Ffion
Definitely a slow burner. It took a good 100 pages until I became invested in the story and the characters. While the authors style was not particularly to my taste, the theme of love and loss was definitely something I could relate to. Upon reading the the last couple of chapters I was left with a heaviness in my chest and an overwhelming feeling of sadness. If I were to mark it out of 10, I would give it 5 and half.

Mabe
This book was an enjoyable read for me as I love any book that has historical interest and being set in 16th century Venice was most enjoyable it was easy to imagine it all happening there.
I liked the two love stories connect through history brought together by the manuscript . A good page Turner.
I give it a 7.

Eve
Here we go with a Short review done on my phone.
This book said in the blurb that it is a page Turner. I fear I do not agree. I found it tedious and I had to force myself into reading it. I have a few chapters left to read and cannot face reading more. The characters did not change through the book. In fact they were all rather 'beige. It was a good idea as a story line, but it did not seem to be going anywhere. I may have missed something as the reviews were good. However for myself I can only give it a 3.

Carolyn
I found this book really slow to get into. It didn't get going until fairly near the end. I had to keep reading parts again because my mind had wandered. Might have just been me. Having said that, I did find some bits interesting, the war against the Ottoman empire and the Venetian galleasses. Also the restoration of the diary. The romantic stories didn't do it for me.
I give it 5.

Cat
I enjoyed this book. I liked the concept of the historical story combined with the present day. The historical narrative was far better in my opinion, with a strong female lead character and interesting sub characters, and the social context well described. The modern-day narrative was a bit insipid in comparison. Whilst Chiara followed her dreams and pursued a career against all odds, the modern-day Rose's story was an obvious 'woman needs man' romance, despite her talents in her own career. The brutal violence described in horrifying detail during the historical battle was unexpected! I'm not sure it belonged in this book. Overall though, very readable 7/10

Chris
I quite enjoyed this book, I found the different time lines worked well, although the present day was a bit too much of a romance for me. The historical storyline took a while to get into as I found the names confusing but it became more interesting as the story developed. A well researched book and well written. I will give it a 7

Michelle
I tried… But I made the mistake of picking up the audio book (because I had a busy driving week) and the narrator’s voice was awful! Totally put me off.

Glenda
I didn't or couldn't get into it..
I found it a variation on a theme.
I have read many books in a similar story line 4/10

Arleen
I love Historical novels and this book ticks all the boxes. I have been to Venice and I could picture the sights and sounds. I couldn't get to grips with the book to start with. All the foreign names etc, but that was because I couldn't concentrate fully. I soon got into the story and I couldn't put the book down. I liked the idea of the two eras and moving from one time to the other. I liked the characters and felt so sorry that Giovanni was going blind. I learned so much from this book, about the war and the people. It just transported me into another world. I am happy to give it 9/10

Steph
I’m half way through, I should finish it as I’m off this week. Its probably not the best book I’ve read, but the fact that I want to finish it says something as I haven’t managed to finish a book this ear yet.
All I can say is that it’s a nice easy read and not overly complicated, just what I need at the moment.

Kirsty
I will start by saying this isn't the normal type of genre that I would chose to read. However, it was chosen for a book club I have started and being an eclectic reader I thought I would give it a go. I must admit it took me a while to get into as I was very confused about what was happening where until I realised each chapter alternated between present day and the 1570's. Once I had worked this out it became more enjoyable. I enjoyed reading the present day storyline more than the 1570's but I did also enjoy the historical aspect and the authors notes at the end were also quite intriguing. The book was well written and focuses on 2 forbidden romances, one in present day between a married artist William and a single book shop owner Rose and the other between Giovanna an artist and Chiara a courtesan. Giovanna's forbidden love becomes mirrored by Rose's and the storylines intertwine perfectly. The characters were well defined and realistic. I was invested in Rose, Giovanna and Chiara but thoroughly disliked William after he treated Rose. There was also a bombshell dropped in which was surprising and unexpected. Overall an intriguing historical romance that I would give a rating of 8/10

Rachel
I really liked the premise of this story and I thought the prose was pretty and descriptive, although strayed into cheesiness at times. I'm not a fan of 'instant love' as a trope, so William and Rose's intense, immediate connection felt a little silly, and never even went anywhere anyway. It was interesting that Rose ended up with Lucas instead, but the author didn't flesh out his character enough for me to really care about him. Everything just felt very low stakes as nothing really happened.
The plotline set in Venice was interesting, and I liked how real life issues were woven into the story, but I found Chiara as a character to be a bit too perfect. I didn't like that Gio essentially decided not to be with Chiara because he was going blind - quite an ableist message! 5 out of 10

Sonia
This book was not for me sadly despite my initial feeling that it would be - history, mystery and set in Italy what's not to like? Unfortunately there was something about the writing style - and I can't identify what - that left me cold and I found it very difficult to engage with the characters or the story. Putting in two love stories did not help me either as that is not my favourite genre. I struggled on against my better judgement but it did not improve and I was glad when I was finished! What a missed opportunity for this writer - all the ingredients were there for a really good story but it just did not deliver at all and was a chore rather than a pleasure. I can only give it a 3 out of 10 and that is being generous.