Gianna
(Paperback 5x8 / 264 pages / ISBN #0-59
5-28725-5 / Retail $17.95)
Like a fine wine, love embodies an honest blend of emotions, but deception and betrayal can sour even the sweetest and purist of loves. Between passion and love lies faith—believing and trusting when all reason cautions against it.
From the glitz of New York City to the vineyards of Tuscany, Gianna is a compelling story of family and tradition as a successful young architect finds love and romance only to have her life twisted in another direction.
Gianna consistently works hard for her personal and professional achievements, yet love presents itself through a simple dance. Charming and passionate, Vincenzo invites her into his life—a sensual and esoteric mix of complication. Though romance surrounds them with the promise of forever, Gianna and Vincenzo seemed cursed by what first brought them together—their Italian heritage and commitment to family. But everything has a purpose . . . even heartache and separation.
Some loves are timeless; others must endure the test of time.
An excerpt from Gianna . . . (Gianna's toast at her cousin's wedding.)
“It’s a love that brings soft kisses to wet lips, the curve of the neck, the small of the back, the supple breast, the tender thigh, the arch of the foot. It’s a mesh of two minds and two bodies, coming together in one soul, one being, one life. It’s the powerful connection where two persons work together, not against, not in spite of, towards common goals. It’s not opinionated or judgmental but open-minded and tolerant. It’s chivalry born again where masculinity is not macho, and femininity is not deemed as weak or ignorant. It’s compromising and sacrificing, putting aside your self at times to make the impossible possible. It’s never giving up hope, never quitting, even when all seems lost. It’s promising forever in a day and age when gray clouds threaten sunny days. It’s knowing that there is a rainbow after the rain, that the journey won’t be made alone. It’s understanding when all reason is beyond belief. It’s believing when faith hangs by a thread.
“It’s hearing his voice in every ocean wave, and seeing the brightness of his eyes in every ray of sun. It’s music that begins with a soft caress and crescendos into your soul with each smile, each word, each embrace—a symphony written by angels and conducted by the hand of God Himself. The love I long for promises me happiness, forever.
“And so to experience that kind of love for even a day, I will continue my kissing of frogs so that one day, I, too, will be as blessed as you, dear Trina, to sit beside a man who has promised me forever.” She lifted the champagne glass up high. “Join me in toasting Trina and Paulie Amalfi. Congratulazioni! Salute!”
“Congratulazioni! Salute!” everyone repeated.
“Here’s to love; here’s to forever!” Gianna said, wiping a lone tear that escaped from her eye.
“Tosto per sempre!” Uncle Antonio called out.
Then glasses clanked as all the family and friends toasted to Trina and Paulie's marriage. The bride and groom stood up and hugged Gianna.
“That was so beautiful,” Trina said, her voice cracking with emotion.
“Awesome speech, Gi.” Paulie said, then whispered in Gianna’s ear. “Did you say supple breast? Nothing like a little potty mouth to wake your mother up.”
Gianna pulled from his embrace and glanced over her shoulder at her mother who glared back with a tainted mixture of shock and shame. At that, Gianna gulped down the entire glass of champagne.
REVIEWS:
Review of Gianna
by Pamela James, Senior Editor, The Writers Room Magazine
Gianna loves Vincenzo and he loves Gianna. They share tradition and honor; and while this romance starts in New York, it ends in Tuscany, and what brought them together: their love, life, and loyalty; soon brings them heartache and separation.
This is the story of two people, who are soulmates, but does their life and love have the same purpose and will heritage and passions drive a wedge too deep to end?
Gianna is above all things a love story but this romance of heart goes deeper, drives us to question what is really our true passion and does love really conquer all?
Mary-Jo Holmes is an author who writes with heart. Gianna sizzles with passion, but like a fine wine this story is meant to unfold at it's own pace pleasing the readers palette and painting a picture with each word, each stroking us with a sampling of emotions that will last in our hearts like the tried and true artist Mary-Jo Holmes is. Don't miss reading the romance of the century.
*****
Amazon.com (Reader Review)
 Gianna ... I loved this book!
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Reviewer: A reader from Boston, MA United States |
Gianna is a well written, compelling love story about an Italian-American woman "Gianna" and her love affair with Vincenzo. Without giving away too much of the story (and this is a story with several twists and turns), Gianna finds herself battling her conscience and the traditions on which she was raised as her romance with Vincenzo spirals into a deep love. Their scenes together are tender and sensual, and the author draws you into their lives with provocative text that makes you truly care about what happens to these characters and makes you route for a happy ending. I especially loved Gianna's interaction with her family which rang true to heart and reminded me very much of my Italian family. Gianna is a wonderful book which I heartfully recommend to everyone wanting to read a great romance and come away inspired! 5 stars!
Booklocker.com (Reader Review)
I just finished reading Gianna by Mary-Jo Holmes. I found this to be a wonderfully written, soulful romance with endearing characters, several plot twists, and an inspiring ending. For anyone who's ever been in love or wants to be in love, Gianna is a great read. 5 stars!
Amazon.com (Reader Review)
 Wonderful
Mary-Jo Holmes has written a riveting tale of love and passion in "Gianna". The emotions leapt off the pages and into my heart making me feel that she was writing just for me. Her narration can be compared to listening to an old time radio show where the listener uses her imagination to visualize the realistic characters and settings described in the broadcast. Ms. Holmes has set the table for a party and served up the feast that is so delicious that you have to finish every morsel, including the cannolis and espresso for dessert. The descriptions she gives of the Hudson Valley and Italy is so vivid that they make one feel as though they have been there. Furthermore, this novel is so well crafted that it cries out to be turned into a script for a TV movie as suggested by another reviewer. Perhaps the author had this in mind for a future project. I hope so!
What makes this novel so good though, is seeing how the heroine, Gianna, works through the conflict between her love for Vincenzo, who is married but loves Gianna, and her conscience. She lives and breathes this man all the time, wanting to be with him every waking moment, but gets pulled back to reality by her strict, moral, upbringing that taught her that an affair with a married man is wrong. Therefore, she must make a decision about continuing her relationship with Vincenzo. Were they both completely open and honest with each other in the beginning? Does she walk away from him without closure, thus leaving him in the dark as to why she doesn't want him, which is fine if she never crosses paths with him again, but if she does, then what? They are still hung up on each other! Does she sit down with him and tell him frankly she can't get involved with a married man, and send him away with closure? Neither party may be happy about this option, but at least she will feel that she did the right thing for herself, and he will know where he stands, and will likely give up pursuit of an affair that he now realizes can never happen. Alternatively, does she go to him regardless of the consequences and take a chance on love, either having her hopes dashed on the rocks of despair or winding up happily with him? Do the twists and turns of fate resolve their relationship favorably or unfavorably, and do things always happen for a reason, as the author believes? Above all, will Gianna act in a mature way and maintain her pride and bearing regardless of whatever hand Fate deals the lovers? With all these possibilities, the reader has to throw up her hands and ask in frustration, "Why are all the good ones taken?"
Mary-Jo Holmes is analogous to a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis in the spring after spending a long winter in hibernation. The romance novel reading public, through this work, will learn about her writing talent. Another reader recommended reading her newsletter on her website. I did! It's wonderful and so inspirational. This lady has a big, warm heart and it's present in "Gianna". Where has she been hiding these past years? She's a dazzling writer who should be getting more exposure. She will after this effort.
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