Sicilian Spring - Paperback

When writer Roger Culberson consents to tour Sicily and create a travel guide for a tour company, he believes it is his last opportunity to recover his life. With the tragic death of his wife, he is lost in guilt and remorse. In the ancient mountain village of Amida, Sicily, he encounters Angelina Molintorie, a teacher half his age. A fire is lit that engulfs them but the moment is fleeting since Roger must move on. Fatefully they meet again. He learns she is the daughter of a once powerful Aristocrat and is engaged, through a traditional wedding contract, to Gino Aiellio, the son of the local Mafia leader. In defiance of tradition, her family and Gino's objection, Angelina agrees to assist Roger by doing research on the sites to be included in Roger's travel guide. With that decision the harmonious existence of the village is interrupted, and Gino's ambition to follow in his father's footsteps and his marriage to Angelina is threatened. As the relationship develops, their families attempt to dissuade them and Gino's jealousy turns into vengeance to recover his honor. At the same time Gino begins a plan to obtain control of his father's Mafia Family, and to also fight the Mafia Commission in Palermo. Roger's intrusion into their lives results in betrayal, violence and murder. Gino threatens Angelina with Roger's death if she does not honor their marriage arrangement. Fearful for Roger's life Angelina ends the relationship without any explanation to Roger and a wedding date is set to marry Gino. Roger, back in America, recovers his career. And though time passes, he doesn't give up hope of hearing from Angelina. His patience is rewarded. In a daring undertaking he attempts to rescue Angelina from the Mafia's grasp and, in so doing, initiates the final confrontation with Gino.