The Venice Sketchbook

By: Rhys Bowen

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

Love and secrets collide in Venice during WWII in an enthralling novel of brief encounters and lasting romance by the New York Times best-selling author of The Tuscan Child and Above the Bay of Angels.

Caroline Grant is struggling to accept the end of her marriage when she receives an unexpected bequest. Her beloved great-aunt Lettie leaves her a sketchbook, three keys, and a final whisper...Venice. Caroline’s quest: to scatter Juliet “Lettie” Browning’s ashes in the city she loved and to unlock the mysteries stored away for more than 60 years.

It’s 1938 when art teacher Juliet Browning arrives in romantic Venice. For her students, it’s a wealth of history, art, and beauty. For Juliet, it’s poignant memories and a chance to reconnect with Leonardo Da Rossi, the man she loves whose future is already determined by his noble family. However star-crossed, nothing can come between them. Until the threat of war closes in on Venice and they’re forced to fight, survive, and protect a secret that will bind them forever.

Key by key, Lettie’s life of impossible love, loss, and courage unfolds. It’s one that Caroline can now make right again as her own journey of self-discovery begins.

©2021 Janet Quin-Harkin, writing as Rhys Bowen (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

loved it

Loved this book and the narrator!
I felt the ending rushed a bit but I still loved it and hated to see it end.

Could not stop listening

I loved this book so much. Venice is as much a character as our leading ladies. It's a beautiful romantic, heart-breaking story. You never know what is the next thing that will be discovered. Listening to this gave me a deep desire to return to Venice.

Warning, this book WILL inspire Wanderlust.

Triumph, despair, love, treachery

THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK has it all. A novel of the survival of the human spirit in a world gone mad. Highly recommended.

Good book

I really liked this book, however I felt like the author sort of bogged down towards the end. Overall the book was quite good and I enjoyed listening to it.

My favorite Bowen book so far

I have listened to many of Bowen's books, but this one is my favorite. The characters captured me and the connection between the two women across time kept the story interesting. Sometimes there was some predictability, but don't all listeners/readers try to figure out what's going to happen before it happens?

Tops for Rhys Bowen and Barrie Kreinik

I’ve read several of Rhys’s books and this one is her best by far. The Venice sketchbook is narrated by Barrie Kreinik. Barrie did a superb job of giving each character their own identity with her voice, adding even more interest to the story.

Surprised

Good story, but wish we had more information regarding some of the characters in we met.

Thoroughly enjoyed

Great listen, solid story that kept my interest. The performance was excellent which made it even better.

Worth the listen

Interesting characters, story good, somewhat choppy. Descriptions easy and enjoyable to visualize. Narrator excellent.

Pleasantly surprised

I have had this book in my library for over and year and finally gave it a listen. I loved this book and didn’t want it to end!!!