This was a classic - going from the contemporary to the sixteenth century, told in alternative voices. Two very different stories of love, loss, betrayal and survival. I would say the most important feature for me was the survival. The story behind the survival was love but the most striking feature of each story was the spirit of survival.

Anna is our contemporary heroine. Moving away from a world of finance to join two friends on a long sabbatical in Venice, she is intrinsically drawn to the beauty of Venice - from its palaces to its people, from its rich history of painting as well as a deja vu pull from the past and a befriending by a famous art historian and being part of a close knit family including his nephew.

Ginevra is our sixteenth century heroine. Daughter of a doctor, she cleverly hides the fact of her father's blindness by dressing as a young man, who is his assistant and helps her father in his work for years. She is different to the usual girls of her era, bold and innovative. She is also quite willing to take a risk and will rope in her Jewish friend Debra to also take huge risks with her. Both of them pose for a painting of the Madonna with her baby as models, unknown to their respective families. A huge risk for both girls if it became known.

The story goes on in parallel lines - the troubles and heartbreak of Anna who feels betrayed by the love of her life and how she starts all over back in London, finding a totally new career path have similar reflections on Ginevra who to escape the wrath of a powerful man has to take not just herself but her husband and move far away. Her father also has to move in order to avoid being murdered.

How Anna and Ginevra find much happiness despite the heartbreak which goes before, both having to leave cities of their birth and their own families to find love and security elsewhere are very beautifully told.

I read that this is a debut novel. I do hope Ms. Redding comes up with something good to follow up on this one. It is going to be a hard act to follow!

If Venice is not already high on your travel wish list, this book will definitely change that. On top of a heartwarming story, this book will also make you fall in love with this gorgeous city. Heather Redding's writing is lyrical and it made me feel like I was transported to the world her story takes place in.

The story follows two women, Anna and Ginerva, separated by centuries but connected in unexpected ways. In the 1980s timeline, reeling from a heartbreak, Anna goes to Venice where one of the her friends is living. Discovering the beauty and joys of Venice, Anna is on a journey of discovering herself as well. In the 16th century Ginerva has to fight for her place in a very much a man's world. This story takes you on a journey along with Anna and Ginerva but it also brings to life the beauty, art, history and FOOD of Venice.

I think fans of historical fiction and women's fiction alike will really enjoy this one!

Grateful to NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is such a lovely book. The author's descriptions of places and events is exceptional and it's easy to imagine yourself right there with the main characters, sitting at a corner café or admiring paintings in an ancient museum. I fell in love with Venice and the people through this story. And the food! Oh my! Every time I started reading, I became hungry. Her descriptions of the food (and there are many of them) are absolutely mouthwatering. Think "Under the Tuscan Sun", but with a deeper (and at times, more menacing) plotline.

I find it hard to believe this is a first novel. It is such a deep and moving story. The author obviously knows her Venetian history, and her art history of the region. I learned so much from this book. But it was never dull. On the contrary, around every corner, a new adventure waited. At it's heart are the love stories (there are a few, both old and new) that prove enduring and devoted love is out there, you just need to follow your heart and sometimes take chances in order to find it.

Will definitely be looking forward to more from this author.