Those Blue Tuscan Skies Read online

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  Copyright

  THOSE BLUE TUSCAN SKIES

  © 2020 by Marion Clair Ueckermann

  A Romance for Rose Copyright © 2018 Marion Ueckermann

  That’s Amore Copyright © 2018 Marion Ueckermann

  Ti Amo Copyright © 2018 by Marion Ueckermann

  These books are works of fiction set in real locations. Any reference to historical or contemporary figures, places, or events, whether fictional or actual, is a fictional representation. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of these books may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  Box Set Cover Design by Marion Ueckermann Copyright © 2019 Marion Ueckermann

  Contact Information: [email protected]

  Cover Image ID 141117580 purchased from Depositphotos © Juripozzi

  Scene Breaker Sunflower ID 76249464 Adobe Stock © Cobalt

  eBook Edition January 2020

  Newsletter

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  Contents

  Copyright

  Newsletter

  Contents

  Introduction

  Family Tree

  A Romance for Rose

  Copyright

  Praise for A Romance for Rose

  Dear Reader

  Dedication

  Glossary

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  That’s Amore (That’s Love)

  Copyright

  Dear Reader

  Praise for That’s Amore

  Dedication

  Glossary

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Acknowledgments

  Ti Amo (I Love You)

  Copyright

  Dear Reader

  Praise for Ti Amo

  Dedication

  Glossary

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Acknowledgments

  Thank You for Reading!

  About Marion Ueckermann

  Titles by Marion Ueckermann

  Introduction

  BOOK 1 ~ A ROMANCE FOR ROSE

  Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters Book 2

  Rose Blume has a secret, and she’s kept it for six long years. It’s the reason she’s convinced herself she’ll have to find her joy making wedding dresses, and not wearing one.

  Fashion design icon Joseph Digiavoni crosses paths with Rose for the first time since their summer romance in Florence years before, and all the old feelings for her come rushing back. Not that they ever really left. He’s lived with her image since she returned to England.

  Joseph and Rose are plunged into working together on the wedding outfits for the upcoming Rathbone / Blume wedding. His top client is marrying Rose’s sister. But will this task prove too difficult, especially when Joseph is anxious for Rose to admit why she broke up with him in Italy and what she’d done in the months that followed?

  One person holds the key to happiness for them all, if only Rose and Joseph trusted that the truth would set them free. When they finally do bare their secrets, who has the most to forgive?

  BOOK 2 ~ THAT’S AMORE

  A Tuscan Legacy Book 1

  When Rafaele and Jayne meet again two years after dancing the night away together in Tuscany, is it a matter of fate or of faith?

  After deciding to take a six-month sabbatical, Italian lawyer Rafaele Rossi moves from Florence back to Villa Rossi in the middle of Tuscany, resigned to managing the family farm for his aging nonna after his father’s passing. Convinced a family get-together is what Nonna needs to lift her spirits, he plans an eightieth birthday party for her, making sure his siblings and cousins attend.

  The Keswick jewelry store where Jayne Austin has worked for seven years closes its doors. Jayne takes her generous severance pay and heads off to Italy—Tuscany to be precise. Choosing to leave her fate in God’s hands, she prays she’ll miraculously bump into the handsome best man she’d danced the night away with at a friend’s Tuscan wedding two years ago. She hasn’t been able to forget those smoldering brown eyes and that rich Italian accent.

  Jayne’s prayers are answered swiftly and in the most unexpected way. Before she knows what’s happening, she’s a guest not only at Isabella Rossi’s birthday party, but at Villa Rossi too.

  When Rafaele receives what appears to be a valuable painting from an unknown benefactor, he’s reminded that he doesn’t want to lose Jayne again. After what he’s done to drive her from the villa, though, what kind of a commitment will it take for her to stay?

  BOOK 3 ~ TI AMO

  A Tuscan Legacy Book 4

  She never wants to get married. He does. To her.

  The day Alessandra Rossi was born, her mammà died, and a loveless life with the father who blamed the newborn for her mother’s death followed. With the help of her oldest brother, Rafaele, Alessa moved away from home the moment she finished school—just like her other siblings had. Now sporting a degree in architectural history and archaeology, Alessa loves her job as a tour guide in the city of Rome—a place where she never fails to draw the attention of men. Not that Alessa cares. Fearing that the man she weds would be anything like her recently deceased father has Alessa vowing to remain single.

  American missionary Michael Young has moved to Rome on a two-year mission trip. His temporary future in the country doesn’t stop him from spontaneously joining Alessa’s tour after spotting her outside the Colosseum. And being bold enough to tell her afterward that one day she’d be his wife. God had told him. And he believed Him. But Alessa shows no sign of interest in Michael.

  Can anything sway the beautiful and headstrong Italian to fall in love? Can anyone convince her to put her faith and hope in the Heavenly Father, despite being raised by an earthly one who never loved her? Will her sister’s prompting, or a mysterious painting, or Michael himself change Alessa’s mind? About love. And about God.

  Family Tree

  A Romance for Rose

  Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters

  Book 2

  Rose Blume has a secret, and she’s kept it for six long years. It’s the reason she’s convinced herself she’ll have to find her joy making wedding dresses, and not wearing one.

  Fashion design icon Joseph Digiavoni crosses paths with Rose for the first time since
their summer romance in Florence years before, and all the old feelings for her come rushing back. Not that they ever really left. He’s lived with her image since she returned to England.

  Joseph and Rose are plunged into working together on the wedding outfits for the upcoming Rathbone / Blume wedding. His top client is marrying Rose’s sister. But will this task prove too difficult, especially when Joseph is anxious for Rose to admit why she broke up with him in Italy and what she’d done in the months that followed?

  One person holds the key to happiness for them all, if only Rose and Joseph trusted that the truth would set them free. When they finally do bare their secrets, who has the most to forgive?

  Copyright

  A ROMANCE FOR ROSE

  Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters ~ Book 2

  A Heart of England Romance

  © 2016 by Marion Clair Ueckermann

  This book is a work of fiction set in a real location. Any reference to historical or contemporary figures, places, or events, whether fictional or actual, is a fictional representation. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  eBook editions are licensed for your personal enjoyment only. eBooks may not be re-sold, copied or given away to other people. If you would like to share an eBook edition, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with.

  Contact Information: [email protected]

  Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

  Cover Art by Marion Ueckermann Copyright © 2016 Marion Ueckermann

  www.marionueckermann.net

  Cover Image ID 50865509 purchased from 123RF Copyright Dean Drobot

  Praise for A Romance for Rose

  A Romance for Rose is one of those books that sucks you in, swallows you whole and won't let you go until you've finished the last page. A delightful tale that leaves you wanting more as Rose and Joseph meet again after a break up in less than ideal circumstances.

  ~ Clare Revell, Author of Turned

  Marion has done it again. She has written a delightful romance with wonderful characters and a story line that had me captivated from the first pages. I know when I start one of her books that I am in for a treat, and this one was no exception. Rose and Joseph’s story is a beautiful story of forgiveness from the hurts of the past and of second chances.

  ~ Ann Lacy Ellison

  A Romance for Rose is a wonderful warm wrap-around story that will leave you with a smile on your face and speak to your heart. The settings are lavishly described and as the reader moves from London to Tuscany it feels more like ‘walking’ through the novel than reading it. Experience Marion Ueckermann’s stories today.

  ~ Julia Wilson, Book Reviewer at Christian Bookaholic

  Love, love, love this series! This author has created a wonderful, yet intriguing family, with all their pasts and secrets. Easy to read and captivating! This is another great addition!

  ~ Becky Smith

  Marion Ueckermann’s stories have a way of wiggling right into the soft spot of your heart and making you feel right at home with the characters. A Romance for Rose is refreshing, and the character’s magnetic personalities keep you reading and rooting for the fairytale ending.

  ~ Renette Steele

  Marion Ueckermann is a superb storyteller. Two hearts—Rose and Joseph—both fashion icons, share an unspoken secret. In fields of lavender and the aphorism “the truth will set you free”, Marion seamlessly weaves an alternative to medication for Rose’s panic attacks and the Biblical theme of forgiveness and second chances.

  ~ Renate Pennington, Retired English, Journalism, Creative Writing High School Teacher

  Marion Ueckermann has taken us on another international jaunt as we explore some of the more complicated facets of actions and consequences, regrets and redemption. The skillful interweaving of the tales of the Blume sisters’ romances continues to fascinate.

  ~ Judith Robl, JR’s Red Quill Editing, Author of As Grandma Says

  Marion Ueckermann gives us Book 2 in the Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but reading the series enhances your reading experience. This is a must-read inspirational romance showing God's grace, love, redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. I look forward to the next book in the series.

  ~ Linda Rainey

  I absolutely loved it. Couldn't put it down. This fantastic story made me want to fall in love all over again. It combined haute couture and romance, quite a heady combination for any girl. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

  ~Nicole Taylor, Christian Romance Author

  Marion Ueckermann has given us another wonderful installment in the Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters series. A Romance for Rose, the second book in the series, is a wonderful story of finding forgiveness and love. The two main characters have allowed choices from the past to keep them from experiencing the forgiveness Christ extends to us. Through a simple, straightforward presentation of God's grace that is beautifully woven into the story, the characters and readers are given the opportunity to understand and accept the forgiveness God extends to us through Christ. I eagerly look forward to reading how the remaining sisters find their suitors!

  ~ Melynda Bonham

  Dear Reader

  Life is full of second chances, opportunities to make things right. Something you said. Something you did. Someone you hurt. Don’t leave things unsaid, unfinished, undone…one day it might be too late and your chance will pass you by. God’s word says now is the day of salvation. Perhaps it’s the day of a new beginning for you, too. Listen and heed God’s whispers. It is my prayer that Joseph and Rose’s story will remind you of the awesome God behind those second chances, the One who orchestrates new beginnings…just for you, just because He loves you. And the love that whispers begin again, with me—well, it’s simply way beyond amazing!

  Be blessed.

  Dedication

  To Natasha ~

  The niece who learned her beauty skills

  at the foot of my teenage dressing table…

  You watched well.

  There was no person more fitting to dedicate this book to—

  a beautiful woman, inside and out.

  Never change who you are.

  Glossary

  Betty Boop : One of the best-known and popular cartoon characters in the world

  Foolscap : A size of drawing or printing paper, 13.5 × 17 inches (34 × 43 cm) [Chiefly British]

  Rocket : Ragu

  Serviette : A table napkin [Chiefly British]

  Italian:

  Arrivederci : Goodbye

  Bella Rosa : Beautiful Rose

  Buon compleanno : Happy birthday

  Ciao : Hello / Goodbye [informal]

  Grazie : Thank you

  La Mia Bella Signora : My Fair Lady

  Madri di misericordia : Mothers of mercy

  Magnifico : Magnificent

  Mamma : Mom

  Mamma mia : Oh my [interjection used to show surprise]

  Mia bella Rosa : My beautiful Rose

  Milano : Milan

  Mio amore : My love

  Mio bambino : My baby

  Molto bello : Very beautiful

  No : No

  Nonna : Grandmother

  Nonno : Grandfather

  Pantaloni : Trousers

  Parla Inglese : Speak English

  Per favore : Please

  Pittura cibo : Food painting

  Prego : You are welcome

  Scusi : Excuse me

  Sono : I am

  Troppo bello : Too beautiful

  Uhm : Can be used to show one is thinking or to show one’s h
esitation

  Urrà : Hooray

  Versace : An Italian luxury fashion company

  She selects wool and flax

  and works with eager hands.

  In her hand she holds the distaff

  and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

  She makes linen garments and sells them,

  and supplies the merchants with sashes.

  ~ Proverbs 31:13, 19, 24 (NIV)

  Chapter One

  in the well-lit workroom of her exclusive London bridal boutique, Rose Blume bent her knees to weave the last pin into the bodice of Lady Melody Hamilton’s wedding gown, taking care not to prick her finger. The slightest drop of blood on the fabric would ruin any chance of the prima donna bride-to-be taking delivery of the dress. And Melody’s mother, The Countess of Hamilton, could tarnish La Mia Bella Signora’s reputation because of one slip of a pin.

  Rose started as her cell phone’s signature ringtone—Get Me To The Church on Time—interrupted Melody’s chatter with her mother. The pin burst through the satin and lace, and Rose yanked her hand out of the way. She glanced at the phone lying on the dove-gray carpet where she’d pinned the hem minutes ago.