Wednesday, 16 March 2022

The Postcard from Italy - Angela Petch

 Italy, 1945. ‘Where am I?’ The young man wakes, bewildered. He sees olive trees against a bright
blue sky. A soft voice soothes him. ‘We saw you fall from your plane. The parachute saved you.’ He remembers nothing of his life, or the war that has torn the world apart… but where does he belong?


England, present day. Antique-shop-owner Susannah wipes away a tear as she tidies her grandmother’s belongings. Elsie’s memories are fading, and every day Susannah feels further away from her only remaining family. But everything changes when she stumbles across a yellowed postcard of a beautiful Italian stone farmhouse, tucked away in Elsie’s dressing table. A message dated from World War 2 speaks of a secret love. Could her grandmother, who never talked about the past, have fallen for someone in Italy all those years ago?

With Elsie unable to answer her questions, Susannah becomes determined to track down the house and find a distraction from her grief. Arriving at what is now a crumbling hotel by the sparkling Italian sea, she feels strangely at home. And after an unexpected encounter with handsome wine waiter Giacomo, she can’t tell if it’s his dark eyes or his offer to help solve her mystery that makes her heart race.

Together they find a dusty chest tucked in a forgotten corner of the building. The white silk of a World War 2 parachute spills out. And the Royal Air Force identity tag nestled in the folds bears a familiar name…

With Giacomo by her side, and before it’s too late for her grandmother, can Susannah discover the truth behind a shocking wartime secret at the heart of her family? Or will it tear her apart?

An absolutely stunning page-turner that will sweep you away to the olive groves and majestic views of the Italian coast. Perfect for fans of Kathryn Hughes, Fiona Valpy and Victoria Hislop.

Author Bio:

Published by Bookouture, Angela Petch is an award-winning writer of fiction – and the occasional poem.

Every summer she moves to Tuscany for six months where she and her husband own a renovated watermill which they let out. When not exploring their unspoilt corner of the Apennines, she disappears to her writing desk at the top of a converted stable. In her Italian handbag or hiking rucksack she always makes sure to store a notebook and pen to jot down ideas.

The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of her family live. When Angela’s not helping out with grandchildren, she catches up with writer friends.

Angela’s gripping, WWII, Tuscan novels are published by Bookouture. While her novel, Mavis and Dot, was self-published and tells of the frolics and foibles of two best-friends who live by the seaside. Angela also writes short stories published in Prima and People’s Friend.


Blog: https://angelapetchsblogsite.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelaJaneClarePetch

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Angela_Petch


Buy Link:

Audio:

Listen to a sample here:


My Review

I have to admit that when I first started reading The Postcard from Italy, I had the strangest feeling that I had read the book before. I don't think that it was because it was similar to other books that I have read, although I have come across similar themes, I think instead the book is so well written that it feels like an old and familiar friend.
I always find books written from two different times to be interesting and the way that this story unfolds, both in the modern-day and back in post-war Italy makes for an interesting read. For me, the historical story was the most interesting and I really wanted to know how Anto and Billy's story would unfold.
I was a little less taken with the modern story. For me, Susannah didn't quite read like a woman in her mid 30's, she seemed a lot older. Or at least she seemed a lot older than me (who is also older than mid 30's) It was an interesting way to bring out the story and add some extra mystery to it.
Overall, this was a great read. I really enjoyed it and wanted to find out exactly how the story would unfold and playout. 



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