The Tuscan Girl: Completely gripping WW2 historical fiction

For me, the characters make or break a story. The author's ability to develop the characters around the plot is extremely important to me. This story did so, and wonderfully so. I am in love with the characters. I wanted more when the story ended, not because of anything the author left undone but because I felt like these characters were family. And could more have been written? Sure. But not tying up every loose end (I can't explain without a spoiler) actually made this story MORE real to me and even more likeable. These chatacters still have lives to live. You want to be friends with them and continue to be part of their journey. And that's how a good book should make you feel. I also loved the setting of the end of WWII. This was the first I've read from the point of view of Italy, and I loved the history I learned through this fiction. I believe the author did a great job in her research and I felt I understood the was through the lives of an every day Italian. Beautifully done. I am now planning on reading her other "Tuscan" books!

Overall a good book that held my interest. Not a big fan of the popular flash back and forth timeline. Took awhile to get all the characters straight but once done the story moved along well. Book concentrates more on relationships with WWII activities peripheral to the story. (Note: Porcupines do not SHOOt quills... a misconception that needs to be edited out of this book as it contributed nothing)

Very powerful and heartbreaking story about love and loss going between England 1943, Tuscany 1945 and present day Tuscany. Alba Starnucci is living in London with her boyfriend James when he is killed in an accident. Alba blames herself and returns to her father and step-mother's home in Tuscany to recover. When Alba meets 90 year old Massimo things get very interesting as hidden secrets are revealed. This is a very well researched and well written story about Tuscany during World War II. I felt the characters were well-developed and likeable for the most part. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this very riveting book that I really enjoyed.

The Tuscan Girl: Completely gripping World War II Historical Fiction is by Angela Petch. This book is absolutely stunning. Once you get started, it compels you to finish it before you can put it down. The questions it raises are raised at different times so you go off on another search just as you think you figure it out. The characters are so very realistic, it seems they could be in your room looking over your shoulder as you read so you don’t miss something. There are so many stories about World War II that we don’t know and won’t ever know either because those involved have died or they aren’t talking. Every person’s view of the war was personal and definitely from different directions. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to read about the Italian war. The other Tuscan stories by Angela Petch are just as good.

This book had several heart wrenching moments. It also had other times of slow pacing. That made it a mixed bag for me. I liked the characters and enjoyed the plot. I just didn't love it. Happy reading!

A good story, but felt it was a bit slow at times. Sad that Alfi did not get together with his friend in the end. Was hoping they would find love in each other, but it wasn't the case. This book could have been shortened a bit, with the parts where it is told through the eyes of the old man telling what happened during WW2.

This was such an enjoyable book-- lovely, painful, sweet, and sad. Not only did it give a glimpse into the trials of those who lived through WWII, but it also displayed the endurance of the human spirit. It was beautifully written, and I couldn't put it down! Both Tuscan girls, Lucia and Alba, show that healing is possible after traumatic loss, especially when aided by Massimo and Alfi, fantastic examples of loyal and loving men. Thank you, Angela Petch, for a great read! Our book club unanimously voted it our favorite book thus far.

Alba is reeling from a catastrophic break-up with her boyfriend in London. They’ve been together for years, but in an unexpected twist, James breaks up with her. A tragic accident sends Alba into a deep depression. Her family and friends are deeply concerned, will she recover from the fatal relationship? Alba returns to her parents home in Tuscany to recover mentally and figure out her new life directions. A chance holiday dinner encounter brings her in touch with Massimo, an older man from the village with a bittersweet WWII past. As Alba regains her mental footings, she reaches out to the man with the war torn past, listening to his sometimes tragic and heartwarming lessons of experiences and relationships gone-by. Will the gift of life’s insights help heal her wounded heart? Author Petch gives us an insightful read on dealing with heartbreak, tragedy and new directions in the present, guided by the sagas, dreams and lessons learned from the past. A delightful life journey filled with visual descriptions that transport you to the scene. A moving historical fiction tale, highly recommended!

Tuscan Girl is packed with heart, soul and wisdom. Petch artfully weaves the past and the present, connects the generations and breathes life into forgotten histories. Troubling experiences of World War Two shape the memorable characters who will remain with you. Emotions gripped me throughout the novel. I had to find out more about the Tuscan Girl, Lucia, who is like the guiding light through the narrative. Lucia is contrasted with the modern day, Alba, whose spirit also burns brightly. Lucia’s bravery inspired me and broke my heart. It is wonderful when Alba sketches the abandoned village and adds in details of another way of life – a perfect way to merge the past and present in the novel. I read this book with a lump in my throat but found sanctuary in the glorious setting. The Tuscan paradise retains its beauty despite the ugly actions of people. ‘We lose sight of what’s real when life turns dramatic…’ but Mother Nature brings us back down to earth and soothes the sensitive souls. There is a beautiful message about the need to enjoy and the simple things in life. The Tuscan mountains are the heart of humanity, but the lunar landscape reminds us of the challenges and treacherous paths. Massimo and Lodivica have travelled the paths of life and impart wisdom. Alba is at the beginning of her journey and begins to find the answers in her homeland. I loved all of the characters and each one surprised me. They all connected with a sense that ‘…only after tragedy can we feel…’ The haunting, ethereal quality of this novel had me spellbound. Ghosts of victims could not rest until their wisdom was imparted and healed the troubled souls. ‘There is a lot we don’t understand about life and the shadow of death.’ However, freedom is a gift we should all treasure. I was lost in the poetic prose of this stunning novel.

I was swept away by The Tuscan Girl, both in time and place, to the beauty of Tuscany (not a bad thing in 2020!) War, intrigue, love and heartbreak, the author artfully blends past and present in the mesmerising tale of Massimo, Lucia, and her ill-fated love affair with Florian. Tracking with the World War Two characters, the author intertwines the story of artist Alba, her heartbreak, and healing through friendships with the elderly Massimo, childhood friend Alfiero, and the wise nun Lodovica. I am unaware if the author is also an artist, but her stunning descriptions of Alba’s work, the Italian countryside, and the food suggest the eye of a painter. I developed a great fondness for Massimo as he shared his and Lucia’s tales with Alba. I have similarly met elderly people who experienced the horror of war, yet their overarching compassion, wisdom, and zest for life is what shines through, and the author captures this perfectly in Massimo’s character. Overall a stunning book, beautifully described.

I absolutely loved this wonderful book by Angela Petch. It is real life, historical, sad. traumatic and takes you to a place you only thought you knew something about. It's a war story, a love story, a sad story that will bring tears to your eyes, happiness in some areas but emotionally a rollercoaster of emotions. You are transported to a place that few of us vaguely heard in passing but soon forgot. You will meet hero's, brave men and women, and terrible one's also, all in the name of World War 2. You will do yourself an injustice if you do not bury yourself in this amazing book by this very talented author who has now become one I will look forward to reading. Please read it. It will open your eyes!!!!

This could have passed as an historical fiction novel. Certainly, the story is written as though it was true. Much of what occurs in the novel actually did occur in Tuscany and elsewhere in Italy and the novel treats some pretty unpleasant events well. I found the storyline interesting and the pace of the novel just right. I particularly liked the way the author wove the story in and out of the time periods involved.

Enjoyed the book and the 2 timelines. But the book just stopped rather than ended. A bit disappointing after enjoying the characters stories.