Beneath an Italian Sky (American Heiress, #2)

by Stacy Henrie

[phyllish]

Could their shattered relationship survive an earthquake?

My rating is 4.5 stars

In 1908, Messina, Italy experienced a devastating earthquake that resulted in almost total destruction of the city. Author Stacy Henrie chose this as the background for her latest historical fiction novel.

Having grown up in earthquake country, I want to say first of all how fascinating it was to learn about this earthquake and the consequences of it. The descriptions of what it would have felt like in the earthquake were similar to what I have experienced, though the consequences of it were far more severe, happening in an area that didn't have earthquake codes for their buildings. Reading about the reactions of the people and the terror they would have experienced as their world literally fell to pieces around them was quite gripping.

Lack of communication and fear of rejection were some major problems in Emmett and Clare's relationship. The way that Emmett's father expected him to deal with grief as a child caused another rift in the relationship of this young couple. While this type of situation in stories often makes me want to shake the characters and tell them to just say what they are thinking, I did not have that reaction in Beneath an Italian Sky. The author not only made this believable but in using flashbacks made it quite enjoyable.

I really liked the hero and heroine and loved watching them as their compassionate hearts led them to help those who were more injured and needy due to the earthquake than they were themselves. Watching Clare develop the courage to speak out and the way she finally did was perfect and made me want to cheer.

If you enjoy historical romance with a touch of inspiration, Beneath an Italian Sky would be a good addition to your To Be Read list.
at Among the Reads""


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.