The Venice Secret: A dual-time story about the discovery of a hidden painting in a loft

I’m sometimes a bit of a lightweight when it comes to historical fiction, but I’m always a particular fan of a dual time story – and I can sometimes get quite disgruntled if both timelines don’t engage my interest equally. And I must say, this book is an object lesson in how to do it well – with strong links between the stories, alternating chapters where the shifts were comfortable and I never felt wrenched from one period into another, and an overarching art mystery that had me captivated throughout.The historical thread first? In the 1780s, Philippa’s financial position after her father’s death sees her taking up a position at Chipford Hall, as governess to a Duke’s two young daughters. When further change is forced on her – after a particularly shocking offer from the Duke’s heir, Lord Rupert – the opportunity arises to accompany the wealthy Lady Cordelia, a friend of the family planning to research her latest novel, on a Grand Tour to Venice. It transpires that the trip isn’t entirely what it seemed – and, quite apart from not experiencing Venice in quite the way she’d hoped to, Philippa finds herself drawn into a deception with particularly far-reaching consequences.And then there’s the 2019 thread. Rachel is jobless and soon to be homeless – temporarily living in the house her mother inherited from her grandmother, she’ll soon need to move on rather than sharing the house with her mother and her rather odious latest partner. While stashing her belongings in the loft, she stumbles across a wooden trunk in a far corner – and behind it, wrapped in brown paper and string, what turns out to be a painting of a familiar Venice setting, accompanied by a note, written in 1782, identifying it as a Canaletto. With her degree in history, a new friend in Jake (who just might become rather more, but who works in a gallery and knows his way around the art world), contacts she makes while volunteering at a nearby stately home, and an uncle helpfully researching her family’s genealogy, she embarks on a mission to establish the painting’s provenance and hopefully change her own fortunes in the process.The link between the two timelines – as well as the stark contrasts and moments of symmetry between the two women’s lives – is the Canaletto itself, and the elusive family history that underpins it. While Rachel’s life, at times, became a bit of a car crash – and often one of her own making, which can stretch the sympathy a little – I found her search simply fascinating as the clues began to fall into place and she drew closer to uncovering the full story. And, at the same time, in alternating chapters, the actual story is unfolding – wonderfully told, impeccably researched, with a range of wonderfully drawn characters who came to life on the page. Philippa herself is wholly sympathetic throughout, a really engaging character whose kindness and trusting nature is abused by others with their own complicated agendas – and I so hoped, however unlikely it sometimes seemed, that she would find the happiness she deserved. And something I particularly enjoyed about this book was the personal journeys of both its heroines – their contexts entirely different, but both ending up in a very different place from where their stories began.The whole book is perfectly paced, with plenty of well-written drama, strong characters, vividly drawn settings – and more than a touch of romance and intrigue in both timelines. And the two stories are quite perfectly drawn together by the book’s ending – this was one I set aside with a satisfied sigh, looking forward immensely to seeing what this very talented author does next. Beautifully done, and very highly recommended.

The history story in this book was very enjoyable and well researched but the modern day story was awful. I really disliked the two main characters, Rachel and Jake, their nonsense romance brought nothing to the party! It would have made far better reading to have set the whole book in the 18th century.

I enjoyed this book very much as Canaletto is one of my favourite artists. The story was told from the heart and I enjoyed the style of writing. The characters were all believable and brought to life well by the author. For me it had all the combinations to make me read it, art, mystery and research.The author obviously knows the paintings well and that comes out in the story.I’d certainly recommend this book as a good read.

I was seduced by the finding of the painting but could not drum up any enthusiasm for the rest of it. A real let-down !

Not at all my usual genre but but refreshing change! Well drawn characters in two time zones finally link to gather to everyone's benefit. Would read another by this author who has an easy to read style and adds a little self effacing humour.

Very athmospheric two stories entwined regarding an old painting. Describes the beautuful city of Venice life and travel back in history. Would recommend it. Entertaining.

Good story, well told, intresting facts. Well done

I learnt a lot of interesting information in this well researched novel both about 18th and 21st century life. changing centuries back and forward each chapter can be irritating but one quickly accepts it to move the story on. One was temped to follow hints that not everyone had both heroines’ best interests at heart. However although the author said she had advice on 18th century life and customs, the two female characters spoke in a modern language, words and sentence structure which was irritating in an otherwise well structured and researched book.

I'm a sucker for a good historical fiction novel and The Venice Secret did not disappoint. The story was captivating as the author wove the story through two countries and two different time periods. I loved the descriptions of the places visited in the novel and also the descriptions of the food. It definitely made me want to travel to Tuscany and Venice and England as well. The main characters were easy to root for. It was well written, easy to read and very enjoyable. Well done to the author on her first published novel!

This is a spellbinding intertwining of two stories and a mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Venice Secret and recommend you do too.

A good story but the writer can improve her style

This was a richly woven story. The dual timeline was expertly done expressing not only the history of times past but also the social conditions for women. The book is also very much about choices we make and the consequences.

2 timelines….often jarring as with each chapter, the narrator & timeline shifts & you think, “Oh we are back HERE again!” I did enjoy the storyline and found it to be a good read! RECOMMEND!!