Once Upon a Time in Venice

The new captivating and romantic read from the bestselling author and beloved TV presenter

‘Glorious escapism … I fell in love with Italy all over again!’ SANTA MONTEFIORE

'Soak up the glamour' PRIMA

'Wonderfully escapist – marvellous' ANTON DU BEKE

Can one magical city change their destiny?

Welcome to Venice, the fairytale city, where canals flow into hidden shadows and forbidden secrets whisper behind the masks…

The masked stranger

When Gina Bellini meets an enigmatic figure at the Venice carnival, their chemistry is unforgettable, before he vanishes into the night.

The Hollywood legend

Personal assistant, Issy Roberts is on location with Tinseltown's biggest star. Will he discover her shocking lies?

The ultimate diva

Opera sensation Lucia De Santis has the world at her feet. How far will she go to get what she wants?

As their fates collide in the most beautiful city on earth, will dangerous secrets destroy their dreams?

Readers love Carol Kirkwood!

'This book was a joy to read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

'Couldn't put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

'It had me gripped from start to finish' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

'Another wonderful book … very refreshing and engaging' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

Reviews

'Glamour, drama, tragedy and love … a wonderfully satisfying and compelling read' Santa Montefiore

Praise for Carol Kirkwood:

‘Soak up the glamour … A great summer read’ Prima

‘Expect plenty of glamour and dramas in this sunshine read’ Choice

‘Utterly engaging, deliciously escapist, with a heart as warm as its author's’ Cathy Kelly, bestselling author of The Family Gift

‘A real treat, wonderfully escapist with heart and drama – marvellous!’ Anton du Beke

‘An exquisite tale of love lost and found that’s full of intriguing characters and romantic locations. A perfect summer read’ Judy Murray

‘An absolute cracking read – it’s brilliant!’ Steph McGovern presenter of Packed Lunch

‘Sun-soaked, glamorous escapism’ Cressida McLaughlin

‘A sizzling summer read. I couldn’t put it down.’ Alex Brown, bestselling author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage

'Sizzles with secrets' Jo Thomas

'Utterly engaging, deliciously escapist, with a heart as warm as its author's' Cathy Kelly

About the author

Carol Kirkwood is one of our most loved TV personalities. Millions of viewers and listeners know her for her weather reports on BBC Breakfast and Wimbledon fortnight, and for waltzing into our hearts on Strictly Come Dancing. Carol was inspired to write her first novel by her passion for travel and her love of Hollywood glamour. Her debut novel, Under a Greek Moon, and its follow up, The Hotel on the Riviera, both reached the Sunday Times bestseller list. Off-screen, Carol can often be found ensconced in a book, singing, dancing and taking long walks in the countryside.