Inspired by real events, the Lady of Lake Como follows the story of a lieutenant with the Italian Police who, during the height of World War II, is tasked with investigating the unsettling disappearance of two women from his small town. Complicating matters, Ezio receives a detestable order from his superiors to arrest a Jewish man simply for the accident of his birth. While enroute to carry out his unbearable duty, Ezio has a crisis of conscience when he encounters a nun whose secret forever changes his heart. Read more

Italy, 1943. With tears in her eyes, Giulia listens out for the sound of bombers flying overhead and thinks of the baby growing inside of her. Through the fabric of her lace dress her fingers touch the cold bullets carefully sewn into the seams. Luca might never forgive her, but she has to do this…New York, present day. When Tori Coleman discovers that her mother was adopted, her whole world shatters. Jeremy, her boyfriend, wants to get married, but how can Tori commit when she doesn’t know who she truly is? The only clue to the identity of her biological family is a mysterious postcard with a photograph of an ornate wedding dress her grandmother Giulia made, which she’s told was gifted to a museum on an Italian island…Tori arrives on Parissi Island, surrounded by turquoise Mediterranean waters, with the sweet smell of orange blossom filling the air. She soon finds the museum and learns that Giulia was Jewish, and secretly lived there during World War Two. She thought her grandmother abandoned her mother, but was she forced to leave and give up her child?Just as she’s getting closer to answers, an unexpected call from Jeremy stops Tori in her tracks. As he passionately urges her to find out the truth, suddenly Tori wishes he were in Italy by her side, ready to propose again.But then Tori is shocked to find bullets sewn into the lining of one of Giulia’s dresses and a notebook claiming she did something terrible during World War Two. Will the secrets in her family help her follow her own heart, or send her home from Italy with it finally broken forever?An enchanting, unforgettable novel about desperate decisions in the dark days of war and the uplifting power of true love. Perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Soraya Lane and Victoria Hislop.What readers are saying about The Lost Gift to the Italian Island:“Captivated my heart from the very first page to the last… wonderful and heart-warming… I loved everything about this book… This unputdownable book was a wonderful escape. I will recommend this story over and over.” Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“A beautiful story… You will fall in love with all the characters… Heart-warming… you won't want to end because you will want to stay in Italy with Giulia… DON'T MISS THIS ONE!!” Silver’s Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Totally captivating… As I read parts of the story through blurry eyes full of tears, I was completely engaged in the heartfelt journey of the characters. Perfect… Please read the first book in the series. Then continue on with book 2. You will not regret it.” @shortbookthyme, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“It’s been days and I still can’t get this breathtaking story out of my head. I honestly don’t think there are words adequate enough to describe how hard I fell for this book and the beautiful story it holds!” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“A heart-warming story… I couldn’t put the book down… I was completely engrossed.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“The author absolutely writes from the heart… I could have easily been there watching the story play out… you can feel the emotions the characters are feeling… highly recommend.” Vegan Book Blogger, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Pulled me in from the very first page… contained so much and was impossible to put down.” Robin Loves Reading, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“I absolutely loved this book … You feel like you’re right there in the story… so amazing… A story like no other… This was an absolutely phenomenal book.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read more

The first in an unforgettable historical saga from the New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network and The Huntress.   “So gripping, your hands are glued to the book, and so vivid it burns itself into your mind’s eye and stays with you long after you turn the final page.”—Diana Gabaldon, #1 New York Times bestselling author  First-century Rome: One young woman will hold the fate of an empire in her hands.Thea, a captive from Judaea, is a clever and determined survivor hiding behind a slave’s docile mask. Purchased as a toy for the spoiled heiress Lepida Pollia, Thea evades her mistress’s spite and hones a secret passion for music. But when Thea wins the love of Rome’s newest and most savage gladiator and dares to dream of a better life, the jealous Lepida tears the lovers apart and casts Thea out.Rome offers many ways for the resourceful to survive, and Thea remakes herself as a singer for the Eternal ’City’s glittering aristocrats. As she struggles for success and independence, her nightingale voice attracts a dangerous new admirer: the Emperor himself. But the passions of an all-powerful man come with a heavy price, and Thea finds herself fighting for both her soul and her destiny.Many have tried to destroy the Emperor: a vengeful gladiator, an upright senator, a tormented soldier, a Vestal Virgin. But in the end, the life of Rome’s most powerful man lies in the hands of one woman: the Emperor’s mistress. Read more

One hidden painting. Two women born centuries apart. A secret uncovered.In 2019, Rachel is stuck in a rut when she discovers what appears to be a Canaletto painting in her grandmother's loft along with a note addressed to Philippa in 1782. With help from Jake at the local art gallery, Rachel endeavours to find out if the painting is an original and uncovers a secret from the past.In 1780, governess at Chipford Hall, Philippa is offered the role of mistress by Earl Rupert. She escapes to Venice as companion to bluestocking, Lady Cordelia who reveals a secret that changes both their lives. They do their best to keep the secret from Lady Cordelia's social circle, but their nemesis is determined to reveal all and ruin them.'A beautifully-crafted story of love, loyalty and self-discovery, drawing together past and present in an irresistible romantic mystery.' Nicola Cornick'Past and present intertwine in this fabulously intriguing mix of history, mystery and romance.' Celia Rees'An intriguing tale of secrets and love.' Liz Fenwick'Meticulously researched and a brilliant, intriguing plot that had me turning the pages as fast as I could.' Jules Wake aka Julie Caplin'A fascinating dual time debut with enchanting descriptions of a vibrant eighteenth century Venice. Beautifully researched and interspersed with an engaging present day mystery, this was a charming read.' Jenni Keer'A well-researched and beautifully told dual timeline story which takes the reader from present day England to 18th century Venice. Combining intrigue, romance and mystery, I was hooked from the very first page.' Clare Marchant"The Venice Secret is a thoroughly engaging dual time story set partly in the 18th century and partly in the present. Full of romance, secrets and intrigue, it takes the reader on an exhilarating journey to solve a historical mystery - and what a journey it is! Following the chance discovery by the heroine in the present of a painting that could possibly be by the famous artist Canaletto, she sets out to prove its provenance. Along the way, she also finds herself and new purpose to her life. Meanwhile, the heroine in the past has to navigate a difficult path between what is right and what her heart tells her to do. We follow both of them via sumptuous country mansions in the UK, across Europe and to the stunning city of Venice, the sights and sounds beautifully described by the author. I felt as though I was there, walking down those narrow alleys, visiting the famous piazzas and travelling along the canals. And as someone who loves programmes like Fake or Fortune, this book was right up my street!' Christina Courtenay'Anita Chapman takes us on a mystery journey, linked by a painting. A strongly contrasted story with a rich mix of Grand Tours, country houses and genteel eighteenth-century behaviour, threaded with a modern-day heroine and her chaotic lifestyle. Travel from your sofa with this intriguing romance.' Angela Petch'Anita Chapman sweeps the reader backward and forward in time in this well-researched story. Each character plays her or his part in bringing the dual timelines together beautifully. I recommend you read it!' Sue Moorcroft'A delightful dual timeline debut. Impeccably researched and perfectly plotted with sumptuous descriptions, fascinating characters, plenty of romance and a captivating mystery. It's got everything I love in a story.' Donna Ashcroft Read more

Italy, 1940. The girl sobs and rages as her father tells her the terrible news. “Italy is entering the war alongside Germany. Jews are to be arrested and sent to camps. We have to be ready.”As fascists march across the cobbled piazzas and past the towered buildings of her beloved home city, twenty-year-old Devora’s worst fears come true. Along with her Jewish parents and twin little brothers they are torn away from everything they love and sent to an internment camp huddled in the mountains. Her father promises this war will not last long…When they are offered a miraculous chance of escape by her childhood friend Luigi, who risks everything to smuggle vital information into the camp, the family clambers under barbed wire and races for the border. But Devora is forced to make a devastating choice between saving a stranger’s life and joining her parents. As shots fire in the moonless night, the family is separated. Haunted by the question of whether they are dead or alive, all Devora can do for their future is throw herself into helping Luigi in the Italian resistenza in the fight for liberty. But posing as a maid for a German commander to gather secret intelligence, Devora is sure she sees her friend one night, in a Nazi uniform…Is Devora in more danger than ever? And will her family ever be reunited – or will the war tear them apart?An absolutely devastating but ultimately uplifting historical novel about how love and hope can get us through the darkest times. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Rhys Bowen and Soraya M. Lane.Read what everyone’s saying about The Girl Who Escaped:‘Absolutely stunning… takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions… Captivating… devastatingly heartbreaking… My heart was in my throat and I had tears running down my eyes… DO NOT PICK THIS UP UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!… I completely fell in love.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow… another captivating on-the-edge-of-your-seat story by Angela Petch!… Stunning… Broke my heart… This deeply moving novel pierced my heart… I highly recommend.’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Emotional, heart-wrenching and unforgettable… Beautifully written… full of intrigue, emotion, drama and intensity… touches the heart and will keep readers glued to its pages… enthralling… simply superb… must-read.’ Bookish Jottings‘Beautifully written… Gripping, absorbing and emotive… have a box of tissues handy… Heart-wrenching emotion.’ Sunflowerpublishing.com, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Absolutely gripping and beautifully written… Really pulled at my heart-strings… I resented every occasion when I had to stop reading to do other things, as I was so keen to go on devouring the story.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Brilliant… An incredible story full of twists and turns and edge-of-your-seat stuff… An excellent read, a real page-turner… Wonderful.’ Shaz’s Book Blog‘Absolutely devastating butultimately uplifting…This book took me away to Italy. Pick up this novel and you will find it hard to put it down again…’Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐‘A gripping tale… So rich in detail that it absolutely transported me to Urbino.’ Frost Magazine, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘You'll find it hard to put down! This is one of few books that I wish I could erase from my mind just so I could read it again for the first time.’ Goodreads reviewer Read more

From the Winner of the Barbara Hammond Trophy and Amazon BESTSELLING Author‘A worthy continuation of the Seton Chronicles, packed with personal, political and religious tension and intrigue.' Margaret Skea, award winning author.Italy 1555. Bethia and her growing family find themselves in the midst of the Inquisition's vicious attack on Jews and Conversos. Despite Bethia's commitment to her Catholic faith, her greater loyalty to her Converso husband forces them to flee onwards to Constantinople – but will it be any safer?For Will, Bethia’s brother, it’s equally perilous to be a Protestant. Caught up in France’s religious turmoil, where many are burned for their faith, his choice is stark; fight or accept a martyr’s death.Set amid the treacherous landscape of Reformation Europe, where faiths divide and shifting allegiances dictate survival, can the strength of family endure?‘…having followed this intimate and remarkable story so closely it’s impossible not to feel like one of the family.’ Esther Mendelssohn Read more

“Why mince words? Beautiful Ruins is an absolute masterpiece.” — Richard RussoThe acclaimed, award-winning author of the national bestseller The Financial Lives of the Poets returns with his funniest, most romantic, and most purely enjoyable novel yet: the story of an almost-love affair that begins on the Italian coast in 1962 . . . and is rekindled in Hollywood fifty years later. The story begins in 1962. On a rocky patch of the sun-drenched Italian coastline, a young innkeeper, deep in daydreams, looks out over the waters of the Ligurian Sea and spies an apparition: a tall, thin woman, a vision in white, approaching him on a boat. She is an American starlet, he soon learns, and she is dying.And the story begins again today, half a world away, when an elderly Italian man shows up on a movie studio's back lot—searching for the mysterious woman he last saw at his hotel decades earlier.What unfolds is a dazzling roller coaster of a novel, spanning fifty years and nearly as many lives. From the lavish set of Cleopatra to the shabby revelry of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Walter introduces us to the tangled lives of a dozen unforgettable characters: the starstruck Italian innkeeper and his long-lost love; the heroically preserved producer who once brought them together and his idealistic young assistant; the army veteran turned fledgling novelist and the rakish Richard Burton himself, whose appetites set the whole story in motion—along with the husbands and wives, lovers and dreamers, superstars and losers, who populate their world in the decades that follow. Gloriously inventive, constantly surprising, Beautiful Ruins is a story of flawed yet fascinating people, navigating the rocky shores of their lives while clinging to their improbable dreams. Read more

Italy, 1945. ‘Where am I?’ The young man wakes, bewildered. He sees olive trees against a bright blue sky. A soft voice soothes him. ‘We saw you fall from your plane. The parachute saved you.’ He remembers nothing of his life, or the war that has torn the world apart… but where does he belong?England, present day. Antique-shop-owner Susannah wipes away a tear as she tidies her grandmother’s belongings. Elsie’s memories are fading, and every day Susannah feels further away from her only remaining family. But everything changes when she stumbles across a yellowed postcard of a beautiful Italian stone farmhouse, tucked away in Elsie’s dressing table. A message dated from World War 2 speaks of a secret love. Could her grandmother, who never talked about the past, have fallen for someone in Italy all those years ago?With Elsie unable to answer her questions, Susannah becomes determined to track down the house and find a distraction from her grief. Arriving at what is now a crumbling hotel by the sparkling Italian sea, she feels strangely at home. And after an unexpected encounter with handsome wine waiter Giacomo, she can’t tell if it’s his dark eyes or his offer to help solve her mystery that makes her heart race.Together they find a dusty chest tucked in a forgotten corner of the building. The white silk of a World War 2 parachute spills out. And the Royal Air Force identity tag nestled in the folds bears a familiar name…With Giacomo by her side, and before it’s too late for her grandmother, can Susannah discover the truth behind a shocking wartime secret at the heart of her family? Or will it tear her apart?An absolutely stunning page-turner that will sweep you away to the olive groves and majestic views of the Italian coast. Perfect for fans of Kathryn Hughes, Fiona Valpy and Victoria Hislop.Readers love The Postcard from Italy:‘Wow! Just Wow!… phenomenal… A novel I will never forget… Brilliant… 5 glorious stars for whisking me away to Italy… beautiful… I LOVED this novel!’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Magical… unforgettable… I was swept away… had me crying happy tears, I was hooked.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Phenomenal… I forgot about my own life.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Have the tissues ready!... will stay with you long after you finish it! Highly recommend!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘It sucked me in from the very first page!... I just couldn’t stop’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Absolutely stunning… I was swept away to Italy… gorgeous… captivating and heart-warming but also devastatingly heart breaking… I was absolutely hooked from page one until 2.30am in the morning… YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Read what everyone’s saying about Angela Petch:‘A devastating, beautiful, heartbreaking, compelling and riveting page-turner… I was absolutely shocked by the two big reveals… I did not see them coming!!!… Absolutely fantastic… Will leave you thinking about the story for a long time… I LOVED it’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Heart-breaking 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, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Wow this was a brilliant book which was incredibly powerful and heartbreaking… Beautiful to read… A fast-paced story which I flew through… very poignant and humbling.’ Over the Rainbow Book Blog, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read more

An enthralling historical novel of Renaissance ItalyNaples 1633Aqua Tofana – One drop to heal. Three drops to kill.Giulia Tofana longs for more responsibility in her mother’s apothecary business, but Mamma has always been secretive and refuses to tell her the hidden keys to her success. But the day Mamma is arrested for the poisoning of the powerful Duke de Verdi, Giulia is shocked to uncover the darker side of her trade.Giulia must run for her life, and escapes to Naples, under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, to the home of her Aunt Isabetta, a famous courtesan. But when Giulia hears that her mother has been executed, and the cruel manner of her death, she swears she will wreak revenge on the Duke de Verdi.The trouble is, Naples is in the grip of Domenico, the Duke’s brother, who controls the city with the ‘Camorra’, the mafia. Worse, her Aunt Isabetta, under his thrall, insists that she should be consort to him.Based on the legendary life of Giulia Tofana, this is a story of hidden family secrets, and how courage and love can overcome vengeance.'Her characters are so real they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf'Historical Novel Society Read more

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 British 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 standalone historical read 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 The Tuscan House:‘A devastating, beautiful, heartbreaking, compelling and riveting page-turner… I was absolutely shocked by the two big reveals… I did not see them coming!!! If you’re looking for a book with a twist this is definitely for you!!!... absolutely fantastic… will shock and leave you thinking about the story for a long time.’ BookWorm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Exciting, romantic, irresistible… captured my interest from page one… loved… beautiful… suspenseful… I really enjoyed reading this story.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Grabbed me and pulled me right in… unforgettable… absolutely loved… addictive. I was captivated… you feel really caught up in the twists and turns.’ On the Shelf Books‘A beautifully descriptive narrative… haunting story… will remain with you for a long time after you've finished reading. Highly recommend.’ Pink Quill Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Heartbreaking… beautifully written… My heart ached… kept readers on their toes!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Gloriously intriguing… A tale that tugs at the heart strings… I have nothing but praise for this beautifully written tale.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐‘Outstanding… heartbreaking… the best historical fiction out there.’ Books by Bindu ‘Will captivate and enthral… exquisite period detail, emotional intensity and heart-pounding intrigue… a stunning page-turner.’ Bookish Jottings‘The Tuscan House will delight fans of WWII dramas… a story that should not be missed.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Read more

In the early 1900s, the Mafia controls much of Sicily, the government is corrupt, and taxes are exorbitant. As a result of the terrible conditions and the limits of their crops, Tomas and Katerina are forced to send their three grown sons and their grandchildren to live in America. It is a heart-breaking split: grandparents forced to say goodbye to grandchildren knowing they will likely never see them again. Parents and sons splitting from each other. Paolo and Gianna, their two young children and the two younger brothers endure a painful farewell to the people, the farm and the life they love. They arrive in Chicago on Christmas Day, 1917. The sprawling, dirty city is not like anything they could have imagined or dreamed. The family moves into a fourth floor apartment in a run-down tenement building on Cambridge Street in the Little Sicily section of town. Called Little Hell in the papers, the slum neighborhood deserved the title. The family soon learns that they are now in the lower class. The two-century family history of hard work and honesty in the Old Country does not matter here. They endure prejudice in the workplace, in the lack of social services and in the absence of police protection. Jobs were hard to find, especially for Italians and even worse for Sicilians. Poverty and discrimination humble them. To make matters worse, the streets are run by mobsters, crooked politicians and dirty police, just like home. Life was tough. They had to be tougher. The family was finally settled and content when a terrible and unforgiveable act of violence – committed against them by their Italian countrymen - struck the family, hard. Paolo swears revenge. The local crime boss cannot tolerate disrespect and sends men to kill the young father and husband. Paolo and Gianna’s dreams and hopes for their future and for their children hang in the balance as they decide on the course of action that will define them as people and determine their futures. If they fail, Paolo will die and the family will be left on the streets. Read more

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 Read more

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Quintus and his men are back in a thrilling adventure through Ancient Europe! For fans of Ben Kane, Conn Iggulden, Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow.Will Quintus and his comrades ever make it back to Rome…?Julius Quintus Quirinius, Decanus of his contubernium, has failed in his mission to secure a bridgehead in Britannia for the emperor Augustus.Despite their failure, they have collected valuable intelligence from the British tribes that they are keen to share with Augustus, hoping that will restore their reputation.Together with his rescued comrades, Quintus flees the misted isle of the enemy and begins the long and treacherous journey home.Once they locate the remnants of their cohort, Quintus is promoted to Optio and tasked with leading his men against rebel Germanic tribes.Success could mean a fast route back to Rome and the favour of the emperor. But failure means an almost certain death.When disaster strikes, can Quintus rescue the honour of Rome and lead the cohort to safety?Or will the odds once more refuse to fall in their favour…?OPTIO is the third book in the Quintus Roman Thrillers series: action-packed, authentic historical military adventures set in Ancient Rome.THE QUINTUS ROMAN THRILLERS SERIES:BOOK ONE: LegionaryBOOK TWO: DecanusBOOK THREE: Optio Read more

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In her brilliant debut, Storey brings early 16th-century Florence alive, entering with extraordinary empathy into the minds and souls of two Renaissance masters, creating a stunning art history thriller. From 1501 to 1505, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti both lived and worked in Florence. Leonardo was a charming, handsome fifty year-old at the peak of his career. Michelangelo was a temperamental sculptor in his mid-twenties, desperate to make a name for himself.Michelangelo is a virtual unknown when he returns to Florence and wins the commission to carve what will become one of the most famous sculptures of all time: David. Even though his impoverished family shuns him for being an artist, he is desperate to support them. Living at the foot of his misshapen block of marble, Michelangelo struggles until the stone finally begins to speak. Working against an impossible deadline, he begins his feverish carving.Meanwhile, Leonardo's life is falling apart: he loses the hoped-for David commission; he can't seem to finish any project; he is obsessed with his ungainly flying machine; he almost dies in war; his engineering designs disastrously fail; and he is haunted by a woman he has seen in the market--a merchant's wife, whom he is finally commissioned to paint. Her name is Lisa, and she becomes his muse.Leonardo despises Michelangelo for his youth and lack of sophistication. Michelangelo both loathes and worships Leonardo's genius.Oil and Marble is the story of their nearly forgotten rivalry. Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction--novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home. Read more

‘Absolutely outstandingly beautiful… Above and beyond anything I have read this year… Glued to every page… I really can't praise this book enough and warrants far more stars than I can actually give. A work of a true genius.’Red Headed Book Lady, 5 starsMy darling girl, don’t make the same mistakes as I did. Now that my life is coming to an end, take your grandmother’s bracelet, unlock the devastating secret she kept to save our family as war echoed across the ocean, and discover who you really are…As the hazy sun sets on golden sand, twenty-year-old Annie arrives on the stunning Sicilian island of Galatea, the dying wish of the father she adored playing heavy on her heart: she must find out the true identity of her grandmother who disappeared without a trace during World War Two. Her only clues are the delicate gold band around her wrist and directions to Villa Onda – House of the Waves – where her grandmother once lived.As she climbs the winding road up to the cliffside villa, Annie’s path collides with handsome local fisherman, Salvo. His sea-blue eyes sparkle with recognition at her bracelet, and Annie can’t tell if it’s his warm touch or the sun-kissed villa’s vine-covered splendour that takes her breath away.Swept into the warm arms of Salvo’s family, it’s not long before she finds herself dancing the night away in the cobbled piazza and finally beginning to heal. With Salvo’s mother’s help, Annie starts to unravel the truth about the bracelet and discovers the heart-shattering sacrifice her grandmother made in the war. One that changes everything for Annie…With Salvo’s first kiss lingering on her lips, Annie knows she must dig deeper into the scars that have haunted her family for decades. But can her fragile new-found love with Salvo survive uncovering the truth? Will she ever be able to move on with her life until she does?An absolutely heart-wrenching page-turner about how the catastrophic consequences of war can echo through generations, and the power that true love has to save us all. From the author of million-copy bestseller, Watch Over Me, and Amazon Number 1. bestseller, The Italian Villa, this is the perfect one-sitting read for anyone who adores Fiona Valpy, Victoria Hislop, or The Letter by Kathryn Hughes.Everyone loves The Italian Island:‘Mesmerising! I was totally hooked… absolutely perfect… I really can't praise this OUTSTANDING book enough!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘Such a beautiful book… gripping right from the start… so heartwarming. I loved it.’Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘I was hooked. This is a beautifully written story with characters that tug at your heartstrings… You can’t help but fall in love with them and the tiny village in Italy where it takes place… you feel as though you’re really there… I devoured this book in no time… you can’t wait to turn the page to find out what happens next… which is why I finished this book at 3 in the morning!… I was so enthralled from the very first page!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars‘I really loved it… makes you want to curl up in a chair with a warm drink and read this slowly. I found myself not wanting to devour this, but to savour every page. It's emotional and empowering and the characters fill your mind completely long after you have finished the story.’ Crossroad Reviews‘Truly amazing. The story had many heart-warming moments… heart-wrenching… I was completely charmed and transported… You will be as well if you choose to read it. So read it!’ One Page At A Time, 5 stars Read more

Florence, Italy 1996: a young archaeologist follows a hunch that compels her to knock down a wall and retrieve a hidden sketch which may be by the renown Renaissance master Botticelli. But before she can alert the authorities and claim the find, the sketch is stolen leaving her standing in the rubble. Three decades later, the drive for retribution brings this woman to Phoebe McCabe’s door. The sketch may have been a study for a secret portrait, she claims, and she has enough clues to point the way to its location. When the Agency of the Ancient Lost & Found joins the hunt to track down what may become the art find of the century, little do they know that they will be dragged into the crosshairs of a ruthless arms cartel as well as plunged deep into a centuries-old mystery involving key players of Renaissance Florence. What does Lorenzo di Medici, the Bonfire of the Vanities, the artists Sandro Botticelli and Filippino Lippi have to do with a tailor’s daughter who once dared to imbed a secret into a sleeve? That’s only part of the story Phoebe must untangle. In the end, she must also grapple with remnants of her own past that not only come back to haunt her but chase at her heels with murderous intent. Either trump those monsters at their own game or perish.The wondrous city of Florence, past and present, combined with the sweeping vistas of Tuscany wrap the reader in visions of art, rich textiles, and political intrigue while revealing the triumph of the human spirit that thrives across the centuries. Welcome to book 3 of the Agency of the Ancient Lost & Found. Read more