I love stories about WW2 and this didn’t disappoint. Young love in a small Sicilian village. A family relocate to America, promises made and then war. Will they survive, will they end up together that’s the premise of the story.

Pur two main characters fall in love as children but never get to be together due to her fathers choice. They are torn apart as concettas family leave for America. But on their last time together G gives her a pen
And so a long and loving connection through love and letters continues. And continues their bond and forges their loves.
We learn of the times through each pov. The war was horrific for all involved. To varying degrees. But I'm stunned with every part I read and learn about. All stories break my heart and shatter my faith in humanity. This wasn't even that long ago! And it makes you worry so much about the state of our world. How it truly can go wrong with awful people allowed to reign free. So watching and reading of such brave people as our characters, even if it's just continuing to love is astounding. And inspiring.
This is a love story. And I was desperate for a happy ending. Many points, too many points I feared it wouldn't or could not happen.
There's alot of really tragic subject matter here. Do e with the sensitivity they deserve.
I adored this book. Historical fiction is one of my favorite. And this adds to why.

This was a very good book interesting to read about Italy at this time.

Concetta lives with her parents and sister in Sicily and she is in love with Gaetano her best friend’s brother. She gets devastating news that her family are moving to America she wants to stay but is not allowed. Concetta ends up working in a factory it wasn’t what she wanted to do but to support her family she does. When War comes Gaetano ends up drafted he continues to corresponds with Concetta. Will they see each other again.

The book was good and flowed nicely. I liked the characters they worked well together.

An enjoyable book.

Last Letter From Sicily was a really sweet, beautifully written, very enjoyable historical fiction novel (with a dash of long-lost-lovers romance) set around WWII in Italy (specifically Sicily) & the US (specifically Milwaukee WI - I had no idea so many Italian immigrants went there in the 1900s!). Oh and the novel was based on the author's grandparents' story - how sweet is that!?

The WWII time period is probably my top favorite historical fiction time period to read about, but this was the first one I've read from the Italian/Axis perspective, and I found it absolutely fascinating and I definitely learned new things (I know more about Mussolini now than I did before!) . Honestly I couldn't put the book down, it was a gripping story! I loved all the Italian phrases and the beautiful descriptions of Sicilian scenery and life. It was interesting to read about immigrants coming to the US from an Italian perspective too (not to mention heartbreaking; what a tough time so many people went through!).

I do wish there had been character names at the top of each chapter, as occasionally we got the story from Concetta's dad (Enzo) or little sister's (Giuseppina) pov. I also wish that since we WERE getting multiple characters povs that we had been able to dive a little deeper into their characters. I think Enzo got a quick ending and resolution to all his character flaws, but we were left hanging a little bit with Giuseppina...what happened to her? Was the baseball guy a good thing? An epilogue might help tie up some of the lose ends!

The Last Letter from Sicily by Lindsay Marrie Morris is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel which captivate readers from start to finish. Lindsay Marrie Morris has crafted a memorable story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The themes of love, loss, and self-discovery are expertly explored throughout the novel. Morris delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of past events on the present and the emotional depth of the story leaves an lasting impression on the readers. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was an engaging historical romance, with the young lovers separated by war.

Concetta and Gaetano live with their families in a Sicilian fishing village in 1939. Concetta’s father, wary of Benito Mussolini and the political similarities that led to WWI, decides to relocate his family to America in a bid to get away from what he sees as a bad situation. He also does not approve of Gaetano’s proposal of marriage to Concetta, and familial duty forces her to go with her family to America. The two lovers promise to stay in touch via letters, and Concetta vows to return to Gaetano. As Concetta navigates her new life in Minnesota and tries to save enough to buy passage back, Gaetano is drafted into the Italian Army and then all correspondence stops as the US declares war on Italy. Each of them has to deal with both the memories of the other and their new life circumstances.

I really enjoyed how immersive this book was. The author did a really good job of painting realistic, immersive settings, whether in Sicily, Milwaukee, or Catania. I also enjoyed the author’s note at the end, where she describes that the story is based on her own grandparents. It gave the story an extra level of authenticity as it was clearly a labor of love. Most of the characters were well-rounded and interesting, but there was one in particular that showed up early on, disappeared for an enormous chunk in the middle of the book, and then reappeared at the end. It might not have been as noticeable except that the character was Concetta’s best friend, who introduced Concetta to her brother Gaetano. It seemed clear that the character was introduced early on to serve a purpose later in the story, but it seemed off that once Concetta moved to America that she would write Gaetano but not her best friend. Also, Concetta’s younger sister at times felt stuck as a younger age than she actually was.

This book would make a good beach read. Or if, like me, you like to read novels about the places you visit when you travel, then this is the book to read if you’re heading to Sicily.

This is an honest review based on the book provided by NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

I enjoyed The Last Letter from Sicily, particularly the depiction of family dynamics and the heartfelt relationship between Concetta and Gaetano. The first love element was beautifully captured, and I appreciated the sense of adventure and the emotional depth of their connection. However, I struggled with the character of Enzo, Concetta's father—his sternness and selfish decisions were difficult to empathize with, and I found the mystery surrounding his departure from Sicily a bit frustrating.

The book does an excellent job of vividly describing the Sicilian countryside and nature, which was a true delight to read. However, I found some of the war-related sections, particularly Gaetano's chapters, to be somewhat repetitive and slow, which made parts of the story drag.

Overall, while the novel had its captivating moments, the pacing and certain character dynamics left me feeling a bit disconnected.

This novel is different in that the historical facts are beautifully interwoven. Some books of a similar genre can be too history-heavy. It was a totally engrossing read. I literally read it in hours as it was too good to put down. A marvellous account of Sicily's involvement in WW2.

I enjoyed this emotional story that covers a six year period that begins in Sicily, 1939 and ends in the same locale in 1945 with sections set in a few locations in the United States. As noted by the dates, this is a World War Two novel but one that focuses on parts of history I have not read about as often in Historical Fiction. Although Concetta and Gaetano, who tell the story from their viewpoints, are fictional characters, they were inspired by the author’s grandparents by the same names. It was lovely to read that The Last Letter from Sicily is motivated by family history as these types of stories are often extra special because they are written with such passion and care. This is truly a touching tribute that certainly honours the Sicilians who suffered and sacrificed much in the Second World War but even more so, highlights a tender romance that stood the test of time, distance and war.

Concetta’s story begins and ends in Porticello, Sicily with years away living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States with her family. We see her devotion to her parents but she particularly tries to abide by her father’s wishes. Yet, at what point must she draw the line when it begins to affect her future happiness? In the meantime, through a friend’s recommendation, she gets hired to work in a dress factory (sewing). One of her goals is to save a little money for a ticket so she can return to Sicily and her beloved. But she also takes on extra hours to help support the family while her father, Enzo, tries to find work as a carpenter. He struggles initially to get noticed for his skills but eventually teams up with another man from Sicily who has an established business. Their families get to know each other and Concetta dates this man’s son—even though her heart is still focused on Gaetano. Many issues arise as this fellow’s ideas of a women’s place are different from her own. He believes women should be housewives. While she wants to be a Math teacher.

Meanwhile Concetta battles issues at work: her boss makes advances on her. She is hemmed in by prejudice, harassment and obligation. Dealing with pressure from her father, Enzo, to marry a man she does not love, leads her to an engagement that will surely end in heartache, if she does not get the courage to call it off. For her heart still belongs to Gaetano in Sicily. Will the promise they made to each other be fulfilled? Or will war, distance and her father keep them apart?

The journey for this couple certainly was a difficult one with many challenges. After Concetta moved to Wisconsin with her family, Gaetano is shipped off to war. We follow his movements, the losses of his comrades, his time as a war prisoner, being shipped off to various locations and ending up in a place he would never expect. Throughout this time, he clings to the promise of seeing Concetta again and marrying her—even when he is tempted by another. There are some lovely poetic lines that describe the couple’s favourite Sicilian location. Plus the feelings between them are often displayed beautifully in their letters.

The horrors of war are visible enough in this novel to give us a clear picture of what it was like for the Sicilians but the love that carries this couple across time is quite moving and memorable. I liked the ending when order is restored and dreams are realised. The Last Letter from Sicily is a strong historical fiction novel that many will appreciate. It definitely will pull on readers with sensitive heart strings! 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.

A long but interesting story of love and understanding. It was nice to see the war from the Italian solider’s point of view but it seemed kinda pointless for the main characters to reunite in Sicily only to part and for the girl to go back again. She should have used her money to bring her sweetheart to America.

A young couple in love in Sicily. Her family moves to America. They swear to write each other and be together forever. Italy goes to war and the letters stop. Very heartbreaking.

A young Italian girl and her lover are separated by sea and war when Concetta goes to the USA with her family and Gaetano fights for Italy. While the plot was good, the writing style was not great. I love historical fiction romances (which this is slightly), especially revolving around WWII. The struggle of a foreigner in the USA learning the culture while being unable to talk to her boyfriend due to war politics was new to me which was fun. However, the writing felt very middle grade. Shorter sentences, very basic dialogue, simplistic plot and actions.
Short entries of what was happening between large gaps in time (in addition to the simplistic writing) made it hard to get into while being a quick read. It was difficult to connect to the characters as there wasn't much depth to them. It was very surface level. Much of the story felt like it was more of a retelling of a backstory than the actual plot.
And then when the younger sister's "pov" appeared, the writing turned even more juvenielle making it seem like she was 6 rather than in 6th grade.
I felt like there was a lot of fluff "entries" that did not add to the story but were just there for the page count. and then there were unresolved topics.
One random thing that bothered me was how short the letters were, or at least how short the reader got to see them. They were writing about once a month because everything took so long, but the letters were only a couple sentences to a paragraph most of the time. You'd think they would make the most out of what they could.
The issues and reconnections and forgiveness and everything felt rushed and not in depth, making it hard to care or feel like it was really happening. Resolutions felt too easy.

I think the story had a lot of potential and I am disappointed I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

Emotional, sure. Utterly gripping? Not really.
I had high hopes for The Last Letter from Sicily as I love WW2 historical fiction, but this one didn’t quite hold my interest. While the story is intriguing, the pacing felt slow, and lacked the flow that keeps me glued to a book. It was okay, but not one I couldn’t put down.

My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eARC.

A nice love story based on the author's grandparents. Quite interesting in some places as to historical details, this novel was written in a somewhat clumsy way: it often felt rushed in passages from one event to another, thus preventing depth in the overall storyline and character development.The dialogues were a bit artificial as well. Anyway a lovely story.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

I found the book The Last Letter From Sicily by Lindsay Marie Morris to be very interesting on how WW2 was for Italian immigrants in America and for those left behind in Italy. I liked how the author wrote on behalf of the two groups. The author explained what they went through with the war and what they were experiencing. There’s parts that are sad, happy and parts that make you feel angry. I felt the ending was missing something as I would have liked to hear on how their lives were affected

The beginning of WWII, a young Concetta’s life is upended by her family’s move to America from Sicily. Her first love, Gaetano is left behind. They correspond long distance to keep their love alive, can it last? Then regular life intervenes, this book tells us about Concetta’s life in a factory working to help keep her family afloat and Gaetano gets swept up in the war.
I did enjoy the story, but I just felt something was missing, depth I think, we stayed on the surface of the characters. Hearing about the long hours and the demanding work required by these girls with no laws to protect them was told very well. Enjoyable read.
I thank Storm Publishing along with NetGalley for providing this Galley edition for no requirement other than my offer to provide an unbiased review. Comes in with 4 stars.

A heartfelt, sentimental, and romantic story of an estranged couple, Concetta and Gaetano, set during World War II. I enjoyed the author's vivid and rich descriptions of the settings in both Italy and America. I particularly loved Concetta's passion for mathematics and how it shaped her perception of the world around her. However, I wish the characters were more multi-layered. I wasn’t entirely sure what drew Concetta to Gaetano or what her personality was truly like. While I could see the struggles her family endured, and I appreciated hearing from her younger sister's perspective, I wanted to learn more about Concetta’s complicated family dynamics and her country's history. Is Concetta headstrong, or is she more empathetic toward others?

The dialogue felt somewhat flat. Concetta seemed reluctant to follow her parents or her friend Maria, yet she rarely made independent choices and lacked varied responses beyond following directions. I also wish there had been more plot development beyond Concetta and Gaetano's yearning for one another.

Overall, I appreciated the incorporation of historical facts, Italian traditions, and the family-centric aspect of the novel. The ending was wonderful, and I loved the insight that Concetta’s father, Enzo, gained.

Thank you, Storm Publishing, for the early read! The book is a historical novel set in 1939, following seventeen-year-old Concetta as her family leaves their Sicilian village for America, forcing her to leave her secret love, Gaetano, behind. Before parting, they promise to keep in touch through letters.

As Concetta navigates her new life amid war and prejudice in America, her correspondence with Gaetano becomes her only link to the past. When Italy declares war on the U.S., his letters stop, leaving her desperate to find him.

As someone leaning more into historical fiction, this book brought forth many emotions. The writing is compelling, and the characters are engaging. This tale explores themes of forbidden love, sacrifice, and the longing for home, making it a captivating read for historical romance fans!

I can't wait to explore more books from Lindsay Marie Morris!

A twist on the timeless Romeo + Juliet set in Italy + the United States during WWII. If you are a fan of Historical Fiction with a twist of Romance you won't be able to put this down! Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsay and my friends at Storm Publishing for this eARC!

What to Expect:
⭐ Historical Fiction (WWII focus on US and Italy)
⭐ Dual POV
⭐ Multiple character storylines wrapped in to the main one
⭐ Best Friends Brother
⭐ A Romeo + Juliet vibe with a twist
⭐ Letter Writing + long distance romance
⭐ Immigrating from Italy to the US during the start of the war

My Thoughts:
I absolutely adored this book! The characters are written with such depth and emotion. The historical story points are so raw and real. There is a section of the book where the main character (Concetta) and her family immigrate to the US from Italy. It shows aspects of taking the boat, to landing at Ellis Island and the journy you would have to take to be allowed in to the US. I just went to New York, so maybe there was a deeper appreciation to this part but I really loved the details!

The story of Concetta & second main character (Gaetano) is both beautiful and tragic. Falling in love as kids and then torn apart during the war. Concetta and her family immigrate to the US, while Gaetano stays back eventually being drafted and deploying. Seeing their parallel stories run and the separate lives they're living is both heartbreaking and beautiful. Heartbreaking because life has taken them in two different directions, but beautiful because they really try to make it work through letters FOR YEARS! Even when they both question if the other is still out there and love them and meeting other people. I was so glad the author brought them back together because you are ROOTING for them in the end!

The story overall gives a Romeo + Juliet vibe but set inside WWII. Concettas father wants more for her than the life he sees her taking. He thinks it too simple and Gaetano too damaged. Yet he finds away on his own journey to see they love each other and it can work.

You find yourself going from rooting the two main characters on, to also rooting on Concettas family. You see the good and the bad of the Italians participating in the war... while I don't know a lot about their perspective I do know war is such a difficult thing for any family to have to be a part of. My brother is active military and having him deploy every few years is nerve wracking and your days are filled with more worry than anyone should have t0 bear.

Over all I loved this so much! I couldn't put it down. I read it in a DAY!

Synopsis:
Sicily, 1939. Seventeen-year-old Concetta has just received life-changing her family is leaving their sun-drenched Sicilian village and moving to America. Desperate to stay with her secret love Gaetano—a fisherman’s son her father would never accept—Concetta spends one last night with him beneath a blanket of stars. There, among the citrus-scented air and cricket song, he hands her a leaving a fountain pen, with a promise to keep their love alive through letters – and return to each other one day.

In America, Concetta refuses to let go of her dream of returning to Sicily, even as she struggles to navigate a strange new world of factory work and prejudice. Her letters to Gaetano become her lifeline, each one carrying fragments of her heart across the ocean. But when Italy declares war on the United States, Gaetano’s letters suddenly stop. As Concetta faces pressure to let go of her past and accept her new American life, she yearns to discover Gaetano’s fate—even if it means crossing a war-torn ocean to find him.

I have traveled to Italy twice and hence, I am always looking for novels based in my favorite country.

“The Last Letter From Sicily” takes us back to World War II. Here, we meet Concetta and Gaetano who fall in love in Sicily. Concetta desires to come a math teacher while Gaetano, is a dedicated Latin scholar. Concetta’s family decide to emigrate to the United States and not wanting to be separate from Gaetano, the couple decides to marry. But like many star-crossed lovers, Concetta’s dad forbids it.

The novel moves from Concetta’s struggles to adapt to American life in the United States while Gatetano fights as part of the Italian army. The two continue to write to one another, which highlights how important letters were to memorialize this time in history.

My grandparents were also Italian immigrants and my grandma in particular, had difficulty adapting to life in America. Concetta’s story reminded me of hers. I also appreciated learning more about the experience of serving in the Italian army. So many WWII novels focus on Germany, Austria, Poland, France and the U.K. and hence, I appreciated this perspective. This was enjoyable read with well developed characters and a unique perspective.

Four out of five stars.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and Net Galley for a chance to read this book.