"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.

A wonderful historical fiction, The Tuscan Daughter by Tessa Harris is filled with courageous characters who fought for their lives and way of life during WWII. The fascists attempting to rule Italy under Mussolini's command were challenged by the resistance party of partisans attempting to maintain rule of their land. Unexpected twists in the plot kept me guessing what would occur next. A page turner I could not put down. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A really good & gripping read with amazing characters & Historical facts that I was previously unaware of and found really fascinating, I love learning new things .#NetGalley, #GoodReads, #FB, #Amazon.co.uk, #Instagram, # <img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/8a5b541512e66ae64954bdaab137035a5b2a89d2" width="80" height="80" alt="200 Book Reviews" title="200 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.

Having read and enjoyed precious books by Tessa Harris, I had high hopes about this novel.
Once again the author has managed to produce an entertaining piece of historical fiction which manages to encapsulate both the historical and geographical aspects.

I won't go into detail about the storyline for fear of spoiling the plot. Suffice to say that there are sufficient twists and turns in the storyline, along with a few red herrings. Which kept me intrigued right to the end.

I give my thanks to Netgalley and HQ Digital for a copy in exchange for this review.

From the author who also wrote The Paris Notebook, Beneath a Starless Sky and The light we left behind, now comes her latest epic story based on true events The Tuscan Daughter by Tessa Harris due to be released on the 23rd April 2024.

It’s 1942, in the countryside city of Lucca Italy, Lizzie Thornton an English woman who works for Count De Falco a well known facist, supporter and friend of Mussolini. She is a Tutor to Christo the Count’s Son. Lizzie is now in a foreign country during WWII and an enemy, but she feels no fear and continues to work as usual.

Lizzie is also an engaged young woman to Flight Lieutenant Hugh Codrington in the British Air Force. Until she receives word that Hugh has died in combat. She mourns his death and realises that she was never really in love with him or even ready to settle down and have a family.

Along comes Vincenzo Baldini a male Tutor employed by the Count to teach his Son Christo certain male facets of his education that Lizzie could not teach.

Lizzie notices that Vincenzo is not all that he seems. Is he hiding secrets? She discovers that he is working for the Italian Resistance and editor to Anti Facist Propaganda magazine. Is that all he is hiding? Lizzie wants to help in the cause and joins him as a resistance fighter. As time passes they fall in love and continue fighting with the Italian Partisan Army (I Patrigiani). Both Vincenzo and Lizzie fight for their freedom and to Liberate Italy and its citizens. However, are they truly free or do their pasts resurface to their present, leaving them both to make difficult choices for their future.

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

From beginning, the Epigraph written by Melinda Gates which reads ‘A women with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult’.. will be a quote that will be remembered fondly.

This book is one that was full of historical importance and significance, war time romance suspense, twists and turns, leaving you wondering how it would end. Then once it ended it left you wanting more. Definitely a page turner at it’s finest.

The story portrays the tenacious, confidence, courage, determination, sacrifice and strength that women like Lizzie and her comrades both male and female endured during WWII.

I rate this book 5 stars an absolute masterpiece. One of my new favourites.

Thank You NetGalley and HQ for a complimentary copy of this novel!

Lizzie Thorton is an Englishwoman working as a tutor to 8-year old Cristo in the Italian countryside city of Lucca in 1942. Cristo’s father is Count de Falco, who is a well-known fascist and supporter of Mussolini.

Lizzie took the one-year tutoring job not knowing World War 2 was about to break loose. Now that war is declared and being English, she is considered an enemy, but for now she is safe. For how long though, she does not know. Cristo’s father decides to also hire a male tutor, Vincenzo Baldini. Lizzie soon comes to realize he is not who he appears to be. Soon she discovers him snooping around de Falco’s study and finds out that he works for the resistance. She wants to join the fight as well. She ends up falling in love with Vincenzo, but then someone from her past whom she thought had perished shows up. He thinks they can just pick up where they left off.

This novel is based off true events. Lizzie’s story is heartbreaking, but also heartwarming. It is about loss, but also love. I really enjoyed reading it and how it portrayed women in that time period. Most were looked down upon and were told their business is to mind the house and children, but they were brave, courageous and with a mind of their own. They were willing to fight alongside the men. This novel has it all…romance, history, mystery, edge-of-your seat action. I felt I was right there alongside Lizzie experiencing everything she did!!! 5 stars for me!!! AVAILABLE April 23, 2024

Tessa Harris does a great job in writing this type of book, it had the hardship that the time-period was used. The characters felt like they were supposed to and I enjoyed how strong that the main character was in this book. I look forward to reading more from Tessa Harris.

Awesome World War II historical romance. First book I have read about Mussolini and Italy during the war. Perhaps a bit of a stretch how characters seemed to “run into” each other quite often but overall a well written book. I loved the strong female characters and how they recognized they needed to stand up and fight for themselves and others. Looking forward to the next book The Paris Notebook.

I enjoyed this book that’s based upon a true story of Lizzie a British woman who is tutoring an Italian man’s son. She soon learns that war has broke out. And now she’s considered to be an enemy. She soon gets drawn into the fight with the resistance with her fellow tutor. I really enjoyed reading about these characters. Specially knowing it’s based on a true story. I know you’ll get drawn into this book like I did!

Wow! What a great book! Not only did I enjoy the story immensely, but I learned so much from this book! The love story is beautiful, and determination of the Italian partisans is amazing! This book was phenomenal!

Based upon a true story. Lizzie is a British citizen, working as a tutor for Cristo when war breaks out. She is considered an enemy of the state, but her employer, who is a harsh, mean man keeps her as a tutor for his son. Lizzie learns about true love and the harsh realities of war. This novel was well written and flowed well. It was an intense and sad story at times. I was blessed with a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Enjoy..

Lizzie a young woman is a tutor to Cristo a young boy whose mother died and his Father is a senior Italian leader and follower of Mussolini. She is soon joined by Signor Baldini another tutor and together they tutor Cristo but also engage in partisan activities with Vincenzo Baldini becoming a senior leader. A lot of war torn Italy is described a lot of war issues well portrayed. Thanks to Tessa Harris and her publisher. Thanks also to NetGalley

"The Tuscan Daughter" by Tessa Harris portrayed a new angle of WWII, the Italians' perspective, that I hadn't previously read. I felt like I was not only learning while reading but also getting carried along in the historical journey of Lizzie, the English-born tutor to the son of Count de Falco, a fascist Mussolini frontman, and Vincenzo Baldini, a member of the Italian resistance. Many times while reading, I had to put the book down and Google a historical fact mentioned in the book because I was so intrigued.

The storyline made me think of a combination of Pam Jenoff's "Code Name Sapphire" and Kate Quinn's "The Alice Network" - both books I loved. If you're a fan of WWII historical fiction, a courageous woman not willing to "settle" and "...only take care of the household, bear children, and to make cuckolds..." mixed in with some brief, clean romance, I would highly recommend "The Tuscan Daughter." 5 stars all the way. #NetGalley

“The Tuscan Daughter” by Tessa Harris is a captivating historical novel set against the backdrop of World War II in Tuscany, Italy. As the war unfolds, protagonist Lizzie Thornton finds herself caught between love and loyalty, navigating the complexities of a country torn apart by fascism.

Lizzie, an English tutor to young Cristo, finds her world turned upside down when war is declared, and she is suddenly labeled an enemy in the country she has grown to love. With the arrival of Vincenzo Baldini, a member of the Italian resistance, Lizzie is drawn into a secret world of anti-fascist activism. Despite the risks, she joins Vincenzo’s unit and finds herself falling deeply in love. However, when her past resurfaces, Lizzie is forced to confront difficult choices that could jeopardize everything she holds dear.

Based on true events, “The Tuscan Daughter” is a sweeping and heart-wrenching tale of resilience, courage, and determination in the face of oppression. Harris skillfully weaves together elements of danger, suspense, romance, and mystery, creating a riveting narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

With its rich historical detail and compelling characters, this novel is sure to resonate with fans of World War II fiction. Harris delivers a poignant and unforgettable story that highlights the power of love and the strength of the human spirit in the darkest of times.

A really well researched novel with a dramatic ending. The narrative gave the feel of the day to day life of a partisan. The book made an entirely valid point, that many women took their part in the resistance struggle yet often received no recognition for their bravery. The main character faced a choice between two men, but more importantly two lifestyles, one where she would have a life of controlled domesticity the other where she was free to choose her role in life. The two men were different, one was controlling, 9ne wanted her to be free. Quite rightly, she chose freedom. All in all, a well worth read.

Tessa Harris’ The Tuscan Daughter opens on a breathless scene of escape. Just a few pages later, the reader is swept up into a world of mystery and suspense. Love blossoms between Lizzie and Vincenzo, at first understated but becoming more poignant after Vincenzo’s arrest. When Lizzie takes the post of governess to young Cristo, she was seeking a meaning to her life. Working alongside Vincenzo in the resistance movement she is forced to draw on an inner force she did not know she possessed This fortitude is put to the test when Vincenzo is jailed.
As events unfold, she finds herself in an impossible dilemma, caught between Vincenzo and her fiancé Hugh, two men who love her, while at the same time her life is in constant danger. She is a foreigner and the Wehrmacht is hunting down all Britons and Americans.
Lizzie finds herself on the run with a fiancé she no longer loves. She has not yet found the time (or the courage?) to tell him she wants to break off the engagement. She learns of Vincenzo’s death and loses the confidence that had propelled her into resistance work. She dithers. It is highly likely that the reader will interpret Lizzie’s relationship with her fiancé at this point as typical of women of that era in needing a man to provide security and make her complete. When Vincenzo had told her to get back to the safety of England, she had not fought for him nor fight for their love.
The classic misunderstanding. This was a let down.
Lizzie is no longer the strong-willed woman who became a resistance fighter and took on the perilous task of editing the underground newspaper. She behaves like a weather vane in a changing wind. Lacking is the argument to show why she turns to the fiancé she no longer loves.
While she participates in a skirmish alongside the partisans a new realization awakes in her, and a tragedy compels Lizzie to realize that her fiancé is not the man she thought he was. Yet, despite this, she follows him, suffers his abuse. At this stage in the novel, one might hear a scream rise from sensitive female readers.
Personally, my sympathies for Lizzie died at that point, along with my delight in the novel. The author uses the same plot device: Hugh, the fiancé believed to be dead but later turns up alive, then again Vincenzo is dead, but no, he turns up alive.
Fortunately, Tessa Harris snatches the story from what could have been a disappointing ending with a couple of rousing final chapters depicting liberation of Tuscan towns, and later Lizzie’s call to arms for women to fight for their rights.
Not Tessa's best book.

The Tuscan Daughter by Tessa Harris is a captivating journey through the stunning landscapes of Tuscany, woven with the complexities of love, loyalty, and political unrest during World War II. Lizzie Thornton, an English tutor in Lucca, faces moral dilemmas as she becomes entwined with the de Falco family, staunch supporters of Mussolini. The setting, from the cobblestone streets to the rolling hills, serves as a vibrant backdrop to the characters' lives. Lizzie, a relatable and strong-willed protagonist, undergoes a beautiful transformation amid political turmoil. Harris skillfully builds tension, leading to a gripping ending that left me satisfied. The novel sheds light on the lesser-explored aspects of Italy's role in the war, showcasing the brave women who fought against the detestable fascists as partisans. The inclusion of Lizzie's struggle, torn between loyalty and her desire for a better world, adds depth to the narrative. As war unfolds, Lizzie's connection to Vincenzo Baldini, a Partisan involved in a perilous newspaper, unravels a world of danger and choices. The story not only captures the historical context but also delves into the resilience and courage of Italian women during a tumultuous period. The Tuscan Daughter stands out as a poignant and insightful historical fiction novel, offering a unique perspective on the fight against fascism in Italy, and it has become one of my favorites in this genre. Harris's storytelling, coupled with the evocative setting and well-developed characters, creates a tale that resonates long after the last page is turned.

3.5 stars
This story is set in Tuscany in 1942. We follow Lizzie Thornton who is a British citizen living in Tuscany while working as a tutor for an 8-year-old boy, Christo. Christo is the son of Count Antonio de Falco who is a notable fascist and supporter of Mussolini. Lizzie finds herself in increased danger as war is declared in Italy. Things escalate when she becomes involved with another of Christo’s tutors, Vincenzo Baldini, as part of the resistance. As Lizzie becomes more involved with the resistance, she also finds herself becoming closer to Vincenzo. Lizzie becomes reunited with an unexpected person from her past and finds herself on a journey across Italy to find her way back home.
This book started out a little disjointed. I found the beginning of the relationship with Vincenzo to be slightly rushed and felt there were a lot of things we were told about after the fact instead of seeing develop. However, once I got past the first 30% of the book it really started to pick up as we followed Lizzie’s work with the resistance as well as her journey to finding herself. This book showed me another side of WWII that I wasn’t familiar with. It also did a great job of showing the resilience of the people of Italy and their fight for freedom. As a woman, I appreciated the look into the internal struggles that Lizzie went through when trying to find her independence. The internal struggle to fight back against expectations is something familiar even today. Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable story with likeable characters that kept me engaged throughout the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ digital for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for my honest review!