The Moonlit Piazza is an absolutely captivating read that left me spellbound from beginning to end. The author masterfully creates a rich, immersive world and the depth of detail in the world-building is truly remarkable.

The protagonist, is a beautifully complex character whose journey of self-discovery and courage resonates deeply. Her growth throughout the story is both believable and inspiring, making her a heroine you can’t help but root for. The supporting characters are just as well-crafted, each bringing their own unique charm and depth to the narrative.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had figured out what would happen next, the author skillfully surprised me. The themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the fight between good and evil are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding layers of meaning that will leave readers pondering long after they turn the last page.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fantasy lovers. I can’t wait for the next installment!

I have read a lot of this genre and found this to be a readable engaging novel. I was certainly gripped by the story as it unfolded and invested in the characters. Would recommend.

🍝 Wow! I've read the first book in this series & remember getting really into it. I hadn't realized the next book was out but knew when I saw it that I had to read it.

🍞 This isn't an easy read because it is so sad. The war time seems unfathomable sometimes because I can't even begin to imagine what people went through. A lot of what's in this story is probably a very accurate portrayal of life in Italy during the war when the Germans took over & it's truly heartbreaking.

🍝 However, Annabelle's story is also a wonderful story about the closeness of family & love. How people came together to feed each other & be there for one another at the worst possible time. It's about seeing the person behind the uniform & trying to see the best in people.

🍞 For those reasons it's definitely a page turner & a story you really get into. There's hope through it all, which I very much enjoyed. The writing was brilliant & I'd highly recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley for the early copy.

Kelly

Thanks to www.headofzeus.com, Aria & Aries and Netgalley.co.uk for a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.

As every bit as good as the first book, 'The Enemy Of Love', which has now been retitled, 'The Village Trattoria' . 'The Moonlit Piazza' continues the story of Elena Capaldi and her Italian family as they fight against the Nazi regime during the 2nd World War.

Both brave and fearless, Elena and her family run the Capaldi restaurant 'Casa Maria' on whatever scraps of food they are gifted or can salvage together. But at the heart of it all is their involvement with the resistance and their secret life.
Four sons, each working away behind the scenes, each in their own way fighting against German occupation, and each with their own secrets and stories to unfold.

And beside them three remarkably strong women who are unwilling to sit on the sidelines and let the men take all the risks.
This powerful and creative story tells of lives lived in fear, but with the determination not to be beaten.

I really hope that a third book is in the offing, as there is still a further story to be told.

The resilience of family in italy under the oppressive forces. Didnt realise there was a previous book might have defined story better but can be read alone. Not a great fan of war novels but this delves deeper into human phyche and characters.

This was such a good book! The writing style and the story line were amazing. Would read more like this in the future

My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Historical Fiction


Review:

This is a well written story that takes you in time to life in a small Italian village during WWII. , The writing is vivid with great attention to detail this made it captivating and realistic. It tells the story of the Capaldi Family and shows the effects of war on not just everyday life but also on the relationships between family, friends and the other villagers and how each and every one of them responds and deals differently with the pressure they are under and dangers they all face.

The main characters are interesting and their actions were explained well, this made them realistic and easy to relate to.

This book starts where the previous book “Enemy of Love” finishes but each book can be read as a standalone.

Overall:

The book is very well written, vivid and with great attention to detail. The story captures you from the start, and has the right mixture, of suspense, mystery, some romance and a bit of adventure to make it interesting till the end.

The Moonlit Piazza takes us back to the small Italian village during WWII, and the Capaldi family.
(Although it follows Enemy of Love, you can enjoy The Moonlit Piazza as a standalone read).
This book is great for fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in WWII and the Italian resistance. This is a moving that will keep you hooked until the end.

It’s the sequel I predicted a couple years ago and have eagerly been anticipating, so I was thrilled when Aria & Aries sent it my way. The Moonlit Piazza by Annabelle Thorpe takes us back to Italy during WWII where we rejoin Sophia, Elena, Massimo, and the rest of the family as the war continues to ravage Europe. Added to the mix is the mysterious Kat, who townspeople are trying to figure out if she’s working for the Nazis and Schmidt, a German soldier who is residing in Elena’s home. Giorgio has been forced from Amatino under the guise that he is dead, but in reality, he goes to stay with his uncle for his safety. Whether in Rome or Amatino, family members work for the Resistance to bring an end to Nazi control of Italy.

Should you read The Village Trattoria before The Moonlit Piazza? I would recommend it highly. It is a great read and will help establish the background of the characters in atheism Moonlit Piazza. Thorpe puts you in the village and you’ll find yourself wanting to step into the restaurant for some of Elena’s homemade pasta dishes and desserts. There’s love and loss, revenge and redemption. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on May 26, 2025.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #TheMoonlitPiazza #AnnabelleThorpe #ariaandaries

"The Moonlit Piazza" by Annabelle Thorpe immerses readers in the heart of Italy during World War II, where themes of war, family, and love intertwine.

The story focuses on the Capaldi family, who run Casa Maria, a trattoria that symbolizes resistance and resilience in the face of Nazi occupation. The family matriarch, Elena Capaldi, epitomizes strength as she faces a moral dilemma: harboring a young German soldier who shares her love of cooking. This unlikely friendship prompts questions about trust and humanity amidst conflict.

The plot takes place in picturesque Amatino, where secrets lurk beneath the surface. Elena's grandson, Giorgio, is undercover at another family trattoria, leaving his wife Sophia to protect his whereabouts. Suspense builds as conspiracies brew among townspeople, some willing to betray the Capaldis for personal gain. Thorpe weaves an intricate web of intrigue that keeps readers hooked.

The atmosphere is evocative—you can almost taste the aromas from Casa Maria's kitchen, hear the laughter and whispers at family gatherings, and feel the omnipresent fear. Thorpe's writing is lyrical yet accessible, painting vivid images while maintaining a brisk pace. Emotions run deep as we experience Elena's fierce love for her family and her inner turmoil.

Characters are portrayed with nuance—neither purely good nor evil—which adds depth to their interactions and decisions. This complexity prompts readers to examine their beliefs about loyalty and betrayal. Certain plot points could have been further developed for greater emotional impact.

Ultimately, the novel is a heartfelt tribute to Italian heritage and familial bonds that will resonate with anyone inspired by stories of resilience.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

The book was really, really good. I recommend it to all readers.

The setting, characters and story all came together to make it a great read.

The Moonlit Piazza by Annabelle Thorpe is a poignant and evocative tale of resilience, family, and resistance set against the backdrop of WWII Italy. A sequel to The Village Trattoria, this novel reintroduces readers to the Capaldi family, whose lives are deeply intertwined with their beloved trattoria, Casa Maria, and the dangers of Nazi-occupied Amatino.

At the heart of the story is Elena Capaldi, a formidable matriarch whose strength and courage are tested as she harbors a German soldier, Schmidt, in her home—a moral dilemma that sparks questions about humanity amidst war. Meanwhile, her grandson Giorgio works covertly for the Resistance, leaving his wife, Sophia, to navigate her own challenges and protect the family's secrets.

Thorpe masterfully immerses readers in the richly atmospheric setting of Amatino. The vivid descriptions of Casa Maria’s bustling kitchen, the tension-filled piazza, and the Italian countryside create a cinematic experience. The narrative captures the essence of wartime Italy, blending moments of warmth and camaraderie with the ever-present shadow of betrayal and danger.

The characters are beautifully complex, each grappling with their own struggles and secrets. Elena’s unwavering determination and Sophia’s quiet bravery stand out, showcasing the strength of the women in the story. The addition of new characters, such as the enigmatic Kat and the conflicted Schmidt, adds depth and intrigue, keeping readers guessing about their true intentions.

While the first half of the novel excels in building tension and atmosphere, the latter half picks up pace, delivering unexpected twists and an emotional resolution. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love and family are woven seamlessly into the plot, leaving a lasting impression.

For fans of historical fiction, The Moonlit Piazza is a compelling and heartfelt read that captures the spirit of resistance and the resilience of the human spirit. Annabelle Thorpe’s lyrical prose and nuanced storytelling make this a standout novel, and readers will be eagerly awaiting what comes next for the Capaldi family.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. The Moonlit Piazza is set to be published on May 26, 2025.

War torn, Nazi occupied Italy is the scene for this book. Family, love, revenge, and horror lead a story of a small town tormented by a moral less Nazi leader who ushers in evil and murder. The Capladi family stands at the core of resistance, forging on despite fear of retribution. A moving story of resilience.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

🇮🇹🪖The Moonlit Piazza by Annabelle Thorpe🪖🇮🇹
Genre: Historical Fiction / Women's Fiction
Length: 400 pages
Pub Date: May 27, 2025
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria Books for the e-ARC of this book. The opinions stated here are solely my own.

Synopsis:
1943 - village of Amatino, Italy, as Nazis occupied during WWII. The book is centered around life in Amatino, and the family of its matriarch, Elena Capaldi. Elena runs and owns a beloved trattoria called Casa Maria in the village, and her heart and loyalties are tested as a young German soldier seeks boarding there. Meanwhile, Elena's grandson has fled to Rome to hide from Nazi soldiers, leaving his new bride, Sophia, to stay in Amatino with the Capaldis. As war tensions rise, villagers are at risk, and it becomes apparent that there may be a traitor in their midst. Is it the young German soldier who is helping Elena cook in the trattoria? Or could it be someone much closer to home...?

Opinion:
This book had me captivated from start to finish. I typically love WWII Historical Fiction, and this book brought a fresh lens from the small Italian village that I loved. The author made the characters truly feel like family and their stories felt so real and powerful. It also makes the reader consider what were very blurred lines during WWII and not to always judge a book by its cover. I loved the strength of nonna Elena, the courage of the young village priest (Massimo), and the side love story of Elena's grandson and new wife. Stories that involve close-knit families always intrigue me and I shed actual tears during many parts in the story. This is a must-read for WWII Historical Fiction!!

WHO, WHAT, WHERE: The Capaldi family led by unstoppable grandmother Elena is battling the Nazi occupation of their town of Amatino in Umbria, Italy with layers of love, betrayal, revenge, resilience and found family.

THOUGHTS: I've read a LOT of World War II historical fiction, but I think this was my first that took place in Italy! Especially Nazi-occupied Italy. In schools, I've been taught the perspective of the fascist government of Mussolini and how the Nazi's had taken over other countries (usually these books take place in France). But this really opened up the complexities of life in Italy during World War II. As it is often referred to in Amatino it was black and white, good or bad, but in Rome everything was shades of gray. This book explored a lot of those whether it is if bad guys could be good and if everything is as it seems.

The book featured some well-fleshed-out characters of the Capaldi clan. My favorite was the priest, Massimo by far, and of course the star of the house- Elena. Sophia and Katerina were great additions to the strong women who were unstoppable in this occupation with as much respect at the table as the men they worked alongside. I also really liked the addition of the side characters- even if some of these people were only in a glimpse of the story, they served a purpose of understanding Amatino at war.

It honestly took me until halfway through this book to realize that this was a sequel haha. I was getting so confused that I couldn't understand some of the character dynamics or who was who. And I debated if I should pause where I was in the book and read the first one, or just continue.... but I couldn't put this down!!! I wish I read the first novel first for a bit more of that understanding- for instance, I had no idea what was going on with Messell and Giorgio and Rocco and it took me a bit to realize who is who. I wish it was referenced a bit clearer, but that is likely my misunderstanding- and lack of reading the first novel.

This book is one I would love to read translated in Italian- I think it would be quite enjoyable especially with one thing for me is I always try to picture how the soldiers communicated with their broken languages so well. I really liked the authors use of calling them Gnocchi and some other food related phrases.

I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the third book ( I hope!) and of course going back and reading the first story. I definitely recommend to any historical fiction fans!

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest feedback. All opinions are my own. The Moonlit Piazza will be published on May 26, 2025. #TheMoonlitPiazza #NetGalley


PS: I look forward to seeing the authors recommended reading and references on the topics!

A story of mysteries and lies during Italy in WWII. It is a sequel to The Village Trattoria. A good read. I enjoyed it very much.

The Moonlit Plaza, by Annabelle Thorpe, is a sequel to The Village Trattoria, which fortunately I had read. This is not a stand alone historical novel. The Moonlit Plaza picks up where the first novel ended. The small village of Amatino is occupied by the Nazis during World War II. In charge of the Nazis is Messell, who thrives on cruelty and then rages against the villagers, who are not appreciative of his cruelty. There is an informer, who feeds Messell information about the resistance cell in Amatino.

There are multiple plot lines, secrets and mysteries, and multiple characters in this complex novel, which will be confusing to anyone who does not realize that The Moonlit Plaza is a sequel. I really am emphasizing the importance of reading the first novel. I loved the women characters--Elena, Sophia, and Katarina, all of whom work in the resistance in some manner. Padre Massimo is a wonderful character, with such complexity of personality. There are also several secondary characters, mostly the men in the resistance and several other characters, who are involved with the Nazis in some way.

I am recommending The Moonlit Plaza. I loved the story and the village and all the wonderful Italian cooking. Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for me honest review. My comments above are my honest thoughts.
5 stars

This is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking story. I was really invited in the characters and the entire story. Captivating writing that makes you feel like you're in Italy.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

My head and heart are reeling in the best possible way after reading this phenomenal novel! The beguiling and powerful story is set during World War II in both Rome and Amatino, Umbria. This is not your average Historical Fiction. The writing is extraordinarily gorgeous and the descriptions are lush and rich, transporting me to Italy in less than a second. My reading experience was all sensory as I smelled and inhaled the delectable food, stepped on the polished cobblestones, heard the swish of fabric, felt the cold dripping in the tunnels, and envisioned the multidimensional and colourful characters. I saw the churches, trattoria, rubble and the experienced the sorrow of pervasive suffering and death Everything was so real, so intense, so immersive.

Nazis occupied many communities in Italy, including Amatino. The Capaldi family owned and operated the Trattoria Casa Maria which during the war was overrun by Nazis. But matriarch Elena was sharp and outspoken yet good natured and still had her say, earning their respect. During the war, mistrust and betrayals were common. Neighbour turned against neighbour. In Rome, the Resistance was operational and Capaldi family members were part of it. The horrors of war were etched into the fabric of every being and the descriptions so rich and vivid, not to mention impactful. Some of the characters were despicable but many were admirable and courageous. It was fascinating to learn more about the daily lives of Elena, Sophia, Giorgio, Kat and Rocco as well as Padre Massimo and the sacrifices they made. Family bonds, love, friendships and resilience were constants throughout.

If you seek an emotive and active historical fiction with depth, this is it. Though I loved everything about the novel, the atmosphere and character development captivated me most. Both good and bad characters were written with care and thought. I am in awe at how skillfully the author placed every single word to form this masterpiece!

The Moonlit Piazza by Annabelle Thorpe is a gripping and atmospheric continuation of the The Village Trattoria series. Set in the heart of Umbria during WWII, it explores the tension of living under Nazi control, where family loyalty, love, and dangerous secrets collide. Matriarch Elena Capaldi is forced to navigate the complexities of harboring a German soldier, even as suspicions and betrayals threaten the family’s safety. Meanwhile, her grandson Giorgio's undercover work adds another layer of intrigue, and his wife Sophia is left to carry a heavy secret.

Thorpe masterfully weaves together suspense, historical drama, and rich Italian culture, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The characters are compelling, particularly Elena, whose strength and moral dilemmas resonate deeply. While the plot can sometimes feel predictable, the emotional depth and vivid setting make this a rewarding read for fans of historical fiction.

The Moonlit Piazza is the sequel to The Village Trattoria.

Set during the Nazi invasion of Italy, and in the little town of Amatino, Umbria, is the Casa Maria Trattoria and the Capaldi family.

A moving, emotional and confronting story of lost, love, betrayal, secrets and family.

An emotional WWII novel set in Italy and centered on the Capaldi family- a family that lives for its trattoria and each other. This is a followup to an earlier book but it will be fine as a standalone. The characters are terrific, the atmospherics good, and there's a bit of tension. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read for fans of historical fiction.

In this follow-up to The Enemy Of Love, we revisit the Umbrian town of Amatino and the Di Luca and Capaldi families a short time later on in WWII.

The author captures the atmosphere of the time, the way the villagers were treated by the majority of the occupying soldiers and the ever present fear of what could happen as neighbour turns again neighbour when there are reprisals for any resistance made. This isn’t an easy read, but it is well worth it. The search for the traitor in the village takes many twists and has a surprising conclusion.

Elena, the matriarch feels exactly as an Italian Nonna would be, with a strong hand and will, guiding her family, trying to keep them all safe, and putting on a brave front. You see how petty rivalries grow out of all proportion in the day to day business of survival. Well researched and written, a must-read. 4 1/2⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The small village of Amatino in Umbria, Italy, was seething with Nazis, while Elena Capaldi kept a strong hold on her trattoria, the Casa Maria. Her son and grandsons were all instrumental in the resistance, in keeping some control with the Nazis. Sophia, newly married to Giorgio Capaldi, was keeping his whereabouts secret from the gruppenführer, Messell, who was a slimy individual, brutal and cruel on one hand, while being smooth and charming when it suited him. But no one trusted him, least of all Elena. With the Casa Maria also housing a young German, Otto Schmidt, they knew any meetings held needed to be kept away from him.

When a bitter rival threatened to tell Messell where Giorgio was, they tried their best to keep her sweet. But would that work? And would Giorgio remain safe in Rome with his uncle Alessandro? The danger was high, the Nazis reach long. Would Sophia ever see her husband again?

The Moonlit Piazza is the 2nd in the Casa Maria series by Annabelle Thorpe and I enjoyed it very much. A different setting to the usual WWII settings, it had a big focus on food, the beautiful, delicious Italian food, with Elena leading by example, teaching how to make many things I felt I could just about taste! Great characters, with Elena's grandsons deep into the resistance, while the strong, determined women kept the home fires burning. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Head of Zeus for my digital ARC to read and review.

Italy in World War II. Hidden loves and dangerous secrets, suspicion and lies swirl around trattoria Casa Maria, as the Nazis tighten their grip on power. Family-run Casa Maria is the beating heart of beautiful Amatino in Umbria. But now it is under Nazi control, to the fury of matriarch Elena Capaldi. Forced to give board to a hated young German soldier Otto Schmidt, she reluctantly realises he shares her passion for cooking and can be a real help. In Rome, Elena's charismatic grandson, Giorgio, is undercover at the other family trattoria, leaving his new wife, Sophia, to keep the secret of his whereabouts.
This book continues the Capaldi family story & another well written book. I enjoyed the book but as with most war time books I find them an uncomfortable read, maybe because they are a bit close to home & I’m old enough to have seen first hand the aftermath of the conflict. That said I did enjoy it & felt for the struggles facing the town’s inhabitants. The pace starts slowly but gradually increases, the characters are well portrayed & have depth. I hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of the Capaldi family
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

The Moonlit Piazza continues the story of Elena Capaldi, she owns a restaurant called Casa Maria in the Umbrain town of Amatino in Italy and she’s been made to take in a boarder soldier Otto Schmidt, who turns out to be an amazing cook and not what she’s expecting.

Gruppenführer Messell is in charge and everyone hates him, while the Italian’s are starving, the enemy are eating well and things are even worse in Rome. Where Elena’s grandson Giorgio is living, he’s married to Sophia di Luca, he left straight after the wedding and he’s in hiding at the families other trattoria.

Amatino is a dangerous place and seething with bitter rivalries, Elena has no idea who she can trust other than her remaining family members and they discover they have a traitor living amongst them and is passing on information to the Germans. Her grandson Rocco is a partisan and a member of the resistance and they spy and engage in acts of sabotage and disrupt the Germans and it has dangerous consequences.

The narrative really emphasises how hard it was to live in Italy during the occupation, shortages, fear and threats and risks people took to be free and some put their country and god before themselves.

I received a copy of The Moonlit Piazza by Annabelle Thorpe from NetGalley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an unbiased review. The author takes you back to war torn Italy, and it’s a story about family, tradition, food, war, loss, love, tragedy, sacrifice, and the atrocities the Germans committed and getting justice. Elena, Sophia and Katrina were strong female characters and role models, they not on stood alongside the men and they fought as well and "the spoon is mightier than the sword" and this case it's true.

I read the previous book in the Casa Maria series, The Enemy of Love and the title has been changed to The Village Trattoria, I rated this book higher, it moved at a faster pace and I found it really captivating and interesting and four and a half stars from me.

The second in a series about this Italian family set during WW2. It certainly is helpful to read the first book, ‘The Village Trattoria’, before this one as it gives context and the introduction to the characters. This is one of the strengths of this author who is very good at character development and interaction. Looking forward to a follow up.

📚Book Review📚

#adprproduct

I want to thank Netgalley for approving me for an ARC of this book. A special thank you to @wendyreadsbooks and @jan_is_reading for buddy reading this with me.

This was a great follow up to the first book and I loved revisiting the beautiful Italy and the home of Elena and Sophia.

Amongst the beautiful scenery and delicious food we are thrown into WW2 and seeing how the community reacts to being occupied by the Nazis. The tension and fear was palpable throughout and I honestly didn't know who would survive.

Elena still remains my favourite character. Her ability to bring everyone together and remain headstrong in the face of trying times was admirable. I particularly liked her friendship with Otto.

A beautiful story that depicts another aspect of the war that is lesser known.

Annabelle’s writing has transported me again to beautiful Italy. I’m back in the arms of the family with Sophia and the wonderful Elena.
This is a brilliant follow up to The Enemy of Love.
The mystery of the mole, the horrors of the Nazi occupation and the heartfelt community spirit ( in the main!) all wrapped up in this wonderful storytelling.
So many secrets to hold and the pressure of not knowing who to trust must have been so difficult to bear.
Sophia is certainly a firecracker and her spirit, and that of Kat and Elena, shows the strength of the women left to manage the home and family plus businesses, whilst many of the men were off fighting in the resistance.
This is one emotional read and my heart was in my mouth many times as we learn of the struggles and pain many of these families had to go through.
Such a beautifully written sensitive story