Green Olives

By BY: PATRICE VOGT

During World War I, deep within the Apennine Mountains of Italy lies upon its crest a small town called Arpino. Ancient walls surround this town which is accented by olive groves and grapevines. In the valley there are farmlands scattered about with only stone structures, whose occupants are hardworking poor people who live off their land. However, although they are poor in wealth, their old-fashioned customs are rich in culture. While young men work for their fathers, young daughters are betrothed by their fathers. With deep generous spirit these people hold onto these values in order to create a strong sense of family. These values, like the olives that populate the branches around them, strengthen their lives and enrich the love of their culture which binds them together for life. The day has come for Suzanna Tartino to meet the man her father has chosen for her to marry. However, Suzanna has a secret. She is already in love with a young boy she had seen in town and does not want to marry the man her father has chosen for her. He is older and it is rumored that he is mean-spirited. When her mother comes for her she tells her that she is not well and begs her to ask her father to give her more time. But her father has already promised her hand to Alfonso Lino. And so he gives her only a few more days. Desperate to meet this young boy that has stolen her heart, she ventures out to find him. Their dangerous chance meeting creates a chain reaction of events that causes an inner conflict within her forcing her to choose the loyalty of family or the love in her heart.Alfonso comes to the Tartino home to meet his future bride only to be turned away. Irritated and impatient he lingers to persuade Antonio to force Suzanna to marry him right away. When a storm blows in the family realizes Suzanna is missing and a search begins.During their search Alfonso discovers Suzanna's secret. He becomes enraged with jealousy and is more determined than ever to make her his wife. His role in his family has caused him to become a fierce competitor making him tough-hearted. However, will Suzanna soften his hardened heart? Who will Suzanna choose? Will she follow her heart or the loyalty she has for her father's wishes?Green Olives is a fictional story based on a real family's love and determination and their journey to create a better life in America for future generations to come.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1520768400
• ISBN13: 9781520768403
• Release Date: March 2017
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 239 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 0.6" x 8.5"