Dancing on Sunday Afternoons

by Linda Cardillo

Overview

"I had two husbands."

The discovery of long-hidden love letters leads New York caterer Cara Serafini on a journey to understanding her formidable grandmother, Giulia Fiorillo. Born in a mountain village in southern Italy, the spirited Giulia arrives at the age of sixteen in a rough New York immigrant neighborhood at the beginning of the twentieth century, forced from the comforts and constrictions of her family by the fierce drive of her mother. In America, Giulia faces not only an inhospitable culture but also violence in the family and in the streets, shattering loss and a love that shapes her whole life.

Love, loss, and resilience on the immigrant journey from Italy to New York.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940185998175
Publisher:	Bellastoria Press
Publication date:	11/30/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

LINDA CARDILLO is an award-winning author of historical fiction and historical romance. She writes about the old country and the new, the tangle and embrace of family, and finding courage in the midst of loss.

She is also co-founder of Bellastoria Press, an independent publisher of compelling and beautiful stories.

In an earlier life Linda worked as an editor of college textbooks before earning an MBA at Harvard Business School at a time when women represented only 15% of the class. Armed with her Harvard degree, she managed the circulation of Inc. magazine during its successful start- up, founded a catering business and then built a career as the author of several works of nonfiction, from articles in The New York Times to books on marketing and corporate policy. Throughout her professional life and while raising her family, she nurtured her intention to write fiction. Her debut novel, Dancing on Sunday Afternoons, which launched Harlequin’s Everlasting Love series, was published in 2007.

When she isn’t writing, Linda loves to cook and is happiest when the twelve chairs around her dining room table are filled with people enjoying her food. She speaks four languages, some better than others. She plays the piano every night—sometimes by herself and sometimes in an improvisational duet with her younger son. She does The New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle in ink, a practice she learned from her mother. From her mother she also absorbed a love of opera, especially those of Puccini and Verdi, whose music filled her home when she was a child. She once climbed Mt. Kenya and has very curly hair.

For news and upcoming events, previews of new work, and musings on the writing life, sign up for Linda’s newsletter at lindacardillo.com.

Editorial Reviews

Dancing on Sunday Afternoons is a superbly nuanced, emotionally rich tale of one woman's journey from turn-of-the-century Italy to America in which Linda Cardillo beautifully blends women's fiction, romance and historical fiction into one unforgettable story.

Chicago Tribune - John Charles

A fresh and original storyline makes Dancing on Sunday Afternoons a "must-read" for anyone who enjoys family drama. In the style of LaVyrle Spencer, Jude Devereaux or Danielle Steele, author Linda Cardillo has penned a wonderful debut novel.

Contemporary Romance Writers - Lettitia Elsasser

Linda Cardillo's Dancing on Sunday Afternoons (4 Stars) is deeply touching and rich with period detail.

Romantic Times Book Reviews - Catherine Witmer

This is a stupendous book! Filled with affect, it captures beautifully the essence of Italian culture, especially immigrant culture in New York City in the early 1900's. Each page jumps out and grabs you into Giulia's life, her loves, and her conflicts. Don't miss this story, it will move you to tears with the pain and joy you find within each page. Kudos to Linda Cardillo for giving us this window into a small part of her own Italian heritage.

The Romance Readers Connection - Jeri Neal

Based on her own family history, Cardillo's beautiful love story will be cherished by readers.

Booklist - Patty Engelmann