This is proper escapism. What can be better than meeting a mysterious stranger at a masked event in Venice, or working out how to make love work with a Hollywood star, or even being an opera singer. These strong women end up intertwining lives and the different personalities and priorities are powerful and mix up the reading of the book. Venice is the heart of the book and where the women cross paths and the descipritons of the city are beautiful and echo the romance that the women seem to be hunting for. There are secrets that are hidden and bubble to the surface and despite the glamour of the worlds that the women live or work in, this has some murky darkness that is well described. This isn’t sweetness and light and is a strong romance where the women work out who they are first.

Fantastic description of Venice and the small town in mountains, as well as talking the carnivals and masked events taking place.
Lots of characters in the story but they blend in well together. The main characters come across well.
A good light read, especially for your holiday read.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

Having read two of Carol Kirkwoods books I began reading Once Upon a Time in Venice with high hopes. I think the authors writing here is beautifully descriptive and it makes the city of Venice, and the characters, jump out of the pages and become alive in my mind when reading. This is a romantic, uplifting story that is a very good read, and I think would be an ideal holiday, summer, beach kind of read if you like chic lit or a bit of escapism. I like the cast of characters - some more than others though - and their growth in the story. The plot line is good, and although this didn't quite wow me like Carol Kirkwoods other books did this is still an enjoyable read which I'd recommend. I really liked the ending though, it complemented the story beautifully and gives it good closure.

3.5 stars

Carol Kirkwood has brought to life the ambience of Venice at the time of carnevale. The coming together of a hardworking concierge, an operatic diva, a stuntman and a Hollywood blockbuster star give us a story set against this Venetian backdrop. Secrets, glamour, romance, love, blackmail, escape from tragedy and family dynamics all feature in an enchanting and enjoyable read. Recommended.

Book 4 Carol, what a triumph! Wonderful setting; you made me feel I was there in Venice watching everything from the side-lines.

Fabulous characters; you, the reader, want to be a matchmaker!

A truly delightful read;, I found myself shedding a little tear at the end!

Bring on book 5 - where will you be transporting us to I wonder?

A delightful and charming book to read. Descriptions of Venice were exquisite giving you a sense of being there in the enchanted city and witnessing all the activities and buzz of life there. The characters were developed in delightful but realistic way. This book had a lot more substance to it than her previous books and kept you reading with all the unexpected turns throughout.
Perfect escapism for a holiday read.

This is a charming romance set in Venice. Gina Bellini, a renowned concierge at the White Palace Hotel, expertly attends to the elite's demands. Amidst the Carnivale season's glamour, famed opera singer Lucia Di Santis arrives, adding to the hotel's lively atmosphere. The novel captures Venice's magic through atmospheric canals, alleys, and traditions. With secrets, glamorous parties, romance, and love, Kirkwood's vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make this an engaging and heartwarming read, perfect for summer.

When I was gifted the e-ARC of this novel, I was momentarily confused as there is already a novel by the same title, published several years ago by Monique Roy. However, I soon established that this novel represents quite a different literary work! Billed as ‘escapist holiday fiction’, this book delivers what it promises – a glorious setting (any book with vivid descriptions of Venice is worth reading after all), strong characters (the opera diva, the stunt actor, the stoic locals who have to put up with their antics) and an unexpected love affair with a dramatic ending. I enjoyed reading it and look forward to seeing what Ms Kirkwood will publish next. My thanks go to NetGalley and to the publishers for the free ARC that allowed me to read this book ahead of publication and to publish this unbiased review.

A light hearted summer romance set in Venice. Carol manages to create Venice at carnival time. Her characters are likeable and believable and the story well told. Just right for taking o holiday as it's easy to read.

Once again Carol Kirkwood has delivered an enchanting novel woven like at Tapestry with threads of mystery amidst it's leading Characters, & the beauty & history of Venice. Colours bright& Jewel like for the Carnival with it's Masks & Costumes, it's Buildings & secret Gardens, then Dark like night for it's unknow twisting alley ways & small Canals plus the Dark secrets held by some of the characters. This takes the reader deeper into Venice & the layers that make up this incredible City. So I have been delighted to go on a journey that lighted up my days & years of being virtually completely Housebound apart from the Sanctuary of my Garden when the weather & my mobility allow me to sit outside amid the colours of Nature & when I'm unable too do that I travel with books like this so a huge thank you to it's author .#NetGalley, #GoodReads, #FB, #Instagram, #Amazon.co.uk ,# <img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/8a5b541512e66ae64954bdaab137035a5b2a89d2" width="80" height="80" alt="200 Book Reviews" title="200 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.

This was such a lovely book to read. The descriptions were so good you could almost imagine yourself walking the back streets of Venice or sailing across the Lagoon. The characters were all very believable, from the hard working hotel staff, to the overbearing diva. Relationships were well explored, and all came to the expected conclusions, after the ups and downs along the way. On the whole a thoroughly Enjoyable read.

Perfect novel for a summer holiday, even if not in Venice! Well-plotted, interesting and believable characters. Carol Kirkwood has written another good book.

With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC.

Ms Kirkwood has done it again. Loved this romantic novel, the characters, the setting and the love stories that emerge. High society, from movie stars and opera singers, to the working-classes risen to status and fame. Whilst reading grab an insight into Venice at Carnival time and winding little streets around the canals of this historic city. Hidden beneath the surface lie secrets previously untold, which need to be addressed.

My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this APC and giving me the opportunity to read this explosive novel.

A good holiday romance.
Two romances set in Venice at the time of the carnival.
Gina a concierge at a top hotel in Venice and Lucia de Santic a opera diva from the same small village have secrets to reveal about their past when they meet up in the hotel and Lucia wants everything her own way.
The only downside I didn`t like was all the name dropping which was not necessary for the storyline.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

"One Night in Venice" by Carol Kirkwood is a charming and delightful romance set against the beautiful backdrop of Venice. The story follows the journey of a woman who finds love and self-discovery in the enchanting city. Kirkwood's vivid descriptions bring the magic of Venice to life, making it a perfect summer read. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and the plot is engaging and heartwarming. Overall, it's a captivating and feel-good novel that transports readers to the romantic streets of Venice. Five stars from me!

A novel full of pathos, emotions, and very romantic. I consider any romantic novel set in Venice a sort of contemporary romantasy (I'm Italian) and this one at high level.
intriguigues, passione, the magic of Venice during the carnival: it made me read it fast and root for the fleshed out characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Wow this is an absolutely brilliant book based around the magnificent magical beautiful city of Venice in Italy. This is a city to fall in love with, a story to fall in love with, a new classic from Carol Kirkwood!! Consuming and engaging from the first page to the last!
Gina Bellini works in the prestigious White Palace Hotel in Venice where she has worked her way up to be a widely acclaimed impressive concierge attending to all the demands and wishes of the rich and famous professionally and patiently.
Lucia Di Santis the famed opera singer is due to perform at La Feniche, she is a complete diva and is used to getting her own way in everything!
There are international film stars, their assistants, stunt men and more!! Oh yes and it’s the season of Carnivale with stunning costumes and masks, with all the traditions of Venice. Atmospheric canals and alleys, islands and churches. The essence of Venice.
This book is gorgeously captivating, I adore Venice after being lucky enough to have visited there numerous times, and that’s where a little piece of my heart still stays. This book reminds me of that love.
There are secrets, glamorous parties, romance, love and more. Thrilling and enthralling, entertaining and warm hearted.
This book has it all in spades. An absolute winner for the perfect summer read!!
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the early read! Totally loved this it needs a five star plus rating!!

This intriguing story is set in Venice, with its timeless mystery and elegance.
and a mysterious stranger meet at the annual carnival with all its Three women are brought together at the exclusive White Palace Hotel. Gina, the senior concierge, Issy, PA of superstar Brad Redford, and Lucia De Santis, a top opera sensation and diva.

Gina splendour and glamour when he rescues her from a threatening situation. Both are dressed for the carnival and wearing masks, immediately attracted, chemistry begins to sizzle. All three women are withholding secrets which are explored as this compelling story unfolds.

Carol Kirkwood has created some fascinating characters, Gina from humble beginnings, through hard work and determination is now successful and likeable. Lucia, on the other hand is a real diva, seeking attention from the paparazzi, a malicious, temperamental personality. All come alive at the stroke of a pen.

The beautiful Venetian scenery, historic grand buildings, canals and atmosphere are described so perfectly you feel you are there.

The book is about romance, relationships, jealousy, and blackmail, all comprising a wonderful escapist read which I thoroughly enjoyed. The dramatic spectacular ending is breathtaking. Another winner from Carol Kirkwood.

Carol Kirkwood has provided us with more escapism in the form of "Once Upon a Time in Venice". This time (in her 4th novel) we have a luxury hotel, a Hollywood star and his stunt man / body double, an Italian opera diva and the wonderful setting of Venice. There are secrets and mis-understandings, family feuds, love affairs and friendships. Make sure to get a copy of this novel for your holiday reading.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

'Once Upon a Time in Venice' by Carol Kirkwood is just published 🥳

This is a nice easy read beautifully set in the most magical city of Venice and its surrounds. The storyline follows a young enigmatic woman working as a concierge at the White Place Hotel on its own little island across the lagoon, devoted to pleasing every wish and whim of its filthy-rich clientele and demanding A-list guests (think the Brad character is a thinly veiled version of a Hollywood Brad 😆). As romance blossoms a dark secret from Gina's past threatens her chance of happiness and everything she has worked so hard to achieve.

I am pleasantly gripped and instantly transported back to Venice; pure escapism.