Una Storia Amore

A Love Story by Way of New York

Toro's debut novel offers a divine love story that takes one man back and forth between the Northeast and Midwest. When Michael leaves New York City and returns to Ohio, where he grew up, his life is a shambles. His ex-wife allows him to stay with her as he gets back on his feet, but their relationship remains broken. However, God intervenes in Michael's life, starting with a miracle that cures his chronic anxiety. Michael then has a vision and falls in love with a girl he's never met and feels prompted by God to woo her. A series of small miracles occurs to assist him; for example, he sends her a photograph of an angel statue that unintentionally includes the digits of his phone number. The path to love is not without trials, and Michael, his ex-wife and his new love interest must go through a healing process before they can find happy endings. Toro tells the story using a rhythmic, poetic style, giving the novel a dreamlike quality that compliments its romantic elements. This style does have its limitations, however; although the book's prayers and dialogue have a pleasant ring, they don't necessarily resemble natural speech. One prayer reads, in part, "I'd like for this ride to end...to put an end to this terrible spin, and start me anew on who you're willing to send...a normal but blessed love about to begin." Some plot details are so finely woven into the prose that casual readers may miss key information. Overall, Michael does a great deal of praying and reflecting--a narrative choice that benefits from the work's rhythmic style--creating a story that focuses more on emotion than action. A marriage of poetry and prose for fans of inspirational and romantic fiction. -- Kirkus Reviews