Everything That Was Us

July 1976, a family trip to Italy is the last thing teenaged Sofia Romano wants to be part of. But as soon as she arrives in the picturesque town of Pescaglia, she is immediately enchanted by the beauty of the landscape and touched by the warm reception of waiting family and friends.

When Sofia is introduced to Massimo Damiani, the handsome, local bad-boy, their connection is instantaneous. Enamored, the young lovers steal as much time as they can together, but the sweet summer days slip away. As Sofie’s return to New Jersey draws near, Max admits that he cannot commit to a long-distance relationship and breaks it off. Devastated and heartbroken, Sofie returns home and throws herself into school, focusing on future career plans.

1983, a study component takes Sofie back to Italy. She is no longer a naïve teenager and certainly long over the Max infatuation. Returning for a quick, home-town visit poses no problem, until...contrite and full of heartrending regret, Max begs Sofie’s forgiveness. With wild abandon, her resolve melts and they revel in the joy of loving each other. But they soon realize their plans and commitments are worlds apart and neither of them is willing to compromise. This time, it is Sofie who decides it is over.

Year 2000; Sofie now a successful investment banker, is assigned to lead a corporate negotiation for a high-profile client: Massimo Damiani. Shocked at seeing him and antagonized by his smug self-assuredness, Sofie tries in vain to get out of the project. Tensions are thick but they remain professional and successfully close the deal. Both pleased with their teamwork, Sofie and Max soften towards each other. The pull between them is intense; like the lure of forbidden fruit. One last, sweet surrender.

Present-day Sofia receives a phone call requesting her presence in Italy to fulfill a friend’s last wish. There was only one person she had ever made that promise to. With mixed, erratic emotions, Sofia arrives at the hospice, barely recognizing Max: frail, aged, ravaged by a merciless disease. She devotedly stays at his bedside, tenderly strokes his face, remembering. She gently whispers memories in his ear about everything that they were together. As they watch a glorious sunrise, Sofie and Max’s lifelong love is finally given its time.

Sofia and Max’s impasses are authentic, relatable, and their emotions raw and real. I felt for them, raged at them, wept for them. Magnificently written, Graziani immediately immerses the reader in rapt engagement with the characters and compelling storyline, while transporting you through decades seamlessly to beautifully depicted locations.

Riveting, passionate, poignant, Everything That Was Us is intensely emotive. A 2021 must-read.

Heartful thanks to author E. Graziani, NetGalley, and Wild Rose Press for the read of Everything That Was Us.

This novel introduces Sofia Romano, when Sofie was 15 years old she was lucky to have a chance to visit her family in the little village of Pescaglia in Italy. While there she fell in love with Massimo Damiani a local boy. Her time in Pescaglia was wonderful but her vacation came to an end pretty quickly. She had to go back to New York. Luckily Her studies brought her back to Italy when she was 22 years old. A lot happened while she was there. But she was accepted to a very good college back home and had a planned future that she dreamed and about for years. She had to go back home once more.

My review
This book gave me all the feels of romance/love/anger/sadness/annoyance. I don't regret going on this roller-coaster of emotions. It was a beautiful story, the details of nature and views really made you feel like you were there. The writer did an amazing job on this one the storyline was so good and everything flowed very well which made it fun and easy to read. It was a page-turner for me. I just had to find out what happens next. Oh and the twists in this book are so good and juicy. My favourite character is definitely Sofi, she is one strong woman. This novel gave me a NoteBook vibe. It was awesome you won't regret reading this one. If you like romance and Italy this one is for you.

I would like to give a big thank you to E. Graziani for giving me the chance of reading this book.

I give it 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A great women's fiction novel. The cover is beautiful.