“The Venetian Daughter” is a WWII historical fiction book based in Italy by Ella Carey. This book has a bit of historical research behind it. The descriptions of Venice are wonderful. I felt that the overall story was a good one. The pacing was okay, until the last bit - when it felt like it was rushed - almost like there was a word count to meet opposed to a gentle conclusion. But I would recommend this book to those who like WWII historical fiction with a strong and resourceful main female character.

The Venetian Daughter is a most gripping and intriguing WW2 story. It made me think hard about the frightening times these people had to endure. The main setting is Venice, 1943 and centres around a woman named Evelina who has come from an upper class family. She married the man preferred by her parents and became the Contessa Messina. They had a good life together and had two children who are now grown and off battling the war. But Evie’s husband has died and she has taken over his family business at Villa Rosa, Tuscany. But one day she gets a message from her best friend Talia, who is a Jewish schoolteacher in Venice begging for her help. Of course, she returns home and to Talia’s house to find her gone. Evie fears the worst. But she hears a sound and discovers one of Talia’s students has been hidden in the laundry chute in the house that the Nazis have overtaken. So, she rescues him and takes him back to her parents’ home.

There are some pretty heavy events that transpire and the tension builds throughout this story that left me often on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen to the characters. When Evie runs into an old flame, Jack, who broke her heart, she is unsure whose side he is on. Can she rely on him to help her or will he turn her in to the Germans?

It was sad to be reminded of all the innocent children that were rounded up by the Nazis and sent to their deaths. And other precious characters, we get to know. There were many who tried to help save and hide the Jews and as a result also lost their lives. But their bravery shone brightly in that world of dark deeds and those who had courage to care and try to help made a difference.

This story made me think about those who supported Hitler initially as he ‘promised to make Germany strong and powerful again’ but as they saw the unfurling of his ‘real intentions to annihilate the Jews’, they quickly withdrew their support. Many of those who felt they had been fooled would never have wanted to see the deaths of their Jewish friends. But often they were powerless to stop the force that was marching against them. It was good to see the change of heart in Evie’s parents who were originally supporters of the new leadership but once they realised what was really going on, they became deeply saddened and tried to help the innocent. I also admired Evie whose compassion and love for others shone through like a beacon of hope. It carried and motivated her to keep trying to save her friends and family despite the danger it put her in. It was nice to see her relationship with her mother grow as initially it was not the best. Evie remains steadfast in her purpose and her bravery had me cheering often! But there were some very tense moments she faced when my own heart quivered in fear.

The Venetian Daughter ends in a realistic mix of joy and sorrow. Lives are lost, betrayal occurs, hearts are torn apart but there are some Jews who survive due to the bravery of others. And that keeps the fires of hope burning. Ms Carey has done a beautiful job delivering a heart-wrenching story, that I won’t soon forget. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.

This started off as such a great read and kept my attention right to almost the ending which seemed rushed and a bit incomplete, it just felt as if the author had run out of stream, I have read a few of the author’s other books and enjoyed them immensely and I will definitely be reading more of her books , I also have to say that She has done the research and caught just how frightening the Italians found living under these conditions were.