The Bookseller’s Daughter is the new book from Daniella Sacerdoti which has two main themes. Those being the determination of women to rise again after they have fallen and also a love of books and knowledge shines through at every opportunity. I found this to be a very quick read so much so that despite enjoying the story I did find myself wanting more. At times I felt it only scratched the surface of things where a little more in-depth analysis or description was needed as I found some of the events were rushed through. But look, that’s me being super picky because really Daniella Sacerdoti has written an atmospheric and intriguing story with a twist at the end which had me reeling. In fact I’d love to chat to people who have read or will go on to read the book as it was quite an ambiguous conclusion.

The brief prologue opens in Venice in 1930 as Helena, one of the main female characters, tells the reader how her father and mother were lost in a fire that consumed their bookshop. She firmly believes that her sister Hanna survived, although how she did so and her whereabouts now are not known so Helena is not aware of her beliefs regarding the outcome for Hanna are true or not. Helena was adopted by a well-to-do family in Venice although the matriarch of said family didn’t treat her the best believing she should stay in the home and receive no education and instead wait on her in her hour of need. Her adopted brother Jacopo has always been her protector but the nightmare of what happened to her family lingers over her haunting her whenever given the opportunity.

Once the story proper begins the chapters alternate seamlessly between Helena in the war years and Francesca in 2022. Francesca lives in New York working in a gallery. She is an art historian and palaeographer specialising in manuscripts and books. She loves her chosen profession but in the job she has the daughter of owner treats her like a dogsbody and she isn’t able to do what she has been employed to do. So despite being in a job that she should love, given the work that is involved, she is not at all happy and neither is she in her persona life. Her engagement to Isaac has been broken off yet she still shares an apartment with him as he needs her for her share of the rent. Francesca still harbours deep feelings for Isaac and throughout the book the reader can tell that she really wants to get back with him and make a go of things. Whereas it’s evident that Isaac is of the complete opposite opinion. I really wanted to give Francesca a good shake and say why are you moping around after a man that has clearly moved on from you even if he still uses her for money. Throughout the book as she navigates the ‘quest’ that she has been sent on thoughts of Isaac still linger on and I just wanted her to get a grip and move on.

But this is not the story of Francesca and Isaac and to be honest I didn’t want it to be as I was keen to delve back into the past. Francesca is given the opportunity to secure a famous set of illuminated medieval manuscripts, which if she is successful will change the fortunes of the gallery. Soon, she finds herself in Italy, specifically the lakes where lies Santa Caterina island. Lavinia is caretaker of the manuscripts at Santa Caterina which once was a convent for nuns. Francesca and Thiago, who has arrived from a different gallery and also wants to bid for the manuscripts, are both tasked by Lavinia to find the manuscripts. Whoever does so first will be the one to secure them for their gallery.

So sets in motion a quest or challenge of sorts and through this process Helena’s story is revealed piece by piece. To be honest when we reached this point and it was fairly early on in the book, I completely forgot about Francesca and what she was going through personally as I became so engrossed in Helena’s developing story. Yes, there are things that happen to Francesca which start to make her open her eyes and see where her life path should be going and she does become very good friends with Thiago as they share the reading of Helena’s diary in order to find clues as to where the famed manuscripts could be hidden.

Helena’s story had me completed engrossed right from the moment Francesca and Thiago turned to the very first page of the diary. Helena is writing to Hanna, as if she is still alive, and she reveals her experiences and how she came to be on the island. When Helena’s adopted mother died and the war came calling at her door she knew given her past experiences that she would need to seek refuge and sanctuary. Being a Hungarian Jew during World War Two meant she had a price upon her head. After escaping the massacre which killed her parents Helena is determined that she will survive the war. She gets work at the Santa Caterina convent and pretends to be a nun where she will help the small community with the heavy jobs. If the war wasn’t raging this would seem like an idyllic existence but Helena always has a sense of fear and unease shrouding her. She is filled with anguish that she may be discovered and the community of nuns will be disrupted and the worst befall them.

What really intrigued me was how Helena fell in love with the library at the convent and particularly the illuminated manuscripts written and designed many years ago by Ippolita, a nun who fought to express herself in a world that wanted to put her into a box a bit like I could envision Helena doing if given the chance. Helena really connected with her, as did Francesca, which highlights the power of women which is one of the main themes throughout the book. The education and knowledge that had been previously been denied to Helena was coming to the fore and I loved how she engaged with cataloguing the library. She seemed happy in her life there knowing that the war was near but that she remained safe although at times she does long for normality and to find some love.

Some sinister and almost ghostly things occur as they do too for Francesca in the present and normally I would scoff and roll my eyes to heaven at this but here it all worked perfectly and that’s what made the story so atmospheric, moody and dark at times. There was a fascinating story unfolding as to how the manuscripts came to be hidden and how Helena through pretending to be someone else must confront what she fears the most. The last quarter or so of the book became very tense and my heart was in my mouth as I read and there were plenty of twists and turns. I didn’t expect things to turn out the way they did for Helena as with the war and sides etc everything in my mind seemed pretty clear cut especially given her heritage but Daniela Sacerdoti made it work and it came across as real and genuine.

Despite at times as mentioned feeling the story needed a bit more depth, overall I really enjoyed The Bookseller’s Daughter. I am glad it wasn’t an all out World War Two book instead this was merely the backdrop for a different story unfolding. A hunt for manuscripts turns into much more and in a delightful and escapist manner which has you turning the pages rapidly. It’s another enjoyable story from Daniela Sacerdoti and I’m already looking forward to reading her next book.

Francesca arrives at the beautiful Italian island of Santa Caterina. The secluded island is owned by Thiago who is a book collector. As Francesca and Thiago soon discover, the books were hidden during World War II by a bookseller's daughter named Helèna. She sacrificed everything to keep the books from being taken and destroyed by the Nazis. One of the books they have in their possession is Helèna’s diary. It is their road map to finding and locating the books, and the more time Thiago and Francesca spend together the closer they become. As they read through the pages of the diary, the resilience and they are finding out about Helèna and the things she experienced during such a horrible time in history. And as the diary comes to an end, both Francesca and Thiago lives are completely impacted and will never be the same.

The Bookseller’s Daughter written by author Daniela Sacerdoti was a heart-breaking, unputdownable story of resilience, strength and endurance, was amazing. I love that this story was a time-slip novel, as those are a favorite of mine. I love books that bridge the past and the present. The detailed description of the beautiful Italian island of Santa Caterina, was mesmerizing. I could see the beautiful tranquil water and the blue sky above, as I sat on the shore. I was completely connected to Francesca, Thiago and of course Helèna. Her story was incredible as I flipped through the pages of her diary. I loved everything about this story from beginning to end, and I highly recommend it. An absolutely must read.

Heartbroken after he life fell apart, Francesca is in Italy trying to acquire some manuscripts for her job, hoping it turns her life around. Once she gets to the island, she finds there is a puzzle to put together with Thiago, who is also hoping to acquire the manuscripts. As they put the puzzle together of where Helena, a nun, hid the manuscripts to save them during World War II, she has to decide how the lessons she learns will affect the choices she makes in her life.

I loved this book! It started a bit slow; I wasn’t a fan of Francesca as she kept detailing bad choices she was making; however, I did understand it was background information developing her character. It was just hard to understand her decisions without seeing why she felt that way. However once she was offered toe opportunity to go to Italy, I couldn’t put the book down.

The book was very descriptive and beautiful. I loved the mystery in the story and thought the plot was well developed. I would definitely recommend reading this book!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Bookseller's Daughter by Daniela Sacerdoti was a beautifully written Historical Fiction book that was just magical from the beginning till the very last page. Daniela always writes from the heart and captivates her audience and new audience by the way she writes. She tells a story that will take you away to that period of time,
The Bookseller's Daughter is set on a small island in Italy and told across two timelines. one in the Present day, New York: and the other in the the Second World War which was mesmerising from start to finish and the twist at the end was entirely unexpected - I loved it!

This book is a perfect holiday read I highly recommend this book. Another 5 star book.

Biggest Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

It’s been many years since I read a book by Danielle Sacerdoti, but the intriguing blurb immediately drew me to this one: WW2 fiction set in Italy, a hunt for precious manuscripts, a possible love story. It just sang to me. And did it hit all the right notes? Absolutely!

Set across two timelines, The Bookseller’s Daughter is a beguiling story within a story, following the present day quest for a priceless set of illuminated medieval manuscripts hidden within the grounds of an Italian island convent and set against events there during the war.

Francesca has been sent from New York to acquire the manuscripts for her boss’s art gallery, only to find herself in competition with local dealer Thiago. The only information they have to go on is a set of diaries written by a young Hungarian girl, Helèna, who lived with the nuns on Santa Caterina towards the end of the war and hid the books from the Nazis when they took over the island.

This was a thoroughly engrossing read, with both threads equally compelling. I loved the way Helèna’s story was embedded within that of Francesca and Thiago, who grew increasingly close, as together they pored over Helèna’s diaries, searching for clues as to the hiding place of the manuscripts.

Sacerdoti’s writing is hauntingly atmospheric; beautifully evocative of Santa Caterina, the lake that surrounds it, and the mysteries they hold. The storytelling, especially in the historical timeline, is absolutely wonderful, and I adored the hint of the paranormal that wove its way through.

The twist at the end was entirely unexpected but at the same time a delightful way to round off this hugely enjoyable piece of escapism.

The perfect summer read for all historical fiction fans.

A beautiful story that is very well told by the author. You taken back to Italy in two different periods of time. It is actually a story within a story as you learn the story of two different women.

The scenery is so well described that you feel as though you are actually there. And the characters are so likeable that you want to meet them in person.

I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this eCopy to review

I finished this book last night and would just love to be able to read it all again straight away I was completely drawn in by Sacerdoti's storytelling. The Bookseller's Daughter is a duel timeline story set on a small island in Northern Italy. The scene setting is exceptionally, I felt like I was actually in the convent with all the characters. I love books set in other countries and with just a hint of the supernatural and romance this was a truly beautiful escapist read.

I loved the treasure hunt quest Francesca and Thiago have to carry out to find the illuminated manuscripts. It was apparent early on that it was much more than a hunt for the books, but a hunt to find out the secrets of their ancestors and to help Francesca and Thiago heal and grow into the people they are meant to be

A dual time line novel about the search for invaluable illustrated manuscripts and other works of art hidden on San Caterina by Helena during WWII, Francesca, distressed at the end of her relationship, has come to the island, as has Thiagos, to locate the art so that it can be sold but they must first decipher a diary left by Helena. As is so often the case, her story is more interesting than the one in the present but the two halves work well together. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good read.

This is an interesting dual timeline historical novel set in northern Italy. I was drawn in by the premise involving medieval illuminated manuscripts but I had trouble buying into the story As an art historian I didn’t find Francesca’s character believable and I think that there were just too many coincidences and too much magical realism to embrace the characters of Francesca and Thiago and their experience at Santa Caterina. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book even though it was not quite the right fit for me.

The Bookseller’s Daughter, by Daniela Sacerdoti

A beautifully written book, set on a small island in Italy and told across two timelines. This book was absolute escapism and I adored it!

In the modern day, Francesca has been dumped by her fiancé, Isaac, who wants it all his way. Francesca is still hopeful he’ll change his mind as she heads to Italy to bid for valuable manuscripts for her employer. There she meets Thiago, who, as he is also there to bid, should be her rival in business.

The pair are given a diary belonging to Helena, which was written during WWII and they need to work together to decipher the clues within and find where the manuscripts are hidden.

The evocative descriptions of Santa Catarina captivated my imagination and made me feel as though I could really be there. I enjoyed observing Francesca and Thiago’s personal growth, as they work their way through the diary and learn from those who lived before them.

In the past, Helena’s story was heartbreaking to read. As a six year old girl, Helena watched her parents perish in a fire that also destroyed their home and their bookshop. She finds herself on Santa Catarina as a young woman, helping out at the convent and in particular, cataloguing their library. The war changes everything and turns their quiet lives upside down in so many ways. I especially loved Aurelie, with her warm humour and my heart really went out to Fabio - doing his duty and in an impossible situation, as must have been the case for so many men during the war.

Every character was well developed and the pace of the book was steady throughout. An absolute winner.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I absolutely loved this book.

Two women, Francesca and Thiago, whilst reading a diary, it reveals some secrets, they get to know about Helena, who whilst living on Santa Caterina, at the time when war was ongoing, did everything she could,, so that she could save the safeguard the island as well as the treasures from the Nazi’s when they occupied the island.

But when Francesca find out what happened to Helena at the time of war, it’ll change everything for her.

I highly recommend this book.

Having read all this authors books I felt this one was not quite to my suiting it was a very good read just not for me

I really loved this book. It had the atmospheric italian vibe I crave. It had strong resilient characters, you Will fall in love with them , fight along with them. The love story was spot on. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

What a beautiful story - couldn't put it down.
I love all Daniela Sacerdoti books, but this may be my favorite so far.
This story is essentially of two woman, Helena and Francesca, living in two different time periods. The plot revolves around the island of Santa Caterina, which sounds beautiful, and a set of ancient books that both woman are determined to save. Mixed into the story is family, love, and tough decisions. It is completely captivating. Highly recommend.
I received can advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Why is it that when we feel we’ve been waiting so long for a beloved author’s next book to be available, we binge read it only to discover that the cycle continuously repeats itself?! Sadly, Sacerdoti’s latest is not one to be read slowly and savoured….it’s bingeable!

I loved:
✔️Well-written and equally engaging dual timeline
✔️Italian setting
✔️enigmatic characters
✔️mystery
✔️old diary
✔️Mysterious history that kept me engaged
✔️Books
✔️Following clues through manuscripts
✔️Ghosts
✔️Italian village life during wartime
✔️Strength of women

Sacerdoti reminds us of the power of books and the power of strong women to hold us together. Her two timelines are connected through love and sacrifice and encourage readers to embrace destiny on our journey toward healing.

Congratulations on a fantastic cover!

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Loved it!!! I couldn't wait to read this because I loved the previous books by the author. This one was no exception. It took me awhile to warm up to Francesca. It was easy to see Isaac's manipulation of her, but Francesca had blinders on. Isaac could do no wrong in her eyes. She would bend over backwards for him, even though they were no longer engaged. The trip to Italy was perfect for her. My favorite part of the book was Helèna's story. I couldn't wait for Francesca and Thiago to finish reading her diary. The island of Santa Caterina, sounded like a beautiful and mystical place. I probably wouldn't want to walk around outside alone at night, especially with the fog and ghosts. Francesca and Thiago were destined for each other. Loved learning the truth about everyone.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the the characters, writing style and story. Daniela Sacerdoti's books are so magical and always draw me into the story. I felt like i was right there with Helèna. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is worth the ride from start to finish, there's so much going on and it just flows beautifully together! Love it.

I just reviewed The Bookseller's Daughter by Daniela Sacerdoti. #TheBooksellersDaughter #NetGalley
[https://www.netgalley.com/member/book/291361/review]

A beautiful story that is woven with such feeling and emotion. I could feel the emotions and the fear and the moments of peace in this story. Such a different version of a story set in Italy during WWII. Realizing how times were so different and how heavily involved the church was in the war brings the realization of the depths of fear, and fighting and how there were even moments of peace and love during a most dangerous time in history. Weaving together the story of an orphan who is able to find salvation and keep her inner fire fierce to fight and protect the people who help her the most brings this story to a different level from other novels.

“The Bookseller’s Daughter” is a dual timeline historical fiction book by Daniela Sacerdoti. This book has a bit of romance, a bit of supernatural, a bit of history, and a bit of mystery. The two main characters are sent by their employers to purchase some illuminated documents from the Middle Ages, but they need to follow clues from a nearly 50 year old diary in order to find the documents. This book took me a while to get into, but it was a quick and short read with interesting historical information. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. The present day story of two art dealers , Francesca from New York, and Thiago from Italy, summoned to the island of Santa Catarina to bid on historical artwork, is intertwined with the story of the island during World War II. The story of Francesca and Thiago developing relationship and the story of the sisters and refugees inhabiting the island during the war is the basis of this book. I don’t want to divulge too much info but suffice to say, this was a quick, easy , short book to read. This book had historical references, a bit of mystery, and a bit of romance, it was a good book that I would recommend.