The Venice Sketchbook: A Novel
"Rhys Bowen crafts a propulsive, unexpected plot with characters who come vibrantly alive on the page." --Mark Sullivan, author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky
Love and secrets collide in Venice during WWII in an enthralling novel of brief encounters and lasting romance by the New York Times bestselling author of The Tuscan Child and Above the Bay of Angels.
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.
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Community Reviews
A beautiful story from start to finish. It begins with Juliet Browning in 1938 Venice as she travels for the first to Italy with her Aunt as an 18th birthday gift. Juliet is in awe of the city and quickly finds that there just isn't enough time to take in all of the beauty that Venice represents. She still tries as she sketches architectural delights and attempts to capture the spirit of the people she is watching on the page. She soon meets an interesting fellow that takes her hand to show her the city from a local perspective and starts to really enjoy his company.
The story then skips ahead to the modern-day with Juliet's niece, who is currently going through a divorce, and Caroline visiting her grandmother and great-aunt Lettie. As Caroline visits, Lettie soon gives her last breath. Caroline soon finds herself in the place that started it all, Venice, and starts to learn a lot more about her great-aunt Lettie, than she ever realized before.
It's a beautiful story that is illustrated perfectly by Rhys Bowen to give you the feel of the art that Juliet is making, the beautiful backdrop of sunsets in Venice, and the hustle and bustle of the gondolas and people that reside within. I thoroughly enjoyed the story through every heartbreak, friendship, love, and honesty that befalls upon each woman within the story. It's one of strength and love. It will certainly not disappoint you!
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