Three Rivers Home

Pre-Orders for February 2026 delivery are available here.

Based on the true story of my grandfather’s childhood, Three Rivers Home is a poignant tale of siblings, sacrifices, and true belonging. Set in early 20th-century Pittsburgh, it follows the journey of Francesco “Frankie” Fortunato, his sister Maria, and brother Joey, as their Italian immigrant parents’ dream collapses under the weight of illness and poverty. 

With no one left to care for them, Frankie and Joey are thrust into Allegheny County’s rudimentary foster care system, where dependent children are “farmed out” — rented — to agriculture and industry for $5.60 a week.

Frankie finds unexpected peace and stability with his foster parents, Ethel and Raymond Collins, until a shocking scandal of alleged murder and sexual assault pulls them into a media maelstrom that threatens to destroy his future.

As Frankie nears his sixteenth birthday and the end of county care, he faces a choice: abandon his brother and their pledge to stay together, or plan a bold escape to create the family they’ve always wanted. 

Three Rivers Home weaves a narrative of heartache and hope, highlighting the sacrifices made for family and the relentless pursuit of a place to belong.