Review of Letters from the Olive Tree
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Kigen Valarie
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- Latest Review: Letters from the Olive Tree by Reese Balducci
Review of Letters from the Olive Tree
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Letters from the Olive Tree" by Reese Balducci.]
Giovanni Olivi was his parents' second son. This meant that his older brother, Angelo, would inherit their father's estate even when such matters were left unspoken. This land held memories for Giovanni: the time with his family, the time spent in the fields, and, most of all, the time spent with his lover, Ersilia Innocenti. However, Giovanni wanted a life, something of his own, and the letter from Michele, his childhood friend in Brooklyn, was a turning point. He had to leave Pistoia, Tuscany, for America, but not before he made a promise to the woman he adored. But was a mere promise strong enough to keep them together?
Letters from the Olive Tree by Reese Balducci is set in the early 20th century. It is a short story that is slow and subtle. In the first few pages, the author eases the reader into the different relationships and the environment. It is easy to see that the Olivi family valued their land. They were rooted in tradition and appreciated the beauty of their country. Giovanni's move to America depicts the difference between the two worlds, how the people lived, and even how the streets looked.
The book is a clean romance, with no erotic scenes. It is the kind of love that makes you nostalgic and gives you a longing to experience it. Giovanni, the main character, is my favorite of all the characters.
Though the story unfolds slowly and subtly, as already mentioned, its narrative moves quickly through key moments, giving readers a sense of emotional urgency. The story moves from the peaceful and mostly silent life of the Olivi family, the condition of the olive estates in different seasons, how the farmers struggled to cope, and the lives of the families around (including the Olivi and the Innocenti families) to the vast American fields that evoke despair while still creating a touching love story.
Between the rolling hills and the olive estates in Tuscany and the plantations in America, I have no hesitation in giving Letters from the Olive Tree by Reese Balducci a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. I have nothing to complain about. The plot and the writing are both immaculate. My only wish would have been for the story to be longer, but I cannot hold it against the author for writing a perfect story I did not want to stop reading.
I recommend this book to all who adore Tuscan romance. Reese Balducci's writing is peaceful and sentimental. If you do not read romance stories, this tale might be the one that makes you sink into a new genre.
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Letters from the Olive Tree
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Giovanni Olivi was his parents' second son. This meant that his older brother, Angelo, would inherit their father's estate even when such matters were left unspoken. This land held memories for Giovanni: the time with his family, the time spent in the fields, and, most of all, the time spent with his lover, Ersilia Innocenti. However, Giovanni wanted a life, something of his own, and the letter from Michele, his childhood friend in Brooklyn, was a turning point. He had to leave Pistoia, Tuscany, for America, but not before he made a promise to the woman he adored. But was a mere promise strong enough to keep them together?
Letters from the Olive Tree by Reese Balducci is set in the early 20th century. It is a short story that is slow and subtle. In the first few pages, the author eases the reader into the different relationships and the environment. It is easy to see that the Olivi family valued their land. They were rooted in tradition and appreciated the beauty of their country. Giovanni's move to America depicts the difference between the two worlds, how the people lived, and even how the streets looked.
The book is a clean romance, with no erotic scenes. It is the kind of love that makes you nostalgic and gives you a longing to experience it. Giovanni, the main character, is my favorite of all the characters.
Though the story unfolds slowly and subtly, as already mentioned, its narrative moves quickly through key moments, giving readers a sense of emotional urgency. The story moves from the peaceful and mostly silent life of the Olivi family, the condition of the olive estates in different seasons, how the farmers struggled to cope, and the lives of the families around (including the Olivi and the Innocenti families) to the vast American fields that evoke despair while still creating a touching love story.
Between the rolling hills and the olive estates in Tuscany and the plantations in America, I have no hesitation in giving Letters from the Olive Tree by Reese Balducci a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. I have nothing to complain about. The plot and the writing are both immaculate. My only wish would have been for the story to be longer, but I cannot hold it against the author for writing a perfect story I did not want to stop reading.
I recommend this book to all who adore Tuscan romance. Reese Balducci's writing is peaceful and sentimental. If you do not read romance stories, this tale might be the one that makes you sink into a new genre.
******
Letters from the Olive Tree
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Life will go whichever way. Changing it is up to a very powerful force 
Latest Review: Letters from the Olive Tree by Reese Balducci
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luiz olinger
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A story that will stay with me for a long time.
I just finished Letters from the Olive Tree, and I’m absolutely enchanted. Lucinda Riley managed to grip me from the very first page with her sensitive, engaging, and richly detailed writing.
What touched me the most was how well-developed the characters are—especially Helena and Alex. Helena is a complex woman, layered with emotions, trying to keep her family together while dealing with ghosts from her past. And Alex, at just thirteen years old, has such a unique and authentic voice. His diary entries made me laugh, reflect, and even tear up at times. He felt so real, like he was talking directly to me!
The setting in Cyprus is another highlight—it felt like I was right there on vacation with them, feeling the warmth, smelling the olive trees, hearing the sound of the sea. The house, Pandora, almost becomes a character itself, filled with memories and secrets.
The drama unfolds in a well-balanced way. When the secrets began to surface, I felt my heart tighten. This is the kind of book that makes you think: “What if this happened to me?” I found myself reflecting on how decisions from the past can have lasting consequences—and how, sometimes, the truth must come out, even if it hurts.
In short, Letters from the Olive Tree is a touching, beautifully written story about love, forgiveness, growth, and the power of second chances. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves heartfelt family dramas with soul, depth, and a touch of mystery.
I can’t wait to read more books by Lucinda Riley!
I just finished Letters from the Olive Tree, and I’m absolutely enchanted. Lucinda Riley managed to grip me from the very first page with her sensitive, engaging, and richly detailed writing.
What touched me the most was how well-developed the characters are—especially Helena and Alex. Helena is a complex woman, layered with emotions, trying to keep her family together while dealing with ghosts from her past. And Alex, at just thirteen years old, has such a unique and authentic voice. His diary entries made me laugh, reflect, and even tear up at times. He felt so real, like he was talking directly to me!
The setting in Cyprus is another highlight—it felt like I was right there on vacation with them, feeling the warmth, smelling the olive trees, hearing the sound of the sea. The house, Pandora, almost becomes a character itself, filled with memories and secrets.
The drama unfolds in a well-balanced way. When the secrets began to surface, I felt my heart tighten. This is the kind of book that makes you think: “What if this happened to me?” I found myself reflecting on how decisions from the past can have lasting consequences—and how, sometimes, the truth must come out, even if it hurts.
In short, Letters from the Olive Tree is a touching, beautifully written story about love, forgiveness, growth, and the power of second chances. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves heartfelt family dramas with soul, depth, and a touch of mystery.
I can’t wait to read more books by Lucinda Riley!
