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Tuscany #1
The Tuscan Secret
Il Mulino. An old crumbling mill, by a winding river, nestled in the Tuscan mountains. An empty home that holds memories of homemade pasta and Nonna’s stories by the fire, and later: the Nazi invasion, and a family torn apart by a heartbreaking betrayal.
Anna is distraught when her beloved mother, Ines, passes away. She inherits a box of papers, handwritten in Italian and yellowed with age, and a tantalising promise that the truth about what happened during the war lies within.
The diaries lead Anna to the small village of Rofelle, where she slowly starts to heal as she explores sun-kissed olive groves, and pieces together her mother’s past: happy days spent herding sheep across Tuscan meadows cruelly interrupted when World War Two erupted and the Nazis arrived; fleeing her home to join the Resistenza; and risking everything to protect an injured British soldier who captured her heart. But Anna is no closer to learning the truth: what sent Ines running from her adored homeland?
When she meets an elderly Italian gentleman living in a deserted hamlet, who flinches at her mother’s name and refuses to speak English, Anna is sure he knows more about the devastating secret that tore apart her mother’s family. But in this small Tuscan community, some wartime secrets were never meant to be uncovered…
A stunning tale, inspired by true events, about how the tragic consequences of war can echo through generations, and how love can guide us through the darkest times. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and The Letter by Kathryn Hughes will be captivated.
Anna is distraught when her beloved mother, Ines, passes away. She inherits a box of papers, handwritten in Italian and yellowed with age, and a tantalising promise that the truth about what happened during the war lies within.
The diaries lead Anna to the small village of Rofelle, where she slowly starts to heal as she explores sun-kissed olive groves, and pieces together her mother’s past: happy days spent herding sheep across Tuscan meadows cruelly interrupted when World War Two erupted and the Nazis arrived; fleeing her home to join the Resistenza; and risking everything to protect an injured British soldier who captured her heart. But Anna is no closer to learning the truth: what sent Ines running from her adored homeland?
When she meets an elderly Italian gentleman living in a deserted hamlet, who flinches at her mother’s name and refuses to speak English, Anna is sure he knows more about the devastating secret that tore apart her mother’s family. But in this small Tuscan community, some wartime secrets were never meant to be uncovered…
A stunning tale, inspired by true events, about how the tragic consequences of war can echo through generations, and how love can guide us through the darkest times. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and The Letter by Kathryn Hughes will be captivated.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2019
4812 people are currently reading
4028 people want to read
About the author
Angela Petch
18 books211 followersBorn in Germany on account of my father being stationed there in the British army, post-war, I have not stopped travelling and collecting stories since. The remainder of my childhood was spent in Rome, I married in Italy, worked for a Dutch company, lived in Tanzania, East Africa and now divide my year between Tuscany and West Sussex, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
January 28, 2020
WW2 chick lit. I should have abandoned it early but toiled on until the end. A young woman inherits her Italian mother's war diary and sets out to Italy to solve a mystery. It was excruciatingly cheesy and formulaic. I saw all the so-called twists early on. You might say it's a love letter to Italy but it's Italy seen through the sentimental lens of the two week tourist. Not a novel for anyone who expects some creative engagement with a book. It felt like the product of corporate market research.
September 8, 2019
A beautiful Tuscan journey of self-discovery, culture, love and family.
3.5 stars rounded up ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It took me a while to get into this but I’m glad I continued reading.
1999
Anna, a 33-year-old English woman inherits her mother’s old diary entries written in Italian and $50,000. Finding herself at a crossroads she decides to use the money to travel to Tuscany and explore her mother’s homeland. She finds herself immersed in a culture very different to the English one she is accustomed to. Anna finds accommodation at a guesthouse and meets Francesco, a dramatic, warm-hearted Italian and Anna enlists his help to translate. The diary entries are intertwined throughout the book while continuing to follow Anna in her determination to find the answers to her mother’s past.
1944 - WWII
Ines, an Italian woman joins the Partigiani, running errands for members of the resistance. Young and ignorant to world of love she meets Jim, a handsome Englishman. Despite warnings from loved ones Ines is swept off her feet. During the war Ines visits and stays at an encampment on the Apennine Mountains with other members of the Partigiani.
After a long separation at the end of the war Jim returns to marry Ines and move home to England. The trauma from the war greatly affected Jim, he is not the young man she grew to love. What once sounded like an escape from the ordinary is now a cold, lonely reality. Ines finds herself yearning to return to the Tuscan mountainside.
I really enjoyed reading Ines' story but I wasn't as engaged with Anna's story line. I was surprised at first by Anna's love interest. It wasn't the Italian romance I was expecting. The location and scenic descriptions were beautiful and the characters living in Tuscany are all unique and lifelike. The secret is revealed at the end of the book, I had already guessed it earlier in the story but I still thought it was a nice ending. I found this to be a slow but enjoyable read.
3.5 stars rounded up ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It took me a while to get into this but I’m glad I continued reading.
1999
Anna, a 33-year-old English woman inherits her mother’s old diary entries written in Italian and $50,000. Finding herself at a crossroads she decides to use the money to travel to Tuscany and explore her mother’s homeland. She finds herself immersed in a culture very different to the English one she is accustomed to. Anna finds accommodation at a guesthouse and meets Francesco, a dramatic, warm-hearted Italian and Anna enlists his help to translate. The diary entries are intertwined throughout the book while continuing to follow Anna in her determination to find the answers to her mother’s past.
1944 - WWII
Ines, an Italian woman joins the Partigiani, running errands for members of the resistance. Young and ignorant to world of love she meets Jim, a handsome Englishman. Despite warnings from loved ones Ines is swept off her feet. During the war Ines visits and stays at an encampment on the Apennine Mountains with other members of the Partigiani.
After a long separation at the end of the war Jim returns to marry Ines and move home to England. The trauma from the war greatly affected Jim, he is not the young man she grew to love. What once sounded like an escape from the ordinary is now a cold, lonely reality. Ines finds herself yearning to return to the Tuscan mountainside.
I really enjoyed reading Ines' story but I wasn't as engaged with Anna's story line. I was surprised at first by Anna's love interest. It wasn't the Italian romance I was expecting. The location and scenic descriptions were beautiful and the characters living in Tuscany are all unique and lifelike. The secret is revealed at the end of the book, I had already guessed it earlier in the story but I still thought it was a nice ending. I found this to be a slow but enjoyable read.
June 16, 2019
The Tuscan Secret
This was a beautifully told tale mostly set in Tuscany, Italy and I found it absolutely entertaining. It is told both in present time and in the past of wartime Italy. If you love historical fiction and have an interest in Italy, this is a perfect read.
The story follows Anna who lives in England and is in a crossroads in her life, she’s lost her job, and her Italian born mother living in England, whom she wasn’t close to, has just passed away. Anna’s childhood was filled with stormy arguments and her parents constantly bickering.
Anna is left an inheritance from her mother Ines, which includes fifty thousand pounds and a collection of her mother’s secret diaries and letters. With her inherited money, Anna travels to Tuscany to visit the village where her mother grew up. She wants to learn more about these Italian written scribblings and diaries and have them translated to English. Here she learns of her family’s intriguing history during wartime, Ines’s new life in England as a war bride and her troubled life and secrets. Anna feels a strong connection to her mother after reading the diaries.
This story is so wonderfully descriptive I could imagine myself there amongst the breathtaking scenery and tasting the delicious Italian food. I adored the way it all came together at the end, exceptional.
Thanks to Netgalley/Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was a beautifully told tale mostly set in Tuscany, Italy and I found it absolutely entertaining. It is told both in present time and in the past of wartime Italy. If you love historical fiction and have an interest in Italy, this is a perfect read.
The story follows Anna who lives in England and is in a crossroads in her life, she’s lost her job, and her Italian born mother living in England, whom she wasn’t close to, has just passed away. Anna’s childhood was filled with stormy arguments and her parents constantly bickering.
Anna is left an inheritance from her mother Ines, which includes fifty thousand pounds and a collection of her mother’s secret diaries and letters. With her inherited money, Anna travels to Tuscany to visit the village where her mother grew up. She wants to learn more about these Italian written scribblings and diaries and have them translated to English. Here she learns of her family’s intriguing history during wartime, Ines’s new life in England as a war bride and her troubled life and secrets. Anna feels a strong connection to her mother after reading the diaries.
This story is so wonderfully descriptive I could imagine myself there amongst the breathtaking scenery and tasting the delicious Italian food. I adored the way it all came together at the end, exceptional.
Thanks to Netgalley/Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 17, 2021
After her mum Ines passes away in 1999, Anna decides to visit Rofelle in Italy and look into her mother's past. Anna is very interested in discovering how her Italian mother ended up living in England as a war bride and married to her father Jim? When Anna asked her mother about her past or the war she was never keen to talk about it and she always wondered why her dad was cold and distant with her? Anna has two older siblings her brother Harry he inherited the crumbling family home and her sister Jane inherited her mother's jewelry. Anna's inheritance is a lump sum of money, some old family photos and her mother's old diaries. Her parents marriage wasn't a happy one, they fought a lot and Anna was a lonely child as her older siblings had grown up and left home when she was still a little girl.
After she loses her job, Anna decides to travel to Italy, she books into a Italian bed and breakfast run by siblings Teresa and Francesco. Francesco helps Anna by translating her mother's diaries, Anna is pleased to here about her mum's happy childhood in Italy, she discovers she had a brother called Davide and how life in Italy changed during the second world war under the dark cloud of German occupation. The story has many twists and turns, you discover why Anna's dad Jim ended up being a bitter old man, it's due to what happened to him during the war and you also learn about how bad life was for the Italian people during this time.
Ines really struggled as a new bride in England, her new husband is distant and cold. She didn't speak hardly any English when she arrived in England, how much she missed her parents, how cold England was compared with Italy and how much she hated the new food.
In Italy, Anna meets a rather grumpy old man who grew up in the same village as her mother, why is he so reluctant to talk about Ines and what happened to him during the war? Anna with Francesco's help slowly uncovers the truth about her mothers past and how the war had such a terrible in pact on her mothers family. Anna also starts a romantic relationship with Francesco, I did find this part of the book a bit predictable but that's just my opinion and some readers might like a little romance included in the story! Thanks to NetGalley for my copy of The Tuscan Secret and three stars from me.
After she loses her job, Anna decides to travel to Italy, she books into a Italian bed and breakfast run by siblings Teresa and Francesco. Francesco helps Anna by translating her mother's diaries, Anna is pleased to here about her mum's happy childhood in Italy, she discovers she had a brother called Davide and how life in Italy changed during the second world war under the dark cloud of German occupation. The story has many twists and turns, you discover why Anna's dad Jim ended up being a bitter old man, it's due to what happened to him during the war and you also learn about how bad life was for the Italian people during this time.
Ines really struggled as a new bride in England, her new husband is distant and cold. She didn't speak hardly any English when she arrived in England, how much she missed her parents, how cold England was compared with Italy and how much she hated the new food.
In Italy, Anna meets a rather grumpy old man who grew up in the same village as her mother, why is he so reluctant to talk about Ines and what happened to him during the war? Anna with Francesco's help slowly uncovers the truth about her mothers past and how the war had such a terrible in pact on her mothers family. Anna also starts a romantic relationship with Francesco, I did find this part of the book a bit predictable but that's just my opinion and some readers might like a little romance included in the story! Thanks to NetGalley for my copy of The Tuscan Secret and three stars from me.
August 24, 2024
Pirma mintis šovusi į galvą perskaičius šią knygą - noriu į Italiją! Bet ne į tuos turistų prifarširuotus didmiesčius, bet į Toskanos mažulyčius miestukus ir kaimukus, pasislėpusius kažkur kalnuose ar žemumose prie nedidelio ežeriuko.
O kaip pati istorija? Graži, vietomis graudinanti, einanti per tris laiko juostas: Antrojo pasaulinio karo pabaiga, pokaris ir dabartis. Gal kiek prėskoka man pasirodė karo pabaigos dalis, bet tai gero įspūdžio apie knygą nesugadino.
Bet vis tiek, niekaip negaliu atsigauti nuo aprašyto gamtovaizdžio grožio😉
O kaip pati istorija? Graži, vietomis graudinanti, einanti per tris laiko juostas: Antrojo pasaulinio karo pabaiga, pokaris ir dabartis. Gal kiek prėskoka man pasirodė karo pabaigos dalis, bet tai gero įspūdžio apie knygą nesugadino.
Bet vis tiek, niekaip negaliu atsigauti nuo aprašyto gamtovaizdžio grožio😉
June 22, 2019
Anna decides to travel to Italy to try and learn more about her deceased mother Ines Santini. As it turns out, Ines had written Anna a diary that chronicled her years during the end of World War II. However, the diary is in Italian, a language that Anna's English father forbade her to learn. Her siblings, Harry and Jane, were pretty much grown up before Anna was even born.
Her trip to Italy might be her only way of having that diary translated. Even more, Anna wants to learn the beautiful language. As sad as Anna is to have lost Ines, the box of letters just might teach her more about her mother, and that is a gift in itself. Considering the fact that Anna and Ines always experienced a difficult relationship, deciphering the diary might bring Anna peace. Furthermore, there are things about the war that Anna never understood.
One of the first things that Anna learns is that her mother's having kept a diary could have been really dangerous for anyone concerned had it ended up in the wrong hands. Those are a few of the only words written in English. So Anna is more than intrigued. As Anna begins to learn about the contents of the diary, she starts to understand more about her father, and this is important to her.
When Anna arrives in Tuscany, she is immediately befriended by the owners of a bed and breakfast, two siblings. Imagine Anna's shock when one of the first thing she discovers is that her mother had a brother named Davide. Quite naturally, Anna wonders why her parents never spoke of him.
This news to Anna is only the tip of the iceberg, as layer upon layer of facts and detail are revealed. This includes explaining the fact that her father had PTSD, although the diagnosis was not named at that time. Growing up in England, decades after the war, left Anna seemingly unaffected by those tragic times. Sadly, Anna learns this was not the case with her mother and her family. What sadness!
Something else happens to Anna while she is in Tuscany. She draws rather close to Francesco. This is surprising to her, because she certainly did not go to Italy to begin a romantic relationship. What a nice addition to a otherwise touching story.
No doubt Angela Petch did extensive research while writing this book. This is a book that definitely made me think, and books like this are definitely keepers. This was truly an emotional read that had me captivated. There were some difficult passages for sure, especially concerning Anna's father. Not only is the story itself something to remember, it is the descriptive style in which the author writes about Tuscany that has definitely left an impression. This impressive story has an absolutely wonderful ending.
This book was originally published as Tuscan Roots. I do believe that the sequel, Now and Then in Tuscany, is being worked on. I cannot wait to read that book!
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Her trip to Italy might be her only way of having that diary translated. Even more, Anna wants to learn the beautiful language. As sad as Anna is to have lost Ines, the box of letters just might teach her more about her mother, and that is a gift in itself. Considering the fact that Anna and Ines always experienced a difficult relationship, deciphering the diary might bring Anna peace. Furthermore, there are things about the war that Anna never understood.
One of the first things that Anna learns is that her mother's having kept a diary could have been really dangerous for anyone concerned had it ended up in the wrong hands. Those are a few of the only words written in English. So Anna is more than intrigued. As Anna begins to learn about the contents of the diary, she starts to understand more about her father, and this is important to her.
When Anna arrives in Tuscany, she is immediately befriended by the owners of a bed and breakfast, two siblings. Imagine Anna's shock when one of the first thing she discovers is that her mother had a brother named Davide. Quite naturally, Anna wonders why her parents never spoke of him.
This news to Anna is only the tip of the iceberg, as layer upon layer of facts and detail are revealed. This includes explaining the fact that her father had PTSD, although the diagnosis was not named at that time. Growing up in England, decades after the war, left Anna seemingly unaffected by those tragic times. Sadly, Anna learns this was not the case with her mother and her family. What sadness!
Something else happens to Anna while she is in Tuscany. She draws rather close to Francesco. This is surprising to her, because she certainly did not go to Italy to begin a romantic relationship. What a nice addition to a otherwise touching story.
No doubt Angela Petch did extensive research while writing this book. This is a book that definitely made me think, and books like this are definitely keepers. This was truly an emotional read that had me captivated. There were some difficult passages for sure, especially concerning Anna's father. Not only is the story itself something to remember, it is the descriptive style in which the author writes about Tuscany that has definitely left an impression. This impressive story has an absolutely wonderful ending.
This book was originally published as Tuscan Roots. I do believe that the sequel, Now and Then in Tuscany, is being worked on. I cannot wait to read that book!
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 11, 2018
This uniquely engaging and well-written novel, set in the Tuscan Apennines, is a feast for the senses and emotions. Angela Petch’s admirable research and keen sensitivity shine through in this multi-layered drama. She exposes expertly the innermost thoughts of her diverse characters, which allows the reader to care deeply about their lives and to root for a happy outcome to their individual predicaments. I look forward to reading more of Angela’s work.
Although it says otherwise, I read the paperback edition, not the ebook.
Although it says otherwise, I read the paperback edition, not the ebook.
July 24, 2024
“Visi atsakymai į sau užduodamus klausimus slypi mūsų viduje. Reikia tik nurimti ir jsiklausyti.”
April 4, 2022
If you are looking for a beautifully written story that is multi-layered with wonderful characters, this story is for you! Better yet, the story is mainly set in Tuscany, Italy. Petch does a fantastic job of making you feel as if you are right there in the story with the characters. You will find yourself wrapped up with each character and hoping for the best possible outcome.
Come to Tuscany and enjoy the friends you will make in Petch’s The Tuscan Secret!
Thank you to #netgalley, and #Forever/GrandCentralPublishing for allowing me to read this eARC. All opinions expressed above are my own.
Come to Tuscany and enjoy the friends you will make in Petch’s The Tuscan Secret!
Thank you to #netgalley, and #Forever/GrandCentralPublishing for allowing me to read this eARC. All opinions expressed above are my own.
May 21, 2019
An unexpected delight! I thought this story was going to be predominantly a tale from the war however it was mostly set in the present day with flashbacks through the form of diary recordings to World War 2.
Anna is bereaved of her Italian mother (Ines) and decides to travel to Italy to find out more about her family history given some of the snapshots Ines provided in her later life.
As part of Ines' Will, Anna is bequeathed the sum of £50,000 and also some old documents belonging to her parents written in Italian and she uses the money to travel to the region Ines grew up to make some sense of the past and Ines' reference to the harbouring of a member of the opposition during the war which was punishable by death. This leads to the diary entries that follow Anna's parents marriage which was sorrowful and truly affected by the war.
Anna stays in a family guesthouse, making friends with Teresa and Francesco (siblings) whilst also utilising Francesco to decipher the letters and diary recordings Ines has left behind. This is where the history aspect comes in which was not touched on as frequently as I'd expected as Francesco types up the translated version in stages but it still made for fascinating, and sometimes horrifying, reading. Francesco and Anna also visit some of the places that are referred to in Ines' diary recordings which was a nice 'then and now' touch. I liked the snippets of Italian used throughout as it made me feel like I was learning some of their beautiful language.
A really sad book due to the content but the ending was fitting and the book was very sensitively written.
My many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Anna is bereaved of her Italian mother (Ines) and decides to travel to Italy to find out more about her family history given some of the snapshots Ines provided in her later life.
As part of Ines' Will, Anna is bequeathed the sum of £50,000 and also some old documents belonging to her parents written in Italian and she uses the money to travel to the region Ines grew up to make some sense of the past and Ines' reference to the harbouring of a member of the opposition during the war which was punishable by death. This leads to the diary entries that follow Anna's parents marriage which was sorrowful and truly affected by the war.
Anna stays in a family guesthouse, making friends with Teresa and Francesco (siblings) whilst also utilising Francesco to decipher the letters and diary recordings Ines has left behind. This is where the history aspect comes in which was not touched on as frequently as I'd expected as Francesco types up the translated version in stages but it still made for fascinating, and sometimes horrifying, reading. Francesco and Anna also visit some of the places that are referred to in Ines' diary recordings which was a nice 'then and now' touch. I liked the snippets of Italian used throughout as it made me feel like I was learning some of their beautiful language.
A really sad book due to the content but the ending was fitting and the book was very sensitively written.
My many thanks to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing me with this advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2020
Want to re-read this book - free electronic copy from Bookouture on February 22 2020.
GAB I was thrilled to receive this book through the Kindle Unlimited program at Amazon. The Apennines played such an important roll in the war - both as an escape route for the underground and a natural barrier against invasion.
I enjoyed the way the life stories of Anna and her mother intertwined. And there are extensive and enlightening details of the daily lives in this isolated corner of Tuscany both during WWII and in the late 1990’s. It is obvious that a great deal of research went into the creation of this historical novel.
Thank you Angela Petch and Kindle unlimited for making this available. Reading Tuscan Roots was very entertaining while bringing into focus the lives of Italy’s mountain dwellers over the years. Would but that my Sacramento’s were still this isolated, though I’m sure they are just as unique and breathtakingly lovely. But the Apennines are very close to the top of my bucket list now.
GAB I was thrilled to receive this book through the Kindle Unlimited program at Amazon. The Apennines played such an important roll in the war - both as an escape route for the underground and a natural barrier against invasion.
I enjoyed the way the life stories of Anna and her mother intertwined. And there are extensive and enlightening details of the daily lives in this isolated corner of Tuscany both during WWII and in the late 1990’s. It is obvious that a great deal of research went into the creation of this historical novel.
Thank you Angela Petch and Kindle unlimited for making this available. Reading Tuscan Roots was very entertaining while bringing into focus the lives of Italy’s mountain dwellers over the years. Would but that my Sacramento’s were still this isolated, though I’m sure they are just as unique and breathtakingly lovely. But the Apennines are very close to the top of my bucket list now.
June 12, 2020
4.5 Beautiful story!
Even though certain parts of the plot is predictable, I do enjoy it:) It’s certainly not a perfect story but I’m fond of the atmosphere the author creates and I think I fall in love with Italy suddenly. For this reason alone I would say this is a good book:)
Even though certain parts of the plot is predictable, I do enjoy it:) It’s certainly not a perfect story but I’m fond of the atmosphere the author creates and I think I fall in love with Italy suddenly. For this reason alone I would say this is a good book:)
August 14, 2021
This book started our very slow for me, however it picked up quite a bit and I ended up really liking it. The story is about Anna, who inherited her mother’s diaries upon her mother’s death. The diaries covered her mother’s life, which began in Italy, and ended in England where she resided with her husband and family. Anna’s life was in a pivotal state, having lost her job and also a having severed a romantic relationship. Off she goes to Italy to discover her roots and a beautiful story unfolds. I really enjoyed this book!
August 19, 2024
● "Visur aplinkui gulėjo nežmoniškai sulysę žmonių kūnai, sukrauti vienas ant kito į krūvas. Nuogi vyrai, moterys, vaikai... Turėjome nušauti šunis, kad tie nedorotų žmonių kūnų, kurie gulėjo ten neužkasti jau ne vieną savaitę. <...> Bet sunkiausia buvo neparodyti savo siaubo ir pasibjaurėjimo, matant šiuos smirdančius, utėlėmis apėjusius kankinius, žvelgiančius bereikšmiu žvilgsniu. Buvo neįmanomai sunku elgtis su jais oriai, kai norėjosi vien tik kuo greičiau nusigręžti ir išsivemti..."
Šeimos sagos, paslaptys, savo šeimos šaknų atradimas - tai knygos, kurios man teikia komfortą ir beveik visada patinka. Nenuostabu, kad ir Angela Petch romanas "Toskanos paslaptis" patraukė mano akį.
Šis kūrinys yra paremtas tikrais faktais apie Toskaną antrojo pasaulinio karo laikmečiu. Ir taip, šis romanas turi dvi laiko juostas: pirmojoje pagrindinė veikėja Ana dabartyje bando išsiaiškinti savo šeimos šaknis pasitelkiant mamos paliktą dienoraštį bei antroji laiko juosta - mamos pasakojimas apie jos gyvenimą Toskanoje ir Anglijoje per ir po antrojo pasaulinio karo. Man asmeniškai labiau patiko mamos istorija nei pačios Anos. Buvo tikrai įdomu sužinoti apie partinazavimą Italijoje, kaip mamai sekėsi įsikurti naujoje šalyje ir kaip sekėsi jai pačiai santuokoje su vyru, kuris tarnavo kariuomenėje ir patyrė potrauminį sindromą. Su kokiais sunkumais ir vidiniais demonais teko kovoti abiems ir ką paaukoti. Mane tai tikrai palietė ir pergyvenau dėl Inesos, Anos motinos.
Anos istorija pasirodė ne tokia įdomi. Jos asmeninis gyvenimas pasirodė blankokas ir tikėjausi didesnio santykių plėtojimo su jos buvusiu partneriu. Tačiau džiaugiuosi, kad romano pabaiga pagerino šią laiko juostą atskleista paslaptim, kuri gal ir nebuvo visai netikėta, bet buvo tikrai įdomu.
Manau, kad pažintis su autore tikrai vykusi ir visiems istorinių romanų gerbėjams tikrai verta perskaityti ir rekomenduoju❤️
Šeimos sagos, paslaptys, savo šeimos šaknų atradimas - tai knygos, kurios man teikia komfortą ir beveik visada patinka. Nenuostabu, kad ir Angela Petch romanas "Toskanos paslaptis" patraukė mano akį.
Šis kūrinys yra paremtas tikrais faktais apie Toskaną antrojo pasaulinio karo laikmečiu. Ir taip, šis romanas turi dvi laiko juostas: pirmojoje pagrindinė veikėja Ana dabartyje bando išsiaiškinti savo šeimos šaknis pasitelkiant mamos paliktą dienoraštį bei antroji laiko juosta - mamos pasakojimas apie jos gyvenimą Toskanoje ir Anglijoje per ir po antrojo pasaulinio karo. Man asmeniškai labiau patiko mamos istorija nei pačios Anos. Buvo tikrai įdomu sužinoti apie partinazavimą Italijoje, kaip mamai sekėsi įsikurti naujoje šalyje ir kaip sekėsi jai pačiai santuokoje su vyru, kuris tarnavo kariuomenėje ir patyrė potrauminį sindromą. Su kokiais sunkumais ir vidiniais demonais teko kovoti abiems ir ką paaukoti. Mane tai tikrai palietė ir pergyvenau dėl Inesos, Anos motinos.
Anos istorija pasirodė ne tokia įdomi. Jos asmeninis gyvenimas pasirodė blankokas ir tikėjausi didesnio santykių plėtojimo su jos buvusiu partneriu. Tačiau džiaugiuosi, kad romano pabaiga pagerino šią laiko juostą atskleista paslaptim, kuri gal ir nebuvo visai netikėta, bet buvo tikrai įdomu.
Manau, kad pažintis su autore tikrai vykusi ir visiems istorinių romanų gerbėjams tikrai verta perskaityti ir rekomenduoju❤️
April 5, 2022
This was my second book by this author and I absolutely devoured it. Couldn’t get enough! It was so beautifully written and the characters were so engaging that I was totally absorbed.
When Anna’s mother Ines passes away in 1999, she inherits some letters that are kind of a diary of her mothers life of being born in Italy but ending up living in England. So Anna decides to take a leave from work and go to Italy and search out her mothers past, since while she was alive she didn’t want to talk much about her past. When she arrives in Italy she checks into a bed and breakfast run by siblings Teresa and Francesco. Francesco helps Anna with her searching by showing her some points of interest that he finds while translating the papers for Anna. Ines really struggled as a young bride after meeting an English soldier and moving with him to escape the war.
While in Italy, Anna meets some people who knew her mother, including a grumpy old man who doesn’t want any part of telling Anna any about Ines, but as she gets to know Francesco, Teresa and some others in the village, she discovers there was so much more to her mothers story than she could have imagined, including the involvement of the grumpy old man in a much more intense way than she would have guessed.
This was full of history, love, family and self discovery. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
When Anna’s mother Ines passes away in 1999, she inherits some letters that are kind of a diary of her mothers life of being born in Italy but ending up living in England. So Anna decides to take a leave from work and go to Italy and search out her mothers past, since while she was alive she didn’t want to talk much about her past. When she arrives in Italy she checks into a bed and breakfast run by siblings Teresa and Francesco. Francesco helps Anna with her searching by showing her some points of interest that he finds while translating the papers for Anna. Ines really struggled as a young bride after meeting an English soldier and moving with him to escape the war.
While in Italy, Anna meets some people who knew her mother, including a grumpy old man who doesn’t want any part of telling Anna any about Ines, but as she gets to know Francesco, Teresa and some others in the village, she discovers there was so much more to her mothers story than she could have imagined, including the involvement of the grumpy old man in a much more intense way than she would have guessed.
This was full of history, love, family and self discovery. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
June 27, 2022
~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~
The Tuscan Secret is the first book by Angela Petch I've read and I must say I was impressed. This is a gripping and tragic story of Anna discovering her mother's diary/memoir about her life in Italy during WWII. Anna takes a trip to Tuscany to delve deeper into her heritage and while there meet Francesco who helps her translate her mother's writing and serves as a tour guide around the area. Anna and Francesco also develop romantic feelings along the way. I really related and enjoyed reading about all the characters in this book (past and present). This is a story of history, romance, life choices and consequences, and survival. If you enjoy WWII fiction with a slight chick-lit twist, then you'll enjoy The Tuscan Secret. I am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Petch in the future.
The Tuscan Secret is the first book by Angela Petch I've read and I must say I was impressed. This is a gripping and tragic story of Anna discovering her mother's diary/memoir about her life in Italy during WWII. Anna takes a trip to Tuscany to delve deeper into her heritage and while there meet Francesco who helps her translate her mother's writing and serves as a tour guide around the area. Anna and Francesco also develop romantic feelings along the way. I really related and enjoyed reading about all the characters in this book (past and present). This is a story of history, romance, life choices and consequences, and survival. If you enjoy WWII fiction with a slight chick-lit twist, then you'll enjoy The Tuscan Secret. I am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Petch in the future.
May 17, 2021
This seems to be one of those books that reader will either really like or really dislike. I liked parts of it and really disliked others. It starts out very slow with way too much description. I don’t mind pornography as a rule, but this had long passages that were totally unnecessary and added nothing to the story. I did learn that what we as Americans learned in our history class about WWII only told a very small part of the story IF this book tells the entire truth...and I have no reason to believe that it doesn’t... as the author appears to have done her research well. Based on that I now know that we didn’t learn a quarter of the tragedies suffered by the Italian people at the hands of Mussolini. There is a lighter side to the story....You wouldn't be able to finish it if there wasn't. It's a tale of self-discovery. One of Anna learning who she really is and of discovering her Tuscan roots.
September 2, 2022
Ugh… wanted to love this but I was just bored to tears. Anna inherits her mothers diary after her death and decides to learn about her past by visiting her hometown (Rofelle, Italy). Story is told through her mothers diary during the time of the war (WWII) and modern day life that Anna is living.
The Tuscan Secret wasn’t that big of a secret and was very predictable. It’s a slow read that lacks depth and likable characters. I was hoping for more of Italy during the war but it was more of a love story. 😴
Easy pass. 2 ⭐️ ⭐️ for effort.
The Tuscan Secret wasn’t that big of a secret and was very predictable. It’s a slow read that lacks depth and likable characters. I was hoping for more of Italy during the war but it was more of a love story. 😴
Easy pass. 2 ⭐️ ⭐️ for effort.
June 28, 2019
Angela Petch is astounding in her writing of The Tuscan Secret. I don’t think there is a single page that does not have you racing to read what happens next, or wanting to impulsively cash in your savings to board a jet to Tuscany.
Anna’s mother Ines, passes away leaving Anna a box full of old letters. Puzzled by a cryptic note from her mother, Anna becomes intrigued by the aged letters written in Italian, in her mother’s handwriting. Anna’s knowledge of the Italian language is basic and she longs to know what the letters hold.
Recently out of a job, no longer interested in her lover, and somewhat disenchanted with her life, Anna decides to travel to Tuscany and visit Ines’ hometown hoping to find someone who is willing to translate the old diaries, and help her uncover the history of her family.
Anna finds herself happily befriended by the village locals of Rofelle and introduced to Francesco who agrees to translate Ines’ diaries. Easily moving back and forth between Anna’s present and Ines’ past, the reader is transported from 1999 to back in time when Germans occupied Italy.
With the brutalities of WWII in the foreground, Ines’ diaries reveal a compelling story of courage, fierce determination, heartbreaking loss and the innocence of first love, and a deep secret that will no longer keep silent.
Anna soon realizes that her mother wanted her to find out the truth. With the support from her new-found friends, and the help of a cantankerous old man, she discovers the truth of who her mother truly was.
In each time-line, both past and present, The Tuscan Secret is full of visually rousing descriptions of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside. It is almost as if you are walking up the rolling, green mountainsides and breathing in the balmy, fresh air. Your senses are tantalized with the rich temptation of Tuscan traditional dishes, and suddenly you are craving an entire wheel of Pecorino cheese, with fresh-baked bread and a side of olives. Just like Anna, who finds herself falling under the spell of the Tuscan sun, so too does the reader.
From the historical past of a war-torn Italian village, to peaceful modern day Tuscany, The Tuscan Secret is not just a riveting read, it is an enthralling experience.
Highly recommend this as a must-read and wholeheartedly commend it for our library.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the read of Angela Petch’s, The Tuscan Secret.
Anna’s mother Ines, passes away leaving Anna a box full of old letters. Puzzled by a cryptic note from her mother, Anna becomes intrigued by the aged letters written in Italian, in her mother’s handwriting. Anna’s knowledge of the Italian language is basic and she longs to know what the letters hold.
Recently out of a job, no longer interested in her lover, and somewhat disenchanted with her life, Anna decides to travel to Tuscany and visit Ines’ hometown hoping to find someone who is willing to translate the old diaries, and help her uncover the history of her family.
Anna finds herself happily befriended by the village locals of Rofelle and introduced to Francesco who agrees to translate Ines’ diaries. Easily moving back and forth between Anna’s present and Ines’ past, the reader is transported from 1999 to back in time when Germans occupied Italy.
With the brutalities of WWII in the foreground, Ines’ diaries reveal a compelling story of courage, fierce determination, heartbreaking loss and the innocence of first love, and a deep secret that will no longer keep silent.
Anna soon realizes that her mother wanted her to find out the truth. With the support from her new-found friends, and the help of a cantankerous old man, she discovers the truth of who her mother truly was.
In each time-line, both past and present, The Tuscan Secret is full of visually rousing descriptions of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside. It is almost as if you are walking up the rolling, green mountainsides and breathing in the balmy, fresh air. Your senses are tantalized with the rich temptation of Tuscan traditional dishes, and suddenly you are craving an entire wheel of Pecorino cheese, with fresh-baked bread and a side of olives. Just like Anna, who finds herself falling under the spell of the Tuscan sun, so too does the reader.
From the historical past of a war-torn Italian village, to peaceful modern day Tuscany, The Tuscan Secret is not just a riveting read, it is an enthralling experience.
Highly recommend this as a must-read and wholeheartedly commend it for our library.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the read of Angela Petch’s, The Tuscan Secret.
January 26, 2022
This book gets at 5+++ star rating.
Highly recommended. Such a beautiful story.
Highly recommended. Such a beautiful story.
November 27, 2022
Immersive, emotional, and vivid!
The Tuscan Secret is an absorbing, dual-timeline tale predominantly set in Tuscany during WWII, as well as the late 1990s that takes you into the life of Anna, a young woman who, after her own life seems to be in tatters, journeys to Italy after her mother’s death to unravel her family’s history and discovery the secrets of her mother’s past.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are feisty, brave, and determined. And the plot is an immersive, compelling tale about life, loss, family, secrets, desperation, tragedy, friendship, resistance, survival, first love, and the atrocities of war.
Overall, The Tuscan Secret is a moving, evocative, beautifully written tale by Petch inspired by real-familial events that I devoured from start to finish and is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a well-researched WWII time-slip story with a fresh perspective and a dab of romance.
Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Tuscan Secret is an absorbing, dual-timeline tale predominantly set in Tuscany during WWII, as well as the late 1990s that takes you into the life of Anna, a young woman who, after her own life seems to be in tatters, journeys to Italy after her mother’s death to unravel her family’s history and discovery the secrets of her mother’s past.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are feisty, brave, and determined. And the plot is an immersive, compelling tale about life, loss, family, secrets, desperation, tragedy, friendship, resistance, survival, first love, and the atrocities of war.
Overall, The Tuscan Secret is a moving, evocative, beautifully written tale by Petch inspired by real-familial events that I devoured from start to finish and is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys a well-researched WWII time-slip story with a fresh perspective and a dab of romance.
Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2024
Mi esprimerò parafrasando Martina di IMA & The books che recentemente ha casualmente espresso un parere su questo genere di libri (vado per approssimazione): "direi basta con i libri ambientati nella seconda guerra mondiale che nascondono trame banali". Ci sono cascata di nuovo, mi sono fidata dei commenti degli utenti Amazon per prendere in prestito questo libro con Prime Reading. Sarò io che non capisco il genere ma davvero non vedo il senso di mettere insieme una serie di eventi storici effettivamente accaduti per infiocchettare una storia d'amore e una inutile scena di sesso. Tutta la parte storica e la ricerca della famiglia di origine in Italia ci poteva pure stare, il libro è anche scritto bene, ma poi manda tutto in vacca nascondendo un mezzo Harmony. No, mi spiace, non fai per me.
June 27, 2019
I read this book on the afternoon of what I always think of as “a perfect reading day” – dark enough to need some lights on, rain tipping down, no pressure to leave the house, a whisker away from turning the heating on – and I really couldn’t have asked for anything much better. You’ll know I’m always a pushover for a dual time thread: add some romance, a gripping and enthralling story about Italian wartime partisans, a modern story with a feisty heroine and full of the tastes and sights of Tuscany, and what a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
I knew I’d enjoy this book when I read the prologue – very atmospheric, a shocking and intriguing taster of the wartime story to come – but was then brought back to the story of Anna in the late 90s, the loss of her mother Ines, the delivery of a parcel of her diaries and notes, and her own decision to walk away from the mess of her life to find out more about the hidden history and the country of her mother’s birth. The modern story does predominate a bit at first, but I wasn’t in any way disappointed by that, as it’s a really good one – a bit of an adventure, trying out a new life in an unfamiliar country, decisions to be made, making new friends, finding her feet again.
Revealing a historical story through diaries and letters might have been done before, but I really liked the way the author revealed each new instalment, the pace dictated by how soon Anna could lay her hands on the next piece of translation as typed up by new friend Francesco. I particularly liked the way Anna was able to visit some of the key locations that feature in her mother’s story – and it’s quite a story, a realistically told coming-of-age account of privation and wartime atrocities, the bravery of the partisans, the cruelty and disregard for life of others, the impact on a family, and the excitement of first love.
There’s an unflinching realism about the wartime account, the emotional aspects particularly well handled, but I did particularly like the fact that the story extends beyond the wartime years into the heartbreaking story of Ines’ adult life and its grim realities. I know that Ines’ story was inspired by real events and a family history, but the author takes those bare facts – and undoubtedly a considerable amount of research – and moulds it into a story that is beautifully and poignantly told and comes to life in its telling.
The author’s writing is excellent. Anna’s story is set against a vividly described Tuscan setting, and I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on food and the unusual ingredients used to create the most wonderful dishes that I could see, smell and taste. The story itself is strong too, and far more than just a framework for the diary pieces – with well developed supporting characters, and scenes of danger and real drama that drive it forward. The ending might have been just a touch predictable ( I think I got there 50 pages ahead of the characters) but by then I was so invested in the story’s twin threads that it really didn’t matter one bit – and it was exactly what the story demanded to tie up its many threads.
A compelling story exceptionally well told, a challenging structure well handled, an emotional experience I won’t forget in a hurry – and a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
I knew I’d enjoy this book when I read the prologue – very atmospheric, a shocking and intriguing taster of the wartime story to come – but was then brought back to the story of Anna in the late 90s, the loss of her mother Ines, the delivery of a parcel of her diaries and notes, and her own decision to walk away from the mess of her life to find out more about the hidden history and the country of her mother’s birth. The modern story does predominate a bit at first, but I wasn’t in any way disappointed by that, as it’s a really good one – a bit of an adventure, trying out a new life in an unfamiliar country, decisions to be made, making new friends, finding her feet again.
Revealing a historical story through diaries and letters might have been done before, but I really liked the way the author revealed each new instalment, the pace dictated by how soon Anna could lay her hands on the next piece of translation as typed up by new friend Francesco. I particularly liked the way Anna was able to visit some of the key locations that feature in her mother’s story – and it’s quite a story, a realistically told coming-of-age account of privation and wartime atrocities, the bravery of the partisans, the cruelty and disregard for life of others, the impact on a family, and the excitement of first love.
There’s an unflinching realism about the wartime account, the emotional aspects particularly well handled, but I did particularly like the fact that the story extends beyond the wartime years into the heartbreaking story of Ines’ adult life and its grim realities. I know that Ines’ story was inspired by real events and a family history, but the author takes those bare facts – and undoubtedly a considerable amount of research – and moulds it into a story that is beautifully and poignantly told and comes to life in its telling.
The author’s writing is excellent. Anna’s story is set against a vividly described Tuscan setting, and I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on food and the unusual ingredients used to create the most wonderful dishes that I could see, smell and taste. The story itself is strong too, and far more than just a framework for the diary pieces – with well developed supporting characters, and scenes of danger and real drama that drive it forward. The ending might have been just a touch predictable ( I think I got there 50 pages ahead of the characters) but by then I was so invested in the story’s twin threads that it really didn’t matter one bit – and it was exactly what the story demanded to tie up its many threads.
A compelling story exceptionally well told, a challenging structure well handled, an emotional experience I won’t forget in a hurry – and a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
July 10, 2022
Favorite Quote:
"I have learned over the years that the answers to all the questions we ask ourselves are already inside us. All we have to do is be quiet and listen."
Why I Decided to Read This:
The cover looks amazing. Plus I love historical fiction books about WWII.
Plot:
Anna is left with some letters and journals from her mother after she passes. She goes to Tuscany to get them interpreted and feel closer to her mother. While this plot had so much potential, it just didn't live up to it.
Brief Thoughts:
I was bored. I should have DNF this book (and I don't say that often) but I was buddy reading this one, and I think we both should have just not finished it.
Characters:
First you have Anna, who I didn't like at all. Then you have her mother, Ines, who you learn about through her journal and letters. I hated Anna, and I kind of liked Ines.
Writing Style:
This was written in third person from Anna's POV, then it switched to first person in the journal entries/letters.
Likes:
- Ines: I did like her character.
- WWII: The very few references to WWII I did like. Those were my favorite parts of the book.
Dislikes:
- Anna's Romance: I did not like that and thought it was pointless.
- WWII: There was hardly any mention of WWII. Most of the book took place in the 1990's or after the war. There were very few parts that actually talked about the war itself.
- The Timeline: I just felt like this book was all over the place, and didn't make much sense.
- Anna: I couldn't stand her character. Did I say that yet? I'm going to just say it again just in case you missed it.
Recommendation:
I cannot recommend this book. It just wasn't good and it wasn't about WWII. I kept questioning what the point of me reading it was... I'm still questioning why I read it besides the cover looked pretty. Just don't judge a book by it's cover.
What’s in This Book & Trigger Warnings:
- Death/Murder
- Abuse
- Unexpected Pregnancy
- Inta-Love
- Post-Traumatic Stress
- Historical Fiction
- Tortue
- WWII References
"I have learned over the years that the answers to all the questions we ask ourselves are already inside us. All we have to do is be quiet and listen."
Why I Decided to Read This:
The cover looks amazing. Plus I love historical fiction books about WWII.
Plot:
Anna is left with some letters and journals from her mother after she passes. She goes to Tuscany to get them interpreted and feel closer to her mother. While this plot had so much potential, it just didn't live up to it.
Brief Thoughts:
I was bored. I should have DNF this book (and I don't say that often) but I was buddy reading this one, and I think we both should have just not finished it.
Characters:
First you have Anna, who I didn't like at all. Then you have her mother, Ines, who you learn about through her journal and letters. I hated Anna, and I kind of liked Ines.
Writing Style:
This was written in third person from Anna's POV, then it switched to first person in the journal entries/letters.
Likes:
- Ines: I did like her character.
- WWII: The very few references to WWII I did like. Those were my favorite parts of the book.
Dislikes:
- Anna's Romance: I did not like that and thought it was pointless.
- WWII: There was hardly any mention of WWII. Most of the book took place in the 1990's or after the war. There were very few parts that actually talked about the war itself.
- The Timeline: I just felt like this book was all over the place, and didn't make much sense.
- Anna: I couldn't stand her character. Did I say that yet? I'm going to just say it again just in case you missed it.
Recommendation:
I cannot recommend this book. It just wasn't good and it wasn't about WWII. I kept questioning what the point of me reading it was... I'm still questioning why I read it besides the cover looked pretty. Just don't judge a book by it's cover.
What’s in This Book & Trigger Warnings:
- Death/Murder
- Abuse
- Unexpected Pregnancy
- Inta-Love
- Post-Traumatic Stress
- Historical Fiction
- Tortue
- WWII References
April 2, 2018
What an Easter treat! TUSCAN ROOTS is great read for anyone who has ever toyed with the idea of leaving the rat race of urban life for more relaxing and warmer climes. After her death in England Anna’s Italian mother sends her daughter on a quest to discover her Tuscan roots through the diaries she left behind. In fulfilling her mother’s wishes, Anna discovers so much more about herself and her potential for love. This is a beautifully written book with depth not only because it is well researched but based on Petch’s mother-in-law’s own experiences when she fell in love with a British soldier and moved to England. Through reading it I learnt much about the plight of the region in the WWII. Suspense is maintained throughout, with an ending that took me quite by surprise. Angela Petch’s book will vividly transport you to Tuscany with its depictions of the flora and landscape of the area. Its pages perfectly capture the charm of the countryside as well as the atmosphere of the Italian town nearby. This is not only a homage to a resilient Italian lady, but the best kind of marketing for the Tuscan Tourist Board. I am sure that many a reader will want to see this part of the world first hand now!
February 11, 2019
Ines Santini leaves her daughter Anna a series of diaries and a sum of money in her will. Although she was not close to her mother, Anna feels compelled to travel to the mountains of Tuscany where her mother fell in love with her father Norman, an escaped POW.
Angela Petch takes the reader back in time to WW2, to relate Ines and Norman's story, and the bravery shown by her family, who were active in the Italian resistance. The author describes the hardships the Tuscan people endured, as well as the awful atrocities that they suffered. Throughout it all their warmth shines through.
As she finally begins to understand the complexities of her parents marriage, will Anna find love with Francesco, who helped her translate her mother's diaries or will she return to her married lover Will?
I learned a huge amount about WW2 that I had not encountered in the past, and I also enjoyed learning about Tuscan food and the herbs and plants used in cooking.
Angela Petch takes the reader back in time to WW2, to relate Ines and Norman's story, and the bravery shown by her family, who were active in the Italian resistance. The author describes the hardships the Tuscan people endured, as well as the awful atrocities that they suffered. Throughout it all their warmth shines through.
As she finally begins to understand the complexities of her parents marriage, will Anna find love with Francesco, who helped her translate her mother's diaries or will she return to her married lover Will?
I learned a huge amount about WW2 that I had not encountered in the past, and I also enjoyed learning about Tuscan food and the herbs and plants used in cooking.
August 19, 2025
Man labai patinka knygos,kuriose būna dvi siužeto linijos, susipina praeitis ir dabartis. Džiaugiausi, kad veiksmas pradėjo greitai plėtotis (ne kaip pas K.Swan kur herojė nuvyksta į Graikiją tik 200-ajame puslapy 😀). Knygos struktūra priminė L.Riley "Septynias seseris", o Anos istorija buvo panaši į "Šešėlio seserį" ir jos meilės linija manęs nelabai įtikino. Inesos ir jos šeimos istorija buvo kur kas įdomesnė. Iki šiol neteko skaityti knygos apie Italijos dalyvavimą kare, tad praplėtė istorinį suvokimą. Knyga pasirodė rimtesnė, negu tikėjausi - tai ne lengvas romaniukas prie ežero :) Pabaiga nenustebino, kadangi iškart buvo galima įtarti kokia ten slypi paslaptis.
December 2, 2025
2.5⭐️ It was interested and I liked the diary aspect but the writing felt very juvenile, and so did all the characters. The characters were annoying though out the whole book, and the plot twist was easily guessed from the very beginning and happened so late into the book that I don’t really know why it was even there.
March 16, 2023
Страхотна книжка,толкова увлекателна и докато живота на Анна в Тоскана е изпълнен с романтични преживявания,вкусна храна и вино ,то живота на майка й по време на Втората световна война е бил тежък и разочароващ дори и след нея.
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