Past loves are like ghosts. They haunt you forever. The stunning new novel from the bestselling author of The Masterpiece and Tuscan Rose.
Rome 1951. Veronica Gold is in the city as the Italian correspondent for Vogue magazine. As the country tries to shake off its dark fascist past and promote itself as the most glamorous nation in Europe, so too does Veronica try to forget the horrific memories of her time as a war reporter attached to the Eighth Army at the brutal height of the conflict.
But just as she hopes to find peace, three men appear in her life. Lyle Cooper, her former husband and an American diplomat who left Veronica for her best friend, the enigmatic heiress Emerald Evergreen; Marcello Fabbri, an archaeologist and former partisan now working in the ruins of Pompeii and with whom she had a wartime tryst; and the dashing Count Carlo Durazzo, Emerald's current husband.
Things become complicated when Lyle is found murdered, allegedly by Emerald. Initially, Veronica is convinced of Emerald's guilt but when she discovers that her former friend could not have committed the murder, she begins to believe that Emerald has been set up.
In her attempt to prove Emerald's innocence, aided by Marcello and Count Durazzo, Veronica finds herself drawn into a sphere of spies and a world on the edge of nuclear war, one where nothing and nobody is quite as they seem.
An unforgettable novel that mixes passion with post-war espionage, and the shadows of destruction with the pizzazz of Italian style.
Belinda Alexandra has been published to wide acclaim in Australia and internationally. She is the daughter of a Russian mother and an Australian father and has been an intrepid traveller since her youth. Her love of other cultures is matched by her passion for her home country, Australia, where she is a volunteer carer for the NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES). Belinda is also an ambassador for the World League for the Protection of Animals (Australia) and lives in Sydney with a menagerie of adored pets. Join Belinda's community of readers at facebook.com/BelindaAlexandraAuthor
Rome 1951 and Italian correspondent for Vogue, Veronica Gold is working hard after the war years and the loss of her daughter it is not always easy there is still a lot of conflict about the past and the fascists and the horrors she has seen while reporting the war are not easy to forget but she has her sister Penny and her cat Oggi and life will go on, but will she find love again?
With her life settled she is living in Rome when some men from her past arrive, Professor Marcello Fabbri, archeologist and former Partisan a man she spent one glorious night with during the war, her ex-husband Lyle Cooper who is an American diplomat he left her to marry her best friend heiress Emerald Evergreen add to that Count Carlo Durazzo, Emerald’s current husband and her life is just about to get turned upside down in so many ways.
When Lyle asks her to cover a story for him and then he is found murdered and it is looking like Emerald has killed him, Veronica is convinced she did it but Carlo says she is innocent but evidence shows that she may not have done it, Veronica and Carlo work together to set her free, this will need more help and Marcello steps in to help and a tangled web of emotions between all of these people grows making decisions for Veronica very hard, a couple of twists will really change the way she thinks, spies, the threat of nuclear war and so much more, but what of her heart will she finally find the love that she so very much deserves after all she has been through?
This is a story that is well written, Veronica Gold is based partly on the woman correspondents who worked so hard and made a difference back then, she is strong and determined but honest and real in herself, I could feel all that she was going through, there are so many fabulous characters in this story that made it what it is good and bad. There is adventure, mystery and murder and it is one that I highly recommend, I loved it.
My thanks to Harper Collins AU for my copy to read and review.
Set in Rome 1951 we follow Veronica Gold as an Italian correspondent for Vogue after World War II and the loss of her daughter and marriage.
Italy is still dealing with the aftermath of destruction and rebuilding to become the world’s iconic capital for high fashion, glamour and culture.
This story is full of mystery, post-war espionage, love and betrayal. Friend and foe the venomous Emerald enters Veronica’s life once again and I enjoyed their complicated relationship.
The story is beautifully and richly detailed as we journey through a historical time period. I loved these characters Belinda has created. There are three loves in Veronica’s life, Lyle her first husband and an American diplomat, Professor Marcello Fabbri a former Partisan and archeologist and lastly Count Carlo Durazzo. It was interesting to see how Veronica found herself with feelings for three men at the same time and how she would navigate this dilemma.
One of the three men is murdered, there is plenty of adventure, exciting back stories and twist and turns as Veronica is drawn into a web of spies.
Gripping and emotional storytelling that masterfully weaves in history, passion, mystery and glamour.
Publication Date 31 March 2026 Publisher Harper Collins Australia
Thank you so much Belinda Alexandra & Harper Collins Australia for a copy of the book.
I inhaled this book and it was almost a very rare 4.5 star read for me, but the ending frustrated me a little. What appealed about this however, was the lead character (Veronica, a likeable middle aged woman), great settings and the fact that a mystery is embedded in the plot.
I really liked Veronica and we spend time with her in the present (1951) as well as the past… between the First and Second World Wars. We are taken back to her meeting her husband Lyle and her growing friendship with failed-actress-who-continues-to-fall-on-her-feet Emerald Evergreen. Both reappear in the opening pages and Veronica is thrown because she’s never gotten over Lyle… who married Emerald after leaving her.
I should mention that I also loved the sense of place which is quite strong here and having been to Italy, I could very much relate to many of the settings and Alexandra also manages to imbue something quintessentially continental or cosmopolitan into the narrative.
This would be a good book club read as Veronica's relationships are surely fodder for discussion. There's also something frightening familiar here from a moral perspective - that someone might be driven to betray their country for the sake of humanity. Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
A Belinda Alexandra book is like holding a passport to the past; her ability to weave historical research with sweeping, emotional storytelling is magical. Her latest book, The Italian Correspondent is a historical tale that hooks you from the first page, masterfully weaving together the sun-drenched glamour of 1951 Rome with harrowing flashbacks to the Second World War. The story follows Veronica Gold, a woman navigating profound "war fatigue" while grappling with the twin heartbreaks of a sad divorce and the tragic loss of her daughter.
As Veronica attempts to reinvent herself as a Vogue correspondent, her past and present collide through the arrival of three different men - each vying for her attention and bringing their own complicated backstories into her orbit. This emotional tug-of-war is set against a backdrop of post-war recovery that quickly spirals into a high-stakes world of murder and Cold War espionage.
Rich with passion, historical detail, and unexpected twists, the novel explores how the trauma of the past refuses to stay buried. It is a must-read for Belinda Alexandra fans, offering a perfect blend of romance, mystery, and a deeply moving portrait of a woman’s resilience in the face of devastating loss.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve just come back from the most glorious armchair travel! Love, adventure, murder and espionage…this novel has it all!!!!! I loved Veronica and her three loves, I wasn’t at all surprised to read Veronica was based on real female war correspondents and adored being in post war Italy….where bread talks, tiny yellow buttercups peek out from the cracks of walls and there is an Oggie the cat. This was such a treat and my new favourite Belinda Alexandra…it’s the whole package!!!!! Thanks for my advanced copy Harper Collins, The Italian Correspondent is out now
Picture this, Italy 1951 - the post war era, when Italy was dealing with the aftermath of tragedy, destruction and scars of fascism during World War II. A nation trying to rebuild itself as the world’s iconic stylish fashion, food, drink and culture capital of Europe.
Imagine “La Dolce Vita” - glamourous style like Armani, Versace. Fast cars - Ferrari, Fiats or driving through the countryside on a scooter like a Lambretta, or Vespas. Food like pizza, pasta and gelato or drinking an espresso whilst standing at the bar or Chianti with dinner. A nation of soccer mad fanatics that follow the game like it’s a religion. It is part of Italy as we know it today. A nation that is rich in history and has been able to survive through the worst years possible.
Veronica Gold arrives in Rome, a journalist and correspondent working for Vogue magazine. She is haunted by her fair share of bad experiences and terrible memories. She too is rebuilding herself to be a strong, independent woman along with her companion, her cat Oggi.
She was a war reporter with the eighth army during the war, who is trying to forget her traumatic past. She was married to her Ex husband Lyle an American Diplomat, sadly, together loosing their daughter Lottie. Lyle later leaves Veronica for another women - Veronica’s estranged best friend and heiress Emerald Evergreen.
Veronica hopes to moves on from her past, by becoming her best self. Is this destined for her? Heck no! Her past only follows her more now than ever before.
She finds comfort at the “Villa of Hope and Peace” an orphanage run by Nuns. Here she meets Jolanda and a sheep called Speranzo - meaning hope. Will Veronica find hope, courage and the strength to move forward, to find her inner peace and confidence again?
Veronica is working for Vogue at a Fashion Show with stunning models on the Catwalk that’s featuring and presenting Italian Fashion to America. She meets wealthy well to do aristocrats, marchese, counts and countesses all admiring the latest styles. Veronica is not expecting to bump into anyone let alone her estranged friend Emerald who is there. Emerald has now remarried to the handsome and debonair Count Carlo Durazzo. Emerald is now a Countess. Will Veronica forgive Emerald now that she is not with Lyle? Will they reunite and be friends again?
Veronica travels through Italy to places like Rome, Positano and Pompeii where she meets Marcello Fabbri - former partisan during the war and now an archaeologist, who is excavating amongst the ruins of Pompeii. Where does their relationship lead to…. Maybe a romance will spark and blossom between them?
Suddenly there’s a twist to the story and a mystery is unfolding. One of these Men is murdered and Emerald has been accused of committing the crime. Veronica is now investigating the case and is searching for answers. She must unveil the hidden secrets and who are the real allies and enemies. Is there more involved than she think? Is Lyle’s political past and views involved? Will Veronica prove who is the actual murderer?
The story is full of twists and turns that blend into the lives of the characters so well that you feel as if you are part of the story. You only have to decide which character to be. The book has elements of romance, crime, espionage and intelligence, investigative journalism. The story moves throughout history as well as different destinations and places both in Italy and abroad.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Books Australia, and Belinda Alexandra for this fantastic opportunity to read and review one of my favourite Authors novels. It has been both an honour and a pleasure reading her latest novel. Also to be able to review this book on the actual release date being 31st March 2026 is also special to me.
My favourite book by Belinda is The Tuscan Rose. The Italian Correspondent has now moved into first place on my list. Being of Italian heritage myself this book is very relatable and took me back on a trip both in time and to Italy.
Belinda writes about important historical events and always shows the power of strong women in a way that is both inspiring and compelling. Her books do not disappoint and this book was no different. I highly recommend reading this book as well as all in Belinda’s collection. I rate this book 5 stars.
Rome 1951. The country is trying to shake its fascist past, ties to Germany during the Second World War and move forward. Veronica Gold is the Italian correspondent for Vogue magazine, the new fashion is fun and chic.
Veronica lives with her cat Oggi and is trying to forget four things, the loss of her young daughter, her husband Lyle Cooper divorcing her when she needed him the most and marrying her best friend Emerald Evergreen and the terrible memories of her time as a war reporter alongside the Eighth Army.
Veronica finds respite at the Villa of Hope & Peace, an orphanage run by nuns, one young girl Jolanda and a sheep called Speranzo make her feel some hope for the future, she's not sure what it holds and despite bringing back memories of her daughter.
Just when Veronica is ready to tackle her plan of writing her first novel, her ex-husband arrives, she meets Marcello Fabbri and archaeologist and partisan who she had a fling with during the war and the dashing Count Carlo Durazzo the current spouse of Emerald.
Is it possible for one woman to have romantic feelings towards three men at the same time, not only does Veronica have to consider this, she left wondering what side are they on, who can she trust and is telling her truth and drawn into the world on the brink of a nuclear war and danger.
Thanks to HarperCollins Publishers Australia and NetGalley for my copy of The Italian Correspondent exchange for an honest review. I can’t believe it’s been twenty four years since I read Belinda Alexandra’s debut novel White Gardenia, my all-time favourite book and made me a loyal fan and I was eagerly waiting for her next and it did not disappoint.
The narrative is a mix of interesting characters, all with a past, full of lots of twists and turns I didn’t see coming and mentions old buildings many still showing battle scars from the war, fashion, fast cars and scooter's, action, adventurer, mystery, murder, intrigue, spies and big secrets are revealed.
I highly recommend, pre-order a copy now, or make sure your library will have this novel, and a must read for fans of well written, gripping historical fiction and I can guarantee you will be hooked by the end of the first chapter and won’t be able to stop turning the pages.
I'm a big fan of Belinda Alexandra, but I'm still torn between whether I liked or loved this book. I do think that Alexandra writes characters well, and she does complicated emotions and relationships, and sets up heart-breaking situations, most excellently, but I don't think spy suspense is quite her forte. Because up to the final actions scenes (about 80% in), I'd been deeply engrossed, but the helter-skelter action portion kind of lost me (or maybe it's just that its less my genre-of-choice).
I think also Veronica's fickle affections perplexed me rather. I'm not against showing that women can have multiple lovers but it bothered me a bit that she jumped so quickly (in the prose) from one to another, then back again, then forth. I know a lot more time had passed for her, but there was so much more energy spent in the early pages setting her up with Marcello, and rather less in developing her growing affections for Carlo. It made her come across as quite flighty. (I also felt Marcello was the most compatible of her suitors. He would be my pick of the bunch!) It was fun to see them team up and be respectful of each other and work towards a common goal, though. Bravo to characters that behave with maturity and sensibility when the situation requires it!
Things it did excellently: I loved the heist in the hospital: The fact that almost everything that could go wrong did go wrong, made it all the more gripping. The chemistry between Veronica and Marcello was sizzling. Emerald was a fascinating character. The settings were beautifully described. It had a cute cat. Her younger sister, Penny, was a delight. There was a lot of emotional tension, and some extremely poignant moments. Veronica really seemed to care about people, and was very easy to relate to.
Overall, a pretty good read, although I wouldn't rate it among my favorite Alexandra books (my very favorite was "The Mystery Woman"), but definitely a solid installment from a writer who really makes you feel immersed in the era and environment of the story.
The further I read "The Italian Correspondent" by Belinda Alexandra, the more enthralled I became, as the tale changed from one of complicated romance to post war spy/murder mystery.
Veronica Gold is a woman of contrasts ....from war correspondent to Vogue commentator in Italy. She is trying to forget her personal history and the horrors witnessed in active war zones just as Italy is trying to forget fascism and flaunt fashion.
But some ghosts of the past cannot be erased. Especially when they are flesh and bone. Heart and soul.
Marcello isn't someone I would want to erase! Daring partisan and interesting archeologist....if only he was free to fall in love with.
Lyle is Veronica's ex-husband, carrying shared grief they cross paths again in his role as diplomat in Rome, 1951.
A third suitor in the form of a rich count named Carlo further ups the romantic attachment count in this book.
Although gutsy as a war correspondent in WWII, Veronica is flighty and emotionally naive surrounded by confident males.
I see her as a caring moralist at heart. She wouldn't intentionally break up a marriage and will go to great lengths to help a duplicitous friend be proven not guilty of murder. (Emerald is a complicated character....easy to dislike but central to the truth).
This is the first Belinda Alexandra book I have read, so had no preconceived expectation. "The Italian Correspondent" has great cinematic potential with a mix of glamour and danger and ticks boxes for all.... swoon worthy men to fall in love with, twists and turns (I particularly enjoyed the hospital kidnap episode for high tension) and gorgeous locations set against historical reference.
I loved the sentiment near the end that sums up the whole romantic side of the story. Our history with those we have loved in the past has made us what we are today....we have no choice to bring these people along with us as we yet again change and evolve.
Thanks to HarperCollins Publishers Australia and NetGalley for my copy of "The Italian Correspondent" in exchange for an honest review
Big thanks to Harper Collins for sending us a copy to read and review. The scene is cleverly and humourlessly set between Veronica and Emerald in the opening lines. A tumultuous journey between the two in an era post World War Two awaits. European settings, emotional tensions and the determination to ensconce the joys of love merge with betrayal, political fragility and danger. Veronica lived through the horrors of war as a reporter. A passion to present the facts carried through in her role as a correspondent in Italy as the nation was emerging from its facist shackles. An era where fashion was showcased and primed to be the new focus. Her arch nemesis Emerald has an element of mystery, jealousy and seems to appear in Veronica’s life at opportune times. The friend and foe motif lures the plot in unexpected ways. Three men enter or re enter Veronica’s emotional sphere, ensuring the road to love is complex and fraught with obstacles. Climatically ending with death, destruction and escape. A beautifully detailed, imagery rich and immersive narrative that guides the reader through some complex and confronting historical times. The expertise and experience of an author that consistently delivers characters you will love and hate, tender moments involving animals and one that can transport you to a setting and climate from a bygone time. Long live Oil of Ulay a product many of a certain age will remember.
This is one of those books where you can just feel the craftsmanship behind it. From the very beginning, I was pulled into Veronica Gold’s world, a woman shaped by war, trying to rebuild herself in post war Rome while carrying everything she’s seen and survived.
And what I loved most? She feels real. Strong and determined, yes but also honest, vulnerable, and deeply human. You don’t just read her story, you feel it.
This book has everything, mystery, murder, post-war espionage, love, betrayal, and complicated relationships. And somehow it balances all of that without ever feeling overwhelming.
The character work here is standout. There’s such a rich cast, people you root for, people you question, and people you absolutely side eye (Emerald… I’m looking at you 👀). The dynamic between Veronica and Emerald is especially compelling, its layered, messy, and full of history that keeps you hooked.
The setting is also beautifully done. Post-war Italy comes to life in such a vivid way. It’s glamorous on the surface, but there’s this constant undercurrent of tension, of a world still recovering and reshaping itself. It adds so much depth to the story.
So my final thoughts, a rich, emotional, and gripping historical mystery that blends espionage, romance, and drama seamlessly.
If you love: - strong, complex female leads - historical settings with depth - mystery woven into character driven stories
In 1951 Veronica Gold is in Rome as the correspondent for Vogue magazine, where she is trying to forget her terrible memories of the war and Italy is emerging as the most glamorous country in Europe.
Over the course of the next two years, Veronica finds herself with three important men in her life: her ex-husband Lyle who is an American diplomat, Marcello who is an archaeologist working in Pompeii and Carlo - the husband of Veronica’s friend Emerald. However when one of the three men is murdered, Veronica finds herself drawn into a world where no one is quite who they seem.
This book was a real page turner and I enjoyed the twists and turns in the storyline, where you could never be sure which ones were telling the truth and when! The characters were well developed and really interesting!
I will admit to having a moment of 🫣 when I read the synopsis of Veronica having three men in her life as I’m not a fan of romances in general, but I should have known that Belinda would pull this off beautifully. I’m not going to give too much away here, but it explores a theory that I think most will relate to, regardless of whether you enjoy romance in stories or not.
Elegant writing, beautiful animal characters, interesting human characters and an action-packed storyline that includes some quite thought provoking themes. I enjoyed it so much! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The Italian Correspondent by Belinda Alexandra is a moving post-war two historical novel which follows the life of Veronica Gold who was a journalist covering the war at the battle front. Post war Veronica is a correspondent for Vogue in Italy where she, and the country, are trying to deal with the aftermath of the war.
Her personal tragedy of the death of her young child is compounded when her husband Lyle divorces her and marries her ‘best friend’ Emerald. While she had a brief ‘liaison’ with Marcelo who she tries not to have an ongoing relationship with, her life gets incredible complicated when Lyle appears to have been murdered by his ex-wife Emerald and her current husband Count Carlo comes into her life.
A very dramatic story of love and hate, of spies and lies, of lovers and friends - culminating in a complex heart breaking but also warming story. Belinda Alexandra writes wonderful stories that keep the reader spell bound!
A highly recommended read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from HarperCollins Publishers Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
casting the movie of The Italian Correspondent in my mind and I keep seeing Blake Lively as Veronica because I think she could capture the kind of mid-twentieth century glamour that belongs with this story. Veronica Gold began her career in the 1930s as a cadet journalist with the New York Times, then became Vogue Magazine’s Italian correspondent attached to the Eighth Army during the Second World War.
By 1951 Veronica is trying to bring some peace, calm and orderliness into her life; living in Italy, covering fashion shows and attempting to write a novel about Pompeii. She has witnessed the horrors of war and also taken two enormous personal blows. The stunning backdrop to her story is Italy, from Rome to Positano and the Italian countryside.
After the war to end all wars came the Cold War, countries were developing nuclear weapons, there were spies everywhere, Burgess and McLean defected and the CIA had a presence in Italy. In the midst of all this Veronica’s life is once again filled with drama; there is intrigue, romance and a shocking murder.
Veronica Gold is one person whose parting words were never going to be: Is that all there is?
I discovered Belinda’s books a while ago after picking up a two pack on sale and fell in love with her characters and history. The Italian Correspondent is the story of Veronica Gold, once a war correspondent and now writing for Vogue about Italy. It starts off with fashion and glamour and ends with a thrilling finish. I enjoyed all the gorgeous locations- Belinda takes you on a tour through Italy visiting Rome, Pompeii, Portofino and Fiesole.
Veronica was surrounded by a cast of intriguing supporting characters with rival Emerald and the choice of three different men vying for her affections. Emerald was fun to hate but I enjoyed learning their past history and how their complicated relationship came to be. I did enjoy the romance elements with her three suitors having quite different personalities and back stories. I was a bit disappointed with who she ended up with though. I thought there was a much better match for her. I would have liked to have seen her PTSD explored a little more. The novel starts off with a hook to pull you in immediately. It does slow a bit whilst setting things up and then ends with a big finish full of twists and turns. For readers who love romance, Italian settings, history and mystery.
The Italian Correspondent: By Belinda Alexandra Belinda Alexandra has written a wonderful Italian historical fiction novel that grabs your attention from the very beginning. It is predominantly set in the 1950’s but does have flashbacks to WW2. Veronica is war fatigued, divorced and distraught over the loss of her daughter. In her post war life, three men are contesting for her attention presenting various back stories. I loved reading about Rome, Pompeii, Portofino and Fiesole - the history, the food, and the culture. This book is full of twist and turns, romance, history, passion and murder. A definite must read for Belinda Alexandra fans. Thank you to Harper Collins Australia and NetGalley for providing this book for review. All opinions are my own.
I have loved Belinda Alexandra’s story telling in the past, so I was super excited to receive a copy of The Italian Correspondent for my honest review.
To start I could not put this down. The mystery woven into the plot created so many twists in the storyline that hooked me in and had me guessing how this book would end. Namely, who would Veronica our FMC choose out of the three dashing men in her life that we are introduced to throughout the story.
Told in first person, The story is set in Italy with a mixed timeline, the present being post WW2, with flashbacks to pre war and during the war. There is references of PTSD post war and how these experiences change a person and how love and relationships factor into that equation.
While this story is essentially a historical romance the mystery, setting and historical political intrigue were done really well.
I loved the Italian setting and made me want to travel back there.
I’m unsure how I feel about the ending. while it suited the story, for me personally I’m not sure I would have made the same decision but would lead to great discussions in a book club.
I loved seeing the cameo of a character from one of Belinda’s other books.
A strong story that I have already recommended to my family.
The Italian Correspondent tells the story of Veronica Gold, who is a Vogue correspondent in post war Italy. The historical fiction novel is set primarily in Rome in 1951 where Italy is recovering from the war and the shadow of fascism. Veronica was formally a war reporter with the Eighth Army and she like many is living through the trauma of what she saw and reported on. This is primarily a murder mystery with lots of intrigue, espionage, past loves and romance. There is a cast of wonderful characters all falling in love with Veronica. I really enjoyed this new title by Belinda Alexandra.
Don’t you just love starting a new Belinda Alexandra book? Right from the first page I knew I was going to enjoy this book, and I was right. This book tells of the life and loves of Veronica Gold, a former war correspondent. It is mostly set in the 1950s, but looks back at Veronica’s life during WW2. She is juggling a former husband, a duplicitous friend, and potential love interests. There are a number of twists in the story, and the characters are all intriguing in different ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, as anticipated, and I’ve no doubt it will keep all Belinda Alexandra fans enthralled. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book
Veronica Gold is a woman of substance. Set in the early 1950s we travel back in time with her to reveal what happened during the war years when she contributed by being a journalist. Many hardships were faced including the loss of her daughter and husband.
With many twists and the introduction of men that she loves and those who love her, this is a roller coaster of a tale. I really enjoyed the first half of the book but struggled with Veronica's lack of decisiveness and found the second half a little frustrating and perhapsabit far fetched. Not my favourite by this author but thanks to Netgalley for an electronic ARC.
Belinda Alexandra's The Italian Correspondent is a beautifully-crafted historical mystery set in 1951 Rome, where glamour and danger vie for attention. There are two fabulously strong women who drive the story: Veronica Gold, a former war correspondent turned Vogue journalist, who wins you over immediately with her sharpness and vulnerability; and Emerald Evergreen, the mysterious heiress whose fraught history with Veronica adds real intrigue. I love the setting of post-war Italy which really comes to life under Alexandra's skilled hand, with a plot that combines espionage, romance and murder. It's atmospheric historical fiction at its best.
I’ve had several Belinda Alexandra books on my TBR for ages, so receiving an ARC was exciting and The Italian Correspondent delivered. It’s beautifully written and a completely compelling story weaving history and fiction as Veronica’s past and present love stories collide. With unexpected twists and a thread of mystery, this engaging read kept me turning the pages. 4 stars I would like to thank the author, HarperCollins Publishers Australia and NetGalley for my copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
Lots of twists and turns,with a likeable main character, who you hope ends up happy ever after. My goodness, there is a lot to get through with the war, spying, murder, disappearing people and infidelity. But it keeps you intrigued to see where it is going to end up and transports you to a whole different world.
My first book of this author and it didn’t disappoint. It was immersive that I couldn’t stop reading. I like the characters, the setting and the story. With so much thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher HarperCollins Publishers Australia for the ARC
A gripping fantastic read about Veronica navigating her life post-war. It was full of twists and turns and men to both love and hate. Emerald was such an intriguing character and I loved going on this adventure with them all.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Fantastic characters. Intrigue and drama. A love triangle. Fast paced and fascinating. Wow. Thank you Belinda for a really fabulous book.
Belinda Alexandra’s best yet! The Mystery Woman was my favourite Belinda Alexandra book but The Italian Correspondent has exceeded all of my, very high, expectations and has claimed the top spot! Beautifully written, it is a gorgeous blend of romance, history and mystery. A must read!!!
Not a bad read - kept me interested. Great descriptions of Italy - felt like you were there at times. Not sure I really loved the whole Love triangle/ espionage twist to the book. Bit OTT.
The Italian Correspondent is a thrilling post-war mystery that twists and turns in unexpected ways to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable read.
This is a story of love, loss, espionage and betrayal that is beautifully written. The detail is rich, layered and gripping and the settings glamorous and romantic.
Veronica is trying to find herself again after the horrors of the war and the heartbreak that occurred in her marriage, and subsequent divorce, to Lyle. But the men in her life keep her feeling conflicted and adrift and I really enjoyed the subsequent love triangle that arises as a result.
I enjoyed the hospital scenes and the action and secrets that come to light after that. Things become quite the tangled web and it was fun watching Veronica navigate through these challenges.
If you are looking for your next historical fiction read, then I definitely recommend you pick up a copy of The Italian Correspondent.
Thank you to @harpercollinsaustralia for a copy to honestly review.