Picture a storyteller who whisks you away to sun-soaked Italy with tales of love, food, and family—meet Nicky Pellegrino! This English-born, New Zealand-based author, with her Italian heritage, has enchanted readers worldwide with novels that feel like a warm Mediterranean embrace. From her debut sparked by a life-changing moment to her bestselling books, Pellegrino’s stories blend passion and pasta in a way that’s utterly irresistible.
Born in Liverpool in 1964 to an Italian father and English mother, Pellegrino’s life is a tapestry of cultures, which she weaves into her work with authenticity and heart. Let’s dive into her journey, from a shy observer of Italian summers to a literary star whose books are translated into 12 languages.
The Making of Nicky Pellegrino
Growing up, Pellegrino spent childhood summers in southern Italy, soaking in the vibrant chaos of her father’s family. These experiences—watching her aunt knead bread while chickens darted underfoot—left a lasting imprint. After earning an English degree from the University of Lancaster, she dove into journalism, working on women’s magazines in London before moving to Auckland in 1994. There, she edited New Zealand Woman’s Weekly and wrote freelance columns. Her writing career took off in 2001, inspired by a friend’s brain tumor diagnosis, prompting her to seize the day and pen her first novel, Delicious.
Nicky Pellegrino’s Unforgettable Stories
Pellegrino’s novels are love letters to Italy, brimming with mouthwatering cuisine, heartfelt friendships, and romantic escapades. Her debut, Delicious (2005), follows Maria Carozza, a young woman seeking adventure beyond her Italian village, only to return pregnant and determined to carve her own path. It set the tone for Pellegrino’s signature style: vivid settings, relatable characters, and a celebration of Italian culture.
Other gems include The Food of Love Cookery School (2013), where four women at life’s crossroads find solace and strength in a Sicilian cooking school, and One Summer in Venice (2015), a romantic comedy about a woman rebuilding her life in the city of canals. Her 2024 release, Marry Me in Italy, continues her tradition of escapist romance. Pellegrino’s stories, often compared to the works of Jojo Moyes and Katie Fforde, blend humor, heartache, and the sensory delights of Italian life, making readers feel like they’re savoring a gelato in a sunlit piazza.
Her writing is grounded in authenticity, drawing from her Italian roots and love for cooking. Whether it’s a recipe for risotto or a tale of family feuds, Pellegrino’s novels capture the warmth and drama of Italian life, earning praise for their evocative settings and “mouthwatering” descriptions.
Why Nicky Pellegrino Matters
Pellegrino’s impact lies in her ability to transport readers across cultures, blending her Anglo-Italian identity into stories that resonate universally. Her novels offer more than escapism—they celebrate resilience, community, and the joy of everyday pleasures like a well-cooked meal. With 16 books and translations in multiple languages, she’s carved a niche in romantic fiction, inspiring readers to embrace life’s adventures. Authors like Santa Montefiore and Erica James laud her for lifting spirits, proving her stories are as nourishing as the Italian dishes she describes.
Her influence extends beyond fiction. In Don’t Sweat It, a non-fiction guide to menopause, Pellegrino tackles a taboo topic with candor and optimism, empowering women to navigate midlife with confidence. This versatility cements her as a voice of connection and hope.
- Born: 1964, Liverpool, England
- Key Works: Delicious, The Food of Love Cookery School, One Summer in Venice, Marry Me in Italy
- Fun Fact: She lives in Auckland with her husband, dogs, and horses, and loves cooking for friends.
Ready to escape to Italy? Snag One Summer in Venice and dive into Nicky Pellegrino’s deliciously romantic world!