WHO, WHAT, WHERE: The Capaldi family led by unstoppable grandmother Elena is battling the Nazi occupation of their town of Amatino in Umbria, Italy with layers of love, betrayal, revenge, resilience and found family.

THOUGHTS: I've read a LOT of World War II historical fiction, but I think this was my first that took place in Italy! Especially Nazi-occupied Italy. In schools, I've been taught the perspective of the fascist government of Mussolini and how the Nazi's had taken over other countries (usually these books take place in France). But this really opened up the complexities of life in Italy during World War II. As it is often referred to in Amatino it was black and white, good or bad, but in Rome everything was shades of gray. This book explored a lot of those whether it is if bad guys could be good and if everything is as it seems.

The book featured some well-fleshed-out characters of the Capaldi clan. My favorite was the priest, Massimo by far, and of course the star of the house- Elena. Sophia and Katerina were great additions to the strong women who were unstoppable in this occupation with as much respect at the table as the men they worked alongside. I also really liked the addition of the side characters- even if some of these people were only in a glimpse of the story, they served a purpose of understanding Amatino at war.

It honestly took me until halfway through this book to realize that this was a sequel haha. I was getting so confused that I couldn't understand some of the character dynamics or who was who. And I debated if I should pause where I was in the book and read the first one, or just continue.... but I couldn't put this down!!! I wish I read the first novel first for a bit more of that understanding- for instance, I had no idea what was going on with Messell and Giorgio and Rocco and it took me a bit to realize who is who. I wish it was referenced a bit clearer, but that is likely my misunderstanding- and lack of reading the first novel.

This book is one I would love to read translated in Italian- I think it would be quite enjoyable especially with one thing for me is I always try to picture how the soldiers communicated with their broken languages so well. I really liked the authors use of calling them Gnocchi and some other food related phrases.

I really enjoyed this one and look forward to the third book ( I hope!) and of course going back and reading the first story. I definitely recommend to any historical fiction fans!

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest feedback. All opinions are my own. The Moonlit Piazza will be published on May 26, 2025. #TheMoonlitPiazza #NetGalley


PS: I look forward to seeing the authors recommended reading and references on the topics!

🇮🇹🪖The Moonlit Piazza by Annabelle Thorpe🪖🇮🇹
Genre: Historical Fiction / Women's Fiction
Length: 400 pages
Pub Date: May 27, 2025
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria Books for the e-ARC of this book. The opinions stated here are solely my own.

Synopsis:
1943 - village of Amatino, Italy, as Nazis occupied during WWII. The book is centered around life in Amatino, and the family of its matriarch, Elena Capaldi. Elena runs and owns a beloved trattoria called Casa Maria in the village, and her heart and loyalties are tested as a young German soldier seeks boarding there. Meanwhile, Elena's grandson has fled to Rome to hide from Nazi soldiers, leaving his new bride, Sophia, to stay in Amatino with the Capaldis. As war tensions rise, villagers are at risk, and it becomes apparent that there may be a traitor in their midst. Is it the young German soldier who is helping Elena cook in the trattoria? Or could it be someone much closer to home...?

Opinion:
This book had me captivated from start to finish. I typically love WWII Historical Fiction, and this book brought a fresh lens from the small Italian village that I loved. The author made the characters truly feel like family and their stories felt so real and powerful. It also makes the reader consider what were very blurred lines during WWII and not to always judge a book by its cover. I loved the strength of nonna Elena, the courage of the young village priest (Massimo), and the side love story of Elena's grandson and new wife. Stories that involve close-knit families always intrigue me and I shed actual tears during many parts in the story. This is a must-read for WWII Historical Fiction!!

I made it about 15% of the way through the book before giving up. I didn’t realise that it was a sequel to another book before beginning and couldn’t quite shake the feeling that I had missed a whole chunk of something really important.
The premise is a good one - resistance fighters in Italy living in Rome during WW2, and the promise of lots of descriptions of delicious Italian food as the family involved runs a trattoria.
I will hunt down the first book in the series and give it a fair go so that I can read the second one without feeling like I’m on the outside of an inside joke!

This was a hard book to get into. I wish it would have been advertised as being the second book of a series. Maybe that’s why I was confused when I was reading it. Unfortunately, I stopped about halfway through. The book seemed a bit dry and wasn’t very intriguing.

The Moonlit Piazza by Annabelle Thorpe is a poignant and evocative tale of resilience, family, and resistance set against the backdrop of WWII Italy. A sequel to The Village Trattoria, this novel reintroduces readers to the Capaldi family, whose lives are deeply intertwined with their beloved trattoria, Casa Maria, and the dangers of Nazi-occupied Amatino.

At the heart of the story is Elena Capaldi, a formidable matriarch whose strength and courage are tested as she harbors a German soldier, Schmidt, in her home—a moral dilemma that sparks questions about humanity amidst war. Meanwhile, her grandson Giorgio works covertly for the Resistance, leaving his wife, Sophia, to navigate her own challenges and protect the family's secrets.

Thorpe masterfully immerses readers in the richly atmospheric setting of Amatino. The vivid descriptions of Casa Maria’s bustling kitchen, the tension-filled piazza, and the Italian countryside create a cinematic experience. The narrative captures the essence of wartime Italy, blending moments of warmth and camaraderie with the ever-present shadow of betrayal and danger.

The characters are beautifully complex, each grappling with their own struggles and secrets. Elena’s unwavering determination and Sophia’s quiet bravery stand out, showcasing the strength of the women in the story. The addition of new characters, such as the enigmatic Kat and the conflicted Schmidt, adds depth and intrigue, keeping readers guessing about their true intentions.

While the first half of the novel excels in building tension and atmosphere, the latter half picks up pace, delivering unexpected twists and an emotional resolution. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love and family are woven seamlessly into the plot, leaving a lasting impression.

For fans of historical fiction, The Moonlit Piazza is a compelling and heartfelt read that captures the spirit of resistance and the resilience of the human spirit. Annabelle Thorpe’s lyrical prose and nuanced storytelling make this a standout novel, and readers will be eagerly awaiting what comes next for the Capaldi family.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. The Moonlit Piazza is set to be published on May 26, 2025.

War torn, Nazi occupied Italy is the scene for this book. Family, love, revenge, and horror lead a story of a small town tormented by a moral less Nazi leader who ushers in evil and murder. The Capladi family stands at the core of resistance, forging on despite fear of retribution. A moving story of resilience.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

The book was really, really good. I recommend it to all readers.

The setting, characters and story all came together to make it a great read.

"The Moonlit Piazza" by Annabelle Thorpe immerses readers in the heart of Italy during World War II, where themes of war, family, and love intertwine.

The story focuses on the Capaldi family, who run Casa Maria, a trattoria that symbolizes resistance and resilience in the face of Nazi occupation. The family matriarch, Elena Capaldi, epitomizes strength as she faces a moral dilemma: harboring a young German soldier who shares her love of cooking. This unlikely friendship prompts questions about trust and humanity amidst conflict.

The plot takes place in picturesque Amatino, where secrets lurk beneath the surface. Elena's grandson, Giorgio, is undercover at another family trattoria, leaving his wife Sophia to protect his whereabouts. Suspense builds as conspiracies brew among townspeople, some willing to betray the Capaldis for personal gain. Thorpe weaves an intricate web of intrigue that keeps readers hooked.

The atmosphere is evocative—you can almost taste the aromas from Casa Maria's kitchen, hear the laughter and whispers at family gatherings, and feel the omnipresent fear. Thorpe's writing is lyrical yet accessible, painting vivid images while maintaining a brisk pace. Emotions run deep as we experience Elena's fierce love for her family and her inner turmoil.

Characters are portrayed with nuance—neither purely good nor evil—which adds depth to their interactions and decisions. This complexity prompts readers to examine their beliefs about loyalty and betrayal. Certain plot points could have been further developed for greater emotional impact.

Ultimately, the novel is a heartfelt tribute to Italian heritage and familial bonds that will resonate with anyone inspired by stories of resilience.

It’s the sequel I predicted a couple years ago and have eagerly been anticipating, so I was thrilled when Aria & Aries sent it my way. The Moonlit Piazza by Annabelle Thorpe takes us back to Italy during WWII where we rejoin Sophia, Elena, Massimo, and the rest of the family as the war continues to ravage Europe. Added to the mix is the mysterious Kat, who townspeople are trying to figure out if she’s working for the Nazis and Schmidt, a German soldier who is residing in Elena’s home. Giorgio has been forced from Amatino under the guise that he is dead, but in reality, he goes to stay with his uncle for his safety. Whether in Rome or Amatino, family members work for the Resistance to bring an end to Nazi control of Italy.

Should you read The Village Trattoria before The Moonlit Piazza? I would recommend it highly. It is a great read and will help establish the background of the characters in atheism Moonlit Piazza. Thorpe puts you in the village and you’ll find yourself wanting to step into the restaurant for some of Elena’s homemade pasta dishes and desserts. There’s love and loss, revenge and redemption. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on May 26, 2025.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #TheMoonlitPiazza #AnnabelleThorpe #ariaandaries

I like story set in Italy but I usually don't read those set in WWII as my father was a member of the Resistance so it's always complicated define if I liked or not.
This is a good one, a historical fiction with a touch of fantasy about cooking as a way of joining people (in some part of Italy it wasn't that easy and I'm also wondering about Rome after the Ardeatine)
I enjoyed it, recommended
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Moonlit Piazza takes us back to the small Italian village during WWII, and the Capaldi family.
(Although it follows Enemy of Love, you can enjoy The Moonlit Piazza as a standalone read).
This book is great for fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in WWII and the Italian resistance. This is a moving that will keep you hooked until the end.

My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for readers of:

Historical Fiction


Review:

This is a well written story that takes you in time to life in a small Italian village during WWII. , The writing is vivid with great attention to detail this made it captivating and realistic. It tells the story of the Capaldi Family and shows the effects of war on not just everyday life but also on the relationships between family, friends and the other villagers and how each and every one of them responds and deals differently with the pressure they are under and dangers they all face.

The main characters are interesting and their actions were explained well, this made them realistic and easy to relate to.

This book starts where the previous book “Enemy of Love” finishes but each book can be read as a standalone.

Overall:

The book is very well written, vivid and with great attention to detail. The story captures you from the start, and has the right mixture, of suspense, mystery, some romance and a bit of adventure to make it interesting till the end.

This was such a good book! The writing style and the story line were amazing. Would read more like this in the future

The resilience of family in italy under the oppressive forces. Didnt realise there was a previous book might have defined story better but can be read alone. Not a great fan of war novels but this delves deeper into human phyche and characters.

Thanks to www.headofzeus.com, Aria & Aries and Netgalley.co.uk for a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.

As every bit as good as the first book, 'The Enemy Of Love', which has now been retitled, 'The Village Trattoria' . 'The Moonlit Piazza' continues the story of Elena Capaldi and her Italian family as they fight against the Nazi regime during the 2nd World War.

Both brave and fearless, Elena and her family run the Capaldi restaurant 'Casa Maria' on whatever scraps of food they are gifted or can salvage together. But at the heart of it all is their involvement with the resistance and their secret life.
Four sons, each working away behind the scenes, each in their own way fighting against German occupation, and each with their own secrets and stories to unfold.

And beside them three remarkably strong women who are unwilling to sit on the sidelines and let the men take all the risks.
This powerful and creative story tells of lives lived in fear, but with the determination not to be beaten.

I really hope that a third book is in the offing, as there is still a further story to be told.

🍝 Wow! I've read the first book in this series & remember getting really into it. I hadn't realized the next book was out but knew when I saw it that I had to read it.

🍞 This isn't an easy read because it is so sad. The war time seems unfathomable sometimes because I can't even begin to imagine what people went through. A lot of what's in this story is probably a very accurate portrayal of life in Italy during the war when the Germans took over & it's truly heartbreaking.

🍝 However, Annabelle's story is also a wonderful story about the closeness of family & love. How people came together to feed each other & be there for one another at the worst possible time. It's about seeing the person behind the uniform & trying to see the best in people.

🍞 For those reasons it's definitely a page turner & a story you really get into. There's hope through it all, which I very much enjoyed. The writing was brilliant & I'd highly recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley for the early copy.

Kelly

I have read a lot of this genre and found this to be a readable engaging novel. I was certainly gripped by the story as it unfolded and invested in the characters. Would recommend.

Found the book a bit slow to start but it did pick up and flowed much faster! Thanks for the opportunity to read it.

I thought the book was ok. The plot was slow in the beginning and about halfway it started to pick up. The book was a bit dry for me. There was no real growth for the characters. I wanted something more of dynamics with the main characters and there was none. There was no ups and downs.

The Moonlit Piazza is an absolutely captivating read that left me spellbound from beginning to end. The author masterfully creates a rich, immersive world and the depth of detail in the world-building is truly remarkable.

The protagonist, is a beautifully complex character whose journey of self-discovery and courage resonates deeply. Her growth throughout the story is both believable and inspiring, making her a heroine you can’t help but root for. The supporting characters are just as well-crafted, each bringing their own unique charm and depth to the narrative.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had figured out what would happen next, the author skillfully surprised me. The themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the fight between good and evil are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding layers of meaning that will leave readers pondering long after they turn the last page.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fantasy lovers. I can’t wait for the next installment!