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Postcard #1
Die Villa an der Riviera
Romantische Sommerlektüre mit traumhaften Schauplätzen, liebenswerten Charakteren und ein paar Geheimnissen ... Für alle Leserinnen von Karen Swan und Mandy Baggot.
Ein Bündel alter Briefe führt Grace zu einem bewegenden Frauenschicksal in den 30er-Jahren.
Einen Schatz zu entdecken gehört zu den seltenen Glücksmomenten im Leben von Grace Quinn. Ihr Job bei einem kleinen Londoner Lagerhaus fördert nämlich immer wieder Interessantes zutage. Als Grace den Lagerraum einer langjährigen Kundin auflöst, macht sie ihren bislang aufregendsten Fund: wertvolle Abendroben, Schmuck, Kunstgegenstände, Tagebücher und Bündel mit alten Briefen. Grace beginnt, nach der Besitzerin zu suchen, und begibt sich auf eine Reise, die zurück in die 1930er-Jahre und bis nach Italien führt. Dabei kommt sie einer großen Liebe auf die Spur .
Ein Bündel alter Briefe führt Grace zu einem bewegenden Frauenschicksal in den 30er-Jahren.
Einen Schatz zu entdecken gehört zu den seltenen Glücksmomenten im Leben von Grace Quinn. Ihr Job bei einem kleinen Londoner Lagerhaus fördert nämlich immer wieder Interessantes zutage. Als Grace den Lagerraum einer langjährigen Kundin auflöst, macht sie ihren bislang aufregendsten Fund: wertvolle Abendroben, Schmuck, Kunstgegenstände, Tagebücher und Bündel mit alten Briefen. Grace beginnt, nach der Besitzerin zu suchen, und begibt sich auf eine Reise, die zurück in die 1930er-Jahre und bis nach Italien führt. Dabei kommt sie einer großen Liebe auf die Spur .
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2019
1783 people are currently reading
2199 people want to read
About the author
Alex Brown
26 books469 followersAlex Brown is an International No.1 bestselling author of fourteen books including A Postcard from Italy, the Carrington’s series, The Secret of Orchard Cottage, The Great Christmas Knit Off, The Wish, A Postcard from Paris and the Bridget’s Bicycle Bakery series. Her books are loved worldwide and have been translated into twenty languages.
Alex lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her family and two glossy black Labradors. When she isn’t writing, she can be found walking on the beach, binge-watching a boxset or enjoying a French martini cocktail. She loves chatting to her readers on social media @alexbrownbooks and you can sign up to her newsletter on her website www.alexbrownauthor.com to receive a free short story, The Beach Walk, and also be the first to hear about new books, free extracts and giveaways.
Alex lives by the sea on the south coast of England with her family and two glossy black Labradors. When she isn’t writing, she can be found walking on the beach, binge-watching a boxset or enjoying a French martini cocktail. She loves chatting to her readers on social media @alexbrownbooks and you can sign up to her newsletter on her website www.alexbrownauthor.com to receive a free short story, The Beach Walk, and also be the first to hear about new books, free extracts and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
October 26, 2022
The ideal getaway, A Postcard from Italy showcases the beauties of Italy.
The trials of the Second World War, modern London, love, loss, and amazing travels are all represented in this book.
The pacing was excellent, and the variety of characters and their issues, the gorgeous locations, and the intriguing plot lines all blended together so nicely. I never got the impression that I was reading two distinct tales that switched between the present and the past.
Grace was a unique character who had been crafted so masterfully. She was an individual attempting to break free from the stereotype that some others had fashioned for her as a result of their own unwillingness to stand up to the plate when necessary. By venturing outside of her comfort zone through her discoveries, this might enable her to take that first hesitant step. She only needed the bravery, motivation, and a little help.
The way the story developed was fascinating to me, and I thought the journal entries were a clever approach to give Connie a voice and tie the past to the present.
Italy appears in the book, as it was also referenced in the title, but more so in the second half. I'm pleased Italy wasn't a major plot point, but rather that it entered the story at the ideal moment as the pieces of the past started to fall into place.
What a great, expansive, and stunning book this is. It's the ideal thing to cuddle with in the dead of winter and escape to lovely, sunny Italy. It has a creative plot, endearing characters, and depth and wisdom in spades. You will become engrossed in the story very quickly, I can guarantee it.
The trials of the Second World War, modern London, love, loss, and amazing travels are all represented in this book.
The pacing was excellent, and the variety of characters and their issues, the gorgeous locations, and the intriguing plot lines all blended together so nicely. I never got the impression that I was reading two distinct tales that switched between the present and the past.
Grace was a unique character who had been crafted so masterfully. She was an individual attempting to break free from the stereotype that some others had fashioned for her as a result of their own unwillingness to stand up to the plate when necessary. By venturing outside of her comfort zone through her discoveries, this might enable her to take that first hesitant step. She only needed the bravery, motivation, and a little help.
The way the story developed was fascinating to me, and I thought the journal entries were a clever approach to give Connie a voice and tie the past to the present.
Italy appears in the book, as it was also referenced in the title, but more so in the second half. I'm pleased Italy wasn't a major plot point, but rather that it entered the story at the ideal moment as the pieces of the past started to fall into place.
What a great, expansive, and stunning book this is. It's the ideal thing to cuddle with in the dead of winter and escape to lovely, sunny Italy. It has a creative plot, endearing characters, and depth and wisdom in spades. You will become engrossed in the story very quickly, I can guarantee it.
July 2, 2019
Where do I start with this book my word it's fantastic so brilliantly well written and so much mystery and intriguing you are kept on the edge of your seats all the way through. Such a heartwarming read and about families and finding the owner of belongings which is a total mystery and plenty of romance to. Worth far more than five stars and simply fantastic.
Grace looks after her mum and also works a storage company and loves her job so much but her mum is so demanding she can quite often be late but she also has a boyfriend but he says she needs to live and not let her mum control her. While at work there is a storage unit that that has been abandoned and not paid for for a year so she goes in to try and find out more and finds plenty of valuable art collections but also a bundle of letters and diaries which go back years. She wants to find out who they belong to so delves deeper and finds when reading the letters a story of a young woman in love but losses her love and her child and then follows her heart to Italy with her new husband. Where she works know she has been trying to find more out about the owner and for her birthday give her a surprise by sending her out to Italy to see if she can find the owner or more about them and she's to go with their nephew but she's worried about her mother but the neighbour who is a carer looks after her. She embarks on her own voyage and she finds out where the owner lived and it over looks the beautiful Italian riviera and will she uncover more about the owner and will she find live of her own. When she heads back home she gets a surprise about her mother which means she can love more and have her own life and does she manage to find a relative to the valuables or not and can she settle down and be happy or not.
So many twist and turns you are kept on your seats till the end but amazingly well written didn't want it to end.
Grace looks after her mum and also works a storage company and loves her job so much but her mum is so demanding she can quite often be late but she also has a boyfriend but he says she needs to live and not let her mum control her. While at work there is a storage unit that that has been abandoned and not paid for for a year so she goes in to try and find out more and finds plenty of valuable art collections but also a bundle of letters and diaries which go back years. She wants to find out who they belong to so delves deeper and finds when reading the letters a story of a young woman in love but losses her love and her child and then follows her heart to Italy with her new husband. Where she works know she has been trying to find more out about the owner and for her birthday give her a surprise by sending her out to Italy to see if she can find the owner or more about them and she's to go with their nephew but she's worried about her mother but the neighbour who is a carer looks after her. She embarks on her own voyage and she finds out where the owner lived and it over looks the beautiful Italian riviera and will she uncover more about the owner and will she find live of her own. When she heads back home she gets a surprise about her mother which means she can love more and have her own life and does she manage to find a relative to the valuables or not and can she settle down and be happy or not.
So many twist and turns you are kept on your seats till the end but amazingly well written didn't want it to end.
December 22, 2019
Напоследък съм влюбена в паралела минало-настояще, често срещан в някои съвременни романи. Тази книга съдържаше точно този елемент и успя да ме спечели с описания и увлекателна история. "Пощенска картичка от Италия" разказва за Грейс Куин, работеща във фирма за складово съхранение на вещи, когато един ден попада на изоставените преди години вещи на Кони - момиче от миналото,чийто живот Грейс постепенно разкрива, благодарение на стари дневници. След като Грейс открива допирни точки между нея и Кони, тя решава да се впусне в загадката "Кони" заедно с племенникът на шефовете си като заминава за Италия - мястото, на което Кони е прекарала по-голямата част от младостта си. А там, двамата откриват, че Кони е живяла живот, който се оказва доста по-драматичен, отколкото са очаквали.
Давам 3 звезди на книгата, единствено, защото не смятам, че беше нещо изключително за жанра си. Надявах се и на повече детайли за Кони и животът й в миналото. Вместо това книгата бе насочила вниманието си върху Грейс и нейното настояще. И въпреки това, смятам, че "Пощенска картичка от Италия" ще се хареса на почитателите на романтиката, както и вероятно на влюбените в Италия – в книгата има някои наистина очарователни описания на Италия, които пренасят там.
Давам 3 звезди на книгата, единствено, защото не смятам, че беше нещо изключително за жанра си. Надявах се и на повече детайли за Кони и животът й в миналото. Вместо това книгата бе насочила вниманието си върху Грейс и нейното настояще. И въпреки това, смятам, че "Пощенска картичка от Италия" ще се хареса на почитателите на романтиката, както и вероятно на влюбените в Италия – в книгата има някои наистина очарователни описания на Италия, които пренасят там.
January 30, 2024
גרייס, שמתמודדת עם חרדה ודיכאון שהתפרצו אצלה לאחר שתפסה את ארוסה בבגידה וחייה התפוררו, חיה עם אימא שלה שמרותקת למיטתה והיא המטפלת היחידה שלה, מכיוון שאחיה ואחיותיה מתחמקים מתרומה למאמץ. קורה, אימא של גרייס, ממררת את חייה. גרייס בקושי ישנה ואין לה זמן לדברים אחרים חוץ מלעבודה ולטיפול באימא שלה.
גרייס עובדת בעסק לאחסון חפצים. התשלומים על אחת ממכולות האחסון, השייכת לאישה בשם קוני די דונאטו, לא התקבלו מזה שנתיים, ולכן לארי, בעל העסק, מחליט לפתוח את המכולה ולראות מה יש בה, והאם ניתן למכור את הדברים בשביל לכסות את דמי האחסון. במכולה מתגלה אוצר - רהיטים יוקרתיים, תכשיטים, ציורים יקרי ערך, וכן יומנים ופתקים של קוני. גרייס יוצאת למסע חקירה כדי לגלות מה עלה בגורלה של קוני והאם יש לה יורשים או יורשות. תוך כדי שהיא חוקרת וחושפת את ההיסטוריה של קוני ומה שקרה לה, גרייס מנסה לצמוח בחייה ולהתגבר על הקשיים האישיים שלה.
ספר מקסים שממש אהבתי. גרייס מאוד מעוררת חמלה והזדהות. הכתיבה טובה וזה עשה לי חשק לקרוא את שאר הספרים של הסופרת.
גרייס עובדת בעסק לאחסון חפצים. התשלומים על אחת ממכולות האחסון, השייכת לאישה בשם קוני די דונאטו, לא התקבלו מזה שנתיים, ולכן לארי, בעל העסק, מחליט לפתוח את המכולה ולראות מה יש בה, והאם ניתן למכור את הדברים בשביל לכסות את דמי האחסון. במכולה מתגלה אוצר - רהיטים יוקרתיים, תכשיטים, ציורים יקרי ערך, וכן יומנים ופתקים של קוני. גרייס יוצאת למסע חקירה כדי לגלות מה עלה בגורלה של קוני והאם יש לה יורשים או יורשות. תוך כדי שהיא חוקרת וחושפת את ההיסטוריה של קוני ומה שקרה לה, גרייס מנסה לצמוח בחייה ולהתגבר על הקשיים האישיים שלה.
ספר מקסים שממש אהבתי. גרייס מאוד מעוררת חמלה והזדהות. הכתיבה טובה וזה עשה לי חשק לקרוא את שאר הספרים של הסופרת.
February 3, 2024
לסקירה מפורטת בעברית, קישור לבלוג שלי -
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/גלוי...
https://sivi-the-avid-reader.com/גלוי...
July 15, 2019
This was such a wonderful book to read that I found I couldn’t stop reading it and so I finished it very quickly.
Another new author to add to my ever growing list.
If you want a warm, comforting read I urge you to read this book. My thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book.
Another new author to add to my ever growing list.
If you want a warm, comforting read I urge you to read this book. My thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book.
October 17, 2023
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book. It amused me how specific some of the writing was, for example when it is specified that Grace drank from a water bottle that she was holding in her hand (without this I obviously would’ve thought she was holding it with her feet). The dialogue was also incredibly cheesy, with Grace gasping at something nearly once a page. The story moves at a snails pace for the majority of the book, with the ending coming quicker than a sudden car crash on the M25. I found the descriptions of Italy and Italians to be so outrageously stereotypical but I must thank the author for the laughs I shared with my family when I read out the flamboyant description of Venice airport.
August 29, 2019
Sweet, maybe a bit too cloyingly sweet for my taste. Think I’ve read one of the cupcake books before. Bit of a mystery to it too which made it more intriguing. Ending with a bread recipe? Finding that a bit strange, although Patricia Cornwall practically gives recipes for Italian food in the middle of a post mortem, so Alex Brown not the first. Easy to read. Also a bit unconvinced by how easily life’s problems can be brushed away. And what a doormat Grace was. Nice inscription to carers everywhere. Off to make some bread!
June 8, 2019
Where on earth do I start in telling you about this marvellous book?
Would it be with the mystery element, of just why such valuable things had been left in a storage locker, and is there anyone to return them to?
The mystery of what happened to Constance in her life, as told from snippets of diaries in the WW2 and post WW2 years? Despite my general dislike of history I was captivated by these sections and very glad I had hadn't walked away from the prologue set in 1939, even with its brief mention of Tindledale, and had faith that Alex Brown would deliver a book that I would enjoy.
Should we start with Grace? The girl who uncovers not only the storage locker but delves deeper into it all with the help of her employees and their nephew.
Or the more personal side of Grace? The way she cares for her housebound mother, who I don't think it's ever too clear precisely what is wrong with her. In fact for me this is the thread that I unfortunately identified with the most. Although I'm not a carer, my mum is disable and I fear she has some of the tendncies that Cora, Grace's mum shows. Not just with regard to her mobility, but both mine and Grace's mums are complete and utter control freaks.
So much of what Grace was saying to people I found myself nodding in recognition and some explanations that were made about the behaviour, were cutting so close to the bone, I could have ended up in tears... but thankfully I was reading in a restaurant . Funnily enough though mum is a huge fan of Alex Brown too, and I bet when she reads this she won't see a single similarity with herself, but perhaps the controlling aspects of her own parents... but doubt it will have any affect on her alas.
Or do I start by telling you about how the adventure kicks up a gear once Italy is involved, and just how amazing the week Grace and Ellis spend is there. Full of tasty food, some amateur detecting and the spark of something perhaps a bit more than Grace realises.
But no where I should start is with telling you simply that this is a gem of a book, its writing is utterly captivating, its very easy to read, and its just a triumph of a book. It has you thinking, I was completely amazed by the epilogue which words shouldn't describe as it would give away all the secrets. This is romance, mystery and women's fiction wrapped up in a wonderful dollop of goodness... and there is even a brief cameo of Tindledale, in the past, home of some of the authors previous books.
Or in short.. this is completely wonderful, whether you are new to the author or a fan, it is completely and utterly worth reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Would it be with the mystery element, of just why such valuable things had been left in a storage locker, and is there anyone to return them to?
The mystery of what happened to Constance in her life, as told from snippets of diaries in the WW2 and post WW2 years? Despite my general dislike of history I was captivated by these sections and very glad I had hadn't walked away from the prologue set in 1939, even with its brief mention of Tindledale, and had faith that Alex Brown would deliver a book that I would enjoy.
Should we start with Grace? The girl who uncovers not only the storage locker but delves deeper into it all with the help of her employees and their nephew.
Or the more personal side of Grace? The way she cares for her housebound mother, who I don't think it's ever too clear precisely what is wrong with her. In fact for me this is the thread that I unfortunately identified with the most. Although I'm not a carer, my mum is disable and I fear she has some of the tendncies that Cora, Grace's mum shows. Not just with regard to her mobility, but both mine and Grace's mums are complete and utter control freaks.
So much of what Grace was saying to people I found myself nodding in recognition and some explanations that were made about the behaviour, were cutting so close to the bone, I could have ended up in tears... but thankfully I was reading in a restaurant . Funnily enough though mum is a huge fan of Alex Brown too, and I bet when she reads this she won't see a single similarity with herself, but perhaps the controlling aspects of her own parents... but doubt it will have any affect on her alas.
Or do I start by telling you about how the adventure kicks up a gear once Italy is involved, and just how amazing the week Grace and Ellis spend is there. Full of tasty food, some amateur detecting and the spark of something perhaps a bit more than Grace realises.
But no where I should start is with telling you simply that this is a gem of a book, its writing is utterly captivating, its very easy to read, and its just a triumph of a book. It has you thinking, I was completely amazed by the epilogue which words shouldn't describe as it would give away all the secrets. This is romance, mystery and women's fiction wrapped up in a wonderful dollop of goodness... and there is even a brief cameo of Tindledale, in the past, home of some of the authors previous books.
Or in short.. this is completely wonderful, whether you are new to the author or a fan, it is completely and utterly worth reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 10, 2019
For a long time now The Great Christmas Knit Off has been my ultimate favourite book by Alex Brown, I'm still sitting here years later wishing Tindledale was real but sadly that is not the case. But now along comes A Postcard from Italy and boy is it up there trying to nudge said book off its perch as my favourite. If asked to choose I don't think I could pick between the two but without doubt this new book is the best thing Alex has written in quite some time and I absolutely adored it. I spent an afternoon completely and utterly lost in its fabulousness as it hit every nail on the head and more. The idea of going back and forth between the past and present is my favourite kind of read and let's face it it has been done so many times in books but here Alex renewed my faith in the genre after having recently read some not so good books in this category.
It's an excellent read that takes you on an exhilarating journey and you barely look up from the page once you have begun so caught up do you become in the wonderfully crafted story unfolding before you. The pace was superb and the mix of characters and their varied problems, the stunning settings and the intriguing plot-lines all worked so well together. It never felt that I was reading two separate storylines that flitted between the modern day and times gone by instead the connections that become apparent all fuse together to make an outstanding story and one that I was gutted that I read too quickly and that I had to leave such an utter triumph of a book behind as the characters and storyline will long live on in my mind.
I loved at the very beginning how there was a brief connection to Tindledale which I think showed that that very special village has not been forgotten and it holds a special place in Alex's heart just as it does with so many readers. It was a clever way of showing us how one of the main female characters Connie came to be in a situation, the outcome of which was forced upon her, and very much went against her wishes. It set the tone for Connie's storyline and as the story progressed it helped the reader to formulate what exactly had gone on in the subsequent years after we are first introduced to Connie. But it's Grace Quinn who really sets the wheels in motion to uncover Connie's story and I relished every minute of her journey.
Grace was a stand out character so brilliantly written. Every emotion and opinion she had was captured to perfection and I think many readers will identify with her situation and what she was experiencing. I know I saw a small bit of myself in Grace. She was a person trying to break out of the mould some people had created for her because they themselves were unwilling to step up to the plate when necessity wanted them to do. I didn't feel she was weak at all but rather she was loyal and would have felt guilty if she had stood up for herself. She just needed the courage, motivation and a little guidance to take that first faltering step and by stepping outside of her comfort zone through her discovery this would perhaps allow her to do so.
Grace works in Cohen's Convenient Storage Company, it suits her as she can pop back home during lunch breaks to look after her bed bound mother Cora. Grace leads a sheltered and structured life as events in the past led to depression and agoraphobia but she is taking tentative steps to overcome this but still counting the steps to the bus stop is something that must be done every day. Larry and Betty who run the storage company are like surrogate parents to Grace and she feels sheltered and protected in her job and it also gives her a chance to escape the never ending demands of her mother. Cora was an old bag of a character restricted to her bed and using her ill health as a weapon against Grace. She was controlling and manipulative and I didn't always believe she had the best of intentions,surely someone couldn't be that cruel to their own flesh and blood.
Cora ordered her about and made Grace feel as tiny as possible, that she could never do anything right and that really she should be grateful that she was giving Grace a roof over her head and as she had cared for her and brought her up now was the time for Grace to return the favour so to speak. Cora was wearing away at the little self belief and confidence Grace had left following a traumatic event and her siblings really should have stepped up to the plate and helped her out. They shouldn't have allowed Cora dictate whether she moved to a nursing home or not or whether a carer could be brought in to relieve Grace and allow her some freedom and some time for herself. The daily taunts and jibes issued by Cora would have made me want to slap her but I think Grace always had at the back of her mind this is my mother I can't abandon her even though I know I myself would very much would have liked to run out the door if faced with Cora.
So when Grace is tasked with clearing out a storage unit that seems to have been forgotten about, despite repeated attempts to contact the owner, little does she realise that when she unlocks the door a treasure trove of antiques, jewellery, clothing, a diary and a postcard await her and with them a fascinating story. One in which Grace becomes determined to discover just why Constance di Donato left such valuable treasure and memories locked away and seemingly forgotten about in a unit in London. As Grace feels trapped and so deeply stuck in a rut, and she has allowed her grief and anxiety to take over her, she feels the task of piecing together Connie's life and seeking the answers as to whether she is still alive or not will give her the inspiration and strength to break free from the situation that is making her life smaller and smaller.
This quest Grace sets upon makes her come alive and she embarks upon implementing some changes to her home life, whether Cora likes them or not is another matter but I thought bravo Grace you are finally allowing the wool to be pulled from your eyes. That you can't exist long term in the manner in which you have done for quite some time. Through reading the diary entries of Connie, Grace becomes impassioned and is steadfast in her determination in uncovering just what led to Connie going from a life of glamour and luxury to one of obscurity. With Ellis from an important New York auction house who is also the nephew of Larry and Betty by her side at whatever cost Grace will unravel the mystery of the forgotten items in storage unit number 28.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the mystery unfolded and I thought the diary entries were a skilful way of giving Connie a voice and connecting and intertwining the past to the present. Sometimes I can get fed up of diary entries and would rather read chapters from the characters viewpoint but here it didn't matter in the slightest to me. I thought they gave great insight into Connie and they enabled Grace to piece Connie's life story together little by little. I think Grace identified with her as they shared similarities and in a way I wondered did Grace not want the same to happen in her life. Grace has so many constraints in her life and the woman inside her has been sad for too long. Life is too short for regrets and by establishing the truth of Connie and the storage box I think Grace was hoping it would allow her to move on in her life, to gain clarity of thought and to stand up for herself because if Connie had been able to do that then maybe her fortunes would have turned out very differently.
As Italy was mentioned in the title, initially I thought oh this will be another summer holiday romance book but I was delighted to have been proven very much wrong. Italy does feature but more so in the later half of the book and I'm glad it wasn't a dominant strand to the story but more so that it stepped in at just the most perfect time as the strands of the past begin to unravel and Grace and Ellis attempt to weave them into some sort of sense in the hopes of discovering the answers to so many questions which both they and the reader have. I loved the scenes set in Italy they brought added flavour and dimension to the story and I felt as if I was there with Grace and Ellis walking alongside them as they become even more deeply engrossed in deciphering just what happened to Connie. Undoubtedly Grace feels a connection to Connie they are many similarities but also differences between them but will Grace be relieved or upset by what she discovers? Will she remain forever beholden to her mother? You'll have to read this stunning read to discover the answers.
I have not one ounce of hesitation in recommending A Postcard from Italy as your summer read for this year or really to read it at any time of the year. I loved every bit of it from start to finish and you don't notice time slipping you by as you became equally engrossed and engaged with both Grace and Connie's stories. One is not stronger than the other as can happen with books of this nature and that is the mark of an author who has loved writing a story and who has given equally weight to both characters stories. It captured my imagination right from the very beginning and I was easily and readily taken in by the fascinating story that was unfolding. The characters are memorable and walk off the page to meet you and I gladly embraced them as the story they were telling was captivating, honest, emotional and heartfelt. I wish it could have gone on for much longer but all good things must come to an end. Alex Brown has written a book that is undoubtedly one for the keeper shelf. Let's hope there is much more like this to come from Alex in her future books.
It's an excellent read that takes you on an exhilarating journey and you barely look up from the page once you have begun so caught up do you become in the wonderfully crafted story unfolding before you. The pace was superb and the mix of characters and their varied problems, the stunning settings and the intriguing plot-lines all worked so well together. It never felt that I was reading two separate storylines that flitted between the modern day and times gone by instead the connections that become apparent all fuse together to make an outstanding story and one that I was gutted that I read too quickly and that I had to leave such an utter triumph of a book behind as the characters and storyline will long live on in my mind.
I loved at the very beginning how there was a brief connection to Tindledale which I think showed that that very special village has not been forgotten and it holds a special place in Alex's heart just as it does with so many readers. It was a clever way of showing us how one of the main female characters Connie came to be in a situation, the outcome of which was forced upon her, and very much went against her wishes. It set the tone for Connie's storyline and as the story progressed it helped the reader to formulate what exactly had gone on in the subsequent years after we are first introduced to Connie. But it's Grace Quinn who really sets the wheels in motion to uncover Connie's story and I relished every minute of her journey.
Grace was a stand out character so brilliantly written. Every emotion and opinion she had was captured to perfection and I think many readers will identify with her situation and what she was experiencing. I know I saw a small bit of myself in Grace. She was a person trying to break out of the mould some people had created for her because they themselves were unwilling to step up to the plate when necessity wanted them to do. I didn't feel she was weak at all but rather she was loyal and would have felt guilty if she had stood up for herself. She just needed the courage, motivation and a little guidance to take that first faltering step and by stepping outside of her comfort zone through her discovery this would perhaps allow her to do so.
Grace works in Cohen's Convenient Storage Company, it suits her as she can pop back home during lunch breaks to look after her bed bound mother Cora. Grace leads a sheltered and structured life as events in the past led to depression and agoraphobia but she is taking tentative steps to overcome this but still counting the steps to the bus stop is something that must be done every day. Larry and Betty who run the storage company are like surrogate parents to Grace and she feels sheltered and protected in her job and it also gives her a chance to escape the never ending demands of her mother. Cora was an old bag of a character restricted to her bed and using her ill health as a weapon against Grace. She was controlling and manipulative and I didn't always believe she had the best of intentions,surely someone couldn't be that cruel to their own flesh and blood.
Cora ordered her about and made Grace feel as tiny as possible, that she could never do anything right and that really she should be grateful that she was giving Grace a roof over her head and as she had cared for her and brought her up now was the time for Grace to return the favour so to speak. Cora was wearing away at the little self belief and confidence Grace had left following a traumatic event and her siblings really should have stepped up to the plate and helped her out. They shouldn't have allowed Cora dictate whether she moved to a nursing home or not or whether a carer could be brought in to relieve Grace and allow her some freedom and some time for herself. The daily taunts and jibes issued by Cora would have made me want to slap her but I think Grace always had at the back of her mind this is my mother I can't abandon her even though I know I myself would very much would have liked to run out the door if faced with Cora.
So when Grace is tasked with clearing out a storage unit that seems to have been forgotten about, despite repeated attempts to contact the owner, little does she realise that when she unlocks the door a treasure trove of antiques, jewellery, clothing, a diary and a postcard await her and with them a fascinating story. One in which Grace becomes determined to discover just why Constance di Donato left such valuable treasure and memories locked away and seemingly forgotten about in a unit in London. As Grace feels trapped and so deeply stuck in a rut, and she has allowed her grief and anxiety to take over her, she feels the task of piecing together Connie's life and seeking the answers as to whether she is still alive or not will give her the inspiration and strength to break free from the situation that is making her life smaller and smaller.
This quest Grace sets upon makes her come alive and she embarks upon implementing some changes to her home life, whether Cora likes them or not is another matter but I thought bravo Grace you are finally allowing the wool to be pulled from your eyes. That you can't exist long term in the manner in which you have done for quite some time. Through reading the diary entries of Connie, Grace becomes impassioned and is steadfast in her determination in uncovering just what led to Connie going from a life of glamour and luxury to one of obscurity. With Ellis from an important New York auction house who is also the nephew of Larry and Betty by her side at whatever cost Grace will unravel the mystery of the forgotten items in storage unit number 28.
I thoroughly enjoyed how the mystery unfolded and I thought the diary entries were a skilful way of giving Connie a voice and connecting and intertwining the past to the present. Sometimes I can get fed up of diary entries and would rather read chapters from the characters viewpoint but here it didn't matter in the slightest to me. I thought they gave great insight into Connie and they enabled Grace to piece Connie's life story together little by little. I think Grace identified with her as they shared similarities and in a way I wondered did Grace not want the same to happen in her life. Grace has so many constraints in her life and the woman inside her has been sad for too long. Life is too short for regrets and by establishing the truth of Connie and the storage box I think Grace was hoping it would allow her to move on in her life, to gain clarity of thought and to stand up for herself because if Connie had been able to do that then maybe her fortunes would have turned out very differently.
As Italy was mentioned in the title, initially I thought oh this will be another summer holiday romance book but I was delighted to have been proven very much wrong. Italy does feature but more so in the later half of the book and I'm glad it wasn't a dominant strand to the story but more so that it stepped in at just the most perfect time as the strands of the past begin to unravel and Grace and Ellis attempt to weave them into some sort of sense in the hopes of discovering the answers to so many questions which both they and the reader have. I loved the scenes set in Italy they brought added flavour and dimension to the story and I felt as if I was there with Grace and Ellis walking alongside them as they become even more deeply engrossed in deciphering just what happened to Connie. Undoubtedly Grace feels a connection to Connie they are many similarities but also differences between them but will Grace be relieved or upset by what she discovers? Will she remain forever beholden to her mother? You'll have to read this stunning read to discover the answers.
I have not one ounce of hesitation in recommending A Postcard from Italy as your summer read for this year or really to read it at any time of the year. I loved every bit of it from start to finish and you don't notice time slipping you by as you became equally engrossed and engaged with both Grace and Connie's stories. One is not stronger than the other as can happen with books of this nature and that is the mark of an author who has loved writing a story and who has given equally weight to both characters stories. It captured my imagination right from the very beginning and I was easily and readily taken in by the fascinating story that was unfolding. The characters are memorable and walk off the page to meet you and I gladly embraced them as the story they were telling was captivating, honest, emotional and heartfelt. I wish it could have gone on for much longer but all good things must come to an end. Alex Brown has written a book that is undoubtedly one for the keeper shelf. Let's hope there is much more like this to come from Alex in her future books.
July 4, 2020
A fast paced, easy to read love story, with well developed characters and heart warming descriptions of the Italian Riviera.
I wanted something to abate my hangover from travelling through Italy at the end of 2019. I am not usually one for romance novels as such, but I will admit the cover and the title grabbed my attention and were enough to peak my interest in this book. I am glad I went with my gut.
Some of my favourite things about this book, without being too spoiler-y were:
*The relationship between Grace (the protagonist) and her close, childhood friend Jamie is adorable and really lovely to read. There is a scene in the book where the two of them are talking on the phone and the back and forth banter felt real and worked well.
* I can relate HARD to the total disregard Grace's siblings have towards the care of their mother - families suck - reading about family dynamics is something I am learning I quite enjoy.
*Thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of Italy, the scenery, the food, the atmosphere. The particular passages were just long enough to paint a picture, and enable me to reminisce on certain feelings towards the country, but not too long as to add unnecessary bulk and words to the overall reading experience.
*Everything was tied up just nicely towards the end through the last 70 pages are so - nothing felt rushed and the story and the characters roles within that were explained succinctly and to good effect.
I would be interested to read more from this author at some point.
I wanted something to abate my hangover from travelling through Italy at the end of 2019. I am not usually one for romance novels as such, but I will admit the cover and the title grabbed my attention and were enough to peak my interest in this book. I am glad I went with my gut.
Some of my favourite things about this book, without being too spoiler-y were:
*The relationship between Grace (the protagonist) and her close, childhood friend Jamie is adorable and really lovely to read. There is a scene in the book where the two of them are talking on the phone and the back and forth banter felt real and worked well.
* I can relate HARD to the total disregard Grace's siblings have towards the care of their mother - families suck - reading about family dynamics is something I am learning I quite enjoy.
*Thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of Italy, the scenery, the food, the atmosphere. The particular passages were just long enough to paint a picture, and enable me to reminisce on certain feelings towards the country, but not too long as to add unnecessary bulk and words to the overall reading experience.
*Everything was tied up just nicely towards the end through the last 70 pages are so - nothing felt rushed and the story and the characters roles within that were explained succinctly and to good effect.
I would be interested to read more from this author at some point.
December 29, 2019
Stilted dialogue, clichés everywhere and the sickly, sugary stench of tween truelove fairy tale, set in Italy. I need to wash this book off me. It might be the first book since the fifty shades debacle to leave me cheering for book burning.
July 18, 2020
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Per Grace Quinn il lavoro presso la Convenient Storage Company è tutto. La sua, infatti, non è una vita semplice soprattutto da quando è stata costretta ad occuparsi della madre allettata. Recarsi presso la compagnia di deposito significa concedersi delle ore durante le quali può immergersi in altro, senza essere continuamente chiamata dalla madre, oltre che occasione di socialità. Una mattina, proprio a lavoro, fa una scoperta destinata a cambiarle la vita. Mentre rovista nell’unità 28 (uno dei box di deposito) scova un fascio di lettere scritte negli anni ’30 da una donna, Costance di Donato, verso la quale sente un’immediata attrazione. Possibile che la donna sia morta e che non ci sia più alcun erede? Grace decide di scoprirne di più e di mettersi sulle sue tracce che la porteranno a uscire dai propri limiti e a partire alla volta della Liguria.
“Davanti a lei si stagliava una bellissima grotta di Aladino, piena di ricercati oggetti vintage con un morbido ed elegante tappetino rosa a pelo lungo impolverato.”
Ci sono incontri in grado di sconvolgere le esistenze. Questi possono essere fisici, virtuali oppure, come avviene in queste pagine, sensoriali. Tra Grace e Costance il punto di contatto è puramente astratto, certo, eppure è in grado di sconvolgere tanto quanto uno “reale”.
Grace è una donna dalla psicologia assai fragile. Ha dovuto abbandonare il sogno di diventare una ballerina assieme al suo Matthew ed è stata travolta dal vortice della depressione dalla quale non si è ancora del tutto ripresa. A rendere più difficile la sua esistenza sono le condizioni precarie della madre che la costringono a una triste solitudine, completamente abbandonata dai fratelli, tutti troppo presi dai propri impegni per badare all’anziana. Per Grace il lavoro rappresenta un rifugio, un porto sicuro dove può trovare sempre un sorriso o una parola gentile.
Anche Costance ha avuto una vita difficile. Ha dovuto vivere il dramma della perdita, il dolore della guerra e della separazione da ciò che aveva di più caro. La sua è stata una solitudine che l’ha tediata fino alla fine anche quando una seconda occasione di riscatto era riuscita a riceverla.
Grace vede in Costance lo stimolo giusto per ripartire, per non abbandonarsi a se stessa, per superare le proprie paure che la bloccano nella normale routine quotidiana, cercando uno spiraglio di speranza. Partire per l’Italia lasciando momentaneamente a casa i problemi è per lei possibilità di regalarsi un momento per se stessa, vivendo come una donna “normale”, assaporando il gusto di avere accanto qualcuno con cui confrontarsi e non solo l’ombra di se stessa.
Lo stile dell’autrice è semplice e scorrevole. Le vicende sono narrate con scioltezza e in maniera armoniosa alternando presente e passato così da coinvolgere il lettore facendogli avvertire tutti gli stati d’animo dei personaggi.
Un romanzo ricco di sentimenti e a tratti commuovente. Una lettura che, sicuramente, non lascia indifferenti.
Per Grace Quinn il lavoro presso la Convenient Storage Company è tutto. La sua, infatti, non è una vita semplice soprattutto da quando è stata costretta ad occuparsi della madre allettata. Recarsi presso la compagnia di deposito significa concedersi delle ore durante le quali può immergersi in altro, senza essere continuamente chiamata dalla madre, oltre che occasione di socialità. Una mattina, proprio a lavoro, fa una scoperta destinata a cambiarle la vita. Mentre rovista nell’unità 28 (uno dei box di deposito) scova un fascio di lettere scritte negli anni ’30 da una donna, Costance di Donato, verso la quale sente un’immediata attrazione. Possibile che la donna sia morta e che non ci sia più alcun erede? Grace decide di scoprirne di più e di mettersi sulle sue tracce che la porteranno a uscire dai propri limiti e a partire alla volta della Liguria.
“Davanti a lei si stagliava una bellissima grotta di Aladino, piena di ricercati oggetti vintage con un morbido ed elegante tappetino rosa a pelo lungo impolverato.”
Ci sono incontri in grado di sconvolgere le esistenze. Questi possono essere fisici, virtuali oppure, come avviene in queste pagine, sensoriali. Tra Grace e Costance il punto di contatto è puramente astratto, certo, eppure è in grado di sconvolgere tanto quanto uno “reale”.
Grace è una donna dalla psicologia assai fragile. Ha dovuto abbandonare il sogno di diventare una ballerina assieme al suo Matthew ed è stata travolta dal vortice della depressione dalla quale non si è ancora del tutto ripresa. A rendere più difficile la sua esistenza sono le condizioni precarie della madre che la costringono a una triste solitudine, completamente abbandonata dai fratelli, tutti troppo presi dai propri impegni per badare all’anziana. Per Grace il lavoro rappresenta un rifugio, un porto sicuro dove può trovare sempre un sorriso o una parola gentile.
Anche Costance ha avuto una vita difficile. Ha dovuto vivere il dramma della perdita, il dolore della guerra e della separazione da ciò che aveva di più caro. La sua è stata una solitudine che l’ha tediata fino alla fine anche quando una seconda occasione di riscatto era riuscita a riceverla.
Grace vede in Costance lo stimolo giusto per ripartire, per non abbandonarsi a se stessa, per superare le proprie paure che la bloccano nella normale routine quotidiana, cercando uno spiraglio di speranza. Partire per l’Italia lasciando momentaneamente a casa i problemi è per lei possibilità di regalarsi un momento per se stessa, vivendo come una donna “normale”, assaporando il gusto di avere accanto qualcuno con cui confrontarsi e non solo l’ombra di se stessa.
Lo stile dell’autrice è semplice e scorrevole. Le vicende sono narrate con scioltezza e in maniera armoniosa alternando presente e passato così da coinvolgere il lettore facendogli avvertire tutti gli stati d’animo dei personaggi.
Un romanzo ricco di sentimenti e a tratti commuovente. Una lettura che, sicuramente, non lascia indifferenti.
April 28, 2021
Another great book from Alex Brown.
Grace works for a storage company in London. She often finds little treasures in the units that customers have abandoned. She’s given the keys to unit 28 by her boss, Larry, who asks her to catalogue everything that’s in it. In this unit she finds a valuable art collection, beautiful jewels, letters and diaries that date back to the 1930’s.
Grace discovers the story of Connie who follows her heart to Italy at the end of WW2. The contents take Grace to Italy. To a powdery pink villa in Portofino where she tries to find out more about Connie.
A wonderful story covering several decades of family secrets and betrayal and a mother’s love for her child.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
Grace works for a storage company in London. She often finds little treasures in the units that customers have abandoned. She’s given the keys to unit 28 by her boss, Larry, who asks her to catalogue everything that’s in it. In this unit she finds a valuable art collection, beautiful jewels, letters and diaries that date back to the 1930’s.
Grace discovers the story of Connie who follows her heart to Italy at the end of WW2. The contents take Grace to Italy. To a powdery pink villa in Portofino where she tries to find out more about Connie.
A wonderful story covering several decades of family secrets and betrayal and a mother’s love for her child.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
May 1, 2022
Chick lit is something that I don't read very often, but every now and then an audiobook ends up in my ears, just to change the scenery for a while and not get bored with the same type of books all the time.
Grace Quinn seems to be a nice enough girl, just with a very low self-esteem. And from there come all the issues in her life, which for me personally were rather annoying in the book. Couldn't stop wondering how stupid she is and if there are actually people like her in the world. I mean, really!
So, when Grace's boss openes yet another storage box that hasn't been paid for for 2 years, they discover art, jewellery and letters. Grace gets a permission to dive into detective work in order to find any legitimate relatives who could be declared the owners of the valuable content from this box. The chace takes her to Italy and romance blossoms (as is common to such type of books, obviously).
It all results with a happy end, of course.
Grace Quinn seems to be a nice enough girl, just with a very low self-esteem. And from there come all the issues in her life, which for me personally were rather annoying in the book. Couldn't stop wondering how stupid she is and if there are actually people like her in the world. I mean, really!
So, when Grace's boss openes yet another storage box that hasn't been paid for for 2 years, they discover art, jewellery and letters. Grace gets a permission to dive into detective work in order to find any legitimate relatives who could be declared the owners of the valuable content from this box. The chace takes her to Italy and romance blossoms (as is common to such type of books, obviously).
It all results with a happy end, of course.
October 3, 2023
I love this story as I imagined the travel, the mystery and the glamour. Delightful beyond words.
October 7, 2025
It was nice to get lost in this beautiful, romantic story. I read it in one breath and couldn’t stop once I started. I recommend it to anyone who needs to escape from a stressful life and disconnect for a while.
July 30, 2020
Excellent.
January 1, 2020
Grace Quinn loves her job at Cohen’s Convenient Storage Company, finding occasional treasure in the forgotten units that customers have abandoned. Her inquisitive nature is piqued when a valuable art collection and a bundle of letters and diaries are found that date back to the 1930’s. Delving deeper, Grace uncovers the story of a young English woman, Connie Levine, who follows her heart to Italy at the end of the Second World war. The contents also offer up the hope of a new beginning for Grace, battling a broken heart and caring for her controlling mother. Embarking on her own voyage of discovery, Grace’s search takes her to a powder pink villa on the cliff tops overlooking the Italian Riviera, but will she unravel the family secrets and betrayals that Connie tried so hard to overcome, and find love for herself?
What a gorgeous, sweeping and stunning read this is, absolutely perfect for curling up with in the middle of winter as you find yourself transported to beautiful, sunny Italy.
We begin with Grace, learning about her and her life and as she begins to find out everything she can regarding Connie. Connie's diary entries are interspersed in the read which really brings Connie to life and allows us to understand her and feel her pain. This read has a bit of everything; war time struggles, present day London, love, loss and wonderful travels.
I am not going to pretend this is not a simple read because it is but sometimes you need some simplicity, light and enjoyment from a book and that is precisely what I got from this. The plot is completely marvellous and I lost myself in it. There are moments of real emotion and despair but also hope and love, this provides laughter and tears and is a fantastic read. Brown's characters are fabulous as well, especially Grace, I adored getting to know them and following them on their journey of quite literal discovery.
'A Postcard from Italy' is the perfect escape, featuring the beauty of Italy and wonderful characters that you cannot help but take in to your heart. This is the perfect entertaining read for escape.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an advance copy.
What a gorgeous, sweeping and stunning read this is, absolutely perfect for curling up with in the middle of winter as you find yourself transported to beautiful, sunny Italy.
We begin with Grace, learning about her and her life and as she begins to find out everything she can regarding Connie. Connie's diary entries are interspersed in the read which really brings Connie to life and allows us to understand her and feel her pain. This read has a bit of everything; war time struggles, present day London, love, loss and wonderful travels.
I am not going to pretend this is not a simple read because it is but sometimes you need some simplicity, light and enjoyment from a book and that is precisely what I got from this. The plot is completely marvellous and I lost myself in it. There are moments of real emotion and despair but also hope and love, this provides laughter and tears and is a fantastic read. Brown's characters are fabulous as well, especially Grace, I adored getting to know them and following them on their journey of quite literal discovery.
'A Postcard from Italy' is the perfect escape, featuring the beauty of Italy and wonderful characters that you cannot help but take in to your heart. This is the perfect entertaining read for escape.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an advance copy.
July 15, 2019
Grace needs to escape from her daily life, she has a broken heart, a controlling mother and a family who take her for granted, no wonder she enjoys her work, where she is appreciated. Finding some letters and treasures in a storage unit whose payments have lapsed, Grace finds a kindred spirit in Connie. She finds both, courage and solace whilst learning her story and tracking down her heirs.
There is a good mystery to solve, romance, but most of all a journey of self-discovery for Grace. The Italian scenes are vividly described and give the story added interest. The historical aspect of the story is well-written and shows the problems faced by women in the 1940s. There are obvious similarities between Connie and Grace's stories, but some important differences too.
This is an emotion-driven story, you feel for both Connie and Grace as they are constrained by their circumstances, familial demands and society's expectations.
There is a detailed epilogue, which draws the drama together well, and gives Grace the hopeful ending she deserves.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK - Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
There is a good mystery to solve, romance, but most of all a journey of self-discovery for Grace. The Italian scenes are vividly described and give the story added interest. The historical aspect of the story is well-written and shows the problems faced by women in the 1940s. There are obvious similarities between Connie and Grace's stories, but some important differences too.
This is an emotion-driven story, you feel for both Connie and Grace as they are constrained by their circumstances, familial demands and society's expectations.
There is a detailed epilogue, which draws the drama together well, and gives Grace the hopeful ending she deserves.
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins UK - Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
September 26, 2019
This book
This was a lovely story but told in such an old fashioned way I could have grabbed Grace and give her a shake for being such a drip.and nearing the end when the author kept going on about trueloves .who uses that expression now a days.spoiled it a bit for me but lovely story
This was a lovely story but told in such an old fashioned way I could have grabbed Grace and give her a shake for being such a drip.and nearing the end when the author kept going on about trueloves .who uses that expression now a days.spoiled it a bit for me but lovely story
March 14, 2024
Príjemná oddychovka, ktorá ku koncu bola dosť emotívna…
V podstate som plánovala knihu ohodnotiť ako nič výnimočné, ale zas príjemné… taký klasický priemer…
Ako som sa, ale stále viac a viac zahĺbila do príbehu, tým ma to dostávalo postupne. Bola som veľmi zvedavá, čo sa stalo, ako sa minulosť v tomto prípade pretne s prítomnosťou. Autorka nám pekne postupne všetko dávkovala.
Celú knihu som zhltla pomerne dosť rýchlo, na 2 posedenia, čo sa málokedy stáva. Nie vždy mi, ale až takéto “rýchlovky” sadnú…
Hlavná postava ma vôbec neoslovila, nehovoriac o jej matke. Naozaj som nechápala, ako sa môže jedna matka takto správať ku svojej dcére. Robiť rozdiely medzi súrodencami, utláčať jedno dieťa a vyzdvihovať ďalšie…. No fuj.. od začiatku mi nebola sympatická a veľakrát som hlavnú hrdinku v myšlienkach potriasla, nech sa konečne zobudí a nech vidí, aká je manipulatívna jej matka. A nech sa konečne vzoprie a ide si za svojim…
Okrem tejto rušivej postavy mi príbeh postupne aj sadol. Až na tie začiatky. Dej je naozaj predvídateľný, žiadne veľké prekvapenie síce nečakajte, ale ak máte radi takéto krátke romantické oddychovky, v ktorých sa prepája minulosť s prítomnosťou, tak táto bude tá správna voľba tiež. 😉
V podstate som plánovala knihu ohodnotiť ako nič výnimočné, ale zas príjemné… taký klasický priemer…
Ako som sa, ale stále viac a viac zahĺbila do príbehu, tým ma to dostávalo postupne. Bola som veľmi zvedavá, čo sa stalo, ako sa minulosť v tomto prípade pretne s prítomnosťou. Autorka nám pekne postupne všetko dávkovala.
Celú knihu som zhltla pomerne dosť rýchlo, na 2 posedenia, čo sa málokedy stáva. Nie vždy mi, ale až takéto “rýchlovky” sadnú…
Hlavná postava ma vôbec neoslovila, nehovoriac o jej matke. Naozaj som nechápala, ako sa môže jedna matka takto správať ku svojej dcére. Robiť rozdiely medzi súrodencami, utláčať jedno dieťa a vyzdvihovať ďalšie…. No fuj.. od začiatku mi nebola sympatická a veľakrát som hlavnú hrdinku v myšlienkach potriasla, nech sa konečne zobudí a nech vidí, aká je manipulatívna jej matka. A nech sa konečne vzoprie a ide si za svojim…
Okrem tejto rušivej postavy mi príbeh postupne aj sadol. Až na tie začiatky. Dej je naozaj predvídateľný, žiadne veľké prekvapenie síce nečakajte, ale ak máte radi takéto krátke romantické oddychovky, v ktorých sa prepája minulosť s prítomnosťou, tak táto bude tá správna voľba tiež. 😉
November 17, 2021
This is another (actually the first) in the Postcard series. This one is set primarily in Italy (mostly Venice) which is another great setting. The modern day heroine in this one works at a storage warehouse in England and is getting ready to clean out a unit which hasn't been paid for in more than a year. When she opens it up to inventory the contents and try to find out what happened to the renter, she finds an intriguing group of contents which looks like a furnished room with interesting things like custom jewelry pieces and paintings from the 1950's. The trail leads to an elegant mansion outside Venice. There is a subplot with our current day heroine being controlled by her ailing mother. It's another satisfying resolution in the end.
October 4, 2020
Tuhle knížku jsem si musela přečíst, protože do Itálie jezdíme skoro každý rok a miluju to tam. Knížka se mi četla poměrně rychle a hrozně mě bavila. Musím uznat, že začátek byl trochu pomalejší, ale zas na druhou stranu jsme se dobře seznámili s prostředím a postavami. A pak už to bylo skvělý. Postupně jsem si Grace (hlavní hrdinku) oblibovala víc a víc. A do hlavního mužského hrdiny jsem se zamilovala okamžitě. Knížka je psaná moc hezky, nacházíme se v prostředí Anglie nebo Itálie a s hlavní hrdinkou postupně přicházíme na minulost jedné zajímavé ženy. Tuhle knížku bych popsala jako vtipnou, někdy ale i smutnou, čtivou a letní. Ráda bych si dala příští léto re-reading a nejlépe rovnou v Itálii.
March 10, 2024
Lühidalt öeldes oli mõnus suvine naistekas. Selles olid olemas reetmine, luhtunud unistused, keerulised peresuhted, huvitavad leiud ajaloost ning ajaloo ja tänapäeva ühendamine. Põhimõtteliselt selline nunnu naistekate retsept.
Raamat, millega saab mõnusalt aega veeta, kuid pärast lõpetamist erilisi emotsioone ei jäta. Pikemalt kirjutan blogis: https://midaheliluges.blogspot.com/20...
Raamat, millega saab mõnusalt aega veeta, kuid pärast lõpetamist erilisi emotsioone ei jäta. Pikemalt kirjutan blogis: https://midaheliluges.blogspot.com/20...
August 22, 2021
I simply loved it! A great mix of history combined with fiction! I couldn’t put it down! ❤️
December 15, 2024
Very good read
July 19, 2022
A slight but charming modern fairytale which is certain to strike a chord with carers.
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