Christmas is filled with beloved and long-kept traditions, but sometimes, there’s nothing better than creating brand-new ones. That’s why Francesca and her high school friends Amy, Rachael, and Nina are traveling to Italy to spend the holidays with Frankie’s boyfriend, Giovanni, and his family.
Giovanni and his brother, Marco, run a small Italian restaurant in Manhattan, where cherished family recipes delight tourists and locals alike. But there’s one recipe that eludes the brothers. Their mama refuses to divulge the special ingredient in her coveted panettone, claiming it is “Santa’s secret.”
While Frankie joins Giovanni and Marco in the kitchen, hoping to uncover the mystery of Mrs. Lombardi’s mouthwatering panettone, Amy, Nina, and Rachael are on their own quests. Amy wants to see the statue of David in Florence, Nina needs career inspiration, and Rachael longs to meet some eligible Italian men.
About The Author
My Review
This is the third book in Fern Michaels’ *Santa’s Crew* series, focusing on the friendship of Frankie, Amy, Nina, and Rachel as they embark on their annual Christmas trip with their families—this time to Italy. The story introduces Giovanni and Marco, brothers who run a family restaurant in Manhattan. Though their Italian restaurant is famous for its family recipes, they still haven’t learned their mother’s secret panettone ingredient. Eager to discover it, they close the restaurant for the holidays and head to Italy to reunite with their family.
The novel combines the warmth of family traditions and the beautiful setting of Italy, where the group navigates both personal journeys and travel misadventures. While it offers rich descriptions of Italy’s culture and cuisine, the story is not deeply rooted in typical Christmas themes. Despite this, it remains a heartwarming tale about love, family, and friendship. Though the holiday connection may not be as strong as expected, the book provides an enjoyable, feel-good story.
My Rating
Link To Purchase
My Sanctuary 