During the trip, I realized the deep complications and layers in female relationships, especially mothers and daughters. I heard my grandmother’s voice whisper to me as I stood on a hilltop overlooking Napoli. I saw the growth in my niece with every piece of art she studied and each glorious church she was lucky enough to enter. I relished the stories from my aunt about her experiences as a career woman and her decision not to have children and the big life she’d embarked on that might be different from what society deems we should do.

We came home changed. And I knew this book would be written one day, containing many of our adventures and discoveries.

There is a bit of truth twisted up with a lot of fiction. Someone may have fallen down the Spanish Steps. There may have been a frantic chase through the deserted parks of Rome by an angry mob. There may have been overenthusiastic pigeons in Venice.

Or maybe not.

Either way, the emotions are all real. I hope you enjoyed the Ferrari women and saw a bit of yourself in their journey. I hope the power of forgiveness and healing and second chances resonates the way I wished it would. And family, of course.

Always family.

Thank you, dear readers, for trusting me enough to come along for the ride.

—Jen

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

There are so many people to thank. I’ve said many times that a writer may create the story, but it is a savvy team who helps bring it out to the world in the best possible way.

First, to the amazing Berkley team. My editor, Kerry Donovan, thank you for believing in this story when many didn’t. You allowed me to accomplish a dream I’ve had for a while, and I’m forever grateful. Thanks to Mary Geren, to Eileen Chetti for the copyedits, and to a top-notch marketing and publicity team—I’m forever grateful to Jessica Mangicaro, Tara O’Connor, and Craig Burke. To Jeanne-Marie Hudson and Claire Zion, it’s been a true pleasure to be able to work with you on this book.

To my agent, Kevan Lyon, who is always at my side—I’m so lucky to have you!

To my assistant, Mandy Lawler, who pushed me hard this year to bump up my branding game and keeps things smoothly running in the background—thank you.

To Nina Grinstead at Valentine PR for helping me with ALL the things behind the curtain that build a successful release.

And, as always, to my readers. Thank you for following me everywhere over the years, to wherever my Muse carries me.

You all rock.

Readers Guide

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. When we first meet Francesca, we discover she seems to prioritize work over family. Did you feel sympathetic or critical toward her character and her responsibilities? Did she inspire any empathy for her situation, or did you believe she could have made better choices?