The Venice Hotel

by Tess Woods

When the lives of four very different women become entangled in a boutique Venice hotel, dark secrets unravel and not everyone who checked into the hotel will check out again.

Signora Loretta Bianchi, the world famous cook at Venice’s Hotel Il Cuore, is forced to choose between once-in-a-lifetime passion and her devoted husband.

Sophie, on assignment in Venice as a food writer, finds a lot more than Signora Bianchi’s secret recipes to love, but what is the charming Rocco hiding?

Law graduate Elena is sinking just like the endangered city she’s returned home to, and she’ll stop at nothing to be free from her marriage.

Grandmother Gayle’s dream Venetian holiday turns sinister as she finds herself embroiled in a life or death escape.

Set against a backdrop of the romance and tragedy of magical Venice, The Venice Hotel explores the powerful bonds that develop between women in times of crisis, and the healing power of female connection.

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Italy, Audiobook, Contemporary, Romance, Womens Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Visit www.tesswoods.com.au

Facebook and Instagram - look for Tess Woods Author

Email Tess at tess@tesswoods.com.au

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one so much, it grabbed me from page one and I fell into the story as I visited Venice and met four woman, woman who had issues that were playing on their minds, problems that had to be sorted, will they get there? Come along and meet these woman and the other fabulous characters and a sinking Venice, this story has everything that is sure to keep the reader turning the pages.

Signora Loretta Bianchi is the owner of Hotel II Cuore a boutique Hotel in the heart of Venice, she is also a famed and popular cook, married to Alberto for thirty years and the mother of twins Rocco and Marina, but when someone from her past arrives in Venice during the twelve Days of Christmas Loretta must make a decision, will it be the right one?

Sophie is Australian and writes for a Foodie Magazine and is on assignment for the famous restaurant at the hotel but when she arrives there is mayhem and she steps in to help rather than return home, she does not want to be with her mother over Christmas this year, but her time in Venice not only brings to light the dangerous water levels of the town it also is opening her heart to handsome Rocco but he comes with problem that she may not cope with.

Elena’s world in sinking just like Venice as she returns to her hometown from Australia where she is living with her Australian Doctor Christian for her Papa’s funeral, she has made a big decision she must run, leave her husband, but what will it cost her and others to do so?

Gayle is on holiday from America with her husband Mike she is a grandmother and very religious, but there are problems with her family back home and she is stressed but then her caring heart may put them in danger, how will things turn out for Gayle and her family?

This story not only takes in the problems Venice is having but it brings together these four woman and shows what they can do when they open up to each other, the strength to help one another when times are hard, this is a brilliant story and one that I highly recommend. I loved visiting Venice and meeting these woman and getting to know the city, the food, the descriptions took me there from my armchair, a must read.

Thank you Tess Woods for such an awesome story, so many emotions, tears and smiles from this reader, I can’t praise it enough.

My thanks to Penguin Random House AU and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

[Lisa B · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a nightmare to listen to I can’t stand any of the characters their Aussie voices were deplorable read by multiple narrators which confused me no end a big no for this one the only good thing was the setting Venice sounds lovely doesn’t it.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️5 Stars⭐️
The Venice Hotel by Tess Woods is beautifully written, I couldn’t put it down! I fell in love with this gorgeous story and characters and flew through it in no time. The setting is in romantic Venice at the Il Cuore hotel where we look into the lives of four very different women and their desperate situations around the twelve days of Christmas.

♡Signora Loretta Bianchi is mother to Rocco and Marina and wife to Alberto and has been a cover model for Vogue, she’s now a celebrity chef who runs hotel Il Cuore with her family.

♡Sophie is a food writer from Melbourne on an assignment to write a feature on Loretta and check into Il Cuore.

♡Law graduate Elena is hiding more than an eating disorder, she’s visiting with her Australian husband Christian for her fathers funeral.

♡American grandmother Gayle’s holiday with husband Mike is about to turn deadly.

As the women’s secrets are revealed there are plenty of twists and turns and the ending is very dramatic. I loved how the women showed kindness and banded together to help another in a sinister situation.

I adored being transported to Venice where the wonderful community spirit melted my heart, the food, culture and historical architecture was intriguing. Through the writing I could see the stunning backdrop scenery of Venice and I can’t wait to visit, I think I have already fallen in love with Venice after reading this book and have curated a list of things to see from it.

I was sad to learn about how the city is ‘drowning’, the environmental themes were enlightening and I hope action is taken about the cruise ships especially, if not done already. Did you know it’s likely that Venice will be lost underwater in decades to come?

If you enjoy, love, family, domestic drama, travel, food, mystery and a touch of murder in your read you’ll eat up this impressive story!

Publication Day 03 September 2024
Publisher Imprint Penguin

Thank you so much to the wonderful team Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book.

[Kristi C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this audiobook to fulfill a reading prompt without knowing anything about the book or author. At first it took me a bit to follow all the characters and connect with the book, but then I was hooked. I loved the characters, made even more entertaining with the multiple narrators with different accents. I found myself wanting to sit outside in Italy, enjoying an Italian pastry and drink. There were a lot of topics covered, and at times I felt like I was listening to an Italian soap opera, but I loved the characters and how they were intertwined. Definitely some frustrating moments, combined with a few tears and happiness.

[Theresa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic of sinking into a big book, reading for hours into the dead of the night, only the words for company and the imagery conjured by those words dancing in your head, jostling for your attention even when you aren't reading it because of, well, real life things. Characters that are so real, you find yourself thinking about them as if you know them. And a place so beautifully realised on the page you feel as though you are there, right there, whenever you go back to reading about it. I don't read big books very much anymore. And this is why. Because almost every time I pick one up, it just doesn't deliver. But this one...this one...be still my reading heart.

The Venice Hotel, by the remarkably talented Tess Woods, is THE book you want to rush out and buy right now. Think Maeve Binchy meets The White Lotus, warm and engulfing, yet with a contemporary edge of intrigue and drama. The food, oh my goodness! THE FOOD! And the beauty of Venice and the heartbreaking reality of a sinking city. Venice itself was undoubtedly my favourite character in this story. The setting was so atmospheric, so immersive. Full disclaimer, I do love Italy and books set in Italy, but even so, this was glorious.

The story is told from the perspective of several characters and split cleverly into twelve parts to mirror the twelve days of Christmas. There are some serious themes woven through this story, characters who are carrying heavy burdens, facing huge choices, finding themselves at a crossroads, and coming to the realisation that they need help, they need to lean on someone, reach out to another, and embrace a sense of community that is all too often absent from our lives today.

What a glorious, brilliant, compulsive read this was! I was fully prepared to bully my book club into reading it next but they all just agreed and saved me the effort.

Thanks to Penguin Books Australia for the review copy!

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a few years since a Tess Woods book shone from the shelf.
But the wait is over and it’s totally worth that wait.
Get ready to be transported to the other side of the world and into the lives of four very different women in the captivating story of The Venice Hotel.
Announcing with great pleasure…..
The Hotel Il Cuore in Venice.
Known as “The Floating City” and for its beauty.
The worlds of four women are about to collide creating a bond no one will forget.
Prepare to meet Signora Loretta, Sophie, Elena and Gayle as female empowerment and friendship shines.
A story that made my heart flutter.
Tess has really got into the psyche of her characters, bringing to life on the pages the lead cast and taking the reader to an exotic location.
A momentous and meaningful plot told from the perspectives of our four leading ladies beautifully woven together to excite, entertain and enrapture her audience.
Contemporary fiction made with heart and soul and at its finest.
Addictive, compulsive, passionate, humorous and charming.
Give Tess a standing ovation and celebrate the novel that is The Venice Hotel.

[Kylie Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something special about a book that pops from the first page ❤️ Setting, scenes, signori — I found it all in Tess Woods’ latest smash hit 📚 A cast of characters who feel as real to me as anyone does 👯‍♀️, yes, a plot line that gripped me from the get go, the very first line, and the kind of brilliant storytelling Tess has been known for since she was first published a decade ago ✍🏻

That said, if you’re looking for compelling commercial fiction ‼️ set in one of the world’s most haunting cities that is at its core intriguing, entertaining and oh so human 👭 this has to be your next read. After telling myself I’d go slow, I binged this book over a three day frenzy 🔍 I haven’t known the likes of for eons. Why? Because it’s a killer story I didn’t want to put down 🎭

[Helen O'Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book written with love, courage, empathy & style. The four main women characters are so believable and how the lives of each intersected with each other is so skilfully contrived. As Elena has the Italian version of my name, I loved her from the start. I wept for her plight.
I spent a memorable week in Venice some twenty years ago and I remember falling in love with its canals, mazes of tiny streets, the food, music and utter beauty. We didn’t have much money so we bought bread, cheese, salami and wine and climbed up to the tiny terrace of our hotel to enjoy our own Venetian dinner, listening to the sound of the water and the passing people below. We also negotiated the alleyways to attend an evening concert where the musicians played guitars and mandolins. Such a glorious memory of that magical city.

This beautiful novel is a love letter to Venice and also a plea that the world must come together to save her from environmental ruin. But back to the book. Tess Woods has done us a vital public service, first for writing so honestly about domestic violence and secondly about how we need to be accepting that love is love be it between two men, two women or a man and a woman. This is also a foodie’s dream book and please write up some recipes on your blog as the descriptions were mouth watering.

If I worried about Loretta, Gayle, Sophie and Elena even when I was not reading the novel, then Tess Woods has definitely written an engaging and superb story. Brava!

[John Gilbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just wasn't working for me. Five or so different narrators, based in Venice where the anger and tragedy of over tourism is in the mix, extreme homophobia of a religious father to his son, but mostly it was the horror of the control and abuse that Christian displays over Elena that made it too hard for me to continue. Sophie, as a visiting food critic from Australia, was about the only ray of sunshine in this mishmash of characters in the hotel and restaurant where the stories unfold.

This is now the second book of Ms Woods I have DNF after really liking her earlier ones. Secret affairs (her previous novel) and severe spousal abuse just do not enter into my reading enjoyment levels. Well enough written with good descriptions of the beauty and wonder of Venice, but just too unpleasant for me to finish, I could only make it to 55%.

"The pull between being a good mother, like her religion demands of her, and being a submissive wife, like her religion also demands of her, is making Gayle’s head hurt."

"His nostrils flare. ‘Now, hang on just a minute. Dogs would have to mow the lawns and cats would have to hang out the washing before I apologise to that boy.’"

"Her palms feel sweaty. If only being a good mother didn’t make her a troublesome wife."

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in Venice four (but more really) women accidently come together in one hotel and face their problems with the help and support of each other, some of whom, coincidently, have had the same experiences. And one key character seems to have experienced them all!
It took me a long time to read this book as I had to keep putting it down out of sheer frustration. For me the author tried to do too much and it became a somewhat farcical romance novel, complete with happy endings. In the process the serious issues that these women and Venice experienced were lost in the overcrowded narrative. Domestic violence (more than one character), gay love (male and female), forbidden love, heterosexual love, alcoholism and addiction, and more. Add to this the issues that face Venice from tourism, climate change etc. which litter the pages of the novel. Then throw in religion - and I am still trying to work out what the author was trying to say about the church. One minute we have forbidden relationships, a priest and a woman and a nun and a woman, not to mention the breaking up of a family due to the church's intolerance towards gay marriage, and then we have prayers answered, love of god and all he stands for.
It was all just too much for this reader.

[Alma G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Loved, loved, loved it. Do yourself a favour and get lost in Venice and these characters for a few days.

[Emilie (emiliesbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I fell in love with The Venice Hotel, and the 4 strong, beautiful, women in this wonderful book. This is absolutely one of my favourite reads of this year! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loretta Bianchi is a very talented chef, at the Hotel Il Cuore. Her restaurant is famous, and people travel from far to enjoy her delicious meals. Her husband Alberto, and twin adult children Marina & Rocco help run the family business, it’s a loud but warm destination

American tourist Gayle is on the trip of a lifetime with her husband Mike. Their children are all grown up now, and they are spending their first every Christmas away from them. Mike is your typically painful impatient traveler, constantly complaining about everything and anything. It’s no wonder Gayle has constant headaches. But she feels more pain for her youngest estranged son, Noah.

Sophie Black is a successful food critic, and has landed the job of a lifetime, Christmas in Venice, and a feature article on Loretta Bianchi. This is too good to be true! She can leave her tormenting mother back in Australia and have a peaceful working break

Elena is devastated she missed seeing her Papa before he died, returning home for his funeral has been bittersweet. Her husband Christian is lion dressed in sheep’s clothing, loosing his temper at the drop of the hat

As these four women grow close a bond forms that ultimately provides them each with support they didn’t know they needed, or would have never been able to ask for

This one really has it all, the relationships, the romance, the beautiful setting, so much delicious foods, and touches on climate change and the emergency Venice is facing, that is will be completely underwater by 2100 if situations don’t change


I feel my review just do this book justice, it really is a must read

Content warnings, domestic abuse, addiction and darker themes

[Rina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lives of four very different women become entangled in a boutique Venice hotel. Signora Loretta Bianchi, the world famous cook at Venice's Hotel Il Cuore, is forced to choose between once-in-a-lifetime passion and her devoted husband. Sophie, on assignment in Venice as a food writer, finds a lot more than Signora Bianchi's secret recipes to love. Law graduate Elena is sinking just like the endangered city she's returned home to. Grandmother Gayle's dream Venetian holiday turns sinister as she finds herself embroiled in a life or death escape.

I was glad I bought into the hype with this book, because I ended up loving it! Initially read more like a contemporary than thriller, the characters immediately stole my heart and captivated me. Once the thriller aspect kicked in, I was completely hooked.

The Venetian setting was beautiful, romantic and atmospheric, and the mentions of Italian foods made me hungry. But what really amazed me was the rich portrayal of the characters - they were of different ages, nationalities and personalities, and yet they all felt authentic!

This was my first book from Tess Woods and will definitely not be the last.

See my bookstagram review.

[Brooke - Brooke's Reading Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look I probably can't give an unbias review here as I adore this author. However hopefully you all believe me when I say this is a great read. The character point-of-views switch between four very different women: Italian chef and hotel owner Loretta, Australian food writer Sophie, American tourist Gayle and Italian Elena who has returned home for her father's funeral. The four become connected when they are all in Loretta's hotel in Venice, where a situation unravels requiring the women to support each other. There's a few heavy topics covered in the storylines including the ongoing 'drowning' of Venice, family estrangement, domestic violence, religion and its impact on some, sexuality, and relationships. The book is beautifully written with a compelling story - happily recommend.

[Anna Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m finding it hard to articulate The Venice Hotel. Part cli fi, part romance, part armchair travel, part crime, part foodie…it’s the whole package!!!!!! I loved every theme, every character, every thing about this novel!!!!!!! I loved that every single character at one point or another felt like she was drowning, but that it never felt hopeless. I loved that these women really had nothing in common but pulled together because that’s what women do..I can’t recommend The Venice Hotel more, and so grateful to Penguin for the gifted copy! So so lucky, I couldn’t have loved The Venice Hotel more!!!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very colourful read centred around a famous Italian model now a famed cook, owner with her husband of the hotel II Cuore Venice. Loretta Bianchi and husband Alberto along with their grown children and extended family are what most would regard as typically Italian, passionate and loving along with loud verbalising and the odd hysterics.

The guests are very different and are portrayed as; a brash young woman from Australia, writer for her magazine, on assignment to review the wonders of Loretta's cooking. Sophie has escaped to Italy from the tragedy of her family life; a middle aged American couple, both well attuned to their religion, who are fussy, picky and complain about everything and simply do not understand that nobody outside America lives like Americans, particularly the food culture . Wife Gayle, to Mike through her religion, has spent her wifely years never questioning him or his decisions and on this holiday she seems to be tidying up after Mike's complaints and trying to pacify him. He seems to always be looking for a freebie. However, this couple have come to the cross roads in their lives and are faced with a family situation that most of today's parents would easily accept but their religion has driven a stake into their existence but for which, thankfully at the end they are able to make peace with their circumstances; another couple are an Australian doctor of high repute who fortunately is on hand when Alberto collapses and is rushed to hospital. He is married to an Italian/Australian who is in crisis with regards to her relationship with her controlling husband and for whom Sophie recognises from her own experiences, a cruel, manipulative man.

There are many secrets revealed from the main protagonists which adds to the intrigue of this read with the author including so many elements one can only admire such a creative imagination.

[Corporate Mum Loves Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess Woods’ The Venice Hotel is a captivating and emotionally rich novel that explores love, personal growth, and the power of second chances. From the very first page, I was drawn into the beautifully depicted setting of Venice, which provided the perfect backdrop for a story filled with deep relationships and heartfelt transformations.

One of the things I loved most about this book was how the relationships between the characters evolved and matured over time. Loretta and Alberto’s relationship, in particular, was a highlight for me—it was heartwarming to see how their connection deepened and strengthened as they navigated life’s challenges. But beyond just the romantic relationships, each character’s personal growth was equally compelling. Sophie and Loretta, in particular, underwent profound transformations, learning more about themselves and what they truly wanted out of life.

Tess Woods has a gift for crafting complex, authentic characters who feel real and relatable. The emotional depth and development in this story made it impossible to put down. It’s a novel that beautifully balances romance with themes of self-discovery, healing, and embracing change.

If you enjoy books that delve into personal journeys, meaningful relationships, The Venice Hotel is a must-read!

[Cate Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. Heartbreaking. Beautiful. Heartwarming. Brave. Passionate. Courageous.

Set against the beautiful background of Venice at Christmas, Tess Woods weaves a magical story about family, friendship, and food that is impossible to put down while at the same time challenges the reader to consider the things that really matter.

I suspect that visiting the Venice Hotel will become a new annual tradition.

[Karina Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved this book!
I didn’t want to put it down but life kept getting in the way, but was always remained on my mind!
Such a brilliant cast of characters!
Loved it till the final acknowledgment!
Perfection in book form!!

[Julie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this then hated then loved. In parts I was disturbed then I was cheering.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Venice Hotel is the superb new novel from talented Aussie author Tess Woods.

Wow, where do I start with a review of this one? It was so thoroughly engaging and mesmerising that I had to put aside everything else to immerse myself in the world of the Hotel Il Cuore. These women and the Venetian setting were everything I want in a page turning read and The Venice Hotel is up there as one of my top books of 2024.

Set across the twelve days of Christmas, we follow four very different women, all brought together in this beautiful hotel and its very famous restaurant. There’s Loretta, or Signora Bianchi, as she is known to her guests who come from all over the world for the chance to dine on her cooking. Sophie, an Australian food writer, who is here for two weeks to write a feature on the restaurant and its famous chef; Gayle, who is visiting with her husband from the US and Elena, who has returned to Venice for her father’s funeral. All of these women have devastating secrets and are dealing with challenges that unite them in this magical setting.

The Venice Hotel effortlessly crosses genres with something for every reader: family drama, romance, mystery, suspense, climate fiction and history. Tess blends these women’s stories so beautifully and I wanted to stay with them forever. The scenes of motherhood, found family and community were heartwarming and felt like a wonderful warm hug. The writing is overflowing with emotion and honesty and the book is an absolute triumph that I will be recommending far and wide. It’s one of those stories that will stay with me for a long time to come.

No review of this book would be complete without mentioning the food. It was a highlight of the story, with the mouthwatering dishes and trips to the market describing all the delectable produce available. I’m craving gnocchi after finishing it.

The Venice Hotel deserves all the stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Please be aware of trigger warnings: toxic relationships, domestic abuse, homophobia, infertility and addiction.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed being swept away to Venice, a place I’ve never been before but now I have a rough idea of this beautiful city.

Tess has penned a love letter to Venice and covers some very interesting scenarios in this big book that didn’t feel like one, the pages just kept on turning rapidly!

The story of four women in four different circumstances had me glued to the pages of this book. We have Gayle - the American on holidays with her husband who does his very best to get as much as he can for free. Elena who is with her husband - a handsome neurosurgeon who is living a life she hides from everyone. Sophia - the Australian food writer who is in Venice to write about the famous restaurant and its chef and Loretta who runs this restaurant and is working like a Trojan keeping everything ticking whilst keeping a secret herself. Tess also incorporates environmental issues, faith and of course Italian cuisine, all of which makes the story very believable and a pleasure to read. It’s always good to learn something when you read a book, despite it being fiction.

This book is an absolute masterpiece of women’s fiction. I’ve read everything Tess has written and I am so glad to see her back writing again, this book is a must read!
Thank you so much to Penguin Random house Australia for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Maggie Szabó · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fabulous I couldn't put it down.
I loved the four different women and the backstories they brought along with them, and how Tess Woods unpicks them all in such a delicate way that we don't even realise we are falling in love with them all until the story's finished.
I've always wanted to visit Venice, but I don't know if I should. The damage the millions of tourists have been doing to this unique city over the decades is just horrific. Thanks Tess for writing about it all in such a gentle way that I didn't feel like I was being lectured, however when I closed the book last night, I felt like I'd learned a lot.
And cake for breakfast? Any book that promotes such decadence should be compulsory reading.
Brilliant.

[Leanne Lovegrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm, powerful, evocative, great setting and what a bunch of women, loved it

[Susan Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had me from the first page.
Four amazing, yet incredibly different women - I loved them all. The writing is heart-breakingly beautiful and the story very cleverly put together. The food descriptions are a whole love language on their own. I've been to Venice, the water was high then, and that was 25 years ago - I want to go back. And now I need to read this author's back list.

[Brenda Strauchon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best read this summer, I couldn’t put it down

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Venice Hotel by Tess Woods - Penguin Publication.

Trigger Warning - this book contains references to DV and medical trauma.

I recently received a copy of this book as part of a advance copy - this publication is set to release in early September. 

This book follows the stories of four women connected through the Venice Hotel - a thoroughly charming hotel, where guests and visitors come to sample the amazing food and some to see how the food is made by the matriarch of the house Loretta.

The book starts with drama surrounding the father in the story, stubborn but loving he has his own rules about how things should go.

It then runs through the story of the four women and how they are inexplicably entwined and the power of community and selflessness that binds them together in their hours of need.

Loretta, the beautiful, powerful and stubborn matriarch of the story with a husband that adores her and children with their own secrets. She runs the hotel and cookery school her way and doesn’t like to deviate from the plan. The people come to see Loretta and the food she cooks. 

Sophie is the Aussie that works for a foodie magazine who is finding herself and with her innate caring and kindness finds a place in a world she never expected, doing what she loves the most.

Gayle is an American with a slightly overbearing husband who would do anything for his wife, except the one thing that she desperately needs him to do and that is to support all his children, no matter their journey.

Elena is here with her handsome doctor husband who saves the day at the start of the book. But there are secrets and lies within this relationship that colour her world with grey. 

The Venice Hotel is filled with romance, tragedy and drama. A group of women backing each other up through heartbreak, sadness, love and joy. The scene is set with beautiful descriptions of the Venice area, but also the dark side of life in such an idyllic location.

I did enjoy this book, there were parts that were upsetting to me from a personal level, but the book was well written with plenty of characters to get your invested into the storyline. The food sounds amazing and I felt like you could just be there and immersed in the wonderful sights and smells of open air markets and commercials kitchens. There is plenty of family drama within the book and it just goes to show that no matter how perfect things look from the outside there can be things underneath the surface. My takeaway is kindness is everything and to help where you can as you never know what someone is going through in their day to day life.

[Sarah Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hotel Il Cuore is The Venice Hotel. Taking place over the twelve days of Christmas this is the story of four women whose lives touch and entwine during their time at the hotel.

Famous cook, Signora Loretta Bianchi is the owner of the boutique Hotel and has been married to Alberto for over thirty years. Sophie is on assignment to write about the famous Signora Bianchi for an Australian food magazine. Religious and pious American tourists Gayle and her husband Mike are holidaying away from their family to enjoy the Hotel Il Cuore experience. Elena has returned to Venice from Australia for her father’s funeral with her husband Christian and are hotel guests.

This incredible story is narrated from the multiple perspectives of these women and as their lives come together, secrets are revealed and they find the strength to share their burdens and move forward in to the future.

This is not a cosy Christmas read but a powerful novel with a number of serious social issues providing a strong base, making it impossible to put down. Highly recommended.

[Josie Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

i truly could not put this book down

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn’t really my type of book, it’d probably be described as women’s fiction as it covers women’s lives and issues, eg domestic violence, sex and relationships, issues with mothers etc. I actually quite enjoyed it, it’s character driven and I liked the backdrop of Venice and its environmental problems due to rising sea levels and huge cruise ships causing damage and pollution. The narrative is split between four characters; Sophie, an Australian food writer in Venice to do a feature on Loretta, a celebrity chef who runs the hotel and two other guests, Gayle, an American woman on holiday with her husband and Elena, returning to Venice with her Australian husband for her fathers funeral. The story is certainly compelling towards the end but overall I found it longer than it needed to be.