The Venice Sketchbook

By: Rhys Bowen

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

Love and secrets collide in Venice during WWII in an enthralling novel of brief encounters and lasting romance by the New York Times best-selling author of The Tuscan Child and Above the Bay of Angels.

Caroline Grant is struggling to accept the end of her marriage when she receives an unexpected bequest. Her beloved great-aunt Lettie leaves her a sketchbook, three keys, and a final whisper...Venice. Caroline’s quest: to scatter Juliet “Lettie” Browning’s ashes in the city she loved and to unlock the mysteries stored away for more than 60 years.

It’s 1938 when art teacher Juliet Browning arrives in romantic Venice. For her students, it’s a wealth of history, art, and beauty. For Juliet, it’s poignant memories and a chance to reconnect with Leonardo Da Rossi, the man she loves whose future is already determined by his noble family. However star-crossed, nothing can come between them. Until the threat of war closes in on Venice and they’re forced to fight, survive, and protect a secret that will bind them forever.

Key by key, Lettie’s life of impossible love, loss, and courage unfolds. It’s one that Caroline can now make right again as her own journey of self-discovery begins.

©2021 Janet Quin-Harkin, writing as Rhys Bowen (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

loved it

Loved this book and the narrator!
I felt the ending rushed a bit but I still loved it and hated to see it end.

Interesting incite into Venice before and during WWII

I enjoyed this story, even though there is much heartache. War is never fair, and politics and marriage for business convenience only makes things worse for Juliette. I have been wanting to re-visit Italy for 44 years. This story gave me a fix, as the reader brings you into the story, and thus onto Venice.
I recommend this book for the well-crafted writing, the travel between the the 1920’s to the end of WWII and the current time period, and the wonderful narration….historical fiction, adventure and romance all in one.

Captivating!

The story unfolded beautifully. The descriptions of Venice were superb. I could feel the emotions the author described.

One of my favorite

So well composed. This reminds me of the Book All The Light We Cannot See, so well written. It was difficult to put down.

Such a good story about strong women.

Character development is so good. Obsessed with women’s work and contributions during the war time.

Two Love Stories

So glad to find a historical fiction. They are hard to find.
I liked the characters and the details of life in Venice in the 1930s and 40s.

Excellent

It was very enjoyable!
I found it had interesting story lines!
I can highly recommend it!

Very Moving Story

I loved listening to this audiobook. The performance was spot on and the content very rich and engaging.

Great adventure!

Wonderful drama and connections with the world powers during the war. The author took time to give each listener the background and excellent descriptions of history and current events.

Loved it!

Great read for sure! I really got into the characters. I didn’t want to stop listening 😊