For readers of Santa Montefiore and Victoria Hislop, a gripping story of passion and family secrets set in a glorious Tuscan villaWhen Carrie Stowe unexpectedly inherits her eccentric grandmother’s Italian villa, she sets her heart on going to Tuscany. It could be her only escape from the mundane and suffocating routine of life with Arthur, her repressive husband.Arriving late at night and in the … husband.
Arriving late at night and in the midst of a violent storm, she discovers that she is not alone. A young man is there before her, an enigmatic figure from the past: her cousin Leo, who had been missing for years, believed dead.
As Carrie reads the secrets of her grandmother’s diaries and the enchantment of the house exerts itself, Carrie finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. But what of her husband? And is Leo really who he appears to be?
Praise for The Italian House
‘A wonderfully rich web of intrigue and romance, love and betrayal … I couldn’t put the book down’ Barbara Erskine
‘Beautifully written’ Woman and Home
‘A smashing storyteller’ Irish Times
more
In the beginning, I thought this book would be an easy read – something light to escape the stresses of the day. Not too far into the book, I realized how wrong I was. The characters are complex and compelling – I found myself thinking about them during the day – and could not wait to get back to my reading in the evening. A surprising 5-star I couldn’t wait to get back to, and was sad to finish.
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time, and I read 2-3 a WEEK. Lovely, romantic, fall-off- the-edge-of-the-world-in-love themes – how wonderful. And to be set in the sunny climes of Italy? The topping on the cake. READ THIS BOOK.
This was a quick, enjoyable read, a love story with a twist of an ending. Good descriptions of life in small Tuscan village.
Descriptions of Italy were realistic. The main character was so naive i wanted to shout out to her. Enjoyed the story.
Last year I spent a week in the exact location just outside Lucca, Italy. I actually walked on the Devils Bridge so this story had added meaning to me. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling back in the pages of this delightful novel.
This book spoke of abusive relationships that end tragically and how the human heart goes on.
I ended up reading three of her books in a row as I enjoyed this so much. I wasn’t disappointed by the other two either!
A women inherits an Italian house and it changes her like. Personal growth because of a house
Very different but interesting.
It was a pleasure to read a book that was not full of graphic sex. This book let your imagination take over which is always much better. I applaud the author !!!
Fairly predictable and frustrating although probably accurate portrayal of time period.
Have you ever wanted to shout at the protagonist, “Stop, Don’t you see he is a fake?” These character have stayed with me after I closed the book. Even the anti hero had such flaws and strengths you could forgive her for loving him. (sigh)
I love Italy and old houses. Those 2 things about the book were what drew me to read it. Interesting family secrets. Never would have imagined. A very different story line.
Interesting character studies, some rather twisted. The “big mystery” reveal was obvious long before it actually happened.
I hated this book.Way to harlequin romance, trash
predictable, not engageing
Well written with a number of unexpected turns, although I could see many of them coming. It didn’t matter – it was still a page turner. The growth of the main character was a bit quick; that kind of brow-beaten cowardice hardly turns on a dime but this is easy to forgive as the plot must necessarily move forward due to circumstances. Overall, quite a good book!
I love stories that take you to places you’ve never been and describe them well. I also like stories about strong women who gain their independence and belief and strength and themselves.
Unusual, quirky interesting characters. Uneasy feeling all through.
Lovely story, but the end brings a bombshell.