Linda Ganzini Author

I called my mom yesterday and asked what she was doing.
“I'm playing Briscola (Italian card game) with your father.” (My father passed away fifteen years ago)
“🤔 Hmm, how?”
“I'm playing both hands.”
“Ahhh. And who won?”
“HE did! Three times!”
I called her again this morning.
“What are you up to today?”
“Well, I played a few more rounds with your father. He’s not even here and he keeps winning, but I finally beat him! 😁”
“Oh, he’s there,” I said, “laughing and smiling.”

😉 Thanks for letting her win one, Dad.

First reviews of the year! 🙌

It’s reviews like these that are a testament to why sharing our true life stories matters, and that poignant powerful heart-rending books like “Lilia” defy time’s toll. It's a story that connects the world. A story you won't soon if ever forget. ❤️

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When tragedy strikes, love and family conquer.

I cannot recall reading a book that gripped me so much I could not put it down. The moment I read Linda’s description of the house Lilia lived in, I knew I was going to read every single page and word of this book. This house was my mother’s house, just in another location 20 kilometres away. My mother was about the same age as Lilia and reading about Lilia’s experiences re-awakened the memories of the stories my own mother had related to me. Many times, I felt I was standing in Lilia’s kitchen or bedroom like a member of the family taking in all that was going on. Linda does an excellent job of describing the events, the environment, the relationship between the family members, friends, and other residents of the village. For anyone who has roots in the northeastern part of Italy or has any interest in knowing this part of local history, I highly recommend this book. Written with love and detailed descriptions, Linda has painted a picture of what life was really like at that time in WWII. Thank you, Linda, for painting a picture of this beautiful, emotional, and tragic family story, and of the bonds of love that hold a family together through the most challenging and difficult of times. And thank you, Lilia, for allowing your story to be told. I am looking forward to the sequel of “Lilia”.

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Very Compelling

The fact that this book is so very true forces your emotions to truly “feel” the difficult childhood of a strong, brave girl. I learned things I did not know, and at times, I cried with the realness of the tapestry of this outstanding book. Well written.

📚 LILIA: A True Story of Love, Courage, and Survival in the Shadow of War.

Available in Paperback, Hardcover, eBook, Large Print, and Audiobook.

As I look back on this year I am deeply grateful for the vibrant moments, and positive experiences, my wonderful friends, and family that I cherish beyond, and my beloved readers. Thank you for the warmth of your love, kindness, generosity, and support—you are everything. ❤️ I wish each one of you a New Year brimming with good health, happiness, unforgettable adventures, a heart full of dreams, and memories to last a lifetime. 🥂😘

And I wish for love and compassion to find their way into the hardened hearts of those at war and in conflict. May flames of peace and hope overcome greed, and hate so everyone can have the right to precious freedom. 🕊️

In 2024, may we all vibrate higher, be more mindful of our thoughts, and as one human family spread love, and keep the light burning.🕯️

✌️😊

My Insta peeps who completed their vision board for 2024 inspired me to get cracking on mine. 🙌 This is no time to think or play small, so I’m dreaming big and shooting for the moon. I don’t have to know how I’m going to get there, I just need to know what I want. I’m happy to say my board is done, and I’m ready to co-create with the universe and manifest what dreams may come.💫❤️

She cooks! (sometimes) 😆🎄💫

On my annual Christmas movie-watching list. 🍿 Best fight scene ever. 😂 Love

Wishing you all magical holiday celebrations that sparkle with precious moments, and fill your hearts with laughter, joy, peace, happiness, and love. Happy Christmas! 🎄❤️

Happy holidays from this 384-page beauty. ❤️📚🎄

Without my readers, LILIA would still exist, but it wouldn’t have the impact and influence it does. Knowing this story continues to touch and even change lives is an incredible feeling, and with the lifelong friends I’ve made through my online writing community and local book clubs I feel truly blessed and grateful. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and inspiration. I’m writing the next book with my readers, my friends, in mind. 😘

🎁🎄This Holiday Season, gift LILIA: A True Story of Love, Courage, and Survival in the Shadow of War to your loved ones. 🇮🇹 Set in WWII northern Italy, LILIA will take them on an emotional journey they won’t soon forget—the book that keeps giving.❤️

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“As a man in my mid-sixties, my perspective on historical events is colored by the hindsight of years and the experience that comes with age. “Lilia,” beautifully written by Linda Ganzini and masterfully narrated by Nancy Peterson, is delivered in a way that is as engaging as it is historical and a poignant reminder of a past that we must not forget.

From the first chapter, Peterson’s narration is captivating. Her ability to gradually transform her voice to match Lilia’s growth from a child into a teenager is remarkable. The story is like stepping into a time machine and witnessing history firsthand. “Lilia” isn’t just an audiobook; it feels more like an immersive radio drama, where every character comes to life with depth and emotion.

The story, set against the dark backdrop of Mussolini’s Italy and World War II, could easily have been a tale of unrelenting despair. However, Ganzini skillfully balances the harsh realities of war with rich passages of love, light, romance, and laughter. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a theme that resonated deeply with me.

It’s one thing to learn about historical events in a classroom; it’s another to feel their weight through the eyes of someone who lived it. The story of Lilia and her family is a stark reminder that their struggles are not confined to history. They are ongoing and echoed in the lives of many today, making the message of this book timely and profoundly relevant. Stories like these must be told and retold in books and schools. I’d love to see this tale adapted one day into a film or series, bringing its powerful message to an even wider audience.

Lilia’s story will stay with you, urging reflection, understanding, and action. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who seek a deeper understanding of the breadth of human experience during one of history’s darkest times.“ – reader review