Daughters of Tuscany

by Siobhan Daiko

Two women, one community, everyone’s war…

With the arrival of English prisoners of war on Marchese Ginori’s farmhouse estate, Rosa is immediately wary. Her husband was killed by the Allies and she will not trust any inglesi around her daughter.

The marchese’s daughter, Emma, is thankful for the extra help. Especially when Italian soldiers are forced into hiding, fleeing the Nazis. Emma vows to protect her childhood best friend, Marco, at any cost.

It’s a dangerous time to be harbouring fugitives, and as the POWs prove their allegiance in helping the Italian men, Rosa begins to become close to one in particular – an alluring Scotsman named Tom.

Both women will do what it takes to protect their loved ones, but daring to hope for a better future in wartime is a dangerous dream. And what starts as a quest to keep their men safe soon turns into a mission to save their whole community…

A sweeping tale of love, loss and hope in times of strife, perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Rhys Bowen and Kristin Hannah

Genres: Historical Fiction, Italy, Historical

Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2024

About the author

Siobhan Daiko is a British historical fiction author. A lover of all things Italian, she lives in the Veneto region of northern Italy with her husband, a Havanese dog and a Siberian cat. Siobhan was born of English parents in Hong Kong, attended boarding school in Australia, and then moved to the UK — where she taught modern foreign languages in a Welsh high school. She now spends her time writing page-turners and living the dolce vita sweet life near Venice. Her novels are compelling, poignant, and deeply moving, with strong female characters and evocative settings, but always with romance at their heart. You can find more about her books on her website www.siobhandaiko.org

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma Vanini, the daughter of a Tuscan peasant farming family, decides that her courage is being called upon when her family is put under special surveillance. Not willing to sit idle while their freedoms are taken away, Emma becomes a stafette.

I loved learning about the vendemmia, the olive harvest, the butchering process, and the mezzadria system. I’ve always loved Daikos books because she teaches as she writes and her love of Italy shows in her narrative.

However, I was a little shocked at the language and the open door ‘romance’ in this book starting at 26% of the way along. I only kept reading because of a commitment to a book tour. It’s too bad because I’ve read 4 of this author’s previous books and thought they were 5 star!

I was gifted this book by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughters of Tuscany is the page-turning WWII story of two women from different backgrounds and their sacrifice, endurance, and bravery.

Life at Marchese Ginori’s farmhouse estate is complicated as the workers and the family hide some escaped (allied) POWs. Rosa’s husband has been killed in the fighting and she is attracted to one of the escapees. Emma, daughter of the marchese is concerned about her childhood friend/love interest who works for the Resistance. In addition, Emma feels responsible to protect their community at any cost. Both Rosa and Emma dare to hope for an end to war and a brighter, happier future with the men they love.

A story of love, loss, and hope…

Despite war, Italy is a lovely setting! I appreciate vivid descriptions of farming, food prep, and routines of daily life while enduring the hardships of war. I was fully immersed into the time and place.

In Daughters of Tuscany, we are treated to two romance storylines. Both are slow-burn and moderately open door. Rosa is attracted to a Scottish allied POW despite her feeling that he’s the enemy (her husband was killed in a fight with the allied forces). Rosa has a young daughter and the Scottish POW wins both of their hearts. Feisty Emma becomes involved with the resistance movement in her concern for her childhood friend/romantic interest. The circumstances of war require both women to risk their lives and make sacrifices for the people they love.

I enjoyed Daughters of Tuscany from Emma’s and Rosa’s alternating and varied perspectives. They are strong and brave, and the story is compelling and page-turning’ Each love story involves risk and sacrifice.

I have read only one other story by the author which was closed door romance, so I was a bit surprised by this more open door romance and more profanity. It was an enjoyable read for many reasons, but this aspect of it was unexpected.

Content Consideration: Moderate Open Door Romance, Profanity, conditions of war

Daughters of Tuscany is well-written and well-researched. Readers who are comfortable with some open door romance and don’t mind profanity will find a lot to love in this riveting story.

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks @RaRaResources @TheBoldBookClub for a complimentary e ARC of #DaughtersOfTuscany upon my request. All opinions are my own.

For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.

[Kirsty Adams - Kindle Freak Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating historical novel deftly interweaves the lives of two young women from different backgrounds as they navigate the treacherous landscape of war-torn Italy during World War II. Daiko's narrative is a tapestry of love, loss, and hope, set against the backdrop of a country torn apart by conflict and upheaval.
I was immediately drawn into Rosa and Emma’s world, feeling their fears, hopes, and the weight of their sacrifices. The tension of wartime is palpable, yet Ms Daiko also offers moments of hope and human connection. Daughters of Tuscany is more than just a historical novel; it is a tribute to the resilience and bravery of women in times of conflict. Daiko's storytelling is gripping and heart-wrenching, making this book a memorable story that I will long remember.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novel perfect for lovers of Italy and its food as well as romance! A very short novel (less than 300 pages), and also a very easy novel. The characters are rather too plain for me , and the plot is also very easy to follow and guess what is going to happen... WWII is the background of the storyline and not necessarily very interesting. Not a novel for me, I had expected more depth as to both characters and plot. However, if one likes easy, short novels with a lot of romance, one will enjoy this book.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

[Renate · Rating 4 out of 5]

verhaal op zich is goed geschreven, meeslepend. wat me vooral in het eerste gedeelte "opviel", maar ook later.... weliswaar speelt dit verhaal zich in oorlogstijd af, toch had het ook een te romantisch tintje, wat afleidde vh verhaal.
en soms klopte leek het of er iets niet klopte. misschien heeft men in Italië de oorlogsjaren anders beleefd maar wat er werd beschreven wat ze op tafel zetten of bijv uit eten gingen, ren terrasje pikken...
(verhalen hoe het in Nederland in de oorlogsjaren was, eten op de bon, honger etc.... is het werkelijk zo'n groot verschil geweest?)
jammer genoeg heb ik niet opgeschreven wat me verder op viel en nu kom ik er niet meer op. maar het viel me op
achteraf krijgt de lezer info over de personnages,dat er werkelijk veel zo is gebeurd + als je de landkaart van italie erbij zou hebben liggen, kun je de reis van Carrie en van Vito vervolgen
Samenvatting: een mooi boek!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story takes place in Italy during WW2. It revolves around Emma and Rosa. They both find romance during troubled times. It was pretty much like any other historical fiction book I’ve read set during this time.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughters of Tuscany is a novel about two women – one, Emma, is the daughter of a marquese; the other, Rosa, the daughter of one of their tenant farmers – who are thrown into the turmoil that gripped Italy during World War II.

Whilst Emma is grateful for the help of British POWs, Rosa is not so certain about welcoming them, having lost her husband to the Allies on campaign in Africa. But the men's help is desperately needed for harvesting.

Meanwhile, Italy is divided. With Mussolini's arrest, the pressure is on for the Allies to arrive as soon as possible. But as they are delayed in southern Italy, the Germans arrive in force from the north, taking strategic cities, and managing to free Mussolini.

The balance seems to tilt towards the right, as the population is caught between the two sides, divided into fascists and resistance.

Emma is worried about her childhood friend, Marco, who is in the Italian army. Rose, meanwhile, feels drawn to Tom, a Scots Guard soldier helping with the harvest. She is torn between her loyalty to her late husband, and her budding attraction to the Scot.

When Marco appears, Emma's relief is short-lived as he immediately joins in the local resistance, clandestinely fighting the growing number of Nazis arriving in the area. When the POWs become at risk from being captured by the Germans, Tom and the other men flee, but he returns as the route to the Allies is blocked.

As Marco and Emma grow closer, her fear for him grows. Acting as go-between for the resistance, Emma knows she takes risks, but those she takes willingly.

With German Captain Hofmann breathing down their necks, Emma, her father, and the other partisans have to tread carefully. When he shows an interest in her, she reluctantly meets with him, whilst trying to find out their plans. But she puts herself in grave danger when trying to convince the cold officer of a ruse...

In the meantime, Rose and Tom grow closer, and even Rose's daughter becomes attached to him. But with their lives in danger, will there be a future for them both?

And will Emma, her father, and Marco succeed to keep their secret? Read the book to find out!

Daughters of Tuscany is a gripping account about the bravery of ordinary Italians who risk everything in face of the war machine of the Fascists. It shows the dilemma the country faced as its people were divided between those who supported Mussolini's hard line, and those who were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Allies.

I read this novel in one sitting. The two plots surrounding the women kept me enthralled as I turned the virtual pages. Both Emma and Rose come across as realistic women of their era, who were pushed to their boundaries by external events and the daily threat to their lives.

Ms Daiko provides great detail about the situation in Italy, which I found fascinating to read about, and weaves it perfectly into the fictional plot. The occasional use of Italian expressions, cleverly 'translated' in context, makes for immersive reading.

The description of the Germans includes some stereotypes (not many Germans were blond and blue-eyed), but the overall brutality of the regime and its henchmen were shown in a realistic and rather sinister manner, which added to the immersive reading experience.

The situation of the Allies' slow advance, including their targets hitting innocent Italians and their cities, was very well shown, and the author doesn't try to make excuses for them. This, again, adds a strong sense of realism, as ordinary people wondered if they'd ever be safe from either side.

Daughters of Tuscany is a gripping tale, one that draws you into its plot, and doesn't let you go until you've finished reading the last page. Well-researched, and with an authentic setting and characterisation, it's a novel you shouldn't miss.

Highly recommended.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is being posted as part of the Daughters of Tuscany blog tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources.

Daughters of Tuscany is the latest compelling novel from historical fiction author Siobhan Daiko. Exploring themes of love, loss, community and hope, this captivating story is set against the backdrop of the war-torn yet still beautiful valleys of Tuscany and is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

Siobhan Daiko is undoubtedly one of the standout authors of World War Two fiction whose passion for Italy and telling Italian wartime stories is evident in all of her books. She is one of my must-read historical fiction authors.

The tone of the book did feel generally less hard-hitting than other novels we’ve seen from Siobhan Daiko but this actually worked really well. It was brilliant to be able to enjoy her compelling writing in a book which was an overall easier and more light-hearted read, perfect for any time you would like a refreshing break from reading harder-hitting novels, whilst still being able to have the historical theme you’re seeking from this genre.

On a similar note, something I really liked about for Daughters of Tuscany was its focus on how life just had to carry on for those living and working in these remote parts of Italy, despite the war. Their responsibility to farm the land and produce food for their wider communities continued despite the German occupation, their land facing bombardments and seeing their sons, husbands and brothers risking their lives to fight as part of partisan brigades, and this was really well-portrayed.

Siobhan Daiko’s captivating storytelling made the Tuscan valley setting truly come alive on the page. I was fascinated reading about how they farmed the land and created the produce Italy is known for. As we’ve come to expect from Siobhan Daiko, her incredible historical subject knowledge is evident throughout the story which has clearly been meticulously researched as history just seeped through the pages.

Something Siobhan Daiko writes exceptionally well is strong female characters, and Emma and Rosa in Daughters of Tuscany are certainly no exception. I liked the choice to write the protagonists as two young women from different backgrounds as it showed how the war affected different groups of people in Italy. Emma was particularly courageous throughout the novel, doing anything to protect her community. Both women are able to find unexpected love and these stories were beautifully written. I particularly loved Rosa and Tom’s story, as the portrayal of Rosa gradually opening herself up to love again after the recent death of her husband was particularly powerful and it was beautiful to see Tom gradually became a father figure for Rosa’s daughter.

I potentially would have liked to have seen rough dates included at the beginning of chapters to help us as readers to be able to track the narrative against the timeline of the war, but that’s a minor detail to satisfy my inner history geek.

Overall, Daughters of Tuscany is a captivating and easy read for fans of World War Two historical fiction. It has further cemented Siobhan Daiko’s place as a real must-read author for me within the genre.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk and the post is linked.

*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in no way influenced by the gifting opportunity. Thank you to Siobhan Daiko, Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Italy, 1943. The war in North Africa has been won by the Allies, and German-occupied Italy is bracing itself for the invasion to come. At Marchese Ginori, a farm estate in Tuscany, a group of British POWs arrive to help work the land while the village's young men are away at war.

Rosa, one of the estate workers, is wary of the British men, especially after her soldier husband was killed by the Allies, leaving her and her small daughter with little option but to return to her family. Meanwhile, Emma, daughter of the estate's owner, knows she must remain strong for her father, even though she is weighed down with worry about the fate of her childhood friend Marco, whose life lies in the balance as a serving soldier in the Italian army.

As the Nazi's react to the threat of the Allied invasion to come, the POWs, Emma and Rosa form an unexpected bond, and the British men find themselves accepted as part of the community. Romance blossoms between Rosa, and a Scotsman called Tom, and Emma realises her childhood affection for Marco might become something more. But danger lies ahead, and there are always sacrifices to made in wartime.

Siobhan Daiko's sweeping novel, Daughters of Tuscany, is set at a crucial tipping point in World War II, just as the Allies are about to invade Italy. I do not think I have actually read a book set in Italy at this time in the war, and Daiko does an excellent job of delving into the historical events that followed, enriched by the complicated feelings of ordinary Italian people with divided loyalties.

Against this backdrop, Daiko introduces two young women with no real reason to welcome the invading army, or the POWs foisted upon them - Rosa, whose husband has become a casualty of war, and Emma who fears for the safety of her childhood friend Marco. Although their backgrounds are very different, many of their hopes, dreams and concerns about friends and family are shared, and as the story plays out from their points of view it is the human side of the impact of war on ordinary people that comes across - particularly when it comes to love and loss.

You can really feel the danger the village faces, caught between the invading Allies and the increasingly desperate actions of the occupying Nazi force. In a short space of time, attitudes change towards the POWs, who end up joining the deserting Italian soldiers who have returned to protect the community. There are lovely scenes of stolen moments between Rosa and Tom, and Emma and Marco, that heighten the suspenseful drama and the emotional impact of the fascinating partisan elements based on real events - which paint the Nazi occupiers are a very nasty bunch for our brave men and women to fight against from the shadows. There are some spicy scenes as passion boils over too.

What shines through this story is the bravery of Emma and Rosa, and the sacrifices they are forced to make. My heart was in my mouth for the entire second half of the book, and Daiko keeps the pace going beautifully all the way to the final moments when you learn the fate of all the characters you have come to care about.

This is my first Siobhan Daiko, but it will not be my last. Her writing is engaging, and I really enjoyed the way she blends fact and fiction in a way that gives you an intriguing glimpse of history through the eyes of compelling characters. A cracking read for lovers of wartime romance that packs a punch.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of sweeping historical fiction will be completely mesmerized by Siobhan Daiko’s latest novel, Daughters of Tuscany.

The arrival of British prisoners of war to the farmhouse estate of the Marchese Ginori draws different reactions from daughter of the house Emma and employee Rosa. After the death of her husband at the hands of the Allies, Rosa is naturally wary and distrustful of the new arrivals – especially as she has a daughter to protect and care for. Meanwhile, Emma is relieved that she’s going to have some much-needed help around the estate – and the opportunity to protect her childhood friend Marco, an Italian soldier hiding from the Nazis.

With danger creeping ever closer to them, Emma and Rosa know that they must tread carefully and not trust anyone because if their actions end up raising even the slightest of suspicion, then their lives will simply not be worth living. As unlikely alliances are formed and secrets spilled, nobody is more surprised than Rosa when she finds herself drawn to one of the POWs, a Scotsman called Tom. Dare Rosa hope for a future with a man she has grown to care for? Or is she foolish for even daring to dream?

As the stakes get higher and higher, will Rosa and Emma stay strong in the face of all the adversity and obstacles standing in their way? Or will the enemy rip through their defenses and destroy everything they hold dear?

Siobhan Daiko’s Daughters of Tuscany is an atmospheric and evocative historical novel that brings to life the dangers and risks faced by strong women during this dangerous time in history and the bravery, courage and resilience they needed to live on to fight another day. Written straight from the heart, Daughters of Tuscany is a poignant, enthralling and unforgettable historical tale from Siobhan Daiko perfect for fans of Heather Morris and Kristin Hannah.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a historical fiction that takes place in Italy during WWII. Siobhan Daiko’s story follows the lives of two women during a very tough time in history. We follow Emma as she goes to the lengths to protect her friend, Marco. We also follow the life of Rosa, a Scotsman whom she meets named Tom. The narration of this story really puts you in the place and time of this era. The writing is so expressive, and it’ll pull at your heartstrings. It is heartbreaking, and you really do learn a piece of history through these characters. However, I will say that I wish that the story was a bit longer, and I wish that we got a little bit more character development. I think that has a lot to do with how short the story was. I feel like we didn’t get to truly get to know each character in depth, and it would’ve been nice to really have a full background on everyone. This book has tons of romance, and I am all for it. I don’t think that there’s anything wrong with a good wartime romance. I’m not sure, but I feel like the only movie I can think of the moment is Pearl Harbor. I also feel like this also reminds me of books like The Tatooist of Auschwitz. It's not comparable, but wartime romance was what I was getting at. I enjoy books that show sacrifices, bravery, fears, and struggles. I feel like all of it helps with the world-building in the story. Overall, this was a great read! I do wish it was much longer, I bet it would’ve been super good to have the story continue a bit more.

[ScarletFix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could be half as eloquent as some of the reviews I’ve seen, but I don’t have quite the right words for that, so here’s what I do have.

I was hooked, from the very first page I just found myself being sucked deeper and deeper into this story of bravery, and passion and heartbreak. I grew up in the Netherlands where WWII is a part of our curriculum, but I realize that that is a quite biased one as I learned things I have never heard of before. Italy hasn’t come up much in the stories I’ve been told and it was nice to read a different type of perspective and struggle. Having it in a fictional setting with some true historical inspiration is such a lovely thing to read, and I find I enjoy that in a lot of Siobhan’s books. I always come away enriched in one way or another and it keeps me coming back to be honest.

The second thing that keeps me coming back is the beauty of women. Siobhan Daiko writes some absolutely brave and amazing women, this time was no different as I fell completely in love with Emma and Rosa. The struggles they went through, the fears and the happiness they found as well. I couldn’t look away. Not just that, but the sense of community in this small village as well. Seeing everybody go from entirely wary of the POW’s in their space to fully embracing them was very well done.

This book is a must-read if you love strong female leads, a good historical novel or some good romance. I can feel the love and research that went into this book and I personally highly recommend it.

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about the tragic history of Italy during the last 18 months of World War Two which fascinates authors and readers alike. This story about Emma, the daughter of a Marchese living on his estate in Tuscany, and Rosa, the daughter of one of his tenant farmers, gives us a picture of the relationship between the wealthy owner and his hard-working tenants who expect and respect his leadership. The scene is set with details about their rural economy such as the olive harvest and Rosa’s daily chores starting with baking bread for her family. Into this world come the German soldiers and the young men of the community flee to join the partisans.

Emma worries about her childhood friend, Marco, so she decides to help by becoming a messenger to the partisans. Rosa is still in mourning for her husband who had been killed by the Allies, so she is upset when a group of British prisoners of war come to work on the land. However, she can’t help noticing Tom, a Scottish soldier who tries to learn Italian.

As the Italian government falls into chaos and the Allies have victories further south, the Germans become more aggressive in Tuscany and the prisoners of war are allowed to escape. Emma tries to persuade the German Captain Hoffman not to punish the civilian community, but she is playing with fire. Rosa is glad that Tom is now fighting with the partisans but she discovers that her younger sister has made an unwise assignation which could endanger them all.

I read this book well into the night as the story kept me on the edge of my seat. As all of Siobhan Daiko’s wartime novels, the research is impeccable and the characters are convincing. The loyalty of the community for each other is admirable and the romance is integrated into a dramatic tale.

[Bloody Blogger Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I delved into another read from the phenomenal award winning historical fiction author, Siobhan Daiko. Yes, she is all this!

The world build is on point, set in Italy during WWII, with a beautiful Italian backdrop torn by war and heartbreak. A precise image of the timestamp of this novel (specific dates are not included but coincide with the time of events).

The added benefit with Ms. Daiko's books is that you also learn about wartime and vividly feel what her characters endure. In this novel, you will learn about the Mezzadria System, Vendemmia, The Olive Harvest, and Butchering Processes, which are woven into the storyline.

You will embark on a journey of two endearing sisters, whose courage to withstand the challenges of life during the war, takes them on a journey to find hope & love. Their endeavors to save loved ones and their community is admirable. In addition, they hope for a brighter future when Emma's childhood friend, Marco, becomes more. Her sister, Rosa, a widow, allows her heart to love again in the arms of Tom, a POW taking refuge on the farm she works at. Daughters of Tuscany will pull at your heartstrings. After all, it is a romance, too.

Ms. Daiko is amazing as she can be counted on for writing about strong women and WWII (sometimes together). I love all of her books. This one is a bit shorter but brilliant. It would be a perfect introduction to historical fiction if you aren't familiar. I highly recommend this book and all of Ms. Daiko's books. You will not be disappointed ever.

[Bloody Blogger Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I delved into another read from the phenomenal award winning historical fiction author, Siobhan Daiko. Yes, she is all this!

The world build is on point, set in Italy during WWII, with a beautiful Italian backdrop torn by war and heartbreak. A precise image of the timestamp of this novel (specific dates are not included but coincide with the time of events).

The added benefit with Ms. Daiko's books is that you also learn about wartime and vividly feel what her characters endure. In this novel, you will learn about the Mezzadria System, Vendemmia, The Olive Harvest, and Butchering Processes, which are woven into the storyline.

You will embark on a journey of two endearing friends, whose courage to withstand the challenges of life during the war, takes them on a journey to find hope & love. Their endeavors to save loved ones and their community is admirable. In addition, they hope for a brighter future when Emma's childhood friend, Marco, becomes more. Rosa, a widow, allows her heart to love again in the arms of Tom, a POW taking refuge on the farm she works at. Daughters of Tuscany will pull at your heartstrings. After all, it is a romance, too.

Ms. Daiko is amazing as she can be counted on for writing about strong women and WWII (sometimes together). I love all of her books. This one is a bit shorter but brilliant. It would be a perfect introduction to historical fiction if you aren't familiar. I highly recommend this book and all of Ms. Daiko's books. You will not be disappointed ever.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In her latest World War II historical fiction novel set in Italy, Siobhan Daiko brings a Tuscan estate to life in this fascinating novel. Following Rosa, the daughter of a farmer, and Emma, the landowner’s daughter, as the Nazi and Italian grip on Tuscany weakens, readers will explore life in fascist Italy and the presence of POW camps and resistance cells in northern Italy. When Emma discovers that her childhood friend Marco has joined the partisans and Rosa becomes friends with Scottish POW Tom, both women must make dangerous choices to protect their community and those they love from fascism’s grip on central Europe by freeing their village in a daring and valiant effort. As always, Daiko’s novel is incredibly researched with fascinating characters, complex historical settings, and a wealth of research into the period. With its focus on Italian POW camps and local partisan groups, she brings Italian resistance and its ties to the home front to life through Emma, Rosa, Marco, and Tom’s work and relationships with each other. She does not shy away from the darker sides of the war and protection against the local fascists (trigger warnings for sexual harassment) but handles it appropriately and sensitively in a way that is relevant yet not gratuitous or descriptive.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This powerful historical novel takes place in Tuscany during WWII.

On first impressions, I felt this was beautifully written, and that impression remained throughout. As I was reading, I pictured the Tuscan scenery, and I admired how the author brought both the characters and story to life within the setting. I found that my attention was drawn to colours, sounds and scents, and I loved the general atmosphere, and the feeling of escape that it provided.

I found that I became invested in the lives of the characters and their personal affairs, empathising in some ways with both Emma and Rosa, and there were some moments in the story that made me slightly tearful.

This was a riveting romantic read, and a story of hope and courage too. If you like wartime novels and are looking for something that will tug at your heartstrings, this may appeal to you.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughters of Tuscany has climbed up the ladder to my favourite historical fiction book! The author has written evocative descriptions of the times, food, war and harvesting so much so that I felt like I was right there in the middle. The plot is loosely based upon true stories which I always find fascinating as it is so hard to imagine. The planes and the bombs being dropped were terrifying and being discriminated against just because of your culture is atrocious. I easily empathized with the characters especially Emma and Rosa as I prayed for a good outcome for both of them. Once I started reading this I was well and truly gripped and I did not want it to end. I'm glad I had cleared my schedule to read this absorbing novel!

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful historical fiction book by Siobhan Daiko. I have read her previous work and have always enjoyed them. This new title is set
in Italy and tells the story of two women from different backgrounds - their bravery, sacrifice and strength in times of the hardships in war torn Italy .
Rosa, the daughter of a farmer and Emma, the daughter of the marchese, the wealthy landowner live different lives but both struggle with their responsibilities and their love for men fighting with the resistance movement in the war.
Both women strive for a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.
A story of love, loss and the sacrifices made during the war - a truly captivating read.

[Wendy van Putten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dit boek heeft mij teleurgesteld ,ik zat al een heel eind in het (liefdes) verhaal van Carrie voordat ik weesmeisje mimi leerde kennen . De schrijver heeft voor dit boek de verkeerde titel gekozen ,althans voor mijn gevoel . Waar het verhaal over het Weesmeisje van Toscane zou moeten gaan wijkt het voor mij TE vaak af naar Carrie en Vito hun liefde en verlangen naar elkaar . Op enkele momenten komt weesmeisje Mimi terug tevoorschijn maar voor mijn gevoel zeker niet als hoofdrol . Doordat het verhaal te vaak bleef hangen en bleef aanslepen werd het met momenten zeer saai ,jammer. Ik heb het boek met veel moeite uitgelezen . Ik heb al heel veel Oorlogsverhalen gelezen en vind deze een stuk minder .
3*

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set within a country with fighting not only against Germany, but within themselves.
I loved the descriptive details used throughout the book; it made feel that was right there. I learnt so much about the olive harvest, the washing process, the butchering and so much more.
Daughters of Tuscany is filled with Sacrifice, hope. Loss, love, resilience and bravery. Siobhan Daiko has written a novel that was hard to put down. 4 ½ stars

I would like to thank Boldwood Books, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

#DaughtersofTuscany #NetGalley.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Siobhan's 'Daughters of Tuscany' was like meeting an old, dear friend after a long absence. What a poignant, emotional, thoroughly enjoyable read this was! I did not want the book to end as I loved the characters and bonded with them. Siobhan's writing is so beautiful and evocative - this story brought war time Tuscany so very alive and I laughed, cried and worried alongside both the incredibly strong heroines - absolutely adored both Emma and Rosa. Such brave and amazing women!  This book was a stunning read - such beautiful prose and such a brilliant story that completely transported me. 

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This descriptive historical novel, set during the latter years of WW2, takes us deep into the heart of Italy during the German occupation. We meet two young women, from different backgrounds, who, together with their families, try to keep hope alive. However, protecting their families from German hostility is really challenging but is their strength of spirit which sees them cope during the worst of times. Well researched, the story recounts this dark period in history especially in the descriptions of the harsh treatment given out to the fugitives and prisoners of war whilst at the same time championing the bravery of those who fought against oppression.

The author writes well, bringing both the beauty of place and the strength of the people alive in a very realistic way so that I soon became immersed in Tuscan life, watching as the olive harvest is brought in, the fields are tended and also enjoying the detailed descriptions of food, even though mostly peasant food it is described in a delicious way. The history feels authentic, the struggles of the people and the danger placed upon those who were part of the resistance is done well and with danger never far away there is always the anticipation of what will happen those characters who have such an emotional appeal. There are some nice romantic interludes which gives the story a lighter edge and I enjoyed seeing how these special relationships would play out especially when everything looked so hopeless.

The author has a great way of bringing history alive and whilst I have to admit that I didn’t know very much about the WW2 German occupation of Italy, it has been fascinating to learn a little more in Daughters of Tuscany which shows the strength and resilience of those who were fighting for freedom during a very harsh time in our history.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping story of WWII Italy from Siobhan Daiko. I raced through this book, eager to know how or if the characters would survive the war. The fact that this is based on true stories made it fascinating too. As always, Daiko’s evocative descriptions of the countryside and Italian foods immersed me in the story.
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction set in WWII.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Rosa and Emma building an alliance and fighting for the men they love in war torn Tuscany. A compelling story with great characters and acts of bravery with then joining the Resistance and fighting for what is right. If you love the war time stories I would definitely recommend this book set in the beautiful Tuscany where there was so much hardship and bravery

[Margaret Wray · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read Simply written and heart warming in parts.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, kept me on up late at night. finally finished it.

[Marsha Thalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was taken quickly in and ended up staying up the whole night reading it.

[Brenda Cowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting read

The detail was very good. Some of the dialogue was repetitive and cheesy but I enjoyed the story overall. I learned about the war in a different region

[A M Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the storyline but feel there needed to be more depth to it