Brava, Valentine: A Novel

I just loved this book. Being Italian, I definitely understand the different family dynamics. I laughed & I cried. Adrianna definitely kept me interested in all the different characters. I loved Gabriel & June. I just purchased the trilogy of the Gap. I look forward to reading the 3 books.

I didn't think that Adriana Trigiani could come up with any better series than the Big Stone Gap books but I was wrong. This second book in the Valentine series secures the heroine as one of the most loveable, creative, and aggravatingly stubborn characters around. In this book, Valentine is forced to grown up as she says goodbye to her grandmother who is marrying and going off to live with her new husband in Italy. Val takes over the family shoe business in partnership with her sometimes-bristly brother, Alfred, deals with various family crises, and falls in love with a man who understands her like no other. Author Trigiani has an uncanny ability to make the reader laugh and then ponder some of the more serious themes that she presents. This book is a delight from beginning to end.

Brava, Valentine is the fun, satisfying sequel to Very Valentine. Adriana Trigiani develops the characters and their relationships with sympathy and complexity. With Teodora's wedding, Valentine is now the head of Angelini Shoe Company and working with her brother, Alfred. The sibling rivalry and resentment still exist, but their close proximity gives Valentine and Alfred a chance to see each other's strengths. While Teodora and Dominic have married and have effectively retired, Valentine and Gianluca carry their former mentors' workloads. Busier than ever, it seems unlikely that Valentine or Gianluca they'll be able to plan a visit any time soon. But they find other ways to stay in touch and develop their romance. Nearby or far apart, the road to love for Valentine doesn't run smoothly. But Valentine's story keeps us engrossed throughout. A satisfying sequel to Very Valentine and equally hard to put down, Brava, Valentine is a book that you'll want to re-read and share with friends! ISBN-10: 0061257079 - Hardcover Publisher: Harper; 1 edition (February 9, 2010), 352 pages. Review copy provided by TLC Book Tours and the publisher.

Brava, Valentine begins on a day filled with happiness in Tuscany. The sparkling snow that falls reflects the spirit of the Roncalli/Angelini family. Their beloved matriarch Teodora is marrying Dominic Vechiarelli. The octogenarians kept their relationship a secret for many years but finally decided to marry. Adriana Trigiani had me laughing at the family antics as they prepare for the wedding. Dominic's son is at the wedding. Gianluca Vechiarelli made quite an impression on Valentine on her last trip to Italy (Very Valentine). She definitely feels something for him when she sees him at the church but things don't go as she would hope. From the reception on, surprises seem to come at her full force. Life is changing. Teodora will live with her new husband in Italy while Valentine takes the reins at the Angelini Shoe Company back in Greenwich Village. There are challenges to be faced: a new business partner; a long-time employee who hints at retiring; the need for a business loan to launch a new shoe line; a possible new branch on the family tree to check out; and a long-distance romance. Valentine is full of energy and up to the challenges at work but something is missing in her life. Gianluca (17 years her senior) is very interested in her as she is in him yet how can they make it work? He is in Italy and she is across the Atlantic. He sends romantic letters that get her attention but can she possibly be the woman he seems to idolize? Trigiani takes the reader to Italy, New York, and Buenos Aires. I loved the descriptions of the different locations. It was also fun to read about Valentine's friend and new roomie Gabriel as he redecorated the living space above the shoe company. The rooftop garden never looked so good! I also enjoyed the descriptions of shoe design and manufacturing. This is a very romantic book - I loved it. I can't wait for the next book in this wonderful series. Brava, Adriana Trigiani.

I was so glad to be able to spend more time with Valentine Roncalli as she took over the family's Angelini shoe business alongside her brother Alfred. Sparks fly as these two, who are like oil and water, attempt to merge their very different styles. Encouraged by her former fiance, Bret, now a financier, Valentine decides to embark on a new venture. The book starts off with a wedding in Italy where Valentine re-encounters the dashing Gianluca, but a long-distance romance seems fruitless. Returning to NY, Valentine discovers that a branch of the family is in Buenos Aires and takes off for there, where she has a couple of surprises waiting. Trigiana is a clever writer, especially good with family scenes and relationships. She accurately portrays the humor and pathos in families with well-drawn characters who ring so true. And I love the historical info about Greenwich Village. The book is full of life and love and is very appealing. Brava, Adriana Trigiani for another winner!

Outstanding Adriana!!!! This new book is great and I totally loved it!!!! I love Val and I really relate to her (as a 40 year old single Italian American New York Girl!). This book was really a pleasure to read. It made me laugh and cry! And it brought back so many memories of my own childhood. I am listening to the Sinatra as I type! I loved the romantic interest in the book and was I surprised by how things developed during the story. And Gianluca getting off the plane in JFK!!! Say no more! I was head over heals!!!! I want to live on Perry Street and work in the shoe factory!!! I can't wait to read the next installment. Great series!!!! And I absolutely love Gabriel! He had me rolling! And her dad, Dutch too! And Val's relationship with her Gram is priceless. Adriana has brought back so many memories to me of my own Grandmother who I was lucky to have in my life for 32 years. Outstanding book!!!! Everyone should read this series!!!!!