Lindsay Marie Morris

Thanks to all who joined me for the release of my newest novel, Beneath the Sicilian Stars (Storm Publishing, July 2025). I'm also so grateful for our party host, Catherine Maita. July 8's party brought readers together from near and far (from across the United States to India!) to celebrate a tale of family, resilience, and the enduring ties that span an ocean and generations.

Beneath the Sicilian Stars is my attempt to bring overlooked history to light and honor the resilience of ordinary people during extraordinary times. I believe these stories matter—not just to remember the past, but to remind us how fear can too easily overshadow compassion, and how immigrant communities have historically managed to endure even through the darkest times. Thank you for watching, for reading, and for supporting my journey.

Click here to see a list of where and when you can catch my future appearances (many are virtual).

Today, I celebrate 19 years of marriage to Matt Sirolly, my greatest champion, critique partner, and friend. Without Matt, The Last Letter from Sicily might never have been completed. I might never have received the two-book publishing deal that also brought Beneath the Sicilian Stars into the world.

I started writing what would become my debut novel in a creative writing class, inspired by my grandparents' story of being separated during World War II. After writing several thousand words, I shared with Matt that it might have the potential to become a novel. He agreed and encouraged me to keep going.

I wrote on and off, but eventually, I set it aside. Who was I to think I could finish a novel, let alone publish one?

Later, over our anniversary dinner, Matt asked, "How's the novel coming along?" I shook my head. In my mind, there was no longer a novel. But he told me not to give up, and I didn't want to let him down.

So I picked it back up and returned to it in earnest. When I reached the part set in Cagliari, Sardinia—where my grandfather had been stationed—I struggled. I had never been there, and the scenes felt hard to bring to life. Matt suggested we travel to Sardinia and rent an apartment for a month. That trip turned out to be exactly what I needed. I finished the novel in a Marina District apartment, and we even toured World War II bunkers with a professor from the University of Cagliari.

Of course, finishing a novel is only part of the journey. Publishing is another challenge. I queried a few dozen agents and received rejections because, as one agent put it, "No one's buying World War II fiction." I felt discouraged. Matt suggested we create our own press and publish it ourselves. I loved the idea.

But then I discovered Storm Publishing, a UK-based traditional publisher that had just signed Lelita Baldock for her heartwarming World War II novel, The Baker's Secret. I decided to pitch them.

Within a week, I was able to share their enthusiastic reply with Matt. The commissioning editor loved the story's angle, the Sicilian setting, and the fact that it was inspired by my grandparents.

I had only one name in mind when I wrote the novel's dedication.

So today I raise a glass to Matt, on this special day and always. Everyone deserves someone like him. I just happened to be lucky enough that he chose me. I look forward to all the chapters ahead, knowing we are in this together.

Matt and Lindsay on their wedding day in Temescal Gateway Park, Pacific Palisades, California

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