The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani

Ciro and Enza's love story, from the mountains of Northern Italy, to the streets of Manhattan--and then to the cold winters of Minnesota. A satisfying story of life, love and loss. Enjoyed the descriptions of the Metropolitan Opera in NYC as well as the early convent life where Ciro was raised by loving nuns. A bereft and lonely young boy who works hard to make his way after being "knocked down" - it's the kind of hard luck story that resonates with me. One of my favorite chapters was when Ciro returns to sweep Enza off her feet and away from her wedding ceremony -- and she sacrificially gives up her dream position in NYC to make a life with this man that she has had on her heart since she was a teenager. How many kids in today's culture would follow their man, and give up their passion? Only one who was secure enough in themselves to realize that the accolades of men and position mean nothing -- joy in life comes from listening to the still voice within.