Title: Angelica’s Discoveries: Romance and Journey to the New World
Author: Otilia Greco
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 978-1462073511
Pages: 176
Genre: Romance/Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent
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Author Otilia Greco’s novel, Angelica’s Discoveries: Romance and Journey to the New World is a moving tale of discovery; an adventure about a brave woman’s journey to find herself.
Angelica is a woman living in the Swiss Alps during World War II. While her father prefers her to stay home, she wants to travel to America and visit her beloved Uncle Victor. She leaves Switzerland to become a tourist’s guide in Greece. While traveling, she ultimately falls in love and marries. When her husband Mark leaves Europe for America, Angelica leaves behind everything she knows to travel to accompany him, finally seeing her Uncle Victor and creating a new life.
Angelica’s Discoveries is a charming and uplifting novel. Angelica is a courageous character that fights her fears with a tenacity that’s admirable. From facing her small fear of water by sailing on boats to her larger fear of defying her father by moving overseas to the United States, she is a true hero in this novel. The romantic elements of Angelica’s Discoveries are also a touching part of the story. Angelica’s relationship with Mark throughout their trek across America is a testament to true love.
Greco’s writing captures the full dimensions of the characters. Her vivid descriptions of Europe and America during World War II will transport readers back in time. Greco grew up in the Swiss Alps and describes the beautiful scenery with an unparalleled first hand recollection in this novel. The descriptions of the boats across Europe showcase the dangers of travelling at the time. Greco’s writing about Angelica and Mark’s adjustment to life in America captures the arduous journey immigrants experienced once they reached their adopted homes.
Angelica’s Discoveries would be a great choice for readers who want a novel about a light romance with an inspirational message. Angelica’s Discoveries will especially inspire female readers of romance or historical romance novels with her strong female protagonist. This story would also be an excellent choice for those who like historical fiction like Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, or books about immigrants in America such as Willa Cather’s My Antonia. This book will also appeal to book clubs and readers that are looking to discuss new novels that explore complex issues such as immigration in a simple, relatable way.
Angelica’s Discoveries is an empowering story that is short, but will leave a long impression on readers.
