These two families take ‘keeping up appearances’ to a whole new level! This is going to be the Summer Read of 2021. Forget slogging through pages and then chapters waiting for a set-up to pay off with some intrigue – We start right off racing to keep up with Giselle Verona, oops, Countess, but she doesn’t like people to use her title. We are quickly introduced to her Italian In-laws (oh Giselle’s French) and um, The Pope who is completely believable and Salvio Scortini, the man whose family line is so old they built Venice. Literally.
I’m not one for sappy romance, but I’m a sucker for real seduction and these characters deliver. No spoilers here so I won’t say which ones. I’m also a fan of dialogue, I hate when a writer tells me everything the characters are thinking. Let me hear them in their own voices. Well, Bendewald has a gift for dialogue so fresh and real that these outlandish people are forever in my psyche. Now, where do I get a passel of zany French pals to keep it real with?
Anyhow, I visited Anna Bendewald’s website as noted in the forward of the book and her character map was super helpful in making sure I had everyone straight because she hurls you through the story like she’s Robert Altman and Quentin Tarantino’s love child. Wait, they can’t have a baby together…well, you know what I mean.
This book is satisfying in a way that surprised me. I knew who the bad guy was, it was just written in such an intimate way when we were in his point of view that God help me, I didn’t put the Kindle down once in those sections. I couldn’t look away when I was looking through his eyes as he did everything he could to keep his city.
I see there’s a second book on the way and I’m glad I don’t need a passport for this european whirlwind.
Jennifer Bock Henry
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It swept me away
“I really enjoyed Anna Bendewald’s novel because it took me away from my daily life with colorful characters and plenty of suspense. (I love Hitchcock’s comment that “action is a bomb going off under the table during dinner. Suspense is knowing there’s a bomb under the table.”)
Stealing Venice kicked off my summer vacation in stunning locations, let me hang out in the glamorous Venetian palazzos and French chateaus, with seductions happening left right and center all knowing there’s a bomb under the table… and his name is Salvio Scortini. I didn’t like him, but I almost felt sorry for him, like why didn’t anyone ever get him some therapy or something? Anger management classes? Lithium? Overall, a very fun read.”
Amazon Customer
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The evocative descriptions makes you feel like you are right there vicariously watching it play out…
“Anna Bendewald is a writer’s, writer. A very strong opening first page poses an intriguing question that will leave you wanting to know more. as I did. The evocative descriptions makes you feel like you are right there vicariously watching it play out for yourself. I’m only four chapters in, BUT absolutely well done so far!”
Sally Primrose
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This is going to be the Summer Read of 2021!
“WOW – These two families take ‘keeping up appearances’ to a whole new level! This is going to be the Summer Read of 2021 – I couldn’t put it down! Just when I think I know what is going on, I am surprised again. I’m not one for sappy romance, but I’m a sucker for real seduction and these characters deliver. No spoilers here so I won’t say which ones. I’m also a fan of dialogue, I hate when a writer tells me everything the characters are thinking. Let me hear them in their own voices. Bendewald has a gift for dialogue so fresh and real that these outlandish people are forever in my psyche. Do yourself a favor and download this book now! And, Anna, please be sure to get the next one published ASAP!”
Amazon Customer
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