May 14, 2025 – My Sanctuary

One Summer In Italy By Victoria Springfield

A return to Venice. A friendship rekindled. A time for romance.

Natalie’s landed the opportunity of a lifetime hosting television show ‘Luxe Life Swap’, but she’s dreading going back to Venice, scene of the school trip that changed her life. The beauty of the floating city and handsome watch restorer Eraldo begin to win her over, however. But then glamorous contestant Cate arrives, the girl who was once plain, ordinary Cathy – the ex-best friend Natalie blames for the night that wrecked her life.

Cate’s swapping The Old Vicarage for two weeks in a Venetian palazzo, hoping she might pluck up the courage to go on the quest she’s been putting off for more than twenty years. Forced to spend time with Natalie, Cate hopes to rebuild their friendship – until Natalie makes a shocking accusation against Cate’s husband. Cate needs to find out the truth but how can she expect Phil to be honest when she’s keeping secrets of her own?

A billionaire for Christmas…
or for life?

To Konstantin Galanis, heiress Eloise Martin was always strictly off-limits. Too young, too innocent—and his late best friend’s sister. Then he spots her in snowy Manhattan dressed as a Christmas elf, and discovers she’s chosen destitution over a loveless marriage. The steely tycoon feels duty-bound to offer her protection with his own festive proposal…

The kiss Konstantin turned down years ago still haunts Eloise. Accepting his convenient ring is an act of desperation, and every minute in his presence inflames her hopeless desire. Has Konstantin saved her from the cold…yet condemned her to burn?

About The Author

My Review

Konstantin, a hardworking and reserved man, is still grieving the loss of his best friend. One snowy evening, he is shocked to find Eloise, his late friend’s sister, dressed as a bedraggled Christmas elf. Knowing Eloise as an heiress, Konstantin is determined to find out why she is in such a situation.

After losing her brother, Eloise’s life took a sharp turn when her controlling stepfather tried to force her into a loveless marriage. Unwilling to comply, she chooses a life of poverty rather than be married off. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with Konstantin, the man she’s secretly loved since childhood, old feelings resurface.

Konstantin, feeling responsible for Eloise and her mother’s well-being, steps in to help. To uncover the truth about her stepfather, he proposes a fake engagement, but soon realizes his long-buried feelings for Eloise. As they spend more time together, Eloise struggles to hide her emotions, while Konstantin faces his own fears of love. Will they be able to overcome their pasts and embrace a future together?

This emotional, sensual romance explores themes of love, responsibility, and healing, with complex characters who must learn to let go of the past to find happiness.

My Rating