Toni Agosti is having a midlife crisis at age thirty-five. Unsurprising, since she hasn’t achieved her dream job of becoming a cellist in the Los Angeles Philharmonic and, instead, is trapped teaching music all day. She’s also barely surviving in her shaky marriage to former soulmate and new Mr. Condescending, uh…Christian.
When she learns about her ancestor leaving Italy to reestablish his winery in early 1900s LA, she longs to awaken the freedom-filled family legacy and escape her rut. There’s just the tiny problem of no experience, no startup money, and convincing Christian there’s more to life than one rigid plan.
With an already divided heart, an LA Phil audition surfaces at the worst time. Toni is lost and tired of restriction, including hiding time spent with her closest friend, David. Christian must be wrong about David wanting more than friendship…right?
If Toni revives vineyard history instead of continuing as a cellist, she risks losing her marriage and all she’s ever known. She must not only choose between careers but discover herself—including true passion and love—if she wants to survive.
Rich in Italian culture and little-known pieces of history, The Gift delves deeply into the heartfelt and disturbing sides of relationships with characters so alive their readers will hear their heartbeats, feel their fears, and agonize over the choices they must make—a story of dreams: those that come true, those that change, and those that die.
- Barbara Conrey, USA Today Bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye and My Secret to Keep
The Gift is a delightful, heartwarming ode to the Italian-immigrant experience, family, music, wine—and going after one's dreams. Along with a well-researched, fascinating history of Italian winemaking in Los Angeles and her trademark mouth-watering descriptions of food, C. D'Angelo's prose sings as she weaves musical notes into her masterful storytelling. I fell in love with the brave, big-hearted, determined Toni, as she wrestles with her competing aspirations and complicated relationships to live a life that feels right to her.
- Angela Terry, award-winning author of The Palace at Dusk
C. D'Angelo does it again with her knack for bringing the evocative past into the light of the present. The Gift is an empowering, compelling, and moving narrative following one woman as she faces a fork in the road and a life decision that requires a healthy dose of soul searching. This scintillating story grips youfrom the first page, takes you on an emotional journey, and holds your attention until the very end, leaving you satisfied, inspired, and with the sentiment—sometimes the best gifts are those you give yourself.
- Annie Cathryn, multi-award-winning author of The Friendship Breakup
Escape to Southern California by way of Italy, and immerse yourself in Italian American culture, life's true passions, and incredible wine. The Gift is truly something to savor.
- Jenn Bouchard, award-winning author of First Course and Considering Us
D'Angelo creates a compelling and relatable story with heart and humor. Readers will be just as enthralled with the rich culinary and vinous delights as they are with Toni's journey. A must-read for anyone considering a major life change!
- Christina Consolino, award-winning author of Rewrite the Stars and The Weight We Carry
Besides introducing problems that many of us face and characters that feel genuine, the novel features tantalizing culinary tastes, mesmerizing musical elements, and compelling glimpses into Italian culture. Such sumptuous writing will transport audiences.. A blend of flavors and textures that will entice any reader, The Gift is a modern-day midlife adventure about being brave enough to find and follow our passion.
- Jennifer Jackson, Indies Today
