The Caves of San Pietro

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Pub Date 19 Aug 2021 | Archive Date 29 Sep 2021

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Description

After he and his buddy survive the bloody landing on the beaches of Salerno, Frank Moster is more determined than ever to play a part in liberating his birth parents’ homeland from the Nazi scourge. What he doesn’t expect is that he’ll become personally involved with an Italian family whose lives are being ravaged, first by the German occupation and now by the brutal fighting and deadly bombings on the heels of the Allied invasion – or that, for the second time in his life, he’ll come face to face with the heartache and trauma of being orphaned at a very young age.

When all three of these forces collide at the Battle of San Pietro, lives will be changed forever and unbreakable bonds will be forged between families half a world apart.

After he and his buddy survive the bloody landing on the beaches of Salerno, Frank Moster is more determined than ever to play a part in liberating his birth parents’ homeland from the Nazi scourge...


A Note From the Publisher

The daughter of a Gold Star military family, Susan Gayle is an avid lover of history, a charter member of the New Orleans WWII Museum, member of the Texas Legislative Ladies and a physician. She completed the SMU Creative Writing Program in Dallas. Though her previous writing was medical articles, she turned her hand to fiction when she discovered the source materials that led to "The Caves of San Pietro". She enjoys relaxing weekends at the lake with her family.

The daughter of a Gold Star military family, Susan Gayle is an avid lover of history, a charter member of the New Orleans WWII Museum, member of the Texas Legislative Ladies and a physician. She...


Advance Praise

Ink and Insights Top Ten Award

"The author vividly captures the harshness of Nazi rule and the bravery of the Allied soldiers dedicated to the liberation of Italy. An intriguing and earnest... war tale." –Kirkus Reviews

"Susan Gayle's passion shines through in this deeply personal and well-researched WWII tale. Her compelling characters and vivid prose draw the reader into a captivating world of war, sacrifice, family and the kindness of humans that not only transcends cultures, but generations. Trust me, this is a must read!" -Brad Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of the Pike Logan series


Ink and Insights Top Ten Award

"The author vividly captures the harshness of Nazi rule and the bravery of the Allied soldiers dedicated to the liberation of Italy. An intriguing and earnest... war...


Available Editions

ISBN 9781684337392
PRICE US$6.99 (USD)

Average rating from 1 member


Featured Reviews

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The Caves of San Pietro by Susan Gayle is a historical fiction story set in Italy during World War II. Ms. Gayle a charter member of the New Orleans WWWII museum, and a physician. This is her first novel.

Frank Moster, a soldier from Texas, survives the landing on the beaches of Salerno. Born in New York City to an Italian family, Frank was relocated to Texas on the famous Orphan Train.

In Salerno, Frank gets involved with an Italian family and helps them survive the war. Unfortunately, all of their lives will be changed during the Battle of San Pietro.

I was pleasantly surprised by this historical fiction of World War II. I have not read much about the war in Italy, but The Caves of San Pietro by Susan Gayle certainly piqued my interest.

The author, who is a relative of the protagonists, created a vivid picture of life during the war, in Italy particularly. The experiences of both American soldiers and Italian citizens is indeed well researched and extremely well told.

Surprisingly, my favorite part of the book was the bike ride Frank and his brother took from Texas to New York City and back. Along the way they met especially fascinating people, got autographs of notables, and won a sizeable bet.

I do love road trips, and seeing the “real” America is second only to unquestionably meeting fascinating people. The author did a remarkable job recreating the journey, in all its awesomeness and hardships.

The Battle of San Pietro Infine was specifically fought in December of 1943. Allied forced attacked heavily fortified German positions around the town. The victory, nevertheless, was crucial to give allied forces a way to liberate Rome. Evidently, it was also the first battle where troops of the Royal Italian Army fought with the Allies.

I have not done much reading about the war in Italy. I can think of five, or so, books that deal especially with the subject. Generally, they all made fascinating reads and I’ll make sure to be on the lookout for more.

Do not skip the author’s notes at the end of the novel, along with the pictures. Ms. Gayle tells of her research, history, and the relatives which inspired this novel.

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