Genre

Romantic

Audience

Adult

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2019

Themes

Chastity, forgiveness, opposites-attract romance, Rome, travel, pilgrimage, tourism

 

Reviewed by

Tiffany Buck

“I’d go to Rome with Satan if he asked me.”

Bob White reluctantly entered Jannetta Orlando’s salon, La Bella Figura, for a couples’ makeover―alone. He’s headed to Rome in the hopes of selling his invention. Only, just before the trip, his girlfriend who scheduled the couples’ makeover breaks up with him. Few places prompt individuals to spill the beans about their current situation like a salon chair. Bob tells Janetta about his trip, the invention, and his anxiety over not speaking Italian. His girlfriend Connie was supposed to be his translator. Janetta gushes over Rome, the city where her parents were born and raised. She even hints at her jealousy over his trip. Before the cape comes off, Bob offers to pay Janetta to be his translator.  After a moment or two of thought, Janetta accepts. Lucky for Bob, she has two weeks off, thanks to a girls-getaway cancellation. It seems perfectly simple. Well, maybe not so simple. 

I love an opposites-attract romance novel. No one is putting on their best clothes and smiling, hoping for fireworks. Yet the sparks fly anyway. Palko gives us two characters, Bob and Janetta, who have nothing in common and sends them to Europe. If the two had met at a soirée, they would have parted ways without a moment’s thought. Traveling to Rome together forces daily interaction, whether it’s enjoying a gelato in the hot sun or arguing over clothes. The two see each other for who they truly are.

Janetta craves la dolce vita. She hopes to find a man in Rome, one that will sweep her off her feet. At Bob’s business meeting, she meets Giuliano Legato. With one look she falls head over heels for him. As it turns out, Giuliano is just another of Janetta’s bad relationships. Worse yet, her actions affect Bob’s business dealings.

Bob is an intelligent, thoughtful man with much to offer, even though Janetta initially sees him as a boring man. His Catholic faith is the center of his life. Others’ needs come before his own. Bob needs this business deal to go through, but when Janetta’s dalliance with Giuliano is exposed, insults fly and Bob takes Janetta’s side like a knight in shining armor. Yes, Janetta made a mistake, but she still deserves respect.

Bob may appear dull, but Janetta has never been around a man quite like him before. He’s strong, masculine, and supportive. While accompanying Bob on his mini-pilgrimage, a conversion begins in Janetta. She starts to become ashamed by her past relationships with so many men. To escape the rain, Janetta enters a church dedicated to St Joseph. Her thoughts turn to Bob. He protected her dignity, bought her roses, and took her to church. Bob was like the bride-groom of the Blessed Virgin. 

Janetta and Bob are an unlikely but great couple. From the very beginning you can see the attraction between the two, even when they argued. Instead of giving into physical attraction, they take time to get to know one another, and love flows. Janetta’s newfound devotion to St. Joseph was my favorite part of the novel. I recommend this book all Catholic women, married or unmarried. It’s a fun read with lots of Catholic tie-ins. Non-Catholics will love the comedic and virtuous relationship between Bob and Janetta.

Get Catholic Books & eBooks for as little as $1 to FREE

Cinderella by Charles Perrault

The true story of the Catholic saint who inspired the myth of Cinderella

August & September New Book Releases

Step into Fall with a Good Book

Best of 2020

Yes some good things DID happen this year- Catholic creators have not let turmoil stop their mission.

Good to the Last Drop by Declan Finn

Marco thought his problems were over when he took on the vampire council, until he gets bit by a werewolf. Will this ruin things with his vampire girlfriend?

Life Changing Love by Theresa Linden

What do when your heart gets broken and your best friend gets an unplanned pregnancy?

Island of Miracles by Amy Schisler

When she finds out her husband had a whole other set of wife and kids Kate starts over in a small beach town.

Ornamental Graces by Carolyn Astfalk

A great romantic drama about how authentic love can restore life to two people who have been hurt in the past.

Rightfully Ours by Carolyn Asfalk

When Paul & Rachel discover a hidden treasure they wrestle with the responsibility of it– even as they face similar questions in their relationship.

Everything Old: Love in Anadauk Book 1 by Amanda Hamm

Two youth group leaders rekindle their friendship and find love with each other along the way.

Playing by Heart by Carmela Martino

In this historical drama, Emilia longs for a love as beautiful as her sonata, but the ambitions of her father put her and her sister in great danger. Winner of our 2018 Best of the Year Awards.

Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman

An intriguing story that will enchant with a sweet romance and take you on a thrill ride through the Gothic version of modern-day New York City.

All in Good Time by Carolyn Astfalk

A truly healthy romance that will STILL leave you up at night

Live and Let Bite Review by Declan Finn

The battle with the demons of San Francisco left Marco broken and now Amanda isn’t answering his messages.

North Pacific: A Story of Life, Love, Suffering, and Grace by Michael Steffan

Joseph & Miku’s love was already illegal. Then WWII began. Now home, disabled, and questioning God’s love, he still searches for her.

Calling All Booklovers! – Editor Positions Open

Do you love reading books and getting other people to read them? Join our team and make your mark on today’s Catholic literary revival.

The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas

Would you die for a flower? Would you kill for one? Providence, romance, and danger rule in this tense, heart-warming prison romance.

I Hope You Find Joy By Eliza Mae Albano

Can Emma find joy with the man who hurt her?

Best Books of 2022

Our favorite book finds of the year!

Most Highly Favored Daughter by Janice Palko

Her perfect life hides her city’s darkest secrets. Can Cara face the light of truth and come to understand real love?

Brave Water by Sarah Robsdottir

What if you had to risk your life for a simple cup of water?