Follow their antics as they compete to give their grandchild the best birthday present, struggle to lose some extra weight, and try to make it to their godchild’s christening on time in this collection of twelve short stories dedicated entirely to the much-loved Sicilian couple from the pages of The People’s Friend magazine.
Also available in Very Large Print.
Includes:Present Predicament. It’s their granddaughter’s birthday. Who can give her the best gift?
A Little Temptation. How can Tanino lose any weight if Melina keeps cooking his favourite dishes?
Every Cockroach is Beautiful to its Mum. The warm weather has its drawbacks. Can Melina trust Tanino to deliver her from her six-legged foes?
Get Me to The Church on Time. Will Tanino’s terrible timekeeping make them late for their godparental duties?
Shifting Sands. Melina has organised a trip to the beach for Tanino’s Saint’s Day, but he would rather be anywhere else.
Drive Me Crazy. When it comes to compromising on airport parking, is Tanino on the road to nowhere?
A Country Retreat. As Melina gives a housewarming party for a house that isn’t hers, the real owner turns up as one of the guests.
It’s All Relative. Melina can’t wait for the arrival of her Scottish nephew. If only Tanino felt the same!
It’s the Thought that Counts. When Tanino says that there’s no point in buying him a birthday present with his own money, Melina gets herself a job. But will Tanino like the new domestic arrangement?
Sink or Swim. The kitchen sink is blocked and Tanino seems in no hurry to fix it. Could it be time for Melina to take matters into her own hands?
Work It Out. Tanino deeply regrets his unwise comment about Melina’s skirt when she puts them both on a diet and joins the gym.
One Humble Request. Despite his best attempts, Tanino seems unable to make Melina happy. But is he trying the wrong things?
Praise for Stefania’s short stories:
Super, observant writing. [Tanino and Melina] really should have their own sit-com.— Alan Spink, Editor of The People’s Friend magazine
Hartley’s stories are a tonic: full of delightful, down-to-earth characters and recognisable life dilemmas, as well as unexpected twists. Above all, each story reminds us that simple human goodness can still be found and shared. —Sandy Salisbury, author of Prairie Gold
Hartley doesn’t just give us stories, she gives us a slice of Italian life served with lashings of charm and wit. Highly recommended! — Ella Hayes, author of Italian Summer with the Single Dad
The Sicilian Mama 