Carol C Verna

Scarlet Gardenias Carol C Verna

Scarlet Gardenias is an inspirational family narrative featuring two sisters, one an imp and the other an angel, who journey from pain and suffering to faith and fortitude with overtones of romantic elements. Samantha, known as Sonny, strives to fulfill her dying mother's wish to "watch over, protect and advise" her younger sister, Jackie. Feuding between the young Martinnis escalates in earnest with a raucous battle about the color red. Their disagreements lead to estrangement. Sonny, a well-liked teacher together with her husband and adopted daughter do all they can to inspire others. Jackie, bold, defiant and self-absorbed is an opportunist who wants as much as she can get from others. Both sisters experience tragedy. Sonny due to a hurricane; Jackie due to unemployment. Sonny is aided by friends including Virginia Vincenza, an Italian restaurateur who tells everyone she meets, "You looka kinda skinny." Jackie, an unwed mother, has only her ailing son for support. At different times and different places the sisters' spirits are awakened by the scent of gardenias. Each sister gets what she craves but not what is expected. If you've been inspired by the poignancy of The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks treat yourself to Scarlet Gardenias, an emotionally charged debut novel with tears and laughter, too.