Stella has spent decades trying to forget the heartbreak that made her flee the Italian village of her childhood. But when her new fiancé surprises her with a trip back to Liguria for her upcoming birthday, she is forced to confront the past, her first love and a tragic family rift.
Amy is mourning her beloved grandpa and curious to know more about the old coin necklace and mysterious postcard that he left her. Following his trail to the Italian Riviera, a chance meeting leads Amy to Stella’s village in the hills and to secrets that have lain buried since the war.
Against a backdrop of cobbled medieval streets, sunlit piazzas and rustic olive groves, both Stella and Amy make surprising discoveries about their families – and themselves.
By facing up to the past and opening their hearts, can Stella and Amy find happiness in the Italian village in the hills?
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My Review
This is a beautifully layered story of self-discovery, family secrets and second chances, set in the breathtaking Ligurian village of Leto.
The novel follows two women on very different journeys. Sixty-year-old Stella returns to her childhood home while visiting Italy with her new fiancé, only to find herself running her uncle’s shop after he suffers a fall. Meanwhile, twenty-something Anna arrives in Leto seeking answers about her grandfather’s mysterious wartime past, prompted by a postcard found among his belongings.
Despite the age gap, both women are immediately likeable and relatable, and their stories intertwine in satisfying and often surprising ways. The village itself feels alive — Springfield’s vivid descriptions of sun-soaked streets, close-knit locals and mouth-watering Italian food make it impossible not to wish you were there.
The exploration of Leto’s fascist history and its lingering effects adds emotional depth and quiet tension, showing how the past continues to shape the present. With romance, mystery and heartwarming resolution, this is a captivating escape for lovers of historical fiction and Italian settings.
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