Rome—once the heart of an empire, now the heart of the Catholic Church—has witnessed many love stories. When the Eternal City draws together a Swiss Guard and an American expat, a modern-day romance blooms in the shadow of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Haunted by a broken engagement and betrayed by her best friend, Elena Gattino travels to Rome for a new job and the hope of a new life. Fueled by pasta and bolstered by prayer, she becomes brave enough to forge new friendships with the Rechsteiner siblings as she explores Rome and finds her footing at work.
Benedikt Rechsteiner is comfortable serving in the Swiss Guard, even if he recognizes his life lacks a special something…or someone. Simmering family tensions and uncertainty about his future have left Beni wary of relationships, but his unexpected feelings for Elena challenge him to face his fears.
Soon, Beni and Elena’s friendship turns into more, thanks to the matchmaking meddling of a Vatican spymaster, a Swiss Guard comrade-in-arms, and Beni’s overenthusiastic yet lovable sister. But then Elena’s past follows her to Rome, putting her in danger that even Beni may not be able to save her from. And if Beni wants to be with Elena, he’ll need to discern where his own future lies—and reconcile with his father after years of bitterness. Can the two forge a relationship strong enough to withstand the suffering that comes their way? Or will the tensions of their own lives pull them apart?
Praise for Love in the Eternal City
“Love in the Eternal City will whisk readers away to the center of the Catholic Church. You will not just visit Rome and Vatican City, but feel immersed in Italian culture. I highly recommend this sweet, faith-filled romance.” —Danielle Grandinetti, award-winning author of the Harbored in Crow’s Nest series
“Love in the Eternal City is a captivating tale of intrigue and romance set against the breathtaking backdrop of Rome and Vatican City. This highly readable story of an American woman and a Swiss Guard falling in love is not only passionate but well-crafted. The author shows a remarkable understanding of Rome, the inner workings of the Vatican, and the Swiss Guards. We ourselves fell deeply in love in the Eternal City many years ago. Michelle was studying in Rome, and Andreas was a Swiss Guard serving Pope John Paul II. Reading Rebecca’s delightful love story has rekindled many beautiful memories for us. The characters in Love in the Eternal City are believable and relatable. This book is a must-read for anyone who cherishes love stories rooted in faith with a generous sprinkling of romantic whimsy.” —Andreas Widmer, author of The Pope and the CEO and Michelle Widmer-Schultz, author of The Too-Tall Swiss Guard