Very Valentine

A perfect summer read. I couldn't wait to get to the beach over the weekend to finish reading this first installment of the trilogy. Can't wait for the next installment to find out what happens to both Valentine and Gram.

Typically I am not fond of these types of books- However I was hooked and could not put the book down. Not in a suspenseful kind of way but I felt as though I was privileged to be watching the story unfold. Trigiani is lyrical and poetic, this was my first read of hers and I am definitely interested reading what comes next in the Very Valentine trilogy. It was a smart, funny, quicker paced, read than most of her counterparts in the industry. Her descriptive capabilities are so vivid, it is like she is creating a rich tapestry in front of your eyes. I found myself immersed and loving it! Highly recommend

I loved this story. Many reviewers had a hard time getting through the story because the author does spend a long time writing about shoes and about food, but since those are two of my favorite things...I loved the novel. Valentine is a shoe artist helping to run the family shoe making business with her grandmother, Teodora. I really found myself drawn in on many levels as Adriana Trigiani described the art of making custom shoes. I just did not realize or ever think about what went into making the beautiful shoes that come from many of the famous shoe designers. There is so much that I love about this book, the family history and tradition, Valentine's love interests and how she resolves the different aspects of her love life, the love of family, finding love at any age - I could go on and on. And there were different lines that were so meaningful to me but the one that stands out for me was the line ... "Love stays as long as someone remembers". I really loved Valentine's story - even the surprise ending! I loved the writing about shoes, food, family and love.

Absolutely LOVED this book. I have read all of her books and up until Very Valentine, my favorite of hers had been Lucia, Lucia. This is modern and hip. I laughed, cried and felt frustrated for Valentine at times. What young woman CAN'T identify with her? I so enjoyed this book and all the characters...some of them remind me of my own family! I love how she always describes an Italian American family. Being one myself, i truly enjoy reading her novels !Can't wait to read more on this family.

Welcome to Angelini Shoes since 1903 in Greenwich Village, N.Y. Side by side two generations create custom made wedding shoes - and memories. Val Roncalli and Gram Angelini live and work together with great success! Tradition, ambition, rendition, audition are all part of this wonderful novel by Adriana Trigiani. To say it's an entertaining voyage through the lives of the Angelini's and the Roncalli's would be an understatement! The characters are vividly brought to life and become a part of the reader's. Hilarity, romance - not just Val's but 80 year old Gram's as well - creativity, devotion, fortitude, all describe the workings of this story. If you love Italian - people, food, places - you'll love this novel. Valentine takes us along on her trip to the Isle of Capri in all it's splendor even though she'd rather be savoring it with her lover the chef. While there and in Arezzo she meets and learns from talented old world craftsmen who instantly bond with her. She learns much and takes it to Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan for the grand prize. Hopefully I've piqued your interest and you'll find it hard to wait to read this wonderful first book in the new trilogy. I loved it from beginning to end which came too quickly.