The Patron Saint of Second Chances - Christine Simon

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"The Patron Saint of Second Chances" is a very light, laugh-out-loud funny story, and it came to me as a reader at just the right time, when I was looking for a momentary break from heavier, dark reads. If you're looking for something quirky without a complex plot to keep track of that will still surely tug on your heartstrings, look no further! 

What I loved most about reading this book was that it played out in my mind like an Italian Hallmark comedy movie. Mischief, mayhem, and an entire town full of lovable Italian characters...what more could you want?

What on earth is a small-town mayor to do when he discovers he must quickly scrounge together 70,000 euro in order to fix Prometto's pipes, or else risk the disbanding of his community? Thankfully for us readers, Signore Speranza is full of big ideas to save his beloved Prometto, but what happens when the ideas get a bit too big for Prometto's own good?

This sweet treasure of a story is beautifully written and has so many emotional little gems strewn throughout its otherwise haphazardly-hilarious plot. The depth of certain characters wasn't lost on me, and neither was the emotional-complexity of Signore Speranza. If you're a reader who can't help but dwell on plot-holes, no matter how tiny, this may not be the book for you. But, if you're looking for an easy, breezy, heartwarming story, pick this up. You won't be sorry!

Rating: 4 Stars

Publication Details: Out 4/12/2022, Atria Books

Huge thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing my review copy!

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