Praise for The Eternal Pine

Bellusci uses language as rich as the finest silk threads of a colorful brocade from her story to create a charming adult fairytale that plunges the reader into the vividly harsh world of 18th century Naples. The emotions of these orphaned characters and of their protectors, lovers, and abusers are as raw and explosive as the eruptions of the great Vesuvius with which they live in tandem. All will delight and haunt you until the final page.
–Marisa Labozzetta, Author of Men Who Walk In Dreams

The narrative arc of the story ….. from the years in the convent, to being adopted and then freeing herself to a new life in Naples, (made me want) to turn the page and find out what happens next. The story reaches peak tension with her (Alessandra) being raped….
Sexual assault is a critical and heartbreaking piece of Alessandra’s story. (You) handle these scenes with truth and a willingness to expose and not turn away from the harsh reality women (and men) have experienced through time and continue to survive to this day.
May The Eternal Pine …… take root in the hearts of your readers. Brava, Laura – Cheli Mennella

In these pages, the history of Naples and reality merge with the grace of an ancient fairy tale. Here, magical realism is the essential lens to explore the soul of a city where destiny takes on the fiery red of a witch’s hair and the scent of pine seeds.

 – Giovanni Vitiello – Detti Napoletani, Naples, Italy