A solid story, just didn’t wow me like Greenwood’s other books have. Could have been edited down quite a bit. Lots of repetitive reflections and internal dialogue. I will still read future books in the series.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced audiobook. All onions are my own.

I really loved the use of Shakespeare’s works woven into the plot line. The character’s search for her mother takes her in this wonderful journey that is also a journey of her identity.

Coming of age during world war 2 set in England and Italy from a female point of view all while trying to find her birth family. This story gives a heartwarming twist on a tragic time in history.

In this story we meet Kate Arden, Kate has always known she’s not a true Arden, she knows her Mama wasn’t her Mama but her brothers and sisters have never treated her any different. However she still feels a longing to find out the truth surrounding her birth.

She has vague memories of travelling across the sea and then arriving at Arden House, where she is told her name is Kate and not Katerina.

As she grows older the longing to find the truth grows too, the war is on and Kate, helps orphaned and evacuated children, she eventually travels to St Ives .with some of the children and while there makes a discovery, which leads her on a quest to find the truth and hopefully her mother. Over time, as the war ends, she travels to Venice a place she has long felt drawn too. Can she find the truth?

We also meet Sophia, she has returned to Venice after many years. She is recently widowed and wants to right the wrongs of the past.

I enjoyed the narrator, and the way the story unfolded. I enjoyed listening to this and felt drawn to most of the characters. They were well written and like able.


Thanks to Netgalley for sharing this audiobook

Kate has discovered a stack of drawings is a book of poetry. This book was given to her when she was a child. It is supposed to contain a clue about her mother. She has always felt like an outsider in her adoptive family home. This starts her on a quest for the truth, but it might not be exactly what she expects.

Kate has a heart of gold. She is also very talented. So when life throws her some kinks in her life, she falls back on what she knows…art. This leads her to some amazing discoveries about her family. You will have to read this to find out.

I enjoyed the hunt for the truth! Now, this tale is a bit predictable but it is emotional. It takes you on a wild ride!

The narrator, Hannah Curtis, is one I will be on the look out for. Great job!

Need a good family mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

The Secret Daughter of Venice is an wonderful historical mystery novel set in England, Wales and Italy. Although it is set around WWII, its premise is very unique focusing one one family’s experiences, and in particular one daughter who looks different from the rest of her siblings.

Kate Arden always felt that she was adopted and never really belonged with the rest of her aristocratic family. After finding hidden sketches in an old book of poetry, Kate starts to remember her childhood before she came to the English estate. As the war around Europe heats up, Kate joins a group of relief workers responsible for taking refugee children to a Cornwall castle to protect them and help them heal. There, she rediscovers her love of art and becomes passionate about finding what happened to her birth mother. Eventually, her search for answers takes her to Venice where she joins a co-op of artists where she flourishes. Ultimately Kate finds the answers she was seeking, as well as a new identity.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story, narrated by Hannah Curtis who did an amazing job with differing voices for all the characters. It is also the first novel that I’ve listened to written by Juliet Greenwood. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author pulled me into the story and made me care for both Kate and the mother who gave her away. I will certainly be looking for other audiobooks by this author and narrator. Brava!

This was not my first Juliet Greenwood novel or foray into Arden House. I enjoyed The Shakespeare Sisters and I enjoyed reading Kate’s story in The Secret Daughter of Venice. The story unfolds in three parts with two main POVs, Kate and Sofia. The beginning progresses a bit slowly for my taste, but it did pick up and come together well in the conclusion.

Absolutely loved this one!! The story line pulled me in immediately and I love the historical background. Juggling between passion and family obligation all within a war setting. Loved going through this as an audio

When Kate Arden finds sketches hidden in a book of Shakespearean sonnets given to her by her mother, a memory of a different home sparks. In the midsts and aftermath of World War II, Kate struggles to figure out who she is and uncovers secrets hidden deep in her past. Everything she finds points her to Venice.

Kate’s dedication to uncover her past is remarkable and her determination is admirable. While I initially hoped for a romance, I was really glad to find such a fiercely independent female protagonist who was at odds with the social norm. The picture painted of Europe during and after World War II was stark and seemed foreign.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️s - Emotional and gripping, I was pleasantly surprised by this mother-daughter story. The setting and imagery of the English countryside and then the canals of Venice made me recollect previous vacations. If only I could go back now.

Thank you Juliet Greenwood, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the ARC audiobook! I enjoyed listening to this captivating story.

Kate Arden has never felt like one of the family and she does not know why. Her looks are darker than her siblings and it has been rumored that she is an illegitimate child of an affair between her papa and an Italian mistress. Kate is being pressured by her papa to marry a wealthy suitor, any wealthy suitor but all she wants to do is go to art school and escape Arden House and its many constrictions. When she discovers some hidden sketches of a villa and a Countess in a book given to her by the local teacher, her memory is jogged. Who drew the sketches of the villa and why does she feel she's been there before. World War II is in full swing and Kate is finally allowed to leave and go help the war effort by helping orphaned children. She leaps at this opportunity and eventually ends up in Italy helping more orphans in a castle. Here in Italy the memories come fast and furious, who is she really and who and where is her real mother that she finally remembers being held by. Kate and her birth mother Sophia begin searching for each other which during thee war is like finding a needle in a haystack. But Kate is determined, sure that her mother is out there. The descriptions of Venice and the English and Italian countrysides are wonderful, I could really see the canals and bridges with the authors words. I enjoyed it very much and especially Kate's spunkiness and desire to live her own life the way she wanted to. This book is perfect for lovers of Historical Fiction and WWII. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars.

This audiobook is very long and the plot is very slow. I'm glad I listened to this audiobook instead of reading the physical book because I might not have finished otherwise. I really loved the main character, Kate, and her journey to find who she is and where she comes from

"The Secret Daughter of Venice" by Juliet Greenwood is a story about Kate Arden, a young woman who discovers a mysterious stash of drawings that spark memories of her past and leads her on a journey to uncover the truth about her identity and family.

As I read, I found myself completely absorbed in Kate's story. The writing is vivid and evocative, and the author's descriptions of the settings and characters are incredibly detailed. The audiobook narration by Hannah Curtis is also excellent, bringing the characters to life in a way that feels authentic and engaging.

The story is set against the backdrop of World War II, which adds an extra layer of complexity and tension to the plot. The author does a great job of capturing the mood and atmosphere of the era, and the historical context is well-researched and well-integrated into the narrative.

One of the things that stood out to me about this book is the way it explores themes of identity, family, and belonging. Kate's journey is not just about uncovering her past, but also about finding her place in the world and figuring out where she belongs. This is a universal theme that I think many readers will be able to relate to.

The book is not without its flaws, however. The pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some of the plot twists feel a bit convenient or contrived. Additionally, the last third of the book feels a bit rushed and could have been condensed down to make the story feel more cohesive.

Overall, it's a compelling and engaging story that explores big themes and features excellent historical research. While it may not be perfect, I think it's worth reading for fans of historical fiction.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Juliet Hardwood for the NetGalley ARC! A shoutout to Hannah Curtis for the captivating narration.

This is my first time listening an audiobook, and it was narratef with a british accent. While English isn't my first language and british accent isn't my strongest area but I gradually adapted and ended up really enjoying it.

"The Secret Daughter of Venice" tells the story of estranged mother, Sophia Armstrong, and daughter, Kate Arden, on a parallel journey to find each other amidst the drama of World War II. Their paths are winding and long, but ultimately culminate in a happy reunion for both.

The narrator's vivid descriptions bring every scene to life, making me feel the emotions even through the audiobook format. The story doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war, with a couple of devastating scenes that evoked fear and trepidation in me. Fair warning for those sensitive to war violence. However, this portrayal is crucial. It emphasizes the war's impact on civilians, a message worth highlighting. The journey is packed with suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat, but ultimately delivers a satisfying conclusion.

Hannah Curtis' narration elevates the experience. Her perfect pacing and intonation bring the excellent writing to life. Each character, regardless of background – British, Italian, male, female, young, or old – is distinctly portrayed, allowing for clear visualization. The crystal-clear audio quality further enhances the listening experience.

History fans of emotional family dramas will find themselves captivated by "The Secret Daughter of Venice." This historical fiction is packed with both heart-wrenching moments and a compelling narrative that keeps you turning the pages.

Kate has always felt out of place in her adoptive family. She’s felt like something is missing even though she’s given every opportunity in the aristocratic society in England. During WWII she helps with caring for orphan children which eventually brings her to Italy after the war in search of answers about who her parents were after finding sketches left behind in an abandoned cottage in the English countryside. This book was really good and I was rooting for Kate to find answers the whole story.
*4.25*

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC of this book.

I loved the premise of this book, and I did enjoy how it panned out. However, I did think that the first half of the book dragged and could have been cut down. While there is some important character development and background that happens during the war years, it is only really in the post-war years that it comes together. Kate is a striking protagonist and her adventures to learn the secrets of her birth and parentage were interesting. I especially loved the parts of the book that are set in Italy; the author did a wonderful job of conveying those places to the reader. The audiobook is beautifully narrated. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

The Secret Daughter of Venice by Juliet Greenwood and narrated by Hannah Curtis is a a saga that will wrench your heart from it's moorings but cradle it gently and put it back safely.

This is my first experience with the writing of Juliet Greenwood and within the first few chapters, I got the audiobook too so that I would not miss a thing when real life beckoned. What a great choice of narrator in Hannah Curtis! Curtis reflects the era with strength and grace and has a style that is perfect to encapsulate the famous films of the age

The novel follows the Arden family and their adopted daughter Kate. In the fraught times between 1941 and 1946 when Birmingham was being bombed relentlessly by the Luftwaffee, nearby in Stratford, there is turmoil on the family estate with familial conflict. Kate is desperate to find her roots, but she is under the strict control of her family who want to prevent her true identity from being public in a country that is at war, especially when their adopted daughter is from Italy, the right hand of Hitlers Germany

The book describes the geography beautifully and has great empathy for the sensibilities and mindsets of the era, on both sides. A wonderful read and listen and one I will be returning to

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, the author Juliet Greenwoon and narrator Hannah Curtis for this stunning ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Beautifully written, thoughtful novel about an English girl named Kate Arden who tries to discover her past by following clues left in some old drawings. Told in one timeline but from two perspectives, this book is entrancing. I listened to the audiobook which added quite a lot to the feel of the book. I'm not sure it would have been as good as a read novel, but the narrator was absolutely fantastic and really drew me in to the story. I enjoyed following Kate's travels as she discovers who she really is.

Rated PG for some descriptions of war related trauma, but overall no language or sex.

Recommended as a beach listen/read, getaway book, or even for a book club. Definitely recommend the audiobook over reading though!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel. #sponsored

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. This is the story about an adopted girl, Kate, who felt like she didn’t fit in. She discovered a stash of drawings that were with her baby items & decided to go searching for some answers.

Kate Arden has been raised in a well-known English society family, but she has always known there was something different about her origins from that of her other siblings. She has a unique passion and talent for art, and fleeting, patchwork memories of being removed from her first family as a very small child.
As World War 2 rages around her and she strives to find her place in the world while also helping out with the war effort, she sets off on a journey of self-discovery. Where did she come from, and what are her real ties to the Arden family? Is her birth mother still alive, and if so, where? All clues and instincts point towards Italy, which seems out of reach due to the rise in fascism. As the war evolves and Italy becomes accessible, Kate sets off on a quest to find answers and reunite with her birth mother.

This was a book that had me interested and hooked right away.
The book alternates between the point of view of Kate and another woman, who will be revealed as the story unfolds.
I appreciated the alternate viewpoint of Italy during WWII; this was the first novel I've read that focused on this storyline of the war.
The second half of the book felt a little stretched out, and a few "near miss" encounters had me groaning in frustration and just wishing the story would wrap itself up. Overall I give this book a solid 3.5/4 stars, and will recommend it to lovers of historical fiction. I do feel like the book would have been better if the last 1/3 of the book would have been condensed down a lot more.
I received a copy of The Secret Daughter of Venice by Juliet Greenwood from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Historical fiction story that will "draw" you in. It captures a woman's life through loss, pain and rediscovering herself. Most of the story is set during and after world war 2. This book will also make you want to take a trip to Venice.

Thank you to NetGallery and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.