part0036

Thanks for taking this journey with me. And, no, the journey isn’t quite over yet. The final book in the Battaglia series is named ‘Vita Mia’ and it promises to answer all questions as it transports you from the past (1996) to the future (2016).

Also, many of you may be wondering about Eve and the fire that devastated the Battaglias only slightly mentioned in this book. The original draft of Omerta II included that tragedy. I, along with my Beta readers, decided to give that deep and sorrowful story to the last book. An attempt of mine to allow all that we have been through with the Battaglias to breathe on its own. I’m glad I did. The fate of Carlo, Shae, Adara, Lorenzo and Marietta deserved to be the focus.

There are a few questions I anticipated for readers who have just finished this installment. Afterall you’ve been on this rollercoaster for 7 to 10 years, I owe you some answers. So here they are.

1. Why did you decide AGAINST Lorenzo and Giovanni as brothers? To be honest it made no logical sense based on the characterization of Don Tomosino to make them brothers. It was clear that having a son was the most important thing to the Don. When his wife couldn’t give him one he took a mistress. If the young woman Rocco had taken from her family was suspected of carrying Tomosino’s son then he would have accepted the child without hesitation. A few of you saw through Rocco’s deception in the group chats and predicted this very outcome. I’m sorry to disappoint those who did not.

2. Mirabella and Giovanni were cold and cruel in the past two books, was it overdone? The best thing about this series (to me) has been the enduring love story of my Don and his Donna. I think Mirabella pre-Bella Mafia had become lost in the story with all the side characters and rising drama taking center stage. Bella Mafia reminded the readers of the love between Gio and Mira. Omerta was never intended to be such a story. Omerta is the bridge to the end of the saga. And I explored heartbreak, lies and deception to the highest degree. If you were able to take the romantic lenses off you might have discovered answers to questions you didn’t know you had for the series. The turmoil and conflict was not without purpose. Each character I believe showed you their very worst, and gave you a glimpse of their human frailty. My hope is that the third and final book will cast away all doubts about my series and reward every couple you’ve invested in with the ending they deserve.

3. Will Carlo and Shae live happily ever after? Of course, happily ever after Battaglia style! I’m excited with where they ended. I wanted the love to be earned not handed to them as an afterthought. Shae and Carlo are destiny. Their lives are so connected and passions for children so similar they are fascinating to write and read. In the future I should be inspired to write a standalone book separate from the saga to explore them further. In Vita Mia there is a glimpse of their future in Houston and it will surprise you. When I wrote their ending there was one final piece needed.

4. Can Catalina and Dominic really be the lovebirds they once were? I have Catalina and Dominic fans. I also have many (surprisingly) fans of Catalina and Armando. I always believed in Catalina and Dominic were an end game, but like Giovanni it didn’t seem natural that Catalina had no identity or existence outside of the princess role Dominic and Giovanni created for her. Giving her love of a different kind (though brief) freed her. I think Catalina and Dominic have bonded over a new purpose with being parents. It’s redefined the meaning of their relationship. No, they won’t be as they once were. Not at first. But time changes and heals people. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

5. Why did you release 2 books and not the promised 3. I struggled with this decision. I think because of my fans. They’ve been so patient and understanding that I couldn’t delay it for the third. I am pushing for the third to drop in January. The book is there. It just needs some reworking. I also want to see the response from the first two books. That often inspires me too.

6. Who was it? Giovanni or Umberto that sent Shae away? Giovanni is omniscient. Alway assume it’s him. It was him in Africa who made sure that Abedi seduced Carlo. It was him that reunited Adara and Carlo. In the end it was him that brought Shae back to Italy. So, yes, it was him in the end.

As a rule Capu’s are only loyal to the boss. There really isn’t that tight of a brotherhood shared between these men. In most criminal organizations being an underboss it’s a competitive role. So with that understanding, yes, Giovanni knew. And yes Umberto seized on the opportunity to make sure Carlo lost his mojo. I believe he pounced on the news that Shae had arrived to Italy and made a beeline to Giovanni to whisper conspiracy in his bosses ear. He would have never interfered with Shae and Carlo’s relationship without Giovanni’s approval. Oh, and Carlo killing Umberto should have cost him his life. I believe that Giovanni gambled one time too many and knew that he had lost Carlo. He had two options. Kill him, or free him. You saw what he chose.

7. Why didn’t Giovanni kill Lorenzo? Was it his plan not too all along? It wasn’t the plan. Giovanni’s original plan was to kill Lorenzo on that beach. It was the best and safest way to keep his wife separated and exact his revenge. He knew very soon after that Carlo couldn’t do it. He tested him with Abedi and Carlo slipped into his own bad behaviors. So he changed his plans with the Russians help. I believe (and Vita Mia will answer this question) that it was always Mirabella’s plan to push her husband in the direction he eventually took. She didn’t manipulate, debate, or try to change his decision. It was always big picture for her. In Vita Mia you will also discover that the Generale had a lot to do with Mirabella and Giovanni’s decisions and actions.

8. Eve’s behavior in the book felt uncharacteristic. What happened to the sweet lovable child? Why make her this way? Eve is still very lovable. But think of it from her tiny perspective. All she knows is family. And one by one people she love disappears. And slowly more kids move in to take her place. Add to it her introduction to the Mafia from a young age and her changing would start at 6 or 7. I think when you read the story of the fire in Vita Mia and the affect it has on the family you will see her and all the children in a different way.

8. How long before the last book and will there be future books? The last book is going to follow soon. As for future books. I will be taking a short break from the Battaglias to publish other books. I have so many ideas and stories to tell. But yes, there will be more after the saga ends. The future is bright!