Publisher: 24th April 2025 by HQ | HQ Digital
Pages: 389 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction | WW2 | Romance | Women's Fiction
Synopsis:
A war-torn city. A stolen masterpiece. Two lives in the balance…Italy, 1940. With Florence on the cusp of war, Il Scorpione, the no-nonsense Englishwomen of the city, find their genteel livelihoods under grave threat by the approach of the Nazis. Tea rooms and bookshops are closed by the Fascists, and the women are forced to join the war effort.
Desperate to help in any way that she can, Angelina Leone, expert art-historian and the half-Italian niece of Il Scorpione’s founder makes a deal with the devil. To guarantee her beloved Aunt Agatha, the only family she has, safe passage across the city, Lina must authenticate the art ruthlessly stolen from Jewish families. But when she comes across a priceless portrait – one that she cannot bear to see seized by the Germans – Lina declares the masterpiece a fake. But in doing so, will she set off a chain of events with consequences more deadly than she could ever imagine …
My Thoughts
My fascination for wartime history continues with another stellar read by Tessa Harris. Of late Great Reads & Tea Leaves has posted a few reviews from this time period, yet still I found myself drawn to learn and read more. The Florence Sisters were a strong and brave group of expat women (mostly elderly English ladies) who were determined to save Florence’s art from both the destruction of war and the greedy Nazis.
‘They were heroines. Each and every one of them. True sisters of Florence.’
Expert art historian, Lina (niece of one of the elderly ladies) is coerced to authenticate a priceless Cranach painting but declares it a fake in order to keep it out of the hands of the Nazis. This then sets off a chain of events that lead to a thrilling conclusion. Think of Monuments Men (who also make a guest appearance). Add in the courage of this group of women, a handsome art gallery owner and resistance fighters and you have a highly entertaining and absorbing read.
If you enjoy reading about Florence and art tied together with suspense and romance you are sure to enjoy this book. The Florence Sisters is another winning read that allows you to be immersed in this time period. The research is well done and the story is full of detailed drama, laced with love and hope.
‘When the war’s over, people will somehow rebuild their lives,’ she told him. ‘They always do, but if you destroy their achievements, what they’ve created over the past centuries, then it’s as if they never really existed.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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