Customer Reviews

Amazing Disgrace (Five Star Expressions)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Read it cover to cover in 24 hours - it was hard to put down! The characters were easy to relate to, and the writing style made it impossible to not become involved and engrossed in the story!

Chasing a toddler all day, I have little time to sit and read. When I do, I need something that will hold my interest. Amazing Disgrace did just that. I think we can all find a little glimpse of our own families or someone we know in the characters. The characters and twists and turns in the story make it an easy read. A great book!

Her doubts about her Catholic faith finally boiled over when her brother Marco and his wife Rosie ask Aida Benedetto to become the godmother to her nephew Joseph. She tells them no because she cannot guarantee that if God forbid something happened to the parents, she will raise their child to be a good Catholic. Her parents are mortified, but not as much as her grandmother Nonna, who wants to excommunicate Aida from the family.

Her family tries an intervention using Father Roberto, but that upsets Aida; only her on and off boyfriend Birch McFarland seems to empathize with her position as he too was strictly raised. However, the duo split over a tragedy and he returns to the Church. Aida tries to mend fences with her family and Birch while not surrendering her beliefs, but no one seems truly there for her as they feel she is a disgrace.

This fascinating family drama stars realistic protagonists struggling with doing the right thing. Grace is the key as she wants to be there for her nephew, but cannot do it under the terms that her brother and his wife demand. Taking a stand takes personal courage as her beloved Nonna treats her as a heretic. Though the climax seems a bit simplistic for a complex issue, fans will welcome this fine poignant look at faith.

Harriet Klausner

Picked this book one evening and had to force myself to go to bed! The author really got into her characters' heads and pulled out the anguish and self doubts we all go through at times. Coming from a close knit family, I could see Aida, tormented by her struggle with her faith and how it tore her relationship with family to shreds.
The story didn't give closure and a happy ending, but gave you hope that wounds would heal and family would become whole once again.

This is one of the most interesting novels I have read for some time. The main characters battle to understand her loss of faith is carried throughout the book with surprising influence on her family and the family of her on/ooff again partner, Birch. This story is well written, easy flowing and keeps one rivetted from start to finish. I found myself desperate for the lovers to reunite and thank goodness, the novel has an ending! Too many authors these days want the reader "to work it out for themselves," Excellent read!


Diana Hockley author of The Naked Room.

Keeps you interested from start to finish. Superbly written to keep on the edge of your seat through it's entirety.