Dante's Gift

A Chicago Christmas, Book 1

By: Aubrey Wynne

Narrated by: Tom Jordan

Kathleen James has put her practical side away for once and looks forward to the perfect romantic evening: an intimate dinner with the man of her dreams and an engagement ring. She is not prepared to hear that he wants to bring his grandmother back from Italy to live with him.

Dominic Lawrence has planned this marriage proposal for six months. Nothing can go wrong-until his Nonna calls. Now he must interrupt the tenderest night of Katie's life with the news that another woman will be under their roof.

When Antonia's sister dies, she finds herself longing to be back in the States. An Italian wartime bride from the 1940s, she knows how precious love can be. Can her own story of an American soldier and a very special collie once again bring two hearts together at Christmas?

©2015 Aubrey Wynne (P)2017 Aubrey Wynne

Really liked

Kept me listening well written and liked the speaker would recommend this book and author to all my friends

short and sweer

a sweet short story. didn't change my life, but was a fun, short listen.

I received this audiobook at my request and I voluntarily wrote a review.

One love story helps the other.

I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This story two separate love stories intertwine with one another. The first love story is set in present-day Chicago about Dominic and Kathleen. The other love story is set during World War II in Italy between Dominic's Italian born grandmother and his American soldier grandfather. I've never listened to a love story where one love story is vital to the second.

When the Story begins Dominic is going all out in order to proposed to his longtime girlfriend Kathleen. Their relationship hit a snag when Dominic has to bring his grandmother over from Italy when her sister dies. Kathleen has never had a close-knit family nor does she understand affection so she does not understand why Dominic wants to bring his grandmother over so that she can live with him.

When Dominic first and informs Kathleen about the decision to bring his grandmother over she acts like a petulant child. She is completely unhappy and she does not want anybody ruining her future for her. I can honestly say that I dislike Kathleen when that scene occurred. It did not become better until she finally meets Antonia, Dominic's grandmother. I do understand with Kathleen is coming from because this was unexpected and having somebody in a new house as a married couple is difficult. However the way that she talked about Nonna was unnecessary.

I have to admit that the story between Dominic's grandparents was just simply amazing. The meeting was simple the romance however was not. The romance consisted of love, trust, and just all-around respect. I do believe that is how Dominic wants his relationship with Kathleen to be.

Kathleen and Dominic did balance each other out and when Kathleen decided to stop being so analytical but everything and start thinking with her heart she grew on me. Her upbringing was very sterile and impersonal and she did not get the whole big Italian family and being in each other's business and just generally being happy to be around one another. There were certain moments that she realized that she had a high opinion of herself and took herself down a peg.

Overall this was a wonderful holiday story. This story does start in October and does end in December. Tom Jordan did a wonderful job narrating the story and I believed 100% and what he was saying. I believe the love and the hurt and the joy that he brought to all of the characters. This is the first book from Aubrey Wynne that I have read and it will not be the last.

6 stars!

Dear Santa, for Christmas I would like a Dante of my own. A Dominick wouldn't be bad either if he continues to have Tom Jordan's voice. This is truly a heartwarming story. You get two love stories all in one. I did get teary eyed so beware. Highly recommended!

One of the Best!

I fell in love with this story! What a well written book that spans time and cultures. I will definitely be listening to this beautiful story again. I thought the narrator did an outstanding performance with his distinguishable voices for the various characters. Plus, I love his voice. The author wrote such vivid imagery and included so many realistic details that I could picture so much in my mind. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. This book is a standalone listen and part of a series. I will definitely be listening to more books by this author and narrator.