At first, I had difficulty getting into this book, but I found it quite entertaining once I did. The alternating viewpoints between the past and present were well-executed, although I personally enjoyed Serafina's story more than Sara's.

The middle portion of the book dragged a bit for me, but the ending was satisfying and tied everything together nicely.

One aspect that stood out to me was the vivid descriptions of Sicily, and I particularly enjoyed listening to the audiobook version.

I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio | HQ for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Sicilian Inheritance written by Jo Piazza and narrated by Rachel Hirsch and Carlotta Brentan is a stunning story of two women in two timelines, present day Sara and her Great Grandmother Serafina. The story is told in alternating POV's and are equally balanced

Sara is recently divorced, her business has failed and her dearly beloved Great Aunt Rosie has just died, leaving in her will, the deeds to land in Sicily and an all-expenses paid trip to explore the country, see if the land is still there and find out what happened to Serafina, that prevented her from joining the family exodus to the US

I adore Sara's sister Carla back in America, her Aunt Rosie sounded like an absolute scream! Also, Sara's guide Giussi (Juicy?), Fina and Luca. Sicilian people who are also determined to help Sara reclaim her land and solve the mystery

The beautiful thing about this book, is the intertwining strands of storylines that wind together to create a strong cable. Although the two women are 100 years apart, there are a lot of similarities in their tenacity and fortitude, their intelligence and drive. The character outlines are so well done and the descriptive is illustrious

But all is not well and the Mafioso are still prevalent in the small Sicilian village, the same as 100 years ago and they do not want to give up this land

The narrations are fantastic, the writing is gripping and I was utterly entranced throughout, a stunning audiobook

Thank you to Netgalley, Harpercollins Audio, the author Jo Piazza and narrators for this fantastic ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Such a beautifully written and compelling story that spans generations.

Told in a gripping dual timeline narrative, we meet two strong women and see the lives they lead. Sara, is left an inheritance by her beloved great aunt, Rosie. It’s a plot of land in Sicily, but locals are refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the inheritance. Sara must travel to Sicily and work out the kinks so she can move on with the mess that her life is right now.

In Sicily, Sara learns from people in town of the infamous story of her great grandmother Serafina and her possible murder. Through Sara’s journey through the past, we also get Serafina’s story of her life.

Through the stunning beauty of the Italian setting and the incredible characters, we get this empowering story of women, their love and their strength.

I thought this was such a great read. It definitely moved me.

Wow wow wow...

I absolutely loved this book... This was such a pleasure to listen to the duality of 2 timelines was easy to follow which can be a difficult transition while listening to an audio book but this flowed so naturally it all felt very realistic. It is evident the work, time & effort that has gone into this book and it is absolutely worth every moment spent a truly wonderful read with high respect & gratitude for your work Jo Piazza.

The story itself has you feeling all sorts of various emotions throughout as you journey through what feels like your own ancestral journey as it is so encompassing. The characters Sara and Serefina both really bring the feeling of empowerment particularly in relation to women being able to stand on their own for themelves and alongside each other which proves evident with both Josie and Sara then Serifina at the ending. All the women in this novel play such a critical part in showing rhe reader the power we all have within ans also that not all men were or are of the same nature either even in centuries past when women were expected more to obey.

I felt particularly drawn to the early 1900 timeline it resonated deeply with me, the way in which the words were used to describe the situations in both timelines were so appropriate and fitting I really have nothing but praise for both the story, narration and simply everything about this. I even felt I got a nice lighthearted education on Scicily itself and some more of the historical traditions which I am greatful for. Absolutely outstanding.

Thank you to Jo Piazza, Harper Collins UK Audio and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this book in return for an honest review.

Oh my goodness I inhaled this amazing story. I was listening compulsively. Jo Piazza, I think your great great grandmother would be extremely proud, and Im grateful to learn how the seed of the story was planted, the research that has gone into the dual timeline is evident in every part of the book.

I liked Sarah’s character, her determination to carry out her beloved aunts final wishes and the mystery’s that she uncovers along the way were touching, endearing and extremely interesting. I particularly loved Josie’s character, I cackled with laughter often at her antics.
I loved the way in which the story split flawlessly over both timeline’s and pov and as it progressed I felt that I couldn’t wait to be back in the early 1900’s with Seraphina, she opened my mind and really had me in awe, I was transfixed by her life story, she was a seriously strong woman, a break the mould type, and the ending was just exceptional and felt appropriate.

This book ticked all the boxes for me, it’s clever, funny, touching, distressing at times and there are moments of romance, love, loss, betrayal and mystery, it’s written with such love and attention to detail.

Both narrators have done a brilliant job. I didn’t want to leave them behind.

All the stars 🌟 #Jorecommends

With many thanks to Jo Piazza and Harper Collins U.K. audio via NetGalley for an advance copy of this audiobook.

Sorry to say that this book, that I so desperately wanted to love, fell flat.

I usually love dual timeline historical fiction, but this one just dragged and I felt like it was about three years long.

I’m struggling to work out why it didn’t work for me, I just didn’t connect with any of the characters, so I didn’t care what happened to them and I found the storyline dull.

Rachel F. Hirsch and Carlotta Brentan did a great job narrating.

2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jo Piazza and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.

"Under the Sicilian Sun" is a captivating historical mystery that kept me glued to the pages until the very last word. The story follows Sara Marsala, who inherits land in Sicily from her great-aunt Rosie. However, a dark secret hangs over the inheritance - the locals deny the validity of the deed, and Rosie suspects foul play surrounding Sara's great-grandmother's death.

Driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire to honor Rosie's wishes, Sara delves into the past. As she explores the picturesque Sicilian countryside, she uncovers the truth about Serafina, a remarkable young woman who defied societal expectations. But uncovering the truth comes at a cost. The forces that silenced Serafina are still at play, and Sara soon finds herself in danger.

This book is a beautifully written blend of suspense, family history, and cultural exploration. The author brings Sicily to life, and the characters are both complex and relatable. I highly recommend "Under the Sicilian Sun" to anyone who enjoys a gripping mystery with a touch of historical intrigue!

The Sicilian Inheritance
By Jo Piazza

Anyone who judges a book by it's cover will have a hard time bypassing this one. It's gorgeous, and evocative and I knew I had to have it.

This is a dual timeline story with dual narrators, set in the ruggedly harsh bit impossibly beautiful island of Sicily. There's a murder mystery element, an exploration of identity, romance and friendship and insights into how Sicily became so exploited and impoverished, it's tradition of emigration, it's deeply ingrained patriarchy and the grip that the Cosa Nostra have on the economy, the government and social structures.

We discover how difficult life was and is, particularly for women, and how they coped against adversity through their particular strengths and resolves.

Piazza has captured a strong sense of place. Her connection and research is evident, with lushly painted landscapes and villages and epicurean delights.

Both narrators brought this story to life, their accents and cadence were well matched with their characters and distinct enough to not lose track of who's narrative was who's.

This is a brain candy ŕead with substance that would be worth the space in your holiday luggage, or to stretch out with in the garden on a sunny day.

Publication date: 25th April 2024
Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsAudio for the ALC

This is an absolutely kickass narrative of female empowerment and women supporting women, specifically in situations where men think they're being kind.

What I didn't know before starting and you probably should is that this is a dual-timeline novel. This is a gimmick I sometimes love, particularly in the works of Jessie Burton, and it mostly works here but, occasionally, it clunks and I can't put my finger on why.
For example: there are a couple of places where we cut away from one narrative in a way that heightens the tension, then the section of the other narrative doesn't feed into or out of the situation we just left and then when we return to the previous narrator, the tension has been disappated off-screen.
The POV character in the older timeline left a diary and I think it might have been more effective for that timeline to be represented as diary entries. I really didn't need the epilogue and it kinda undercut my girl-power high that the last chapter left me on.

This book is peopled with fascinatingly complex female side-characters and some delightfully functional family relationships.

This book also chimes for me because my great-grandfather also left southern Italy (Naples, I believe, not Sicily) for America at the turn of the century and hearing about the poverty of that region always cuts me to the heart.

The Sicilian Inheritance weaves a tale of loss, murder, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of women facing adversity. Following the death of Sara's great-aunt Rosie, she inherits family land in Sicily, but her claim is challenged by the locals, who demand she solve the mystery surrounding her great-grandmother Serafina's murder.

This story took me by surprise, initially drawing me in with the promise of mystery, only to reveal a captivating narrative that seamlessly intertwines Sara's journey with glimpses into Sarafina's past. The accounts of the lives of women in Siciliy after the men left for America were heartbreaking, inspiring and fascinating. I found myself engrossed in the stories of strength, sisterhood, and resilience amid a patriarchal society. It was a four star read for me until the ending, when I realised how much I had come to care about these characters, the women of Serafina's time and the sacrifices made by Serafina to ensure a brighter future for her children and her community.

The beautiful narration, coupled with vivid depictions of Sicilian landscapes and culture, transported me to another time and place.The voices of the different characters were distinct and rich with emotion, which really heightened my sense of empathy for their plight.

Thank you HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

A story of strength, perseverance and strong women carving their own paths. Explores the complexities of friendships, societal expectations, the patriarchy and identity. Dual POV's and dual timelines following a young woman and her great grandmother. Adventure, romance, deception, friendships, strength, empowerment and mystery. Enjoyable quick read 📚
#TheSicilianInheritance #NetGalley

I listened to the wonderful audio of this epic historical fiction novel. The two main female characters in each time period are excellently narrated by a different woman. There’s a riveting historical murder mystery. And there’s a complicated modern day ‘crime’ plot! So many twists & turns in this dual timeline story spanning 100 years in Sicily. The role of women is a strong theme

When Sara's Aunt Rosie dies, she is bequeathed a trip to Sicily and a deed to a property which may or may not be genuine. But that's just the start. Aunt Rosie believed there was a mystery to be solved and has sent Sara to discover it. I found this book to be well-written and engaging. Thanks so much to NetGalley for the freebie!