Angelo Bianco is a Catholic American who grows up with a Jewish family in Italy, where he is expected to become a priest. He and the family’s daughter, Eva Rosselli, are drawn to each other. When WWII arrives, the family is torn apart.

I appreciated the historical aspects and found it accurate in terms of the Catholic church hiding Jews in Rome and the Nazis’ robbing and roundups. Father O’Flaherty and Rabbi Cassuto were real people and are portrayed convincingly. The first half is set up well, with Angelo and Eva developing strong bonds. I was interested to see how the war would affect them.

It lost me in the second half. I had trouble believing Angelo would go through with ordination when he did not seem particularly spiritual or devoted. The relationship between Angelo and Eva becomes increasingly melodramatic. Toward the end, it requires a huge suspension of disbelief, which I just could not muster. I liked parts of this book, so I am going with a middle of the road rating. ( )

I’ve been meaning to read this historical forever and I’m so glad I decided to pick it up. Set in Italy in the years just preceding and during the second world war, we see two children grow up, one a priest in training sent from the US by his parents for the hope of a better future, the other a young Jewish girl living the the tension and fear as Europe slowly comes under the tightening restrictions and oppression of the Nazi and fascist regimes.

As adults Eva and Angelo work for the resistance, while keeping Eva’s heritage carefully concealed. Their star-crossed love story burns on page, as Angelo is torn between his future as a priest, and an afternoon of passion they once shared. This isn’t my first Amy Harmon book, and I also appreciate the way she incorporates characters with disabilities into her work, giving them strong storylines, and writing disability in a realistic way. As the war churns on and things grow ever more dangerous, Eva and Angelo are torn between protecting each other and trying to save lives. This was the perfect blend of historical, a love story, and had the perfect amount of tension. Loved!

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader. ( )

favorite quote in it
"Life is like a long note; it persists withour variance, without wavering. There is no cessation in sound or pause in tempo. It continues on and we must master it or it will master us." ( )

Eva and Angelo

I had mixed emotions reading this beautiful story. I loved the writing and the tale being told, but I didn't like the reason it needed to be told. What a beautiful story, filled with love and heatache. Amy Harmon did a great job once again! ( )

Well written with strong characters. I really liked the Italian setting and the bit of Italian politics involved in WWII. The author described the awfulness of war and the resilience of those trying to help their Jewish neighbors and friends. It made me appreciate the role of the Catholic church in Italian Jews. What an awful period to live through!!

Strong love story throughout that I somehow found off-putting though I can't quite figure out why.....it was more of the story than I usually like. Also, the end was a bit too tidy, but satisfying none the less. ( )