Julia's Search for Independence — June Bryan Belfie

Julia Montgomery, a beautiful young socialite spends a year in Rome, Italy, with her domineering mother and doting father who is there temporarily on business. Deeply affected by a childhood tragedy, Julia has recurring nightmares and suffers from guilt and insecurity. While studying art at the local university, Julia becomes friends with a group of young people including an attractive Italian professor and historian named Antony Scarpelli. She and Antony grow close through the group's regular get-togethers at a local café, and Julia finds herself enjoying the closeness and acceptance of Antony's family. Unknown to her Italian friends, Julia is engaged to a wealthy young businessman back in the States. The union was practically arranged by their mothers from the time of their childhood. Influenced by her family, Julia accepted his proposal believing love would follow. Now she questions that decision. Her faith has never been important to her, but when faced with her many trials, Julia realizes the void in her life and searches for a meaningful relationship with God. A friend from school invites her to India to help at an orphanage, but would Julia's mission work be a way to serve God--or an escape from pain?