In this fantastic World War II historical fiction novel, readers travel to World War II Italy where Lizzie works as a tutor for Christo, the 8 year old son of Count Antonio de Falco (a high-ranking man in Mussolini’s government), despite technically being an enemy of the Italian state. When a new tutor, Vincenzo Baldini, arrives, resistance activity seems to follow as anti-Mussolini pamphlets appear around the villa. Lizzie, indirectly supporting Baldini’s group, gets caught up in the resistance as the Allies grow stronger on the continent and faces the consequences of resistance activity. Providing insight into the Italian partisans and the resistance effort in northern Italy, readers explore the world of the Italian resistance and the roles that downed Allied pilots and escaped prisoners played as part of the Allied efforts in the Italian peninsula. Harris’s characters are fantastically developed, and Lizzie is a strong, interesting, compelling heroine, and readers will enjoy following her growth from silent nonparticipant to active partisan over the novel. The other characters, drawn from the historical record and inspired by historical figures, bring this element of European resistance to fascism to historical fiction, and Harris has done a fantastic job bringing this world and Lizzie’s time as a partisan to life.

what a beautiful cover thst attracted my eye.
This novel by Tessa Harris is full of brave characters and is full of twists, secrets and intrigue.
It was a good read.

I enjoyed reading this WWII fiction that is based on a true story. It has everything that is needed for a good story- courageous characters that are well-built, history, romance, and unexpected twists and turns all incorporated in a good flow. I couldn't put it down until the end. I'm looking forward to reading this author's future books.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collin’s Publishers for the advanced copy of this beautifully written novel.

The Tuscan Daughter by Tessa Harris is a historical fiction based on true events, set in Italy during the 1940s. It starts out just before WWII erupts and continues through that time period with Italy entering the War.

Lizzie who is British goes to Italy to become a tutor to the young son of a high ranking facist. There she meets another tutor who is a member of the resistance. Together they forge a bond that will prove both exciting and dangerous, with unexpected twists and turns. Lizzie must make some heart wrenching decisions that will affect the rest of her life and the people she loves.

I enjoyed this gripping story and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I learned about Italy’s involvement during the war.

Thank you NetGalley and HQ Digital for an advanced copy of this book.

The Tuscan Daughter is based on true events. Tessa narrates a story of courage & determination. Women played a key role in the Italian Resistance Movement. Their role is recognised in this telling of the Italian war years. There are so many twists & turns. Edge of your seat, page-turning all the way to the exciting end. The story is utterly riveting, totally captivating. Highly recommend

Based upon true events, the setting for this war time novel is 1940’s occupied Tuscany.
Lizzie Thornton moved to Italy before the outbreak of War to become a governess to Cristo, a 9 year old boy. She was engaged to Hugh, who joined the RAF, and he made plain his feelings that Lizzie would get her wanderlust out of the way before she married him and settled to a life of domesticity. Lizzie receives notification that Hugh’s plane was shot down over Tobruk, and she has mixed feelings , she was going to break off her engagement , Italy has made her aware that there are more opportunities available to her than marriage and nappies.
When war is declared, it is only the fact that her employer, Count Antonio de Falco, is a leading fascist and loyal friend to Benito Mussolini, that keeps her from being placed under arrest as an enemy of the state. His wife died some years ago and the staff believe there were suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
A male tutor Vincenzo ,has recently been engaged to teach ‘ manly pursuits’ to Cristo, these involve science and sport. All young men under the age of 30 have been called up, and youngsters are enrolled in the GIL, Italian Youth of the Lictor, the junior branch of the National Fascist Party of Italy.
Lizzie is initially distrustful of Vincenzo, but when she learns he works for the resistance, they both become involved in local groups, helping to run escape runs for shot down Airmen, trying to get back home, run underground newspapers and are engaged in sabotage works. These endeavours put both of them in great peril.
A fascinating look at the Wartime Resistance work at the time of the Italian Campaign. There are many examples of the work done by the women, being largely invisible, their contributions were taken for granted, and after the war, despite their efforts, they were not honoured or even allowed to take part in Victory parades. They made great sacrifices and showed such bravery, but equality takes patience and determination. Only now, has their story been told and acted upon. A wonderful read of a campaign that is not often written about.
My thanks to Netgalley and HQ Books, for my advanced digital copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review.
I hate rated this a 5 star read. I will leave a copy of this review to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

Always feeling there was more to life than waiting for the return of fiancé Hugh from his time with the RAF, Lizzie Thornton’s independent spirit takes her to Lucca in Tuscany. At first employed as a governess, she also becomes tutor to Cristo, the son of Count Antonio da Falco. But it’s now 1942, and she finds herself isolated during wartime in a hostile country – her employer a prominent fascist, a supporter and friend of Mussolini.

Her sense of isolation is intensified with the news of Hugh’s death in combat – although it also feels like something of an escape from a future of domesticity that she was never sure she wanted. A second tutor, Vincenzo Baldini, joins the household at the Villa Martini, and she fears for her future – but he proves to be an unexpected friend and ally, working with the resistance, and editing an anti-fascist newspaper. They grow closer as she helps him with articles, but their activities are uncovered – he finds himself imprisoned, and she is sent away to a secure convent.

But that’s only the beginning of the story – they finally find each other again, when she joins his partisan unit and supports the fight for liberation. What follows is an intense and gripping story of determination and bravery, of danger and hardship – along with a compelling and moving romance, not without unexpected complications from the past. The book’s focus is very much on the roles played by women – their courage as equals in the struggle, through the actions of a number of quite wonderfully drawn individuals (Lizzie included) who fight shoulder to shoulder with their comrades.

The landscape is vividly drawn, the detail impeccably researched and brought to life, the emotional content harrowing – but the author is also a wonderful storyteller, and the book’s pages turn ever faster. She makes you feel present in the moment, making choices with the brave individuals, facing the danger and feeling the same fear – the writing is superb, combining a slice of very real history with a smaller, more intimate story I found intensely moving.

The whole book is a wonderful tribute to the individuals – especially the women – who believed in their cause and were both strong and selfless in fighting for their freedom. But it’s also a quite unforgettable read – and one I really couldn’t recommend more highly.

The Tuscan Daughter was the second book that I had the pleasure of reading by Tessa Harris. This one was based on true events. The Tuscan Daughter took place in a town called Lucca that was located in Tuscany, Italy right before the outbreak of World War II and then as Italy entered the war under the leadership of Mussolini. I was initially drawn to the gorgeous cover of The Tuscan Daughter but Tessa Harris’s impeccable research and masterful storytelling captured my full attention as I began to read it. The characters in The Tuscan Daughter were compelling and so believable. Tessa Harris touched all my emotions as I read The Tuscan Daughter. It was heartbreaking yet hopeful and brought suspense, mystery, impossible choices, dangerous situations and romance to life throughout the book. The Tuscan Daughter was another well written historical fiction novel by Tessa Harris.

In 1942, Lizzie Thorton, found herself employed by Count Antonio de Falco, a starch and loyal supporter of the facist leader of Italy, Mussolini. He had hired Lizzie to tutor his eight year old son, Cristo in his elaborate home in Lucca, Italy located in the lush countryside of Tuscany surrounded by its plentiful olive trees. The Count had lost his wife a short time ago. Lizzie was living in England when she applied for the position of tutor. She had a strong command of the Italian language and was excited about this new adventure. Lizzie had just accepted an engagement proposal to Hugh Codrington and even though he didn’t want her to travel to Italy, Lizzie was intent on honoring her commitment as the tutor for an eight year old boy. Even though Lizzie accepted Hugh’s proposal, she began to doubt her decision almost immediately after accepting. Shortly after he and Lizzie became engaged, Hugh became a Flight Lieutenant in the British Air Force. It wasn’t long afterwards that Lizzie learned of Hugh’s death. Hugh had died during a combat mission shortly after he had become a flight lieutenant. Lizzie was saddened but relieved when she learned of Hugh’s tragic death. She discovered that she had not truly been in love with Hugh after all.

Shortly after Lizzie began her duties of tutor to Cristo, two things occurred. The first was that Italy had entered World War II and sided with Germany. As a result, England declared war on Italy. That act made Lizzie an enemy of the state and endangered her own life by remaining in Italy. The Count decided to ignore that fact and continued to employ Lizzie as Cristo’s tutor. Being employed by the Count, kept Lizzie safe from scrutiny and any attempt to imprison or hurt her. The second thing that happened was that Count Antonio de Falco decided to hire another tutor for his son. He employed a male tutor named Signor Vincenzo Baldini whose main role was to teach young Cristo the sports which included swimming and riding lessons. Lizzie was suspicious of Baldini when she first learned of his employment. She was afraid that he had been hired to take over her position but soon learned that her position was safe. The more Lizzie observed and got to know Signor Baldini the more she found herself intrigued by him. Lizzie suspected that Signor Baldini was hiding things and Lizzie was intent upon finding out what those things were.

As Lizzie and Signor Baldini worked together on Cristo’s behalf, they started to form a friendship and an understanding. Lizzie was finally able to discover that Signor Baldini was a member of the Democrat Action Party for whom he wrote, printed and distributed an anti-facist magazine. As Lizzie got to know Baldini better, she discovered that she admired his ethics as a man who was determined to end fascism for all people in his beloved country of Italy through the Italian resistance. Lizzie wanted more than anything to help Baldini with this dangerous endeavor. Signor Baldini finally accepted Lizzie’s offer. She had to be extra cautious that Count Antonio de Falco did not become privy to her involvement. First Lizzie helped with printing the magazine, delivering messages and later she even wrote some of the articles for the magazine. Lizzie was on her way to earning her place as a member of the Italian resistance. Even though she was an English citizen, her allegiance leaned towards the Italian resistance and its people. During this time, Lizzie and Signor Vincenzo Baldini started to discover that they had feelings for one another. Their mutual caring and affection for Cristo was growing stronger as well.

The Tuscan Daughter by Tessa Harris was about the courage and determination of the Italian resistance to rid their country from the Fascists who ruled them. Among the resistance fighters were a great many women and girls. They joined for personal reasons but they all sought freedom and victory over Mussolini and the Germans. Even though the female resistance fighters performed side by side with their male counterparts, they were often still regarded as inferior. However, without their brave acts and involvement, victory would have been harder if not impossible to achieve. I for one applaud their courage, bravery, dedication and determination even when it would have been easier for them to hide behind the confines of their safe homes. They were willing to risk their lives and take the same dangerous risks as the men they fought beside. I am so glad that Tessa Harris chose to inform her readers about this important part of Italy’s history during World War II. The Tuscan Daughter was a most compelling book and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to HQ Digital for allowing me to read the advanced reader’s copy of The Tuscan Daughter by Tessa Harris through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Publication is set for April 23, 2024.

This historical novel is based on true events in Italy during WWII.
The book opens in 1942 in Lucca Tuscany, where British Elizabeth (Lizzie) Thornton is the governess/teacher to 8 year old Cristo, the son of Count de Falco, a fascist Mussolini supporter. He employs a tutor, Vincenzo Baldini to teach Cristo manly things like swimming, chess, and math. While Lizzie is a little upset with the arrangement, she works with Vincenzo to provide a well-rounded education for the child.
However, once was is declared, Lizzie is classed as an enemy alien and her freedom is limited. She discovers that VIncenzo is a member of a resistance group and helps them publish an anti-Fascist newspaper,,.,while falling in love with Vincenzo.
During the war, Lizzie is sent to a convent which is near a POW facility, she sees her ex-fiancè (who she thought was killed when his plane was shot down) and manages to communicate with him, rekindling thoughts of a return to England and a safer life.
The story progresses through the Tuscan countryside as the ex-POWs and Lizzie make their way to the coast, attempting to return to England.
This is the second book that I've read by the author who does a great deal of research and incorporates facts into a believable story. She describes her heroine with traits of resilience, courage and determination, who struggles with a major decision, and ultimately finds herself.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This book is based on a true story, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

Lizzie is British and is a tutor to the son, whose father is Italian and a fascist.

Soonest is declared and now Lizzie is thought of as the enemy.

Lizzie meets another tutor who is a member of the resistance and she finds herself pulled in too.

The story will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

I recommend this book.

Tuscany, 1942: Lizzie Thornton has moved from England and loves her job as tutor to eight-year-old Cristo – whose father, Count Antonio de Falco, is a fascist and supporter of Mussolini.
Then war is declared and Lizzie becomes an enemy of the state. A new tutor is employed ,Vincenzo Baldini , but Lizzie finds out he is a member of the Italian resistance and soon Lizzie joins them.
She then falls in love.
She will be tested in strength and commitment over the following years.
Will she survive the war and will those close to her survive?

I do not know why, but this book did not keep my attention. And that is strange, because it has very good characters, strong and willing to sacrifice their loves for freedom. It had a good story, and some parts were interesting. I just do not why I did not love it.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Lucca, Tuscany, 1942. Elizabeth Thornton is an English governess employed to by Count de Falco to teach his son Cristo. He's a fascist and supporter of Mussolini the Prime Minister of Italy and everyone breathes a big sigh of relief when he travels to Rome. Lizzie has her nose put out of joint when the Count employs a male tutor Signor Vincenzo Baldini, to teach Cristo sport, swimming and more manly things.

When the war starts, Lizzie is classed as the enemy, she knows without the Counts support and high ranking position she would be arrested and interned. Lizzie discovers Vincenzo’s a member of the Democrat Action Party, he prints an anti-fascist magazine, and she’s keen to help and has no idea how dangerous it is and later she's becomes a member of the resistance.

Set between 1942 and 1944, the stories about the struggles of the Italian people and others who are caught up in the conflict, it gets worse when Mussolini is dismissed and the Germans search the valley’s and hills for partisans and threaten to kill anyone who helps them.

I received a copy of The Tuscan Daughter by Tessa Harris from NetGalley and HQ Digital in exchange for an unbiased review. I really liked the characters in this well written book, especially Lizzie, Cristo, Celilia, Violetta, and Vincenzo. Elizabeth has been told what to do by men her whole life and as time goes on she grows stronger physically and mentally.

Set in war torn Tuscany, from the olive groves, to the Apennine Mountains and the beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea a historical saga about fighting for freedom and having, resilience, courage, endurance, fortitude, qualities to be a leader and women wanting to be seen as equals. Five stars from me, I highly recommend The Tuscan Daughter and the author's previous book The Paris Notebook.

I do love a WW2 novel and this one didn’t disappoint. I’ve not read many based in Italy and was interesting to read about the different war they experienced, Being English in Italy was not something you would want but the ability for her to remain hidden and protected was astounding. A great read.

Based in Italy before the war, Lizzie moved to Lucca to be a tutor to a Count’s son. He's a fascist and supporter of Mussolini. When the war starts a new male tutor arrives who’s not all he seems. He tins an anti fascist magazine. Then Lizzies ex fiancé turns up as a prisoner of war but she has feelings for the tutor. The ex tries to get back to the UK but it doesn’t go well. There’s a mole in the resistance group but not the person it was thought to be.
This is based on a true story which makes it all the more poignant. I loved it.

Based on true events, this historical fiction WW2 novel takes you on a journey of love, not just of the heart but country. Lizzie is a young, English women, who found herself in Italy when war breaks out. Determined to protect the child she feels is her own and the country she now calls home, Lizzie is insistent on fighting alongside other brave and courage’s men and women to save and protect what they love. The Tuscan Daughter is a well written,, page turning novel that portrays the determination, devotion, strength, courage and bravery of many women at a time when they were told their place was at home. The ending finished the journey and sacrifice of freedom beautifully.

I would like to thank HQ, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy, for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
#TheTuscanDaughter #NetGalley

Phenomenal writing. A good page turner. Stunning reading.

Not often you get books about war torn Italy, but this is one of the best to date.

A woman's struggle to find herself in a foreign country, does she stay with her finance from the United Kingdom or does she follow her heart even if it could lead to a death sentence by the Nazis? Strength and endurance comes to the fore in this well written tale.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book.

"The Tuscan Daughter" is another great wartime novel from Tessa Harris. As the title suggests this one is set in Italy and features English woman Elizabeth, known as Lizzie. Lizzie is tutor to Cristo, whose father Count de Falco is a friend and supporter of Mussolini. Cristo's mother is dead and the count is frequently away. Everything changes when the count decides to employ (without consulting Lizzie) a male tutor to provide additional teaching and male companionship. Luckily Lizzie is also kept on as without the count's support she could be jailed as an enemy alien.

Most of the action in the novel takes place between 1942 and 1944 and features the struggles of the Italians to stay alive, particularly in rural areas. This is a really well written book, covering the politics of the war and the effects on the local population, and has some great characters.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

An absolutely cracking read. I don't normally read much historical fiction but this author gets me every single time. I'd watch this as a TV series too. Adored The Paris Notebook and this was just as good. Characters, writing style, all excellent. Recommended her to a friend who has now read all her books and has this on pre-order!

I read all of this book but it wasn't really my kind of story. I chose to read it because it was set in Italy during the second world war, so this was an aspect of the war I hadn't read about before. The first part was OK when Lizzie was at the home of Count Antonio de Falco working as a tutor to his son. However it soon moves on from there when German troops are advancing through Italy and it becomes necessary for Lizzie to flee. She leaves with members of the Italian Resistance and much of the book from there on follows Lizzie through rough terrain and forests as they try to make their way to the coast to be rescued by the allies.

For me this dragged on for too long and I did find aspects of it repetitive. Not really my cup of tea and I found myself just wanting to get to the end. I did actually find the acknowledgements at the end, where the author gives some factual background to the book more interesting.