The Last Letters from Villa Clara by Sarah Steele

£10.99
Available
Product Ref. (e.g. ISBN, SKU)
9781035413027
Published:
13 Mar 2025
Format:
Paperback
Number of pages:
432 pages
Dimensions:
198x129mm
Weight:
0.000kgs
Author:
1938. In the turmoil of pre-war Italy, a painting is carefully stowed in the false bottom of a suitcase, ready to be carried across the border. But as the train draws to a violent halt and armed officers lead the passengers onto the platform, the suitcase is taken and the painting never seen again. 1963. London is on the cusp of change in the swinging 60s. Nightclubs and exclusive parties are in their heyday, as are the art thieves of the East End underworld. But when a lowly boarding-house mistress attempts to take on the upper-crust establishment, and is accused of spying for the Russians, she can save only one thing - her reputation, or the love of her life. 1985. Phoebe Cato is on the verge of losing everything. Following one last trail of clues hidden in a series of paintings, she embarks on a journey to uncover long-held family secrets, and a love story that persisted across the decades.

'A well-written and fascinating narrative about love and loss, courage and betrayal, the past and secrets, art and reproductions' Reader review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'This is certainly a wow of a read . . . interesting, insightful, suspenseful' Reader review, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

CAN THE SEARCH FOR A WARTIME SECRET UNLOCK HER FUTURE?

1939. Europe is on the brink of change and in the fear and chaos of pre-war Italy, a painting disappears and is never seen again.

1963. London is on the cusp of change in the swinging 60s. Nightclubs and exclusive parties are in their heyday, as are the art thieves of the East End underworld. But when a lowly boarding-house landlady attempts to take on the upper-crust establishment, and is accused of spying for the Russians, she can save only one thing - her reputation, or the love of her life.

1989. Phoebe Cato is on the verge of losing everything she cares about: her labour of love, the struggling Cato Museum that houses Bruce Cato's collection of masterful reproductions, and worse than that, her beloved uncle Bruce himself. With only months to live, Phoebe may not be able to save Bruce's life, but little does she know that he had planned on saving hers all along.

Following Bruce's final trail of clues, hidden in a series of paintings, Phoebe embarks on a journey to uncover a long-held family secret and a sweeping love story that encompassed the decades . . .

The moving and captivating new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Schoolteacher of Saint Michel sweeps us from an Italy simmering on the brink of war through to 1960s London at a time of shadows and Russian spies, taking us on an extraordinary journey of love, courage and betrayal. Perfect for fans of Natasha Lester, Fiona Valpy and Santa Montefiore.

About the Author: Sarah Steele trained as a classical pianist and violinist before joining the world of publishing as an editorial assistant at Hodder and Stoughton. She was for many years a freelance editor, and now lives in the vibrant Gloucestershire town of Stroud.

More Information
Number of pages 432

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