Francesca arrives at the beautiful Italian island of Santa Caterina. The secluded island is owned by Thiago who is a book collector. As Francesca and Thiago soon discover, the books were hidden during World War II by a bookseller's daughter named Helèna. She sacrificed everything to keep the books from being taken and destroyed by the Nazis. One of the books they have in their possession is Helèna’s diary. It is their road map to finding and locating the books, and the more time Thiago and Francesca spend together the closer they become. As they read through the pages of the diary, the resilience and they are finding out about Helèna and the things she experienced during such a horrible time in history. And as the diary comes to an end, both Francesca and Thiago lives are completely impacted and will never be the same.

The Bookseller’s Daughter written by author Daniela Sacerdoti was a heart-breaking, unputdownable story of resilience, strength and endurance, was amazing. I love that this story was a time-slip novel, as those are a favorite of mine. I love books that bridge the past and the present. The detailed description of the beautiful Italian island of Santa Caterina, was mesmerizing. I could see the beautiful tranquil water and the blue sky above, as I sat on the shore. I was completely connected to Francesca, Thiago and of course Helèna. Her story was incredible as I flipped through the pages of her diary. I loved everything about this story from beginning to end, and I highly recommend it. An absolutely must read.

Heartbroken after he life fell apart, Francesca is in Italy trying to acquire some manuscripts for her job, hoping it turns her life around. Once she gets to the island, she finds there is a puzzle to put together with Thiago, who is also hoping to acquire the manuscripts. As they put the puzzle together of where Helena, a nun, hid the manuscripts to save them during World War II, she has to decide how the lessons she learns will affect the choices she makes in her life.

I loved this book! It started a bit slow; I wasn’t a fan of Francesca as she kept detailing bad choices she was making; however, I did understand it was background information developing her character. It was just hard to understand her decisions without seeing why she felt that way. However once she was offered toe opportunity to go to Italy, I couldn’t put the book down.

The book was very descriptive and beautiful. I loved the mystery in the story and thought the plot was well developed. I would definitely recommend reading this book!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Bookseller's Daughter by Daniela Sacerdoti was a beautifully written Historical Fiction book that was just magical from the beginning till the very last page. Daniela always writes from the heart and captivates her audience and new audience by the way she writes. She tells a story that will take you away to that period of time,
The Bookseller's Daughter is set on a small island in Italy and told across two timelines. one in the Present day, New York: and the other in the the Second World War which was mesmerising from start to finish and the twist at the end was entirely unexpected - I loved it!

This book is a perfect holiday read I highly recommend this book. Another 5 star book.

Biggest Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

It’s been many years since I read a book by Danielle Sacerdoti, but the intriguing blurb immediately drew me to this one: WW2 fiction set in Italy, a hunt for precious manuscripts, a possible love story. It just sang to me. And did it hit all the right notes? Absolutely!

Set across two timelines, The Bookseller’s Daughter is a beguiling story within a story, following the present day quest for a priceless set of illuminated medieval manuscripts hidden within the grounds of an Italian island convent and set against events there during the war.

Francesca has been sent from New York to acquire the manuscripts for her boss’s art gallery, only to find herself in competition with local dealer Thiago. The only information they have to go on is a set of diaries written by a young Hungarian girl, Helèna, who lived with the nuns on Santa Caterina towards the end of the war and hid the books from the Nazis when they took over the island.

This was a thoroughly engrossing read, with both threads equally compelling. I loved the way Helèna’s story was embedded within that of Francesca and Thiago, who grew increasingly close, as together they pored over Helèna’s diaries, searching for clues as to the hiding place of the manuscripts.

Sacerdoti’s writing is hauntingly atmospheric; beautifully evocative of Santa Caterina, the lake that surrounds it, and the mysteries they hold. The storytelling, especially in the historical timeline, is absolutely wonderful, and I adored the hint of the paranormal that wove its way through.

The twist at the end was entirely unexpected but at the same time a delightful way to round off this hugely enjoyable piece of escapism.

The perfect summer read for all historical fiction fans.

A beautiful story that is very well told by the author. You taken back to Italy in two different periods of time. It is actually a story within a story as you learn the story of two different women.

The scenery is so well described that you feel as though you are actually there. And the characters are so likeable that you want to meet them in person.

I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this eCopy to review

I finished this book last night and would just love to be able to read it all again straight away I was completely drawn in by Sacerdoti's storytelling. The Bookseller's Daughter is a duel timeline story set on a small island in Northern Italy. The scene setting is exceptionally, I felt like I was actually in the convent with all the characters. I love books set in other countries and with just a hint of the supernatural and romance this was a truly beautiful escapist read.

I loved the treasure hunt quest Francesca and Thiago have to carry out to find the illuminated manuscripts. It was apparent early on that it was much more than a hunt for the books, but a hunt to find out the secrets of their ancestors and to help Francesca and Thiago heal and grow into the people they are meant to be

A dual time line novel about the search for invaluable illustrated manuscripts and other works of art hidden on San Caterina by Helena during WWII, Francesca, distressed at the end of her relationship, has come to the island, as has Thiagos, to locate the art so that it can be sold but they must first decipher a diary left by Helena. As is so often the case, her story is more interesting than the one in the present but the two halves work well together. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good read.

This is an interesting dual timeline historical novel set in northern Italy. I was drawn in by the premise involving medieval illuminated manuscripts but I had trouble buying into the story As an art historian I didn’t find Francesca’s character believable and I think that there were just too many coincidences and too much magical realism to embrace the characters of Francesca and Thiago and their experience at Santa Caterina. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book even though it was not quite the right fit for me.

The Bookseller’s Daughter, by Daniela Sacerdoti

A beautifully written book, set on a small island in Italy and told across two timelines. This book was absolute escapism and I adored it!

In the modern day, Francesca has been dumped by her fiancé, Isaac, who wants it all his way. Francesca is still hopeful he’ll change his mind as she heads to Italy to bid for valuable manuscripts for her employer. There she meets Thiago, who, as he is also there to bid, should be her rival in business.

The pair are given a diary belonging to Helena, which was written during WWII and they need to work together to decipher the clues within and find where the manuscripts are hidden.

The evocative descriptions of Santa Catarina captivated my imagination and made me feel as though I could really be there. I enjoyed observing Francesca and Thiago’s personal growth, as they work their way through the diary and learn from those who lived before them.

In the past, Helena’s story was heartbreaking to read. As a six year old girl, Helena watched her parents perish in a fire that also destroyed their home and their bookshop. She finds herself on Santa Catarina as a young woman, helping out at the convent and in particular, cataloguing their library. The war changes everything and turns their quiet lives upside down in so many ways. I especially loved Aurelie, with her warm humour and my heart really went out to Fabio - doing his duty and in an impossible situation, as must have been the case for so many men during the war.

Every character was well developed and the pace of the book was steady throughout. An absolute winner.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I absolutely loved this book.

Two women, Francesca and Thiago, whilst reading a diary, it reveals some secrets, they get to know about Helena, who whilst living on Santa Caterina, at the time when war was ongoing, did everything she could,, so that she could save the safeguard the island as well as the treasures from the Nazi’s when they occupied the island.

But when Francesca find out what happened to Helena at the time of war, it’ll change everything for her.

I highly recommend this book.

Having read all this authors books I felt this one was not quite to my suiting it was a very good read just not for me

I really loved this book. It had the atmospheric italian vibe I crave. It had strong resilient characters, you Will fall in love with them , fight along with them. The love story was spot on. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

What a beautiful story - couldn't put it down.
I love all Daniela Sacerdoti books, but this may be my favorite so far.
This story is essentially of two woman, Helena and Francesca, living in two different time periods. The plot revolves around the island of Santa Caterina, which sounds beautiful, and a set of ancient books that both woman are determined to save. Mixed into the story is family, love, and tough decisions. It is completely captivating. Highly recommend.
I received can advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Why is it that when we feel we’ve been waiting so long for a beloved author’s next book to be available, we binge read it only to discover that the cycle continuously repeats itself?! Sadly, Sacerdoti’s latest is not one to be read slowly and savoured….it’s bingeable!

I loved:
✔️Well-written and equally engaging dual timeline
✔️Italian setting
✔️enigmatic characters
✔️mystery
✔️old diary
✔️Mysterious history that kept me engaged
✔️Books
✔️Following clues through manuscripts
✔️Ghosts
✔️Italian village life during wartime
✔️Strength of women

Sacerdoti reminds us of the power of books and the power of strong women to hold us together. Her two timelines are connected through love and sacrifice and encourage readers to embrace destiny on our journey toward healing.

Congratulations on a fantastic cover!

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Loved it!!! I couldn't wait to read this because I loved the previous books by the author. This one was no exception. It took me awhile to warm up to Francesca. It was easy to see Isaac's manipulation of her, but Francesca had blinders on. Isaac could do no wrong in her eyes. She would bend over backwards for him, even though they were no longer engaged. The trip to Italy was perfect for her. My favorite part of the book was Helèna's story. I couldn't wait for Francesca and Thiago to finish reading her diary. The island of Santa Caterina, sounded like a beautiful and mystical place. I probably wouldn't want to walk around outside alone at night, especially with the fog and ghosts. Francesca and Thiago were destined for each other. Loved learning the truth about everyone.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the the characters, writing style and story. Daniela Sacerdoti's books are so magical and always draw me into the story. I felt like i was right there with Helèna. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is worth the ride from start to finish, there's so much going on and it just flows beautifully together! Love it.

I just reviewed The Bookseller's Daughter by Daniela Sacerdoti. #TheBooksellersDaughter #NetGalley
[https://www.netgalley.com/member/book/291361/review]

A beautiful story that is woven with such feeling and emotion. I could feel the emotions and the fear and the moments of peace in this story. Such a different version of a story set in Italy during WWII. Realizing how times were so different and how heavily involved the church was in the war brings the realization of the depths of fear, and fighting and how there were even moments of peace and love during a most dangerous time in history. Weaving together the story of an orphan who is able to find salvation and keep her inner fire fierce to fight and protect the people who help her the most brings this story to a different level from other novels.

“The Bookseller’s Daughter” is a dual timeline historical fiction book by Daniela Sacerdoti. This book has a bit of romance, a bit of supernatural, a bit of history, and a bit of mystery. The two main characters are sent by their employers to purchase some illuminated documents from the Middle Ages, but they need to follow clues from a nearly 50 year old diary in order to find the documents. This book took me a while to get into, but it was a quick and short read with interesting historical information. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. The present day story of two art dealers , Francesca from New York, and Thiago from Italy, summoned to the island of Santa Catarina to bid on historical artwork, is intertwined with the story of the island during World War II. The story of Francesca and Thiago developing relationship and the story of the sisters and refugees inhabiting the island during the war is the basis of this book. I don’t want to divulge too much info but suffice to say, this was a quick, easy , short book to read. This book had historical references, a bit of mystery, and a bit of romance, it was a good book that I would recommend.

this is a new to me author, but the book looked very interesting and I was eager to read it. This book takes place in two time periods--the older time period is during WW2 and is represented through a series of diary entries. It also is contemporary with the lives of Francesca and Thiago who are READING the diary entries. I have done some research on the Illuminated documents from the Medieval era and it's fascinating to learn about them.

The book did well peeling back the story of Helena through her diaries. We got pieces added in every chapter until we knew her whole story by the end. There is a sense of...supernatural? Through the "coincidences" that kept happening. But that was intended for the story. I definitely wanted to go experience that island and abbey for myself!

For those who would want to know--there is mention of premarital sex, rape, and one F- at the very end. Nothing is described in detail and is just mentioned more in passing.

The history was beautiful. The story was done well and interesting. The things mentioned above--well, I don't think they were needed for the story. Without them, it would have been just a clean historical fiction read.

3 stars--but only because I didn't love it. It was just a solid story but nothing really jumped out at me. It ended up fairly predictable.

**I received this ARC from Netgalley and was not required to share a positive review. All opinions are my own!