The Forgotten Italian Restaurant

Italy, 1943. The girl rushes down the winding streets, tucking the handwritten menu into the wicker basket and thinking only of the code hidden on the delicate paper. Will anyone forgive her for what she’s about to do to save the man she loves?

Present day. Arriving in sun-drenched Caccipulia, Callie grips the faded restaurant menu in trembling hands. Found hidden in her family home, she is certain it will lead her to the truth about her grandmother’s life in Italy during World War Two. Why did her Nonna run away from this beautiful small town, never to return? Lost and alone in the world, could it help Callie understand who she is?

Local café owner Oliver’s dark brown eyes light up when he sees the menu. During the war, one brave family secretly fed desperate Jewish families hidden in safe houses through the village. Callie’s heart soars at the thought that her own dear grandmother was involved.

Diving into the town’s history during long walks down cobbled streets, Callie begins to feel at home under Oliver’s soft gaze. She wonders if she could build a life here with him. Until they push aside magenta flowers on a monument at the heart of the village, and uncover a secret that changes everything…

A grave mistake was made one dark night as the Nazis stalked the village, putting the whole town in terrible danger. When Callie finds out what her grandmother did, will it change the way Oliver feels about her? Will she stay and right the wrongs of the past, or be forced to leave Italy too, just like her Nonna?

A heartbreaking love story that will sweep you away to sun-drenched Italian vineyards to watch hope and bravery prevail in the darkest days of war. For fans of Kristin Hannah, Victoria Hislop and Fiona Valpy.

What readers are saying about Barbara Josselsohn:

“Totally enchanting. I was immediately under the spell of the characters, it’s gorgeous setting and the fast-paced plot… will capture your heart.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The epitome of enchanting… phenomenal… magic… I cannot recommend it enough. I even stopped reading halfway through to check to see if there would be more in the series.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Phenomenal… will rank in my top 2023 historical fiction reads!… It grabbed my attention immediately and had me eagerly flipping pages by the end of the first chapter!… There’s so much to love about this story!… I know I’ve found an auto-read author. I can’t wait for the second instalment.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This book will captivate you.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Stunning Italian coast, a castle in the hills, and a cast of amazing (and many historic) characters! I saw each enticing scene like I was watching a movie and I couldn’t stop.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I am at loss of words to explain how I felt about this book… a wonderful masterpiece. This book will stay with me for a long time.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Perfect… Had me hooked from the start… Enjoy this book curled up with a hot cup of cocoa, you won’t want to put it down.” Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A book to be devoured, once you begin you won’t be able to stop until the last page is turned… heart-warming, feel-good… a must-read. Absolutely do not miss the opportunity to read this book… I absolutely loved this.’ Page-Turners Book Reviews by Caroline, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐