The Tuscan Secret

An absolutely gripping, emotional, World War 2 historical novel

Angela Petch | 4.35 | 3,231 ratings and reviews

The tragic consequences of war echo through the generations in this stunning tale, inspired by true events, about how family secrets can haunt us; and how love can guide us through the darkest times. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and The Letter by Kathryn Hughes will be captivated.

‘Anna, I kept a diary during the war. I have so much to tell you… And now you have this box containing my scribblings. My memory pearls. This diary is my inheritance to you. Your loving Mamma.’

As World War Two shatters Europe, Ines is a young girl caught up in the Italian Resistance. With her brother and best friend sacrificing everything to fight the Nazis, Ines hides deep in the Tuscan mountains, tending the wounds of the fallen fighters – including an escaped British prisoner-of-war who captures her heart.

Forty-five years later, an elderly lady in an English nursing home passes away, dreaming of Italy in her dying hours. To her youngest daughter Anna, she leaves a battered box of letters, their pages yellowed with age, and a promise that the truth about what really happened to her in the war lies within.

Anna’s English father forbade her from learning her mother’s beautiful language. So to translate the handwritten diaries, she resolves to visit Tuscany for herself. As she explores the sun-kissed olive groves and stunning mountain landscapes of the homeland she’s never known, Anna uncovers a shocking secret about her mother’s past that will uproot everything she’s ever believed.

In this small Tuscan community, some wartime secrets were never meant to be uncovered…

Readers have fallen in love with The Tuscan Secret:

‘Fantastic read… I loved this book...I would highly recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Excellent book!... will grab you and hold onto you long after you put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘A feast of a book… transports you to Tuscany.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘This beautifully woven story had me captivated from the start… I could not help but LOVE the descriptions of Tuscany, the countryside, the people and the food.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘I was gripped… The author weaves a magical tale… There is so much beautiful detail in the author's writing, one could almost taste the food, or feel the beauty of the surroundings.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘The story was beautifully told… a wonderful tale of self-discovery… A great read, with characters who will stay with you long after the book is closed.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘This is a beautifully written book… an ending that took me quite by surprise.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

This book was previously published as Tuscan Roots. less

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