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The Stolen Letter
The longer her imprisonment went on, the more she cast her mind back to the stolen hours they had spent together. His love had blown in like an unexpected breath of warm summer air, giving her the promise of life and joy. But now they had been torn apart and she was tormented by the thought that they might never be reunited.
Italy, 1938: When Stella arrives in Florence, it’s love at first sight. She is wowed by the rolling hills dotted with olive trees, the buttermilk villas with shuttered windows and terracotta roofs that glow gloriously in the sunlight. Even the breeze holds the scent of freedom – freedom from England, where the shadow of her past haunted her.
Then there is Ted, an American journalist who is wild and mischievous, with an arrogance bordering on rude. Stella is infuriated by him – but she cannot deny the lure of the danger and excitement he promises.
But there is something dark under the bright surface of this beautiful country, with unspeakable tragedies just around the corner. When the Nazis take control of Italy, Stella and Ted – and whatever dreams the future held for them – are ripped apart. As bombs descend, destroying everything in their wake, there is nothing to do but sit in darkness, praying to see tomorrow.
And it seems that even in Italy, Stella’s past has found her. Somewhere in the winding streets of Florence there is a letter that could change the course of her fate. Unknown to her, it holds a secret with the power to rewrite her past, and everything she has been running away from. But will she live to find it? And with the odds stacked against her, will she ever see Ted again?
This beautifully spun and stirring tale is about the impossible tragedies of war and the miraculous possibilities of love. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, Rhys Bowen’s The Tuscan Child, and The Letter by Kathryn Hughes will be utterly captivated by this spectacular historical page-turner.
Italy, 1938: When Stella arrives in Florence, it’s love at first sight. She is wowed by the rolling hills dotted with olive trees, the buttermilk villas with shuttered windows and terracotta roofs that glow gloriously in the sunlight. Even the breeze holds the scent of freedom – freedom from England, where the shadow of her past haunted her.
Then there is Ted, an American journalist who is wild and mischievous, with an arrogance bordering on rude. Stella is infuriated by him – but she cannot deny the lure of the danger and excitement he promises.
But there is something dark under the bright surface of this beautiful country, with unspeakable tragedies just around the corner. When the Nazis take control of Italy, Stella and Ted – and whatever dreams the future held for them – are ripped apart. As bombs descend, destroying everything in their wake, there is nothing to do but sit in darkness, praying to see tomorrow.
And it seems that even in Italy, Stella’s past has found her. Somewhere in the winding streets of Florence there is a letter that could change the course of her fate. Unknown to her, it holds a secret with the power to rewrite her past, and everything she has been running away from. But will she live to find it? And with the odds stacked against her, will she ever see Ted again?
This beautifully spun and stirring tale is about the impossible tragedies of war and the miraculous possibilities of love. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, Rhys Bowen’s The Tuscan Child, and The Letter by Kathryn Hughes will be utterly captivated by this spectacular historical page-turner.
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2020
1168 people are currently reading
921 people want to read
About the author
Clara Benson
29 books350 followersClara Benson is the author of the Angela Marchmont Mysteries and Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventures - traditional English whodunits in authentic style set in the 1920s and 30s. One day she would like to drink cocktails and solve mysteries in a sequinned dress and evening gloves. In the meantime she lives in the north of England with her family and doesn't do any of those things.
If you want to be the first to hear about new releases, and to receive a free, exclusive short story, sign up to her mailing list at clarabenson.com/newsletter.
If you want to be the first to hear about new releases, and to receive a free, exclusive short story, sign up to her mailing list at clarabenson.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 9, 2024
This is a historical fiction that takes place during WWII. I have to the beginning of this book is super slow moving and a little boring. The middle does so picking up the pace, and I did love the middle. I felt that the ending slowed down the pace again, and I did not loved the ending. I normally did not loved books that is about Art/Painting, but this book as a lot of other drama going on. I do feel the pacing of this book is off. I did love the characters. This is not the best historical fiction book I have read, but it was good/ok. Please looked into this book if you get upset about things that you read because there is some hard to read subjects. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Bookouture) or author (Clara Benson) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
September 17, 2020
Set in Italy during WWII. 1938: When Stella arrives in Florence, its love at first sight. Her father was dead and she had been invited to stay with her stepmother. Ted is an American journalist who is wild and arrogant. Stella is infatuated with him. But it seems Stella's past has caught up with her. There's a letter that could change the course of her fate.
What an emotionally twisted book this is. The book has been researched and it's well written. I wasn't keen on Stella but she grew on me. A story of friendship, violence, unexpected decisions and betrayal. There's also the hardships the Resistance and Nazi brutality they had to endure. This is a really good historical fiction novel that everyone should read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #ClaraBenson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What an emotionally twisted book this is. The book has been researched and it's well written. I wasn't keen on Stella but she grew on me. A story of friendship, violence, unexpected decisions and betrayal. There's also the hardships the Resistance and Nazi brutality they had to endure. This is a really good historical fiction novel that everyone should read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #ClaraBenson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2020
I enjoy historical fiction taking place in almost any time period.
This one takes place during world war 2.
Very descriptive book about experiencing war during it and the aftermath affects on the mind and body. Some just aren't right in the mind after they experience war.
Very powerful book that will definitely make you feel as though you are there experiencing the war ,hearing the cries of pain,feeling the hunger in your stomach with the lack of food to be had,cowering in fear as the shelling shakes the earth.
There is light shining upon the darkness though in the form of love both romantic and parental love.
The book really pulls you in.
Published September 24th 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This one takes place during world war 2.
Very descriptive book about experiencing war during it and the aftermath affects on the mind and body. Some just aren't right in the mind after they experience war.
Very powerful book that will definitely make you feel as though you are there experiencing the war ,hearing the cries of pain,feeling the hunger in your stomach with the lack of food to be had,cowering in fear as the shelling shakes the earth.
There is light shining upon the darkness though in the form of love both romantic and parental love.
The book really pulls you in.
Published September 24th 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
October 3, 2020
An exceptionally good read.
Florence, prior to and during World War II.
Art theft, lies, deception, secrets, physical and mental cruelty, new found love, the horror and devastation of war, and determination to overcome the atrocities.
I found this brilliantly written and researched book very hard to put down, and I can't recommend highly enough.
Florence, prior to and during World War II.
Art theft, lies, deception, secrets, physical and mental cruelty, new found love, the horror and devastation of war, and determination to overcome the atrocities.
I found this brilliantly written and researched book very hard to put down, and I can't recommend highly enough.
September 25, 2020
Title: The Stolen Letter
Author: Clara Benson
Publication Day: 24/09/2020
Description:
The longer her imprisonment went on, the more she cast her mind back to the stolen hours they had spent together. His love had blown in like an unexpected breath of warm summer air, giving her the promise of life and joy. But now they had been torn apart and she was tormented by the thought that they might never be reunited.
Italy, 1938: When Stella arrives in Florence, it’s love at first sight. She is wowed by the rolling hills dotted with olive trees, the buttermilk villas with shuttered windows and terracotta roofs that glow gloriously in the sunlight. Even the breeze holds the scent of freedom – freedom from England, where the shadow of her past haunted her.
Then there is Ted, an American journalist who is wild and mischievous, with an arrogance bordering on rude. Stella is infuriated by him – but she cannot deny the lure of the danger and excitement he promises.
But there is something dark under the bright surface of this beautiful country, with unspeakable tragedies just around the corner. When the Nazis take control of Italy, Stella and Ted – and whatever dreams the future held for them – are ripped apart. As bombs descend, destroying everything in their wake, there is nothing to do but sit in darkness, praying to see tomorrow.
And it seems that even in Italy, Stella’s past has found her. Somewhere in the winding streets of Florence there is a letter that could change the course of her fate. Unknown to her, it holds a secret with the power to rewrite her past, and everything she has been running away from. But will she live to find it? And with the odds stacked against her, will she ever see Ted again?
This beautifully spun and stirring tale is about the impossible tragedies of war and the miraculous possibilities of love. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, Rhys Bowen’s The Tuscan Child, and The Letter by Kathryn Hughes will be utterly captivated by this spectacular historical page-turner.
Readers absolutely love Clara Benson:
‘Amazing… One of my favourite stories… A brilliant story that is full of twists and turns… I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the whole time while reading… A must-read.’ Chells and Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh my word, this was definitely an emotive and additive read, and then some… I felt myself well up… I fully immersed myself in the story and I knew that nothing much would be done for the rest of the day as I would be too busy reading!... I was too hooked… Superbly written… I became so emotionally involved with certain characters that every time they felt pain, I felt pain…The author uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I actually felt as though I was part of the story myself.’ Ginger Book Geek, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Amazing… I truly loved this book… Clara Benson does a masterful job of bringing her characters to life.’ Historically Yours, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Stirring, captivating and electrifying… So poignant it could sever readers’ heartstrings.’ Bookish Jottings, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A beautifully devastating book. Highly emotional and utterly captivating from the first page to the last.’ Loopyloulaura, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Stolen Letter' by Clara Benson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 24th September 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing and beautiful cover and interesting sounding blurb. I also wanted a change from my typical genre of crime fiction and this looked perfect. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 39 chapters split in 4 parts. The chapters are medium in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective. I enjoy books written in third person as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
This book is based in Italy and Geneva.
Confusing with several characters and storylines.
Part one focuses on Stella and her relationships with Monica, Ted and Marius and Beatrice and her relationships with Mimmo and Vittorio. Part one is based in Italy 🇮🇹 during the start of the war. I found part one to be a very slow burner and confusing at times while getting to know the many characters and their individual backgrounds and storylines.
Part two is based in Geneva in the middle of the war and focuses on Stella and her relationships with Maurius and Ted. This part is much more fast paced with more action and less characters. With less characters I found I could understand more of each one and what was going on.
Part Three is based in Italy and focuses on Stella, Ted, Beatrice, Tina, Dora and Vittorio. During part three the pace of the storyline picked up much faster and you can really see Stella maturing and her character developing. The storyline is also more 'set' and you can understand much more of what is going on.
Part Four. Italy 🇮🇹. In this part we see all the remaining characters from the rest of the book and find out what happens to them.
Once I got to know the individual characters some grew on me and others I could not abide. The character I believe that went through the biggest transformation was Stella who started of as a naive young girl and ended the story as a courageous young woman. I really enjoyed how the author showed her gradual growth in strength.
I think one of the biggest challenges of this book is to write a story from the war from a side that wasn't against the Germans and I believe the author did this well. I struggled at the beginning to read it through this perspective but as I delved deeper into the book and attitudes changed with some of the characters I felt that I bonded with them better.
Overall a very slow burner but one that ends in a roller-coaster ride of love, loss, strength, war and courage. After Part one things definitely picked up for me and that's when I got sucked in.
Genres covered include Saga, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-age story
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above.
423 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheStolenLetter #ClaraBenson #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@ClaraBenson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Clara Benson is the author of the Angela Marchmont Mysteries and Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventures - traditional English whodunits in authentic style set in the 1920s and 30s. One day she would like to drink cocktails and solve mysteries in a sequinned dress and evening gloves. In the meantime, she lives in the north of England with her family and doesn't do any of those things.
To find out about new releases and receive a FREE, exclusive Angela Marchmont short story, sign up to her mailing list at clarabenson.com/newsletter.
Author Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaraBooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaraBensonB...
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08CRLS58SSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/rFKS50AwujY
Kobo: http://ow.ly/x0IM50Awuiv
Google: http://ow.ly/P1qk50Awumg
Author: Clara Benson
Publication Day: 24/09/2020
Description:
The longer her imprisonment went on, the more she cast her mind back to the stolen hours they had spent together. His love had blown in like an unexpected breath of warm summer air, giving her the promise of life and joy. But now they had been torn apart and she was tormented by the thought that they might never be reunited.
Italy, 1938: When Stella arrives in Florence, it’s love at first sight. She is wowed by the rolling hills dotted with olive trees, the buttermilk villas with shuttered windows and terracotta roofs that glow gloriously in the sunlight. Even the breeze holds the scent of freedom – freedom from England, where the shadow of her past haunted her.
Then there is Ted, an American journalist who is wild and mischievous, with an arrogance bordering on rude. Stella is infuriated by him – but she cannot deny the lure of the danger and excitement he promises.
But there is something dark under the bright surface of this beautiful country, with unspeakable tragedies just around the corner. When the Nazis take control of Italy, Stella and Ted – and whatever dreams the future held for them – are ripped apart. As bombs descend, destroying everything in their wake, there is nothing to do but sit in darkness, praying to see tomorrow.
And it seems that even in Italy, Stella’s past has found her. Somewhere in the winding streets of Florence there is a letter that could change the course of her fate. Unknown to her, it holds a secret with the power to rewrite her past, and everything she has been running away from. But will she live to find it? And with the odds stacked against her, will she ever see Ted again?
This beautifully spun and stirring tale is about the impossible tragedies of war and the miraculous possibilities of love. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, Rhys Bowen’s The Tuscan Child, and The Letter by Kathryn Hughes will be utterly captivated by this spectacular historical page-turner.
Readers absolutely love Clara Benson:
‘Amazing… One of my favourite stories… A brilliant story that is full of twists and turns… I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the whole time while reading… A must-read.’ Chells and Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Oh my word, this was definitely an emotive and additive read, and then some… I felt myself well up… I fully immersed myself in the story and I knew that nothing much would be done for the rest of the day as I would be too busy reading!... I was too hooked… Superbly written… I became so emotionally involved with certain characters that every time they felt pain, I felt pain…The author uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I actually felt as though I was part of the story myself.’ Ginger Book Geek, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Amazing… I truly loved this book… Clara Benson does a masterful job of bringing her characters to life.’ Historically Yours, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Stirring, captivating and electrifying… So poignant it could sever readers’ heartstrings.’ Bookish Jottings, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A beautifully devastating book. Highly emotional and utterly captivating from the first page to the last.’ Loopyloulaura, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Stolen Letter' by Clara Benson.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 24th September 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing and beautiful cover and interesting sounding blurb. I also wanted a change from my typical genre of crime fiction and this looked perfect. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue and 39 chapters split in 4 parts. The chapters are medium in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective. I enjoy books written in third person as it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters.
This book is based in Italy and Geneva.
Confusing with several characters and storylines.
Part one focuses on Stella and her relationships with Monica, Ted and Marius and Beatrice and her relationships with Mimmo and Vittorio. Part one is based in Italy 🇮🇹 during the start of the war. I found part one to be a very slow burner and confusing at times while getting to know the many characters and their individual backgrounds and storylines.
Part two is based in Geneva in the middle of the war and focuses on Stella and her relationships with Maurius and Ted. This part is much more fast paced with more action and less characters. With less characters I found I could understand more of each one and what was going on.
Part Three is based in Italy and focuses on Stella, Ted, Beatrice, Tina, Dora and Vittorio. During part three the pace of the storyline picked up much faster and you can really see Stella maturing and her character developing. The storyline is also more 'set' and you can understand much more of what is going on.
Part Four. Italy 🇮🇹. In this part we see all the remaining characters from the rest of the book and find out what happens to them.
Once I got to know the individual characters some grew on me and others I could not abide. The character I believe that went through the biggest transformation was Stella who started of as a naive young girl and ended the story as a courageous young woman. I really enjoyed how the author showed her gradual growth in strength.
I think one of the biggest challenges of this book is to write a story from the war from a side that wasn't against the Germans and I believe the author did this well. I struggled at the beginning to read it through this perspective but as I delved deeper into the book and attitudes changed with some of the characters I felt that I bonded with them better.
Overall a very slow burner but one that ends in a roller-coaster ride of love, loss, strength, war and courage. After Part one things definitely picked up for me and that's when I got sucked in.
Genres covered include Saga, Historical Fiction, Coming-of-age story
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above.
423 pages.
This book is £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheStolenLetter #ClaraBenson #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@ClaraBenson @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Clara Benson is the author of the Angela Marchmont Mysteries and Freddy Pilkington-Soames Adventures - traditional English whodunits in authentic style set in the 1920s and 30s. One day she would like to drink cocktails and solve mysteries in a sequinned dress and evening gloves. In the meantime, she lives in the north of England with her family and doesn't do any of those things.
To find out about new releases and receive a FREE, exclusive Angela Marchmont short story, sign up to her mailing list at clarabenson.com/newsletter.
Author Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClaraBooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaraBensonB...
BUY LINKS:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08CRLS58SSocial
Apple: http://ow.ly/rFKS50AwujY
Kobo: http://ow.ly/x0IM50Awuiv
Google: http://ow.ly/P1qk50Awumg
September 26, 2020
I'm addicted to World War 2 fiction as it shows how ordinary people survived in extraordinary times. Add in that this book is set in partially set in Italy, and it became a must read for me.
Ohhh I just loved it. From the beginning, I felt huge empathy for Stella, she has just left school and has no family. Alone in the world, she travelled to spend time with her distant Step Mother's new family (sounds like family I know, but there was zero emotional attachment).
With world events spiralling around her, Stella has to mature fast. And I love watching her character development, as she grew into a brave, resilient woman, who had to endure many hardships.
The romance sucked me right in and I felt very emotionally attached to the characters. With a strong sense of Italian setting and some glorious rich detail about the art world, it whisked me away entirely while reading.
Tender-hearted, compelling and very addictive, I highly recommend The Stolen Letter to you.
Thanks to Bookouture for giving me for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.
Ohhh I just loved it. From the beginning, I felt huge empathy for Stella, she has just left school and has no family. Alone in the world, she travelled to spend time with her distant Step Mother's new family (sounds like family I know, but there was zero emotional attachment).
With world events spiralling around her, Stella has to mature fast. And I love watching her character development, as she grew into a brave, resilient woman, who had to endure many hardships.
The romance sucked me right in and I felt very emotionally attached to the characters. With a strong sense of Italian setting and some glorious rich detail about the art world, it whisked me away entirely while reading.
Tender-hearted, compelling and very addictive, I highly recommend The Stolen Letter to you.
Thanks to Bookouture for giving me for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.
September 27, 2020
“The core of the city of Florence has remained unchanged for centuries. You might take a stroll to the grocery store today and walk exactly in the footsteps of someone like Donatello or Michelangelo in the Renaissance.
For some, that fact is just an amusing thought, quickly forgotten. For others this simple walk becomes a pilgrimage, and you question, what is this magic I feel?
Does it come from the curious worn-out grey stone, or the way the light cuts through a narrow street?
Or the calm rhythm of green shutters of windows on those sun kissed walls? Nah.
It must be the beauty of the Arno, and it’s graceful bridges that dance into the mist.
No… it must be a symphony of those rooftops that vibrate in unison with Brunelleschi’s Dome!
That’s Florence. It touches your very soul, stirs your senses, brings forth your creativity, and before your know it, you are on a threshold of your own personal Renaissance.
It smacks you awake, and your life is changed forever.”
Paola Vojnovic, Art Historian, 2019.
The book begins in 1938, just before the start of #WW2, with setting the scene of illegal #Nazi art deals. The main character Stella, is the daughter of an art dealer, who spent more time travelling the world acquiring art, then he did at home, with her. When her own mother died, her father had married an Italian (a Florentinian), only 10 years Stella's senior.
When her father dies, Stella (young and just out of boarding school), is invited to her "step mother" Monica's estate in Florence, Monica has since remarried a Count named Gerrardo. It is here, on their estate, just over the river Arno, where Stella meets, Ted, an American journalist, Marius, Monica's twin brother, Dora and Beatrice (the "help"), and Mimo and Vittorio (Vittorio is the Count's assistant). Stella, finds herself initially, out of place, being an English woman in Florence, and as well, young and inexperienced. But soon, she learns not only to fit in, but to love the beautiful city of Florence.
I really enjoyed reading this book that took me right back to Florence, (a city I was fortunate to visit a few years ago): the #pontevecchio, the #duomo, the #ufizigallery and #piazas and alley ways of #Florence that have been there for centuries and entertained the presence of the greatest minds and artists in history.
I got wrapped up in Clara's story, and, before I knew it, I finished the book and I was googling pictures of Florence, #Firenze, to take me back there (virtually) once more.
Thank you #netgalley and Clara Benson for an advanced copy of Stella's story, #thestolenletter, in return for my honest review.
For some, that fact is just an amusing thought, quickly forgotten. For others this simple walk becomes a pilgrimage, and you question, what is this magic I feel?
Does it come from the curious worn-out grey stone, or the way the light cuts through a narrow street?
Or the calm rhythm of green shutters of windows on those sun kissed walls? Nah.
It must be the beauty of the Arno, and it’s graceful bridges that dance into the mist.
No… it must be a symphony of those rooftops that vibrate in unison with Brunelleschi’s Dome!
That’s Florence. It touches your very soul, stirs your senses, brings forth your creativity, and before your know it, you are on a threshold of your own personal Renaissance.
It smacks you awake, and your life is changed forever.”
Paola Vojnovic, Art Historian, 2019.
The book begins in 1938, just before the start of #WW2, with setting the scene of illegal #Nazi art deals. The main character Stella, is the daughter of an art dealer, who spent more time travelling the world acquiring art, then he did at home, with her. When her own mother died, her father had married an Italian (a Florentinian), only 10 years Stella's senior.
When her father dies, Stella (young and just out of boarding school), is invited to her "step mother" Monica's estate in Florence, Monica has since remarried a Count named Gerrardo. It is here, on their estate, just over the river Arno, where Stella meets, Ted, an American journalist, Marius, Monica's twin brother, Dora and Beatrice (the "help"), and Mimo and Vittorio (Vittorio is the Count's assistant). Stella, finds herself initially, out of place, being an English woman in Florence, and as well, young and inexperienced. But soon, she learns not only to fit in, but to love the beautiful city of Florence.
I really enjoyed reading this book that took me right back to Florence, (a city I was fortunate to visit a few years ago): the #pontevecchio, the #duomo, the #ufizigallery and #piazas and alley ways of #Florence that have been there for centuries and entertained the presence of the greatest minds and artists in history.
I got wrapped up in Clara's story, and, before I knew it, I finished the book and I was googling pictures of Florence, #Firenze, to take me back there (virtually) once more.
Thank you #netgalley and Clara Benson for an advanced copy of Stella's story, #thestolenletter, in return for my honest review.
September 25, 2020
An Englishwoman stranded alone in Italy during WWII.
The Stolen Letter is a Second World War story of adversity and awakening.
Stella had a sheltered and comfortable life. Her father was a successful art dealer and had provided her with education and financial support despite not always being present.
Upon his unexpected death, Stella inherited a fortune but felt lonely in the world. Sometime later, even though she did not like her stepmother, she accepted the invitation to visit her and her new husband in their Villa in Italy.
I love how Stella grows as the story progresses. She starts young and naive, easily persuaded, and with each hardship, she builds strength and shows her true self.
The story is full of fascinating characters. Some were evil, some were good, but my favorites were those in between, especially Monica, the stepmother, and her husband, Gerardo.
The plot is well structured, and I particularly liked the side stories. Be aware that there is violence (it is a war story), including antisemitism and domestic abuse. To counterbalance, there is friendship, generosity, and a bit of romance with a happy end.
The Stolen Letter is an engaging and intriguing read. I recommend it to everyone that enjoys WWII stories.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Stolen Letter is a Second World War story of adversity and awakening.
Stella had a sheltered and comfortable life. Her father was a successful art dealer and had provided her with education and financial support despite not always being present.
Upon his unexpected death, Stella inherited a fortune but felt lonely in the world. Sometime later, even though she did not like her stepmother, she accepted the invitation to visit her and her new husband in their Villa in Italy.
I love how Stella grows as the story progresses. She starts young and naive, easily persuaded, and with each hardship, she builds strength and shows her true self.
The story is full of fascinating characters. Some were evil, some were good, but my favorites were those in between, especially Monica, the stepmother, and her husband, Gerardo.
The plot is well structured, and I particularly liked the side stories. Be aware that there is violence (it is a war story), including antisemitism and domestic abuse. To counterbalance, there is friendship, generosity, and a bit of romance with a happy end.
The Stolen Letter is an engaging and intriguing read. I recommend it to everyone that enjoys WWII stories.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2020
The poignant tragical tale featuring the realities of War, a story of love being the light in darkest of times, a tale of misunderstandings, bad decisions, loyalty and lies.
The description is so top-notched that it made gasp with all the fears and emotions trembling across me. I could feel the character's emotions and their fear and desires, everything felt so realistic. I am so amazed by this. Another great point for this book landing with a 5 starred rating from me.
The story starts at 1938, with Stella's arrival at Florence, Italy. She stays as a guest at her Stepmother's house, who has remarried. Monica(the stepmother) main motive is to find the lost paintings of her dead husband and she knows Stella could have a link to that. As the book proceeded, this plot about Paintings becomes lost and serves as a secondary subplot as the WWII proclaims the main plot.
Being trapped in a castle life in England, Stella has always been deprived of a life outdoors, which turned into an immature, timid and innocent young woman, who has no idea about how cruel the world can be. She is mesmerized by the beauty of Italy, the beautiful architectures and pleasant gift of nature. For the first time in life she is experiencing freedom. But soon, the war begins. With the lack of proper decisions making ability and assistance, Stella steps foot into blunder of her own which turns her life into a living hell. Even the stern and firm warnings from Ted didn't do her any good. Until she realised what she did, it was way too late. She also finds out her family secrets, which makes her see her own father in a new light.
Ted and Stella's story was sad and intriguing to read about. This devastating story of love will surely make you teary eyed. The emotions Ted and Stella shared was so pure and heartbreakingly beautiful. The best thing about this being a succesful WWII book is it doesn't only focus on Ted and Stella's tragic romace but every other character's sufferings and devastation. We see Beatrice's pain of losing her newly wedded husband to the war, only to have doubts in the upcoming years if he's sacrifice was merely for nothing. We experience the day-to-day lives deals in WWII, which was enlightening to read about. Italian representation on WWII, is not something we see often, I was glad the writer gave us this. Also, the descriptions and setting of Italy was a delight to read about.
There's portrayal of domestic violence, abuse, military torture, poverty, betrayal by closest allies and all other miseries a war may bring.
This book can be called slow-paced but I adored this slow and steady development of the plot.
The unpredictability factor of the book served to the curiosity of mind. I couldn't put this book down. I am seriously irreversibly in love with this book.
This story of tragedy and passion made tears rolling through my eyes. Highly recommend reading this, if you are interested in WWII based Historical fictions. I am so impressed by Clara Benson's writing style, hope to read more of her books in future.
*I have received an Advance review copy from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange of a honest review. All opinions listed above are unbiased and honest*
The description is so top-notched that it made gasp with all the fears and emotions trembling across me. I could feel the character's emotions and their fear and desires, everything felt so realistic. I am so amazed by this. Another great point for this book landing with a 5 starred rating from me.
The story starts at 1938, with Stella's arrival at Florence, Italy. She stays as a guest at her Stepmother's house, who has remarried. Monica(the stepmother) main motive is to find the lost paintings of her dead husband and she knows Stella could have a link to that. As the book proceeded, this plot about Paintings becomes lost and serves as a secondary subplot as the WWII proclaims the main plot.
Being trapped in a castle life in England, Stella has always been deprived of a life outdoors, which turned into an immature, timid and innocent young woman, who has no idea about how cruel the world can be. She is mesmerized by the beauty of Italy, the beautiful architectures and pleasant gift of nature. For the first time in life she is experiencing freedom. But soon, the war begins. With the lack of proper decisions making ability and assistance, Stella steps foot into blunder of her own which turns her life into a living hell. Even the stern and firm warnings from Ted didn't do her any good. Until she realised what she did, it was way too late. She also finds out her family secrets, which makes her see her own father in a new light.
Ted and Stella's story was sad and intriguing to read about. This devastating story of love will surely make you teary eyed. The emotions Ted and Stella shared was so pure and heartbreakingly beautiful. The best thing about this being a succesful WWII book is it doesn't only focus on Ted and Stella's tragic romace but every other character's sufferings and devastation. We see Beatrice's pain of losing her newly wedded husband to the war, only to have doubts in the upcoming years if he's sacrifice was merely for nothing. We experience the day-to-day lives deals in WWII, which was enlightening to read about. Italian representation on WWII, is not something we see often, I was glad the writer gave us this. Also, the descriptions and setting of Italy was a delight to read about.
There's portrayal of domestic violence, abuse, military torture, poverty, betrayal by closest allies and all other miseries a war may bring.
This book can be called slow-paced but I adored this slow and steady development of the plot.
The unpredictability factor of the book served to the curiosity of mind. I couldn't put this book down. I am seriously irreversibly in love with this book.
This story of tragedy and passion made tears rolling through my eyes. Highly recommend reading this, if you are interested in WWII based Historical fictions. I am so impressed by Clara Benson's writing style, hope to read more of her books in future.
*I have received an Advance review copy from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange of a honest review. All opinions listed above are unbiased and honest*
April 7, 2024
Such a beautiful book ❤️
October 23, 2020
This WWII historical fiction is set in Florence, Italy. It reads more like a spy novel than historical fiction because there was so much action and Stella was trying to find out her dead father's connection to missing art stolen from a Jewish Art Collecter/Seller.
I really enjoyed reading this high action book about the struggles Stella faced during the war. She went from being a fragile battered wife to a brave resistance member leading men to safety after they were captured by the Germans. Many of the characters were charming and loveable. Some characters were pure evil. The reader learns more about what the war was like in Italy and how they were fighting two battles; one with the Germans and one with themselves.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of WWII or historical fiction reads!
Warning: some language, physical abuse, assassination, adultery
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review!
I really enjoyed reading this high action book about the struggles Stella faced during the war. She went from being a fragile battered wife to a brave resistance member leading men to safety after they were captured by the Germans. Many of the characters were charming and loveable. Some characters were pure evil. The reader learns more about what the war was like in Italy and how they were fighting two battles; one with the Germans and one with themselves.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of WWII or historical fiction reads!
Warning: some language, physical abuse, assassination, adultery
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review!
September 5, 2020
I was ready to give this 1 star when I found out it was yet another historical fiction book set during the time of WWII, there have been too many books in this time period that focus on the horrors of the war and the characters. Thankfully, this story focuses on the many different relationships of its characters throughout the novel; sibling, parental, romantic. I love how there is a bit of mystery surrounding missing paintings and one sister seems to have an idea where they are. This was much better than I expected and it was not predictable.
+1 love the cover
+1 the different kinds of relationships in the story
+1 strong characters
+1 not predictable
-1 another WWII story
Thanks to Netgalley, Claire Benson and Bookoouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 9/24/20
+1 love the cover
+1 the different kinds of relationships in the story
+1 strong characters
+1 not predictable
-1 another WWII story
Thanks to Netgalley, Claire Benson and Bookoouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 9/24/20
September 19, 2020
A very enjoyable read, although up to halfway it could be seen as a drama or romance with very little mention of WW2. This in no way detracts from what was a fast but at times very tense novel.
I loved the characters, and Benson stayed true to them throughout.
Thank you NerGalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.
I loved the characters, and Benson stayed true to them throughout.
Thank you NerGalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.
August 30, 2020
I enjoy historical fiction and was very eager to read this book. I loved the cover, it just makes you want to read this book.
This story had a lot going on...certainly many twists and turns and emotional moments.
This story had a lot going on...certainly many twists and turns and emotional moments.
September 27, 2020
Clara Benson is an author that I only discovered this year since her switch to historical fiction with Bookouture and I have to say I am loving her stories. The plots are compelling with characters you will both love and hate and a powerful story is woven within dynamic and interesting settings that really help set the tone for the overall plot and themes being explored. The prologue to The Secret Letter opens in Berlin in 1937 as Hitler is slowly ascending to his full power. A tense and dramatic scene sees a man left dead as officers arrive at his house with numerus accusations spilling forth which may or may not be exaggerated. At the source of this argument are some paintings and this forms the crux of this novel and in turn leads to many twists, turns and mysteries that really have you guessing until the ultimate secret is revealed and connections are made back to the questions that arise in the brief prologue.
A year later Stella Cockburn is accompanied by a chaperone as she journeys to Italy. She is being sent to stay with her only guardian of sorts, her father’s wife Monica Carminati who lives in Florence until she comes of age and will receive her inheritance. Stella’s father had been killed in a car accident and since then Monica has remarried to an Italian Count who is a senator in Mussolini’s army. Right from the beginning it was obvious that Monica had no real interest in her stepdaughter at all, that in fact all she really wanted was something from her. Over time it became obvious that Stella was a pawn in a much bigger game and that there were many forces at work. That people should not be taken at face value as they really weren’t all as they seem. But Stella saw none of this when she arrived in Florence. The darker side of the country was yet to make itself known to her but given she was so young at the time and so naïve I don’t think she was really ready to see it even if it had become visible.
Monica is trying to find records of paintings that Stella’s father Raymond had bought in Berlin before he died. Will Stella hold the key? To be honest there wasn’t a significant amount that happened in the first part of the novel. There was a lot of setting up with information that I didn’t think was adding much to the story and as for Stella her infatuation with Monica’s brother Marius just seemed a bit too far fetched and even more so when she accepts his proposal. I just couldn’t help thinking that she is far too young for any of this to happen but it’s only as the story progressed that I realised that in fact it was all really crucial and these little scenarios were forming a small part in the overall brilliant plot.
I really enjoyed how the story didn’t stay stuck in the same year, that in fact it moved forward through the war years. Part two sees a very different Stella to the girl we first encountered arriving at a young age in Italy. She is now living in Geneva in 1943 and marriage to Marius is not all she had envisaged in fact it is the total opposite. Marius was a brilliantly written character. To everyone else that is featured in the book he is charm personified and he is a supreme art dealer at the top of his game especially in Nazi Germany but behind closed doors Stella sees the real Marius and it’s not one you would like to have to live with. Yet for me this was the turning point in how I felt about the character of Stella. Yes, she was experiencing a horrific time but it made all her innocence and naivety disappear. I thought she really needed to grow up and admittedly the events making this happen were not nice but still they were the catalyst for change that started an even bigger series of events that had me rapidly turning the pages keen to discover what was awaiting me as everything in the later half was so well laid out. It was like Stella was jumping on stepping stones in order to solve the mystery that surrounded her and I was enjoying every moment journeying with her.
Stella was treated abhorrently but it gave her the impetuous to do something about her situation and she then showed such bravery and maturity and in fact treated people with such respect who really didn’t deserve it. The scenes set in Florence during the height of the war were real, raw and honest as the bombs rain down and Mussolini’s power begins to fade as Stella finds herself involved in something she never deemed possible. I have failed so far to mention American journalist Ted, a man Stella first meets at Villa Bruni where Monica lives. At first he just seemed to be a passing guest but as the story went deeper he stepped forward to play the most pivotal of roles under several guises.
I loved Ted, he was the complete opposite to Marius. He was wise, clever and always had his investigative head on. It was evident that there was a connection between himself and Stella but given her predicament, and one of her own making it has to be said, and also what happens to Ted in the later war years one wondered could either of them ever find happiness? Together I thought they made a great team as Ted’s inquisitive, investigative nature combined with Stella holding the key to unlock an even bigger story than what she at first comprehended the power between the pair would only grow greater. Although circumstances did their best to stop Stella seeking the truth and finding out did her father actually care for her at all or was he a man the total opposite to what she had always been led to believe?
Similar to how I felt about the first book that I read by Clara Benson, In Darkness Look for Stars, the first part of The Stolen Letter I found to be very slow. But don’t put this book down that easily, if you find the same problem, persist with it and you will be richly rewarded. The remainder of the book had a much better pace and it was like a completely different book from what I had initially been reading. The lead into the actual war beginning was too long. I understood it was to give some backstory to Stella and her situation and the main plot and clues were dropped or some little piece of information that seemed inconsequential at the time but everything really made sense and was more than surprising at the end. But for me the first part was just too drawn out with other bits of information that I wouldn’t deem strictly necessary.
In fact, in the beginning I found Stella to be totally naïve but when I thought about what else could have been only that way given her age and her worldly experiences up until that point. At times I couldn’t believe in her as a character as she was too young for what was unfolding but when she is older and war breaks out, we see a change in Stella. We see her suffer, yet grow and mature, and then I truly began to engage and become caught up in the story as the action kicked off and the web woven began to quickly unravel.
I’m really enjoying the writing of Clara Benson. She writes detailed books set during World War Two with a great mystery behind them. If we got straight into the action right from the first parts I know I would be enthralled from the get go. Despite this The Stolen Letter is another fantastic read from this author and one I would certainly recommend.
A year later Stella Cockburn is accompanied by a chaperone as she journeys to Italy. She is being sent to stay with her only guardian of sorts, her father’s wife Monica Carminati who lives in Florence until she comes of age and will receive her inheritance. Stella’s father had been killed in a car accident and since then Monica has remarried to an Italian Count who is a senator in Mussolini’s army. Right from the beginning it was obvious that Monica had no real interest in her stepdaughter at all, that in fact all she really wanted was something from her. Over time it became obvious that Stella was a pawn in a much bigger game and that there were many forces at work. That people should not be taken at face value as they really weren’t all as they seem. But Stella saw none of this when she arrived in Florence. The darker side of the country was yet to make itself known to her but given she was so young at the time and so naïve I don’t think she was really ready to see it even if it had become visible.
Monica is trying to find records of paintings that Stella’s father Raymond had bought in Berlin before he died. Will Stella hold the key? To be honest there wasn’t a significant amount that happened in the first part of the novel. There was a lot of setting up with information that I didn’t think was adding much to the story and as for Stella her infatuation with Monica’s brother Marius just seemed a bit too far fetched and even more so when she accepts his proposal. I just couldn’t help thinking that she is far too young for any of this to happen but it’s only as the story progressed that I realised that in fact it was all really crucial and these little scenarios were forming a small part in the overall brilliant plot.
I really enjoyed how the story didn’t stay stuck in the same year, that in fact it moved forward through the war years. Part two sees a very different Stella to the girl we first encountered arriving at a young age in Italy. She is now living in Geneva in 1943 and marriage to Marius is not all she had envisaged in fact it is the total opposite. Marius was a brilliantly written character. To everyone else that is featured in the book he is charm personified and he is a supreme art dealer at the top of his game especially in Nazi Germany but behind closed doors Stella sees the real Marius and it’s not one you would like to have to live with. Yet for me this was the turning point in how I felt about the character of Stella. Yes, she was experiencing a horrific time but it made all her innocence and naivety disappear. I thought she really needed to grow up and admittedly the events making this happen were not nice but still they were the catalyst for change that started an even bigger series of events that had me rapidly turning the pages keen to discover what was awaiting me as everything in the later half was so well laid out. It was like Stella was jumping on stepping stones in order to solve the mystery that surrounded her and I was enjoying every moment journeying with her.
Stella was treated abhorrently but it gave her the impetuous to do something about her situation and she then showed such bravery and maturity and in fact treated people with such respect who really didn’t deserve it. The scenes set in Florence during the height of the war were real, raw and honest as the bombs rain down and Mussolini’s power begins to fade as Stella finds herself involved in something she never deemed possible. I have failed so far to mention American journalist Ted, a man Stella first meets at Villa Bruni where Monica lives. At first he just seemed to be a passing guest but as the story went deeper he stepped forward to play the most pivotal of roles under several guises.
I loved Ted, he was the complete opposite to Marius. He was wise, clever and always had his investigative head on. It was evident that there was a connection between himself and Stella but given her predicament, and one of her own making it has to be said, and also what happens to Ted in the later war years one wondered could either of them ever find happiness? Together I thought they made a great team as Ted’s inquisitive, investigative nature combined with Stella holding the key to unlock an even bigger story than what she at first comprehended the power between the pair would only grow greater. Although circumstances did their best to stop Stella seeking the truth and finding out did her father actually care for her at all or was he a man the total opposite to what she had always been led to believe?
Similar to how I felt about the first book that I read by Clara Benson, In Darkness Look for Stars, the first part of The Stolen Letter I found to be very slow. But don’t put this book down that easily, if you find the same problem, persist with it and you will be richly rewarded. The remainder of the book had a much better pace and it was like a completely different book from what I had initially been reading. The lead into the actual war beginning was too long. I understood it was to give some backstory to Stella and her situation and the main plot and clues were dropped or some little piece of information that seemed inconsequential at the time but everything really made sense and was more than surprising at the end. But for me the first part was just too drawn out with other bits of information that I wouldn’t deem strictly necessary.
In fact, in the beginning I found Stella to be totally naïve but when I thought about what else could have been only that way given her age and her worldly experiences up until that point. At times I couldn’t believe in her as a character as she was too young for what was unfolding but when she is older and war breaks out, we see a change in Stella. We see her suffer, yet grow and mature, and then I truly began to engage and become caught up in the story as the action kicked off and the web woven began to quickly unravel.
I’m really enjoying the writing of Clara Benson. She writes detailed books set during World War Two with a great mystery behind them. If we got straight into the action right from the first parts I know I would be enthralled from the get go. Despite this The Stolen Letter is another fantastic read from this author and one I would certainly recommend.
October 2, 2020
Set against the backdrop of WWII, we read about art and how valuable art pieces were affected by politics and the whim of politicians. Also how other characters were affected by all of that.
The details on the war and art were very interesting, but I didn’t feel any connection to any of the characters and did not feel the romance or the troubles.
Stella as the main character started really weak and clueless and a bit unlikable, although she grows as the book progresses, it didn’t make me like her much.
The first part was a bit too long and not a lot was happening that I lose interest in the book for a while.
I did appreciate the details throughout though.
This review is for a free copy courtesy of Bookouture and NetGalley.
The details on the war and art were very interesting, but I didn’t feel any connection to any of the characters and did not feel the romance or the troubles.
Stella as the main character started really weak and clueless and a bit unlikable, although she grows as the book progresses, it didn’t make me like her much.
The first part was a bit too long and not a lot was happening that I lose interest in the book for a while.
I did appreciate the details throughout though.
This review is for a free copy courtesy of Bookouture and NetGalley.
August 4, 2021
War, art, evil, and love
Well written story about the art world in Italy as WW2 unfolds. A look at the brutality of people and war and how love can conquer all.
Well written story about the art world in Italy as WW2 unfolds. A look at the brutality of people and war and how love can conquer all.
Read
August 18, 2021DNF
September 24, 2020
A very well written descriptive book that makes you experience the war from start to finish. I enjoyed the story but at times I wanted to reach in the book and shake Stella.
Historical fiction fans will want to check this one out. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
Historical fiction fans will want to check this one out. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
October 3, 2020
it’s 5.30 am and I have just finished reading the stolen letter and am in the wonderful stage of book hangover, where I wish there were more left to read and I have no inclination to move on to the next book and away from all the characters I have come to know and love in this one.
This is an extraordinary book, that slowly but surely pulls you in and devours you. The imagery is amazing, the story both enticing and heartbreaking, while being beautifully crafted.
I love story’s set in the war, and seeing people overcoming the most devastating circumstances, their spirit and determination never fails to amaze me and Stella is no exception, as we shadow her life, page by page watching her grow from a frighten, naive young girl to a strong and determined young woman.
Her story is heartbreaking and invigorating, and she meets a whole host of interesting and well developed characters along the way, from the evil and twisted Marius, who marries her, merely to torture and terrorize her, to Beatrice, sharp and distrusting, but ultimately kind and compassionate underneath.
Clara builds realistic, believable characters, perfectly flawed, as we all are and weaves a historical novel that has you convinced you have actually step back in time, and are witnessing the real happens of world war 2 in all us gruesome reality.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough and will definitely be looking for more books by this author in the future.
I receive this book in return for an honest review from NetGalley. As always I apologize for any errors in spelling or grammar and ask for your forgiveness. Due to my Crohn’s disease I often get terrible brain fog and forget how to spell the simplest of words as well as mixing up words and names and such. Unfortunately there isn’t a whole lot I can do about it, except as for your understanding.
This is an extraordinary book, that slowly but surely pulls you in and devours you. The imagery is amazing, the story both enticing and heartbreaking, while being beautifully crafted.
I love story’s set in the war, and seeing people overcoming the most devastating circumstances, their spirit and determination never fails to amaze me and Stella is no exception, as we shadow her life, page by page watching her grow from a frighten, naive young girl to a strong and determined young woman.
Her story is heartbreaking and invigorating, and she meets a whole host of interesting and well developed characters along the way, from the evil and twisted Marius, who marries her, merely to torture and terrorize her, to Beatrice, sharp and distrusting, but ultimately kind and compassionate underneath.
Clara builds realistic, believable characters, perfectly flawed, as we all are and weaves a historical novel that has you convinced you have actually step back in time, and are witnessing the real happens of world war 2 in all us gruesome reality.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough and will definitely be looking for more books by this author in the future.
I receive this book in return for an honest review from NetGalley. As always I apologize for any errors in spelling or grammar and ask for your forgiveness. Due to my Crohn’s disease I often get terrible brain fog and forget how to spell the simplest of words as well as mixing up words and names and such. Unfortunately there isn’t a whole lot I can do about it, except as for your understanding.
September 1, 2020
Love and War
I loved this book, the characters, the setting, and the time period. It was so good I didn't want to stop reading, I read way too late into the early morning.
The main character Stella is a young lady who just lost her father. She goes to Italy to live with her stepmother right at the beginning of WWII. This young lady will grow up much in the following years. I think that almost every emotion possible is found within these pages. Romance, Love, Fear, Anger, Sadness, Depression, Loneliness, Excitement, and Happiness. She will become a wife, go on the run, solve a mystery, join the resistance and find happiness. The story is about lost Paintings which are hidden and everyone wants to find them. It is also about a young girl growing up in a desperate time in history and learning about love, trust, friendship, compassion, and how to survive evil.
You will journey through some very beautiful places and the descriptions are wonderful to a destruction that is heartbreaking. Destruction of property and life. It is both happy and sad it is heartbreaking at times. At other times you will hold your breath in suspense. Keeps your interest all the way through the book.
I loved reading it and you will as well. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Clara Benson, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I loved this book, the characters, the setting, and the time period. It was so good I didn't want to stop reading, I read way too late into the early morning.
The main character Stella is a young lady who just lost her father. She goes to Italy to live with her stepmother right at the beginning of WWII. This young lady will grow up much in the following years. I think that almost every emotion possible is found within these pages. Romance, Love, Fear, Anger, Sadness, Depression, Loneliness, Excitement, and Happiness. She will become a wife, go on the run, solve a mystery, join the resistance and find happiness. The story is about lost Paintings which are hidden and everyone wants to find them. It is also about a young girl growing up in a desperate time in history and learning about love, trust, friendship, compassion, and how to survive evil.
You will journey through some very beautiful places and the descriptions are wonderful to a destruction that is heartbreaking. Destruction of property and life. It is both happy and sad it is heartbreaking at times. At other times you will hold your breath in suspense. Keeps your interest all the way through the book.
I loved reading it and you will as well. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Clara Benson, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review.
September 14, 2020
.ARC in exchange for homes review...
A beautiful Historical novel about WWII. The main action takes place in Florence, before, during and after the German occupation that resulted in Italy's exit from the war, in 1943.
Stella is a young English woman that, after his father's unexpected death, travels to Florence to meet with her stepmother, a much younger woman that has remarried a wealthy Count.
She will also meet his future husband and the little be of his life.
She also finds out about a family secret that will make her see her own father under a completely different light. Stella will grow up and learn about friendship, betrayal, violence and that, sometimes, desperate situations lead to unexpected decisions.
The novel is perfectly written and very well documented. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
A beautiful Historical novel about WWII. The main action takes place in Florence, before, during and after the German occupation that resulted in Italy's exit from the war, in 1943.
Stella is a young English woman that, after his father's unexpected death, travels to Florence to meet with her stepmother, a much younger woman that has remarried a wealthy Count.
She will also meet his future husband and the little be of his life.
She also finds out about a family secret that will make her see her own father under a completely different light. Stella will grow up and learn about friendship, betrayal, violence and that, sometimes, desperate situations lead to unexpected decisions.
The novel is perfectly written and very well documented. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
August 26, 2020
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: The Stolen Letter
The Stolen Letter
by Clara Benson
Pub Date: 24 Sep 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 26 Aug 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
New Author for me and I can highly recommend.
Having read quite a few similar books about the persecution of the Jewish families in Germany it's really quite heartbreaking this was a book that was well thought out and excellent plot with good strong characters to execute the storyline.
Would highly recommend to friends and family.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 24 Sep 2020, to post to these retailers.
Member Review
Cover Image: The Stolen Letter
The Stolen Letter
by Clara Benson
Pub Date: 24 Sep 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 26 Aug 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
New Author for me and I can highly recommend.
Having read quite a few similar books about the persecution of the Jewish families in Germany it's really quite heartbreaking this was a book that was well thought out and excellent plot with good strong characters to execute the storyline.
Would highly recommend to friends and family.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 24 Sep 2020, to post to these retailers.
October 27, 2022
I love reading historical fiction books that are set during WWII. I have become enamored with books in that genre that cover the resistance. I am awed by the bravery and selflessness so many young people demonstrated as they fought against the horrors Hitler’s regime perpetrated. The characters are well developed and the author does an amazing job of drawing you into the story so that you are invested. This book is touching and emotionally addictive. This is definitely one to put on your to-be-read list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoutre for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
November 5, 2021
A fair effort, but I wasn't impressed with the book. It got quite slow in places, and I found the occasional editing mistakes to be a problem.
January 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set against the backdrop of Italy and Switzerland on the eve of World War II, The Stolen Letter is a captivating historical fiction novel that weaves love, loss, hope, and resilience into a tapestry as vivid as the artwork it centers on.
The story introduces us to Stella, a young and naive orphan from London, who begins her journey in Florence alongside her former stepmother, Monica—a woman with unsettling ties to Mussolini. Over the course of the war, Stella’s transformation is remarkable. Watching her evolve and find her strength amidst chaos was both inspiring and deeply moving.
Ted, the confident and principled American journalist, emerges as a compelling counterpart to Stella. Dedicated to fighting for good, his presence in the story adds depth and urgency. Their meeting sparks immediate attraction, though Stella’s attention is diverted by Monica’s cunning brother, Marius, adding complexity to the relationships.
At the heart of the novel lies the high-stakes intrigue surrounding the buying, stealing, and hiding of priceless works of art—either for Hitler’s collection or to keep them out of his hands. This gripping storyline blends history with suspense, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lengths people went to in order to preserve cultural treasures during a time of upheaval.
A significant and compelling side story is the account of the Italian resistance and the eventual liberation of Italy by the Allies. The bravery of the Italian people rising up to oust Mussolini and drive the fascists out of power underscores the resilience of ordinary citizens in the face of tyranny. This thread of the narrative is a powerful reminder of the collective strength required to confront oppression and reclaim freedom, adding a rich layer of depth to the novel.
One of the most delightful aspects of reading this book was the vivid setting. Having visited Florence and Geneva myself, I could easily envision the landscapes, streets, and cultural landmarks described in the story. It was even more thrilling to recognize many of the paintings mentioned, which added a personal connection to the narrative.
⚠️ However, it’s important to note the book includes graphic depictions of spousal abuse that may be difficult for some readers. The inclusion of these scenes, while significant to the story, warrants a trigger warning for potential readers.
Overall, The Stolen Letter is a beautifully written and deeply engaging tale that transports you to a world of art, war, and human resilience. It’s a must-read for lovers of historical fiction and anyone drawn to stories of personal growth amid extraordinary circumstances.
🇮🇹🇨🇭🖼️🎨🚑✍🏼
Set against the backdrop of Italy and Switzerland on the eve of World War II, The Stolen Letter is a captivating historical fiction novel that weaves love, loss, hope, and resilience into a tapestry as vivid as the artwork it centers on.
The story introduces us to Stella, a young and naive orphan from London, who begins her journey in Florence alongside her former stepmother, Monica—a woman with unsettling ties to Mussolini. Over the course of the war, Stella’s transformation is remarkable. Watching her evolve and find her strength amidst chaos was both inspiring and deeply moving.
Ted, the confident and principled American journalist, emerges as a compelling counterpart to Stella. Dedicated to fighting for good, his presence in the story adds depth and urgency. Their meeting sparks immediate attraction, though Stella’s attention is diverted by Monica’s cunning brother, Marius, adding complexity to the relationships.
At the heart of the novel lies the high-stakes intrigue surrounding the buying, stealing, and hiding of priceless works of art—either for Hitler’s collection or to keep them out of his hands. This gripping storyline blends history with suspense, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lengths people went to in order to preserve cultural treasures during a time of upheaval.
A significant and compelling side story is the account of the Italian resistance and the eventual liberation of Italy by the Allies. The bravery of the Italian people rising up to oust Mussolini and drive the fascists out of power underscores the resilience of ordinary citizens in the face of tyranny. This thread of the narrative is a powerful reminder of the collective strength required to confront oppression and reclaim freedom, adding a rich layer of depth to the novel.
One of the most delightful aspects of reading this book was the vivid setting. Having visited Florence and Geneva myself, I could easily envision the landscapes, streets, and cultural landmarks described in the story. It was even more thrilling to recognize many of the paintings mentioned, which added a personal connection to the narrative.
⚠️ However, it’s important to note the book includes graphic depictions of spousal abuse that may be difficult for some readers. The inclusion of these scenes, while significant to the story, warrants a trigger warning for potential readers.
Overall, The Stolen Letter is a beautifully written and deeply engaging tale that transports you to a world of art, war, and human resilience. It’s a must-read for lovers of historical fiction and anyone drawn to stories of personal growth amid extraordinary circumstances.
🇮🇹🇨🇭🖼️🎨🚑✍🏼
September 27, 2020
I’ve been reading a lot of WW2 historical novels of late and The Stolen Letter, like The Wartime Nanny, is a coming of age story of a young girl. Stella is however, an English girl whose wartime experience takes place in Italy.
A lot of the story revolves around the clandestine movement pieces of art during the war, as the Germans sought to acquire masterpieces from all the places they laid siege too. Stella’s late father, her stepmother and her second husband, and Stella’s husband are all in some way or the other deeply involved in art. The story reveals how people were willing to curry favour with the Nazis the greed and sheer callousness that many people displayed.
The story starts with Stella being a naive young girl, heartbroken at the loss of her father and all at sea in Florence where she is visiting at the invitation of her stepmother. She shows sparks of spirit when she ventures into Florence on her own and later when she finds out and keeps hidden her father’s secret. However, her need for love and attention allows her to fall prey to and marry a man who abuses her and gains access to her money.
Stella is forced to grow up and she displays great courage and resilience through the German occupation of Italy and the devastation caused by the Italian Fascists.
Stella’s climb back to a real life, even if it is fraught with terrible pain and hardship, starts when she falls in love with the American journalist, Ted. How the war and other factors keep them apart and how they find their way back to each other is one thread of this story.
Another thread that runs through the story is Stella’s fears about her father being involved in the illegal buying of art and how she discovers the truth about her father.
The story has elements of romance, murder, deception, loss, forgiveness, friendship, courage and the triumph of good over evil. Overall, a riveting read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Bookouture, for the opportunity to read and review this book.
A lot of the story revolves around the clandestine movement pieces of art during the war, as the Germans sought to acquire masterpieces from all the places they laid siege too. Stella’s late father, her stepmother and her second husband, and Stella’s husband are all in some way or the other deeply involved in art. The story reveals how people were willing to curry favour with the Nazis the greed and sheer callousness that many people displayed.
The story starts with Stella being a naive young girl, heartbroken at the loss of her father and all at sea in Florence where she is visiting at the invitation of her stepmother. She shows sparks of spirit when she ventures into Florence on her own and later when she finds out and keeps hidden her father’s secret. However, her need for love and attention allows her to fall prey to and marry a man who abuses her and gains access to her money.
Stella is forced to grow up and she displays great courage and resilience through the German occupation of Italy and the devastation caused by the Italian Fascists.
Stella’s climb back to a real life, even if it is fraught with terrible pain and hardship, starts when she falls in love with the American journalist, Ted. How the war and other factors keep them apart and how they find their way back to each other is one thread of this story.
Another thread that runs through the story is Stella’s fears about her father being involved in the illegal buying of art and how she discovers the truth about her father.
The story has elements of romance, murder, deception, loss, forgiveness, friendship, courage and the triumph of good over evil. Overall, a riveting read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Bookouture, for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 21, 2020
I would like to give this book 4 stars because it was an interesting story about World War Ii centered in Italy. As such, it provided insights into the impact of the war in that setting and provided a different perspective on the trials the population faced during those seemingly unending years of war. The story centered on an elaborate villa in the outskirts of Florence where the wealthy count and countess lived the good life enabled largely by the labors of the good "common people" they employed. After the fall of Mussolini and the ensuing battles betwwwn the Nazis and the Allies, the roles are reversed , ahe the novel becomes more cohesive.
The war-centered narrative thread was realistic and gripping, featuring scenes of Nazi brutality, tense episodes of flight and pursuit, and the hardships endured in Florence resulting from Allied bombing. It is the principal narrative theme, however, involving the young British stepdaughter of the countess, her romantic involvements, her abusive, exploitave marriage, the multi- level entanglements with the complex world of fine art dealings that seem superficially imposed on the authentic historical narrative. It seemed to this reader a contrived story that does not do justice to the gripping story of the war told by the author.
These characters could have been drawn from real life but their lives and concerns seemed somehow divorced from the historical narrative--in sharp contrast to the substantive lives lived by the "commoners." Perhaps most readers will be satisfied by the romance, the danger and drama of the narrativs not to be sidetracked by the novel's essential disconnect. By and large then, these readers will probably have a four star reading experience.
READ ON AMAZON KINDLE
The war-centered narrative thread was realistic and gripping, featuring scenes of Nazi brutality, tense episodes of flight and pursuit, and the hardships endured in Florence resulting from Allied bombing. It is the principal narrative theme, however, involving the young British stepdaughter of the countess, her romantic involvements, her abusive, exploitave marriage, the multi- level entanglements with the complex world of fine art dealings that seem superficially imposed on the authentic historical narrative. It seemed to this reader a contrived story that does not do justice to the gripping story of the war told by the author.
These characters could have been drawn from real life but their lives and concerns seemed somehow divorced from the historical narrative--in sharp contrast to the substantive lives lived by the "commoners." Perhaps most readers will be satisfied by the romance, the danger and drama of the narrativs not to be sidetracked by the novel's essential disconnect. By and large then, these readers will probably have a four star reading experience.
READ ON AMAZON KINDLE
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2020
The Stolen Letter begins with Stella travelling to Italy to stay with her stepmother who has just remarried. It is 1938 and tensions are high in Europe. Stella's father was an art dealer at a time when the Nazis were stealing Jewish art. Stella's stepmother is hunting for missing paintings and hopes Stella can find them for her. But the danger of war becomes a reality before Stella can search...
The Italian location and historical era are well developed in the first part of the book. The descriptions are vivid so the situations are easy to imagine, however, the pace of the entire book is quite slow as we are introduced to the plot and characters then the changing world or war and relationships.
The plotline about the missing paintings becomes secondary as the war takes prominence. I felt a little disappointed by this as the prologue gave the impression of the book going in a certain direction but then the personal politics of love took over.
Stella is quite an innocent, still griefstricken by the death of her father. She needs to negotiate first love in the climate of impending war. I felt more in tune with her character after part one as we get more involved in her unhappy marital situation.
There are plenty of important themes addressed in this book including domestic violence, class differences, personal and global warfare. I found it interesting to read about the everyday war experiences of the Italians as this has been under-represented in other WW2 historical fiction.
The Stolen Letter was an enjoyable book to read and felt authentic (good research by the author, I think!)
The Italian location and historical era are well developed in the first part of the book. The descriptions are vivid so the situations are easy to imagine, however, the pace of the entire book is quite slow as we are introduced to the plot and characters then the changing world or war and relationships.
The plotline about the missing paintings becomes secondary as the war takes prominence. I felt a little disappointed by this as the prologue gave the impression of the book going in a certain direction but then the personal politics of love took over.
Stella is quite an innocent, still griefstricken by the death of her father. She needs to negotiate first love in the climate of impending war. I felt more in tune with her character after part one as we get more involved in her unhappy marital situation.
There are plenty of important themes addressed in this book including domestic violence, class differences, personal and global warfare. I found it interesting to read about the everyday war experiences of the Italians as this has been under-represented in other WW2 historical fiction.
The Stolen Letter was an enjoyable book to read and felt authentic (good research by the author, I think!)
September 6, 2020
Just as WWII is beginning, Stella travels to Florence after receiving a letter from her stepmother Monica who has invited her to stay at her villa. Stella is a young, naïve and highly impressionable girl who is quickly changed and influenced by Monica and her brother Marius. Then there is Ted, an American Journalist who Stella finds to be rude, arrogant and annoying. But at the same time she is excited by his wild and mischievous ways.
Unbeknownst to Stella, there are unspeakable tragedies just around the corner are which will threaten to tear apart her dreams and future. Leaving her to wonder, is it possible to fall in love when war tears everything apart?
This is the first time that I have read a historical fiction and a book written by Clara Benson and I was not disappointed.
The Stolen Letter is breathtaking and heartbreakingly beautiful…
Be prepared to go on a very emotional journey where your heart will be ripped out and patched up over and over again. The characters are captivating and relatable. The twists and turns throughout the story are truly unforgettable.
Please be aware that this story contains themes of war and domestic violence.
Clara Benson is an author that I would love to read over and over again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and this is my honest opinion
Unbeknownst to Stella, there are unspeakable tragedies just around the corner are which will threaten to tear apart her dreams and future. Leaving her to wonder, is it possible to fall in love when war tears everything apart?
This is the first time that I have read a historical fiction and a book written by Clara Benson and I was not disappointed.
The Stolen Letter is breathtaking and heartbreakingly beautiful…
Be prepared to go on a very emotional journey where your heart will be ripped out and patched up over and over again. The characters are captivating and relatable. The twists and turns throughout the story are truly unforgettable.
Please be aware that this story contains themes of war and domestic violence.
Clara Benson is an author that I would love to read over and over again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and this is my honest opinion
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