Santa Lucia is the sweeping tale of a town on the brink of change and the villagers that call it home.

Surrounded by glimmering olive groves and embellished with flower-lined alleys, it would be easy to believe that Santa Lucia is as enchanting as it appears. After all, what drama could possibly unfold in such a storybook village?

As it happens, Santa Lucia is rife with secrets that are swapped over espresso at the local bar.

There is much to discuss. Massimo's sudden and powerful romance shocks the villagers who doubt his motives. Tragedy upon tragedy have rocked Luciano's world until he is at risk of losing everything. Young Fatima wrestles with how to balance her devotion to her Moroccan family with her desire to integrate into her new Italian home. Her best friend Elisa's very existence violates her family's sense of honor. Chiara's past threatens to corrupt her budding love affair. Edo 's wild streak is as dangerous as it is mystifying. Magda's shocking history can't stay hidden forever. And the mayor is too preoccupied to notice that his wife is carrying on an affair with the town handyman.

Santa Lucia is a mesmerizing escape into one remarkable Italian village.

By the author of the bestselling Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center, Santa Lucia similarly transports readers to the lush green hills of Italy.

"Santa Lucia is 'un-put-downable'!"

"This book is for anyone who loves wandering Italian villages as well as Italian culture, language and food. A wonderful read that transports you completely into the atmosphere of everyday life in a little village that could only be in Italy. You'll love the intertwining of the stories of the many characters, the secrets and intrigue that typically though not obviously exist in a small place, the twists and turns of the general story and the dramatic final chapters, that leave you gagging for more. Roll on Book 2!"

"I really felt like I was sipping a cappuccino at the local bar and watching the stories unfold. "

"From the very first paragraph, I found myself intrigued. Michelle Damiani paints a complete portrait of Santa Lucia, her inhabitants and the aura of Umbria itself. The plot is well fleshed out, takes surprising and unexpected turns. It was difficult to lay the story aside. I can hardly wait for her next installment of the story of Santa Lucia. Bravo, Michelle Damiani."

"One of those books that keeps you awake at night reading. Loved the characters and the story."

"This was a fantastic read. I could not put it down. The way it ends leaves me longing for Michelle to write the sequel. Her descriptions of Santa Lucia are like reading poetry. Great great read. You will love it!"