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Girls from the Italian Resistance #4
The Girl from Sicily
A heartbreaking tale from wartime Italy, based on a true story
Lucia loved her brother Dinu to the depths of her soul, but she also worried about him. He was intelligent yet ambitious, resilient yet hot-headed, and there was a dark side to him that could lead him into terrible trouble one day.
Sicily, 1943: Lucia and her twin brother Dinu have always been inseparable, but their bond is threatened when Gero, the son of close family friends in America, arrives in their village. Although she finds herself developing feelings for him, Lucia worries about Gero’s dangerous connections and their influence on her brother.
As the chaos of World War II closes in, Lucia must navigate love and loyalty to make a difficult choice. Will she risk that the consequences of her decision could bring untold horrors and affect her family for decades to come?
2005: When Jess inherits a baglio, an ancient feudal farmhouse in Sicily, from the grandmother she never knew, she’s determined to uncover the truth about her family’s hidden past. Following the death of her parents and on the brink of divorce, Jess travels to the island alone. There, with the help of a charming Sicilian, she embarks on a quest to unearth a web of long-buried secrets.
But answers come at a price, and Jess must decide if she’s ready to confront a truth that could change everything…
Inspired by true events, this breath-taking novel reveals the hidden secrets of one Sicilian family across generations. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Kristin Hannah, and Kate Quinn, this is an unforgettable tale of love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Sicily, 1943: Lucia and her twin brother Dinu have always been inseparable, but their bond is threatened when Gero, the son of close family friends in America, arrives in their village. Although she finds herself developing feelings for him, Lucia worries about Gero’s dangerous connections and their influence on her brother.
As the chaos of World War II closes in, Lucia must navigate love and loyalty to make a difficult choice. Will she risk that the consequences of her decision could bring untold horrors and affect her family for decades to come?
2005: When Jess inherits a baglio, an ancient feudal farmhouse in Sicily, from the grandmother she never knew, she’s determined to uncover the truth about her family’s hidden past. Following the death of her parents and on the brink of divorce, Jess travels to the island alone. There, with the help of a charming Sicilian, she embarks on a quest to unearth a web of long-buried secrets.
But answers come at a price, and Jess must decide if she’s ready to confront a truth that could change everything…
Inspired by true events, this breath-taking novel reveals the hidden secrets of one Sicilian family across generations. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Kristin Hannah, and Kate Quinn, this is an unforgettable tale of love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2025
255 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Siobhan Daiko
26 books319 followersSiobhan Daiko is a British historical fiction author. A lover of all things Italian, she lives in the Veneto region of northern Italy with her husband, a Havanese dog and a Siberian cat. Siobhan was born of English parents in Hong Kong, attended boarding school in Australia, and then moved to the UK — where she taught modern foreign languages in a Welsh high school. She now spends her time writing page-turners and living the dolce vita sweet life near Venice. Her novels are compelling, poignant, and deeply moving, with strong female characters and evocative settings, but always with romance at their heart. You can find more about her books on her website www.siobhandaiko.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 13, 2025
Sicily in 1943 saw Lucia living in a small farmhouse together with her twin brother Dinu, younger sister and their parents. They were poor, but worked daily at the vegetable gardens at the rear of the house. When Geno, a friend from America, arrived in Sicily, attached to the US army, things changed. Dinu was jealous of Geno being able to supply the family with food, while he was unable to. Changing his direction in life, he soon turned to crime to supplement his income. Dinu and his cousin Franku followed that life, while Geno married Lucia, moving to the baglio which he owned. Moving to the US after the war to be with Geno's family saw Lucia looking forward to the future...
It was 2005 when Jessica Brown of Bristol, England, received notification of an inheritance in Sicily, from a grandmother she had never known. Jess had lost her parents tragically and was in the throes of a divorce. She knew a few weeks in Sicily while she debated what to do would be a good holiday. But as she knew nothing of her family, she wanted to also dig into the past, hoping to discover its secrets. Would she regret that decision?
The Girl from Sicily is #4 in the Girls from the Italian Resistance series by Siobhan Daiko and it was another enjoyable episode. Inspired by true events, it shows the incredible depth of secrets and how they can either tear a family apart, or bring it closer together. I loved Lucia's character and felt for her and the decisions she'd made. She was a strong woman with a deep love for her family. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
It was 2005 when Jessica Brown of Bristol, England, received notification of an inheritance in Sicily, from a grandmother she had never known. Jess had lost her parents tragically and was in the throes of a divorce. She knew a few weeks in Sicily while she debated what to do would be a good holiday. But as she knew nothing of her family, she wanted to also dig into the past, hoping to discover its secrets. Would she regret that decision?
The Girl from Sicily is #4 in the Girls from the Italian Resistance series by Siobhan Daiko and it was another enjoyable episode. Inspired by true events, it shows the incredible depth of secrets and how they can either tear a family apart, or bring it closer together. I loved Lucia's character and felt for her and the decisions she'd made. She was a strong woman with a deep love for her family. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
March 28, 2025
I loved this book. Characters are well crafted. Descriptions of the Sicilian landscape are magic. The plot is heartbreaking. It realistically portrays how a wartime event can affect generations to come. I have read several of this author's books. This is the best so far.
February 23, 2025
A light read that has you wanting to pack your bags and board a plane, bound for lush Sicilian landscapes of baglios, lemons, sunshine and vineyards.
Set predominantly in the 1940s and the 2000s across Sicily, New York and Bristol. It tells the story of three generations of Sicilian women as they navigate family, love and loss.
The storyline is also infiltrated by a Sicilian mafia narrative with fictional mafioso characters loosely based on real ‘made men’ and brings some added excitement and suspense to the overall story.
The 1940s storyline has extra interest due to the historical research carried out by the author into Sicilian separatist politics during and immediately after World War Two, and the island’s political relationship with mainland Italy. Really interesting reading about that as it was something I didn’t previously know about Sicily.
This was an easy comfort read with a few historical/political factual nuggets thrown in for some inadvertent learning for the reader.
Set predominantly in the 1940s and the 2000s across Sicily, New York and Bristol. It tells the story of three generations of Sicilian women as they navigate family, love and loss.
The storyline is also infiltrated by a Sicilian mafia narrative with fictional mafioso characters loosely based on real ‘made men’ and brings some added excitement and suspense to the overall story.
The 1940s storyline has extra interest due to the historical research carried out by the author into Sicilian separatist politics during and immediately after World War Two, and the island’s political relationship with mainland Italy. Really interesting reading about that as it was something I didn’t previously know about Sicily.
This was an easy comfort read with a few historical/political factual nuggets thrown in for some inadvertent learning for the reader.
March 24, 2025
This review is being posted as part of the The Girl From Sicily blog tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources.
The Girl From Sicily is the latest fascinating historical fiction novel from author Siobhan Daiko. This is a compelling and easy read exploring themes of secrets, family relationships, history and romance set against the beautiful and mysterious backdrop of Sicily during the second world war, post-war and in the early 21st century.
When I started this book, I was expecting something similar to Siobhan Daiko’s previous books focusing on the Italian resistance but the story unfolded into a heart-wrenching tale about multiple generations of a family torn apart by the Sicilian mafia. I was captivated by the mysteries of the story as Jess tries to uncover her family history, a difficult task when up against the strict rules regarding secrets practised by Sicilian society.
Our story is told through a carefully constructed multi-POV narrative, primarily focusing on the perspectives of Lucia and her granddaughter Jess but we also get to see the perspectives of Lucia’s twin brother Dinu and her daughter Carula too. I loved the use of a dual-timeline, particularly the way subtle parallels between the two timelines were woven into the story.
Siobhan Daiko is one of my must-read historical fiction authors so I was very excited to be able to take part in the blog tour for The Girl From Sicily and it certainly did not disappoint.
When you read a book by Siobhan Daiko, you’re almost guaranteed to find beautifully written strong female characters and Lucia and Jess in The Girl From Sicily are certainly no exception. I particularly found the exploration of Lucia’s relationship and bond with her twin brother Dinu to be fascinating, especially as it would play such a key role in the plot of the story. The romance subplots in both timelines were also well written and a nice inclusion.
Overall, this is a really interesting and easy read for fans of World War Two and 20th century historical fiction, especially those with a key interest in Sicilian history.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted my review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk and the post is linked.
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in no way influenced by the gifting opportunity. Thank you to Siobhan Daiko, Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley.
The Girl From Sicily is the latest fascinating historical fiction novel from author Siobhan Daiko. This is a compelling and easy read exploring themes of secrets, family relationships, history and romance set against the beautiful and mysterious backdrop of Sicily during the second world war, post-war and in the early 21st century.
When I started this book, I was expecting something similar to Siobhan Daiko’s previous books focusing on the Italian resistance but the story unfolded into a heart-wrenching tale about multiple generations of a family torn apart by the Sicilian mafia. I was captivated by the mysteries of the story as Jess tries to uncover her family history, a difficult task when up against the strict rules regarding secrets practised by Sicilian society.
Our story is told through a carefully constructed multi-POV narrative, primarily focusing on the perspectives of Lucia and her granddaughter Jess but we also get to see the perspectives of Lucia’s twin brother Dinu and her daughter Carula too. I loved the use of a dual-timeline, particularly the way subtle parallels between the two timelines were woven into the story.
Siobhan Daiko is one of my must-read historical fiction authors so I was very excited to be able to take part in the blog tour for The Girl From Sicily and it certainly did not disappoint.
When you read a book by Siobhan Daiko, you’re almost guaranteed to find beautifully written strong female characters and Lucia and Jess in The Girl From Sicily are certainly no exception. I particularly found the exploration of Lucia’s relationship and bond with her twin brother Dinu to be fascinating, especially as it would play such a key role in the plot of the story. The romance subplots in both timelines were also well written and a nice inclusion.
Overall, this is a really interesting and easy read for fans of World War Two and 20th century historical fiction, especially those with a key interest in Sicilian history.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted my review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk and the post is linked.
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in no way influenced by the gifting opportunity. Thank you to Siobhan Daiko, Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley.
March 23, 2025
A first time reader of this author and I was memorised by the storyline of the past and the present.
From Italy to America to England, this book takes you from the war time in the 1940’s to th epresent time where the characters are trying to piece together what happened and why.
This story made you feel the intensity of the war and what you needed to do to protect your own and the future generations that were to come.
From Italy to America to England, this book takes you from the war time in the 1940’s to th epresent time where the characters are trying to piece together what happened and why.
This story made you feel the intensity of the war and what you needed to do to protect your own and the future generations that were to come.
February 14, 2025
The Girl from Sicily is the 4th book from the Italian Resistance series by Siobhan but can easily be read as a standalone.
In short, inspired by true events, ‘The Girl from Sicily’ is an historical novel revealing the hidden secrets and consequences of one Sicilian family across generations.
It’s another heart wrenching story by Siobhan Daiko, her inspiration sourced from the rumoured assistance given to the Allies by the Sicilian Mafia during World War 11. The core of the story hinges on old Sicilian traditions, a code of silence known as the omertà and in this case, its devastating consequences. The book is beautifully written with a great sense of time & place…a moving and illuminating read.
Big thanks to Siobhan Daiko, Boldwell Books and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
In short, inspired by true events, ‘The Girl from Sicily’ is an historical novel revealing the hidden secrets and consequences of one Sicilian family across generations.
It’s another heart wrenching story by Siobhan Daiko, her inspiration sourced from the rumoured assistance given to the Allies by the Sicilian Mafia during World War 11. The core of the story hinges on old Sicilian traditions, a code of silence known as the omertà and in this case, its devastating consequences. The book is beautifully written with a great sense of time & place…a moving and illuminating read.
Big thanks to Siobhan Daiko, Boldwell Books and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
July 16, 2025
I love reading historical fiction books and especially those that take place during WWII. The fact that this was also a dual timeline made it even more enticing. Based on a true story, you will be drawn in to the life of Lucia in the 1940s and Jessica in 2005. There is love, loss, secrets, war, difficult family dynamics, devastating consequences of decisions made. It is a heart wrenching tale that will have you falling in love with Sicily and ready to plan a vacation there soon. The love stories in each timeline are touching. Will there be healing for Lucia’s family? You need to get lost in the pages of this beautiful landscape of a story to find out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
August 30, 2025
Copy pase
Totally predictable no original plots in a quite presuming story. Lack of serious and founded historical context. Quite naive and superfluous narrative. Why does the author seems compelled translating basic Italian expression?
Totally predictable no original plots in a quite presuming story. Lack of serious and founded historical context. Quite naive and superfluous narrative. Why does the author seems compelled translating basic Italian expression?
August 23, 2025
The story line was fine, nothing spectacular but interesting. The writing itself, was not for me. It was painful by 20%, but I don’t believe in quitting so I carried through to the end leaving me with the same impression I had from the start - it was flat, static, and lacked emotion.
March 9, 2025
Thank you very much Netgalley and Boldwood books for this early copy of The girl from Sicily.
I had a lot of trouble getting into the story, it took me time to get attached to the characters. The novel is indeed constructed with a double temporality: Jess in the present, inherited a small house in Sicily from a grandmother she never knew. I found her part extremely cliché, the Englishwoman who falls under the spell of Italy and a handsome Italian....
And then in parallel, we follow the story of Lucia, her grandmother during the Second World War. I liked this part better even if the descriptions of the different clans / mafias can seem a little long. In any case, we feel that the author has done a real research work.
I had never read any of the author's novels and I liked the style and especially the change of scenery and the journey to Sicily that the pages of this novel offer.
I had a lot of trouble getting into the story, it took me time to get attached to the characters. The novel is indeed constructed with a double temporality: Jess in the present, inherited a small house in Sicily from a grandmother she never knew. I found her part extremely cliché, the Englishwoman who falls under the spell of Italy and a handsome Italian....
And then in parallel, we follow the story of Lucia, her grandmother during the Second World War. I liked this part better even if the descriptions of the different clans / mafias can seem a little long. In any case, we feel that the author has done a real research work.
I had never read any of the author's novels and I liked the style and especially the change of scenery and the journey to Sicily that the pages of this novel offer.
March 4, 2025
The Girl from Sicily by Siobhan Daiko is a multi-timeline novel. When Jessica receives word of her inheritance form her maternal grandmother, she must go to Sicily in order to claim it. While there she discovers why she had never met her grandmother. Will her family's past prevent her from seizing her future?
Many twists in the plot. Strong female lead character. However, this book was not for me. Slow development and seemed to drag at times.
Releases Mar. 19th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Many twists in the plot. Strong female lead character. However, this book was not for me. Slow development and seemed to drag at times.
Releases Mar. 19th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 3, 2025
Bad writing, flat characters, needs an editor
April 16, 2025
I was very much looking forward to reading The Girl from Sicily, especially after I reviewed the brilliant, The Girl from Bologna, and I found it to be a wonderful read.
In the middle of her messy divorce, Jess discovers that the grandmother she never knew had left her a baglio, a home on the Italian island of Sicily. As her mother had refused to ever speak about her own mother, Jess has no idea what to expect. She travels to Sicily to get a clearer picture, and meets the couple who are tasked with looking after the estate.
And whilst she quickly meets welcoming locals, there are some who are less inclined to welcome her interference, and her growing interest in her grandmother's estate. When she begins digging into her family's history, there are some who wouldn't want her to know the past.
By 1943, Lucia and her brother Dinu had moved from New York to their family's humble home in Sicily, but the outbreak of war had prevented them from returning, without being interned. When their childhood friend, Gero, appears suddenly, involved in clandestine US government work, he makes contact with the local don, the most powerful man in the area. Despite Lucia's warnings, Dinu eventually becomes involved in the don's business. And no one speaks openly about it...
Can Lucia prevent her brother from turning into a criminal? And can Jess uncover their history without risking her own life? Read the book!
The Girl from Sicily is a fascinating tale of family secrets, murky political wartime deals, and love. The 2005 part of the novel is a gentle romance, but with moments of serious suspense, which add a gritty sense of present-day reality to the often light romantic setting. The people Jess meets are mostly welcoming and friendly, but I sometimes found the constant use of endearments a bit much.
The setting and historical background are described beautifully, and we have a real sense of 'being there', even with Lucia in the 1940s, where old-fashioned views prevailed. Ms Daiko has researched the history and language of Sicily in depth, and it shows, as the island and its secrets pull you in. But alongside, there is always a dark side that no one speaks about. The code of silence.
I must admit I preferred the historical part of this novel, as Lucia tries to save her brother from making a foolish mistake, and yet she has to watch him slide onto the dark side. Dinu's behaviour grows more and more sinister, and the siblings grow apart. Especially when Lucia and Gero grow closer...
What makes The Girl from Sicily really fascinating is that the plot deals not only with sensitive themes, such as family secrets and breakups and guilt, but also with organised criminality and the surrounding silence, which is featured in both the historical and the modern-day part of the novel. Ms Daiko deals with these issues sensitively but firmly, and it makes for thrilling reading.
The Girl from Sicily is an intriguing tale of family, secrets, heartbreak, and ultimately, love. A poignant, moving, and evocative read. Highly recommended.
In the middle of her messy divorce, Jess discovers that the grandmother she never knew had left her a baglio, a home on the Italian island of Sicily. As her mother had refused to ever speak about her own mother, Jess has no idea what to expect. She travels to Sicily to get a clearer picture, and meets the couple who are tasked with looking after the estate.
And whilst she quickly meets welcoming locals, there are some who are less inclined to welcome her interference, and her growing interest in her grandmother's estate. When she begins digging into her family's history, there are some who wouldn't want her to know the past.
By 1943, Lucia and her brother Dinu had moved from New York to their family's humble home in Sicily, but the outbreak of war had prevented them from returning, without being interned. When their childhood friend, Gero, appears suddenly, involved in clandestine US government work, he makes contact with the local don, the most powerful man in the area. Despite Lucia's warnings, Dinu eventually becomes involved in the don's business. And no one speaks openly about it...
Can Lucia prevent her brother from turning into a criminal? And can Jess uncover their history without risking her own life? Read the book!
The Girl from Sicily is a fascinating tale of family secrets, murky political wartime deals, and love. The 2005 part of the novel is a gentle romance, but with moments of serious suspense, which add a gritty sense of present-day reality to the often light romantic setting. The people Jess meets are mostly welcoming and friendly, but I sometimes found the constant use of endearments a bit much.
The setting and historical background are described beautifully, and we have a real sense of 'being there', even with Lucia in the 1940s, where old-fashioned views prevailed. Ms Daiko has researched the history and language of Sicily in depth, and it shows, as the island and its secrets pull you in. But alongside, there is always a dark side that no one speaks about. The code of silence.
I must admit I preferred the historical part of this novel, as Lucia tries to save her brother from making a foolish mistake, and yet she has to watch him slide onto the dark side. Dinu's behaviour grows more and more sinister, and the siblings grow apart. Especially when Lucia and Gero grow closer...
What makes The Girl from Sicily really fascinating is that the plot deals not only with sensitive themes, such as family secrets and breakups and guilt, but also with organised criminality and the surrounding silence, which is featured in both the historical and the modern-day part of the novel. Ms Daiko deals with these issues sensitively but firmly, and it makes for thrilling reading.
The Girl from Sicily is an intriguing tale of family, secrets, heartbreak, and ultimately, love. A poignant, moving, and evocative read. Highly recommended.
February 24, 2025
During the Second World War, allied forces often struck a working relationship with somewhat dubious people in order to seek out information on Germany’s bloody march across Europe.
Sicilian mafia were recruited to work with the Americans which had advantages for both sides, but long after the war was over, the Sicilian mafia, building on their wartime advantage, simply grew stronger and stronger.
The Sicilian Girl is based on the true story of a slice in Sicilian history which is discovered by Jess Brown, a woman facing a divorce and whom has, much to her surprise, inherited a peasant farm, a baglio contadina, at Villaurora in central Sicily from her maternal grandmother; a woman she had never met.
Jess makes the decision to go and see the property before she accepts the bequest and also to try to discover something about her family history, in particular her grandmother and her Sicilian family.
In doing so she discovers the heartbreaking story of her grandmother, Lucia, who was born in America but taken, with her twin brother Dino and sister to Villaurora, so her father could look after his ailing father. The outbreak of War sees them forced to remain there, living in grinding poverty, day after endless day.
As Lucia’s story unfolds, Jess begins to move on from her recent distressing experience and is beginning to fall in love, which she is not too sure about, with Piero, the very handsome manager of the family owned Tenuta Sacca di Melita estate, where she is staying.
While it appears that the past is long buried, as Jess looks further into her heritage, she realises that the past is still very much alive in this small area of Sicily and she, somehow, is caught up in it; dangerously.
Set over recent history The Sicilian Girl is a gentle, interesting retelling of a tale that may have been similar for many families during the challenging time of the Second World War.
The Authors Notes are well worth reading as they bring to life the people who lived and then inspired the characters captured within The Sicilian Girl.
Sicilian mafia were recruited to work with the Americans which had advantages for both sides, but long after the war was over, the Sicilian mafia, building on their wartime advantage, simply grew stronger and stronger.
The Sicilian Girl is based on the true story of a slice in Sicilian history which is discovered by Jess Brown, a woman facing a divorce and whom has, much to her surprise, inherited a peasant farm, a baglio contadina, at Villaurora in central Sicily from her maternal grandmother; a woman she had never met.
Jess makes the decision to go and see the property before she accepts the bequest and also to try to discover something about her family history, in particular her grandmother and her Sicilian family.
In doing so she discovers the heartbreaking story of her grandmother, Lucia, who was born in America but taken, with her twin brother Dino and sister to Villaurora, so her father could look after his ailing father. The outbreak of War sees them forced to remain there, living in grinding poverty, day after endless day.
As Lucia’s story unfolds, Jess begins to move on from her recent distressing experience and is beginning to fall in love, which she is not too sure about, with Piero, the very handsome manager of the family owned Tenuta Sacca di Melita estate, where she is staying.
While it appears that the past is long buried, as Jess looks further into her heritage, she realises that the past is still very much alive in this small area of Sicily and she, somehow, is caught up in it; dangerously.
Set over recent history The Sicilian Girl is a gentle, interesting retelling of a tale that may have been similar for many families during the challenging time of the Second World War.
The Authors Notes are well worth reading as they bring to life the people who lived and then inspired the characters captured within The Sicilian Girl.
May 2, 2025
Jessica inherits a Sicilian property from her late grandmother who she never met. What drove her family apart and how can it be healed...?
The Girl From Sicily is a dual timeline book set in the 1940s and 2005.
Jessica in the present day has just gone through an upsetting divorce. The inheritance from her grandmother leads her to Sicily to consider her future. But she is haunted by the echoes of the past and the rift that divided her family. Plus she finds she isn't was welcome as she expected. Lucia's timeline set in the 1940s shows the family's past. She grew up in loving family who are struggling due to the war. Her brother becomes involved with criminals and the mafia.
I think I would have preferred a focus block of chapters on both Jessica and Lucia individually to introduce us properly and allow us to immerse in their lives. The alternating structure wasn’t regular which jarred with me and there are some chapters from other characters as well.
Later on, when the main pair have been thoroughly depicted, I was swept up in their lives, loves and losses. There is a big family secret which has kept the family apart but the reasons are not revealed until the end. I felt so sad for Jessica feeling unwanted after her divorce, grief for her parents and now her estranged grandmother, and now a cousin resenting her for taking the property. There are parallels between Jessica and Lucia's stories as they face emotional hardship and danger.
The Sicilian setting is wonderfully described which perfectly underpins the plot. The author has clearly researched the culture, language and history of the region to bring it to life effectively.
The Girl From Sicily is an enjoyable historical novel and I liked learning more about Sicily during WW2.
The Girl From Sicily is a dual timeline book set in the 1940s and 2005.
Jessica in the present day has just gone through an upsetting divorce. The inheritance from her grandmother leads her to Sicily to consider her future. But she is haunted by the echoes of the past and the rift that divided her family. Plus she finds she isn't was welcome as she expected. Lucia's timeline set in the 1940s shows the family's past. She grew up in loving family who are struggling due to the war. Her brother becomes involved with criminals and the mafia.
I think I would have preferred a focus block of chapters on both Jessica and Lucia individually to introduce us properly and allow us to immerse in their lives. The alternating structure wasn’t regular which jarred with me and there are some chapters from other characters as well.
Later on, when the main pair have been thoroughly depicted, I was swept up in their lives, loves and losses. There is a big family secret which has kept the family apart but the reasons are not revealed until the end. I felt so sad for Jessica feeling unwanted after her divorce, grief for her parents and now her estranged grandmother, and now a cousin resenting her for taking the property. There are parallels between Jessica and Lucia's stories as they face emotional hardship and danger.
The Sicilian setting is wonderfully described which perfectly underpins the plot. The author has clearly researched the culture, language and history of the region to bring it to life effectively.
The Girl From Sicily is an enjoyable historical novel and I liked learning more about Sicily during WW2.
March 25, 2025
The Girl from Sicily is written by Siobhan Daiko. This is book 4 in the Girls from the Italian Resistance series. I have not read all of the series, but I had no problem following along. The author has a wonderful gift of transporting readers back into time. This is a dual time line story - Sicily, 1943: and 2005.
Lucia and her twin brother Dinu have always been inseparable.. They have not been dealt the best hand in life - they struggle to survive. However their bond is threatened when Gero, the son of close family friends in America, arrives in their village. Gero is connected with the US Army, and helps to feed them. This starts to make Dinu jealous. Although she finds herself developing feelings for Gero, Gero is working undercover for t he allies. However, Lucia worries about Gero’s dangerous connections and their influence on her brother. Then World War II breaks out - Lucia finds herself having to make some decisions.
It's 2005 when Jessica Brown of Bristol, England, received notification of an inheritance in Sicily, from a grandmother she had never known. Her parents had died while she was going through a divorce - she thinks that a holiday to Sicily is what she needs. However, shocked by the inheritance she starts to dig into her history and is shocked by what she finds.
This is such a heartwarming story that is woven together seamlessly. I really enjoy this author - and look forward to reading more. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
Lucia and her twin brother Dinu have always been inseparable.. They have not been dealt the best hand in life - they struggle to survive. However their bond is threatened when Gero, the son of close family friends in America, arrives in their village. Gero is connected with the US Army, and helps to feed them. This starts to make Dinu jealous. Although she finds herself developing feelings for Gero, Gero is working undercover for t he allies. However, Lucia worries about Gero’s dangerous connections and their influence on her brother. Then World War II breaks out - Lucia finds herself having to make some decisions.
It's 2005 when Jessica Brown of Bristol, England, received notification of an inheritance in Sicily, from a grandmother she had never known. Her parents had died while she was going through a divorce - she thinks that a holiday to Sicily is what she needs. However, shocked by the inheritance she starts to dig into her history and is shocked by what she finds.
This is such a heartwarming story that is woven together seamlessly. I really enjoy this author - and look forward to reading more. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
August 1, 2025
Once again, I get to experience another wonderful book by Award-winning Author, Siobhan Daiko. I love historical fiction and strong women. This book checks all the boxes and more! I was taken to Sicily during World War II. I was schooled about the Cosa Nostra, heartache, and the turmoil of war.
This story is about Lucia's life in the 1940s.
It will pull on your heartstrings with the kaleidoscope of scenes jumping out of the pages! You will read about the losses of war, secrets uncovered, life-changing decisions, and their consequences.
The characters are vividly portrayed. Lucia, her brother Dinu, and his shady friend Gero are endearing and well presented. This read was an emotional rollercoaster, I had to keep tissues on hand! This is a dual timeline story. You come back to the present and you meet Jessica. She inherits some land in Sicily. With a failed marriage, infertility issues, she finds herself with nothing to lose. She embarks on a journey to Sicily and, well, you have to read this book! The story does come full circle.
The World Build in Villa Aurora is nothing short of phenomenal! The images in my mind are too many but rest assured that they were perfectly described.
I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction fans and it is also a great author of this genre to introduce oneself to historical fiction. Siobhan Daiko never disappoints and her books are so wonderful to tread. I'm always awaiting her next book! One-click now and treat yourself to this treasure of a book!
This story is about Lucia's life in the 1940s.
It will pull on your heartstrings with the kaleidoscope of scenes jumping out of the pages! You will read about the losses of war, secrets uncovered, life-changing decisions, and their consequences.
The characters are vividly portrayed. Lucia, her brother Dinu, and his shady friend Gero are endearing and well presented. This read was an emotional rollercoaster, I had to keep tissues on hand! This is a dual timeline story. You come back to the present and you meet Jessica. She inherits some land in Sicily. With a failed marriage, infertility issues, she finds herself with nothing to lose. She embarks on a journey to Sicily and, well, you have to read this book! The story does come full circle.
The World Build in Villa Aurora is nothing short of phenomenal! The images in my mind are too many but rest assured that they were perfectly described.
I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction fans and it is also a great author of this genre to introduce oneself to historical fiction. Siobhan Daiko never disappoints and her books are so wonderful to tread. I'm always awaiting her next book! One-click now and treat yourself to this treasure of a book!
June 30, 2025
In this charming new dual-timeline historical fiction book from Siobhan Daiko, readers follow Lucia in 1943 Sicily and Jess in 2005 as they cope with the challenges of home, choice, and love. Lucia is very close to her twin brother Dinu, but Gero’s arrival from America introduces conflicting feelings, as Lucia grows attached to him yet worries about Gero’s influence on her brother. Sixty years later, Jess inherits a baglio, an old farmhouse in Sicily from her long-dead grandmother, and she decides to discover her family’s secrets and history with the help of a local after her parents’ death and her own divorce. Charming, emotional, and immersive, readers will love the two unique timelines and their connection, and Daiko’s characters are brilliantly written and complex as always. The characters’ complexities in their relationships with other characters and Sicily are particularly interesting, and readers will enjoy the ways in which Lucia and Jess grow and respond to the challenges in their lives. A fantastic continuation of this Italian World War II historical fiction series, readers will love the detailed settings and charming characters that Daiko brings to every novel, and the new stakes and challenges really immerse readers in this fantastic story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
February 23, 2025
The Girl from Sicily had me hooked. I love a good mystery and this story was full of them. The story begins with Jess inheriting a baglio in Sicily from a grandmother she knew nothing about. With her parents recently passing she would no nothing unless she took a trip to Sicily.
Her journey takes the reader into the past when the world was at war. Lucia and her family struggled to survive, like so many others. They hadn't planned on remaining in the area, but the war wouldn't allow them to return to America.
Things start looking up when Gero, a family friend from America and Sicily returns. He is working undercover for the allies. Lucia's family benefits from gifts he brings. The reader is exposed to the evils that were going on. Lucia gets a first hand view as she watches her brother get deeper and deeper.
Like in the war, there is much going on. Within the pages the reader is taken on a journey that left me crying. I experienced anger and disgust. The actions of other destroyed the innocents. Destroyed generations. I have to wonder how many actual stories there are similar to this. My heart bleeds for them all.
Her journey takes the reader into the past when the world was at war. Lucia and her family struggled to survive, like so many others. They hadn't planned on remaining in the area, but the war wouldn't allow them to return to America.
Things start looking up when Gero, a family friend from America and Sicily returns. He is working undercover for the allies. Lucia's family benefits from gifts he brings. The reader is exposed to the evils that were going on. Lucia gets a first hand view as she watches her brother get deeper and deeper.
Like in the war, there is much going on. Within the pages the reader is taken on a journey that left me crying. I experienced anger and disgust. The actions of other destroyed the innocents. Destroyed generations. I have to wonder how many actual stories there are similar to this. My heart bleeds for them all.
March 12, 2025
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
The novel has a split narrative; in 2005, we follow Jess, who finds out that she has inherited a farmhouse in her grandmother's will. Jess never met her grandmother, and isn't sure why the house has been left to her. The other narrative, mostly set in the 1940s, follows a girl named Lucia and her family. I was excited to see how the two narratives may be connected.
I connected with both narratives differently. I was excited to follow Jess, to see what might be in store for her next. Reading Lucia's story, I found that it tugged at my heartstrings a little bit more. I found that both narratives had a kind of atmosphere; something that made me want to focus purely on the moment and get lost in it as I was reading.
This book was uplifting, romantic and captivating. I became tearful towards the end, which was something that I hadn't anticipated at the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
The novel has a split narrative; in 2005, we follow Jess, who finds out that she has inherited a farmhouse in her grandmother's will. Jess never met her grandmother, and isn't sure why the house has been left to her. The other narrative, mostly set in the 1940s, follows a girl named Lucia and her family. I was excited to see how the two narratives may be connected.
I connected with both narratives differently. I was excited to follow Jess, to see what might be in store for her next. Reading Lucia's story, I found that it tugged at my heartstrings a little bit more. I found that both narratives had a kind of atmosphere; something that made me want to focus purely on the moment and get lost in it as I was reading.
This book was uplifting, romantic and captivating. I became tearful towards the end, which was something that I hadn't anticipated at the beginning.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
March 18, 2025
Although this book is part of the Italian Resistance Series, Siobhan has written it so that it also stands alone. It is inspired by real life events and it also enlightens its readers about Sicilian traditions and describes the life of one Sicilian family across several generations. The story centres around the traditional code of silence known as the omerta and spans the years from 1940 through World War 2 and then moves from Sicily to New York and Bristol giving details of the generations of Sicilian women as the seek to find their way through family, love and loss. No story about Sicily could possibly contain NO reference to The Scillian mafia. Again this part of the narrative is based on facts but with fictional characters.
I enjoyed finding out about the situation in Sicily during the war and seeing how this affected the next generations. It provides easy reading. Excellent book to back when you go on holiday with the intention of chilling out.
Thank you to Siobhan Daiko, Boldwell Books and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
I enjoyed finding out about the situation in Sicily during the war and seeing how this affected the next generations. It provides easy reading. Excellent book to back when you go on holiday with the intention of chilling out.
Thank you to Siobhan Daiko, Boldwell Books and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
March 21, 2025
A brilliant read filled with history
Linking together with family mystery.
Meeting with relatives and a stranger
That leads to romance- and to danger!
An unexpected inheritance giving links to the past.
Uncovering family history at last.
Visiting Sicily, meeting family there
But events from the past necessitate taking care.
Told in two timelines linking the present and past,
Sharing family history and secrets at last.
But there's danger and turmoil before the end
As wartime events impinge on Jess and her friend!
A story with romances from the past and now
Linking the family together somehow.
Will this bring them together or tear them apart
Will it help them to heal or break their heart?
A fascinating insight into the turmoil of war
With different family expectations at its core.
The impact of decisions made decades ago
Have long lasting effects that others still know.
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Linking together with family mystery.
Meeting with relatives and a stranger
That leads to romance- and to danger!
An unexpected inheritance giving links to the past.
Uncovering family history at last.
Visiting Sicily, meeting family there
But events from the past necessitate taking care.
Told in two timelines linking the present and past,
Sharing family history and secrets at last.
But there's danger and turmoil before the end
As wartime events impinge on Jess and her friend!
A story with romances from the past and now
Linking the family together somehow.
Will this bring them together or tear them apart
Will it help them to heal or break their heart?
A fascinating insight into the turmoil of war
With different family expectations at its core.
The impact of decisions made decades ago
Have long lasting effects that others still know.
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
February 14, 2025
Book Four in the Girls from the Italian Resistance series, it’s the first I’ve read and was definitely fine as a standalone novel. Told over a dual timeline alternating between Jessica in 2005 and her grandmother in 1943. The novels starts with Jessica who has had infertility issues which has impacted her marriage. She inherits a farmhouse in Sicily from her grandmother she never knew.
I enjoyed learning of the history of Sicily during the war with Jessica- from mafia ties to the separatist movement. The Sicilian setting sounded divine and I loved all the food and winery references. I found myself turning through the pages as her grandmother’s secrets came out and enjoyed her slow burn romance with Pietro. An interesting bit of history I hadn’t heard of and I’m keen to read more of the series as I find stories of Italy during the war aren’t as common as UK, French or German stories.
I enjoyed learning of the history of Sicily during the war with Jessica- from mafia ties to the separatist movement. The Sicilian setting sounded divine and I loved all the food and winery references. I found myself turning through the pages as her grandmother’s secrets came out and enjoyed her slow burn romance with Pietro. An interesting bit of history I hadn’t heard of and I’m keen to read more of the series as I find stories of Italy during the war aren’t as common as UK, French or German stories.
March 13, 2025
The Girl from Sicily offers everything you could want from a book…..mystery, romance, history and crime. And all of this is nestled within the beautiful Sicilian landscape alongside huge helpings of traditional food and wine! Perfect!
The further I got into this story, the more I became captivated with the mystery surrounding Jess’ inheritance and her family history. The plot is superbly crafted and the author’s research is evident. Lucia is my favourite character - the loss, grief, loneliness and pain she experiences is heartbreaking. Yet her perseverance, resilience, strength, care and consideration really shine through.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the publisher, Boldwood Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The further I got into this story, the more I became captivated with the mystery surrounding Jess’ inheritance and her family history. The plot is superbly crafted and the author’s research is evident. Lucia is my favourite character - the loss, grief, loneliness and pain she experiences is heartbreaking. Yet her perseverance, resilience, strength, care and consideration really shine through.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the publisher, Boldwood Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 19, 2025
I enjoyed 'The Girl from Sicily' very much and found it a great read for those like myself who love novels set in Sicily and WWII. The sense of place is strong; I was transported to the beautiful Italian island and felt I was actually there with the characters. With a heartbreaking secret at its heart, I admired the strength of character shown by Lucia who had difficult decisions to make. While I appreciate readers need to understand the meaning of the incidental Italian used throughout the book, maybe it wasn't necessary to give a direct translation of every word used but to imply meaning through context. Having found it a compelling read that kept me turning the pages, I have no hesitation in recommending this novel.
February 17, 2025
I thought that this would be a generic WW2 resistance novel, but it was much more than that. An element of this novel covered WW2 but that just gave the opportunity for the heroine to meet, fall in love with and then marry an American officer who had a Sicilian heritage. The book was much more focused on rural Sicilian life with its intrigues and untold truths. The shadow behind the action was the influence of the Cosa Nostra and how they prevented people talking to the authorities concerning serious crime. Like other books by Siobhan, it was a carefully constructed plot that tugged at the heartstrings giving a previously unknown insight into Italian life. An excellent read.
March 18, 2025
What an amazing read, this is a book that was difficult to put down. The story takes place In Sicily mainly during the WWII, it is about Lucia who lived there. The book has a dual time line during WWII and also present time. Lucia's grand daughter Jessica goes to Sicily as she has inherited her grandmother Lucia. This is a heartfelt story about the past and the present, where the author has weaved it together making the storytelling so good. The characters are interesting, the Sicilian life to be discovered. The story has a few twists and turns and unexpected things happen.
I can definitely recommend this read. I'm grateful to have read this book.
Charlotte N
I can definitely recommend this read. I'm grateful to have read this book.
Charlotte N
February 8, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Siobhan Daiko's new novel, The Girl from Sicily. Although set during World War II, the small village on the outskirts was not heavily impacted by the war. What I found fascinating was learning about the Mafia and their role during this time, as well as the old traditions and codes. This well-written and unputdownable novel is filled with love, loss sacrifice, and mystery. 4 ½ stars
I would like to thank the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheGirlfromSicily #NetGalley
I would like to thank the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheGirlfromSicily #NetGalley
March 19, 2025
This intriguing book is full of Sicilian family history, romance, mafia crime and mystery. Lucia’s story is heartbreaking, lifetime grief, loss of so much, and the loneliness throughout her later years. There’s a dual timeline running through the book. Lucia is in Sicily during World War Two and after, 1943-1947. Jessica, Lucia’s granddaughter is in Bristol and Sicily in 2005.
She needs to decide whether or not she will accept her inheritance. There’s an engaging storyline, partly based on facts, with interesting characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood.
She needs to decide whether or not she will accept her inheritance. There’s an engaging storyline, partly based on facts, with interesting characters.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Boldwood.
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