The Keeper of Lost Art by Lelita Baldock.
This is a beautifully written historical fiction novel.
The story explores the emotional aftermath of war through dual timelines, which, although occasionally distracting, effectively complemented the narrative.
The characters are well developed, and the writing is great.
A compelling read that highlights the lasting impact of war.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I enjoy reading historical fiction books and specifically those that take place during WWII. I do not mind dual ... or even multiple timelines. However, the three timelines (1921, 1938, and 1943) made it harder to stay focused with this book. The writing was well done, but the choppiness between the three time periods and so many characters spread throughout the pages kept it from being a smooth and flowing read. Learning how those that tried to protect and save the art in Italy from being stolen by the Nazi regime was inspiring. This is a story of love, loss, inspiration, misleading emotions, family, sacrifice, and courage. Always courage! The historical details are well researched and presented. And, even with the myriad timelines, it is still an interesting read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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Historical
Historical Fiction
WWII

My second book by this author and once again I loved everything about it! I loved learning about Bari during WWII, there were so many emotions, great characters and I just love Lelita's writing style. I highly recommend you add this to your list.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Lelita Baldock for the arc for review. All opinions are my own.

In The Keeper of Lost Art, Lelita Baldock delivers a moving and richly atmospheric historical novel that illuminates a lesser-seen side of WWII—Italy under siege, where survival, loyalty, and art itself hang in the balance.

When Siena flees Rome carrying a ledger that could preserve her country’s cultural heritage, she finds refuge in the port city of Bari at the home of Alessia, a young woman already burdened with caring for her family in her father’s absence. What begins as a precarious arrangement slowly deepens into a bond that sustains them both through air raids, hunger, and devastating loss.

Baldock masterfully layers the story across three timelines—interweaving Siena’s flight, Alessia’s resilience, and Eva’s life as a young art student in 1920s Florence. The result is a sweeping narrative about courage in its many forms: the courage to protect what cannot protect itself, the courage to open one’s door to a stranger, and the courage to hold on to hope when war threatens to strip it away.

The novel is at once heartbreaking and uplifting, capturing both the brutality of wartime existence and the quiet acts of resistance that preserve identity and humanity. At its heart lies the reminder that art is more than beauty on canvas—it is history, memory, and legacy worth risking everything to protect.

With evocative prose, vivid historical detail, and characters whose struggles feel achingly real, The Keeper of Lost Art is a standout addition to WWII fiction.

Perfect for: Fans of Kristin Harmel, Martha Hall Kelly, and Kate Quinn—readers who gravitate toward stories of resilience, hidden histories, and the power of women’s courage in wartime.
Rating: ★★★★★

This was a very emotional story set in the period between the end of World War 1 through to the end of World War 2. Some really good characters that bring the story to life. The suffering and fortitude of the characters, really hits home and the story leaves a lasting impression.

I love a good historical fiction novel and this one wasn't too bad! set in Bari, Italy in 1943, Sienna works at an art gallery in Rome alongside Nonno. when she is forced to flee, she hides a leather bound ledger in her suitcase. when she arrives in Bari, she arrives at the door of Alessia, who can't turn them away. little do we know Alessia is fighting her own silent battles. this was written very well, and I loved the atmosphere and Lelita brings you into this world right away, and I fell in love with the characters and their resilience. a very well written historical fiction novel that I enjoyed! thank you to the author and netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Oh my goodness what a book that was. It left me in tears, it was such an emotional read. This author captured everything and wrote it well. I could picture Barli and all the quaint streets. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I am a huge fan of WWII historical fiction books. This one did not disappoint! Art, war, resistance, hope, love, family-- it had it all! The dual story line added so much to the story. It was full of emotional depth and connection. You'll read this in one sitting.

I love historical fiction book and reading about books! And this book is exactly what I wanted. It was full of action and plot twists. Highly recommend!

Another WWII Historical Fiction Novel—This Time from the Italian Perspective

Siena flees Rome to continue the mission her adopted Nonno sacrificed his life for: protecting Italy’s art. As the Nazis looted their gallery, he worked in secret to send treasured pieces to the countryside, hoping to keep them out of Hitler’s hands. Not only did he help preserve the art, but at great personal risk, he kept a meticulous record of every piece moved—so that, after the war, it could be returned. When the Germans come knocking, Siena is sent to Bari with the black book to keep it safe.

In the port city of Bari, Siena is directed to the home of a former student of her Nonno’s. But instead of the seasoned painter she expected, she finds Alessia—a young woman struggling to care for her Nonna and younger brother while her father fights for Italy. Though initially unprepared for the disruption, Alessia quickly understands she cannot turn Siena away. What begins as a tense arrangement slowly evolves into a deep and lasting friendship.

As the port of Bari becomes a target and conditions worsen, Siena becomes more than a guest—she becomes a lifeline. She helps Alessia and her family survive amid rationing, bombing, and grief.

Siena and Alessia’s intertwined stories of survival and sacrifice will tug at readers’ heartstrings. While there are some jarring shifts between timelines, the novel draws readers in with its rich perspective. In times of war, we are reminded that art is more than a pretty picture—it holds the history and identity of a country, and it is worth saving.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and of course the author Lelita Baldock for the advanced copy of the book. The Keeper of Lost Art is out now. All opinions are my own.

During the height of WWII in Italy, Siena has escaped from Rome to Bari and knocks on a stranger's door, seeking sanctuary. Her friends have been taken away by the Nazis and she carries with her a precious book filled with secrets that must be protected. Siena has been working with a number of art lovers determined to save precious art from being stolen by the Germans and the ledger she carries holds the secrets to where artwork has been hidden.

Alessia and her grandma take Siena in, despite not knowing who she is even though they already cannot feed themselves due to the wartime food shortage in Bari. With Alessia's dad away fighting, she does what she can to look after her younger brother and grandma but she also knows she cannot turn Siena away. Siena and Alessia form a close bond and support each other while living together , however, they both harbour their own secrets which unfold and they come to understand their connection runs deeper than they could have imagined.

The author vividly captures the difficulties for Italians during the war and provides a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are some courageous enough to risk themselves to help preserve cultural history and identity.

Told over 3 timelines, the author deftly brings the storylines together and I found myself unable to put this book down. The story highlights the strength provided by connection with family and community and the characters have real depth to them. Their stories are profoundly moving and I definitely recommend this read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

An atmospheric read with one small quirk I couldn’t shake

The Keeper of Lost Art is a beautifully paced, gripping story set against the evocative backdrop of Italy, blending art history, mystery, and personal transformation. The characters felt vivid and multi-layered, and the author did a great job weaving in cultural and historical elements without slowing down the plot.

One of the novel’s biggest strengths is its atmosphere Italy’s strong sense of tightly knit community truly comes alive on the page. However, one thing I couldn’t get over was the overuse of Italian words like “sì” and “grazie” peppered throughout the dialogue. I understand the intent - to anchor the story firmly in its setting - but after a while it became distracting and slightly annoying.

That aside, this was a captivating read that I’d absolutely recommend to fans of art-themed fiction, slow-burn mysteries, or novels with rich international settings.

"You cannot look back on yesterday’s choices with today’s knowledge."

Alessia is mother to her younger brother, Niccolo, under the watchful eyes of their grandmother, Nonna Bianca. The two women are constantly focused on stretching their rations to keep hunger at bay. One evening, a woman named Siena arrives from Rome, searching for Alessia's father, who is away fighting at the front. She carries only a sketch as her means of introduction. When Siena sees Alessia's flicker of recognition, her relief is palpable. She knows it is not the recognition of Bari harbor, but the recognition of the artist that will enable the invitation for shelter. More importantly, this refuge will provide a place to hide a secret tucked away in her meager luggage.

The captivating novel is a masterclass in sensory storytelling. Each scene is meticulously crafted with atmospheric details, drawing the reader into the character's world. A poignant line captures a character's fleeting moment of peace, a stark contrast to the impending trauma that will shatter Alessia's family that very afternoon. "Behind her in the setting sunlight, yellow rays dappled the winter-grey waters of the Adriatic in sparkles of white."

Another skillful aspect of the author’s writing is the complexity of the narrative. The story opens in the year 1943 in Bari, Italy, and is presented in chapters organized into 15 parts. Each part indicates the year and city, providing clarity for readers regarding the progression of time and the earlier history that, in some cases, has unknowingly influenced the dynamics, relationships, actions, and reactions of the characters.

The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of emotions, ranging from heart-wrenching to heartwarming. It delves into the devastation of war, the power of community, and the choices made in the fight for survival. Additionally, it examines the shift in priorities necessary to protect a country’s legacy. The story thoughtfully emphasizes the profound impact of kindness, friendship, love, hope, and forgiveness, juxtaposed with the complex realities shaped by fear, cruelty, loss, survival, and undisclosed truths that are held secret not to cause pain, but viewed as the most prudent path under the given circumstances. Ultimately, this gripping story demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. A book that will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you to Lelita Baldock, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel.

A plot that starts off with more than a little bit of mystery and pulls at the heartstrings as the author weaves the story from multiple different perspectives. The story follows the lives of 3 different Italian women during the height of WWII. Each woman possesses her own passion for art shaped by their pasts, their families, their struggles, and their ambitions. Through her words and her meticulous research into the region and the influential Italian artists of the era, Baldock brings both the characters and the streets of Italy to life for the reader. You can tell that every passage is imbued with her deep love for Italy and its culture. An emotional tale, full of sacrifice and loss, The Keeper of Lost Art's ending will leave the reader with a warm heart.

It's a late review since it came out in may but to my honest opinion I had high expectations from the book cover and preview it made me excited to read in june as I had free time but nahh really not my book I did appreciate the style of writing it was fantastic and very thrilling but otherwise didn't love the book

I loved this book! It jumps between three women and different timelines, so it took me a minute to get into the flow—but I’m glad I stuck with it. The story is powerful, and the twist toward the end caught me off guard in the best way. If you enjoy WWII fiction with strong female characters and a touch of mystery, you’ll enjoy this one. 4 stars from me!

As someone who deeply loves art, not just the beauty of it, but what it represents, the memory it carries, the way it survives, this story hit me in the heart.

The Keeper of Lost Art is one of those novels that reminds you just how powerful art can be, especially in times of darkness. Set during WWII, it tells the story of Stella, a young girl sent to a Tuscan villa where priceless masterpieces from the Uffizi are being hidden from the Nazis. The stakes are high, but what really moved me was the emotional core: a coming-of-age story wrapped in history, memory, and beauty.

Watching Stella form a bond with Sandro, a boy whose artistic gift seems to bloom even in the shadow of war, was incredibly touching. Their connection, built in the quiet sanctuary of the “treasure room” surrounded by Botticelli and other masters, felt so tender and real. It reminded me how art can be a kind of lifeline; something that connects us, anchors us, and gives us hope even when the world is falling apart.

I especially appreciated how the book was inspired by true events, that made it even more powerful. I won’t lie, there were moments I wished we had gone just a little deeper into some of the side characters or historical details, but overall, this was such a beautiful and moving read.

Big thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. I’m giving this one 4 stars and I’m so glad I read it.

An amazing, attention keeping book. This is a family story set during WWII. There are several characters and settings. The author did a great job managing all of these moving parts. Several moments when it was difficult to put down. The author paints a vivid picture of the struggles for Italian citizens during war. Highly recommend if you enjoy unique Historical fiction.

I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

The lost art is not the only secret this book holds. Strangers turned to friends & Family throughout this story, many storylines however they all intertwine with each other.

The Keeper of Lost Art slowly draws you in with its blend of art, secrets & the stress and emotions that come with war. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded between the two timelines. The pacing felt a little slow in parts, but the ending more than made up for it. I loved the way everything came together. Would definitely recommend!