How does a 20th century princess assimilate into the world of the 21st Century? Meet Mary, a woman transformed as she integrates herself into a modern world filled with laughter, love, tears, prayers and life lessons applicable only to her or perhaps to all mothers, daughters, and granddaughters of this new century.

As a teen, Mary laughs in the face of death when she nearly drowns. As a mother, she understands true terror in a near fatal car accident, involving not only herself, but her husband and children. Moving forward, you see a working mom struggling to pay for her daughters’ college education when, her husband, just in time, gets the “lottery job.” It is her life’s frustration, joys, accomplishments and heartaches that is the story told in this light rendition of the façade, Mary calls life.

The author’s life experiences with her family, husband of 30 years, and three daughters are her writing inspirations. She has a degree in R/TV communications and has worked in radio as an on-air personality and in traffic. Presently, she is working at Syracuse University, as the co-editor of CPR's “ The Pulse” Newsletter, and is the CPR Webmaster. This is her first woman’s literary nonfiction novel. "It is my desire to state the facts in writing as I saw them. I am documenting my children’s history and my grandchildren’s heritage."

Valentine's Day Raviolis is a unique culmination of literary work in style, form and genuine feeling. Similar to the writing of Sparks, it has love and heartache. Like the style of Albom it deals with the past and how it reflects itself into the present; and like Irma Bombeck, the book contains humor- being able to look at yourself and laugh at the circumstances you find yourself in. Combine these with the life lessons found in this book and you won’t be able to put it down.

MJ Santy
8535 Tender Trail
Cicero, NY 13039
mjsanty@syr.edu