Behind the Scenes: The Italian’s Chosen Wife

This was my first attempted manuscript for Presents, and what drove it was the idea of the playboy hero Alessandro who really regretted some of his choices. He wasn’t able to forgive himself; could he find forgiveness in love? As I wrote it, Meghan’s story began to unfold as a woman who also had difficulty finding forgiveness for what had happened in her own life. Really, to me, true love is redemptive—and forgiving—and both Meghan and Alessandro needed to discover that for themselves!

‘The Italian’s Chosen Wife’ is set in Umbria, a gorgeous landscape of ancient olive groves and hill towns.

The Marmore Falls are featured in The Italian's Chosen Wife.

Here is an Umbrian recipe I’ve tried myself:

Black Olive Crostini

• 250g/ 8oz black olives, pitted (stone removed)
• 1 tin anchovy fillets in oil
• 1 clove of garlic
• 25g/ 1oz capers (removed from their vinegar and rinsed)
• 125ml/ 4fl oz olive oil
• grated rind of 1 orange

Place all the ingredients together in a food processor and process for about 10-15 seconds. Scrape the sides down and process again for about 4 or 5 seconds. The mixture should be fairly smooth but should contain some texture.

Put it into small earthenware or ceramic pots, cover with a thin layer of olive oil, cover and keep it in the fridge. To use, spread it quite thinly on slices of good bread that have been toasted in the oven or under the grill. Serve immediately with plenty to drink as the flavor is intense and salty.