🇮🇹
REVIEW
An Italian Secret is another stunning on the edge-of-your-seat World War II story from the talented Ella Carey. I read it in a day as I could not put it down! A fascinating dual timeline so beautifully written I felt transported to both Tuscany 1944 and to its modern day setting. The descriptions filled my senses to the point I was inspired with great desire to visit this gorgeous region. Although the Villa Rosa property and its surroundings are absolutely captivating, its beauty is not without thorns. It carries wonderful memories but also some heartbreaking history, too. When the Nazis stormed into the lives and homes of these peaceful people, it put everyone in such a state of fear that it made them feel like prisoners. The partisan resistance fought back with as much ammunition as they could but sometimes they were overpowered.
In the current day thread, Annie’s father passes and leaves her a letter with a strange message that she has inherited a villa in Italy called Villa Rose. This begins a tumultuous journey into her family’s past and challenges her own identity. The Villa, a diary and a few people hold many secrets and answers. She is determined to uncover the facts or risk her peace of mind and inheritance. Her love for her father and his voice resonating in her heart to not give up, keeps her moving forward. Even when she becomes discouraged with so many dead ends.
The nail biting tension in An Italian Secret reflects the difficult circumstances the Italians would have experienced during World War II. There is plenty of conflict in the modern timeline, too, with the Villa Rosa’s ownership being challenged. Annie must race against time to prove she rightfully owns it before another descendant takes full claim and begins a serious renovation to turn the property into a business venture that will erase all its history. He tries to manipulate her with what he thinks is the truth of her heritage. But are the rumours real? Is Annie really a child of a Nazis?
Contessa Evelina Messina, owner of Villa Rosa in 1944, is a very intriguing character who entertained Germans during the war. Did she keep the enemy close to watch their moves or side in with them? I have to admit, she is such a great actress, it leaves us wondering whose side is she on? I kept feeling she was a duplicitous character always hiding in the shadows— concealing her true feelings and intentions behind false words and actions. When we do get to hear her full story, it certainly puts some pieces of the puzzle in place— especially as far as Annie’s identity and inheritance are concerned. There are some pretty serious accusations thrown at Contessa that are intended to shame the family so her image and reputation play a big part in the plot.
The story is split between Annie (current day) and Cara (historical timeline). Her story is just as heartbreaking as Annie’s. Cara works as Contessa’s secretary. She loves the valley where she has lived all her life with her Papa in the pensione. He ran the hotel until it was closed by the Nazis. Cara has an opportunity to work for the well respected and admired Contessa at Villa Rosa and is encouraged by her father to take the position. Villa Rosa becomes a place of escape for Cara surrounded by all its beauty. One day news reaches Contessa that Cara’s Papa has been shot after trying to stand up to a Nazis who tried to rape a neighbour’s young daughter. Cara admires his bravery but losing him breaks her heart. It sets her on a path to resistance.
I found at times I was holding my breath and hoping for the best in Annie’s and Cara’s lives. As I became acquainted with all the characters, I felt as if I knew them. My favourites, though, were the women. Cara’s and Annie’s stories were intriguing to me. And when Contessa’s story is rolled out, the past and present meld into one whole. Exciting revelations begin to appear about each of these ladies causing me to admire them even more for their great courage and perseverance.
In An Italian Secret we witness betrayal, secrets, violence, abuse, jealousy and rage but there is also steadfastness, truth, revelations, kindness, love and restoration.
This story hums with creativity, polished writing, exceptional research and finesse. The old Villa is a character who whispers of a past wrapped in layers of facades. It teaches us that things and people aren’t always what they seem, so we must not judge too quickly. And in this story, there are plenty of surprises you might not expect! This is a powerful, mesmerising family drama that should not be missed. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
