I’ve made sure to make more time to read lately. It’s so easy to slip into bad habits of going to bed later and later, so I’m trying to go to bed earlier so I have time to read a few chapters before bed. I really enjoy reading books by Dinah Jefferies, so was delighted to find her latest book available to review on NetGalley.

The Tuscan Contessa by Dinah Jefferies

Contessa Sofia de’ Corsi’s peaceful Tuscan home has been upturned by the arrival of German soldiers. Desperate to fight back, she provides shelter, medical aid and any help she can, keeping her efforts secret from husband Lorenzo – who is also passing information to the Allies.

When Maxine, an Italian-American working for the resistance, arrives on Sofia’s doorstep, the pair forge an uneasy alliance. Practical, no-nonsense Maxine promised herself never to fall in love. But when she meets a young partisan named Marco, she realizes it’s a promise she can’t keep.

Before long, the two women find themselves entangled in a dangerous game with the Nazis.

Will they be discovered? And will they both be able to save the ones they love?

 

I enjoyed this book. It took me a few chapters to get into the story but then I couldn’t put it down. I love a historical novel, and this is a really intriguing story. I didn’t know much about Italy during the Second World War but there is a handy little guide at the start so you know where the novel fits into what was happening at that time. I particularly enjoyed the part set in Florence as I visited a long time ago. I loved reading this so much that it makes me long to go back to Italy one day.

The Tuscan Contessa by Dinah Jefferies is published by Penguin, priced £7.99 and available from Amazon, and all good book shops.

Disclosure – I received a copy of this book via NetGalley to read and share my opinion on.

You may be interested in my other reviews of books by Dinah Jefferies:

The Missing Sister by Dinah Jefferies

The Sapphire Widow by Dinah Jefferies

Before The Rains by Dinah Jefferies

The Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jefferies

The Silk Merchant’s Daughter by Dinah Jefferies