Media & Reviews

Featuring Lucille Guarino’s books

American Writing 2025 Award Finalist for Lunch Tales: Teagan in the Fiction-Romance category

Literary Titan 5-star Review of Lunch Tales: Teagan (11/17/25)

I’d recommend Lunch Tales: Teagan to anyone who’s ever had to start over when they didn’t want to. It’s a gentle, moving story for readers who crave depth and feeling over plot twists and speed. I found that the book reminded me somewhat of The Light We Lost in its raw emotional core, and it had echoes of Still Me with its theme of rebuilding life, though it carries a gentler, more hopeful tone overall. I think this book is for women who understand how complicated love is. And how precious.

Kirkus Reviews | Lunch Tales: Teagen (11/14/2025)

In Guarino’s romance novel, a woman is afraid to experience love again after tragedy strikes.Teagan is an accountant, the mother of an adopted baby, and a wife—but when her husband, Mike, is struck by a car, her new identity as a widow supersedes the rest. Luckily, Teagan is surrounded by family and friends. Siblings Padrick, a police chief, and motherly Bridget are supportive, though bitter middle sister Colleen shows little sympathy. Work friends Suellen, Carol, and Lynne try to cheer Teagan up, dining in her office when she’s too depressed to make it to the lunchroom. Luke, a single dad and police officer who works under Padrick, also wants to be a friend. He’s present when Teagan gets the bad news about Mike, drives by when she gets cramps while running and needs a ride, and answers the call when Teagan needs help with a confused elderly lady she encounters. Luke and Teagan were intimate when they were in high school, but Teagan prefers to keep some emotional distance now; Jaden, her child, is enough to deal with, and she’s still grieving Mike. . . .

Fans of steamy interludes will find their desires fulfilled as Teagan, “swathed in…manliness” experiences “sweetness and anticipation and fire” in several scenes. Satisfying for those who believe in sisterhood and second chances.

Sublime Book Review | Overall Rating = 5 (11/12/25)

The author delivers an emotional, well-paced story about loss, inner fortitude, and the fragile hope of starting over. Teagan’s journey from devastating heartbreak to the slow reawakening of love feels deeply genuine. The undercurrent of suspense created by the anonymous letters adds a clever twist, keeping readers guessing about who might want to sabotage Teagan’s new happiness. Woven throughout the narrative is Teagan’s relationship with her lunch friends, and a subtle subplot hints at a possible sequel to come, which would be a welcome addition to a captivating series. This is more than a second-chance romance. It’s a story about rediscovering strength when life knocks you down. (Lunch Tales: Teagan)

Readers' Favorite | Lunch Tales: Teagan (10/14/25)

"Lucille Guarino weaves several complex themes into a compelling tapestry that left me breathlessly envious of her mastery. I also took the liberty of showing Lunch Tales: Teagan to my wife, and she adds her applause—a fabulous read!" — Reviewed by Jon Michael Miller for Readers' Favorite

Indies Today | 5 star review of Lunch Tales: Suellen (08/19/2025)

"Lucille Guarino infuses charm and insight into every sentence, creating a tender, relatable love story with remarkable depth. It’s the kind of read that keeps a smile on your face from cover to cover, even when things take a turn for the dramatic or the deep. Because Guarino’s characters feel like people you know and want to root for against all odds, and there’s a steady sense of confidence that everything will work out for them in the end. Audiences get to know Suellen through some brilliant use of speech and thought presentation that makes it feel as though you’re right on her shoulder with every interaction." - K.C. Finn

BookTrib | Coverage Report of Lunch Tales: Suellen (03/19/25)

"Lunch Tales: Suellen by Lucille Guarino is an engaging and heartfelt novel about Suellen, a young attorney navigating her career, complicate relationships, and personal growth. At its core, Lunch Tales: Suellen is a story about survival – emotional, physical and relationship survival. Guarino makes Suellen feel real, like one of my girlfriends – she's flawed, funny and trying to navigate through life like the rest of us, which makes her journey so compelling and relatable."

– KELSEY HALL for BookTrib; as seen in Kansas City Star, Fresno Bee, The Charlotte Observer, and more

Literary Titan | Inspiring Women Interview (12/23/24)

Literary Titan 5 Star Review of Lunch Tales: Suellen (12/10/24)

"For anyone who loves a feel-good romance that mirrors real-life complexities, Lunch Tales: Suellen is a must-read. It’s a book that not only entertains but also connects with its audience on a deeply personal level. Lucille Guarino’s skillful storytelling hooked me from the start, and I can’t wait to delve into the rest of the series to uncover the lives of the other remarkable women in this group. This is a heartwarming, well-crafted story that I wholeheartedly recommend."

Readers' Favorite: Lunch Tales: Suellen (11/05/24)

"Lucille Guarino has crafted a poignant and well-written literary treasure dedicated to powerful female friendships and the supportive family ties that get them through the worst moments in their lives. Suellen's character arc will create an unforgettable read for readers."

Best Ever You Interview - Fall 2024 Issue

Kirkus Magazine: Author Spotlight Interview - June 2024 issue

Kirkus Review for Elizabeth's Mountain (3/29/24)

"Guarino's use of alternating perspectives makes the parallels between the women's lives even more pronounced and keeps the story moving at a quick pace, never lingering on any particular scene. A compelling slice-of-life story, told from two points of view in two different time periods."

The Book Commentary for Elizabeth's Mountain (4/25/24)

5 Star Review | "Blending 1950s historical romance with contemporary allure, the intertwining narratives of grandmother and granddaughter sweep readers away, thanks to the poignant journey of hope and legacy. Elizabeth's Mountain by Lucille Guarino is a spellbinding saga that will enchant readers with its richly layered storytelling and timeless themes of love and belonging."

American Historical Romance – BookViral Review for Elizabeth's Mountain (2/21/24)

5 Star Review | "Absorbing, sweet and beautifully written Elizabeth’s Mountain proves a superb debut from Guarino and is unreservedly recommended!"

Literary Titan: Elizabeth's Mountain (1/29/24)

5 Star Review | "Guarino’s exploration of enduring relationships through a lens of historical and contemporary romance, coupled with her well-developed characters, makes this book a noteworthy read for those who are drawn to stories that span different time periods and showcase the complexities of life and love."

Literary Titan: Elizabeth's Mountain (1/26/24)

5 Star Review | "Elizabeth’s Mountain is a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of a well-lived life. Its uplifting nature makes it an ideal read for those seeking solace or a touch of optimism. The book concludes on a note of satisfaction, leaving the reader with a sense of fulfillment and joy."

Readers' Favorite: Elizabeth's Mountain (12/08/23)

5 Star Review | "Elizabeth's Mountain by Lucille Guarino is a thoughtful and poignant novel that fulfills the reader's expectations of women's literature." -Readers' Favorite

For the Love of Prologues: 10 Incredible Intros | BookTrib (1/24/24)

"An emotional, heartwarming tale of resilience and hope, Elizabeth’s Mountain will charm and immerse readers in a dual timeline of interweaving romances."