Varina Palladino is a seventy-year-old widow who runs the family business. Her life revolves around family Sunday dinners, assisting her ninety-two-year-old mother Sylvia who lives with her as well and a troubled unmarried daughter Donatella who has a habit of taking off for periods of time without letting anyone know. She’s always wanted to take a European river cruise and is adamant that it will happen this year.

Sylvia and Donatella are kindred spirits and decide that it’s time for Varina to find a new man in her life. They take it upon themselves to advertise Varina’s eligibility (without her consent) and soon Varina has several men asking her out.

Varina’s two sons and Donatella’s best friend Paulie are also featured in the story. Without giving anything away, expect the unexpected. This family is complex, loving and always looking out for one another. The characters are well-written and heartfelt and the story highly believable.

I listened to the audiobook version of Varina Palladino’s Jersey Italian Love Story which was narrated by Eva Kaminsky. I enjoyed her performance and marveled at her ability to provide authentic Jersey accents covering a wide range of characters. I recommend the audiobook version to those that appreciate this format.

I recommend this book to those readers who enjoy Women’s Fiction or family stories.