Review: Messiina (Book 1 of the Casa Bella Chronicles) by Liz Galvano

Ominous words from the stone-faced physician at the temporary hospital greet her: "Welcome to hell, Miss James." No description could be more accurate. Earthquake, tsunami, and fire have razed Messina, Sicily. In a single night in 1909, one hundred thousand people never wake up. Physician Lucille James is determined to help despite horrendous conditions, almost non-existent medical supplies, and the opposition of the medical community she worked so hard to join. Giovanni Castello, the man facing her now, stands as her biggest opponent. Surrounded by blood and death and pushed to the edge of exhaustion, Lucille relies on God as her only option. When God gives a gift, after all, a person must use it. Will she have the strength, courage, and faith to do so? Messina - Book 1 in the Casa Bella Chronicles Liz Galvano  has been writing since she was a little girl. Her stories combine old style adventure and romance with a dash of humor. She loves family, food, animals, and all things Italian. Liz lives with her husband Jeff, two rambunctious dogs, two entitled cats, and a horse who thinks she's a princess.

Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Messina-Book-Casa-Bella-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B017DVVUEI/
https://www.amazon.com/Messina-Liz-Galvano/dp/1498453074/

---

~My Review~

Truly this is one of those "do not judge the book by its cover." The cover, for me at least, looks plain, a little lacking and something I would have passed over in a bookstore. But within these pages contains rich Italian languages and words that flowed so easily they were able to transport me to Italy in just a few short paragraphs. What a wonderful story of redemption, hope and faith amidst the destruction. Perhaps because of the recent devastation of Puerto Rico and seeing it in person after Hurricane Harvey, I could see the images so vividly. As a believer, all I could do during the storm was pray and my faith in God and His people continued to give me hope as I saw neighbors helping neighbors. God is there in the rubble. I was pulling for Giovanni  and hoped that I would read his testimony.....and Liz didn't disappoint. It was beautiful and heartbreaking. I can't wait to read both Giovanni  and Lucille's continuing story! This was more than just a slow budding romance, more than a look at societal norms in the early 20th century, more than just a tragedy......this was what hope and faith reads like in the devastation of Messina. 

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review. However, these thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm not required to write a positive review.***

---

About the Author

​Liz Galvano has been writing since she was a little girl. Her stories combine old style adventure and romance with a dash of humor. She loves family, food, animals, and all things Italian. Liz lives with her husband Jeff, two rambunctious dogs, two entitled cats, and a horse who thinks she’s a princess.

---

To follow her on Amazon, click here.