Joseph F. Ruggiero

A Rose on Ninth Street Joseph F. Ruggiero

Set in South Philadelphia in the year 1956, the story centers around the people associated with the Pontellos and their produce shop. When Maria Pontello convinces her husband to hire Bob O'Connor, an outsider, their ordered world begins to unravel. Before long, Bob becomes involved with their daughter Monica, endangering her engagement to another man. Bob's entanglement with gang activity and a past that won't die threaten his future with Monica, and brings danger to everyone around him. Nothing will come easily to this couple as they face both emotional and psychological turmoil.