Brava, Valentine by Adriana Trigiani

Synopsis from Publisher:  When Valentine's grandmother begins a new life in Italy, she places Valentine and her nemesis, her brother Alfred, "the Prince," as partners at the Angelini Shoe Company, makers of handcrafted wedding shoes since 1903. A once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity takes Valentine from the winding streets of Greenwich Village to the sun-kissed cobblestones of Buenos Aires, where she unearths a long-buried family secret and finds herself torn between a past love that nurtured her and a new one that promises to sustain her, in this "dazzling" (USA Today) follow-up to Very Valentine.

My thoughts: Although this is the second book in what I've learned is a trilogy this was my introduction to both Valentine Roncalli and the author, Andriana Trigiani.  I remember seeing several reviews for Very Valentine last Spring and knowing instantly that I wanted to read it.  While my intention was to read Very Valentine before this one, it just didn't happen.  I didn't feel like I was lost reading this one even though I hadn't read the first installment.  I certainly intend to read it in fairly short order. 

Brava, Valentine begins with Valentine Roncalli along with her large family in Italy preparing for her beloved grandmothers wedding. There is no shortage of drama in this very fun and entertaining story.  This is not only a life changing event for the bride and groom but for Valentine as well as she is taking over the family business, or is she?  Valentine is a great character.  She is strong and independent, but still a little bit quirky.  She is presented as a real woman with her own set of issues rather than a perfect character.  There is such a mix of fantastic characters in this story.  Each of the individuals within the Roncalli-Angelini family and then the family itself.  They were quite the bunch. 

 

Brava,Valentine lived up to my expectations as I'm sure that Very Valentine will.  I would encourage you to pick them both up. 

I've read several books this year that were set in Italy and with each one my desire to visit becomes stronger and stronger.  Hopefully I will get to see these beautifully described settings one day.  Until then, I'll keep on reading about them.  

I received my copy of Brava, Valentine from the publisher to participate in this Blog Tour.