Books
OLIVE BRANCHES DON’T GROW ON TREES
Best of 2012, Suspense Magazine
“The author…manages to make us care about this family. All of the Grecos…are entertaining and their quirks are endearing. OLIVE BRANCHES DON’T GROW ON TREES is a very real drama that gets to the heart of the conflict within the Greco family.” Indie Reader Reviews (5 Stars)
“The author weaves a tale that is a moving and realistic portrayal of a dysfunctional family with enough drama and humorous family situations that will keep the reader engaged and entertained, while providing a witty sense of humor and subtle messages of life lessons to extend the olive branch and learn to live, love and forgive.” Jersey Girl Book Reviews
“The sequences of Silvia’s recollections into the past with her strong willed, born ahead of her time grandmother, the jobs she has held, and lost as it were, are nothing short of brilliant.” Chapters and Chats Book Reviews
DISCOVERY OF AN EAGLE
“The characters the two siblings meet along the way-whether delightfully crazy or attractive or lost-serve as foils for a kind of personal growth particular to a road-trip scenario. The landscape of the vast space between the East and West coasts acts as a catalyst for emotional and spiritual change. Author Mattioli writes in an assured voice that carries the story through its potentially sentimental passages. By the end, (readers) may be surprised find that they, too, have undergone an emotional odyssey. Poignant and well-drawn.” Kirkus Reviews
“A warm blend of travel and observation, family interrelationships, and reflections that ultimately captures the meaning and purpose of getting away and journeying to new places. A soaring story of one man’s exploration of new possibilities, new worlds, and ultimately, a newfound purpose to life.” Midwest Book Review
“The book isn’t just about Cosmo’s journey. It takes a hard look at the lives we live, the monotony we assume is a part of adulthood and the mediocrity we’re content to settle for. Through Cosmo’s shoes, the reader’s perspectives are quietly opened to new possibilities.” The Lit Room Reviews
THE BIRD THAT SANG IN COLOR 
“a moving story of two Italian American siblings across several decades…graceful prose…poignant character driven story,” Publisher’s Weekly
“a refreshing family portrait about interpersonal evolution…presented with affection, humor, and insight…an inspiring slice of life blend of philosophy, psychology, and transformation that draws readers into a warm story and examines the wellsprings of creative force and legacies.” Midwest Book Review
“highly polished artistic prose…evolves fluidly; with great heart and humour. A consummate exponent in the art of storytelling and skilled in the imagery of words. Without exception, the characters are all emotionally complex…lyrical and lovingly written…profound and thought provoking,” Fiction Books Biz Book Reviews
“a heartfelt family story told with grace and humor,” Rose City Reader
“The periods and places are so well realised. This is writing of the highest quality. It is a book that makes you think, to question your assumptions. And that is something that the best literature sets out to do,” Rosie Amber Book Reviews
About the Author
Grace Mattioli is the author of three novels: Olive Branches Don’t Grow on Trees, Discovery of an Eagle, and The Bird that Sang in Color. All three feature the Greco family, a quirky, dysfunctional, and yet highly loveable family. While these books address serious issues such as addiction and death, they are filled with humor and inspiration to live happily, with themes such as peacemaking, ceasing the day, and living authentically.
Interview Questions
- How are your three novels tied together?
- What is the major theme of each of your novels?
- What do you want to resonate with readers after finishing these novels?
- How do you handle the issue of grief and loss in The Bird that Sang in Color?
- What inspired you to write your forthcoming memoir, A Dragonfly Mosaic?
- Discuss your treatment of the major themes of trauma, grief, and healing in A Dragonfly Mosaic.
- How does your background and life experiences qualify you to write about the subjects or themes in your memoir?
- What do you want readers to feel after reading A Dragonfly Mosaic?
Previous Media Coverage
Guest Blog Post on CPTSD Foundation Site, 2026
The Reading and Writing Podcast Interview, 2021
Author Expert Wire Podcast Interview, 2020
Jersey Girl Book Reviews published interview, 2012
