The Stolen Letter: A completely gripping and emotional World War 2 historical novel

by Clara Benson

Synopsis

‘I knew in the first couple of pages that this story was going to make me cry and I was right... So emotional... I was left speechless. I absolutely loved every minute... One of the best historical fiction books I've read.' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Italy, 1944: Stella stared at the envelope addressed to her, dated from the day of his death. With a trembling hand she opened it, tears rolling down her cheeks. She read the letter that should have made it to her years ago – the letter that had been ruthlessly stolen from her. It held his last words, and it changed everything.

1938: When Stella arrives in Italy, it's love at first sight. She is wowed by the rolling hills dotted with olive trees, the buttermilk villas with shuttered windows and terracotta roofs that glow gloriously in the sunlight. Even the breeze holds the scent of freedom – freedom from England, where the shadow of her past haunted her.

Then there is Ted, an American journalist who is wild and mischievous, with an arrogance bordering on rude. Stella is infuriated by him – yet she cannot deny the lure of the danger and excitement he promises.

But there is something dark under the bright surface of this beautiful country, with unspeakable tragedies just around the corner. When the Nazis take control of Italy, Stella and Ted – and whatever dreams the future held for them – are ripped apart. Ted is torn away, to report from the perilous frontline. Meanwhile, Stella is paralysed with fear as screeching bombs descend, destroying everything in their wake. There is nothing left to do but sit in darkness, praying to see tomorrow.

And it seems that even in Italy, Stella's past has found her. Somewhere in the winding streets of Florence there is a letter that will change the course of her fate. Unknown to her, it holds a secret with the power to rewrite her past, and everything she has been running away from. But will it come too late? And with the odds stacked against her, will she ever see Ted again?

This totally gripping and heartbreaking tale is about the impossible tragedies of war and the miraculous possibilities of love. Fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, Rhys Bowen's The Tuscan Child, and The Letter by Kathryn Hughes will be utterly captivated by this spectacular historical page-turner.

Readers absolutely love The Stolen Letter:

‘Oh my word I honestly cannot express how much I loved this book. A historical-fiction book that was just simply brilliant. The story and the characters were fantastic and I read this book in one day it was that good. I will be recommending this book to everyone who loves reading, it is a must-read.' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Breathtaking and heartbreakingly beautiful... Be prepared to go on a very emotional journey where your heart will be ripped out and patched up over and over again. The characters are captivating and relatable. The twists and turns throughout the story are truly unforgettable. Clara Benson is an author that I would love to read over and over again.' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh my, what a gem of a story... I cannot recommend this book highly enough nor write a review that can justify why you should read it. Historical fiction at its best. This book has it all... Such a good book. High 5 stars!!!!' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I loved this book... It was so good I didn't want to stop reading, I read way too late into the early morning... Heartbreaking.' Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This novel is truly amazing... Stole my heart from the very beginning with this beautiful story... I could not put it down... Not one to miss.' Breakfast w Rachel, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release date: September 24, 2020

Publisher: Bookouture

Print pages: 394