Thank you both to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this WWII non-fiction work by Lindsay Marie Morris.

I was invested from the very beginning of a different perspective on WWII and a romance that spanned both years and continents. I always appreciate learning something new about what took place during WWII and it also shed some light on WWI as well.

Dual timeline historical fiction covering a period of time I was interested in learning more about.

The writing is very straightforward and the characters draw you in immediately. It was obvious how this was going to end which was comforting but also meant it couldn’t be a 5 star read for me.

An enjoyable book but it lacked a little depth. I enjoyed the different perspectives but as it jumped between characters in one chapter often it took a couple of paragraphs to realise whose story we were reading.

First and foremost, I want to say that I have the utmost respect for those men and women in our military, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!!!! For those of you that have served and long since retired, thank you, my heart is always and forever with you. The Last Letter From Sicily written by Lindsay Marie Morris was honestly a mid read for me for many reasons, which I will state in my review. After finishing this book, it took me a few days to put a rating because I didn't hate this book nor did I love it, I decided to settle on a three star rating, which isn't necessarily bad, but it was in the middle for me. When I saw that stunning cover, I knew I had to get my hands on this book immediately, I mean look how beautifully detailed it is. Now, let's get into the issues I had with this book, the biggest issue I mostly had was despite it taking place during World War 2, we didn't really get an outlook on the front lines, we had a few incidents here and there, but nothing too big despite it being a war novel, the other issue I had was the ending, there was no epilogue, it just kind of ended out of the blue, also I didn't even sob reading this book like I anticipated. Despite the issues I had, I still recommend reading this book because others might feel different than I did. So, mark your calendars for January 16th, 2025 to get your hands on a copy. Please don't let my review persuade you, reading is subjective and everyone is entitled to their OWN opinions.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND STORM PUBLISHING FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!

LEMON FLOWERS
Pale white,
Sweet to the nose,
Blossoms into bright,
Yellow fruit,
Sour on the lips,
Tart on the tongue.

"My dearest Gaetano, if this letter reaches you, know that my heart remains under the Sicilian stars where we made our promise......"

"Mathematics reveals it's secrets to those who approach it with pure love for it's own beauty".

"You are seventeen years old. When will you stand up for yourself and say what you want?"

"Tu eris super domum meam". -You shall take charge of my home.

The Last Letter From Sicily is a work of fiction, but several dates in this book match those of actual events. On July 11th, 1939, Concetta Balistreri, Enzo her Papa, Celestina her Mamma, and Giuseppina her sister all leave their home country of Porticello, Sicily for Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Enzo said America is the land of opportunity, he just wants a better life for his family. In Wisconsin, the Balistreri's live with Concetta's aunt Marcella until they find a place of their own. In Wisconsin, Concetta is learning to speak English by doing workbooks, Concetta also has to get a job to help pay rent for their apartment until her Papa finds a job to bring in more money, so Concetta decides to get a job doing sewing work in a factory. When Concetta's little sister, Giuseppina starts school, she gets made fun of and laughed at for not speaking perfect English. In America, these two sisters get called wop, guinea, and dago which are offensive Italian names, which just broke my heart because there's absolutely no need to be rude. Before leaving Sicily, Concetta was going to school to become a math teacher, but that's when her Papa decided to move to America, and Concetta could no longer attend college. On July 10th, 1939, seventeen year old Concetta vows to return to Sicily to be with her love, Gaetano. My heart broke for how these two sisters were treated during their time in America.

Gaetano Alioto is Alessandra's older brother, and Alessandra is Concetta's best friend. Gaetano is attending school in Palermo, Sicily to become a teacher. In Porticello, Sicily, Gaetano teaches Latin while working at his mother's grocery store market. Before Concetta and her family leave for America, Gaetano decides to ask for Concetta's hand in marriage so they don't have to be apart from each other, but Concetta's Papa will never approve of Gaetano. On the night before Concetta leaves, Gaetano gifts her a pearlescent green fountain pen in the promise of writing Gaetano letters everyday while she's living in America. On December 7th, 1941, on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu, the American military was attacked by enemy planes that were believed to have been from the Empire of Japan. On December 11th, 1941, Italy declared war on America. Being five thousand miles from Porticello, Sicily, the letters between Concetta and Gaetano stop because Gaetano is fighting in the war and America is now home to Concetta and her family. I wanted to see more of Gaetano's time in the war, It feels like I didn't really get enough insight of his time fighting on the front lines while trying to defend his country of Sicily. Like I said before, don't let my review stop you from picking up this book, these are just my own opinions on how I felt.

Sicily, 1939. Seventeen-year-old Concetta has just received life-changing news: her family is leaving their sun-drenched Sicilian village and moving to America. Desperate to stay with her secret love Gaetano—a fisherman's son her father would never accept—Concetta spends one last night with him beneath a blanket of stars. There, among the citrus-scented air and cricket song, he hands her a leaving gift: a fountain pen, with a promise to keep their love alive through letters – and return to one another one day.

In America, Concetta refuses to let go of her dream of returning to Sicily, even as she struggles to navigate a strange new world of factory work and prejudice. Her letters to Gaetano become her lifeline, each one carrying fragments of her heart across the ocean. But when Italy declares war on the United States, Gaetano’s letters suddenly stop. As Concetta faces pressure to let go of her past and accept her new American life, she yearns to discover Gaetano's fate—even if it means crossing a war-torn ocean to find him.

I really enjoyed this one. I love historical fiction, and WW2 is one of my favorite time periods to read about. This offers a new twist, being set in a different place than most books about that war. I loved the picture of Sicily, the tragedy of being separated, and the ending. I really enjoyed this, but Lindsay Marie Morris, please write an epilog for us! 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

Whilst an interesting premise, I just couldn’t get into this book. The writing felt quite simple, and the plot line very linear. Some things felt like they were added just for the page count or because during the research, the author heard of this happening and just decided to mention it but in reality, it felt like a random interlude (like the extended Ellis Island bit).

I didn’t feel connected enough to Concetta and Gaetano to really care that they were separated. Also her father calling her a wh*re on two separate occasions really just turned me off the whole book. It’s a book that aimed to showcase some of the civilian pain of war but frankly it fell flat.

2.5 / 5 stars ⭐️ Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Seventeen-year-old Concetta and her family leave their hometown of Sicily for the brave new world of America. She is forced to leave behind her secret boyfriend Gaetano. But she vows to write to him and return to his arms one day. America is full of challenges for the new immigrants, and they are faced with prejudice and unemployment. Her father Enzo struggles to obtain work so Concetta supports the family by working in a clothing factory, foregoing her dreams of becoming a teacher. She writes to Gaetano planning to return to him when she has saved enough money. Then Italy declares war on America and Concetta's dreams are dashed. Suddenly, the Italians are the enemy and Concetta fears she will never see Gaetano again.
Faced with personal crises and forced to choose between loyalty to her family and her love for Gaetano, Concetta is caught up in an emotional battle. Can long-distance love overcome the many obstacles thrown at Concetta and Gaetano?

The Last Letter From Sicily is a love story that reveals the reality of wartime with a strong focus on loyalty. As the main protagonist, Concetta has our sympathy as she is forced into changing her life, as a dutiful Italian daughter should. The struggle of Italian immigrants settling in America is realistically represented - arriving with basic belongings, no English and no job. The bravery of all immigrants during the 30's and 40's cannot be understated. Concetta and Gaetano both face many challenges in their separate lives across the sea and when the war prevents further correspondence, they are forced into getting on with their lives while still wondering if their own love story is now at an end.
This is a sensitively written story. The author has created characters we can empathise with in their various struggles. The war setting is well-researched and a true snapshot of both sides' perspectives. I felt there could have been more correspondence between the two lovers. The stakes did not feel quite as high as they could have been when the letters stopped. I also felt that some of the conflict between certain people in Concetta's life in America could have been taken even further to add to the drama of the story.
The Last Letter From Sicily is an enjoyable love story and will take you on a journey from Sicily to America during a significant time in world history

Concetta Balistreri is seventeen, in love with Gaetano Alioto and living in Porticello, a fishing Port in Sicily.
Concetta’s world is changed when her father moves the family to Milwaukee in the USA.
Concetta decides she will earn enough money to return to Gaetano and Sicily, but her attempt to do that is thwarted by war.
Will she ever see Gaetano or Sicily again?

From the beginning I found this a very engaging and interesting book. Life in Sicily and the USA, two totally different experiences for Concetta and her family. A love story at the heart of the book, with life in the late 1930’s and 1940’s depicted. Well written and very descriptive.
I very much enjoyed reading this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

Lindsay Marie Morris is a new author to me. I stumbled across her book, and I was captured by the description. I’ve been drawn to historical fiction lately, and this filled that need.

We travel from Italy to the US and see things through Concetta’s eyes. She is determined to figure out what happened to her love, Gaetano, even though they don’t always agree on things like a woman’s place. Their story loves through their separate experiences.

This was an immersive read into the portrayal of WWII and what it was like for two characters on different sides of the ocean. Where this read was more detail oriented, it works in terms of the story. I couldn’t help but be pulled into their stories and had to keep going to see how it all ends.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the copy.

The Last Letter from Sicily by Lindsay Marie Morris is about two young lovers not only torn apart by WW2 but also by family and immigration. Both setting of Sicily and Wisconsin were well detailed and I felt I was taken back in time. I think the beginning was missing the connection and love between both characters, I felt I couldn’t really invest in their love. Some of it did come out during the letters. I thought the immigration was a great part and the feelings and experience of it was heartfelt. I do believe an epilogue was needed to finish the book. 3 stars
I would like to thank the author, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheLastLetterFromSicily #NetGalley

I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. The Last Letter From Sicily didn't necessarily stand out as a piece of WWII fiction for me, but did shine when it came to telling an immigrant's story. In its best moments Morris's writing reminded me of Adriana Trigiani. She created a lush sense of time and place. The actual plot was a little all over the place at various moments. I could have done without the viewpoint of Concetta's sister; it felt distracting and random. Overall though, it was a charming read, that I was excited to continuing reading.

This was a nice read. I love historical fiction and liked the vivid descriptions. This story is set in WWII and is told in 3rd person POV. I think that 1st person POV would have been better as you are more emotionally connected to the main characters. I liked the dual setting; Sicily and America. The world-building was good and I could easily picture myself in both settings. The characters were relatable, but I found myself wanting more backstory to fully understand them and relate on a deeper level. The ending could have been done a lot better. There were still loose ends and I still had questions. An epilogue might have helped. Overall it was a sweet read that I enjoyed and if you like romance and historical fiction, you might like this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this copy.

The Last Letter from Sicily shares so many different issues about World War Two. Many were things I frankly never thought about. I didn't hear about them so I didn't think about them. That has changed.

The story is an emotional rollercoaster. The reader is exposed to different cultures where beliefs are different. Glimpses are given to what it might have been like to travel from Scicily, or Europe in general. They gave up so much hoping for a better life.

Grab the tissues. It isn't always a better life. To experience such stuggles was heartbreaking. To see some try to fit in while others hung to tradition brought tears. The attitudes of so many stirred anger. The authors words painted a picture I can't stop staring at. Although this story has a happily ever after I can't help but think that they will always carry the hardships of the war.

Sicily, 1939. Concetta is seventeen and in love with Gaetano—a fisherman’s son.
Then overnight she is told that the family is moving to America. Gaetano offers to marry her but her father refuses to let her. They vow to write to each other and meet after the war.
She tries to start anew life working in a dress making factory but their letters are a lifeline. Then America is drawn into the war and ultimately Italy and then the letters stop.
She is then under relentless pressure to forget her old life and find a new love and settle down but she refuses.
Will her and Gaetano ever be together again ?

I love stories about WW2 and this didn’t disappoint. Young love in a small Sicilian village. A family relocate to America, promises made and then war. Will they survive, will they end up together that’s the premise of the story.

Pur two main characters fall in love as children but never get to be together due to her fathers choice. They are torn apart as concettas family leave for America. But on their last time together G gives her a pen
And so a long and loving connection through love and letters continues. And continues their bond and forges their loves.
We learn of the times through each pov. The war was horrific for all involved. To varying degrees. But I'm stunned with every part I read and learn about. All stories break my heart and shatter my faith in humanity. This wasn't even that long ago! And it makes you worry so much about the state of our world. How it truly can go wrong with awful people allowed to reign free. So watching and reading of such brave people as our characters, even if it's just continuing to love is astounding. And inspiring.
This is a love story. And I was desperate for a happy ending. Many points, too many points I feared it wouldn't or could not happen.
There's alot of really tragic subject matter here. Do e with the sensitivity they deserve.
I adored this book. Historical fiction is one of my favorite. And this adds to why.

This was a very good book interesting to read about Italy at this time.

Concetta lives with her parents and sister in Sicily and she is in love with Gaetano her best friend’s brother. She gets devastating news that her family are moving to America she wants to stay but is not allowed. Concetta ends up working in a factory it wasn’t what she wanted to do but to support her family she does. When War comes Gaetano ends up drafted he continues to corresponds with Concetta. Will they see each other again.

The book was good and flowed nicely. I liked the characters they worked well together.

An enjoyable book.

Last Letter From Sicily was a really sweet, beautifully written, very enjoyable historical fiction novel (with a dash of long-lost-lovers romance) set around WWII in Italy (specifically Sicily) & the US (specifically Milwaukee WI - I had no idea so many Italian immigrants went there in the 1900s!). Oh and the novel was based on the author's grandparents' story - how sweet is that!?

The WWII time period is probably my top favorite historical fiction time period to read about, but this was the first one I've read from the Italian/Axis perspective, and I found it absolutely fascinating and I definitely learned new things (I know more about Mussolini now than I did before!) . Honestly I couldn't put the book down, it was a gripping story! I loved all the Italian phrases and the beautiful descriptions of Sicilian scenery and life. It was interesting to read about immigrants coming to the US from an Italian perspective too (not to mention heartbreaking; what a tough time so many people went through!).

I do wish there had been character names at the top of each chapter, as occasionally we got the story from Concetta's dad (Enzo) or little sister's (Giuseppina) pov. I also wish that since we WERE getting multiple characters povs that we had been able to dive a little deeper into their characters. I think Enzo got a quick ending and resolution to all his character flaws, but we were left hanging a little bit with Giuseppina...what happened to her? Was the baseball guy a good thing? An epilogue might help tie up some of the lose ends!

The Last Letter from Sicily by Lindsay Marrie Morris is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel which captivate readers from start to finish. Lindsay Marrie Morris has crafted a memorable story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The themes of love, loss, and self-discovery are expertly explored throughout the novel. Morris delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of past events on the present and the emotional depth of the story leaves an lasting impression on the readers. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was an engaging historical romance, with the young lovers separated by war.

Concetta and Gaetano live with their families in a Sicilian fishing village in 1939. Concetta’s father, wary of Benito Mussolini and the political similarities that led to WWI, decides to relocate his family to America in a bid to get away from what he sees as a bad situation. He also does not approve of Gaetano’s proposal of marriage to Concetta, and familial duty forces her to go with her family to America. The two lovers promise to stay in touch via letters, and Concetta vows to return to Gaetano. As Concetta navigates her new life in Minnesota and tries to save enough to buy passage back, Gaetano is drafted into the Italian Army and then all correspondence stops as the US declares war on Italy. Each of them has to deal with both the memories of the other and their new life circumstances.

I really enjoyed how immersive this book was. The author did a really good job of painting realistic, immersive settings, whether in Sicily, Milwaukee, or Catania. I also enjoyed the author’s note at the end, where she describes that the story is based on her own grandparents. It gave the story an extra level of authenticity as it was clearly a labor of love. Most of the characters were well-rounded and interesting, but there was one in particular that showed up early on, disappeared for an enormous chunk in the middle of the book, and then reappeared at the end. It might not have been as noticeable except that the character was Concetta’s best friend, who introduced Concetta to her brother Gaetano. It seemed clear that the character was introduced early on to serve a purpose later in the story, but it seemed off that once Concetta moved to America that she would write Gaetano but not her best friend. Also, Concetta’s younger sister at times felt stuck as a younger age than she actually was.

This book would make a good beach read. Or if, like me, you like to read novels about the places you visit when you travel, then this is the book to read if you’re heading to Sicily.

This is an honest review based on the book provided by NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

I enjoyed The Last Letter from Sicily, particularly the depiction of family dynamics and the heartfelt relationship between Concetta and Gaetano. The first love element was beautifully captured, and I appreciated the sense of adventure and the emotional depth of their connection. However, I struggled with the character of Enzo, Concetta's father—his sternness and selfish decisions were difficult to empathize with, and I found the mystery surrounding his departure from Sicily a bit frustrating.

The book does an excellent job of vividly describing the Sicilian countryside and nature, which was a true delight to read. However, I found some of the war-related sections, particularly Gaetano's chapters, to be somewhat repetitive and slow, which made parts of the story drag.

Overall, while the novel had its captivating moments, the pacing and certain character dynamics left me feeling a bit disconnected.