Dreaming of Venice

Once upon a time, there was a girl called Penny. She worked in a cafe that mainly sold all day breakfasts, she hopes to make it as an artist, and every night she dreams of Venice where she would one day love to visit.

By a sheer fluke, Penny meets her fairy godmother, Caroline, who can offer Penny her wildest dreams, in exchange for a bit of work, that may make life confusing for a while. Penny is intrigued and so tempted that Venice could be within her reach she agrees, and that turns into the start of a fairytale like existence for Penny. But will she get her happily ever after?

If you think I have gone nuts, then although I won't dispute it, I will state that Dreaming of Venice had the feel of an adult fairy tale to it, and I loved that quality about it. Of course there is a lot more to the story than what I've detailed above, and I would already like to say its one of my favourite books I've read recently.

I absolutely loved this rags to riches story about Penny, and how one random act of kindness and immense bravery from her, set in motion the wheels that ultimately had her meeting Caroline, and being offered this rather unique job opportunity.

It's from this job, and the doors it opens, that she is able to make huge changes in all other aspects of her life. The job itself (which I'm being deliberately vague about), leads to all manner of potentially confusing but amusing situations and I loved seeing how it all played out.

There is so much to love about this book including what really shines through is T.A. Williams and Penny's love of Venice, and how much the place means to them. Penny also is a real art lover and there is one rather memorable scene when she was trying out a new pair of high heels and lets just say it involves not many clothes, tripping and the canvas and oil paint not exactly where they should be! All the bits I really want to gush about though, I probably shouldn't purely as they would be regarded by some as spoilers, and you really need to read and enjoy this book without too much prior information.

For those of you who are in the T.A. Williams, dog spotting club, you will absolutely love Gilbert! He is adorable and features just enough to be comforted by getting to know a new chocolate labrador.

Dreaming of Venice is without a doubt one of T.A. Williams' best books, easily one of the funnest with a rather unique story line, so many great characters to meet, some lovely one liners that will have you chuckling and most of all is just an easy to read, ridiculously enjoyable book.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I was lucky enough to read an early version of this story last year after being asked by the author. He was unsure as to whether people would still like a book which wasn't part of his 'What Happens In' series. On reading it I was able to assure him that people would love it regardless. I did give some feedback and I was delighted to discover he has taken that and improved what I thought was an already perfect story.

Reading this again I was instantly drawn into the story, even though I knew what was going to happen. Mind you, the author did manage to surprise me with a chapter he added in due to a suggestion I made. I won't say which chapter, but suffice to say I think its addition is extremely well done and exactly right for the story.

In his previous series the addition of a certain type of dog was what made the series what it is. Originally this story didn't have that, but he has managed to find a suitable place to fit one in quite sneakily! Hats off to you Mr Williams for that wee surprise.

Another brilliant story from someone who has fast become a go to author for me. Huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.

Penny Lane is a struggling artist and waitress, she lives in a rat infested house and dreams of visiting Venice. One day she rescues a baby whose pram has fallen on the train tracks and suddenly she is all over social media.

As a result of the social media coverage, Penny meets Caroline who has an interesting job offer, the job is to act as a stand in for a couple of months working for a foundation with the chance of visiting Venice, Penny agrees and her fortunes begin to change.

I loved this book, it had all the right ingredients, I warmed to all the female characters, I enjoyed the way Venice was portrayed, there were several lighthearted moments which made me laugh and to complete the story there was a romantic element to it. A thoroughly enjoyable book.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC of "Dreaming of Venice" by T.A. Williams for my honest review.
The genres of this story are Women's Fiction and Romance.
This is such a good feel book, and I find the author's descriptions of Venice are enticing and amazing. I can picture the canals, the hotels, the Renaissance feel of the architecture. I also have images of Gondola Rides and Canal tours. I wish I could purchase a ticket and travel to Venice right now!
I like the way that the author describes his characters, as down to earth people with flaws and imperfections.
Our heroine Penny is an aspiring artist, working as a waitress to make ends meet. She rescues a baby in a carriage that is headed to fall in front of a train. Penny has terrible luck in her love life, but has a positive attitude.
Penny is offered a strange opportunity to make some money. Part of this job is to travel to Venice on business. One of Penny's biggest dreams is to go to Venice. Will Penny find happiness and love? Is Venice the city where dreams come true?
This was an enjoyable and enchanting read, and I would recommend it highly.

Loved this story. TA Williams is a true story teller, and keeps me interested from first to last. He describes places so you feel you are there. I even smelt Venice.
Great story, interesting characters and an ending I didn't expect and loved,

Omg, that prologue!!!!! I assumed at the start that 'Dreaming of Venice', based on the cover, was going to be a bit candyfloss; soft natured & sweet. How wrong was I! I'll say it again, omg that prologue!!!!

What an unbelievable way to begin a novel! Williams certainly knows how to reel his readers in, that's for sure! I think my heart went in my mouth whilst also forgetting to breathe for the duration of the prologue, no joke, it really was just...wow. From that moment on I knew that Williams' novel had me under its spell. I wouldn't be leaving that book without a fight! And by fight I mean my three year old telling me for the 184656374959687 time that day, that she was hungry. Probably the ONLY excuse that made me pause reading. Again, no joke!

Penny is an artist in the making, she just needs that one gallery to give her the chance; unfortunately it's not happening as quickly as she would have hoped. With her boyfriend in Australia and work colleagues attempting to pimp her out to all and sundry, Penny knows that her life needs to change, and fast. But, Penny isn't the sort of person to give up without a fight, let's hope she can channel that fight into creating a life to be proud of!

All of the characters in 'Dreaming of Venice' were such fun to read about and get to know. They all brought something completely different to the storyline with their larger than life type personalities. Do I have a favourite? I actually have two favourites, I'm not going to say who though! #sorrynotsorry!

I absolutely LOVED 'Dreaming of Venice'! For me, the overall plot was incredibly well thought out and executed in such a beautifully written manner. It was so refreshing to read a storyline in this genre that surprised me, as usually i'm guessing the events before they happen. With this book, I didn't! It was AMAZING! T.A.Williams gets extra brownie points for that, that's for sure!

Reading 'Dreaming of Venice', for me, was the same as opening a gift that you have been waiting ages for; the excitement of seeing the gift - beginning the novel, peeling the sticky tape and paper off of the gift - savouring every moment of every chapter, the excitement of holding the contents of the gift in your hands - the moment of the book where loose ends get tied up and phenomenal things happen. And, finally, feeling extremely content with the gift for a very long time - feeling elated because of the wonderful storyline that you have just read, knowing full well that you won't be forgetting it in a hurry.

Honestly? The above is exactly how I felt whilst reading T.A.Williams brand new novel, Dreaming of Venice. I cannot fault his novel at all, it was incredible, fun, different and beautifully written; this is Williams' best book to date!

Spell-binding from the first page to the last page, Dreaming of Venice is THE book to read this Summer, and every day afterwards. Such a joy to read.

Thank you Canelo!

5☆+  Mesmerising story of Rags to Riches

I absolutely loved Dreaming of Venice.
It was simply enchanting and captivating.
Right from the very first page I was mesmerized by Trevor's beautifully descriptive writing.
He has a way of taking me captive and holding my attention drawing me into each and every page.

The opening Prologue is a real heroic story. Heart in your mouth, blood pumping scene!
Penny jumps in front of a moving train to save a baby in a pram as it hurled over the tracks. She just makes it out with seconds to spare!
Penny becomes a hero internet sensation over night!

I loved Penny she was so down to earth, kind, a big heart,and liked to speak her mind. She had an endearing charm about her.

 She is an artist stuck in a cafe trying to make ends meet, living in a shared apartment in London which is damp and cold .... well that is until she meets the mysterious Caroline.

Caroline is about to turn Penny's life literally upside down!!!!
Making her an offer she really can't refuse!

I'm not going to say anymore as I don't want to give anything away!

It's far too good for me to spoil in a review.

Let's just say your in for a real treat!!!

 I laughed out loud, I was captivated, I fell in love with Penny and her charm.
Trevor took me on a delightful journey to Venice. Somewhere I have always wanted to go.

Dreaming of Venice has the perfect fairy tale feel, a rags to riches story.

It has plenty of comical moments... one that sticks in my mind when Penny first tries to walk in heels in the dark... lets just say it really doesn't end well.
I don't think I have laughed so much! 
Think we can all remember our first time wearing heels!

All of the characters are delightful, even Mrs Brookes-Webster who is ghastly to begin with and very rude!
I loved Gilbert the Labrador simply adorable, any books that feature dogs goes up a star. Being a big animal lover.

For me the whole concept of the storyline was brilliant and very original.
I really Didn't expect it.
That's why the whole cryptic meetings and the build up to the mysterious Caroline was exciting and highly top secret!

Do I recommend this book..... 100% YES!!!

Trevor has a way of enchanting he's readers. Leaving them warm inside and wanting more.

This book has everything you could want in a book, a real feel good book, plenty of humour, mishaps, romance, a gorgeous dog, delightful characters, mystery, art, Venice, emotion, charm..... I could go on and on.... but I would much rather you discover how fab this book is!

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy Chick Lit, Rom Com, Women's Literature and Romance.

Dreaming of Venice is a Wonderfull feel good, life affirming novel of second chances and living life. It is very well written with a prose that flows smoothly and a plot to keep you engaged. I loved the characters, they were well developed and became like friends by the end of the book.
What more could I want, a beautiful story with a beautiful setting with art and culture.

Well any book which states or even mildly suggests that I might "Find love, friendship and prosecco – in the magical city of Venice' and I'm there. The cover is gorgeous and immediately made me want to jump in to that lovely blue sea.I imagined I was that woman in the blue straw hat....

It was a lovely read - There's some serious issues in the book but they're dealt with such warmth and care and attention that you start to care for these characters in ways you might never have thought of - that Penny is an interesting if not slightly quirky and clumsy character..and as for dog....ah bless him! I'm not even really a dog lover but I want to adopt this one . There are some lovely laugh out loud moments throughout the story, some romance and all in the city with more water than most - think they're the result of tears - both happy and sad ones you might produce when reading this book! The book really captures the spirit of the city and the charm of its art galleries and treasures. Take this on a tour and you'll notice things you might not otherwise!

A definite feel good read for the beach or on a gondola ride around the Grand Canal if you're lucky?

I really enjoyed the book, it has everything I love in a novel from start to finish. I can’t wait to read what the author has planned next!

A great read. Although the plot is far-fetched (how likely would it happen in real life?), it's good and well written. I really enjoyed this book and the characters within it. It's total escapism and the kind of book which wants me to read more from the same author.

I loved this book. It was everything I hoped it would be. The characters were lovely and it had a lovely feel good storyline. Loved hearing all about venice too. Felt in the end it got slightly boring when she went on and about finding her pirate and how she felt about him. Felt there was no need to waste so much of the book thinking about him. But didnt mark down as the rest of the book was lovely. Perfect summer read

I loved this book! It was cute and heartfelt! My favorite of corse was the ending !!!! I really enjoyed this book. I was hesitant because it took me a while to really get into the book, that being said once I did I ate it up. Before I knew it I was on the last page.

Lighthearted, humorous and magically romantic!

This is a charming story that highlights that no matter how challenging life might seem at times things always seem to work out and reminds us that sometimes dreams do come true.

The characters are sweet, supportive, dependable and quirky. The prose is expressive and polished. And the plot is an enchanting mix of drama, emotion, entertaining mishaps, loss, love; as well as an insightful view into the City of Venice, including the food, the culture, the architecture, the history and the art.

Whenever you pick up a novel by Williams you always know it's going to be a warm, passionate, fascinating novel about an idyllic place in the world that you can't help but want to see, visit and experience once you've finished it and this book is no exception.

*Below link will be active as of May 6, 2017 as part of the blog tour.

Penny's life is going nowhere - she is an artist working in a down market café just to make ends meet, desperately trying to get galleries to take on some of her paintings - then she saves a child's life at a railway station and her heroism goes global on social media.

Caroline cannot believe it when she sees Penny's picture she could be identical twins with her employer Olivia and so comes up with a plan for Penny to stand in for Olivia at functions and pay her large sums of money and kit her out with a designer wardrobe the same as Olivia's - surely there must be a catch somewhere and the icing on the cake for Penny is that one of the functions is in Venice - the city of her dreams

A lovely story with a few twists and turns to keep you interested - as always in T A Williams stories lovely Labradors play a part

I participated in the blog tour for Dreaming of Venice yesterday – huge thanks to Trevor for writing a piece for me – so I though I’d get on quick-smart and review the book today.

After having enjoyed Chasing Shadows, which had a definite historical element to it, I was interested to read a more contemporary novel from the same author – how would the two compare? I have to say, favourably!

Dreaming of Venice is a light, romantic novel which is perfect as a quick read. There is plenty of historical and cultural information about Venice itself, and lots of art history, given that the lead character is an artist. The ‘extraordinary proposition’ is dealt with well, and there is a surprising amount of ethical dilemma and discussion of mental health for a book that is so easy to read.

Penny was a likeable character and it’s easy to wish good things for her. Similarly, the three other leading ladies of this book are excellently written and worth rooting for.

Dreaming of Venice was published by Canelo on 24th April, and you can find out more about the book and the author on his website.

Penny is waitressing in a cafe whist dreaming of seeing Venice one day. When an unexpected opportunity comes her way - we see Venice through her eyes and the glamour part of her opportunity. I loved every page of this book and it really made we want to go to Venice one day. I loved the characters and the way we got to know them better over the course of the book. You really felt part of the story.

I have loved all of TA Williams previous books- I love his writing style and the fact that you can escape to a new destination with each book with believable characters and a hint of romance.

I've come across Mr Williams many times, but this was the first book of his I've read - and what a thoroughly enjoyable story it was!

It starts off dramatically, plunging straight into the action, and a number of twists and turns ensured it held my interest throughout.
Venice is shown in a slightly different light - winter, not the summer version I'm used to, so that was nice deviation from the normal sunny take on the city.

This is a light-hearted, joyful read, perfect for chick lit lovers.

This is another delightful story, one that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend you read the book, rather than reading my review as the book is so much better!

This is reminiscent of those rags to riches fairy stories from childhood but with a very contemporary twist - and the heroine has no wicked step-relations! It is a story of a young lady who is working hard, striving to better herself, dreaming of visiting Venice, but everything seems to be going wrong for her until a stranger arrives and suddenly her dreams might just come true! I really don't want to give any spoilers, so forgive me if I leave it there.

Set in London and Venice, the settings, characters and events are brought vividly to life in Trevor's unique humorous style. His knowledge of the settings shines through, as does his taste for the food and drinks from these locales! Nothing is ever straightforward for the talented but undiscovered artist who is the heroine for this story and sometimes trying to do the right thing for others can mean potentially harming your own chances for living happily ever after. Don't get me wrong, whilst the story is filled with angst and turmoil it is also a journey through difficulties, always looking for the positives and packed with funny one-liners to have readers giggling.

I'm pleased to also say one of the stars of this story is Gilbert, a friendly, loyal and always hungry chocolate Labrador. There are other key characters and I have to say I really didn't like one of them to start with (I even complained about her to the author via twitter) but keep reading and, like me, you'll probably find you'll change your mind about her at about 56% through the story. I could cast some of the characters as the equivalent to Buttons, the Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming - but there's no glass slipper, magical spells or incantations or even evil step sisters, it is a great story in its own right and definitely a new favourite I'll re-read and enjoy again and again in future. I loved escaping back to Venice and, even if you've never been, it is brought vividly to life in the pages of the book which could have you dreaming of visiting, too!

For me this is another winner, one I've no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys well crafted, enthralling and enchanting reads and I'm very grateful to have been gifted a copy without obligation via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion after enjoying reading it. I'll definitely continue to look out for more from this author in future!

Oh my goodness! THIS cover! Amazing! The colors are TO DIE FOR! I can honestly say that if this is what Venice truly looks like I will be visiting very soon!
The concept behind this story is so creative! I love the mystery and the intrigue! The dynamic between the characters is at a whole different level.
Penny was basically living life day to day and felt like her life was going no where. Then one day she was approached with an offer that she couldn't refuse. The money was amazing and with her bills piling up she really couldn't say anything other than yes! Would she really be able to pull it all off in the end?
There are so many elements to this piece - love, mystery, art, heartbreak, friendship and so much more. This story will draw you in from the beginning and the images that TA paints really make you feel are you are right there with the characters in London and Venice.

A charming book that didn't disappoint! I will post a review on amazon on publication day.