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The Venice Secret
One hidden painting. Two women born centuries apart. A secret uncovered.
In 2019, Rachel is stuck in a rut when she discovers what appears to be a Canaletto painting in her grandmother's loft along with a note addressed to Philippa in 1782. With help from Jake at the local art gallery, Rachel endeavours to find out if the painting is an original and uncovers a secret from the past.
In 1780, governess at Chipford Hall, Philippa is offered the role of mistress by Earl Rupert. She escapes to Venice as companion to bluestocking, Lady Cordelia who reveals a secret that changes both their lives. They do their best to keep the secret from Lady Cordelia's social circle, but their nemesis is determined to reveal all and ruin them.
In 2019, Rachel is stuck in a rut when she discovers what appears to be a Canaletto painting in her grandmother's loft along with a note addressed to Philippa in 1782. With help from Jake at the local art gallery, Rachel endeavours to find out if the painting is an original and uncovers a secret from the past.
In 1780, governess at Chipford Hall, Philippa is offered the role of mistress by Earl Rupert. She escapes to Venice as companion to bluestocking, Lady Cordelia who reveals a secret that changes both their lives. They do their best to keep the secret from Lady Cordelia's social circle, but their nemesis is determined to reveal all and ruin them.
420 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2023
640 people are currently reading
1212 people want to read
About the author
Anita Chapman
6 books58 followersAnita Chapman enjoyed writing stories from a young age, and won a local writing competition when she was nine years old. Encouraged by this, she typed up a series of stories about a mouse on her mum’s typewriter and sent them to Ladybird. She received a polite rejection letter, her first.
Many of Anita’s summers growing up were spent with her family driving to Italy, and she went on to study French and Italian at university. As part of her degree, Anita lived in Siena for several months where she studied and au paired, and she spent a lot of time travelling around Italy in her twenties.
Anita likes to read journals and diaries from the past, and one of her favourite pastimes is visiting art galleries and country houses. Her first published novel, The Venice Secret is inspired by her mother taking her to see the Canalettos at The National Gallery in London as a child.
Since 2015, Anita has worked as a social media manager, training authors on social media, and helping to promote their books. She’s run several courses in London and York, and has worked as a tutor at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.
Many of Anita’s summers growing up were spent with her family driving to Italy, and she went on to study French and Italian at university. As part of her degree, Anita lived in Siena for several months where she studied and au paired, and she spent a lot of time travelling around Italy in her twenties.
Anita likes to read journals and diaries from the past, and one of her favourite pastimes is visiting art galleries and country houses. Her first published novel, The Venice Secret is inspired by her mother taking her to see the Canalettos at The National Gallery in London as a child.
Since 2015, Anita has worked as a social media manager, training authors on social media, and helping to promote their books. She’s run several courses in London and York, and has worked as a tutor at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
September 14, 2023
The story of this book is great BUT it is like reading two different authors. The writing set in the past is great. The writing set in present is that of a teenager. Makes the main character seem Like a harlot and an idiot. Just weird. I struggled to get through due to this reason.
March 8, 2023
The Venice Secret is a dual time story, set during 2019 with Rachel Brown and the early 1780s with Phillipa Elliott. Twenty year old Phillipa is forced to leave her family for work following the unexpected death of her pastor father. The family was left in dire straits financially and she felt the responsibility on her young shoulders. She obtains a position as a governess at Chipford Hall looking after the Duke of Oxon’s two young daughters. All is going well – until it doesn’t for various reasons and Phillipa has to face change and upheaval yet again.
In the modern day, Rachel is living in her mother’s home, having been made redundant. At a loose end, she finds a painting in the loft together with apparent provenance and her quest to discover whether the painting is a genuine Canaletto and how it came to be in her mother’s loft connects the two timelines. I enjoy watching the BBC’s Fake or Fortune art programme, and the stages that Rachel goes through to try and solve this mystery was fascinating.
I do love a dual timeline and I was particularly captivated by the historical story here, told by alternate chapters. Phillipa was such an engaging character, sensible and kindhearted and her association with Lady Cordelia was superbly told. Both location (whether a country house or the Grand Tour) and characters are vividly described, at times with a background undercurrent of trouble and danger.
I enjoyed both timelines immensely but have to say I did struggle a little with Rachel and even though I found her story interesting, I didn’t initially warm to her character as much. For me, Rachel was 26 going on 16 and I was frustrated by her poor decisions, particularly when she seemed to be carrying out acts of self sabotage. In fairness though, I did feel some sympathy for her, she didn’t have the best of backgrounds, and I was hoping that she would find happiness.
The Venice Secret is an extremely promising debut with both female leads facing their share of drama. Well plotted and researched, the story is rich with vivid descriptions and a mix of characters ranging from engaging and intriguing to just awful. Best of all, the two threads combined so well and the entire story of intrigue with a touch of romance kept my interest all the way through. I look forward to reading more from Anita Chapman.
In the modern day, Rachel is living in her mother’s home, having been made redundant. At a loose end, she finds a painting in the loft together with apparent provenance and her quest to discover whether the painting is a genuine Canaletto and how it came to be in her mother’s loft connects the two timelines. I enjoy watching the BBC’s Fake or Fortune art programme, and the stages that Rachel goes through to try and solve this mystery was fascinating.
I do love a dual timeline and I was particularly captivated by the historical story here, told by alternate chapters. Phillipa was such an engaging character, sensible and kindhearted and her association with Lady Cordelia was superbly told. Both location (whether a country house or the Grand Tour) and characters are vividly described, at times with a background undercurrent of trouble and danger.
I enjoyed both timelines immensely but have to say I did struggle a little with Rachel and even though I found her story interesting, I didn’t initially warm to her character as much. For me, Rachel was 26 going on 16 and I was frustrated by her poor decisions, particularly when she seemed to be carrying out acts of self sabotage. In fairness though, I did feel some sympathy for her, she didn’t have the best of backgrounds, and I was hoping that she would find happiness.
The Venice Secret is an extremely promising debut with both female leads facing their share of drama. Well plotted and researched, the story is rich with vivid descriptions and a mix of characters ranging from engaging and intriguing to just awful. Best of all, the two threads combined so well and the entire story of intrigue with a touch of romance kept my interest all the way through. I look forward to reading more from Anita Chapman.
October 4, 2023
Disappointing - but still writing reviews for my brother
This is a dual timeline story.
The historical part flowed well and established the characters. Though the writing felt unrefined and overly simplistic at times, I felt it was well researched and captured the restrictions society placed on people. Restrictions of gender, of social status, of marriage.
The modern day section felt like it was written by someone else. The main character, Rachel, is an idiot. She is homeless, unemployed and living with her mum and the mum's new partner. She gets a job, but doesn't turn up, leaving the manager short staffed, then is offended when she loses her job.
Rachel is interested in a boy she meets. He appears to be unable to end his previous relationship. He gets caught up in the main character's chaos and idiocy, losing his job too.
But worry not, Rachel is never short of a date as every man who meets her is instantly transfixed by her. The chef at work wants a casual shag, but ends up following her around jealously. The guy who comes to assist her research immediately asks her for a drink and cannot to resist her charms. Charms that primarily appear to be being unreliable, and spending money she doesn't have.
She has no money, but travels to Italy twice, all paid for by the idiot with the girlfriend, but she doesn't enjoy the first trip acting childishly and rudely to her hosts.
Suddenly, the idiots declare their love for each other. Despite both being completely skint, one with a failing art gallery, the other with debts and unemployed, off to Italy they go to look at a painting and declare their eternal love.
The ending was strange. Suddenly the painting is sold, everyone makes a precise sum of £420,000.
Rachel buys a house, gets a cat with green eyes.
The gallery is a roaring success.
The most useless and unreliable employee gets her dream job.
The mum, who also has become unemployed, stops being reliant on men and sets up her own yoga studio.
The need to have a sudden flurry of saccharin sweet nonsense moments at the end just finished off a rather disappointing read.
This is a dual timeline story.
The historical part flowed well and established the characters. Though the writing felt unrefined and overly simplistic at times, I felt it was well researched and captured the restrictions society placed on people. Restrictions of gender, of social status, of marriage.
The modern day section felt like it was written by someone else. The main character, Rachel, is an idiot. She is homeless, unemployed and living with her mum and the mum's new partner. She gets a job, but doesn't turn up, leaving the manager short staffed, then is offended when she loses her job.
Rachel is interested in a boy she meets. He appears to be unable to end his previous relationship. He gets caught up in the main character's chaos and idiocy, losing his job too.
But worry not, Rachel is never short of a date as every man who meets her is instantly transfixed by her. The chef at work wants a casual shag, but ends up following her around jealously. The guy who comes to assist her research immediately asks her for a drink and cannot to resist her charms. Charms that primarily appear to be being unreliable, and spending money she doesn't have.
She has no money, but travels to Italy twice, all paid for by the idiot with the girlfriend, but she doesn't enjoy the first trip acting childishly and rudely to her hosts.
Suddenly, the idiots declare their love for each other. Despite both being completely skint, one with a failing art gallery, the other with debts and unemployed, off to Italy they go to look at a painting and declare their eternal love.
The ending was strange. Suddenly the painting is sold, everyone makes a precise sum of £420,000.
Rachel buys a house, gets a cat with green eyes.
The gallery is a roaring success.
The most useless and unreliable employee gets her dream job.
The mum, who also has become unemployed, stops being reliant on men and sets up her own yoga studio.
The need to have a sudden flurry of saccharin sweet nonsense moments at the end just finished off a rather disappointing read.
March 13, 2023
I’m sometimes a bit of a lightweight when it comes to historical fiction, but I’m always a particular fan of a dual time story – and I can sometimes get quite disgruntled if both timelines don’t engage my interest equally. And I must say, this book is an object lesson in how to do it well – with strong links between the stories, alternating chapters where the shifts were comfortable and I never felt wrenched from one period into another, and an overarching art mystery that had me captivated throughout.
The historical thread first? In the 1780s, Philippa’s financial position after her father’s death sees her taking up a position at Chipford Hall, as governess to a Duke’s two young daughters. When further change is forced on her – after a particularly shocking offer from the Duke’s heir, Lord Rupert – the opportunity arises to accompany the wealthy Lady Cordelia, a friend of the family planning to research her latest novel, on a Grand Tour to Venice. It transpires that the trip isn’t entirely what it seemed – and, quite apart from not experiencing Venice in quite the way she’d hoped to, Philippa finds herself drawn into a deception with particularly far-reaching consequences.
And then there’s the 2019 thread. Rachel is jobless and soon to be homeless – temporarily living in the house her mother inherited from her grandmother, she’ll soon need to move on rather than sharing the house with her mother and her rather odious latest partner. While stashing her belongings in the loft, she stumbles across a wooden trunk in a far corner – and behind it, wrapped in brown paper and string, what turns out to be a painting of a familiar Venice setting, accompanied by a note, written in 1782, identifying it as a Canaletto. With her degree in history, a new friend in Jake (who just might become rather more, but who works in a gallery and knows his way around the art world), contacts she makes while volunteering at a nearby stately home, and an uncle helpfully researching her family’s genealogy, she embarks on a mission to establish the painting’s provenance and hopefully change her own fortunes in the process.
The link between the two timelines – as well as the stark contrasts and moments of symmetry between the two women’s lives – is the Canaletto itself, and the elusive family history that underpins it. While Rachel’s life, at times, became a bit of a car crash – and often one of her own making, which can stretch the sympathy a little – I found her search simply fascinating as the clues began to fall into place and she drew closer to uncovering the full story. And, at the same time, in alternating chapters, the actual story is unfolding – wonderfully told, impeccably researched, with a range of wonderfully drawn characters who came to life on the page. Philippa herself is wholly sympathetic throughout, a really engaging character whose kindness and trusting nature is abused by others with their own complicated agendas – and I so hoped, however unlikely it sometimes seemed, that she would find the happiness she deserved. And something I particularly enjoyed about this book was the personal journeys of both its heroines – their contexts entirely different, but both ending up in a very different place from where their stories began.
The whole book is perfectly paced, with plenty of well-written drama, strong characters, vividly drawn settings – and more than a touch of romance and intrigue in both timelines. And the two stories are quite perfectly drawn together by the book’s ending – this was one I set aside with a satisfied sigh, looking forward immensely to seeing what this very talented author does next. Beautifully done, and very highly recommended.
The historical thread first? In the 1780s, Philippa’s financial position after her father’s death sees her taking up a position at Chipford Hall, as governess to a Duke’s two young daughters. When further change is forced on her – after a particularly shocking offer from the Duke’s heir, Lord Rupert – the opportunity arises to accompany the wealthy Lady Cordelia, a friend of the family planning to research her latest novel, on a Grand Tour to Venice. It transpires that the trip isn’t entirely what it seemed – and, quite apart from not experiencing Venice in quite the way she’d hoped to, Philippa finds herself drawn into a deception with particularly far-reaching consequences.
And then there’s the 2019 thread. Rachel is jobless and soon to be homeless – temporarily living in the house her mother inherited from her grandmother, she’ll soon need to move on rather than sharing the house with her mother and her rather odious latest partner. While stashing her belongings in the loft, she stumbles across a wooden trunk in a far corner – and behind it, wrapped in brown paper and string, what turns out to be a painting of a familiar Venice setting, accompanied by a note, written in 1782, identifying it as a Canaletto. With her degree in history, a new friend in Jake (who just might become rather more, but who works in a gallery and knows his way around the art world), contacts she makes while volunteering at a nearby stately home, and an uncle helpfully researching her family’s genealogy, she embarks on a mission to establish the painting’s provenance and hopefully change her own fortunes in the process.
The link between the two timelines – as well as the stark contrasts and moments of symmetry between the two women’s lives – is the Canaletto itself, and the elusive family history that underpins it. While Rachel’s life, at times, became a bit of a car crash – and often one of her own making, which can stretch the sympathy a little – I found her search simply fascinating as the clues began to fall into place and she drew closer to uncovering the full story. And, at the same time, in alternating chapters, the actual story is unfolding – wonderfully told, impeccably researched, with a range of wonderfully drawn characters who came to life on the page. Philippa herself is wholly sympathetic throughout, a really engaging character whose kindness and trusting nature is abused by others with their own complicated agendas – and I so hoped, however unlikely it sometimes seemed, that she would find the happiness she deserved. And something I particularly enjoyed about this book was the personal journeys of both its heroines – their contexts entirely different, but both ending up in a very different place from where their stories began.
The whole book is perfectly paced, with plenty of well-written drama, strong characters, vividly drawn settings – and more than a touch of romance and intrigue in both timelines. And the two stories are quite perfectly drawn together by the book’s ending – this was one I set aside with a satisfied sigh, looking forward immensely to seeing what this very talented author does next. Beautifully done, and very highly recommended.
March 10, 2023
I’ve been looking forward to this book for a long time. It contains all of my favourite elements – romance, history, dual timelines and Italy. This book could have been written specifically for me and, I can tell you, I was not disappointed.
We meet Rachel in the modern day and things are going wrong. Broken romance, no job, having to move back in with her mother, her life seems to be in a downward spiral until she finds an old painting in the loft which might just be a Canaletto. The discovery of the painting takes Rachel on a voyage of discovery – about the history of the painting and of herself.
Back in the eighteenth century, Philippa also has troubles after the death of her father forces her to find a new home and employment, which throws her into the path of the Earl of Chipford and the fate of the Canaletto.
Anita weaves the two stories together with consummate skill, although I’ll admit I was drawn more to Philippa’s story than Rachel’s. There were times when I would quite like to have shaken Rachel by the shoulders to make her come to her senses! Philippa goes on an extraordinary journey and I thought the exploration of her life, particularly her travels, was absolutely fascinating and I was really impressed by the level of research that must have gone into making her journey seen authentic and by the level of detail in the story. Anita really manages to bring eighteenth century Venice to life, and enmesh us firmly in the lives and prospects of women at this time. The inescapable fact that their fates are always tied to those of men really preyed on my mind throughout this book and Anita explored this theme with illumination throughout.
I think this was probably what annoyed me a lot about Rachel, the fact she and her mother have so many more opportunities than the women in the eighteenth century and yet still seem obsessed with relationships. I don’t know if Anita did this on purpose to focus the reader’s attention more on this issue but, if she did, it certainly worked on me. I assume it was deliberate, given how things turn out for both women by the end of the book. If you are keen on the development of feminism as a concept throughout history, this is certainly a book you will be wanting to pick up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel for all of the reasons listed above and came away from the book feeling that it had been a rewarding investment of my time. A book rich historically, thematically and with sumptuous settings, it can sit proudly amongst your favourite historical romance novels.
We meet Rachel in the modern day and things are going wrong. Broken romance, no job, having to move back in with her mother, her life seems to be in a downward spiral until she finds an old painting in the loft which might just be a Canaletto. The discovery of the painting takes Rachel on a voyage of discovery – about the history of the painting and of herself.
Back in the eighteenth century, Philippa also has troubles after the death of her father forces her to find a new home and employment, which throws her into the path of the Earl of Chipford and the fate of the Canaletto.
Anita weaves the two stories together with consummate skill, although I’ll admit I was drawn more to Philippa’s story than Rachel’s. There were times when I would quite like to have shaken Rachel by the shoulders to make her come to her senses! Philippa goes on an extraordinary journey and I thought the exploration of her life, particularly her travels, was absolutely fascinating and I was really impressed by the level of research that must have gone into making her journey seen authentic and by the level of detail in the story. Anita really manages to bring eighteenth century Venice to life, and enmesh us firmly in the lives and prospects of women at this time. The inescapable fact that their fates are always tied to those of men really preyed on my mind throughout this book and Anita explored this theme with illumination throughout.
I think this was probably what annoyed me a lot about Rachel, the fact she and her mother have so many more opportunities than the women in the eighteenth century and yet still seem obsessed with relationships. I don’t know if Anita did this on purpose to focus the reader’s attention more on this issue but, if she did, it certainly worked on me. I assume it was deliberate, given how things turn out for both women by the end of the book. If you are keen on the development of feminism as a concept throughout history, this is certainly a book you will be wanting to pick up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel for all of the reasons listed above and came away from the book feeling that it had been a rewarding investment of my time. A book rich historically, thematically and with sumptuous settings, it can sit proudly amongst your favourite historical romance novels.
March 17, 2023
Rated 4.5
I will describe it as a Historical Fiction, however it is evenly split between 2019 and 1780. It is a story of discovery and I enjoyed reading what actually happened alongside the 'investigation' into what happened. The writing was clear and you always knew where you were in the story. There was also a bit of romance thrown in as well which leads me to describe the book as Historical Fiction/Romance. As the reader you were always a step ahead of the characters in the current time period which I liked.
The chapters were of a nice length and I found that I was eager to get through the chapters and find out what was going to happen next. They alternated between each time so you always knew which period you were reading about.
The characters were excellent. They seemed well suited to their time periods and although there were some emotional happenings that did seem a bit much to bear, actually seemed quite realistic for their time. It felt well researched and when you read the 1780s timeline it felt realistic. Overall I enjoyed being on the journey with all the characters.
The settings were excellent. I loved being in the big country houses and then on the journey to Venice. The story was well focused and my attention didn't waiver.
Overall an enjoyable book with great storylines running through it. I recommend!
✨For a longer review see my book blog✨ https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com
I will describe it as a Historical Fiction, however it is evenly split between 2019 and 1780. It is a story of discovery and I enjoyed reading what actually happened alongside the 'investigation' into what happened. The writing was clear and you always knew where you were in the story. There was also a bit of romance thrown in as well which leads me to describe the book as Historical Fiction/Romance. As the reader you were always a step ahead of the characters in the current time period which I liked.
The chapters were of a nice length and I found that I was eager to get through the chapters and find out what was going to happen next. They alternated between each time so you always knew which period you were reading about.
The characters were excellent. They seemed well suited to their time periods and although there were some emotional happenings that did seem a bit much to bear, actually seemed quite realistic for their time. It felt well researched and when you read the 1780s timeline it felt realistic. Overall I enjoyed being on the journey with all the characters.
The settings were excellent. I loved being in the big country houses and then on the journey to Venice. The story was well focused and my attention didn't waiver.
Overall an enjoyable book with great storylines running through it. I recommend!
✨For a longer review see my book blog✨ https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com
March 25, 2024
I couldn’t make it more than a third of the way through this one. It’s just awful. The writing is terrible. I got so annoyed that I stared highlighting passages not because they were important or interesting, but because of how bad they were, how they didn’t seem to flow or fit, or because they made my eyes roll in annoyance. The author doesn’t know how to write a conversation and the narrative is choppy and full of unnecessary information. Most of all, I find the main character to be completely unlikable, and I just don’t even care what happens to her.
I was reading this book for my book club, and I really wanted to try to finish it so that I could take part in the conversation. I tried, but I just can’t waste any more time on this one. There are way too many other book I’d rather spend my free time reading.
I was reading this book for my book club, and I really wanted to try to finish it so that I could take part in the conversation. I tried, but I just can’t waste any more time on this one. There are way too many other book I’d rather spend my free time reading.
March 16, 2023
The Venice Secret isn’t one of those books you can consume in an afternoon, but why would you want to? This is an absorbing read and a more satisfying experience because of it.
At the heart of the book are Philippa and Rachel, two women who lead very different lives; Philippa in 1782 and Rachel in 2019. The connecting element is the painting with an accompanying note that Rachel finds in her grandmother’s loft that she believes is one of a pair of Canaletto paintings. The discovery prompts many questions for Rachel - Is it real? How did it get there? Who is Philippa? Are they related? - and sets in motion the storyline.
The book switches neatly between the two female protagonists in first person POV, which keeps the plot moving along nicely and is actually refreshing. One moment you’re with Philippa dealing with the confines and conventions of the 18th century; the next you’re back with Rachel who has her own unique set of 21st century issues going on. Both women are forced to make decisions, not necessarily good ones, and it was interesting to see how the consequences played out.
I thought the pace of the story flowed really well and the mirrored action between the two women was great, it really highlighted the cultural norms of the different time periods. I enjoyed Philippa’s story from a historical perspective but I did get quite hooked on seeing how things ended up for Rachel especially with the on-again off-again Jake.
Highly recommended for a delve into the world of lords and ladies, lush descriptions of countryside and intrigue, as well as a fascinating quest to discover a painting’s authenticity, a slow-burn romance, and, of course, wonderful Venice!
At the heart of the book are Philippa and Rachel, two women who lead very different lives; Philippa in 1782 and Rachel in 2019. The connecting element is the painting with an accompanying note that Rachel finds in her grandmother’s loft that she believes is one of a pair of Canaletto paintings. The discovery prompts many questions for Rachel - Is it real? How did it get there? Who is Philippa? Are they related? - and sets in motion the storyline.
The book switches neatly between the two female protagonists in first person POV, which keeps the plot moving along nicely and is actually refreshing. One moment you’re with Philippa dealing with the confines and conventions of the 18th century; the next you’re back with Rachel who has her own unique set of 21st century issues going on. Both women are forced to make decisions, not necessarily good ones, and it was interesting to see how the consequences played out.
I thought the pace of the story flowed really well and the mirrored action between the two women was great, it really highlighted the cultural norms of the different time periods. I enjoyed Philippa’s story from a historical perspective but I did get quite hooked on seeing how things ended up for Rachel especially with the on-again off-again Jake.
Highly recommended for a delve into the world of lords and ladies, lush descriptions of countryside and intrigue, as well as a fascinating quest to discover a painting’s authenticity, a slow-burn romance, and, of course, wonderful Venice!
October 31, 2023
Overall l quite enjoyed this book but there was a number of issues that spoilt it for me.
For a start there’s a repeated and jarring comma construct in such sentences as “… we returned to our morning walks and, to my delight coffee at Café Florian” and “Payment from my salary, after the deduction for debt repayment would last for around a month”. It really messed with the flow for me. Either two or none, please! To my mind these should have been picked up by a good editor - or the proofreader, with her “outstanding knowledge of grammar, punctuation … ”.
Secondly, some of the descriptive passages (mainly in the present-day story) were overloaded with detail which l didn’t feel added much to the narrative. For example, in a passage about the flight back from Italy we are told that Rachel puts her phone into flight mode and then on landing switches it off - l couldn’t see any logical reason why we needed to know such a thing: it wasn’t as if there was any significant or relevant consequence of her doing it. Why did we need to know that she listened to “Shake It Off” in the car? It often felt like padding and at times the storytelling was too simplistic. Having said that, it did make for an easy read since it was often factual as opposed to character development - the simplicity and the minutiae that was at other times unsatisfying gave a sense of reality to the narrative and rooted it in the present, even if some of it was unnecessary.
The book didn’t take long to read, mainly because it wasn’t taxing or thought-provoking and was as mentioned too simplistic in places. I also thought the ending felt a bit rushed and “pat” - everything fell into place rather conveniently right at the very end. As for Rachel, the main character in the present-day strand: although it was “happy ever after” for her, l wasn’t particularly bothered either way. I’d felt ambivalent about her as a character throughout anyway.
What I did enjoy was the notion of the dual timeline which blended well, and the unravelling of the tale was quite satisfying. It could have made for a disjointed story, but didn’t. For the record, I thought the 18th century part of the story was the better told of the two: I think it had more of a focus than the modern strand which I felt brought in too many sub-plots.
To conclude: although I do seem to have outlined more negatives here than positives, it was still a decent read and I am sticking by my overall assessment of Quite Enjoyed it despite only 3 stars.
For a start there’s a repeated and jarring comma construct in such sentences as “… we returned to our morning walks and, to my delight coffee at Café Florian” and “Payment from my salary, after the deduction for debt repayment would last for around a month”. It really messed with the flow for me. Either two or none, please! To my mind these should have been picked up by a good editor - or the proofreader, with her “outstanding knowledge of grammar, punctuation … ”.
Secondly, some of the descriptive passages (mainly in the present-day story) were overloaded with detail which l didn’t feel added much to the narrative. For example, in a passage about the flight back from Italy we are told that Rachel puts her phone into flight mode and then on landing switches it off - l couldn’t see any logical reason why we needed to know such a thing: it wasn’t as if there was any significant or relevant consequence of her doing it. Why did we need to know that she listened to “Shake It Off” in the car? It often felt like padding and at times the storytelling was too simplistic. Having said that, it did make for an easy read since it was often factual as opposed to character development - the simplicity and the minutiae that was at other times unsatisfying gave a sense of reality to the narrative and rooted it in the present, even if some of it was unnecessary.
The book didn’t take long to read, mainly because it wasn’t taxing or thought-provoking and was as mentioned too simplistic in places. I also thought the ending felt a bit rushed and “pat” - everything fell into place rather conveniently right at the very end. As for Rachel, the main character in the present-day strand: although it was “happy ever after” for her, l wasn’t particularly bothered either way. I’d felt ambivalent about her as a character throughout anyway.
What I did enjoy was the notion of the dual timeline which blended well, and the unravelling of the tale was quite satisfying. It could have made for a disjointed story, but didn’t. For the record, I thought the 18th century part of the story was the better told of the two: I think it had more of a focus than the modern strand which I felt brought in too many sub-plots.
To conclude: although I do seem to have outlined more negatives here than positives, it was still a decent read and I am sticking by my overall assessment of Quite Enjoyed it despite only 3 stars.
January 7, 2024
Read this one very quickly. I found the storyline and jumping back in time to be engaging. I liked the romance, history, and even a little bit of mystery. Quick, fun read!
July 29, 2024
I read a review that said the two alternating stories feel like they're written by two different authors. I'd give the story set in the 1700s 4 stars but the modern day story not so much.
June 3, 2023
Really enjoyed parts of this book(mostly the historical fiction side), but other parts absolutely dragged (the modern day parts).
Watching pieces of the puzzle fit together was quite enjoyable, and I liked Phillipa's story. I was not a massive fan of Rachel, Jake, or any of the choices either of these two idiots made.
Also, I'm not a massive fan of the writing style in general. For me, it felt a little oversimplified and plain, but each to their own.
Watching pieces of the puzzle fit together was quite enjoyable, and I liked Phillipa's story. I was not a massive fan of Rachel, Jake, or any of the choices either of these two idiots made.
Also, I'm not a massive fan of the writing style in general. For me, it felt a little oversimplified and plain, but each to their own.
March 17, 2023
When I was offered the opportunity to be part of the blog tour for The Venice Secret I jumped at the chance. Regular readers of my reviews know of my love of historical fiction, art history and Italy, and this book has all three. With a dual timeline, the present is the story of Rachel who finds a painting in her grandmother’s attic that seems to be a Canaletto. With the paintng is a letter to Phillipa from 1780, and this leads seamlessly into the second plot line, about Philippa and her journey to Venice as a companion to Lady Cordelia. Both timelines weave a story of love, loss, secrets and mystery that spans nearly two hundred and fifty years.
Split timeline novels frequently favour one over the other, but what I loved about this book was that each timeline was given equal attention and that both had me completley engrossed. Whilst there were two hundred and fifty years between the stories, there are similarities in the circumstances of Rachel and Philippa. Rachel is facing a difficult time after being made redundant, she has split from her boyfriend and has had to move back to her mother’s house. Philippa finds also finds herself needing employment after the death of her father, and this is how she finds herself at working as a governess at Chipford Hall. Both women find themselves in new employment where the chance of love also comes along, but for neither does the path to love run smoothly. I really beame invested in the stories of both women who went on very different journeys both physically and metaphorically during the book.
I loved Anita Chapman’s writing, she had my attention from the very first page (after studying Art History I would love to find a Canaletto in my attic), and kept it until the very last page. The alternate chapters kept me reading longer than I should of as I needed to find out what happened next to both Rachel and Philippa. The prose was very descriptive and I thought Anita Chapman brought eighteenth century Venice to life, with the beauty of the palazzo’s, St Marks Square and the delicious food from Florian’s cafe. She obviously did a lot of research into late eighteenth century England, its social structure and practices as well as Venice in that period giving the plot an authenticity adding to pleasure of reading the book. There was also a lot of detail into the procedure for verifying a piece of art and it’s provinance. At the the front of the book there are black and white pictures of the paintings that influenced the book, but I ended up looking on the National Gallery website to remind myself of the beautiful colours used by Canaletto and it’s something I recommend if you haven’t seen them.
The Venice Secret is a fabulous and fascinating the read. The split timeline works really well with equal attention paid the both plot lines and they weave seamlessly together. I was totally immersed in this book and honestly found it hard to put down as I became invested in both the characters and the mystery of the Canaletto painting. Beautifully written and well researched The Venice Secret is a stunning read.
Split timeline novels frequently favour one over the other, but what I loved about this book was that each timeline was given equal attention and that both had me completley engrossed. Whilst there were two hundred and fifty years between the stories, there are similarities in the circumstances of Rachel and Philippa. Rachel is facing a difficult time after being made redundant, she has split from her boyfriend and has had to move back to her mother’s house. Philippa finds also finds herself needing employment after the death of her father, and this is how she finds herself at working as a governess at Chipford Hall. Both women find themselves in new employment where the chance of love also comes along, but for neither does the path to love run smoothly. I really beame invested in the stories of both women who went on very different journeys both physically and metaphorically during the book.
I loved Anita Chapman’s writing, she had my attention from the very first page (after studying Art History I would love to find a Canaletto in my attic), and kept it until the very last page. The alternate chapters kept me reading longer than I should of as I needed to find out what happened next to both Rachel and Philippa. The prose was very descriptive and I thought Anita Chapman brought eighteenth century Venice to life, with the beauty of the palazzo’s, St Marks Square and the delicious food from Florian’s cafe. She obviously did a lot of research into late eighteenth century England, its social structure and practices as well as Venice in that period giving the plot an authenticity adding to pleasure of reading the book. There was also a lot of detail into the procedure for verifying a piece of art and it’s provinance. At the the front of the book there are black and white pictures of the paintings that influenced the book, but I ended up looking on the National Gallery website to remind myself of the beautiful colours used by Canaletto and it’s something I recommend if you haven’t seen them.
The Venice Secret is a fabulous and fascinating the read. The split timeline works really well with equal attention paid the both plot lines and they weave seamlessly together. I was totally immersed in this book and honestly found it hard to put down as I became invested in both the characters and the mystery of the Canaletto painting. Beautifully written and well researched The Venice Secret is a stunning read.
March 15, 2023
In 2019 Rachel has recently been made redundant and is now living with her mother in her late grandmother’s home. While exploring the attic she discovers a painting. Not just any painting but what could be a Canaletto painting. The painting has a note attached to it to someone called Philippa dated 1782. But who is Philippa and how did the painting come to be in the attic. Rachel visits the local art gallery and with the help of Jake tries find out more about the painting. In 1780, Philippa is working as a governess in the hope to repay some of her late father’s debts when Earl Rupert her employer proposes that she become his mistress. Philippa seeks alternative employment with Lady Cordelia who proposes that Philippa become her companion and travel with her to Venice. But Philippa’s trip to Venice is not what she was expecting. How are Rachel and Philippa connected and who is the owner of the painting?
From the first page I was invested in Rachel’s story and the painting that was tucked away in the loft that no one had come across until Rachel found it. Like Rachel I was very interested to learn where the painting had come from and how it had got there as there was a lot of mystery surrounding it. This is a dual timeline story which I really enjoyed. It was full of history and intrigue with all storylines neatly tied up at the end. In the present Rachel is slowly uncovering the history of the painting and in the past Philippa finds herself leaving behind everything that she knows for a new adventure in Venice. The story kept me guessing from the outset and when I thought I was close to discovering how everything and everyone was connected the story would take another turn. Rachel is a character who is going through a tough time, having been made redundant and having to move back to the family home but it’s the discovery of the painting that gives her a bit of a push and something to focus on. Rachel is also a very determined character because as soon as she finds the painting she wants to know more and will leave no stone unturned. It’s through the painting that she meets Jake, which then leads her to getting a job and also meeting JC. But then that leads to complications in itself because Rachel then finds herself in a love triangle with Jake and JC. Rachel really likes Jake but because she believes he is unobtainable she finds herself drawn to JC who is only interested in a fling rather than a relationship. Rachel isn’t very lucky in love and similarly neither is Philippa and that is one thing that they have in common. As the story unfolded I did feel sad for Philippa because the proposition to become Lady Cordelia’s companion and go to Venice seemed like the perfect and ideal opportunity. It would give Philippa the chance to explore another country and have new experiences but what transpires is that Lady Cordelia has taken Philippa to Venice under false pretences and her motives only become clear when she arrives in Venice. But I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers.
A book full of mystery and secrets.
From the first page I was invested in Rachel’s story and the painting that was tucked away in the loft that no one had come across until Rachel found it. Like Rachel I was very interested to learn where the painting had come from and how it had got there as there was a lot of mystery surrounding it. This is a dual timeline story which I really enjoyed. It was full of history and intrigue with all storylines neatly tied up at the end. In the present Rachel is slowly uncovering the history of the painting and in the past Philippa finds herself leaving behind everything that she knows for a new adventure in Venice. The story kept me guessing from the outset and when I thought I was close to discovering how everything and everyone was connected the story would take another turn. Rachel is a character who is going through a tough time, having been made redundant and having to move back to the family home but it’s the discovery of the painting that gives her a bit of a push and something to focus on. Rachel is also a very determined character because as soon as she finds the painting she wants to know more and will leave no stone unturned. It’s through the painting that she meets Jake, which then leads her to getting a job and also meeting JC. But then that leads to complications in itself because Rachel then finds herself in a love triangle with Jake and JC. Rachel really likes Jake but because she believes he is unobtainable she finds herself drawn to JC who is only interested in a fling rather than a relationship. Rachel isn’t very lucky in love and similarly neither is Philippa and that is one thing that they have in common. As the story unfolded I did feel sad for Philippa because the proposition to become Lady Cordelia’s companion and go to Venice seemed like the perfect and ideal opportunity. It would give Philippa the chance to explore another country and have new experiences but what transpires is that Lady Cordelia has taken Philippa to Venice under false pretences and her motives only become clear when she arrives in Venice. But I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers.
A book full of mystery and secrets.
March 5, 2023
As the synopsis explains, this story features a dual timeline that switches, in alternate chapters, between 2019 and 1780. Rachel, in the present day, discovers a painting in the loft of her grandmother’s house. The discovery prompts her to research its history and confirm whether it could be a genuine Canaletto. We then follow the story of 18th century governess, Phillipa as she finds herself embarking on a grand tour with Lady Cordelia, a very wealthy ‘bluestocking’ - I looked up the meaning of the word and it describes one who is intellectual or literary; apparently, this could be an insult, but I don’t feel that I would be insulted – Having been propositioned by her employer, Lord Rupert, she views this as her best option.
Returning to 2019, we learn more about Rachel and her sorry state of affairs. She is in need of both work and money, despite inheriting a share in her grandmother’s house. Her relationship with her mother isn’t an easy one, and she’s aware that she will soon be pushed out by her mother’s current boyfriend. She secures a job working in a local café and also volunteers at the stately Chipford Hall, in order to research more about the painting’s history. Back in 1780, Phillipa is learning more about the reason behind Lady Cordelia’s desire to visit Venice. A trip that in those days was certainly not for the faint-hearted.
I thoroughly loved every page of this engaging story and was sad when it ended. The descriptions of the Grand Tour had me feeling grateful for modern transport and more progressive opinions. Phillipa struck me as a real heroine. Her decisions were thoroughly selfless and her willingness to care for others was an admirable trait. I even found myself softening my opinion of Lord Rupert, but not enough to wish for him to be her happily ever after. Rachel was a more complex character in my view, her work ethic and decisions of the heart didn’t feel as considered as they could have. Having said that, I still really liked her and found myself willing her to be successful in her research into the possible Canaletto, and in her search for happiness.
I absolutely loved the construction of the stories and the beautiful way that the two arcs met. I certainly saw a symmetry between both Rachel and Phillipa as the stories drew to a close.
I cannot wait for more from this author and can highly recommend this gorgeous story.
Returning to 2019, we learn more about Rachel and her sorry state of affairs. She is in need of both work and money, despite inheriting a share in her grandmother’s house. Her relationship with her mother isn’t an easy one, and she’s aware that she will soon be pushed out by her mother’s current boyfriend. She secures a job working in a local café and also volunteers at the stately Chipford Hall, in order to research more about the painting’s history. Back in 1780, Phillipa is learning more about the reason behind Lady Cordelia’s desire to visit Venice. A trip that in those days was certainly not for the faint-hearted.
I thoroughly loved every page of this engaging story and was sad when it ended. The descriptions of the Grand Tour had me feeling grateful for modern transport and more progressive opinions. Phillipa struck me as a real heroine. Her decisions were thoroughly selfless and her willingness to care for others was an admirable trait. I even found myself softening my opinion of Lord Rupert, but not enough to wish for him to be her happily ever after. Rachel was a more complex character in my view, her work ethic and decisions of the heart didn’t feel as considered as they could have. Having said that, I still really liked her and found myself willing her to be successful in her research into the possible Canaletto, and in her search for happiness.
I absolutely loved the construction of the stories and the beautiful way that the two arcs met. I certainly saw a symmetry between both Rachel and Phillipa as the stories drew to a close.
I cannot wait for more from this author and can highly recommend this gorgeous story.
April 2, 2023
Anita Chapman deftly blends romance, mystery, intrigue and drama in her captivating novel, The Venice Secret.
In 2019, Rachel is feeling restless and adrift. Stuck in a rut, she is flabbergasted when she discovers what appears to be a Canaletto painting in her grandmother’s loft alongside a note addressed to Philippa in 1782. How did her grandmother come by such a painting? What could possibly link this mysterious woman to her grandmother? Rachel is determined to find out and asks for help from Jake, who works at the local art gallery, to help uncover the provenance of this painting and whether it was an original. However, Rachel will inadvertently also end up uncovering a dark secret from her family’s past which could change everything…
In 1780, Philippa is a governess at Chipford Hall when she is offered the role of mistress by Earl Rupert. Escaping to Venice to act as a companion to bluestocking Lady Cordelia, Philippa thinks that she is finally safe, however, when a shocking secret is revealed, the young companion thinks that she might be in the gravest danger of all because should the truth ever come out then her life and that of Lady Cordelia could change beyond all recognition.
As the past and present intertwine in the most startling of ways, can Rachel lay old ghosts to rest once and for all? Or will Philippa – and her grandmother’s secrets – end up causing irreparable damage that will echo across the generations?
A beautifully crafted dual timeline novel rich in history, intensity and emotion, Anita Chapman’s The Venice Secret is a brilliantly researched and wonderfully evocative page-turner that will immerse the reader into an exquisitely drawn world they will be reluctant to leave. Exciting, unpredictable, romantic and mesmerizing, fans of Nicola Cornick and Lorna Cook will be completely enraptured by Anita Chapman’s The Venice Secret.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In 2019, Rachel is feeling restless and adrift. Stuck in a rut, she is flabbergasted when she discovers what appears to be a Canaletto painting in her grandmother’s loft alongside a note addressed to Philippa in 1782. How did her grandmother come by such a painting? What could possibly link this mysterious woman to her grandmother? Rachel is determined to find out and asks for help from Jake, who works at the local art gallery, to help uncover the provenance of this painting and whether it was an original. However, Rachel will inadvertently also end up uncovering a dark secret from her family’s past which could change everything…
In 1780, Philippa is a governess at Chipford Hall when she is offered the role of mistress by Earl Rupert. Escaping to Venice to act as a companion to bluestocking Lady Cordelia, Philippa thinks that she is finally safe, however, when a shocking secret is revealed, the young companion thinks that she might be in the gravest danger of all because should the truth ever come out then her life and that of Lady Cordelia could change beyond all recognition.
As the past and present intertwine in the most startling of ways, can Rachel lay old ghosts to rest once and for all? Or will Philippa – and her grandmother’s secrets – end up causing irreparable damage that will echo across the generations?
A beautifully crafted dual timeline novel rich in history, intensity and emotion, Anita Chapman’s The Venice Secret is a brilliantly researched and wonderfully evocative page-turner that will immerse the reader into an exquisitely drawn world they will be reluctant to leave. Exciting, unpredictable, romantic and mesmerizing, fans of Nicola Cornick and Lorna Cook will be completely enraptured by Anita Chapman’s The Venice Secret.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 19, 2023
I chose this dual time novel because the link between Rachel in 2019 to a governess in the late 18th century sounded appealing but I wondered if moving between the two time zones might be awkward. In fact, the transitions flow easily. As Rachel tries to change her lifestyle following betrayal by her ex-boyfriend, she stumbles upon a painting of Venice hidden in the loft of her grandmother’s house. Could it be a Canaletto and why had it been hidden there? Finding a note addressed to Philippa in 1782, Rachel is determined to discover its history.
Immediately we meet Philippa Elliott with her widowed mother, both penniless after the sudden death of her father. They are relieved when the local Duke offers Philippa employment as governess to his young daughters at Chipford Hall. There she is welcomed by the housekeeper and his son and has a good relationship with her two pupils. She meets Earl Rupert, son of the duke, on his return from a Grand Tour, who shows her two beautiful paintings of Venice.
“What is Venice like?”
“Complete madness, not a place for a young gentlewoman like yourself, Miss Elliott.”
“I doubt very much that I shall have the opportunity to visit.”
But Philippa does visit Venice as companion to the Earl’s friend, Lady Cordelia and that is where her troubles really begin.
Meanwhile Rachel has enlisted the help of Jake, who is running a local Art Gallery. Together they visit Chipford Hall and subsequently Rachel is able to achieve some success in her search for the identity of Philippa. Although very different in their attitudes and experiences the two young women are both dealing with financial difficulties and emotional distress caused by men in their lives.
The appeal of this book is the characterisation in both eras, the intriguing mystery and final romantic conclusions. I am very much looking forward to further writing by Anita Chapman.
Immediately we meet Philippa Elliott with her widowed mother, both penniless after the sudden death of her father. They are relieved when the local Duke offers Philippa employment as governess to his young daughters at Chipford Hall. There she is welcomed by the housekeeper and his son and has a good relationship with her two pupils. She meets Earl Rupert, son of the duke, on his return from a Grand Tour, who shows her two beautiful paintings of Venice.
“What is Venice like?”
“Complete madness, not a place for a young gentlewoman like yourself, Miss Elliott.”
“I doubt very much that I shall have the opportunity to visit.”
But Philippa does visit Venice as companion to the Earl’s friend, Lady Cordelia and that is where her troubles really begin.
Meanwhile Rachel has enlisted the help of Jake, who is running a local Art Gallery. Together they visit Chipford Hall and subsequently Rachel is able to achieve some success in her search for the identity of Philippa. Although very different in their attitudes and experiences the two young women are both dealing with financial difficulties and emotional distress caused by men in their lives.
The appeal of this book is the characterisation in both eras, the intriguing mystery and final romantic conclusions. I am very much looking forward to further writing by Anita Chapman.
March 26, 2023
I was fortunate to read an early copy of The Venice Secret. I have a life long passion for Italy and the beautiful cover and guessing the story would take me to Venice hooked me.
It’s a clever, intriguing dual timeline novel, set between 2019 and 1780 – a fascinating combination, which the author neatly weaves together in her debut novel. The switches are easy to follow, as Anita writes the chapters consecutively: one in the present, followed by the next in the past. Sometimes dual timelines can lose the reader, but I always knew where I was.
I particularly enjoyed the chapters in the past, with a young girl, Phillipa, forced to find work as a governess. The governess is always an interesting character: caught between upstairs and downstairs, with the ability to show the reader the contrasting strata of eighteenth-century society. I thought the descriptions of the grand house were wonderfully authentic and I think Chapman has captured the period voice really well too.
Rachel, in the present day, is out of work, living with her mother and one day, she discovers an old painting in the attic. Why does her mother have what might turn out to be a very valuable work of art? The hunt is on to find out its provenance and the reader is taken on a fabulous “Grand Tour”, meeting very interesting characters on the way. I didn’t click with Rachel and there were times when I wanted to shake her. Her chaotic lifestyle and some of her silly decisions (relationships) make her a flawed character and her story is one of “coming of age”. I get that but I didn’t like her very much.
That said, I enjoyed the mystery journey and I’m sure Anita Chapman will delight us with more rich stories
It’s a clever, intriguing dual timeline novel, set between 2019 and 1780 – a fascinating combination, which the author neatly weaves together in her debut novel. The switches are easy to follow, as Anita writes the chapters consecutively: one in the present, followed by the next in the past. Sometimes dual timelines can lose the reader, but I always knew where I was.
I particularly enjoyed the chapters in the past, with a young girl, Phillipa, forced to find work as a governess. The governess is always an interesting character: caught between upstairs and downstairs, with the ability to show the reader the contrasting strata of eighteenth-century society. I thought the descriptions of the grand house were wonderfully authentic and I think Chapman has captured the period voice really well too.
Rachel, in the present day, is out of work, living with her mother and one day, she discovers an old painting in the attic. Why does her mother have what might turn out to be a very valuable work of art? The hunt is on to find out its provenance and the reader is taken on a fabulous “Grand Tour”, meeting very interesting characters on the way. I didn’t click with Rachel and there were times when I wanted to shake her. Her chaotic lifestyle and some of her silly decisions (relationships) make her a flawed character and her story is one of “coming of age”. I get that but I didn’t like her very much.
That said, I enjoyed the mystery journey and I’m sure Anita Chapman will delight us with more rich stories
May 20, 2023
A Wonderfully Weaved Dual Tale!😍
Romance Across Time.💘
The Venice Secret
This starts out with Rachel Brown, who's stuck in a rut, finding what seems to be an old painting in the attic, at her family's cottage. The cottage has been in their family for generations, so she's surprised no one else discovered it before her. She sets out to discover if it is by a famous artist, as a note suggests, and if so, how it came to be in their attic!🤷🏻♀️
Switching, chapter by chapter, between 2019 with 20 year old Rachel, and 1780-2 with Philippa.
We next meet get to meet Philippa, a 20 year old woman whose Vicar father has left her and her mother destitute. They secure her a governess position, with lodgings, at Chipford Hall teaching the Duke of Oxon's two youngest children. Her mother will become his Dowager Duchess mothers' companion in Yorkshire.
The story is centred on paintings in both timeliness, in some form or another, but vast differences in both of the 20 year olds lives, and their available choices, 300 years apart, are stark!
It was almost like reading two books in one. The angsty, modern day, lost, and directionless Rachel is one, versus the highly constrained, moral, religious, and trapped by her financial circumstances, Philippa is the other! Can they both find true love and happiness without losing themselves to expectations and outside pressures?
This is beautifully written. I was so impressed with how the author seemed to bring two times lines, and melded writing styles, together in one book, so well.😍
If you like historical romance, you'll love this, if you enjoy 'Fake or Fortune' the TV show, you'll adore this too, add in a modern girl trying to find where she fits in in her world and you'll be hooked like I was!⭐️
Debbie, 1970, UK
Romance Across Time.💘
The Venice Secret
This starts out with Rachel Brown, who's stuck in a rut, finding what seems to be an old painting in the attic, at her family's cottage. The cottage has been in their family for generations, so she's surprised no one else discovered it before her. She sets out to discover if it is by a famous artist, as a note suggests, and if so, how it came to be in their attic!🤷🏻♀️
Switching, chapter by chapter, between 2019 with 20 year old Rachel, and 1780-2 with Philippa.
We next meet get to meet Philippa, a 20 year old woman whose Vicar father has left her and her mother destitute. They secure her a governess position, with lodgings, at Chipford Hall teaching the Duke of Oxon's two youngest children. Her mother will become his Dowager Duchess mothers' companion in Yorkshire.
The story is centred on paintings in both timeliness, in some form or another, but vast differences in both of the 20 year olds lives, and their available choices, 300 years apart, are stark!
It was almost like reading two books in one. The angsty, modern day, lost, and directionless Rachel is one, versus the highly constrained, moral, religious, and trapped by her financial circumstances, Philippa is the other! Can they both find true love and happiness without losing themselves to expectations and outside pressures?
This is beautifully written. I was so impressed with how the author seemed to bring two times lines, and melded writing styles, together in one book, so well.😍
If you like historical romance, you'll love this, if you enjoy 'Fake or Fortune' the TV show, you'll adore this too, add in a modern girl trying to find where she fits in in her world and you'll be hooked like I was!⭐️
Debbie, 1970, UK
March 13, 2023
This is a story of two halves, that are linked through a discovered painting .
The discovery of a potential Canaletto in her Gran's attic starts Rachel on a quest to find out its authenticity and consequently, her maternal family tree through the help of her Uncle Pete.
Anita skilfully divides the story into alternate chapters; between Philippa in the 1780s and Rachel in the 2010s. By writing the story in this way Anita allows the reader to move easily between the two eras, without losing track, and so keep both storylines going simultaneously. Philippa's chapters were especially interesting and had me hooked and wanting to find out more.
The Venice Secret can be construed in a number of ways and it is up to the reader to ascertain which aspect, if not all, the title of the book alludes to as Anita keeps adding different elements for the reader to think about as the story progresses.
For a debut novel this shows a well- though out story line and a good linking of past and present times that are merged together throughout the book, in such a way as to keep the reader engaged with both eras, allowing for parallel reading until they finally merge at the end.
I will be interested in seeing how Anita follows on, and develops, her writing skills in her next novel.
The discovery of a potential Canaletto in her Gran's attic starts Rachel on a quest to find out its authenticity and consequently, her maternal family tree through the help of her Uncle Pete.
Anita skilfully divides the story into alternate chapters; between Philippa in the 1780s and Rachel in the 2010s. By writing the story in this way Anita allows the reader to move easily between the two eras, without losing track, and so keep both storylines going simultaneously. Philippa's chapters were especially interesting and had me hooked and wanting to find out more.
The Venice Secret can be construed in a number of ways and it is up to the reader to ascertain which aspect, if not all, the title of the book alludes to as Anita keeps adding different elements for the reader to think about as the story progresses.
For a debut novel this shows a well- though out story line and a good linking of past and present times that are merged together throughout the book, in such a way as to keep the reader engaged with both eras, allowing for parallel reading until they finally merge at the end.
I will be interested in seeing how Anita follows on, and develops, her writing skills in her next novel.
December 5, 2023
The Venice Secret is a dual-timeline story about the discovery of a hidden painting in a loft. In 2019, we meet Rachel who is recovering from a break-up and then finds a painting in her loft, while in 1780, Philippa, a governess, escapes to Venice on a journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the dual-timeline was approached in The Venice Secret. So often, stories can become confusing and convoluted, making it hard to keep track of where you are, but by switching timeline every other chapter, I found it easy to keep up with.
Historical fiction is very new to me, but after seeing this on Prime Reading, I figured I had nothing to lose - I'm so glad I made the decision to go with it!
I found myself invested in each woman's story, especially towards the end when things were starting to wrap up. I couldn't put it down!
While there was a romance element to the story, I didn't feel it was too "in your face" or detracted from the stories too much. It was also nice to see both women were independent and not reliant or desperate to have a love interest, rather the romance felt like simply an aspect of the overall stories.
Very enjoyable read, which may convince me to read more historical fiction!
I thoroughly enjoyed how the dual-timeline was approached in The Venice Secret. So often, stories can become confusing and convoluted, making it hard to keep track of where you are, but by switching timeline every other chapter, I found it easy to keep up with.
Historical fiction is very new to me, but after seeing this on Prime Reading, I figured I had nothing to lose - I'm so glad I made the decision to go with it!
I found myself invested in each woman's story, especially towards the end when things were starting to wrap up. I couldn't put it down!
While there was a romance element to the story, I didn't feel it was too "in your face" or detracted from the stories too much. It was also nice to see both women were independent and not reliant or desperate to have a love interest, rather the romance felt like simply an aspect of the overall stories.
Very enjoyable read, which may convince me to read more historical fiction!
March 6, 2023
An historical romance/drama written in duel timeline and set in various locations but primarily Venice and an English country house called Chipford Hall. Both threads were equally fascinating and I loved how well they ran alongside each other without dropping too many clues to the separate storylines. Good characters in both threads and I particularly liked Philippa, a good strong woman with a moral character but with a sympathetic nature.
Briefly, in 1780 when Earl Rupert is to be married governess Philippa is told she has to leave. However, a friend of the Earl, Lady Cordelia, asks her to join her, as a companion, on a trip to Venice. But a lady Cordelia has a secret and Philippa is soon drawn into her deception. In 2019 Rachel’s finds a painting in her grandmother’s loft and visits a local art gallery to see if they can help her confirm if the unsigned painting is a Canaletto. However, she needs to find more information to prove provenance…
The descriptions of Venice were really good and I enjoyed the art references. Clearly a well researched book. A good historical mystery novel with plenty of intrigue and romance; a very enjoyable read.
Briefly, in 1780 when Earl Rupert is to be married governess Philippa is told she has to leave. However, a friend of the Earl, Lady Cordelia, asks her to join her, as a companion, on a trip to Venice. But a lady Cordelia has a secret and Philippa is soon drawn into her deception. In 2019 Rachel’s finds a painting in her grandmother’s loft and visits a local art gallery to see if they can help her confirm if the unsigned painting is a Canaletto. However, she needs to find more information to prove provenance…
The descriptions of Venice were really good and I enjoyed the art references. Clearly a well researched book. A good historical mystery novel with plenty of intrigue and romance; a very enjoyable read.
March 22, 2023
As soon as I saw this stunning book cover I knew that I wanted to dive right in - I mean, isn’t it gorgeous?! Venice is one of the most beautiful places in the world and I’ve been lucky enough to have visited it a few times. As I immersed myself in this heartwarming and engaging story the writing transported me straight back to the narrow streets and alleyways of Venice and I could almost hear the chatter, hubbub and music playing in St Mark’s Square, and the bells of the Basilica ringing out. Oooh see whats’s happened? I’ve gone and got all carried away!
I enjoyed the time I spent between the covers of this book - it’s set on a dual timeline, 2019 and 1780, and of the two time lines I especially enjoyed the latter. I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t really connect with any of the characters from the modern day storyline but I was thoroughly invested in Philippa and Lady Cordelia’s stories and the historical elements of the book. I felt all the threads of the plot came together nicely in a very tidy ending leaving no questions unanswered - overall, it’s a very gentle and satisfying read perfect for lovers of a good historical romance.
I enjoyed the time I spent between the covers of this book - it’s set on a dual timeline, 2019 and 1780, and of the two time lines I especially enjoyed the latter. I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t really connect with any of the characters from the modern day storyline but I was thoroughly invested in Philippa and Lady Cordelia’s stories and the historical elements of the book. I felt all the threads of the plot came together nicely in a very tidy ending leaving no questions unanswered - overall, it’s a very gentle and satisfying read perfect for lovers of a good historical romance.
March 22, 2023
I love books about Venice and art and have been looking forward to reading this book.
In 2018, Rachel discovers a painting hidden in her grandmothers loft with note date 1782 and addressed to someone called Philippa.
From first glance, it looks like the style of a Canaletto, but how and why would it be here? Rachel enlists the help of Jake from the local art gallery to help uncover the provenance of the painting.
The book slips between the 1780s when Phillippa is a governess at Chipford Hall and 2019. Philippa is propositioned by Earl Rupert and asked to become his mistress. She declines and wonders what will become of her future, but is given an escape by Lady Cordelia who requires a companion to accompany her to Venice.
I really enjoyed the time slip aspect of the novel and loved the Venice setting.
This is a great debut full of mystery and intrigue. It is definitely one I would recommend for historical fiction fans.
In 2018, Rachel discovers a painting hidden in her grandmothers loft with note date 1782 and addressed to someone called Philippa.
From first glance, it looks like the style of a Canaletto, but how and why would it be here? Rachel enlists the help of Jake from the local art gallery to help uncover the provenance of the painting.
The book slips between the 1780s when Phillippa is a governess at Chipford Hall and 2019. Philippa is propositioned by Earl Rupert and asked to become his mistress. She declines and wonders what will become of her future, but is given an escape by Lady Cordelia who requires a companion to accompany her to Venice.
I really enjoyed the time slip aspect of the novel and loved the Venice setting.
This is a great debut full of mystery and intrigue. It is definitely one I would recommend for historical fiction fans.
September 23, 2023
I love Venice and a good. dual timeline novel so was excited to read The Venice Secret. I was not disappointed. The two timelines are woven together to give a satisfying read as Rachel in 2019 tries to discover whether she has found a genuine Canaletto and Phillipa in 1780 recounts how she came to be in possession of this painting.
The 1780 timeline is well researched and reads as though written by a woman in that time period.
I was frustrated by Rachel in 2019. Both Rachel and her mother seemed to need a relationship to define them. As 18th century women rebelled against this, these 21st century women clung to that need. I'm guessing that Chapman was using this story to highlight how some women today do not value their independence. However, I would have liked Rachel to be stronger and wanted to yell at her not to sleep with every man who showed her the slightest attention.
A well-written and captivating story.
The 1780 timeline is well researched and reads as though written by a woman in that time period.
I was frustrated by Rachel in 2019. Both Rachel and her mother seemed to need a relationship to define them. As 18th century women rebelled against this, these 21st century women clung to that need. I'm guessing that Chapman was using this story to highlight how some women today do not value their independence. However, I would have liked Rachel to be stronger and wanted to yell at her not to sleep with every man who showed her the slightest attention.
A well-written and captivating story.
October 8, 2023
The Venice secret was a dual period story alternating between 1780s and 2019, revolving around Philippa Elliot, who was a lady’s companion and governess, (to the Duke of Oxon two daughters, after the sad demise of her father who was a local vicar) and Rachel Brown, who is getting her life together after redundancy and a bad breakup. I enjoyed the journey of Cordelia, Earl Rupert, Philippa, Maud etc. How their poor decisions led to dire circumstances. I suspected Earl Rupert liked Philippa but not the real reason for giving her the painting. That was a pleasant surprise though I was rooting Philippa and Rogers to end up together. The book was predictable at times, it wasn’t difficult to guess who gave Philippa the Canaletto or how Philippa was related to Rachel.
I found it to be a bit rushed in the sense Earl Rupert, the Baron, Cordelia all suddenly died. Leading to a happy ending for the protagonist.
I found it to be a bit rushed in the sense Earl Rupert, the Baron, Cordelia all suddenly died. Leading to a happy ending for the protagonist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2023
I’m enjoying every book I can about Italy currently, and this was no exception. I love a dual timeline book and this was so well written, the two intertwining perfectly.
Rachel is a bit of a loser at the start, recently made redundant and living in her mum’s cottage until her and her boyfriend return from a retreat, she finds an old painting in the loft and sets about finding out more about it. In between doing this, she makes a right mess of her life after kind of getting her self together. The older timeline about Philippa is just lovely, the poor girl is in a similar situation after the loss of her father and seems to have more bad luck as the book progresses, getting set up only for another tragedy to befall her.
I much preferred the older timeline as Rachel did annoy me in places, but she did redeem herself as the book went on. Will definitely look out for more by this author, superbly written and entertaining throughout.
Rachel is a bit of a loser at the start, recently made redundant and living in her mum’s cottage until her and her boyfriend return from a retreat, she finds an old painting in the loft and sets about finding out more about it. In between doing this, she makes a right mess of her life after kind of getting her self together. The older timeline about Philippa is just lovely, the poor girl is in a similar situation after the loss of her father and seems to have more bad luck as the book progresses, getting set up only for another tragedy to befall her.
I much preferred the older timeline as Rachel did annoy me in places, but she did redeem herself as the book went on. Will definitely look out for more by this author, superbly written and entertaining throughout.
October 13, 2023
An interesting idea
Rachel is living back with her mother after being made redundant and breaking up with her boyfriend. Homeless and jobless she seems to stumble through her life, falling into jobs and men’s beds. Finding a potentially valuable painting draws her into the real story of Phillipa and the secret of her time in Venice. Whilst Phillipa reflects the constraints and propriety of the 18th century, her companion to Venice demonstrates a selfishness and the same lack of depth that Is shown in Rachel’s character.
I didn’t warm to the characters. Rachel, particularly, appeared two dimensional and without substance and I had no sympathy for the situations she fell into. The casual, fast, neatly tied-up ending wasn’t satisfying. The intrigue of the Venice secret was the thing that kept me reading and the modern day set-up seemed mainly filler.
Rachel is living back with her mother after being made redundant and breaking up with her boyfriend. Homeless and jobless she seems to stumble through her life, falling into jobs and men’s beds. Finding a potentially valuable painting draws her into the real story of Phillipa and the secret of her time in Venice. Whilst Phillipa reflects the constraints and propriety of the 18th century, her companion to Venice demonstrates a selfishness and the same lack of depth that Is shown in Rachel’s character.
I didn’t warm to the characters. Rachel, particularly, appeared two dimensional and without substance and I had no sympathy for the situations she fell into. The casual, fast, neatly tied-up ending wasn’t satisfying. The intrigue of the Venice secret was the thing that kept me reading and the modern day set-up seemed mainly filler.
February 5, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, and I did for many parts. As the book unfolded, I liked Philippa more and more. It was hard for me to get behind liking Rachel. I kept wanting her to appreciate her own strength and capability. One of the themes of the book was about how women have had to depend on men, for better or for worse, because of what society dictates. Philippa stays true to herself throughout. I had higher hopes for Rachel and was surprised at how the book ended. In fact, I was convinced I was missing chapters of the book! No way it ended like that. Why did she allow that creep Jake to stay in her life? In both Philippa and Rachel’s story it seemed that “the men” had to come to the rescue. Even though they were both strong and capable women.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2024
I bought this book in Liberia Aqua Alta in Venice. A wonderful bookshop full of books in all languages with a gondola in the middle. Because I have just returned from a holiday there, I really enjoyed reading it. I think if I had not had the association , it would not have captured me so much. It is written in a very easy style and there is a difference in style between the two time periods which I liked. Sometimes I found the modern time line a bit too detailed with unnecessary detail but it gave the story a certain charm. I have this a 3 because of the style of writing and there was a bit too much focus on the romance side for me but it has a strong plot and comes together nicely at the end. Plan to go the National Gallery to see the Canaletto painting now.
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