life, or the war that has torn the world apart...but where does he belong? England, present day. Antique-shop-owner Susannah wipes away a tear as she tidies her grandmother’s belongings. Elsie’s memories are fading, and every day Susannah feels further away from her only remaining family.
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Well told story.
- By S Pomeroy on 01-22-23
By: Angela Petch
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Under the Light of the Italian Moon
- By: Jennifer Anton
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Nina Argenta doesn’t want the traditional life of a rural Italian woman. The daughter of a strong-willed midwife, she is determined to define her own destiny. But when her brother emigrates to America, she promises her mother to never leave. When childhood friend Pietro Pante briefly returns to their mountain town, passion between them ignites while Mussolini forces political tensions to rise. Just as their romance deepens, Pietro must leave again for work in the coal mines of America. Nina is torn between joining him and her commitment to Italy and her mother.
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A beautiful story
- By Lisa C. on 04-11-22
By: Jennifer Anton
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The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany
- By: Lori Nelson Spielman
- Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan, Kathleen Garrett, Lori Nelson Spielman
- Length: 13 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
A trio of second-born daughters sets out on a whirlwind journey through the lush Italian countryside to break the family curse that says they’ll never find love, by New York Times best seller Lori Nelson Spielman, author of The Life List.
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You Will Not Be Disappointed
- By Lynette on 12-17-20
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Our Italian Summer
- By: Jennifer Probst
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Holly Linneman, Suzanne Toren
- Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Workaholic, career-obsessed Francesca is fiercely independent and successful in all areas of life except one: family. She struggles to make time for her relationship with her teenage daughter, Allegra, and the two have become practically strangers to each other. When Allegra hangs out with a new crowd and is arrested for drug possession, Francesca gives in to her mother's wish that they take one epic summer vacation to trace their family roots in Italy. What she never expected was to be faced with the choice of a lifetime....
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Couldn't finish
- By WKB on 09-24-21
By: Jennifer Probst
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A Dream of Italy
- An uplifting story of love, family and holidays in the sun!
- By: Nicky Pellegrino
- Narrated by: Jane McDowell
- Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
When the Mayor of a picturesque Italian town launches a new scheme to rejuvenate the community, his advertisement is read with interest and excitement by many. Zara is in her thirties and desperate to get on the property ladder. Tim and Lynda are retiring and need a project. Some are looking for a peaceful bolthole. Others hope to make a profit, start a business, escape a dull life or an unhappy relationship. And there is someone who just might be hiding their true motivation...
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Australian accents
- By J. Edwards on 08-14-19
By: Nicky Pellegrino
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The Tuscan Secret
- By: Angela Petch
- Narrated by: Ellie Heydon
- Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Anna is distraught when her beloved mother, Ines, passes away. She inherits a box of papers, handwritten in Italian and yellowed with age, and a tantalizing promise that the truth about what happened during the war lies within. The diaries lead Anna to the small village of Rofelle, where she slowly starts to heal as she explores sun-kissed olive groves, and pieces together her mother’s past: happy days spent herding sheep across Tuscan meadows cruelly interrupted when World War Two erupted and the Nazis arrived....
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Frustratingly naive main character (spoilers)
- By Whitney on 11-04-19
By: Angela Petch
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The Postcard from Italy
- By: Angela Petch
- Narrated by: Stephanie Lane
- Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Italy, 1945. "Where am I"? The young man wakes, bewildered. He sees olive trees against a bright blue sky. A soft voice soothes him. "We saw you fall from your plane. The parachute saved you". He remembers nothing of his life, or the war that has torn the world apart...but where does he belong? England, present day. Antique-shop-owner Susannah wipes away a tear as she tidies her grandmother’s belongings. Elsie’s memories are fading, and every day Susannah feels further away from her only remaining family.
-
-
Well told story.
- By S Pomeroy on 01-22-23
By: Angela Petch
-
Under the Light of the Italian Moon
- By: Jennifer Anton
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 12 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nina Argenta doesn’t want the traditional life of a rural Italian woman. The daughter of a strong-willed midwife, she is determined to define her own destiny. But when her brother emigrates to America, she promises her mother to never leave. When childhood friend Pietro Pante briefly returns to their mountain town, passion between them ignites while Mussolini forces political tensions to rise. Just as their romance deepens, Pietro must leave again for work in the coal mines of America. Nina is torn between joining him and her commitment to Italy and her mother.
-
-
A beautiful story
- By Lisa C. on 04-11-22
By: Jennifer Anton
-
The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany
- By: Lori Nelson Spielman
- Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan, Kathleen Garrett, Lori Nelson Spielman
- Length: 13 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A trio of second-born daughters sets out on a whirlwind journey through the lush Italian countryside to break the family curse that says they’ll never find love, by New York Times best seller Lori Nelson Spielman, author of The Life List.
-
-
You Will Not Be Disappointed
- By Lynette on 12-17-20
-
Our Italian Summer
- By: Jennifer Probst
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Holly Linneman, Suzanne Toren
- Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Workaholic, career-obsessed Francesca is fiercely independent and successful in all areas of life except one: family. She struggles to make time for her relationship with her teenage daughter, Allegra, and the two have become practically strangers to each other. When Allegra hangs out with a new crowd and is arrested for drug possession, Francesca gives in to her mother's wish that they take one epic summer vacation to trace their family roots in Italy. What she never expected was to be faced with the choice of a lifetime....
-
-
Couldn't finish
- By WKB on 09-24-21
By: Jennifer Probst
-
A Dream of Italy
- An uplifting story of love, family and holidays in the sun!
- By: Nicky Pellegrino
- Narrated by: Jane McDowell
- Length: 10 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When the Mayor of a picturesque Italian town launches a new scheme to rejuvenate the community, his advertisement is read with interest and excitement by many. Zara is in her thirties and desperate to get on the property ladder. Tim and Lynda are retiring and need a project. Some are looking for a peaceful bolthole. Others hope to make a profit, start a business, escape a dull life or an unhappy relationship. And there is someone who just might be hiding their true motivation...
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Australian accents
- By J. Edwards on 08-14-19
By: Nicky Pellegrino
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That Month in Tuscany
- By: Inglath Cooper
- Narrated by: Lauren Ezzo, Eric G. Dove, Adam Verner, and others
- Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Ren Sawyer and Lizzy Harper live completely different lives. He's a rock star with a secret he can no longer live with. She's a regular person whose husband stood her up for a long-planned anniversary trip. On a flight across the Atlantic headed for Italy, a drunken pity party and untimely turbulence literally drop Lizzy into Ren's lap. It is the last thing she can imagine ever happening to someone like her. But despite their surface differences, they discover an undeniable pull between them. A pull that leads them both to remember who they had once been before letting themselves be changed.
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I don’t like the narrator.
- By Ana A. on 07-30-18
By: Inglath Cooper