Angela Petch

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About Angela Petch

Welcome to my author page - "benvenuti"!
I live in the beautiful Italian Apennines for several months each year. Such an inspiring location.
My love affair with Italy was born at the age of seven when I moved with my family to Rome where we lived for six years. My father worked for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and he made sure we learned Italian and visited many places during that time.
Later on I studied Italian at the University of Kent at Canterbury and afterwards worked in Sicily, where I met my husband. His Italian mother and British father met in Urbino in 1944 and married after a war-time romance.
I wanted to write "The Tuscan Secret" not only for my amazing mother-in-law, Giuseppina, but also to make people aware of the courage of the resistance fighters and generous hospitality shown by the poorest of families, including our Italian neighbours in our corner of war-torn Tuscany.
This is my first novel and is a story about ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times. (Please note it is a revised version of "Never Forget" and "Tuscan Roots"). I have been signed by BOOKOUTURE for a two-book deal and one of these is a slight re-write of "Tuscan Roots". The new title is "The Tuscan Secret" and has more tension and intrigue to the story. I am so proud to be a part of this publishing "family", as they describe themselves, who have patiently helped me to polish the original. It is available on Amazon.

A sequel to this book was self-published way back at the end of April 2017. "Now and then in Tuscany" features the same family that appeared in "Tuscan Roots". The background is the transhumance, a practice that started in Etruscan times and continued right up until the 1950's.
I have a new book out on pre-order at the moment. "The Tuscan Girl" will be published by Bookouture on February 25th 2020. It was inspired by a friendship with an elderly gentleman who turned one hundred this January. He was a POW in England for three and a half years and has shared some of his experiences with me. The ruined houses in the Apennines also compel me to search out their stories and this is another theme in my new book.
My research for all these Italian novels has been greatly helped by my kind Italian, country friends, who have vivid memories of both the Second World War and the harsh times they endured in their childhoods. I am delighted to announce that Bookouture has commissioned another two Italian novels for 2021 and 2022. I feel very blessed.

Italy is a passion but my stories are not always set there. I have also written a novella about two fun-loving ladies of "a certain age" who live by the seaside in Sussex and get up to all kinds of adventures. "Mavis and Dot" were launched on December 1st 2018 at St Paul's Centre, Worthing, West Sussex and have received fab reviews. I have a sequel in mind. All profits from sales go to research into cancer and I'm pleased to contribute to this worthwhile charity. How many of us have lost family and friends to this vile disease?

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The Tuscan Secret: An absolutely gripping, emotional, World War 2 historical novel Jun 26, 2019

by Angela Petch

( 3,559 )

$3.99

Il Mulino. An old crumbling mill, by a winding river, nestled in the Tuscan mountains. An empty home that holds memories of homemade pasta and Nonna’s stories by the fire, and later: the Nazi invasion, and a family torn apart by a heartbreaking betrayal.

Anna is distraught when her beloved mother, Ines, passes away. She inherits a box of papers, handwritten in Italian and yellowed with age, and a tantalising promise that the truth about what happened during the war lies within.

The diaries lead Anna to the small village of Rofelle, where she slowly starts to heal as she explores sun-kissed olive groves, and pieces together her mother’s past: happy days spent herding sheep across Tuscan meadows cruelly interrupted when World War Two erupted and the Nazis arrived; fleeing her home to join the Resistenza; and risking everything to protect an injured British soldier who captured her heart. But Anna is no closer to learning the truth: what sent Ines running from her adored homeland?

When she meets an elderly Italian gentleman living in a deserted hamlet, who flinches at her mother’s name and refuses to speak English, Anna is sure he knows more about the devastating secret that tore apart her mother’s family. But in this small Tuscan community, some wartime secrets were never meant to be uncovered…

A stunning tale, inspired by true events, about how the tragic consequences of war can echo through generations, and how love can guide us through the darkest times. Fans of Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and The Letter by Kathryn Hughes will be captivated.

Readers have fallen in love with The Tuscan Secret:

‘Wow!... The writing is magnificent… A story of love, lose, secrets and hope… I have truly fallen in love… A beautiful, touching story that I would recommend to everyone.’ Cooking the Books

‘An absolutely gripping story of world War II… You must read this book. You can hardly put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Wow what a story… could not put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Boy what an emotional read… I felt myself welling up and on the verge of tears… written superbly.’ The Ginger Book Geek
‘Exquisite writing… If you are a fan of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, you cannot miss this one… I highly recommend it.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Angela Petch is astounding… a compelling story… an enthralling experience… Highly recommend this as a must-read.’ Giascribes

‘This beautifully woven story had me captivated from the start… I could not help but LOVE the descriptions of Tuscany, the countryside, the people and the food.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘This was a beautifully told tale… a perfect read… so wonderfully descriptive I could imagine myself there amongst the breathtaking scenery and tasting the delicious Italian food… exceptional

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

The Tuscan House: Absolutely beautiful and gripping WW2 historical fiction Apr 7, 2021

by Angela Petch

( 16 )

$0.99

Corbello, Italy, 1947. A woman and a little boy stagger into the ruins of an old house deep in the forest, wild roses overwhelming the crumbling terracotta walls. Since the war, nowhere has been safe. But they both freeze in shock when a voice calls out from the shadows…

For young mother Fosca Sentino, accepting refuge from reluctant British war hero Richard – in Tuscany to escape his tragic past – is the only way to keep her little family safe. She once risked everything to spy on Nazi commanders and pass secret information to the resistenza. But after a heartbreaking betrayal, Fosca’s best friend Simonetta disappeared without trace. The whole community was torn apart, and now Fosca and her son are outcasts.

Wary of this handsome stranger at first, Fosca slowly starts to feel safe as she watches him play with her son in the overgrown orchard. But her fragile peace is shattered the moment a silver brooch is found in the garden, and she recognises it as Simonetta’s…

Fosca has always suspected that another member of the resistenza betrayed her. With Richard by her side, she must find out if Simonetta is still alive, and clear her own name. But how did the brooch end up at the house? And with a traitor hiding in the village, willing to do anything to keep this secret buried, has Fosca put herself and her young son in terrible danger?

An absolutely gripping and heartbreaking standalone historical read that explores the incredible courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times. Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen, The Nightingale, and anyone longing to lose themselves in the mountain landscapes and olive groves of rural Tuscany.

Read what everyone’s saying about The Tuscan House:

‘A devastating, beautiful, heartbreaking, compelling and riveting page-turner… I was absolutely shocked by the two big reveals… I did not see them coming!!! If you’re looking for a book with a twist this is definitely for you!!!... absolutely fantastic… will shock and leave you thinking about the story for a long time.’ BookWorm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Exciting, romantic, irresistible… captured my interest from page one… loved… beautiful… suspenseful… I really enjoyed reading this story.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A beautifully descriptive narrative… haunting story… will remain with you for a long time after you've finished reading. Highly recommend.’ Pink Quill Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Heartbreaking… beautifully written… My heart ached… kept readers on their toes!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Gloriously intriguing… A tale that tugs at the heart strings… I have nothing but praise for this beautifully written tale.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

A Tuscan Memory: Completely gripping and emotional historical fiction Sep 7, 2020

by Angela Petch

( 864 )

$3.99

Italy, 1923. In a tiny hamlet nestled in the Tuscan mountains, farmers gather after a hard day in the meadows, and children’s laughter rings across the square: but one little boy does not join in their play. Behind his deep brown eyes hides a heartbreaking secret…

Ninety years later. When elderly Giselda Chiozzi discovers a lost little boy, curled up asleep in the beech forest outside her grand but empty home, she can’t help but take pity on him. It’s been a long time since she had a visitor. Waking up to her kind smile and the warming smell of Italian hot chocolate, Davide soon blurts out what drove him into the cold Tuscan night: how he’s different from everyone else, he’s never belonged anywhere, and now his beloved mother is ill.

Giselda promises to help Davide trace his family history – she knows better than anyone that connecting with your roots can ground you in the present – and hopes it will make Davide realise that home is where he truly belongs. Together the unlikely pair discover the story of Davide’s great-grandfather, Giuseppe Starnucci, a young boy who spent his days milking cows, helping with the harvest, and hammering horseshoes in the forge. But after a terrible incident that changed his life forever, Giuseppe also ran away.

David is overjoyed to find a connection with someone from his family at long last, but when Giselda uncovers the shocking reason why little Giuseppe fled to start a new life, she has an impossible decision to make. Telling Davide the truth about his great-grandfather could persuade him to go back home where he belongs. But could it also tear the family apart? All Giselda knows is that she must save this lost boy before her own time runs out and he is left alone for good…

Inspired by true stories of rural Italian life, this absolutely stunning historical read is perfect for fans of Dinah Jeffries, Rhys Bowen, and anyone who’s ever longed to stroll beneath the cypress trees and taste the fresh mountain air of Tuscany.

Previously published as Now and Then in Tuscany.

Read what everyone’s saying about A Tuscan Memory:

‘It’s impossible not to fall under Angela Petch’s spell… Beautifully lyrical, highly emotional and so intriguing and evocative that readers will feel as if they are in Tuscany… sure to bring a tear to the eye… Angela Petch is a superb writer… an emotional, uplifting, poignant and mesmerizing tale… sure to haunt and linger in the reader’s mind and heart long after the last page is turned… A wonderful tale to curl up with as the nights begin to draw in.’ Bookish Jottings, 5 stars

‘I had a fantastic time reading this book… a terrific read… I got swept up in the book and didn’t want to stop reading. I cried a lot reading this. This is a fantastic book.’ The Book Lover’s Boudoir

‘If you love Italy or history, like me, you will LOVE this story… Beautiful writing… Make sure you have a nice glass of Chianti because this will put you in a red wine mood.

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

The Tuscan Girl: Completely gripping WW2 historical fiction Feb 25, 2020

by Angela Petch

( 1,674 )

$3.99

She ran away through the pine trees when the soldiers came. Staggering into the hiding place, she felt a fluttering in her belly, like a butterfly grazing its wings, and knew instantly she had something to fight for.

Present day: When her fiancé is tragically killed in an accident, twenty-six-year-old Alba is convinced she’s to blame. Heavy with grief and guilt, she flees to her childhood home – the tiny village of Rofelle, nestled in a remote Tuscan valley. Out hiking one day to fill the long, lonely hours, she finds a mahogany box filled with silverware, hidden near the vine-covered ruins of an isolated house left abandoned after World War II. Could finding the rightful owner ease Alba’s heartache, and somehow make amends for her own wrongs?

In search of answers, Alba meets Massimo, an elderly man who wants to spend his final years pruning his fruit trees, alone with his painful memories. His face turns pale when Alba brings up the war, but she senses that their shared grief connects them. An unlikely friendship grows as little by little Massimo speaks of Lucia: a wild young girl with sparkling eyes who fell in love with an enemy soldier, bravely stole precious Italian treasures back from Nazi occupiers, and whose selfless courage and sacrifice altered the course of the war – and Massimo’s life.

With each visit, Alba gets closer to unravelling the mystery of the silver, and they both start putting their ghosts to rest. But there’s one part of Lucia’s story that Massimo might never be able to share – and he’s running out of time. Has Alba churned up emotions that are too painful to ever confront? Or, will unearthing a wartime secret that has lain buried for generations finally bring Massimo peace?

An absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking read that will sweep you away to the rugged mountains and lush olive groves of Tuscany. Fans of The Nightingale, Rhys Bowen and Julianne MacLean will be captivated.

**Read what everyone’s saying about The Tuscan Girl:**

‘Loved it!!!... Beautiful description of the landscape… heartbreaking... The ending of the book was perfect… Definitely recommend… Loved everything about it.’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘I don’t even know where to begin... beautiful… I absolutely adored this book… The picture that the author paints is both beautiful and devastating… the descriptions are so detailed, I could actually picture it in my mind.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘The mysteries and the discoveries come fast and furiously: leaving the reader often gasping for breath… A lovely read.’ I am, Indeed

‘Mesmerizing… captivated me… Angela Petch made the story of the past and present come alive… brilliant… I was completely taken over.’ Book Reviews by Shalini, 5 stars

‘Omg! I loved this book!... amazing story of The Tuscan Girl!’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘This book did not disappoint… heartbreaking… wonderful

Other Formats: Audible Audiobook , Paperback

Mavis and Dot: Frolics, foibles and friendships by the seaside Nov 14, 2018

by Angela Petch , Gill Kaye

( 65 )

$2.99

"This book was a total joy from beginning to end" Welsh Annie. Top 500 Reviewer.

"What a wonderful feel good read." Sarah Hardy - Top 500 reviewer. >p>

Introducing two eccentric ladies who form an unlikely friendship.Meet Mavis and Dot - two colourful, retired ladies who live in Worthington-on-Sea, where there are charity shops galore. Apart from bargain hunting, they manage to tangle themselves in escapades involving illegal immigrants, night clubs, nude modelling, errant toupees and more. And then there’s Mal, the lovable dog who nobody else wants. A gently humorous, often side-splitting, heart-warming snapshot of two memorable characters with past secrets and passions. Escape for a couple of hours into this snapshot of a faded, British seaside town. You'll laugh and cry but probably laugh more."This book is quirky and individual, and has great pathos...[it] will resonate with a lot of readers." Gill Kaye - Editor of Ingenu(e). Written with a light touch in memory of a dear friend who passed away from ovarian cancer, Angela Petch’s seaside tale is a departure from her successful Tuscan novels. All profits from the sale of the books will go towards research into the cure for cancer.
"...Clever, touching and powerful writing... Embark on a series of adventures with Mavis and Dot but prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions." Books in my Handbag.

Other Formats: Paperback

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