This book was surprising in many ways. Having read several books by this author, I was sure I would like this one as well. I did, but not the way that I expected.The book starts with a rather mundane accounting of Grace's day-to-day life. She's living with her boyfriend, Michael, who is a research physician. On holidays, she visits her family—but without Michael who isn't welcome at her parent's home. Part of the reason is because he's using stem cells in his research and their Catholic doctrine condemns it. But the primary reason is that he's not Italian; he's Irish, of all things.I was lulled along, getting to know the Russos through Grace's visits with them—the conflicts being played out over a dinner table loaded with holiday goodies. Then, the family has to face two crises. First, Nonna falls and breaks her hip. In considerable pain, she refuses to cooperate with her therapists and demands to go home, expecting Grace's mother to care for her around the clock. Then, Michael is diagnosed with a virulent form of cancer and Grace needs her family's support as never before.My favorite character in this book is Father John. I'd like to meet him in real life. In one scene, discussing en vitro fertilization, he says, "I think that the Church's major area of concern has always been that children are begotten not made. Is it right to make children in a laboratory setting just because we can?" And also, "The trick is not to rationalize your decisions knowing that they displease God."I was only looking for a good story, but along with that, I got some wise spiritual guidance. A good deal in my book. ( )

great description of an italian family. Grace takes groups on tours. Loves Michael who gets brain cancer. Trip to mex. city and questions of Mary's existence and the reason to pray. ( )

THis is a work of fiction about an Italian American women,and her family, living in Charleston and Hilton Head, South Carolina, after migrating from Bloomfield, NJ. Grace Russo the "nice Italian girl" is shacking up with, Michael Higgins the Irish Doctor, scientist, Athiest/stem cell research baby killer. Just why her parents(?) Big Al, and Connie Russo do not accept or understand this situation.
Author, D.B. Frank tackles many issues in this enchanting and amusing work of fiction: Science vs Religion, Education vs common sense, Italian culture vs Irish, large extended family vs nucleur families, mother vs daughter. To treat all of these issues is quite a feat. Just reconciling obsessive catholicism with atheism and alternative ways of conception as opposed to the "normal way" begotten vs being made.
The author with the help of a major miracle finds ways to explain and abridge all of these issues to insure the reader of a happy ending. In the process these issues are treated intelligently and with respect for the faithful and the scientist amongst us.

This is one of the more interesting and intellectually stimulating romance novels I have read in a long time. It was thoroughly enjoyable and the heroine was quite likeable. Humor abounds as well as serious dialogues on issues of faith and science. Is it all believeable? the miracle is rather far fetched, but a neat way to tie all the bits and pieces into one whole.

This is a good beach book.

Set in South Carolina around Hilton Head and Charleston. This is about a family that has retired with their daughter Grace from New Jersey. Grace is unmarried at 32, living with a doctor and a scientist and she thinks a atheist. Over the years, Grace has become a bit ambivalent about her faith, but her family is old fashioned Italian so the stage is set for a major showdown that just might change Grace's outlook on life, family, and the New South.