The Shoemaker's Wife

When Ciro Lazzari and Enza Ravenelli leave their small Italian villages (separately) for America in the early 1900s, they seem destined to end up together, even after experiencing only one brief encounter. Using your power of deduction based on the book’s title (and quickly discovering that Ciro becomes a shoemaker’s apprentice once he arrives in New York City), it’s probably safe to assume the outcome of their relationship.

Nevertheless, Adriana Trigiani has created a lovely tale that deftly weaves together the importance of family, friendship, the search for truth and ultimately, forgiveness. While I felt the book meandered just a bit and could have been pared down in some places, Trigiani certainly has a way with words. Her vivid descriptions of food, people and landscapes make you feel like you’re sitting right alongside her characters.

An enjoyable read, I’d rate The Shoemaker's Wife 4 out of 5 stars. 

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Harold Fry, a recent retiree, is sitting in his kitchen in England when he receives a letter from Queenie Hennessey, an old friend and work colleague, telling him she’s dying of cancer. After sharing the news with his wife, Maureen, Harold pens a response and promptly heads outside to drop it in the mail. But Harold doesn’t stop there. He decides that he’s going to walk all the way to Queenie’s bedside — more than 500 miles — so he can personally thank her for her kindness all those years ago.

Harold’s pilgrimage is as much an emotional journey as it is a physical one. The reader learns about the joys and sorrows, successes and failures that have shaped Harold’s life, and the effect they’ve had on his relationships with Maureen, Queenie and his son, David. As Harold continues his cross-country trek, sending letters and postcards beseeching Queenie to “hang in there” until he arrives, he becomes something of a folk hero, drawing crowds of curious onlookers and well-wishers as he makes his way toward Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

Rachel Joyce has created a tale that’s sweet, heartbreaking, quirky and a little bit humbling. I think you’ll find yourself rooting for Harold and optimistic about what’s next for him once the journey is complete. Many thanks, Mom, for recommending this little gem!