The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen takes us to Venice, Italy at two different times in history...WWII and 2001. Caroliine rushes to the bedside of her dying Aunt Lettie and makes it in time to hear her whisper "Venice" before she passes. Caroline is at a low point in her life. Her husband has left her for another woman and has taken their young son to NY, where he has seen the trauma of the Twin Towers falling. He thinks it would be best for him to stay in NY for the time being, which leaves Caroline free to travel to Venice to search out her aunt's legacy and find out what exactly the 3 keys that she was left open.

Told in multiple timelines we get to follow young Lettie and her adventures in Venice as war approaches and she visits multiple times, meeting the young Leo Da Rossi and what consequences those meetings have on her life and the life of her niece many years later. I found Lettie's portion of the novel to be much more interesting than Caroline's and her character much more fleshed out.

Thank you to the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I love historical fiction and was excited to see this story set in Venice, Italy. The story follows two POV's; Caroline in 2001 and her Great Aunt Juliette during WWII. Great Aunt Juliette leaves Caroline a sketchbook, some keys, and a final message to go to Venice. With these three clues, Caroline sets off to Venice to uncover her Great Aunt's life. Both POV's were equally exciting and I loved learning about the differences of Venicue during both time periods. I would definitly recommend this book! Thank you, Netgalley.

I have enjoyed a few books by Rhys Bowen thus far and was excited to read her newest historical fiction book. When I first started reading The Venice Sketchbook, the plot reminded me of The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer, but in the end they were very different stories. Caroline has to travel to Venice, Italy to grant her late great-aunt Juliet’s last wish: to have her ashes scattered there.

We switch between two timelines here: following Caroline as she uncovers more about her spinster great-aunt, and Juliet from the time she was eighteen until in her thirties as she traveled to Venice multiple times. Juliet was originally going to art school before her family suffered financially and she had to withdraw. Later, she returns to Venice to take art classes on a stipend thanks to a generous donor of the school she works for as an art teacher.

I love all of the different things happening with Juliet. She has a romantic interest, she’s experiencing a culture very different from her own, she is an alien in a foreign country as WWII progresses, and she is involved in the art community of one of the most artistic cities in the world. I enjoyed her story the most and was happy each time I reached a new chapter and it was still on Juliet’s story.

Caroline had an interesting part but she definitely fades into the background as the book goes on. And then there is a relationship of incest that I found very uncomfortable. Maybe some people won’t find it so taboo but I don’t understand why sleeping with relatives could not be avoided. I also felt like her storyline was cut short in the end. I could have done without her being so involved in the first place, but with all of the up front details I thought it was wrapped up too hastily.

Another thing I didn’t understand was the prologue. By the time it ties together I had almost forgotten about it, and I wouldn’t say that there was a great build up to this moment. It just seemed like an odd thing to preview.

Overall, although I started off skeptical about reading a typical storyline, I really enjoyed this in the end. I have read much historical fiction set during WWII and I always appreciate a new angle or perspective, which this definitely provides. I have found all of Bowen’s books easy to read with lots of interesting details and this does not disappoint.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and Rhys Bowen has been one of my go-to authors in that genre. The Tuscan Child, The Victory Garden, and Above the Bay of Angels were all wonderful, in my opinion. I read The Venice Sketchbook simply because of the author, and I was not disappointed! It was an intricately woven story starting out around September 11, 2001, and going back to the late 30’s and early 4o’s in Venice. The transitions between past and present are seamless as the secrets of the main character, Caroline Grant, tries to uncover the secrets her recently deceased and beloved great-aunt has kept most of her life. This was a story of young love, the tribulations of war, and the beautiful city of Venice. And so much more! The story grabbed me from the first page and simply would not let me go! I loved it! Every page! I think Rhys Bowen outdid herself with this one, and I am so grateful that NetGalley gave me the the chance to read an advance copy of this wonderful book.

A promising start. Some historical fiction blended with romance. Unfortunately, the book fell into some angles that seem to be overly popular right now. The tropes made it feel predictable, so I lost interest and DNF. That being said, folks who like historical romance will likley enjoy this one, especially with is lovely descriptions of Venice.

I absolutely loved the descriptions of Venice, the setting was really amazing. Juliet's story was intriguing. Based on the description I thought it would be Caroline's story that held my attention more but it was definitely Juliet's story for me. The pacing was a little slow for me but I enjoyed it overall.

I can say with 100%, no with 1000% certainty that I am in love with this book, with every word that I have just read and with author's style! It was my second and I am absolutely sure not the last book by Rhys Bowen that I have read, I would like to discover more books by her. One more time she has proven to me that historical fiction is a great genre and that she is amazing British/American writer.
The story is told from two POVs and several different timelines:
1) Juliet (Lettie) Browning (1928; 1938; 1939-1945), young British girl who came to Venice for her 18th Birthday in 1928, where she met a boy from powerful Italian family Da Rossi , she came back later in 1938 as a school teacher accompanying girls on a trip and in 1939 as a foreign student, just before WWII began;
2) Caroline Grant (2001), young mother, who is trying to accept the end of her marriage and to move forward in her life. When her great-aunt Lettie died she received a task to go to Venice to scatter aunt's ashes and find the truth about Juliet's youth.
I am in love with both female characters - Juliet and Caroline. I was shocked how Juliet managed to leave everything she had been through behind and continue peacefully living. This is an example of extremely strong personality!
This book is not only heartbreaking and at the same time heartwarming story of eternal love, tragedy and courage, it is also an incredible Venice guide book, which make you feel like a Venetian and a part of this city. Now I want to go to Venice even more in order to walk in the streets where the novel took place.
I definitely recommend this book and I know that I have found one more all-time favourite historical fiction novel.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the review copy!

This story is the sort that I usually enjoy, although the trope is overused. A woman is left something by an elderly relative and we go back to what the 'something' wants to tell us. In this case Venice in the late 1930s and during WW2. My favourite genre is war fiction but this book felt as though something was missing. I think it was a real difference between to the two stories. Without giving away the plot it is not too easy to explain that. But there were too many similarities between 'now' and 'then' for me. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an e-ArC of this title.

Every now and then I pick up a Historical Fiction novel because I enjoy the setting and the emotional punch it delivers. It is not easy for an author to make the reader connect and care for two main characters who live in a different time period. I always enjoy seeing the pieces of the puzzle come together and show a complete picture. I love trying to predict what will happen next and how everything is connected. The Venice Sketchbook started really good and I loved the setting of the story. I thought the division between the two timelines was done well. I looked forward to seeing what happened to both Juliet in the past and Caroline in the present time.

However, when there are two timelines it can get a bit difficult to tell a complete story in detail. That was my biggest letdown in this book. I just didn't have enough time to fully connect to either main character. The stories felt rushed, and especially that of Caroline was over before it really begun and it felt unfinished. It was lacking depth. I needed more time to build a relationship with the characters and I unfortunately wasn't able to. I also didn't feel like the romances where genuine. I just didn't feel any real love between the main characters and their love interest. I liked the writing style of the author, and it definitely was very easy to read and had a great flow. It was also emotional at times and I appreciate the author being able to make me shed a couple of tears. I am curious about this author's other books, so I'll probably check them out.

The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen is a beautifully written dual timeline story that takes place in Venice, during the period leading up to, and including, World War II and England post 9/11.

The WWII story line follows Juliet Browning, an aspiring art student who goes to Venice and falls in love. Her love interest is already betrothed to another but they are faced with difficult decisions because of family responsibility and traditions and the War is looming so they have to be careful. They face family duty, traditions, passion and disappointment but continue their love story.

Post 9/11, England: we meet Juliet's great-niece Caroline, whose marriage has fallen apart and her beloved son, Theo, is visiting his father in New York. With all the trauma from 9/11 and the flight restrictions, Caroline’s son must stay in New York. All the while, Caroline's great-aunt Juliet has suffered from a stroke. On her deathbed, Juliet whispers a secret to Caroline and gifts to her three mysterious keys, a sketchbook and a single word, “Venice”, and her great aunt “Lettie” passes away. Caroline realizes now is the time to go to Venice in search of answers. She never knew her aunt ever lived in Venice.

This story takes you on a journey through Venice. It’s like a history lesson that includes art, culture, religion, food, traditions and the amazing gondolas and canals of Venice and all are described beautifully as the author weaves this story.

The mysterious keys and the sketchbook become an integral part of how the story progresses and I really loved and appreciated how she brought the story lines all together.

Thank you to NetGalley for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Overall, I enjoyed this. It took me a little bit to get into, but once some of the backstory was established the story pulled me in.

Giving this a 3.5/4 and rounding up. Would recommend it to others.

I selected this book to review for two reasons: 1) I love Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series. It is my go to whenever I get a chance to sit back and not worry about getting read for any other reason that the pleasure of what the characters are going to get into next and 2) Because my husband and I visit Venice and fell in love with the sights and architecture, history, foods, the canals, well everything. After saying all that I did not like this book. It didn’t draw me in, there was no hook for me to keep me reading. I’m so sorry! I will try other pieces of her work because I’m not ready to give up on Ms. Bowen.

Thank you for asking for my personal review because I didn’t rate this book highly I won’t be publishing my review on any other of my social media.

A really enjoyable book which switches between Venice in the past and present day. Anyone who has visited Venice will know it doesn’t change so this is entirely possible. I liked the way the two storylines interwove between the two periods and how could there not be romance for the two main characters in such a romantic city in Venice. It was quite easy to work out the mystery but this did not detract from the enjoyment of reading.

Venice is absolutely my favorite city in the world: The magnificent art in museums and churches, the scrumptious seafood, the fabulous wine, the boat rides, the lacemakers, the glassblowers! I could watch the gondoliers maneuvering through the canals all day long. I spent a memorable week in Venice and viewed the Historic Regatta on the Grand Canal, an event mentioned in the story.

Each reader has a different perspective. I could not help but adore this love letter to Venice, in a historical fiction novel, my favorite genre. This was my third Rhys Bowen story. I am a dedicated fan of the author.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I truly enjoyed this book. The setting in Venice is scrumptious, and the characters hold your interest until the end. Although the book was just a tad slow to develop, it became a "can't put it down" novel about halfway through. The last quarter of the book has several interesting twists I did not see coming, with clever foreshadowing.

Like many historical novels these days, The Venice Sketchbook involves two parallel storylines. The first involves a young woman on her first trip to Venice with a spinster aunt. She falls into a Venetian canal, is rescued by a handsome stranger, and is whisked off from possible romantic entanglement with the handsome young man by the aunt. Our heroine, Juliette, figures she'll never see this man again. But she does, again and again. The story begins in the days after WWI and takes you through WWII. The contemporary parallel story is not as compelling, but it serves its purpose in teasing out the rest of Juliette's story.

Fun reading! Loved it.

I absolutely loved this book. I cherished every single word and did not want it to end. This is a story of intense love, loss and betrayal set in Venice. I’ve never visited Venice, but was transported there throughout this amazing book. An English art student studies and paints in Venice and meets a handsome, charismatic young man. This is my new favorite book of 2021..

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!

I love Rhys Bowen's books so when I saw this, I jumped at the chance to read it.
The Venice Sketchbook requires a lot more thought and consideration than previous books I've read from this author. But it is worth it.
I loved the dichotomy of Caroline's modern-day story (coinciding with the bombing of the Twin Towers) and Juliet's story (coinciding with the outbreak of World War 2), where neither women is in what you'd call an ideal situation.
The stunning descriptions of Venice (from all the feast days to the acqua alta) impart a sense of being in the middle of everything as Juliet is going through it.
It took me a few chapters to get my head into the flow of the story: I think it was the 2 stories being told in such depth that I struggled to keep up with. At least until I figured out what was happening. And then I couldn't put it down.

I enjoyed this book and as I read the pages I felt as if I was in Venice. The author's description of Venice and of the local's point of view of their country's possible involvement in the war with Germany and "outsiders" seem realistic for that time period. I also thought the authors characters who turned out not to be so trusting or honest was authentic for that time period as well. Some of the characters really disappointed me in the end but I think this story shows how war can change the trust we hold so dearly of others. I enjoyed the relationship between Juliet and Leo and love that how he showed his true love for her at end.

Once again, a beautifully written book by Rhys Bowen. I've been a big fan of her Royal Spyness series, as well as her standalones which often have a World War II background.

This is another in that vein. A young British art student is given a chance to visit Venice with a domineering aunt in the time between the wars. A quick meeting with a handsome Venetian sets up the plot.

In the present day, her great-niece inherits her sketchbook of Venice, along with several keys.

Both stories are engaging and well-told, and I kept turning the pages to find out what will happen in both the past and the present, and how they will tie together. Altogether a great read.