The Tuscan Villa

‘Captivating… Kept me on the edge of my seat… Incredible… I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unputdownable read that will resonate with them for a long time’ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Covered in a tumble of climbing roses and surrounded by lavish gardens, the Villa Aria stands as a symbol of hope for the people of Cortona. But if the secrets hidden behind its walls ever come to light, the peaceful village could be torn apart…

Italy, 1939. Vivi stands in the courtyard of her beloved Villa Aria, smiling as little Francesca runs barefoot through the garden. But the spectre of war is looming. Vivi decides to put the safety of her community before her own happiness and opens the doors of the Villa Aria to shelter the most vulnerable villagers from the fighting. Then Vivi mysteriously vanishes…

1953. Fran takes in the sweep of the cypress trees that lead to the beautiful ruins of the Villa Aria. She can’t help thinking of the glamorous, kind woman who watched her play as a child. And she’s determined to discover what happened to Vivi at the end of the war.

Fran walked out on the eve of her wedding in New York to chase her past in Italy. But she didn’t expect to discover a forbidden love affair – and a secret so shocking it might change everything she knows about who she is.

Whatever happened to Vivi at the Villa Aria all those years ago was no accident. But can Fran find the courage to untangle a tragic love triangle that plagued the villa? And will she finally uncover what happened to Vivi and lay the ghosts of her childhood to rest?

From bestselling author Ella Carey comes an utterly heart-wrenching and gripping World War Two historical novel that will transport you straight to the Tuscan countryside. Fans of Kathryn Hughes, Fiona Valpy and Victoria Hislop will be utterly enchanted.

**Each Daughters of Italy book can be read as part of the series or as a standalone**

What readers are saying about the The Tuscan Villa:

“I longed to be swept away to Villa Aria with its lush gardens, and its peaceful, timeless surroundings. Ella Carey is a talented storyteller. A must read!” Layered Pages, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A captivating tale… filled with intrigue, mystery, and suspense…The plot twists and turns kept meon the edge of my seat… I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this incredible story. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unputdownable read that will resonate with them for a long time.” Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Full of twists and turns and secrets! The setting is stunning with all the descriptions of this heavenly location… What a plot twister!… Its setting is divine, its plot heartbreaking and characters memorable” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Had me gasping! A moving and atmospheric read,” Lifechapterswithdanni, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This story is like walking through sunlit ruins filled with secrets, and it pulled me in with its blend of history and mystery… the setting alone, war-torn Italy and a crumbling villa, made it feel immersive right from the start.” rubie_reads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The setting is stunning… makes you feel has if you have been transported to the heart of Tuscany… The mystery of Vivi’s disappearance and the reasons for it will keep readers captivated… The last few chapters had me in their thrall.” Shaz’s Book Blog