Reviews and Responses

“Kat Devereaux twists the charged stories of two brave women in two different times fighting under the same Tuscan sun. A fabulous debut.” Georgia Kaufmann, author of The Dressmaker of Paris

“This richly textured, well-researched novel is about two women whose lives are inextricably intertwined – one a young Italian resistance fighter during WWII, and the other, a woman fleeing her abusive marriage inspired by her grandmother’s last wish. This moving page-turner is a love letter to Florence – past and present – and filled with all the juicy elements that hist-fic lovers will celebrate: love, passion, history, courage, secrets and second chances.” Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire

“A poignant, emotional novel about love, loss, and new beginnings. Kat Devereaux’s vivid prose transports the reader to romantic Florence, where a young woman fleeing an abusive marriage delves into her grandmother’s past, and is inspired and strengthened by the heartbreaking courage of a local girl who joined the resistance against fascist rule during World War II.” Christine Wells, author of Sisters of the Resistance

“A rich and engaging vision of life gone by and a lust for one woman's future, rolled into one text. And now I want to move to Italy!” Mandy Robotham, author of The War Pianist

“A glorious read full of rich detail that made me ache to be back in Italy. I loved the characters and the story.” Liz Fenwick, author of The Path to the Sea

“Beautifully-written and pacy, this engrossing story brings to life a history that was little known to me – the Italian resistance in the Florence region. Impeccably researched, it has an attention to detail – of both present-day Italy and wartime Florence and its surrounding area – that creates a compelling atmosphere and convincing backdrop. I found myself really rooting for the two powerfully-drawn central characters: Tori in the present day is facing a brusque change in her life while coping with a new culture and bureaucracy, while the heart-aching story of Stella in wartime Italy will pull you in and wrap you up into deeply caring what happens to her. A great read.” Chris Lloyd, author of The Unwanted Dead

“I enjoyed this heart-warming and well-researched book, which conjures Tuscany so beautifully that I felt I was taking a holiday there whilst reading it. I found myself rooting ever more for Tori and her damaged heart as her story – and Stella’s – unfold in parallel. The spirit and atmosphere of Italy simply sizzle from its pages. A true escape!” Fiona Walker, author of Country Secrets

“A witty, compelling read, tackling powerful themes with a sure touch and an evocative sense of place and period. I loved it.” Emma Darwin, author of This is Not a Book About Charles Darwin