On a recent trip to California, I was searching for a good book to read on the plane and purchased Serendipity  by Louise Shaffer. This novel tells the story of three strong, Italian-American women and the trials and tribulations they have with their lives and each other – with the protagonist being a young woman from their fourth generation. Carrie Manning feels she cannot move forward with her own life until she better understands her roots and the reason for her recently deceased mother’s alienation from her own mother. A lot of this story is told in flashback as Carrie visits places and people to understand the mystery of her mother and grandmother’s falling out. By the end, Carrie has come to understand not only her mother, but herself, and the reader has come to know four unique and interesting women.

I really enjoyed this story. It read quickly and was engrossing. I must confess, being Italian-American I felt I had an affinity for the characters as well. I stayed up after midnight reading it to the finish, then wished I hadn’t so that it wouldn’t be over! Overall, it’s a great book and one I would recommend to my friends.

I’d give it 4 1/2 Stars!