I am a huge fan of historical fiction books and especially enjoy those that are written during the time of WWII. This was a good addition to this genre. It also includes a dual storyline. So while not a dual timeline, it still has two stories in which to get invested as you delve into the book. The two primary characters … Kate and Sofia are well developed and you will enjoy discovering their stories. I enjoyed learning about Pompeii and artifact digs (I wanted to be an archeologist when I was younger). I loved how the two story lines merged together in the end. This is a lighter historical fiction book which was a pleasant change of pace.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Historical
Historical Fiction
Italy
WWII

The Secret Daughter of Venice by Juliet Greenwood is a captivating historical novel that intertwines family secrets, art, and the turbulence of WWII. Set in England and Italy, the story follows Kate Arden—a young woman who has always felt like an outsider in her adoptive family. When she discovers a hidden cache of drawings that evoke vivid memories of a distant past, Kate embarks on an emotional journey to uncover her true origins. With lush descriptions of Venice and poignant reflections on identity and belonging, this novel offers a moving, artful exploration of the ties that bind us to our past.

Short, sweet, and deeply atmospheric, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction with heart.

The Secret Daughter of Venice by Juliet Greenwood
I liked this one but I didn’t love it, the plot fell flat for me.
Kate has always felt out of place, knowing that she came from somewhere else. She loves art but is alone in that pursuit and that further displaces her among her adoptive family. When she finds hidden sketches in a book of poetry that was passed to her as an infant, she feels a heartfelt connection to the past. The drawings spark long forgotten memories and her adoptive family won't answer her questions. she goes on a journey as part of a war effort to help orphaned children and as she shares her talents she finds answers and a connection to who she really is.
This one did not resonate with me, the plot seemed to disappear in the details and introduction of characters.The scene descriptions were detailed and beautiful but the plot just fell flat, sort of lost in the elaborate details. The ending was better than the other 3/4 of the book, which seemed to meander with a theme but lacked a purposeful central plot.
The narration was well done, the voice given to the characters was distinctive and enjoyable.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.
Overall the book content was just ok. 2.5/5⭐️

England, 1941. Kate Arden has always felt out of place in her aristocratic adoptive family, who have steadfastly refused to discuss her past. But when she discovers a hidden collection of drawings tucked into an old book of poetry given to her as a baby, memories begin to surface—of a long boat journey, of warm arms holding her close before letting her go. Could these drawings hold the key to uncovering the truth about who she is and why her mother left her? With the chaos of World War II raging across Europe, Kate embarks on a brave quest to uncover her origins, unsure of whether she will find answers or heartbreak.

This book has everything to love—an emotional journey of self-discovery, the backdrop of World War II, and a compelling plot that keeps you guessing. Will Kate uncover the truth about her family, or will the devastation of the war shatter her hopes? This was my first time reading anything by Juliet Greenwood, and her storytelling thoroughly impressed me. Her characters are so authentic and relatable that it's impossible not to connect with them on a deeply emotional level.

Hannah Curtis's narration of the audiobook is outstanding. Her pacing is flawless, and she draws you into the story effortlessly. A talented narrator like Curtis can make you feel every emotion—the joy of triumphs, the anxiety of tense moments, and the heartache of loss—and she delivers all these beautifully. The pairing of Greenwood's writing and Curtis's narration is a masterstroke.

I highly recommend The Secret Daughter of Venice to anyone who loves heartfelt World War II stories about finding one's place in the world and uncovering one's roots. This book will stay with you long after the final chapter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for giving me the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can't wait to explore more of Juliet Greenwood's work in the future.

Wow, wow, wow! How I absolutely loved The Secret Daughter of Venice. Juliet Greenwood knocked it out of the park with this historical fiction read. It felt like I was transported and immediately immersed right in the characters (who I loved) fascinating lives and places they found themselves. Love and art take center stage in this story and I was here for every bit of it. At times gripping and almost a bit suspenseful, to contemplative and emotional, I got completely lost in this story following two women and a weaving of their past and present through a discovery and unveiling secrets. It was like a perfect mix of history and mystery with its twists and turns along the way. This book really checked all the boxes for me in what makes for a great read! Also of note, the audiobook was very well done! The narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life. A historical fiction must-read!

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the gifted audiobook!

The Secret Daughter of Venice is a well written and narrated book. Hannah did an amazing job with the many voices; I found her voice to be quite soothing. A novel of discovery and family secrets. Italy and England are beautifully described. This is a standalone book however has connections to The Shakespeare Sister, which I haven’t read. 4 stars
I would like to thank the author, Dreamscape Media, narrator and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheSecretDaughterofVenice #NetGalley

Another lovely historical fiction that I think all should read. This was really beautiful. I like the writing and will be reading more by this author!

*The Secret Daughter of Venice* by Juliet Greenwood is such a cool read! The mix of history and mystery totally hooked me, and I loved the whole vibe of Venice. The main character is super relatable, and her journey to uncover family secrets kept me turning the pages. The only thing that kept it from being a full 5 stars for me was that it got a bit slow in parts. But overall, it's a really engaging story with some great twists, and I definitely recommend it if you’re into historical fiction with a touch of drama!

I liked this audiobook. Kate was a good character and I thought it was well written. The narrator did a good job of telling this author’s story too. It was emotional, but that is part of what I liked.

I voluntarily reviewed an audiobook provided by NetGalley.

Kate Arden has always felt like a misfit in the Arden family. It seems like her father hates her, but her mother tries to make things better. Before she dies, she gives Kate a book that will give her some answers about her past. When she finds some sketches in the book, they bring back memories. She knows she was brought to England on a ship, but knows nothing about her birth mother. It's 1941 and the war is raging in Europe, so Kate takes the opportunity to leave home and work in an orphans home. She eventually wants to find her mother, or at least find out who she was and why she gave her up for adoption. She finds her way to Venice and begins to learn some secrets. What she doesn't know is that Sophia, her birth mother is also looking for her.

I really liked Kate. She has a passion for art, sketching, drawing and painting. She has sold a few pictures of the seaside, but beyond that, she doesn't think she will be able to make a living with her art. When she makes her way to Venice, she meets a woman who knew her as a baby, but will not tell her anything. We know why as we read the book, but Kate doesn't. She does help her by sending her to an artists colony where she can stay and work on her art if she chooses. She remembers a woman guiding her hands as a young child, and she wants to remember. She is stubborn and won't give up. Sofia is a character that I sympathized with. Her mother was evil and had stolen her child, but she had decided that she will find her child no matter what. This was a beautifully written story, that moved slowly and allowed the reader to experience life through Kate's and Sofia's eyes. The story is written in three parts with the story switching between England and Italy. When there are two storylines that eventually come together, I often enjoy one more than the other. I think Sofia's story stole my heart, as her family and situation grabbed my heart. The setting was wonderfully described, delighting this armchair traveler. My only concern is that Kate's story was slow and plodding at times, but as the story progressed it did speed up as the two stories come together. If you enjoy historical fiction, I recommend this one. There are mentions of Pompeii, digs, and artifacts found that have piqued my interest in this time. Overall, an enjoyable read in a lovely setting with interesting characters. I did a read/listen with the audiobook narrated by Hannah Curtis. She does a nice job with the various voices and accents and adds interest to the story.

I usually like historical set around WWII but there was just something missing for me with this one. I found myself board a little while listening to the audio

Historical fiction + Italy, say less. I’m all in.

The writing and knowledge that this book put forth reflected flawless research on the author’s behalf, I learned so much while being entirely transported. I adored this book from start to finish.

I love the idea of chasing your heritage, of going straight to the source to figure out who you are while also learning about your family. This one flawlessly weaves together timelines and stories between Kate and her mother. Sofia and I found myself invested in both storylines but eager to get back to Kate and find the answers to all her questions.

This one gives you a little bit of everything while also taking you on a fun little jaunt to Italy.

I recently finished reading "The Secret Daughter of Venice", an enthralling historical fiction novel that not only transported me to the enchanting city of Venice but also delved into the complexities of family dynamics.

The story beautifully portrays the unwavering strength of the protagonist, Kate, amidst a web of lies and secrets. What I particularly appreciated was the author's decision not to tie up the narrative with a neat, happy ending, allowing the reader to ponder the future of the mother-daughter duo.

While the novel's portrayal of the war was satisfactory, it was the vivid and evocative descriptions of Venice that truly captivated me, making me feel as if I were strolling through its historic streets.

Overall, this book was a delightful and fast-paced read, and I would highly recommend it to fellow enthusiasts of historical fiction. I'd like to extend my gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy of this novel.

In "The Secret Daughter of Venice" by Juliet Greenwood, set in 1941, Kate Arden feels alienated from her family and seizes an opportunity to accompany orphans to Cornwall. Her passion for sketching and mysterious memories of Venice propel her to vow to visit once the war is over. Kate's journey takes her from England to Venice, uncovering secrets about her real mother and her artistic roots. The story beautifully captures her emotional quest for belonging, love, and identity amidst the backdrop of war-torn Europe.
Living at the Arden Estate in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Kate often felt like an outsider within her controlling father's family. Discovering a hidden message from her late stepmother and an ancient cup unearthed on their property, Kate's curiosity about her origins intensifies. She embarks on a journey that takes her from Stratford-Upon-Avon to Cornwall, Naples, Pompeii, and finally to Venice, all the while nurturing her artistic talents and caring for war orphans.
The book’s latter part, filled with urgency, war damage, and a volcano eruption, captivated me the most. Greenwood's impeccable research, character choice, and historical details shine through, making this a highly recommended read. The blend of mystery, romance, friendship, and art creates a compelling narrative. I was particularly moved by Kate's relationships with the orphans and her personal growth throughout the story. The secrets revealed at the conclusion were unexpected and satisfying.
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Secret Daughter of Venice" and am eager to read more by Juliet Greenwood. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for a review.

The Secret Daughter of Venice by Juliet Greenwood reintroduces us to the Shakespeare Sisters from the book of the same name. This book focuses on Kate, whose origin is mysterious. Clearly not a full sibling, she is haunted by not knowing how and if she fits into the family at all. In this book the mystery is resolved with a lovely ending. I found this installment a little slower than the Shakespeare Sisters, but perhaps that’s because I was not meeting the characters for the first time. Overall, it was a fun read—less war history and more fictional character history. The audio narrator is excellent!

This was a great read! I loved all the historical elements of the book and how Kate puts her history back together and moves her life forward...always listening to her inner voice and instinct.

This was my 1st book by Juliet Greenwood but will not be my last, I am adding her books to my TBR!

#TheSecretDaughterofVenice
#NetGalley

I wanted to love this story but I honestly just couldn't get into it as much as I wanted to. The writing was beautiful, it just didn't hold my attention.

I enjoyed this book! I've read a lot of WWII fiction, but this one really stood out to me. The focus on Italy's role in the war and the prejudice Italian people faced was fascinating, and something I hadn't really seen before. I loved the mystery of figuring out Kate's past, and overall it was a very engaging story. Would definitely recommend for fans of World War II fiction.

I enjoyed The Secret Daughter of Venice, listening to the audiobook version. The narrator's voice was perfect and I was pulled into the story right away. The main character, Kate, always felt like she did not fit into her family, the uppercrust British Arden family. She had memories of being brought from a distance at a very early age, so she longed to know who her biological family was and if her birth mother was still alive, especially since her father refused to give her any information about her origins. The story takes place during and after WWII. The mystery of Kate's origins was revealed slowly and through the drawings that her birth mother had hid in a book of poetry that she had placed into her suitcase. The novel came to the satisfying kind of ending that I love so much. I am looking forward to reading more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an audio ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Secret Daughter of Venice is the story of one young lady’s search for the truth about her past and how life isn’t always as it seems. Kate has never felt completely at home in her adopted family. Now she has the chance to learn more. Go with her on this journey as she discovers who she is.