What We May Become - by Teresa Messineo (Paperback)

About the Book

American Red Cross nurse Diana Bolsena is desperate to return to the frontline of the war efforts. However, she finds herself stranded in Tuscany. When a German officer arrives searching for secrets that could change the course of humanity, Diana realizes she could do more good here than on the frontline... if she can get to the secrets first.

Book Synopsis

In 1945 secrets hidden at an Italian estate could prove just as vital to humanity's fate as the war efforts on the frontlines . . . if nurse Diana Bolsena can get to them first.

Tuscany, 1945. As the war in Europe ends, American Red Cross nurse Diana Bolsena finds herself separated from her unit. Unable to reconnect with the American army, she's left to survive with nothing but her spirit, her talents as a nurse, and her nightmares of the horror of war.

Determined to return to active duty in the Pacific, to earn her way back Diana begins caring for a child with disabilities on the estate of the enigmatic Signora Bugari. Amidst the ravages of war, it is a peaceful existence until a visiting German officer, Herr Adler, arrives demanding Bugari return what is rightfully his.

When a shocking murder attracts more people to the isolated estate, Diana suspects Adler's hidden secrets could affect the course of history. But who will uncover them first? And what will happen to humanity if they fall into the wrong hands?

Review Quotes

'A brutally atmospheric tale of the horrors of war' -Kirkus Reviews

'An entertaining mix of mystery and romance' -Booklist

A powerful read-- "Booklist on The Fire by Night"

A vibrant telling of the nurses nightmares during a brutal war-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Fire by Night"

Engaging . . . The novel's strength lies in how well it conveys the selflessness and bravery of nurses during the darkest hours-- "Publishers Weekly on The Fire by Night"

This story will stay with readers long after they have finished the book-- "Library Journal on The Fire by Night"

Will inspire readers of dramatic historical novels to celebrate the resiliency of humanity through hope, grit, and first loves-- "School Library Journal on The Fire by Night"

About the Author

Teresa Messineo is motivated by social justice, and giving voice to the silenced. Her first novel, The Fire by Night, showcased the heroic and often overlooked work of frontline military nurses of the Second World War. Writing that novel involved seven years of research.

Teresa is also the mother of four children, whom she home schooled for twenty years. Her varied interests include medicine, swing dancing, lecturing, studying foreign languages, distance swimming, hunger relief, travel, and hiking. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Publishing (MFA-CW) from her alma mater, DeSales University.