The Postcard from Italy

De: Angela Petch

Narrado por: Stephanie Lane

Italy, 1945. "Where am I"? The young man wakes, bewildered. He sees olive trees against a bright blue sky. A soft voice soothes him. "We saw you fall from your plane. The parachute saved you". He remembers nothing of his life, or the war that has torn the world apart...but where does he belong?

England, present day. Antique-shop-owner Susannah wipes away a tear as she tidies her grandmother’s belongings. Elsie’s memories are fading, and every day Susannah feels further away from her only remaining family. But everything changes when she stumbles across a yellowed postcard of a beautiful Italian stone farmhouse, tucked away in Elsie’s dressing table. A message dated from World War Two speaks of a secret love. Could her grandmother, who never talked about the past, have fallen for someone in Italy all those years ago?

With Elsie unable to answer her questions, Susannah becomes determined to track down the house and find a distraction from her grief. Arriving at what is now a crumbling hotel by the sparkling Italian sea, she feels strangely at home. And after an unexpected encounter with handsome wine waiter Giacomo, she can’t tell if it’s his dark eyes or his offer to help solve her mystery that makes her heart race.

Together they find a dusty chest tucked in a forgotten corner of the building. The white silk of a World War Two parachute spills out. And the Royal Air Force identity tag nestled in the folds bears a familiar name...

With Giacomo by her side, and before it’s too late for her grandmother, can Susannah discover the truth behind a shocking wartime secret at the heart of her family? Or will it tear her apart?

An absolutely stunning novel that will sweep you away to the olive groves and majestic views of the Italian coast. Perfect for fans of Kathryn Hughes, Fiona Valpy, and Victoria Hislop.

©2022 Angela Petch (P)2022 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Beautiful… captivating… will stay with you for a long time… so vividly and gorgeously described I felt that I was there. Highly recommended." (Karenkingauthor)

"Enchanting, captivating and magical!" (BookAholicCafe)

Well told story.

This is not all cozy romance. There is romance, also mystery, also uncomfortable episodes. What gives it more meat than most stories is the element of human survivorship and common bonds formed during hard times. Italy stars through her landscapes, culture, and people. Stephanie Lane gives a very enjoyable performance.

Interesting connection with history

I enjoyed this story which connected the author with her past through the discovery of a postcard. This helped her find clarity with her life and helped her to establish a future.

A love story unlike any…

This is a story about the effects of war on some who “weren’t” involved, civilians in its midst.
The impressions left long after the war’s end; And the power of love to heal all wounds…
A beautiful and heartfelt story of the human condition, striving to survive, love, rejection and healing.