Once Upon a Time in Venice

by Carol Kirkwood

Can one magical city change their destiny? Welcome to Venice, the fairytale city, where canals flow into hidden shadows and forbidden secrets whisper behind the masks…

The masked stranger

When Gina Bellini meets an enigmatic figure at the Venice carnival, their chemistry is unforgettable, before he vanishes into the night.

The Hollywood legend

Personal assistant, Issy Roberts is on location with Tinseltown's biggest star. Will he discover her shocking lies?

The ultimate diva

Opera sensation Lucia De Santis has the world at her feet. How far will she go to get what she wants?

As their fates collide in the most beautiful city on earth, will dangerous secrets destroy their dreams?

Genres: Romance, Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Zoey Curato · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One Night in Venice" by Carol Kirkwood is a charming and delightful romance set against the beautiful backdrop of Venice. The story follows the journey of a woman who finds love and self-discovery in the enchanting city. Kirkwood's vivid descriptions bring the magic of Venice to life, making it a perfect summer read. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and the plot is engaging and heartwarming. Overall, it's a captivating and feel-good novel that transports readers to the romantic streets of Venice. Five stars from me!

[Abbie Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!! Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Cannot wait for her next one!

[Geraldine Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this book down .It's a really great read .

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light, enjoyable and easy read.

[Sue Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book such a lovely read, cannot wait for Carol's next book

[Kristy B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Felicity Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is an absolutely brilliant book based around the magnificent magical beautiful city of Venice in Italy. This is a city to fall in love with, a story to fall in love with, a new classic from Carol Kirkwood!! Consuming and engaging from the first page to the last!
Gina Bellini works in the prestigious White Palace Hotel in Venice where she has worked her way up to be a widely acclaimed impressive concierge attending to all the demands and wishes of the rich and famous professionally and patiently.
Lucia Di Santis the famed opera singer is due to perform at La Feniche, she is a complete diva and is used to getting her own way in everything!
There are international film stars, their assistants, stunt men and more!! Oh yes and it’s the season of Carnivale with stunning costumes and masks, with all the traditions of Venice. Atmospheric canals and alleys, islands and churches. The essence of Venice.
This book is gorgeously captivating, I adore Venice after being lucky enough to have visited there numerous times, and that’s where a little piece of my heart still stays. This book reminds me of that love.
There are secrets, glamorous parties, romance, love and more. Thrilling and enthralling, entertaining and warm hearted.
This book has it all in spades. An absolute winner for the perfect summer read!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the early read! Totally loved this it needs a five star plus rating!!

[Annie Leadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Carol Kirkwood has delivered an enchanting novel woven like at Tapestry with threads of mystery amidst it's leading Characters, & the beauty & history of Venice. Colours bright& Jewel like for the Carnival with it's Masks & Costumes, it's Buildings & secret Gardens, then Dark like night for it's unknow twisting alley ways & small Canals plus the Dark secrets held by some of the characters. This takes the reader deeper into Venice & the layers that make up this incredible City. So I have been delighted to go on a journey that lighted up my days & years of being virtually completely Housebound apart from the Sanctuary of my Garden when the weather & my mobility allow me to sit outside amid the colours of Nature & when I'm unable too do that I travel with books like this so a huge thank you to it's author .#NetGalley, #GoodReads, #FB, #Instagram, #Amazon.co.uk ,# , #, #.

[Adam Madalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍂Tare draguta aceasta carte, nu stiu la ce m-am așteptat de la ea, dar pot spune ca la finalul ei am zâmbit.
Are povesti de dragoste frumoase, nu siropoase, nu povesti de dragoste fara obstacole, care sa para prea cliseice, dar care au un final fericit. Are si putin mister, deși ghicești la un moment dat adevărul, dar tot nu te descurajează acest lucru si nici nu ii scade din farmec, deci da pot spune ca mi-a făcut placere sa o citesc.
Despre ce este vorba? Despre frumusețea Veneției, cu, carnavalele ei mascate, cu peisajele ei de vis, despre curajul de a o lua de la capăt, chiar si cand crezi ca totul s-a terminat si nu mai vezi speranta, despre curajul de a-ți depasi situația in pofida a tot si a tuturor, despre iubire si despre a doua șansă in dragoste, exact despre ce ar trebui sa fie vorba într-o carte din genul Romance.
Ce mi-a plăcut cel mai mult a fost faptul ca nu a exagerat cu alinturile, cu declarațiile de dragoste eterna, cu toate acele detalii care, din punctul meu de vedere, ar fi facut cartea prea siropoasa, prea "dulce".
Chiar este o carte pe care recomand sa o cititi atunci cand vreți sa va relaxați alături de niște personaje tare simpatice, într-un loc magic.
🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina is head concierge at the White Palace in Venice. She makes sure all her guests have everything that they require and more. She is also running away from her past, but is it about to catch up with her?
Lucia de Santis is an opera singer who is also a diva. Both come from the same village in Cannegia. Is she going to make trouble for Gina?
The famous movie star Brad Redford is staying at the hotel while he films his latest blockbuster. His stunt double, Marco lost his wife in an accident, but his brother-in-law blamed him for her death.
I love Carol's writing. She literally brings Venice to life as she describes the Carnivale and the historic buildings. I loved that it was set in winter, so we get a different perspective of the setting.
The different stories were cleverly intertwined, and I loved how it was all tied up. It didn't feel rushed, and each character had a happy ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Valerie Thirkettle-Kayser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new novel by Carol Kirkwood is taking us to Venice where her central character, Gina, is the concierge of a famous luxury hotel. There is a buzz because it is carnival time and the city is full of visitors. Gina is busy with her celebrity clients, including the famous diva Lucia de Santis. And Gina is also fascinated by a particular actor who is working in Venice and who struggles with the relationship with his family in law after tragedy stuck them. With bad feelings between some of the characters, thoughts of revenge and romance, we have all the ingredients for a good story, with a topping of Venice magic.
I really enjoyed the book. The characters are interesting and full of life. The setting is, of course, wonderful and beautifully woven into the story. And the plot is a little dark, but also light and entertaining.
A very pleasant cocktail, to be enjoyed on a relaxing holiday, or to relax if you are not on holidays.

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gina Bellini is head concierge at an exclusive hotel in Venice. On the firs tnight of Carnivale, she meets a man and has an instant spark with him. As she is hurrying back to get the boat to the hotel, she loses him and is unable to identify him as they were both wearing masks.
In the course of her job she meets Brad Redford, a well know movie star, and his stunt double for the Venice shoot Marco. Marco lives locally with his small daughter and works for a helicopter company owned by his father in law. Although Gina is drawn to him, she has a secret that caused her to come to Venice and struggles to get close to people because of it. Due to another guest at the hotel, opera diva, Lucia de Santis, who also hails from the same place as Gina, this is secret is primed to explode.
A nice readable story which intertwines several peoples' stories.

[Debra Tunnicliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 July 2024
A great story from the first pages I was gripped full of intrigue and twists. This follows Gina a hotel manager of The White Palace in Venice a luxurious hotel where nothing is too much trouble.
When opera sensation Lucia De Santis arrives a diva she recognises Gina from the village years ago where both she and Gina escaped from she makes demands or she will tell everyone what happened years ago. There is also Marco a stunt actor who falls for Gina and then there is Brad a actor with his assistant Issy who has a secret.
Loved the characters and Venice sounds lovely and the story follows each characters story with a dramatic wnding.
Carol has done it again a great story full of emotions and intrigue well done..
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read two of Carol Kirkwoods books I began reading Once Upon a Time in Venice with high hopes. I think the authors writing here is beautifully descriptive and it makes the city of Venice, and the characters, jump out of the pages and become alive in my mind when reading. This is a romantic, uplifting story that is a very good read, and I think would be an ideal holiday, summer, beach kind of read if you like chic lit or a bit of escapism. I like the cast of characters - some more than others though - and their growth in the story. The plot line is good, and although this didn't quite wow me like Carol Kirkwoods other books did this is still an enjoyable read which I'd recommend. I really liked the ending though, it complemented the story beautifully and gives it good closure.

3.5 stars

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I enjoyed this book. First time I've read any of this author.... I had a nasty feeling we were going for violence on females at the proloogue but this didn't fully materialise. There then is a bit of a mystery of which girl in 1995 is the girl that wasn't able to save the bloke from ten years ago. I wondered if we were going to get too much name dropping of expensive places a la Karen Swann but the author didn't fall into that trap. The actor gave me a bit of Chris Helmsworth vibe and we get two romances in this story. It was a good mystery romance but not sure I'll continue as I don't read a lot of contemporary type stories and 30 years ago doesn't strike me as historic.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Margaret Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th novel by Carol, and I have read everyone. It is up to her usual standard., secrets

The prologue sets the scene where a young girl is followed home from the Sunday church service and he tries to attack her.

The story, set in Venice and begins when they have the and the masked ball where everyone wears a mask and you do not know who is who. Gina, who has a rop job at one of the exclusive hotels in Venice have a famous film star staying as well as an Opera 'Diva'

Gina looses a bracelet that was her Grandmothers at the ball. a man rescues her from some thugs. Loads of twists and turns, secrets to be kept.

The descriptions of Venice brought back happy memories for me. I can recommend this book.

[Marie Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonder read from Carol Kirkwood!

Loved this book, struggled to put it down and devoured it in a couple of days.

This time Carol whisks us off to Venice during Carnival when the city is transformed into a party atmosphere, every one is in masked costume and all sorts of mysterious goings on happen.

Gina has worked hard to become the best concierge at one of the city’s top hotels, she can make all clients dreams come true and knows everything about the city.

She’’s managing top end wedding plans, a Hollywood mega star who is shooting an action movie and a diva opera singer who is the most difficult of guests.

Then when out enjoying carnival one night she has a chance encounter with a masked man who helps her out of a tricky situation. The next day she meets Marco, a stunt pilot working on the action movie, but there’s something quite familiar about him. How does she know him?

However Gina’s world is about to be turned upside down when secrets emerge from her past that she thought she’d ran away from 10 years ago.

Could her hard work and the dream career she has built herself, all be about to be torn away from her?

[Ros Carling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 July 2024
Wow absolutely loved this. Read in one go. Could not stop . You had everything . Childhood secrets, love, jealousy , a motherless child, a beautiful city. It was set in Venice during the carnival . You had very famous people . Some acting like divas . Brad was one hell of a character. Loved his ending .. You had Gina the hotel manager extreme.!!!!! A hotel hidden away . Would love to go there . Read it. A perfect holiday book . Carol Kirkwood is one good writer . A hit for summer 24.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Kirkwood has done it again. Loved this romantic novel, the characters, the setting and the love stories that emerge. High society, from movie stars and opera singers, to the working-classes risen to status and fame. Whilst reading grab an insight into Venice at Carnival time and winding little streets around the canals of this historic city. Hidden beneath the surface lie secrets previously untold, which need to be addressed.

My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC and giving me the opportunity to read this explosive novel.

[lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I have read all of Carol Kirkwood 's books and enjoyed them all. The setting in Venice is well described, especially the Carnivals. The 3 main characters are all women , who are well scripted and all very different, but hide their own stories I particularly liked Gina, who makes a successful career for herself after moving on from her 25 year old experience.
I can recommend this as a good holiday read. A story that keeps you engaged and never becomes boring.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good holiday romance.
Two romances set in Venice at the time of the carnival.
Gina a concierge at a top hotel in Venice and Lucia de Santic a opera diva from the same small village have secrets to reveal about their past when they meet up in the hotel and Lucia wants everything her own way.
The only downside I didn`t like was all the name dropping which was not necessary for the storyline.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

[MR S P COURT · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent well written story line with brilliant descriptions

Carol has written another fantastic book, well worth reading and should be a film. I can’t wait to read Carol’s next book. There’s only one problem with this and all her books, once you start reading it’s very difficult to put the book down, you need to find out what happens next. Brilliant descriptions of Venice and the traditions, takes me back to when I was there. Keep writing Carol, thank you.

[David Laflin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic novel at its best.
Gina has been holding a secret for many years and with the arrival of Lucia de Santis at the hotel in Venice where she is manager, it appears her secret may be revealed. Gina falls in love with a stuntman working on the latest blockbuster movie with the famed Brad Redford, but as her secret is about to be revealed something happens to change everything.
Well written and beautifully told.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book set in the magnificent atmospheric city of Venice.

The story follows Gina on a story of finding love and self-discovery. The book is relatively fast paced with well defined characters and the storyline is easy to follow and the description of places and events in Venice are vivid for the imagination.

A truly wonderful read and easily digested in one sitting.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest, unbiased review.

[Mrs S Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different to the two books I’ve read by Carol, at times this was an uncomfortable read.
I persevered because I love Venice and was glad I did.
The two time lines lay the basis for part of the story, the characters are well written and believable. The brand name dropping and setting provide glamour to the love stories interwoven with spite and the wish for revenge.
Not quite what I expected but enjoyable- particularly the epilogue!

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel full of pathos, emotions, and very romantic. I consider any romantic novel set in Venice a sort of contemporary romantasy (I'm Italian) and this one at high level.
intriguigues, passione, the magic of Venice during the carnival: it made me read it fast and root for the fleshed out characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 Carol, what a triumph! Wonderful setting; you made me feel I was there in Venice watching everything from the side-lines.

Fabulous characters; you, the reader, want to be a matchmaker!

A truly delightful read;, I found myself shedding a little tear at the end!

Bring on book 5 - where will you be transporting us to I wonder?

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great summertime read. Romance, with intrigue an mystery. All set in the wonderful city of Venice at carnival time. The characters were well developed and believable, if a little Hollywood. The mystery was't quite as convoluted as in Villa Amore a previous read of Carol Kirkwood's, but still engaging.

[Faith Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, that cover, that cover!! I fell in love with it and readers will certainly enjoy falling into this book which stands head and shoulders along side Carol's other reads. Carnival time in Venice, love is in the air, there is drama and heartbreak and yes, that perfect ending. Bravo.
Thanks to the publishers for my advance reading copy.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Welcome to Venice, the fairytale city, where canals flow into hidden shadows and forbidden secrets”
Set around a luxury Venetian hotel during the carnival season
Gina, the head concierge has an encounter with an enigmatic figure at the carnival ….
Perfect holiday read - pure romantic escapism
A well written light read
Thanks @carolkirkwood @harpercollins @netgalley for the fab read