A Honeymoon in Venice

by Veronica Henry

Olivia is supposed to be floating through her honeymoon—not plotting revenge. But when the past turns up in Venice, all bets are off in this irresistible short story from Sunday Timesbestselling author Veronica Henry.

November in Venice, and amid the rose-gold rooftops and canals, Olivia is enjoying a blissful honeymoon with Christopher—husband of her dreams. But while exploring the wonders of the city, Olivia makes a discovery no guidebook could prepare her for: the conman who broke her heart fifteen years earlier—and stole every penny she had.

Olivia knows she should walk away. She’s happily married now. Over it. Isn’t she?

Still, when fate offers her a chance to get her own back, she can’t resist…and with a little help from some unexpected new friends, an ingenious plan begins to take shape…

Throwing caution to the wind, Olivia presses ahead—only to find herself in far deeper than she intended. Is revenge within her grasp, or will her scheme destroy the marriage she’s only just begun?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Short Stories, Novella, Contemporary, Ebooks, Italy

102 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2026

About the author

Veronica Henry was a television script writer before turning her hand to fiction. She has published sixteen novels which she describes as realistic escapism - her setting are gorgeous, but her characters have problems and dilemmas everyone can identify with.

Reviews

[Tina]

A delightfully cheeky, fast paced gem.

Newlyweds Olivia and Christopher are soaking up the magic of Venice when fate serves up one hell of a honeymoon surprise. Olivia spots the very conman who broke her heart and swindled her out of her savings fifteen years earlier.

Now she has a choice. Forget the past and enjoy Venice with her brand spanking new husband, or risk her marriage for the tantalising prospect of sweet, sweet revenge.

Romance, revenge, a clever plot and just enough suspense to keep things interesting. This was such a fun, easy read and I absolutely flew through it.

And I absolutely loved the little mantra behind it all: Information. Observation. Balls. 😂 Three words, but actually pretty solid advice for life!

My one niggle? The aftermath of that kiss. Excuse me, Veronica, but I still have questions! 😂 If you know, you know.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Khurram]

The perfect honeymoon?

A very good short story. Olivia has found her perfect partner in Christopher. The only thing add is the perfect honeymoon. Olivia has always wanted to Honeymoon in Venice. However a ghost from her past might derail everything. Also how does the young woman who she met on the plane and sees Olivia as her a perfect role model for who she wants to become if into the whole thing?

[Emma]

I felt as though there would be a lot more to this story than there actually was. I enjoyed the descriptions of Venice, but the writing didn’t really work for me, and I never felt connected to the characters. I also didn’t really see the need for Rebecca’s character. Her tendency to follow people around and involve herself in their business felt more strange and unnecessary than intriguing, and ultimately I didn’t feel she added much to the story.

I kept waiting for a twist that never came, and the ending was really disappointing and flat. Everything was wrapped up very quickly and the story ended quite abruptly. Unfortunately, it just didn’t live up to the potential it seemed to have at the beginning.

[Rachel Addlesee]

Short book, easy to read.
Described Venice wonderfully but the story lacked much of a plot.
Expected a twist that never came.
Wrapped up quite quickly without being a real storyline.

[Monica (switching platforms)]

I have to admit that, at the beginning, I wasn’t entirely sure where this novella was going. The story initially presents itself as a honeymoon in Venice for a newlywed couple very much in love. I enjoyed Olivia and Christopher’s relationship, but at first I struggled to understand the purpose of Rebecca’s POV and how her story fit into everything. However, as the story progressed, I started to appreciate the idea behind it more, especially once things finally became interesting. The turning point comes when Olivia (FMC) unexpectedly comes across the man who broke her heart fifteen years ago and stole everything she had. From there, the story takes a completely different direction.

I enjoyed seeing the revenge take shape and watching how Rebecca, who was supposed to be enjoying her own vacation(?) (neither understanding if she was melancholic or just in her early stage of life), ends up helping Olivia turn her revenge plan into something more meaningful, almost as if giving the Olivia of fifteen years ago the chance to do what she couldn’t back then. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story, and I think the author did a great job with this particular development.

The story is quick-paced and entertaining, and the Venice setting really sets the scene. I loved being transported through the canals and streets of such a beautiful city, and the short format makes this an easy read when you’re looking for something light and quick. The art angle of the scam is an old trick, but one that never really goes out of style, and I thought it was a clever touch.

Overall, this was an okay read. The revenge premise and the lovely Venetian setting were definitely captivating, and the story kept me entertained once it found its direction. Unfortunately, though, it didn’t quite give me enough to make it particularly memorable.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and Veronica Henry for the chance to read this eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Lau]

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


I thought it was a wonderful read! It’s a story written in a light, entertaining style that’s very easy to read. From the very beginning, I loved the couple—Olivia and Christopher; they conveyed such a beautiful love and deep emotion, making me feel so happy to see Olivia experiencing such a healthy relationship.


Note: Thank you for the copy of this book through NetGalley


¡Me ha parecido una lectura maravillosa! Es una historia con una escritura ligera, entretenida y muy fácil de leer. Desde el principio me encantó la pareja de Olivia y Christopher; me transmitieron un amor precioso y una gran emoción, haciéndome sentir muy feliz por ver a Olivia viviendo un amor tan sano.


[ALERTA DE SPOILERS


Por otro lado, el ex, Marcus, me pareció un descarado y me dio mucha risa todo lo que le hizo (¡qué feo que le quitara todo su dinero!). El contraste entre ellos está genial.

A mitad de la historia sufrí por ellos cuando Christopher malinterpretó la situación y Olivia tuvo que perseguirlo para explicarle todo.

El personaje de Rebecca me gusto muchas veces me representó al mirar la escena Jaja me dio mucha risa su frustración al creer que Olivia iba a perder a su esposo por culpa del loco de Marcus. La resolución final me fascinó: no fue nada ilegal, sino un plan simple pero muy divertido. El interés por el cuadro las une de manera espontánea al final, dejando una gran experiencia para los recién casados y para Rebecca.

Me pareció precioso que Rebecca no se hiciera rica, sino que, siguiendo el ejemplo de ellos y al conocer al pintor Federico (que pinta sin ambiciones), se diera cuenta de que lo que realmente quiere es encontrar su pasión y vivir feliz. Nos regala un final abierto muy bonito para ella y un regreso feliz de su luna de miel para Olivia y Christopher.
¡Un relato corto magnífico y muy recomendado!.


#AHoneymooninVenice #NetGalley

[Val Wheeler]

I've loved every Veronica Henry book I've read - all 4 or 5 stars but this one missed the mark for me. I really wanted to enjoy it, having recently visited Venice, so was acquainted with many of the locations etc, but I didn't engage with any of the characters and they all seemed quite annoying. The writing on this book came across a little too sickeningly sweet at times and was hoping for a twist that didn't come and it was a little predictable.

I also listened to the audio version narrated by Danielle Cohen. Maybe it was the audio that ruined it as she read it a little too slowly and a in quite condescending tones which irritated me.

On the plus side, it is a short novella and a light hearted read, and I do look forward to reading more by this author. Everything else I have read I have thoroughly enjoyed and was disappointed to have to rate this book so low.

Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an early review copy for an honest review. .

[Jemmsbookshelf]

Hilarious short read! When honeymooners an old flame (con artist) and a girl trying to reinvent herself get thrown into each others spheres in Venice chaos and lots of laughs ensure!

[Nicki]

Really enjoyed this! 4*

[Jennifer]

Instagram - @comewalkinmybooks

📚 book review 📚

A Honeymoon in Venice by Veronica Henry

Goodreads rating - 3.89/5 ⭐️

My personal rating - 4/5 ⭐️

This is my first book by Veronica Henry

In this book we follow the story of Olivia and her new husband on their honeymoon !

Through this story we get to bask in newly wed bliss whilst touring the streets of Venice. On one such trip though Olivia’s world comes crumbling down. She needs to decide her next move and whether risking her new marriage is worth it !

We also have some great side characters in this book as well who all have a part to play !

Would I recommend this book - yes
This is a short story, it’s a good palette cleanser and a quick read !

My only downfalls about this book is the switching between characters. It’s not clear whose POV you’re in sometimes and so a little rereading in parts may be necessary.

Would i read this author again - yes
I honestly don’t see why I would not read this author again. She condensed a 300 page book into 86 pages and she did it marvellously !

I got this book through first reads on Amazon but it will be released officially on 1st of September !

This is my personal opinion !

[Cerisaye]

Amazon First Reads freebie I never would've paid for because Romance isn't my thing. A fun, light read to occupy a lazy afternoon, with the usual tropes, however the Venice setting is definitely the star attraction.

[BrittanyElizabeth Wilson]

adorable delicious quick read!

Loved the quick turns and lovely characters. It was amazing how invested I was in each persons outcome in such a few amount of pages! Bravo! Now I need the rest of Rebecca’s story!

[Swan Bender]

I love a story that plays out for all involved in all the best ways. Olivia and Christopher's marriage is intact; Marcus gets his due and new friends help celebrate.

[Sarah Marston]

A short story about revenge plotted and enacted on Olivia and Christopher’s honeymoon. Set in beautiful Venice, Olivia stumbles upon someone from her past and with the help of a woman she met on the plane and a shop owner enacts her revenge. Easy quick read full of coincidences, cosy crime type story. It’s fast moving and light hearted.

[Chloë Blyth]

Fun, quick read! Not your average honeymoon!

[Richard Chambers]

Olivia was on her honeymoon in Venice. When visiting an art gallery, she saw someone who had come into her life years earlier when she was newly graduated from university and was planning on touring Europe. She began a relationship with a man called Marcus.

Marcus and Olivia planned to visit other countries in Europe, but due to pay dates, he would need some money from her to book tickets and hotels for their visits, but he did not appear for their first train from Paris. For years, she has wondered if she can get revenge against Marcus for the money he stole.

It took me a while to realise that the book was primarily from the POV of Olivia. We do see brief POVs from Marcus, Rebecca and Christopher. I understand why most of the characters were in the short story; I did not understand why Rebecca was part of the book. There was not a lot that the character brought to the story.

I think the start of the book would have been better if it had a prologue where Olivia had met Marcus and then Olivia and Christopher went to Venice. I would have liked it if some of Olivia's plans were included in the story, so for that reason I rated it two stars.

[Rosee Macdonald]

Great wee story!

A super short story about times past & present sprinkled with love & revenge. Well worth a couple of hours of your time on a rainy day.

[Ann]

A brilliant short story with some great twists
A new author for me but I’ll definitely be checking out more of her work

[Miss Catherine]

A riveting story

I found this an enthralling read. It kept me guessing throughout and read it in one sitting. I would thoroughly recommend it.

[Ms Lorraine Bedson]

Short but very sweet

An easy read that glides through the story like a gondola on the canal. Brilliantly written and hard to put down, I didn't want it to end

[Christine Rennie]

A Honeymoon in Venice by Veronica Henry

A Honeymoon in Venice by Veronica Henry is an enjoyable and very entertaining short story.
A couple are on their honeymoon in Venice and the wife sees the man who let her down, when she was in Paris after finishing university. He took the shy, vulnerable women all over Paris and suggested they continue their journey to other countries and persuades her to give her money supposedly for tickets and accommodation and he fails to turn up the next day.
It is almost twenty years ago and she has only now been able to trust the man she married. She has an idea to get her revenge on him and other people also get involved in the scam.
They all meet up later for a meal and are satisfied that Marcus has been well and truly scammed.
Highly recommended

[Mrs Karen D Roberts]

Excellent quick read

I'm sure I'll read it again
and watch it if the story was made into a film., maybe by Netflx.

[Christine Spencer]

Revenge is sweet

Lovely well balanced short story, with a bit of everything including the setting, revenge, romance, art, beauty, education, colour, Venice.

[Rachel]

love it but wanted more

I think this could have been a whole lot longer, really delving into the characters and Venice. Never the less I still enjoyed it.

[mrs shelley d white]

A good story for a short story. Had me hooked

[Mrs S Browne]

Veronica never disappoints!
Excellent description puts the reader practically in Venice and the characters are so precise.
A short story of a honeymoon and an old score, amusing and entertaining- it was so good I forgive my pet hate of books ending with a good percentage to go (at 86%) so a preview of another book can be added.
Incidentally, this is The Invitation which I thoroughly recommend too!

[Kendra Jackson]

An excellent short story with both the characters and setting so vividly drawn that I can still picture them in my mind’s eye. For a moment, I thought it was going to have a disappointing denouement but there was misdirection aplenty, and it was all neatly wrapped up by the end.

[Caroline]

Absolutely loved this book, fantastic short story that kept me gripped right to the end. Highly recommend 💗

[Mrs D Woodhead]

An easy holiday read not taxing at all but well written and felt I was back in Venice

[Hayley]

Another fantastic read from Veronica Henry.

5 Star Rating Highly Recommended

I loved how the story made you feel captivated and feel like you was there in the story and visualising the beautiful sights of Venice along with the characters who I found to be lovable and without giving away any spoilers it was nice to see how one character got their just desserts.