Big Stone Gap is the story of Ave Maria Mulligan, set in 1970s Virginia. Ave is 35 years old and the town’s self proclaimed Spinster. She runs the local Pharmacy, Directs the Drama Play every year and is even a part of the Rescue Squad.

But after learning of an earth shattering secret after her mother’s death, Ave finds herself juggling two proposals and discovering that it is not too late to love and discover your true self. Big Stone Gap is populated with a colourful cast of characters that pepper the story throughout.

I first heard of Adriana Trigiani when her book, Lucia, Lucia was picked for Richard and Judy’s summer read. And I read it and was astounded by the warmth of the writing and fantastic cast of characters in it. I then went onto to read Queen of the Big Time and Rococo, thus firmly placing Adriana as a writer to watch.

But I’d never read the first book she’d written, so when I finally got my mitts on this, I was not disappointed. Ave Maria is sometimes selfish, always stubborn but I love how she grows as a character and realises that love can be found in the most unexpected of places.

I also loved Iva Lou Wade, the town librarian who is also Iva’s best friend and who provides much needed humour in the story. Mama Mulligan spreads her influence from beyond the grave and the town’s matriarchs provide some fascinating insghts into human nature.

Small town life in 1970s Virginia, doesn’t get better than this.

5 out of 5 stars!

Big Stone Gap