This fabulous book blends romance, historical intrigue, and the sensory world of perfumery. The dual timelines are superb and combines past and present effortlessly.I really felt as if I was on this journey with them. Fionas writing made the Orient Express and Venice feel real. The train feels classy but tense, like secrets are hiding behind every polished surface. In Venice you can almost smell the canals and flowers, and feel the mystery in the air. It’s super immersive without overdoing it, the kind of writing that drops you right into the scene.

What makes this book stand out is how it balances personal drama with historical depth. It’s not just a story, it’s a visceral plunge into love, loss, passion, and resilience. By the end, you don’t just understand the world of perfumery; you feel it!

A truly powerful read that lingers long after the final page.