The Keeper of Lost Art

by Lelita Baldock

She lifts the book from the suitcase, gently unwraps it and breathes a heavy sigh of relief. She has made it. The book is safely hidden. But at what cost?

Bari, Italy. 1943. Twenty-year-old Siena knocks on a stranger's door with trembling hands. Her journey from Rome has left her exhausted and afraid, but after her friends were taken away, she had no choice but to flee. Hidden within her suitcase lies the reason for her desperate flight – a tattered leather-bound ledger, its pages filled with secrets Siena will risk her life to protect.

When Alessia opens the door, Siena sees a woman bearing the weight of caring for her family while her father fights at the front. Siena hands over a scrap of paper – a watercolour sketch of Bari harbour – and watches recognition flicker across Alessia's face. Despite rations being low, she knows Alessia cannot refuse her.

As bombs devastate the cobbled streets of Bari, the two women slowly learn to trust each other. But Siena isn't the only one keeping secrets, and her connection with Alessia runs deeper than either realises. Long ago, in a different world, impossible choices were made. As the war rages, the truth will be uncovered, like a hidden masterpiece finally brought into the light…

A profoundly moving and evocative tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of art in the darkest of times. Perfect for readers of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy and Fiona Davis.

What readers are saying about books by Lelita

‘Heartwarming and heartbreaking… a stunning book.’ Rachel Wesson, author of When's Mummy Coming Home?

‘I am speechless… What an amazing read! Truly one of the best this year.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘WOW… This beautifully tragic novel absolutely broke my heart (and made me want to bake bread). It is a must read for 2024.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heart piercing… I was deeply moved… The main ingredients of The Baker's Secret are love and care… unforgettable.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful… You will smile with them and cry with them…You must read this book!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Achingly beautiful… my heart was captured.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This story broke my heart… seeing their resilience and their will to survive (and bake bread) really moved me. This is a must read in 2024, I cannot recommend this book enough!’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I rarely give 5 stars but this one absolutely deserves it! Beautifully written… just the right amount of romance, family tension, and amazing plot twist (never saw that coming).’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, World War II, Italy

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2025

About the author

Lelita Baldock is an author of historical and literary fiction.

Lelita's novels focus on lesser-known aspects of history and the incredible everyday people who endure and overcome.

You can follow her on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lelit...

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Siena worked at the art gallery in Rome, along side an elderly man she'd begun to love as a Nonno, helping him with the cataloging of Italy's art. But as the war moved closer, she realised that was not all they were doing. The black book which the Dottore secreted away needed to be kept safe, and when Siena finally fled Rome, she took it with her.

Arriving in Bari, a port city in southern Italy's Puglia region, Siena continued to the home she'd been sent to. When Alessia opened the door to the stranger, who begged for shelter after her exhausting journey from Rome, she and her Nonna couldn't refuse. Alessia, her younger brother Nicco and their Nonna lived as quietly and unobtrusively as they could, while waiting for the war to end, and their Papa, and Nonna's son, to arrive home. The rationing was harsh, they were always hungry, but Alessia did her best with what little they had. And although the British were manning the port of Bari, and assured the locals the Germans wouldn't come, they did. The bombing was horrific, the deaths and injuries terrible. Both Nicco and Alessia were injured, Nicco the worst, but they were still alive...

The Keeper of Lost Art is a beautiful story by Aussie author Lelita Baldock, only spoiled by the constant chopping back and forth in time. With three timelines - 1921, 1938 and 1943 - it was hard to keep up, and often broke the flow of the story. All sections were important to the story, but I think it could have been executed better. I enjoyed the section with Alessia and her family, and their hardship in Bari, the most. Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, attention keeping book. This is a family story set during WWII. There are several characters and settings. The author did a great job managing all of these moving parts. Several moments when it was difficult to put down. The author paints a vivid picture of the struggles for Italian citizens during war. Highly recommend if you enjoy unique Historical fiction.

I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[elizabeth rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a regime tries to erase a country's soul, saving its art becomes an act of pure defiance.

Set against the crumbling beauty of 1940s Bari, The Keeper of Lost Art is a moving, richly atmospheric story about two women bound by secrets, sacrifice, and the power of memory. As Siena flees Rome with a dangerous ledger hidden in her suitcase, she finds refuge — and unexpected connection — with Alessia, a young woman fighting her own silent battles under the shadow of war.

Lelita Baldock’s writing draws you deep into a world where art is more than just beauty — it’s history, identity, and hope itself.

The only minor stumbling block for me was the frequent jumps between timelines and locations, which occasionally disrupted the story’s flow. However, the strength of the characters and the poignancy of the themes more than made up for it.

✨ Perfect for readers who love:
- Wartime secrets and hidden treasures
- Courageous, resilient heroines
- Lyrical, immersive historical fiction
- Stories where art becomes a lifeline

The Keeper of Lost Art reminds us that even in humanity’s darkest moments, the past is worth fighting for — because without it, we lose who we are.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Lelita Baldock embraces the slow, steady, subtle unveiling of her secret like a pro!

Baldock impressed me with her ability to create suspense and craft a compelling tale spanning generations, spotlighting three women who faced the horror of a world at war. Siena, Alessia and Eva’s experiences are woven into the plot for a thirty-year span starting in 1920, spanning the vast area of Italy under various government control, and then united under the author’s spellbinding plot featuring a book of records and a secret.

Baldock was able to place me on the cobbled streets of Bari Vecchia alongside characters who felt real and whose actions felt true to their personalities. I loved how the threads of each woman’s experience bridged the past, present, and future.

If you love well-written historical fiction, a slowly revealed secret, a captivating story, and insight into little-known events in wartime history, this is one you’ll want on your reading list this Spring!

I was gifted this copy by Storm Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was wonderful historical fiction. The details of life during the war and the hardships ordinary people faced just to survive were portrayed well. Then there was the courage to save the art. The threads of the different timelines weaved together well for a beautiful ending. The power of family and community really came through in this book. I found this story interesting and incredibly emotional, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my ARC.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

An emotional story! I enjoyed it, liked the idea of the plot. I felt though that the psychological side of the characters was sometimes rather clumsy. I know the feeling of guilt is deeply engraved in us but at times I found it misplaced and not realistic in this story. One timeline less would have made the reading smoother as well. However, the novel remains a good read.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You cannot look back on yesterday’s choices with today’s knowledge."

Alessia is mother to her younger brother, Niccolo, under the watchful eyes of their grandmother, Nonna Bianca. The two women are constantly focused on stretching their rations to keep hunger at bay. One evening, a woman named Siena arrives from Rome, searching for Alessia's father, who is away fighting at the front. She carries only a sketch as her means of introduction. When Siena sees Alessia's flicker of recognition, her relief is palpable. She knows it is not the recognition of Bari harbor, but the recognition of the artist that will enable the invitation for shelter. More importantly, this refuge will provide a place to hide a secret tucked away in her meager luggage.

The captivating novel is a masterclass in sensory storytelling. Each scene is meticulously crafted with atmospheric details, drawing the reader into the character's world. A poignant line captures a character's fleeting moment of peace, a stark contrast to the impending trauma that will shatter Alessia's family that very afternoon.

"Behind her in the setting sunlight, yellow rays dappled the winter-grey waters of the Adriatic in sparkles of white."

Another skillful aspect of the author’s writing is the complexity of the narrative. The story opens in the year 1943 in Bari, Italy, and is presented in chapters organized into 15 parts. Each part indicates the year and city, providing clarity for readers regarding the progression of time and the earlier history that, in some cases, has unknowingly influenced the dynamics, relationships, actions, and reactions of the characters.

The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of emotions, ranging from heart-wrenching to heartwarming. It delves into the devastation of war, the power of community, and the choices made in the fight for survival. Additionally, it examines the shift in priorities necessary to protect a country’s legacy. The story thoughtfully emphasizes the profound impact of kindness, friendship, love, hope, and forgiveness, juxtaposed with the complex realities shaped by fear, cruelty, loss, survival, and undisclosed truths that are held secret not to cause pain, but viewed as the most prudent path under the given circumstances. Ultimately, this gripping story demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. A book that will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you to Lelita Baldock, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

[Janki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books like this always win me over in the end. The storyline felt slow at times and confusing between the three different time periods and vast amount of characters, at times it felt very sporadic but the ending tied it up neatly and beautifully.

I do feel like some characters and parts of the story could have been left out. Like James, I understand Alessia had her own things to work out but it felt like we were led down the path with James for it to be left off half way and totally forgotten about until the very last page. And even with Sienna’s experience with the smuggling and stealing of crops, I think it took too much of a detour of explanation than was needed. Overall it made the story feel like a lot when it didn’t need to be.

But again, I think the story was a beautiful telling of family, tradition, societal expectations and judgements that affect personal decisions, war, etc.

Still worth the read, thank you NetGalley for the chance to read the story!

[Tammy O · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well done historical fiction set in southern Italy during WW2; mostly in the town of Bari, on the beautiful coast of the Adriatic Sea. The author described Bari and its people so vividly, and I loved reading about a place that I knew little about.

The efforts to save the great art of Italy were familiar to me. However, that took a back seat (for me) to the story of Alessia, her family, her neighbors and her friends. Sienna’s life in Rome also grew interesting as her back story was revealed. Her grit and courage made her a great character.

I spent most of the book trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together but I was guessing almost up to the reveal. It was definitely complicated!

Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.

[janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one beautifully written but heartbreaking tale of the will to survive and protect those you love.

Told as a dual timeline, taking place in Florence, Italy during the 1920s, and the war torn town of Bari, Italy in the 1940s.

1920s Florence- Brother and Sister Eva and Elio get accepted into a prestigious art academy. Elio, having recently returned from serving in the war starts to drift from his sister, having become a member of a resistance group.

Before the summer term ends, Elio decides to go away for a while, leaving Eva to carry on without him and spend her summer alone in Florence. She is taken under the wing of her professor, who captivates her in a way she's never experienced before.

Without giving anything away, something happens during that summer break that leaves Eva with no option but to flee with the help of her close friend Emilia.

This is not a story of the war that is happening around them, but of the women and families left behind to 'hold the fort' and carry on, with the constant worry of their loved ones never coming home.

1940s Bari - Fleeing from Rome, Sienna arrives in the small town, knocking at the door of a local family. She is welcomed in, purely down to what she shows them.

Her sole purpose in life is to save Italys artwork. Working together with a small group, they have set out to reclaim all lost or stolen artwork once the war is over.

Alessia, her grandmother, and her brother are already struggling themselves with the men away at war and food rationing, but Sienna is welcomed into their home. She soon becomes part of the family, but Alessia is sure that Sienna is hiding something from them.

When the war reaches their town, food becomes even more scarce, and then a bombing takes place at the docks, the docks where Nicco has been working. A place that had been declared and promised was safe.

Can Sienna's open heart and determination keep her family safe. Does love really conquer all. Can determination see them through the hardest times imaginable.

The detail of life during the war and the hardships that those living through it had to endure were portrayed amazingly.

Beautifully written and captivating, with a slowly revealed secret, rhis is an easy book to devour in one sitting!

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Keeper of Lost Art by Lelita Baldock was a wonderful historical fiction novel. This is a dual timeline story that takes place in Florence during the 1920's and in war-torn Bari, Italy during the 1940's.

In Florence during the 1920's, Eva and Elio (sister and brother) are accepted to a very prestige art academy. They both excel at becoming an artist. Another student, Emilia, becomes best friends with Eva. Elio and Emilia become fond friends that could potentially lead to more. The first summer break all the students return home but Eva decides to stay at the academy to perfect her art. Something heartwrenching happens that summer which later leads Eva to run away with her best friend, Emilia.

In Bari during 1943, twenty-year old Siena knocks at the door of a family that she was sent to after fleeing from Rome. It is during a time where food is rationed and people are hungry. Alessia opens the door and even though she has her grandmother and younger brother, Nicco, at the house to care for, she takes Siena in like family. Alessia's father is away at war and her mother passed away years ago. Siena gives Alessia a scrap of paper that is a watercolor and Alessia recognizes the Bari harbour. Siena arrived with a book that contained a log of stolen art, but she hides the book in the cellar without telling anyone. Over time, Siena becomes like family to them, but Alessia still believes that Siena is hiding a secret. Nicco finds work at the harbor to help earn some money to feed the family. Alessia and Siena become very close and lean on each other for strength as bombs destroy their village. During one such bombing, the harbor is attacked. What happens to Nicco?

Later Siena packs up and leaves Bari. Alessia's father returns from war. How does Siena connect with Alessia? What happened to Eva and Elio during the 1920's? How do the characters weave into the story? The story kept me wondering about what would happen! It was emotional with tears, but also joyful as the truth was revealed. I highly recommend this book to read. Loved it :-)

'She lifts the book from the suitcase, gently unwraps it and breathes a heavy sigh of relief. She has made it. The book is safely hidden. But at what cost? '

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Keeper of Lost Art is based on historical events in the Second World War in the southern Italian port city of Bari. Siena Innocente, a young woman on the run from wartime Rome, arrives at the home of noted artist Aurio di Bari in search of sanctuary. He’s away fighting in the war, but his family, led by his daughter Alessia, welcome Siena into their home. As war proceeds and its horrors unfold, we learn not just of Siena’s past but also the truth about the family in which she has been welcomed.

I really loved the setting for this story. It’s an unusual twist on the usual wartime tale and I liked that. Lelita Baldock depicts both the beauties of Italy and the privations of war, and her descriptions of how the community came together (and, just occasionally, fractured) in its desperation to survive, are utterly absorbing. The historical detail, including the historical context of the struggle against fascism, was fascinating.

The story is told from three different points of view: Alessia, Siena and, in a jump back in time, Eva, a young woman studying art in Florence in 1921. I thought the story was very busy, perhaps overly so, and I did find myself wondering whether it all hung together quite as well as it might. Some of the turns in the plot were well-worn and came as no surprise, though I did find the twist at the very end extremely satisfactory.

To make something so complicated work (and with so many apparently unconnected characters somehow coming together at the end) while maintaining some sense of credibility is quite the challenge and to do that while keeping secrets from the reader is more complicated. I wasn’t sure it worked. With two characters changing their name in the course of the book I felt the author was trying too hard to have everything hinge on coincidence. (I guessed one of the changes and suspected the other.)

In another, less well written book, I might have found that more frustrating, but this is elegantly written and the characters are human, both likeable and believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.

"Exhausted, pushed to the brink of her ability to cope by starvation, war, fear, and injury."

Oh, my...this book took me on an emotional roller coaster. Just when I thought I had everything worked out, I was slammed by a plot twist I didn't see coming. The story has a dual timeline, opening in Bari in 1943, with a second one set in Florence in 1920. Lelita Baldock masterfully weaves the threads from both of them into a rich tapestry that only comes together in the final pages.

This is not a story of war but that of the women who are left behind. The terrible responsibilities they faced with not nearly enough food to feed their families or provide clothing as their children grew. Making life-or-death choices daily, not knowing what the next day would bring. Just when you cannot imagine life getting any harder, bombs rain down, destroying what little they had. Even Mother Nature throws in the towel when this region suffers through drought! As if this isn't enough of a story, there is a perplexing family history mystery, Nazis rounding up Italian Jews, and a network of gallery curators determined to keep track of Italy's stolen art treasures and hide what they can.

Throughout the story, the strength of these women, old and young, keeping their families together without sacrificing their sense of community, shines through. Their generosity of spirit never wavers and they draw strength from each other, not giving in to hopelessness. This is ultimately an uplifting story because these women were determined to survive. This book is a timely reminder that we are stronger than we know. "Nothing mattered, except survival." I loved The Keeper of Lost Art and highly recommend it, but you'll need a big box of tissues.

[Amanda Bennett at passionforprose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another WWII Historical Fiction Novel—This Time from the Italian Perspective

Siena flees Rome to continue the mission her adopted Nonno sacrificed his life for: protecting Italy’s art. As the Nazis looted their gallery, he worked in secret to send treasured pieces to the countryside, hoping to keep them out of Hitler’s hands. Not only did he help preserve the art, but at great personal risk, he kept a meticulous record of every piece moved—so that, after the war, it could be returned. When the Germans come knocking, Siena is sent to Bari with the black book to keep it safe.

In the port city of Bari, Siena is directed to the home of a former student of her Nonno’s. But instead of the seasoned painter she expected, she finds Alessia—a young woman struggling to care for her Nonna and younger brother while her father fights for Italy. Though initially unprepared for the disruption, Alessia quickly understands she cannot turn Siena away. What begins as a tense arrangement slowly evolves into a deep and lasting friendship.

As the port of Bari becomes a target and conditions worsen, Siena becomes more than a guest—she becomes a lifeline. She helps Alessia and her family survive amid rationing, bombing, and grief.

Siena and Alessia’s intertwined stories of survival and sacrifice will tug at readers’ heartstrings. While there are some jarring shifts between timelines, the novel draws readers in with its rich perspective. In times of war, we are reminded that art is more than a pretty picture—it holds the history and identity of a country, and it is worth saving.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and of course the author Lelita Baldock for the advanced copy of the book. The Keeper of Lost Art is out now. All opinions are my own.

http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found The Keeper of Lost Art to be a very emotional story. In times of distress people do not always think in a positive way. Decisions made in the 1920's are exposed in the 1940's. The dual timeline gave me insight into the life after World War One.

Elio and Eva venture to Rome to study art. Things don't go as planned. Elio leaves school and goes searching for what is missing from his life. Eva remains behind and finds what makes her feel alive. Her actions change everything. She soon discovers the truth, but will not give up her child to a man she thought loved her.

A little more than twenty years later; Siena escapes to the home of Auri di Bari. She fled Rome as the Nazis took control. She was endanger. She had been working with others hiding Italy's art. The Nazis were now rounding up members. A book isting where the art had been hidden is thrust into her hands. She is told to run and not look back.

When Siena arrived in Bari; it was under English and American control. That did not mean life was easy. The struggles had me in tears. Their desperation had my heart breaking. To be reminded of the horrors of war, the losses, gutted me. To learn about the mustard gas that would kill and maim residents left me speechless and fuming.

During all the horrors they experienced Siena was searching for her past. She hid the book, given to her for safe keeping, in the cellar. She discovers many painting hidden in the darkness bringing light to her world.

Her life was a mystery yet to be solved. The discoveries were shocking. The revelations shattering. Finally, after more than twenty years truths will be revealed.

[Mary Polzella · Rating 4 out of 5]

During the height of WWII in Italy, Siena has escaped from Rome to Bari and knocks on a stranger's door, seeking sanctuary. Her friends have been taken away by the Nazis and she carries with her a precious book filled with secrets that must be protected. Siena has been working with a number of art lovers determined to save precious art from being stolen by the Germans and the ledger she carries holds the secrets to where artwork has been hidden.

Alessia and her grandma take Siena in, despite not knowing who she is even though they already cannot feed themselves due to the wartime food shortage in Bari. With Alessia's dad away fighting, she does what she can to look after her younger brother and grandma but she also knows she cannot turn Siena away. Siena and Alessia form a close bond and support each other while living together , however, they both harbour their own secrets which unfold and they come to understand their connection runs deeper than they could have imagined.

The author vividly captures the difficulties for Italians during the war and provides a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are some courageous enough to risk themselves to help preserve cultural history and identity.

Told over 3 timelines, the author deftly brings the storylines together and I found myself unable to put this book down. The story highlights the strength provided by connection with family and community and the characters have real depth to them. Their stories are profoundly moving and I definitely recommend this read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Keeper of Lost Art, Lelita Baldock delivers a moving and richly atmospheric historical novel that illuminates a lesser-seen side of WWII—Italy under siege, where survival, loyalty, and art itself hang in the balance.

When Siena flees Rome carrying a ledger that could preserve her country’s cultural heritage, she finds refuge in the port city of Bari at the home of Alessia, a young woman already burdened with caring for her family in her father’s absence. What begins as a precarious arrangement slowly deepens into a bond that sustains them both through air raids, hunger, and devastating loss.

Baldock masterfully layers the story across three timelines—interweaving Siena’s flight, Alessia’s resilience, and Eva’s life as a young art student in 1920s Florence. The result is a sweeping narrative about courage in its many forms: the courage to protect what cannot protect itself, the courage to open one’s door to a stranger, and the courage to hold on to hope when war threatens to strip it away.

The novel is at once heartbreaking and uplifting, capturing both the brutality of wartime existence and the quiet acts of resistance that preserve identity and humanity. At its heart lies the reminder that art is more than beauty on canvas—it is history, memory, and legacy worth risking everything to protect.

With evocative prose, vivid historical detail, and characters whose struggles feel achingly real, The Keeper of Lost Art is a standout addition to WWII fiction.

Perfect for: Fans of Kristin Harmel, Martha Hall Kelly, and Kate Quinn—readers who gravitate toward stories of resilience, hidden histories, and the power of women’s courage in wartime.
Rating: ★★★★★

[Chelsey Pryce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher Storm Publishing for allowing me to access a ARC of this story via NetGalley.

This was a beautiful story, told over two timelines. Rome, the 1940s, Siena is a private, determined, and stubborn character. She becomes involved in trying to help hide Italys art from the Germans whilst searching for her birth mother.
Bari, Alessia a very kind and caring character. She worries about trying to take care of her Nonna, younger brother, and neighbours with her father fighting in the war. The young ladies are brought together as around them bombs fall on Italy.
Florence, over 20 years earlier, we follow twins Eva and Elio, who arrive to study art at Accademia di Belle Arti. A dream come true, but one involving a lot of hard work with little praise from Professore Renzetti and results in a divide between the two.

This was such a lovely story. I enjoyed reading about the work involved in the smuggling and recording of art and the passion of those involved in it. I really connected with Alessia, her love and protection for her family, worries for her missing father, and struggles as she became the 'mother' role in the house. I loved hearing the descriptions of Florence Rome and Bari. I felt I could easily see them in my imagination. The two timelines were easy to keep track of, although there are a number of chapters between the switches. There's also a number of emotional moments, which will have you blinking back the tears. This is one for those who love historical fiction that includes family secrets long hidden, hope, love, and friendships.

[Dina Ovando-Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This WW II historical novel with a dual timeline is set in Florence, Italy in the 1920's, post WW I and in Bari, a small coastal town in the 1940's. It opens with a young woman fleeing Rome, to Bari, to the home of Alessia, her grandmother, younger brother as her older brother and father are away at war.
The author's historical research strength shines here, with so many details about the war in relation to Italy, Mussolini and her ties to Hitler, Facism and the cultural norms of family, food and community, I learned quite a bit.
Her descriptive language of the area, draws you in, making you feel cosmopolitan Rome and the beauty of Bari, along with the emotional states of the various characters of love, fear, betrayal, despair, hunger and romance.
The women are the strongest protagonist's in the story, facing their struggles with grace, generosity, loyalty and strength.
There is some violence, appropriate for the era of war, some non-graphic sexual scenes and family conflict. The timelines were a bit clunky occasionally, but the unveiling of the various ties between the characters was well done. And kept me engaged to the satisfying end.

If you are looking for an engaging and intriguing WW II dual timeline story filled with empathic characters, art, community, danger, suspense, love and reconciliation, I highly recommend this book.
A deep note of gratitude to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the privilege of the ARC, it was my pleasure. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Mardi Michels · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to Storm Books for the ARC.

"Bari, Italy. 1943. Twenty-year-old Siena knocks on a stranger's door with trembling hands. Her journey from Rome has left her exhausted and afraid, but after her friends were taken away, she had no choice but to flee. Hidden within her suitcase lies the reason for her desperate flight – a tattered leather-bound ledger, its pages filled with secrets Siena will risk her life to protect.

When Alessia opens the door, Siena sees a woman bearing the weight of caring for her family while her father fights at the front. Siena hands over a scrap of paper – a watercolour sketch of Bari harbour – and watches recognition flicker across Alessia's face. Despite rations being low, she knows Alessia cannot refuse her."

WOW, I LOVED this book set in Italy in multiple timeline (pre, during and post WW2 Italy. I loved learning a little bit more about wartime Italy, the hardships the people endured, their strength and the resistance efforts, all told through an arts lens. The characters are well-developed and though it took a while to get into the flow of the multiple character POV and timelines, once I did, I devoured this book in just a couple of days. My first read by this author but not my last!

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

First thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an excruciating read. I almost DNF'd this book many times, and had it not been an ARC I would have dropped it at 27%. In fact, part f me is angry at myself for suffering through this, and wasting my precious time. The writing style is nauseating at best, the plot non-existent and the characters insufferable. I would have left Siena at an orphanage too, the dreadful little twit. This is not about art, it's not about people, it's not really about anything. The timeline jumps all over, and it's impossible to keep track of anything that is actually happening. The characters become irrationally angry over things that make no sense. Of course James couldn't tell them about the mustard gas.... have you ever heard of a security clearance????? Those existed even in the 1940's. Nothing about this book would make me pick up another tome from this author. I'd rather read the dictionary: it has more depth than this book.

[Karyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An emotional dual time line story set in Italy during the 1920’s in Florence and in the 1940’s in Rome and a small seaside country town of Bari.
In 1920 twins Eva and Elio have been accepted into a prestigious art academy in Florence . Elio has returned from war and is seeking a better life. Eva is just pleased to be accepted into an art academy. Despite the closeness of the twins they start to drift apart as they see life differently.
In 1940 Sienna is living in Rome and working for an art galley owner who is doing more than buying and selling art. He is keeping a record in a black book of ‘lost art’ in the hope it can be returned to their rightful owners. Sienna flees Rome with the black book when the Nazis arrest the gallery owner. Sienna has been told to go Bari and seek help from the family that live there.
This is an engaging historical fiction story about the hardship of life during the war and the bravery and commitment of those seeking to save the art of Italy. It is also a story of a family secrets, love and trust. A good weekend read.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, the history underpinning this story was fascinating, opening up new aspects of the Second World War I’d known nothing about before. I would expect no less from this talented writer.
This is a tale of a country divided by war and by politics, occupied by invading forces and suffering bitter hardships. In the southern port of Bari, Alessia and her family eke out an impoverished existence in the absence of the men who have gone to war. Further north, Siena is working for an art lover, helping to catalogue treasures and smuggle them out of reach of Nazi looting. They share a connection which only becomes clear as the story progresses, although there are hints in the somewhat fragmented timeline (which did make things a bit confusing at first).
It’s an intriguing book although I felt the title could perhaps set up expectations that had little to do with the bulk of the story. The main characters are interesting and well drawn, and the conclusion was satisfying.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. In 1943, Siena has fled Rome, and with her she has a particular book that she is trying to keep safe. Siena goes to Alessia's house, someone she does not know, and hands her a picture of Bari harbor. Alessia, already struggling to keep her and her family afloat while her father is fighting in the war, automatically takes Siena in. The women wind up forming a bond, not knowing that the bond was set years earlier in 1920s Florence.

I thought the author did an excellent job of portraying how hard it is to live in an area struck down with war, and what that looks like on the home front. I appreciated how the author depicted friendship and community, and how they can endure in times of intensity, such as war, natural disasters, and the loss of citizenship and culture.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashli Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden ledgers, hidden pasts, and the women who carried it all. Beautifully written historical novel that captures the quiet bravery of women during wartime, the emotional weight of sacrifice, and the redemptive power of art. Set against the evocative backdrop of 1943 Bari, Italy, the story blends suspense, found family, and hidden truths in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.

Siena is a character you root for from the start—her courage, vulnerability, and unwavering sense of purpose come alive on the page. I was especially drawn to her dynamic with Alessia, a woman grappling with her own responsibilities and grief while war creeps closer. Their slow-building trust and the revelations that follow were deeply moving.

The writing is rich with sensory detail—the descriptions of war-torn streets, smuggled sketches, and quiet moments between women trying to survive were some of my favorite elements.

[T-Jhitts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story set in Italy in two eras.
Firstly not long after the end of the first world war- a brother and sister, twins Elio and Eva set off to Florence to study art, in particular painting. Not everything goes as they had planned, past experience and romance have their impact
The second and the main story takes place in towards the end of the Nazi occupation of Italy. Rome and Bari being the main setting. We see a group trying to work against the Nazis and also trying to save works of Italian art. Alessia.
The narrative progresses at a good pace and is quite engaging. It gives a good insight into life for the Italian population as the wars end showing hardships endured as a result of food shortage and bombings. I enjoyed learning about this
Despite it being contrived in places I enjoyed reading this. There was not much depth to the story or reflections to be made but this was fine for me at this time. It was a bit soppy at the end which I didn’t really feel was needed.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply can’t put in to words how much I truly loved this book. I didn’t want it to end!

Was it the unique characters, and the way that they’re all connected in one way or another? Is it the family mystery, or the love, hope and despair it made me feel? Was it the beautiful descriptive setting, despite being war torn? Was it the way that it kept me guessing, the way it kept drawing me in?

I think it was all of the above.
What a beautifully brilliant story.
This one will definitely stay with me forever more, and I’ll be recommending highly to whoever will listen.

A must read for lovers of historic fiction, Art, Europe… or anyone who loves reading things that make you feel all of the emotions 💜

Thank you so much Netgalley for the gifted ARC 🙏

…now to go through Lelita Baldock’s back catalogue 🥰

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Pub Date: 15th May 2025

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rome pre 1944. Siena works in an art gallery, working for a man she has come to care for as a grandfather and who has inculcated in her a love for art, and the need to protect what they have against the foreboding shadows of Nazi Germany. When the inevitable happens Siena flees to Bari seeking safety for one book containing details of paintings.

What follows is the death and deprivation that followed wherever the Nazis went. It also highlights the resistance displayed by ordinary citizens who against the odds, worked in insidious ways to hinder the enemy progress. Books written about this period of history are stark and destructive and it never fails to unnerve because it happens again and again.

The three timelines were difficult to follow (at times) but overall the story was a good one, well told.

[Aniqa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A plot that starts off with more than a little bit of mystery and pulls at the heartstrings as the author weaves the story from multiple different perspectives. The story follows the lives of 3 different Italian women during the height of WWII. Each woman possesses her own passion for art shaped by their pasts, their families, their struggles, and their ambitions. Through her words and her meticulous research into the region and the influential Italian artists of the era, Baldock brings both the characters and the streets of Italy to life for the reader. You can tell that every passage is imbued with her deep love for Italy and its culture. An emotional tale of historical fiction, full of sacrifice and loss, The Keeper of Lost Art's ending will leave the reader with a warm heart.

As always, a huge thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

[R Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. The plot had a dual timeline, set in 1920’s Florence and then WW2. It followed the actions of Sienna, an orphan with a love of art who took part in a scheme to record the places where the great art works were hidden to save them from the Nazis. This scheme took her to Bari which was suffering grievously from wartime deprivation. This section was highly informative. While in Bari, she uncovered a family intrigue which made for a compelling end to the book. However, to me it stretched the limits of credibility as sienna found that she had been living 8n the home alongside her twin sister but they had only vaguely seen a visual likeness. This however did not spoil what was a really enjoyable novel.