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The House in the Tuscan Hills
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2026
259 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Anita Chapman
5 books64 followersAnita Chapman enjoyed writing stories from a young age, and won a local writing competition when she was nine years old. Encouraged by this, she typed up a series of stories about a mouse on her mum’s typewriter and sent them to Ladybird. She received a polite rejection letter, her first.
Many of Anita’s summers growing up were spent with her family driving to Italy, and she went on to study French and Italian at university. As part of her degree, Anita lived in Siena for several months where she studied and au paired, and she spent a lot of time travelling around Italy in her twenties.
Anita likes to read journals and diaries from the past, and one of her favourite pastimes is visiting art galleries and country houses. Her first published novel, The Venice Secret is inspired by her mother taking her to see the Canalettos at The National Gallery in London as a child.
Since 2015, Anita has worked as a social media manager, training authors on social media, and helping to promote their books. She’s run several courses in London and York, and has worked as a tutor at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.
Many of Anita’s summers growing up were spent with her family driving to Italy, and she went on to study French and Italian at university. As part of her degree, Anita lived in Siena for several months where she studied and au paired, and she spent a lot of time travelling around Italy in her twenties.
Anita likes to read journals and diaries from the past, and one of her favourite pastimes is visiting art galleries and country houses. Her first published novel, The Venice Secret is inspired by her mother taking her to see the Canalettos at The National Gallery in London as a child.
Since 2015, Anita has worked as a social media manager, training authors on social media, and helping to promote their books. She’s run several courses in London and York, and has worked as a tutor at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 16, 2026
This is my first read from Chapman. I was enticed by the title, the cover, the blurb and the setting – so many features pulled me in to this story and when I had finished it, I knew with certainty that I would have to explore more books by this author.
Quite frankly, I’m a bit of a sucker for novels set in Italy and this one ticked all the right boxes. Chapman’s portrayal of the Tuscan hills had me drooling in delight because of how beautiful and tranquil it seemed. I envied Jen and the fact she was easily able to stay in the area, thanks to inheriting a beautiful villa from a distant relative.
Yet, there is more to this story than the geography of Italy. A dual timeline, this book not only follows Jen in present day, but takes readers back to 1944, when the war was on the cusp of ending. Italy, not completely liberated, was still experiencing fighting and Liliana is impacted by this as her fiancé, Salvatore, is part of the freedom fighters. Despite reassuring each other that a wedding is on the horizon, the engagement is actually shrouded in superstition, thanks to the engagement ring that Liliana has received. According to an elderly grandmother, this opal ring should only be given to someone whose birthday is in October – and Liliana is not that person. Trying to ignore this curse and convinced that they will eventually get their happy ending, the couple make plans before Salvatore has to leave again and fight. However, Liliana soon finds she cannot stay in Tuscany and this sees the story move to Cambridge.
I was really intrigued by Liliana’s story, especially when it is evident that she is in a precarious situation and quite alone in England. Despite having a plan about returning to Tuscany, this does not become an option and this separation then feeds into the history that Jen knows in present day. Therefore, whilst Jen is in Tuscany mending a broken heart, it also comes to symbolise a return of the family and a healing process across the generations.
The opal ring is what starts Jen off on her quest as she heads to Tuscany. I loved seeing how she gradually becomes herself once more through her love of cooking and her Italian heritage. As more clues are revealed about Jen’s grandmother, I was keen to see how Liliana came to stay permanently in Cambridge and what caused her to become estranged from her sister. Indeed, the fact that the opal ring is passed to Jen is symbolic of the importance of moving on – something both female protagonists experience. Not only that, I guess there is some degree of irony that a ring also becomes important to Jen, although this is in the form of a lighting ring as she starts to pursue her dream with uploading videos of her cooking recipes that are close to her heart.
Although a story that is set during the Second World War, this is more a romance about finding yourself and pursuing your dreams. It is not overly historical, instead focusing on how people adapt in emotional circumstances with the backdrop of a gorgeous setting. A great read from Chapman, Tuscany is now firmly on my bucket list!
With thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Quite frankly, I’m a bit of a sucker for novels set in Italy and this one ticked all the right boxes. Chapman’s portrayal of the Tuscan hills had me drooling in delight because of how beautiful and tranquil it seemed. I envied Jen and the fact she was easily able to stay in the area, thanks to inheriting a beautiful villa from a distant relative.
Yet, there is more to this story than the geography of Italy. A dual timeline, this book not only follows Jen in present day, but takes readers back to 1944, when the war was on the cusp of ending. Italy, not completely liberated, was still experiencing fighting and Liliana is impacted by this as her fiancé, Salvatore, is part of the freedom fighters. Despite reassuring each other that a wedding is on the horizon, the engagement is actually shrouded in superstition, thanks to the engagement ring that Liliana has received. According to an elderly grandmother, this opal ring should only be given to someone whose birthday is in October – and Liliana is not that person. Trying to ignore this curse and convinced that they will eventually get their happy ending, the couple make plans before Salvatore has to leave again and fight. However, Liliana soon finds she cannot stay in Tuscany and this sees the story move to Cambridge.
I was really intrigued by Liliana’s story, especially when it is evident that she is in a precarious situation and quite alone in England. Despite having a plan about returning to Tuscany, this does not become an option and this separation then feeds into the history that Jen knows in present day. Therefore, whilst Jen is in Tuscany mending a broken heart, it also comes to symbolise a return of the family and a healing process across the generations.
The opal ring is what starts Jen off on her quest as she heads to Tuscany. I loved seeing how she gradually becomes herself once more through her love of cooking and her Italian heritage. As more clues are revealed about Jen’s grandmother, I was keen to see how Liliana came to stay permanently in Cambridge and what caused her to become estranged from her sister. Indeed, the fact that the opal ring is passed to Jen is symbolic of the importance of moving on – something both female protagonists experience. Not only that, I guess there is some degree of irony that a ring also becomes important to Jen, although this is in the form of a lighting ring as she starts to pursue her dream with uploading videos of her cooking recipes that are close to her heart.
Although a story that is set during the Second World War, this is more a romance about finding yourself and pursuing your dreams. It is not overly historical, instead focusing on how people adapt in emotional circumstances with the backdrop of a gorgeous setting. A great read from Chapman, Tuscany is now firmly on my bucket list!
With thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2026
The House in the Tuscan Hills is a dual timeline story set in Cambridge, England in the present and Tuscany, Italy in 1944. Liliana is engages to the love of her life, Salvatore. Parts of Italy have been freed from the Nazis, but not in the north. Salvatore is working for the Italian resistance. On Christmas Eve, they finally make love, the night before he leaves for the last time. When he returns to Florence, he has a severe head injury and does not remember Liliana. What is she to do, especially as she is pregnant. She has been working for a British ex-pat couple, who offer a job with them in England and she chooses to go and start a new life. In Cambridge, Jen Farina, aka Ginevra, is working at her family's restaurant, DaNonna, when a handsome Italian man arrives and wants to talk to her Nonna. Matteo lived next door to Nonna's sister, Francesca. Liliana and Francesca had not spoken since the end of the war, but she wouldn't talk about it. Francesca has left an opal ring and the family house in the Tuscan hills to Jen. Matteo invites her to come to Tuscany and see the house. She agrees, wanting to see the place where her Nonna grew up, and just maybe finding out what happened between the two sisters.
This was a lovely story about family, fate, and love. Jen was dealing with a huge loss in her life and was looking for something to help her move on. Casa LaStella was just the thing for her. I enjoyed seeing her come out of the self-imposed shell she was living in. She loved to cook, and being in Tuscany with the fresh vegetables and herbs just outside her door awoke that love in her. Matteo was that handsome, sexy hero that helped her to move on. Being a television producer, who was once a director, he helped her get over her fear and filmed her cooking videos to put online. I could feel the chemistry between them, but it was not acted upon. The descriptions of the countryside were wonderful and I am ready to hop on a plane and visit the area. I found it interesting and at times a bit difficult, but there are many Italian words sprinkled within the story. The translations are not always given, but I was able to figure out what they were saying as the story went on. It added to the feeling of actually being in Italy. If you enjoy a dual timeline story with romance, personal growth, secrets and happy endings, than I recommend you pick up The House in the Tusan Hills by Anita Chapman.
This was a lovely story about family, fate, and love. Jen was dealing with a huge loss in her life and was looking for something to help her move on. Casa LaStella was just the thing for her. I enjoyed seeing her come out of the self-imposed shell she was living in. She loved to cook, and being in Tuscany with the fresh vegetables and herbs just outside her door awoke that love in her. Matteo was that handsome, sexy hero that helped her to move on. Being a television producer, who was once a director, he helped her get over her fear and filmed her cooking videos to put online. I could feel the chemistry between them, but it was not acted upon. The descriptions of the countryside were wonderful and I am ready to hop on a plane and visit the area. I found it interesting and at times a bit difficult, but there are many Italian words sprinkled within the story. The translations are not always given, but I was able to figure out what they were saying as the story went on. It added to the feeling of actually being in Italy. If you enjoy a dual timeline story with romance, personal growth, secrets and happy endings, than I recommend you pick up The House in the Tusan Hills by Anita Chapman.
April 16, 2026
I’ve read most of Anita’s books and they are always a lovely way to spend a few hours in one of my favourite places, Italy. The latest, The House in the Tuscan Hills is again a dual time story, partly set during WW2 and mainly in the present time (or to be accurate 2019) featuring two generations of the same family – grandmother Liliana and granddaughter Jen. Both women have had their share of heartbreak but how does an Opal ring connect them and does the tradition around it shape the owner’s destiny?
Besides Liliana’s heartrending story, it was the Italian setting that stood out for me. ‘Casa Stella’ the pink walled house and the olive trees and gardens of Liliana’s young life and now unexpectedly inherited by Jen was vividly described and so evocative. I could imagine sitting on the terrace with a glass of wine and eating one of Jen’s fabulous creations. Did I mention that food features a lot in this book? Well it does and it sounds delicious, whether its at the family restaurant ‘Da Nonna’ in Cambridge or from Jen, who, following her own romantic heartache and demise of her own cake business, is inspired and fired up by her time at Casa Stella to produce authentic Italian cooking videos which she hopes will inspire others. Her new home in Tuscany gave Jen’s heart the chance to heal and showed her to be no pushover when she was faced with ghosts from the past.
As well as a touch of mystery, there is romance here aplenty provided by Liliana’s love affair with Salvatore and Jen’s crush on her handsome and considerate Tuscan neighbour, Matteo. I loved the slow burn between them and the will they/won’t they move on from friendship to something deeper.
Love, loss, betrayal and family secrets are the background themes here – but there is also forgiveness and hope in looking to the future. Another captivating story from an author who never disappoints and one that I very much enjoyed.
Besides Liliana’s heartrending story, it was the Italian setting that stood out for me. ‘Casa Stella’ the pink walled house and the olive trees and gardens of Liliana’s young life and now unexpectedly inherited by Jen was vividly described and so evocative. I could imagine sitting on the terrace with a glass of wine and eating one of Jen’s fabulous creations. Did I mention that food features a lot in this book? Well it does and it sounds delicious, whether its at the family restaurant ‘Da Nonna’ in Cambridge or from Jen, who, following her own romantic heartache and demise of her own cake business, is inspired and fired up by her time at Casa Stella to produce authentic Italian cooking videos which she hopes will inspire others. Her new home in Tuscany gave Jen’s heart the chance to heal and showed her to be no pushover when she was faced with ghosts from the past.
As well as a touch of mystery, there is romance here aplenty provided by Liliana’s love affair with Salvatore and Jen’s crush on her handsome and considerate Tuscan neighbour, Matteo. I loved the slow burn between them and the will they/won’t they move on from friendship to something deeper.
Love, loss, betrayal and family secrets are the background themes here – but there is also forgiveness and hope in looking to the future. Another captivating story from an author who never disappoints and one that I very much enjoyed.
March 10, 2026
The House in the Tuscan Hills is a warm, wistful escape into sun‑drenched Italy, threaded with the kind of family secrets that tug gently but insistently at the heart. From the moment Jen steps onto her inherited terrace in the Tuscan hills — opal ring glinting, questions swirling — the story settles into that lovely blend of nostalgia, mystery, and quiet hope that makes dual‑timeline novels so irresistible.
The 1944 storyline is especially evocative. Liliana’s love for Salvatore feels tender and youthful, full of promise despite the war pressing in around them. When his injury steals not just his memories but their shared future, her heartbreak is rendered with such aching clarity. Her decision to flee to England, carrying a secret she refuses to let go of, becomes the emotional anchor of the novel — a choice shaped by superstition, grief, and the fragile belief that distance might protect what’s left of her.
In the present day, Jen’s own heartbreak sends her searching for steadiness, only to be swept into a legacy she never expected. The arrival of Matteo — warm, grounded, quietly charming — adds a lovely spark, but it’s the house itself that steals the show: pink walls, green shutters, and the sense of a life paused mid‑breath, waiting for her to step inside. As Jen begins to piece together Liliana’s past, the opal ring becomes a symbol of both burden and possibility, shimmering with unanswered questions.
The tension rises beautifully when a mysterious woman arrives to challenge Jen’s inheritance. Her story folds into the narrative with emotional weight, offering revelations that are as healing as they are unsettling. The novel handles these intertwined histories with a gentle touch, letting the truth emerge slowly, like sunlight creeping across a tiled floor.
This is a story of love lost and rediscovered, of the ways families fracture and mend, and of the landscapes — both emotional and literal — that shape us. Tuscany is rendered with such affection that you can almost smell the warm stone and wild herbs, making the book feel like a small holiday in itself.
A tender, atmospheric read perfect for anyone who loves sweeping family mysteries, Italian charm, and the quiet magic of second chances.
My thanks to Anita Chapman, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The 1944 storyline is especially evocative. Liliana’s love for Salvatore feels tender and youthful, full of promise despite the war pressing in around them. When his injury steals not just his memories but their shared future, her heartbreak is rendered with such aching clarity. Her decision to flee to England, carrying a secret she refuses to let go of, becomes the emotional anchor of the novel — a choice shaped by superstition, grief, and the fragile belief that distance might protect what’s left of her.
In the present day, Jen’s own heartbreak sends her searching for steadiness, only to be swept into a legacy she never expected. The arrival of Matteo — warm, grounded, quietly charming — adds a lovely spark, but it’s the house itself that steals the show: pink walls, green shutters, and the sense of a life paused mid‑breath, waiting for her to step inside. As Jen begins to piece together Liliana’s past, the opal ring becomes a symbol of both burden and possibility, shimmering with unanswered questions.
The tension rises beautifully when a mysterious woman arrives to challenge Jen’s inheritance. Her story folds into the narrative with emotional weight, offering revelations that are as healing as they are unsettling. The novel handles these intertwined histories with a gentle touch, letting the truth emerge slowly, like sunlight creeping across a tiled floor.
This is a story of love lost and rediscovered, of the ways families fracture and mend, and of the landscapes — both emotional and literal — that shape us. Tuscany is rendered with such affection that you can almost smell the warm stone and wild herbs, making the book feel like a small holiday in itself.
A tender, atmospheric read perfect for anyone who loves sweeping family mysteries, Italian charm, and the quiet magic of second chances.
My thanks to Anita Chapman, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
April 13, 2026
I was excited to open Anita Chapman’s latest novel as I have always found her books contain intriguing mysteries and stunning locations. The House in the Tuscan Hills is just as inviting as its picture on the cover. Casa Stella captivates Jen Farina as soon as she sees it. She feels so lucky to have inherited this special place where her grandmother once lived with her family. It is the first happy occasion since her fiancé betrayed her shortly before their wedding so perhaps she can begin to rebuild her life.
In dual time we gradually learn more about Liliana, Jen’s Nonna. In 1944 Liliana anticipated a wedding to her sweetheart Salvatore when he returned from fighting but soon he will travel to the North to rejoin the Resistance. He gives her his grandmother’s opal ring, but Liliana’s own grandmother tells them it is unlucky if it not your birthstone. This struck a chord with me as I also inherited an opal ring but my superstitious family persuaded me to sell it!
As each timeline is revealed we see that Liliana is a brave young woman who deals with her problems boldly, travelling to Cambridge where she makes a new life. Jen has been luckier as her family take care of her when her engagement breaks down. Working in their Italian restaurant has kept her busy but when Matteo, a young man, arrives from Italy he brings news which could open up opportunities for her.
I really enjoyed reading about Jen’s love of cooking, using fresh produce from the garden and the descriptive passages about Florence and San Gimignano made we want to grab my passport and go there. A feel-good story to warm your heart.
In dual time we gradually learn more about Liliana, Jen’s Nonna. In 1944 Liliana anticipated a wedding to her sweetheart Salvatore when he returned from fighting but soon he will travel to the North to rejoin the Resistance. He gives her his grandmother’s opal ring, but Liliana’s own grandmother tells them it is unlucky if it not your birthstone. This struck a chord with me as I also inherited an opal ring but my superstitious family persuaded me to sell it!
As each timeline is revealed we see that Liliana is a brave young woman who deals with her problems boldly, travelling to Cambridge where she makes a new life. Jen has been luckier as her family take care of her when her engagement breaks down. Working in their Italian restaurant has kept her busy but when Matteo, a young man, arrives from Italy he brings news which could open up opportunities for her.
I really enjoyed reading about Jen’s love of cooking, using fresh produce from the garden and the descriptive passages about Florence and San Gimignano made we want to grab my passport and go there. A feel-good story to warm your heart.
March 9, 2026
📚 Book Review: The House in the Tuscan Hills ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5) (Releasing: April 13)
Some books feel like a deep breath… and The House in the Tuscan Hills by Anita Chapman was exactly that for me.
We meet Jen—heartbroken, working in her family’s restaurant—when she unexpectedly gets an intriguing inheritance. What unfolds is a journey through family secrets, a touch of romance, and a beautiful dual timeline that slowly reveals the past while Jen tries to make sense of her present.
I love a dual timeline, and this one was done so well. It added depth and emotion without ever feeling complicated or heavy. The story has heartbreak in it, yes—but it also comes full circle in such a satisfying, hopeful way.
And the setting… Tuscany is practically a character in this book. The food, the landscape, the quiet moments of discovery—it’s one of those stories where you just want to sit back, slow down, and live inside the pages for a while.
In a world that feels a little chaotic right now, this was the kind of book that felt like a balm. Calm, lovely, and immersive—but with emotional depth. Not fluffy, just beautifully told.
Perfect for readers who love:
•Atmospheric settings you can sink into
•Family secrets and generational stories
•A gentle thread of romance
•Dual timelines that are rich but easy to follow
If you’re looking for a story that feels comforting and meaningful, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you @netgalley @bookouture and the author for the ARC, and the privilege to provide a review.
Some books feel like a deep breath… and The House in the Tuscan Hills by Anita Chapman was exactly that for me.
We meet Jen—heartbroken, working in her family’s restaurant—when she unexpectedly gets an intriguing inheritance. What unfolds is a journey through family secrets, a touch of romance, and a beautiful dual timeline that slowly reveals the past while Jen tries to make sense of her present.
I love a dual timeline, and this one was done so well. It added depth and emotion without ever feeling complicated or heavy. The story has heartbreak in it, yes—but it also comes full circle in such a satisfying, hopeful way.
And the setting… Tuscany is practically a character in this book. The food, the landscape, the quiet moments of discovery—it’s one of those stories where you just want to sit back, slow down, and live inside the pages for a while.
In a world that feels a little chaotic right now, this was the kind of book that felt like a balm. Calm, lovely, and immersive—but with emotional depth. Not fluffy, just beautifully told.
Perfect for readers who love:
•Atmospheric settings you can sink into
•Family secrets and generational stories
•A gentle thread of romance
•Dual timelines that are rich but easy to follow
If you’re looking for a story that feels comforting and meaningful, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you @netgalley @bookouture and the author for the ARC, and the privilege to provide a review.
March 10, 2026
I gave The House in the Tuscan Hills four stars. I’m always drawn to stories that combine family history with a mystery from the past, and this book delivered exactly that.
The story follows Jen, who finds herself stuck in a rut after losing her business and discovering that her fiancé has left her for her best friend. While working at her family’s restaurant, she learns that she has inherited a house in Tuscany from an aunt she has never met. From there, the story unfolds across two timelines, also following her grandmother’s journey as she immigrates from Tuscany to England.
I absolutely loved the dual timeline and the unfolding family history. Watching Jen slowly uncover her grandmother’s past and the secrets surrounding her family was fascinating. Stories centered on hidden family histories and long-buried secrets always pull me in, and the Tuscan setting made the journey even more enjoyable.
The only aspect that didn’t fully work for me was the romance. It felt a bit rushed and more like an infatuation than a fully developed relationship.
Even so, the family mystery, beautiful setting, and historical story line made this a very enjoyable read. If you enjoy dual-timeline stories filled with family secrets and a touch of romance, this is definitely one worth picking up.
The story follows Jen, who finds herself stuck in a rut after losing her business and discovering that her fiancé has left her for her best friend. While working at her family’s restaurant, she learns that she has inherited a house in Tuscany from an aunt she has never met. From there, the story unfolds across two timelines, also following her grandmother’s journey as she immigrates from Tuscany to England.
I absolutely loved the dual timeline and the unfolding family history. Watching Jen slowly uncover her grandmother’s past and the secrets surrounding her family was fascinating. Stories centered on hidden family histories and long-buried secrets always pull me in, and the Tuscan setting made the journey even more enjoyable.
The only aspect that didn’t fully work for me was the romance. It felt a bit rushed and more like an infatuation than a fully developed relationship.
Even so, the family mystery, beautiful setting, and historical story line made this a very enjoyable read. If you enjoy dual-timeline stories filled with family secrets and a touch of romance, this is definitely one worth picking up.
March 18, 2026
It’s 2019 in Cambridge, and Jen is working in Da Nonna, her family’s restaurant. Since the humiliating end of her relationship, her family are keeping her close to help her. When a customer shows Jen and her grandmother, Liliana, an opal ring, Jen soon learns there are many family secrets. Finding out she has inherited her grandmother’s family home in Tuscany, she decides to go there to see what she can find out about her grandmother’s childhood and family.
Back in 1944, and San Gimignano has been liberated by the allied troops. Liliana hopes that this means that she can finally marry her amore, Salvatore. When Salvatore heads off again to keep fighting, Liliana still dreams of their wedding day. Following a tragedy, Liliana moves to England with hopes of going back to Tuscany.
A story with a dual timeline, I loved how well these two parts flowed. The descriptions of Cambridge and Tuscany made it easy to imagine both places in my head.
I loved the characters in the story, their love for their families shines through. It was great to see how Jen came alive in Tuscany, how she found her love for cooking again.
This is a story of love and betrayal, as well as trust and forgiveness.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Back in 1944, and San Gimignano has been liberated by the allied troops. Liliana hopes that this means that she can finally marry her amore, Salvatore. When Salvatore heads off again to keep fighting, Liliana still dreams of their wedding day. Following a tragedy, Liliana moves to England with hopes of going back to Tuscany.
A story with a dual timeline, I loved how well these two parts flowed. The descriptions of Cambridge and Tuscany made it easy to imagine both places in my head.
I loved the characters in the story, their love for their families shines through. It was great to see how Jen came alive in Tuscany, how she found her love for cooking again.
This is a story of love and betrayal, as well as trust and forgiveness.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC, coming April 13th.
I absolutely adored this story.
Told across two timelines, this novel follows Jen in the present day and Liliana in the late 1940s, weaving together a deeply emotional story of love, heartbreak, family, and survival.
In post-war Italy, Liliana is engaged to her beloved Salvatore, dreaming of a future together. But superstition surrounding an opal ring changes everything, and Liliana is forced to leave for the UK carrying far more than just heartbreak.
Almost sixty years later, Jen is dealing with a heartbreak of her own when she inherits that same opal ring, along with a villa in Tuscany that once belonged to her nonna Liliana. As Jen begins to uncover the past, the story slowly reveals secrets, pain, and the enduring power of love across generations.
This was such a beautifully written and atmospheric read. Heartbreaking at times, but also full of warmth, resilience, family history, and yes... absolutely glorious Italian food. The dual timeline worked so well, and Liliana’s story especially stayed with me.
A moving and immersive read that I’d highly recommend to anyone who loves emotional historical fiction with romance, family secrets, and a gorgeous Italian setting.
4.5 stars
I absolutely adored this story.
Told across two timelines, this novel follows Jen in the present day and Liliana in the late 1940s, weaving together a deeply emotional story of love, heartbreak, family, and survival.
In post-war Italy, Liliana is engaged to her beloved Salvatore, dreaming of a future together. But superstition surrounding an opal ring changes everything, and Liliana is forced to leave for the UK carrying far more than just heartbreak.
Almost sixty years later, Jen is dealing with a heartbreak of her own when she inherits that same opal ring, along with a villa in Tuscany that once belonged to her nonna Liliana. As Jen begins to uncover the past, the story slowly reveals secrets, pain, and the enduring power of love across generations.
This was such a beautifully written and atmospheric read. Heartbreaking at times, but also full of warmth, resilience, family history, and yes... absolutely glorious Italian food. The dual timeline worked so well, and Liliana’s story especially stayed with me.
A moving and immersive read that I’d highly recommend to anyone who loves emotional historical fiction with romance, family secrets, and a gorgeous Italian setting.
4.5 stars
April 13, 2026
Achingly romantic and another smashing read! I loved everything about this beautiful story and was soon transported to the Tuscan Hills. Watching the sun set while seated amongst the olive trees was a gorgeous escape, and Anita’s writing had me feeling the gentle breeze and seeing the brilliant colours as the sun dropped from the evening sky.
Once again, this is a dual-timeline story with one foot in the present day and the other in 1944 Italy. At the centre of the story and ensuing puzzle is Liliana. The family matriarch whose secrets from the past were heartbreaking, despite her story finding joy in another country. In war-torn Italy, young Liliana is desperately in love with her fiancé, Salvatore. The descriptions of their relationship were haunting, and knowing from the synopsis that they would face certain heartbreak made following their story bittersweet. However, whoever inspired this character, Anita ensured that her spirit was indomitable, and her love for life and family was everything I would expect from an Italian Nonna.
Jen, Liliana’s feisty granddaughter, had known her own heartbreak but had little knowledge of her Nonna’s life from her time in Tuscany. She only knew about the stories surrounding the growth and success of the family’s restaurant. Jen had built a protective wall around her heart since being betrayed by her former fiancé, and the details were painful to imagine.
Once again, Anita’s writing took me on a beautiful journey. Following her social media posts helped me get a clear picture of the locations mentioned, as she shared stunning photos of the local area and described the beautiful vistas perfectly.
I cannot recommend The House in the Tuscan Hills highly enough. Anita Chapman has written from the heart, and the result is simply perfect.
Once again, this is a dual-timeline story with one foot in the present day and the other in 1944 Italy. At the centre of the story and ensuing puzzle is Liliana. The family matriarch whose secrets from the past were heartbreaking, despite her story finding joy in another country. In war-torn Italy, young Liliana is desperately in love with her fiancé, Salvatore. The descriptions of their relationship were haunting, and knowing from the synopsis that they would face certain heartbreak made following their story bittersweet. However, whoever inspired this character, Anita ensured that her spirit was indomitable, and her love for life and family was everything I would expect from an Italian Nonna.
Jen, Liliana’s feisty granddaughter, had known her own heartbreak but had little knowledge of her Nonna’s life from her time in Tuscany. She only knew about the stories surrounding the growth and success of the family’s restaurant. Jen had built a protective wall around her heart since being betrayed by her former fiancé, and the details were painful to imagine.
Once again, Anita’s writing took me on a beautiful journey. Following her social media posts helped me get a clear picture of the locations mentioned, as she shared stunning photos of the local area and described the beautiful vistas perfectly.
I cannot recommend The House in the Tuscan Hills highly enough. Anita Chapman has written from the heart, and the result is simply perfect.
April 15, 2026
I do love a dual timeline novel. This proved to be an utterly delightful read.
The book opens with Liliana in Tuscany as the end of WWII is approaching. But it is not over yet and the love of her life still wants to do his part. They are intending to get married and he has presented her with an engagement ring, an opal. However her birthday is not in October. Her nonna and mamma are worried that this may be a problem. They are both superstitious. The young couple are not. Liliana is really besotted with Salvatore, but will she end up with him.
Then we have her granddaughter Jen (her real name is Ginevra). She has been jilted a week away from the altar by her fiance, Harvey; who cheated on her with her best friend. Jen isn't feeling too happy with the way things are going. Then a mysterious Italian, Matteo turns up from Tuscany with the opal ring and the fact that Jen has inherited a house in Tuscany.
I loved the way this story unfolded. It really is a delightful read.
The book opens with Liliana in Tuscany as the end of WWII is approaching. But it is not over yet and the love of her life still wants to do his part. They are intending to get married and he has presented her with an engagement ring, an opal. However her birthday is not in October. Her nonna and mamma are worried that this may be a problem. They are both superstitious. The young couple are not. Liliana is really besotted with Salvatore, but will she end up with him.
Then we have her granddaughter Jen (her real name is Ginevra). She has been jilted a week away from the altar by her fiance, Harvey; who cheated on her with her best friend. Jen isn't feeling too happy with the way things are going. Then a mysterious Italian, Matteo turns up from Tuscany with the opal ring and the fact that Jen has inherited a house in Tuscany.
I loved the way this story unfolded. It really is a delightful read.
April 15, 2026
This was a really sweet story. It’s a dual POV story about Jen and her grandmother Liliana. Jen inherits property in Tuscany from her great aunt that she never met. Jen takes a trip to Tuscany to see the house and learn more about the past. The story unfolds while we learn about why her great aunt and her grandmother were estranged.
I love Liliana’s POV. She went through so much thanks to the war. The love of her life fights for the Italian Resistance and is injured and nothing is the same after. She ends up in England where her life changes for the better. As sad as I was for what she experienced during the war, I love the happiness she finds in her life.
Jen’s POV is just as heartwarming. After a rough break up she decides she needs more out of her life. And when Matteo brings the news of the death of her great aunt, she has the opportunity to truly find herself. I love that even though she had a horrible hand dealt to her thanks to her crappy ex, she’s strong enough to move on.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookoutre for my copy of this book.
I love Liliana’s POV. She went through so much thanks to the war. The love of her life fights for the Italian Resistance and is injured and nothing is the same after. She ends up in England where her life changes for the better. As sad as I was for what she experienced during the war, I love the happiness she finds in her life.
Jen’s POV is just as heartwarming. After a rough break up she decides she needs more out of her life. And when Matteo brings the news of the death of her great aunt, she has the opportunity to truly find herself. I love that even though she had a horrible hand dealt to her thanks to her crappy ex, she’s strong enough to move on.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookoutre for my copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars, a really charming story.
The storyline has a great pace and is fairly predictable until a final discovery at the end that I did not see coming. Jen is a "jilted bride" and a third generation Italian immigrant working at her family's authentic Italian restaurant in Cambridge. Upon her Great Aunt's death She inherits a house in Tuscany and a mysterious ring. Between Jen's current POV and Liliana's (her Italy born grandmother) wartime POV their family's complicated story is told. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, the closure with our characters felt rushed. The dialog read short and I felt like it could've been flushed out a bit more. I would recommend this book to historical fiction lovers and readers who enjoy dual POVs.
thank you Netgalley and Bookouture from the ARC
The storyline has a great pace and is fairly predictable until a final discovery at the end that I did not see coming. Jen is a "jilted bride" and a third generation Italian immigrant working at her family's authentic Italian restaurant in Cambridge. Upon her Great Aunt's death She inherits a house in Tuscany and a mysterious ring. Between Jen's current POV and Liliana's (her Italy born grandmother) wartime POV their family's complicated story is told. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, the closure with our characters felt rushed. The dialog read short and I felt like it could've been flushed out a bit more. I would recommend this book to historical fiction lovers and readers who enjoy dual POVs.
thank you Netgalley and Bookouture from the ARC
March 14, 2026
I received this book as an arc. The following opinion is my own.
This book hit something in me in the best way. The story was a dual timeline and was so well played out. While it may have been slightly predictable, there were still moments throughout that were a surprise. It took place in both Italy and the UK and had some Italian language. Even if you don't know any Italian you would still be ok here as it was an occasional phrase that you could understand in the context of when it was being used.
I enjoyed the story overall and it also made me want to read more from the author as I enjoyed the writing style. I was a great fun read, easy to follow and overall a nice time. Will for sure be purchasing when it is released and will also be reading more from the author.
This book hit something in me in the best way. The story was a dual timeline and was so well played out. While it may have been slightly predictable, there were still moments throughout that were a surprise. It took place in both Italy and the UK and had some Italian language. Even if you don't know any Italian you would still be ok here as it was an occasional phrase that you could understand in the context of when it was being used.
I enjoyed the story overall and it also made me want to read more from the author as I enjoyed the writing style. I was a great fun read, easy to follow and overall a nice time. Will for sure be purchasing when it is released and will also be reading more from the author.
April 10, 2026
I and so grateful that I was able to get an ARC copy of this book because it was truly an amazing book! This book took place in Tuscany and Cambridge and I love reading books that take place is places I would one day like to visit. I easily fell in love with the two main characters, Liliana and Jen. I loved how this book went back and forth between Liliana’s perspective in the 1940s and Jen’s perspective from present day. I loved how it ended and how the mystery behind Liliana’s life consumed me. I honestly just wish the book kept going because I so wanted to learn more about Jen’s life after she pretty much reinvented herself. Overall this was an amazing book and I would definitely add it your TBR!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was eager to learn the story of why Liliana left Italy and how her granddaughter Jen inherited the house.
Each chapter bounces between current times with Jen and the past with Liliana.
I felt sorry for Liliana for the blows she was dealt, but sometimes losses turn into the biggest gains.
After learning the whole story she definitely dodged a bullet. When the cad admitted to what occurred I thought what a wienie!
Jen also found something much better but I thought she took too long to arrive at that conclusion and I also thought her new love shouldn’t have had to play a part he no longer was interested in.
If you love food, it’s mentioned a lot!
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the early copy.
Each chapter bounces between current times with Jen and the past with Liliana.
I felt sorry for Liliana for the blows she was dealt, but sometimes losses turn into the biggest gains.
After learning the whole story she definitely dodged a bullet. When the cad admitted to what occurred I thought what a wienie!
Jen also found something much better but I thought she took too long to arrive at that conclusion and I also thought her new love shouldn’t have had to play a part he no longer was interested in.
If you love food, it’s mentioned a lot!
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the early copy.
April 27, 2026
What a fantastic read this proved to be,
A superb blending of romance, mystery and family history.
There are secrets from the past, long concealed
That are slowly revealed.
A stranger visits bringing news
Of an inheritance, Jen just can’t refuse.
Travelling from Cambridge to Italy,
There to see her new property.
An engaging story where heartbreak is the start
Before dramatic changes play an important part.
Secrets from her grandmother’s earlier years
Will their revealing end in tears?
I really enjoyed this fantastic read
I hope you’ll find it’s one you need.
There’s family drama from the present and the past
Along with romances with love that will last.
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
A superb blending of romance, mystery and family history.
There are secrets from the past, long concealed
That are slowly revealed.
A stranger visits bringing news
Of an inheritance, Jen just can’t refuse.
Travelling from Cambridge to Italy,
There to see her new property.
An engaging story where heartbreak is the start
Before dramatic changes play an important part.
Secrets from her grandmother’s earlier years
Will their revealing end in tears?
I really enjoyed this fantastic read
I hope you’ll find it’s one you need.
There’s family drama from the present and the past
Along with romances with love that will last.
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The House in the Tuscan Hills is a first for myself with this author. We begin in present day England with Jen. She is working for her family restaurant while healing from her breakup. When a stranger informs her that her great aunt has left her a house and ring in Italy, Jen flees to Italy to both heal and discover family secrets. I am not really a fan of dual timelines however, if done right, they can weave a beautiful and complete tale. I enjoyed out trip and discovering the family history as we follow both Jen and her Great Aunt Liliana through their lives. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jen is reeling from being jilted when she discovers she's inherited an opal ring and a villa in Tuscany from her Great Aunt Francesca. A ring that brings back painful memories for her Nonna, Liliana.
A beautiful, captivating dual timeline novel set between the streets of Cambridge and the stunning Tuscany region. The essence of the area as well as the mouthwatering recipes served up by Jen make this a special read that's certain to make you want to visit the area. It's a lovely read with a perfect blend of history and romance
A beautiful, captivating dual timeline novel set between the streets of Cambridge and the stunning Tuscany region. The essence of the area as well as the mouthwatering recipes served up by Jen make this a special read that's certain to make you want to visit the area. It's a lovely read with a perfect blend of history and romance
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dual timeline story filled with emotional longing, growth and finding yourself in the aftermath of life.
Lilliana's story breaks your heart and I had honestly no clue when her pain became my own. Meanwhile, Jen is gonna soothe a part of your soul. Her journey of finding her goals, her ambition back is a worth read.
It's a book you won't want to keep aside until you're done with it. And then, it'll stay with you for a long, long time.
Pick up this book and read it whenever you can, but do read it!!!!!!
Lilliana's story breaks your heart and I had honestly no clue when her pain became my own. Meanwhile, Jen is gonna soothe a part of your soul. Her journey of finding her goals, her ambition back is a worth read.
It's a book you won't want to keep aside until you're done with it. And then, it'll stay with you for a long, long time.
Pick up this book and read it whenever you can, but do read it!!!!!!
May 6, 2026
I followed the rise of Anita Chapman as an aspiring author for some years as a blogger before she had her first novel The Venice Secret published in 2023.
'The House in the Tuscan Hills" is her fifth novel in the short space of just three years. A dual timeline story, a style that the author uses very successfully, this time set in WWII and 2019. The protagonists are Lilianna and her grand-daughter Jen, who have both had their share of heartbreak. An opal ring and a house both inherited by Jen, tying the two narratives together. A love story full of Italian charm and mystery.
The author's passion for all things Italian from the food to the scenery makes her writing so realistic. She has certainly deserved recognition as a writer of emotive and captivating novels. Highly recommended to Italophiles and fans of historical fiction.
With thanks to Anita Chapman, Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
'The House in the Tuscan Hills" is her fifth novel in the short space of just three years. A dual timeline story, a style that the author uses very successfully, this time set in WWII and 2019. The protagonists are Lilianna and her grand-daughter Jen, who have both had their share of heartbreak. An opal ring and a house both inherited by Jen, tying the two narratives together. A love story full of Italian charm and mystery.
The author's passion for all things Italian from the food to the scenery makes her writing so realistic. She has certainly deserved recognition as a writer of emotive and captivating novels. Highly recommended to Italophiles and fans of historical fiction.
With thanks to Anita Chapman, Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
April 18, 2026
A beautiful emotional story has love, loss, and long-hidden family secrets across time together. Liliana’s journey during wartime Italy is heartbreaking, especially as her love slowly slips away in ways she never imagined. Her unbound pain is conveyed so well.
In the present, Jen’s story feels like a quiet search for unexpected healing. After her own heartbreak, Tuscany becomes more than just a place, it feels like a chance to start again. This depth adds so much warmth and comfort, making her journey even more touching.
The connection between past and present is written so gently, showing how deeply histories are shaped. It’s a soft, moving story about letting go, finding answers, and learning to open your heart again.
In the present, Jen’s story feels like a quiet search for unexpected healing. After her own heartbreak, Tuscany becomes more than just a place, it feels like a chance to start again. This depth adds so much warmth and comfort, making her journey even more touching.
The connection between past and present is written so gently, showing how deeply histories are shaped. It’s a soft, moving story about letting go, finding answers, and learning to open your heart again.
March 26, 2026
This book is for anyone who loves or would love to go to Italy. The way the author described the scenery, food, and traditions was beautifully done. I could picture everything and felt like I was there. A nice story of family, love, loss, and rebuilding. I absolutely am ready to read more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.
April 16, 2026
A dual timeline story weaves the story of Jen (present day) and Liliana (in the late 1940s). A beautiful story of love, heartbreak, family and survival. This was beautifully written that warms your heart, immerses you into the life of the characters. With so much so much thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher Bookouture for a fantastic ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A lovely dual timeline which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. This just grabbed my attention straight away. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 17, 2026
The House in the Tuscan Hills is a nice, easy, feel good read.
A story split between Italy and Cambridge and covering the lives of Liliana and her family from WWII to present day. The storyline of Jen, her granddaughter is a bit obvious but Liliana's story is more intriguing.
A story split between Italy and Cambridge and covering the lives of Liliana and her family from WWII to present day. The storyline of Jen, her granddaughter is a bit obvious but Liliana's story is more intriguing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this utterly delightful book. So much history and twists and turns. I can see this as a charming movie. I loved the characters! Brava.
April 14, 2026
A dual timeline in 1944, Italy. So well written and researched. I felt like I was there, within the story. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2026
A very good story, loved it from beginning to end
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2026
A must read book! Absolutely loved the story! Couldn't put the book down till the very end!
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