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About Debbie Rix
Her novels have been published in several languages - including Italian and Czech and her 5th novel 'The Secret Letter' will soon come out in Russia.
Debbie spends a lot of time in Italy and that country is the setting for 5 of her 6 novels. When not travelling she lives in the Kent countryside with her journalist husband, children, chickens and four cats. She began her career with the BBC -initially as the news reader on Breakfast Time, thereafter appearing as a presenter and reporter on a variety of factual and light entertainment television series. She had a spell as an Agony Aunt, and has also written about gardens and gardening - one of her private passions.
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Germany, 1939. A tumbledown farmhouse, on the outskirts of a close-knit village in the heart of the rolling hills of Bavaria. A once happy family home torn apart by Nazi rule. And one young girl who refuses to give up on what she believes in…
London, 2018: When ninety-four-year-old Imogen receives a letter addressed to her in neat, unfamiliar handwriting, she notices the postmark is stamped from Germany - and it sends shivers down her spine…
Germany, 1939: Thirteen-year-old Magda is devastated by the loss of her best friend, shy and gentle Lotte, cruelly snatched from her and sent to a concentration camp – the Star of David sewn on her faded, brown coat. As the Nazi’s power takes hold, Magda realizes she’s not like the other girls in her German village - she hates the fanatical new rules of the Hitler Youth. So Magda secretly joins The White Rose Movement and begins to rebel against the oppressive, frightening world around her.
But when an English bomber pilot crashes in a field near Magda’s home she is faced with an impossible choice: to risk the safety of her family or to save a stranger and make a difference in the devastating war that has claimed the lives of so many. Little does she know, her actions will have the power to change the life of another girl, on the other side of enemy lines, forever…
Inspired by a true story, this is a heart-wrenching, unputdownable and absolutely unforgettable tale of the strength of human kindness in a time of unimaginable heartbreak. Fans of Orphan Train, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Book Thief will be utterly gripped by this beautiful, sweeping, World War Two novel.
Why readers are falling in love with The Secret Letter:
‘I was so gripped... a beautifully written story that captivated my mind and heart... A perfect historical fiction novel that fans of this genre are going to love.’ By the Letter Book Reviews, 5 stars
‘It actually blew my mind... I was turning pages like there was no tomorrow... I couldn't read fast enough to find out what happened.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘A beautiful, yet heart-wrenching tale... I was blown away by this book and I’m sure you will be too.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘This story was beautifully written and hooked me immediately… I was enthralled with the story all the way to the end and stayed up too late reading, but it was worth it!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘I was hooked from the first page. It was a true page-turner… the author hit a true home run with this one. It will tug at your heart and stay with you which is the mark of a great book. 5 stars - a 2019 must-read.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘Well I read this in 24 hours, what better compliment can I give it!... The book was a page turner!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Outstanding… such compelling stuff… a real page-turner of a book.
Italy, 1958: Rachael is a young widow with a small child. After a lifetime of running for survival, of not knowing who to trust and where to call home, she finds herself in a place of safety. On a sun-drenched Italian island for one carefree summer the troubles of her past fade away and she falls in love. But will Rachael’s new-found happiness bring her further heartache?
England, 2017: Sophie has a handsome husband, a gorgeous house in the English countryside and a successful career as an anthropologist. But the one thing she longs for is a baby of her own. As she struggles to conceive, cracks begin to appear in her marriage. So Sophie throws herself into her work and tries to seek comfort in childhood memories of her beloved grandmother Rachael.
One afternoon, Sophie finds a forgotten letter and an exquisite silk bracelet hidden in Rachael’s old writing desk. Intrigued, she begins to unravel the extraordinary story of her grandmother’s past - and a secret that has the power to change everything…
The Photograph is an utterly beautiful and compelling story of love, loss and a family secret spanning generations.
Why readers are falling in love with The Photograph:
‘Oh how my heart broke… Oh I cried… magnificent… I was truly enthralled with this captivating story.’ Robin Loves Reading, 5 stars
‘Absolutely beautiful!… I am blown away… A stunning story that took me over. Heartwarming and hopeful… a masterpiece. Absolute perfection! Whatever you do, don't miss this one!’ Renita D’Silva, 5 stars
‘A glorious treat of a novel with two historical threads… amazing… gripping… I was captivated all the way… leaves you wanting more! Loved it!’ The Book Trail, 5 stars
‘Oh my this is one seriously beautifully written and heart breaking tale… I had to have a box of tissues on standby… captivated by the story… I became addicted to reading it. I just had to read on and on and on… one of my favourite books of the year so far… a joy to read.’ Ginger Book Geek, 5 stars
‘I absolutely loved this story, it is an incredibly powerful yet a tender and tragic story… I was totally absorbed, silent tears rolling down my cheeks, smiling the next - a totally uplifting read… totally captivating and will squeeze your heart yet leave you uplifted… I loved every single word from the beginning to the end.’ Crooks on Books
‘Excellent… heart-breaking read… a wonderful story between the past and the present… this is historical fiction at its very best…
‘A gripping and beautiful read’ Shaz’s Book Blog, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘An outstanding masterpiece’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Inspired by the incredible true stories of two women in wartime Italy, this is a heart-wrenching and unforgettable tale of love, resistance and betrayal. Fans of The Alice Network, The Lost Girls of Paris and My Name is Eva will be absolutely gripped by this sweeping Second World War novel.
She began to turn the pages of the paper more quickly, searching for the details about the war, the scandal, the trial... She thought back to those days at the end, when trust in Italy was in short supply. Betrayal was everywhere and the world went mad.
Italy, 2019: Each morning Livia Moretti sits in her favourite café in Florence, drinking espresso and reading the newspaper. To the tourists who pass by she is simply an old lady. They walk on without knowing the part she played in saving this beautiful city. To Livia too the dark days of war feel very far away. But one morning she sees the name Isabella Bellucci and is jolted right back to the past. To a time when Nazi troops marched through the city and you could trust no-one.
Italy, 1942: As a member of the Italian resistance, Livia monitors British radio transmissions from the secrecy of her little attic room, dedicating her time to decoding mystery messages that could have the power to save the lives of those she loves the most. Until the day her life intersects with Isabella Bellucci. And, in a strange twist of fate, a terrible misunderstanding will change the course of the war for both of them.
One woman will never forgive herself. And the other will find herself betrayed…
Readers adore The Italian Girls:
‘Had me gripped into the story from the start. I found I just could not put it down’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Riveting… Beautiful story of bravery, sacrifice and love… I couldn't stop reading until I knew what happened next!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow, what a fantastic book! I did not want to put this down… Historical fiction fans do not want to miss this book!’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Left me on the edge of my seat… I highly recommend.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This book- wow! Stunningly written and beautifully realised. I was transported… An outstanding masterpiece of a book.’ Renita D’Silva, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I adored this well-written book from start to finish… I finished it in two days… There's history, there's war, there's romance, bravery, sacrifice… everything you would want… Definitely recommend!’ NetGalley Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Venice 1704: Anastasia is desperate to escape her controlling father and plans to marry her childhood sweetheart. But instead of the life she has always dreamed of, she finds herself trapped in Venice, the unwilling wife of a silk weaver.
Anastasia seeks comfort in painting and draws strength from her talents. Despite her circumstances, two women reach out to her and give Anastasia a reason to hope. And together they make a momentous decision which will change all of their lives…
London 2017: Millie wants more from her relationship and more from her life. So when her boss Max abruptly ends their affair, she takes the opportunity to write a feature in Italy.
Staying in a gorgeous villa, Millie unexpectedly falls in love with the owner, Lorenzo. Together they begin to unravel an incredible story, passed down through generations of women.
And Millie finds herself compelled to discover the identity of a mysterious woman in a portrait…
A richly evocative and utterly page-turning story about lost secrets, family heirlooms and love against all odds. The Silk Weaver’s Wife is perfect for readers who enjoyed Island of Secrets, The Secret Wife and Amy Snow.
What readers are saying about The Silk Weaver’s Wife:
‘I adored watching the past and present come together throughout the storyline. I absolutely LOVED this book! Debbie Rix has blown me away with her enchanting and flawless writing style. One memorable and alluring novel. I cannot recommend this book enough, you must read this one!’ The Writing Garnet Blog, 5 stars
‘I've just spent the most luscious three days cocooned in this novel which details the interwoven stories of two women across the centuries … Seamlessly written and researched. Rix weaves magic and more. Evocative and captivating barely do the book justice.’ The Book Trail, 5 stars
‘Debbie Rix is one of my favourite historical fiction authors and with this book, she has surpassed herself! The research is skillfully woven into a fabulous story, the past and the present interweaving beautifully, culminating in a dramatic and immensely satisfying finale.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars
‘If you enjoy historical fiction you will definitely enjoy this one. I just couldn’t put it down. Definitely one I recommend.’ Consumer Reviewer
‘Perfect historical fiction mixed with present day. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this book. I gobbled it up over the afternoon and night. Definitely want to read this author again.’ Nik Book Lover
‘The book is beautifully written and the Italian setting is perfectly drawn in both modern and historical settings, with sufficient detail to bring Pisa vividly to life, clearly by someone who loves it and knows it well… this is a wonderful story.’ Being Anne Reading
‘This is a stunning book.
Two women, centuries apart, bound together by the secrets of one of the most iconic buildings ever created.
Pisa, 1999: Sam Campbell sits by her husband’s hospital bed. Far from home and her children, she must care for Michael who is recovering from a stroke. A man she loves deeply. A man who has been unfaithful to her.
Alone and in need of distraction, Sam decides to pick up Michael’s research into the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Immersing herself in the ancient city, she begins to piece together the mystery behind the creation of the tower, and discovers the woman that history forgot…
Pisa, 1171: Berta di Bernardo, the wife of a rich merchant, sits in her chamber, dressing for a dinner party. A gathering that will change the course of her life and that of a young master mason, Gerardo, forever.
A strong, intelligent woman, Berta’s passion for architecture draws her to Gerardo. As she embarks on a love affair, her maid Aurelia also becomes spellbound by the same man. Yet for Berta, her heart’s desire is to see the Tower built, and her determination knows no bounds…
Note: Previously published as Secrets of the Tower
What people are saying about The Girl with Emerald Eyes
'Fascinating.' Hello!
‘A wonderfully written novel…definitely a book to add to your library. Not only was it highly informative, but immensely entertaining.’ Historical Novel Review
‘An enchanting, engaging tale that I recommend to anyone interested in Italian history and architecture, or just a good novel.’ History and Other Thoughts
‘The book is beautifully written and the Italian setting is perfectly drawn in both modern and historical settings, with sufficient detail to bring Pisa vividly to life, clearly by someone who loves it and knows it well…this is a wonderful story.’ Being Anne Reading
‘Debbie had me completely transported back to 12th Century Pisa, and I loved every second of it. The drama, secrets, and scandal, the lust, the love, the heartbreak, I was mesmerized… This book is so soundly structured and beautifully written.’ 5/5 stars Paris Baker’s Book Nook
'The author has an incredible knack of bringing the characters to life. I could picture the landscape and the lives being led in 12th century Pisa – it felt like I was right there, experiencing everything. A beautiful story from an exceptional new author – it was hard to believe this is her debut as it is assuredly written and unfolds brilliantly towards a satisfying climax.' Renita D'Silva
'Perfect historical fiction mixed with present day. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this book. I gobbled it up over the afternoon and night. Definitely want to read this author again.' Nik Book Lover
‘Very absorbing with realistic characters…the book is outstanding.' That Thing She Reads
‘A fabulous read. I loved this book so much…so beautifully written.
Venice 1441: Maria and her brother Daniele arrive in the birthplace of their father, Niccolo dei Conti. An Italian merchant who has travelled far and wide, Niccolo has brought spices from India, lengths of silk and damask from the lands east of India and porcelain; a vase of pure white, its surface decorated with a cobalt blue dragon, the Chinese symbol of good fortune.
Maria settles in her new home, watching the magnificent and bustling city come to life each morning from her bedroom window. But while her father is away travelling, she soon finds herself and Daniele in terrible danger. She must protect her brother at whatever cost, and she must guard the delicate vase.
London 2015: Single mother Miranda is struggling to make ends meet and build a new life for her and daughter Georgie. When Miranda meets the charming but mysterious Charles, she is intrigued. Could he be her second chance at love? And why is he so fascinated by the old vase sitting on her hall table…
A stunning and richly evocative story following the journey of a precious family treasure passed down from one generation to another. Perfect for fans of Dinah Jefferies and Kate Morton.
‘An amazing book rich in detail and filled with characters you are rooting for…Now having read two books from Debbie Rix she has proven to me just what a storyteller she is as she takes her readers on a journey through the past to a time that should not be forgotten. This book is a beautifully crafted novel full of secrets, love, friendship and family bonds…Definitely one not to be missed.’ Shaz’s Book Blog
‘A spellbinding, epic journey spanning centuries, across countries, continents and vast perilous oceans…The past is vividly brought back to life in great detail and in full colour, from the food they ate to the clothes they wore…I really enjoyed reading this magnificent story.’ Relax and Read Books
‘An exotic and thrilling trip back in time, filled with the glories of old Venice.’ For the Love of Books
‘I Loved Debbie Dix's first book, and I love this one even more. We have tension in the present, trouble in the past, and mystery in the future. A Ming vase is at the centre of the mystery and mystical in this wonderful novel.’ Nik Book Lover’s Blog
Read what everyone is saying about The Girl with Emerald Eyes:
‘A wonderfully written novel…definitely a book to add to your library. Not only was it highly informative, but immensely entertaining.’ Historical Novel Review
‘An enchanting, engaging tale that I recommend to anyone interested in Italian history and architecture, or just a good novel.’ History and Other Thoughts
‘Debbie manages to evoke the sights, sounds and smells as though you are standing right there. A truly lovely novel.’ Reading Room with a View
‘The book is beautifully written and the Italian setting is perfectly drawn in both modern and historical settings&
Italia, 1959. Rachael è una giovane vedova con una bambina piccola. Dopo essere fuggita dai tumulti dell’Ungheria, ha trascorso alcuni mesi difficili in un campo per rifugiati. E adesso non ha nessun posto da chiamare casa. Quando il destino la porta nella soleggiata isola di Sant’Antioco, in Sardegna, Rachael comincia a sperare in un nuovo inizio. Il mare cristallino e la luce incantata delle scogliere, infatti, potrebbero dissipare le ombre del suo passato e riuscire persino a farle trovare il coraggio di amare.
Inghilterra, 2016. Sophie ha un marito affascinante, una bella casa e una carriera avviata come antropologa. La sua unica preoccupazione è quella di non riuscire ad avere un figlio, cosa che rischia di mettere in crisi il suo matrimonio. Nel tentativo di distrarsi, cerca conforto nei suoi ricordi d’infanzia, frugando tra le cose della sua adorata nonna Rachael. E così un pomeriggio trova un bellissimo braccialetto, conservato insieme a una lettera. Sophie ancora non lo sa, ma uno straordinario viaggio nel passato sta per cominciare.
Sarà un'estate indimenticabile
I segreti del passato possono cambiare per sempre il destino di una famiglia
«Un libro speciale, che cattura. Sa scaldare il cuore e far commuovere!»
«Le descrizioni del mare di Sant’Antioco sono piene di magia. Ho voglia di partire!»
«Magistrale, riesce a trasportarti dentro le pagine. Un libro che ti rimane dentro.»
Debbie Rix
è un’autrice di quattro romanzi storici di successo ambientati in Italia. Nonostante sia inglese, infatti, passa moltissimo tempo nel nostro paese, di cui è innamorata. Ha lavorato per anni come presentatrice e reporter della BBC. La lettera dell’amore perduto è il primo libro pubblicato con la Newton Compton.