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Saturday, July 23, 2016

Review & Excerpt: Dante's Gift by Aubrey Wynne

Dante's Gift

by Aubrey Wynne

20th Century Historical Romance
ebook & print, 102 pages
November 9, 2015 by Plato Publishing
Chicago Christmas #1


Kathleen James has put her practical side away for once and looks forward to the perfect romantic evening: an intimate dinner with the man of her dreams—and an engagement ring. She is not prepared to hear that he wants to bring his grandmother back from Italy to live with him.
Dominic Lawrence has planned this marriage proposal for six months. Nothing can go wrong—until his Nonna calls. Now he must interrupt the tenderest night of Katie’s life with the news that another woman will be under their roof.

When Antonia’s sister dies, she finds herself longing to be back in the states. An Italian wartime bride from the ‘40s, she knows how precious love can be.

Can her own story of an American soldier and a very special collie once again bring two hearts together at Christmas?

“Wynne has crafted a beautiful story guaranteed to warm you heart and make you sigh.” - Kishan Paul, author of Blind Love and Second Wife
“…a story of romance, that just by itself will have you misty eyed.” - Celeste Williams, reader
“Truly romantic…a book that you will not be able to put down.”- Books Are Love



My Thoughts

Dante's Gift is probably one of the story that touches your heart in the closest possible way. I started falling in love with this book somewhere along this story, probably when Nico went to Benevento, Italy. The beautiful scene felt like straight out of the movie and I can't help but feel that I'm in a dream.
This is a really beautiful story. It gives you warm, fuzzy feeling that makes you believe that love can strive through the hardest time.

At first, when I started this book, I feel a tad bit upset that Katie rejected Nico's proposal. I was thinking like why did she do that? But as I gain insight of Katie's childhood I began to understand the way she reacted into some situation.

Katie was a kind of woman who have to think through of a situation, but she was a good person. And Dominic was truly perfect for her. I have yet to find a guy like him in the future. He was everything you might want (as a woman). He was understanding and compassionate. His flaw made him even more perfect. They were a perfect blend of each other.

And not to mention Dominic's grandmother, Antonio. She was one of the most exceptional character I've ever read. She had her own hardship and her special love story. Her love story was one of the most wholeheart romance that I ever read and it's truly heartwarming.

Dante was a collie that was crucial in bringing Antonio and her husband together. I love how Ms. Aubrey put him there.

She put a new perspective of wartime. It was not completely darkness. It could be light. I don't like war, but it gave the two hearts a chance to meet each other.

There are no words that can accurately describe this book. It is timeless.

If you love inspirational romance or any romance book, this is a perfect gift for you. You can give this to your beloved ones and friends.

I really recommend this.



Excerpt

The scent of turkey met her at Dom’s front door. For a moment, apprehension swept through her at the thought of helping in the kitchen. Then a handsome man stood before her, and she couldn’t wipe the foolish smile off her face. Instead of saying something stupid, she held out the wine.

“In a holiday bag, no less,” Dom said, eyebrows raised. He stepped back to let her in, grabbed her hand, and spun her around to face him. “You look stunning.”

“I just thought that the burlap would give it extra protection if I dropped it, and they only seemed to have holiday wine bags in stock and—”

One finger covered her mouth. As his head slowly lowered, she could feel his breath on her face; heat raced through her core. By the time their lips touched, her legs had turned to jello; she clung to him for support.

Gently pushing her toward the wall, he pressed his length against her and whispered, “I need to make you mine, legally, before I lose all control. You have no idea the affect you have on me, do you?”

“I think that is the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me,” she said breathless. “Kiss me like that again… please?”

“I’d be happy to oblige if you tell me that isn’t my grandmother standing in the doorway watching us.”

Katie looked over to see Antonia, a wide grin on her face, and quickly pushed on the hard chest that pinned her to the wall. She ran a hand through her hair as the blood rushed to her face.

“Oh Nico, such good Italian blood in you. And not even any mistletoe out yet.” Antonia wiped her hands on her apron and waved to the young couple. “Come now, we have work to do before we play.”

The two followed her in like reprimanded children who showed no remorse, holding hands and snickering. This is silly but it feels so good.Katie accepted the apron and as she pulled the straps behind her, strong hands covered hers.

“Let me,” he whispered in her ear. “I’m good at tying knots.”


About the Author

Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas.

Her debut story, Merry Christmas, Henry, was published in November 2013 by Melange Books, LLC and received Best Short Romance in the Preditors & Editors Reader’s Choice of 2013. Wynne’s humorous shorts Pete’s Mighty Purty Privies ( Best Short in the Preditors & Editors Reader’s Choice of 2014 and Top 100 Laugh Out Loud List on Goodreads) and To Cast A Cliché are now available on Amazon.

Aubrey’s life experiences are often hidden “between the lines” of her books. As a volunteer humane investigator for rural Illinois, the furry friends she has encountered often make appearances in her stories. The upcoming series “A Vintage Romance” was inspired by tales of her stepfather, who served for the British Air Force in WWII. The stories will be set in the first half of the 20th century, beginning with 19 Ivy Lane, in 1950s Hollywood.

Wynne’s first love is historical romance. Her medieval fantasy series “Medieval Encounters” will launch in 2016 with Rolf’s Quest.


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