Italian Garden
Lake Como, 1919.
The garden of Villa Marchese was once a sight to behold. Now, overgrown and unloved, the flowers that once bloomed are nothing but a reminder of the tragic events of Flora Marchese's death.
When horticulturist Violet Honeywell is commissioned to restore the once exquisite garden, she immediately accepts and sets off on a life-changing adventure.
Violet instantly becomes enchanted by the Italian way of life, and under the beguiling warmth of the Bellagio sun, she falls in love with a man who can never truly be hers - Flora's grandson.
But when a discovery at the Lake uncovers buried truths that have haunted the family for decades, Violet starts to delve deeper into the dark secrets of their past, and she quickly begins to realise that not everything in the Marchese family is what it seems . . .
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Why readers love Charlotte Betts:
'Lush, romantic and full of intrigue' Tracy Rees, Richard & Judy bestselling author
'A deeply romantic novel whose vivid characters will linger in your mind' Margaret Kaine
'Romantic, poignant and gripping . . . a fabulous holiday read' Deborah Swift
'A stunning and captivating read . . . full of drama, love, loss and life' Book Literati
'Lingers in the heart long after the final page is turned . . . a must read for anyone who wants to be absorbed as well as utterly enchanted' Carol McGrath
'A compelling story, beautifully written and brought alive with rich historical detail' Liz Harris
Charlotte Betts began her working life as a fashion designer in London. A career followed in interior design, property management and lettings.
Always a bookworm, Charlotte discovered her passion for writing after her three children and two step-children had grown up. The Apothecary's Daughter is her debut novel and won the YouWriteOn Book of the Year in 2010, the Romantic Novelists' Association Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers in 2011 and the RoNA's Historical Category award for 2013. The sequel, The Painter's Apprentice was published in 2012 and shortlisted for the Festival of Romance's Best Historical Read Award in 2012. The Spice Merchant's Wife was published in 2013 and won the Festival of Romance's Best Historical Read Award in 2013.