Thank you for the opportunity to read and review a book by a new author to me.

After a slow start as a group of characters and a number of locations were introduced, the story quickly picked up pace and I found myself desperately wanting to know what would happen next. A fascinating historical fiction book that weaves secrets, romance and danger into the story as the Italian’s try to stop the Nazis from stealing their beautiful art.

I look forward to reading more by Tessa in the future.

The Florence Sisters is set in wartime Florence, Italy, in 1940. This book is about a city in the war and the brave women who had to live through it.
The main character, Lina, is an expert in art history. She is forced to prove that stolen masterpieces are legit.
She has to label a priceless portrait a fake, setting the book's scene.
The book was filled with danger and tension and was a page-turning read.
The Florence sisters were a strong, brave group of women determined to preserve and save Florence's art.
All the while under the enemy's noses.
Tessa Harris has written another great book.

With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

On publication, I will post the blurb and my review on my blog.

An exploration of the art world in Florence during WW2 in which the Nazis are trying to loot the treasures of Florence for their private collections. This story shows the effort that went in to protecting and saving the masterpieces of Italian art in the Uffizi gallery and elsewhere, and the risks some women took to preserve them. Lina is an engaging heroine, but I had a soft spot for her formidable aunt and the other ladies of The English Lades Art Appreciation Society who gave up their time and loyalty under considerable duress. It is unusual to read about older women and the eye-opening risks they took in their contribution to the war effort.

There is a nice tension between Lina and the owner of a gallery, Edoardo, who may or may not be a Nazi collaborator. Lina has to navigate this uncertainty whilst slowly falling for this enigmatic dealer, whose reputation means that he cannot be trusted.

Based on real events, this is a suspenseful novel of bravery and determination in the face of Nazi greed. Tessa Harris gives us a world of heightened passions - the beauty of art, a constant sense of danger, and a desperate romance that simmers beneath it all. Highly recommended.

WW2 fiction 1940 Florence Italy.
Oh my goodness heart rending and gripping.
A war torn city, a stolen masterpiece, two lives in the balance.
Italy declared war on Britain and every english man and woman have become the enemies.
Lina Dr Angelina Leone and her great aunt Agatha tell us their unique story.
This book is all about survival.
Absolutely lots of twists as the portrait of the Cranage has to be saved from the fascists.
Edoardo Bernini Lina's sweetheart has a hidden secret, and she doesn't know if she can trust him enough after a gruelling trauma that ends in a kidnapping will she get out alive and back to aunt Agatha?
Oh my goodness again this book was so unputdownable right through, loved the characters and their part in the story, as it all blends in making a history that will never be forgotten.
Loved it.

This is ideal for historical fiction readers, who enjoy straightforward, gentle storytelling with romance and action. Fans of the author will not be disappointed.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

On publication, I will post the blurb and my review on my blog.

What a beautiful story! I love Tessa Harris books and she has made me appreciate historical novels in a way that I haven’t in quite some time. Lina’s story was inspiring and hopeful. It really makes you appreciate those that came before us and paved the way for the rights we sometimes take advantage of today.