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Daughters of Italy #2
The Venetian Daughter
Venice, 1943. How much will she risk to save the ones she loves?
Evelina has already lost so much: her sons are away fighting, her husband is dead, and most of her friends have fled the little valley that once felt like home. Her heart breaks in two once more when she receives a desperate handwritten note from her best friend Talia, a devoted Jewish schoolteacher in Venice: Help me .
Evelina rushes to Talia’s aid but finds an empty house and a swastika painted on the door. Then she hears a child crying and uncovers a little boy, with big brown eyes, hiding in the laundry chute. He tells her that his teacher, Talia, promised to come back for him but then the Germans arrived. Where is her dear friend?
The Nazis are rounding up Jewish children, so Evelina hides the boy in her parents’ beautiful house on the grand canal. Her mother and father are reluctant to help, but as they read to him every evening she sees their hearts begin to open. Too many innocents have already been lost to this war.
Evelina hears a whisper that nuns are hiding Jewish people, so every day she visits as many churches as she can. When Evelina finally uncovers Talia hiding in a roof, they are overjoyed to see each other. But as they descend a perilous wooden ladder, a Nazi officer appears, holding a gun. Certain that his icy blue eyes will be the last thing she sees, Evelina clutches her friend’s hand tightly, terrified in the city that it supposed to be their home.
With the Germans on their trail, Evelina cannot return to her parents’ house. Can she reunite her beloved friend with the little boy they both desperately want to keep safe? And will she find a way to get out of the city before it’s too late?
From bestselling author Ella Carey comes an utterly heartbreaking and gripping World War Two historical novel that will transport you to the canals of Venice and remind you to always hold onto hope. Fans of Kathryn Hughes, Fiona Valpy and Victoria Hislop will be totally enchanted.
Evelina has already lost so much: her sons are away fighting, her husband is dead, and most of her friends have fled the little valley that once felt like home. Her heart breaks in two once more when she receives a desperate handwritten note from her best friend Talia, a devoted Jewish schoolteacher in Venice: Help me .
Evelina rushes to Talia’s aid but finds an empty house and a swastika painted on the door. Then she hears a child crying and uncovers a little boy, with big brown eyes, hiding in the laundry chute. He tells her that his teacher, Talia, promised to come back for him but then the Germans arrived. Where is her dear friend?
The Nazis are rounding up Jewish children, so Evelina hides the boy in her parents’ beautiful house on the grand canal. Her mother and father are reluctant to help, but as they read to him every evening she sees their hearts begin to open. Too many innocents have already been lost to this war.
Evelina hears a whisper that nuns are hiding Jewish people, so every day she visits as many churches as she can. When Evelina finally uncovers Talia hiding in a roof, they are overjoyed to see each other. But as they descend a perilous wooden ladder, a Nazi officer appears, holding a gun. Certain that his icy blue eyes will be the last thing she sees, Evelina clutches her friend’s hand tightly, terrified in the city that it supposed to be their home.
With the Germans on their trail, Evelina cannot return to her parents’ house. Can she reunite her beloved friend with the little boy they both desperately want to keep safe? And will she find a way to get out of the city before it’s too late?
From bestselling author Ella Carey comes an utterly heartbreaking and gripping World War Two historical novel that will transport you to the canals of Venice and remind you to always hold onto hope. Fans of Kathryn Hughes, Fiona Valpy and Victoria Hislop will be totally enchanted.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
1326 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Ella Carey
30 books686 followersElla Carey is the USA Today and Amazon charts bestselling author of Secrets of Paris series, as well as the standalone kindle bestsellers, Secret Shores, The Things We Don’t Say and Beyond the Horizon, set around the brave, unsung Women’s Airforce Pilots of World War Two.
A New York Secret is the first in Ella's new Daughters of New York series and published on March 12th, 2021. Laced with all the glamour of New York, the book is set in an exquisite Uptown restaurant where Lily Rose is training to become head chef in the 1940's. Ella traveled to New York to research the book, which involved going incognito on foodie tours, visiting some of New York's most famous restaurants, and exploring the atmospheric streets of Greenwich Village. The whole experience resulted in her developing a serious addiction to cannoli, a passion for The Strand Bookstore, a love for The Village, along with six new novels set in New York, all to be published in the coming years.
The second book in the series, The Lost Girl of Berlin, released on July 12th, 2021, and is set in the aftermath of the Second World War amongst the ruins of Berlin and then, in fabulous post war New York, and the third book in the series is The Girl from Paris, telling the story of Vianne Mercier, a Parisian fashion designer who travels to New York, and for whom beautiful couture is a fairytale.
Ella was born in Adelaide, Australia, and was educated at the University of Adelaide, completing a music degree in classical piano at the Elder Conservatorium, and an arts degree with a double major in History and English Literature.
Ella lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family. Ella's house is run by one very elderly and adored Italian Greyhound, and one cute puppy called Sassy who thinks she is the boss! And Ella's garden is managed by four chickens, Miss Pertelote, Annie, Harriet and Fox's Dinner.
Ella has recently signed a nine-book deal with Hachette UK imprint Bookouture. Bookouture have published all of Ella’s previous books, which have reached over one million readers in English alone, and are also publishing Ella's New York series for publication in 2021, 2022 and 2023. This sweeping historical series of six books, featuring unforgettable characters, will tell the stories of dazzling hopes and difficult dreams in America, before, during and after the Second World War.
Ella's New York series and her Paris Secrets Series have been sold for translation into many countries into over twenty languages.
When she’s not writing, Ella enjoys studying Italian, walking along the beach, travelling when she can, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves to chat with her readers, and would be delighted for you to join her lovely group of long time readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ellacareyaut..., and on her website at www.ellacarey.com, where you can find more information about the background behind her books, and join her mailing list for regular updates about her upcoming novels.
A New York Secret is the first in Ella's new Daughters of New York series and published on March 12th, 2021. Laced with all the glamour of New York, the book is set in an exquisite Uptown restaurant where Lily Rose is training to become head chef in the 1940's. Ella traveled to New York to research the book, which involved going incognito on foodie tours, visiting some of New York's most famous restaurants, and exploring the atmospheric streets of Greenwich Village. The whole experience resulted in her developing a serious addiction to cannoli, a passion for The Strand Bookstore, a love for The Village, along with six new novels set in New York, all to be published in the coming years.
The second book in the series, The Lost Girl of Berlin, released on July 12th, 2021, and is set in the aftermath of the Second World War amongst the ruins of Berlin and then, in fabulous post war New York, and the third book in the series is The Girl from Paris, telling the story of Vianne Mercier, a Parisian fashion designer who travels to New York, and for whom beautiful couture is a fairytale.
Ella was born in Adelaide, Australia, and was educated at the University of Adelaide, completing a music degree in classical piano at the Elder Conservatorium, and an arts degree with a double major in History and English Literature.
Ella lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family. Ella's house is run by one very elderly and adored Italian Greyhound, and one cute puppy called Sassy who thinks she is the boss! And Ella's garden is managed by four chickens, Miss Pertelote, Annie, Harriet and Fox's Dinner.
Ella has recently signed a nine-book deal with Hachette UK imprint Bookouture. Bookouture have published all of Ella’s previous books, which have reached over one million readers in English alone, and are also publishing Ella's New York series for publication in 2021, 2022 and 2023. This sweeping historical series of six books, featuring unforgettable characters, will tell the stories of dazzling hopes and difficult dreams in America, before, during and after the Second World War.
Ella's New York series and her Paris Secrets Series have been sold for translation into many countries into over twenty languages.
When she’s not writing, Ella enjoys studying Italian, walking along the beach, travelling when she can, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves to chat with her readers, and would be delighted for you to join her lovely group of long time readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ellacareyaut..., and on her website at www.ellacarey.com, where you can find more information about the background behind her books, and join her mailing list for regular updates about her upcoming novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 28, 2024
Evelina - Contessa Messina - had lived at the Villa Rosa in Tuscany since her marriage, but now her husband, Arturo, had died and her two sons were away, fighting in the war. It was 1943 when Evelina received a telegram from her best friend, Talia, begging her to help. Evelina was shocked as she'd understood Talia had fled to America with her father when the Jewish population of Italy were told they'd be sent to camps; now she needed to go quickly to Venice and get Talia away from the Nazis and everything that threatened her. Evelina's arrival at the home Talia lived in was met with a swastika on the door, and silence inside - until she heard a child crying. Rescuing him was the beginning of a battle of wills with the Nazis, one she was determined to win.
Searching on a daily basis, while the child, Mario, stayed hidden in her parents home, Evelina was beginning to despair. Would she find Talia? And if she did, how would she get Talia and Mario out of Venice? The Germans were relentless and brutal; but Evelina wouldn't let them beat her down...
The Venetian Daughter is the 2nd in the Daughters of Italy series by Aussie author Ella Carey and I enjoyed it very much. Evelina is a strong, resilient character and what she went through was heartbreaking. Jack and his grandmother, eighty year old Elisabetta, were excellent characters, as well as Evelina's papa. I'm looking forward to #3 already. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read.
Searching on a daily basis, while the child, Mario, stayed hidden in her parents home, Evelina was beginning to despair. Would she find Talia? And if she did, how would she get Talia and Mario out of Venice? The Germans were relentless and brutal; but Evelina wouldn't let them beat her down...
The Venetian Daughter is the 2nd in the Daughters of Italy series by Aussie author Ella Carey and I enjoyed it very much. Evelina is a strong, resilient character and what she went through was heartbreaking. Jack and his grandmother, eighty year old Elisabetta, were excellent characters, as well as Evelina's papa. I'm looking forward to #3 already. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read.
August 3, 2024
This is the eighth book I’ve read by this author and she continues to amaze me!
The Venetian Daughter is book two in Ella Carey’s ‘Daughters of Italy’ series and asks what we’d be willing to risk to save someone we loved.
Carey whisks readers back to November 1943 where Italy has recently switched alliances and instead of being an ally of Nazi Germany, it’s now an occupied country. As the book opens, the Congress of Verona has declared all Jews as ‘enemy aliens’ and a systematic hunt is taking place in the 118 islands that comprise Venice. Talia, a dedicated schoolteacher, is one targeted in this search. When her request for help reaches her widowed friend, Evelina (Contessa Messina) drops everything and leaves The Villa Rosa in Tuscany, rushing to Venice. When she arrives, Talia is nowhere to be found. Instead, she finds a little boy in the laundry chute. Will he help her find Talia? Has Evelina risked it all for nothing?
This story was the perfect balance of history, mystery and romance. Jack’s entry into the story brings new emotions and pulls the heartstrings in a different direction. I can’t imagine being hunted down for my religious beliefs nor can I imagine the depth of courage needed to offer support knowing it would put my own life at risk. Carey’s examination of these very real experiences is exceptional.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The Venetian Daughter is book two in Ella Carey’s ‘Daughters of Italy’ series and asks what we’d be willing to risk to save someone we loved.
Carey whisks readers back to November 1943 where Italy has recently switched alliances and instead of being an ally of Nazi Germany, it’s now an occupied country. As the book opens, the Congress of Verona has declared all Jews as ‘enemy aliens’ and a systematic hunt is taking place in the 118 islands that comprise Venice. Talia, a dedicated schoolteacher, is one targeted in this search. When her request for help reaches her widowed friend, Evelina (Contessa Messina) drops everything and leaves The Villa Rosa in Tuscany, rushing to Venice. When she arrives, Talia is nowhere to be found. Instead, she finds a little boy in the laundry chute. Will he help her find Talia? Has Evelina risked it all for nothing?
This story was the perfect balance of history, mystery and romance. Jack’s entry into the story brings new emotions and pulls the heartstrings in a different direction. I can’t imagine being hunted down for my religious beliefs nor can I imagine the depth of courage needed to offer support knowing it would put my own life at risk. Carey’s examination of these very real experiences is exceptional.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 7, 2024
Book two in this wonderful series and we start back at Villa Rosa and then move onto Venice, the Germans are now there and removing the Jews and when Evelina, Countess Messina gets a message from her best friend, Talia that she needs help, Evie goes, no thought about her own safety, this starts a journey filled with danger and hope.
Evie has lost her husband and she has two sons, Raf is fighting in the war and Nico and her have a strained relationship so helping Talia is a must for Evie, she arrives at her parents Palazzo and is soon searching for Talia, what she discovers shocks her but she brings the little boy back she must do everything to save the child. The past is opened up by the return of Jack the man she loved so many years ago, is he there for the Nazis or is he there for the Americans?
Searching for Talia is dangerous she is being watched and followed at every turn by the Germans who are determined to find Talia as well, but nothing is going to stop the determined Evie in saving her best friend and the young boy especially when she uncovers a secret, will she get them to safety and will she remain safe, times are dangerous.
This is a beautiful story, it is heart-breaking and heart-felt as Evie does what she needs to do, the love she has for her friend is true and goes back many years, she puts her own life on the line, such strength and determination, will she get back to Villa Rosa in Tuscany? Thank you Ella Carey for another fabulous story.
I do highly recommend this one to any lovers of a good historical read.
My thanks to Bookoture and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Evie has lost her husband and she has two sons, Raf is fighting in the war and Nico and her have a strained relationship so helping Talia is a must for Evie, she arrives at her parents Palazzo and is soon searching for Talia, what she discovers shocks her but she brings the little boy back she must do everything to save the child. The past is opened up by the return of Jack the man she loved so many years ago, is he there for the Nazis or is he there for the Americans?
Searching for Talia is dangerous she is being watched and followed at every turn by the Germans who are determined to find Talia as well, but nothing is going to stop the determined Evie in saving her best friend and the young boy especially when she uncovers a secret, will she get them to safety and will she remain safe, times are dangerous.
This is a beautiful story, it is heart-breaking and heart-felt as Evie does what she needs to do, the love she has for her friend is true and goes back many years, she puts her own life on the line, such strength and determination, will she get back to Villa Rosa in Tuscany? Thank you Ella Carey for another fabulous story.
I do highly recommend this one to any lovers of a good historical read.
My thanks to Bookoture and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
June 26, 2024
The Venetian Daughter is a most gripping and intriguing WW2 story. It made me think hard about the frightening times these people had to endure. The main setting is Venice, 1943 and centres around a woman named Evelina who has come from an upper class family. She married the man preferred by her parents and became the Contessa Messina. They had a good life together and had two children who are now grown and off battling the war. But Evie’s husband has died and she has taken over his family business at Villa Rosa, Tuscany. But one day she gets a message from her best friend Talia, who is a Jewish schoolteacher in Venice begging for her help. Of course, she returns home and to Talia’s house to find her gone. Evie fears the worst. But she hears a sound and discovers one of Talia’s students has been hidden in the laundry chute in the house that the Nazis have overtaken. So, she rescues him and takes him back to her parents’ home.
There are some pretty heavy events that transpire and the tension builds throughout this story that left me often on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen to the characters. When Evie runs into an old flame, Jack, who broke her heart, she is unsure whose side he is on. Can she rely on him to help her or will he turn her in to the Germans?
It was sad to be reminded of all the innocent children that were rounded up by the Nazis and sent to their deaths. And other precious characters, we get to know. There were many who tried to help save and hide the Jews and as a result also lost their lives. But their bravery shone brightly in that world of dark deeds and those who had courage to care and try to help made a difference.
This story made me think about those who supported Hitler initially as he ‘promised to make Germany strong and powerful again’ but as they saw the unfurling of his ‘real intentions to annihilate the Jews’, they quickly withdrew their support. Many of those who felt they had been fooled would never have wanted to see the deaths of their Jewish friends. But often they were powerless to stop the force that was marching against them. It was good to see the change of heart in Evie’s parents who were originally supporters of the new leadership but once they realised what was really going on, they became deeply saddened and tried to help the innocent. I also admired Evie whose compassion and love for others shone through like a beacon of hope. It carried and motivated her to keep trying to save her friends and family despite the danger it put her in. It was nice to see her relationship with her mother grow as initially it was not the best. Evie remains steadfast in her purpose and her bravery had me cheering often! But there were some very tense moments she faced when my own heart quivered in fear.
The Venetian Daughter ends in a realistic mix of joy and sorrow. Lives are lost, betrayal occurs, hearts are torn apart but there are some Jews who survive due to the bravery of others. And that keeps the fires of hope burning. Ms Carey has done a beautiful job delivering a heart-wrenching story, that I won’t soon forget. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.
There are some pretty heavy events that transpire and the tension builds throughout this story that left me often on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen to the characters. When Evie runs into an old flame, Jack, who broke her heart, she is unsure whose side he is on. Can she rely on him to help her or will he turn her in to the Germans?
It was sad to be reminded of all the innocent children that were rounded up by the Nazis and sent to their deaths. And other precious characters, we get to know. There were many who tried to help save and hide the Jews and as a result also lost their lives. But their bravery shone brightly in that world of dark deeds and those who had courage to care and try to help made a difference.
This story made me think about those who supported Hitler initially as he ‘promised to make Germany strong and powerful again’ but as they saw the unfurling of his ‘real intentions to annihilate the Jews’, they quickly withdrew their support. Many of those who felt they had been fooled would never have wanted to see the deaths of their Jewish friends. But often they were powerless to stop the force that was marching against them. It was good to see the change of heart in Evie’s parents who were originally supporters of the new leadership but once they realised what was really going on, they became deeply saddened and tried to help the innocent. I also admired Evie whose compassion and love for others shone through like a beacon of hope. It carried and motivated her to keep trying to save her friends and family despite the danger it put her in. It was nice to see her relationship with her mother grow as initially it was not the best. Evie remains steadfast in her purpose and her bravery had me cheering often! But there were some very tense moments she faced when my own heart quivered in fear.
The Venetian Daughter ends in a realistic mix of joy and sorrow. Lives are lost, betrayal occurs, hearts are torn apart but there are some Jews who survive due to the bravery of others. And that keeps the fires of hope burning. Ms Carey has done a beautiful job delivering a heart-wrenching story, that I won’t soon forget. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.
September 4, 2024
3.5*
Ella Carey is always on my automatic read list. I love her books and the Daughters of New York series was pure gold. Daughters of Italy is her current series and this is book 2. It can be read as a standalone from book 1 as there is minimal crossover.
Ella is a phenomenal author. On this occasion she tells the story of Evelina and what she does to protect those she loves and cares for. The writing is engaging with plot lines of secrets, danger, family and love. Yet again I was a little surprised when the book ended just before the 80% mark on my device. It did seem a little abrupt or maybe I was just not ready for it to end? The ending and resolutions came very quickly and left me questioning some aspects of the story.
A story of Italian resistance and how families could become divided in their support.
There are rich descriptions of Venice that are sure to please readers, from its canals to its churches as Ella takes readers on another heart wrenching story of hope from WWII.
‘Hitler’s war has been a disaster for Italy; we have endured Mussolini’s reprehensible siding with the Nazis(as) they marched into the north of the country and placed Mussolini back as a puppet leader again.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Ella Carey is always on my automatic read list. I love her books and the Daughters of New York series was pure gold. Daughters of Italy is her current series and this is book 2. It can be read as a standalone from book 1 as there is minimal crossover.
Ella is a phenomenal author. On this occasion she tells the story of Evelina and what she does to protect those she loves and cares for. The writing is engaging with plot lines of secrets, danger, family and love. Yet again I was a little surprised when the book ended just before the 80% mark on my device. It did seem a little abrupt or maybe I was just not ready for it to end? The ending and resolutions came very quickly and left me questioning some aspects of the story.
A story of Italian resistance and how families could become divided in their support.
There are rich descriptions of Venice that are sure to please readers, from its canals to its churches as Ella takes readers on another heart wrenching story of hope from WWII.
‘Hitler’s war has been a disaster for Italy; we have endured Mussolini’s reprehensible siding with the Nazis(as) they marched into the north of the country and placed Mussolini back as a puppet leader again.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
December 1, 2025
Een roman mooi geschreven over familiebanden, vriendschappen, moed, vertrouwen, loyaliteit en verraad in een tijd van chaos en gevaar
August 4, 2024
This book can definitely be read as a standalone because it has little connection to the first book, An Italian Secret. I was hoping it might provide some background on the Contessa and some of the characters at Villa Rosa but this story takes place entirely in Venice. It focuses on Evelina, her Venitian family, and her best friend since childhood, who happens to be Jewish. I enjoyed this quick read but was disappointed that it didn't build on the first book.
August 3, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exceptional book
italy during the war was overrun with nazis... and when the news came out that all the jews in italy were being rounded up and taken to poland thats when evaline knew it was time for her to return home and see if she could find her friends and help them escape to safety
she had received a telegram from talia her oldest friend one she thought had managed to escape to america but now she needed help so back to her childhood home she returned...
but it was on that return when she went to talias home that she found a little boy waiting for talia and his parents to return for him. the germans had already been there and had taken all the jews away...it was only good fortune that the boy mario had hidden well but now evaline had to keep him safe and still find talia
and with the nazis following evaline things were getting more and more difficult... and when the betrayal happens its hits very deep for evaline
what a story ...it keeps you on tenterhooks right to the end...and the tension you can feel it leaping from the pages at you
wow just wow i look forward to reading more books from this author
italy during the war was overrun with nazis... and when the news came out that all the jews in italy were being rounded up and taken to poland thats when evaline knew it was time for her to return home and see if she could find her friends and help them escape to safety
she had received a telegram from talia her oldest friend one she thought had managed to escape to america but now she needed help so back to her childhood home she returned...
but it was on that return when she went to talias home that she found a little boy waiting for talia and his parents to return for him. the germans had already been there and had taken all the jews away...it was only good fortune that the boy mario had hidden well but now evaline had to keep him safe and still find talia
and with the nazis following evaline things were getting more and more difficult... and when the betrayal happens its hits very deep for evaline
what a story ...it keeps you on tenterhooks right to the end...and the tension you can feel it leaping from the pages at you
wow just wow i look forward to reading more books from this author
August 23, 2024
Heart stopping story
Wow I stayed up all night reading this book I couldn't put it down I couldn't go to sleep until I had the final answers it never ends every corner there's something else that happens and it keeps you engaged in the story the entire time It was a great read
Wow I stayed up all night reading this book I couldn't put it down I couldn't go to sleep until I had the final answers it never ends every corner there's something else that happens and it keeps you engaged in the story the entire time It was a great read
August 14, 2025
I enjoyed reading this HF with a little bit of mystery woven in to the storyline. Takes place in Venice. It didn’t know Venice had the city with the largest Jewish population before WWII! The Nazis have taken over Venice in this book & a Countess from Tuscany comes searching for her Jewish best friend who’s gotten a msg to her that she wasn’t able to escape Venice and needs her help.
August 3, 2024
The Venetian Daughter is the second in the Daughters of War series by Ella Carey. It can definitely be read as a standalone story as there is the merest of connections to the first book. In fact, I expected this to follow on from book one and supply me with the information regarding the character of Annie that I wanted but this didn’t happen at all. Which to be honest, I was disappointed with but I hope I get some of the answers in the next book if there is to be a third in the series. This time we are taken back to November 1943, to the Villa Rosa in Tuscany where Countess Evelina lives. She is on edge and feels that something is about to happen. There is a restlessness and an uncertainty that she can’t seem to shake and as the war rages on around her this is nothing unusual, but yet she feels something big and personal is just around the corner for her.
Evelina hasn’t been the same since her husband Arturo suffered a heart attack and was taken from her. She still grieves deeply for him as he was taken so young but she does her best to manage the estate with the help of her secretary Cara and gardener Alphonso. Her two sons have left the villa, Rafael is away fighting trying to help the Allies as they come up south through the country but her other son Nico is a different kettle of fish. He is firmly on Hitler’s side and will do anything to help the Nazi’s win the war. His last known whereabouts were in Milan running a steel factory producing armaments for the Germans. This is soul destroying for Evelina as she has always been on the side of the Allies and hides and does her best to help as many refugees as possible as they flee from the North of Italy where the Germans are invading and destroying everything in their path. Evelina is a conflicted woman. On the one hand she has a mother’s love for her sons but the actions of Nico make her question her loyalty, love and devotion to him.
When a telegram arrives from her best friend Talia, who is a teacher, the plot rapidly picked up its pace. Talia is Jewish and with the new directives declaring all members of the Jewish race as foreigners and enemy aliens Talia is now in great danger. All Jews are to be arrested and deported to Germany to what fate one can only guess as the true extent of what went on in camps only become fully known when the war was declared over. Originally from Venice, Evelina decides at once that she must go home and try and find Talia and get her to safety. What she can’t understand is why Talia is not long-gone considering Eveline and her father helped Talia and her father secure passage to Palestine and then on to America. The reasons for this do become known much later on in the book and they show what a steadfast, loyal, courageous and self-sacrificing woman Talia truly was.
I would have loved to have been told what age Evelina was because she had been married and had two young adult men but yet the more the story developed she came across as being quite young herself. Especially when old love American Jack reappeared on the scene. At some points she came across as quite mature and at others she was the complete opposite in some of the decisions she made and the situations she put herself in unnecessarily a lot of the time in my mind. But it was great to get a backstory to Evelina because in the first book she came across as quite cold and aloof although it did change towards the end and still regarding Evelina there is a burning question I have so I am really hoping book three will tie all the strands from the first two books together.
Evelina reaches Venice and her desperation and anguish are evident with every turn of the page as she is determined to locate Talia. I kept thinking that they must have had some bond that went beyond the realms of friendship into sisterhood as Eveline was putting herself in so much danger to find her. It was like she didn’t care about the consequences or the bigger picture. Talia had to be found and that was it. In a way, I suppose she was making up for the fact that she couldn’t do anything about Nico and his opinions and actions and by helping Talia she was atoning for him in some small form.
Talia is not to be found at her house instead. It’s evident all the Jews in her area have been taken but she does find Mario hidden in the laundry chute of the house. He is a pupil of Talia’s who she told to stay hidden until his parents came but they never did. Evelina takes him into her care and the quest to find Talia grows ever more urgent. Through one thing and another Talia is located which I thought occurred too early as I thought this would form the backbone of the story. I also wanted to hear more from Talia’s point of view instead it was all narrated by Eveline. A changing up of things every now and again would have been benefical. But I was glad the chapters were longer this time around as I mentioned when reviewing book one that the chapters were too short and the timeline chopped and changed too frequently. Having the one timeline here was very good. A bigger picture begins to form both in terms of what actually was going on with Talia and Mario and what Evelina could try and do to solve this. Also, in terms of the German occupation of the city it brought the Nazi’s very close to Evelina and her parents door. There was a lot of back and forth as to how to get Talia and Mario to safety and at some points I found that this did become repetitive and I just wanted something to happen to move this aspect of the storyline on but when it did come it was exciting and edge of your seat stuff.
For Evelina, this was a real personal journey and quest and it became even more so when she meets her old friend Jack who meant so much more and she reflects on how things could have been very different and her life might not have turned out the way it did. I loved Jack as a character and I felt we barely scratched the surface with him and I would have loved to learn more about what occurred with him regarding a specific event in the last quarter or so of the book. He is back in Venice and staying with his grandmother as he broadcasts daily to the American people making out like the Germans are winning and everything they are doing is right and just. But surely that is not the Jack that Evelina knew and loved so dearly and perhaps she does harbour some feelings for him. What has happened to Jack? Well, I was certainly eager to find out and would Talia and Mario ever make it to safety and evade capture by the Germans? Would Evelina remain safe also?
The Venetian Daughter, as with book one, ended suddenly at the 80% mark and again I wanted more. I was prepared for 20% more let’s be honest. The epilogue felt rushed and I wanted lots more detail and the ending prior to this needed fleshing out. I was very interested in Evelina’s story but the unanswered questions from book one niggled away at me throughout. I loved the descriptions of Venice and of Evelina fitting in so well there that she could carry out her task and I feel I have learned a lot more about Italy under German occupation. All told, this was a very quick read and a decent story well told for the most part but I felt there was just that little bit too much left unresolved but hopefully this will be fixed in the future. A good book but overall, I preferred An Italian Secret.
Evelina hasn’t been the same since her husband Arturo suffered a heart attack and was taken from her. She still grieves deeply for him as he was taken so young but she does her best to manage the estate with the help of her secretary Cara and gardener Alphonso. Her two sons have left the villa, Rafael is away fighting trying to help the Allies as they come up south through the country but her other son Nico is a different kettle of fish. He is firmly on Hitler’s side and will do anything to help the Nazi’s win the war. His last known whereabouts were in Milan running a steel factory producing armaments for the Germans. This is soul destroying for Evelina as she has always been on the side of the Allies and hides and does her best to help as many refugees as possible as they flee from the North of Italy where the Germans are invading and destroying everything in their path. Evelina is a conflicted woman. On the one hand she has a mother’s love for her sons but the actions of Nico make her question her loyalty, love and devotion to him.
When a telegram arrives from her best friend Talia, who is a teacher, the plot rapidly picked up its pace. Talia is Jewish and with the new directives declaring all members of the Jewish race as foreigners and enemy aliens Talia is now in great danger. All Jews are to be arrested and deported to Germany to what fate one can only guess as the true extent of what went on in camps only become fully known when the war was declared over. Originally from Venice, Evelina decides at once that she must go home and try and find Talia and get her to safety. What she can’t understand is why Talia is not long-gone considering Eveline and her father helped Talia and her father secure passage to Palestine and then on to America. The reasons for this do become known much later on in the book and they show what a steadfast, loyal, courageous and self-sacrificing woman Talia truly was.
I would have loved to have been told what age Evelina was because she had been married and had two young adult men but yet the more the story developed she came across as being quite young herself. Especially when old love American Jack reappeared on the scene. At some points she came across as quite mature and at others she was the complete opposite in some of the decisions she made and the situations she put herself in unnecessarily a lot of the time in my mind. But it was great to get a backstory to Evelina because in the first book she came across as quite cold and aloof although it did change towards the end and still regarding Evelina there is a burning question I have so I am really hoping book three will tie all the strands from the first two books together.
Evelina reaches Venice and her desperation and anguish are evident with every turn of the page as she is determined to locate Talia. I kept thinking that they must have had some bond that went beyond the realms of friendship into sisterhood as Eveline was putting herself in so much danger to find her. It was like she didn’t care about the consequences or the bigger picture. Talia had to be found and that was it. In a way, I suppose she was making up for the fact that she couldn’t do anything about Nico and his opinions and actions and by helping Talia she was atoning for him in some small form.
Talia is not to be found at her house instead. It’s evident all the Jews in her area have been taken but she does find Mario hidden in the laundry chute of the house. He is a pupil of Talia’s who she told to stay hidden until his parents came but they never did. Evelina takes him into her care and the quest to find Talia grows ever more urgent. Through one thing and another Talia is located which I thought occurred too early as I thought this would form the backbone of the story. I also wanted to hear more from Talia’s point of view instead it was all narrated by Eveline. A changing up of things every now and again would have been benefical. But I was glad the chapters were longer this time around as I mentioned when reviewing book one that the chapters were too short and the timeline chopped and changed too frequently. Having the one timeline here was very good. A bigger picture begins to form both in terms of what actually was going on with Talia and Mario and what Evelina could try and do to solve this. Also, in terms of the German occupation of the city it brought the Nazi’s very close to Evelina and her parents door. There was a lot of back and forth as to how to get Talia and Mario to safety and at some points I found that this did become repetitive and I just wanted something to happen to move this aspect of the storyline on but when it did come it was exciting and edge of your seat stuff.
For Evelina, this was a real personal journey and quest and it became even more so when she meets her old friend Jack who meant so much more and she reflects on how things could have been very different and her life might not have turned out the way it did. I loved Jack as a character and I felt we barely scratched the surface with him and I would have loved to learn more about what occurred with him regarding a specific event in the last quarter or so of the book. He is back in Venice and staying with his grandmother as he broadcasts daily to the American people making out like the Germans are winning and everything they are doing is right and just. But surely that is not the Jack that Evelina knew and loved so dearly and perhaps she does harbour some feelings for him. What has happened to Jack? Well, I was certainly eager to find out and would Talia and Mario ever make it to safety and evade capture by the Germans? Would Evelina remain safe also?
The Venetian Daughter, as with book one, ended suddenly at the 80% mark and again I wanted more. I was prepared for 20% more let’s be honest. The epilogue felt rushed and I wanted lots more detail and the ending prior to this needed fleshing out. I was very interested in Evelina’s story but the unanswered questions from book one niggled away at me throughout. I loved the descriptions of Venice and of Evelina fitting in so well there that she could carry out her task and I feel I have learned a lot more about Italy under German occupation. All told, this was a very quick read and a decent story well told for the most part but I felt there was just that little bit too much left unresolved but hopefully this will be fixed in the future. A good book but overall, I preferred An Italian Secret.
July 27, 2024
I really wanted to love this book. A WWII era historical fiction set mostly in Venice? Yes please! Unfortunately, this book was hard to get through. Not because of the subject matter or because I cared about the characters, but because it felt so thrown together and poorly edited, it was beyond distracting.
From the beginning, the main character jumps from what's happening currently to some time in the past. No transition, no nothing. This lead to several instances of me being confused and having to read back a few paragraphs to see that I didn't miss something, it was just a massive leap.
And the continuity errors. In one instance, Talia sneaks a note in a church to Evelina, which Evelina reads and burns when she gets home. That night, she sneaks out to the church again and runs into the nuns protecting Talia, to whom she gives the magically un-burned note for them to read. Another case, it had been established earlier that Evelina's mother knew Talia did not get out of Venice with her father. Yet later in the book she seems to believe that both Talia and her father got out of Venice.
And then there are the parts that just don't make sense. I'm still confused how the Germans searched Talia's house, missed Mario and yet knew Evelina had Mario? She never questions how they found out?
And the ending. While I'm glad it ended abruptly to put me out of my misery, after years of not seeing her, a young child is going to tell a virtual stranger that he spent a couple of weeks with that he's got two mothers?
Much of the time, the characters thoughts and actions just didn't make a whole lot of sense. There was no backstory, there was no explanation. The reader is just shown completely opposing thoughts and feelings from certain characters, with no reason as to why. I was left not really caring about any of the characters because I had no idea what to expect from them, which led me to just not care about them.
I'm seriously confused by the so many good reviews, but as much as I wanted to like this one, I just couldn't convince myself that it was good. With a lot of editing, it absolutely could have been better, and even with all the negatives, I was, up until the last chapter, going to give it a second star. That last Evelina/Talia exchange, however, sealed the deal and unfortunately put this into 1 star territory.
From the beginning, the main character jumps from what's happening currently to some time in the past. No transition, no nothing. This lead to several instances of me being confused and having to read back a few paragraphs to see that I didn't miss something, it was just a massive leap.
And the continuity errors. In one instance, Talia sneaks a note in a church to Evelina, which Evelina reads and burns when she gets home. That night, she sneaks out to the church again and runs into the nuns protecting Talia, to whom she gives the magically un-burned note for them to read. Another case, it had been established earlier that Evelina's mother knew Talia did not get out of Venice with her father. Yet later in the book she seems to believe that both Talia and her father got out of Venice.
And then there are the parts that just don't make sense. I'm still confused how the Germans searched Talia's house, missed Mario and yet knew Evelina had Mario? She never questions how they found out?
And the ending. While I'm glad it ended abruptly to put me out of my misery, after years of not seeing her, a young child is going to tell a virtual stranger that he spent a couple of weeks with that he's got two mothers?
Much of the time, the characters thoughts and actions just didn't make a whole lot of sense. There was no backstory, there was no explanation. The reader is just shown completely opposing thoughts and feelings from certain characters, with no reason as to why. I was left not really caring about any of the characters because I had no idea what to expect from them, which led me to just not care about them.
I'm seriously confused by the so many good reviews, but as much as I wanted to like this one, I just couldn't convince myself that it was good. With a lot of editing, it absolutely could have been better, and even with all the negatives, I was, up until the last chapter, going to give it a second star. That last Evelina/Talia exchange, however, sealed the deal and unfortunately put this into 1 star territory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2024
🔹 My take: 4/5
🔸Evelina Messina is a 43 year old widow living in a posh villa in Tuscany. Her two sons are away fighting the war and most of her friends (Jews) have fled the country to escape Nazi atrocities. She is helping the farmers, the widows and war torn families as much as she can. Until one day when she receives telegram from her friend Talia that she seeks her help desperately. Evie is shocked since she had made passage for Talia and her father just few months back so that they leave for America before Nazis overpower Venice. The telegram proves that Talia is still in Venice and in hiding. Evie risks her life, her family and all her comforts; and travels to Venice to find out the truth and gets embroiled in a web that evokes fear, desperation, helplessness and shocking revelations.
💖 Wows - Set up in 1943, this story with backdrop of World War was a quick read. The descriptions of places are vivid and absolutely enchanting. I could picture myself sitting at the desk of Villa Rosa in Tuscany and then travelling in Mimi through the waters in Venice. The author has made the book so picturesque that I imagined myself in those wooden homes in Venice. The writing is smooth and I did not foresee the twist coming at the end.
💔 Ows - While this is historical fiction, do not expect that you will learn a thing or two about history or about WW II or about the harassment Jews went through in Nazi era. This book is a singular account of a woman as to how she manages and takes pains to find her friend, to deport her, the tricks she plays, the support she asks for, the validation she needs from her family etc. It’s her life trajectory in a war ridden country. So do not compare this other WWII based fictional books because this one does not cover length and breadth of the war.
💫 I really loved the writing and looking forward to read Book 1 in this ‘Daughters of Italy’ series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to @ellacarey_author @bookouture and @netgalley for sharing the DRC in exchange for honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
🔸Evelina Messina is a 43 year old widow living in a posh villa in Tuscany. Her two sons are away fighting the war and most of her friends (Jews) have fled the country to escape Nazi atrocities. She is helping the farmers, the widows and war torn families as much as she can. Until one day when she receives telegram from her friend Talia that she seeks her help desperately. Evie is shocked since she had made passage for Talia and her father just few months back so that they leave for America before Nazis overpower Venice. The telegram proves that Talia is still in Venice and in hiding. Evie risks her life, her family and all her comforts; and travels to Venice to find out the truth and gets embroiled in a web that evokes fear, desperation, helplessness and shocking revelations.
💖 Wows - Set up in 1943, this story with backdrop of World War was a quick read. The descriptions of places are vivid and absolutely enchanting. I could picture myself sitting at the desk of Villa Rosa in Tuscany and then travelling in Mimi through the waters in Venice. The author has made the book so picturesque that I imagined myself in those wooden homes in Venice. The writing is smooth and I did not foresee the twist coming at the end.
💔 Ows - While this is historical fiction, do not expect that you will learn a thing or two about history or about WW II or about the harassment Jews went through in Nazi era. This book is a singular account of a woman as to how she manages and takes pains to find her friend, to deport her, the tricks she plays, the support she asks for, the validation she needs from her family etc. It’s her life trajectory in a war ridden country. So do not compare this other WWII based fictional books because this one does not cover length and breadth of the war.
💫 I really loved the writing and looking forward to read Book 1 in this ‘Daughters of Italy’ series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to @ellacarey_author @bookouture and @netgalley for sharing the DRC in exchange for honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 26, 2024
Note: Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Ella Carey for the advanced reader copy of the book. This review will also be posted on NetGalley. What follows is my unbiased review of the book.
This is the second book in author Ella Carey’s Daughters of Italy series. I haven’t read the first one, but apparently, this is a backstory for one of the characters who appeared in the first book. I don’t think it’s necessary to read that first book to pick up this one. I visited Venice a few years ago and really want to go back, which is what drew me to this book.
Evelina is a fairly young widow in Tuscany, Italy. Originally from Venice, she married a Count with a large estate. She loved Arturo a great deal but managed to pick herself up after his death and is managing their large estate and farm. Set in the middle of World War II, she is managing to keep things going and take care of the many women and children who live on the estate while their husbands are off to war, or already dead.
It’s 1943, and Italy is divided. The Allies are making a push through the country, trying to drive the Germans back north. The Italian government post-Mussolini signed an agreement with the Allies, but the Fascist Party was still in control in the North and was aligned with the Nazis. At the Congress of Verona in 1943, Jews were declared “enemy nationality.”
This is when Evelina receives a telegram from her closest friend, Talia, a Jew. Evelina and her father conspired to get Talia and her father, a doctor, out of the country earlier, and as far as she knew they had left. However, the telegram states that Talia didn’t leave and now needs Evelina’s help. The bonds of friendship speak to her, and she immediately leaves the estate in the care of her staff and heads to Venice.
To read my full review please go to Book Review: The Venetian Daughter by Ella Carey
This is the second book in author Ella Carey’s Daughters of Italy series. I haven’t read the first one, but apparently, this is a backstory for one of the characters who appeared in the first book. I don’t think it’s necessary to read that first book to pick up this one. I visited Venice a few years ago and really want to go back, which is what drew me to this book.
Evelina is a fairly young widow in Tuscany, Italy. Originally from Venice, she married a Count with a large estate. She loved Arturo a great deal but managed to pick herself up after his death and is managing their large estate and farm. Set in the middle of World War II, she is managing to keep things going and take care of the many women and children who live on the estate while their husbands are off to war, or already dead.
It’s 1943, and Italy is divided. The Allies are making a push through the country, trying to drive the Germans back north. The Italian government post-Mussolini signed an agreement with the Allies, but the Fascist Party was still in control in the North and was aligned with the Nazis. At the Congress of Verona in 1943, Jews were declared “enemy nationality.”
This is when Evelina receives a telegram from her closest friend, Talia, a Jew. Evelina and her father conspired to get Talia and her father, a doctor, out of the country earlier, and as far as she knew they had left. However, the telegram states that Talia didn’t leave and now needs Evelina’s help. The bonds of friendship speak to her, and she immediately leaves the estate in the care of her staff and heads to Venice.
To read my full review please go to Book Review: The Venetian Daughter by Ella Carey
July 25, 2024
May contain a few spoilers, please read with caution:
I went into "The Venetian Daughter" by Ella Carey expecting it to pick right up where the first one left off. I was eager to know what ended up happening with Annie and the Villa Rosa. However, I was disappointed to find that, while these books are interconnected, they are very much standalone stories.
One aspect I did enjoy was learning about Evelina's backstory. The exploration of her character added depth to the narrative, although the pacing felt inconsistent. At times, the story dragged, while at other moments, it felt rushed. I would have preferred if the story focused more on Evelina and Talia without any love angle.
Another issue I had was with the narrative structure. Evelina often drifted into her thoughts about the past without clear transitions, creating confusion. One moment I was following the present storyline, and the next, I was plunged into a different timeline without warning. This lack of clarity disrupted the flow and made it challenging to stay engaged.
Additionally, the story had several plot holes that left me unsatisfied. What ended up happening with Evelina and Nico? Jack's storyline after his arrest could have been better summarized. These unresolved elements detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Despite these issues, "The Venetian Daughter" is a decent read. I would recommend it to lovers of historical fiction, especially those interested in WWII fiction. The book offers insightful glimpses into Italy's stance during the war and what transpired there.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ella Carey, and Bookotour for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
I went into "The Venetian Daughter" by Ella Carey expecting it to pick right up where the first one left off. I was eager to know what ended up happening with Annie and the Villa Rosa. However, I was disappointed to find that, while these books are interconnected, they are very much standalone stories.
One aspect I did enjoy was learning about Evelina's backstory. The exploration of her character added depth to the narrative, although the pacing felt inconsistent. At times, the story dragged, while at other moments, it felt rushed. I would have preferred if the story focused more on Evelina and Talia without any love angle.
Another issue I had was with the narrative structure. Evelina often drifted into her thoughts about the past without clear transitions, creating confusion. One moment I was following the present storyline, and the next, I was plunged into a different timeline without warning. This lack of clarity disrupted the flow and made it challenging to stay engaged.
Additionally, the story had several plot holes that left me unsatisfied. What ended up happening with Evelina and Nico? Jack's storyline after his arrest could have been better summarized. These unresolved elements detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Despite these issues, "The Venetian Daughter" is a decent read. I would recommend it to lovers of historical fiction, especially those interested in WWII fiction. The book offers insightful glimpses into Italy's stance during the war and what transpired there.
Thank you to NetGalley, Ella Carey, and Bookotour for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
Love reading this authors historical novels with a little romance thrown in. Her writing flows easy and make me want to turn the pages. The end of this novel really ended up in a sudden rush, like a sudden hit actually. The final chapter was I felt blunt, like an epilogue on closure, summing up the ending in a couple of pages. did the author or run out of ideas of how to bring closure in this novel…. Or did she just want it finished with? Like something else if priority was needing her attention???. I didn’t like the sad ending either, Jack and his Grandmother, so bluntly we were told as like in a matter of fact! Just a few sentences on their endings/deaths, as in a report of somekind. although her best friend did make it and return a few years later with her son, it was then that it occurred to me then that the whole story was really how everything stopped in Evelinas life for this one friend of hers who seemed to take priority in evelinas life….at the drop of a hat so to speak. For me, this novel was Not one of your best novels Ella I’m sad to say, it could have been so much better. Also Rather too much of the up and down the canal on her boat too…… lacked passion, didn’t grab me with the usual emotions and left me feeling rather disappointed. On kindle, finished around the 80% point and suddenly was left with pages of other books to buy….. 20% was left in marketing., Maybe your next novel I choose will make for better reading, I do hope so.
September 6, 2024
In this interesting and high stakes historical fiction novel, Ella Carey brings readers to 1943 Venice during the German occupation. Evelina is struggling: her husband is dead, her friends have fled, her sons are fighting and supporting different sides, and her best friend Talia is missing. When Evelina goes to look for Talia, she instead discovers a little boy hiding in the laundry chute, and both his parents and his teacher Talia are missing. Hiding the boy in her parents’ home is risky, but Evelina will protect Talia’s student from the Nazis if she cannot find her friend. Desperate to find Talia before the Nazis do, Evelina runs dangerously close to the Nazis’ operations, placing everyone she loves in danger. The second book in the Daughters of Italy series, Carey’s latest book continues to bring occupied Italy and their fight against fascism to life. Evelina is a complex protagonist, and her backstory is revealed slowly over the course of the novel, adding to her character arc. The other main characters are particularly complex, and some of them have secrets which add to the complexity of the novel. Set in beautiful Venice, Carey brings the German occupation and the stresses of northern Italian life during the war to life in this complex and detailed novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
September 8, 2025
Contessa Evelina Messina was living out World War II at Villa Rosa in Tuscany. Her husband, Arturo, had died at an early age from a heart attack and had left her in charge of his entire estate. She raised her young sons as best she could; but not Raf was fighting with the Allies on the road to Rome while Nico was running an ammunition manufacturing plant for the Nazis. Although she has offered her parents a place to come for safety, they were still in their home in Venice. Then, she gets a telegram from her best childhood friend, Talia telling her that Talia had not taken the way out that Lina and her father had arranged. Talia's father was now in America; but Talia had never left Venice. As a teacher, she felt she needed to stay for her children.
Lina immediately left for Venice to find Talia and get her out. However, things have changed in Venice and it was overrun with Nazis. Her mother is adamant about Lina going home and not getting involved again. When Lina finally gets to Talia's house, she finds the family is gone but a little boy is hiding in the laundry chute. Talia had told him to wait there for his parents to return and get him; but she had to go. Now Lina has a little boy who needs his family found, a friend who needs to be found, an old lover to be faced, and has to deal with betrayal from a family member.
Lina immediately left for Venice to find Talia and get her out. However, things have changed in Venice and it was overrun with Nazis. Her mother is adamant about Lina going home and not getting involved again. When Lina finally gets to Talia's house, she finds the family is gone but a little boy is hiding in the laundry chute. Talia had told him to wait there for his parents to return and get him; but she had to go. Now Lina has a little boy who needs his family found, a friend who needs to be found, an old lover to be faced, and has to deal with betrayal from a family member.
July 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Venice, 1943. How much will she risk to save the ones she loves?
Evelina is trying to ride out the rest of WWII when she receives a note from her dearest friend, Talia, a Jewish school teacher. Evelina goes into a panic because she already secured her friend and her father’s passage out of the country the previous year. Why did Talia stay in the city? Evelina tries her best to find her friend and a young student of hers out of the city while being under watch from the Nazis.
WWII is my favorite historical fiction topic to read and this book did not disappoint. The book was so devastating as Evelina navigates her family and friendships and an old friend from the past. Her aristocratic parents live comfortably while her sons are off at war; one on the Nazi’s side and the other on the Allies. She fights hard to make sure her friend Talia is safe and tries to get her out of the city. The ending brought tears to my eyes. My only complaint is that the book wasn’t longer.
📝
Thank you to Bookouture & NetGalley for a free digital copy on exchange for an honest review. This book will be published 1 AUG 2024.
Venice, 1943. How much will she risk to save the ones she loves?
Evelina is trying to ride out the rest of WWII when she receives a note from her dearest friend, Talia, a Jewish school teacher. Evelina goes into a panic because she already secured her friend and her father’s passage out of the country the previous year. Why did Talia stay in the city? Evelina tries her best to find her friend and a young student of hers out of the city while being under watch from the Nazis.
WWII is my favorite historical fiction topic to read and this book did not disappoint. The book was so devastating as Evelina navigates her family and friendships and an old friend from the past. Her aristocratic parents live comfortably while her sons are off at war; one on the Nazi’s side and the other on the Allies. She fights hard to make sure her friend Talia is safe and tries to get her out of the city. The ending brought tears to my eyes. My only complaint is that the book wasn’t longer.
📝
Thank you to Bookouture & NetGalley for a free digital copy on exchange for an honest review. This book will be published 1 AUG 2024.
July 28, 2024
I hadn't planned on finishing the book last night. I couldn't put it down. Then I fumed. I couldn't believe what happened. I don't know why is surprised me. Many families fought on different sides during WW2. Many families were turned in by other family members for food or money. I still can't believe who turned on Evelina.
Evelina was following her heart. Her friend was hiding in a now occupied Venice. As a jew, Talia, was destined for evacuation and transport to a concentration camp. When Evelina goes in search of her friend, secrets are revealed. People show their true colors. It won't stop Evelina from finding her friend an reuniting a little boy with his family.
The Venetian Daughter reminds the reader of how dangerous it could be to stand up for your beliefs. Evelina put herself in danger every time she stepped one foot out of her parents palazzo. She was followed. It was so exciting to see how she could lose a tail. She was taken in for questioning. She suffered at the hands of the Nazis.
She risked everything. She stood up for what she believed in. She would not stop until she found success, at the risk of great loss.
Evelina was following her heart. Her friend was hiding in a now occupied Venice. As a jew, Talia, was destined for evacuation and transport to a concentration camp. When Evelina goes in search of her friend, secrets are revealed. People show their true colors. It won't stop Evelina from finding her friend an reuniting a little boy with his family.
The Venetian Daughter reminds the reader of how dangerous it could be to stand up for your beliefs. Evelina put herself in danger every time she stepped one foot out of her parents palazzo. She was followed. It was so exciting to see how she could lose a tail. She was taken in for questioning. She suffered at the hands of the Nazis.
She risked everything. She stood up for what she believed in. She would not stop until she found success, at the risk of great loss.
August 1, 2024
Evelina’s life is not what she expected, since losing her husband, and now her son’s fighting in the same war, she wonders if life will ever be normal again. When she receives a hand written note from Venice, her best friend Talia asking for help. Without a second thought Evelina runs to Venice to help her friend. When she arrives at Talia’s house she finds it empty, except for a crying baby boy. As the Nazis continue to capture all the Jewish children they can, Evelina hides the beautiful baby boy at her parent’s house. When she gets wind of nuns that are hiding children to keep them safe, she scrambles to find a safe place for the baby.
The Venetian Daughter, written by author Ella Carey is a wonderfully written story with wonderful characters that will cling to your heart at the very beginning. I found this book to be unputdownable and my heart broke for Evelina, Talia and the sacrifices they endured. With the story taking place in Venice and Tuscany, the author is amazing at taking the reader to Italy. This is a wonderful addition to the Daughters of Italy Series but can be read as a standalone novel. I highly recommend this story.
The Venetian Daughter, written by author Ella Carey is a wonderfully written story with wonderful characters that will cling to your heart at the very beginning. I found this book to be unputdownable and my heart broke for Evelina, Talia and the sacrifices they endured. With the story taking place in Venice and Tuscany, the author is amazing at taking the reader to Italy. This is a wonderful addition to the Daughters of Italy Series but can be read as a standalone novel. I highly recommend this story.
December 18, 2025
Datteren fra Venedig er en historisk roman, der tager os med til Venedig og følger en rørende historie om familie, hemmeligheder og svære valg. Bogen er nummer to i en serie, men den kan sagtens læses selvstændigt. Man behøver altså ikke have læst den første bog for at kunne følge med, da historien står fint på egne ben.
Jeg blev hurtigt fanget af bogen. Den er velskrevet og interessant, og sproget flyder let, hvilket gør den nem at fordybe sig i. Længden er også helt perfekt, der sker hele tiden nok til at holde spændingen og interessen, men samtidig får man god tid til at lære karaktererne at kende og forstå deres følelser og motivationer.
Historien er både hjerteskærende og rørende, og den ramte mig mere, end jeg havde forventet. Der var flere øjeblikke, hvor jeg måtte synke en ekstra gang, og ja… lommetørklæder er bestemt en god idé at have i nærheden. Ella Carey formår virkelig at skrive følelserne frem på en måde, der går direkte i hjertet.
Alt i alt er Datteren fra Venedig en smuk og gribende læseoplevelse, som jeg varmt kan anbefale, hvis man er til historiske romaner med masser af følelser og stærke karakterer.
August 1, 2024
I really enjoyed THE VENETIAN DAUGHTER by ELLA CAREY, which,tells the story of the Contessa Evalina who,leaves her home in Tuscany to find her best friend, Talia, who is Jewish and is hiding from the Nazis. It is a story about love and friendship that takes place in the beautiful city of Venice that is overrun by Nazis. and the brave people who lay down their lives to save the Jews. There is betrayal, there are secrets and there are difficult family situations which make it diffiult to know who to trust………
The story is well told and exciting. It is sad to see the depths to which Hitler’s regime will stoop to annihilate God’s Chosen People and the lies and deceit of those who choose to profit from others’ misfortune. …….
We should never forget the horrors of WW11 and of the Holocaust, and it is good to look at the dilemma faced by the Italians at that dreadful time in history.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
The story is well told and exciting. It is sad to see the depths to which Hitler’s regime will stoop to annihilate God’s Chosen People and the lies and deceit of those who choose to profit from others’ misfortune. …….
We should never forget the horrors of WW11 and of the Holocaust, and it is good to look at the dilemma faced by the Italians at that dreadful time in history.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
July 28, 2024
The Venetian Daughter by Ella Carey is a very interesting story. Unlike most WWII books, this takes place in the middle of the war in Tuscany and Venice Italy. Evelina, the main character, sets out on a daring mission to save and rescue her friend Talia, before the Nazi’s get to Talia. Before Evelina knows it, her life is uprooted as she moves mountains and is willing to go to the end of the earth to try and save Talia from her the evil clutch of the Nazi’s. But, as fate would have it, one day Evelina finds a young boy abandoned in a laundry chute, and Evelina realize she must not only save Talia, but this precious young child too.
Ella Carey has a wonderful and prestigious way with words. She draws the reader in and vividly paints a picture for our imagination to bring the story to life. What I liked most was how Ella described the story, the characters, and so vividly brought each part of the book to life.
Ella Carey has a wonderful and prestigious way with words. She draws the reader in and vividly paints a picture for our imagination to bring the story to life. What I liked most was how Ella described the story, the characters, and so vividly brought each part of the book to life.
July 31, 2024
What I liked about The Venetian Daughter. The overall story was a great idea, proving age has no boundaries, the friendship and the unquestioned trust showed in the relationship. The bravery, hope and courage of many people. Sticking to one’s beliefs. The deceptive sentences you are transport to the uniquie canals, architure and historically filled Venice.
What I didn't like is it took a while for the story to build, then when it got there it was finished, it felt repetitive in places and some storylines contradicting each other it did make it hard to look over. The bitter sweet ending felt rushed and left holes in the story.
I wish I could give it more than 3 stars I was really looking forward to reading it.
I would like to thank Bookouture, 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
#TheVenetianDaughter #NetGalley
What I didn't like is it took a while for the story to build, then when it got there it was finished, it felt repetitive in places and some storylines contradicting each other it did make it hard to look over. The bitter sweet ending felt rushed and left holes in the story.
I wish I could give it more than 3 stars I was really looking forward to reading it.
I would like to thank Bookouture, 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
#TheVenetianDaughter #NetGalley
July 10, 2024
Evelina and her father have helped her Evelina’s best friend, Talia and her dad escape from Venice. It’s 1943, and the Jewish people are being removed from Venice and taken to concentration camps.
Evelina gets word that Talia is still in Venice and didn’t make it out of the country. Evelina starts off on a journey to help her best friend, but she has the Gestapo following her every move.
With Talia’s life in danger, Evelina must do all she can to find her.
Oh my goodness! What a fantastic story this is. I didn’t realise how affected I was by the story until I noticed I had tears coming down my face.
It was emotional, and at times, heartbreaking. The story was nerve wracking, and a difficult read, but told beautifully.
I liked Evelina, and I felt sorry for her at times. There were some wonderful characters, and in stories like this, you see the friendship and help from locals who weren’t happy with being occupied by Germany.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Evelina gets word that Talia is still in Venice and didn’t make it out of the country. Evelina starts off on a journey to help her best friend, but she has the Gestapo following her every move.
With Talia’s life in danger, Evelina must do all she can to find her.
Oh my goodness! What a fantastic story this is. I didn’t realise how affected I was by the story until I noticed I had tears coming down my face.
It was emotional, and at times, heartbreaking. The story was nerve wracking, and a difficult read, but told beautifully.
I liked Evelina, and I felt sorry for her at times. There were some wonderful characters, and in stories like this, you see the friendship and help from locals who weren’t happy with being occupied by Germany.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 1, 2024
This story takes place in Italy during WWII. Evelina is living in Villa Rosa in Tuscany. Her beloved husband has since passed and her son is off to war when she receives a telegram from her best friend Talia which says, “Please help me.” So she heads to Venice to try and find her best friend, but instead, she finds a little boy hiding in a laundry chute saying that his teacher promised to return for him. There she searches for her missing friend and the mystery of the boy.
This was an interesting read and a chance to learn more about the role Italy played during WWII as well as the divisions of families as some were on different sides of the war. I enjoyed the story and her memories of her friend Talia and growing up in Venice before WWII. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author of this ARC
This was an interesting read and a chance to learn more about the role Italy played during WWII as well as the divisions of families as some were on different sides of the war. I enjoyed the story and her memories of her friend Talia and growing up in Venice before WWII. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author of this ARC
August 5, 2024
The Venetian Daughter is my 1st book by Ella Carey and is based in Venice Italy, 1943, during WW II. The main character, Evelina revives a note from her best friend Talia, an Italian Jew, reading "Help me" and finds a little boy alone in Talia's confiscated house.
This heartbreaking story makes real the reactions to the Nazi's terrible regime, how it split family and friends as they struggled to survive and the choices they made to support or resist. There is deep betrayal, love and romance, suspense and murder as well as enduring friendship and family. I enjoyed the plot twists and I would have enjoyed more development of some of the characters, some ended a bit too early.
Otherwise, a well written WWII book with strong female protagonists and bittersweet ending. A deep appreciation to Bookouture publishers and NetGalley for the ARC privilege, the review and opinions were my own.
This heartbreaking story makes real the reactions to the Nazi's terrible regime, how it split family and friends as they struggled to survive and the choices they made to support or resist. There is deep betrayal, love and romance, suspense and murder as well as enduring friendship and family. I enjoyed the plot twists and I would have enjoyed more development of some of the characters, some ended a bit too early.
Otherwise, a well written WWII book with strong female protagonists and bittersweet ending. A deep appreciation to Bookouture publishers and NetGalley for the ARC privilege, the review and opinions were my own.
August 2, 2025
I've read many of Ella Carey's novels and have thoroughly enjoyed them but this one was way off the mark. The characters were fantastic and the suspense kept me on my toes but a lot of this book felt sloppy and rushed. At one point in the novel the contessa burns a note and not 2 pages later is showing said note to someone?!? Was this not proofread?! And yet again the contessa gets a piece of information from her father about the parents of Mario that apparently then disappears as a major plot point is the Contessa looking to see if she can find his parents?! Again where is the follow through, these errors took me right out of the story. Lastly the ending is wrapped up briefly with just a little follow up to give a somewhat happy ending. Overall a far cry from her other novels I have read and hopefully an outlier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2024
I really admire the writing style, the descriptive nature of how Ella told this story. I was lost in the writing, it did take me a minute or two to connect to the actual story, which is informative and heart breaking. We follow Evelina’s story and her mission to save those she loves deeply. Her firm parents show their softer side and her friendship with Talia and her connection to a young boy Mario lead to all kinds of danger and sneaking around. Her love for her son’s is also detailed and the discord in instances was heart breaking and destructive. Her long lost love Jack is also a big part of the story. I learned a lot from reading this book, not just about the war, Venice and the protection the place itself was granted from bombs, but emotions, love and kindness.
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