The Difference: A culturally inspiring genealogy and immigration women’s fiction novel

Rachel, the main character of The Difference, is both a therapist and someone struggling with anxiety. This puts her in the position of being self-aware enough to recognize her anxiety as what it is and provides her with the resources (knowledge and colleagues) to ensure her recovery. For readers who struggle with anxiety, Rachel's journey might provide them with guidance and inspiration. My favorite part of the novel, though, was Rachel's trip to Italy. Her love for the country sang through so deeply, I was ready to hop on a plane (instead I had to settle for spaghetti for dinner). A great read!

The Difference is a love song to Italy and its delectable food. Reading this debut felt as if Rachel, D’Angelo’s protagonist, was personally telling me the story of her search for her beloved grandpa’s past. Those fascinated by genealogy will enjoy this story. Be prepared to be hungry as you read.

It is SO refreshing to read a book with a flawed main character, who you can’t help but root for as she goes on her journey of self-discovery and healing. Rachel’s flaws, especially as a therapist herself, made her ancestry journey that much more important to the reader. We knew how much she needed it! It was funny and enjoyable to be in Rachel’s head throughout the story. Her obsessions and worries were my own for the time I was reading. I was able to relate to her, and I so badly wanted to see her come out of her shell and get the answers she needed to thrive. I have never researched my own ancestry nor been drawn to the topic, but the author keeps you enthralled! You feel every set back along with Rachel, and you are rooting for her until the very end.The author draws you into the Italian culture effortlessly, and the descriptions of Italian food were incredible. I wanted to try everything! Food and family were such important parts of this book, and the author truly delivers on those aspects. It was clear she drew on her own life to add to Rachel’s passions. The changes Rachel goes through are so evident and satisfying, and I enjoyed getting to see her progression as a person. If you are interested in ancestry journeys, growing as a person, and incredible descriptions of Italian culture that truly absorb you, I highly recommend this book! If you are unsure about any of these topics, this book is still perfect for you because the author makes you care just like Rachel does. It might even inspire you to take a closer look at your own interests and inspire you to make your own changes.This review is from reading an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) since the book will be released on 7-29-21.

About a third into the book, I started skipping paragraphs and pages just to get to the genealogy parts. The protagonist became too annoying, self-pitying, and self-hating. Her self-doubts became predictable and boring. Enough is enough! The idea of breaking through one's depression with the discovery of one's passion is inspiring and believable. But this author spent way too much time repeating the same problems over and over. It really detracted from the mystery within the story because I ended up not liking her (the lead character.)

This isn't the genre of books I usually read but it was recommended by a friend. I loved that it didn't read as a regular story but more as a slice of their life we were allowed to follow for a time. By the time I was a few dozen pages in I really wanted to know what happened to Brian and Rachel. I ended up enjoying it quite a bit!

The Difference brings the sounds of Dean Martin, tastes of fresh pasta, and scenes of Northern Italy right to your cozy reading chair. It pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine and sugar dusted pizzelles. And the depictions of Italy had me checking current flights to Genoa.But this story is more than an excuse to plan a trip to Italy while gorging on pappardelle.From the first pages, I rooted for Rachel Granza as she battles that haunting feeling of indifference. It’s hard to imagine being depressed when you have a fulfilling job, supportive boyfriend, and cuddly cat, but C. D’Angelo addresses depression with an authentic lens making Rachel an honest, relatable character. Following Rachel through her setbacks and triumphs is a rewarding journey that inspires perseverance in our own daily grind.This debut was a page turner and I’m excited for future works by C. D’Angelo.* Appreciation to the author for an Advanced Reader Copy of The Difference. All opinions are my own. *

You know that sigh you do when you finish a fantastic book? The kind filled with so much love and happiness? C. D'Angelo's The Difference will give you that feeling. I adored this book and loved getting to watch Rachel grow throughout the story. D'Angelo has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are spending time with your best friend. Her prose is beautiful and well, I don't want to spoil anything, but I may have cried happy tears in Part 2 of this lovely book. The ending was incredible and has left me smiling. If you want a book to transport you to Italy, to make your stomach growl with the delicious descriptions of food, and to watch love and family save the day, then this book is for you! A million and one stars for a brilliant and heartfelt read.I received an ARC for this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I felt Rachel’s anxiety and hunger deep in my stomach! I’m so thankful to this author for talking about anxiety and for adding a character who did not run away screaming because of his partner’s anxiety. Brian’s love and support of Rachel is every woman’s dream. Now let’s talk about Rachel’s journey, what a story and the unexpected twist towards the end made my jaw drop. Okay, let’s talk about the food and the garden and the food and the food. There was just so much food love going on in this book and I learned really quickly that I should NOT read it while hungry. I’ll tell you this, Rachel made me angry, she made me sad, she made me glad, she made me hopeful, she made me cry, she made me happy and she made me hungry! It’s a great read! I’m excited to see what’s next from this author. PSA: Do Not Read On An Empty Stomach!

This beautifully written novel will transport you to Italy. I loved the descriptions of food and felt as though I was travelling with Rachel. The characters are well drawn and believable. As a reader I became invested in Rachel's quest. I guessed the outcome early on but that did not spoil the story. I love a happy ending.

A lovely story with lots of exciting twists and turns <3 and a cute cat to top it off xx

When Rachel realizes her life isn't making her as happy as she thinks it should, she decides to delve into her family history, mainly the hidden story of her Italian-immigrant Grandfather's journey to the US. It's something he never spoke about when alive, and she feels it's her duty to uncover why. It's also a good distraction from the mild depression she's sinking into, and the staleness she feels in her years-long relationship. After a year of dead ends, and research leads that go nowhere, Rachel and her partner decide to journey to her grandfather's hometown in Italy in the hope of uncovering the truth and any still-living relatives. In my opinion, it takes a while for the story to get where it's going (Rachel in Italy), and before this, she spends a lot of the book being whiny and oddly obsessed with the Titanic and her Grandfather. By the closing pages, though, the author does turn all of this on its head. Rachel's inner transformation via the things she discovers about her Italian side redeems both the character and the story, and I did enjoy the book as a whole by the closing pages. I would also read more by this author as she did a great job describing the food, scenery, and relationships of the other characters. Recommended for readers who like family history stories.

A wonderful read , about a young woman's quest to learn about her family's history that takes her on a journey of self-discovery. In her search for her ancestors roots, Rachel learns to truly love herself and her beautiful Italian roots. In loving herself, the world no longer seems like such a bad place after all! A beautiful debut novel by C.D'Angelo. Well written. The story flowed beautifully; a first novel that reads like the work of an author who has published many books over many years.