This rollicking read set in post-war Tuscany narrates the adventures of a spunky young woman whose determination, imagination and perseverance catapult her from marginalised housemaid to a ‘Signora’ of hard-won respect and power in her valley. Joined by wise friends and guided by spirits from the other side, Hortensia d’Ambrosia harnesses the valley’s work force to turn vineyards, orchards and villas into productive money makers. If her efforts come to fruition, she and her crew will have found a way to fashion a profitable local economy from the war-ravaged countryside. In addition to becoming a firm but fair mother and acquiring a head for business, this energetic heroine weaves magic into her cookery and gives her children the best possible education. Along the way, Hortensia enters into practical engagements with men who become lovers and financiers. She seeks the man with whom she will fall in love.
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Reviews
Vivid and breath-taking observations sing from the pages capturing the soul of by-gone Tuscany. Aside of food descriptions that will cause you to weep with longing, Jacqueline’s scintillating turns of phrases and progression of memorable characters will strike you deep in your heart. Another late night page-turner. Next book?
Klaus Weixelbaumer Cape Town, South Africa
.. Warning: Eat before you read. Have you ever read a story where food is a character? Ms Falcomer pulls this off with aplomb, and turned me into a willing slave to the Tuscan table.
Molly Zucknick, Texas, USA
Jacqueline Falcomer’s Love Me Not is an insightful and magical story of a woman who is a survivor. With the help of a magnificent and imaginative cast of characters, Hortensia brings her little spot of Tuscany into the modern world. Falcomer’s writing is lyrical, her story completely entertaining, and the meals memorable.”
Toni Morgan, Idaho, USA (author of Patrimony, and, Two-Hearted Crossing)
Love Me Not is a wild ride around the Tuscan countryside, complete with villains, some you’ll love to hate; family members whose affections turn on a dime, and then back again; marvelous descriptions of local Italian meals; and Hortensia, a plucky heroine who fails, succeeds, fails again, and finally emerges victorious—whew! I rarely read magical realism, but this story caught my attention, and I’m glad I succumbed. The magic is subtle and unobtrusive, but it plays its role magnificently. Written by an author who lives where she writes, with great authority. Jump on board and enjoy the ride!
Madge Walls, Oregon, USA (author of Paying the Price and Buyers Are Liars)
Hang onto your hat. Jacqueline Falcomer’s Love Me Not is magical mystery tour of Italian characters, the Tuscan countryside, fabulous food, and unexpected storylines. Follow the amazing story of Hortensia as she overcomes enormous odds to find her happy ending.”
Kathryn Munn, California, USA
The Journey to Love Me Not
Truth be told, I wrote Tell Me Not immediately after Forget Me Not. But then, just as I was about to publish, I had second thoughts. I stowed Tell Me Not in the bottom drawer, and before I knew it, my fingers were once again flying across the keyboard getting Love Me Not’s story down. It was another wild ride, and I was totally unprepared for all the twists and turns. I do hope you enjoy Love Me Not as much as I did writing it.