От Венеция с любов

by Rosanna Ley, Розана Лей, Майре Буюклиева (Translator)

Три стари любовни писма, подписани от непозната художничка, стигат до Джоана и тя решава да последва дирята им. Писмата я отвеждат на вълнуваща разходка по мостовете на Лисабон, Прага и най-романтичния от всички градове – Венеция. Насладете се на това читателско пътешествие до три от най-красивите европейски градове и се потопете в история, изпъстрена с тайнственост, неочаквани обрати и любов.

Джоана оставя зад гърба си шумния Лондон и се завръща у дома — в Мълбъри Фарм Котидж в Дорсет, където сестра й Хариет отчаяно се опитва да спаси семейната ферма и да държи под контрол все по-нелогичното поведение на майка им. Въпреки всичко Джоана се надява, че тишината тук ще й помогне да подреди мислите си след сътресенията в привидно щастливия й брак.

Когато открива стари любовни писма, подписани от художничка на име Еми, Джоана решава, че на всяка цена трябва да узнае повече. За щастие, работата й като журналист на свободна практика й позволява да последва писмата и те я отвеждат на вълнуваща разходка по мостовете на Лисабон, Прага и най-романтичния от всички градове — Венеция.

Ще успее ли Джоана да открие истината за Еми? Възможно ли е писмата да крият отговори на въпросите за собствения й живот? Какво ще се случи със сестра й Хариет, която също търси изход от самотата и шанс за любов?

Прекрасно написан и истински докосващ, романът на Розана Лей отвежда читателя на пътешествие до три от най-красивите европейски градове и разказва история, изпъстрена с тайнственост, неочаквани обрати и любов.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Italy, Contemporary, Chick Lit

448 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2020

About the author

Rosanna Ley has worked as a creative writing tutor for over 15 years. Affiliated to several colleges and universities in England, she also runs her own writing courses in the UK and abroad. She has worked with community groups in therapeutic settings and completed an MA in creative writing for personal development in order to support this. Her writing holidays and retreats take place in stunning locations in Italy and Spain and whilst not teaching or writing she mentors and appraises the work of new writers. Rosanna has had numerous articles and short stories published in UK magazines, and 12 novels of contemporary fiction published in the U.K, Germany, Greece and the U.S.A under a pseudonym. Her books are inspired by the culture and landscapes of Italy, Sicily and the Canary Islands and feature strong female voices from the past and present, along with an intense undercurrent of mystery and romance. Rosanna spends some time every year travelling around Europe looking for writing inspiration and more tranquil settings for writing holidays. She loves cliff walking and her favourite writing place is somewhere with a sea view. When she is not travelling, Rosanna lives with her artist husband in a Victorian cottage in West Dorset by the sea.
(From the author's website)

Reviews

[HeyitsMony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Категорично 5⭐️

Това е история за две сестри, Хариет и Джоана. Хариет живее в една ферма в Дорсет заедно с майка им, а Джоана в Лондон, но понеже разкрива мъжа си в изневяра се връща при роднините си в Дорсет.

Това беше толкова красива книга за четене…Розана Лей има много хубав начин на писане и нещата, които беше описала бяха супер пленителни и не ти се иска да оставяш книгата дори за малко.

Героите са в по-напреднала възраст, което се предполага, означава че трябва да знаят какво да правят с живота си. Но на мен лично ми хареса, че и Джоана и Хариет са объркани и преминават през по-трудни моменти за тях.

Джоана намира стари писма на тавана на фермата, които я отвеждат до Венеция, което даже ѝ отваря нова работа, именно да пише за мостове в различни градове и да предоставя информация за тях на хората. Писмата я отвеждат на много различни дестинации, които с удоволствие прочетох. Тайната на всичко това, е че Джоана тръгва по стъпките на мистериозното момиче, написало тези любовни писма. Джоана е супер погълната от историята на момичето и цялата ѝ екскурзия, е заради мистериозната авторка.

Книгата ни отвежда във Венеция, Рим, Лисабон, Лондон и Прага. Ако ви кажа само колко много се наслаждавах на описанията за Италия, просто представа си нямате. Бях в Рим преди известно време и направо си представих всяка една красива уличка там…

Прочетете книгата, прекрасна е💓

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely story to read, it had all the elements to make it a feel good book. Venice, in the sunshine, love and romance and a mystery all the things I look for in a good book. I’ve read Rosanna Let’s books before and have always enjoyed the different settings she writes about. I read this book very quickly as I found I couldn’t put it down. More please Ms Ley.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as much of this story is set in Venice as the cover and title suggests but I enjoyed it nevertheless.

[Sharah McConville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joanna, a travel writer based in London, returns to her family home in Dorset after her marriage breaks down. Joanna's sister Harriet and her Mother still live at Mulberry Farm Cottage, a working farm that has been in the family for almost a century. She discovers some old love letters in the attic of the farm house that are connected to a painting in her bedroom, of a bridge in Venice. Joanna enjoys the slower pace of life once she's back home but is happy to receive a writing assignment from her London based boss. She sets off on an overseas trip that follows in the footsteps of the artist who painted the Venice bridge. This whimsical story has several threads that tie together nicely at the end. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy of this book.

[Lora Milton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story starts out with the death of a marriage. I usually don't like that sort of scenario, but it's an obvious one to provide the catalyst for a foreign adventure. Only this one starts out with the wife going home to her family's farm, which has problems of its own. Joanna is a journalist and her job, along with some letters found in the attic of the old farmhouse, lead her to several European cities, starting with Venice.

I have to admit, what I had hoped for from this story was a far more vivid experience of Venice than I got. The story focused more on relationship issues of both Joanna and her sister Harriet and the problems with a mother going senile, plus financial difficulties on the farm. It isn't the sort of story I would normally pick up and at one point I seriously considered skipping to the end.

However, as things developed I got involved in the sisters' separate journeys to find direction. The story became multi-layered with Harriet's adventures in online dating and a stalker who keeps turning up on the farm, plus Joanna's dilemma about whether her marriage should be saved or chucked and some weird shared hallucinations of the people in her letters in the places she visits for her travel article. Then of course there's the mother who keeps calling out workmen to do things they can't afford and the neighbour who is always helpful and coming around to help out. I figured I had him worked out early in the story and it turned out I was right, but the stalker did surprise me.

The travel descriptions were better for Lisbon and Prague, two places I've never been but could go to when travel is functional again. The story balanced somewhere between Romance and Mystery and trying to work out who Emmy was kept me guessing through to the end. Overall I enjoyed the story, though I felt the reveals were being spoon-fed to me. The writing was good but lacked the artistry of a real seat-of-your-pants novel. It might appeal to someone looking for an easy read or beach read.

[Sharon Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/roman...

I thought that the format of Joanna and Harriet narrating their own chapters worked really well in this story. For one thing, it highlights how perceptions can be so different (which lead to misunderstandings!). There is another narration that adds more mystery and intrigue – even though I hoped I knew what was coming – how exactly did this tie in? What was the link?

Joanna’s travels as she undertakes to write a tourist guide with a difference has the underlying mystery of Emmy and where she belongs in the family history. I loved this aspect of trying to trace her and wondered who would have the key that would bring it all together. I had no idea! The experiences Joanna has in Venice, Lisbon and Prague are sprinkled with magic … There are some things in life that can’t be defined or explained and this theme of the intangible plays out beautifully in this story.

Harriet is carrying the burden of a promise made which has skewed her perception, not only of herself but the life she is living. I’ve enjoyed watching her blossom and finding her place in the world. I’ve felt very protective of her!

Both sisters’ situations lead to introspection and we become a part of those musings and realisations.

The settings are amazing. I really felt myself there. It was great to be striding along those Dorset hills, seeing old architecture mixed with the new, sitting outside near the mulberry trees or walking across the bridges. At a time when travel is restricted it was great to be able to experience other places vicariously.

Not only is there the mystery of Emmy but also the intrigue about the prowler. What did he want? Why was he spying on them? The answer is a world away from what I thought. It explains so much.

From Venice with Love is a story about the search for self, no matter what age you are. Sometimes you need to lose yourself to find your way back to that centre of calm and balance. It’s about the importance of family and the bonds that hold even when the secrets are laid bare. It’s about repairing and renewal and beginning again. And love in all its shapes and sizes. 🙂

Don’t miss this one!

[Charlotte F · Rating 5 out of 5]

read this in venice and it was perfect

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive a copy from NetGalley, and then be invited to join the Blog Tour.

The book is about two sisters and their differing approaches to life, which are challenged when they start living together again. There are also visits to Venice, Lisbon and Prague, although not as much time spent there as I would have liked. I found some of the language, particularly Harriet's quite old fashioned and found it hard to warm to her overall. I enjoyed Nicholas's chapters, although we didn't find out the connection until right at the end.

This is an enjoyable summer read set primarily in Dorset.

⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Thanks to @QuercusBooks for the ARC and opportunity to join my first blog tour!

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first but certainly not my last read by this author. This would be an ideal holiday read. I read this in a day as I didn’t want to put it down.

Joanna returns home to her sister Harriet and her mum. She discovers some love letters in the loft written by someone called Emmy. This takes her on an adventure she didn’t expect.

From Venice with Love is a heartwarming story about a family that I really enjoyed.

[Krystal Edwards · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the last chapter was the best... the rest was slow to be honest and I couldn’t get into it. That said, I didn’t see the end twist coming. So not all bad.

[Linda Louch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read most of Rosanna Ley's books and thoroughly enjoyed them. So I was looking forward to reading her latest book which I found to be a gentle story centred around Mulberry Farm Cottage and of two sisters dealing with sadness in their lives and both on a journey of discovery. Joanna finds some love letters in the attic written by a watercolour artist who she thinks may linked to their family and embarks on a journey to discover the history and identity of the writer. Her sister Harriet feels it is her duty to look after the family farm which weighs heavily on her. They both have surprising discoveries in store. Very enjoyable read.

[Julie Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good solid chick lit. 😊

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the journey they were on. The descriptions of the cities all of which I have been to were brought to life. The ending as well was just perfect. I now need to choose another Rosanna Ley to read as this really did not disappoint.

[Eadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five comfortable, happy stars. This tale meanders beautifully. No fast pace needed. Just savor the journey.

When I think of perfect endings, I’ve thought of DAISY JONES AND THE SIX. I’ve added FROM VENICE, WITH LOVE to the list. Perfecto.

[Hannah (Sakurahan or ForeverBooks18) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sorry that I haven’t posted in what feels like AGES! I’ve been reading my arc copy of “From Venice With Love” by Rosanna Ley, a contemporary novel, which sometimes went rather slowly. It was good, don’t get me wrong but it just didn’t have a real WOW factor for me, until the very end. Hence, why I could only read a certain number of pages a day. It was also very long for what it was. I don’t think it necessarily needed to be so long or that as much detail needed to be given to so many minor aspects! It’s written in an older style, I’d say with continuous, run-on sentences.

“From Venice With Love” is an adult novel, as there’s talk of drugs, sex and marriage problems. There aren’t any erotic scenes, as the one time a sexual encounter happens is fade to black but I wouldn’t say it’s appropriate for under 18‘s or certainly under 16’s to read. The story is set around a woman’s quest to find answers to a mystery she uncovers at her older sister’s farm, where she used to live, before she met her husband who she’s just broken up with. It’s in the first chapter of the book so it’s not a spoiler. Her marital breakdown is not that central to the plot either. It’s just in the background.

I read “From Venice With Love” for a few readathons, which were:

Reading Rivalry - Path to self acceptance - Both of the main female characters in this novel need to find themselves. One has just lost her husband as I say above while the other needs to learn to accept that life sometimes throws your curveballs but it’s what you do with those curveballs that matters.

Fiction Feud Society - Hungry Hippos - Book with orange/pink/purple/green/yellow or shapes on the cover - There’s a yellow house on the cover of “From Venice With Love.”

Cardcaptor-a-thon - The Big - Read a book with over 400 pages...my arc copy of “From Venice With Love” has 484 pages! I believe the actual book has slightly less pages at 464 but it’s still over 400 so it counts!

Spoilers Below...

First we follow Joanna, the woman who has lost her husband because of an infidelity on his part. Below is where Martin, the cheat of a husband says he doubts whether they’re relationship is worth it. Joanna is of course questioning what she did wrong. She had no idea of the affair.

“I feel terrible,” he said. He tore his fingers through his fair hair in a familiar gesture. “So guilty. So angry with myself. I can’t sleep, you’ve no idea.”
Was she supposed to feel sorry for him? The anger flooded through her, a release. “Why?” she managed to say. Wasn’t she enough for him, was that it? Didn’t he love her anymore? But the word emerged devoid of emotion. He was right — she’d had no idea.”

Joanna moves to her sister’s, Harriet’s farm very quickly after finding out about Martin’s betrayal. Martin isn’t a main character. He’s very much on the outskirts of the story and is only present, I think two or three times.

Harriet, Joanna’s sister is a stubborn woman at the start of the novel, who’s only willing to let Joanna part way in. She doesn’t open up to her sister at all in the beginning. Does this change by the end of the novel? You’ll have to read to find out! Harriet is their mother’s sole carer, as Joanna has a career as a journalist in London. She feels as if this is very unjust! Why shouldn’t she have a career? She feels as if life is very unfair on her. This is reflected in,

“Harriet hadn’t gone to university — unlike Joanna. She had stayed here on the farm looking after things — not only Mother, but also the hens, the pigs, the small orchard...”

I didn’t like Harriet’s character to begin with but she became more tolerable as the novel went on. I think she’s meant to be disliked to begin with but as we get to know her, she’s meant to become likeable and you’re meant to understand her actions. The above quote is in the second chapter of the novel, the first time we see Harriet.

Harriet has a keen interest in finding a man. While this did come across as a little desperate at times, I understood why she wanted company. Her life hasn’t been easy as I wrote above. She’s had to deal with a lot to do with her mother, who she doesn’t always see eye to eye with. Agatha, Harriet and Joanna’s mother doesn’t know the effect she has on Harriet. She’s oblivious. We see this in, “Oh Harriet.” Their mother clicked her tongue. “Joanna has her own work to do, remember. She hasn’t come here just to be at your beck and call.” All Harriet is asking for is a little help around the farm. Agatha doesn’t understand just how much work it is looking after that and her as well. Luckily she has Owen, a character I’ll come onto later to help her when times get tough with her mother.

We see Harriet go on at least two dates through an Online Dating service called “Someone Somewhere” in “From Venice With Love.” One of these dates goes a little further than just the dating stage. Harriet loses her virginity in the novel to a man who smokes weed. That’s where the drug use comes in. She’s 39 years old so it’s proof that you’re only as young as you feel. It was good to have representation for older people and how they can feel lonely and in need of someone special, as I think a lot of contemporary novels just focus on young people. Older people have struggles too. I commend the novel for this.

The main part of the story starts when Joanna finds letters in Harriet’s and her mother’s attic at the farm. These letters are from a woman called Emmy. Joanna isn’t sure who Emmy is to begin with. As the story unfolds we learn more of just who Emmy was in history and is today to the people in the story. Emmy was an artist and painted pictures of many bridges around Europe. I enjoyed seeing Joanna’s stroll around these places. It gave a multi-cultural aspect to the story that was well researched. Joanna sees visions of Emmy on her trips to the bridges. This kind of added a fantastical twist but not too much.

“Bridges provided a path forward or back, a connection, a way of avoiding the troubled waters below.
For Joanna, Venice had been a turning point,” signifies just how Joanna feels. She’s ready to get on with her life after being in Venice, and start anew without any restraints holding her back, like Martin or life at the farm.

The novel took us from Dorset, to Venice and to Prague. A complaint I have, that I’ve noticed a few others also have from reviews that I’ve read is that Venice, the place mentioned in the title of the book is only a setting for a short time in the book and not much happens there, so I don’t know why the title wasn’t From Dorset with Love as the majority of the story happens there, in the UK or something to do with Mulberry trees as that’s a big part of one of the storylines later in the book. I don’t want to spoil the mulberry trees part, which it’s pretty key to the story as it’s linked to the history or Emmy and the present day of the farm.

The other main characters are both men. They both play a significant role but the bulk of the story is portrayed through Joanna and Harriet’s actions. The men are called Owen, who I mentioned earlier, a farmer who owns the farm next to Mulberry Cottage, where most of the Dorset scenes are set and Nicholas, a man that gets in contact with Joanna after he reads her articles on the bridge walks she completes. He’s also a keen traveller. Nicholas can see the same visions that Joanna sees of Emmy. This links them. I was a little let down that we never saw Nicholas actually meet Joanna. Yes, we saw his thoughts in his emails to Joanna, and him by himself or with his daughter, from a failed marriage, Celie, but we never got to see who I considered the main couple meet. It was brought up a couple of times about them meeting but it never actually happened. I think “From Venice With Love” is a standalone novel so we won’t see anymore from the characters or their stories.

The love story that we do see happens right at the end but it does slowly progress throughout. I’m not really a fan of slow progression love stories. I prefer it when a couple gets together and things happen rather quickly, which I know is a very unpopular opinion. I just don’t like the faffing about, I guess. In the case of “From Venice With Love” they get together at the end and that’s it. We don’t see any progression. That’s what I like to see in a fictional relationship.

There are a few surprises that I was taken aback by. I didn’t think they were necessarily needed. If they’d been taken out then the novel would have been at least a little bit shorter and more satisfactory to me, also. The main part I think should have been condensed or removed all together was the reveal of who the prowler, as their known for most of the story. The prowler comes into “From Venice With Love” when Harriet is getting ready for bed one night. She can see them from her window. I didn’t like how the end just seemed to add on the reveal. The novel would have been fine for me if the prowler had just been someone random, better in fact, as it would have probably been solved within a chapter.

There was a little bit of romance, as I noted above, which I enjoyed but not between who I thought, and what there was was certainly overshadowed by family drama, which I wasn’t all that keen on. Therefore I’m giving “From Venice With Love” 3 stars. As I said above, I didn’t hate it but there could have been more done with the story and less focus should have been given to certain elements in my eyes. We didn’t get answers for everything I don’t think.

“From Venice With Love” by Rosanna Ley is now available to buy.

Stand by for my next review coming soon...

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book tells the story of 2 sisters, both of whom are going through some tough times in their lives. The sisters are reunited in the family home to try and pick up the pieces. The book travels from Dorset to Venice, Lisbon Prague and Rome and each location is described so well. A little bit of mystery is thrown in with the hidden letters from Emmie.

On the whole I enjoyed this book - some parts were a little unbelievable but then aren't books meant to be like that? We want to be taken away from reality - even more so in the current climate. This was a nice easy read and would be perfect for taking on holiday - if only we could do so. I will definitely be reading those books on my shelves now and recommending this author.

[Juliet Bookliterati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to a new novel from Rosanna Ley, and to have one partially set in my favourite country of Italy is an added bonus. Joanna’s marriage has fallen apart after her husband’s affair so she decides to go home to see her mother and sister at Mulberry Farm Cottage in Dorset, where her sister Harriet has problems of her own, financial and personal. Whilst there she finds love letters from Emmy, to her lover Rufus, from Venice, Prague and Lisbon, and decides to combine a job of writng for travel guides and her interest in Emmy’s letters, and follow in her footsteps. Both Joanna and Harriet find themselves reassessing their lives in very different ways, and trying to find out who they really are. Family secrets, love, loss and lots of fun make this such a pleasure to read.

One of the things I love about Rosanna Ley’s books is that she always takes me to some wonderful destinations around the world. In From Venice With Love, I was spoilt as she took me to Venice, Rome, Prague, Lisbon, Feurteventura and of course the beautiful Dorset and Cornwall. One of Rosanna Ley’s skills is writng warm and personable characters that you feel you know so well, and who have everday problems. Joanna and her sister Harriet seem very different but beneath the surface they are looking for the same thing. Joanna feels she has compromised her real self in her marriage, whereas Harriet feels she has sacrificed her real self at the expense of taking over the farm and looking after her mother. Joanna’s discovery of the letters from Emmy take her mind off the end of her marriage, and as she looks into her families past she is motivated to move forward, and see her own potential. I think that many readers will identify with both Harriett and Joanna, as along the way we can all lose a bit of ourselves along the way in life, as we grow older and take on responsibilites. There are other wonderful characters including Audrey, Joanna and Harriet’s mother, Owen their neighbour and Nicholas who finds a connection with Joanna through her travel guides, but you need to read this book to learn more.

There is no doubt that Rosanna Ley is a masterful storyteller, whose writing just draws you in, makes you feel comfortable with the characters, and brings the settings of the books to life. Her writing is sensual in the way that you can see the beautiful locations, smell the food, flowers, and fauna and feel the atmosphere, as if you were there with the characters. I really loved the descriptions of how the canals in Venice refelected the light, and how the old and the new stand side by side, showing Venice at its best; like in life our past and future are both important and make us the best we can be. Joanna’s journey is influenced by the letters and paintings of the famous bridges of the cities, but these bridges are also an allegory, a place to pause where you have the choice to move forward with your life, of move backwards. Marriage, in all its diffrent guises, love and family are other important themes that run through Joanna and Harriet’s story.

From Venice With Love is an enchanting and beautifully told story. I literally just fell into this book with the engaging story, and personable characters; it is like putting on you favourite pyjamas where you feel happy and comfortable. I loved the locations, and how they were seen by Emmy in the past and Joanna and Nicholas in the present, and the link between the two. This really is the perfect summer read, with romance, secrets, stunning settings to escape to and characters that you feel you know. Simply stunning

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely wonderful read this was, and a first by this author for me, even though I do own several of her books! This is the story of two sisters, the elder Henrietta lives in the family farm of Mulberry Farm Cottage in Dorset with the Audrey their mother. Joanna has been living and working in London but has just moved back to the family after her husband admitted to having an affair. Going home will give her the chance to look at her life and decide what she wants to do next.

This was such an amazing book to read, the author has such a wonderful way of describing the various settings in the book. If like me, you love to disappear into a different country or country, then this is a book you really want to pick up as her descriptions are so good.

The story itself is one of self discovery for various characters, yes, they are adults and therefore to a point they should kind of have an idea of what they want to do with their lives. But the thing is that they have had some major change in their lives and this has left them wondering what role they have within the family as well as what direction they would now like to go in.

Joanne discovers old love letters, these set her off on a trail and takes her to Venice, it also fits in with her job so she can combine two things in one. Her latest is to write some travel guides that have something a little different to them. The letters lead her on a wonderful journey that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I really want to go into more details about the sisters, their mother, then Owen and Nicholas, as well as the journeys that are made, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. It is such a wonderfully evocative book that I started to read and didn’t put down until I had finished.

The author looks at family dynamics, there is the odd secret that emerges. The expectations of others and also the expectations of the characters as well. There are problems, dilemmas, but also something slightly whimsical that has such a fabulous impact on the story. For Joanna, the journey she takes to discover more about the letters also, in turn, takes her on a journey. It was like the past was showing her a way to the future.

This is a slower-paced book and it is perfect for the pace of life on the farm and also for one of the other characters. The descriptions of Dorset and Cornwall, as well as other European cities, add to this ambling pace and it is wonderful.

I cannot say anything but good about this book, well I do have one bad point… it ended! I didn’t want it to end at all!

If you are a fan of slower-paced books that delve into family and how changes impact their lives then this is a book for you. If you like descriptions of settings then this is a book for you. It is a fabulous read and I absolutely adored it and I would highly recommend it.

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters Joanna and Harriet have some self discovery to make.

It’s an absolute joy to return to a Rosanna Ley novel. I enjoyed From Venice with Love because it took me out of the cares of today’s world into another time and place so completely.

As I have come to expect from Rosanna Ley’s writing, there is a smashing sense of place through her vivid and evocative descriptions so that I could recognise the places in Lisbon, Prague and Venice that I have been to. This added an extra layer of enjoyment as it transported me out of lockdown and enabled me to travel safely, evoking memories I had forgotten. That said, a reader doesn’t have to have any knowledge of the settings in From Venice with Love to be able to visualise them completely because of the quality of the writing.

I loved the plot. There’s a wistfulness and poignancy underpinning the storyline that I found very affecting. Rosanna Ley has blended familiar elements like divorce and financial worries with a more mystical aspect which suggests the power of imagination. The swirling effects of the past ripple into the present, making for a magical and enchanting read that is completely believable.

I found the characters very realistic. I was in love with Owen from the very beginning. Joanna and Harriet could represent sisters in any family and the blend of love and distance between the two of them made me wish I could step into the pages of the book and advise them personally. Harriet is less instantly likeable and that makes her personal development through the story all the more engaging and fulfilling. I found Emmy, who belongs firmly in the past, a wonderful catalyst for present events. Indeed, reading From Venice with Love made me think more about those in my own past who have shaped who I am today.

The themes of From Venice with Love feel gloriously mature and sensitively presented so that I think there is something for any reader. Rosanna Ley illustrates how marriage, relationships and love are not straightforward and do not always match the public presentation we provide to others, or are given in return. Sibling rivalry, memory, identity, self-acceptance and belonging echo through the pages and for me, that journey of self discovery that Joanna, Harriet and Nicholas all need is beautifully defined, making for an enormously rewarding read.

I really enjoyed from Venice with Love. Rosanne Ley entertained and engaged me completely, distracting me from the cares of today’s world and affording an escapist respite with characters I cared about. What could be better than that?

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

With her marriage failing, freelance travel journalist Joanna returns to her Dorset childhood home, dilapidated Mulberry Tree Cottage, on a run down small holding run by her older sister Harriet, whose life had been dominated by promises to her father to look after her widowed mother who was showing signs of senility. But Harriet was feeling increasingly put upon and trapped by the limitations on her life. She was grateful for the practical help from neighbour Owen, but she was troubled by a prowler often seen around the cottage.

Joanna, in searching the cottage loft, came across some love letters written by a water colourist “ Emmy” to ”Rufus” and sets out to discover who they are - a journey which, along with her work on writing about city walks takes her to Venice, Lisbon and Prague.

There was a lot to admire in this book with the chapters in turn written from the viewpoint of Joanna Harriet and Nicholas, a reader of Joanna’s books. Although I predicted who would end up as couples, it was no superficial, cliched romance story, but was well written with strongly depicted characters - no cardboard cut outs . I was particularly drawn to the least attractive yet most complex - Harriet who at 39 felt life was passing her by and ventured into the world of online dating.

I did feel the book at nearly 500 pages was rather drawn out and slow in parts. I could have done without the “vision” scenes Joanna experienced in the cities she visited in Emmy’s footsteps. Momentum heightened towards the end, with sufficient twists to keep my interest alive.
The Venice in the title covered only a very small part of the storyline.

I was a bit taken aback by the comment from a reviewer here that she would not give the book to her 16 year old daughter as it featured scenes of drugs and sex. To reassure readers- I cannot even recollect anything to do with drugs and there was onlyn one short sex scene between consenting adults and no graphic description and no violence involved.

My rating 3.5.

[Angela Petch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy this book was to read during the tail-end of the epidemic, when travel is more-or-less still out of bounds. Through the pages of a REAL book that I found in our local library, I travelled vicariously to Venice, Lisbon, Prague and also rural Dorset. Bliss in itself because of Ley’s trademark descriptions but the characters – oh, the characters. They are so real.
My favourite is Harriet – much put upon, the stay-at-home sister who looks after an increasingly haphazard mother as well as struggling to run the crumbling family farm. I wanted to pull on some wellington boots and help her feed the chickens and dig up vegetables from the frosty ground. She is lonely and resentful of her younger sister, Joanna, who leads what she considers a more interesting life. In an effort to spice up her own life, she tries online dating. What fun. No spoilers, but she is on a journey.
As is her sister, Joanna. Her marriage has faltered and she returns home to Dorset. And she finds old love letters written by a painter called Emmy. And Joanna is compelled to follow a trail of picturesque bridges in Venice, Lisbon and Prague for a series of articles. Magic unfolds. Some reviewer did not appreciate the enchantment thrown up in these sections, but I loved it. This earthly world holds many mysteries, so why not dabble in them? I was drawn in and spellbound.
I can’t wait to read Ms Ley’s new book set amongst orange groves in Spain next and, if I am very lucky, I might even manage to get on to one of this author’s highly recommended creative writing courses too. Maybe some of her magic might rub off. Thankyou for a delightful, clever read.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a perfect choice for a light, yet engaging summer read. This is the first time I have read Rosanna Ley and I have to say she has a wonderful lightness of touch with her storytelling. I absolutely loved visiting Venice, Lisbon and Prague with Joanna, a travel journalist who appears to have it all in the eyes of her sister Harriet. As the saying goes, the grass is often greener on the other side. Harriet, I found rather cold and bitter but the reasons become apparent as the story unfolds. Both sisters have their crosses to bear and finding their peace and happiness isn’t always straight forward. With a slightly eccentric mother who seems to be struggling with her faculties and a family home that is literally falling down around their ears, you wonder how on earth they will come out of it.

Joanna discovers some letters in an abandoned trunk in the attic written by Emmy to Rufus. They are love letters and describe her visits to Prague, Lisbon and, of course, Venice. Joanna is compelled to follow Emmy on her journeys and in doing so might just uncover some family secrets that impact everyone at Mulberry Farm Cottage. Will a lifetime of heartbreak finally be healed?

I very much enjoyed this delightful novel. I didn’t feel compelled to rush through the pages but rather enjoyed a slower paced amble as I let myself be swept along for the journey. I loved the slight ghostly presence of Emmy in the background as she uses her past mistakes to bring peace and happiness to the present.

[Joanne Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me intrigued from the outset! A tantalising blend of themes which weave naturally into the narrative, this is a tale of family bonds and relationships, love and heartache and explores how history can sometimes repeat itself without you even realising it.

Despite the title, only part of the book is set in Venice. The author takes the reader, and two of the main characters on a journey to the Italian city, Lisbon and Prague as Joanna attempts to uncover the mystery behind the painting which has always hung in her room in Mulberry Farm Cottage.

The rest of the book is centred in the Dorset countryside and author Rosanna Ley does an excellent job of creating a feel for each of the locations with her vivid descriptions. I loved how the Mulberry tree became central to the story as it unfolded too.

While I was able to predict some of the storyline as it developed, the ending came as a delicious revelation! I need to know what happens next now!

With many thanks to the author, Quercus books and Milly Reid for the opportunity to contribute to the book blast which can be found on my blog: https://pickledthoughtsandpinot.wordp...

[Sapphire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story centres on a mother and her two daughters, Harriet and Joanna - all of whom have problems in their lives. Some old love letters and a painting of a bridge are found in the family home by Joanna and she wants to discover who has painted the picture.
As a journalist, Joanna was commissioned to do a series of "City Travel" brochures with a theme of places in Europe, so after finding the cities of Venice, Lisbon and Prague mentioned in the old letters, she decided to travel to these places, basing the brochures around the bridges and
hoping to possibly find out who painted the pictures in the meantime.

I noticed that one character was mentioned near the beginning of the story, but didn't seem to be mentioned again until quite a bit later on, which I found a bit confusing. I also found it a little hard to believe that both the author of the brochures and the character, Nicholas, visited the same cities, both experiencing similar visions.
There were quite a few deviations from the main storyline, however everything came together at the end of the book and there was also an unexpected twist, which solved a lot of things.

Overall, a good read of which I enjoyed.

[Tatjana Chokphattharaphong · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it wasn't as long as it was, I would have read this book in one breath. Although, I must admit, it left me sitting till quite late at night trying to find out what mystery Jo was going to discover next reading Emmy's letters and almost following her footsteps; as well as discovering all the mysteries surrounding the family.

The majority of the book is set in Dorset and the picturesque descriptions, make you feel as if you are there, enjoying the view and breathing the fresh Dorset air on Mulberry Cottage Farm, with the occasional trips helpful for Jo's writing starting in Venice.

I really enjoyed how the book intertwined the stories of Joanna, Hariett and later on Nicholas. It almost felt as if I were in all the places at the same time. All the time I was reading, I was looking forward to seeing what would happen to Joanna, until the completely unexpected twist right at the end. The book ends on a cliffhanger, almost wishing there was a sequel I could read straightaway.

Thanks #netgalley #rosannaley for letting me read this lovely book #fromvenivewithlove

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book. It was a bit predictable but none the less it did keep me wanting to read on. My twin nieces are Harriet and Joanna and I have to admit I had to keep thinking which sister was which as the story progressed. Each chapter was titled with the character name or the place it was taking place.

The setting of the farm in Devon and the description , as well as the characters reminded me of the TV series 'Last Tango in Halifax' despite the different ends of the country.

The story moves from London to the Devon countryside and then to Venice, Lisbon, Rome and Prague. The author had obviously visited these cities as her descriptions captured the feel of each city and not just of the main tourist spots in each.

This is the kind of book I would read on a plane or at the beach where I didn't need to concentrate too hard as it is not a deep meaningful read. Basically, it is a family with an 'interesting' history and their various different relationships and struggles with those relationships.

[LindyLouMac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rosanna Ley has written around twelve novels, I think. Including this one I have read five since 2014. Therefore not a regular reader of her work, but when I do read one it is always a relaxing read. I have already added her latest. 2023 release ‘The Forever Garden’ to My Kindle.

‘From Venice With Love’ is a story of two sisters whose lives have taken very different directions. Harriet has always lived at home on the family farm in Dorset, whilst Rosanna has lived a London lifestyle, until a recent upheaval in her life sent her home to rediscover herself. As a freelance travel journalist she combines an assignment with researching the background story to some old love letters, that have recently come into her possession. The story is rather fanciful in parts as Joanna’s imagination runs in overdrive at times, but then we all need to dream don’t we.

In conclusion, those who enjoy armchair travel along with some light romance will find this a pleasure to read.

https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...

[Stef · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 This was a little disappointing... I was hoping for more Venice given the title and book cover, but it wasn't a big part of the story at all (it's mainly set in Devon and a few other European cities on occasion).

I was also disappointed by the romances - they were hinted at throughout the story, but nothing really developed until right at the very end, and even then, there wasn't anything particularly romantic.

I liked the flawed characters and the set-up; I wanted to see Harriett and Joanna come to understand each other, and I felt for both of their situations. It was also quite funny at times. As I read on, I found the story a bit slow, and by the end, I had stopped caring as much. I also didn't really enjoy the twist. It felt kind of random.

There was also an aspect of the story where characters have literal 'visions' of people long dead, which just felt a bit out of place to me in this kind of book.

[Joey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get in to the flow of this book, but it was definitely worth persevering with.

The way the chapters are told are from multiple main characters perspectives, and as always this is something I truly enjoy. You get to see what's happening and what has happened through many points of view.

There are many an entwined story within this book, both within the past and present. I honestly couldn't put it down once I'd passed the half way mark, and I would happily read, both more books by this author and a continuation of the stories unfolding within the novel.

I've given it 4 stars only because it took a while for me to get in to and because I would have really loved if we could have had maybe another chapter or two, or even an epilogue to glimpse more in to the characters continuing journey.

[Jude Srivalsan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the tale this book told. Joanna and Harriet, 2 sisters with 2 different paths. Harriet stays behind to look after the family farm and her mother, when their dad dies and Joanna heads to London. Joanna returns when she splits up from her husband and finds love letters in the attic and a painting from Venice, presumably by an ancestor.
Joanna follows in the footsteps of the artist and goes to Venice, Prague and Lisbon to write travel guides as part of her job.in the hope to also solve the mystery of the love letters.
Harriet meanwhile has started online dating in the hope of finding someone to spend her life with.
The book is well written from each of the sister's points of view and tells a good tale. It didn't grab me as much as I was hoping but I did enjoy it and it would be a great holiday read.