Finding Mr. Right in Florence

by Kate Hardy

Will the greatest love story……lead her to true love?Leading art historian Mariana Thackeray is happy to lose herself in researching the world’s greatest love stories from the safety of her office. Until gorgeous billionaire Angelo Beresford invites her to investigate his grandfather’s art collection, and she finds herself swept away to Florence and lost…in him! Nothing scares Mariana more than letting someone into her life again, but Angelo could be the Mr. Right she’s been waiting for…“Another on the sweet side holiday read. I enjoyed these two and will put you in the holiday spirit.”— Goodreads on A Diamond in the Snow“Ms. Hardy has written a very sweet novel about forgiveness and breaking the molds we place ourselves in…a good heartstring novel that will have you embracing happiness in your heart.”— Harlequin Junkie on Christmas Bride for the Boss

Genres: Harlequin Romance

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Kate Hardy is the award-winning author of more than 100 books for Harlequin Mills & Boon and the Georgina Drake cozy crime series for Storm. Her novel 'Breakfast at Giovanni's' won the RNA Romance Prize in 2008, 'Bound by a Baby' won the RNA RoNA Rose in 2014 and ‘A Will, A Wish, A Wedding’ won the RNA Liberta Books Shorter Fiction award in 2021. She's been shortlisted six more times for the award, as well as for two Romantic Times awards.

She lives in Norwich in the east of England with her husband, two grown-up children, springer spaniels Archie and Dexter, and too many books to count. She's a bit of a nerd who loves cinema, live music, the theatre, ballet, history and cooking, and adores anything Italian. She loves doing research, particularly if it's hands-on and means experimenting with cooking. Reviewers say that her books are full of warmth, heart and charm - and also that you'll learn something new and interesting from them!

Kate also writes bestselling local history books under the name of Pamela Brooks.

Reviews

[Liina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

[CKB · Rating 3 out of 5]

really could’ve done without the mumps plotline.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, as much for the background story as the romance.

Art historian Mariana is a student of 19th century Italian art & co-host of TV show Hidden Treasure, where the story behind viewers' artworks is investigated. It's obviously based on the BBC's Fake or Fortune. Five years ago, Mariana escaped a coercively controlling relationship & is wary of getting involved with another man.

Angelo Beresford is an acquisitions & mergers lawyer, partner in a London law firm. He was devastated when his wife Stephanie left him after they learned that he was virtually infertile due to childhood mumps. He longs for children but has buried himself in work as he feels that no woman would want him as a husband (really? he's wealthy, successful & handsome) as the only possibility of parenthood is via IVF. Angelo's beloved, art collector grandfather is dying in Florence. It is his dearest wish that his favourite painting, The Girl in the Window, be proven to be the work of Italian Impressionist Domenico Carulli. Angelo hires Mariana in the hope that his grandfather's wish can be granted.

The art history aspect is well researched & fascinating. Kate Hardy's background in local history is also well integrated into the narrative. The story moves from London, Rome, Florence to the Norfolk countryside but flows smoothly. The romance, about two damaged people helping to heal each other, is also compelling.

The blurb is incorrect: it describes Angelo as a billionaire, which he's not.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful love story between two beautiful characters. I absolutely loved the whole art hunt plot, very well researched by author Kate Hardy and I learned that Lord Byron's heart was buried in Greece. A truly wonderful read!

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun quick read

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed it