Those Blue Tuscan Skies
Page 31
Thank you to my street team who are always willing to read my manuscripts, offer feedback and reviews on short notice, and help promote my stories—Julia, Sharon, Renate, Renette, Becky, Ann, Judith, Linda, Joelle, and Shirley—every one of you ladies are so special to me. I truly appreciate you all. And a special thank you to my latest street team member, Marta, for your invaluable help in the Italian department. Grazie mille and welcome.
For perfecting That’s Amore, thank you to my wonderful editor, Paula. You did a splendid job of catching the little things that slipped through the cracks. Any errors in this book are entirely mine for having missed something on Paula’s edits.
To every reader who buys my books—thank you. Where would I be without you investing your time in my work? I pray that all my stories would be a blessing to you.
Thank you to my hubby for always keeping the fridge stocked and for making sure there’s dinner on the table the nights I worked late. Ti amo.
And finally, thank you to my Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus…my Savior. You guide my writing in the most amazing ways. Thank You most of all for the Cross—there is no greater love than Yours. THAT’S amore!
Ti Amo (I Love You)
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.
Copyright
TI AMO
I Love You
A Tuscan Legacy ~ Book 4
© 2018 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: marion.ueckermann@gmail.com
Scripture taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
New Revised 2006 (NR06), Italian, Text of The Holy Bible New Revised 2006 - standard version, Copyright © 2008 Biblical Society of Geneva. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Cover Art by Marion Ueckermann: www.marionueckermann.net
Edited by Paula Grundy: https://paulaproofreader.wixsite.com/home
Cover Image Background ID 92602052 Adobe Stock © Photocreo Bednarek
Cover Image Sunflower ID 54536334 Adobe Stock © Miroslawa Drozdowski
Cover Image Man ID 47649116 Adobe Stock © CURAphotography
Cover Image Woman ID 79947154 Adobe Stock © ZoomTeam
Scene Breaker Sunflower ID 76249464 Adobe Stock © Cobalt
Dear Reader
Far too often life throws people
with the curve balls of bad circumstances—
an abusive parent,
a drunken one,
a drugged one,
an absent one…
the list goes on and on and on.
A traumatic childhood leaves its hurting victims
bearing the scars for years to come.
If you are a victim of bad circumstances,
I pray you’ll discover that
although earthly fathers are far from perfect,
you have a Heavenly one who is.
And He loved you all the way to the Cross.
Never forget that there is healing
—physical and emotional—
in the name of Jesus.
Be blessed,
Praise for Ti Amo
Ti Amo is another wonderful story by Marion taking place in the glorious city of Rome. I was looking up many sites mentioned in Ti Amo including the Trevi Fountain and the catacombs. She described them in detail but I needed to see the pictures!
Alyssa is very embittered about love because of her papà although she wishes she wasn’t. Along comes an American missionary, who wants to sweep her off her feet and won't take no for an answer!
~ Paula Grundy, Editor
Marion Ueckermann crafts another winner with Ti Amo, a glowing book full of tender moments featuring a mission-minded man determined to win the heart and soul of a stubborn woman. With the beautiful city of Rome as the backdrop, I was swept away into a world of romance right along with the characters. I will certainly share this delightful novel with many of my good friends. Not to be missed.
~ Jan Elder, Author of Love, Lies, and Fireflies
Another wonderful read from Marion Ueckermann, Ti Amo is a delightful contemporary Christian romance. It is book four in the A Tuscan Legacy series but can be read as a stand-alone. The novel has a wonderful light air which blends with the heat of Italy to produce a fabulous read that appeals to all the reader's senses. The reader is whisked through the streets of Rome, ‘viewing’ the tourist spots and being tempted by the local fayre.
A Tuscan legacy is a wonderful series. Each book reveals more about a character from book one and also continues the air of mystery. It is a light hearted series, rooted in God.
~ Julia Wilson, Book Reviewer at Christian Bookaholic
Ti Amo. Two words with a world of meaning wrapped up in them. You see that world from the seat of one Vespa with a locked heart and another with an eternal key. The ride takes you from Rome to Anzio and graveyards in each place. Love, death, sacrifice. They all lead to the realization that ti amo is the most important phrase in the universe. Eventually you get the picture. And the artist is... Wait and see.
~ Judith Robl, Author As Grandma Says
“Masks tell a different story from what you live.” Will the brash American missionary Michael Young and Italian tour guide Alessandra Rossi reveal their true selves? Travel on a Vespa through historic Rome enjoying the Fountain of Neptune, Trevi Fountain, Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins, and Sicily-Rome American Cemetery. No passport needed! In book 4, Marion Ueckermann weaves history and spiritual truths into a page turning romance. Believable characters, a surprise painting, and cultural tidbits had this avid reader wanting more.
~ Renate Pennington, Retired English, Journalism, Creative Writing High School Teacher
Ti Amo means I love you and such an appropriate title for a wonderful story. Set in Rome, it shows Alessa and Michael’s story as he tries to follow the plan God has for him to marry a total stranger, whilst she is busy trying to do the exact opposite. Anoth
er must read in the Tuscan Legacy series, yet standing alone, it’s an unforgettable book.
~ Clare Revell, Author of the Flowers Can Be Fatal series
Reading this book is like stepping into a different culture, learning another language, and visiting places I might only see through the author’s eyes. The history included enhances this story, as does the wonderfully described scenery. The characters and their struggles are realistic, and have almost become old friends, making me long to hear more of their stories. One of the many great themes of this book that will remain with me is to “live coram Deo…live your life in the presence of Almighty God, under His authority and to His glory.”
~ Becky Smith
Would you like to walk through the streets and visit historical places in Rome with Alessa, a tour guide? You will find interesting tips about Rome and a lovely story to live with her. Enjoy!
~ Marta Aldrighett
Ti Amo is the 4th book in the Tuscan Legacy series and is a wonderful addition to the series. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Italy and following Michael and Alessa’s story as they seek to put the past behind them and discover their future. This author has once again written a story with characters and a story line that pulled me in from the first pages. I thoroughly recommend this story as well as the other stories in the series.
~ Ann Lacy Ellison
Intriguing, emotional and one of the most heartfelt stories in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, journey through Roma alongside Alessa and Michael and experience the true grace of God.
~ Sharon Dean
What can you say about an Italian free spirit soured on love and an American missionary who knows she is the one for him? Their story lights up the pages of Ti Amo. Prepare for an exhilarating ride in Rome as you discover Alessa and Michael and what God has in store. I couldn’t wait to finish the story, but was very sad to see it go. This is a fantastic story and series that you will have to see through to the end.
~ Joelle Teague
Took another trip with Marion Ueckermann, this time to Rome. It was so fun skirting around Rome on a Vespa with Alessa and her sister and a very handsome missionary. Got to see all my favorite spots and learn a bit more history about them. Even walked the catacombs. Marion makes everything about Rome come alive. And the love story is sweet too.
Alessa is a feisty self-sufficient tour guide in Rome and has sworn to never fall in love. Can Michael a missionary to Italy change her mind? Convince her GOD has chosen them to be together.
Come along on this journey to Rome and find your own bit of love.
~ Renette Steele
This was a well crafted story about love, faith and hope. The best part of the book was when Michael met Alessa for the first time and then told her, “I am going to marry you one day.” I loved the beautiful storyline and engaging characters. This book is recommended for Christian romance lovers.
~ Linda Rainey
Dedication
To my love~
Noel, you are my life,
the one I love.
Ti amo…
Glossary
French:
Faux pas : a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an embarrassing social blunder or indiscretion
Toque : A tall, round, pleated, starched, white hat worn by chefs
Italian:
Amore mio: My love
Arrivederci : Goodbye
Avere un diavolo per capello : [Italian expression] Lit. translation—To have a demon for each hair. English equivalent—To be mad as hell.
Bambini : Babies
Bauletto : Top box
Bella : Beautiful
Bella signora : Pretty/beautiful lady
Bellissima : Beautiful (female gender)
Biscotti : Italian almond biscuits
Buonanotte : Good night
Buonanotte, sorella. Dormi bene : Good night, sister. Sleep well.
Buonasera : Good evening / goodbye
Buongiorno : Good morning
Capicola : A traditional Italian and Corsican pork cold cut made from the dry-cured muscle running from the neck to the fourth or fifth rib of the pork shoulder or neck
Cara : Dear
Cara cugino : Dear cousin [male]
Cara mia : My darling
Ciao : Hello; hi [Informal]; Goodbye
Consegna per te : Delivery for you
Così tanto : Very much
Cucciola mia : My puppy
Dov’è la toilette? : Where is the toilet?
Elfo : Elf
Espresso : Coffee brewed by expressing, or forcing out, a small amount of nearly boiling water under pressure through finely ground coffee beans
Finito : Finished
Fragola : Strawberry
Gelato : Italian Cookery—a rich ice cream, made with eggs and usually containing a relatively low percentage of butterfat.
Grazie : Thank you
Grazie mille : Thank you so much
Inglese : English
Innamorato : A man who loves or is loved; male sweetheart or lover
Italiano : Italian
Mammà : Mother
Mangiare la pizza prima delle nove mi fa tristezza : Eating pizza before nine makes me sad
Melanzana : Aubergine
Messa a fuoco : Focus
Mi scusi : Sorry (used when you want to show respect or when you don’t know someone well, especially when the person is older than you but not only)
Non ci piove : [Italian expression] Lit. translation—It doesn’t rain on it. English equivalent—No doubt about it!
Non lo so : I don’t know
Nonna : Grandmother
Nonno : Grandfather
Panini : Sandwiches
Panino imbottito : Filled roll
Panna cotta : A type of crème caramel, a cold, light, molded egg custard flavored with caramel [Italian ‘cooked cream’]
Papà : Dad
Perdono : Pardon
Per favore : Please
Pizzaiolo : A person who makes pizzas in a pizzeria
Prego : You are welcome
Roma : Rome, the capital of Italy
Scusa : Sorry (used when you already know well someone or if you are close friend with the person you are talking to)
Scusami : Excuse me
Sembri molto prestante : You look very handsome
Sì : Yes
Signore : Mister
Signorina : Young lady
Sorella : Sister
Sorellina : Little sister
Ti amo : I love you
Ti sposerò un giorno : I’m going to marry you one day
Un’idea eccellente : An excellent idea
Un momento : One moment
Vaniglia : Vanilla
“I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
I will build you up again,
and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt.
Again you will take up your timbrels
and go out to dance with the joyful.”
“Sì, io ti amo di un amore eterno;
perciò ti prolungo la mia bontà.
Io ti ricostruirò,
e tu sarai ricostruita, vergine d’Israele!
Tu sarai di nuovo adorna dei tuoi tamburelli
e uscirai in mezzo alle danze di quelli che gioiscono.”
~ Jeremiah 31:3–4 (NIV)
Prologue
PERSPIRATION BEADED MICHAEL YOUNG’S BROW as he left the indoor court and headed for the showers. “Good game, guys. Good game.” He swiped at the moisture with his forearm. What on earth had made him think Americans were supposed to own the basketball courts? These Italians were certainly making him and Keith work hard to win.
Leaving Rome’s Centro Sportivo Santa Maria, he waved at his fellow American missionary, Keith, and their newfound friends.
“Arrivederci. See you at church on Sunday.” He smiled as he ambled up Via Labicana. Three converts so far, wit
h hopefully more to come soon. Lorenzo would be next, of that he was certain. Not bad for the month he and Keith had been actively ministering among Italian students, using their skills on the court to befriend the locals. God was definitely at work in these students’ hearts, although some would prove to be more of a challenge to reach than others. Especially Matteo. The good-looking, bronzed Italian made no secret of the fact that he lived to satisfy the flesh alone, giving no thought to his eternal soul. But God had His perfect timing for Matteo. As He did with everything.
Keith was giving the post-basketball Bible study today. Michael needed to get back to Hope Center where he and several other missionaries worked and lived. Chiara had agreed to meet him there at three thirty. With only two more weeks until their big evangelism event at a popular piazza in the center of Rome, the group’s choreographer had offered him some private lessons. He couldn’t wait. He’d never taken part in a flash mob, let alone be the lead dancer. So many emotions roiled in his gut—nerves, excitement, fear.
He glanced at his watch—two forty-five—and hastened his pace. Up ahead, the Colosseum loomed. One of these fine days, he’d need to make time to visit the ancient amphitheater.
Why not now?
Michael chuckled. I can’t, Lord. You know that. Chiara…dance lessons…
The Colosseum cast him in shadow as he passed by. Breaking into the sunlight again, Michael stopped in his tracks at the flash of red that caught his eye. He hadn’t planned on taking a tour today—he couldn’t really. He only had forty-five minutes, but in that moment, all sense of reasoning vanished. Besides, wasn’t now God’s suggestion in the first place?