Unveiling Venus

This was such a lovely and enjoyable continuation to Persephone's story! I didn't think it would be possible to enjoy the sequel as much as I did Following Ophelia, but here we are! There's passion and scandal and, of course, art. What's not to like?

It's split into three distinct parts and I definitely loved the first where she went to Venice the best, because the description was so vivid. Sophia Bennett's got such a great eye for detail and bringing costumes, paintings and settings to life. This is also where the biggest plot thread occurs, where Perspehone's best friend's fiance admits that he loves her rather than Kitty. It's a powerful and compelling resistance that reminded me of the rakish figures I've encountered reading women's writing from the eighteenth century.

I loved getting to meet the characters from the first book again and see how they were doing. Of course, I wanted happy endings for them all, particularly Persephone's cousin, who's just the sweetest. Rather than just being a muse, Persephone becomes a hero, rescuing her friends from unjust situation. This girls-helping-girls theme that followed the final section of the book was a pure delight. It was reminiscent of the final book in the 'Hetty Feather' series by Jacqueline Wilson and I was here for it.

The ending was really sweet and filled me with all of these warm feelings. Just like the first book, this ended with such potential for a sequel, and I hope I get to read more about Persephone's life in the future! I need more about her romance, as she has two different love interests in both books, so I'm fascinated to see who she chooses and whether she'll be able to get a certain painter out of her mind...

If you like historical fiction that gives you a deep sense of place and livelihood, I couldn't recommend this more. Rather than just adding token street lights and horse-drawn carriages, Sophia Bennett's 18th century feels rich, just like her characters. I'm giving this sequel 4 stars and I've got my fingers crossed that her story continues!

More than once a book's cover has already persuaded me to read it even if I have not read the synopsis at all. Unveiling Venus was a book like that. The beautiful cover attracted my attention the moment I lay my eyes on it. Turned out the book itself was not disappointing either, not at all.

Unveiling Venus follows Persephone Lavalle, no longer a maid but now a muse for painters, a girl with a keen eye for fine arts and now a frequent visitor to fancy affairs with London's high society. Set in the Victorian Era Persephone joins her friend Kitty and her family during their stay in Venice. At first, Persephone is eager to escape from certain individuals in London. In Venice, she is captivated by the finesse of their architecture, culture, and art. But soon a meeting with a mysterious Harlequin stirs things up A LOT.

Unveiling Venus was a perfect read to start the year. Even though I was slightly irritated by the number of times the name of our charming main character was mentioned in this book (it seemed as of it could not be repeated often enough), I grew to love her. Rarely have I read a book in which I could connect with a character as much as I could with Persephone. That might sound strange if you read the initial description of her situation, but I imagine she would be a very relaxed and trustworthy friend to have? She does not make (much) stupid decisions, which is very refreshing.

The amount of detail in this book is astonishing. Whether it is art, fashion, or character, Sophia Bennet knows a way to bring it to life in this book. It was so beautiful and I adored her descriptions of, well, basically anything! I NEED MORE.

5/5 stars.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own. My review is susceptible to changes in the final copy of this work.

A suitably boisterous return to the world of Persephone Lavelle and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

The sequel sees our heroine shaking off the privileged shackles she was bound in at the end of Following Ophelia, and journeying to Venice at the request of Kitty, who has fallen deeply in love. There Persephone meets the Harlequin, and it soon becomes apparent he's not the hero he seems to be...

It's a fitting second part to the saga, a fun, lighthearted read that will appeal to readers of romance, and those who can take their history with a liberal pinch of salt. But if you're looking for light-hearted, escapist romance set in a world of art and intrigue, you're sure to adore it!