Gina Gallo is a gemologist who would like nothing better than to run her little jewelry shop.

Unfortunately she's also "the Goddaughter," and, as she tells her new friend Pete, "you don't get to choose your relatives." And you can't avoid them when you live in Hamilton and they more or less run the place. When Gina bumps into Pete at the Art Gallery Gala, sparks fly. So do bullets, when her cousin Tony is taken down by rival mobsters from New York. It turns out Tony was carrying a load of hot gems in the heel of his shoe. When Gina is reluctantly recruited to carry the rocks back to Buffalo, the worst happens: they get stolen. Pete and Gina have no choice but to steal them back, even though philandering politicians, shoe fetishists, and a trio of inept goons stand in their way. It's all in a day's work, when you're the Goddaughter.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for older teen readers and adults who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

Melodie Campbell's profile page

"A very funny romp makes this a great rapid read choice."

The Hamilton Spectator

"Laugh-out-loud-with-side-splitting-humor-funny...I loved The Goddaughter and I can't recommend it enough for a short, funny summer reader."

A Prairie Girl Reads blog

"Campbell tells a hilarious story of the goddaughter of a mafia leader drafted into a jewel-smuggling operation."

Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine

"Perfect as an airplane read, or for waiting in the doctor's office, or standing in line at the DMV, or even for snuggling under the covers with a bout of flu...Throw in some drop-dead, laugh out loud funny hotel room and restaurant scenes...Bottom line: you['ll] find yourself quickly finishing one of the fun-est and funniest books I've enjoyed in years!"

Tutu's Two Cents blog

"Will appeal to adult reluctant readers or those seeking a good, short beach read. The author is skilled at what she does."

TriState YA Book Review Committee

"Campbell's comic caper is just right for Janet Evanovich fans. Wacky family connections and snappy dialog make it impossible not to laugh."

Library Journal

"Fun to read. As the heroine is forced into helping her mob family and the 'job' keeps getting more and more complicated, the audience is drawn into the situations and is left cheering for Gina to come out on top...The audience will enjoy the romance and...Campbell throws a few twists into the mix to add to the suspense...A drama with a twist of humour to keep the reader reading."

CM Magazine