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

uch a wonderful book! Love how Penny life unfold after a near death experience. Her courage saving a child life and her uncle Jimmy broadcasting the event on social media create a chain of event that will change her life forever.

I enjoy the setting which start in London and then Venise. Sounds like a great city and a dream one where there is no cars, just a warm and welcoming city.

I smile at time while reading and love Jimmy sense of humour.

T.A Williamson is a amazing author and I will definitely buy his next book.

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 have said before Trevor is one of my favourite ‘feel-good’ authors so it comes as no surprise that I immediately leapt to read this ARC. While the cover is divine from a newbie readers viewpoint, I would read a book covered in brown paper by Trevor because you know it’s the contents within that make it magical and this story is no exception.

It begins dramatically, Penny Lane (yes, Beatles fans!) performs a brave rescue and from there her mundane life as a waitress and budding artist starts to change. She is approached by a mystery woman and rather bizarrely offered a job. Now this isn’t any ordinary employment but it has the potential for decent money and the possibility of getting Penny out of her basic accommodation and off the breadline. She immediately starts planning a trip to Australia to meet up with her boyfriend.

But things don’t go so smoothly in that direction yet Penny still dares to dream that she may make it as a big artist in Venice.

What follows is a wondrous story, full of warmth and humour especially difficult under the circumstances in places with the awful characters at times. The pleasantries of Venice shine through, it truly is a beautiful city and the descriptions are exactly as I remember it.

This is something slightly different for this author but he pulls it off tremendously and I’m delighted to report there is the suitable addition of a Labrador .. Gilbert is full of charm.

Read this and escape into a world of food, drink, sight-seeing but will Penny find love or achieve her dream? I’m being purposely vague because this is a book you will benefit from as you read it and form your own opinions. Needless to say it gets 5 stars from me.

Thanks to Trevor, Netgalley, Canelo and Faye for my ARC. I read and reviewed voluntarily.

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.

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.

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

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.

Not sure about this book ! It didn't really do it for me to be honest . I thought the the whole story was a bit odd and found penny really annoying and a bit too cringe! Not sure what the dream scenario at the end of each chapter was all about was just a bit annoying and boring. Really wanted to like this but really didn't!

I'm not quite sure whether I really liked the new novel by T.A. Williams or just liked it. Don't get me wrong: "Dreaming of Venice" is yet another good book the author has written. But first things first.

Artist Penny lives in London. To make ends meet she works at a café so she can afford a place to sleep - although that means an apartment with a shared bathroom and rats living in the building. When she isn't working she paints. She hopes that one of the galleries will react to her applications. But so far: nothing.

At night she dreams of Venice and in them there is this dark haired man with a beard. She never sees his face.

By chance she gets the opportunity to earn more money. Her job is to act as Olivia, a young woman from a wealthy familiy her age. Because they look almost identical Penny has to join events and conferences in the name of Olivia. That involves some pretty expensive dresses and spending nights at luxurious hotels, too.

Olivia herself isn't able to attend these events due to the sudden death of her father a few months ago. Nobody, including Penny's friends and family, must know about the job.

It sounds a bit like a fairy tale, don't you think? Especially when Penny spots the mystery man, or pirate man, with the beard on a few occasions. Unfortunatly, she only sees him for a few seconds. She never gets to talk to him and she starts to believe that he isn't real. Although the feelings are very real. It feels like love at first sight, something she never experienced before.

It gets more complicated when Penny finally visits the city of her dreams: Venice. There is a conference she has to attend as Olivia.

My opinion

So, first, as every other book by T.A. Williams, I enjoyed reading that one, too. It's a bit different from his "What happens..."-books, I think. But there is also a labrador - or in the first half at least.    As you might know from his other books history is also a topic. In this case it's art and the historical buildings of Venice. I've never been there and I'm not that interested in Italy, I must confess. But it sounds so interesting in this novel. Williams has a talent for describing things such as cities or buildings.

I liked how Penny is able to help Olivia heal and that they become so good friends. And this mystery man? He seems like a really nice guy, But I was a bit sad when the novel ended rather sudden. I'd like to get to know him better and also about Pennys future. But I think that is up to the reader.

The novel ends quickly, too quickly for my liking. First I thought she will never see him again and I was at 97% - and then whoosh... But I would say I really liked reading the book and I hope you'll too!

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,

Dreaming of Venice, by T.A Williams. Release date; 24th April 2017. 

Penny lane has no money, a dead end job in a cafe, a room in a houseshare where she not only shares a bathroom with the other residents , but also a growing population of rats, and to top it all, her overseas boyfriend had just dumped her.  

After an event that sees her face splashed all over the media Penny receives a job offer, but it’s no ordinary job, can she pull it off? Could this be the chance she needed to turn her life around? And as for her dreams, what do they mean? Can love at first sight be real? 

Dreaming of Venice is a real feel good book. The story is lighthearted but managed to pull me in and keep me intrigued to the end. 

I really liked Penny, she takes chances, she’s prepared to see where life leads, and honestly, who wouldn’t like to be a bit more like that?- and her cast of supporting characters are all nicely developed, Jimmy was a particular favourite of mine. 

Dreaming of Venice is a thoroughly enjoyable book, especially perfect for a sunny weekend in the garden or the beach if you’re lucky enough. But even if you read it curled up on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate you’ll soon be Dreaming of Venice.

Dreaming of Venice gets  four stars from me for a good plot, a satisfying ending and a great cast of characters. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received a copy of Dreaming of Venice free from Netgalley for review purposes but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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.