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What Members Thought

Kate Forsyth
This novel had a subtitle ‘Passion, longing, secrets, and a dangerous time’ and is set in wartime Italy so it sounded just like my kind of book. Yet, despite its readability, I have to admit I was disappointed. I’m not sure exactly why. I should’ve loved sensitive Rosa, and I really adore romantic books set in wartime Italy ... yet ... I think it was too long, or the writing was simply too pedestrian, or because I never got to really like either of the two men Rosa falls in love with ... too muc ...more
Rhoda
Mar 11, 2023 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: favorites
When a mysterious stranger leaves a baby girl with the sisters of Santo Spirito in Florence with a tiny silver key in her wrappings as the only clue to her identity, Rosa grows up with the nuns as her only family and has no clue who left her there or why.

When Rosa turns fifteen she has to leave the convent and is sent to be a governess to the daughter of an aristocrat and his decidedly disturbing wife. Rosa feels very uneasy living there and with Fascism infiltrating and WWII looming, Rosa’s li
...more
Mish
Aug 08, 2010 rated it it was amazing
Brilliant. The authors best novel to date. Very had to put down, lots of action and suspense and the romance was simply heartbreaking.
Tracy
Dec 14, 2012 rated it really liked it
An engrossing and interesting read. Certainly a step above the usual books in this genre. Read the full review at OurBookClub. ...more
Alethea
Mar 19, 2010 rated it liked it
I really enjoyed this book, a historical drama set in Florence just before and during WW2. Lots of subplots kept me guessing what was going to happen next.
Lesley
Apr 11, 2010 rated it really liked it
Loved this book. It had plenty of twists and gave a good understanding of what a ride Mussolini took Italy on before and during WWII.
Jen
Feb 14, 2010 marked it as to-read
Yulia
Feb 23, 2010 rated it it was amazing
Adiba
Mar 25, 2010 rated it liked it
Annie
Mar 31, 2010 marked it as to-read
Dee-Ann
Jul 06, 2010 marked it as to-read
Joanie
Nov 24, 2010 rated it really liked it
Amira
Dec 05, 2010 marked it as to-read
Julia
Oct 18, 2011 marked it as to-read
Bree T
Dec 22, 2011 marked it as to-read
Shelves: aww2012
Eloise
Dec 28, 2011 marked it as to-read
Faye
Nov 08, 2012 marked it as to-read
Marg
Feb 21, 2013 rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: audio-book, aww2013
Gynelle
Jan 31, 2014 rated it liked it
Lindy-Lane
Feb 08, 2014 marked it as to-read
Shelves: history
Cathy
Oct 26, 2014 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Beccy
Mar 26, 2015 marked it as to-read
Rebecca
Jun 18, 2017 marked it as to-read
Tess
Jul 17, 2022 marked it as to-read
Linda
Aug 01, 2023 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition