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The Florence Sisters
A war-torn city. A stolen masterpiece. Two lives in the balance…
Italy, 1940. With Florence on the cusp of war, Il Scorpione, the no-nonsense Englishwomen of the city, find their genteel livelihoods under grave threat by the approach of the Nazis. Tea rooms and bookshops are closed by the Fascists, and the women are forced to join the war effort.
Desperate to help in any way that she can, Angelina Leone, expert art-historian and the half-Italian niece of Il Scorpione’s founder makes a deal with the devil. To guarantee her beloved Aunt Agatha, the only family she has, safe passage across the city, Lina must authenticate the art ruthlessly stolen from Jewish families. But when she comes across a priceless portrait – one that she cannot bear to see seized by the Germans – Lina declares the masterpiece a fake. But in doing so, will she set off a chain of events with consequences more deadly than she could ever imagine …
10 hours and 14 minutes
Italy, 1940. With Florence on the cusp of war, Il Scorpione, the no-nonsense Englishwomen of the city, find their genteel livelihoods under grave threat by the approach of the Nazis. Tea rooms and bookshops are closed by the Fascists, and the women are forced to join the war effort.
Desperate to help in any way that she can, Angelina Leone, expert art-historian and the half-Italian niece of Il Scorpione’s founder makes a deal with the devil. To guarantee her beloved Aunt Agatha, the only family she has, safe passage across the city, Lina must authenticate the art ruthlessly stolen from Jewish families. But when she comes across a priceless portrait – one that she cannot bear to see seized by the Germans – Lina declares the masterpiece a fake. But in doing so, will she set off a chain of events with consequences more deadly than she could ever imagine …
10 hours and 14 minutes
11 pages, Audible Audio
Published April 24, 2025
397 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Harris
21 books528 followersFrom the author's website:After studying History at Oxford University, I began my journalistic career on a newspaper in my home town of Louth, in Lincolnshire. I progressed onto a London newspaper, where I became women's editor. From there I moved to become a feature writer on Best magazine. After two years I was made editor of a regional arts and listings publication. This was followed by another two years as deputy editor on Heritage magazine. Motherhood meant a spell as a freelance, contributing to several national magazines, such as Country Homes & Interiors, Perfect Home and Woman's Journal, as well as newspapers such as The Times, The Telegraph and The Guardian. During this time I also worked as a literary publicist and for a documentary-making company. In 2005 I was made editor of Berkshire Life magazine.
In 2000 I won a European-wide screenplay writing competition run by the London Screenwriters' Workshop and the resulting screenplay was optioned by a film company. The script was set in 18th century London and my subsequent research led to the invention of Dr Thomas Silkstone, an American anatomist and the world's first forensic scientist.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Author Tessa Harris[5] also made him one of the main characters in her book The Dead Shall Not Rest which uses a fictional character Thomas Silkstone to examine the beginnings of forensic science, anatomy and surgery. The book, which is well referenced, emphasises the difficulty and need of anatomists of the time gaining access to bodies to dissect, and the illegal trade in dead bodies that eventuated due to this.
In 2000 I won a European-wide screenplay writing competition run by the London Screenwriters' Workshop and the resulting screenplay was optioned by a film company. The script was set in 18th century London and my subsequent research led to the invention of Dr Thomas Silkstone, an American anatomist and the world's first forensic scientist.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_...
Author Tessa Harris[5] also made him one of the main characters in her book The Dead Shall Not Rest which uses a fictional character Thomas Silkstone to examine the beginnings of forensic science, anatomy and surgery. The book, which is well referenced, emphasises the difficulty and need of anatomists of the time gaining access to bodies to dissect, and the illegal trade in dead bodies that eventuated due to this.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 7, 2025
Italy. A group of women lead by Agatha Fortescue-Smythe belong to the English Ladies Arts Appreciation Society or as they refer to themselves "the Scorpions" are living in war torn Florence at first they have to deal with the Fascists and later the Germans.
Angelina Leone is a half Italian art-historian and she’s Agatha’s great-niece and to stop the ladies from being detained as enemy aliens; Lina works authenticating stolen art. When she comes across an unknown portrait, she declares the masterpiece to be a fake and Lina has no idea she will set of a chain of events and consequences. Lina and the people she loves will be in the sights of a greedy SS Officer and is he looting the city of its treasures to add the Fuhrer’s collection or keep the spoils of war for himself?
Lina doesn’t know who she can trust, including Edoardo Bernini the son of a convicted criminal and he has the reputation of being a ladies man, she has no idea who’s working for the resistance and as the Allies get closer the danger in Florence increases. What will a desperate and revenge filled German army do, destroy the historic sites of Florence and blow up its bridges and can Lina stop this from happening, who will help her and what happens to the stolen art?
I received a copy of The Florence Sisters by Tessa Harris from Harlequin Australia in exchange for an unbiased review. A face paced narrative, full of wonderful characters like, Aunt Agatha and her friends, Lina and Edoardo and Professor Loggi. The older ladies certainly changed and they became more tolerant, open minded and kinder as time went on.
A story about Florence, art, war, with elements of hidden secrets and mystery and this makes the book an unputdownable historical thriller with a touch of double dealing and back stabbing that will keep you engrossed to the end.
Five stars from me and I highly recommend The Florence Sisters and Ms Harris’s previous book The Paris Notebook.
Angelina Leone is a half Italian art-historian and she’s Agatha’s great-niece and to stop the ladies from being detained as enemy aliens; Lina works authenticating stolen art. When she comes across an unknown portrait, she declares the masterpiece to be a fake and Lina has no idea she will set of a chain of events and consequences. Lina and the people she loves will be in the sights of a greedy SS Officer and is he looting the city of its treasures to add the Fuhrer’s collection or keep the spoils of war for himself?
Lina doesn’t know who she can trust, including Edoardo Bernini the son of a convicted criminal and he has the reputation of being a ladies man, she has no idea who’s working for the resistance and as the Allies get closer the danger in Florence increases. What will a desperate and revenge filled German army do, destroy the historic sites of Florence and blow up its bridges and can Lina stop this from happening, who will help her and what happens to the stolen art?
I received a copy of The Florence Sisters by Tessa Harris from Harlequin Australia in exchange for an unbiased review. A face paced narrative, full of wonderful characters like, Aunt Agatha and her friends, Lina and Edoardo and Professor Loggi. The older ladies certainly changed and they became more tolerant, open minded and kinder as time went on.
A story about Florence, art, war, with elements of hidden secrets and mystery and this makes the book an unputdownable historical thriller with a touch of double dealing and back stabbing that will keep you engrossed to the end.
Five stars from me and I highly recommend The Florence Sisters and Ms Harris’s previous book The Paris Notebook.
February 22, 2025
WW2 fiction 1940 Florence Italy.
Oh my goodness heart rending and gripping.
A war torn city, a stolen masterpiece, two lives in the balance.
Italy declared war on Britain and every english man and woman have become the enemies.
Lina Dr Angelina Leone and her great aunt Agatha tell us their unique story.
This book is all about survival.
Absolutely lots of twists as the portrait of the Cranage has to be saved from the fascists.
Edoardo Bernini Lina's sweetheart has a hidden secret, and she doesn't know if she can trust him enough after a gruelling trauma that ends in a kidnapping will she get out alive and back to aunt Agatha?
Oh my goodness again this book was so unputdownable right through, loved the characters and their part in the story, as it all blends in making a history that will never be forgotten.
Loved it.
Oh my goodness heart rending and gripping.
A war torn city, a stolen masterpiece, two lives in the balance.
Italy declared war on Britain and every english man and woman have become the enemies.
Lina Dr Angelina Leone and her great aunt Agatha tell us their unique story.
This book is all about survival.
Absolutely lots of twists as the portrait of the Cranage has to be saved from the fascists.
Edoardo Bernini Lina's sweetheart has a hidden secret, and she doesn't know if she can trust him enough after a gruelling trauma that ends in a kidnapping will she get out alive and back to aunt Agatha?
Oh my goodness again this book was so unputdownable right through, loved the characters and their part in the story, as it all blends in making a history that will never be forgotten.
Loved it.
August 6, 2025
The Florence Sisters is an intriguing story that highlights the vulnerability of the Englishwomen living in Italy during the time of the war and showcases the strength and determination that went into protecting the art works from the Germans.
Harris writes about ordinary people risking their life for what they believe in and I loved how tough and resilient the older women were, never giving up when the odds were against them.
I enjoyed Angelina's story as she put her life in danger to protect these precious artworks ensuring they would not be lost to the world.
I was totally invested in the brilliantly conceived plot rich in danger, tenacity and determination, all wrapped around the world of fine art.
Full review at: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Harris writes about ordinary people risking their life for what they believe in and I loved how tough and resilient the older women were, never giving up when the odds were against them.
I enjoyed Angelina's story as she put her life in danger to protect these precious artworks ensuring they would not be lost to the world.
I was totally invested in the brilliantly conceived plot rich in danger, tenacity and determination, all wrapped around the world of fine art.
Full review at: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
April 24, 2025
The Florence Sisters is set in wartime Florence, Italy, in 1940. This book is about a city in the war and the brave women who had to live through it.
The main character, Lina, is an expert in art history. She is forced to prove that stolen masterpieces are legit.
She has to label a priceless portrait a fake, setting the book's scene.
The book was filled with danger and tension and was a page-turning read.
The Florence sisters were a strong, brave group of women determined to preserve and save Florence's art.
All the while under the enemy's noses.
Tessa Harris has written another great book.
The main character, Lina, is an expert in art history. She is forced to prove that stolen masterpieces are legit.
She has to label a priceless portrait a fake, setting the book's scene.
The book was filled with danger and tension and was a page-turning read.
The Florence sisters were a strong, brave group of women determined to preserve and save Florence's art.
All the while under the enemy's noses.
Tessa Harris has written another great book.
June 17, 2025
implausible WW 2 plot
This book can’t decide if it’s a romcom or historical fiction done badly. The escapades of the heroine, her aunt’s circle of elderly ex-pats in Florence, her hero and the cartoonish podesta/Nazi collaborator all stretch suspension of disbelief to the limit. The writing is amateurish and overdone. It was an effort to finish it.
This book can’t decide if it’s a romcom or historical fiction done badly. The escapades of the heroine, her aunt’s circle of elderly ex-pats in Florence, her hero and the cartoonish podesta/Nazi collaborator all stretch suspension of disbelief to the limit. The writing is amateurish and overdone. It was an effort to finish it.
April 24, 2025
My fascination for wartime history continues with another stellar read by Tessa Harris. Of late Great Reads & Tea Leaves has posted a few reviews from this time period, yet still I found myself drawn to learn and read more. The Florence Sisters were a strong and brave group of expat women (mostly elderly English ladies) who were determined to save Florence’s art from both the destruction of war and the greedy Nazis.
‘They were heroines. Each and every one of them. True sisters of Florence.’
Expert art historian, Lina (niece of one of the elderly ladies) is coerced to authenticate a priceless Cranach painting but declares it a fake in order to keep it out of the hands of the Nazis. This then sets off a chain of events that lead to a thrilling conclusion. Think of Monuments Men (who also make a guest appearance). Add in the courage of this group of women, a handsome art gallery owner and resistance fighters and you have a highly entertaining and absorbing read.
If you enjoy reading about Florence and art tied together with suspense and romance you are sure to enjoy this book. The Florence Sisters is another winning read that allows you to be immersed in this time period. The research is well done and the story is full of detailed drama, laced with love and hope.
‘When the war’s over, people will somehow rebuild their lives,’ she told him. ‘They always do, but if you destroy their achievements, what they’ve created over the past centuries, then it’s as if they never really existed.’
‘They were heroines. Each and every one of them. True sisters of Florence.’
Expert art historian, Lina (niece of one of the elderly ladies) is coerced to authenticate a priceless Cranach painting but declares it a fake in order to keep it out of the hands of the Nazis. This then sets off a chain of events that lead to a thrilling conclusion. Think of Monuments Men (who also make a guest appearance). Add in the courage of this group of women, a handsome art gallery owner and resistance fighters and you have a highly entertaining and absorbing read.
If you enjoy reading about Florence and art tied together with suspense and romance you are sure to enjoy this book. The Florence Sisters is another winning read that allows you to be immersed in this time period. The research is well done and the story is full of detailed drama, laced with love and hope.
‘When the war’s over, people will somehow rebuild their lives,’ she told him. ‘They always do, but if you destroy their achievements, what they’ve created over the past centuries, then it’s as if they never really existed.’
February 6, 2025
An absolutely gripping story about a group of ex-pat English women who work with the Italian resistance to prevent Florence’s treasured artworks being removed from the city by the German occupiers during World War II.
I found this to be a completely immersive read, and a real page turner. The plot is a great balance of thriller and romance, with a wonderful set of characters and a great sense of place. Florence is evoked so well, that at times, I felt I was walking the streets with the characters. One for fans of Tea With Mussolini and the Monuments Men.
Thank you to the publisher for the early reading copy.
I found this to be a completely immersive read, and a real page turner. The plot is a great balance of thriller and romance, with a wonderful set of characters and a great sense of place. Florence is evoked so well, that at times, I felt I was walking the streets with the characters. One for fans of Tea With Mussolini and the Monuments Men.
Thank you to the publisher for the early reading copy.
June 16, 2025
A decent book which shed light on a different aspect of World War Two. I enjoyed the stories of how different artwork was trying to be preserved by ordinary citizens but I just found the whole story a bit clunky; it felt like it lurched one way then another and I found myself not really warming to any of the characters.
July 28, 2025
In this brilliant new World War II historical fiction novel, readers discover Il Scorpione, the no-nonsense English women who live genteel lives in Florence even under Nazi control. Angelica Leone, the niece of Il Scorpione’s founder Agatha and an art historian, is forced to make a deal with the Nazi occupiers to authenticate the artwork they have stolen from Jewish families. However, Angelica cannot bear to give up one particular portrait and declares that it is a fake, but this single lie will set off a dangerous chain of events with deadly consequences for Angelica, Il Scorpione, and others in her circle. Packed with details and incredible characters, Tessa Harris has brought this fascinating historical setting to life in this entertaining and high-stakes new book. The cast of characters is complex, varied, and entertaining, and the attitudes of Il Scorpione are deeply entertaining, while Angelica’s unique skill set and relationships with other characters add a lot to the drama and tension of this particular historical period. With high stakes and brilliant details, Harris spotlights a fascinating mix of historical fiction and art history in this book and brings it to life with her always-incredible characters, exciting plot, and vibrant settings.
Thanks to NetGalley, HQ, and HQ Digital for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, HQ, and HQ Digital for the advance copy.
September 26, 2025
Italy in World War 2. A group of English ladies is trapped in 1940s Florence, including the feisty Aunt Agatha and her niece, Angelina. They are all art experts having immersed themselves in the culture of the city.
Now the art works are under threat from both the fascists and the Nazis, who either want to make money from the pieces for themselves or steal the art. Hitler has a plan to establish the best gallery and arts museum in the world in Germany, gathering the most valuable works in Europe.
The true art lovers want to ensure that timeless, priceless pieces are protected from bombings and looting which means that inventories must be made and paintings packed away and hidden. The ladies are able to help with this.
The plot twists when a new portrait masterpiece comes to light which 'Lina' declares to be a fake to put the enemy off. However, another expert realises the veracity of the work and its a race against time to locate and protect it while discovering who is a traitor, who is feathering their own nest and who is a spy. The Resistance are still at work but who can be trusted?
This was a great read and, apparently, based on true events. Tessa Harris has done wonderful research and weaves her story well. Honestly, I felt the title was misleading but the book is well worth a read.
Now the art works are under threat from both the fascists and the Nazis, who either want to make money from the pieces for themselves or steal the art. Hitler has a plan to establish the best gallery and arts museum in the world in Germany, gathering the most valuable works in Europe.
The true art lovers want to ensure that timeless, priceless pieces are protected from bombings and looting which means that inventories must be made and paintings packed away and hidden. The ladies are able to help with this.
The plot twists when a new portrait masterpiece comes to light which 'Lina' declares to be a fake to put the enemy off. However, another expert realises the veracity of the work and its a race against time to locate and protect it while discovering who is a traitor, who is feathering their own nest and who is a spy. The Resistance are still at work but who can be trusted?
This was a great read and, apparently, based on true events. Tessa Harris has done wonderful research and weaves her story well. Honestly, I felt the title was misleading but the book is well worth a read.
May 10, 2025
4/5 ⭐️
The year is 1940 and the city of Florence, Italy, faces the impending arrival of the Nazis. Fascists are taking over and the life they knew is coming to an end. Upending businesses, livelihoods and ultimately strong arming the women into joining the war effort. Our main protagonist, Angelina, is a force to be reckoned with and will do anything to protect her Aunt. Il Scorpione, a group of brave and cool ass women, stand up in defiance, resolute in their convictions. Throw in a little bit of intrigue and morality being tested and we’ve got ourselves quite the good wartime mystery. Oh yes and we also learn about art and get to travel through their POV’s throughout one of my favorite cities in the world. This is a definite recommend to my fellow history buffs! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
Www.goodreads.com/evelynreadseverything
Www.facebook.com/evelynreadseverything1
#bookish #booktok #bookstagram #books#adventure #history #inspiring #fantasy#romantasy #romcom #historymatters #hero #impactful #stories #love #heartbreak #bookrecommendation #bookshelf #library #lovetoread #magic #gooddefeatsevil #mystery #arc #netgalley
The year is 1940 and the city of Florence, Italy, faces the impending arrival of the Nazis. Fascists are taking over and the life they knew is coming to an end. Upending businesses, livelihoods and ultimately strong arming the women into joining the war effort. Our main protagonist, Angelina, is a force to be reckoned with and will do anything to protect her Aunt. Il Scorpione, a group of brave and cool ass women, stand up in defiance, resolute in their convictions. Throw in a little bit of intrigue and morality being tested and we’ve got ourselves quite the good wartime mystery. Oh yes and we also learn about art and get to travel through their POV’s throughout one of my favorite cities in the world. This is a definite recommend to my fellow history buffs! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
Www.goodreads.com/evelynreadseverything
Www.facebook.com/evelynreadseverything1
#bookish #booktok #bookstagram #books#adventure #history #inspiring #fantasy#romantasy #romcom #historymatters #hero #impactful #stories #love #heartbreak #bookrecommendation #bookshelf #library #lovetoread #magic #gooddefeatsevil #mystery #arc #netgalley
April 24, 2025
I always particularly enjoy a book that sends me down my own research rabbit hole – the Ponte Vecchio, the Scorpioni, the Uffizi, the Shinnie maps, the Kunstschutz, the art of Cranach, and so much more – guided by the fascinating letter from the author that ends the book. Goodness, I even watched the two films she mentions, I became so engrossed in the subject. Wonderfully researched and beautifully written as always, this book – a work of fiction based on fact – really was history brought to life, as well as being a very involving romance and an edge-of-the-seat read that gathered pace throughout and left me breathless.
Essentially, this is the story of a group of women, living in wartime Florence – the Scorpioni – whose love of art found them helping prevent the destruction of the city’s treasures both during the Nazi withdrawal and the bombing that followed. It also tells how the Nazis looted the city’s many works of art, taking them out of the country – and the efforts of art historian Lina, working with the partisans, as she attempts to save them, particularly one previously undiscovered work by a favourite of the Fuhrer. It’s a rather moving love story too – as she works with art dealer Edoardo, who’s won her heart but has an unfortunate reputation and a complex past, and who she’s not sure whether to trust. And as the story builds, it becomes rather a thriller too, with lives risked to prevent the destruction of one of the most iconic sites of Florence.
The characterisation is excellent – not just Lina and Edoardo, but the whole supporting cast, sympathetic or otherwise. And particularly the ladies of the Scorpioni – all distinctive characters including Lina’s wonderful Aunt Agatha, women who’ve lived a little and all have their own stories, and who play their own parts in the story. The world-building is wonderful too – wartime Florence vividly recreated, making the reader feel very much part of it. And I thought the pacing was superb – quieter moments in the early book, experiences shared, discoveries made, secrets uncovered, then that major gear change that was so tremendously exciting, life-threatening and with an uncertain outcome, everything in the balance.
This book really has a bit of everything – romance, the art world, the impact of the occupation, the plundering of Florence’s treasures – and really captures the immense bravery shown by those who sought to make a difference and change the course of events. It’s such an immersive read, filled with suspense, and a well-told story that had me gripped throughout – and that fast-paced and heart-pounding climax really was stunning. Very much recommended.
Essentially, this is the story of a group of women, living in wartime Florence – the Scorpioni – whose love of art found them helping prevent the destruction of the city’s treasures both during the Nazi withdrawal and the bombing that followed. It also tells how the Nazis looted the city’s many works of art, taking them out of the country – and the efforts of art historian Lina, working with the partisans, as she attempts to save them, particularly one previously undiscovered work by a favourite of the Fuhrer. It’s a rather moving love story too – as she works with art dealer Edoardo, who’s won her heart but has an unfortunate reputation and a complex past, and who she’s not sure whether to trust. And as the story builds, it becomes rather a thriller too, with lives risked to prevent the destruction of one of the most iconic sites of Florence.
The characterisation is excellent – not just Lina and Edoardo, but the whole supporting cast, sympathetic or otherwise. And particularly the ladies of the Scorpioni – all distinctive characters including Lina’s wonderful Aunt Agatha, women who’ve lived a little and all have their own stories, and who play their own parts in the story. The world-building is wonderful too – wartime Florence vividly recreated, making the reader feel very much part of it. And I thought the pacing was superb – quieter moments in the early book, experiences shared, discoveries made, secrets uncovered, then that major gear change that was so tremendously exciting, life-threatening and with an uncertain outcome, everything in the balance.
This book really has a bit of everything – romance, the art world, the impact of the occupation, the plundering of Florence’s treasures – and really captures the immense bravery shown by those who sought to make a difference and change the course of events. It’s such an immersive read, filled with suspense, and a well-told story that had me gripped throughout – and that fast-paced and heart-pounding climax really was stunning. Very much recommended.
April 26, 2025
A wonderful story of intrigue and secrets and romance.
Lina is half Italian and half British she lives with her Aunt Agatha in Italy. Agatha does not speak Italian she has a club with other British and an American ladies where they look at all the artist’s portrait and discuss them they are a font of knowledge. Lina meets Edoardo who is an art dealer she thinks he works for the Nazis. We see Lina put in danger will she survive the war and will the ladies all live.
I really enjoyed the book I thought it was interesting and I kept wanting to read on to find out what happened to them all. I thought Lina & Edoardo worked well together and you wondered if they would end up together.
Well written and very informative.
Lina is half Italian and half British she lives with her Aunt Agatha in Italy. Agatha does not speak Italian she has a club with other British and an American ladies where they look at all the artist’s portrait and discuss them they are a font of knowledge. Lina meets Edoardo who is an art dealer she thinks he works for the Nazis. We see Lina put in danger will she survive the war and will the ladies all live.
I really enjoyed the book I thought it was interesting and I kept wanting to read on to find out what happened to them all. I thought Lina & Edoardo worked well together and you wondered if they would end up together.
Well written and very informative.
May 30, 2025
Set in Florance Italy during WW2, a sisterhood of elderly English expats work with the local resistance to save Italian treasures from getting into the hands of enemy. Defying the odds and proving age has no boundaries, these women not only fight for their survival, but also to save Florance’s history. I found The Florance Sisters a little slow to begin with but welcomed the twists the story took and the love, friendship and courage the characters had. 4 stars
I would like to thank the author, HQ and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheFlorenceSisters #NetGalley.
I would like to thank the author, HQ and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheFlorenceSisters #NetGalley.
May 29, 2025
It is a good story full of fast-paced action. The women involved in the story are all very strong and carry out some extremely dangerous tasks. They are a close-knit group of women who want to save the art of Florence from being lost and damaged. It was interesting to read to read about the damage done to Florence during the war. The descriptions of Florence and the art are really well written and draw you into the rest of the story. At times the story did seem drawn out, but I will be looking for other books written by this author.
June 18, 2025
Hard to Put Down
This story kept me turning pages from beginning to end. I could feel the danger and sorrow and grief as the ladies art society worked to document the treasured artwork of Italy. The dangers and horror of Nazi occupation was so well written, I found myself crying and praying for the brave resistance fighters. What a good portrayal of the sacrifices made to preserve the classical works of art and architecture.
This story kept me turning pages from beginning to end. I could feel the danger and sorrow and grief as the ladies art society worked to document the treasured artwork of Italy. The dangers and horror of Nazi occupation was so well written, I found myself crying and praying for the brave resistance fighters. What a good portrayal of the sacrifices made to preserve the classical works of art and architecture.
July 2, 2025
War torn Italy during WW11. The Nazis rule and steal the art with help from the local fascists. A group of women trying to preserve the art before all is lost. Greed by the fascists and the NAZIS and these wonderful brave women who I might say had a lot of front considering their ages. A young women falling in love with a resistance fighter and her internal battle of learning to trust.
This ,was quite a nice read while with the flu so passed the time nicely.
This ,was quite a nice read while with the flu so passed the time nicely.
October 18, 2025
Couldn’t finish it. So very dull. I felt like I was reading a book perhaps a 14 year old of average experience in life would write. Characters were dull, the old ladies were predictable, the romance was hardly romcom or intriguing. And the WWII story itself never really went anywhere. I have read so many amazing books about the unsung women during many world struggles and wars - this so far is the most dull I’ve come across.
January 10, 2026
I don't know how I finished this one. At page 140 I wanted to be done, but I pushed forward hoping it would turn around. The story was choppy yet still dragged out and too long. The characters were not developed well.
I'm also confused about the title. Is "sisters" referring to the group of Englishwomen? They are never referred to as sisters in the story. I also don't understand who the women are on the cover.
I'm also confused about the title. Is "sisters" referring to the group of Englishwomen? They are never referred to as sisters in the story. I also don't understand who the women are on the cover.
April 15, 2025
This story is set in Florence, Italy in World War Two. It’s 1940 and the city is under attack. Known for its precious art a group of brave women work hard to protect the cities treasures from the invaders, right under their noses. A gripping read with good attention to detail.
April 17, 2025
I love a good story about the war and this book did not disappoint. I was engulfed in the story and the characters from the start a true page turner.
Thank you HarperCollins Publisher for this arc read
really enjoyed it.
Thank you HarperCollins Publisher for this arc read
really enjoyed it.
April 19, 2025
The Florence Sisters is a touching and well-crafted WWII novel about love and sacrifice. The historical setting felt real without being too heavy, and the characters had depth. A great pick if you like historical fiction with strong women at the center.
June 16, 2025
Captivating
A great story with historical points of interest. You can visualize it in your mind easily and if you have been to Florence you will know the significant areas of interest.
A great story with historical points of interest. You can visualize it in your mind easily and if you have been to Florence you will know the significant areas of interest.
June 29, 2025
Courage at its best
I am familiar Keith the Monuments Men fro other books. But this precursor portrays the courage of the residents of Florence and the resistance better than any other book. Thank you, Tessa.
I am familiar Keith the Monuments Men fro other books. But this precursor portrays the courage of the residents of Florence and the resistance better than any other book. Thank you, Tessa.
June 24, 2025
Very enjoyable. However, going to take a break from reading WW2 stuff for awhile.
July 30, 2025
fun and fast moving
A lovely love story with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. I enjoyed the read and reccomend it for some light reading.
A lovely love story with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. I enjoyed the read and reccomend it for some light reading.
August 6, 2025
Very long and ramble. Needed a good editor to trim a chunk off the story.
August 13, 2025
Good
An action packed saga that went on and on covering so much information about Florence during WW 2. Interesting even if I couldn’t keep up.
An action packed saga that went on and on covering so much information about Florence during WW 2. Interesting even if I couldn’t keep up.
August 23, 2025
A True Page Turner
I always enjoy reading books by Tessa Harris. She has a way of taking you along with the journey. I was both cheering and holding my breath at the same time.
I always enjoy reading books by Tessa Harris. She has a way of taking you along with the journey. I was both cheering and holding my breath at the same time.
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