By Luisa Livorno Ramondo

Beyond The Cobblestones

A poor Southern Italian girl wants more than her small town can offer. Despite all the obstacles she knows she will face; she sets out on a very difficult and unknown journey that challenges her every step of the way.

Early Praise for Beyond The Cobblestones

Luisa Livorno Ramondo has written a personal, deeply felt immigration story that has resonance in the moment. For those readers who would like a first hand account of how one girl turned a life of poverty, pain and betrayal into a life of aspiration and meaning, this is the story for you! Beyond the Cobblestones is a place where dreams come true in a new home called America.

Adriana Trigiani

New York Times bestselling author of The Good Left Undone

In Beyond the Cobblestones, Luisa Livorno Ramondo beautifully captures the essence of poverty and the dreams of escape which it inspires. From the hardest of soil, a flower emerges in a compelling coming-of-age story told through a compelling prose style that reflects the beauty of the narrative. This heartfelt story is a must-read for anyone who is inspired by tales of perseverance and the spirit to pursue dreams.

Andrew Cotto

Award-Winning author and regular contributor to The New York Times

Beyond The Cobblestones is a portal into the mind, heart and soul of my immigrant Italian grandparents. The storylines and landscapes transported me into the struggles and triumphs of hearty people deeply committed to family and fiercely determined to make life better.

Cara Bradley

Author of On The Verge: Wake Up, Show Up and Shine.

This story really pulls you in and makes you want to follow her journey as she figures
out how to get to America.

Anne E. Hill,

Author of Lerner Books

I received my copy of Beyond the Cobblestones and read it (devoured it) last night. You have created a new heroine, a foundational model upon which all young girls/women can base their dreams. You have breathed new life into a…fading dream. Like Frank McCourt in Angela’s Ashes, you provide for us a resurgence in what it means to withstand the bumps, the loneliness, and the shame along the road on the way to self-discovery and a life of personal fulfillment.

Bill Q,

An inspired devotee

Luisa Livorno Ramondo is a gifted storyteller. Beyond the Cobblestones is a novel filled with beautiful imagery and a strong, determined protagonist we cheer for. This story provides a glimpse into small-town life in Italy, and a young woman’s quest to find freedom and opportunity in America. Beyond the Cobblestones is a beautiful reminder that a dream, if fully realized, cannot be deterred. A sensitive, thoughtful story that serves to remind us of the sacrifices and risks made by our brave ancestors, allowing us a better life.

Lori Nelson Spielman

New York Times Bestselling author of The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany

About the Author

Luisa Livorno Ramondo

Luisa Ramondo, affectionately known for her Italian heritage and nurturing traits, makes her literary debut with “Beyond the Cobblestones,” a passion project that’s been in the works for years. Inspired by tales of her mother’s journey from the villages of Italy to the bustling cities of America.

She is an award-winning real estate agent who lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and three sons. When she’s not writing or selling houses, Luisa can be found on the tennis courts, on a yoga mat, or in the kitchen.

Luisa is known for her natural cooking abilities and effortless entertaining skills. Scents of tomato and basil waft through her welcoming home as she regularly delights her friends and family with Sunday dinners – experiences she’s carried from her own youth that have inspired this lively tale.

Follow along with Luisa

About the Book

Beyond The Cobblestones

Claudia lives in a very small town in Southern Italy where the cobblestone streets are so narrow you can't even have a car, not that there is any money for one. There's no money, no food and barely any education. All around her is poverty and nothing to do but marry a local boy and start a family of her own. But she has a feeling that there's more for her out in the world.

Despite all the obstacles she knows she will face; she sets out on a very difficult and unknown journey that challenges her every step of the way. A journey that will either be the best thing she's ever done or the biggest mistake of her life. One fateful visit from a distant relative and suddenly she knows what she needs to do.

Beyond the Cobblestones is a heart-warming tale based on true stories from her mother's childhood. It reminds us that it is important to stay true to oneself and follow your dreams. Readers will feel inspired by this story to take action in their own lives and follow their passions!

About the Book

Beyond The Cobblestones

Visual Inspiration for

Beyond The Cobblestones

Now available on Amazon

You will love this book if you like historical fiction, have any interest in Italian lifestyle, enjoy reading stories about strong women who change their lives, or are an immigrant or child of an immigrant.