Venice Redux

Simon (The DeLuca Furlough Brides) and debut author Ellis tell a tender tale about love rekindled against a picturesque Italian backdrop. Leslie and Greg Meyer are on the verge of divorce after 18 years of marriage. History professor Leslie, aware that their passion has faded and resentful of Greg for prioritizing work over their relationship, signs her half of the divorce papers and immediately heads to Venice to present a research paper. Coincidentally, Greg’s job as a consultant also sends him on a business trip to Venice. Made nostalgic by the sights of the romantic city where the pair had their destination wedding years before, they agree to meet. As they reminisce about their early days, Greg reveals why he’s been so dedicated to his job and Leslie begins to doubt whether divorce is really what she wants. Though the narrative is often bogged down by exposition, the characters and descriptions of Italy are vivid and evocative. Italophiles and romantics will be satisfied by this sentimental story. (BookLife)