When the lives of four very different women become entangled in a boutique Venice hotel, dark secrets unravel and not everyone who checked into the hotel will check out again.
Signora Loretta Bianchi, the world famous cook at Venice’s Hotel Il Cuore, is forced to choose between once-in-a-lifetime passion and her devoted husband.
Sophie, on assignment in Venice as a food writer, finds a lot more than Signora Bianchi’s secret recipes to love, but what is the charming Rocco hiding?
Law graduate Elena is sinking just like the endangered city she’s returned home to, and she’ll stop at nothing to be free from her marriage.
Grandmother Gayle’s dream Venetian holiday turns sinister as she finds herself embroiled in a life or death escape.
Set against a backdrop of the romance and tragedy of magical Venice, The Venice Hotel explores the powerful bonds that develop between women in times of crisis, and the healing power of female connection.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
“The Venice Hotel” is about four women who meet at a hotel in Venice, how they come together, find empathy for each other and forge a bond of sisterhood over the twelve days of Christmas. It seems like a straighforward plot, but the reader is soon made aware these ladies are carrying more baggage than their suitcases could ever contain. The author’s adept storytelling weaves the narrative of each woman’s life into the plot, allowing the reader to connect with their individual experiences. It’s clear that these women, up until their meeting in Venice, have all been living their lives in survival mode. They do the best they can to get from one day or one crisis to the next. I also felt that not one of them is living anywhere close to the life that would have chosen for themselves. Making it to this time and place in their lives is a testament to their resilience and strength, and adds a deep emotional layer to the story. As a reader and observer, I found the characters very relatable. Individually or as a group, they could be anyone we know. This relatability makes their journey all the more engaging and meaningful. I am still thinking about Loretta, Sophie, Gayle and Elena wondering how they are getting on and I would love to have a chat with them over the finest Italian Cappuccino and a piece of cake from the kitchen of “The Venice Hotel.” Ciao Susan, QLD, 5 stars
At first I was unsure how I felt about The Venice Hotel – four totally different female characters in completely different circumstances against the background of the Il Cuore Hotel, and set over the 12 days of Christmas. But .. they all had their dark secrets and one by one their pasts were slowly catching up with them. As the book progressed their lives and that of their families slowly entwined, and you dare not look away even for a moment for fear of missing something. More than once I found myself holding my breath, anxiously awaiting the outcome of the issue of the moment. The book covers so many current topical concerns – domestic abuse, alcoholism and homophobia to name a few, and the author handles each superbly. Each character is so realistically portrayed, you feel you would recognised them if you passed them in the street. Definitely a book to put on your “must read” list! Jane, NSW, 5 stars
I absolutely adored Tess Woods’ beautiful new novel The Venice Hotel. The intriguing stories of four very different women are intricately interwoven and all set against the stunning background of the festive season in Venice. At times I felt like I too was wandering the picturesque streets and taking in the historic sights. Highlighting the negative impacts of global warming and mass tourism, and dealing with heavy themes of addiction, domestic violence and religious extremes, this gorgeous novel really has it all. I thoroughly enjoyed The Venice Hotel and would highly recommend! Imogen, VIC, 5 stars
The Venice Hotel by Tess Woods is a wonderful, intriguing and colourful story written by Tess Woods. Set in the historic and romantic city of Venice the lives of four very different women become entangled and unite them in a time of crisis. Loretta Bianchi a famous chef, Sophie, a food writer from Australia, Elena a law graduate who has just returned home with her husband and Gayle from America on holiday with her husband Mike. They all have deep dark secrets they are dealing with and develop a strong bond. A great read. Gai, NSW, 5 stars
What a beautifully written book . The way the characters Gayle, Loretta, Sophie and Elena bond together in a time of crisis is incredible. Set in Venice a beautiful place between Christmas and New Year, the plot never fails to surprise per every day of the 12 days of Christmas. This is a book I will definitely reread over again. Tess Woods is a fantastic author and looking forward to reading more from her. Lorraine, VIC, 5 stars
Four women. Four very different lives. All with dark secrets. When the lives of these four women intercept at a Venice hotel, dark secrets begin to unravel. Set against the backdrop that is the beauty of the city of Venice over the Christmas / New year period this tale explores the powerful bonds that are formed between women in times of crisis. I enjoyed reading and learning of the lives of the women, Loretta, Sophie, Elena and Gayle and the secrets they keep in hope of maintaining the status quo. Each woman becoming aware of the sacrifices they have made, often to their own detriment. This is a great story with short, sharp chapters making it a quick and easy read. I look forward to reading more books by Tess Woods. Carolyn, WA, 5 stars
A brilliantly woven story of four strong but fractured women whose life threads converge in the titular hotel, against the gloriously broken backdrop of a modern Venice trying to save itself from drowning. A must read – I loved this book! Alanna, QLD, 5 stars
The Venice Hotel is a book about love, and the secrets people keep, to protect that love. Told from the viewpoint of the four main characters, the story unfolds over twelve days, the twelve days of Christmas, set in a city loved by many, and a city under siege from the climate, and tourists. The four women who tell the story, are all very different, and the story revolves around how their very different lives intersect at the hotel. Each chapter is set on one of the twelve days of Christmas, and the characters develop, and their different stories unfold, as the book progresses. I really enjoyed this story of love, and the lengths that people go to, to protect that love. A really good read. Julie, VIC, 5 stars
One of my favourite reads this year. Set in a boutique Venice hotel run by celebrity chef, Loretta Bianchi. It’s the meeting point of four very different women, each with a story to tell and secrets they keep. At the beginning a new guest steps in to deal with an emergency and is regarded as a hero and good bloke. The women begin to bond over unfolding events, which are not as they may first appear. Friendships are formed, trust gained and their individual stories slowly revealed, each important as they intertwine leading towards the inevitable conclusion. I found the characters flawed, well-rounded and believable. Loved Sophie and her bubbly personality, despite the weight-related comments she’s suffered all her life. And Rocco. Phew. Move over Mr Darcy. I was transported to Venice – it’s buildings, canals, markets, cuisine, and the down side of being over-loved by tourists and environmental damage from cruise ships and climate change. I liked the chapter headings – The Twelve Days of Christmas as chapter headings, the tension rising accordingly. A great read. Pamela, QLD, 5 stars
Wow! What a beautiful book – set in Venice, the reader gets to meet four very interesting women. In times of need they are there for each other, the characters are so real. Loretta Bianchi is a real character as is her husband. An absolutely wonderful book. Deborah, NSW, 5 stars
The Venice Hotel is about a boutique hotel, Hotel Il Cuore, run by the Bianchi Family and has been in the family for three generations. Loretta Bianchi is the celebrity chef who prepares the meals for the restaurant and schmoozes with the guests. She is assisted by her husband Alberto, son Rocco, daughter Marina, and cousins Salvtore and Chiara. The guests in the hotel are Gayle and Mike Dawson (Americans), Christian and Elena Taylor (from Australia, although Elena was local in Venice), and Sophie Black (a foodie journalist from Australia) who is joined surprisingly by her mother, Penelope, later on in the book. The females all bond over their secrets that reveal themselves throughout their stay. Amongst the story are heart attacks, forbidden loves, family squabbles, a missing son, trickery to separate a mistreated wife from her husband so she can leave him, and a murder. A very entertaining, enjoyable read throwing so many different situations into the story and uncovering many layers to the varied characters. Vicki, VIC, 5 stars
The Venice Hotel by Tess Woods was a book which I loved reading and found it hard to put down.I have never been to Venice but I felt like I was there and really a part of this intriguing tale involving four different women. The book involved intrigue, romance, crime, drama and a lot more over the twelve days of Christmas. Everything was so very Italian from the food to the references to the Catholic Mass and Priest and Nun who were all involved in this intertwined story. Well done Tessa Woods one of the best books which I have read this year. Katrina, QLD, 5 stars
This book hooked me from the first page, love can conquer all, however it often comes at a cost. Delightfully written and I thought I was in Venice, with the characters. Maryanne, NSW, 4 stars
I loved my trip to Venice years ago and I felt like I was right back there but this time in the moody, cold, wet yet festive month of December. The backdrop of Venice as the setting for this novel is perfect. The Venice Hotel unfolds over the twelve days of Christmas and weaves through the lives of four very different women who find themselves staying at this boutique hotel over the holiday period. Each is struggling with very different family issues. If you love Venice, food, suspense, a bit of romance, family drama and some wonderful female characters this is the book for you. I thoroughly enjoyed this easy read by a new to me author. Suzanne, WA, 4 stars
The story is based around four women (and a Venice hotel). All of the women are in their own ‘situation’. Their stories drew me in, particularly the way their lives entwined. Life is complicated and this book plots many of these complications: health, sex, romance, attraction, familial relationships and obligation, domestic violence, employment and being part of or shunned by community. I love that Venice was the backdrop for this story. Of late, there has been much more broadcasting of the environmental factors impacting Venice, and it’s discussed in this book. At some points I wondered if the ‘drowning’ was a reflection of how the characters felt in their situations. This book is definitely a character driven novel, which usually isn’t my thing, nor is the ‘women’s fiction’ genre, but this book is not just one thing: it’s romance, mystery, domestic drama and spotlights social issues. I enjoyed reading it and enjoyed the layered stories. Aotea, QLD, 4 stars
I really enjoyed this book. It was something I couldn’t read while in bed because I found it hard to put down! Christine, QLD, 4 stars
Tess has written a story that had me feeling like I was in Venice myself along with characters that felt like I really knew them. I was invested in their lives and secrets that were revealed during their stay at Hotel II Cuore. A very enjoyable read full of drama that kept me entertained and drooling at the thoughts of Loretta’s cooking! The intertwined real life environmental issues and the impact it has was really eye opening. A disfigurement in the otherwise beautiful scenery. Mandie, SA, 4 stars
This novel is a great reminder to not judge a book by its cover, or not judge a book by its title. This is not some quaint little romantic story about a boutique hotel in Venice, even though this does form the picturesque setting. Rather, this is a narrative that delves into a number of complicated stories and explores the complex connections and relationships of its characters. Leave all of your expectations on the first page and jump in for a bumpy ride. You won’t be disappointed! Angela, VIC, 4 stars
Set against the romantic backdrop of Venice, this novel weaves through the lives of four women, each at a unique crossroads in life. The author paints a vivid picture of the city, with serene canals and historic architecture. The story unfolds through the lens of the four grappling with pressing life issues like the stepping away from a career, struggling with medical issues, the raw honesty of domestic violence and alcoholism and family acceptance. Starting this novel I expected a girl meets boy love story but thankfully the depth of the topics and the twists kept me engaged. Thank you for this opportunity to preview this novel. Crystal, TAS, 4 stars
The Venice Hotel is set in a gorgeous hotel located in a gorgeous city, and is told from the perspectives of four very different women. I read this in a single day, once I had read from each woman’s perspective I was HOOKED. So many books tend to be set in the UK or the US, so this setting was not only refreshing, but I found it really informative and educational, especially about the huge impact of climate change in Venice. I adored how this was told from so many different perspectives, it really drew attention to how people from different cultures and backgrounds will view the same experiences so differently, and Tess Woods did this SO WELL. I actually spent the whole book trying to decide how I felt about Mike, and still can’t honestly say I have a solid opinion. Not only did Tess capture the reality of various personalities and cultures, she also portrayed the experiences of DV, alcoholism, religious trauma and homophobia in such a knowledgeable, respectful, realistic and heart-gripping way. This is an exhilarating romance with hints of mystery and darkness. I truly could not get enough of this book and each woman’s story, I never wanted it to end! Georgia, TAS, 4 stars
Tess Woods’ The Venice Hotel is an engaging read, although it took me a few chapters to get into it. Getting used to so many points of view was tiresome at first, but Woods’ storytelling meant that each had their own individual voice so it became easier as the novel progressed. I grew to like the characters, and felt especially connected with Sophie. Her quest to unravel her family’s hidden past, intertwined with the hotel’s history, brings an emotional depth to the story. At its core, the book is a romance, exploring the enduring power of love and personal connection. It is also historical fiction, not usually my favourite type of novel, but I enjoyed this part. The mystery component adds intrigue and suspense, as characters uncover secrets tied to the hotel’s past. I enjoyed these twists and turns and it definitely helped make for interesting reading. Woods’ descriptions of Venice and her well-drawn characters create a captivating backdrop for the story. The novel’s blend of historical intrigue, romance and self discovery makes it an enjoyable read. Melanie, NSW, 4 stars
The Venice Hotel is a well written and enjoyable read. Divided into the points of view of four different women it feature Sophie and Australian food writer, Loretta, the owner of the hotel and a famous chef, Gayle, an American tourist and Elena, a young woman returning to Venice with her husband for her fathers funeral. Lots of issues are presented in a compelling way and it’s hard to look away in the latter parts of the book. Domestic violence, sex and relationships, families, environmental issues for Venice, and lots more. A great read! JG, NSW, 4 stars
An excellent read about four very different women who are brought together in a Venice hotel. I liked how all the various issues were discussed from the effects of massive cruise ships on Venice, domestic violence, religion, sex and relationships, and family interrelationships especially with mothers. Janelle, NSW, 4 stars
Set against a backdrop of the effect tourism and climate change are having on the people of Venice, it follows the lives of four women of different ages and backgrounds visiting a boutique hotel over the Twelve Days of Christmas. Signora Loretta Bianchi, the hotel’s world famous cook and Sophie, a writer for a Foodie magazine – on assignment to uncover her best recipes; Elena, a law graduate, returning home for her father’s funeral and trapped in a violent marriage; and grandmother, Gayle, who finds herself inadvertently caught up in a desperate escape. A compelling read, it uncovers the complex undercurrents that can confront family life and the toll it inevitably takes on relationships. But as the twists and turns in the plot unfold, the bonds forged between the women and the love and support they give each other in dire circumstances are brought to light. Unfortunately, as in real life, not everyone has a happy ending. It raised issues that were previously taboo, others that are prevalent today and the role trust and honesty play in a relationship. It was hard to put down and kept me intrigued as more of each person’s life was revealed over the twelve days! Janice, NSW, 4 stars
The Venice Hotel by Tess Woods is a story about a hotel in Venice, and is focused on a mixed group of people staying there. Each person or couple have their own problem or issue, and over the course of the story, they become intertwined. It also touches on the problems of Venice with rising sea levels and too many tourists at one time. I found the book a little slow to get into, but once I worked out the separate characters, and the story developed, I did enjoy the book. Fay, VIC, 4 stars
In this strikingly tender, warm and nuanced novel, Tess Woods has combined a rich cast of characters with vivid imagery, thought-provoking topical themes and delicate moments of heartbreak. I unashamedly sobbed my way through the second half of this book late into the night and I will confess that I completely fell in love with the women of the Venice Hotel.Tess Woods has done it again with The Venice Hotel. It features four fabulous characters who I cared about and I often recognised aspects of myself in their behaviour. The fifth major character is the city of Venice itself, beautifully beguiling and under siege from its visitors. I was caught up with the story and stayed up way too late to finish it. Set against a backdrop of the romance and tragedy of magical Venice, The Venice Hotel explores the powerful bonds that develop between women in times of crisis, and the healing power of female connection. Love Venice and loved The Venice Hotel. It is true that women can have such bonding friendships. Love is witness to that throughout the book. I cried, I loved the characters & I thank Tess for the journey. Great read ! Annie, NSW, 3 stars
The Venice Hotel is about a boutique hotel run by the Bianchi Family. Loretta Bianchi is the celebrity chef who prepares the meals for the restaurant. She is assisted by her husband Alberto, son Rocco, daughter Marina, and some cousins. The guests in the hotel are from America and Australia. The females all bond over their secrets that reveal themselves throughout their stay and throughout the book. This even includes a murder. The book was quite a good read. Jonathan, NSW, 3 stars
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