NEW YORK TIMES BESTELLER • Millions of readers around the world have fallen in love with the novels of the New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani. In Home to Big Stone Gap, she tells her most powerful story yet, full of humor and heart, wisdom and hope. “[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. Praise for Home to Big Stone Gap “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.”—The Roanoke Times “[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 “Memorable characters and small-town magic . . . continue to have appeal.”—Publishers Weekly
Download and start listening now!
"The 4th in this series and was written several years after the last but I'm so glad the story continued. This one is about Ave Maria's daughter, Etta, as an adult. I love Etta's character. And all the other characters are still wonderful and entertaining."
— Lana (5 out of 5 stars)
" Bought it for my wife. But was bored one day and listened. Embarrassed that I really liked such a girlie novel. "
— John, 11/8/2017" Ave Maria and Jack MacChesney are now empty nesters with Etta having married at age 18 and moved to Italy. The process of their friendships, marriage, history, and future is again laid out in conversational, familiar tones. "
— Diane, 2/14/2014" So glad to find she had written a 4th book. Loved this more than the 3rd, but have enjoyed the entire series. Will have to try her other books. "
— Tally, 2/8/2014" Love this series, particulary the first book (Big Stone Gap). Waiting for a "Home Again to Big Stone Gap." "
— Kathleen, 2/6/2014" A cute one that pulls on the hearstrings, albeit completely obvious and little hamfisted in the writing. The story is lovely and so is the family, but this could benefit from a "show, don't tell" rewrite. "
— Shannon, 2/5/2014" This is the last of the Stone gap series. It focuses on the empty nest syndrome for Jack and Ave. Ave learns to let go in this book. She starts to accept Etta for who she is and is happy that Etta is happy. Nonna dies and Ave realizes that it was a joy for Nonna to see Etta married, thus, making her happy that she did not fight the marriage. She finally realizes that she cannot control people's lives or certain situations. She is further brought to the reality of life when Jack Mac has a heart condition landing him in the hospital. She appreciates him more and gives him a trip to Scotland, something he always wanted where he learns about his family history. Iva Lou, her best friend, had a daughter years ago she gave up for adoption who comes to find her. Theodore is in NYC and just broke up with his gay lover. Pearl is also in NY with her Dr. husband. Because of Ave's consideration of Pearl, she was able to develop into a knowledgable woman realizing her potential. As with all these books, small home town charm is at the center of the theme, whether it is Shilpario, Bergamo, Big Stone Gap or a small town in Scotland. Small towns and the wonderful people they produce gives these books a warm feeling. "
— Fran, 2/2/2014" A little bit of a let-down after the other books, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. A really fun series of fascinating characters--ones that seemed real, but I actually don't know anyone like many of them. Intriguing insights into relationships, especially long-lasting marital ones. Overall the series has a little more language and sex than I prefer, but the books made me think and make me want to travel. I'd also really like to meet Ave Maria.... "
— Angela, 1/22/2014" I just got lost in these books. "
— Diane, 1/13/2014" I really liked this series. I like the characters. They are real, with flaws that are familiar. The stories are simply about life, and the living of it... I probably should have given it a four star - simply enjoyable. "
— Jo, 1/4/2014" stupid. Don't read. I didn't feel like there was much of a story line. There were pages were it was like reading a giant run on sentence. I did not like this book one bit. "
— Chana, 12/18/2013" My book club read Big Stone Gap last month. I went to the library and checked out Return to Big Stone Gap. Read the fourth book first, would not recommend that. I felt that it wasn't a bad read, but didn't seem like anything really ever happened during the book. "
— Stephanie, 12/13/2013" A lovely ending to the series! Thought it might have had a sad ending - so glad it didn't! "
— Kathryn, 12/11/2013" A lot more thoughtful and diary-like than the first "
— Kristin, 12/6/2013" Surprising fourth book in the Big Stone Gap saga. Nice finish. "
— Lori, 10/28/2013" A good wrap-up to the Big Stone Gap series. Interesting twist, good closure. Love this author. "
— Shirley, 9/2/2013" I really have enjoyed ready big stone gap series except now I am left to wait for one more in the series...I am definately going to read others that she has written "
— Holly, 8/6/2013" I was anxiously awaiting this to be released. I adore her work! The "Big Stone Gap" series is wonderful!!! "
— Annie, 7/22/2013" A slice of life story that takes place in the Appalachian Valley. Didn't really get too involved in the characters. "
— Leanna, 6/5/2013" I can't say that this book or this series is great but I found myself looking forward to spending more time with the characters each time a new book was released. "
— Christophe, 5/16/2013" Here again you have a lot of local color. The town of Big Stone Gap is real. The main street is as it is described. On any Saturday there could be a parade. "
— Donald, 3/19/2013" I enjoyed this final book in the series but not as much as the first three. I give it a 4 star because Ms. Trigiani spins a really good tale. "
— Liz, 3/9/2013" I loved the saga of Ave Maria and Jack Mac. This was not the best book in the series, but tied everything together nicely. "
— Jackie, 10/3/2012" Love this book, perfect ending to the Big Stone Gap series, except maybe it's not the end? More would be a good thing "
— Susan, 3/21/2012" Didn't realise this was a series, perhaps it would be better as one of a series. Not much plot and when it ended I thought - is that it?! "
— Kate, 11/19/2011" The series redeemed itself here. Much better than the middle two, but not as good as the first. "
— Jen, 11/2/2011" Not as good as the three books before it, but the same kind of easy reading and style as they were. It was fun to meet the people again and Trigiani's descriptions of the countryside are always excellent. I especially loved the trip to Scotland and the description of that country. "
— Irma, 8/20/2011" I enjoyed this final book in the series but not as much as the first three. I give it a 4 star because Ms. Trigiani spins a really good tale. "
— Liz, 6/29/2011" Absolutely loved this book and the entire Big Stone Gap series! Sad to see it end. :( "
— Whitney, 6/13/2011" I liked this one the best of the four Big Stone Gap books. "
— Sue, 5/31/2011" Trigiani did it again--involving, heartfelt story of family, empty nest. "
— Doris, 5/22/2011" This book was pretty good. I liked it pretty well. It was nice to read about a rocky marriage that survives and thrives. I also liked the friendship line that survives! "
— Tracey, 5/4/2011" I wish I had read this years ago...when I had read the first two books in this series...I forgot a lot of the characters and plot line. Oh well, I still enjoyed the story of living life in a small town! "
— Rebecca, 5/3/2011" Great book about family and life in the mountains of West Virginia. Adreana Trigiani weaves Italian and Italian American traditions and culture into her books. The book is upbeat but touches on real issues. "
— Suzanne, 4/1/2011" I really liked the book, but I don't understand the picture on the <br/>cover. "
— Nancy, 3/31/2011" Just really enjoyed this whole series. Parts of the story are absolutly so true to life, it makes me laugh. I would recommend this series for a light and engaging read. "
— JaNeise, 3/1/2011" I love Adriana Trigiani and all her novels. Her words are very poignant and her stories are filled with personal growth and family. This was the last of the Big Stone Gap series and it was sad to see it end! "
— Suzanne, 2/7/2011" one of the single worst reads of my entire life. poorly written, and whiney. "
— mbb, 1/31/2011" It's been a while since I've visited the Big Stone Gap series but it's kind of like going home again. Love this series and story. "
— Melea, 1/23/2011" The current end of Ave Maria's story. But as a reader you want more!! The characters are so inviting. You will feel like they are all your close friends. "
— Katie, 1/8/2011" my most favorite really cool on tape! "
— Michelle, 1/6/2011Adriana 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.
Cassandra Campbell has won multiple Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and the prestigious Odyssey Award for narration. She was been named a “Best Voice” by AudioFile magazine and in 2018 was inducted in Audible’s inaugural Narrator Hall of Fame.