Summary of The Visitor: Fiercely independent Mary Pontrelli is blindsided when the New Orleans building housing her New Age store and upstairs apartment is listed for sale. Worse yet, a developer wants to destroy it and her high school ex-boyfriend—ahem, nemesis—is leading their charge. But this budding sweet spot for that weasel from the past can’t happen since traitors never change.

The best chance Mary has to save her cherished French Quarter building is to join forces with the other business owners whose livelihoods are also at risk. Too bad she avoids teamwork at all costs. Thankfully, a mystical new customer who shares Mary’s lost Italian heritage may be able to help alter her stubborn patterns. And, learning about the city’s history and her own Sicilian roots from the shopper may prove beyond merely engaging.

Even so, acquiring trust in strangers and accepting assistance requires more bravery than any societal expectation she’s challenged in her life. But if she doesn’t depend on her community and learn forgiveness, she may lose her career, home, and deeper relationships. No eccentric spirituality or heritage lessons can fix this…right?

Mary Helen Sheriff, interviewer: What inspired you to write The Visitor?

C. D’Angelo, author: A few years ago, I was on the phone with my friend who was speaking about a desire to open a unique store in the future. As we spoke about the possibilities for her business, the idea for the setting of the New Orleans New Age store in The Visitor entered my mind. The plot grew from there.

Mary: In what ways was this book’s journey different than your experience with The Difference?

C: A few years ago, I was on the phone with my friend who was speaking about a desire to open a unique store in the future. As we spoke about the possibilities for her business, the idea for the setting of the New Orleans New Age store in The Visitor entered my mind. The plot grew from there.

The first draft was completed within 3 months, versus 6 years, since I was consistent in my writing schedule. I also knew the steps needed to get the book published and was able to plan long term. Deciding to self-publish again allowed me total control for every step this time, so it was a much smoother process from start to finish

Mary: Tell me about a theme you explore in The Visitor. How and why do you explore it?

C: Mary (the main character) needs to accept help from her community to have a chance at saving her building from destruction. Learning that sometimes we need others and cannot achieve a goal on our own is one important lesson the publishing world taught me, which seemed like a relatable and needed theme to share. I never expected how much authors need each other for success…and I adore it.

Mary: Who is your favorite character in the book and why?

C: Patsy is the character I wrote in the likeness of my grandma, whom The Visitor is dedicated. Being able to add in tidbits of her mannerisms and sayings made my heart smile, as I hope Patsy does for all of my readers. What a joy it was to honor my grandma in this lasting way.

Mary: What made you decide to set part of your book in New Orleans? Did you travel there for research? Tell me about it. 

C: I write stories set in places where Italian immigrants had an impact. New Orleans has a history including Italians that isn’t well known, so I wanted to highlight it. Also, having been there 2 times, I knew it was the perfect setting for a mystical element in the book. I felt confident I would be able to capture the spirit of that culturally rich city.

About the Author: C. D’Angelo is the award-winning Women’s Fiction author of The Difference and The Visitor. When not writing relatable stories of the Italian American culture, she can be found at home in Florida enjoying time with her husband, playing ukulele, drawing, crocheting, and partaking in a variety of other artistic endeavors.

Find out details about C. D’Angelo’s books, get freebies from her newsletter, and more at: www.CDAngeloAuthor.com