The Silk Weaver's Wife
by Debbie Rix
Bookouture
Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction
Pub Date 19 Jul 2017
FTC Reviewed ARC for Bookouture and Net Galley.
Description
An Italian daughter and an English journalist. Their unforgettable stories cross centuries as past and present weave together in this beautifully moving summer read.
1704: Anastasia is desperate to escape her controlling and volatile father and plans to marry in secret. But instead of the life, she has dreamed of, she finds herself trapped in Venice, the unwilling wife of a silk weaver.
Despite her circumstances, Anastasia is determined to change her fate …
2017: Millie wants more from her relationship and more from her life. So when her boss Max abruptly ends their affair, she takes the opportunity to write a feature in Italy.
Staying in a gorgeous villa, Millie unexpectedly falls in love with the owner, Lorenzo.
Together they begin to unravel an incredible story, threaded through generations of silk weavers.
And Millie finds herself compelled to discover the identity of a mysterious woman in a portrait...
A gorgeously written, richly evocative story, The Silk Weaver’s Wife is perfect for readers who love Kate Morton and Tracy Rees.
My Thoughts
I have to say, I adored the preface with the history of silk and I absolutely loved the opening paragraph in Chapter One of The Silk Weaver's Wife. Yes, the carved headboard, beeswax polish, and linen did it for me. Right away, my mind drifted to an image of Frances Mayes bed at her villa in Cortona. And yes, it is true. I have seen the movie, 'Under the Tuscan Sun', a gazillion times.
Anyway, I have thought about the easiest way to summarize this plot which is reminiscent of a fairytale.
We follow a present day, Millie. She's a 38-year-old English Journalist. Her Editor, and lover, Max, just informed her he is ending their 6-year affair. After all this time, he has decided to make his marriage work. Millie can hardly believe it. But, she welcomes being sent on assignment to Venro Italy. There, she will meet Lorenzo, to talk about the revitalization of the silk industry.
And, we also follow, a 1700's, Anastasia. She plans to secretly run away and marry Marco. However, her overbearing and abusive father has lost her in a card game. And, she will wed another.
I understand. One might think this makes for a confusing storyline. But, it actually works. And, works well! While the perspective of these storylines could be disconcerting, if you reflect on Part 1 of the book, it shows readers everything is going to work out with the quote; “Do not be afraid; our fate Cannot be taken from us; it is a gift.” ― Dante Alighieri, Inferno.
The author creatively takes both Millie and Anatasia on a journey that gives each character more depth. And, as readers expect, Italy is the quintessential place for romantic interests. When you mix companionship in a villa, with silk weaving, art, wine tasting, gondola rides and family history, you have a quick read... where fate triumphs.
Received updated cover from the publisher on Aug 15, 2017.
Previous cover
by Debbie Rix
Bookouture
Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction
Pub Date 19 Jul 2017
FTC Reviewed ARC for Bookouture and Net Galley.
Description
An Italian daughter and an English journalist. Their unforgettable stories cross centuries as past and present weave together in this beautifully moving summer read.
1704: Anastasia is desperate to escape her controlling and volatile father and plans to marry in secret. But instead of the life, she has dreamed of, she finds herself trapped in Venice, the unwilling wife of a silk weaver.
Despite her circumstances, Anastasia is determined to change her fate …
2017: Millie wants more from her relationship and more from her life. So when her boss Max abruptly ends their affair, she takes the opportunity to write a feature in Italy.
Staying in a gorgeous villa, Millie unexpectedly falls in love with the owner, Lorenzo.
Together they begin to unravel an incredible story, threaded through generations of silk weavers.
And Millie finds herself compelled to discover the identity of a mysterious woman in a portrait...
A gorgeously written, richly evocative story, The Silk Weaver’s Wife is perfect for readers who love Kate Morton and Tracy Rees.
.......................................spoilers.....................................................................
My Thoughts
I have to say, I adored the preface with the history of silk and I absolutely loved the opening paragraph in Chapter One of The Silk Weaver's Wife. Yes, the carved headboard, beeswax polish, and linen did it for me. Right away, my mind drifted to an image of Frances Mayes bed at her villa in Cortona. And yes, it is true. I have seen the movie, 'Under the Tuscan Sun', a gazillion times.
Anyway, I have thought about the easiest way to summarize this plot which is reminiscent of a fairytale.
We follow a present day, Millie. She's a 38-year-old English Journalist. Her Editor, and lover, Max, just informed her he is ending their 6-year affair. After all this time, he has decided to make his marriage work. Millie can hardly believe it. But, she welcomes being sent on assignment to Venro Italy. There, she will meet Lorenzo, to talk about the revitalization of the silk industry.
And, we also follow, a 1700's, Anastasia. She plans to secretly run away and marry Marco. However, her overbearing and abusive father has lost her in a card game. And, she will wed another.
I understand. One might think this makes for a confusing storyline. But, it actually works. And, works well! While the perspective of these storylines could be disconcerting, if you reflect on Part 1 of the book, it shows readers everything is going to work out with the quote; “Do not be afraid; our fate Cannot be taken from us; it is a gift.” ― Dante Alighieri, Inferno.
The author creatively takes both Millie and Anatasia on a journey that gives each character more depth. And, as readers expect, Italy is the quintessential place for romantic interests. When you mix companionship in a villa, with silk weaving, art, wine tasting, gondola rides and family history, you have a quick read... where fate triumphs.
Received updated cover from the publisher on Aug 15, 2017.
Previous cover
