When Joanna discovers a bundle of love letters in the attic, written by a watercolourist named Emmy, she is intrigued and sets out to discover Emmy's true story. Emmy's letters take Joanna to the picturesque alleyways and bridges of Lisbon, Prague, and the most romantic place of all: Venice - where a whole new magical world seems to unfold in front of her.
Meanwhile, back at Mulberry Farm Cottage, a mysterious prowler adds to Harriet's problems and interrupts her search for a perfect partner. Will she ever find true love? Where will Emmy's mesmerising pathway lead? And more importantly, will Joanna and Harriet be able to rescue the cottage and finally be able to rediscover their sisterly bond?
About the author
. She has worked with community groups in therapeutic settings and completed an MA in creative writing for personal development in order to support this. Her writing holidays and retreats take place in stunning locations in Italy and Spain and whilst not teaching or writing she mentors and appraises the work of new writers. Rosanna has had numerous articles and short stories published in UK magazines, and 12 novels of contemporary fiction published in the U.K, Germany, Greece and the U.S.A under a pseudonym. Her books are inspired by the culture and landscapes of Italy, Sicily and the Canary Islands and feature strong female voices from the past and present, along with an intense undercurrent of mystery and romance. Rosanna spends some time every year travelling around Europe looking for writing inspiration and more tranquil settings for writing holidays. She loves cliff walking and her favourite writing place is somewhere with a sea view. When she is not travelling, Rosanna lives with her artist husband in a Victorian cottage in West Dorset by the sea.
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My Review
I was expecting from the title that the book would centre around Venice. Venice is, of course, featured and brings back many memories, but you get three for the price of one in this story as the reader is taken to Lisbon and Prague. I love Rosanna Ley's ability to take the reader on a journey and in this book, the focus is at first on the relationship between two sisters when Joanna returns to the family farm following the breakup of her marriage.
I loved the journey both spiritually and physically that Joanna goes on to discovers Emmy's story and the impact her guide has on a fellow traveller. The ending is brilliantly done and I must confess to a tear in my eye. Fabulous read.
Having read all of Rosanna's books, I have to say that this is one of her best. I read it when unwell in bed and it really helped me lose myself and forget how I was feeling. I loved that she brought her beloved West Dorset into the plot, I could imagine her writing from the heart and seeing those glorious scenes in her mind's eye.
ReplyDeleteI loved the theme of bridges and the interconnection of lives and histories. A gem of a book, thank you so much Rosanna.