The patron saint of second chances : a novel

Summary: "In a tiny village in Italy, the self-appointed mayor (and vacuum cleaner repairman) Signor Speranza will do anything he can to save his beloved town. When he learns that the water is going to be cut off in sixty days unless he can come up with some quick cash, he tries to boost tourism by spreading a harmless rumor that major movie star Dante Rinaldi is planning to film a movie in the village. The plan works a little too well, and soon everyone wants to be a part of the fictional movie. Village butcher Signor Maestro will even invest in the film - if Signor Speranza can find roles for each of his fifteen enormous sons. Speranza soon realizes that the only way to keep the momentum going is to actually make the movie, assuring the villagers that Dante is on his way. Luckily, his hapless assistant Smilzo happens to have written a screenplay - not so secretly based on his undying love for the film's leading lady. As the entire town becomes involved in the movie - even the village priest invests! - Signor Speranza starts to think he might be able to pull this off ... until word reaches Dante Rinaldi's ears"--