Review: An Amazing Story That Will Tug At Your Heartstrings
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 10, 2012
Madeline O'Connor is a successful NY businesswoman, founder and CEO of Felicity International, a worldwide lingerie company. Spurred on by a past betrayal by her sister and ex-husband, Felicity International becomes her whole world. There is nothing or no one that compares to the passion Maddie has for her company, that is until she receives a letter from her nephew in Italy requesting that she come see his mom, her estranged sister, Carrie, who is terminally ill from cancer. When Maddie arrives in Italy, she finds herself on a journey of self-discovery and questions the choices she has made in her life.While staying at the ancient Benedictine St. Valentine's monastery, she meets a handsome monk, Brother Anthony Lamberti, who ignites a long dormant attraction and passion in her life. But then there is fellow New York businessman, Tyler Reed, who is interested in Maddie, and a complicated love triangle is formed ... but who does Maddie choose? Will she choose a new way of life that is in Italy, or does she go back to New York, where her company was her whole life? While in Italy, Maddie must decide what she wants most in her life ... she is on a journey to find felicity (happiness).Finding Felicity is an amazing love story that will pull at your heartstrings. Set in the beautiful scenic country of Italy, the story is about a woman's journey of self-discovery to find the felicity (happiness) in her life. This story deals with such real life issues as betrayal, terminal illness, forgiveness, death, passion, love, choices and spirituality, it embraces the reader and immediately draws them into Maddie's journey. The story is narrated in alternating chapters interwoven between Maddie's story in the present day, with that of Fr. Marco's story set in 1943. I found that this interweaving of stories and timelines to be fascinating, as Maddie and Fr. Marco find themselves at crossroads in their lives, and both have to deal with making decisions on life choices that both involve love interests, careers, and what will make them happiest in their lives.The author provides realistic characters with complexities and issues that the reader can easily relate to. As the reader is introduced to Maddie, Carrie, Jonathan, Anthony, Tyler and Fr. Marco, they are drawn into their individual lives and intertwining stories. The depth of these characters' lives are powerful and make the story that much more a compelling read.The story's setting in Italy is full of rich scenic descriptions that reads like a wonderful tour guide. The author does a fantastic job of transporting the reader to Italy. I could picture the various sights and sounds of Italy, it made me wish that I could have traveled there to experience everything the country has to offer.Finding Felicity is an emotional story filled with real life issues and enough twists and turns that will have the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride to the very surprising conclusion. No emotion is left out, the story will have the reader smiling, laughing, crying and reflecting upon their own life as they follow along with Maddie's journey. With tissues in hand, this story will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling. Any novel that can get me completely and emotionally engaged in its story is well worth the read. I highly recommend reading this amazing debut novel, you won't be disappointed!Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event.