Scan barcode
hnbb's review
4.0
This was a beautiful story. I loved how seamlessly she incorporated the past and present. I enjoyed the World War II storyline and Italian setting of the time. That time frame has a special place in my heart. I guess I am more of a romantic than I thought, because this was quite appealing to me. It was perfect for this time of year. I wish it had been longer. The end wasn't abrupt, but I really wanted to keep reading the story of Antonia, Kate and Dom. Maybe there will be more to tell in a future installment? One can hope, right?
pattyfgd's review
4.0
What a perfect book to start off the holiday season with. Aubrey Wynn has created a story with so much love and heart that it is easy to get caught up in it. Dominic and Katie are in love, but when Dom tells Katie he is bringing he grandmother back from Italy to live with him, Katie has to re-evalutate her thoughts on where the relationship will take them. Antonia comes to Chicago with a story of true love and destiny that will capture your heart and make you believe in that one true love. And the cooking!! I would love to have her come into my house, make Italian Thanksgiving and enrapture me with family history. Loving dogs like I do, the inclusion of the collie was perfect. This is my first Aubrey Wynne book, and I can't wait to listen to more.
With Tom Jordan's narration of this story, it is easy to listen to. His voice is so calm and warm, bringing the characters to life in a way that it's like you are in the kitchen hearing Antonia tell her story of meeting her soldier and falling in love. The richness in his tones will bring that family feel right to your ears.
With Tom Jordan's narration of this story, it is easy to listen to. His voice is so calm and warm, bringing the characters to life in a way that it's like you are in the kitchen hearing Antonia tell her story of meeting her soldier and falling in love. The richness in his tones will bring that family feel right to your ears.
reads2love's review
4.0
This was a lovely story. A young man, Dominic has been planning his proposal down to the minute details for months. When the time comes, he botches the execution, and not in a cute/funny way. He precedes the moment by telling Kate that his great aunt died and he wants his grandmother to move in with him. Kate, instead of taking it in stride, decides that she needs time to figure out if she can deal with his grandmother being in the house, so she puts off answering his proposal. The grandmother comes and shares her story of meeting her true love with the hope to inspire the couple to take that next step.
At first, I didn't like Kate. I didn't like her reaction to Dominic's news. If grandma needs help, you help grandma. I thought her self-centered reasons were unwarranted, especially when she had never met the woman. She was basing her feelings on stereotypes and family members from the other side of the family. Dominic was kind in being patient to wait for her answer. While were some good moments between the couple, I would have liked to see more interaction between the two to see why they loved each other. The best part of the story was the WWII romance. It was well woven into the story and had good segues into the storytelling. I felt more connection with Antonia and Ken than I did Dom and Katie. Dante was a cute dog and I loved his reactions to the soldier. Antonia is a darling lady. I'm not much for war stories, but this one really squeezes your heart and will have you tearing up at the special moments.
I received an advanced copy from the author for review.
At first, I didn't like Kate. I didn't like her reaction to Dominic's news. If grandma needs help, you help grandma. I thought her self-centered reasons were unwarranted, especially when she had never met the woman. She was basing her feelings on stereotypes and family members from the other side of the family. Dominic was kind in being patient to wait for her answer. While were some good moments between the couple, I would have liked to see more interaction between the two to see why they loved each other. The best part of the story was the WWII romance. It was well woven into the story and had good segues into the storytelling. I felt more connection with Antonia and Ken than I did Dom and Katie. Dante was a cute dog and I loved his reactions to the soldier. Antonia is a darling lady. I'm not much for war stories, but this one really squeezes your heart and will have you tearing up at the special moments.
I received an advanced copy from the author for review.
rainelle_barrett's review
3.0
I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free copy.
Well the book shows a lot of promise. I liked how the conversations flowed casually among the characters. The main characters, Nico and Katie. The author was able to help the reader, me see the strong bond that’s between Nico and Katie. I was able to see how it was a struggle for Katie to overcome her insecurities and trust in Nico. Nico character was exudes who he is. The author really thought how she wanted his character to be perceived in this book.
My only issue is that the story was a little bland. It was a steady low straight line. Not so much like other contemporary romance books. I hope to read something else from the writer as she improves.
Well the book shows a lot of promise. I liked how the conversations flowed casually among the characters. The main characters, Nico and Katie. The author was able to help the reader, me see the strong bond that’s between Nico and Katie. I was able to see how it was a struggle for Katie to overcome her insecurities and trust in Nico. Nico character was exudes who he is. The author really thought how she wanted his character to be perceived in this book.
My only issue is that the story was a little bland. It was a steady low straight line. Not so much like other contemporary romance books. I hope to read something else from the writer as she improves.
mrose21's review
5.0
Ahh the feels
I love old love stories like this. I enjoyed the nana's tale more than the romance between Kate and Dominic, it was just more real than theirs.
Ah I'm all warm and fuzzy. Perfect romance book.
I love old love stories like this. I enjoyed the nana's tale more than the romance between Kate and Dominic, it was just more real than theirs.
Ah I'm all warm and fuzzy. Perfect romance book.
aliceshepherd's review
5.0
Katie and Dom and Nonni - a threesome-to-be or not.
Listen and envision Nonni's story of finding love in WWII and find out just how much it plays a part in the love story of Katie and Dom.
What a delightful and spellbinding way to tell a story. I felt like I was sitting in the room with Nonni and listening to her tell her wonderful love story.
Listen and envision Nonni's story of finding love in WWII and find out just how much it plays a part in the love story of Katie and Dom.
What a delightful and spellbinding way to tell a story. I felt like I was sitting in the room with Nonni and listening to her tell her wonderful love story.
kimeesoda's review
5.0
A copy was provided in exchange of an honest review.
Okay, I SO LOVED this book. It was an amazing and exciting read and I want to read more of Aubrey Wynne’s book. It was a perfect Christmas read. I stayed up all night just to finish this because it was so good, amazing actually.
This is not just a typical love story—it was short yet a meaningful story that will make you believe in destiny and true love. Dante’s gift was creatively written, I love how the author related two different stories in two different times at some point. I love how she connected the old and new love story which created a special bond between the characters. OMG! It was so beautiful.
Highly recommended and I gave 5 out 5 stars for this one.
amandasbookreview's review
"Get out the tissues for this beautiful love story."
Check out the rest of the review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2018/may/viewer/desktop/#page/104
Check out the rest of the review at:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/2018/may/viewer/desktop/#page/104
beth5677's review
4.0
***I received an advance of Dante’s Gift from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *****
Dante’s Gift is two stories woven into one. The main story is features Dominic and Katie. Katie is unsure of things in her life is she really love enough to marry Dom. How do you know? Dominic’s grandmother moves in with him after his aunt passes. Through the preparations of the Holiday Antonia (Dominic’s grandmother) shares her story of true. Set in World War II Italy.
I really enjoyed how the story unfolded. This is a really good holiday read. I just wanted to curl up in blanket with a nice hot drink and some snow falling to complete. Like any good story I wish it would have been longer, because I didn’t want to leave the characters.
Dante’s Gift is two stories woven into one. The main story is features Dominic and Katie. Katie is unsure of things in her life is she really love enough to marry Dom. How do you know? Dominic’s grandmother moves in with him after his aunt passes. Through the preparations of the Holiday Antonia (Dominic’s grandmother) shares her story of true. Set in World War II Italy.
I really enjoyed how the story unfolded. This is a really good holiday read. I just wanted to curl up in blanket with a nice hot drink and some snow falling to complete. Like any good story I wish it would have been longer, because I didn’t want to leave the characters.
elylibrarysec's review
5.0
Would you consider the audio edition of Dante's Gift to be better than the print version?
I have not read the book but I can say that this was a very pleasant experience. It leave me on the fence about whether I would purchase the book or not. I enjoyed having Mr. Jordan read the story to me. It also frees me up to do other things and still get my book fix. I could picture listening to this story as I go about getting the house ready for the holidays. Or even as I put all the holiday stuff away.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Dante's Gift?
I think the most memorable moments came when Dominic's grandmother comes back to the states and tells Kathleen a story about true love. In this book you get two romance stories for the price of one.
Which character – as performed by Tom Jordan – was your favorite?
It might surprise you but it was Antonia. He doesn't try to sound female but he doesn't have to in order to enjoy listening to him tell this tale. Antonia had a way of having me think of my own grandparents and that just brought an automatic smile to my face.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I wouldn't say that I had an extreme reaction but I did really enjoy listening to Antonia's story. Just like Kathleen, I came to look forward to where the story was going.
Any additional comments?
Mr. Jordan has the perfect voice to bring this story to life. He changes his tone just enough that you can tell when a female is speaking. Ms. Wynne has written a perfect Christmas romance. Mixing the past with a current romance was something I looked forward to. The story shows that the women of the past can have something in common with today's women. I hated having to stop but when your boss comes in to the office, you can't really keep listening - even though I wanted to. There was never any perfect spot to stop which made it just that much harder.
It may seem like a Christmas story but you could listen/read this book at any time of year. It's a story that seems to end too quickly. But the good news is that you can go back and listen to it at any time. Mr. Jordan has the type of voice that you just have to listen to what he's saying. This means you're left with no choice but to concentrate on what he's saying. You also know if a narrator has done their job when you can visualize every scene that passes by. This story made me a fan to both the author and the narrator.
I voluntarily reviewed an Audiobook copy of this book.
I have not read the book but I can say that this was a very pleasant experience. It leave me on the fence about whether I would purchase the book or not. I enjoyed having Mr. Jordan read the story to me. It also frees me up to do other things and still get my book fix. I could picture listening to this story as I go about getting the house ready for the holidays. Or even as I put all the holiday stuff away.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Dante's Gift?
I think the most memorable moments came when Dominic's grandmother comes back to the states and tells Kathleen a story about true love. In this book you get two romance stories for the price of one.
Which character – as performed by Tom Jordan – was your favorite?
It might surprise you but it was Antonia. He doesn't try to sound female but he doesn't have to in order to enjoy listening to him tell this tale. Antonia had a way of having me think of my own grandparents and that just brought an automatic smile to my face.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I wouldn't say that I had an extreme reaction but I did really enjoy listening to Antonia's story. Just like Kathleen, I came to look forward to where the story was going.
Any additional comments?
Mr. Jordan has the perfect voice to bring this story to life. He changes his tone just enough that you can tell when a female is speaking. Ms. Wynne has written a perfect Christmas romance. Mixing the past with a current romance was something I looked forward to. The story shows that the women of the past can have something in common with today's women. I hated having to stop but when your boss comes in to the office, you can't really keep listening - even though I wanted to. There was never any perfect spot to stop which made it just that much harder.
It may seem like a Christmas story but you could listen/read this book at any time of year. It's a story that seems to end too quickly. But the good news is that you can go back and listen to it at any time. Mr. Jordan has the type of voice that you just have to listen to what he's saying. This means you're left with no choice but to concentrate on what he's saying. You also know if a narrator has done their job when you can visualize every scene that passes by. This story made me a fan to both the author and the narrator.
I voluntarily reviewed an Audiobook copy of this book.