This began as a TRUE STORY - until make-believe crept in... * Chas was heartbroken when Gina left. Should he follow her back to Tuscany? Maybe he could find who his birth parents were into the bargain. * Mason was shattered when Gina disappeared for no reason. Would he ever see her again? * Susie would follow Mason to wherever it took her. So she did. Would they ever get back together? It all began at the college dance...ending in the hill town of Volterra and the sun-baked vineyards of Tuscany. But for one young couple it's an adventure of a lifetime as they are drawn into scandals involving their host Italian family, intrigue within their own relationships, and the secrets and tragedy over the death arising from an illicit love affair. In spite of all that, enjoy this 'feel-good fiction' that has now become the trademark of this Westcountry author in a tale that allows you to escape yet savour the journey. About the author and 'why this book'. 'I wrote 'Those Italian Girls' as a tribute to growing up and experiencing the pains of first relationships, combined with stepping out into an unknown world. (Those two events are sometimes one and the same!) It was fun to write and I hope you find it fun to read, with the hint of 'another book to come at the end'. As with my other novels, I take you to locations where you may wish to visit. This expansion of stories into a variety of settings provides the escapism element in any story - one of the prime reasons you should enjoy this particular read. As with most of my tales there is romance - romance laced with tragedy, coated with fulfillment and reward as the story closes. Maybe my approach to storytelling is unique in today's world or, perhaps, I slip through the cracks when it comes to nailing me down into exactly which genre my books fit. And if you're expecting a predictable bodice-ripper, sorry to disappoint. I would prefer to be compared with McMurtry or Salinger, writing as I do with a rye smile (sorry!); The Graduate is my most favourite movie of all time so that's already been done; Damon Runyan I consider a real ground-breaker when it comes to characterisation. As a teenager I read all that Steinbeck had committed to print. (I was tickled pink when one of his books was featured on Amazon alongside mine as 'People also read') So, you can see my influences but, meanwhile, I will continue to blend past personal experiences with make-believe to - hopefully - keep you entertained.' - J S Morey