NEW YORK TIMES BESTELLER • Ave Maria starts a new chapter in this wise, powerful, and humorous novel, the fourth book in the beloved Big Stone Gap series
“[Adriana Trigiani is] one of the reigning queens of women’s fiction.”—USA Today
Nestled in the lush Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the town of Big Stone Gap has been home for Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney and her beloved family and friends for generations. But with her daughter, Etta, having flown the nest to enchanting Italy, Ave Maria has reached a turning point, and she realizes that it’s time to go in search of brand-new dreams. Yet before she can put her foot on the path, her life is turned upside down.
Ave Maria agrees to helm the town musical, a hilarious reunion of local talent past and present. A lifelong friendship collapses when a mysterious stranger comes to town and reveals a long-buried secret. An unexpected health crisis threatens her family. An old heartthrob reappears, challenging her marriage. An opportunistic coal company threatens to undermine the town’s way of life and the mountain landscape Ave Maria has treasured since she was a girl. Now she has no choice but to reinvent her world, her life, and herself, whether she wants to or not.
Millions of readers around the world have fallen in love with the novels of the New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani, and she’s at her best in this exquisite page-turner. Home to Big Stone Gap is an emotional and unforgettable journey that reminds us that you can go home again and again.
Don’t miss any of Adriana Trigiani’s beloved Big Stone Gap series
BIG STONE GAP • BIG CHERRY HOLLER • MILK GLASS MOON • HOME TO BIG STONE GAP
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"I liked this book a lot. It took me a while for me to get into it, but once I did I just wanted to keep reading. I really love Trigiani's characters and I love that her books are happy and uplifting. I'm so glad there are three more books in this series. I can't wait to read them."
— Jennefer (4 out of 5 stars)
Once again, Trigiani captures the warmth of family, the comfort of a small town and the power of love. . . . Trigiani’s rich and expressive writing draws readers into Ave’s world with every word and captivates from beginning to end.
— Romantic Times Book ReviewsFunny and heartwarming . . . Her quirky characters are at once completely local and utterly universal.
— Arkansas Democrat GazetteTrigiani blends playfulness and pathos in this evocative portrait of a small Southern town.
— Booklist (starred review)Glorious setting . . . a sweet tale about life and loss in a small country town . . . There’s plenty of drama waiting for Ave Maria.
— Kirkus ReviewsThe delightful Blue Ridge Mountain town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, once again comes to life. . . . Memorable characters and small-town magic . . . continue to have appeal.
— Publishers Weekly“The writing is as fresh and flowing as if Ave Maria has just rediscovered her one true love: the colorful town of Big Stone Gap. . . . Trigiani keeps the pages turning.[Trigiani’s] characters, particularly protagonist Ave Maria Mulligan MacChesney, . . . feel like family. . . . A wonderful homecoming indeed.
— Bookreporter[Trigiani is] a consistently appealing storyteller, whatever the subject matter. . . . It’s good to come home to Big Stone Gap. Trigiani’s light touch yields a realistic portrayal of small-town life . . . and a cast of charmingly imperfect characters.
— BookPage" I had a lot of fun reading this book. I really liked the characters, they were down to earth and easy to relate to. It took me about half way through the book to really get into it, but once I was into it, I couldn't put it down. Another small southern town book... "
— Amelia, 2/17/2014" I started the Big Stone Gap trilogy (and you will see that I committed and read all three) because I really enjoy Adriana's Valentine books (Very Valentine and Brava Valentine). This story still has a central female character trying to find her fit in the world, but is very different as it is set in the mountains of West Virginia, starting in the late 60s. Ave Maria is the main character and the story begins by her learning something quite new about herself after the death of her Mother. I love all of the characters and found the story satisfying to read and was interested in learning more. I was a bit disappointed in Ave Maria's lack of observing the obvious, but maybe things are move obvious to the reader as we are on the outside. A good story to pass the time, but not riveting. "
— Mary, 2/16/2014" I've tried and tried...but can't seem to get all the way through this book. "
— Amanda, 2/4/2014" I'm from near where this book was set in the Appalachian hills of southwest Virginia. I loved this book for it's believable characters and great story. Highly recommend this! "
— Ryanne, 2/4/2014" This is the same author as "The Shoemaker's Wife". This story was a little lighter, but there are many similarities in the two stories. Enjoyable read. "
— Laura, 2/2/2014" I read this book for our McBain library summer book club. I would not have chosen it on my own, but it was enjoyable. Until the last 30 pages, I would have given it four stars. I read it in an evening and was enthralled by the characters and the plot until the end. Then the author chose to wrap up the conflicts in a pretty package with a perfect bow and the mood was broken. For me, it became just another chick lit romance instead of an intriguing look at relationships. "
— Kathy, 1/31/2014" Kind of a sweet simple story. I generally liked the characters, although the principle character got somewhat annoying after awhile. I will likely read the sequels. "
— Mariellen, 1/24/2014" This was a lot of fun. The protagonist was interesting and the supporting characters were vivid and fun. "
— Abby, 1/21/2014" Great books...all of them "
— Lee-ann, 1/19/2014" Enjoyable. As a pharmacist wasn't sure how she could take so much time off as no one else can do this without the pharmacist on site:) Looking forward to the rest of the series. "
— Gail, 1/18/2014" 1st Adriana Trigiani book. Wanted to read the Shoemaker's Wife but it was out at the library, so got this instead. Ok, not great. "
— Mara, 1/16/2014" Loved it, hope the movie comes to fruition! I am Adriana Trigiani's newest fan...already started reading Brava, Valentine! "
— Rory, 1/13/2014" I adored this book, as I have everything that Adriana Trigiani has ever written. I want to read it again because it has been years since I've read it. "
— Marsha, 1/2/2014" ooh, housewife trivial shit. sped-read cause I felt like I was wasting my time. "
— Wendy, 12/27/2013" Interesting characters, not the greatest writing or the wittiest, but mildly entertaining. "
— Katherine, 8/5/2013" My friend gave this book to me, and I just loved it. It is such a feel good book. The whole series is so good as is everything by this author. This series is one of my all time favorites. "
— Johnkellybennett, 4/27/2013" A fun summer read! The characters come alive. "
— Lauralee, 2/14/2013" It wasn't my favorite of her books. I found myself skimming through it in places because I found it very predictable. "
— Ann, 11/14/2012" I enjoyed this book about a crazy place. Nice for a time when you need to relax. "
— Leigh, 10/23/2012" So enjoyable with great characters. "
— Amy, 8/16/2012" A new author for me. I will read this series for sure, and think many of my friends will enjoy it also. "
— Wendy, 8/7/2012" wow! my new favorite book! i was into it from the start but the ending was so awesome and perfect that i may have cried a little. a easy read, but so engrossing that you don't want to rush it. READ IT! "
— Lary, 1/25/2012" A little taste of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Italy. Cozy read for the fall. "
— Cassy, 12/16/2011" I found this book to be very humorous and easy to read. "
— Suzie, 12/10/2011" My book club was reading this novel and I really enjoyed reading this again. Makes me feel like reading the rest of the trilogy again. "
— Nancy, 10/18/2011" "Maybe I have holes in my socks, but there is a river inside me. I'm not lonely. Or desperate. Or one bit sad. I don't need to be saved! ... I am happy alone. I take care of myself. And it might seem dull to you, or pathetic, but what you think of me does not change my life one way or another." "
— Victoria, 10/15/2011" I very much like this writer. She is so descriptive and makes reader feel they are with her. I'm happy with the ending, thank goodness - I wasn't sure it was going to happen! I'm anxious now to get started with her next book. Thanks to all who encouraged me to read her books. "
— Celia, 9/27/2011" Always looking for the next Adriana Trigiani novel. Love that she adds recipes to some and stirs in a lot of her Italian American upbringing into the story lines. "
— Mary, 9/5/2011" This was a little too "down home" for me. This author was recommended by a friend at the Library, but again, a little too predictable and "feel good"; not enough meat for me! "
— Lyn, 6/25/2011" The back was kind of misleading but I enjoyed the story. "
— Are, 6/22/2011" The more I think about this book, the more I like it. I liked the writing, setting, and characters. A great story of discovery and love! "
— Chelsea, 6/20/2011" Really connected with this book, and I hope my Jack comes along! "
— Kim, 6/17/2011" I just loved this book. It takes place in the mountains of Virginia, but could have been in West Virginia. All the characters is so good. I can't see anyone not enjoying this book. I want to read more of Trigiani. "
— Alex, 6/1/2011" not keen on the folksy style at the start, warmed to the characters, but found the ending a bit Mills and Boon. "
— Melanie, 5/27/2011" can't wait to read the next book in the series! "
— Melissa, 5/26/2011" Well, its Whoopi Goldberg's favorite book, so what else is there? The character names annoyed me a bit but it was an incredibly quick read (done in 24 hours).<br/>I doubt I'll read the rest of the trilogy though... "
— Kristen, 5/20/2011" Loved this book! I felt like I was part of her life and was very disappointed when the book was over. "
— Whitney, 5/16/2011" Nice female voice that ended slightly predictably, which isn't necessarily bad.... "
— Marikka, 5/12/2011" One of the best books I've read in a while. Memorable characters, great storytelling and a relatable heroine that you root for....can't wait to read the next one! (Thanks for recommending, Michelle!) "
— Tiffany, 4/29/2011" I wish I could like her main character more, but the books still aren't bad. "
— Patty, 4/27/2011Adriana Trigiani is an award-winning playwright, television writer, and documentary filmmaker. The author of the bestselling Big Stone Gap series, she also wrote the bestselling memoir Don’t Sing at the Table and the young-adult novels Viola in Reel Life and Viola in the Spotlight. Her books have been published in thirty-six countries around the world. She wrote and directed the film version of her novel Big Stone Gap.