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One Woman's Journey From Sicily to America - Book Tour and Giveaway

11/4/2020

129 Comments

 
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Between the Cracks
One Woman's Journey From Sicily to America Book 1
by Carmela Cattuti
Genre: Historical Women's Fiction 

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Join Angela Lanza as she experiences the tumultuous world of early 20th century Sicily and New York. Orphaned by the earthquake and powerful eruption of Mt. Etna in 1908, Angela is raised in the strict confines of an Italian convent. Through various twists of fate, she is married to a young Italian man whom she barely knows, then together with her spouse, immigrates to the U.S. This novel is an invitation to accompany the young Angela as she confronts the ephemeral nature of life on this planet and navigates the wide cultural gaps between pre-World War II Italy and the booming prosperity of dynamic young America.

Author, artist, and teacher Carmela Cattuti created Between the Cracks as an homage to her great-aunt, who survived the earthquake and eruption of Mt. Etna and bravely left Sicily to start a new life in America.



Goodreads * Amazon * Audible ​

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​Prologue

Across from Italy’s mainland sat the city of Messina like an indomitable fortress. Proud of its solid presence, Messina was the travelers’ first encounter with the island of Sicily. The earthy colors of the buildings and landscape signaled to the visitor or returning Sicilian that Messina and its people belonged to the island, not to any outside political force or cultural tradition. The clang of the donkey-drawn carts and the voices calling out to customers to buy wares in the market added to the music of the city’s sounds. Visitors marveled out loud at the cathedrals and ancient artwork throughout the city, but the locals walked and spoke softly, especially near the narrow slits between the buildings.
Visitors delighted in the snake-like movement of the streets. Most led directly to a famous church or street market but then would slowly veer off in a different direction. They seemed to be designed to intentionally confuse. The city offered no help in arriving at a specific destination.
Ancient buildings were so close together that air barely squeezed through. Residents believed that between the buildings old mysteries sat, holding the true essence of Messina. Townspeople walking close to the openings felt a whisper—not a sound you could hear with your physical ears but heard in your mind. The whisper seemed to convey a yearning that had been imprisoned for hundreds of years. When this happened, people scurried past, heads down.
Hopelessness was the disease that plagued the citizens of Messina during the early twentieth century. The city was so congested with ancient energy it felt like it could explode—and small eruptions did occur. Whenever some of the dark energy needed release, outbursts took place between the locals who were often surly with one another. Their interactions were always based on scarcity, and not just in terms of money. If a resident didn’t show enough respect to a compatriot, there would be a confrontation. If someone had more stylish clothes than another, there would be jealousy over their lack of quality clothes. If a citizen had more leisure time than the next person, there would be gossip about how the person with more time for pleasure was lazy and didn’t deserve the extra time. Daydreaming was frowned upon. What was the point of daydreaming when it was just fantasy and would never come true?
The city’s poor were especially vulnerable to the local mafia and thieves. Many of the men met an early death at the hands of murderers, accidents from factory jobs or shoveling coal, or disease. Women were left to raise children who would most likely not move above their family’s social status. The lack of light between the buildings prevented transcendence or change. This cycle had repeated itself for hundreds of years.
The dark energy of Messina was relentless in its hunger for the human spirit. Feeding off people’s dreams, it left them with doubt, fear, and misery. This shadowy energy prided itself on soul theft. Once the soul was stolen, an overwhelming amount of energy was required to retrieve it—and few in Sicily were familiar with the practice of soul retrieval.
The neighborhoods were filled with children running, playing, singing, and giggling. Youth were not affected by the dark energy. They nourished each other with joy and playfulness; qualities that the malevolent force could not penetrate. The children breathed deeply and dreamed blissful scenarios of the future, but when they returned to their homes, a grim reality met the physical eyes of many: parents yelling, often with a blow or two to a mother’s face or stomach from a drunken father. Imperceptibly, like a slow death from a chronic debilitating disease, the children played less and gave up their bliss and dreams to the heavy energy between the buildings.
The cycle of poverty and abuse branched out through time like a spider unconsciously spinning its web. No police force protected the women or the poor, so the residents lived in fear of everything. Unconsciously, they feared the small spaces between the buildings. At times, a glimmer of light seeped into the locals’ fear. This usually took place in their conversation around sunset, when many would gather in the town piazza.
There was talk of freedom and protection in America. The townspeople heard it was a country where anyone could become rich—but more than that, one could become happy. America equaled happiness. They didn’t know what happiness felt like, but they were sure they could find it if only they could go to America. However, few had true hope of leaving Messina. The spark of light ignited by these conversations flickered but was extinguished at the last spoken word.
It wasn’t that the townspeople couldn’t find a way to get to the New World; there just wasn’t enough determination or will. When the energy between the buildings took their will, the residents were left with despair. While the Black Plague of the Middle Ages had been cured by an awareness of sanitation techniques, the town’s hopelessness could only be cured by cleansing Messina of the dark, heavy energy. This would require a belief that they could reclaim their stolen individuality, comprised of their dreams and hopes. In the end, it was easier to cure the Plague.
The shadowy energy became so thick at times that it took on form. It was a master shape-shifter that became stronger as it gathered human dreams. From the corners of their eyes, the residents would perceive a shape leaning against a building—but when they looked directly at the form, it would vanish. This energy frightened the residents into thinking that they had to stay in the city to remain safe.
The dark energy took whatever it could from the city’s residents. But for 13-year-old Angela Lanza, neither her dreams nor her distinct presence could be stolen. Her awareness had never allowed it. Different from her contemporaries, as she entered adolescence, she was increasingly able to communicate with the unseen. She hadn’t been afraid of the lurking, mysterious force between the buildings, as visions while she slept had instructed her how to oppose this force.
One night, during a dream, two beings appeared to her. Both had shoulder-length, wavy, light hair and faces glowing with a radiance that compelled her to look away at first. Angela realized she was dreaming and looked back at the faces of the beings, with light streaming toward her. These creatures explained that they were infusing her with light for protection against the dark power of the city. If she paid attention to their guidance, she would live to manifest her dreams and aspirations and use her will to do so.
When she awoke, she felt special. Whenever she was sad, alone, or ridiculed, Angela would think of the two friends from her dream and know everything would be all right. She maintained the integrity of her internal space and knew she could not be violated by the shadowy energy. She stayed away from certain buildings without really knowing why. At times, her body seemed to be guided by an unseen, gentle sensation or a distant voice inside her head. She sensed that her time in Messina would be short—that she wasn’t supposed to stay here.
Angela no longer attended school, which was typical of girls of her age. The oldest of three children, it was her responsibility to help her mother. One day, she came home to learn her father who had been a silk trader was killed on the silk trade route and would not return. A few weeks later, a man moved into their house. Her mother explained that he would help with the rent. After a few months, Angela noticed her mother’s belly protruding beneath her homemade, faded smock. Angela pretended she did not notice. She thought of her dream friends and felt less alone.
In December of 1908, the earth made a decision that would change the lives of Messina’s inhabitants forever. The amount of pressure caused by the malevolent energy between the city’s buildings seeped under the earth and into the surrounding area. It nestled itself under Mt. Etna, an active volcano.
After Mt. Etna erupted, causing an earthquake, the city moaned. Screams from the undead, buried under debris, echoed off the skeletons of structural remains. It was as if the earth released a scream that resounded through time, releasing a millennium of abuse and maltreatment.
The morning the earth exploded; Angela was awoken from her sleep. She and her younger brother, Antonio, jumped out of their second-floor window and ran to the edge of the city, where she blacked out and started to drift. She floated above the earth, peering down onto the city. She saw people running, buildings collapsing, and gaping holes in the earth.  

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The Ascent
One Woman's Journey From Sicily to America Book 2 

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The sequel to Carmela Cattuti's first novel, Between the Cracks,, this story invites the reader to accompany Angela Lanza as she builds her life in America during the first half of the 20th century. A Sicilian immigrant, she manages to assimilate into the social life of a small town outside of New York City. Through the horrors of war, domestic tragedy, and raising her sister-in-law's children, hers is a successful immigrant experience. Angela seeks to transcend organized religion and develop her spirituality. She influenced three generations of Americans through her artistic sensibility and a sharpened intuition. The book parallels America's growth with Angela's growing sense of who she is in the world.


Goodreads * Amazon ​

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​Alice came to a fork in the road.
‘Which road do I take?’ she asked.
‘Where do you want to go?’ responded the Cheshire Cat.
‘I don’t know,’ Alice answered.
‘Then,’ said the Cat, ‘it doesn’t matter.’
Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland


PROLOGUE

Nelsonville, NY-1930
Angela stood in the kitchen of her fifteen room Queen Anne Victorian home on Morning Glory Avenue. It had been twenty-two years since she had experienced the 1908 earthquake in Messina, Sicily. Her sister, aunt, and grandmother had perished in the disaster. At the time of the earthquake Angela had been an orphan; both parents had died in their early twenties. Angela and her brother, Antonio, were sent to live with their grandmother, while her younger sister, Maria, was sent to live with an aunt. The earthquake had finished her family and now she was standing in a big house without a family to fill it. A few years after she had emigrated from Sicily, Angela had fallen ill with a high fever. Her uterus had ruptured, and the doctors had to remove it, ending her dream of having children.
Angela moved to the dining room and surveyed the dining room table as if it were an artist’s canvas. The white linen tablecloth made the room feel fresh and hopeful. An empty crystal bowl with white candlesticks on either side stood in the center of the table like place holders, waiting for the next gathering to occur. She walked to the buffet and gazed at a photograph of her sister-in-law, Speranza; a tall thin young woman with sunken cheeks peered out from underneath a 1920s style hat and dress. A holy card of the Blessed Mother leaned on the side of the framed photograph. Angela had placed it there so that Speranza was protected by Mary. She had made the ensemble for Speranza’s engagement party ten years ago. When Angela came to America in 1913, Speranza was nine years old and in need of guidance. Angela had lost her sister, so she set her intentions on caring for Speranza, in turn, Speranza helped her learn English.
A few months ago, Speranza suddenly died from a heart ailment. It was a blow that would stay with Angela until she passed from this life. Angela removed the card and leaned it on a nearby crystal bowl and picked up the photograph. Next to Speranza was her husband Salvatore. He had a vacant stare that communicated to the viewer that he was either occupied elsewhere, or he hid who he was. Angela still had Speranza’s three children to care for, but they were not her blood. Angela returned the photograph and holy card back to its original place. Franco’s chair was to the left of the buffet. Angela had made the chair cover with a rose motif material. Franco’s body had made an impression on the worn cushions a ghost of his form that Angela sometimes mistook for Franco. Pipes encrusted with tobacco dangling from a pipe holder like small sculptures sat on a table next to the chair. The room reeked of stale tobacco.
Angela turned and admired the black marble fireplace and two sets of sliding oak French doors. One set lead to her sitting room and the other opened to a spacious hallway with a winding staircase. She gazed at the tapestry of Vatican City that hung over the fireplace; St. Peter’s Basilica stood in the center like a fortress. Franco had purchased it on their 1929 trip to Sicily. They had returned to Messina hoping to find out what had happened to Angela’s sister Maria. Unfortunately, there was no documentation about her death or survival, so Angela returned to New York without any closure about her sister’s fate. Every time she looked at the tapestry, she was reminded about the nebulous part of her life, and the lingering sense that her sister existed in a space between life and death. This is God’s version of purgatory for me, thought Angela. She was not allowed the heaven she thought would befall her once she came to America.
Angela opened the French door to her sitting room. A couch with billowing cushions sat in front of another marble fireplace. Sewing baskets, dress patterns, and cloth remnants were neatly stacked on a worktable. The house had been built for a physician in 1888. There was a large oak cabinet at the end of the room where he had kept medical supplies. Angela now stored material, thread, and knitting needles. She liked that it had been a healing space that served the community. Maintaining good health was a priority in Angela’s life. She made sure her food was fresh and walked every day regardless of the weather. Angela especially liked the walk to St. Mary’s school which sat on top of a hill over-looking the Hudson River.
Next to the sitting room was Franco and Angela’s bedroom. It too had French doors that opened into a light filled room. Over the top of the bed was a half-moon shaped stained glass window and when the light spread its rays through the window Angela felt it was a kiss from the sun. Green, red, and blue rays engulfed the room, giving it a feeling of connection with heaven itself. A third dark marble fireplace, with decorative interlacing gold spirals, stood next to the vanity like an anchor for the light. A multi-tiered wrought iron candle stand stood in front of the dark fireplace. When Angela survived her illness many years ago, Franco had prayed to the Blessed Mother to heal his young wife. This was on a Friday, the next day her fever broke, and she was sitting up in bed when Franco came to visit. Every Friday, Angela lit candles to Mary in appreciation for the miracle.
Angela moved into the spacious hallway. Two large stained-glass windows lined the winding staircase. Bright light penetrated the multi-colored stained glass, casting a rainbow of color on the steps and floor. Under the front window sat her sewing machine. A full-length mirror hung on the wall to the right; a small platform waited in anticipation of the next customer.
Across from the staircase the largest fireplace of them all greeted anyone descending the stairs. It was the same color and design as her bedroom fireplace, but the spirals were intertwined with circles creating a rhythm that reminded Angela of music. Antique gold clocks lined the mantle with figurines depicting eighteenth century dress; ladies with ornate fans shielding their lips and nose, men with white wigs and handkerchiefs dangling from one hand. During the holidays a roaring fire was lit and the aroma of oak and cedar filled the downstairs rooms.
She stood at the bottom of the staircase with her hand on the railing. The rooms upstairs were vacant. There were not enough people to fill them. They had bought the house with the expectation that Speranza and her family might one day live with them. There was another kitchen and bathroom on the second floor; an apartment that waited for occupants that might come one day. After Speranza’s death, Franco had wanted to rent the rooms for extra income, but Angela opposed it.
“Someone will come if we leave the rooms empty,” Angela told Franco.
“No one will come,” Franco said. “We need to ask our friends if they know of a family who needs a place to stay. The extra money will come in handy.”
“Speranza’s children will want to stay with us,” Angela said. “Besides, why have strangers live in our home?”
Since his stroke, Franco did not have patience with children. He favored his nephew, Nunzio, Speranza’s first child. Nunzio was vociferous and more than disruptive at times. Angela tried to tame him, but Franco delighted in Nunzio’s boisterous behavior. When Nunzio played with toy guns, Franco taught him how to shoot. He was amused by his nephew, but Angela felt Nunzio’s behavior, while amusing at age six would be offensive as a teenager, and dangerous in adulthood. If Nunzio lived with her, he would have to change. The two younger children were sweet and needed a mother. Their father was often out-of-work and Angela felt he relinquished his obligation as a parent to his sister Paolina. His sister had catered to Salvatore his entire life. He relied on her to cook his meals, wash his clothes, and clean his house. Salvatore rarely interacted with his children and relied on others to care for them.

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Carmela Cattuti started her writing career as a journalist for the Somerville News in Boston, MA. After she finished her graduate work in English Literature from Boston College she began to write creatively and taught a journal writing course at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education As fate would have it, she felt compelled to write her great aunt's story. “Between the Cracks” has gone through several incarnations and will now become a trilogy. The second book is "The Ascent."
The third book will be released in early 2021.


Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads
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Frequently Asked Questions Series: How I do research for my novels.

Readers often ask me how much research I do for my novels. I thought I would mix things up and do a video instead of writing details about my research. The video is below. Enjoy! There will be an audio book out soon.
 
Best,
Carmela
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129 Comments
Bea LaRocca
11/4/2020 03:15:34 am

This sounds like an excellent book and series. On a personal note, I am very interested in reading these stories as my late husband's grandmother emigrated from Sicily during this time period and I can imagine that her experiences and feelings were similar to your character Angela's.

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Carmela Cattuti link
11/5/2020 06:33:42 am

Thank you Bea. I hope you enjoy the books. Between the Cracks is an audio book if you prefer. I have currently working on the third book. I hope I have illuminated the Italian American experience in the early to mid 20th century in a clear and empathetic way.

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AuntySuzany
11/4/2020 03:44:35 am

Great looking covers! Thank you for sharing!

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Carmela Cattuti link
11/4/2020 02:40:31 pm

You're welcome. Enjoy! The audio book is awesome.

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Bernie Wallace
11/4/2020 05:31:19 am

How long did it take you to write your book?

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Carmela Cattuti link
11/4/2020 02:42:54 pm

Between the Cracks morphed into several incarnations. I started it in graduate school in the late 1970s and finished it in the late 1980s. I rewrote the entire novel in 2012. It was a long process.

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Shirley Ann Speakman
11/4/2020 08:37:44 am

The books sounds really interesting and intriguing, the covers have been well chosen too.

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Carmela Cattuti link
11/4/2020 02:43:53 pm

Thank you. The covers have gone through several incarnations.

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James Robert
11/4/2020 08:48:47 am

It's great hearing about new books when you have a family who loves to read. Thanks so much for sharing your book.

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Carmela Cattuti link
11/4/2020 02:45:03 pm

You're welcome. The audio book of Between the Cracks is awesome.

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Rita Wray
11/4/2020 09:45:26 am

The books sound great.

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Eva Millien
11/4/2020 10:13:35 am

Sounds like great reads! Thanks for sharing and good luck with the tour!

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Carmela Cattuti link
11/4/2020 02:46:10 pm

Thanks Eva.

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Sara Zielinski
11/4/2020 12:34:57 pm

I think this book has an awesome cover.

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Carmela Cattuti link
11/4/2020 02:47:05 pm

Thanks Sara. I have an awesome designer.

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Jon Heil
11/4/2020 12:36:03 pm

Learning about the past and taking into the future

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Carmela Cattuti link
11/4/2020 02:48:31 pm

Jon, Yes it's important to know about the past and bring it into the 21st century.

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Amy F
11/4/2020 12:39:14 pm

Beautiful cover... sounds like an interesting story!

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Wendy Jensen
11/4/2020 01:32:39 pm

Great book covers.

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Victoria Alexander
11/4/2020 02:26:39 pm

Great post - sounds like a wonderful series!

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Susan Smith
11/4/2020 04:17:57 pm

Sounds like a great book. I like the cover.

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Sherry
11/4/2020 04:34:12 pm

I love the covers and the excerpts.

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Beyond Comps
11/4/2020 04:39:00 pm

Great cover!

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Lily Blain
11/4/2020 05:11:21 pm

This looks interesting, thank you for sharing new release

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wendy hutton
11/4/2020 05:33:42 pm

wonderful cover, thanks

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Debbie P
11/4/2020 05:55:08 pm

This sounds like a great book and I am really looking forward to reading it! Especially since my great grandmother came from Sicily.

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Carmela Cattuti link
11/5/2020 06:36:29 am

Thanks Debbie, Between the Cracks is an audio book if you prefer. I am currently working on the third book. If you would like updates join my facebook page www.facebook.com/carmelacattuticreative.

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Brandi Dawn
11/4/2020 06:25:25 pm

I really like the cover. Its intriguing!

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Calvin
11/5/2020 01:36:06 am

Wonderful intro, it's good to read about the setting, sounds like a well done book.

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Michele Soyer
11/5/2020 04:53:30 am

I cannot wait to read these books.. they are of a very special interest to me..Best of luck...

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Carmela Cattuti link
11/5/2020 06:39:54 am

Thanks Michele,.I'm glad the books resonate with you. Between the Cracks is an audio book if you prefer. I am currently working on the third book in the series. If you would like updates join my facebook page www.facebook.com/carmelacattuticreative.

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Barbara Montag
11/6/2020 11:38:10 am

Interesting reads with matching covers.
Thank you for sharing the review.

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Carmela Cattuti link
11/6/2020 01:56:58 pm

Thanks Barbara, I have a great cover designer. Between the Cracks is an audio book. The narrator is fabulous. https://www.audible.com/pd/B08H2CYWWX/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-214434&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_214434_rh_us

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Julie Lundstrom
11/6/2020 01:35:16 pm

I like the cover of this book.

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Lisa
11/7/2020 12:23:25 pm

The cover is really nice.

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Ann Fantom
11/7/2020 01:06:50 pm

I like the cover. It has very nice artwork

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Michelle H.
11/7/2020 01:24:30 pm

I like the cover of "The Ascent" the best.

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carmela cattuti link
11/8/2020 08:18:32 am

Thanks Michelle, I have a great designer. Hope you enjoy the books. Between the Cracks is on audible.

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Serge B
11/7/2020 02:17:56 pm

I liked the older pictures on the covers

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Marcy Meyer
11/7/2020 02:49:16 pm

The cover is really pretty. Sounds like a great read.

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bn100
11/7/2020 06:22:38 pm

no questions

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LYNN CLAYTON
11/7/2020 07:08:21 pm

nice cover looks like a great read

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Stephanie Liske
11/7/2020 09:07:02 pm

I like the covers.

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Ginger Hafer
11/8/2020 04:14:52 am

Very creative coloring on the covers. Sound like great reads.

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carmela cattuti link
11/8/2020 08:16:52 am

Thanks Ginger, I have a great designer. Between the Cracks is now an audio book. Check it out out on amazon.

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Laura Rubenstein
11/8/2020 08:06:52 am

I think this book looks and sounds amazing

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Cynthia C
11/8/2020 10:29:45 am

Thank you for sharing the excerpts. They sound interesting.

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Kelly D
11/8/2020 11:54:09 am

I love the covers, they look like interesting books to read.

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Terri Quick
11/8/2020 02:47:44 pm

Great cover

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Dana
11/8/2020 09:32:08 pm

The covers look sepia toned and intriguing

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Elizabeth H.
11/8/2020 10:01:43 pm

The story sounds riveting and I love the book covers! Congratulations on the books! What a legacy you have! You must have many strong women in your family.

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carmela cattuti
11/9/2020 04:14:21 pm

Thanks Elizabeth, I have a great designer. The women in my family are strong and very creative. I am currently working on the third installment. If you like audio books. Between the Cracks is on audible and itunes. Thanks again.

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Judy Thomas
11/9/2020 04:38:10 am

It sounds like an emotional read.

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carmela cattuti link
11/9/2020 04:16:19 pm

Thanks Judy, It is an emotional read. I am currently writing the third installment. If you're interested in audio books, Between the Cracks is on audible and itunes.

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Rachel Schichtl
11/9/2020 08:54:53 am

I love these types of books. Looks great.

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Cathy French
11/9/2020 09:36:07 am

How much research and time did it take to complete this story/books?

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carmela cattuti link
11/9/2020 04:19:35 pm

Thanks for your comment Cathy. I started the first book in graduate school in the late 1980s. It took about 5 years to complete and then a few more to find a publisher. I am currently writing on the third installment and it will be done in early 2021. If you like audio books Between the Cracks is on audible and itunes.

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Molli Taylor
11/9/2020 11:25:58 am

this looks like a great read

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Shana lenoir
11/9/2020 11:56:43 am

Nice job

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shannon zeidan
11/9/2020 12:27:01 pm

This sounds wonderful! Im excited to read it.

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carmlea cattuti link
11/9/2020 04:21:19 pm

Thanks Shannon, I look forward to your feedback. If you have any questions about the books let me know.

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Christy R.
11/9/2020 04:04:14 pm

Hello, The covers are very classy. They definitely have me interested about the contents inside. I love historical fiction, it's my favorite. Thanks for the giveaway.

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carmela cattuti link
11/9/2020 04:23:26 pm

Thanks Christy, I have a great cover designer. Please enjoy the books. Between the Cracks is on audible and itunes if you prefer audio books.

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Suzanne Greene
11/9/2020 04:20:27 pm

They look like interesting books. I really like both of the covers.

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beth shepherd
11/9/2020 08:23:39 pm

This looks great

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Barrie
11/9/2020 10:22:25 pm

What a beautiful way to pay homage to family. It sounds like a good book of fact and fiction!

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carmela cattuti link
11/10/2020 02:13:23 pm

Thanks Barrie, It is a combination of fact and fiction. Family always have the most compelling stories.

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Sarah L
11/10/2020 01:37:26 am

Looks like interesting books.
Thanks for the contest. 

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carmela cattuti link
11/10/2020 02:14:54 pm

Thanks Sarah, Hope you enjoy the books. If you prefer audio books Between the Cracks is on itunes and audible.

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Paige
11/10/2020 11:16:26 am

I love the book covers. Beautiful photography.

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Veronica Lee link
11/11/2020 05:16:07 am

Sounds like a book I would enjoy! Both the book title and cover are captivating!

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carmela cattuti link
11/11/2020 02:28:02 pm

Thanks Veronica, I have a great cover designer. I hope you enjoy the books. I am currently working on the third installment. If you prefer audio books Between the Cracks is on audible and itunes.

Reply
Audrey Stewart
11/11/2020 11:56:38 am

Carmela Cattuti is a new author to me, but I look forward to reading this. I always love meeting new authors. Thanks to this blog for the introduction.

Reply
carmela cattuti link
11/11/2020 02:30:43 pm

Thanks for your kind words Audrey. If you prefer audio books Between the Cracks is on audible and itunes. I look forward to your feedback. Check out my facebook community www.facebook.com/carmelacattuticreative where I often do facebook lives.

Reply
Jenn
11/11/2020 04:20:20 pm

I really like the covers! They are really eye-catching!

Reply
carmela cattuti link
11/11/2020 05:45:21 pm

Thanks Jenn. I have a great cover designer. Enjoy the books!

Reply
Kristen
11/11/2020 04:47:02 pm

The cover photos are very nostalgic feeling.

Reply
Lisa
11/12/2020 05:46:51 pm

I especially like the cover of Between the Cracks. The picture of the main character is lovely with the sort of flapper girl hair cut. I also like the purple color on the book and the old picture of New York skyscrapers. This should be really good, since it's based on the author's real life great aunt.

Reply
Carmela cattuti link
11/12/2020 05:58:07 pm

Thanks for your kind words Lisa. I have a great cover designer. Enjoy the books. Check out audible for Between the Cracks.

Reply
David Hollingsworth
11/12/2020 08:17:51 pm

That cover gives off a sense of history.

Reply
Dawn Keenan
11/13/2020 10:28:48 am

Great cover. I love historical fiction!

Reply
paige chander
11/14/2020 12:05:14 pm

That is an absolutely beautiful cover. Couldn't be better. Thanks for your good works.

Reply
carmela cattuti link
11/14/2020 12:11:55 pm

Thanks for your kind words Paige. Please enjoy the books. If you're interested join my community at www.facebook.com/carmelacattuticreative for updates and videos. Join my web site at www.ccattuticreative.com

Reply
julie murphy
11/14/2020 12:56:30 pm

How many books do you write a year ?

Reply
Carmela cattuti link
11/14/2020 02:46:46 pm

Hi Julie,

I write about one but the editing takes another 6 months. Enjoy the books!

Reply
Christina Gould
11/14/2020 09:24:50 pm

I like the sepia tone and the skyline on the cover. It makes me think I'm going to like the book. Thanks for the giveaway!

Reply
Carmela cattuti link
11/15/2020 04:39:22 am

You're welcome Christina. Enjoy the books.

Reply
Renata
11/16/2020 07:48:52 am

Nice cover

Reply
Carmela cattuti link
11/16/2020 07:56:03 am

Thanks Renata.

Reply
Nina
11/17/2020 11:43:09 am

This sounds so good. In my case, it was my Grandfather who came from Sicily to America. :)

Reply
carmela cattuti link
11/17/2020 01:49:22 pm

Thanks Nina. Hope you enjoy the books. If you prefer audio books Between the Cracks is on audible and itunes.

Reply
Carolsue
11/18/2020 12:13:29 am

The covers are nice and the review sounds like the book would be quite inspiring!
digicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net

Reply
Carmela Cattuti link
11/18/2020 10:49:22 am

Thanks Carolsue, I have a great cover designer. Enjoy the books. If you prefer audio books Between the Cracks is not on audible and itunes.

Reply
athena graeme
11/18/2020 10:13:20 am

Huge fan of the retro! I love that old photo feel to the cover.

Reply
Carmela Cattuti link
11/18/2020 10:50:27 am

Thanks Athena, glad you like the covers. great designer. Enjoy the books.

Reply
LeahSay
11/18/2020 06:20:53 pm

Super excited to read this one and the cover would catch my eye in a book store.

Reply
carmela cattuti link
11/30/2020 07:45:10 am

Thanks Leah. Enjoy the books!

Reply
Carol G
11/19/2020 02:05:16 pm

I am always interested in learning about new books that I might want to read.

Reply
Mary Cloud
11/19/2020 09:20:52 pm

Thanks for sharing - the cover is interesting

Reply
Crystal M
11/21/2020 10:16:42 pm

The story is inspired by the author's grandmother. Is that her on the cover?

Reply
carmela cattuti link
11/30/2020 07:46:31 am

Thanks Crystal. The storied is inspired by my great aunt. That is not her on the cover. Enjoy the books.

Reply
joy f
11/21/2020 10:39:24 pm

Sounds good.

Reply
Jennifer Redd
11/23/2020 12:24:25 pm

I love the feel of these covers, they look amazing

Reply
Nancy
11/25/2020 09:18:49 pm

This sounds like a great trilogy. I love the vintage/ historical style of the book covers.

Reply
carmela cattuti link
11/30/2020 07:47:36 am

Thanks Nancy. Enjoy the books.

Reply
Jaclyn Mercer
11/28/2020 09:10:39 pm

I love the topic matter and cover, so intensely historic and romantic.

Reply
Leah Cavendish
11/29/2020 06:14:04 am

The cover looks great and the story sounds really interesting.

Reply
Terri Shaw
11/29/2020 02:20:45 pm

These sound like fantastic reads.

Reply
Julie Barrett
12/1/2020 09:12:20 pm

This sounds like a fascinating read! I love the cover!

Reply
Daniel M
12/2/2020 02:24:36 pm

like the covers

Reply
susan smoaks
12/3/2020 08:22:05 am

i like the covers. i would love to read these.

Reply
Lauren Hecker
12/3/2020 07:07:29 pm

I like the woman on the cover. Very mysterious and ominous.

Reply
Melissa
12/4/2020 09:43:24 am

great cover, makes me want to read it.

Reply
Emily B.
12/4/2020 10:13:26 am

I love the beautiful colors/shading on the covers.

Reply
Francine Anchondo
12/4/2020 10:38:45 am

I like the cover

Reply
latisha depoortere
12/4/2020 02:16:37 pm

Love the cover thanks for sharing!

Reply
Heather Mahley
12/4/2020 03:28:13 pm

The cover looks amazing

Reply
BILL HOFF
12/4/2020 05:37:46 pm

My daughter would enjoy this book

Reply
jose rosado
12/4/2020 06:02:58 pm

What do you think of the books or the covers?

both covers are very good

THX

Reply
Paula
12/4/2020 06:43:54 pm

The cover art seems appropriate for the book. Good job.

Reply
Beverly Metcalf
12/4/2020 07:55:38 pm

Love the cover and now I want to read the book. Thanks!

Reply
megan allen
12/4/2020 08:21:58 pm

This looks very intriguing!

Reply
Hesper Fry
12/4/2020 08:35:39 pm

This book sounds good and interesting.

Reply
Julieh
12/4/2020 09:13:56 pm

What inspired you to write this story?

Reply
Janine Hwang
12/4/2020 09:26:16 pm

I like the vintage look of the cover

Reply
Leigh Nichols
12/4/2020 09:26:18 pm

I love novels based on times past- and this is a beautiful cover! It really does draw a person in.

Reply
Sand
12/4/2020 10:09:09 pm

Looks like a very interesting cover!

Reply
Amy Green
12/4/2020 11:29:19 pm

I’ve always wanted to go Italy. I’ve also wanted to learn the language. Is there anything you can share about Italian culture you think most readers would be surprised about?

Reply
Jerry Marquardt
12/4/2020 11:46:50 pm

I would like to give thanks for all your really great writings, including One Woman's Journey From Sicily to America, and wishing the best in keeping up the good work in the future.

Reply



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