I really enjoy Carol Kirkwood's writing style, and I found the setting of Venice in this book a particular area of interest. The atmosphere and vivid descriptions of the city created a beautiful backdrop for the story. However, I did feel that the plot was somewhat predictable and repetitive, drawing similarities to themes and storylines from her previous works. While her writing remains engaging, it seems like there wasn't as much innovation in this one, making it feel a bit formulaic at times. Despite this, I still appreciated the charm of her storytelling and the way she brings locations to life.

I adore Carol Kirkwood's writing - I have read all of her books and this is just as delightful. Gorgeous settings, glamour, intrigue, secrets, romance - just glorious. I look forward to the Carol's next book.

Loved the romance of the book set in Venice. The story unfolds of someone who has escaped from their past but finds it can catch up with you and how you can still be free of it.
A love story is entwined within it all and you want it to work after so much tragedy.

A great holiday read.

Another glorious romance in a beautiful setting! Carol Kirkwood has such a wonderful way of transporting you to these glamorous worlds, full of fabulous clothes, pretty women, and handsome men.

Her books are pure escapism and this is no different. I was dreaming of Italy by the end of this book!

I immediately warmed to our central character, Gina Bellini especially after her serendipitous carnevale evening with a masked stranger. Caught in a moment when her guard was down, she was swept up into the true magic of Venice. But reality was waiting, and Gina has a busy life as a concierge, and with a big secret to keep, she always has a lot on her mind.

The author has captured and relayed the magic of modern Venice, its beauty and other-worldliness, whilst weaving us a compelling story.

This was quite an enchanting romance filled with intrigue, something unexpected and so pleasing.

I wondered how this story would close, and I’m not afraid to say that it was with a few tears in my eyes.

I highly recommend Once Upon A Time In Venice by Carol Kirkwood.

Absolutely loved this book . Carol’s writing gets better and better with each book. Pure glamorous escapism !
A brilliant setting which comes alive to the reader, they are in Venice at the height of Carnival Season . Well written likeable characters , interesting storyline - couldn’t put it down
Highly Recommended
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins and Carol Kirkwood for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

Carol Kirkwood always sets her books in gorgeously beautiful and glamorous settings and locations, that make me want to immediately book a flight for a mini break. Once Upon a Time in Venice is full of stunning descriptions of Venice with its canals, majestic palazzos and ornate architecture. The book is pure escapism at it’s best. It was easy to imagine i had been teleported to Venice thanks to the vivid and beautifully descriptive writing. It is a captivating book and one that you will struggle to put down.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book through NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, Harper Fiction, which did not influence my unbiased and honest review of the book.

“Welcome to Venice, the fairytale city, where canals flow into hidden shadows and forbidden secrets”
Set around a luxury Venetian hotel during the carnival season
Gina, the head concierge has an encounter with an enigmatic figure at the carnival ….
Perfect holiday read - pure romantic escapism
A well written light read
Thanks @carolkirkwood @harpercollins @netgalley for the fab read

Another excellent book from Carol Kirkwood. It makes you really feel as if you are in Venice and unlike some books of this genre Carol always provides a good story with a few twists and surprises. Good characters and a most enjoyable read.

This is the 4th novel by Carol, and I have read everyone. It is up to her usual standard., secrets

The prologue sets the scene where a young girl is followed home from the Sunday church service and he tries to attack her.

The story, set in Venice and begins when they have the and the masked ball where everyone wears a mask and you do not know who is who. Gina, who has a rop job at one of the exclusive hotels in Venice have a famous film star staying as well as an Opera 'Diva'

Gina looses a bracelet that was her Grandmothers at the ball. a man rescues her from some thugs. Loads of twists and turns, secrets to be kept.

The descriptions of Venice brought back happy memories for me. I can recommend this book.

I find it hard to believe she's only been writing for a few years, Carol Kirkwood writes so well
The story was great and really good characters, can't wait for the next one.
A perfect curl up with a book and a good drink type of book!
Thank you netgalley

Pure escapism - and very glamorous escapism at that! I've read the other books by this author and so was looking forward to this one. It didn't disappoint, maybe a little predictable but all the more lovely for it. A beautiful setting, well written with likeable characters and a happy ending - what's not to love!

Love Love Love, I was so excited to read this, I love Carole's writing and this story is just as warm, fun and intriguing as her previous reads. 5 Shiny stars. Fully Recommended.

Really enjoyed previous books by Carol Kirkwood and this one was just as good as her previous titles. Never having visited Venice, with the author's descriptions it was brought to life for me put that together with a romantic tale and it all adds up to a wonderful story. Highly recommend

I just listened to this book on borrowbox.Carol has a fabulous ability to transport you with her writing.Her books are lovely tk read not to taxing really well written and love in this one the location.Hope she writes many more books.

I was asked to review this beautiful book by NetGalley. Carol Kirkwood has not only written a story about a woman who find love in this beautiful city but also bring Venice to life and is magical.

Well written and a great sunbed read.

À resounding 5 star summer read. Light but full of all sorts of trials and tribulations with romance and drama along the way. Carol's descriptions certainly do the setting of Venice justice and transport the reader there easily. A wonderful set of diverse characters with a balanced mix of heroes and villains. A book to escape with whether on holiday or at home.

Oh, that cover, that cover!! I fell in love with it and readers will certainly enjoy falling into this book which stands head and shoulders along side Carol's other reads. Carnival time in Venice, love is in the air, there is drama and heartbreak and yes, that perfect ending. Bravo.
Faith Hogan.

A lovely light frothy story, set in the beautiful city of Venice. Carol would seem to know the city well and this adds to the pleasure of the story.
Romance and drama. Very nice book. I enjoyed it.

This was the perfect escape for summer and has me desperate to visit Venice now!
As usual Carol has perfected the summer read with great characters and plot that makes you turn pages faster than you can read them.