The Tuscan Child
The Tuscan Child by Rhys Bowen
Print and e-book, 329 pages
Published February 20th 2018 by Lake Union Publishing
From New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen comes a haunting novel about a woman who braves her father’s hidden past to discover his secrets…
In 1944, British bomber pilot Hugo Langley parachuted from his stricken plane into the verdant fields of German-occupied Tuscany. Badly wounded, he found refuge in a ruined monastery and in the arms of Sofia Bartoli. But the love that kindled between them was shaken by an irreversible betrayal.
Nearly thirty years later, Hugo’s estranged daughter, Joanna, has returned home to the English countryside to arrange her father’s funeral. Among his personal effects is an unopened letter addressed to Sofia. In it is a startling revelation.
Still dealing with the emotional wounds of her own personal trauma, Joanna embarks on a healing journey to Tuscany to understand her father’s history—and maybe come to understand herself as well. Joanna soon discovers that some would prefer the past be left undisturbed, but she has come too far to let go of her father’s secrets now…
My thoughts about The Tuscan Child ~~
First line—"He was going to die, that was quite obvious. Hugo Langley tried to examine this fact dispassionately."
Rhys Bowen is a new-to-me author so I didn't know what to expect when I started The Tuscan Child. I loved everything about this book; the story line, the wonderful way the author writes, and the way she made me feel like I was there with her characters—characters that I came to care about.
The story is told from two different time frames, going back and forth as Joanna digs into her father's past and learns about the mysterious Sofia. There is enough mystery, intrigue, and suspense to keep the story moving forward and kept me wanting to read 'just one more chapter'.
I am definitely going to be reading more of Rhys Bowen's stories, now that I have discovered her!
I received an ARC of this book from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
About the author
"I'm a New York Times bestselling mystery author, winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1902 New York City.
I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year. I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories. "
I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters. When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
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I am traveling to Tuscany this year and considering reading a book set there, so I'm happy I saw your post. Suspense and Mystery are also my favourite genre.
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