Gently, Jolene: A Novel of Love and Adventure in the Cinque Terre

This is a delightful and eminently readable story that covers a lot of territory. It’s a story about a young woman, Jolene, with a difficult past who decides to start fresh. She moves to a foreign country, taking a risk romantically with someone who at first seems passionate, kind, and considerate. But slowly the truth is revealed, and Jolene has to decide what to do. At the same time, she is taking on a new family, trying to discern their history and their relationships with each other. It becomes an interesting study of personalities and family dynamics. It’s also a story about Italy’s breathtaking region of the Cinque Terre, with rich descriptions of its features, its excellent cuisine, and the love that grows in her for all it has to offer. Jolene is also touched by tragedy, something that rocks her world and helps her see her situation for what it really is. She learns about love, life, beauty, and friendship. All these experiences blended together help her accept her losses, forgive her past, and love her life for what it is and what it will inevitably become.

This book was enjoyable, although a bit predictable. It's set in one of the villages of Cinque Terra. If you've visited there, your memories of the beauty of these mountain villages along the sea will propel your imagination along. Will our heroine, Jolene, wind up with her man? Where does he go every day? Is he being honest with her? She's uprooted her life in the US to follow Filippo to his Italian village after his marriage proposal. Will their dream of renovating the Inn and adjoining restaurant become a reality? You will enjoy meeting the family members of Filippo's clan and following the story line to its conclusion.

I am really enjoying this story set in the Cinque Terre area of Italy. The only downside is that the book itself has a defect. As you turn a page quite a few of the pages fall out. I would have returned it but am too far into the story to wait for a replacement.

I'M HAVING A PROBLEM GETTER THROUGH THIS NOVEL. AS SUCH, I HAVE PUT IT ASIDE AND WILL GO BACK TO IT LATER. IT WAS JUST TOO LONG WHICH MEANT I SKIPPED QUITE A BIT OF IT. PERHAPS OTHER WILL FIND THIS NOT TO BE TRUE AND ENJOY THE READ. IT WAS NOT WHAT I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE.

Having spent a lot of time in Le Cinque Terre, these characters do not do the area justice. It goes round and round, and Jolene, vacillates too much for my liking. It makes the read boring….. sorry….Plus, there are typos from halfway thru the book. The character WENDY is spelled WINDY throughout half the book…it’s very annoying…

This is a lovely story about holding on and learning to let go. A story of being a stranger in your own life. The characters are well developed and I found myself slowly and “gently” becoming part of the family. Angela Scipioni is a very thoughtful writer. Her description of the Italian village is full of life and wonder. She is a master of detail. I felt the cool ocean breeze on my skin and could taste the wine being shared throughout the tale. I truly found myself there with Jolene every step of her journey. Every now and then you read a book that you dread the final words, The End. This was one of them. The characters live on in my mind and heart. I hope to see them again.

This book struck a cord for me because I was raised in an Italian household and could relate to the ways of Filippo’s family. I loved the description of the beautiful places on the island, as seen through Jolene’s eyes, and the family’s relationships, good and bad. Couldn’t put the book down and have added it to my favorite books list!

First I love reading about Italy and would love to some day visit. This story, though, took me there without travel. A sweet love story complete with plenty of history, depth and fun. I loved it and wish it could have gone on forever.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading gently Jolene although it was a slow starter however after the first couple of chapters it was hard to put the book down

It looks in good condition, it is in the reading queue.

Lovely book that made you think you were living in Italy. Felt Jolene was such a gentle spirit but also very vulnerable to her fiancé who was too secretive and mysterious. Well written and addictive reading...book number two?

I really enjoyed the book. Loved the description of the Ligurian lands and the details of each spot. The plot was very intriguing too, couldn't put it down. Great job.