HUTCHINSON, Kan., Dec. 12, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Love stories often deliver one of two extremes: either a rich woman is devoid of love and happiness or a poor woman discovers a treasure trove of love in the arms of a wealthy man. In Lou Peel's new novella, Angelia (now available through AuthorHouse), readers experience the best of both worlds as they follow a radiant, sensitive beauty in her luxuriant adventures from New York to Rome.
From her birth, Angelia was showered with love and prosperity. Raised by her father and a nanny named Sylvia after her mother's death in childbirth, she wanted for nothing. At the tender age of 10, she meets Barone Devore III, an Italian wine mogul who is handsome both in body and spirit. A marriage is arranged with Angelia set to be his bride on her 21st birthday.
But this contractual marriage does not lack love. Barone and Angelia adore each other from the start and write sensuous letters to each other from New York to Italy long before they say their vows. On their wedding day, Angelia's gifts from her new husband include a Ferrari convertible, an antique mahogany music box and other extravagances. Prepared for a life of happiness, the two travel to their mansion in Tuscany.
But their love story ends too soon when Barone succumbs to a deadly case of pneumonia. In his lifeless hand is a crumpled note that simply says "money." Overcome with grief, Angelia travels to the Vatican to find comfort in her faith. While kissing the feet of St. Peter's statue, an electrifying touch on her shoulder reels her, and she finds herself looking into the familiar eyes of Bernard Barroco, an old acquaintance.
When Bernard comes to Tuscany to visit Angelia, the two are irresistibly drawn to each other. As the story unfolds, a beautiful relationship blossoms, and a search for a mysterious stash of money begins. Secrets are revealed from surprising sources and love proves to be the greatest treasure in Angelia, a gripping new romance.
Peel lives in Hutchinson, Kan., where she is a teacher of "sound, positive principles that assist people in turning their lives toward a more positive direction." A graduate of the Chicago School of Interior Design, she has been named in the World Who's Who of Women, Cambridge, England. She is also a member of the National Speakers Association; the International Platform Association; the International Biographical Center in Cambridge; the American Biographical Institute Inc., in Raleigh, N.C.; and Toastmasters International.
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