The Venice Sketchbook: A Novel by Rhys Bowen

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Caroline Grant is struggling to accept the end of her marriage when she receives an unexpected bequest. Her beloved great-aunt Lettie leaves her a sketchbook, three keys, and a final whisper…Venice. Caroline’s quest: to scatter Juliet “Lettie” Browning’s ashes in the city she loved and to unlock the mysteries stored away for more than sixty years.

It’s 1938 when art teacher Juliet Browning arrives in romantic Venice. For her students, it’s a wealth of history, art, and beauty. For Juliet, it’s poignant memories and a chance to reconnect with Leonardo Da Rossi, the man she loves whose future is already determined by his noble family. However star-crossed, nothing can come between them. Until the threat of war closes in on Venice and they’re forced to fight, survive, and protect a secret that will bind them forever.

Key by key, Lettie’s life of impossible love, loss, and courage unfolds. It’s one that Caroline can now make right again as her own journey of self-discovery begins.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen is a terrific story that will sweep you away with its vivid descriptions of Venice, captivating star-crossed romance, and box filled with keys and a sketchbook. Told in dual timelines via two separate points of view, this story is chock full of history, art, and love. This is one book you won't want to miss out on. 

Bowen has created a wonderful cast of characters that you will easily fall in love with.  Juliet is young, excited, and eager to explore Venice.  She meets Leonardo and they quickly fall in love. Their families are not happy and Juliet it taken back home to England.  It's nearly a decade later when she returns to Venice and meets up with Leonardo. However, things are different now and war is nigh.  Fast forward, Juliet has passed away and left her great-niece Caroline with a mission - Venice.  Armed with a sketchbook, some keys, and a box, Caroline heads off to her great-aunt's favorite city.  She plans to scatter her ashes and figure out her great-aunt's secrets.  

What a story! I just loved getting to know Juliet and Caroline. And, I absolutely enjoyed reading about Venice. Italy is a beautiful country and Bowen highlights is magic all through her story. The Venice Sketchbook was such a treat to read. I would happily recommend it to fans of Bowen and anyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Venice Sketchbook

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!