In a world where public figures often guard their personal stories with polished facades, Emily Compagno—Fox News host, attorney, and now bestselling author—has chosen a different path. Her book, Under His Wings, has taken the literary world by storm, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the life of a woman whose grit, faith, and family legacy have propelled her through the high-stakes worlds of law and media. At the heart of this deeply personal memoir lies the story of her grandfather, a World War II veteran whose unwavering courage and spiritual conviction became the cornerstone of Compagno’s own journey. His influence, she reveals, not only shaped her unshakable faith but also gave her the strength to overcome the myriad challenges of her multifaceted career.

Compagno, 45, is no stranger to the spotlight. As a co-host on Fox News’ Outnumbered and a frequent contributor to Gutfeld!, she’s built a reputation for her sharp legal insights, quick wit, and relatable charm. But Under His Wings peels back the layers of her public persona, revealing a woman whose life has been profoundly shaped by family, faith, and an enduring commitment to service. With over 100,000 copies sold since its release last year, the book has struck a chord with readers, blending heartfelt storytelling with practical wisdom for navigating life’s trials. At its core is the tale of her grandfather, a man whose wartime sacrifices and spiritual guidance left an indelible mark on Compagno’s heart and career.

A Grandfather’s Legacy: The WWII Hero Who Shaped a Star

Born in Oakland, California, Emily Compagno grew up in a close-knit Italian-American family where stories of resilience were as common as Sunday dinners. Her grandfather, whom she affectionately calls Nonno, was a decorated World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army’s European Theater. In Under His Wings, Compagno paints a vivid picture of a man who survived the harrowing battles of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, carrying not just physical scars but a deep well of faith that sustained him through the darkest days. “Nonno never spoke much about the war,” Compagno writes, “but when he did, it was always with a quiet reverence for God’s protection. He’d say, ‘Under His wings, I found refuge,’ quoting Psalm 91. Those words became my anchor.”

Nonno’s wartime experiences weren’t just tales of survival; they were lessons in courage, humility, and trust in something greater. Compagno recalls sitting at his knee as a child, listening to stories not of heroics but of camaraderie, sacrifice, and the small moments of grace that kept him going—like finding a tattered Bible in a bombed-out church or sharing his last ration with a wounded comrade. These stories, woven throughout Under His Wings, serve as the emotional backbone of the book, illustrating how her grandfather’s faith became a beacon for Compagno’s own life.

When Compagno embarked on her legal career, the pressures of law school at the University of San Francisco and her early years as a criminal defense attorney tested her resolve. “The legal world can be brutal,” she writes. “Long hours, high stakes, and constant scrutiny can make you question yourself. But I’d think of Nonno, who faced enemy fire with nothing but a rifle and his faith. If he could endure that, I could handle a courtroom.” Her grandfather’s mantra of finding refuge “under His wings” became a touchstone, guiding her through moments of self-doubt and professional setbacks.

From Courtroom to Studio: Faith as a Career Compass

Compagno’s journey from attorney to television personality is a testament to her adaptability, but Under His Wings reveals that it was far from seamless. After years as a litigator, including a stint as a federal attorney with the Social Security Administration, she transitioned to media—a leap that required not just skill but courage. “I was terrified,” she admits in the book. “The legal world is structured; television is chaos. But I leaned on Nonno’s lessons: trust in God, stay true to yourself, and never back down from a challenge.”

Her faith, rooted in her grandfather’s example, became her compass in navigating the cutthroat world of broadcast journalism. When she joined Fox News in 2018, Compagno faced skepticism from some who saw her as just another “talking head.” But her legal expertise and authentic presence quickly won over viewers. In Under His Wings, she recounts how she prepared for her first Outnumbered appearance, praying for the strength to speak with clarity and conviction. “I imagined Nonno watching me, nodding like he did when I’d recite my school speeches. He taught me that faith isn’t just about believing—it’s about showing up, every single day.”

The book also delves into the practical ways Compagno applies her faith in her high-pressure career. She describes nightly rituals of journaling and prayer, practices she learned from her grandfather, who kept a small notebook during the war to jot down verses and reflections. “Nonno taught me that faith is active,” she writes. “It’s not just something you feel; it’s something you do. Whether I’m preparing for a segment or facing a tough day, I write, I pray, I trust.” This discipline, she argues, has been key to maintaining her mental and emotional resilience in an industry known for its relentless pace.

A Love Story Rooted in Family and Faith

Beyond her professional journey, Under His Wings offers a rare glimpse into Compagno’s personal life, particularly her marriage to Peter Riley, a real estate broker she wed in 2017. The couple’s love story, set against the backdrop of their shared Italian heritage and deep faith, echoes the values instilled by her grandfather. Compagno shares how she and Riley, like her grandparents, prioritize open communication and spiritual connection. “Peter and I don’t just talk about our day; we talk about our dreams, our fears, our prayers,” she writes. “It’s what Nonno and Nonna did, and it’s kept us grounded.”

The book recounts a poignant moment early in their marriage when Compagno, overwhelmed by a grueling work schedule, found solace in her grandfather’s old Bible, which she keeps on her nightstand. “I was burning out, questioning if I could keep up,” she recalls. “Then I opened Nonno’s Bible and found a note he’d written: ‘Trust in His timing.’ It was like he was speaking to me across the years.” This moment, she says, reminded her to lean on her faith and her husband, who has been her rock through career transitions and public scrutiny.

Compagno also shares stories of her family’s traditions, from homemade pasta nights to attending Mass together, which keep her connected to her roots. These rituals, she writes, are a tribute to her grandfather, who believed that family and faith were the antidotes to life’s chaos. “Nonno used to say that a family that prays together stays together,” she notes. “I see that in my own life, with Peter, with my parents, with my sisters. It’s our glue.”

Overcoming Challenges: The Power of Resilience

Under His Wings doesn’t shy away from the challenges Compagno has faced, both personal and professional. She candidly discusses the sexism she encountered in the legal field, where colleagues sometimes dismissed her because of her gender or underestimated her due to her approachable demeanor. “I’d walk into a room, and people would assume I was the paralegal, not the attorney,” she writes. “But Nonno taught me to carry myself with quiet strength. You don’t need to shout to be heard.”

In media, the challenges were different but no less daunting. Compagno describes the pressure to conform to certain on-air personas and the constant scrutiny of her appearance and opinions. “The first time I got hate mail, I was shaken,” she admits. “But then I remembered Nonno’s stories of facing fear in battle. If he could stand tall under gunfire, I could handle a few angry tweets.” Her faith, she says, has been her shield, allowing her to stay true to her values while navigating the polarized world of cable news.

The book also touches on broader societal challenges, particularly the struggles of veterans like her grandfather. Compagno has long been an advocate for veterans’ causes, and Under His Wings includes a chapter on her work with organizations like Wounded Warriors and the Gary Sinise Foundation. “Nonno never sought recognition for his service, but he deserved it,” she writes. “I want to honor him by giving back to those who’ve sacrificed so much.” Her advocacy, she says, is another way of living out her grandfather’s legacy of service and faith.

A Blueprint for Readers: Faith, Grit, and Purpose

What makes Under His Wings more than just a memoir is its universal appeal. Compagno weaves her personal story with practical advice for readers facing their own trials. Each chapter ends with a “Wings of Wisdom” section, offering insights drawn from her grandfather’s life and her own experiences. Tips range from cultivating a daily prayer practice to finding mentors who share your values. “You don’t need to be religious to have faith,” she writes. “It’s about believing in something bigger than yourself, whether that’s God, family, or a cause.”

Readers have praised the book for its authenticity and relatability. On social media platforms, fans have shared how Compagno’s story inspired them to reconnect with their own faith or persevere through career setbacks. “Emily’s book made me feel like I could face anything,” one reader posted. “Her grandfather’s story reminded me of my own dad, and it gave me strength.” The book’s success has also sparked rumors of a potential speaking tour, though Compagno has remained coy about future plans, saying only that she’s “grateful for every reader who finds hope in these pages.”

A Life Under His Wings

As Compagno continues to shine on Fox News and beyond, Under His Wings stands as a testament to the power of faith and family. Her grandfather’s legacy—rooted in the crucible of war and the quiet strength of devotion—lives on in her words and actions. Whether she’s breaking down legal cases on air, advocating for veterans, or cherishing moments with her husband, Compagno embodies the lessons she learned at Nonno’s knee: to trust, to serve, and to find refuge under His wings.

For fans and newcomers alike, the book is a call to embrace resilience and purpose in a chaotic world. “Nonno didn’t just survive the war; he lived with intention,” Compagno writes in the final chapter. “That’s what I want for myself, for my family, for my readers. To live under His wings is to live with courage, love, and faith—no matter what storms come your way.”

As Under His Wings continues to soar on bestseller lists, Emily Compagno has cemented her place not just as a television star but as a storyteller whose words resonate far beyond the screen. Her grandfather’s legacy, it seems, is in good hands.