The Sweepers
by John C. Picardi

Bella, Mary and Dotty have been friends and next door neighbors in Boston's North End Italian neighborhood since childhood.

Husbands and sons are away fighting and World War II impacts the neighborhood, exerting unsettling pressure to assimilate and change with the times on those who cherish traditions, values and cultural heritage.

Against this backdrop, Bella's son is about to marry into an affluent Italian American family with connections to Beacon Hill.

Secrets are revealed, lies are bared and truths are told as the war winds down and powerful emotions strain life long friendships.