The Walls of Lucca…
When Franco, a weary Italian soldier who’s seen some of the worst of World War I, stumbles onto the Martellino vineyard, he’s looking for work — not love. But he finds that and much more with Isabella, the feisty young woman who works there.
Franco pours himself into the vineyard, trying to create a wine that will save it from financial ruin and rescue him from his dark memories of war. But it’s not easy when Mussolini's evil shadow continues to loom over all of Italy. It’s even harder when Susanna, the vineyard’s matriarch, invites that shadow to the vineyard with her involvement in Fascist politics — and one very sinister political operative.
Influenced by the teachings of A Course In Miracles, The Walls of Lucca is historical fiction that shows readers the power of love and forgiveness in the face of evil. Compelling, colorful characters populate an authentic, inspiring story of friendship, faith, love and loss in a tumultuous time in European history.
Winner of the 2019 Reader Views Historical Fiction Award
Winner of the 2019 Tyler R. Tichelaar Award for Best Historical Fiction
Above The Walls…
For eight years, the Fascist politician Alfredo Obizzi has kept quiet about his affair with Susanna Martellino, the matriarch of the Martellino vineyard. Now in 1938 Italy, Obizzi uses his growing political power to seek revenge on his past enemies, and Susanna and the vineyard’s spiritual leader, Isabella, are at the top of his list. Will faith and forgiveness be enough to lead the vineyard and its inhabitants through the bloodshed and heartbreak of World War II and Obizzi’s vengeance?
Meanwhile, the vineyard’s next generation, DeAngelo and Lily, have been best friends since they were born. But now — is it more? The star-crossed lovers must push through war, distance and outside forces to find out.
Influenced by the teachings of A Course In Miracles, Above the Walls is historical fiction that shows readers the power of love and forgiveness in the face of evil. The turmoil of war intertwines with danger and sacrifice at home in Lucca — with friendship and romance at the heart of the story.
REVIEWS
The Walls of Lucca
“The Walls of Lucca is a tender, suspenseful and touching story sure to please fans of romance, political stories, and historical novels.”
- BlueInk Review
___________________________
“The Walls of Lucca is true literature because it’s not just a story set in a historical past. It has a message to share with the world.”
- Superior Book Productions
___________________________
Above the Walls
“Once again, Physioc brings wartime Italy to vibrant life…Convincing historical fiction with a spiritual slant.”
- Kirkus Reviews
___________________________
“To write I am astounded by Above the Walls is an understatement; this captivating book captured me and held me prisoner until the very end.”
- The Red Headed Book Lover Blog
___________________________
“It was a delight to step back into the Martellino vineyard and to author Steve Physioc’s unique blend of romantic drama and harrowingly austere pre-war conditions.”