New York food writer, Claudia Lombardo. hearing rave reviews from so many top chefs about the mouthwatering pastries baked and sold by Carmelite Order nuns, decides to write a book about their delights. She travels to the quiet town of Santa Lucia del Mela, near Sicily, and is invited to stay at the convent while she works on her book. Madre Carmela, Mother Superior, to her order of nuns and head pastry chef at the bakery, welcomes Claudia. Soon Claudia is watching Madre Carmela create glorious "goodies" with love, while recounting many interesting stories. She tells about the history of the bakery. Shel describes how convents made and sold sweets beginning in the 19th century to stay afloat as Church property was confiscated after the Italian unification of 1860. She is happy making delicious delights and depicting colorful stories.

She tells the story of Rosalia, an abused 17 year old girl who was kidnapped and raped by a local man and held captive in a cave until she escaped. One day while gathering almonds from the trees near the convent, the nuns hear moaning. and find a beautiful young girl, battered, bruised, malnourished and barely conscious. The nuns bring her back to the convent, calling for a doctor and the police. Rosalia is badly frightened, and wants to return home to her family but unable to remember anything but her first name. She remains at the convent until one day she gets up from bed and joins Madre Carmela in the bakery. That is the beginning of her healing and soon baking becomes her passion. She meets Antonio, a handsome, young man who is an apprentice in the bakery, hoping to become a great chef. He is hard not to like as he is so sweet, patient and kind to her, knowing she has suffered a horrific experience. They begin to compete in their baking and begin to laugh together. As they become closer, Antonio declares his love and asks Rosalia to marry him. She loves him too but being reunited with her family must come first. Antonio promises to wait for her but many things happen to postpone their plans.

ROSALIA'S BITTERSWEET PASTRY SHOP is a touching and riveting novel that will touch your heart and tease your palate. Past secrets, family ties, sisterhood, the homeless, abuse, faith, love and healing are gently touched by this lovely writer, Rosanna Chiofalo. Each chapter introduces a new dessert and continues the sweeping story taking place at the convent and the unique pastry shop. Many characters are introduced and Antonio is my favorite. Who could resist his charm, his thoughtfulness and the fun he brings that promises to bring a smile to your face. What do you think is the secret ingredient in their famous Cassata cake? The bittersweet ending has surprises which are unexpected, along with scrumptious recipes waiting to be tried at the back of the book. I love this book and have much to remember and think about. The visits from the bird with the flash of iridescent color on its' breast is at the top of my list. Brava, Ms. Chiofalo! You have a new and loyal fan who is waiting for your next book.