Unexpected, unique, engaging--I never would have picked this book up, I don't believe, but it was loaned to me by my friend Sandy who used the three adjectives I've listed at the start of this review. It was so true-to-life I was surprised when I realized it was a complete work of fiction, and written by a man. I learned a great deal (from zero!) about book and art restoration, book collectors, book sales. This book made me want to live in Italy for a while.

Good story, I always love reading about the artwork in Italy.

Did not finish it. Too slow moving

I couldn’t get past chapter 8. A bit tedious and slow.

Great read! Love that I learned about art and book restoration....beautiful Italian setting. Characters jumped off page at you! Loved the nuns!

A fantasy about art and Italy and falling in love

Good for getting away from here and now, a beach read as they say

Re'read' this on audio. Quite a good reader, entertaining book, with good descriptions of Florence in the 60s

Just couldn't finish it. The story didn't ring true with the characters. Frankly they bored me. I did enjoy learning about efforts made to save the Florentine art and buildings after thr 1966 flood.

I’m in love with all the amazing book conservation information in here and the overall book-obsessed theme that runs through the story. Amazing. Makes me miss Florence far too much.

This held my interest pretty well, although it was clearly the male author's fantasy. My favorite part of this book was the realism of the Italian culture and lifestyle.

Not my favourite of Hellenga's books, but still a compelling read

A very disjointed story. Very detailed info on the conservation of a fresco, but it went nowhere. The character of Margo was flat. The only upside was the setting.