A new war story from Dinah Jeffries. Not as good as previous outings but I still enjoyed it. Switching Points of view and stunning Tuscany countryside made this a good read.

Contessa Sofia lives in Tuscany with her husband Lorenzo and the tale starts towards the end of World War II. Lorenzo "works" for the Ministry but he is secretly helping the Allies which takes him away from home for periods at a time. Sofia is also helping the Partisans in her own way, but when Maxine turns up on her doorstep to ask fr shelter and help, she only briefly hesitates before agreeing.

The tale switches between Sofia and Maxine and the difficulties each of them face and decisions they have to make.

A difficult tale to read about the atrocities of war but it also has a softer side of the lengths the women would go to help their menfolk.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a difficult read at some places but despite that I was captivated.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Penguin Books UK and Dinah Jefferies for my copy. This was such a wonderful book in every sense; the only previous book of Jefferies that I'd read was The Tea Planter's Wife, which I also loved. Jefferies has such a gift for creating both a perfect sense of place and the most fantastic characters. The book drew me in and I struggled to put it down - such a great read. A very moving story set in Italy during World War II. I love books set in this period and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Highly recommended.

I love historical fiction and this did not let down. I have adored all Dinah's previous books. This is set during WW2 in Italy - I did not know too much about this period of horror the Italians went through. The Nazi's, the Partisans and the Resistance, the pro and the for makes for torn relationships. This is so well researched and the characters are truly outstandingly brave and resilient. Despite the awful subject I loved this book.

The Tuscan Contessa was a joy to read set in Tuscany during the latter years of World War Two.

During my schooling I was never taught about the events of the world wars, through the historical fiction I have read recently I have become more aware of the events and through this novel I learnt more from the Italy history of WWII.

This is the first novel I have read of Dinah Jefferies and I dare say it won’t be the last! I highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley & Penguin Books (UK) for gifting me this copy to review!

Set in Tuscany in 1943 the Contessa Sofia is a brave woman helping the resistance in any way that she can aided by Maxine, an American Italian, they risk their lives pitting their wits against the Germans stationed in the area. Maxine falls in love with Marco another resistance fighter but what future can there be for them? Death is all around them and they couldn't be paying a more dangerous game.

Another great book by this writer in a gripping story of the strength of woman risking everything to help win the war against the Germans and save their country. A story that stays with you long after you have finished reading it.

i love dinah jefferies and this book is no different. The history comes alive on the pages and i imagine its exactly how it was back then and the horror the people lived through.. Total escapism within this book. I literallly couldnt put it down.

Contessa Sofia lives in a small Tuscan village with husband Lorenzo. After Italy signs the armistice with the Allies in 1943, the partisan attacks on the Germans begin and reprisals are fierce. When British agent Maxine comes to the Castello to act as liaison between the British and the partisans, Sofia’s life will never be the same. Will she and Lorenzo survive the war together?

The Tuscan Contessa is a fascinating story of Italy’s involvement in WW2. Personally I knew little about the Italian resistance, with most of the history books focussing on France, and so the actIvities described are interesting in their own right. While not directly based on a true story, it’s still an insight into how Tuscany suffered, being bombed and looted from both sides at times.

And all set against the beautiful setting of the Tuscan landscape, which didn’t deserve to be spoiled by the ugliness and destruction of war. A very good story, from many different perspectives.

The Tuscan Contessa is a brilliantly told story with a strong sense of place and time. Having previously read another of Dinah Jefferies' novels, The Missing Sister, I was expecting a good one here, and The Tuscan Contessa was not a disappointment!

Set amidst the backdrop of WW2, the eponymous Tuscan Contessa makes her home in an idyllic medieval villa which has been owned by her husband, Lorenzo's, family for generations. Whilst Contessa Sofia de' Corsi is the lady of the manor, her elegant façade masks her nerves of steel as she is determined to fight back against the control of a regime which brings trouble, sadness and despair. This wartime drama is high in excitement and sadness, and Dinah Jefferies brings both to the story in bucketloads with her attention to detail and compassionate writing style.

The Tuscan Contessa was a lovely read and a perfect combination of powerful description and captured emotions. Atmospheric and mesmerising, it was an intense tale about love, friendship, and loyalty, and the outcomes when these are set against danger, intrigue and despair.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Penguin Books (UK) via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I’m pleased to share my review for The Tuscan Contessa by Dinah Jefferies on my book blog today. Thank you Penguin Books for a digital review copy via NetGalley – my thoughts are my own and not influenced by the gift. This is a 4.5 star read for me.

This is the first Dinah Jefferies novel I’ve read, although I do have a copy of one of her previous books on my Kindle ready to read. I enjoyed listening to Dinah talking to Catherine Isaac recently on a Facebook Live meet the author session about how she researched the story.

This book is so beautifully written that I could imagine myself in Italy watching the story unfold. Sofia, Maxine and the other women in the story are so strong and so determined to believe that the Allies will rescue them from the Germans. I’ve read many books about life in France during the Second World War but this is the first one set in Italy.

Dinah brought the area to life, with vivid descriptions of buildings, food and people. The end of the story, as all the smaller stories are woven together, is a very emotional read – I’m sure I was holding my breath in places and I also had damp eyes a few times during the book.

I’ve enjoyed reading a lot of historical fiction novels recently and this is one of my favourites.

I love Dinah Jefferies books as you are guaranteed to not only be transported back in time but to locations that literally jump off the page, allowing you to lose yourself in often faraway lands. On this occasion Dinah takes you to Tuscany, sadly not the warm and romantic version, but a Tuscany filled with sadness and desolation. This is the Tuscany of Nazi invasion in World War II and the women left behind who must be strong and courageous in their attempts to defy these invaders.

‘Could it really be about to end? She’d always tried to be a kind person, someone happy to fit in, and ready to help wherever she could. Despite living under the yoke of Mussolini, she’d had an easy life, privileged, and able to do pretty much whatever she wanted. Of course, it hadn’t been entirely painless.’

Set in 1943 The ‘Contessa’ is Sofia de’ Corsi, who lives in Costello de’ Corsi with her husband Lorenzo - a beautiful property contained within a medieval walled village that has been in the family for generations (you need to Google this - it looks incredible!) They are living in fear of a retreating German army, with Allies advancing and partisans trying to cause havoc. It is clearly evident the amount of research Dinah has undertaken for this tale with dates and events during this sad period in Italian history. Dinah does not shy away from writing about the ruthless cruelty of those dark days with scenes of death and destruction. However, she is sure to counterbalance this with courageous and heroic acts in the fight for good. The message here is one of hope and being there for loved ones in their time of need.

This leads onto what is perhaps the strongest aspect of this tale and that is the role of women. Dinah does a fabulous job in highlighting not only how they dealt with the day to day issues during the occupation but also the important roles and risks they took for their loved ones and their homes.

‘Sofia closed her eyes for a second and, when she opened them again, knew she was forever changed; she had instantly become a completely different person in a completely different world. This act of utter provocation incited such a feeling of rage and revulsion that it flooded her whole body.’

Personally, I found this was not as gripping as Dinah’s other novels as I did not find myself swept away by it. I agree with other reviewers that perhaps the focus may have been too strongly focused on the research. Where, in other reads, the narratives are the driving force, in this tale they seemed to play second fiddle to key dates and events. The characters were not as engaging as they had to fulfill certain functions in what was driving the story - the events of the Nazi occupation of Italy. Still, for history buffs, this is a good story.

Dinah writes beautifully with vivid descriptions and realistic portrayals of life at that time. She has the talent to transport her readers to another time and place, and on this occasion, to be a part of the friendship and bravery of the women of Tuscany.

‘No. I want to be myself.’ When asked to explain exactly what that self was, she’d floundered. What she really wanted, what she longed for, was an open life, one in which she could find out about herself and thrive, not simply survive as her mother had done.’



This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

An aspect of WW2 history that I've not read about before this novel captures the menace of an occupying power and the camaraderie of the villagers. The story focuses on a small village in Tuscany, and its Contessa Sofia. It's a story of courage, danger and friendship as the Italians fight against the Fascist stranglehold of their country.

The story focuses on the women Sofia the Contessa, Maxine an allied spy and Carla and Anna, who work at the Castello. Their friendship sustains them through terrible times and makes this story memorable and motivational. Vivid, sensual imagery and well-researched, historical detail bring the historical setting to life. The characters are authentic and relatable from the vibrance of the Italian women to the menace of the SS Officers.

This is an emotional story exploring the horrors of war and the human cost. Humorous touches and romance balance the poignancy, making it addictive reading.

I received a copy of this book from Penguin Books UK -Viking in return for an honest review.

This book took my break away. I think I shed tears through most of it, Countessa Sophia and husband Lorenza live just outside Florence. Along with members of their household and villagers they are helping the partisans fight against the fascists and Germans.
The book is very tense as various people join their fight like Maxine who has come from New York but is Italian by birth , James who is a British wireless operator. and Marco a local partisan.
The partisans try to make life difficult for the Germans by bombing trains carrying guns and stealing food from them. Reprisals for any Germans killed are severe and brutal.
The women in this story are the heros. Strong and willing to do whatever it takes to help the cause. I won’t say they were fearless because everyday they feared for their life as well as the lives of husbands and fathers and sons.
The characters are totally believable and not once did I think, well that didn’t happen,
I love books by Dinah Jefferies,I have read them all but I think this is her best one.
The content of this book has stayed with me for days. Sometimes I could only read a few chapters and had to put it down, it was so emotional.
People lived through this time. These incidents in the book happened to people all over Europe.
I was invested in Sophia and Maxine, Carla and Anna and their families from the beginning through to the end.

If you are a lover of historical fiction set amidst the backdrop of WW2 then Dinah Jefferies The Tuscan Contessa is likely to appeal with its wonderful setting and focus on the role women played in defeating the Germans.
It is 1943. The location is Castello de’Corsi, home to Countess Sofia and husband Lorenzo. Sympathisers with the growing body of resistance, the Conte and Contessa along with other members of their household are in league with the partisans and Allied forces determined to beat the fascists and the Germans. They want to reclaim their beautiful country and return to a life free from oppression.

As you’d expect if you are already a fan of this author, setting is crucial to the plot line so in this latest offering the tower and underground tunnels associated with Sofia and Lorenzo’s home play a vital part. Whilst the ensuing action takes us from Tuscany, to Florence and to Rome, it is Castello de’Corsi that is the predominant setting. Rich in detail and full of humanity Sofia, household cook Clara and her offspring Anna and Gabriella and Aldo are at the heart of this novel, although it is the Italian girl from America, Maxine that heads up these individuals efforts, gathering vital information to pass onto the Allies. She is the epitome of bravery and a force to be reckoned with!

It would be remiss to understate the roles the men in this novel play, James and Marco in particular, but the author allows them to take a backseat and instead turns the spotlight on the women which I loved. In helping the resistance and partisans that are hiding out in the hills and mountains, Sofia and her loyal group of women are risking their lives daily. The consequences of being discovered by the Germans still in occupation are absolutely terrifying but you are left in no doubt as to the self reliance, courage and resourcefulness these women show. Whether it’s from hiding James, the radio operator or embarking on a dangerous armaments raid on barracks in Florence, I was full of admiration for their loyalty, positivity and gung ho attitude. Without them, the struggle for freedom would have been so much harder.

I think the hardship of life under occupation is evident in these pages and the loss and grief from losing loved ones is never far from the surface, with sadness etched into the storyline. Heartache and worry about the whereabouts of family and friends is a constant reminder that ultimately there are no winners or losers when it comes to the futility of war. Sofia’s story highlights the problems of being distanced from family and her husband, unable to communicate safely although her good friend Maxine risks life and limb to overcome this. I cannot begin to imagine the dread and fear that accompanied these women on a daily basis but feel the author has excelled at portraying these emotions whilst celebrating their indomitable spirit. Families torn apart by loss and even betrayal, living in fear for their safety sums up Sofia’s experiences, her belief that war makes monsters of us all so very true.

Other prerequisites of novels of this nature are the elements of love and romance, mystery and intrigue, all of which feature in this wartime storyline. Love between Marco and Maxine, Gabriella and Paolo and the frisson of sexual tension between Sofia and James adds to the human aspect of life in wartime. Love, friendship, compassion and loyalty unite these characters and render them very real.
Who was my favourite character? I was spoilt for choice but I’d say Maxine and Sofia are joint contenders. I thought Maxine’s bravery impressive whilst Sofia’s encounters with the imposing figure of German Major Kaufmann showed her steely nerves and an inner strength. Always lurking in the shadows, convinced of the womens treachery his presence adds to the tension so that you fervently wish Sofia can continue to outwit this man for the sake of all those lives she is valiantly trying to protect. I just didn’t expect the extent she would go to in achieving this goal!

I liked how the novel began with a scene outside the tower and comes full circle, ending with that same scene, the reader now fully understanding its impact. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed becoming part of these women’s lives, if only for a short while. Reading the author’s afterword about the setting, really placed it in context as I think the balance between atmosphere and action was slightly tipped in favour of action, a minor criticism. The storyline is educational with evidence of much research on the author’s part, without suffering from reading like a textbook. Highly recommend and perfect also for fans of Victoria Hislop. My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.

Dinah Jefferies new book The Tuscan Contessa takes us deep into the heart of the Tuscan countryside and is set during the last two years of World War Two. It follows two strong, brave and courageous women, Sofia, the contessa of the title, and Italian/American Maxine. They are poles apart in terms of personality and background but circumstances bring them together and they must work in close quarters to aid the allies and the resistance in their bid to bring about the end of war.

At the very beginning there was a detailed timeline of the events of the war from the Italian point of view and I was glad that this was included because it helped me understand what had happened prior to the book beginning in 1943. It also gave me a deeper comprehension of how the Italians had been struggling to cope with all the horrific events and traumas that they had been enduring for many years.

Sofia lives in the Castello de’Corsi and is married to Lorenzo, they are quite well off and respected in their community. They do their best to make sure the residents are kept safe and looked after but times are tough. Food is becoming ever more scare and most of the men have gone away to fight or joined the resistance and are therefore hiding away in the hills. The women are mostly left in the area with the young children but this means that the women and the crucial roles they played are allowed to shine throughout the story. They are never to be under estimated and their age old roles of having children and keeping the house running go out the window and rightly so as they become astute and adept at keeping things secret and playing roles the Germans would never have expected them to do.

Lorenzo is old school, he doesn’t think that Sofia should play any part no matter how big or small in aiding the resistance. He fears for her safety and that of their extended family but really he needed to give her more credit and to try and not treat her as if she couldn’t cope with things. Lorenzo spends the majority of this book away from the Castello as he works for the ministry of agriculture but you sense that he too is involved in important war work for the overall cause. To this end Sofia keeps her activities secret from her husband. She offers shelter when needed, food and medical help when ever she can and she feels that what she is doing is vital and important. But all the women long for their lives to return to some sort of normality, to a time when things were less complicated and there were no sides to choose from.

Danger lurks around every corner and this heightened sense of wariness and unease as they engage in secretive work oozes from every page. There is never a sense of happiness, enjoyment and relaxation. How could there be during a time of war when the Germans lurk around every corner as Sofia knows all too well as they come calling to her door. But she firmly believes that that essential human contact of love is the one thing that will pull herself and Lorenzo through all this. But at what cost will it take and how many will be lost or suffer in the process?

Alongside Sofia is Maxine who was Italian by birth but grew up in America. She is now working as SOE agent for the British to assist in espionage, sabotage or reconnaissance. She will be required to liaise between the allies and the resistance networks. This is a high risk operation but Maxine was certainly the one for the job. She was a brilliant character, a woman ahead of her time who was outspoken, fearless, gutsy, independent, brave and sassy. She always threw caution to the wind and placed herself in the most tightest of spots when it came to danger. Maxine lives life on the edge and similar to Sofia she puts her own life on the line for a greater cause.

Both women could have just turned a blind eye to what was going on and just muddled through the war years as best they could, keeping a low profile and emerging safe and unharmed both emotionally and physically out the other side. But that wouldn’t have sat right with either of them and this book showed how there were so many women of this nature that did so many brave things during the war and all with one common goal in mind. Maxine is solely focused on her war work. She has no time for love or to become entrapped by marriage as she believes love is the surest trap to a woman’s downfall. But somewhere along the line that might begin to change but if it does will it only bring the heartache that she has so desperately sought to avoid?

I have loved the novels of Dinah Jefferies right from her debut The Separation but I do feel that her books sets in the Far East capture my attention much more than those that are not. The Tuscan Contessa was a good read, rich in historical detail with clearly such extensive research carried out. The visual descriptions are amazing and I could visualise everything so clearly in my head but I wasn’t blown away by this book. I was waiting for that big moment of reveal that would leave me reeling in shock but it never came. I felt we knew too much in that everything was laid bare and I wanted more of a mystery throughout. The story is very much driven by the historical events and at times they overshadowed the characters with things happening at such speed that you did become confused at some points. As I have said, this is a good book but it’s not my favourite by this author whose books I really do love. I’ll always read anything that Dinah publishes because I know she is a talented author who really can bring stories to life and have you deeply invested. Sadly The Tuscan Contessa didn’t always do that for me although there were points where I was completely enthralled but just not the entire way through.

I’ve been an avid fan of Dinah Jefferies since The Tea Planter’s Wife; always entranced by her divine descriptions of far-flung places, historical detail and quietly powerful heroines. It’s always the highlight of my year when a new Dinah Jefferies novel is announced. My favourite is The Silk Merchant’s Daughter, which is set in colonial-era Vietnam. This latest venture has an experimental approach and is set in Italy during the Second World War.

The novel has everything to love about Jefferies’ writing; the stunning scene-setting that makes you feel the warm Mediterranean breeze on the nape of your neck. It’s about two fascinating and very different women who fight for their freedom and the men they love: elegant and refined Contessa Sofia, and confident and daring Maxine, an Italian-American spy. Like all Jefferies’ leading ladies, they have admirable courage and learn about their identity through place. It’s also brimming with emotion; comforting joy, age-old love, passion, heart-ache, striking pain and unrestrained desire. You’ll easily marvel at the sheer beauty of the Tuscan landscape contrasted with the horrors of the German occupation.  

Unfortunately, I didn’t find this as strong as her previous work. I was missing the exciting build-up of a central love story from the old formula, as well as the unassuming nature of the heroine. Sofia and Maxine are different from Jefferies’ previous characters and I found it tricky to connect with them, especially as the focus was split between them. Some passages were also quite long and slow at times, causing the momentum to slip and feel scattered. Even though this wasn’t for me this time, I appreciate the author’s attempt to try new concepts, the gorgeous writing and careful research.

(Review goes live at link below on 28th July)

I think, so far, I’ve read four or five of Dinah Jefferies’ books and her work just gets better and better. Although The Tuscan Contessa moves away from her more familiar settings of the Far East, it is just as compelling and has clearly been deeply researched.

I always think historical novels carry a higher level of work, purely because the author has to not only keep in mind the location, but also the language, technology, clothing and many more factors of the period. This is always outstanding in Dinah Jefferies’ books and so too here.

I’m a sucker for a war story but this book touches on a side of World War 2 that people are less familiar with than D-Day, the French resistance and the French campaign – in this book, we see the war in Italy and the work of the Italian partisans in and around Tuscany.

It’s always heartening to read about the contribution of women to the war effort – the popular perception of WW1 and WW2 is that they were very much – for obvious reasons – about the men but, whether they were frontline nurses, working at Bletchley Park or – as in this book – providing whatever support they could through their homes and connections, women were instrumental in winning the war.

I was lucky enough to take part in the book launch for The Tuscan Contessa – via Zoom in these strange times – and one of my fellow participants noted that Dinah Jefferies is ‘the colourful author’ and I think I would agree. The colours of Tuscany are beautifully brought to life in her descriptions of the location. It’s easy to picture the places the characters inhabit as they are cleverly brought to life.

Dinah Jefferies also mentioned at the launch that she does a huge amount of research on her books, including travel to the locations and reading widely. You really can tell the depth of research she does, without it ever feeling like you’re being lectured to – it’s a great skill to be able to create a truly immersive novel and that is exactly what she does.

Another recommended title from Dinah Jefferies – she said at the launch that she was already working on her next book… I can’t wait!

The eponymous Tuscan Contessa makes her home in an idyllic medieval villa which has belonged to her husband's family for generations. Whilst to all intents and purposes Sofia de' Corsi is the indomitable lady of the manor, under her elegant facade is a woman who has nerves of steel and who is determined to fight back against the control of a regime which brings nothing but trouble, sadness and despair. What then follows is a dramatic wartime adventure which has both high excitement and desperate sadness, and as always this talented author brings both with a fine eye for detail and a compassionate way with words.

In the latter days WW2 Italy was a fearsome place with many secrets and much danger. The heightened sense of doom overshadowed the natural beauty of the Tuscan landscape and so much distrust flourished in dark corners that no-one ever really felt at ease. Peace of mind was overshadowed by dangerous intrigue and the sense of distrust between neighbours or friends who, if they suspected your motives, would quickly betray your interests to the authorities.

The story flows well and the sense of impending danger is never far away. There is always some incident, or some character, to worry over and I think that's where this author's strength lies, in that she makes you really care about the people, so that when times get tough, as they do in this novel, you read with bated breath hoping that events will work out well for them. I especially loved Contessa Sofia, she is loyal and brave, and putting her alongside Maxine, an American with Italian origins, who is determined to do her bit for the war effort, is inspired, as each of these brave and bold young woman demonstrate fierce determination against all odds.

I know from reading the author notes at the end of this novel that Dinah Jefferies has a natural love for Tuscany and has researched the area well. This comes across in her beautiful descriptions of the place and its people.

The Tuscan Contessa is a thought-provoking WW2 story about loyalty, love and friendship, and what happens when pitted against danger, intrigue and despair.

It is just a coincidence that I decided to read this book that is set during WW2 in the region of Tuscany, when we should all have been celebrating 75 years since VE Day. I say should have as our nation is currently enveloped in the dreadful Coved 19 pandemic, which is also bringing heartache, fear and death to us all, much the same as I imagine those who lived through WW” experienced.

As I have come to expect with Dinah’s books the captivating atmosphere shines through as the region of Tuscany is vividly narrated.

Sophia and her husband Lorenzo are Italian gentry but this doesn’t exclude them from the horrors of war so just like everyone else they play their part in not only surviving but also caring and bearing the loss and grief of others.

I thought the women characters in this story to be bold and brave and at times ruthless as they protect their families, friends and country by assisting the Allies and the Partisans against the destructive murderous Germans.

There are tense moments in this story with harrowing scenes of death and destruction but they are also combined with relationships and love. The clear message I found throughout is hope, hope that they would all come out the other side with loved ones still there to cherish. How ironic that as I write this review it is what I am hoping for!