The Decision They Made by Maria P. Frino is a spellbinding novel that melds romance, family drama, and intrigue to take readers on a rollicking, emotional tide as they follow the tale of two sisters and the ramifications caused by a family secret. The narrative opens with a strong premise, presenting two sisters, Amelia and Simona, and a deadly family secret they vow never to tell. The author explores how this secret puts a wedge between the two sisters and how it eventually affects the life of Simona’s granddaughter — Larissa Mina. As one reads from one intriguing to the next engrossing page, one wants to know what happens next and if the two sisters can heal the wounds that divide them. But what happens if the secret comes to light? 

Maria P. Frino is a gifted storyteller who uses suspense to captivate readers and get their eyes fixed on the pages. The crisp prose mixes with vivid descriptions to capture the attention of the reader. The emotional depth of the characters is deftly explored, transforming the story into one that is affecting and utterly engaging; the characters are real. From the very first page, the reader is pulled in by the sense of mystery and the secrecy that Amelia and Simona exhibit. It is obvious that something is at stake and the reader wants to know what it is. Personal relationships are so beautifully woven that readers get a clear idea of the family dynamics and the fragile threads that bind members of the same family. The narrative is replete with drama; the characters are elaborately written, and the conflict developed at multiple levels. The Decision They Made features an expertly written setting, taking readers through different countries — Italy, Russia, and Australia — with strong hints of WWII. The beautiful prose arrests the reader and creates a consistent appeal for the emotionally nuanced and captivating story. The crafty plot and the resonant, emotionally rich characters make the story a page-turner.