A 2,5* review rounded to 3*.
I did not enjoy this novel. I did like the part dealing with (explanations about styles of paintings, of paintings themselves). However, the characterisation felt poor to me. Cliché personalities, sometimes unrealistic. When it came to expressing feelings, it felt flat and very clumsy. This made the characters unconvincing. The modern timeline was particularly uninteresting because of the characters and because it was ever so predictable in its outcome! The historical timeline was better but not really suspenseful as the reader quickly guesses where the storyline goes. This is however only my opinion. A quick and very easy read.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

At the start of WW2 Maddalena is sent to Rome from Sicily to work for the wealthy Montefalco family. Homesick she finds solace in exploring her new city and falls in love . As the war progresses and the Nazis arrive she must make some desperate choices.
Beatrice Fermont ,looking to raise funds to pay off her elderly mother's debts, invites Jude Adler an art dealer to value her father's photographic collection . He is intrigued with a small portrait which he thinks could be a lost Caravaggio. After her mother Maddalena's death the two set off for Rome after Beatrice discovers a letter . Jude to see if he can uncover the find of a lifetime Beatrice to uncover a family secret.
I devoured this fabulous book in one sitting . The story is set in war torn Rome and modern day London and smoothly flicks back and forth between the two timelines. Essentially a story of betrayal and love ,the characters feel very real and so too do the historical events.
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