Olive Branches Don’t Grow On Trees
2012
Drawing on her own Italian-American background, author Grace Mattioli introduces a warm, humorous family drama centered on a fiercely loving yet deeply divided family. This Italian-American family saga follows Silvia Greco, the youngest daughter and a restless twentysomething artist determined to reunite her feuding relatives for her little brother’s high school graduation.
As long-standing tensions rise and old wounds resurface, Silvia hopes the gathering will become an olive branch of peace—bringing together stubborn family factions who can’t seem to move past their differences. What follows is an energetic, funny, and heartfelt coming-of-age story about peacemaking and the search for direction in early adulthood.
With its relatable characters, sharp humor, and emotional depth, this novel explores what it means to belong—both to a family and to oneself. The first book in the Greco Family series.
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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
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Discovery of an Eagle
2014
When Cosmo Greco and his sister Silvia Greco set out on a drive to Portland, a soulful American road trip novel begins. But when a near-fatal car accident threatens to derail more than just their journey, Cosmo is forced to re-evaluate his life and confront his fear of change.
Along the way, the people he meets become unexpected guides in a quiet spiritual awakening. With wit and insight, Grace Mattioli explores what it truly means to be happy in this humorous literary fiction story about transformation and self-discovery.
The second book in the Greco Family Trilogy, this Italian-American family drama departs from New Jersey to travel across the United States to the Pacific Northwest.
“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
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The Bird that Sang in Color
2021
As a teenager, Donna Greco comes to believe that happiness depends on marriage, children, and financial success. Throughout her life, she urges her free-spirited, artistic brother Vincent to embrace her conventional ideals. But Vincent refuses to conform—and as the years pass, Donna begins to wonder if he understood the meaning of a well-lived life all along.
Follow the Greco family matriarch in this moving and often humorous saga as she learns what it truly means to live an authentic, fulfilling life. Heartfelt and reflective, the story poses an intriguing question: What pictures will you have of yourself at the end of your life?
Written as a prequel to the first two novels in the Greco Family series, this novel offers deeper insight into the secret of living free and into the roots of a family you’ve come to love.
“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
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