I've come across Mr Williams many times, but this was the first book of his I've read - and what a thoroughly enjoyable story it was!

It starts off dramatically, plunging straight into the action, and a number of twists and turns ensured it held my interest throughout.
Venice is shown in a slightly different light - winter, not the summer version I'm used to, so that was nice deviation from the normal sunny take on the city.

This is a light-hearted, joyful read, perfect for chick lit lovers.

This is another delightful story, one that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend you read the book, rather than reading my review as the book is so much better!

This is reminiscent of those rags to riches fairy stories from childhood but with a very contemporary twist - and the heroine has no wicked step-relations! It is a story of a young lady who is working hard, striving to better herself, dreaming of visiting Venice, but everything seems to be going wrong for her until a stranger arrives and suddenly her dreams might just come true! I really don't want to give any spoilers, so forgive me if I leave it there.

Set in London and Venice, the settings, characters and events are brought vividly to life in Trevor's unique humorous style. His knowledge of the settings shines through, as does his taste for the food and drinks from these locales! Nothing is ever straightforward for the talented but undiscovered artist who is the heroine for this story and sometimes trying to do the right thing for others can mean potentially harming your own chances for living happily ever after. Don't get me wrong, whilst the story is filled with angst and turmoil it is also a journey through difficulties, always looking for the positives and packed with funny one-liners to have readers giggling.

I'm pleased to also say one of the stars of this story is Gilbert, a friendly, loyal and always hungry chocolate Labrador. There are other key characters and I have to say I really didn't like one of them to start with (I even complained about her to the author via twitter) but keep reading and, like me, you'll probably find you'll change your mind about her at about 56% through the story. I could cast some of the characters as the equivalent to Buttons, the Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming - but there's no glass slipper, magical spells or incantations or even evil step sisters, it is a great story in its own right and definitely a new favourite I'll re-read and enjoy again and again in future. I loved escaping back to Venice and, even if you've never been, it is brought vividly to life in the pages of the book which could have you dreaming of visiting, too!

For me this is another winner, one I've no hesitation in highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys well crafted, enthralling and enchanting reads and I'm very grateful to have been gifted a copy without obligation via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion after enjoying reading it. I'll definitely continue to look out for more from this author in future!

Oh my goodness! THIS cover! Amazing! The colors are TO DIE FOR! I can honestly say that if this is what Venice truly looks like I will be visiting very soon!
The concept behind this story is so creative! I love the mystery and the intrigue! The dynamic between the characters is at a whole different level.
Penny was basically living life day to day and felt like her life was going no where. Then one day she was approached with an offer that she couldn't refuse. The money was amazing and with her bills piling up she really couldn't say anything other than yes! Would she really be able to pull it all off in the end?
There are so many elements to this piece - love, mystery, art, heartbreak, friendship and so much more. This story will draw you in from the beginning and the images that TA paints really make you feel are you are right there with the characters in London and Venice.

I was lucky enough to read an early version of this story last year after being asked by the author. He was unsure as to whether people would still like a book which wasn't part of his 'What Happens In' series. On reading it I was able to assure him that people would love it regardless. I did give some feedback and I was delighted to discover he has taken that and improved what I thought was an already perfect story.

Reading this again I was instantly drawn into the story, even though I knew what was going to happen. Mind you, the author did manage to surprise me with a chapter he added in due to a suggestion I made. I won't say which chapter, but suffice to say I think its addition is extremely well done and exactly right for the story.

In his previous series the addition of a certain type of dog was what made the series what it is. Originally this story didn't have that, but he has managed to find a suitable place to fit one in quite sneakily! Hats off to you Mr Williams for that wee surprise.

Another brilliant story from someone who has fast become a go to author for me. Huge thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.

A charming book that didn't disappoint! I will post a review on amazon on publication day.

Penny Lane is a struggling artist and waitress, she lives in a rat infested house and dreams of visiting Venice. One day she rescues a baby whose pram has fallen on the train tracks and suddenly she is all over social media.

As a result of the social media coverage, Penny meets Caroline who has an interesting job offer, the job is to act as a stand in for a couple of months working for a foundation with the chance of visiting Venice, Penny agrees and her fortunes begin to change.

I loved this book, it had all the right ingredients, I warmed to all the female characters, I enjoyed the way Venice was portrayed, there were several lighthearted moments which made me laugh and to complete the story there was a romantic element to it. A thoroughly enjoyable book.

I'm not quite sure whether I really liked the new novel by T.A. Williams or just liked it. Don't get me wrong: "Dreaming of Venice" is yet another good book the author has written. But first things first.

Artist Penny lives in London. To make ends meet she works at a café so she can afford a place to sleep - although that means an apartment with a shared bathroom and rats living in the building. When she isn't working she paints. She hopes that one of the galleries will react to her applications. But so far: nothing.

At night she dreams of Venice and in them there is this dark haired man with a beard. She never sees his face.

By chance she gets the opportunity to earn more money. Her job is to act as Olivia, a young woman from a wealthy familiy her age. Because they look almost identical Penny has to join events and conferences in the name of Olivia. That involves some pretty expensive dresses and spending nights at luxurious hotels, too.

Olivia herself isn't able to attend these events due to the sudden death of her father a few months ago. Nobody, including Penny's friends and family, must know about the job.

It sounds a bit like a fairy tale, don't you think? Especially when Penny spots the mystery man, or pirate man, with the beard on a few occasions. Unfortunatly, she only sees him for a few seconds. She never gets to talk to him and she starts to believe that he isn't real. Although the feelings are very real. It feels like love at first sight, something she never experienced before.

It gets more complicated when Penny finally visits the city of her dreams: Venice. There is a conference she has to attend as Olivia.

My opinion

So, first, as every other book by T.A. Williams, I enjoyed reading that one, too. It's a bit different from his "What happens..."-books, I think. But there is also a labrador - or in the first half at least. As you might know from his other books history is also a topic. In this case it's art and the historical buildings of Venice. I've never been there and I'm not that interested in Italy, I must confess. But it sounds so interesting in this novel. Williams has a talent for describing things such as cities or buildings.

I liked how Penny is able to help Olivia heal and that they become so good friends. And this mystery man? He seems like a really nice guy, But I was a bit sad when the novel ended rather sudden. I'd like to get to know him better and also about Pennys future. But I think that is up to the reader.

The novel ends quickly, too quickly for my liking. First I thought she will never see him again and I was at 97% - and then whoosh... But I would say I really liked reading the book and I hope you'll too!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC of "Dreaming of Venice" by T.A. Williams for my honest review.
The genres of this story are Women's Fiction and Romance.
This is such a good feel book, and I find the author's descriptions of Venice are enticing and amazing. I can picture the canals, the hotels, the Renaissance feel of the architecture. I also have images of Gondola Rides and Canal tours. I wish I could purchase a ticket and travel to Venice right now!
I like the way that the author describes his characters, as down to earth people with flaws and imperfections.
Our heroine Penny is an aspiring artist, working as a waitress to make ends meet. She rescues a baby in a carriage that is headed to fall in front of a train. Penny has terrible luck in her love life, but has a positive attitude.
Penny is offered a strange opportunity to make some money. Part of this job is to travel to Venice on business. One of Penny's biggest dreams is to go to Venice. Will Penny find happiness and love? Is Venice the city where dreams come true?
This was an enjoyable and enchanting read, and I would recommend it highly.

Loved this story. TA Williams is a true story teller, and keeps me interested from first to last. He describes places so you feel you are there. I even smelt Venice.
Great story, interesting characters and an ending I didn't expect and loved,

Once upon a time, there was a girl called Penny. She worked in a cafe that mainly sold all day breakfasts, she hopes to make it as an artist, and every night she dreams of Venice where she would one day love to visit.

By a sheer fluke, Penny meets her fairy godmother, Caroline, who can offer Penny her wildest dreams, in exchange for a bit of work, that may make life confusing for a while. Penny is intrigued and so tempted that Venice could be within her reach she agrees, and that turns into the start of a fairytale like existence for Penny. But will she get her happily ever after?

If you think I have gone nuts, then although I won't dispute it, I will state that Dreaming of Venice had the feel of an adult fairy tale to it, and I loved that quality about it. Of course there is a lot more to the story than what I've detailed above, and I would already like to say its one of my favourite books I've read recently.

I absolutely loved this rags to riches story about Penny, and how one random act of kindness and immense bravery from her, set in motion the wheels that ultimately had her meeting Caroline, and being offered this rather unique job opportunity.

It's from this job, and the doors it opens, that she is able to make huge changes in all other aspects of her life. The job itself (which I'm being deliberately vague about), leads to all manner of potentially confusing but amusing situations and I loved seeing how it all played out.

There is so much to love about this book including what really shines through is T.A. Williams and Penny's love of Venice, and how much the place means to them. Penny also is a real art lover and there is one rather memorable scene when she was trying out a new pair of high heels and lets just say it involves not many clothes, tripping and the canvas and oil paint not exactly where they should be! All the bits I really want to gush about though, I probably shouldn't purely as they would be regarded by some as spoilers, and you really need to read and enjoy this book without too much prior information.

For those of you who are in the T.A. Williams, dog spotting club, you will absolutely love Gilbert! He is adorable and features just enough to be comforted by getting to know a new chocolate labrador.

Dreaming of Venice is without a doubt one of T.A. Williams' best books, easily one of the funnest with a rather unique story line, so many great characters to meet, some lovely one liners that will have you chuckling and most of all is just an easy to read, ridiculously enjoyable book.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.