Returning to a city full of memories and secrets

Synopsis

A return to Venice. A friendship rekindled. A time for romance.

Natalie’s landed the opportunity of a lifetime hosting television show ‘Luxe Life Swap’, but she’s dreading going back to Venice, scene of the school trip that changed her life. The beauty of the floating city and handsome watch restorer Eraldo begin to win her over, however. But then glamorous contestant Cate arrives, the girl who was once plain, ordinary Cathy – the ex-best friend Natalie blames for the night that wrecked her life.

Cate’s swapping The Old Vicarage for two weeks in a Venetian palazzo, hoping she might pluck up the courage to go on the quest she’s been putting off for more than twenty years. Forced to spend time with Natalie, Cate hopes to rebuild their friendship – until Natalie makes a shocking accusation against Cate’s husband. Cate needs to find out the truth but how can she expect Phil to be honest when she’s keeping secrets of her own?

My review

Natalie doesn’t know how to feel with the opportunity of a life time, as a host of television show Luxe Life Swap. Of course she cannot let the moment pass, but this chance also means returning to Venice, the place where one night her life got wrecked during a school trip. To make things even worse, the couple that is swapping places, is married couple Cate and Phil. For Cate it may the perfect chance to finally get some answers. But having to stay in Venice with Natalie, was not what Cate expected… And when Natalie reveals her secret, that somehow involves Cate’s husband Phil, will this holiday be one to remember kindly, or one to be totally forgotten?

When I started this book, it was a bit with mixed feelings. Not because I wasn’t sure about the story, but more because of the setting. Of course as an Italian Belgian/ Belgian Italian, I just need to read a book that takes place in Italy. However… Venice is just not a city that stole my heart. I have been there a few times, and yes, I absolutely appreciate the history and the art. But I absolutely do not like the too touristy things. Finding a peaceful, quiet place there is difficult, and you are everyone surrounded by tourists (yes, it is hypocritical of me, as I was a tourist myself there). But I don’t like overcrowded places…

But my love for Italy won over my dislike of Venice, so there I was, reading a story that blew me away.

Right from the start it is clear that there is a connection between Natalie and Cate. Something happened many moons ago, that made the girls drift apart, and even tear up their close friendship. And I couldn’t wait to discover what it was, and what actually happened during that fatal school trip. Yet I had to show a lot of patience (which I do not have! 😊) and keep on reading to have finally have the secrets revealed.

Of course the first meeting as adults is an awkward one between Natalie and Cate, as both women do not know how to behave or act when together. It is clear that there are several unfinished business between them, yet it is also clear that it isn’t just one incident that needs to be talked about.

Having a friendship disrupted many years ago, it cannot be easy to make amends. Grudges only grow over the years, and mistakes and errors cannot be just forgiven and forgotten, no matter how beautiful and sentimental that may sound.

Yet Natalie and Cate are both mature enough now to at least attempt to move on. And slowly, they become friends again, and that easiness that there once was, resurfaces again. Of course not everything goes smoothly, and there needs to be done a lot of restoring, but beneath the surface, the essence of their friendship is still there.

With the both of them being in Venice, Natalie and Cate have both the chance to face their demons, to face their fears. The demons are very different for each character, and each character grows the further the book evolves. 

Because this isn’t only a book that focusses on the bad things that happened in the past. But it is also a story filled with possibilities, chances and redemption.

Redemption for several characters, not only Natalie and Cate, but also for Phil. Redemption in a way to make all the wrong – doings right again, even if that is not always possible. But redemption can also come in the form of putting the past behind you, and look forward and no longer behind. Putting the past behind you can bring a brighter future on your path, bring new and old people back on your path.

I truly enjoyed reading this book, showing the power and the hold that the past can have on you. But also and mainly how liberating it can be to let go of it, and how unburdening it can be to forgive and look forward!