
Title: The Measure of Life
Author: Judith Works
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Book Blurb:
A story of love and loss, lies and truth, begins in Rome as Nicole shares a cappuccino and cornetto with her Italian tutor. The meeting sets off a chain of events that upends the course of her life. While Rome also brings deep friendships and immersion into a sumptuous food scene there is no escape from acknowledging the consequences of her actions. In search of forgiveness and healing, she moves to an island near her childhood home in Seattle only to find the way to reunite the remnants of her family and discover her true path is to return to Rome and face the past.
My Review:
Rome opens Nicole’s eyes to all that she’s been missing. Can she embrace all that Rome has to offer including love and forgiveness? The Measure of Life is a poignant, emotional story I couldn’t put down. The character Nicole is one of those heroines scores of readers will relate to, me included. Her journey of self-discovery runs the gamut of emotions. The setting of Rome is breathtaking and flawlessly detailed. Fans of A Year in Tuscany and Eat, Pray, Love will enjoy The Measure of Life.
What makes The Measure of Life a sumptuous read is the intricate setting of Rome. Every nuance is expertly detailed. Using all five senses in her writing, Judith Works lures the reader to experience Rome through the characters. I could taste, smell, and hear every aspect of Rome. It was like traveling throughout Rome, only from the comfort of my home.
I relished in the complexity of Nicole. Like most of us, she’s made mistakes and lives with regret. Rome is a revelation to her and her journey is transformative. I connected with Nicole and her situation. By the time I reached the end, I even cried a little. It was that moving. Take my advice and read this book.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Buy it Now:
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-measure-of-life-judith-works/1146224295?ean=9781509257799
Books a Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/9781509257799
Author Biography:
After I earned a law degree in midlife, I had the chance to leave the Forest Service in Oregon and run away to the Circus (Maximus). In reality, my husband and I moved to Rome where I worked for the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization for four years as a legal advisor to the director of human resources. I could see the Circus that had hosted chariot races during the Roman Empire from my office window.
We reluctantly returned to the US after four years. But we pined for the land of pasta, vino, art, and sunny piazzas. Then the gods smiled and offered a chance to return to Rome with the UN World Food Program. Six more years of food and frolic in the Eternal City passed much too quickly. The indelible experiences living in Italy and working for the UN were the genesis of my memoir Coins in the Fountain.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://judithworks.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worksjudith/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@WorksJudith
Reviewed by: Nancy