Why a Booktrail?
1780, 2019: One hidden painting. Two women born centuries apart. A secret uncovered.
The Venice Secret
What you need to know before your trail
In 2019, Rachel is stuck in a rut when she discovers what appears to be a Canaletto painting in her grandmother’s loft along with a note addressed to Philippa in 1782. With help from Jake at the local art gallery, Rachel endeavours to find out if the painting is an original and uncovers a secret from the past.
In 1780, governess at Chipford Hall, Philippa is offered the role of mistress by Earl Rupert. She escapes to Venice as companion to bluestocking, Lady Cordelia who reveals a secret that changes both their lives. They do their best to keep the secret from Lady Cordelia’s social circle, but their nemesis is determined to reveal all and ruin them.
Travel Guide
A secret tour around Italy
Venice
The novel takes you back to 18th Century Venice. The twisty streets, the scenes directly from a Canaletto painting. All very secretive….
Grand tour of Italy
Philippa goes on a Grand Tour to Italy with Lady Cordelia. They travel through France via Paris and Lyon and Switzerland via the Mount Cenis pass then dgo down to Italy where they see the Roman Arch of Augustus in Aosta on their way to Venice.
The painting in the novel
The main crux of the novel is the discovery of a hidden painting in a loft. Rachel goes on a quest to find out if the painting is an original Canaletto and in real life, this painting can be found at The National Gallery in London
England – Guilford
There are several halls in England that the author has visited in order to create her fictional hall in the novel. All on the map above!
BookTrail Boarding Pass: The Venice Secret
Destination/location: Venice Author/guide: Anita Chapman Departure Time: 1780, 2019
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