Hearts Taken

Michael Iasiello was born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia. All four grandparents migrated from the Campagna region of Italy and resided in Adelaide not long after the Second World War. Italian culture has been a strong part of his upbringing. He studied the Italian language in primary and high school and at the age of sixteen travelled to Italy. He saw the beautiful sites the country had to offer, but most importantly visited the villages where his grandparents originated. He learnt many things about his family, especially his maternal grandmother, which inspired the events of this novel.
After completing a Bachelor Degree in Communications Media & Culture at the University of South Australia, instead of pursuing a related career, his love of travel had him become a flight attendant. He has travelled to many countries around the world but Italy has always had a special place in his heart.
Michael decided to become an author to tell the stories that matter to him most. His family, his life, and his imagination.

Serafina, a young woman growing up in Italy after World War Two, dreams of a better life for herself. When her neighbour comes back into her life, hope springs anew and she envisions a better life for herself.
All is taken away when she learns she is to be married to a man living in Australia. A man she does not know and who is dealing with demons from his own past.
Serafina's dreams and visions cannot prepare her for the challenges she is to face ­- love, loss, and betrayal that spans the generations to her grandson Anthony.
Praise for Hearts Taken
Raw and genuine. A story that conveys the twists and turns of life with a charming wonder and romance. Serafina and Anthony are uplifting characters, reminding us that sometimes our darkest moments are our strongest. - Melissah Picca
An emotional generational coming of age drama worth reading, Hearts Taken takes you on a journey with its characters and leaves you wanting more. - Julie Postance