The Orphan From Verona by Siobhan Daiko

                                                           

Ebook:  278 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romantic Fiction, WWII, Italy,

Publisher: August 2026  Boldwood Books

Source:  NetGalley

Location: Verona, Northern Italy, 1944 

First Sentences:  'I've made you potato gnocchi with tomato sugo', Claudia's mother said as she placed the dish on her kitchen table. 'Help yourself, tesoro.'

Review Quote: 'So much heartache but alongside this the love of the people who did so much in WWII'  Reader Review

My Opinion:  

 This is the third novel I have read by Siobhan Daiko. I was first drawn towards her writing because of her Hong Kong and Italy connections, both places which are close to my heart.

Set in Verona, Italy during the latter months of WWII.  A dual timeline story 'The Orphan From Verona' one part is set in 1944 when Elisa and her older brother Robi are trying to avoid being separated after the death of their parents in a bombing raid.  The second setting takes us to 21C Verona when Elisa travels to Italy, having spent many years in America, with her adult daughter Claudia.  The intention is after all these years to try and find out what happened to Elisa's bother.

The author's research about Verona's strategic position during WWII has enabled her to write a realistic storyline inspired by true events.  An emotional read about the resilience of those living through these dreadful times. Recommended to fans of WWII stories with some romance.

With thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Verona, 1944. When an air raid strikes Elisa's home, she is left with nothing but the clothes on her back, the teddy bear clutched in her arms and her beloved older brother. Traumatised into silence, six-year-old Elisa can no longer speak and relies on Robi to guide her through this war-torn world.

Alone on the dangerous streets of Nazi-occupied Verona, the siblings must fight to survive. With the Nazifascists hunting for boys to conscript, Robi is at constant risk. So for Elisa, who cannot call out or cry for help, losing her brother would mean losing everything…

New York, 2000. Decades later, Elisa has built a life far from the shadows of war. But the past has never truly let her go. Separated from Robi during those desperate days, she’s spent a lifetime wondering what became of him.

But now, she is finally ready to return to Verona. With her daughter Claudia by her side, Elisa sets out on a journey into the past. Because some bonds can never be broken, and some lost souls are still waiting to be found…

A moving and heart-breaking wartime novel that shows that hope can endure and war is not always the end. Perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Fiona Valpy and Dinah Jefferies.

Previous Reviews:  Daughter of Hong Kong.     The Girl From Lake Maggiore

Author Profile

                                                    

                                                            Courtesy of Amazon

Siobhan Daiko is a bestselling author of powerful, emotional wartime fiction. Her stories are perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Fiona Valpy and Dinah Jefferies. Set in Italy and Hong Kong, Siobhan’s books feature ordinary women dealing with extraordinary circumstances. They also celebrate courage, survival and unbreakable bonds. Siobhan lives in the Veneto region of northern Italy with her husband, a Havanese dog and a Siberian cat. She was born of English parents in Hong Kong, attended boarding school in Australia, and then moved to the UK — where she taught modern foreign languages in a Welsh high school. Siobhan now spends her time writing books and living the dolce vita sweet life near Venice. Her novels are compelling, poignant, and deeply moving, with strong characters and evocative settings, but always with romance at their heart. You can find more about her books on her website siobhandaikodotorg

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Amazon Author Page.  Author Official Website.   Goodreads Author Page

A Private Man by Stephanie Sy-Quia

                                                  

Ebook:  253 pages Kindle Edition

Genre:  Religious, Church History, Romantic Fiction,

Publisher:  Picador Jan 2026

Source: NetGalley

First Sentence: They put the neat box into a crisp hole in the ground.

Review Quote: 'I couldn't put it down' - The Independent

My Opinion:

I had never heard of this author before being given the opportunity to read 'A Private Man'. In the authors notes to the novel she explains that her inspiration was drawn from her own grandparents experiences.

A forbidden love story between David a Roman Catholic priest in the 60's and Margaret a progressively minded theology teacher. Two young people that despite their religious faith were unable to envisage a life without each other.

One to read if you are looking for something a little different. Be warned though the love story element is a very slow reveal. Part One concentrates on introducing the reader to the protagonists and it is not until Part Two that the forbidden love story really begins.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and author for the opportunity to read and review.

Précis Courtesy of Amazon: 

Rome, 1953. David is young, handsome, charismatic and sworn to celibacy. He is freshly ordained, and about to return to England to begin life as a priest. Devotion to God is all he’s ever known.

In London, Margaret is entangled in an impossible love affair. Committed to living on her own terms without sacrificing her faith, she becomes drawn to a women’s movement challenging the archaic rules of the Church.

When their lives are thrown together at a Catholic college in a quiet village, an undeniable connection forms between them. And so begins a story of forbidden love, sacrifice and secrets, with consequences that will reverberate across the generations.

Author Profile:                                                                                       

                                                           

                                                      Courtsey of RCW Literary Agency

Stephanie Sy-Quia was born in 1995 and is a British–American writer. Born in California and now living in London, Sy-Quia attended the King's School, Canterbury then went on to study English at Oxford.

Biographical Information and Photo courtesy of the following sites:

Wikipedia Profile.      Instagram Profile.   RCW Literary Agency Profile

The Italian Village in the Hills by Victoria Springfield

 

                                                

Ebook:   320 pages      

Genre:   Contemporary Romantic Fiction, Historical Romantic Fiction, Italy, WWII,                                     

Publisher: Boldwood Books January 19th 2026

Source: NetGalley

First Sentences: Stella's napkin fluttered to the floor. She twisted around as far as her new dress would allow but a smiling waiter had got there first. He spread the fine linen back across her lap.

Review Quote: 'Gorgeous escapism and a complete joy to read!!'  Review of the authors writing overall.

My Opinion: 

As a self confessed Italophile I was delighted to discover the author, Victoria Springfield last summer when I read One Summer in Italy. Her books are set in Italy and are contemporary feel good fiction that draw you in with realistic characters and evocative scenes that make the reader feel immersed in the Italian lifestyle. She uses a mixture of fictional and real places but the inspiration comes from real life, this time from San Remo and the surrounding Ligurian countryside.

'The Italian Village in the Hills' is set in the fictional village of Leto and is a tale of families and loyalties that hark back to WWII.  The main characters are Stella, originally from the village who after many years trying to forget why she left, unexpectedly finds herself back there. Secondly we have Amy, a much younger woman who is mourning the death of her grandfather. Curiosity about his past also leads her to the village of Leto.  Both Stella and Amy make some interesting and surprising finds, but will these emotional discoveries lead them to find happiness in Italy.

This escapist read is recommended to those that enjoy a feel good romance and of course Italophiles.

Thank you NetGalley, Victoria Springfield and Boldwood Books  for the opportunity to read and review.

Goodreads Précis: 

Stella has spent decades trying to forget the heartbreak that made her flee the Italian village of her childhood. But when her new fiancé surprises her with a trip back to Liguria for her upcoming birthday, she is forced to confront the past, her first love and a tragic family rift.

Amy is mourning her beloved grandpa and curious to know more about the old coin necklace and mysterious postcard that he left her. Following his trail to the Italian Riviera, a chance meeting leads Amy to Stella’s village in the hills and to secrets that have lain buried since the war.

Against a backdrop of cobbled medieval streets, sunlit piazzas and rustic olive groves, both Stella and Amy make surprising discoveries about their families – and themselves.

By facing up to the past and opening their hearts, can Stella and Amy find happiness in the Italian village in the hills?

Escape to Italy with this warm, romantic and emotional tale of family, love and second chances.

Previous Review: One Summer in Italy

Author Profile:                

                                              

                                                           Courtesy of Amazon Profile

Victoria Springfield writes uplifting, contemporary women’s fiction immersed in the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy. Her feel-good stories follow relatable characters of all ages as they find adventure, friendship and romance. Her latest book is The Italian Village in the Hills set in Liguria. Previous titles: One Summer in Italy set in Venice, An Italian Island Secret set on Ischia, Invitation to Italy set on the island of Procida, The Italian Fiancé set in Lucca, A Farmhouse in Tuscany and her debut The Italian Holiday set on the Amalfi Coast.

After many years in London, Victoria now lives in Kent with her husband in a house by the river. She likes to write in the garden with a neighbour’s cat by her feet or whilst drinking cappuccino in her favourite café. Then she types up her scribblings in silence whilst her mind drifts away to Italy. Open a Victoria Springfield book and feel the sunshine.

Victoria is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Twitter Profile.     Facebook Profile.   Instagram Profile

The Girl From Lake Maggiore by Siobhan Daiko

 

                                            

Ebook:  314 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romantic Fiction, WWII, Italy,

Publisher: 9 January 2026  Boldwood Books

Source:  NetGalley

Location: Lake Maggiore, Northern Italy, 1943 

First Sentence:  Guilia pressed down hard on the brakes of her bike. A woman was running down the middle of the road!

Review Quote: 'an exciting, impeccably-researched wartime adventure with lots of heart ... the perfect mixture of tragedy and happiness':  Reader Review

My Opinion:  

Siobhan Daiko was inspired to write this wartime novel set on the shores of Lake Maggiore after reading about the atrocities committed by the Nazis in the area during WWII. The author personally knows the area from a childhood summer spent there and has based the fictional town of Marta on her memories of Meina, where a local hotel hosted Jewish refugees that were brutally killed by the Nazis.

Some of her protagonists such as Raffaele and Aquila are based on real partisans active in the region. The novel is the story of how when Raffaele and Guilia, the daughter of the hotel owner start sheltering Jews, their lives change dramatically. Consequently their actions lead them into great danger.

A comprehensive and realistically, at times harrowing account of the day to day routines of those involved in the resistance, with as well a blossoming love story. Worth a read if you are interested in life in Italy during WWII.

With thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

A breathtaking story of friendship, love and impossible choices, perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Lucinda Riley, and All the Light We Cannot SeeLake Maggiore, Northern Italy, 1943 🇮🇹

In a quiet lakeside hotel nestled in the shadow of the Italian Alps, seventeen-year-old Giulia Leone lives a life untouched by war – until the day ruthless German SS officers arrive in the village.

Her father’s hotel is no longer a place of peace, but a trap for the Jewish guests who have taken refuge there. Among them is Ester, the bright, spirited girl who has become Giulia’s closest companion.

When a daring plan to help Ester’s family escape spirals into chaos, Giulia is the only one who gets away. Heartbroken but determined, she flees into the mountains and finds shelter with a band of courageous partisan fighters, led by Raffaele Ferrero, the hotel manager’s son.

Haunting memories of her family and best friend plague Giulia’s every waking thought, and she knows she must risk everything to fight back. But as a wanted person, finding where her loved ones have been taken – let alone saving them – may be impossible…

Inspired by true events, The Girl from Lake Maggiore is a moving and powerful story of resistance, resilience and the extraordinary lengths we go to for love.

Previous Review:  Daughter of Hong Kong

Author Profile

                                                    

                                                            Courtesy of Amazon

Siobhan Daiko is a British historical fiction author. A lover of all things Italian, she lives in the Veneto region of northern Italy with her husband, a Havanese dog and a Siberian cat. Siobhan was born of English parents in Hong Kong, attended boarding school in Australia, and then moved to the UK — where she taught modern foreign languages in a Welsh high school. She now spends her time writing page-turners and living the dolce vita sweet life near Venice. Her novels are compelling, poignant, and deeply moving, with strong characters and evocative settings, but always with romance at their heart.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Amazon Author Page.  Author Official Website.   Goodreads Author Page

Twitter Profile

Daughter of Hong Kong by Siobhan Daiko

                                            

Hardback:  320 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romantic Fiction, WWII, Hong Kong,

Publisher:  December 2024 Boldwood Books

Source:  Tywyn Library

First Sentence:  A chill wind whipped around Will as he stood on the promenade deck of the P and O liner RMS Carthage.

Review Quote:  'A convincing and very moving romance, a fascinating slice of history. Coupled with the most wonderful story-telling, this book delivered everything I could have possibly wanted.'  Reader Review

My Opinion:  

This novel was recommended to me by a friend, due to my connections with Hong Kong.

'Daughter of Hong Kong' starts with the protagonists, William Burton and Constance Han meeting on an ocean liner bound for Hong Kong in the spring of 1939.  Their shipboard friendship makes them determined to continue to see each other in Hong Kong, despite knowing that any relationship between them would be fraught with difficulties.  As the inevitable outbreak of war draws closer, Will and constance both become involved in the defence of Hong Kong. Their lives become ever more intense as danger increases and their survival looks unlikely.

Although fictional it is based on historical events that happened during WWII when the Japanese invaded Hong Kong. I found the descriptions to be very evocative of Hong Kong, despite being set in an era well before any time I have spent there.  A moving story of determination that love will overcome, recommended to readers who enjoy romantic novels set in WWII.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Based on a true story, a tale of love and survival against all the odds set in Hong Kong at the start of the Pacific War. Can love conquer all?

Spring 1939 - dashing young William Burton and the beautiful Constance Han set sail from London on the same ocean liner to Hong Kong.

Connie is intrigued by Will’s talent for writing poetry, and as romance blossoms she offers to give him Cantonese lessons to help him with his new job — a cadet in the colonial service.

But once in Hong Kong, Connie is constrained by filial duty towards her Eurasian parents, and their wish for her to marry someone from her own background.

When war breaks out, Connie and Will find themselves drawn into a wider conflict than their battle against prejudice. Can they survive and achieve a future together? Or will forces beyond their control keep them forever apart?

A sweeping tale of love and perseverance, perfect for readers of Dinah Jefferies, Fiona Valpy and Ann Bennett

Previously published as The Flame Tree

Author Profile

                                                       

                                                            Courtesy of Amazon

Siobhan Daiko is a British historical fiction author. A lover of all things Italian, she lives in the Veneto region of northern Italy with her husband, a Havanese dog and a Siberian cat. Siobhan was born of English parents in Hong Kong, attended boarding school in Australia, and then moved to the UK — where she taught modern foreign languages in a Welsh high school. She now spends her time writing page-turners and living the dolce vita sweet life near Venice. Her novels are compelling, poignant, and deeply moving, with strong characters and evocative settings, but always with romance at their heart.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Amazon Author Page.  Author Official Website.   Goodreads Author Page

Twitter Profile

Happily Ever After by Jane Lovering

                                                      

Ebook:  269 pages

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Fiction, Humorous Fiction, 

Publisher:  Boldwood Books 17th February 2025

Source:  NetGalley

First Sentences: 'Are you sure this is right? Only this is Lady Dawe's place and she is bonkers'

Review Quote: ‘A unique, well-written story that is uplifting, emotional, and humorous—well worth reading.’ Reader Review. 

My Opinion:  

I have read several of this author's books in the past, but it was a long time ago 2011/2012. Somehow I have missed out on her more recent publications until now. 

'Happily Ever After' has a dreamy heroine, Andromeda who believes that real life is like the books she read during her unconventional upbringing. While cataloguing the vast neglected library in an old and crumbling mansion, she soon learns that real life is somewhat less predictable.

The setting and the characters are all well developed with the story having twists and turns to hold the readers interest. Clever touch is each chapter having a literary reference as a title heading. If you enjoy contemporary fiction with a touch of romance and humour this is a very readable example of the genre. 

With thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Jane Lovering for the opportunity to read and review. 

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Andi Glover loves nothing more than a good book.

Any book in fact because when you’re raised by unconventional parents who think school’s for squares, alongside a deeply conventional sister who escapes home as soon as she can, fiction is eminently preferable to reality.

The only problem is that fiction isn’t the best way to learn about the real world. When Andi starts her new live-in job at Templewood Hall for the eccentric Lady Dawe and her enigmatic son Hugo, it’s tempting to think she’s fallen into the pages of one of her favourite gothic novels.

But the plot twists at Templewood Hall are stranger than fiction and it’s not long before Andi questions if she’s living in a romance novel or a whodunnit. Bumps in the night, a missing heir, ghostly apparitions and secrets that have been kept for generations - the mysteries mount up. Then there's the inscrutable gardener who seems to appear when needed - is Andi right to hope for a happily-ever-after end to her story?

Author Profile:         

                                           

                                            Photo and Profile Courtesy of Amazon

WINNER - CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2023 with A COTTAGE FULL OF SECRETS (Boldwood Books) ROMANTIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2012 with PLEASE DON'T STOP THE MUSIC (Choc Lit publishing), RoNA ROSE (NOVELLA OF THE YEAR) 2018 with CHRISTMAS AT THE LITTLE VILLAGE SCHOOL AND FANTASY ROMANTIC NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2019 with LIVING IN THE PAST

Jane was, presumably, born, although everyone concerned denies all knowledge. However there is evidence that her early years were spent in Devon (she can still talk like a pirate under the right conditions) and of her subsequent removal to Yorkshire under a sack and sedation.

She now lives in North Yorkshire, where she writes women's fiction novels with funny bits and labours under the tragic misapprehension that men are queueing up for her. She owns possibly the world's worst dog, a Patterdale Terrier who answers to - well, who knows, since she rarely comes back; she is also the owner of five practically grown-up children, and she has to spend considerable amounts of time in a darkened room as a result (of the dog, not the kids).

Photographs, Trailer and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Jane Lovering - Facebook Profile.   Twitter Profile   Amazon Book Page

From Venice with Love by Rosanna Ley

                                                

Ebook:  396 pages                                                                                 

Genre:  Romantic Contemporary Fiction 

Publisher:  Quercus 2020

Source: My Kindle

Review Quote: Vicarious travel to Venice is always welcome, especially in these uncertain times. Perfect holiday reading, wherever you go ― The Lady

First Sentences:  Joanna was hardly aware of the train leaving Waterloo station. She supposed she was in shock - if shock was the right word for what she was feeling.

Setting: Venice (Italy), Italy, Lisbon (Portugal), Prague (Praha) (Czech Republic), Dorset, England (United Kingdom)

My Opinion: 

Rosanna Ley has written around twelve novels, I think. Including this one I have read five of them 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 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.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:

With her marriage in danger of falling apart, Joanna returns home to the beautiful but dilapidated Mulberry Farm Cottage in rural Dorset, where her sister Harriet is struggling to keep the farm afloat and cope with their eccentric mother.

When Joanna discovers a bundle of love letters in the attic, written by a watercolourist named Emmy, she is intrigued and sets out to discover Emmy's true story. Emmy's letters take Joanna to the picturesque alleyways and bridges of Lisbon, Prague, and the most romantic place of all: Venice - where a whole new magical world seems to unfold in front of her.

Meanwhile, back at Mulberry Farm Cottage, a mysterious prowler adds to Harriet's problems and interrupts her search for a perfect partner. Will she ever find true love? Where will Emmy's mesmerising pathway lead? And more importantly, will Joanna and Harriet be able to rescue the cottage and finally be able to rediscover their sisterly bond?

Author Profile : 

                                                 

Rosanna has written numerous articles and short stories for magazines, and her novels have been published in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Norway, Hungary, Portugal, Lithuania, Denmark, Bulgaria, Turkey, Israel and the Czech Republic. All Rosanna’s titles are also being published by Quercus in the US.

Rosanna has worked as a creative writing tutor for over 30 years. She has led courses for colleges and universities in England, and runs her own writing retreats and holidays in the UK and in stunning locations in Europe. She has worked with community groups in therapeutic settings and completed an MA in creative writing for personal development in order to support this. She has also mentored and appraised the work of new writers.

Travelling and cliff walking are two of Rosanna’s favourite things to do. She also likes tennis, swimming, reading, eating very dark chocolate and drinking Italian coffee (preferably in Italy…) She lives with her husband in West Dorset and her favourite writing place is anywhere with a sea view.

The biographical information and photo used in this post are with thanks to the following websites, where you can also find more information about the author and her writing.

Photograph and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites: 

 Facebook - Rosanna Ley Novels  Author Official Website   Twitter Profile  

Instagram - Rosanna Ley Author   Goodreads Profile    Amazon Author Page

                                     

                                                            

A Secret Garden Affair by Erica James

 

                                         

Hardback: 405 pages

Genre: Romantic Fiction, Family Saga, Historical Fiction,

Publisher: Harper Collins 2023

Source:  Tywyn Library

First Sentence: Libby Mortimer was not the running away sort, she really wasn't, but having been given the chance to escape London with all its cruel reminders of romantic fairy-tale weddings, she couldn't get away fast enough.

Setting: Suffolk, England

Review Quote: ‘A wonderfully compelling family drama… Warm, escapist and utterly uplifting’ Sunday Express

My Opinion:  Erica James is one of my long time favourite authors for a guaranteed agreeable read. Once again she has not disappointed me.  ‘A Secret Garden Affair’ is a dual time-line story with delightful characters and a plot that draws the reader in immediately. Mainly set in an old Manor House with beautiful gardens of which the descriptions are wonderful. It is widely known among her fans that Erica James has a tremendous love of gardening. Her inspiration for this novel stemmed from curiosity about garden designers.

The protagonists of the story are Elfrida, the owner of Larkspur House and a prestigious garden designer in her time.  Bess her long time servant, friend and confidant and the latter’s great niece Libby. It is the stories of Elfrida and Bess in the past that in the eighties timeline come together, with so many enigmas which Libby discovers when past and present merge. Libby has grown up spending many happy times at Larkspur House as their guest and it seemed the obvious  place to flee to when her heart is broken.

Highly recommended to lovers of romantic escapism at its best.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

July 1981. As the country prepares to celebrate Prince Charles’ wedding to Lady Diana, Libby wants to be as far away from royal wedding fever as possible.

Having caught her own fiancé in bed with her best friend just weeks before they were due to marry, she’s fled London for the comfort of the Suffolk countryside.

At Larkspur House, with its magical garden created by renowned garden designer and one-time socialite Elfrida Ambrose, and its comfortingly familiar kitchen presided over by Libby’s great-aunt Bess, she hopes to find a way to put her life back together.

But for lifelong friends Bess and Elfrida, Libby’s arrival has stirred up the ghosts of the past. And before they can help her rebuild her shattered future, they must confront their own unspoken secrets, lost loves, and tragedies…

Author Profile:         

                                          

                                                     Courtesy of Authors Website

In the author's own words from her website.

I grew up on the south coast of England with never a thought in my head as a child that I would one day be an author. But somehow, I’m now the author of twenty-four bestselling novels, with recent Sunday Times Top Ten bestsellers including Swallowtail Summer, Coming Home to Island House, Letters from the Past, and Mothers and Daughters.  With sales of over five million around the world, including a No. 1 in Norway, I’m told that my books are loved by readers looking for beautifully drawn relationships, emotionally powerful storylines and evocative settings. 

In 2006 my novel Gardens of Delight won the Romantic Novel of the Year award and in 2020 I received the Nielsen Silver Award for sales of over a quarter of a million copies for both Love and Devotion and Tell it to the Skies. 

I live in Suffolk and travel as often as time permits to see my eldest son and his family in the US and my youngest son in Japan.

Photographs, Trailer and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Erica James - Official Website.   Erica James - Twitter.  Instagram - Erica James

Goodreads Author Profile  Erica James - Amazon Author Page.  Erica James - Facebook