The Patron Saint of Second Chances

The Patron Saint of Plumbing is a funny, heartwarming novel about a desperate bid to save a crumbling Italian village by starting a rumor that Italian heart-throb Dante Rinaldi is coming to film his next movie.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

The Patron Saint of Plumbing is not answering Nino Speranza's prayers. Without expensive repairs to the pipes, the water board will cut off Speranza's crumbling Italian village. All 212 inhabitants will be forced to leave. In a desperate bid to find the money to save his hometown, he starts a rumor that Italian heartthrob Dante Rinaldi is coming to town to film his next movie. Soon, the place is teeming with fans, and everyone wants to be involved: Speranza's assistant has a screenplay, and the butcher will invest - if Speranza can find roles for each of his fifteen enormous sons. Even the priest is on board. It seems the only way to give their beloved town a second chance is to actually make a movie. What could possibly go wrong?

Funny, charming, and utterly heartwarming, this is the feel-good novel of the year; a celebration of the underdog, of family, and of what really matters in life.

A rare treasure: both hilariously funny and beautifully written. Julia Claiborne Johnson, author of Better Luck Next Time and Be Frank With Me, said, "The most charming, original, and hilarious novel I have read in ages. This novel is something special. Everyone with a sense of humor must pick this up immediately."

Elyssa Friedland, author of Last Summer at The Golden Hotel, said, "A glorious romp of a book with a cast of characters to fall in love with. Gorgeous, hilarious, and brimming with joy." Christine Simon's writing is just a delight.

Helen Paris, author of Lost Property, said, "Simon's warm-hearted, original gem of a novel is the feel-good read we all need."

Amy Poeppel, author of Musical Chairs, said, "A charming, fast-paced, and warm-hearted.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 238 x 525 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780751582932