Angela Petch

Il Mulino. An old crumbling mill, by a winding river, nestled in the Tuscan mountains. An empty home that holds memories of homemade pasta and Nonna’s stories by the fire, and later: the Nazi invasion, and a family torn apart by a heartbreaking betrayal. Anna is distraught when her beloved mother, Ines, passes away. She inherits a box of papers, handwritten in Italian and yellowed with age, and a tantalising promise that the truth about what happened during the war lies within. The diaries lead Anna to the small village of Rofelle, where she slowly starts to heal as she explores sun-kissed olive groves, and pieces together her mother’s past: happy days spent herding sheep across Tuscan meadows cruelly interrupted when World War Two erupted and the Nazis arrived; fleeing her home to join the Resistenza; and risking everything to protect an injured British soldier who captured her heart. But Anna is no closer to learning the truth: what sent Ines running from her adored homeland? When she meets an elderly Italian gentleman living in a deserted hamlet, who flinches at her mother’s name and refuses to speak English, Anna is sure he knows more about the devastating secret that tore apart her mother’s family. But in this small Tuscan community, some wartime secrets were never meant to be uncovered… A stunning tale, inspired by true events, about how the tragic consequences of war can echo through generations, and how love can guide us through the darkest times. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and The Letter by Kathryn Hughes will be captivated. Readers have fallen in love with The Tuscan Secret: ‘Wow!... The writing is magnificent… A story of love, lose, secrets and hope… I have truly fallen in love… A beautiful, touching story that I would recommend to everyone.’ Cooking the Books ‘An absolutely gripping story of world War II… You must read this book. You can hardly put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Wow what a story… could not put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Boy what an emotional read… I felt myself welling up and on the verge of tears… written superbly.’ The Ginger Book Geek ‘Exquisite writing… If you are a fan of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, you cannot miss this one… I highly recommend it.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Angela Petch is astounding… a compelling story… an enthralling experience… Highly recommend this as a must-read.’ Giascribes ‘This beautifully woven story had me captivated from the start… I could not help but LOVE the descriptions of Tuscany, the countryside, the people and the food.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘This was a beautifully told tale… a perfect read… so wonderfully descriptive I could imagine myself there amongst the breathtaking scenery and tasting the delicious Italian food… exceptional.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘I was gripped… The author weaves a magical tale.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘A fabulous historical fiction story… wonderful… Angela Petch is now added to my favourite author list… The rich details of the story are captivating. A must read.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘Fantastic read… I loved this book...I would highly recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘A wonderful story… I was completely captivated… quite heart-breaking.’ All Things Bookie ‘Excellent book!... will grab you and hold onto you long after you put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ‘A captivating story… heart-breaking and compelling.’ Stardust Book Reviews ‘Beautifully written… heart-breaking.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘A wonderful tale full of mystery… so evocative I felt I was there… a poignant and engrossing tale that kept me enthralled.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars This book was previously published as Tuscan Roots.

An absolutely gripping, emotional, World War 2 historical novel

The Tuscan Secret

She ran away through the pine trees when the soldiers came. Staggering into the hiding place, she felt a fluttering in her belly, like a butterfly grazing its wings, and knew instantly she had something to fight for. Present day: When her fiancé is tragically killed in an accident, twenty-six-year-old Alba is convinced she’s to blame. Heavy with grief and guilt, she flees to her childhood home – the tiny village of Rofelle, nestled in a remote Tuscan valley. Out hiking one day to fill the long, lonely hours, she finds a mahogany box filled with silverware, hidden near the vine-covered ruins of an isolated house left abandoned after World War II. Could finding the rightful owner ease Alba’s heartache, and somehow make amends for her own wrongs? In search of answers, Alba meets Massimo, an elderly man who wants to spend his final years pruning his fruit trees, alone with his painful memories. His face turns pale when Alba brings up the war, but she senses that their shared grief connects them. An unlikely friendship grows as little by little Massimo speaks of Lucia: a wild young girl with sparkling eyes who fell in love with an enemy soldier, bravely stole precious Italian treasures back from Nazi occupiers, and whose selfless courage and sacrifice altered the course of the war – and Massimo’s life. With each visit, Alba gets closer to unravelling the mystery of the silver, and they both start putting their ghosts to rest. But there’s one part of Lucia’s story that Massimo might never be able to share – and he’s running out of time. Has Alba churned up emotions that are too painful to ever confront? Or, will unearthing a wartime secret that has lain buried for generations finally bring Massimo peace? An absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking read that will sweep you away to the rugged mountains and lush olive groves of Tuscany. Fans of The Nightingale, Rhys Bowen and Julianne MacLean will be captivated. Read what everyone’s saying about The Tuscan Girl: ‘Loved it!!!... Beautiful description of the landscape… heartbreaking... The ending of the book was perfect… Definitely recommend… Loved everything about it.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘I don’t even know where to begin... beautiful… I absolutely adored this book… The picture that the author paints is both beautiful and devastating… the descriptions are so detailed, I could actually picture it in my mind.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘The mysteries and the discoveries come fast and furiously: leaving the reader often gasping for breath… A lovely read.’ I am, Indeed ‘Mesmerizing… captivated me… Angela Petch made the story of the past and present come alive… brilliant… I was completely taken over.’ Book Reviews by Shalini, 5 stars ‘Omg! I loved this book!... amazing story of The Tuscan Girl!’ Goodreads Reviewer, 4 stars ‘This book did not disappoint… heartbreaking… wonderful descriptions of the beautiful Italian countryside… beautifully done… Highly recommend reading.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars ‘The prose was mesmerizing, the beauty of the story just reflected off the words like sparkling gold… captivated me… Angela Petch made the story of the past and present come alive… I was completely taken over.’ Shalini’s Books & Reviews, 5 stars ‘A fantastic book… this is historical fiction at its finest… an excellent read.’ North of Nonsense South of Sophisticated ‘Very powerful and heartbreaking story about love and loss… riveting book that I really enjoyed.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

Completely gripping WW2 historical fiction

The Tuscan Girl

Should the past be forgotten? A story of two women living in two different times. In 1943, in occupied Italy, Ines Santini's sheltered existence is turned upside down when she meets Norman, an escaped British POW. In 1999, Anna Swilland, their daughter, starts to unravel accounts from assorted documents left to her after her mother's death.

Never Forget

Mavis and Dot

Although it can be read in its own right, "Now and Then in Tuscany" is a sequel to "Tuscan Roots" and carries on the story of Anna and Francesco Starnucci with their family in Tuscany. It is a lovingly researched account of young Giuseppe Starnucci at the start of the twentieth century when he accompanies shepherds down to the coast from his village in the Tuscan Apennines. This "transumanza" lasted for five months every winter and encompassed many hardships, including the ever-present threat of malaria, bandits and long separations from family. Giuseppe's adventures are re-lived by his great grandson's family one hundred years later. The two stories are interwoven, each generation on a journey of self-awareness. Along the way, there are trials and dilemmas for both families to deal with in their own way. "Now and Then in Tuscany" is a story of hardship, secrets and passion which brings to light the customs and people of rural Tuscany. The author evokes the particular scents and sounds of a bygone mountain life and her writing has been praised as: "a great combination of a true account and fiction."

Italian Journeys

Now and Then in Tuscany

Corbello, Italy, 1947. A woman and a little boy stagger into the ruins of an old house deep in the forest, wild roses overwhelming the crumbling terracotta walls. Since the war, nowhere has been safe. But they both freeze in shock when a voice calls out from the shadows… For young mother Fosca Sentino, accepting refuge from reluctant war hero Richard – in Tuscany to escape his tragic past – is the only way to keep her little family safe. She once risked everything to spy on Nazi commanders and pass secret information to the resistenza. But after a heartbreaking betrayal, Fosca’s best friend Simonetta disappeared without trace. The whole community was torn apart, and now Fosca and her son are outcasts. Wary of this handsome stranger at first, Fosca slowly starts to feel safe as she watches him play with her son in the overgrown orchard. But her fragile peace is shattered the moment a silver brooch is found in the garden, and she recognises it as Simonetta’s… Fosca has always suspected that another member of the resistenza betrayed her. With Richard by her side, she must find out if Simonetta is still alive, and clear her own name. But how did the brooch end up at the house? And with a traitor hiding in the village, willing to do anything to keep this secret buried, has Fosca put herself and her young son in terrible danger? An absolutely gripping and heartbreaking page-turner that explores the incredible courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times. Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen, The Nightingale, and anyone longing to lose themselves in the mountain landscapes and olive groves of rural Tuscany. Read what everyone’s saying about Angela Petch: ‘Fantastic read… I loved this book… will grab you and hold onto you long after you put it down… an amazing story.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely adored this book… beautiful and devastating.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Loved it!!!… Beautiful… heartbreaking… The ending of the book was perfect… Definitely recommend… Loved everything about it.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘Heartbreaking and compelling… A beautiful story, told with such emotion and feeling that it makes you forget where you are and what you are doing!’ Stardust Book Reviews ‘Astounding… heartbreaking… a riveting read… enthralling… a must-read.’ Giascribes ‘It’s impossible not to fall under Angela Petch’s spell… sure to bring a tear to the eye… superb… an emotional, uplifting, poignant and mesmerising tale… sure to haunt and linger in the reader’s mind and heart long after the last page is turned.’ Bookish Jottings, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Mesmerising… captivated me… brilliant… I was completely taken over.’ Book Reviews by Shalini, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Absolutely beautiful and gripping WW2 historical fiction

The Tuscan House

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Corbello, Italy, 1947. A woman and a little boy stagger into the ruins of an old house deep in the forest, wild roses overwhelming the crumbling terracotta walls. Since the war, nowhere has been safe. But they both freeze in shock when a voice calls out from the shadows... For young mother Fosca Sentino, accepting refuge from ex-British soldier Richard - in Tuscany to escape his tragic past - is the only way to keep her little family safe. She once risked everything to spy on Nazi commanders and pass secret information to the resistenza. But after a heartbreaking betrayal, Fosca's best friend Simonetta disappeared without trace. The whole community was torn apart, and now Fosca and her son are outcasts. Wary of this handsome stranger at first, Fosca slowly starts to feel safe as she watches him play with her son in the overgrown orchard. But her fragile peace is shattered the moment a silver brooch is found in the garden, and she recognises it as Simonetta's... Fosca has always suspected that another member of the resistenza betrayed her. With Richard by her side, she must find out if Simonetta is still alive, and clear her own name. But how did the brooch end up at the house? And with a traitor hiding in the village, willing to do anything to keep this secret buried, has Fosca put herself and her young son in terrible danger? An absolutely gripping and heartbreaking page-turner that explores the incredible courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times. Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen, The Nightingale, and anyone longing to lose themselves in the mountain landscapes and olive groves of rural Tuscany. Read what everyone's saying about Angela Petch: 'Fantastic read... I loved this book... will grab you and hold onto you long after you put it down... an amazing story.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Loved it!!!... Beautiful... heartbreaking... The ending of the book was perfect... Definitely recommend... Loved everything about it.' Goodreads reviewer

Absolutely Beautiful and Gripping WW2 Historical Fiction

Italy, 1923. In a tiny hamlet nestled in the Tuscan mountains, farmers gather after a hard day in the meadows, and children’s laughter rings across the square: but one little boy does not join in their play. Behind his deep brown eyes hides a heartbreaking secret… Ninety years later. When elderly Giselda Chiozzi discovers a lost little boy, curled up asleep in the beech forest outside her grand but empty home, she can’t help but take pity on him. It’s been a long time since she had a visitor. Waking up to her kind smile and the warming smell of Italian hot chocolate, Davide soon blurts out what drove him into the cold Tuscan night: how he’s different from everyone else, he’s never belonged anywhere, and now his beloved mother is ill. Giselda promises to help Davide trace his family history – she knows better than anyone that connecting with your roots can ground you in the present – and hopes it will make Davide realise that home is where he truly belongs. Together the unlikely pair discover the story of Davide’s great-grandfather, Giuseppe Starnucci, a young boy who spent his days milking cows, helping with the harvest, and hammering horseshoes in the forge. But after a terrible incident that changed his life forever, Giuseppe also ran away. David is overjoyed to find a connection with someone from his family at long last, but when Giselda uncovers the shocking reason why little Giuseppe fled to start a new life, she has an impossible decision to make. Telling Davide the truth about his great-grandfather could persuade him to go back home where he belongs. But could it also tear the family apart? All Giselda knows is that she must save this lost boy before her own time runs out and he is left alone for good… Inspired by true stories of rural Italian life, this absolutely stunning historical read is perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries, Rhys Bowen, and anyone who’s ever longed to stroll beneath the cypress trees and taste the fresh mountain air of Tuscany. Previously published as Now and Then in Tuscany. Read what everyone’s saying about A Tuscan Memory: ‘It’s impossible not to fall under Angela Petch’s spell… Beautifully lyrical, highly emotional and so intriguing and evocative that readers will feel as if they are in Tuscany… sure to bring a tear to the eye… Angela Petch is a superb writer… an emotional, uplifting, poignant and mesmerizing tale… sure to haunt and linger in the reader’s mind and heart long after the last page is turned… A wonderful tale to curl up with as the nights begin to draw in.’ Bookish Jottings, 5 stars ‘I had a fantastic time reading this book… a terrific read… I got swept up in the book and didn’t want to stop reading. I cried a lot reading this. This is a fantastic book.’ The Book Lover’s Boudoir ‘If you love Italy or history, like me, you will LOVE this story… Beautiful writing… Make sure you have a nice glass of Chianti because this will put you in a red wine mood.’ Amy’s Booket List ‘Angela Petch delivers another astounding story… A Tuscan Memory is more than an incredible read… will lodge itself in the reader’s mind.’ Gia Scribes ‘A beautiful and fascinating tale… captivated me… a wonderful story.’ Goodreads Reviewer ‘As lush and beautiful as the countryside setting itself… compelling… would definitely recommend this book.’ Fireflies and Free Kicks ‘I have only had the pleasure of visiting Tuscany once, but Angela Petch’s stunning descriptions whisked me straight back… the characters and scenery vividly come to life.’ Tales of a Natural Spoonie

Angela Petch

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