4.5 stars
I’m a huge fan of this author’s books so when I was given an opportunity to read her latest book I was incredibly excited. The Italian Girl’s Secret was an immersive, gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I have always enjoyed books that are set in the second world war, especially as there are always new areas to explore and new things to learn. This book was no exception and I enjoyed learning more about events that helped lead to the liberation of Naples. One of the things I most liked about this book is that it isn’t just full of the more heartbreaking moments of the war and instead focuses on the ordinary citizens daily struggles and their bravery which was great to read about. It was interesting to learn more about what daily life was like for Italian citizens and how family and neighbours where often on different sides of the conflict which I hadn’t really considered before.

The two main characters Carmela and Sebastiano were great main characters who I enjoyed following throughout the book. I loved how the author spent time letting the reader get to know the characters, so that they started to feel like old friends. This help them seem very realistic but also helped ensure I was firmly on their side. The love story between Carmela and Sebastiano was absolutely beautiful to watch unfold and I found I had to keep reading to find out what happens between them.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and found the book very hard to put down. I think I went through every emotion as I read sadness, horror at what was happening and huge admiration for the amazing bravery of the resistance and the everyday citizens. There was lots of twists that kept me reading and the descriptions where so vivid that I felt like I was actually there watching everything unfold. I lost track of time whilst reading as I was so caught up in everything that was happening.

Huge thanks to Noelle from Bookouture for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book via netgalley.

How can one decision on one single night of her life set the abrupt destruction of her neatly set and covered life .. where all her secerets are supposed to be hidden forever are set into the worst hands to what?? Helping and saving one person on one single night.

Truly, this book was so so good... It's an enthralling enigma until you know all that's going to happen ... I was so deeply drawn from the first page to the last that I Haven't even got up to eat 😂

This wartime story and romance gripped me so much... It shows
🔹how every single decision matters
🔹How you can't trust anyone and have to trust the right ones to survive & save
🔹 It's constant pace of moving made it a fast read but still there's so much you have learn and so many secret rules you have to follow to act normal

This book takes you through the story of an Italian girl Caramela and an English Spy Sebestian who tries to save the allied soldiers .

Oh my!! The anticipation just got into me as I started reading it... The characters have true depth , the story line was amazing , the turn of events and decisions was so well written ... The romance and another chance at true love was endearing watching all that the characters went through in life individually, this book also shows you how important family is and sometimes how hard it is.

I really enjoyed this book, I highly recommend this book to everyone .. it's absolutely gripping and worth the read
Specially recommende for historical fiction and WW2 fiction readers

⚠️ There's this part where the character is under the Nazies and they make her go naked.. nothing is described .. it's only mentioned
This is not an sexually explicit novel, it's nothing to worry about .

Natalie Meg Evans has written a stunning historical fiction novel set during World War II. Fans of good, well written and researched novels in this genre will love this heartwarming book. This is a highly recommended book that will draw out the reader's emotions.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for the advanced reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
#NetGalley #TheItalianGirlsSecret

Checklist

Is the historical fiction based on WWII? Check
Is it based about the brave women during WWII? Check
Did I enjoy the novel? Absolutely check!

Set in Naples in 1943, the story starts with a girl named Carmela who hides an English spy named Sebastiano who happened to be the half brother of Danielo. Italy is a fascist country and a firm Nazi supporter so if Carmela is caught, she will be sentenced to death. The story talks about this brave woman, who risked her own life to help the English spy .

I have to say, I really like the author's style of writing. The vivid descriptions of the places in Naples and around Italy makes me as a reader feel like I am in the part of this story with Carmella. I really like the plot of the story and it always amazed me these brave young women like Carmella would risk their own lives to fight against the Nazis. As a result, the author did a good job writing this story beautifully. I do like the names of the dog and donkey--Renzo the dog. Overall, this story is captivating, emotional that will draw you the reader to the story! Another thing I liked about this book is the slow budding romance between Carmella and Sebastiano.

If you want to read a book based on WWII, I would highly recommend this book--will not leave you disappointed!

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

A knock on the door disturbs Carmela's quiet life with her Grandmother in their village near Naples. The war has literally arrived on her doorstep. Does she have the courage to join in the war effort...?

Carmela hides a dark and bitter secret, and she is in danger from her Fascist cousins. Her half-brother requests her to hide an injured man, but who is he and what are his secrets? Carmela's agreement to hide him takes her on a gripping journey which requires all the bravery that she can muster, but does she also have the strength of character to welcome love?

This book grips from the very first moment. Every time I stopped reading, I wondered how Carmela was getting on, and what she was doing in her race to help defeat the Nazis, and whether she would fall in love! I was so sorry to finish it.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

It all began with a knock on the door, and Carmela del Bosco’s half-brother, Danielo, seeking her help in hiding someone for just one night, Sebastiano.

When it is discovered that Carmela is hiding someone, not only is Sebastiano’s life in danger, but so is Carmela’s and her nonna’s. After Carmela makes sure her nonna is in a safe place, she takes off for Naples and refuge with her father.

Not long after her arrival, she learns that her father is acquainted with Sebastiano and is helping the underground fighters try to defeat the Germans.

What transpires during the rest of this novel is an amazing example of how determined the Italian people were to not give up and to keep Germany from completely taking over their beloved country.

The sacrifices made by Carmela and her father in an effort to protect Sebastiano’s identity and aid his fellow fighters left me speechless. I found myself completely absorbed as this novel took me to various locations in the countryside of Italy and gave me an idea of what Italy faced during WWII. This setting is not one often explored during this time period and I am so glad to have gotten the chance to read this book.

I highly recommend this book to people who love historical fiction set in WWII and who are curious about what things were like in Italy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and author Natalie Meg Evans for a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

"I know. People in Naples will betray secrets for the price of a loaf of bread."
"What is the price of a loaf of bread?" Don Gonzago asked Tomaso.
"A good pair of shoes, an hour of rumpy-pumpy or a small Rembrandt, Signor. Our currency gone to pot."

Firstly, I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for sending me this ARC. It was the love story I needed without knowing and the historical fiction about World War Two that captured me entirely and gently, stealing my breath without breaking my heart. Sounds like a dreamlike love story, right? Well, that was exactly what me and this novel shared.

"The sky told two stories. Far to the south, smoke and flame marked the theatre of violence but here, perching high above Naples Bay, the night was alive with stars."

The Plot

The story follows Carmela, a young woman living with her Nonna in a town on the outskirts of Naples, tending to their farm and trying to survive the war. One night, Danielo, her half-brother, shows up with a severely wounded man, asking her to take him in and hide him. Despite the risks and her self-preservation instincts, Carmela agrees, thus changing the course of her life, exchanging the little safety provided by her country life for secrets, rebellious acts and the possibility of a better world.

"How do you know I did?"
"It's what women do. Interfere at crucial moments."

The Characters

The characters were wonderfully portrayed, with ease and patience, making them not only relatable and believable, but also lovable. Carmela, the kindness and bravery of the unknown heroes, Sebastiano, a mystery waiting to be unrevealed and Danielo, the vivid image of the unshakable belief in freedom were the perfect recipe for heart-stealing protagonists. Adding side characters like Nonna, Zeffiro, Gio and Don Gonzago made the italian picture even more accentuate, and the ever constant presence of Carmela's four-legged friends, Renzo and Nearco, brought sugar and spice and I enjoyed it immensely.


"A street sweeper said you'd probably been executed in a prison courtyard."
"This is Naples. Everyone has an opinion."

Ever since I've read 'The Nightingale' and 'The Girl You Left Behind', I knew I was in love with historical fiction about WW2. Unlike the two books I have mentioned, this one put the story into a new perspective, as it was very different from what I was expecting. Apart from the fact that I learned a few things about Italy and it's history, I was also delighted to discover a touching romance. This book wasn't focused so much on the hurt, the carnage, the battles that left a bloody trail on our history and this helped keep a somewhat light mood, even when the scenes were anything but happy. It was a wonderful love story intertwined with the events that led to the liberation of Naples during WW2, described in such a way that kept you utterly fascinated.

"Who wants to care passionately for someone who is in so much peril? Still, it's the best aphrodisiac - don't ever let anyone fob you off with oysters."

I loved the blooming romance, the fast paced writing style that didn’t bore with dead action but also did not rush things, the pitoresque of some side characters and the new angle on WW2 novels. I definitely recommend this to historical fiction fans and also to people who want to dive into this genre but are not prepared for the brutality and harsh truths of books like 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz'.

"I want the Germans out of Italy."
"As do I."
"But I'm prepared to die for it. As are my friends."
"I'm prepared to live, Danielo."

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. This was a historical WWII fiction set Naples Italy with main characters Carmela and Sebbe fighting against fascist Italy. I loved the push pull of the romance and appreciated that this was not a sexually explicit novel. The novel was a page Turner with lots of action and suspense. I loved the strong family ties theme in this book and the just desserts ending for many of the characters. Well done!

It is Italy, 1943, and the world is in the grips of World War II. Carmela is living a quiet life on her nonna's tomato farm when asked by illegitimate stepbrother Danielo to hide a fugitive named Sebastiano. Carmela reluctantly agrees, despite knowing that the Germans will kill anyone in their path considered an enemy. There is now change at every turn for Carmela, including the cruel and vengeful attention from her second cousin Tino. So, not only must Carmela hide Sebastiano from the Germans, but from Tino as well.

Soon Sebastiano escapes and then Carmela is forced to flee to Naples to the home of her estranged father. It is in her father's home that Carmela again meets Sebastiano. In this riveting story of the resistance in Italy, there is danger facing Carmela and Sebastiano. His work as a spy is more dangerous than ever, and Carmela finds herself fighting as best she can, despite times when betrayal plays a cruel hand.

Carmela is a fabulous character, and her love for her dog Renzo all but broke my heart. Of course her donkey Nearco was impressive as well, and played a small role when it came to their safety. Sebastiano was incredibly strong, despite bearing many wounds and a betrayal that floored him. The Nazi occupation was awful for anyone concerned. The level of cruelty was so heartbreaking, but the level of bravery shown in this story was incredible. The fact that Carmela and Sebastiano could find love amidst the darkness was incredibly touching.

Borne of war and many of its devastating effects, The Italian Girl's Secret is a touching story of a war-time romance. However, it is far, far more. This is a story of bravery, sadness, horror and death.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Enthralling read about a young Italian woman named Carmella who runs her family farm with her Nonna. One night her half brother arrives with a wounded foreign soldier during WWII and she hides him and cares for him until he heals enough to reenter the fight.
In the meantime, her older Fascist cousin is trying to seize her Nonna's farm and Carmella. Carmella escapes to her estranged father's home.
I found this book very absorbing and don't want to give away more of the plot, but I read late into the night because I could not put it down! I will definitely read more by Natalie Meg Evans.

Thanks so much to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

As a huge fan of World War II fiction, this exceeded my expectations.
Set in the area around Naples between 1943 to 1945, this is a suspenseful, heart-wrenching, haunting and passionate story of the atrocities of war, and the risks people took to protect their families and properties.
Carmela is living with her grand-mother on their farm in the hills outside Naples when an injured stranger appears, and Carmela has to make the decision to protect him from the enemy.
The book is well written and researched, and I have no hesitation in recommending this magnificent story to fans of this genre.
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy.

I didnt expect this book to be as engaging as it was but I couldnt put it down, the characters were really well written and the story was good.

Somewhere in Italy

The time is 1943, the place is a small village in Italy on a tomato farm in the country. A young Italian girl , Carmela , answers a knock on the door. She finds her brother and an injured soldier that speaks English. Risking everything she hides him in an abandoned watchtower on the farm.

This is how the story starts, it is not how it ends. When a member of her family betrays them to the German's they must risk their lives to escape.

This is a story of the resistance in Italy. Groups of young men determined to oust the German's from their country. One feisty Italian girl and one S.O.E. soldier named Sebastiano. The soldier has a message that needs to be sent to help win the war against the German's. He needs to find the resistance to help send the message. Carmela vows to help. The travels, the hiding, the near escapes are nothing but breathtaking. Then as the moment arrives to send the message Carmela realizes that the message could destroy her village and the life she knows. Will she help send it ?

I love the story and the characters, the dog Renzo, the donkey and the family members that helped and the ones that betrayed. They all played a part in the story. It is a story of Love and hate and war. A story of family a fight for a country they all loved. A story of a proud people and a brutal Nazi occupation that they vowed to overthrow at all costs. Tragedy and loss come with love and understanding. You will laugh and cry and hold your breath reading this book.

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. I recommend this book.

Thanks to Natalie Meg Evans, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.

This is a heartwarming love story set in and around Naples during World War 2. Carmela del Bosco lives with her Grandmother on a farm outside a small village. Between them they manage to keep it going despite the difficult wartime situation.
One day Danielo, Carmela’s half- brother, brings an injured man to the farm and asks Carmela to hide him until he can be picked up by the resistance. It soon becomes clear that Sebastiano is not all he seems as, dosed up with morphine, he begins to speak English. He is obviously an English agent which puts Carmela’s life in extreme danger, particularly with a fascist cousin and Nazis all around.
Sebastiano has important information which he needs to send to the allies as they advance towards Italy and gradually, as Carmela is drawn to him and his mission, she tries to help.
Estranged from her father she is eventually reunited with him when she is forced to flee the farm and as the story progresses she learns more about his life in Naples whilst they all face the scourge of the Nazis.
I thought that the author portrayed the time period and the setting of Naples very well. It felt as if she knew the area and the people personally. She had definitely done her research.
I loved Carmela, a strong woman, underestimated by her family who comes through time after time in the course of the novel.
I could see the love story slowly developing, emphasised even more by the extreme danger the characters found themselves in and I was really hoping that they would both survive and that there would be a happy ending. Sebastiano could be infuriating at times but he was living under an assumed name in incredibly difficult circumstances so it was understandable.
I even loved the animals in the book including Carmela’s dog Renzo and Nearco, the donkey who manages to pull them out of some sticky situations!
This was an enjoyable read that both entertained me and transported me to another place and time. Definitely five stars and recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my arc in exchange for an honest review.

Carmela del Bosco and her 72-year-old nonna, Roasaria Cortazzi, live on the family farm, La Casale, in the hills above Naples. Carmela is well aware of the toll the war has had on her village, Santa Maria della Vedetta. The hills around the farm are full of Italian troops who’ve deserted their units after hearing about Italy’s recent surrender to the Allies and Naples is crawling with Fascists and the German military. She knows to be vigilant, yet the moment she answers the door to her ½ brother, Danielo Vincenzo, in the middle of the night, she knows she’s made a mistake. Danielo is a partisan fighter and he’s brought an injured ‘friend,’ Sebastiano ‘Sebb’ Alonso, who needs to be hidden from the enemy. Although she’s only agreed to hiding him for one night, she’s well aware that it may cost her dearly.

The price is high – she’s forced to leave La Casale when her Nazi supporting cousins, Tino and Santo Cortazzi, find out. The cousins, predatory Mussolini supporters who are high-ranking Blackshirts, take everything dear to her in one fell swoop and she heads for her father, Don Gonazgo’s, palazzo in Naples. It’s here that she meets up with an old friend and finds herself caught up in political intrigue and resistance activities against the Fascist regime. You’ll need to read to find out what happens to Carmela and see if her journey reunites her with the man she loves or if the war comes between them.

What a gripping story! This immersive tale highlights the struggles of wartime and shows how lines are drawn within families, between friends and between neighbours depending on which side is supported. With amazing attention to detail, meticulous research and an obvious love of the era, Evans has shown the plight of the Italian people and the toll of wartime. She’s crafted characters who readers will care about and who will be in awe of their endurance, determination and courage as she takes them through the trials of living in a warzone. Carmella’s endearing devotion to her Nonna, to her dog, Renzo and to her donkey, Nearco is heartwarming. Sebastiano’s frustrating behaviour and tough exterior only mask his yearning for love and freedom. Evans reminds us that in wartime people live differently – intensely – because they are never sure if today is their last. Readers have to keep that in mind when considering the actions of the Neapolitans. They want the same things as the rest of us, they just go about it differently; both in their expression of their needs and in gaining what they want.

I loved Carmela and Sebastian’s heart-stopping journey. It was gripping, captivating, addictive, full of intrigue, suspense, and twists…and I couldn’t set it down!

Publishes September 10, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Natalie Meg Evans, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Having read a few of this authors other works was delighted to get an early read, an extremely informative and highly intriguing tale unfolds here excellent characters and plot that has you entertained to the end.
I can highly recommend this book.

An emotional tale of family, love, and war. Set in Italy during World War II this book follows Carmela del Bosco, a farm girl from the hills outside Naples. A broken hearted Carmela meets injured Sebastiano, and makes the difficult decision to help him with devastating consequences.

Beautifully written, The Italian GIrl's Secret is page turner from beginning to end and will not leave readers disappointed. Natalie Meg Evans is an extremely talented writer who's characters took hold of my heart and left me wanting more. A must read.

This was just the most beautiful book ,from it's gorgeous cover to the immersive storyline. I haven't read anything quite as engaging as this in recent years!

THE ITALIAN GIRL'S SECRET by NATALIE MEG EVANS is a WW11 novel that takes place in Italy in 1943, in and around Naples. The book is well written and exciting. We get a real feel for what the characters are going through during this volatile and dangerous time. The author has obviously done a great deal of research into this period of history.
When Carmela del Bosco;s half brother Danielo Vincenzo, a partisan fighter, brings a badly wounded comrade, Sebastiano Alonso, to la Casale, the farm where she lives and works with her grandmother, and asks her to hide him, her life is never the same again.
Carmelo is forced to leave the village of Santa Maria della Vedetta when her two Nazi supporter cousins take over the farm. She goes to Naples to her father;s palazzo. She is surprised to find Sebastiano there, apparently well known by her father.
I like Carmela's devotion to her Nonna,to her dog Renzo and to their donkey Nearco.
I am not going to tell you any more as I do not want to spoil things for you. It is a really great read and one that you will not be able to put down until you get to the very last page!
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.