An utterly gorgeous read that reeled me in from the very beginning. I loved everything about this book, the characters , the descriptions and I was quite sad when it finished.

Absolutely loved this beautifully written book, you bought mere words to life in a magical way with you’re vivid descriptions of Italy, lovable characters and the wonderful food that totally captured my heart and kept me totally enchanted.

The story starts in 2005 with Santina who is dying and has to make a big decision. We then go back to 1949 when she is employed by the Major (Henry) and Amelia who have just had a baby Elizabeth. As Amelia’s mental health deteriorates Santina finds herself caring for Elizabeth and loving her like she would her own child. As her life becomes so closely entwined with this family she fights for her feelings for Henry which will lead her down a path full of secrets and heartache.

I could rant about this book all day, it has it all, romance, secrets, heartache and loss. I felt like every word jumped off the page to paint this amazing picture that totally captured my heart and made me feel quite emotional at the end!!

A must read book. I have thoroughly fallen in love with Santina and the family.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for a review.

A good, fun, engaging read.
Santina Guida knows she doesn't have long left and wishes to recall her life. She begins a series of letters which she hopes will reveal her truth. The story starts in 1949 when she is just a young child living with her mother, father and brother Marco. Tragedy strikes leaving them motherless and their lives changed forever.
Heartbreak and sacrifice and hidden secrets all play dominant roles throughout the story.

The ending was quite vague but overall a good read.

'The Secret Legacy' is a saga of Santina's life in the twentieth century against a vividly described Italian setting. Varied and detailed with plenty of rich imagery of Italy and its food coupled with historical detail from Santina's early life there is a pleasing authenticity to this story. The forbidden romance is everything you could wish, and the characters develop believably. Perfect summer reading.

I received a copy of this book from HQ via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Fab story which really draws you I from the start. Good flow with strong characters and a story line that has lots of twists and turns

I enjoyed this book and the lovely Italian setting. I have chosen to give it four stars on the basis that the plot was quite complicated and involved and the ending was quite vague. I'm not sure if the door is being left open for a sequel but if not, I was disappointed that the author didn't tie things up fully. If there is a follow up, I will definitely be reading it! It's a good read with a nice writing style and I look forward to reading more from Sara Alexander in the future.