1 / 4Once Upon a Time in Venice by Carol Kirkwood
Once Upon a Time in Venice by Carol Kirkwood is a romantic novel set around the Venice carnival, where the intersecting stories of Gina Bellini, a Hollywood star’s assistant and opera sensation Lucia De Santis are shaped by attraction and concealed secrets. The listing presents it as escapist holiday reading, with customer feedback also highlighting its Venice descriptions and character-led plot.
At a glance
- Three storylines connect a carnival encounter, a Hollywood production and an opera star in Venice.
- The listing frames the novel as romantic escapism, with secrets and suspense alongside its love-story elements.
- Customer feedback specifically praises the Venice descriptions and the way the characters’ stories come together.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- The intertwined plot offers several character perspectives rather than focusing on a single romance.
- Venice is central to the setting, which may appeal to readers who enjoy vivid travel-inspired scenes.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | HarperCollins |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 18 July 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 384 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0008550972 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0008550974 |
| Weight listed | 602 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.9 x 3.6 x 24 cm |
Who is it for?
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
67% 67% - 4 stars
23% 23% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the book as an engaging, easy-to-read holiday story, with particular appreciation for the Venice setting, twists and turns, and characters whose stories converge. This aligns with the listing’s three linked plotlines and Italian setting. The aggregate ratings are mostly four- and five-star, though a smaller share is lower-rated, so readers should treat the positive response as broad rather than universal.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the evocative descriptions of Venice and the absorbing, twist-filled storyline.
- Feedback also highlights the characters, readability and the way the separate stories come together.
Frequently asked questions
What is Once Upon a Time in Venice about?
The novel follows three connected stories in Venice: Gina Bellini’s encounter with a masked stranger, assistant Issy Roberts working with a Hollywood star, and opera sensation Lucia De Santis pursuing her ambitions.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 384 pages.
Who published the book and when?
The listed publisher is HarperCollins, and the publication date is 18 July 2024.
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